Abstract: This invention is an inflatable or non-inflatable travel pillow that fits under the knees or lower thighs of the user, between those body areas and the cushion of a seat. The pillow elevates the user's lower thighs sufficiently to position the user's body back into the seat comfortably, and prevent the user from sliding down in the seat. A main body of the pillow has two thigh cradles located on its top surface. The thigh cradles are generally semicircular in shape, form depressions in the top surface of the main body, and are separated by a center rib formed by the proximate sides of the thigh cradles. In the inflatable embodiment, an air fill valve is located on the outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: A nursing pillow for supporting an infant on the lap of a user includes a main pillow body having a lower surface and an opposed upper surface interconnected by a front edge, a rear edge and a pair of opposed sides. The pillow body includes a mid portion with a first end and a second end. The upper surface of the mid portion slopes downwardly from side-to-side such that the upper surface of mid portion is higher at the first end and lower at the second end. The pillow body also includes a side portion adjacent the second end of the mid portion. The upper surface of the side portion is raised relative to the second end of the mid portion such that the upper surface of the pillow body steps upwardly from the second end of the mid portion to the side portion.

Abstract: A bumper apparatus for a patient support including a body pivotally coupled to the patient support. A biasing mechanism is configured to align a longitudinal axis of the body in a generally horizontal position extending away from the patient support.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a casing with an internal bore and a plurality of openings along the length of the casing connected to the individual inflation zones by air conduits and a movable slide within the casing bore. The slide has a number of openings along the its length that communicate with an inner bore. The valve is opened by aligning the slide openings with the casing openings to allow the inflation zones to communicate through the valve slide bore and is closed by moving the slide openings out of alignment with the casing openings to seal off the inflation zones.

Abstract: An fluid channeling system that comprises a series of elongated chambers having a rectangular cross section. Each of these chambers is disposed adjacent to the other and extends parallel to the other in either a single layer configuration or a two layer configuration. There is at least one fluid such as air, helium, or an air helium combination disposed within these chambers. The fluid enters these chambers through at least one fluid intake valve which is in fluid communication with these chambers. Helium has particular properties that make it conducive for this type of an application. Helium is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, in addition, Helium can diffuse through many materials commonly used in laboratories such as rubber and PVC. Therefore, if the present invention uses Helium, the materials used in creating this device must reflect these properties.

Abstract: A mattress having a head end and a foot end includes a first support section configured to support an occupant's feet, legs, and seat, and a second support section located adjacent the head end of the mattress to support an occupant's back and head. A portion of the head support section is movable toward the head end of the mattress as the second support section is moved to an elevated position relative to the first support section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for operating a front-loading washing machine with a washing aggregate comprising a tub holding a rotatably-mounted drum suspended in the machine housing so as to be able to oscillate with a midaxis descending from front to back and equipped an imbalance sensor that changes the rotation of the drum by means of a control program when an imbalance occurs in the spin cycle. In many cases of operation an improved spin result can be achieved for a small loads of cotton laundry and the related laundry absorbency by disabling the imbalance sensor and running the spin cycle at the programmed maximum speed.

Abstract: The Portable Ramp with Pad and Stabilizers makes it possible to turn your wheels right or left while your vehicle is on the ramps and get at work areas of your car or other vehicle that you may not get at easily with a conventional portable ramp. The Stabilizers on the ramp are to help with the flip problem which has happened with conventional ramps. The ramp is portable so you can move the ramp or take it with you to other worksites.

Abstract: A surface treating device includes a material of sponge or brush fur that constitutes a treating portion, a plastic holder having a fitting groove, and a pair of plastic plates having inside clamping structures. The pair of plastic plates with one end of the material clamped between the inside clamping structures thereof are forced into and fixed in the fitting groove of the plastic holder.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having bristle tufts implanted therein. At least two of the tufts cross so as to permit at least some the bristles to intermingle. One of the two tufts is located adjacent a long side of the head.

Abstract: A cleaning brush for a power-driven pool cleaner having a rotatable shaft incorporates a flexible web having first and second opposing edges, the first edge having at least one first element extending in the direction of the first edge, and the second edge having at least one second element extending in the direction of the second edge. The web is deformable about the rotatable shaft to bring the first and second edges into contact, with the first element being in spaced relation to the second element such that the first element is aligned with the second element. Additionally, a positive locking structure is provided to hold the first and second elements together in a secure, locking fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flag element for making motor vehicle washing brushes, the flag element comprising an elongated plate-like element having a central portion therefrom extend fringes obtained by cutting with different lengths the plate-like element. A method for making a motor vehicle washing brush is also disclosed, as an integral part of the invention.

