Abstract: A modified skimmer lid for use with a pool pump assembly having a pump, a skimmer chamber and a removable skimmer lid for the skimmer chamber, the modified skimmer lid comprises a skimmer lid base adapted to seal and mate with said skimmer chamber, a compressed air inlet integrally part of said modified skimmer lid for communicating and introducing compressed air into said skimmer chamber and for purging existing pool lines with compressed air, such that existing water lines need not be disturbed or removed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for bathing body parts, such as the feet. The apparatus includes a bath chamber for containing fluid, such as water, and receiving the body part therein. The bath chamber includes a bottom surface and a wall structure extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the wall structure has a contact area adapted to be exposed when fluid is contained in the bath chamber. A heating member is provided on the contact area for providing heat, such as infrared rays, to the body part when the body part is placed on the contact area. In addition, the bath apparatus can include at least one massage attachment adapted to be received on the contact area for massaging the body part when the body part engages the massage attachment.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting a patient along a floor includes an elongated frame, a patient-support deck carried by the frame, and an elongated shaft having a longitudinally-extending axis of rotation. The shaft is coupled to the frame for rotation about the axis of rotation between a first orientation and a second orientation. The stretcher also includes a wheel supported relative to the frame and movable relative to the frame in response to rotation of the shaft. The wheel is in a first position engaging the floor when the shaft is in the first orientation and the wheel is in a second position spaced apart from the floor when the shaft is in the second orientation.

Abstract: A crib having a drop side that vertically slides between lowered and raised positions includes a guiding and locking mechanism for the drop side, comprising a pair of lower guides and a pair of upper guides affixed to the crib's corner posts, and a plurality of slides affixed to the drop side and slidably engaging the guides. Each guide comprises a plate-shaped guide member and each slide defines a channel in which the guide member is slidably received. One edge of each lower guide member has a recess formed therein, and a resilient locking member integrally formed with the guide is positioned opposite the recess and urges the slide into the recess to lock the drop side in the raised position. Each lower guide also includes a second, lower recess into which the slides are urged by a second, lower resilient locking member for locking the drop side in a lowered position.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vibration generator which comprises a rotary drive means having a drive shaft, at least a pair of rotors which is installed on the drive shaft and is rotative in association with the drive shaft, and unbalanced weights which are respectively installed in the rotors; and an apparatus for controlling the function of living bodies, which comprises the vibration generator as a vibration generating source.

Abstract: An air suspension bed for use in over-the-road trucks which utilizes an automotive air shock and a mechanical suspension to support a mattress, for use while a truck is in motion.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the plane of a mattress for changing the orientation of a plane of a mattress in a semi-truck. The device for adjusting the plane of a mattress includes a housing. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall has a hole extending therethrough. The front wall has an opening extending therethrough. Each of a plurality of pistons is securely mounted in the housing. Each of the pistons is positioned in a different corner of the housing such that each of the corners of the housing has a piston located generally adjacent thereto. Each of a plurality of shafts is extendably positioned in one of the pistons. Each of the pistons is adapted to selectively extend the shafts upwardly through the top wall. Each of a plurality of air pumps is operationally coupled to a pair of the pistons respectively positioned adjacent to one of the side walls.

Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to the base and the support mechanism moving the patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing the support mechanism, the telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of the support mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering the height of a patient support surface of a bed which includes a threaded shaft upon which a pulley support is raised and lowered and a chain and pulley system which transfers vertical displacement of the pulley support to the patient support surface. An articulating perimeter frame for supporting a patient on a bed frame which includes a plurality of extruded elongate members which are coupled together by hinges and corner members. The perimeter frame receives and supports inserts which receive head, seat and foot mattress sections. A pivotal push handle/tray combination that is pivotally coupled to the end posts of a bed and includes a mechanism for locking the handle/tray combination into one of a plurality of positions.

Abstract: An adjustable supporting device for a premature infant, comprising an inflatable base (1) consisting of two superimposed air and gas impermeable layers (5, 6), divided into at least two flat sections (2, 3), and running along the perephery of the base an inflatable wall (4), optionally also divided into two sections, wherein all base sections (2, 3) and wall (4) or wall sections are inflatable and pressure-adjustable independent of one another.

