Abstract: A fiber cleaning device is provided for use with a carding machine having a rotating clothing cylinder, a housing surrounding the cylinder, and an opening in the housing for removing impurities. The device has a separating knife with a knife edge for locating in the opening and directed counter to a rotational direction of the cylinder, and a pressure regulating element installed downstream, in the rotational direction of the cylinder, of the separating knife. The pressure regulating element is for adjusting a pressure between the housing and the cylinder such that fiber material accumulation on the knife edge is promoted.

Abstract: An identification badge is connected to a lanyard using at least two connectors. One of the connectors securely connects a fixture which clasps the identification badge to a buckle. The other connector securely connects the buckle to the lanyard. The connectors are configured to position the badge flat on the shirt or blouse of the wearer so that the visibility of the badge is maximized. The size of the connectors is maintained small. Furthermore, assembly of a lanyard, badge, and buckle combination is made more efficient by making the connectors quick-connect.

Abstract: The urn, structured on the basis of a body, a cap and optionally an over-cap, of any size and shape and with any conventional lock system, focuses its characteristics on the fact that the constituent material of its different pieces is complete and quickly biodegradable. In this respect it has been foreseen that the urn is made of gelatin, which is obtained from the partial hydrolysis, acid or alkaline one, from the collagen, or optionally by other materials with the same characteristic of biodegradability, making it up by pressing and injection in absence of contact adhesives and artificial varnishes.

Abstract: A turret type tool post 1 includes a tool post body 10, a turret 11, a first drive shaft 14, an indexing drive mechanism 20 having a third drive shaft 21, a tool rotation drive mechanism 30 having a second drive shaft 31, a power transmission switching mechanism 40 having a hollow piston 42 and a hollow switching shaft 44 rotatably held in the piston 42, etc. When the piston 42 is moved to one side, the second drive shaft 31 is inserted into the switching shaft 44 in engagement, allowing rotational power to be transmitted to the second drive shaft 31. When the piston 42 is moved to the other side, gears 44a of the switching shaft 44 and the third drive shaft 21 are mated with each other, allowing rotational power to be transmitted to the third drive shaft 21.

Abstract: A base is supported on adjustable jacks for aligning with a pile driver hammer body for removal or installation of the hammer piston. A terminal tube on the base clamps to the hammer and a powered ram moves the piston.

Abstract: A method for regulating a device (2) used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts (21, 22), where the device consists of a rig (3) comprising a matrix of rails (7, 8) that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements (9) attached to the rails (7, 8) can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator (1) grasps a fixing element (9) after which the fixing element (9) is moved by the manipulator (1) to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element (9) is arranged is locked in relation to the rig (3) by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's (9) position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements (9) on the rig.

Abstract: Various vehicle body business processes are described which capitalize upon the interchangeability of vehicle bodies on a flat rolling chassis. The ability to interchange vehicle bodies and exchange modular interior components enables substantial freedom and variation in the types of automobile, trucks, heavy equipment, machinery, RV bodies, etc. that can be interchanged on a rolling chassis. Various seating arrangements may be provided as well as enhanced space utilization, and different types of interior and exterior environments, aesthetics and functionality, including sound, lighting, and other technology enhancements may be provided on a body. Methods and structures are described for facilitating the exchange of modular body components, such as via a removable body floor.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for cylinder, comprises a step of inserting a cored bar 2 into piping material 1 having a reduced inner radius at one end and supporting the end of the cored bar with the reduced radius section of the piping material 1, and a step of rotating the piping material 1 and the cored bar 2, displacing the piping material 1 in an axial direction while passively rotating one or a plurality of rollers compressing the outer periphery of the piping material 1 and applying a spinning operation to the piping material while pressuring and retaining the piping material between the cored bar 2 and the roller 3. Thus the thickness of the middle section of the piping material is made less than the thickness of the end sections by moving the roller into a position closer to the cored bar in the middle section than in the end sections of the piping material. In this manner, processing of the cylinder can be effectively performed without wastage of materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel anvil for a rivet setting machine configured to drive a rivet into a workpiece within a riveting process. The anvil has a cavity therein configured to accommodate a deformation of the rivet and the workpiece during the riveting process. The cavity is defined by a main portion configured to support the workpiece during the riveting process and a relief portion that is proximate to the main portion. The relief portion is configured to provide an area into which the workpiece and the rivet deform during the riveting process. The relief portion includes at least one relief pocket configured to maintain an area which remains unoccupied by the workpiece and the rivet throughout the entire riveting process. The relief portion does not substantially hinder the workpiece and rivet during the riveting process and allows the workpiece and rivet to freely deform during the riveting process.

