Abstract: In a wiper device, a wiper motor and link module is integrated in advance into an assembly composed of a pair of pivot shafts, a pair of pivot holders, a frame, a wiper motor and a link mechanism. When the module is fixed to a vehicle body, a supporting pin provided at the wiper motor is at first inserted into and held by a hole of the vehicle body to decide a fixing position of the module as a reference position and, then, a pair of fastening portions of the pivot holders are fixed to the vehicle body by bolts.

Abstract: A vehicle vacuum cleaning system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle having an access opening therein includes a movable bellows housing assembly having a movable bellows frame with a pair of spring biased pivotable sealing members attached thereto. An inlet box having a suction air inlet opening is attached to the bellow frame. Each of the sealing members has a first sealing flap for engaging an inside edge of the access opening on one side thereof and a second sealing flap for engaging a portion around an outer edge of the access opening adjacent the one side. A duct is connected to the air inlet opening and a motor driven fan is connected to the duct for drawing air from inside the vehicle through the access opening and suction air inlet whereby loose material from the vehicle is removed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner, provided with a detachable tool caddy unit, is disclosed. The tool caddy unit also has a pocket used for storing desired spare supplies, such as a spare dust bag or a spare transmission belt, on the cleaner body provided with a suction device for sucking dust-laden air into the cleaner body. The caddy unit consists of a mounting plate detachably mounted to the cleaner body, and a plurality of clamps for detachably holding a variety of accessory tools, such as a crevice nozzle, a brush nozzle and a flexible hose, on the caddy unit. In order to detachably mount the caddy unit on a predetermined portion of the cleaner body, a locking hook and two locking projections are formed on the mounting plate of the caddy unit, while a locking hole and two locking slots are formed on the cleaner body at positions corresponding to the locking hook and locking projections. A belt holding rib projects on the internal surface of the front cover or on the mounting plate of the caddy unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a cord retainer for holding looped cord in a horizontal position against the housing of the vacuum cleaner. The cord retainer includes two cord locks that are pivotally mounted to the vacuum cleaner housing. The cord locks are limited in their pivotal movement from a horizontal or near horizontal position to a vertical or near vertical position. The cord locks are mounted onto shafts which, in turn, are either integrally molded with the vacuum cleaner housing or connected to the vacuum cleaner housing in a suitable fashion.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor nozzle having a brushroll chamber with an outlet aperture. An upper assembly is secured to the floor nozzle and is adapted to pivot relative to the floor nozzle about a generally horizontal pivot axis. A dirt cup is removably secured to the upper assembly. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a forward inlet duct, and a rear inlet duct spaced from the first inlet duct. A flow cut-off mechanism selectively blocks the outlet aperture. The flow cut-off mechanism includes a dirt passage in communication with the outlet aperture and a dirt passage door that pivots forward about an approximately upright axis within the dirt passage cavity to block the outlet aperture when the upper assembly is moved to a fully upright position. The brushroll shut-off mechanism includes a micro-switch assembly which electrically controls operation of the brushroll motor.

Abstract: A turbo tool includes a housing forming a hollow section. The housing includes at least one air inlet and a nozzle opening spaced from the air inlet, a brushroll rotatably mounted in the housing and within the nozzle opening and a turbine. The turbine is drivingly connected to the brushroll for rotating the brushroll. The turbine is driven by a first airflow through the air inlet. A rotational axis of the brushroll is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the turbine and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the housing. A first conduit is located in the housing and connected to the nozzle opening. A second airflow occurs through the first conduit. A second conduit is fluidly connected to the first conduit and to a third conduit. The first and second airflows merge into the second conduit. A swivel attachment is connected to the third conduit and swivels the housing between two positions approximately 180 degrees apart and is locked into one of the two positions.

Abstract: Door closer with a spring system that must be stretched when the door is open and supplies the closing moment necessary to close the door. There is provided a gear train between the spring system and the door to influence the force curve which varies over the opening angle of the door, whereby the gear train that varies in its translation ratio over the opening angle of the door has a first and a second gear wheel that mesh with each other and are each formed by a circular gear rim and are mounted eccentrically with respect to their centers while retaining the axial distance between them. The first gear wheel is connected with an output shaft and the second gear wheel is connected coaxially with respect to its center of motion with a gear wheel that is engaged in a rack that is coupled with the spring system.

