Abstract: A gear puller includes a barrel having an orifice formed in one end, a pair of jaws received in the barrel and each having one end extended outward through the orifice of the barrel and each having a peripheral flange for engaging into a bearing to be pulled. An actuator rod may be engaged into the jaws for moving the jaws away from each other to solidly engage with the bearing to be pulled. A shank is secured to the barrel and has a block. A hammer is slidably engaged on the shank and movable to strike onto the block for forcing the jaws to remove the bearing from the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated vessel which may be produced at low cost, has superior insulating capabilities and excellent volumetric efficiency, and which may be suitably employed in a thermos, cooler, icebox, insulated cup, thermal insulated lunch box, thermal insulated electric pot, heat retaining rice cooker, refrigerator or freezer box insulating material, or as an insulating layer in a bath tub. The insulated vessel of the present invention is characterized in the formation of an insulating layer in the space interval between the inner vessel and the outer vessel of a double walled vessel which is filled with a low thermoconductive gas consisting of at least one the gases of xenon, krypton, and argon, and in the disposition of a metallic heat radiation preventing material at the insulating layer.

Abstract: Improved joints for cryogenic liquid-containing tanks are disclosed. The joints include a support plate, a lower arm mounted on the support plate, an upper arm mounted on the support plate spaced from the lower arm, and tank skins extending into the space between the lower and upper arms. Sealing layers are provided between the tank skins and the joint arms. The joints are particularly useful for space launch vehicle cryogenic liquid propellant tanks which must be lightweight, withstand high structural loads and maintain leak-free conditions.

Abstract: A loading/unloading device for track-mounted attachment elements. The device includes a receiving member adapted to be disposed in a track having a channel which supports a plurality of attachment elements. The receiving member has securing means with a first and a second position, a biasing means biases the securing means in the first position. A loading/unloading member, with a channel, has engagement slots adapted to removably engage with the securing means. The loading/unloading member can be engaged, or disengaged, from the receiving member by a single operator movement. When engaged, attachment elements can be moved between the track channel and the loading/unloading member channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a plastic processing method for easily shaping a tip end of a metal rod material such that a sectional area of the tip end gradually decreases. A metal rod material 3 is contained in a molding groove 2 which is disposed in a mold 1 and whose end 2a has a sectional area smaller than that of the metal rod material 3. Then, a rolling roller 4 is rolled in contact with a mold surface 1a, and the rod material 3 is plastically deformed and molded along a shape of the molding groove 2. Subsequently, a burr 3b is removed. The molding groove 2 has a sectional area smaller than that of the metal rod material 3 on a tip end 2a side, and in addition has a width and depth larger in size than a diameter of the rod material 3 on a rear end 2b side, while having a gradually decreasing sectional area on the tip end 2a side. A rolling roller 14 rotates together with large-diameter rollers 15a, 15b, and is pressed in contact with the mold surface 1a by the rollers 15a, 15b.

Abstract: A semi-automated method for forming armature coils comprising a plurality of transposed wire pairs includes joining a plurality of pairs of wires having offset segments along their lengths, insulating each of the transposed pairs of wires, assembling the plurality of the insulated transposed pairs of wires with the transpositions being staggered to create a pack, and forming the pack into an armature coil in an automated coil forming machine by bending the pack in two planes. The joining of the plurality of pairs of wires having the offset segments along their lengths is effectuated at a transposition point. Each pair of wires has a transposition at a unique point relative to others of the plurality of the pairs of wires forming the coils.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing the likelihood of damage to wire leads of undulated coils for dynamo-electric machine stators are provided. The invention provides a rotating winding head equipped with a coil former that has a wire gripper and an initial wire lead slot. The gripper retains the initial wire lead. The slot permits the initial wire lead to be fed to the gripper from a stationary wire source. The gripper maintains the initial wire lead in a predetermined plane of the coil and can secure the initial wire lead in the plane in which the final lead wire will eventually be disposed. The gripper also rotates the initial wire lead into radial alignment with a lobe of the undulated coil. Once installed in a stator, the initial and final wire leads can both be disposed along the outer radius of the coil and are thus protected from interference with a rotor that is destined to rotate within the stator.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a cost effective flat rotor for a pancake type slip ring. A flat copper coil sheet is stamped into a corrugated shape having concentric V-ring grooves. The corrugated stamped copper foil sheet is bonded using a bonding agent to a dielectric layer. Multiple concentric V-grooves are formed by separating the grooves, for example, by machining the grooves at an apex thereof in order to form separate electrical circuits. A corresponding plurality of holes extend through each concentric ring and through the dielectric layer from the first side through the second side. A conductive material is placed in each of the plurality of holes to electrically connect each concentric ring to the second side.