Abstract: A walk-on tray apparatus for concealing a pool cover operation system, is disclosed. A plurality of brackets each having a load-bearing upper portion may be attached to a sidewall of an elongate recess formed at one end of a pool, such that the load-bearing upper portions of the brackets extend in a substantially horizontal orientation. A plurality of platform sections each include a mortar veneer, a tray with an attachment plate removably disposed beneath an under side of the tray, and a nut-tightening arrangement, such that the load-bearing upper portions may be securely sandwiched between the under side of the tray and the attachment plate. The platform sections may reside in a side-by-side, sequential series. The mortar veneer may be formed directly on the tray, and the facade may be modified and customized to match the appearance of the perimeter sections of a pool deck. The veneer may be composed of mortar, resin and negligible amounts of fiberglass particles, forming an elastic composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric resonator from an inner-conductor-formed hole that has a substantially rectangular or substantially elliptical cross section in a direction perpendicular to the depth direction thereof, by placing a rotary cutting disk in contact with the edge of the opening of the inner-conductor-formed hole, and removing portions of an outer conductor and the inner conductor in the contact portion with the rotary cutting disk, thereby separating the inner conductor and the outer conductor.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fabricating a magnetoresistive reader having a sensor, current contacts with low parasitic resistance and a top shield with substantially planar topology. First, a stripe height back edge of the sensor is defined, and second, a reader width of the sensor is defined. The current contacts are deposited to a thickness such that a top surface of the current contacts is substantially level with a top surface of the sensor. The top shield is deposited over the sensor and the current contacts. Defining the stripe height back edge prior to the reader width results in current contacts with low parasitic resistance and inhibits the formation of magnetic domains in the top shield.

Abstract: A method, a system and an arrangement for handling component tapes in connection with mounting components onto circuit boards in a component mounting machine are disclosed, which utilizes a carrier for carrying component tapes. Each component tape is held by a component tape reel. The component mounting machine utilizes component magazines from which components, carried by the component tape, are supplied for use in a mounting process of the component mounting machine. The component tape of each component tape reel is loaded into a tape guide for guiding the component tape in the component mounting machine, and the component tape reels are arranged in the carrier, which thereaft is placed in the magazine. The tape guides are then mounted in the magazine such that the component tape loaded therein may interact with feeding devices provided in the magazine. Thereby, the magazine is loaded with components and prepared for the ensuing mounting process.

Abstract: In a method of connecting a device to a support, in which method the device comprises at least a first terminal region, and in which method the support comprises at least a second terminal region, electrically conductive, flexible microparticles are initially produced on the first terminal region and/or on the second terminal region. Subsequently the terminal regions are connected via the electrically conductive, flexible microparticles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to fabricating semiconductor die packages including a mounting substrate and dice attached thereto. The mounting substrate includes multiple die attach sites and a designator having substrate identification information. The die attach sites are evaluated and categorized as either good or defective die attach sites, wherein the evaluated information is saved in an electronic file as mapped information. A die attach apparatus attaches dice to the die attach sites in accord with the mapped information, wherein known good dice are attached to the good die attach sites and known defective dice are attached to the defective die attach sites. The assembly is then encapsulated in a transfer molding operation.

