Abstract: A clamp for use with a cross bar of an existing vehicle article carrier to allow accessory vehicle article carrier components to be secured to the cross bar. The clamp includes a base portion and a clamp element hingedly coupled to the base portion. A locking assembly allows the clamp element to be secured to the base portion without any external tools. The locking assembly includes an over-center locking lever which can be pretightened before being moved from an unlatched into a latched position to thus allow a pre-tightening force to be applied to the clamp element. The clamp element also includes a C-shaped channel for receiving a tap plate or other similar component associated with an accessory article carrier component.

Abstract: An automatic machine for peening the tenons on bucket cover plates to secure the cover plates and adjacent buckets of a turbine wheel to one another is provided. The machine includes a fixture having stepped surfaces for locating the freely suspended fixture and peening tool relative to the bucket tips and cover plates and clamping the tips and cover plates to the fixture surfaces. After peening a first tenon, the fixture and tool head are displaced relative to the fixed cover plate and bucket tip to register the tool with a second tenon. An actuator displaces the suspended system to compensate for the movement of the fixture and tool relative to the turbine wheel. A counterbalance is provided to accommodate fixtures of different weights when peening the tenons of covers in different turbine wheels.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for application of a protective covering to an unprotected paper roll in locations without major paper handling equipment is described to provide an inexpensive and portable system for paper roll refurbishing. Apparatus used in the present invention includes: an apparatus for holding the body wrapper supply roll and measuring the unrolled wrapper to a desired length; an apparatus for rewinding and cutting individual wrappers for transport to the point of use; an apparatus for applying the wrappers to the paper roll; an apparatus for transporting the rolls from the resizing area to the wrapping area; and an apparatus for crimping the body wrap over the end of the roll to retain the header; an apparatus for retention of the headers and caps under pressure during curing of the retaining adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method and an apparatus for implementing the method of inducing a layer of compressive residual stress along the surface of a part comprising the steps of selecting a region of the part to be treated; selecting the magnitude of compression and the residual stress distribution to be induced in the surface of the selected region of the part; exerting pressure against the surface of the selected region, the pressure being applied in a selected pattern along the surface to form zones of deformation having a deep layer of compressive stress; and varying the pressure being exerted against the surface to produce the desired residual stress distribution and magnitude of compression within the surface.

Abstract: A holder for an oil filter includes a container having an open top and a base having an upper surface. An upwardly opening socket is disposed upon the upper surface. The socket is shaped and dimensioned to receive the head portion of the oil filter. Once the oil filter is inserted into the holder, retaining means hold the oil filter firmly in place. The holder and oil filter may then be placed in a vice, and the filter cut open in accordance with established procedures.

Abstract: A tool and a method for replacing brake system components for automotive vehicles. The tool is designed to rotatably secure a worn or defective treadle valve side by side with a rotatably secured replacement treadle valve. The treadle valves can be rotated and locked into place to present corresponding faces to the user. The tool and method allows the user to measure the orientation or alignment of threaded fittings on the worn or defective treadle valve, remove them and then install them or their replacement fittings on the replacement treadle valve in the same general orientation or alignment as the fittings had on the worn or defective treadle valve. The tool and method ensures that when the replacement treadle valve is reinstalled on the vehicle, the threaded couplings on the ends of lengths of tubing will align with the fittings installed on the replacement treadle valve.

Abstract: In a vertical-type molding apparatus, bolts are piercingly provided at symmetrically opposed four locations in a stamper replacement unit and a fixed mold stacked together. These bolts are fastened by a single lever which is operated externally of the mold, whereby the stamper replacement unit is fixed to the fixed mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting accessories to a panel surface includes at least one accessory interface on the panel surface. An elongate engaging section is recessed within and lies generally parallel to a part of the panel surface. An accessory device has a utility part and an elongate engaging part that is coupled to the utility part. A plurality of the accessory devices and/or accessory interfaces can be provided. An appropriate device and interface are selected. The engaging part is inserted into a portion of the panel interface. The accessory device is slid to an installed position with the engaging part received in the engaging section of the accessory interface.