Abstract: Powder of not more than 1 &mgr;m in mean particle diameter is prepared to contain a mixture of superconducting phases mainly composed of 2212 phases of Bi—Sr—Ca—Cu or (Bi, Pb)—Sr—Ca—Cu and non-superconducting phases which is obtained by calcining and pulverizing raw material powder at least once, this powder is heat treated at a high temperature and thereafter coated with a metal to prepare a round wire by deformation processing, thereafter a tape type or flat type wire is prepared by deformation processing, then the wire is heat treated under conditions for allowing phase transformation of the 2212 phases of main superconducting phases to 2223 phases with facilitation of grain growth, thereafter the as-formed 2223 phases are highly densified by deformation processing or pressurization, and the wire is again heat treated so that the 2223 phases are strongly bonded with each other and the non-superconducting phases are finely dispersed.

Abstract: In order to obtain a superconducting wire containing an oxide superconductor, whose critical current density is not much reduced upon application of bending, a plurality of strands 3, comprising oxide superconductors 1 covered with first metal sheaths 2, are filled into a second metal sheath 4, and deformation processing is performed to sectionally apply a compressive load to the second metal sheath, so that the thickness of the oxide superconductor 1 contained in each strand 3 is not more than 5% of the overall thickness of the superconducting wire 6.

Abstract: An inventive method of manufacturing precisely-compressed multi-layer stacks is presented. Two stacks are assembled. One stack, having a compression sensor between two layers, is then compressed with an initial compression force, and the signal from the sensor is measured. The other stack is then compressed with a force derived from the measurement.

Abstract: In a magnetoresistive head, a marking layer is formed on at least one of the upper side of an upper shielding layer and the lower side of a lower shielding layer so as to be opposed to a magnetoresistive sensor layer. The leading ends of the magnetoresistive sensor layer and the marking layer are exposed at a medium-sliding surface on which a recording medium slides, and the leading end of the marking layer is shaped so that the length thereof in the widthwise direction is equal to the length from the leading end to the rear end of the magnetoresistive sensor layer. The center in the widthwise direction of the marking layer is placed on a straight line which intersects the magnetoresistive sensor layer via the center in the widthwise direction of the magnetoresistive sensor layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing rivets or other fasteners through a workpiece includes an automated machine disposed on one side of the workpiece and a hand-held tool that is manipulated by a single worker located on the opposite side of the workpiece. The automated machine includes an end effector supporting tools such as a drill and a riveter. The automated machine also includes a guide structure adapted to be releasably affixed to the workpiece, and a carriage that travels along the guide structure and supports the end effector so that the end effector can be positioned in various locations along the surface of the workpiece where fasteners are to be installed. The end effector includes an electromagnetic clamping device, and the hand-held tool includes a magnetic clamping block that is attracted by the clamping device to clamp the workpiece therebetween. The end effector generates a positioning signal and the hand-held tool includes a detector for detecting the positioning signal.

Abstract: A foil applicator for particle board and the like has a stack of foils positioned above the transport path for the boards and provided with a suction feeder which delivers the foils to a platform from which the foils are fed by belt feeders to the upper surface of the board. At the upstream of the stack, a further platform is provided and receives foil sheets from the stack and feeds those foil sheets to a suction belt inverter which delivers the sheets in an inverted form to the conveyor for application to the top or bottom of the board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for attaching to an object a substantially flat carrier strap which is intended to engage by means of locking members arranged on each end into an elongate slot in the object, wherein the slots are arranged substantially mutually in line in the object and wherein the apparatus comprises: engaging means for engaging a straightened carrier strap in the proximity of both ends; first rotation means for causing the engaging means to rotate into a position in which the ends of the carrier strap are directed substantially vertically; second rotation means for causing the engaging means to rotate into a position in which the ends of the carrier strap lie substantially in the same plane; and translation means for causing the ends of the strap to each move downward in substantially vertical direction into the slot to a depth such that the locking members grip in the slot.