Abstract: A door closure preventing device is mounted on the inside surface of a door and has a pivotal stop moveable between a deactivated position within the periphery of the door and the extended position extending beyond the periphery of the door to prevent closure of the door. The pivotal stop is moved to its extended position following opening of the door by a user and is then released to move by a spring to an intermediate position projecting beyond the door periphery following which closure of the door results in engagement of the door jamb by the stop to prevent complete closure. Engagement of the stop with the door jamb also returns the stop to is fully extended position and actuates a rotary latch so that upon subsequent opening movement of the door by the user the stop is automatically returned to its fully retracted position to permit a conventional door closure apparatus to fully close the door.

Abstract: A turning mechanism for providing a turning motion, and a hinged electronic device. The turning mechanism comprises a power element which is arranged to generate the turning force for the turning motion, and a damping element which is arranged to control the speed of the turning motion. The damping element comprises a substantially cylindrical casing inside of which a spindle is mounted using a clearance fit. The power element is connected with respect to the spindle to allow the spindle to rotate inside the casing along with the turning motion. The clearance fit between the casing and the spindle is provided with an elastic medium which controls the motion of the spindle with respect to the casing and dampens the stopping of the turning motion.

Abstract: A hinge for joining two adjacent panels. The hinge comprises a first piece adapted to receive a first panel, a second piece adapted to receive a second panel, and a middle piece. Each of the first and second pieces has an opening for receiving a panel and a socket defined between two spaced stopping surfaces. Portions of the middle piece are received within the sockets of the first and second hinge pieces. The configuration of the hinge pieces prevents the panels from folding in one direction while enabling the panels to fold together in the other direction.

Abstract: A slip proof device for a necktie having a zipper thereon has a slide mounted on a bracket supporting a knot of the necktie. A controlling member is mounted onto the slide and extends a restricting hook having a sharp point through the slide. Thereby, the sharp point is able to extend into a gap defined between teeth of the zipper to secure the slide to the zipper and prevents the knot from slipping loose. Furthermore, the sharp point is able to withdraw from the gap to allow free adjustment of the slide with respect to the zipper.

Abstract: A support for an elongate element comprises a body portion adapted to restrain a supported elongate element against lateral movement. The body portion has a plurality of partial shells extending therefrom, each partial shell having a cross section substantially conforming to a part of the profile of the elongate element to be supported. Adjacent partial shells extend in opposing lateral directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the support. The support may be a split cylinder having a helical groove extending longitudinally of the support, the width of the groove 16 being at least equal to the diameter of the elongate element to be supported.

Abstract: The clip includes a base hingeably attached to a lid. The lid includes two detent prongs with detent apertures including ledges formed at the distal ends thereof. These ledges engage complementary inverted ledges on detent protrusions on the base. The lid can be released from the base by squeezing the detent prongs toward each other in a direction parallel to the rotational axis between the lid and base thereby releasing the ledges from the inverted ledges. Typically, the base is secured to a first strap which can be further secured to a pouch. A second strap which is typically formed as loops on a backpack or similar structure is then secured between the lid and base in the locked position, thereby allowing a pouch to be securely attached to a backpack.

Abstract: A slide fastener apparatus which includes a first and second slide with a releasable locking latch integral to the slides and a keyed, rotating cam as a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A zipper slide for invisible zipper is constructed to include a slide base, a hook plate, a spring element, a locating plate, and a pull tab, the hook plate being secured to the slide base at a top side, the hook plate having a hook tip hooked up with a coupling ring at one end of the pull tab, the spring plate being pressed on the hook plate, the slide base, the hook plate, the spring element and the connecting plate being fully automatically fastened together by an automatic stamping machine.

Abstract: A concave row and a convex row of a meshing slide fastener are molded of resin having plasticity. The convex row has a terminal end where slider guide portions for guiding a slider are removed. A convex-row-meshing portion of the convex row is inserted through a side of the slider so as to be engaged with a concave-row-meshing portion of the concave row. An engaging device including a female fastening member and a male fastening member is attached to terminal ends of the concave row and the convex row. In operation, the female fastening member of the engaging device on a side of the convex row is engaged with the male fastening member of the engaging device on the side of the concave row.