Abstract: A spacer forming method for a biosensor that has a biosensor possessing a capillary sampling channel and electrical connecting tracks for the use of a specific portable meter. A pair of electrodes is printed on an insulating base plate to be the transducer of the electrochemical biosensor by means of the screen-printing technology. The advanced thick-film printing technology is employed to construct the spacer component of the sampling channel that precisely controls the volume of a sample solution. Therefore, the spacer forming method reduces the usage of adhesive that otherwise causes a serious problem during a continuous punching procedure. Furthermore, the embedded switch pad on the biosensor is introduced to be instead of a micro switch in a connector of the portable meter.

Abstract: A mounting device (1) including a plurality of heads (3), each holding a chip (2), arranged on a circle, is used to realize accurate and high-speed mounting. A mounting device comprises a plurality of heads (3) with calibration marks, first recognition means (10) fixed in a chip mounting position (A), and second recognition means (16) fixed in another position. Prior to mounting operation, the first recognition mechanism and the second recognition mechanism recognize and store the positions of the calibration marks of the heads (3) In mounting operation, the first recognition means (10) recognizes the positions of a substrate (4) and the calibration marks of the heads (3), whereas the second recognition means (16) recognizes the positions of chips (2) attracted on the heads (3). The heads are moved vertically to adjust plane to be recognized. The chip (2) and the substrate (4) are aligned according to the position information obtained by the recognition mechanisms, and the chips are mounted.

Abstract: Heat exchanger tube (2), typically for an automotive heat exchanger, includes a core (6), external boundary surface (7) and internal boundary surface (5). The external boundary surface (7) includes zones devoid of material having melting point lower than the melting point of the core (6) and the internal boundary surface (5) includes material having a lower melting point than the core (6). Additionally or alternatively the external boundary surface (7) my include a layer of corrosion protection material and/or cathodic protection material.

Abstract: In a method of making a sheet metal article with varying thickness for fabricating a structural part for a motor vehicle, a blank of sheet metal is machined at least on one side along predetermined zones with a geometrically defined cutting tool to provide indentations of reduced thickness. Subsequently, the machined blank is subjected to a cold forming process or hot forming process.

Abstract: A method of improving the performance and service life of a new bearing component, the component having at least one dynamic frictional surface the method includes subjecting the at least one dynamic frictional surface to a surface finishing operation thereby providing the surface with a surface roughness value RA of approximately 18-80 &mgr;in, preferably greater than 24 &mgr;in, and most preferably 30-36 &mgr;in. The method is particularly advantageous when applied to bearing components utilized in high-load, low rpm applications.

Abstract: A shaving razor includes a razor housing comprising a heat sink element for holding thermal energy and releasing it in a controlled, sustained fashion to heat the shaving surface ahead of the razor blade.

Abstract: In a shaving implement having static and dynamic blades a shaving head includes an approximately rigid guard and a cap spaced away from and approximately parallel to the guard. The guard and cap each extending longitudinally of the shaving head. A static blade is secured to the shaving head and defines a cutting edge located between and approximately parallel to the guard and cap. The shaving head defines a cavity adjacent to the static blade and the cartridge adapted to be slidably received in the cavity includes at least one dynamic blade mounted therein. The dynamic blade is movable relative to the static blade during a shaving operation.

Abstract: A blade is provided which has a shroud extending outwardly from an upper edge of said knife blade for engaging a user's thumb during use, and for assisting a user to open said knife blade when interconnected to a folding knife handle.

Abstract: A multi-bladed razor cartridge and assembly is provided. The razor cartridge includes a plurality of blades where wash-through holes are arranged between the cutting and rear edges of at least one of the blades.

Abstract: A bow sight having a support structure, and two or more vertically aligned vertical pins connected to the support structure is provided. At least two of the vertical pins include a sight point. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bow sight having a support structure connected to two or more sight points is provided. The two or more sight points are rotationally adjustable such that they can be rotated into vertical alignment. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bow sight having a support structure, a sight point connected to the support structure, and a dampener is provided.

