Abstract: A roller for use with an applicator device in the application of a viscous fluid onto a wall surface. The device includes a handle and an arcuately configured and extending neck which terminates in an elongate extending and rotatable support such as a plurality of spaced apart and parallel extending wire frame elements. The roller includes a substantially sleeve shaped body having an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface dimensioned to be slidably engaged over the rotatable support. An outwardly facing surface of the sleeve shaped body further exhibits a porous and honeycombed nap configuration such that, upon immersing the sleeve shaped body into a pool of the viscous fluid, the honeycombed nap configuration permits a desired volume of the fluid to be absorbed for subsequent and even application over a selected surface area of the wall surface.

Abstract: A paint roller (10) has a paint applicator (12), two holder mounts and an applicator holder (14). The paint applicator (12) has a cylindrical outer surface (16) and two opposite ends (18a,18b). The two holder mounts, respectively associated with the two opposite ends (18a,18b), each has a base surface (24). A journal (26) protrudes from the base surface (24) in a direction away from the paint applicator (12). The journal (26) has a holder abutment with a planar abutment surface (30) substantially aligned on a common plane. The applicator holder (14) has a handle (40) and a fork (42) having opposite sides (44,46).

Abstract: A paint application system configured for applying paint to the interior surfaces within a gap between spaced-apart boards. The system typically includes a disk, or disks, extending radially from an outer surface of a cylindrical paint roller. Also included may be a paint wring-out device having grooves or slots for squeezing excess paint from the disk, or disks.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fastening for a windshield wiper system on a vehicle body, in particular for motor vehicles, whereby the windshield wiper system is composed of a premanufactured assembly having at least one fastening site arranged on it.

Abstract: A wiper system, in particular for motor vehicle windows, having a driveable wiper arm (20) guided at one end on the motor vehicle, on the exposed end (21) of which a long-straggling wiper blade (12) capable of being placed against the window (16) with a wiper strip (22) is detachably hinge-mounted via a connection device (18) that has a pivot bolt (24) on the arm side, the axis of articulation of which extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade in the working direction (double arrow 88) of the wiper system, and that has a coupling part (26) on the wiper-blade side in a center section of the wiper blade (12) on its side opposite from the window (16), which said coupling part has a bore-like bearing receptacle for a pivot bolt (24), whereby the bearing receptacle is open-edged along its cylindrical surface over a pass-through channel (70) for the pivot bolt (24) pointing in the direction of the bore axis, and said bearing receptacle is provided with a bottleneck (94) cap

Abstract: In the case of a wiper device for cleaning glass panes on vehicles, in particular automobiles, the wiper strip (2), which consists of an elastomeric material, is furnished with a molded spoiler (15) on a wiper strip upper side (14). The molded spoiler extends only in a wiper arm area (1″) which lies between one end of the wiper blade (1) and means of attachment (11) to attach the wiper blade (1) to an arm of a windshield wiper.

Abstract: A block and tackle sash balance assembly for providing a counterbalancing force to a sash window pivotally and slideably mounted within a sash window frame is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to disable the counterbalancing force responsive to pivoting of the sash window.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a manually operated tool includes a first elongated handle component having a free end and a tool engaging end adapted for attachment to a tool member and an auxiliary elongated handle component having a free end and a second end adapted for attachment to the first handle component. The auxiliary handle component is provided with at least two mounts axially displaced from each other. The more distally displaced mount is adapted to pivotally attach the auxiliary handle component to the first elongated handle component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle or grip providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various supports and handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally boot-shaped body or portions thereof. The body or body portions include a radial section, an ulnar section and middle section. Furthermore the body has a distal (frontal) finger side, proximal (back) side, palmar side and a thumb side. The body also has radial and ulnar sides. These portions are shaped to engage the various corresponding regions of the inner surface of the hand. These sections and sides forming the body can be divided and used separately for individual applications of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for connection with a vehicle portion (8) comprises a grab handle (40) and a grab handle hinge (60). The grab handle hinge (60) supports the grab handle (40) for pivotal movement relative to the vehicle portion (8) between a grab handle stored position adjacent the vehicle portion (8) and a grab handle operative position spaced apart from the vehicle portion (8). A cap (70) blocks visibility of part of the grab handle hinge (60) from the vehicle occupant compartment when the grab handle (40) is in the grab handle stored position. A cap hinge (90) supports the cap (70) for pivotal movement between a cap stored position covering the part of the grab handle hinge (60) and a cap operative position spaced apart from the vehicle portion (8) and from the grab handle hinge (60). The cap (70) has a portion (74) adapted to support a garment when the cap (70) is in the cap operative position.

Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A magnetic clip comprising a combined magnetic member/second firm plate unit (34) lever, and a second flexible film (27) which is wrapped around and attached to said combined magnetic member/second firm plate unit lever, and an opposing ferric armature member (22) lever, and a folded flexible attachment means (26) to which said opposing levers are adhered under said fold. The lower proximal edge of said magnetic member serves as a fulcrum (44) about which said two levers can be pivoted by the operator's fingers of only one hand which can raise or lower portions (52), (56), (54), and (58) thereby causing the leading edges of said clip to open or close as needed to secure or release said clip to or from a sheet (30). Closed life size view (84).

Abstract: An adjustable liner retainer system comprising a container having an opening defining an upper edge and an outer surface and a liner situated in the container wherein an upper portion of the liner extends from the opening, folds over the upper edge, and at least partly hangs below the upper edge adjacent to the outer surface of the container. An adjustable liner retainer is tensioned around an upper end of the container pressing the hanging upper portion against the outer surface of the container. The adjustable liner retainer comprises a strip of material at least a portion of which is elastomeric material to create the tension to press the liner to the outer surface. A hook portion and a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener are attached to the first and second ends of the strip.

Abstract: Improved Fasteners of the Slidingly Engagable type are provided in uni-directional and multi-directional orientations, in single and double-sided configurations, and in a range of designs which also include provisions for attaching certain embodiments of such fasteners to a substrate material. A method of economically producing such fasteners and products incorporating such fasteners in diverse materials by utilizing an apparatus which includes a set of interengaging dies is also provided.

Abstract: An improved movable buckle structure, wherein its male connector and female connector are made of metal, is characterized in that two pivotal connecting bases and a guiding block are integrally coupled and disposed at the front lateral side of the male connector, and two concave grooves are disposed between the inner side of the two pivotal connecting bases and the outer side of the guiding block for embedding two elastic brackets, fixing in position, and providing elasticity. It makes two latching blocks to extend outward or contract inward such that the female connector can be locked or detached. Such structure can stand coldness and will not become brittle, and further can strengthen the exerted tension as well as the durability and artistic look, and thus enhancing the company's competitiveness and satisfying the consumer's needs.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for needling a non-woven material with a support (1) receiving at least one needleboard (3), which support is drivable in a reciprocating fashion both in the needle-penetration direction (5) as well as the direction of passage (6) of the non-woven material and on which are coupled the connecting rods (9, 10) of two oppositely drivable eccentric drives (7, 8) for the drive in the needle-penetration direction (5) and on which acts at least one additional eccentric drive (7, 8), and with a device for setting the movement component of the support in the direction of passage (6) of the non-woven material.

Abstract: A parallel spinning process, in particular for filaments, e.g. for textile or industrial applications, made from polymers such as, for example, PET or PA, in each case having a thread interlacing device between two godets for each individual thread, the godets being moved in relation to one another during the piercing or feeding operation in such a way that each individual thread is automatically threaded into its interlacing device associated therewith, and the angle of wrap in the operating mode is at least from 85° to at most 200°, preferably from 175° to 185°.

Abstract: The space forming apparatus includes at least a pair of fixed grippers disposed in a lower part thereof; a pair of movable grippers disposed with a gap in a front-to-rear direction such that the movable grippers are movable in a vertical direction toward and away from the aforementioned fixed grippers; a knock-out which is provided between the fixed grippers and moves vertically between said fixed grippers and between the movable grippers; and a punch section which is disposed so as to oppose a top end of the knock-out and which moves vertically and independently between the front and rear movable grippers and cuts coupling heads of coupling elements while pressing the coupling heads downward at the time of cutting. These members are accommodated integrally in a single housing having a chain insertion opening provided in a front face thereof.

Abstract: An arrow extraction device including a clamping means and a lever-actuated push rod. An arrow shaft is held by the clamping means while removal force is applied through the lever-actuated push rod, thereby facilitating easy recovery of a whole arrow embedded in a target.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.

