Abstract: A washing machine spin balancing control includes a sensor for sensing vibration of the washing machine cabinet. The floor permits the cabinet to vibrate during the rotation of the basket, the controller senses this vibration and reduces the speed of the basket in response to the vibration caused by imperfections in the floor.

Abstract: A multiple-use, cable-supported bridge in which the primary lateral and vertical deck-stiffening elements are prestressed cables, or strands, extending along one or both sides of the bridge, and methods of fabricating such bridges, are shown and described. One embodiment of the strand bridge of the present invention is designed to span from a first location to a second location. A first anchor member is fixed near the first location and an opposing second anchor member is fixed near the second location. A number of tensioned cables extend between the first and second anchor members. At least one post is attached to the cables at a point between the first and second anchor members. A cross member is attached to the post and projects from the post in a direction transverse to the lengths of the cables. Decking material extends from the first location to the second location, and can be coupled to the cross member.

Abstract: A floor surface conditioning machine, typically a floor scrubbing machine comprising a support structure and supporting wheels, powered scrub brushes beneath the support structure, a brush carriage connecting the scrub brushes to the support structure, and a frictional motion dampener between the brush carriage and the support structure to dampen vibration of the brush carriage caused by the scrub brushes, this frictional motion dampener having a pair of friction members spaced from each other and astraddle a fixed member, and a pair of biasing springs biasing the pair of friction members against opposite sides of the fixed member. The fixed member includes a cam track and the friction members have a cam follower therebetween to follow the cam track during vertical movement of the brush carriage.

Abstract: A method for eliminating wafer breakage during a wafer transfer process in a grinding apparatus by a wafer transfer pad and an apparatus for conducting such method are disclosed. In the method, a surface of the vacuum pad, or the wafer transfer pad, that is formed of sintered ceramic is first cleaned by contacting a rotating brush and a spray of cleaning solvent. The invention further discloses an apparatus for eliminating wafer breakage during the wafer transfer process by a vacuum pad by incorporating a pressure regulating valve situated in the vacuum conduit such that a vacuum pressure applied can be regulated at a rate not higher than 30 psi/sec. to the surface of the wafer transfer pad.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus suitable for cleaning pots comprising a drive, a shaft assembly, and at least one (1) pad attached to the shaft assembly. The drive rotates the shaft assembly which rotates the at least one (1) pad which is capable of scouring a pot surface held against the rotating pad.

Abstract: A golf shoe spike cleaner particularly adapted for use in association with a golf cart comprises a frame for mounting at least one spike cleaner thereto, at least one spike cleaner mounted to the frame, and mounting member for mounting the spike cleaner to the golf cart. The present device may further include a plurality of spike cleaners, angularly disposed with respect to the horizontal or ground at a convenient angle for dragging a golf shoe thereacross. To prevent debris from flying into the golf cart a shield is used to deflect the debris away from the cart.

Abstract: A vacuum sweeper roller brush having tuft segments arranged in straight lines is employed to slap the carpet and dislodge particulate dirt and dust lodged therein. The tuft segments are made up of groups of tufts and each tuft segment has a corresponding tuft segment spaced apart from the first tuft segment. The tuft segments are arranged in a double helix or partially in a first double helix and partially in a second double helix. Alternatively, a single helix may be used. Other embodiments employ tufts which link one tuft segment to another in a stepped pattern or employ tuft segments which link tuft segments together in a helical pattern.

Abstract: A paint pad apparatus having a mounting plate for attaching a removable paint pad and handle. The mounting plate has a plurality of projections for aligning, receiving, and blocking a shaft of the handle. The projections allow the shaft of the handle to be freely rotatable. The paint pad apparatus also is also provided with a plurality of accessible spacers to allow application of paint to a surface adjacent an adjoining surface.

Abstract: A mitt worn on a hand for cleaning. The mitt includes a section for the palm of the hand, a section for the fingers, and a compartment on either side of a central axis of the mitt for a thumb. The mitt is capable of being used on either hand, and both sides of the mitt may be used without moving the mitt from one hand to the other. The mitt is formed using an electrostatically-charged material to optimize cleaning efficiency. Also disclosed is a method of forming a mitt for cleaning.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and re-conditioning the nap of a paint roller includes a circular collar with a plurality of resilient fingers. The fingers define a circular opening through which a paint roller is inserted. During back and forth movements of the device the resilient fingers penetrate the nap of the paint roller to remove excess paint while at the same time lifting and reconditioning the roller nap.