Abstract: A crematory egg interment system that provides devices and methods for interring cremated remains of humans or animals in an esthetically acceptable manner for display, burial, or preservation. The crematory egg interment system further includes business methods for interment or cremated remains using a crematory egg interment vessels.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a crystalline substrate with a structure selected from the group consisting of the perovskite structure, the spinel structure, and the rock salt structure. The device also includes a thin piezoelectric crystalline film having the perovskite structure and deposited on the crystalline substrate by chemical vapor deposition, and an electrode means for generating a surface acoustic wave on the thin piezoelectric crystalline film. In the device, a surface of the crystalline substrate on which the thin piezoelectric crystalline film is deposited is a mirror surface inclined at an offset angle &thgr; from the (001) plane of the crystalline substrate, and the electrode means have electrode fingers arranged in parallel to each other so that a surface acoustic wave propagates along one direction of crystalline axes of the thin piezoelectric crystalline film.

Abstract: A clamping device for fixing plastic molded parts during welding is proposed, comprising a flange-like fastening part for fastening on a plastics welding device, the fastening part having at least one first annular recess for receiving a clamping element and the fastening part having at least one second recess for receiving spring elements acting radially on the clamping element, the clamping element having at least one projection on an inner surface which is arranged opposite the outer surface of the plastic molded part. The clamping element allows good fixing of the plastic molded parts in a very confined space.

Abstract: A device for installing and removing a carabiner and for threading a rope within the carabiner has a main body section. A carabiner capture arm is movably coupled to the body section and is used for supporting the carabiner to be at least one of installed or removed. A rope holding arm is moveably coupled to the body section and is used for installing the rope within the carabiner.

Abstract: An implant includes a tube for permitting fluid flow. A flow controlling rod may be inserted within the tube passage. One or more holes around the circumference of the tube may be selectively permanently or temporarily occluded to give desired flow characteristics. A delivery device for implanting the implant may include a central bore in which a retractable wire is located. The retractable wire penetrates a tube passage of the implant when the implant is attached to the delivery device. A hook on the delivery device prevents the implant from moving down the wire. After the implant is in position in the eye, the retention wire is retracted out of the implant. With the retention wire retracted, the implant is then free to slide away from the hook, allowing the delivery device to be withdrawn, leaving the implant in place. In a method for manufacturing an implant, two tubes of different diameters are utilized. The smaller tube fits inside the longitudinal bore of the larger tube.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an Invar tool includes the step of superplastically forming an Invar facesheet for the tool. A tool header is provided, and the Invar facesheet is then formed with an SPF diaphragm driver to match the predetermined contour of the tool header. The Invar facesheet is then welded to the tool header. Forming the Invar facesheet is achieved by positioning the Invar facesheet between a superplastically formable diaphragm and a die having the predetermined contour. The diaphragm is heated to a predetermined superplastic temperature, and a predetermined pressure is applied to the diaphragm. Application of the predetermined pressure allows the diaphragm to cause the Invar facesheet to form against the predetermined contour of the die. Superplastically forming the Invar facesheet results in a negligible amount of excess scrap, reduces material costs, and reduces labor costs.

Abstract: A roof molding for an automobile consists of an extruded mold product 10a in which a leg portion 11 and a decorative portion 15 formed on the upper end of the leg portion are integrally formed. A metal core member 12 is embedded in the leg portion. The leg portion is partially cut away in a range of a predetermined length from an end of the extruded mold product, in accordance with the depth of an end part of the groove of the roof, the metal core member in the vicinity of an end part 10b of the extruded mold product is cut away, and the end part from which the metal core member has been cut away is rearward bent by a bending process.

Abstract: A production method of a rotor in which a lower layer slot insulator is held at a slot insulator holding portion of a combining jig, a lower layer coil bar is inserted into a coil inserting path of the combining jig and is combined integrally with the lower layer slot insulator by being pushed by a first coil inserting arrow and thereafter, set to inside of a coil integrating path of a coil holding member. The coil holding member is attached to a coil inserting device along with an armature core. The lower layer slot insulator and a lower layer coil trunk are integrally inserted into a slot of the armature core by pushing the lower layer coil bar set to inside of the coil integrating path. The upper layer coil trunk and the lower layer coil trunk may be formed integrally with respective coil arms as a single coil bar.

