Abstract: A ball glove includes a concave webbing which forms a ball-receiving pocket. The webbing is secured to spaced-apart finger and thumb sections of the glove and is formed from a plurality of flat panels. The combined area of the flat panels is greater than the area of the space between the finger and thumb sections. The panels have curved side edges which are secured together so that the panels assume a concave configuration before the panels are secured to the finger and thumb sections.

Abstract: A protective guard includes an at least substantially waterproof drape and a collar that extends upwardly from a central opening in the drape and leaves at least a substantial portion of a patient's back and chest exposed for bathing. The drape covers a catheter exit site in or near a patient's neck. In a preferred embodiment, the drape includes first and second arm portions, which cover first and second shoulder and surround at least a portion of an arm extending therefrom. The collar extends upwardly from a central opening in the drape and encircles a patient's neck. A slit in the collar permits the guard to slip past the patient's neck. Fasteners disposed on either side of the slit secure the guard to itself at an overlapping seam formed by overlapped portions of the drape. The protective guard is easily fastened and released and can be donned with one hand.

Abstract: A stretch band construction for caps or hats includes an additional folded-over layer of stretchable material that serves to reinforce and support the cap or hat. Circumscribing the open end of the cap, the stretch band construction provides additional elastic support so that a cap may more firmly and tightly engage a mandrel used during an embroidery process. This leads to more reliable embroidery and less thread breakage to the cap. The stretch band has a ribbed portion which allows the stretch band to be doubled back and secured to the cap material.

Abstract: Protective garments, such as gloves and socks and the method of making the same that are comfortable to wear and at the same time provide a high degree of protection to the user against exposure to various chemical vapors, and hazardous agents including noxious gases.

Abstract: A transit positioning device for use with a conventional manhole mount having an elongate vertical arm and an elongate horizontal arm orthogonally joined together at a joint. A transit holding platform is rotatably mounted to an end of an adjustable length elongate member which in turn is mounted to the horizontal arm of the manhole mount. Further, an adjustable length stabilizing arm is provided with one end hingedly connected to the vertical arm below the joint at a position spaced apart from the joint, and a second end hingedly connected to the horizontal arm at a position spaced apart from the joint.

Abstract: A porcelain or stainless steel urinal bowl that mounts to the wall and has a narrow front extension out from the bowl, which will allow a female user to have convenient access above the bowl. The narrow front part of the bowl will be no more than six inches wide so the user can easily straddle the bowl. The bowl has a fresh water supply, which supplies water through a plurality of holes underneath the upper rim opening of the bowl, and a flush mechanism, which has a series of drain holes that empty the urine and water into the connected sewer drain when flushed by means of a hand or foot lever mounted to the bowl. An optional horizontal hand-rail is provided above the urinal, as is padded metal knee support pads that extend from each side of the urinal and are supported by rods extending down to the floor, thereby providing additional body support to help prevent slipping or falling while using the urinal. Toilet paper is provided nearby and can be disposed of by maceration means.

Abstract: A toilet bowl water flow adjustment system for controlling the water volume utilized to flush an existing toilet. The toilet bowl water flow adjustment system includes a divider structure for separating a reservoir into a main portion and an auxiliary portion, a main arm pivotally attached to the divider structure, and an auxiliary flush valve connected to said main arm. The main arm has an engaging end that engages a lower portion of a handle arm of a conventional toilet that is connected to a main flush valve. When the handle connected to the handle arm is rotated clockwise thereby forcing the main arm to pivot thereby opening the auxiliary flush valve which allows the water within the auxiliary portion of the reservoir to pass into the main portion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A flush and tap toilet water saver system is provided for use in the modem 1.6 gallon toilets that can utilize a flapper valve, a water supply valve which is controlled by a float ball, and a conventional operating handle. A main flapper valve has a bleeder valve installed thereon. The operating handle is rotated normally to open the main flapper valve and simultaneously open the bleeder valve thereby venting air from the main flapper valve and causing it to lose buoyancy and close sooner thus allowing only an abbreviated flush cycle in the toilet tank. When the operating handle is first pushed and then quickly tapped, the tap doses the bleeder valve and cuts off the venting air which causes the flapper valve to maintain full buoyancy and only close when the valve pusher mechanism rotates a valve pusher to force the flapper valve closed just when 1.6 gallons of water is released.