Abstract: A bath towel device and method for picking up, holding and drying infants and small children, wherein the bath towel includes a strap for hanging the towel from an adults neck, a lower end that wraps around the infant/child, a surface area that covers a substantial portion of an adults torso and lap and means for holding the lower end near the upper end when wrapped around an infant or small child.

Abstract: A mattress assembly for supporting a patient includes a body support portion having a head end, a foot end, and a knee support portion. The body support portion has a first air zone extending from the head end to the knee support portion and a second air zone extending from the knee support portion to the foot end. The mattress assembly also includes a control module configured to supply air to the first and second air zones to maintain the first air zone at a substantially constant first pressure and to maintain the second air zone at a substantially constant second pressure. The second pressure is less than the first pressure to provide reduced pressure on a patient's calves and feet located on the second air zone.

Abstract: In a method of measuring the loading of a washing drum 1, drivable by a motor 2, of a washing machine or a washer-drier, in a first phase A the washing drum 1 is accelerated by way of an electronic control system 3 to a first speed of rotation nb which is above the laundry-application speed of rotation na. In order to provide that removal of water from the laundry and machine friction are involved in the measurement result to the minimum possible degree, in a subsequent second phase B the washing drum 1 is braked to a second speed of rotation nc by electrical braking of the motor 2. The electronic control system 3 detects the variation in the braking procedure in regard to speed of rotation and/or braking moment to ascertain the mass moment of inertia of the loaded washing drum.

Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: In order to construct a sweeper, which comprises a rotary brush arranged in a housing, a dirt collector which can be detachably attached to the housing and, adjacent the rotary brush in the dirt collector, a dirt inlet on the bottom edge of which a sill is arranged, in such a manner that the sill at the bottom edge of the dirt collector can be produced in particularly simple manner it is suggested that the sill be formed in one piece from a wall section which runs on one plane alongside both its longitudinal edges and which in between these edges stands out of this plane to one side, and that the wall section be connected to the bottom of the dirt collector alongside its longitudinal edges, whereby there will be a connection in two pieces at least alongside one longitudinal edge between the bottom and the wall section.

Abstract: A wire cleaning device using non-woven fibrous material rolls to wipe the surface of a wire to remove oil, dirt, and other contaminants. The device has a top feeder roller and a top receiving roller, and a complementary bottom feeder roller and receiving roller. The top and bottom rollers provide two sheets of material through which a wire is fed. The material sheets wipe the surface of the wire as it travels from the feeder roller to the receiving roller, providing a continually clean wiping surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush has a handle with a longitudinal axis. A bristle-bearing head having an outer perimeter, a proximal end, and a distal end is attached to the handle at its proximal end. A plurality of longitudinal grooves are disposed in the head. The longitudinal grooves are aligned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle and terminate at the outer perimeter of the distal end of the head.

Abstract: A roller for the application of a coating medium, in particular a paint roller, has a support arm bearing a curved roller axle on which at least one application roller is borne for rotation. In order to be able to evenly and easily introduce a coating medium onto both a flat as well as a curved surface, the roller axle has a curvature which can be adjusted by an adjusting device, with the orientation of the adjusted curvature being fixed in each case.

Abstract: A windshield wiper protector includes a protection actuating assembly connected to the wiper and a stationary lifting arm attached to the windshield. A roller is pivotally mounted on the top of the stationary lifting arm and an inclined drive plate is attached to the protection actuating assembly. The protection actuating assembly and the wiper will be lifted up when the wiper is moved to the original position due to the inclined drive plate.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a vehicle capable of absorbing impact applied from outside. The wiper apparatus has a rocking wiper arm and a wiper blade attached to a tip end of the wiper arm for wiping a windshield, a pivot fixed to a base end of the wiper arm, and a pivot holder attached to a car-body panel, pivotally supporting the pivot and movable toward inside of a car-body by a load applied from outside of the vehicle substantially in an axial direction of the pivot. Alternatively, a load absorbing member may be provided outside of a section of the wiper arm where the pivot is fixed.