Abstract: Superconducting cables, wires and methods of making the same are disclosed. The cables can offer improved flexibility while maintaining a high current carrying capacity. Advantageously, the superconducting filaments of the cables can be formed from relatively brittle materials having comparatively high critical temperatures and/or comparatively high critical magnetic fields. Magnet systems can be formed using these cables without using the conventional “react-then-wind” method.

Abstract: A surface mount resistor is formed from an elongated resistive body having first and second terminal ends and a raised center portion formed therebetween. The raised center portion includes slots in its edges which form a serpentine current path through the raised center portion of the resistor. A dielectric surrounds and encapsulates the raised center portion and an electrically conductive material coats the first and second terminal ends. The method for manufacturing involves utilizing an elongated ribbon which is of unitary construction and which is formed to create a carrier strip and a raised center portion for the resistors ultimately to be formed.

Abstract: Low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) multichip modules are used to provide high density interconnects between electronic elements. A ceramic carrier includes a number of cavities which are sized to receive a variety of submodules. The submodules are constructed to hold a variety of circuit elements, such as circuit dice and provide the conduction paths for establishing interconnections between these chips. These circuit elements are attached on one side of the submodule and electrical contacts are provided on the opposite side. Upon installation into the cavity in the carrier module, the submodule is flipped such that the electrical connections are exposed. Once in the cavity, a layer of flex circuitry is applied over the submodule and the ceramic carrier in order to establish electrical connection between electrical elements in the submodules as well as components external to the ceramic carrier.

Abstract: By using a method for manufacturing a dielectric laminated device, an opening is formed on a first dielectric sheet, a strip line and an input and output line including an input and output electrode are formed by burying electrode materials in said opening, the first dielectric sheet is laminated with the second and third dielectric sheets disposed above and below respectively to form a laminate, a first and second shield electrodes and a ground electrode are formed, an end of the strip line is connected to the ground electrode, the first shield electrode and the second shield electrode are mutually connected through the ground electrode, and the input and output electrode is exposed along the line direction of the strip line. By this constitution of the above dielectric laminated device, the mounting reliability of the dielectric laminated device can be further increased.

Abstract: A habitable vehicle utility docking apparatus comprises a fixed-half quick connect panel fixed to a habitable vehicle such as a recreational vehicle or a boat, and a removable-half quick connect panel matable therewith. The fixed-half quick connect panel maintains a permanent connection to utilities inside the habitable vehicle. The removable-half quick connect panel is connected via commonly-used hoses and wires to external docking station utility services at a campsite, marina, etc. docking station. This avoids the time and inconvenience of having to make a multiplicity of utility connections and disconnections for each and every coming and going of the habitable vehicle to and from the docking station.

Abstract: In a ball bearing having an inner ring and an outer ring independently supported in a relative displacement manner, balls are arranged by placing the balls in an annular space between the inner ring and the outer ring, placing nozzles beside the inner ring and the outer ring, the number of which is at least the same to that of the balls, making each of the nozzles face the opening on one side of the annular space between the inner ring and the outer ring, and causing stream of fluid by each of the nozzles to make the balls move circumferentially, so that the balls are arranged circumferentially with a uniform interval, wherein when the stream is caused by each of the nozzles, one of the inner and outer rings is relatively displaced with reference to the nozzles and the other ring, so that the relationship in position between the nozzles and the balls is changed.

Abstract: The present invention is a cable preparation tool which allows the preparation of a coaxial cable having a corrugated outer conductor to receive a connector in one step. The tool allows for the control of trim dimensions for each component of the cable without measuring. No matter whether the end of the cable before preparation is at the crest or valley of the outer conductor, the tool provides the correct trim dimensions for each component and stops cutting when these dimensions are reached. The cable preparation tool includes a main body having a cable receiving end, cable receiving area for stripping of the cable such that the crests and valleys are exposed, and a crest and valley locating system as part of the main body for locating the exposed crests and valleys of the corrugated conductor. The crest and valley locating system includes at least one valley locator unit extending into the cable receiving area and a spring that biases the valley locator unit into the cable receiving area.

