Abstract: A vacuum device is provided for use with a textile processing machine having a rotating roller with cleaning locations. The device has a vacuum generator, a main vacuum line operatively associated with the vacuum generator, a plurality of individual vacuum lines, and a vacuum control valve having an upstream side and a downstream side, the upstream side being opposite the vacuum generator. Each of the individual vacuum lines is operatively associated with the main vacuum line and has at least one cleaning opening. Each of the cleaning openings is for positioning at one of the cleaning locations. The vacuum generator creates a first vacuum at the upstream side of the vacuum control valve when the vacuum control valve is in one operating position, and a second vacuum at the upstream side of the vacuum control valve when the vacuum control valve is in a secondary operating position. The second vacuum is stronger than the first vacuum.

Abstract: In a method of purifying an aluminium salt from a first aqueous aluminium salt solution of a raw material containing impurities, which comprise salts of at least one more noble metal than aluminium dissolved therein, a method of purifying a metal salt from inorganic impurities in an aqueous solution thereof is included. A plant for carrying out the method is also shown.

Abstract: A cable tie wrap for bundling cable includes a coupling body and an elastic cord defining a loop attached to a cord connection end of the coupling body. The coupling body includes a projection formed on an outer surface thereof for removably hooking the loop defined by the cord to the coupling body. The projection includes an annular groove and a retaining lip formed thereon for removably nesting the elastic cord therein. The coupling body may further include at least one cord retention rib formed on the outer surface thereof for preventing the cord from slipping off the outer surface of the body. The tie wrap further preferably includes means for attaching the tie wrap to a cord to be bundled so that the tie wrap is not misplaced when not in use.

Abstract: A wrap for securing objects having an elastomeric band, a retainer having a body defining a notch for receiving widthwise a portion of the elastomeric band, a band receiving portion of the notch, a first tab extending axially over the band receiving portion of the notch and defining a mouth portion of the notch, wherein the mouth portion has a width less than the width of the elastomeric band.

Abstract: A clamp for ski boots and similar, having a supporting plate fixed rigidly to a first portion of the outer shell of the boot; a lock lever hinged at one end to the supporting plate; and a lock arm having a first end hinged to slide freely along a central portion of the body of the lock lever, and a second end shaped to engage an anchoring plate fixed rigidly to a second portion of the outer shell of the boot.

Abstract: A device for securing an end on a load bearing member in an elevator system includes a socket, a wedge and at least one insert member. The socket at least partially receives the insert member and wedge to maintain the end of the load bearing member in position. The preferred arrangement includes two insert members that engage the load bearing member on opposite sides of the wedge such that the load bearing member is gripped between the wedge and the insert members. The insert members and the socket preferably include contoured surfaces that facilitate arranging the engaging surfaces on the inserts in a parallel alignment to most evenly distribute pressure on the load bearing member.

Abstract: An end-fitting buckle having a cam cover that allows webbing to be inserted when the cam cover is in an up position. After inserted, a free end of the webbing is pulled to tighten the webbing while the cover is in an intermediate position. The cover may then be closed to lock both the free end and load end. When the cover is locked, movement of the load end is prevented by teeth in the cam cover. The teeth lock the free end into place, holding the set position of the webbing. The cover design also promotes use of varied thicknesses of webbing, because the cam action of the cover utilizes friction between the two ends of the webbing instead of a pinching action.

Abstract: A releasable semi-automatic clamping device for holding down a corner fitting of a container to an underlying support, such as a load platform of a road or rail vehicle, in which the device enters the corner fitting via a lower entrance aperture upon relative closing movement between the support and the corner fitting. The device comprises a clamping head which is rotatable between a clamping position and a release position, and which is usually biased towards the clamping position by a biasing means. A remotely operated release mechanism is coupled with the clamping device and can be operated remotely to move the clamping head from the clamping position to the release position, and includes a remote actuator positionable at a remote operating location, e.g. the cab of a vehicle or in the cockpit of an aircraft, and an elongate connection, preferably a cable, interconnects the remote actuator and the clamping head.