Abstract: A first lever is rotatably supported by a first support shaft connected to a vehicle body. The first lever has a first connection spaced away from the first support shaft. The first lever is reciprocally swung about the first support shaft by a driving force transmitted from a motor. A second lever is rotatably supported by a second support shaft connected to the vehicle body. The second lever has a second connection. A third lever is rotatably connected to both the first connection and the second connection. The third lever has an arm support shaft arranged at an offset position offset from a line connecting between the first connection and the second connection. A wiper arm is secured to the arm support shaft. A wiper blade is connected to a distal end of the wiper arm.

Abstract: The invention is a wiper arm (20) for securement to a drive shaft (10,12). The wiper arm (20) has a securing part (18), which on one end has a bearing point (16) by way of which the wiper arm can be connected, in a manner fixed against relative rotation, to the drive shaft (10, 12) via a nut (14). The nut can be screwed onto the drive shaft (10,12). The nut is formed by a component integrally cast onto the securing part (18) and is connected to the securing part (18) via a binding (26) that can be released upon installation of the wiper arm (20).

Abstract: The multi functional cleaning module comprises a plurality of air curtain, an eximer ultraviolet light irradiating device, a brush, a high-speed shower device, and an air knife, where they are arranged continually on a plan and the glass substrates are inserted continually into them. The cleaning apparatus using the multi functional cleaning module comprises a driving part having a loading and an unloading portions as well as the multi functional cleaning module.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which has a simple structure and exerts suction without involving discharge of gas at all so that it can be used in extremely clean environments. A vacuum cleaner (100) comprises a vacuum tank (1) which is previously evacuated to create a vacuum inside, a valve (2) for keeping the vacuum tank 1 airtight, and a suction unit (20) attached to the valve (2); the valve (2) is opened when the vacuum cleaner (100) is used. The valve (2) is a so-called gate valve and the vacuum tank (1) is kept airtight when the gate valve element (22) in the valve (2) is closed. A connection inlet (23) is attached to the valve (2) on the side opposite to its surface attached to the vacuum tank (1). A connection adapter (31) is screwed into the connection inlet (23) and an attachment, e.g. a flexible suction hose (32), is attached to the connection adapter (31).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly having a two piece upright handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a recess formed at a lower end of an upper handle component and a neck portion formed at an upper end of a lower handle component. The neck portion can be engaged within the recess such that the two handle components form a rigid assembly. A pair of fastening components are securable within threaded bores formed at the area of intersection of the two handle components to form a rigid, unitary handle assembly. The two piece handle assembly can be assembled by a user without the need for any hand tools and without complicated mechanical assembly procedures. The fastening components also function to support a portion of a power cord when the power cord is wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A door-stop device for vehicles having a base structure with a pair of rollers that are parallel to each other and pushed against one another. The door-stop device also includes a metal tie rod with a pair of rolling surfaces set opposite to one another where the rollers act. The rolling surfaces have a positioning notch designed to engage one of the rollers and define a position of stable retention of the door. The positioning notch includes an arched central portion with an extension extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tie rod and a pair of arched lateral portions with a radius of curvature.

Abstract: Vehicle door check device comprising: a longitudinal tie (14) provided on its outer surface with at least one retention seat (16), a holder (12) with a passage (28) through which the tie (14) can slide, a plurality of retention bodies (40) supported by the holder and engaging in the said one or more retention seats so as to define at least one stable retention position, and elastic means (34) acting between the said retention bodies (40) and the said holder (12) so as to push the retention bodies (40) against the tie (14). The tie (14) has a circular cross section and the retention bodies (40) act along radial directions with respect to the axis of the tie (14).

Abstract: A retractable handle device includes a pair of conduits, a pair of tubes slidably engaged in the conduits, a housing secured on top of the tubes, and a hand grip rotatably secured to the housing with a shaft. One or more spring biased latches are disposed in the tubes, a bar is slidably received in the housing and coupled to the spring biased latches with links for selectively actuating the spring biased latches to lock the conduits and the tubes. A pin is slidably received in the shaft. A knob is slidably received in the hand grip for selectively actuating the pin.

Abstract: A hinge construction for pivotably connecting a pair of members together, such as for connecting the access cover of a power inlet box used in connecting an auxiliary generator to the electrical system of a building. The construction includes a mounting member including a knuckle fixed to the power inlet box. An access member includes a pair of spaced apart, pivot lugs disposed one on each side of the knuckle for movement between a closed position in which the access cover engages the mounting member to prevent access to the power inlet box, and an open position for providing access to the power inlet box. A hinge pin passes through aligned apertures in the mounting member knuckle and the access cover lugs, and forms a rotational axis about which the access cover pivots. A torsion spring surrounds the hinge pin and has a first end retained in the mounting member knuckle and a second end disposed outside the access cover lugs.