Abstract: A plastic sheath cutting and slitting hand tool for cutting and slitting a cable sheath of a cable includes a generally flat, elongated body; a handle portion adapted to be grasped by the hand; a tool portion extending outwardly from the handle portion and exposing a sheath scoring blade for scoring a plastic sheath to a controlled depth less than a nominal thickness of the sheath; and, a generally flat sheath engaging and slitting edge including a sheath slitter for engaging, spreading and slitting the plastic sheath lengthwise when the handle portion is grasped and drawn along the sheathed body from a cut of the sheath made by the sheath cutting blade.

Abstract: A utility knife having a quick release feature, whereby a resilient blade engaging member biased to the locked position engages an opening in the blade, and when the blade engaging member is pushed against the end of a guide slot it automatically releases from the blade allowing the blade to be removed from the knife handle. The knife handle structure reinforces the throat of the knife, by providing a double channel configuration comprising an outer channel with a blade retaining surface and an inner channel inverted relative to the outer channel and providing a blade supporting surface. The outer channel is tapered toward the inner channel about the throat of the knife, to reinforce the throat and prevent deformation under the stresses imparted by the knife blade when in use.

Abstract: An ergonomic, electric can opener sits squarely on a kitchen counter and has working features such that the user need not turn the opener to see where to place the can. The housing and working features of the can opener are situated at about a 45 degree angle to the front of the kitchen counter, and a person using the can opener can easily see both an operating lever and a place to insert the can for opening. The can opener is advantageous to persons with arthritic conditions, requiring no orientation in a preferred direction by a user, a minimum of force to operate, and automatic stopping.

Abstract: A linear guide apparatus comprises a rail and a bearing block movable in the longitudinal direction of the rail. The rail has a ground outside face. First raceway groove is formed on the outside face. Second raceway groove is formed on an inside face of the bearing block. A worked surface is formed by grinding on that portion of the inside face of the bearing block which is situated between the second raceway groove and a base portion. The worked surface and the outside face of the rail constitute a labyrinth seal portion, which serves to prevent foreign substances from getting into the raceway grooves. The worked surface and the second raceway groove of the bearing block are ground simultaneously.

Abstract: The model airplane control surface position measurement system and method uses an adjustable ruler scale attached to a support stand in combination with a laser device attached to the trailing edge of a control surface of the model airplane. The laser device may be adjusted to orient the light beam axis to be approximately perpendicular to the control surface hinge axis. The ruler scale may be positioned behind the control surface at a distance from the hinge axis using a positioning rod. The support stand is adjusted to orient the positioning rod perpendicular to the ruler scale at a zero angle deflection mark. The ruler scale is also adjusted such that the laser device light beam is incident at the zero angle deflection mark. The model airplane control surface may then be deflected by the control mechanism and the deflection angle observed on the ruler scale at the point of incidence of the laser device light beam.

Abstract: An adjustable template tool for stairways for speeding up and simplifying stair layouts. The adjustable template tool for stairways includes an elongate support assembly; and also includes a stair riser template member being adjustably mounted to the elongate support assembly with a fastening member; and also includes a stair tread template member being adjustably mounted to the elongate support assembly with a fastener.

Abstract: A device (10) for determining the movement or elongation of an article, particularly a belt (28), is disclosed. The device (10) is comprised of two different pitched length scales (12, 14) which when laid upon one another form a vernier scale. When the scales are laid upon one another, a small area of visible contrasting color (24) is seen. A large movement of the visible contrasting color (24) indicates the miniscule movement of either scale (12, 14), relative to the other. The device (10) disclosed may also be partially imprinted onto a belt (28) wherein minute elongation of the belt (28) is obvious.

Abstract: A free-standing angle gage is described having a first substantially flat plate connected to a second substantially flat plate. When the angle gage is placed on the reference surface of a power tool, the sides of the first and second substantially flat plates form angles to the reference plane. By aligning an adjustable element of the power tool against one of the angled sides of the angle gage, the angle formed by the adjustable element the reference surface may be determined quickly and accurately. Also described is a method of measuring the angle formed by an adjustable element of a power tool relative to a reference plane.