Abstract: While one end of a material (31) that has nearly the same diameter as that of a first connecting portion (15) is secured, pressure is applied to the portion between the middle and the other end of the material (31). A slender portion (32), which has nearly the same diameter as that of a buckle portion (18), is formed adjacent to said other end of the material (31), and a stepped portion (20) is formed adjacent to the slender portion (32). Thus, a first-stage unfinished body (33) is formed. By radially enlarging a part of the slender portion (32), i.e. the portion between the distal end and the portion to become a buckle portion (18), until the diameter of said part becomes nearly the same as the diameter of a second connecting portion (16), the portion to become the second connecting portion (16) isformed. Thus, an arm-to-be portion is formed, wherein the portion that has not been enlarged shall be formed into the buckle portion (18).

Abstract: A niobium-based superconductor is manufactured by establishing multiple niobium components in a billet of a ductile metal, working the composite billet through a series of reduction steps to form the niobium components into elongated elements, each niobium element having a thickness on the order of 1 to 25 microns, surrounding the billet prior to the last reduction step with a porous confining layer of an acid resistant metal, immersing the confined billet in an acid or a high temperature liquid metal to remove the ductile metal from between the niobium elements while the niobium elements remain confined by said porous layer, exposing the confined mass of niobium elements to a material capable of reacting with Nb to form a superconductor.

Abstract: A mobile terminal employs existing geometry such as a rear housing or shield box to carry a radiating element. This element is made of a flexible elastomer with a conductive filler. The element is applied by dispensing using a syringe type operation, where it would be squirted on the geometry or the part placed in a secondary injection mold tool. This tool would have the pattern as open volume in the steel that would allow the conductive elastomer to fill out the pattern and adhere to the part. The radiating element is flexible and conforming, simplifying the design by reducing additional carrying components, simplifying the tolerance chain and makes full use of the surface area.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an electronic circuit containing one or more magnetic devices is assembled by the steps of providing a substrate including an aperture and conductive coil extending peripherally around the aperture and bonding together two parts of a magnetic body extending through the aperture. The two parts have substantially planar mating surfaces, and the bonding is effected by securing one of the parts to the substrate, applying adhesive to the portion of its mating surface exposed within the aperture, and pressing the mating surface of the second part into contact with the mating surface of the first part. During pressing, the mating surfaces are rotated in a reciprocating fashion to spread the adhesive into a thin, highly uniform film. This process permits the formation in the cure operation of a high quality bond without clamping. It thus produces a high quality magnetic device without manual intervention and can be part of a fully automated process to fabricate a circuit assembly.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed the new kind of multi layer suspension and the method for making this. The multi-layer suspension of the present invention is comprises of a rectangular base plate section, a load beam and a flexure, said load beam can be further divided into a bending area adjacent to the base plate and a rigid area contiguous to said bending section, said suspension assembly is made up of three layers, wherein an adhesive layer is sandwiched between two stainless steel layers with parts of one of said stainless steel layers being etched off. The method for making such suspension including the steps of making three layer raw material, etching off parts of the stainless steel, etching off parts of the polyimide, and the forming and de-tab. The structure of multi-layer suspension of the present invention overcomes the problems of etching variations and misalignment exist in the traditional production of the suspension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for actively controlling the gram load on a disk drive suspension assembly and to a disk drive using the present disk drive suspension assembly. The gram load can be actively changed by changing the applied voltage to one or more multi-layer piezoelectric actuators attached to the head suspension. The active gram control system allows the gram load to be changed on a non-permanent basis and to control the gram load to a much finer scale than can be accomplished using conventional techniques. The disk drive suspension that uses a piezoelectric actuator having two or more layers. Each layer of the multi-layer piezoelectric actuator is poled in such a fashion that when energized, some piezoelectric layers contract while others expand, resulting in a curling motion.