Abstract: This invention describes a spin valve based magnetic read head that is suitable for use with ultra-high recording densities along with a process for manufacturing it. This process produces a product that is free of conductor lead bridging and conductor lead fencing. A key sub-process of the present invention is the deposition of a first capping layer through DC sputtering followed by, without breaking vacuum, a lead overlay layer This is followed by deposition, also by DC sputtering, of a second capping layer which is patterned so that it becomes a hard mask. Then, using this hard mask, the lead overlay layer is removed from the center of the structure by means of ion beam etching. Hard bias and conductor lead layers are then formed inside parallel trenches without the use of liftoff processes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of manufacturing a wiring member, and an electric connection box manufactured by retaining the manufactured wiring member in a case. The method comprises the steps of winding an electric wire around a wire winding body having a plurality of wire holding members arranged thereon, and wiring the electric wire into a desired pattern using a plurality of retaining sections formed on each of the wire holding members; cutting the electric wire at a desired position; and removing the electric wire at least from the wire winding body.

Abstract: A battery assembling method includes a lead dispenser/heater unit, cover positioner, container positioner, and lead feeder. A battery container with battery plates contained therein is retained by the container positioner. A battery cover is retained by the cover positioner. Molten lead is retained within the lead dispenser/heater unit. The exposed areas of the lead dispenser/heater unit are preferably flooded with an inert gas to prevent drossing of the molten lead. A container heating platen is disposed on a top of the lead dispenser/heater unit and a cover heating platen on a bottom thereof. The container positioner brings the battery container in contact with the container heating platen and the cover positioner brings the battery cover in contact with the cover heating platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming rivet joints with a desired amount of clearance to allow pivotal motion of the parts interconnected by such joints. Parts to be riveted together are aligned with each other, and a rivet is placed into aligned holes. A parts clamp urges the parts and a preformed head of the rivet against a rivet support anvil to establish an initial condition. A parts support anvil is placed in a required position with respect to the rivet support anvil prior to formation of the second head on the opposite end of the rivet, to provide the desired amount of clearance. The parts support anvil is moved by pushing against a set of arched leaf springs to adjust their effective length, using a hydraulic motor controlled in response to an electrical signal from a transducer that measures movement of parts by the parts support anvil.

Abstract: A terminal insertion guide apparatus adapted to be used with a connector having a plurality of cavities, such that an electrical cable having a terminal can be connected to a selected cavity of the plurality of cavities, whereby the corresponding cavity is indicated to an operator. The apparatus includes a connector holder for holding the connector, an indicating plate for indicating when the selective cavity is positioned at a predetermined terminal insertion position, a detecting mechanism, a driving mechanism that moves the connector holder, and a controller that controls the driving mechanism. The connector holder is movable between the open position and the guide area, and is adapted to position each selected cavity of the connector at a position that is indicated by the indicating plate according to a predetermined sequence and in accordance with signals from the detecting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention providing a compressing tool for a joint body to compress and connect an insertion component to conjoin with the stiff-jacketed cable, includes a multistage propulsion mechanism, a replaceable molding structure situated on the axial line of the multistage propulsion mechanism and away from the multistage propulsion mechanism at an axial interval for supporting the stiff-jacketed coaxial cable, and a handle bar gradually moving along the direction of the axial line toward the surface of the molding structure through the multistage propulsion mechanism, so as to make the joint body and the insertion component conduct compression and connection between the multistage propulsion mechanism and the molding structure, and to enable one end of the coaxial connector to shrink and conjoin with the stiff-jacketed cable.