Abstract: A portable toilet seat is attachable to a vehicle mounted hitch receptacle having an elongated square opening. The toilet seat includes a coupling portion configured to be slidably inserted into and supported within the hitch receptacle and a seat portion connected to the coupling portion and comprising a single curvilinear band in the shape of an incomplete oval and defining an open center.

Abstract: A system for attaching accessories to a base structure that is disposed at grade level proximate an aquatic environment includes an upright pedestal support assembly that is detachably-attachable with respect to the base by a twist-lock “bayonet” type of a mounting system. This permits the pedestal support assembly to be attached to the base and removed therefrom as desired. The pedestal support assembly is used to support any of a variety of poolside accessories. Additional base structures may be disposed either at grade level or underwater or both. Accordingly, any of the poolside accessories are interchangeable with respect to any of the base structures.

Abstract: An above ground pool having identical sized panels coupled together to form the perimeter of the pool. Post structures located at the union of adjacent panels include angle members that span the union of adjacent panels and determine the angle at which adjacent panels extend with respect to each other. Different sets of angle members can be utilized to form different angles between adjacent panels to establish different sizes of pools having different numbers of panels.

Abstract: A large capacity reinforced swimming pool for use in an above-the-ground environment includes a flexible plastic liner for containing water. The liner includes a continuous sidewall and a bottom wall bonded to the sidewall by a joining seam. The continuous sidewall is formed from a partial outer layer and a partial inner layer. An inflatable top ring is mounted to the top of the sidewall for supporting the liner in an upright position. A continuous reinforcing layer is bonded to the continuous sidewall with a first plurality of continuous reinforcing seals for reinforcing the sidewall. A second plurality of continuous reinforcing seals located at an interface between the partial outer layer and the partial inner layer of the sidewall functions to reinforce the sidewall. Each of the first and second plurality of continuous reinforcing seals includes at least two seals.

Abstract: Supporting body (1) being part of a shower tub made of stone, tiles or artificial stone and comprising at least one landing (2) that is surrounded by a margin (6), a channel (3) discharging into a drain (4).

Abstract: Spring biased retainers that are secured to a faucet base and provide gripping surfaces to engage and draw the faucet into engagement with a sink. Resilient retainer members flex to permit mounting and are normally biased to return to a retention position. In one retainer, tapered gripper and retractor pieces are axially biased for reciprocating movement in a housing. Springs fitted to the gripper and retractor pieces direct movement along cooperating inclined surfaces. Another retainer provides pivoting gripper pieces that are biased in repelling relation and have contoured gripping surfaces. Another retainer provides at least one deformable, resilient leaf spring arm that is biased in repulsion to another arm. Each arm has a contoured gripping surface that engages the sink and secures the faucet. Tapered wedging posts can be mounted to a faucet to cooperate with the spring-biased retainers.

Abstract: An improved oscillatory device for a collapsible playpen includes for oscillatory devices respectively engaged the receiving space of four lower corner members of a collapsible playpen. The improved oscillatory devices each has a hollow interior base seat, a pedal member, an elastic resistance member and a suspending member sequentially disposed into the base seat and rotatably secured by axial pins respectively, an inverse U-shaped suspending rod and a compressed spring suspending the oscillatory device into the lower corner member. Thereby tread an extension of the base seat and simultaneously lift up the playpen to lead the suspending member moving upward. The playpen is able to oscillated steadfastly.

Abstract: Concealed hardware for controlling the raising and lowering of the crib side, permits the construction of a crib which includes no projecting or exposed parts. The hardware comprises a channel member embedded within the end stiles of the crib side and an engaged coupling element fastened to the adjacent crib end. The channel member restricts movement of the crib side to vertical translation, and includes a latching chamber at the bottom which selectively traps or releases the coupling element when it is desired to secure the crib side in an elevated position.

Abstract: A blanket or mat assembly includes a panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a sheet material substantially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the sheet material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The assembly further includes a covering having a top portion, a peripheral edge, an opening defined by the peripheral edge, and an interior, with the panel retained inside the interior and accessing the interior of the covering via the opening. The covering assumes the configuration of the panel when the panel is retained inside the interior of the covering. The covering and the panel can be twisted and folded to the folded orientation of the frame member to reduce the overall size of the covering and the panel.