Abstract: A coaxial cable installation tool useful for folding back an exposed portion of grounded shielding on the end of a coaxial cable in preparation for the attachment of the coaxial cable to a coaxial cable connector. In a preferred embodiment, the installation tool includes a handle portion that is adapted to be comfortably grasped by an installer, and a flaring tool recessed within one end of the handle portion. The flaring tool includes a spring-loaded cylindrical flaring rod slidably mounted within a coaxial tubular housing. The flaring rod has a cylindrical receptacle in the leading end thereof, the diameter of the cylindrical receptacle being dimensioned to receive the portion of the coaxial cable underlying the grounded shielding therewithin. The inner diameter of the receptacle permits the snug insertion of a variety of coaxial cable connectors, such as, for example, F-type connectors, thereinto.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the fabrication of a longitudinal rail for supplying electrical power to a mobile, the rail including a mounting body for mounting the rail on a support and a wear plate which is worn by the mobile. The mounting body has a rigid base and a head divided into two halves which are prestressed in elastic flexing between rims of the wear plate. Applications include the production of electrical power supply rails for rail vehicles or materials handling plant.

Abstract: A conductive ball mounting equipment for mounting conductive balls on electrodes of a plurality of electronic components formed on a substrate, including a suction tool having a suction face to cover each one of divided blocks on the substrate, a suction part which is formed on the suction face of the suction tool, corresponding to the arrangement pitches of the electronic components and sucks the conductive balls to the positions corresponding to the electrodes, and a suction limiter for sucking the conductive balls only to the specified suction part corresponding to the electronic components in the divided blocks. According to this construction, the conductive balls can be efficiently and stably mounted on the electrodes of the electronic components of the substrate.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process of manufacturing, including a technique of assembling parts of an apparatus. The technique includes forming electrode structures on a substrate, suspending the apparatus part or parts in a dielectric medium between electrodes of the electrode structure, and using near-field (that is, short range) electric field forces to align the part or parts in pre-determined positions in accordance with the desired apparatus topography. The part or parts may include semiconductor die, nanometer wires for making connections to devices, or other components requiring precision alignment.

Abstract: A method for producing contact jacks for electric plug-in connectors.

Abstract: In a production apparatus (1), after rear holders (7a, 7b) and a housing body (8) are molded by molding die cavities, slides (11a, 11b) are moved apart from the housing body (8). Then, cylinders (16a, 16b) are driven to move the rear holders (7a, 7b), holders (13a, 13b) and the slides (11a, 11b) together with slide plates (14a, 14b), so that the rear holders (7a, 7b) are located in opposed relation to the housing body (8). Then, cylinders (19a, 19b) are driven to move the rear holders (7a, 7b) toward the housing body (8), thereby provisionally retaining the rear holders (7a, 7b) on the housing body (8). Therefore, the amount of movement of the slides (11a, 11b) is small, and it is not necessary to provide any space for holding the slides (11a, 11b), moved into their respective stand-by positions, and therefore the small-size design of the production apparatus can be achieved, and also the production efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: A method for extending the life of the attachments that attach blades to rotors, particularly for aerojet engines. Such a method is notable in that it employs intensive ultrasonic peening of the grooves and of the roots of the blades, this peening being performed with an Almen intensity at least equal to F8A, so as to increase the compressive prestress in the contact surfaces without increasing the roughness of these surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for-fabricating an integrally bladed rotor which comprises providing a hub section, preferably formed from a titanium based alloy, and welding an airfoil, also preferably formed from a titanium based alloy, to the hub section. The method further comprises partially aging and cooling the hub section prior to welding and aging the airfoil and the weld joint between the airfoil and the hub section subsequent to welding. The post welding aging step is preferably carried out using a novel encapsulated local airfoil heating device having a plurality of heating elements woven into a jacket made from a high temperature cloth material. The method of the present invention may also be used to repair integrally bladed rotors.