Abstract: A wiper arm of a windshield wiper has a driven fastening part which is pivotably connected to a joint part, the joint part is rigidly joined by a wiper rod (18, 62), at least one of the parts of the wiper arm is shaped from sheet metal, at least one of the parts formed from sheet metal has at least one region with a plurality of material layers folded up onto one another.

Abstract: A wiper assembly for providing additional scrubbing surface area. The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade designed for coupling to a wiper arm of a vehicle and including an articulation, a blade which is comprised of an elastomeric material and is positionable in a groove in the wiper blade, a scrubbing member which is couplable to the wiper blade for removing debris from the windshield, and a plurality of clip members for coupling the scrubbing member to the wiper blade.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning and/or drying systems having heaters which provide drying air to aid in drying or combined cleaning and drying. The system is particularly adapted and beneficial for use on carpets, hut can also be used to clean other surfaces such as smooth floors or upholstery. The heaters are on a portable cleaning unit used within the room being cleaned. A support unit is preferably provided outside the room or building to generate vacuum and remove moisture from the room. The support unit is typically mounted on a vehicle and can provide compressed air or other gases and cleaning fluids. Compressed air can be used to agitate and facilitate both cleaning and drying. Compressed air can also be used to apply one or more additives, such as deodorizers and fragrances. The portable unit can also be used for drying flooded carpets and the like.

Abstract: A device for hanging a curtain is provided. The device has a hook portion, a threaded rod portion extending from the hook portion and two cups screwed on the threaded rod portion. The threaded rod portion is passed through the curtain and the curtain is clamped by the two cups. The hook portion may then be supported on a suspended rail for hanging the curtain.

Abstract: A hinge system for deploying panels or other structures from a satellite or spacecraft has at least two configurations. The panels are held in a substantially stacked disposition in the stowed configuration by the hinge system which connects to each panel and includes an intermediate arm sized to span any necessary space between the two panels in the stowed configuration. A deployment cable is attached to one of the panels and threaded over a series of pulleys disposed on the hinge system and onto a spool in the other panel. When the spool is driven to wind the deployment cable onto it, the tension in the cable pulls on the pulleys, causing the hinge to unfold and then slide into a housing located on one of the panels. This deployed configuration allows the panels to be held aligned and directly adjacent to one another by the tension of the deployment cable.

Abstract: An improved hinge mechanism for use with a portable computing device is disclosed. According to one aspect, a hinge mechanism includes a first assembly with a pivot connection, a cam follower, and a second assembly. The cam follower is used to produce a cam action. The second assembly includes a cam. The cam follower cooperates with the cam to produce a moment about an axis associated with the latching hinge mechanism. The cam follower and the cam also cooperate to effectively latch the first assembly with respect to the second assembly when the cam is in a first position. According to another aspect, a display screen of the portable computing device can be rotateably-hinged to a base such that the display screen is set back from the base when the display screen is opened.

Abstract: A zipper strip has a base member from which first and second profiles extend upwardly. Each of the profiles includes an arm having one of a set of interlocking member attached. The base member including a first web extending between the arms; a second web, outboard of the first arm; and a third web, outboard of said second arm. One or both surface of the webs may be coated with a sealant and/or peel seal material to imparted desired characteristics to the package formed with the zipper.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a flexible elongated member includes a housing having a base, a lever pivotally connected to the housing, and a gripping component having a gripping member. The lever is pivotally connected to the housing, and the gripping component is mounted so as to be movable relative to the housing. The gripping component, housing, and lever are arranged such that manipulation of the elongated member so as to contact the lever will cause the lever and gripping component to move relative to each other, thereby gripping or releasing the elongated member.

Abstract: A magnetic closure with mutual interlock for bags, knapsacks, items of clothing and the like, comprising a female element and a male element with regions for accommodating magnetic elements for mutual coupling. A particularity consists in that there are provided, on the female element, guiding means for coupling to the male element and, on the male element, mechanical engagement elements which are adapted to contrast the mutual sliding of the male element and the female element.