Abstract: An easy-to-grip diaper fastener tab has an array of hook-shaped fastener elements arranged in parallel rows, each fastener element including a stem and a crook extending from the stem in a predetermined direction to a distal tip. The array includes a plurality of rows of fastener elements arranged such that, in each row, all of the crooks face in the same direction and parallel to the direction of the row, with the crooks of adjacent rows facing in opposite directions. The longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows is greater in a first portion of the array than the longitudinal spacing between opposing tips of adjacent hooks of adjacent rows in a second portion of the array, such that the crooks of the hooks of the first portion are more exposed for engaging loops than the crooks of the hooks of the second portion. Methods and molds for forming such arrays are also provided.

Abstract: A side-release buckle including a female portion with an extension is disclosed. The present buckle includes a male portion and the female portion. The female portion has an opening for receiving the male portion. After the male portion is attached to the female portion, the extension of the female portion can cover the whole rear part of the male portion. Thus, only an integratedly plain surface of the female portion including the extension can be seen from a front view. There can print different drawing on the plain surface to increase delicacy of the buckle. Further, the belt connected to the male portion is prevented from being worn because of the shielding protection of the plain surface.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for needling a non-woven material with a support (1) for at least one needleboard (3) with at least two eccentric drives (7, 8) which are drivably connected with the support (1) via connecting rods (9, 10) and with a device for adjusting the mutual angular position of the two eccentric drives (7, 8). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the device for adjusting the mutual angular position of the two eccentric drives (7, 8) consists of a superposition gear (17) in a gear train (11) for the drive connection of the two eccentric drives (7, 8).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing women's elastic winter shirts having an omasum inner-wall-like textile structure to render desired elasticity to a shirt. The process of this invention to make the raw material to have the omasum-like textile structure consists of including but not limited to weaving, hand tying-fabrics, heating, drying, cutting and sewing. The material suitable for the process of this invention is composed of wool and polyester.

Abstract: A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

Abstract: A green laminated body is subjected to heat treatment in a pressurized atmosphere at a gauge pressure exceeding 0.1 MPa to thereby remove binder. The resulting green laminated body is fired and thereby yields an laminated body including internal electrodes made of a metal film.

Abstract: A welding gun electrode reshaping device of a comprises a head (11) with satellites supported by a satellite holder to identify between them opposing seats (17) for the gun electrode tip. The satellite holder is powered to rotated around said seats to move the satellites around the electrode tip zone and cause reshaping of the electrode tip. In the seats there is a support member for the electrode tip with a surface designed for simultaneous smoothing of a ‘lense’ zone on the electrode tip. A movement mechanism (12) enables positioning of the head in an operational zone.

Abstract: A burnishing gear or burnishing die has a plurality of spiral gashes formed within each one of the burnishing gear teeth at a predetermined angle with respect to a transverse plane so as to define shearing edges along side involute portions of the burnishing gear teeth. The shearing edges enable enhanced finishing or burnishing operations to be performed upon workpiece gears in order to effectively remove positive imperfections, irregularities, nicks, or the like from the workpiece gear teeth so as to finish the workpiece gear in accordance with desired tolerances. The burnishing gear may be incorporated within burnishing gear systems utilizing burnishing gears characterized by different operating pressure angles as well as within burnishing gear systems that have mechanisms for reciprocating the workpiece gear during a gear burnishing operation.

Abstract: A hand tool having at least one end configured with several circumferentially spaced resilient detent fingers defining the periphery of a cage for capturing and both transversely and longitudinally positively confining the annular periphery of a spring-retaining cup of a brake shoe assembly of a vehicular drum brake. A captured cup is pressed by the tool against the end of a brake shoe positioning coil spring and the cup is rotated one quarter turn to attach or detach the cup relative to the end of a retaining pin which passes through the center of the cup and secures the cup, coil spring and brake shoe to a brake shoe supporting plate on the drum brake shoe assembly. The cup is retained in the tool when separated from the brake shoe assembly. The tool may be configured with multiple cages, such as a double ended tool. It may also be in the form of a socket tool having only one cage.