Abstract: A process for forming a vehicle wheel wherein a wheel blank having a wheel disc and a cylindrical skirt extending axially form an inboard surface of the wheel disc is mounted upon a spinning machine and the skirt is spun into a vehicle wheel rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a decorative device to be incorporated in jewelry or other objects that will likely be worn or carried by a person. The invention generally comprises the steps of removing a computer chip from a personal computer or other type of computing device and then removing from the computer chip substantially all of the metal connector elements used to mount the chip to a board, usually known as the “mother board.” Next, at least one of the two main faces of the computer chip, typically made of silicon or a graphite material, is grinded down so as to expose a plurality of the conductive pathways formed within the computer chip, whereupon the main face of the computer chip with the pathways exposed thereon may be polished.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing hydraulic anti-vibration mounts comprising two rigid parts (2, 4) connected by an elastomeric body (5) that partially defines a liquid-filled working chamber (A) that communicates via a restricted passage (C) with a compensating chamber (B). A rigid partition (6) which separates the working chamber (A) from the compensating chamber (B) comprises a recessed shell (10) whose upper face is covered by a closing plate (11). Two parallel grooves (16, 17) are let into the upper face of the recessed shell and communicate with the compensating chamber (B), while the closing plate comprises a cavity allowing communication between either both grooves, or one (16) of the grooves, and the working chamber (A) in order thus to define the restricted passage (C).

Abstract: A hand tool to facilitate removing the shell from a hard boiled egg. The tool has an egg shell ripper prong disposed between a spaced apart pair of members that engage the outer surface of the egg shell and limit the depth of penetration of the ripper prong.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knife with a replaceable blade which is spring-biased in the retracted position. The knife is designed such that the blade can only be extended by exerting a downward force and by turning the handle with respect to an inner housing. The handle has a tab affixed to the inside wall of the handle. The inner housing has an angled slot in its wall adapted to receive the tab. When the blade is fully retracted, the tab rests on the shoulder at the top of the inner housing. A straight downward pressure on the handle causes the tab to engage the shoulder and will not allow the blade to extend. When the handle is rotated, the tab enters the slot and the blade is forced downward. As this occurs, the blade extends through a slot at the bottom of a blade cover. When the blade is removed from the object to be cut, the spring forces the handle to move with respect to the inner housing and causes the blade to retract within the blade cover.

Abstract: There is provided a hair clipper with a housing having a control for selectively connecting a motor positioned in the housing to an energy source. The hair clipper also having a rotating blade assembly with one or more cutting edges and a switch mechanism operatively connected to said blade assembly. The hair clipper allows the blade assembly to be efficiently and effectively adjusted to conveniently provide a user with several different hair cutting options.

Abstract: The invention relates to portable handheld work apparatus including a brushcutter, edge cutter or the like. The work apparatus has a drive motor (1) and a cutting tool (2) driven by the drive motor. The work apparatus includes a guide tube (3) for guiding a drive shaft (4) as well as a handle (5) fixed on the guide tube (3). The drive shaft (4) connects the cutting tool (2) to the drive motor (1). The handle (5) is in the form of a handle bracket (8) and can be pivoted about a pivot axis (7) lying transversely to the longitudinal axis (6) of the guide tube (3) for adjusting the distance (a) of the handle to the guide tube (3). A spring action handle bracket holder (22, 23) is mounted between the handle bracket (8) and the guide tube (3). The handle bracket holder is especially vibration dampening and extends with a component in the direction of the longitudinal axis (6).

Abstract: The barbeque fork includes a first tine and a second tine. Each of the tines has a first end, a second, a top side, a bottom side, an inner side edge and an outer side edge. The inner side edges and outer side edges tapering from the first end to the second end such that the second ends are pointed. A plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first ends is integrally coupled to the front edge such that the tines extend in a generally parallel direction with respect to each other. A shank has a first end integrally coupled to the back edge of the plate such that the shank extends away from the plate. A third tine has a first end, a second end, and a pair of side edges tapering toward each other from the first end to the second end. The first end of the third tine is integrally coupled to the outer edge of the first tine and located generally adjacent to the plate.

