Abstract: A fixture for positioning at least two articles in a predetermined relationship generally consisting of a body having at least two abutment surfaces disposed in such predetermined relationship, each of the surfaces having a port closeable upon positioning one of the articles on the surface in abutting relation therewith, in a passageway communicating with the port and communicable with a vacuum source; and a valve disposed in the passageway normally disposed in a closed position and operable to open upon positioning such article on such surface in abutting relation therewith.

Abstract: A prefinished curved reflector suitable for use in recessed lighting, downlighting, head lamps, and tail lamps is made from metal sheet, preferably an aluminum alloy sheet. An outer surface of the metal sheet is either anodized, laminated, or polymer coated to provide desired appearance and performance. Surprisingly, the metal sheet retains its reflectivity and resistance to corrosion even after deformation into a curved reflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a prototype, the apparatus comprising a headstock having a plurality of machining apparatuses for carrying out respective manufacturing processes on a prototype.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing unit for tools to be pressed together against opening forces having two tool carriers which can be displaced towards one another. In accordance with the invention, there are two jaws engaging over the tool carrier plates at the side in each case in a closed position while building up a bias. The closing unit is advantageously designed in the form of bias modules for tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary tool for assembling a scrubber which includes a motor, a shaft rotatably coupled to and extending through the motor, a shaft pin detachably connected to the shaft, and a disk coupled to the shaft and having a notch located relative to the shaft pin at a predetermined angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft when properly assembled. In specific embodiments, the auxiliary tool comprises a tool body configured to at least partially receive the motor, the shaft pin, the disk, and the notch of the disk. The tool body includes a first recess configured to at least partially receive the shaft pin and a protrusion configured to be at least partially received into the notch of the disk. The first recess and the protrusion are arranged at the predetermined angle to position the notch of the disk and the shaft pin of the scrubber for proper assembly at the predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A thin and flexible radio frequency (RF) antenna tag or label is disclosed which contains an RF circuit connected to an antenna which is created by demetallizing the area around the antenna pattern on a thin, metallized substrate such as a film or paper web. Antenna(s) may be formed on one or both sides of the substrate and can contain printed, holographic, optical variable device, diffractive, dot matrix, computer-generated holograms or computer-generated optical images. The demetallized RF antenna on the substrate can optionally further be transferred to a second substrate or web by means of a cold foil stamping process. The tag or label is thin and flexible, enabling a wide range of applications including RF tagging of anti-theft devices, product packaging of all types, credit cards, passports, admission tickets, stamps, vehicles, badges, fare cards, roadway tolls, customs and immigration checkpoints identification, and animal identification/tracking devices.

Abstract: A top cover installation station with a feeder assembly and a robotic assembly for installing a top cover with top cover fasteners on a basedeck of a disc drive. The feeder assembly supports top cover wireframe caddies, each caddy containing top covers. A dial assembly transports each caddy into alignment with an elevator assembly that aligns the top cover with an escapement assembly that removes the top cover from the caddy. The robotic assembly has a positioning assembly supporting a pair of Z-axis end effector assemblies, the positioning assembly transporting the pair of effector assemblies to predetermined positions. A first end effector assembly picks and places the top cover adjacent the basedeck and a second end effector assembly grips and secures the top cover onto the basedeck via the top cover fasteners.

Abstract: Device (10) and method to complete reinforcement cages comprising a plurality of longitudinal rods (13) and stirrups (12) separated at intervals along the rods (13). The device (10) is used to position the longitudinal rods (13) in correspondence with the inner corners of the stirrups (12), and comprises supporting means defining a plane (23, 123) which supports a pre-cage (11) comprising the stirrups (12) and the longitudinal rods (13) arranged free within the perimeter of the stirrups (12). One corner of the stirrups (12) rests on, and faces towards the outside of, the plane (23, 123). Lifting elements (25) lift the pre-cage (11) to overturn it partly and in sequence on the plane (23, 123), so as to take on each occasion a different corner of the stirrups (12) into an adjacent position facing towards the outside of the plane (23, 123).

Abstract: A small footprint mechanical positioning stage capable of operating in two perpendicular orientations comprises a base plate, a carriage plate, linear bearings, a brushless linear motor, and a linear encoder. The linear bearings, the linear motor and the encoder scale are all parallel to the direction of travel of the positioning stage.

Abstract: A small footprint mechanical positioning stage capable of operating in two perpendicular orientations comprises a base plate, a carriage plate, linear bearings, a brushless linear motor, and a linear encoder. The linear bearings, the linear motor, and the encoder scale are all parallel to the direction of travel of the positioning stage.