Abstract: A mirror cleaning system has a mirror with a mirror support assembly, a drive assembly including a drive shaft to effect rotation, a motor, a hollow cross piece including a supported wiper arm and at least one aperture spaced along the length thereof, and a length of hollow flexible tubing adapted to be coupled to the cross piece and a source of pressurized cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus is proposed that is used to clean windows of motor vehicles. The wiper apparatus has a wiper arm (18), guided on the motor vehicle and driven in pendulum motion, on whose free end, remote from the pendulum shaft (88), a wiper blade (10), elongated transversely to the pendulum direction (double arrow 86) and capable of being pressed against the window (28), is separably hinged via a connection device (14) that has coupling elements (22 and 16) associated with the wiper arm and the wiper blade, respectively, wherein the pivot axis (54) extends substantially in the pendulum direction, and the wiper apparatus has at least one support shoulder (44, 46 and 68), solidly connected to the wiper arm and pointing toward the pendulum shaft (88), which shoulder is located opposite an associated interception shoulder (62), solidly connected to the wiper blade and pointing away from the pendulum shaft (88).

Abstract: A wringer basket (1) for wet mops has a basket cone (6) that has a perforated basket cone bottom (3) and a basket cone wall (5) that rises from the latter on all sides, with slits. A subsequent basket edge (9) carries attachment elements (10) for setting the wringer basket (1) onto the edge of a bucket. The basket cone wall (5) has a convex curvature towards the inside of the basket cone (6), seen in cross-section. The outline of the basket cone (6) is oval shaped, at least in one portion of the basket cone (6).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for locally removing any material, such as a refractory metal, in particular tungsten, from any desired area of a wafer, such as an alignment mark area of a silicon wafer in process during the formation of integrated circuits thereon.

Abstract: Insertion of a dust wand into a portable vacuum filtration canister removes foreign matter therefrom when and where necessary without polluting the air. A powerpack provides cordless (rechargeable or non-rechargeable) and corded operation. A readily serviceable grid filter, and a HEPA or other filter provides cleaned air free of dirt, dust and allergens.

Abstract: A nozzle for an air blower of a car wash installation is designed to be adjustable to vary the direction of the air flow delivered by the blower. The blower has a tapered frusto-conical nozzle that is oblique and is rotatably mounted at its base about an outlet of the blower. Upon rotation of the nozzle the direction of the delivered air flow moves in a conical path. Automated controls are provided to direct air flows from blowers in predetermined directions in the dryer section of an automated vehicle wash.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a housing passage with a passage inlet, air entering through the passage inlet flowing in a first direction and the housing passage directing air flowing therethrough in a second direction which is more than 90 degrees different from the first direction. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower adapted to be used separately from the vacuum cleaner, the blower having a blower housing with a blower inlet, a blower outlet, and defining a blower passage between the blower inlet and the blower outlet, an impeller disposed in the blower passage to move air between the blower inlet and the blower outlet and a motor mounted to the blower housing and coupled to the impeller to move the impeller. The blower is detachably secured to the housing with the blower outlet disposed in communication with the passage inlet.

Abstract: An improved wet vacuum is described which removes floor stripping chemicals and residual water left behind from a floor stripping machine. The vacuum system is portable, battery operated and houses a storage reservoir constrained via elastic straps on a rollable base. A vacuum box is operatively mounted to a motor and include moisture reduction features which reduce moisture accumulation in and around the motor via an adapted flow path and drain channel. A single lever and rear activated squeegee mechanism which is in fluid communication with the vacuum system is selectively lowered an raised for removing floor cleaning chemicals and/or other liquids from the surface of a floor. An interior mechanical brace assembly is also featured to prevent reservoir buckling from operative vacuum pressure. A simple control module is provided for operating and monitoring power for the system.

Abstract: A sub-suction pipe assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes an air suction pipe connected to a vacuum cleaner body, a sub-suction pipe connected to the air suction pipe and movable along the air suction pipe between a first position and a second position. The sub-suction pipe has a brush attached to an end thereof, a suction extension pipe detachably connected to the end of the air suction pipe, and a lock mechanism for securing the suction extension pipe to the air suction pipe. The sub-section pipe remains coupled to the end of the air suction pipe when the suction extension pipe is connected to the air suction pipe.