Abstract: A compound hinge system includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes knuckles and arcing engaging surfaces next to stop portions that are configured for receiving engaging lug portions on a second link member. A second link member includes first and second sets of knuckles. One of the sets of knuckles cooperates with a hinged pin to pivot relative to the first link while the second set of knuckles receives a hinge pin to pivot relative to the second element. The lugs slide relative to the engaging surface and push against the stop portions to flex them outward and require additional force to move between various stops in the range of motion.

Abstract: The hinge system for a portable computer for pivotably securing a top cover to a base unit includes a first base unit hinge member for mounting to the base unit. The first base unit hinge member has proximal and distal mounting portions which are angled relative to each other. The proximal and distal mounting portions are each securable to a surface of the base unit for distributing stress exerted on the base unit by the first base unit hinge member. A first pivoting top cover hinge assembly is secured to the first base unit hinge member. The first top cover hinge assembly mounts to the top cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing textile fibers, comprising a processing element having a first working surface substantially in the form of a regular cylinder surface and rotatable preferably around the axis of the cylinder, like a take-in roller of a card., and at least one carding element having a further working surface facing the first working surface, wherein the form of the further working surface approximates that of the first working surface on a plane vertically intersecting the axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes a sliver drafting unit which has first and second adjoining roll assemblies each defining a nip through which a sliver runs in a sliver advancing direction. The second roll assembly is spaced downstream of the first roll assembly. The nips of the first and second roll assemblies together define a principal drafting field and the drafting direction thereof. At least two pressure bars are disposed in the principal drafting field for contacting and deflecting the sliver from the drafting direction as the sliver advances from the first roll assembly to the second roll assembly.

Abstract: A holder for personal articles such as eyeglasses and sunglasses and the like includes: (i) a clamping body with a transparent window for displaying provided inserts, and (ii) a clip portion attached to the clamping body for attaching the holder to clothing, accessories, automobile visors and other areas.

Abstract: A clip for attaching a cover member to cover a groove section includes a base plate attached to a bottom surface of the groove section, a pair of engaging sections projected from the base plate and engaging side engaging sections of the cover member, and an abutting piece section projected from the base plate and having a free end abutting against an inner surface of the cover member to restrain an excessive movement thereof. In the condition that the cover member is attached, a spring force of the free end is applied to the cover member so that friction between the cover member and the engaging sections of the clip at both sides of the trim is effectively increased. Accordingly, the trim can be held in the width direction without loosening.

Abstract: A magnetic fixing unit having a first and second sub-assembly with cooperative structure for increased strength of assembly and prevention of mutual shifting between the first and the second assemblies. The magnetic fixing unit further includes a guide structure on one of the first and second assemblies to effect cooperative locking engagement with an engaging member on the other of the assemblies.

Abstract: A combination-type curtain hook is disclosed. A combination-type curtain hook having a stitching strap and a moving hook, characterized in that the stitching strap includes a stitching piece having one side being mounted with a plurality of protruded blocks being spaced apart to form a sliding rail, and the other side of the stitching piece is stitched to the folded flap of a curtain, and the moving hook including a pair of protruded arms at one side thereof is engageable with the protruded block and the protruded arms are positioned at the gap formed between each neighboring protruded blocks, thereby the sliding hook slides up and down along the protruded blocks, achieving the positioning and height adjustment of the curtain.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.

Abstract: A fiber glass mat adapted to reinforce thermoplastic polymeric molding material is provided with improved flow properties in the molding process without sacrificing strength and without unduly increasing loft of the mat. The improvement is achieved by needling the mat from both sides with the number of needle punches per unit area on one side being greater than that on the opposite side.

Abstract: A method and machine for treating yarn may include feeding the yarn through both a heat treatment and an air jet texturing nozzle. The texturing nozzle may be supplied with compressed air, producing an air jet with a speed greater than Mach 1 in the yarn channel. The heat treatment may be performed before and/or after feeding the yarn through the texturing nozzle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave element includes the steps of providing a piezoelectric body having an interdigital transducer, where the interdigital transducer is made of a metal having a higher density than the piezoelectric body, and performing ion bombardment of the interdigital transducer and the piezoelectric body simultaneously so as to reduce the thickness of the interdigital transducer and the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling multiple automotive body styles on a single assembly line. The apparatus includes a workstation with multiple geometry fixtures, at least one geometry fixture for each automotive body style to be processed at the work station. One geometry fixture is at a ready position of the work station to support an automotive component during a processing operation. The geometry fixtures can be exchanged at the ready position so that a production rate of the assembly line can be maintained. The apparatus also includes a lowerator for transferring an automotive component from an overhead transport system to the geometry fixture at the ready position.