Abstract: A protective film is formed on a magnetic head for recording and reading data in a magnetic recording medium. The method includes the steps of forming a corrosion-resistant film on an entire surface of the magnetic head, and forming a wear-resistant film on the corrosion-resistant film without exposing the corrosion-resistant film to atmosphere. The wear-resistant film has a wear resistance greater than that of the corrosion-resistant film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing magnetic head device. In one embodiment, the magnetic head device includes a thin film magnetic head element having a reproduction element part comprised of a magnetoresistance effect element formed by layering on one surface of a slider. The magnetoresistance effect element is exposed on a side to oppose a magnetic recording media. Dry etching is used to remove a degenerated layer produced on the exposed side of the magnetoresistance effect element by polishing the surface of the side opposing the magnetic recording media.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for working metallic profiled elements comprise machine bed supporting (6) means extending in a longitudinal direction and suitable for supporting a semi-worked piece to be worked in a working position, storing means (10, 12) suitable for delivering semi-worked pieces (4) to be worked and/or to receive already worked semi-worked pieces (14), moving means (58, 60, 62, 64, 66) arranged for moving said semi-worked pieces (4, 14) towards and/or away from said working position and movable in a plane transversal to said longitudinal direction immediately before delivering the semi-worked piece (4) to be worked in the working position and/or immediately after removing the already worked semi-worked piece (14) from the working position.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive contact to a conductive structure includes forming a conductive structure received within and projecting outwardly from a first insulative material. A second different insulative material is deposited. The second insulative material is anisotropically etched effective to form a sidewall etch stop for the conductive structure. A third insulative material is deposited over the conductive structure and the sidewall etch stop. The third insulative material is different in composition from the second insulative material. A contact opening is etched through the third insulative material to the conductive structure using an etch chemistry which is substantially selective to the second insulative material of the sidewall etch stop. Integrated circuitry independent of the method of fabrication is disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder comprising at least one aperture and/or at least one baffle within the bladder for supporting a printed circuit board during component placement on a semiconductor substrate such as a printed circuit board is provided. The inflatable bladder is positioned to provide support for the substrate while apertures within the inflatable bladder communicate a suction force to the substrate to inhibit the substrate from bending, bowing, or flexing away from contact with the inflatable bladder during component placement. The inflatable bladder provides support for the substrate while attempting to prevent injury to components by pliably conforming to component irregularities on the back side of the substrate. The inflatable bladder can be selectively inflated or deflated for contacting the substrate and thereafter supporting the back side of the substrate during assembly operations.

Abstract: A method to fabricate a bonding pad structure including the following steps. A substrate having a top metal layer and a passivation layer overlying the top metal layer is provided. The top metal layer being electrically connected to a lower metal layer by at least one metal via within a metal via area. The substrate includes a low-k dielectric layer at least between the lower metal layer and the top metal layer. The passivation layer is etched within the metal via area to form a trench exposing at least a portion of the top metal layer. A patterned, extended bonding pad is formed over the etched passivation layer and lining the trench. The extended bonding pad having a portion that extends over a peripheral planar area of the substrate adjacent the trench not within the metal via area. A wire bond is bonded to the extended bonding pad at the peripheral planar area portion to form the bonding pad structure.

Abstract: A resin filled board is manufactured by forming roughened surfaces on a conductive layer in a throughhole before it is filled with a resin, forming smooth surfaces on conductive layers on the top and bottom of the board, printing the resin using a mask having an opening at a position corresponding to the throughhole to selectively fill the resin in the throughhole, and curing the resin. In this way, the surface of the conductive layer around the throughhole is smoothed, so that hardly any of the resin remains on the surfaces near the throughhole when the surfaces of the board is mechanically polished after the resin is cured. Also, the filling resin will not fall down into the throughhole.

Abstract: A torque converter comprises an impeller shell, a pump impeller integrally formed with the impeller shell, a turbine runner, a stator, a front cover, and at least one of a flanged portion through which a driving power of an engine is transmitted and a ring gear for a starter. The flanged portion is formed on an outer peripheral portion of an outer hull that includes the impeller shell and the front cover. A pilot boss portion is disposed at an axial portion of the front cover and is adapted to be fitted to a crank shaft of the engine, and a sleeve-like oil pump driving shaft is disposed at an axial portion of the impeller shell and is adapted to drive an oil pump. The pilot boss portion is formed integrally with the front cover through a plastic working operation, and the flanged portion formed at a front portion of the outer periphery of the front cover is increased in thickness through a plastic working operation that forms the flanged portion as a lamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting components such as stems to other components such as plugs is provided. In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, a method of connecting and locking a stem within a component includes the step of disposing the stem in a first end of a passage formed in the component. The method continues by deforming an end portion of the stem to permanently non-rotationally lock the stem within the passage of the component. The step of deforming includes pressing a coining device into a second end of the passage to engage with an end portion of the stem and configure the stem for permanent non-rotational mounting within the component.