Abstract: Intake device for connector modules between two treatment posts for these modules, the device having a holding arm for the modules provided with a comb positioned at the end of an arm, the comb coming to hold the connector at the level of the paddles joined with the contacts borne by the connector, the comb driving the modules between an intake post for the connectors and a crimping post for the flexible circuit onto the connector contacts.

Abstract: A conductive gasket is disclosed for use in apparatus to block the exit or entry of electromagnetic interference (EMI) between adjacent metal surfaces of the apparatus. The gasket is formed at least in part by a polymeric film having an outward facing surface embossed so as to provide a plurality of peaks distributed over the surface. A metal is coated, by vapor deposition, onto the surface so as to over lie the peaks. This provides the film with a conductive surface. When located between adjacent metal surfaces, abrasion of the metal coating from the peaks over time does not adversely affect the conductive properties of the film surface. This is because the wearing away of the metal from the tops of the peaks exposes a cross section of the metal at the sides of the peaks, which remain in contact with the adjacent metal surfaces of the apparatus.

Abstract: A monolithic inkjet printhead formed using integrated circuit techniques is described. A silicon substrate has formed on its top surface a thin polysilicon layer in the area in which a trench is to be later formed in the substrate. The edges of the polysilicon layer align with the intended placement of ink feed holes leading into ink ejection chambers. Thin film layers, including a resistive layer, are formed on the top surface of the silicon substrate and over the polysilicon layer. An orifice layer is formed on the top surface of the thin film layers to define the nozzles and ink ejection chambers. A trench mask is formed on the bottom surface of the substrate. A trench is etched (using, for example, TMAH) through the exposed bottom surface of the substrate and to the polysilicon layer. The etching of the polysilicon layer exposes fast etch planes of the silicon. The TMAH then rapidly etches the silicon substrate along the etch planes, thus aligning the edges of the trench with the polysilicon.

Abstract: A blade assembly for an electric hair cutter that includes a stationary blade and a cutting blade, where the cutting blade is configured for reciprocating arcuate motion relative to the stationary blade. The stationary blade includes a plurality of stationary cutting teeth, with each of the stationary cutting teeth having a tip at a distal end thereof, and wherein the tips of the stationary cutting teeth define a first imaginary line. The cutting blade includes a plurality of reciprocating cutting teeth, with each of the reciprocating cutting teeth having a tip at a distal end thereof, and wherein the tips of the reciprocating cutting teeth define a second imaginary line. The distance between the first imaginary line and the second imaginary line is greater near both end potions thereof than a corresponding distance at a center portion between the end portions.

Abstract: A pair of the hair cutting scissors (10) includes a finger loop (20), preferably the one for the thumb, which has a finger loop part (32) that can be selectively interconnected with a fixed finger loop part (22) to vary the finger loop area.

Abstract: A two flail rotary flail feeding device includes a head having an annular line storage cavity, a central post and an annular line feeding passage extending from the cavity to the end of the post. Two flail lines are wound in the cavity, extend through the passage and are wound in a coil around the post. The ends of the flail lines extend outwardly from the post to form flails. Adjacent flail lines wound around the post are connected to each other and move together during lengthening of the flails.

Abstract: A food cutting utensil, (e.g., a rotary pizza cutter) includes a disc and a handle that are selectively connectable together. The disc has a first side, a second side and a central through bore that is substantially aligned with an axis of the disc. A rim projects from the first side of the disc about the through bore. The handle has a first portion for being gripped by a hand while being used as a cutting utensil, and a second portion for rotatably supporting the disc. The second portion has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has an axially projecting hub that is received in the through bore when the handle is connected to the disc.

Abstract: A table fork includes a fork handle and a fork body. The fork body has a base plate having a plurality of protruding main and assistant tines arranged around on an upper surface, possible to fork and hold several pieces of food at one time, letting an eater feel satisfied with eating with a mouthful without soiling a hand, and also able to keep forked food steady on the tines, preventing forked food from dropping down or dangling around.

Abstract: A progressive punch is used in a strapping machine for positioning and sealing an associated strap material around a load. The punch is positioned in a jaw assembly that includes a movable punch support and a fixed punch support configured to receive the associated strap therebetween. The movable and fixed supports each include at least one punch having at least two punching heads. The punching heads each have a height that is defined by a distance between an outermost peripheral point of the punching head and a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement. The heights of the punching heads are different from one another so that the punching heads progressively engage the strap, with the punching heads initially engaging the strap material at a different times from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld work apparatus including a chain saw, a vacuum/blower apparatus or the like. The work apparatus has a handle (2) for carrying and guiding the work apparatus (1). Thumb supports (4, 5) are provided on both sides with respect to the longitudinal axis (3) of the handle (2).