Abstract: A wiper blade includes a lever assembly that has several types of levers. The levers of each type are efficiently manufactured in the following manner. First, a lever unit, which has a frame bar and several levers integrated with the frame bar, is pressed. Each lever has a hole. Then, a wire is fed through the holes of the levers. The frame bar is separated from the levers to form a hanging unit, which includes the wire and the levers hanging from the wire. In this state, the lever is coated with paint. After the paint is dried, the wire is removed form the levers.

Abstract: A machine tool for processing sheet metal workpieces which has a bending station and a joining station between which the workpiece is moved. The bending station has a positioning stop for the positioning of the workpiece relative to the bending tools, and the stop is movable in controlled fashion by a motorized drive unit. This drive unit also moves a laser welding head at the joining station to perform a welding operation on the workpiece.

Abstract: An accommodating base material and an attracting base material are coaxially arranged, and are resin-insert-molded, thereby forming a bobbin base material. Next, inner peripheries of the accommodating base material, attracting base material and bobbin base material are cut, so that the accommodating base material, attracting base material and bobbin base material have same inner diameters. As a result of the cut-forming process, an accommodating member, an attracting member and a bobbin are formed. After insert-molding, the accommodating base material, attracting base material and bobbin base material are cut to have the same inner diameters. Thus, the accommodating member and the attracting member are accurately coaxially formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically inserting insulating material into the slots of armatures of electric motors generally includes means for feeding a continuous web of insulating material beyond a cutting device, cutting the insulative material at a predetermined length, bending the insulative material to comport with the shape of an armature slot, inserting the insulative material into the slot, and indexing the armature for further insertion of insulative materials. The apparatus further comprises electronically programmable device for automatically determining and communicating the length of the insulative material to be cut based on the dimensions of the armature, automatically feeding, cutting, bending, and inserting the insulative material into the armature slot, and automatically indexing the armature for the insertion of additional insulative materials.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic head which includes a lower write pole having a projection, an upper write pole having a projection opposed to the projection of the lower write pole, and a magnetic gap interposed between the projection of the upper write pole and the projection of the upper write pole, comprising: a first step of making the magnetic gap on the projection of the lower write pole; a second step of making a non-magnetic material layer on the lower write pole, the non-magnetic material layer having a projection on its top surface in positional alignment with the projection of the lower write pole; a third step of making a mask layer on the non-magnetic material layer, the mask layer having an opening in which the top surface of the projection of the non-magnetic material layer is exposed; a fourth step of making a curved recess in the non-magnetic material layer by isotropically etching the non-magnetic material layer through the opening of the mask layer; a fifth step of making an approxim

Abstract: Component placement machine with a frame (1) and a transport device (2) for transporting printed circuit boards (3) in an X-direction, which transport device (2) comprises at least one transport beam (7, 8) which is movable in the X-direction in a reciprocating manner, and which transport device (2) is provided with first clamping means (9) which are fixedly connected to the transport beam (7, 8) in the X-direction for clamping-in of at least one side of the printed circuit boards lying in the X-direction, while the machine is further provided with second clamping means (13) which are connected to the frame (1) and which may clamp at least one side of the printed circuit boards, such that the first and second clamping means (9, 13) are brought alternately into their active clamping positions, the first clamping means being active during the movement of the circuit boards in the positive X-direction and the second clamping means being active during the return movement of the transport device in the negative X-

Abstract: A mold for taped lead frame assemblies is provided. The mold has a mold cavity large enough to hold an entire lead frame assembly. A taped lead frame assembly is placed completely in the mold cavity. A cover is used to cover the mold cavity. The cover is spaced apart from the taped lead frame assembly. A riser may be used to provide the spacing between the cover and the taped lead frame assembly, so that the cover does not contact the taped lead frame assembly. An encapsulation material is placed in the mold cavity and then hardened. The encapsulated taped lead frame assembly is then removed from the mold and singulated.

Abstract: A resin structure includes a resin layer and a metal layer. The resin layer is formed of a single material. The metal layer is laminated directly on the resin layer without intervention of an adhesive layer between the resin layer and the metal layer. A surface of the resin layer, on which the metal layer is laminated, has a surface roughness of a value in a range of 0.1 microns to 10 microns, as a rough surface. The metal layer is formed on the rough surface of the resin layer.