Abstract: In a bearing apparatus having a bearing and a shaft body, the bearing being mounted to the shaft body such that the bearing fits an outside of the shaft body, the bearing being prevented from dropping off by holding a caulked portion against an outer end face of an inner ring of the bearing, and the caulked portion being formed by bending a cylindrical portion to be caulked of the shaft body outward in a diameter direction, an axial force controlling method controls an axial force applied to the bearing through the caulked portion by setting a relationship between relative positions in an axial direction of an end edge on an inner periphery side of a chamfered portion formed at an inner peripheral shoulder portion of the inner ring and a caulking starting point on an inner periphery side of a cylindrical portion to be caulked.

Abstract: The present invention is a C-shaped plastic tubing cutter having a C-shaped grasping portion and a fixed cutting blade. The grasping portion has an opening for receiving the tubing whereby the width of the opening is measurably smaller than the diameter of the tubing to permit snap engagement of the tubing into the grasping portion upon sufficient force and retention therein. In addition, the inner diameter of the grasping portion can be measurably smaller than the outer diameter of the tubing to promote securement of the tubing within the grasping portion to better facilitate precision cutting. Once engaged, a grasping bias force brings the inner surface of the grasping portion into substantial circumferential contact with the tubing to again promote securement and cutting. The circumferential contact is greater than 50 percent, and generally less than 75 percent, of the tubing circumference.

Abstract: The present invention is a heated cutting tool for cutting materials with a relatively low melting temperature such as waxes, bars of soap, and foam materials. The present invention comprises of a thin metallic blade that is rigidly attached to a handle. The thin metallic blade contains a heating element within it. A mean of applying and controlling the electric current to the heating element is contained within the handle. The electricity may be supplied by conventional 110V alternating current source or from a suitable direct current source. When electricity is applied to the heating element within the thin metallic blade, the entire blade will heat up to a temperature sufficient to melt the material being cut, such as wax, a bar of soap, or foam material.

Abstract: A hydraulically and/or pneumatically actuated cutting tool is provided having a housing with a piston assembly slidably disposed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The piston assembly comprises a seal which is operable between two positions. In a first position the seal produces a substantially water-tight seal between the piston and the interior surface of the housing. As a result, fluid entering the chamber through the fluid inlet advances the piston assembly toward the fluid outlet. In a second position a gap is formed between the seal and the interior surface of the housing such that fluid communication is established between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. As the fluid is removed from the housing through the fluid outlet, a spring biases the piston assembly back to its original resting position.

Abstract: A rotary mechanism for cutting and/or sealing a web has a pair of counter-rotating rotors mounted on parallel axes and having radially projecting arms between which the web is momentarily gripped for cutting and/or sealing. Sealing is performed by heated pressure outer faces on the rotor arms. Cutting is performed by cutter and anvil bars on the opposed arms engaging the web. Bearer faces on the arms beyond the pressure faces set a gap between the pressure faces and a rectangular-section tongue and groove in mating contact faces one side of the pressure faces locate the pressure faces laterally. The cutting means are adjusted by a wedge bar bearing on the inner face of the cutter bar or anvil. The wedge bar is movable in the direction of rotation and has an outer face inclined in the same direction. Means accessible from the leading and/or trailing faces of the rotor arms are provided for adjusting the wedge bar and clamping the cutter and anvil bars.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a razor assembly is provided that includes a handle, a pivot member, and a cartridge. The pivot member is attached to the handle, and includes an exterior contact surface that extends along the length of the cartridge. The cartridge and the pivot member are preferably pivotal relative to one another. The cartridge includes a frame, and one or more razor blades. Each of the one or more razor blades includes a cutting edge, and the cutting edges are positioned contiguous with a shave plane. The pivot member is positioned forward of the one or more razor blades, and positioned such that at least a portion of the exterior contact surface of the pivot member is disposed contiguous with the shave plane.

Abstract: A highly accurate rotation angle detection device is realized by correcting a detecting position error caused by a machining error such as deterioration of roundness of an internal diameter of a stator. The rotation angle detection device is provided with a stator (12), which is provided with an exciting winding of one phase and two-phase output windings, and a rotor (13) having salient poles, in which the stator (12) has a plurality of teeth (11), the two-phase output windings are wound around the plurality of teeth, and the plurality of teeth include teeth for which the number of turns of the output windings is N and at least one of teeth for which the number of turns of the output windings is N±m (it is assumed that N and m are positive integers and N>m) and teeth for which the number of turns is m.