Abstract: A caster structure including a seat body, a linking member, a caster seat and a lower bearing cover. The linking member is integrally formed with an upper bearing cover. The seat body is formed with a differential fixing hole and the top of the linking member is formed with a fixing section. The shape of the cross-section of the fixing section is an internal tangential circle of the differential fixing hole. When the fixing section is passed through the fixing hole and compressed and fixedly riveted, the fixing section will form a differential section complementary to the fixing hole. Accordingly, the linking member is firmly connected with the seat body without rotation.

Abstract: The hook has a molded plastic body including a rod engaging part formed of arcuate sections with roller bearing receiving cavities. Means for joining the sections are provided. The hook is assembled by placing the roller bearings in the cavities in one of the sections. The sections are then aligned and joined together. The hook body also includes a curtain receiving part, integral with one of the rod engaging part sections. The curtain receiving part includes oppositely inclined portions. The portions meet at a point along the vertical axis of the hook.

Abstract: A hinge unit is formed of a case with an inside wall, a rotating cam freely rotatably accommodated inside the case, a slide cam accommodated inside the case such that the slide cam is prevented from rotating relative to the case and is moved freely in an axial direction along the inside wall of the case, and an urging device accommodated inside the case to urge the slide cam toward the rotating cam. Cam surfaces are formed on the rotating cam and the slide cam to abut against each other. The cam surfaces has a contact range from a full-surface contact to a partial contact according to a relative rotational angle of the slide cam and rotating cam.

Abstract: A hinge device which can be readjusted easily by bringing a rotating member into contact with a friction member. A first fixing member 10 fixed to a copying machine 1 and a second fixing member 11 fixed to an ADF 2 are connected to each other by means of a first shaft member 13 bearing them so as to be free to rotate; the member 10 has a rotating member 7 fixed to a second shaft member 16 arranged in parallel with the shaft member 13. The member 7 is put into contact with a friction member 15 arranged on the shaft member 13 to form a frictional portion. The member 15 is always in contact with the member 7 on its surface. A hole for bearing the shaft member 16 is an oblong hole 14, with its bottom surface which allows the shaft member 16 to take rocking motions for an arbitrary adjustment of a contact pressure to the member 7.

Abstract: The present invention is a friction torque hinge and method for making the same. The friction torque hinge comprises a rotatable shaft, at least one frictional element and an element housing. The frictional elements are mounted on and frictionally engage the shaft. The frictional elements have an outer element shape. The element housing has an inner cavity with a shape that matches the outer element shape of the frictional elements. The element housing contacts substantially the entire outer element shape of the plurality of frictional elements. This prevents relative rotation of the element housing and the frictional elements.

Abstract: An extension pole is disclosed for use with a paint roller tool. The pole and handle cooperatively provide a smooth flush connection and prevent relative rotation therebetween. In particular, an end portion of the extension pole comprises a locking mechanism that is designed to releasably interconnect the paint roller tool and the extension pole via operation of a button assembly on the extension pole. The locking mechanism includes a housing presenting a narrow outer surface defined along a circle coaxial with the pole and snugly received within the paint roller handle. A wide outer surface spaced radially outward from the narrow surface presents a key section, which when received within a recess extending inwardly from the rear end of the tool handle, cooperates with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the tool and extension pole.

Abstract: A multi-plane gripping handle for use with a multitude of devices is provided which generally comprises a handle section, a thumb section and a butt surface. The size and shape of the handle section and thumb section are selected to optimize the surface contact between the gripping handle and the hand of the user. The handle section and the thumb section each occupy a separate plane and these in planes are arranged in a selected angular relationship with one another to further optimize the gripping surface contact between the hand and the handle. In an alternative embodiment, the gripping handle may be formed in a split-case construction such that alternative devices may be interchangeably inserted into the gripping handle and thus allow for the gripping handle to be used with various devices.

Abstract: A two piece cable tie is provided having an improved metal locking device anchoring system. The cable tie includes a strap including a first end and a free end and a locking head secured to the first end of the strap that defines a strap accepting channel in the head having a strap entry end and a strap exit end. The locking head further includes a metal locking device receiving cavity adjacent to and open toward the strap exit end of the locking head and a mounting slot having an inner support wall, an outer support wall and a support slot communicating the mounting slot with the receiving cavity. A metal locking device is mounted through the metal locking device receiving cavity into the mounting slot. The metal locking device has a free end positioned within the strap accepting channel and a fixed end having at least one bent tang protruding outwardly from a surface of the metal locking device. The fixed end having the at least one bent tang is insertable through the support slot.