Abstract: A stage assembly includes a first element and a second element. A coarse and fine adjustment mechanism is attached to the first element and engages the second element. Turning either a coarse or fine range selector produces relative movement of the second element in relation to the first element. An encoder is attached to the first element and the second element. The encoder detects movement of the second element in relation to the first element and determines the position of the second element from a home position. A display electrically connected to the encoder displays the position of the second element. A multiplier may be electrically connected to the encoder to partition a digital signal from the encoder to improve the resolution of the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A process and device are provided for determining the axial position of two spindles or shafts, for example on machine tools, with respect to parallel offset and angular offset. The process includes moving both an optical transmitting device and also an optical receiving device each into at least three different rotary positions. In this way, pertinent circles can be defined by which the location of the axis of rotation of the first spindle or the center of rotation of the second spindle can be computed in relation to one another. The parallel offset of the spindles can thus be determined in the horizontal and in the vertical plane. To determine the angular offset of the two spindles, another measurement of this type must be taken in which the optical transmitting device and the receiving device are mounted interchanged with one another on the spindles.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improvement on the traditional measuring wheel. When the odometry information is combined with two robust attitude sensors and an on-board computer, the instrument is able to perform useful measurements such as the calculation of an area or the description of a non-linear contour, as well as the traditional distance measurements and other uses.

Abstract: A device and method for gear checking measurement of a gear employs a pair of measuring pins or balls of predetermined outer diameter which are placed in tooth spaces on diametrically opposite sides. The measuring pins or balls are held in the tooth spaces by a holding element which is fixedly connecting to and spaced from each measuring pin or ball in a direction along the gear axis so that an accurate measurement can be taken of the overall external diameter over the measuring pins. In one version, the holding element is a separate magnet or pair of magnets coupled to a respective measuring pin or ball. In another version, a holder frame holds a pair of measuring pins or balls at circumferential positions with a pre-counting spacing of gear teeth on diametrically opposite sides of the gear.

Abstract: A depth gauge device for a grading plow or a paving machine includes a guide rail mountable to the plow or paver and on which is carried a slider block slidable to selected positions on the guide rail in correspondence to a plow cutting depth or a asphalt paving layer depth a telltale or curb feeler engaging a reference datum line at the grade site to indicate proper or improper grading depth, movement of a ground shoe used with the device on a paver being employed to indicate if a correct paving layer thickness is being laid down.

Abstract: In an arrangement for determining the relative position of two bodies (3, 7) that are movable relative to each other, a separate measuring tape (29) is attached to a first (3) of the two bodies (3, 7). The measuring tape includes at least one track of measuring markings, distributed in the longitudinal direction of the tape. The second (7) of the two bodies (3, 7) carries a sensor arrangement (31) which responds to the measuring markings and travels along the track, in the course of relative movement between the two bodies (3, 7). The measuring tape (29) is attached to the first body (3), at at least two attachment points that are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the tape, and is elastically stretched between the attachment points in the longitudinal direction of the tape.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable measuring tape having a blade with increased strength at the outer end of the blade. The measuring tape includes a housing for holding a retractable blade and a aperture through which the retractable blade extends. The retractable blade has an inner end affixed within the housing and an outer end having an attachment to prevent the outer end of said blade from entering the housing. The outer end of said blade member including a reinforcement material. The reinforcing materials include thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers and metals. A preferred class of reinforcing materials are thermoplastic polymers such as: polyamides like nylons and aramids; polyesters like poly(ethylene terephthalate); acrylics; polycarbonates; polystyrenes; polysulfones and poly(vinyl chlorides). Another class of reinforcing materials includes thermosetting polymers: such as phenolics; epoxies; polyurethanes; and silicones.