Abstract: A grommet having a tubular shank and a head. Retainers project radially outwardly from said shank. The shank has an annular sealing ring between the head and the retainers. The shank is adapted to be inserted into a hole in a panel by pressing the shank, open and first, into the hole from the outer side of the panel in an axially inward direction to a position in which the sealing ring makes sealing contact with the hole and the retainers retain the head of the grommet in sealing contact with an outer surface of the panel. The shank has a hollow interior provided with ridges capturing a fastener pressed into the shank through an open end of said shank in an axially outward direction.

Abstract: A flexible fastener having a body formed from tightly coiled wire, with a head affixed to one end of the body, the other end being attached to a first structure, which may be a component of a computer system. The fastener functions by maintaining the position of a first structure adjacent to a second structure, which is provided with a slotted flange. The head end of the fastener is lifted and allowed to fall back such that it drops into the slot in the flange, with the head on the side opposite from the first structure, thus maintaining the correct alignment. The fastener may be threaded into a threaded aperture in the first structure, as a means of effecting the attachment to the first structure. The length of the fastener may be adjusted for optimum alignment by threading the fastener to a desired depth in the aperture. A locknut is provided, to lock the fastener to maintain a desired length.

Abstract: A design is formed in a carpet secured to a table with a carriage controlled and moved over the table by a computer. A carver is mounted to the carriage and is computer-controlled to carve a design into the secured carpet. Also, a separator is mounted to the carriage and is computer-controlled to separate the carved carpet into a plurality of pieces. The secured carpet has a grain extending in a first particular direction, and carving in a second particular direction produces an actual result offset from an intended result by a quantified offset. The first direction and second directions are determined and a relationship therebetween is calculated. An offset associated with such relationship is then determined, and the determined offset is employed to position a carver during carving in the second direction. Thus, the employed offset produces an actual result that aligns with the intended result.

Abstract: In the present invention, at least one tubular blank and at least one article such as a metal stamping, to be attached to a hydroformed part, are loaded into a die. The tube is hydroformed using typical methods. The article is positioned in the die such that, when. the tube is hydroformed, the final hydroformed tube contacts the article at least at a point. Attachment means, such as a laser welder, are provided with access to the contact point between the article and the hydroformed tube so that a tack weld or other attachment can be made between the article and the hydroformed tube while still in the closed die. The hydroformed tube and attached article are then removed as a joint assembly from the die.

Abstract: The stud replacement kit of the present invention operates by supplying force to the inside portion of a damaged stud and pushing that stud forward and out of the wheel. The kit of the present invention comprises a pressure tool that supplies force to a stud. This pressure tool fit around the wheel and damaged stud; and a spacer that fit between the front of the wheel and the pressure tool. This spacer serves primarily to catch the stud once removed. In operation, the broken or damaged stud is removed by placing the placing the pressure tool and spacer around the stud to be replaced. A stud screw mechanism in the pressure tool is rotated to cause the tool to apply force to the stud primarily on the backside of the wheel. This force is increased until it overcomes the force that holds the stud in the wheel. At this point, the force of the pressure tool on the stud causes the stud to move in the desired direction for removal.

Abstract: A method for making and a method for using a device designed to hold objects by clamping while preventing damage thereto. This device includes a cylindrical support part (1) and two arms (2), each arm having a transverse hole and at least one of these arms is carrying an elastic buffer (3) secured thereto. This buffer possesses a contact face and has under its contact face a thickness large enough so that said buffer acts as a compression spring when his contact face contacts the surface of one of the objects. And this buffer is resilient enough such that his contact face can flex and pivot to substantially conform to this surface. The support part is disposed within the transverse hole of each arm such that at least one of these arms is movable along the support part. And the buffer is disposed at a distance from the support part with its contact face approximately at a right angle to it.

Abstract: A flexible source wire is provided containing a radioactive source that is capable of maneuvering through a tortuous narrow passage to a treatment site within the body. This source wire includes a thin flexible housing tube, housing therein a flexible backbone wire, wherein both the tube and the wire are constructed from a material exhibiting little or no memory retention when bent. A radioactive core is provided in the proximal end (i.e., the treatment end) of the thin flexible housing tube and abuts the proximal end of the backbone wire. Both ends of the source wire are sealed and the proximal end of the source wire is rounded to allow ease of movement as it travels through the bends and turns in the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting shell components to form a barrel-shaped structure such as an aircraft fuselage includes an outer part and an inner part that operate coordinated with each other under computer control. The outer apparatus part includes a riveting machine system movably carried on an annular machine guide that is supported on a stand that is movable in a length-wise X-direction. The inner apparatus part includes a multi-axis riveting robot mounted on a mounting frame that is movable along the X-direction. Instead of moving the inner and outer apparatus parts in the X-direction, it is alternatively possible to move the fuselage while keeping the apparatus parts stationary. A computer control unit provides control signals to achieve a coordinated and concurrent positioning of the inner and outer apparatus parts, and to carry out a coordinated sequence of riveting steps.