Abstract: A restraint device is provided for releasably securing a load in place on a support surface by creating a force in a tensioning line, such as a chain. The restraint device is connected between the load and the support surface. The restraint device includes a rotatable line support member mounted on a support frame. The line support member includes toothed ratchet wheels and a chain bed for receiving the chain. The chain bed is provided with a line-engaging surface which engages the chain and prevents motion of the chain relative to the chain bed. A force can be applied to the chain manually to secure the load. A retention member engages the teeth of the ratchet wheels and prevents motion of the wheels in a loosening direction. A release member disengages the retention member from the ratchet wheels and allows the force in the chain to be quickly released.

Abstract: A belt buckle (2) has a frame-shaped buckle body (4) and a swiveling pin (24) that can be pushed through one of usually several longitudinally centered holes in the belt and locked, with the pin compressed by spring loading against a first transverse spar (10) of buckle body (4). The belt buckle is characterized in that the spring loading derives from a continuous elastomer band (28), which extends from a second transverse spar (12) of buckle body (4) at a small distance from the point of attachment of pin (24) around the pin. Such a buckle can be manufactured more easily, and thus profitably. It is functionally safer, and additionally has less danger of causing injury than a buckle equipped with a wire spring.

Abstract: A structure is designed to carry a golf bag on the back of a caddie. The structure includes a first shoulder strap, a second shoulder strap, a ratchet buckle, an upper buckle, and a lower buckle. The first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are superimposed in the ratchet buckle such that one end of the first shoulder strap is held by the upper buckle which is fastened to the golf bag, and such that one end of the second shoulder strap is held by the lower buckle which is fastened to the golf bag.

Abstract: Clip arrangement for fixing a strip, in particular a decorative strip in a vehicle, with a retaining part (1) and a snap-on part (2), wherein the retaining part has a receiving slot (13) with an upper guide (14) and a lower guide (17), into which receiving slot (13) there projects obliquely at least one latching finger (15) having a latching opening (16) at its free end, wherein the snap-on part (2) also has at least one projection (23) with a plurality of latching lugs (24) which can latch with a latching opening (16) when the projection (23) is inserted into the receiving slot (13). Each latching finger (15) is designed and directed in such a way that it can gently yield to the latching lugs (24) when the projection (23) is inserted into the receiving slot (13), but prevents the snap-on part (2) from being withdrawn after the latching lugs (24) have been latched into latching openings (16).

Abstract: A tool leash device having at least one coiled leash having a closed loop at one end secured to a split key ring, a snap ring having a selectively opened and closed locking member secured to said split key ring for attachment to a belt loop or the like, a trigger snap connected to the other end of the coiled leash having a selectively opened and closed locking member for securing the same to a closed loop portion of a flexible tie wrap, and a flexible elongated tie wrap having a closed loop portion at one end connected to said trigger snap locking member having a generally smooth end at the other end thereof with a ribbed portion between the ends of said tie wrap and an apertured locking portion on the tie wrap between the ends thereof whereby the smooth end is insertible into the locking portion with the ribbed portion locking into the locking portion for serving a tool thereto.

Abstract: A slider, which can be closed easily without a separation of a chain even if a lateral pulling load is applied to the fastener chain when the linear fastener chain is closed with the slider. An element pressing face, which is in contact with an inverted portion of a linear slide fastener element and putting it thereon, is provided along an inner side face of a flange formed on each of both right and left sides of an upper wing plate or a lower wing plate of the slider. A slope is formed on the pressing face from a front end thereof up to a vicinity of a bent portion of the flange such that it intersects an inner face of the upper or lower wing plates. A vertical wall is provided from the bent portion to a rear mouth so as to be erected from the upper or lower wing plates. The pressing face is formed on the vertical wall so that the inverted portion can be guided.

Abstract: A clasp for a watch wristband includes: two male (2) and female (4) joining parts able to be coupled by inserting the male part (2) into the female part (4); and a resilient locking mechanism, provided on the male part (2), locking with a catching mechanism provided on the female part (4), when the male part (2) is pushed into an engagement position in said female part (4) so that it is then impossible to pull outwardly the male joining part (2), the male (2) and female (4) joining parts being able to be uncoupled from each other by pushing the male part (2) further into the female part (4) so that the locking mechanism is released from the catching mechanism and the male joining part (2) can be pulled out of the female joining part (4).