Abstract: This invention is a specialized tool to extract bearing cups from wheel hubs on vehicles. Typically, conventional means to extract bearing cups would be to use a device that includes striking the device with a hammer or punch. Such an extraction could damage the wheel hub or the bearing cup. Other means exist utilizing complex, hard to use, mechanical devices. This invention is a simple, non-impact type bearing cup extraction tool utilizing a rod and specialized extraction elements. The extraction elements work along the rod to extract the bearing cups safely without impacting the bearing cups.

Abstract: This invention is a specialized tool to insert bearing cups into wheel hubs on vehicles. Typically, conventional means to insert bearing cups would be to use a device that includes striking the bearing cup with a hammer or punch. Such an insertion could damage the wheel hub or the bearing cup. Other means exist utilizing complex, hard to use, mechanical devices. This invention is a simple, non-impact type bearing cup insertion tool utilizing a rod and specialized insertion elements. The insertion elements work along the rod to controllably force the bearing cups into the wheel hub safely without impacting the bearing cups.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an adjustable chair including a seat, a pedestal base, and a gas cylinder that extends therebetween is provided. The method includes the steps of uncoupling the gas cylinder from the chair, and coupling a height adjustment mechanism to the chair that is configured to electrically adjust a height of the seat relative to the pedestal base. The height adjustment mechanism coupled to the chair being retrofitted includes a limit switch that is configured to limit an amount of movement of the height adjustment mechanism. The method also includes the step of coupling the pedestal base to the height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly unit for coupling a tool and a tool holder including a measuring device which determines the position of the tool with respect to the tool holder, an alignment device coupled to the measuring device which receives the tool holder, a moveable rod slideably disposed on the alignment device and coupled to the tool which moves the tool with respect to the tool holder to a desired position as measured by the measuring device. The tool may be affixed to the tool holder by heat shrinking.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a friction member used for a vibration wave driving apparatus including a vibration member, a contact member which is brought into frictional contact with the vibration member and relatively moved by vibrations produced in the vibration member, and the friction member formed on one of friction portions of the vibration member and contact member, a molded member is formed by compression molding of a fluoroplastic powder and an additive, a sintered member is formed by sintering the molded member, a sheet is formed by cutting the sintered member in the form of a sheet, and a modified layer formed by cutting is removed from the friction surface of the sheet.

Abstract: A welding filler metal is manufactured by casting a nickel-base alloy as an extrusion rod having a diameter of from about 0.2 inch to about 0.5 inch. The extrusion rod has at least about 12 grains in the cross section of the extrusion rod. The extrusion rod is extruded in a single extrusion operation to a filler-metal diameter of less than about 0.1 inch and using an areal extrusion ratio of at least about 9:1 to form the welding filler metal. Preferably, the process is used to make a nickel-base superalloy welding filler metal of a diameter of about 0.05-0.06 inch from an extrusion-rod casting of about 1/4 inch diameter and having at least about 12 grains in the cross section.

Abstract: Method and system for assembling a multisensor device that includes at least two sensors operable to provide a respective stream of pulses indicative of angular information of a rotating object are provided. The sensors are assembled so that the streams of pulses have an accurate phasing relationship relative to one another. The method allows to provide a sensor carrier. The method further allows to locate the sensor carrier to have a predefined spatial relationship relative to a target wheel. The sensor carrier includes a passageway for receiving each of the sensors. The passageway allows slidable movement to selected ones of the sensors along a phasing axis. As relative movement between the target wheel and the sensor carrier occurs, each of the sensors is energized to provide a respective stream of pulses. A determining action allows to determine the phasing relationship of each stream of pulses relative to one another.