Abstract: A hedge cutting system for cutting branches and other foliage with a chainsaw. The hedge cutting system includes at least one elongated cutting bar for guiding movement of branches of a hedge toward a cutting member while cutting the hedge. The cutting bar is removably mountable on a guide bar of a chainsaw. At least one spacing member is provided for spacing the cutting bar from the guide bar. The spacing member is removably positionable between the cutting bar and the guide bar. A plurality of fastening members is provided for removably fastening the cutting bar and the spacing member together. An end of each of the fastening members is removably extendable through the guide bar such that the cutting bar and the spacing member are removably mountable on the guide bar.

Abstract: The present invention involves an air empowered circular saw apparatus for the cutting of material by either a left handed or a right handed operator. The apparatus includes an elongated base plate with a support frame extending from one side thereof; and an output housing supported on the distal end of the support frame, with an elongated drive motor housing supported on one side of the support frame. A saw blade is supported on the opposed side of the support frame, wherein the drive motor housing is swingable about an axis of rotation of an output shaft through the output housing to permit handed control of the air powered saw apparatus to be changed.

Abstract: A scribing apparatus which forms a scribe line on a work 100 comprises a scribe body 10 having a cutter 13 put on the work 100 and a vibration generation member 14 which vibrates the cutter 13 in a direction perpendicular to the work 100 periodically, a support device having a support body 20 for supporting the scribe body 10 to be movable, and magnetic force applying means 40 for holding the scribe body 10 at a standard height in the direction by using magnetic force. The magnetic force applying means 40 includes a pair of magnets 41a, 41b and a pair of magnets 42a, 42b repulsing each other in a direction parallel to a direction in which the vibration generation member 14 vibrates. And magnetically repelling force applied to the scribe body 10 by said first pair of magnets 41a, 41b and magnetically repelling force applied to the scribe body 10 by said second pair of magnets 42a, 42b oppose to each other.

Abstract: There is provided a laser line beam emitting apparatus with high durability. The apparatus according to the present invention has avoidance of deformed or damaged shafts by construction where possible free maintenance of the balance of the pendulum being locked against the swings prevents production of applied unnatural force to the shaft. It includes a pendulum 60 having a laser beam source unit assembled thereinto, gimbals mechanism having the pendulum 60 hung therefrom, a stopper 70 having a function of stop of swings of the pendulum 60, and a pressure member 75 to press the pendulum against the stopper for stop of swings of the pendulum 60. The gimbals mechanism comprises a plurality of links 53, 55, 57, which are linked in series through combination of a plurality of horizontal shafts 52, 54 disposed in a parallel arrangement with each other and a plurality of horizontal shaft 56, 58, which is at the right angle to the horizontal shafts 52, 54.

Abstract: A hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor for calculating the accurate direction of the earth magnetism. The hybrid three-axis magnetic sensor includes: a flux gate type magnetic sensor which is so formed that a base serves as a main member and detects two axis components of a magnetic vector defined by a plane parallel to the base; a Hall element which detects another component of the magnetic vector orthogonal to the base; a tilt sensor which detects a tilt angle of the base; and a CPU, wherein the flux gate type magnetic sensor and the Hall element are integrally structured together as a hybrid IC. The thus detected three dimensional magnetic vector is corrected in the light of inclination of the base, so that the direction of the earth magnetism is accurately calculated.

Abstract: A connected and relatively pivotal two piece angular measuring device that will provide information and/or direct data or indicia to be used in setting mitre saw cutting angles for accurate placement of trim, molding, shelves, and the like.

Abstract: A device for generating angles has a ruler-shaped basic rail having a first guide extending in a longitudinal direction of the basic rail. A stop rail is arranged in the first guide of the basic rail and is rotatable and slidable into different positions relative to the basic rail and securable in the different positions. The stop rail has an underside provided with depressions positioned at an acute angle to one another and forming a star-shaped arrangement. The basic rail has a projection that engages the depressions.

Abstract: A guide assembly useful in restraining the vertical writing excursions of those with impaired muscular control includes a generally orthogonal frame supporting one or more stretched elastic bands spaced adjacent the horizontal leg of the frame. The vertical leg is then used for alignment along the edge of the writing surface.