Abstract: A method of forming an article of manufacture which includes an undercut therein comprises the steps of providing a tool, removably positioning at least one consumable form adjacent to the tool, providing settable material from which to mold a finished part, molding the material onto the tool and on the form so as to encapsulate the form within the material to thereby form an undercut therein, allowing the material to set to form the finished part and separating the tool from the finished part and the encapsulated form. A method is also provided for forming articles of manufacture of various configurations utilizing a single generic tool by repeating the steps with differently shaped forms removably affixed to the single generic tool in different locations to produce a plurality of finished parts of varying configurations with the single generic tool.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a camshaft holding tool and corresponding method for operating the camshaft holding tool in double overhead camshaft engines. In one embodiment, the holding tool includes a body portion including first and second curved portions, where each of the first and second curved portions includes two or more teeth. Each tooth of the first and second curved portions engages adjacent teeth of respective one of first and second camshaft sprockets. A method of operating the tool includes placing the tool between the first and second camshaft sprockets and rotating the tool about an axis until the teeth of the first and second curved portions engage teeth of the first and second camshaft sprockets, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus substitute is carried and installed in a clean room prior to installation of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. The apparatus substitute is composed of separate assembling boxes and is provided with tentative utility connection parts having the same specifications with respect to utility connection parts of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. Each of the utility connection parts is temporarily connected to one of a utility line via respective joint pipes. In the utility connection works or temporary connection, an apparatus installation position can be adjusted; a position or a size of a support plate of a floor can be corrected; a route of a utility line or a position can be corrected; or an inspection with respect to each utility line can be performed.

Abstract: A method is intended for the thermal insulation of a flexible pipe. The method includes a first step of depositing a thickness of extrudable and rigid insulating material on an outer surface of the pipe, with the pipe moving longitudinally. The insulating material is cooled over a substantially rectilinear part downstream from the deposition area. Then, at least one circumferential slot is formed in the thickness of the rigid insulating material so as to restore flexibility of the pipe coated with the rigid insulating material. The thus-formed pipe includes a flexible inner pipe, a layer of rigid insulating material surrounding the flexible pipe, and at least one circumferential slot cut in the layer of rigid insulating material to allow flex of the heated insulated pipe.

Abstract: A gear reducer housing includes rotating assembly supports in a housing shell, and fixturing pads disposed about the periphery of the housing shell. The fixturing supports are formed in the casting blank from which the housing shell is machined. The pads permit the shell blank to be fixtured once for machining of various features of the final shell. The pads may be formed in a peripheral flange and the flange may be machined around the pads to form a sealing surface. Apertures may be provided in the flange to facilitate assembly of the gear reducer. The apertures and fixturing pads may be provided in mirror image locations about a centerline of the housing. The apertures may be slotted, with major axes of mirror image-located apertures having transverse major axes, such that inherent tolerance is provided for positioning fasteners used to assemble the product.

Abstract: A wirelaying apparatus and method using a tool (30) having a cutter (31) operatively opening a cut in the interior bore surface (11) of a cylindrical pipe fitting (10), laying wire (12) into the cut and closing the cut using a flange closer (33). The wire (12) is delivered into the cut via an aperture (32) through the cutting means (31). Delivery of the wire (12) into the cut is thereby improved, overcoming the problem of wire running free within the fitting. In a second embodiment (see FIG. 12) the cutter (31) is rotatably mounted allowing a double helical coil to be formed without removing the cutter from the bore surface.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a stator to improve accuracy in inserting conductor segments (3, 31, 32) into slots (2). The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a conductor holder (21, 22) holding the conductor segments (3, 31, 32) and an axial-moving-mechanisms (214) moving the conductor holder (21, 22) relative to a stator core (1) in an axial direction. The conductor holder (21, 22) holds straight portions (31b, 31c, 32b, 32c) of the conductor segments (3, 31, 32) to be inserted into the slots (2) from one end of the stator core (1).

Abstract: A method of forming a thin film magnetic head, including forming a first magnetic layer, forming a second magnetic layer as a magnetic flux passage in combination with the first magnetic layer, and forming a laminate structure body between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The forming of the laminate structure body includes forming a third magnetic layer, a fourth magnetic layer and a non-magnetic conductive layer between the third magnetic layer and the fourth magnetic layer, projecting the laminate structure body more toward an air bearing surface than a projection of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer toward the air bearing surface, and providing the laminate structure body with a width which is smaller than a width of the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.