Abstract: A method of making a wire connection in a semiconductor device, the method comprising: (a) forming an under bump metallurgy (UBM) over a chip including the bonding pad formed thereon; (b) forming a gold bump on the UBM at a location corresponding to the bonding pad; (c) etching the UBM with the gold bump as a mask; and (d) connecting one end of a bonding wire to a conductive lead by ball bonding and the other end thereof to the gold bump on the bonding pad of the chip by stitch bonding. The conductive lead is located external to the chip as a part of a lead frame or a substrate. Alternatively, the semiconductor chip having bumps may be formed by electroless plating a nickel layer on the bonding pads of the chip, and followed by electroless plating a gold layer on the nickel layer. It is noted that the semiconductor chip having metal bumps is formed by wafer bumping process.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board pair, each of the printed circuit boards having a contact region with contact elements, a contact-making system includes a first circuit board having three-dimensionally structured contact elements and a second circuit board also having three-dimensionally structured contact elements structured complementarily with respect to the contact elements of the first circuit board for positioning the two boards together. The contact elements of the first board reciprocally electrically contact the contact elements of the second board. The configuration ensures a high positioning accuracy of the two contact regions with respect to one another. A mask having cutouts for contact elements of the two boards can be provided. Such contact element positioning using the conductor track pattern and being independent of a contact-making housing has the advantage that the positioning accuracy is unaffected by tolerances between the conductor track pattern and the contact-making housing.

Abstract: On carrying out a hole filling method for a printed wiring board having an interlayer connection hole, first and second printed wiring boards (1 and 2) are prepared, each of which has the interlayer connection hole. The first printed wiring board is placed on a bottom plate (7). On the first printed wiring board, a first hole guide plate (8) having a first guide hole formed at a position corresponding to the interlayer connection hole of the first printed wiring board is placed in such a manner that the first guide hole is coincident with the interlayer connection hole of the first printed wiring board. A hole filling resin (9) is superposed on the first hole guide plate. On the hole filling resin, a second hole guide plate (10) having a second guide hole formed at a position corresponding to the interlayer connection hole of the second printed wiring board is placed.

Abstract: A substrate for a plurality of electronic assemblies includes a strip of printed circuit board (PCB) material including a surface and a plurality of segments. Each segment is adapted to receive at least one electronic component and is arranged to be singulated into a plurality of individual electronic assemblies. Each segment has a perimeter portion located generally about the periphery of the segment, with the surface being covered with a solder mask, except for the perimeter portion.

Abstract: So as to obtain a pin-form wire having a stable high-quality shape without being affected by the back tension in a bonding wire, a capillary of the bonding apparatus, with the formed pin-form wire inside the capillary, is move along a curved path has a shape of a bent wire to be formed after forming the pin-form wire by a wire bonding apparatus.

Abstract: Semiconductor packages and methods of making packages are disclosed. An exemplary method includes providing a printed circuit board having a first surface with circuit traces thereon, first apertures, and a second aperture. Each circuit trace overlies a first aperture, and an end of the circuit trace is near the second aperture. Solder balls are placed in each first aperture and fused to the overlying circuit trace. A die is placed in the second aperture. Each circuit trace may include a third aperture over the first aperture. Solder from the solder ball within the first aperture fills the overlying third aperture. A second package can be stacked on a first package. Solder balls of the second package each fuse with an underlying solder ball of the first package through a third aperture of the first package. The dies of the stacked packages may be positioned for optical communication with each other.

Abstract: A method of making a socket test probe which results in a probe head which has flat plates which serve as electrodes encased in resin. The electrodes are conductive plates with one or more edges of the conductive plates exposed for connection to the electrodes of a socket. The entire probe head starts as a solid block of conductive material which is drilled, machined, filled with resin and machined again to form a socket testing probe utilizing the edges of conductive plates as electrodes.

Abstract: A method for finishing a valve seat for ball valves, in particular for fuel injection valves in internal combustion engines. The workpiece to be finished and a finishing tool are driven in an opposite direction of rotation, whereby the axes of rotation of the workpiece and the finishing tool are aligned with each other at an angle of from 1° to 10°. The finishing tool rests against the inside surface of the workpiece to be finished over its entire circumference. The surface of the workpiece to be treated is provided with a crowned shape. A finishing stone with a wear-resistant and preferably cone-shaped working surface is employed as the finishing tool, whereby a narrow sealing zone with a convex contour in the longitudinal section is produced in the crowned surface of the workpiece by partial removal of material.