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: The apparatus for the positioning of a measuring device has an annular or arcuate track to which a measuring device is attached. To position the sensing head of the measuring unit radially with respect to the material under test, a crossbeam is provided which supports the measuring device. Bearings are arranged between the track and the crossbeam. In the apparatus for positioning, the position of the crossbeam with the measuring device can be changed in a radial direction to the track with respect to the track.

Abstract: A device for centering tools, such as saw blades, rotary cutters and the like which are circular and which have bores of different sizes, on processing machines such that they can be positioned about their center axes. The device includes a mount adapted to be attached to such a machine, and a slide coupled to the mount and adapted to move relative to the mount. A first bearing is coupled to the mount, and a second and third bearing are coupled to the slide and mounted for movement on the slide selectively toward or away from the first bearing. The first, second and third bearings are configured to engage the bore of the blade such that the bore is centered on the machine and the blade is rotatable about its center axis.

Abstract: An overlay mark for concurrently monitoring alignment accuracy, focus, leveling and astigmatism and a method of application thereof are disclosed. The overlay mark comprises four inner bars and four outer bars formed at the corners of exposure areas. The inner bar has a sawtooth area and a bar-shaped area, and the outer bar is a fore-layer etched pattern. Both the inner bars and the outer bars are formed into rectangles, and each bar is one side of a rectangle and none of the sides are connected. The sawtooth areas of the inner bars disposed on opposite sides are located at a same position. The rectangle formed by the outer bars encloses the rectangle formed by the inner bars. During the monitoring process, a testing beam scans across a scan area being divided into two areas, i.e., one being the outer bars and the sawtooth area of the inner bars, and the other one being the outer bars and the bar-shaped area of the inner bars.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system has a carrier including wafer slots. A process robot engages the carrier and installs the carrier into a rotor within a process chamber. The rotor has a tapered or stepped inside surface matching a tapered or stepped outside surface of the carrier. Wafer retainers on the carrier pivot to better secure wafers within the carrier.

Abstract: A reusable device, and alternative methods of manufacture, for fast, efficient, fingernail preserving, and unfragmented removal of accumulated lint from clothes dryer filters. Each embodiment comprises a mitt and an attached storage pouch having upper and lower ends that can be independently manipulated for the addition and removal of lint. It also comprises magnetic means for attachment of the pouch to a dryer so that it remains conveniently accessible for use. The mitt preferably has two thumbs for interchangeable right-handed and left-handed use.

Abstract: Reduction of moisture in harvested crop particles. Waste heat from an internal engine carried by a harvester is applied to the crop during the harvesting process. Microwave energy is 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 drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and discharging member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and discharging member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and discharging member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a metal article. The system is used to employ a method that comprises placing the article in a means defining a chamber; subjecting the article to a gaseous atmosphere in the means defining a chamber, where the gaseous atmosphere consisting essentially of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine; and subjecting the article to the gaseous atmosphere at a temperature in a range from about 815° C. to about 1100° C. to clean the article.

Abstract: To provide a substrate transfer apparatus capable of forming a hermetically-closed space integrated between a normal substrate processing apparatus which is not integrated with a substrate transfer unit and a substrate transfer container, the substrate transfer apparatus includes a main body in a box-like shape containing a substrate W, an upper opening (first opening) provided at the main body and connected to a bottom opening (substrate transfer port) of a container while maintaining an air tight state against outside air, a side wall opening (second opening) provided at the main body and connected to a substrate transfer port of the transfer processing apparatus while maintaining the air tight state against outside air, an exhaust pipe connected to the main body, an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing a bottom lid relative to the bottom opening in a state in which the upper opening and the bottom opening of the container are connected and transfer mechanisms installed in the main body for tra

Abstract: A footwear support system of the type positioned within an inner volume of an article of footwear includes a footbed and an insole insert. The footbed includes a body having an upper surface and a cavity formed within the upper surface for receiving an insole insert. The cavity has a shape corresponding to the shape of the insole insert and a depth corresponding to the thickness of the insole insert. The insole insert may include interchangeable insole inserts, one including hydrophilic urethane for insulating a wearer's foot in cold environments and another including thermally insulative material for cooling a wearer's foot in warm environments. The footwear support system based on the footbed provides greater comfort to a wearer's foot.