Abstract: A positional accuracy measurement pattern is formed such that the position of an edge portion required to have high positional accuracy in a device pattern and the position of the pattern center of the positional accuracy measurement pattern are arranged on the same straight line in accordance with a direction in which the high positional accuracy is necessary. On the basis of the pattern center of the positional accuracy measurement pattern and the difference between the measurement value and the design value of the pattern dimension, the positional accuracy (the difference between the measurement value and the design value) of an edge portion of the device pattern is calculated.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the concentricity of cartridges (30, 31), more particularly rifle cartridges, is essentially composed of a main body (1) provided with chambers (2) for cartridges of one or a plurality of calibers. The cartridges are radially retained in the chambers by so-called diameter compensators (9) but rotatable about their longitudinal axis. In the area of the point (39) of the projectile, an access for a measuring means (3) is provided, e.g. a dial gauge, the latter indicating the deviation of the projectile from perfect concentricity by the magnitude of its deflection variation when the cartridge (30, 31) is rotated. An aligning device (4) that is preferably also provided allows to exert a lateral pressure on the projectile in order to obtain an improved concentricity.

Abstract: A J-back calibration device is adapted to vary respective positions of the seat and the back on a chair to which it is removedly attached. A chair measurement device is mounted to the seat of the chair and is adapted to take measurements of the chair given a set position of the J-back calibration device. A design of experiments software is provided with test condition information including the variable positions of the J-back calibration device and measurements from the chair measurement device. The software generates a table of configuration settings for the J-back calibration device at which shirt-pull and bridging or other such variable sought to be optimized can be measured and provided to the software. Through graphical and other analytical tools, optimal configuration settings for the variable positions of the J-back calibration device are determined. The J-back of a chair is adapted to these calibrated settings.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for drying materials wet with one or more solvents, particularly hygroscopic materials and materials wet with a high boiling point (low vapor pressure) solvent that are sensitive to heat. Wet material is loaded into a chamber, which is then sealed and caused to oscillate back and forth. Vacuum is enlisted to provide rapid evaporation of solvent at a lower temperature than possible at standard atmospheric pressure. The material is oscillated until a sudden decrease in the residual pressure of the chamber, which indicates completion of the drying cycle. Because vacuum is applied to an oscillating chamber, a rotary vacuum seal is not required to accomplish drying in accordance with the practice of the instant invention.

Abstract: Devices and methods of drying hair are provided. The devices and methods of the present invention employ a material or a combination of materials capable of emitting far infrared radiation and negative ions during hair drying.

Abstract: Reduction of moisture in harvested crop particles such as corn and soy beans. Waste heat from an internal engine carried by a harvester is applied to the crop during the harvesting process. Microwave energy is optionally applied to the crop, concurrently with application of the heat, or separately from it. The objective is to reduce the moisture to a level acceptable to a storage facility, or at least to reduce the cost of further reduction.

Abstract: A device that aids in the drying or curing process of a turkey tail. The device consists of a flat surface (back plate) with holes and dowels to tack the individual primary turkey tail feathers in a desired drying position. Also, the lower section of the back plate consists of a tray used to contain a chemical that will hasten the drying time. A stabilizing block is placed in the chemical tray over the meaty part of the turkey tail and fastened to the back plate with a bolt and wing nut. The device and the turkey tail can then be placed upright in a small space, or hung on a nail or screw using the slot on the rear of the back plate, for the drying duration.

Abstract: An axle (30) supports both a nozzle plenum (18) and a plurality lower tubes (28) that telescope into a plurality of upper tubes (26). The nozzle plenum (18) is moved vertically up and down between various operating positions as the tubes (26, 28) telescope into and out of one another to accommodate the changing longitudinal configuration of a vehicle and the nozzle plenum (18) may be rotated about the axle (30) to efficiently direct air against the contour of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper sole (11) receiving the user's foot, an intermediate sole (12), a bottom support (13) and linking mechanism (14) for detachably linking the bottom support (13) to the intermediate sole (12). The linking mechanism (14) comprise protuberances (15) inclined at an angle or relative to the vertical and designed to be inserted in recesses (16). The shoe further comprises a locking mechanism (19) formed by an elastic catch (21) co-operating with a locking rod (22). The elastic catch can be released from the locking rod to separate the intermediate sole (12) from the bottom support (13).