Abstract: A method of repairing a disconnected wiring, which has a step of connecting a main wiring in which disconnection is caused and a spare wiring which is formed on or under the main wiring via an interlayer insulating film in their intersecting region of the main and spare wirings, comprising the steps of opening a hole by irradiating a laser beam of a first output intensity from a laser to the intersecting region of the main wiring and the spare wiring, and connecting the spare wiring and the main wiring by melting a part of the spare wiring and the main wiring by irradiating a laser beam of a second output intensity, which is different from the first output intensity, toward the hole.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) fan outlet guide vane (34) is manufactured by diffusion bonding titanium alloy sheet metal workpieces (52,54) together to form an in integral structure (66). A titanium alloy is weld deposited at predetermined positions (70,72) and in a predetermined shape to build up bosses (42,44) at the radially outer end (40) of the hollow integral structure (68). The integral structure (66) is inflated at high temperature to form a hollow integral structure (68) of predetermined aerofoil shape. Apertures (46,48) are drilled through the bosses (42,44) to enable the radially outer end (40) of the fan outlet guide vane (34) to be attached to a fan casing (32) of the gas turbine engine (10).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device that is positioned on a wafer substrate that incorporates drive circuitry includes depositing a first sacrificial layer of an organic material on the wafer substrate. The first sacrificial layer is patterned. A first layer of conductive material is deposited on the first sacrificial layer. The first layer of conductive material is patterned. A second sacrificial layer of organic material is deposited on the first layer of conductive material. The second sacrificial layer is patterned. A second layer of conductive material is deposited on the second sacrificial layer. The second layer of conductive material patterned. A third sacrificial layer of organic material is deposited on the second layer of conductive material. The third sacrificial layer is patterned. A structural layer of dielectric material is deposited on the third sacrificial layer. The structural layer is patterned.

Abstract: In order to provide a miniaturized ink jet head having a piezoelectric actuator 21 by which ink in a pressure chamber 3 is emitted and to improve its productivity and reliability, a vibration plate 22 is made up of two layers having different Young's moduli, i.e., a layer 27 having a smaller Young's modulus and a layer 28 having a greater Young's modulus. Further, the Young's modulus of each of the layers 27 and 28 is set at values ranging from 50 GPa to 350 GPa and the total thickness of the vibration plate 22 is set at values ranging from 1 &mgr;m to 7 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method for forming a brake assembly for a motor vehicle includes a wheel hub, a knuckle, and a brake rotor. The wheel hub includes a neck portion and a flange portion having a flange face. The flange face has a plurality of bolt receiving holes formed therein. The wheel hub is placed in rotational communication with the knuckle. The flange face of the wheel hub has a brake rotor secured thereto. The brake rotor has an inner surface, which is subjected to final finishing in order to reduce lateral run-out of the brake rotor.

Abstract: A hub (2) includes a spindle (14) which projects through a housing (4) and rotates relative to the housing (4) on a bearing (6) that is located between the spindle (14) and the housing (4). The bearing (6) has two sets of raceways (28, 40) that are oblique to the axis x, and in addition rolling elements (36) arranged in two rows between the sets of raceways (28, 40). The inner raceways (28) that fit around the spindle (14) and have back faces (32), with the back face (32) for one of the races (26) being against a shoulder (18) from which the spindle (14) projects. Initially, the end of the spindle (14) projects straight beyond the back face (32) of the outer race—indeed, so that the races (26) can be installed over the spindle (14).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lightweight bearing in which raceway surface parts are formed of iron-based material and body members are formed of a lightweight material that is lighter than the iron-based material. Bearing rings are manufactured by producing first and second split body members whose shapes are identical to those obtained by dividing the body members transversely along a plane perpendicular to the center axis, producing split raceway surface members whose shapes are identical to those obtained by similarly dividing the raceway surface formation members, and bonding together split raceway surface members and split body members.

Abstract: An electric rotary shaver including a cutter retaining plate equipped with cutter units each having an inner cutter and an outer cutter and detachably attached to an outer cutter frame of the shaver, and the shaver further including an attachment-detachment mechanism for mounting the cutter retaining plate to the outer cutter frame in a detachable fashion. The attachment-detachment mechanism includes a triangular boss and an engagement projection. The triangular boss is formed on the outer cutter frame and has engagement openings opened in its side surfaces, and the engagement projection is formed on a mounting knob held in cutter retaining plate. By turning the mounting knob with its engagement projection inserted in the boss and thus letting the engagement projection be engaged with the engagement opening, the cutter retaining plate is mounted to the outer cutter frame of the shaver in a detachable fashion.