Abstract: A vacuum microelectronic device (10) is formed by applying a conditioning voltage or field between the anode (17) and the electron emitters (13). The conditioning field has a value sufficient to move some of the electron emitters (13) in a direction toward the conditioning field. Some of the electron emitters (13) remain in that position after removing the conditioning field.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mounting a device such as a spindle rotation motor to a base of a disk drive such as a miniature optical disk drive. In one embodiment, the method employs a tool. More particularly, the method may include mounting the tool to the base. The tool may include first and second substantially parallel surfaces separated by a first distance. The base may include a base surface and a first raised surface, wherein the base surface and the first raised surface are contained in respective, substantially parallel planes that are separated by a second distance. The first surface of the tool may engage the first raised surface of the base when the tool is mounted to the base. The base may also include a base aperture formed through the base surface. This base aperture may be sized to receive a rotation cylinder of the rotation motor. When the rotation cylinder extends through the aperture, the rotation cylinder may engage the second surface of the tool.

Abstract: The fixed layers of all magnetoresistive elements that are formed on the same substrate are magnetized in the same direction. Chips including magnetoresistive elements are cut out individually from the substrate. A magnetic sensor is assembled by combining cut-out chips together with consideration given to the magnetization directions of the fixed layers of the magnetoresistive elements in the chips. In this manner, the fixed layers of the magnetoresistive elements are magnetized by a sufficiently strong magnetic field for magnetization, whereby an output signal having a large absolute value is obtained from the magnetoresistive elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing silicon steel sheets for current-resistant coils comprises the steps of: transporting a silicon steel sheet material with the directional property to a punching machine, punching the silicon steel sheet material to form a formed first silicon steel sheet and a formed second silicon steel sheet which have directional property normal to the formed first silicon steel sheet and the formed second silicon steel sheet, and winding a coil on the formed second silicon steel sheet. When power supply is input, the coil and the formed first silicon steel sheet and the formed second silicon steel sheet will generate a magnetic force direction normal to the directional property of the silicon steel sheet material. Thus the current-resistant coil can withstand greater input power supply, deliver more stable output and better meet PFC requirements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of providing an integral thermal interface on an interface surface of a heat dissipation device, such as a heat sink. In accordance with the present invention, the phase change material is applied directly onto the interface surface of the heat sink to form an integral interface layer directly on the heat sink during the manufacturing process. This process includes the steps of providing a heat dissipating device having an interface surface, liquefying the phase change material at a controlled temperature so as to decrease the material viscosity to a flowable form, applying the liquefied phase change material directly onto the mating surface of the heat dissipating device either by directly dispensing the material, screen printing or stencil printing and cooling the material causing it to cure on the surface of the heat dissipating device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.

Abstract: A method for selecting unit cells to make an optimal battery pack improves the performance of the battery pack with primary or secondary batteries connected to one another in series, in parallel, or in a combination of them. The method for selecting unit cells to make the optimal battery pack includes measuring the impedance spectrum of the individual unit cells in a predetermined frequency region, fitting the impedance spectrum to an equivalent circuit model composed of parameters including resistance and capacitance components, calculating total resistances from the fitted parameters, and making the battery pack with unit cells of a similar total resistance.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an improved retaining tool of heat radiator, which comprises a retaining tool for fixing a heat radiator on a chip socket. An L-shaped supporting board is disposed on the retaining tool. A tool is mounted on the supporting board to apply a force on the supporting board so that the retaining tool can be easily be loosened from the chip socket.