Abstract: An indexing system for a die assembly for manufacturing a stack of laminae from sheet stock material in a punch press, the stack having a desired stack height and a skew angle, the stock material having a nominal thickness. The indexing system includes indexing means for producing a first indexing input movement in response to movement of the punch press, a motor for producing a second indexing input movement in response to a control signal, and differential means for combining the first and second indexing input movements into an indexing output movement and having first and second input means for respectively receiving the first and second indexing input movements. The first input means is coupled to the indexing means, and the second input means is coupled to the motor. The differential means also has output means for transmitting the indexing output movement; a rotatable choke barrel in which laminae are received and stacked.

Abstract: A gap setting apparatus incorporates an air gage to measure the pressure drop (and indirectly the flow rate) of air through a gap of a hydrodynamic bearing, while facing sections of the bearing are moved closer together. The measured pressure drop can be correlated to the actual bearing gap and monitored to determine when the proper gap has been achieved. More particularly, the inner and outer elements of the bearing are clamped in separate carriers and are held in place. The carriers are then moved toward one another so that the inner or shaft portion of the bearing slides into the outer or sleeve portion of the bearing. To accurately set the gap between the two, an air hose with an air gage attached to it is attached to one end of the bearing gap; air is pumped through the bearing gap, exiting through the opposite end of the gap, By testing a set of reference motor parts, a high end and a low end of an acceptable bearing gap range can be established, and the corresponding air gage readings obtained.

Abstract: An automatic assembling apparatus for inserting hair pins into holes formed on a heat exchanger including a plurality of flat plate fins and two side panel disposed both sides of said flat plate fins are provided.

Abstract: A fixture, for liquid electrolyte impregnation of an electrochemical cell, includes a base on which a cap is removably provided. The base includes a nest that receives the electrochemical cell. The cap includes a fill port in communication with the nest. In order to impregnate the cell, a vacuum is created in the nest via the fill port. Subsequently, the electrolyte is injected through the fill port and into the nest. The vacuum may be applied via the fill port, or alternatively, a vacuum port may be provided in the cap through which the vacuum is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flipchip onto a work piece comprises a pick-up station for presentation of the flipchip, a transport mechanism, at least one pick-up tool arranged on the transport mechanism for pick-up and transport of the flipchip from the pick-up station to the work piece and a position acquisitioning device arranged on the transport mechanism for determining the position of the picked up flipchip. The position acquisitioning device comprises a slide and a single line camera secured to the slide, a guide element for guiding the slide, a drive mechanism for driving the slide and a measuring device for determining the position of the slide.

Abstract: This invention concerns electronic substrates comprising a non-woven filler material and a resin material. The present invention also includes electronic products manufactured from the electronic substrates of this invention including, but not limited to prepregs, metal clad laminates, and printed wiring boards with and without lased via holes. The present invention further includes a method of manufacturing printed built-up wiring boards including the steps of forming a prepreg and forming at least one via in the prepreg.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sanding heads of buckling beam probes while the probes are disposed within a probe assembly between a lower die and upper die. Sanding provides that all the probes within a probe assembly have the same total length from tip to head. The method calls for contacting the probe tips to a flat fiducial plate such as a glass plate to ensure that the probe tips are coplanar. Then, the heads are sanded to a plane which is parallel with the fiducial plate. Preferably, the heads are sanded by placing the assembly and fiducial plate onto a Z-stage capable of moving in a Z direction. The Z-stage is located under a top surface of a table having a hole directly above the Z-stage. Raising the Z-stage lifts the probe heads to extend above the top surface of the table. Then, an abrasive plate resting on the top surface of the table is rubbed on the heads. Material is removed from the heads until all the probes are the same length.

Abstract: A method of producing a hollow piston for a compressor, the piston including a head portion which is slidably fitted in a cylinder bore of the compressor, and an engaging portion which engages a reciprocating drive device of the compressor for reciprocating the piston, at least the head portion of the piston being hollow, the method comprising a step of preparing at least one piston blank by forging, which piston blank includes an engaging-portion-forming section which provides the engaging portion of the piston, and a head-portion-forming section which provides at least a part of the head portion of the piston, the at least one piston blank being prepared by a two-axes forging process which uses a forging die assembly including a set of two first dies which are movable relative to each other along a first axis which is one of two mutually perpendicular axes, and at least one second die which is. movable along a second axis which is the other of the two mutually perpendicular axes.