Abstract: A mechanical stripping apparatus for displacing resin from a resin covered filament by forming a removable sleeve portion between opposing filament ends. The mechanical stripping apparatus comprises a first clamp for holding a filament at a first location and a second clamp having a separation from the first clamp and in axial alignment therewith for holding a filament at a second location. A first set of cutting blades adjacent to the first clamp is positioned for cutting into resin around a resin covered filament proximate to the first location. The mechanical stripping apparatus also includes a second set of cutting blades adjacent to the second clamp for cutting into resin around a resin covered filament proximate to the second location, such that a distance separates the first set of cutting blades from the second set of cutting blades. The distance between sets of cutting blades is less than the separation between the clamps.

Abstract: A chopstick having a spike for engaging food. The spike preferably is moveable between an extended position in which it projects beyond the food-engaging end of the chopstick and a retracted position in which it does not substantially so project.

Abstract: Provided is a razor blade material has excellent high hardness, high strength and high corrosion resistance. The material is made of an Fe-base alloy containing, by mass %, 0.5 to 5.0% carbon, 9.0 to 14.0% Cr and 0.5 to 8.0% Mo. The material includes precipitates which can be observed at an optional sectional surface of the razor blade material and each of which has a diameter of less than 0.1 &mgr;m. The alloy has preferably a chemical composition of 0.5 to 5.0% carbon, 9.0 to 14.0% Cr and 0.5 to 8.0% Mo, 0.5 to 8.0% of B+Si, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. Preferably, the alloy material has a metal structure, not less than 30 volume % of which is amorphous. The material has a thickness of 30 to 100 &mgr;m. The material is preferably coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Abstract: A releasable footplate assembly for a jigsaw includes a shaft portion having a handle, a screw boss having a yoke, a base portion having a bridge portion through which the screw extends into the screw boss and a bridge plate, attached to the screw, releasably engaging the bridge portion

Abstract: An adjustable measuring and marking device is provided. The device has a lower portion with a bottom end and an upper end and an upper portion with a bottom end and an upper end. The upper portion telescopically interconnects with the lower portion. Measurement intervals, such as inches, are marked along the upper and lower sections so that one can use the device as a measuring apparatus. Measurements can be read at the upper end of the bottom portion, off the top portion, in inches, as well as in feet and inches. A friction fit exists between the upper and lower sections so that a measurement obtained by extending the upper section from the lower section so that the entire device is positioned between two points, can easily be transferred to another location, as the relative position of the upper and lower sections are maintained by the friction fit. Overextending the upper portion out of the lower portion is prevented by a locking pin device.

Abstract: A leveling assembly to establish elevations in a building structure for installing cabinets, bookshelves, countertops, etc. There is a telescoping mounting post adapted to be positioned in bearing engagement between a floor surface and the top of a doorway, ceiling or other upper surface. A laser that transmits a horizontal laser beam is mounted to a mounting device that can be moved to different positions along the length of the post. Locking devices hold the laser-mounting device in place, and also properly position the post to be in firm engagement with its bearing surfaces. The laser-mounting device can be swung to upper and lower positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a leveling apparatus which is capable of gripping items to be leveled, such as pipes and poles. The invention further contemplates a one piece level for leveling flat surfaces.

Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scanning system comprising a machine and a measuring probe, includes the steps of error mapping the system statically and qualifying the stylus tip so that the system will provide accurate measurements, determining the positions of a number of datum points on the surface of an artefact with the probe stylus in contact with the workpiece and at zero deflection normal to the surface, scanning the surface through the datum points at a nominal stylus deflection and at the maximum speed which provides repeatable position measurements to make a second determination of the positions of the datum points, determining the errors attributable to the scanning process by subtracting the positions obtained in the first and second determinations, and storing the error values for correction of subsequent measurements of similar artefacts.

Abstract: A measuring probe includes a suspension module 112 in which a stylus holder 140 is suspended from a housing on a pair of diaphragms 142,144. At least one of the diaphragms is formed with spiral cut-outs whereby the stylus, which is connected at the center of the diaphragms, is able to move transversely of the axis of the housing as the stylus holder pivots when transverse forces are applied to the stylus tip. A transducer module 110 is releasably supported on the suspension module by a kinematic mounting 116,118 and is retained in position by magnets 120. The transducer module contains optical transducers 200,210,220 for measuring the deflection of the stylus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alignment guide and a method for beam aligning and bracing. The alignment guide of the present invention comprises alignment tabs punched into a commonly available spacing rail. The alignment guide is lightweight and economical. A plurality of alignment guides may be stacked for ease of transportation. The method comprises supporting a first beam and receiving the first beam and a plurality of beams to be spaced into the space formed by the alignment tabs. The beams are supported and spaced by the alignment guide until they have been fastened into place. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the manufacture of the alignment guide with which alignment tabs are economically punched into a commonly available prefabricated spacing rail.