Abstract: A seat cushion is formed of a lower body and an upper body. The lower body is made of a polyurethane chip molded product containing fibrillated polyurethane chips with radial projections and a binder for binding the fibrillated polyurethane chips. The polyurethane chip molded product has 25 percent ILD hardness of 1,000 to 5,000 N and a density of 150 to 300 kg/M3. The upper body is made of soft polyurethane foam molded on the lower body. The upper body has 25 percent ILD hardness of 60 to 300 N and a density of 20 to 80 kg/M3.

Abstract: A multiple tubes combination structure for being assembled with air tubes of an airbed is disclosed, wherein a plurality of tubes are assembled in a combinational structure. Each individual component of the combinational structure has a specific element having a predetermined configuration. Thereby, when it is desired to assemble the combinational structure, it is only necessary to assure the configurations of elements. No error occurs. Thereby, the multiple tubes combination structure has a beautiful outlook.

Abstract: A spring mattress including a plurality of interconnected coil-spring elements, said coil-spring elements being interconnected by securing elements, preferably in the form of spirals, which, at least in one plane essentially in parallel with the plane of the mattress, extend between and are attached to pairs of neighboring spring elements, thus interconnecting these spring elements. A method of manufacturing a mattress, wherein at least some of the securing elements in the longitudinal direction are subdivided into independent segments.

Abstract: A concave recess (14) is provided in a member (10) that includes a portion offset from the recess (14) for use as a handle. The base of the recess (14) is provided with a concave abrasive surface (16). A projecting imperfection (18) on the surface of the golf ball (GB) is moved into the cavity (14) and against the concave abrasive surface (16). Then, the tool (10) is moved relative to the golf ball (GB) so that the abrasive material (16) will wear away the surface projection (18) on the golf ball (GB).

Abstract: A self-propelled bare floor cleaner is provided having a random motion generator which enhances the maneuverability of the bare floor cleaner. The random motion generator is rotatably attached to the frame of the cleaner and propels the cleaner across the floor in a random motion. This random motion facilitates cleaning of the floor by making the cleaner easier to manipulate. The random motion generator includes a hollow spherical shell. In the preferred embodiment, the hollow spherical shell houses a weighted motor assembly which is rotatably mounted on a center fixed axle which extends diametrically between the first and second hemispherical halves and is attached thereto. The weighted motor assembly is comprised of a motor housing and a power source, such as batteries or cells. A motor is housed within the motor housing and rotates the motor housing about the center fixed axle.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device comprising a broom (1) and a brush (2), each having bristles (4, 5) on the side facing the surface to be cleaned (3) wherein the broom (1) and the brush (2) can be affixed one to the other in a fashion which can be detached without damage and wherein the bristles (4, 5) at the broom (1) and the brush (2) form a functional unit (6) when the brush (2) is affixed to the broom (1).

Abstract: A dentition cleaning device and system is disclosed for cleaning teeth, gums and dentures. The dentition cleaning device utilizes squeegees that protrude from a cleaning head to provide efficient contact of dentition surfaces during cleaning. The dentition cleaning device is particularly useful for cleaning teeth because the squeegee contact surfaces and remove residues, such as plaque, without causing significant abrasion to surrounding gum tissue which can lead to gum recession. The dentition cleaning device can be configured with bristle sections or with squeegees that are configured to retain water in squeegee channels. The dentition cleaning device is adaptable to water assisted tooth cleaning system and motorized electric teeth cleaning systems. The dentition cleaning device is also particularly useful to be used in conjunction with a low viscosity tooth cleaner that is capable of being delivered through a conventional pump dispenser.

Abstract: A floor coating applicator having a pad affixed to a frame and having cord strands extending outwardly from part of the periphery of the pad and adapted to be manipulated over a floor surface by a handle affixed to the frame.

Abstract: An improved mop which is equipped with a long handle, a connector, a torsion spring, a rivet, a securing ring, a coarse sponge, a soft sponge, a fixing seat, a washer ring, a sucking plate and a screen housing. The front end of the long handle is provided with bifurcated connecting lugs each having a pivot hole so as to permit the bifurcated connector to be pivotally fixed to the handle. An externally threaded journal end is disposed at the bottom of the connector. The securing ring of a proper thickness sandwiched between the soft and coarse sponge is provided with a tubular central hole with internal threads defined therein so as to permit the connector to be removably engaged with the securing ring. The fixing seat is tubular in shape and has an opened end with an engagement cavity defined at the closed bottom end thereof so as to permit the sucking plate provided with a raised block, a pull piece disposed at a periphery edge thereof to be engaged with a pulling cord.