Abstract: A manual/auto dual-mode reversible measuring tape includes a tape marked with marks for measuring, the tape having a longitudinal series of tooth holes, a shaft coupled to the housing of the measuring tape by a slip joint, a gear fixedly mounted on the shaft and adapted to mesh with the tooth holes of the tape, a reversible direct current motor connected to a direct current power source and adapted to rotate the gear in moving the tape in and out of the housing of the measuring tape, a manual/auto control switch controlled to move the shaft between a first position where the gear is forced into engagement with the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be automatically moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape upon rotation of the reversible direct current motor, and a second position where the gear is disengaged from the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape by hand, and switch means, which controls the connection of th

Abstract: A device attached to the tag end of a retractable measuring tape extends the range of measurement achievable, increases the ease of operation of the measuring tape over rough surfaces and betters the operator's safety of measuring elevated or angled surfaces. The measuring tape aid contains two wheels on an inner axle. The outer channels, one fixed and one moveable, each contain one half of the clamping device that will attach to the retractable measuring tape. The moveable half of the clamping device is held in place via an internal compression spring. The use of this device permits tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers the ability to extend the range of operation of most brands of retractable metal tape measures.

Abstract: A safety hot air blowing gun includes a housing, an inner barrel mounted inside the housing and holding a high-impedance resistance type heating element around the inside wall thereof, a nozzle tip fastened to the front side of the housing, a fan motor assembly mounted inside the housing behind the inner barrel and controlled to blow air through the inside of the inner barrel and the outside of the inner barrel within the housing, and a protective ring mounted within the housing to support the inner barrel, the protective ring having inside protruded portions abutted against the periphery of the inner barrel and defining a plurality of open spaces around the inner barrel for the passing of currents of air from the fan motor assembly to reduce the temperature of the peripheral wall of the inner barrel and to prevent the housing from deformation due to high temperature.

Abstract: Drying semiconductor wafers or substrates by introducing an polar organic compound in liquid form into or onto means for enhancing evaporation within a process chamber and allowing the liquid to evaporate and form a drying vapor within the process chamber.

Abstract: A towel warmer comprising a cabinet enclosing a chamber with an opening, a door attached to the cabinet to close the opening, one or more coils heated by conducting hot water, the coils being positioned within the chamber opposite the opening, a resilient compressible support positioned on the door to compress cloth-like objects against the heated coils as the door is closed, and a latch to hold the door closed with force to maintain compression of the cloth-like objects against the heated coils.

Abstract: A manually operated vehicle blow-drying device having a swingable overhead boom and an air supply hose extending down from a distal end of the boom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, where the sole includes a cartridge cushioning system that includes a load distribution plate arranged in a heel region of the shoe sole, at least one cushioning element for determining the cushioning properties of the shoe sole during the first ground contact with the heel, and at least one guidance element to guide the foot into a neutral position after the first ground contact.

Abstract: An improved safety shoe for protecting a person's foot from harmful injury comprising a high impact resistant outer shell, an inner dense foam insert, a solid toe cap, a heel cup, an inner sole, an outer sole and a moisture dissipating material surrounding the dense foam insert. The outer shell comprises a series of flexible interlocking sliding bands arranged surrounding the foot and folding under the foot between the outer sole and the inner sole. Entrance to the boot is by means of a rear opening having a flush mounted buckle for closing the boot around the foot.

Abstract: An inner tightening mechanism adapted to equip an article of footwear having a flexible or semi-rigid upper. The inner tightening mechanism includes a retention band that is connected to the inner surface of the upper by at least two anchoring points fixed on the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the flexion in the direction of the heel, and at least one anchoring point is positioned substantially above the sole.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole and a collapsible upper attached to the sole. The upper includes a vamp portion to be worn around the toes and forepart of a foot of a wearer, a heel portion to be worn adjacent the heel of the wearer, side portions provided between the vamp portion and the heel portion to be worn adjacent the sides of the foot of the wearer, and insets, at least one inset being provided between each side portion and the heel portion of the upper. The insets are made of a thin, flexible material which can be easily folded to allow the vamp portion, side portions and heel portion of the upper to collapse onto the sole when not being worn.

Abstract: A printed article including text and/or depictive elements includes an insert that is supported by an elastic thread that is substantially invisible to human vision. This provides the appearance that the insert is suspended or floating when pages of the printed article are opened.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for business cards with a rectangular area having holes at its corners into which the corner of a business card are inserted.

Abstract: A customized application of index tabs to dividers and other types of indexing material includes a releasably attachable alignment tool. The alignment tool includes a plurality of indicia printed thereon for guiding the placement of a desired number of index tabs. The indicia indicate by positioning of both numerals and lines where an index tab is to be placed on an indexing material, depending on the number of index tabs that are to be placed. The alignment tool may also be positioned on a sheet and removable from the sheet to align index tabs on different documents. Multiple alignment tools may also be positioned on a sheet and removable to align index tabs on documents of different sizes.