Abstract: A method for cutting a rare earth alloy according to the present invention includes the steps of: a) supplying slurry containing abrasive grains onto a wire; and b) machining the rare earth alloy with the abrasive grains, interposed between the wire and the rare earth alloy, by running and pressing the wire against the rare earth alloy. The slurry contains, as a main component, oil in which the abrasive grains are dispersed, and the viscosity of the slurry at 25° C. is in the range from 92 to 175 mPa·sec.

Abstract: An apparatus which reduces the surface area with which a carrier film adheres to a die, including a plate member including laterally-spaced supports. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a vacuum source operatively connected to the plate member. Upon placement of a carrier film having an array of semiconductor dice adhered thereto onto the plate member, the dice are proximate the supports. The vacuum pulls air from the spaces between the supports, which partially releases the carrier film from the bottom surface of at least some of the dice. The apparatus may also include a die removal mechanism such as a vacuum collet type die pick-up mechanism, an extendable member die plunge-up mechanism, or a combination thereof. The present invention also includes a method for reducing the surface area with which a carrier film adheres to a die to facilitate removal thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and a process produce a honeycomb body from at least one stack having a multiplicity of at least partially structured sheets which form a multiplicity of passages through which a fluid can flow. The apparatus includes a fork-shaped winding device which is rotatable about an axis and which engages each stack, as well as former segments which close to constitute a former. The former is formed from at least two former segments. Each former segment is pivotable in opposite relationship to the direction of rotation of the winding device about a respective pivot axis which respectively extends parallel to the axis of the winding device.

Abstract: A die holding mechanism comprising a connecting wire receiving shaft which is movable up and down, a pair of die holding levers which have die holding sections for holding the die and are installed so that these levers are free to open and close, and opening-and-closing levers that open and close the die holding levers. A die formed with connecting wires on its upper surface is pushed up by a die push-up device and the wires of the die come into contact with the connecting wire receiving shaft of the die holding mechanism. When the connecting wire receiving shaft is raised by a given amount by the upward movement of the die, the die holding levers are closed so that the die holding sections of the die holding levers are positioned beneath the undersurface of the die. Afterward, the push-up needles of the die push-up device are lowered, resulting in that the die is held by the die holding levers.

Abstract: A deign method to eliminate any micro-openings in a very high pressure sensor assembly is provided. The method involves sealing an elongated silicon pressure sensor into a fitting using an alloy and glass based materials. The materials are selected so that their thermal coefficients of expansion are progressively increasing relative to the silicon sensing element. This allows strong bonding among the materials, thereby minimizing any pressure leakage.

Abstract: An improved cable preparation tool and an accompanying method which, when utilized concurrently, prepare fully shielded cables for termination into connecting devices. A preferred embodiment of the tool has hinged first and second tool handles biased together about a hinge by a resilient member. One end of a tool handle is fitted with a receptacle to receive and mount a detachable blade cartridge assembly which cuts the cable jacket and shielding metallic foils wrapped around individual pairs of insulated wires. A second receptacle is provided in either tool handle to receive a detachable template cartridge assembly which is used to properly position wires for termination into a connector. An exemplary method of cable preparation using the tool includes removing a cutting a cable jacket, cutting a plurality of foils and aligning wires using a single cable preparation tool.