Abstract: Footwear, particularly athletic shoes, that has a sole structure copying support, stability and cushioning structures of the human foot. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the use of the shoe upper portion to envelop one or more portions of the shoe midsole in combination with portions of the shoe sole having at least one concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface, relative to a portion of the shoe sole located adjacent to the concavely rounded outer surface portion, and at least one convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, relative to a portion of the midsole component located adjacent to the convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, all as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: A custom conformable device that supports and cushions a user's anatomical part, such the foot. The device is self-inflating, conforms to the shape of the user's foot, utilizes an inflatable bladder with a valve, and contains an expandable material such as an open cell foam. When the valve is open the expandable material expands, causing the bladder to inflate and to conform to the shape of the user's anatomical part. Once the desired shape is achieved, the valve is closed, sealing the bladder. Once the bladder is sealed, the expandable material retains the shape of the user's anatomical part. The user may open the valve to adjust the level of support provided by the device by allowing more fluid to enter the bladder, or by forcing fluid to exit the bladder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a shoe sole, in particular for a sports shoe, wherein a preform of the sole is first produced from a first material and at least one second material in a common mold by injection molding and wherein subsequently the preform is vulcanized to obtain the finished sole.

Abstract: A child's slipper is provided having a decorative animal head and a music box disposed within the animal head. A hat is interconnected with the animal's head. A pull string extends from the music box, through the animal's head, and through the hat. A pull ring or bead is interconnected to the pull string, the pull ring or bead positioned exterior of the hat. The pull ring or bead is pulled to actuate the music box. A substantial portion of the pull string remains positioned within the animal's hat.

Abstract: A self-propelled snowplow vehicle includes a vehicle frame equipped with an auger at a front end portion thereof and pivotally connected to a propelling frame equipped with driving wheels, and a frame lift mechanism for lifting the front end portion of the vehicle frame up and down relative to the propelling frame. The frame lift mechanism comprises an electro-hydraulic cylinder actuator having a piston rod and an electric motor rotatably driven to produce a fluid pressure for reciprocating the piston rod in response to operation of a manual operating switch. The snowplow vehicle also includes a control unit arranged to forcibly stop the electric motor when a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation switch is activated, the predetermined time being equal to an operating time of the cylinder actuator which is required to extend or contract the piston rod over a maximum stroke defined between a fully extended position and a fully contracted position of the piston rod.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for constructing an underground wall in a trench, include using multiple chains on an endless chain cutter and individually controlling the speed and/or direction of the chains, various configurations of cutter bits and agitator bars on the chains, a technique for assembling the endless chain cutter in a horizontal position outside of a starter trench, then erecting the endless chain cutter to a vertical position in the starter trench. A guide frame straddles the starter trench. The endless chain cutter is repeatedly moved within the guide frame, then the guide frame is re-positioned until the entire lengh of the trench has been excavated. A central portion of the trench may be cut deeper than outer portions to create interlocking joints between adjacent wall sections and added stability for the resulting wall. Side gap barriers seal gaps between the sides of the endless chain cutter and side walls of the trench.

Abstract: Providing a cup having a hollow part in the lower potion of it, in which rotary display part rotating in a certain direction (or both direction) is disposed, and the rotation of the display part becomes to be rotated when it is light, the rotation is stopped when it is no light, and it is stopped when it is no light, or the rotation of the display part is stopped when it is light by lift of the cup as a cup is about the ground, and when it is rotated the rotation of the display part from lifting of the cup, the luminary becomes to be emitted light for certain time.

Abstract: The invention provides a flame simulating assembly having a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a screen. The light source is operable to produce an image of flames appearing to be emitted from the simulated fuel bed. The screen has a front surface disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for transmitting the image of flames through the front surface. A pattern is included in the screen for simulating the appearance of firebrick to a viewer of the image of flames.