Abstract: Improved honey extraction devices are provided by increasing the number of honeycomb baskets carried by centrifugal honey extraction devices. The designs of prior art extractors are altered by either incorporating multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies into their design or providing additional honeycomb baskets substantially aligned with the honeycomb baskets pre-existing in the prior art designs. The multi-layer honeycomb basket assemblies include a first honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb and at least a second honeycomb basket having an interior for retaining a honeycomb. The second honeycomb basket is substantially aligned with the first honeycomb basket and a gap is provided between the first and second honeycomb baskets. A barrier is positioned between the interior of the first honeycomb basket and the interior of the second honeycomb basket. Additional baskets may also be provided in a similar manner.

Abstract: A hair dryer including a main body, a centrifugal fan, at least one air inlet and at least one inlet guide. The main body has an air outlet. The centrifugal fan is provided in the main body and configured to blow air toward the air outlet. The centrifugal fan has an intake side and an outer circumferential surface around a central axis of the centrifugal fan. The at least one air inlet is formed in the main body to face the intake side of the centrifugal fan. The at least one inlet guide is provided to project from an inside surface of the main body and extends along a circumference of the at least one air inlet to surround and face a part of the outer circumferential surface of the centrifugal fan along a circumference of the centrifugal fan.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and conveying pistachios comprises a plurality of fixed and moveable slotted plates. The moveable plates are interleaved with the fixed plates and reciprocate to push pistachio nuts along the surface of the plates. Heated air is blown through the plates to dry the pistachios.

Abstract: A UV curing module for use with a label printer. UV curing lamps/radiation emitters are located to cover the label media path. The UV curing module may be integrated into the label printer or similar devices including a label applicator or a label rewinder.

Abstract: A lyophilizer system is adapted for operation in a first mode or a second mode with microwave assisted drying. The system includes a lyophilizing chamber, including shielding from microwaves. The chamber is connected to a pressure controller for controlling vacuum in the lyophilizing chamber and a device for trapping water vapor. One or more microwave generators, direct microwaves into the lyophilizing chamber. Refrigeration units lower the temperature of the lyophilizing chamber and condenser. The chamber environment maintains a temperature and a pressure that facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a first mode, and for creating a chamber environment having vacuum and temperature such that when combined with microwaves directed into the chamber, facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a second mode. The chamber has arc inhibiting surfaces and shielding and a corona discharge detection and control system, including optical, thermal and other detection systems.

Abstract: The method serves for drying an active part containing at least one winding and solid insulations. The active part is arranged in a vacuum-tight housing and is heated there to a final temperature value (Tfin) by means of warmed oil and by means of a current (I) carried in the winding. The warmed oil is sprayed in the housing at reduced pressure (p) and with the current (I) switched on. At the same time, water is extracted from the active part. The sprayed oil is collected on the housing bottom, after discharging heat to the active part, and, after rewarming, is sprayed once again in the housing at reduced pressure and with the current switched on. The active part is thus dried particularly quickly and carefully.

Abstract: A method of programming and controlling an automatic cycle of a clothes dryer provides that, after positioning of a selection dial, a motor associated with the selection dial is rapidly moved to a predetermined location at a constant speed, while the time to do so is measured. With the rotational velocity being known, the exact, initially setting position of the dial is determined in advance.

Abstract: This invention pertains to enclosed footwear in combination with a leg covering or body covering that is storable within a compartment that is integral with an exterior of the enclosed footwear. The leg covering can be either a gaiter or a pants leg portion, and the body covering can be either a sack portion or a suit portion. The leg covering or body covering can be of a material that is protective against biological attacks, chemical attacks, nuclear radiation and snake bites. The leg covering or body covering can also be flame resistant, thermally protective and cut proof.