Abstract: A wallpaper template can be used to cut wallpaper pieces in order to cover a closure such as a door, shutter or blind that may have a plurality of segments and frame elements. The wallpaper template has a plurality of indicia or apertures that are placed on a separate sheet or on a container for the closure. The indicia and apertures are arranged to define: (a) a segment pattern for outlining each of the segments; and (b) a closure pattern for outlining the closure. Thus, wallpaper can be cut by following the indicia or apertures.

Abstract: A boring tool head has a movable element which can be moved by means of an adjuster relative to a centerline. Attached to the movable element is a cutting tool which moves with the movable element. A hole which is slightly smaller in size than the desired hole is first bored with the boring tool head and its size precisely measured. The fitting of the invention is then clamped onto the boring tool head by means of a clamping lever. The fitting has a position sensor which abuts against the movable element of the boring tool head, an indicator being attached to the sensor which provides an indication of the sensor's lateral position. The indicator is set to zero and the boring tool head adjuster set to bring the movable element of the boring tool head, as indicated on the indicator, to the desired position for increasing the size of the initially bored hole to the desired precise dimension.

Abstract: A deck board spacing strap. The strap has a series of spacer bars attached thereto thereby enabling a deck builder to position, space and hold a substantial number of deck boards in place at one time before nailing.

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 cantilevered frame in a paper machine dryer group of a dryer section supports a drying wire loop to run by at least one impingement drying unit positioned outside the loop. The frame structure (60) supports devices and rolls situated inside the wire loop (13) of the dryer group (R) which guide and support the run of the wire (13) and the web (W). A dryer section may have multiple such dryer groups which overlap one another with closed draws therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable inner sole for footwear which has a flexible, inflatable enclosure with an inflation system that preferably includes an on-board air pump and a pressure relief valve. In this invention the inner sole has a sheet and/or foam cover or surround on the flexible enclosure for enhanced comfort. Useful sheet covers can be plastic, including rubber, films in solid or foamed state, or fabric which are applied against the upper, wearing surface of the inflatable enclosures. The covers can be bonded only to the edges of the inflatable enclosures to permit relative movement between the covers and enclosures, or can be bonded to the top surface of the enclosures, or formed as surrounds which encapsulate the inflatable enclosures.

Abstract: A connector includes an insert member for seating within a socket embedded in a shoe sole wherein it is removably fixed with an elastic member, the connector permitting the removal of the attachment with a wrench engaging a tool fitting portion formed on the shoe sole side. A first camming surface is formed on the socket and a second camming surface is formed on the insert member. The insert member is removed from the socket using a wrench to turn the second camming surface relative to the first camming surface.

Abstract: An orthotic foot support construction having a sole, an orthotic unit for a foot of the wearer, a propulsion component adhered to the sole and located to provide upward propulsion of the forefoot of the foot support wearer in response to forefoot pressure on the component, and a covering for cooperating with the sole to provide a unitary construction. The orthotic foot support construction may be custom-made with the orthotic unit especially prescribed.

Abstract: A shoe includes a shoe body and a shoe lace device. The shoe body has a pair of eyelet tabs. The shoe lace device includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth lace sections, and a clamp member. Lower ends of the first to sixth lace sections are anchored on the eyelet tabs of the shoe body. The upper ends of the first and second lace sections, and those of the fourth and fifth lace sections, are interconnected to form first and second loops, respectively. The upper ends of the third and sixth lace sections serve as free lace sections. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on medial portions of the lace sections. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along the lace sections permit the tightening and loosening of the shoe body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a force of a work tool as the work tool contacts a surface. The method and apparatus includes determining at least one non-contact force exerted on the work tool, determining a calibration factor as a function of the at least one non-contact force, determining a contact being made between the work tool and the surface, and determining the contact force of the work tool with the surface as a function of the contact being made and the calibration factor.

Abstract: A badge comprises a backing element (12) of flexible sheet material and an insignia device (18, 20) on the front face of the backing element, the insignia device having rearwardly extending studs (22) of thermoplastic material, and the studs penetrating the backing element and having their rear ends melted back to form thickened portions (24, 24.1) which secure the studs against withdrawal. In one form thereof the badge is provided with a clip arm (46) which has a button formation (86) thereon, the button formation being able to engage with a button-hole in the garment with which the badge is used.