Abstract: A sign assembly 10 that implements electronic paper to display an animated image. The sign assembly includes a controller 12, a power supply 14, a pair of substantially transparent, electrically conductive sheets 16, 18, and a sheet of electronic paper 24, which is sandwiched between sheets 16, 18. Image layers 20, 22 are imprinted on the sheets 16, 18, or are alternatively held frictionally adjacent to sheets 16, 18 by a frame assembly 56. Image layers 20, 22 include substantially transparent regions 36, 38, 40 and 42 in which sheet 24 is visible. The conductive sheets 16, 18 are connected to controller 12 which provides an electronic signal which is varied over time resulting in the display of an animated or changing image which may be visible when viewed from one or both sides of the sign assembly 10.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a lens sheet with a plurality of unit columnar lenses arranged so as to be parallel to one another, and is disposed on the observation side of a display panel, spaced therefrom by a layer of air. The direction of the ridge lines of the unit columnar lenses of the lens sheet, seen from the observation side, are non-parallel to the direction of an edge of the display panel.

Abstract: A road stand comprising a substantially planar cut-out figure. The figure bears a sign having a design thereon appropriate to attract the attention of passers-by. The figure is supported by a free-standing base.

Abstract: An emergency traffic sign apparatus for vehicles which has at least three power sources. The emergency sign has a substantially planar main body, on which indicia, preferably in the form of an arrow or other direction indicating symbol is printed in outline form. A cavity formed in the main body contains a secondary light source such as a flourescent or incandescent bulb. Power for the light source is supplied by a vehicle lighter adapter or other means for providing power from a vehicle battery. A self contained emergency battery source provides power in the event vehicle battery power is not available. Primary lighting for the traffic sign is provided by a chemiluminescent light stick which is placed within a tube which is aligned with the cavity containing the secondary light source. The tube within which the primary light source is contained is transparent, and may contain reflectors or optics to modify the light output of the chemiluminescent light stick.

Abstract: A luminaire comprises a relatively thin and flat light-emitting panel (1) having a light-emitting window (2) and, opposite said light-emitting window, a rear wall (3) with opposed edge surfaces (4, 14). At least one of the edge surfaces (4) is light transmitting and associated with a plurality of light sources (5, 5′, 5″, . . . ). Light originating from the light sources (5, 5′, 5″, . . . ) is spread in the panel (1). The invention is characterized in that a plurality of deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) is provided in the panel (1) for extracting light from the panel (1) via the light emission window (2). The deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) are clustered so as to form at least one light symbol (27; 28). The configuration of the clusters (17; 18) of deformities (7, 7′, 7″, . . . ; 8, 8′, . . . ) corresponds to the shape of the light symbol (27; 28).

Abstract: A reflective device includes a cover sheet member having one or more patterns applied on one of its sides. The cover sheet member includes a rugged surface for reflecting the pattern into a spatial image. The patterns may be directly applied onto the cover sheet member, or may be indirectly applied onto a base sheet member before the base sheet member is attached or secured onto the cover sheet member. The reflective device may be manufactured with inexpensive sheet members and by simple and quick manufacturing processes without specialized or skillful persons.

Abstract: An attachment for a racing sulky is provided having a display plate upon which advertisement or other material may be placed for exhibit to the viewers of a race. In one arrangement the display plate is mounted to the hub of the spoke of the sulky wheel by a bearing and it includes a counterweight to maintain it in an upright position when the wheel rotates. In a second arrangement, the plate is supported by a U shaped bracket which extends above the sulky wheel.

Abstract: An art ensemble comprising a plurality of art elements to be arranged in different decorative abstract designs on a flat foundation panel and held in place on the panel by insets in the elements containing ferrous material and a sheet of permanent magnet material overlying the foam plastic core of the foundation panel and covered by decorative art paper. The elements have frames covered by decorative materials, including canvas that is either painted or unpainted. Different sizes, colors and patterns are provided in the art elements of a set so that a variety of ensembles may be created from one set.