Abstract: A method of constructing a footwear includes the following features. An outsole having a backpart and a forepart is provided. The forepart has a standing lip around the periphery of the forepart. An upper is provided, which together with the outsole defines a volume for receiving a wearer's foot. The upper is turned inside out and then the upper is stitched to the lip of the forepart. The upper stitched to the forepart is then turned inside in. A back portion of the upper is lasted. The backpart is then secured to the lasted back portion of the upper.

Abstract: A spring cushioned shoe is disclosed. The shoe includes a sole assembly that has a first spring disposed within a vacuity in the heel portion of the assembly, and a second spring disposed within a vacuity in the ball portion of the assembly. The springs are, e.g., wave springs that extend vertically from the upper to the lower internal boundaries of the vacuities.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole and a footwear fit system. The sole has a first side and a second side. The footwear fit system has a pair of fitting members that include a first base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion extends upwardly from the first side to support a first foot-bearing portion that extends laterally from the first base portion to a first terminus. The first base portion and the first foot-bearing portion together forming at least one resilient elongate finger that independently biases the first foot-bearing portion towards the sole. The second base portion extends upwardly from the second side to support a second foot-bearing portion that extends laterally from the second base portion to a second terminus. The second base portion and the second foot-bearing portion together form at least one resilient elongate finger that independently biases the second foot-bearing portion towards the sole.

Abstract: A shoe with changeable styles comprises a sole having a plurality of positioning holes; an insole being installed above the sole, a plurality of positioning nail being installed below the insole and peripherals at two sides of the insole being formed with embedding holes; and a vamp firmly securing above the insole, and a periphery of the vamp being installed with retaining surfaces bending inwards. By aforesaid structure, the positioning nails at the insole are engaged with the positioning holes of the sole. The shoes are assembled easily and quickly. Furthermore, the vamp can be pulled out easily. The user may update the color, shape and style of the shoes as desired.

Abstract: An articulated ski boot for releasable attachment to a binding mounted on an alpine ski is presented. The ski boot has a sole which preferably is formed of first and second rigid portions with a hinge connecting the two portions such that the first portion is upwardly pivotable when the sole is free from the binding (walking mode). The boot has a substantially rigid boot upper adapted to receive a foot and which is attached to the sole. A truss member is pivotally connected to the boot upper and pivots between the walking mode and a locked skiing mode in which the sole portions are prevented from pivoting. The ski boot also includes means for securing the skier's forefoot and heel to the sole to substantially reduce toe and heel lift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole with at least one receptacle and at least one stud, which can be releasably mounted within the receptacle by inserting a fastening projection of the stud into the receptacle. The fastening projection includes a first locking member, and the receptacle includes a flexible wall having a second locking member. The flexible wall is deflected when the fastening projection is inserted into the receptacle until the first and the second locking members engage.

Abstract: A self-propelled power implement having a friction drive system to transmit rotation from the engine to the wheels. The friction drive system includes an output disc and a friction disc. The output disc rotates in response to rotation from the engine's output shaft. The friction disc is coupled to the implement's wheels, and contacts the output disc and rotates in response to rotation of the output disc. The location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts determines the rotation speed of the friction disc. A flexible member is interconnected to the friction disc and a controller, and movement of the controller causes the flexible member to actuate the friction disc radially in relation to the output disc. The flexible member adjusts the location on the output disc that the friction disc contacts, and thereby adjusts the rotation speed of the friction disc and the wheels.

Abstract: An excavator such as a backhoe has a group of hoses P variable in length when a boom 20 moves up and down. To avoid the group of hoses bulging to obstruct view when the boom is raised to an uppermost position, the group of hoses has a length absorbing portion P-10 disposed in a swivel base 7 instead of being disposed on a boom 20 as in the prior art.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mounting arrangement for a cutting tooth for a trencher chain. The tooth includes a base portion aligned along a first plane. The base portion includes structure for allowing the cutting tooth to be connected to the trencher chain. The tooth also includes a distal portion that is generally obliquely aligned with respect to the first plane. A curved transition is located between the distal portion and the base portion. The curved transition curves away from the first plane and at least partially forms a cupped portion that is effective in the trenching operation. The base portion also includes a recess into which the mounting hardware can fit, to protect the mounting hardware from wear.