Abstract: A dense semiconductor flip-chip device assembly is provided with a heat sink/spreading/dissipating member which is formed as a paddle of a metallic paddle frame in a strip of paddle frames. Dice are bonded to the paddles by e.g. conventional die attach methods, enabling bump attachment and testing to be conducted before detachment from the paddle frame strip.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead is made by forming a generally radially directed bore extending between each lumen of an elongated lead body having a plurality of internal longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced lumina, the bores being located at longitudinally and circumferentially spaced locations, then drawing an elongated conductor cable into and through each lumen of the lead body such that a terminal end thereof projects through and beyond an associated one of the bores. A metallic tube is slidably attached onto each conductor cable adjacent the cable's terminal end, then is firmly joined to its associated conductor cable. Thereupon, each metallic tube is affixed, as by welding, preferably, by laser welding, to an associated one of a plurality of tubular electrodes coaxial with, and overlying, the lead body at longitudinally spaced locations. In one instance, the tubular electrode may be a ring electrode with the lead body connected to a pacemaker.

Abstract: A method of making a pin header having pin contacts (12)(12A,12B) insert-molded in a parallelepiped insulating housing (13), and penetrating it to form upper and lower rows. Each contact is integrally composed of a plugging rod (14) extending horizontally and forwardly of the housing, a leg (15)(15A,15B) and a generally straight rearward extension (16). The rod (14) has a rear end exposed rearward from the housing and bent downward and rectangularly to provide the leg. Each leg has its lower end continuing to the extension (16) to be surface-mounted on a printed circuit board. Only the legs (15A) from upper row have each an intermediate step (19) between it and the extension, this step formed by rectangularly bending each leg outwardly at first and then downwardly. These legs (15A) are embedded in the housing (13), with those steps (19) being exposed together with extensions (16).

Abstract: A manually operated, finger-manipulatable non-electric hair trimming device for shaving nostril hair, ear hair or the like, includes a head structure sized to fit within a small body cavity, such as a person's nostril or ear cavity, which includes a flexible razor blade strip. The head structure has a base portion and a curved guard portion, which preferably has first and second ends which are attached to the base portion. A finger grip portion is connected to the base portion to allow precise manual manipulation of the hair trimming device. The head structure further has a thin, elongated narrow razor blade strip with a razor sharp first edge portion, which may be a serrated edge with razor-sharp notches such as V-slots or may be a conventional straight edge. Alternatively, two razor-sharp edges, one serrated and one straight, may be provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a power driven hair clipper (HSM), comprising a drive mechanism provided in a housing (1) and a clipper head (S) equipped with a clipper comb (3) and a clipper blade (4) and mounted on a wall of said housing (1) for pivotal motion about a pivot axis (Z) by means of a supporting element (T), wherein the clipper head (S) has two cutting teeth rows (40, 41) arranged in opposed relation to each other, wherein the supporting element (T) releasing the cutting teeth rows (40, 41) is constructed as a housing shell (5), wherein the geometric form of the housing shell (5) is formed by a sector (SK1, SK2) of a cross sectional shape of at least one circular cylinder (Z1, Z2) as well as end walls (24, 25) associated with said sector (SK1, SK2), said end walls being constructed as part of a conical surface (KM1, KM2) with cone angles (&agr;1, &agr;2) relative to the pivot axis (Z), and wherein the housing wall (110) adjacent to the housing shell (5) has an inner contour that is essentially para

Abstract: An electric can opener has a handle that is used to ‘close’ a blade towards a traction wheel so as to pinch a top rim of a can while the lid is removed, in a known manner. When the handle is moved downwards, the blade is carefully controlled in its movement as the result of the cooperation of three cams mounted on a pivot shaft of the handle. The blade is moved sideways and downwards so as to arrive at the pinching position in a manner that ensures that the rim is not jammed from above and that vertical thrust is applied during the can opening operation.

Abstract: A guide method for guiding a device that is designed to insert elements into the ground in order to make a structure. The method includes the steps of: establishing topographical points and determining the coordinates of these points in an X, Y, Z frame of reference; putting a measuring station in place in the vicinity of a location where the structure is to be made and determining the X, Y, Z position of the measuring station with reference to one or more topographical points; determining, by means of the measuring station, the distance and the angle between the insertion device and the measuring station; calculating the position of the device by means of the measured distance and the known position of the measuring station; and displacing the insertion device so that the elements are in register on the insertion axis with given positions where the elements are to be inserted into the ground.