Abstract: A motion control system for reducing vibration in moving components. The system includes a position control drive and a vibration control drive. At least one position sensor is used to provide feedback signals which are in turn used to provide control signals for both the position control drive and the vibration control drive. In a preferred embodiment the motion control system is applied to a stage of an integrated circuit lithography step and scan machine. The position control drives are linear magnetic actuators and the vibration control drives are electroceramic actuators. A laser interferometer position monitoring system is used to measure the position, speed, and acceleration of the stage system. Actuators apply controlled forces (based on measurements from the position monitoring system) to each stage to control the motion of the stage. Signals from the interferometer position system are also used to control vibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting flat products, especially printed circuit boards. The device comprises a supporting member (4) and supporting pins (1) which can be placed on and removed from the supporting member. Recesses (5) and protrusions (3) fitting in said recesses are provided for positioning of the supporting pins in relation to the supporting member. Said recesses (5) and protrusions (3) have a non-circular cross-section. A combination of a protrusion (3) and a recess (5) positioning a supporting pin (1) in a particular position on the supporting member (4) is located eccentrically in relation to the centreline of said supporting pin (1).

Abstract: This invention provides an arrangement for moving an item from a first station to a transfer tube comprising a transfer tube, a transfer arm for placement of the item on the transfer tube, and alignment means for aligning the item with the transfer tube.

Abstract: A component pick and place head includes a frame; a pick-up head mounted on the frame; the pick-up head being movable from a first position in which a component is picked-up by the pick-up head to a second position in which a position of the component that has been picked up by the pick-up head is ascertained; the pick-up head being actuatable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration for picking up the component; a first actuator for actuating the pick-up head at the first position from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration; and a second actuator at the second position for actuating the pick-up head at the second position from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

Abstract: A microelectronic element is provided with small meniscus-shaped solder masses, and these masses are connected to deformable connecting elements such as flexible leads. The connections can be made under vacuum in a chamber or in a space enclosed in part by a flexible film. Atmospheric pressure on the flexible film can urge the components together during bonding. Temporary securements such as adhesive bonds between the microelectronic element and the component can hold the microelectronic element in place relative to the component while electrical connections are made by conductive bonding material such a solder.

Abstract: A scheme for filling plugs through chemical mechanical polishing comprises depositing a malleable conductive layer over a dielectric layer having openings formed therein. The malleable conductive layer is deposited such that a liner is formed within the openings, however the openings are not completely filled. A chemical mechanical polishing process using an alumina based slurry at a neutral or slightly basic pH and no oxidizer is used to smear the malleable conductive layer sufficiently to fill the remainder of the openings in the dielectric layer forming filled or substantially filled plugs.

Abstract: An electrical connector crimping die comprises a first section for removably connecting the die to an electrical connector compression tool. A second section of the die, which is connected to the first section, is provided for crimping a connector. The second section comprises a generally concave crimp projection of a given height which defines a primary crimp surface and at least one concave shaped secondary pre-crimp surface. The secondary pre-crimp surface is recessed relative to the primary crimp surface by the given height. The primary crimp surface and the secondary pre-crimp surface are arranged relative to the first section so that a major portion of a crimping force applied by the compression tool to the crimping die is applied to the primary crimp surface to crimp a first portion of the connector and so that a minor portion of the crimping force is applied to the secondary pre-crimp surface to pre-crimp a second portion of the connector. A hydraulic crimping tool employs such a crimping die.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder head and crankcase for a small engine. A crankcase and a cylinder head are cast to close tolerances and include as-cast mounting flanges, which are assembled in face-to-face contact by employing self-threading screws. Bearing recesses are cast into the crankcase. The cylindrical sidewalls of the bearing recesses are provided with as-cast flutes and roller bearings are press-fitted into the bearing recesses.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method for the solderless electrical connection of two contact elements by using a laser light beam attached to a fiber optic system which directs the light to the spot to be bonded. By using a fiber optic system the laser beam is optimally converted into thermal energy and bad connections due to underheating or destruction of the contacts due to overheating does not occur. The method and apparatus provides rapid, reproducible bonding even for the smallest of contact geometries. For example, the method of the invention results in solderless gold to gold compression bonding of conductive leads contained in a polymer flex circuit tape, such as a polyimide, without damaging the tape. A strong solderless gold to gold bond can be formed between the gold plated copper lead on the flex circuit tape and a gold plated pad on a semiconductor chip without the need for a window in the flex circuit and without any damage to the tape.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cooling devices for mounting on semiconductor devices. These cooling devices are made from several extruded shaped section part elements. These shaped section part elements are made from an aluminum alloy and have grooves and bead strips wherein these grooves and bead strips are fitted into each other by applying pressure in a transverse direction. The outward protruding groove walls of the shaped section elements or the bead strips are pushed into the corresponding grooves of neighboring shaped section elements. These groove walls or bead strips plastically deform by bending in so that each bead strip entering its associated groove is physically locked in place. In addition wires of high purity aluminum can be inserted into these grooves before the groove walls or the bead strips are compacted into their associated grooves. Through this method the connection points become liquid proof and the connection is securely formed in the perpendicular direction.