Abstract: A microparticle taggant having two or more distinguishable marker layers corresponding to a predetermined numeric code. The plurality of particles comprises a plurality of microparticle sets of at least one microparticle, each microparticle set is characterized by a specific marker layer combination different from each other microparticle set, and the combination of microparticle sets employed in said taggant collectively forms the numeric code. Each specific marker layer combination may employ two or more layers. The microparticle sets employed in the taggant may include at least one datum marker layer coded to include place information and at least two value marker layers coded to specify a value within the place, the datum marker layer(s) being readily distinguishable from the value marker layers and functioning to identify an orientation of the value marker layers.

Abstract: A system for displaying an Interchangeable Holiday Theme Address Sign. The system includes a waterproof display enclosure capable of holding a variety of holiday, sports or personal message displays/logos with or without a personal street address. The waterproof enclosure has an opening for changing the holiday or personal message display. The displays can be easily changed simply by opening the enclosure and replacing it with another display.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for labeling three-dimensional objects. A sheet comprising at least one tag, each tag consisting of a thin piece of resilient, print-treated polyester, or other material, and a method of attaching the tag to a three-dimensional object, such as a glass or plastic vial, is described. The tag identifies each individual object, and permits transfer of the object throughout a series of analytical processes without losing object identity. The tag is marked by offset printing, laser engraving, or another marking process such that the marking does not become unreadable during handling and testing. Labeling of individual objects is accomplished by inserting an object through an aperture in the tag resulting in the tag being attached to the vial. Removal of the vial from the sheet causes the tag to be separated from the sheet and to remain attached to the vial. Alternatively, a sheet holder, such as a rack, could be used to hold the sheet of tags during the labeling process.

Abstract: Index tabs having a mechanism for alignment with an edge of a mounting sheet, and methods for making and using the same. Embodiments exemplary of the alignment mechanism include various stopper constructions, pocket constructions, and the like. For example, a pocket can be formed within an index tab, such that the pocket contains an opening at the bottom for receiving an edge of a mounting sheet. The edge of the mounting sheet becomes aligned with the index tab when it fully engages the top of the pocket, which acts as a stopper. After alignment is achieved, the index tab is adhered to the mounting sheet. Various shapes and materials that are beneficial in the new tab constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A card holder for securely linking together an identification card to a validation card so as to prevent fraudulent removal of the identification and validation cards once the latter have been inserted into the card holder. The card holder defines a generally flat and hollow casing having a casing front wall, an opposed casing rear wall, a casing top wall, an opposed casing bottom wall and a pair of casing side walls. The casing front wall has a window aperture extending therethrough. The casing bottom wall has a bottom wall slot extending therethrough. The first card is adapted to be secured within the casing so that it can be visualized through the window aperture. A carriage component defining a carriage slot is slidably mounted within the casing inner volume over the first card.

Abstract: A label holding strip is formed of extruded plastic material, with front and back panels joined integrally along the bottom region of said strip to form an upwardly opening pocket for the reception of labels. The upper portions of the panels are of a generally uniform thickness, while the bottom region of the strip, preferably in the form of a forwardly projecting lobe, is of a significantly (20% or more) greater thickness. A smooth transition region joins the thinner and thicker portions of the strip. The front and rear panels, in the lower portions, are spaced apart a distance not less that the thickness of labels intended to be inserted therein. Upper portions of one of the panels, typically the front panel, curve toward the other panel for gripping a label inserted in the pocket.

Abstract: A picture frame adapted to hold pictures in a stored position and with minimal effort and time convert the pictures in the stored position to a presentation position for viewing.

Abstract: A flat display panel and a frame for the display panel are formed from a single blank of sheet material such as paperboard. The frame includes a support panel positioned behind the display panel and interconnected frame elements forming a recess accommodating the display panel and projecting outwardly from the display panel.

Abstract: A plug assembly for inserting in a breech of a breech-loaded firearm to convert the breech-loaded firearm to a muzzle-loaded firearm is provided. The plug body is slidable in the breech and includes first and second ends. The plug body defines a powder chamber adjacent the first end, an ignition counterbore in firing communication with the powder chamber, and an access counterbore adjacent the second end of the plug. The plug body includes a mechanical interlocking device in the access counterbore to facilitate removal of the plug body from the breech of the breech-loaded firearm.

Abstract: A firing device for a gun which is used in a target practice and competitive shooting system, said firing device being such, that it activates computer processing of the shot, and said firing device comprising a trigger frame (1), to which a trigger (2) is attached, and a firing mechanism (3,4,5,6,7) connected to the trigger which is used for firing the gun when the trigger is pressed.