Abstract: A retractable ruler having positioning and holding function comprises a first element and a second element. A receiving track is formed on the bottom face of the first element. The second element can be received in the receiving tack, and protrudes out of an opening of the receiving track. Scales are disposed at two sides of the surface of the first element. A holding element is positioned on the second element, and protrudes out of a guide track of the first element. The second element is led to move retractably by the holding element. Scales are disposed at two sides of the second element, or the second element forms a knife shape. The guide track is connected, and is separated into several positioning points. The first element can be pivoted with the holding element as a center. The holding element can be held to steadily use the first element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, which allows the thickness (4) of an elongated, panel-type workpiece, lying on a reference plane (2) and travelling in the direction of the arrow (3), to be continuously recorded. Said measuring device is provided with a guide shoe (16), which is bath-shaped and open at the top and is pivotally mounted in a machine frame (7) on parallelogram-shaped steering elements (22). A measuring roller (9), which projects slightly out of a cavity in a base section (19) that always runs parallel to the reference plane (2), is located inside the guide shoe (16). Said roller is supported in the interior of the guide shoe by rollers (34) on both sides of the recess. The measuring roller (9) is in contact with the reference plane (2) and after a deflection of the guide shoe (16), comes into contact with the measuring surface of the workpiece, a measured value that represents the thickness (4) being derived from said deflection.

Abstract: A contact gauge for measuring a contoured surface on work piece is presented having a matching contoured profile and multiple sensors inserted in a gauge body. The gauge body uses bores filled with spherical balls. At least one ball from each bore contacts the contoured surface, which causes displacement of the ball. The displacement is transferred to and recorded by the sensor. The layout of the gauge permits multiple sensors to be mounted in a compact gauge housing and the gauge housing, in turn, may connected to a robotic arm for rapid and repeated use as an automated measurement apparatus for a component assembly line.

Abstract: A holder assembly for a hand-held device, such as a tape measure, includes a main body for holding the hand-held device, and a bracket that can be fixedly secured to the hand-held device. The bracket is accommodated in the groove of the main body when it is slidingly engaged into the groove from the side of a tapered end region. The main body includes a slider that is engageable with an opposite end region of the bracket when the bracket is accommodated in the groove, for preventing withdrawal of the bracket out of the groove of the main body. The slider is manually disengageable from the bracket for allowing the bracket to be removed out of the groove of the main body.

Abstract: A hair dryer includes a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, a motor, an impeller having a plurality of blades, and a heating device. A motor fixing seat is mounted in the housing for securing the motor. The motor and the motor fixing seat are fixed in a distal end of an inner wall of the housing and located adjacent to the air inlet, and the impeller is located between the motor and the heating device. Thus, the motor only need to produce a much smaller pressure of air flow, so that the pressure of the air flow exerted on the impeller is very small, thereby producing a much smaller shear stress on the impeller, and thereby causing smaller noise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impingement of fluid onto a moving surface. The apparatus includes an asymmetric slot nozzle having an opening formed between an upstream wall and a downstream wall. The nozzle is disposed generally adjacent the surface onto which the fluid is to be impinged forming an impingement distance between each of the walls of the nozzle and the surface. The impingement distance of the upstream wall is greater than the impingement distance of the downstream wall such that at least a portion of the fluid is delivered through the nozzle in a direction that is counter to the machine direction.

Abstract: A sandal construction, including a sole and a strapping system for retaining the sole on a foot. The strapping system includes a front strap and a buckle strap that cooperatively adjust and retain the sandal on the foot of the wearer. The front strap extends from the ankle region to the forefoot region passing over and through the sole. The front strap crisscrosses to form an X-shaped crossover that is substantially centered in the forefoot region. The front strap extends through a buckle that is attached to an adjustable-length buckle strap.

Abstract: A structure for inserting an insert member of an attachment, etc., into a concave receptacle portion embedded in a shoe sole and removably pinching and fixing the insert member inside the concave receptacle portion with an elastic member, the structure being capable of permitting the removal of the attachment with a wrench for a screw. The structure is constituted as follows.