Abstract: An optical switch disposed in intermediate positions of optical paths to define a channel of a light signal constitutes a cell member in whose interior cells are formed and a waveguide member having fine slits; and a gas is filled in cells of which side walls are formed by piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements, a liquid is filled in the fine slits, and the cells and the fine slits are communicated to each other via a communicating hole; optical waveguides intersect at the fine slits, and the cells are disposed at the crossing locations, and said side walls are expanded/constricted by applying an electric field to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements or antiferroelectric elements which form the side walls of the cells, and a part of the gas stored in each cell is ejected at a corresponding intersection area from said communicating hole into the corresponding fine slit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing coating material from a tubing is disclosed that includes a tool body, a tubing support, a slider support, a slider accommodated with the slider support, and a blade attached to the slider, wherein the tubing support, the slider support, and the slider are accommodated with the tool body. The apparatus can be utilized to remove protective coating materials from steel tubing, by placing the tubing on the tubing support, lowering the blade to the tubing, and rotating the apparatus around the tubing.

Abstract: A tool holder and tool combination comprises a tool holder and a tool. The tool holder comprises a compartment defined in an end thereof. The tool has an end releasably engaged in the compartment of the tool holder.

Abstract: A multi-purpose self defense tool is provided which can be used for pinching an opponent, delivering a blow and/or as a kinetic opening folding knife by positioning a pointed hump located on the non-cutting edge of the blade against an object or the body of an opponent and dragging the tool in a rapid motion.

Abstract: A sleeve for surrounding a power cord, in whole or in part, for appliances such as hedge trimmers. The sleeve, preferably composed of a lightweight polymeric material in corrugated, convoluted, or similar form, has relatively large radial dimensions compared to the cord and therefore resists the insertion of the sleeve and the cord into appliances (such as a hedge trimmer's cutting blades) thereby preventing damage to the sleeve and the cord and preventing other undesired results. The sleeve is tough enough to resist damage to the cord from cutting tools such as electric chain saws during incidental contact. In addition, the relatively large size of the sleeve tends to increase the user's awareness of the sleeve and cord. Also the sleeve's increased rigidity compared to the cord aids in preventing the cord from being entangled in the appliance and assists in managing and manipulating the cord.

Abstract: A cutting knife for a cutting tool for cutting through adhesive beads on glass panes of vehicles comprises an attachment part and a cutting part. The attachment part, on a first end thereof, is provided with a receiving opening for attachment to an oscillating drive and taperes toward a second end. The cutting part extends at an angle with respect to a plane in which the flat attachment part extends. The cutting part has two lateral edges that join each other at the outer end of the cutting part, at least one of the lateral edges of the cutting part being shaped as a corrugated or serrated cutting edge.

Abstract: A flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers formed by extruding a pair of molten monofilament strands in proximate disposition through a rotating die so as to form a line comprised of two monofilament polymer strands bonded together in a twisted disposition about a central longitudinal axis so as to define a pair of substantially V-shaped opposed troughs extending helically along and about the line.