Abstract: A system for cleaning the fouling and clogging of particulate matter associated with a fluidized gas bed. The system is particularly suited for use with Selective Catalytic Reduction reactors but its use is not limited thereto. The system includes a gas compressor to force cleaning gas through gas injection lines adjacent to retaining structures to be cleaned. The compressor produces sufficient pressure to cause the cleaning gas to dislodge the particulate from the retaining structures. A vacuum system withdraws the dislodged particulate and mixed gas from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The vacuum cleaner and steamer apparatus of the present invention has a fluid assembly for generating and delivering true steam to a surface to be cleaned and a vacuum assembly for drawing deposited steam and other matter from the surface. The apparatus also includes a cleaning fluid reservoir for holding cleaning fluid and a waste reservoir for holding vacuumed matter. Preferably, both reservoirs are removable. Highly preferred embodiments have a housing 20 within which the cleaning fluid and waste reservoirs are received and retained. The fluid assembly preferably includes the cleaning fluid reservoir, a fluid pump for pumping cleaning fluid therefrom, a heater within which the cleaning fluid is turned into steam, and a sprayer head for spraying the steam upon the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum assembly preferably includes a vacuum fan driven by an electric motor, a vacuum head through which matter is drawn, and the waste reservoir.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for providing visual operational status indicators includes a vacuum cleaner having internal components that are indicative of the cleaner's performance. Sensors are coupled to at least one of the internal components to be monitored. A microprocessor receives input from the sensors, analyzes the input, and generates an output signal. Visual indicators are carried by the vacuum cleaner and receive the output signals to display the operational status of the vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface-cleaning device (61, 63) which has a base part (69) and a cleaning part (67) having a substantially flat contact surface (71) for contact with a surface (41) to be cleaned and which is rotatable relative to the base part about an axis of rotation (77) extending substantially perpendicularly to the contact surface. According to the invention, the cleaning part is pivotable relative to the base part about a pivot axis (105) which extends transversely to the axis of rotation, and the base part is so constructed that a component (93) is present and exerts a pre-tension force, preferably a pre-tension torque (Mp) on the cleaning part about said pivot axis.

Abstract: A device for removing dust and rubbish includes a casing provided with a suction opening, a rotating brush, a turbine operationally connected to the brush, a suction nozzle located between the brush and the turbine, and a suction pipe connected to a suction device; the brush and the turbine are rotatably supported, respectively, in a first and in a second housing; the device also includes at least a bypass duct and a first valve, the bypass duct being designed for bypassing the second housing and the turbine, the first valve being able to engage with the suction nozzle and with the bypass duct for closing the suction nozzle and opening the bypass duct.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (10) includes an upper housing (12) and a nozzle base (14). An underside (20) of the nozzle base includes a main suction opening (26) formed therein which is in fluid communication with the upper housing via a hose assembly (28). The hose assembly is coupled to the nozzle suction opening via a coupling member (40). The coupling member is substantially cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned to be inserted into a receiving portion (42) of the nozzle base. The coupling member includes a first tapered end (60) dimensioned to be frictionally fit within a suction inlet (44) of the receiving portion. A second end (62) of the coupling member is configured to be supported on a rear wall (50) of the receiving portion. A quarter turn thread segment (72) is disposed on the coupling member's peripheral surface.

Abstract: An adjustable hanging rod comprising a main body and at least one gliding rod with a contact element and an adjusting mechanism. The main body has a central gliding groove. The gliding rod is inserted in the gliding groove. The contact element is attached to a far end of the gliding rod for contacting a wall. The adjusting mechanism is mounted inside the main body and further comprises a gliding block, inserted in the gliding groove, a guiding rod, attached to the gliding block, a spring, put on the guiding rod between the gliding block and the gliding rod, and a fixing screw for fixing the gliding block. The position of the gliding block is adjusted, so that the gliding rod extends outward by a suitable length and suitable pressure of the contact element against the wall is maintained.

Abstract: A handle construction (10) for a gear shift lever (100) wherein the handle construction (10) is fabricated as a one piece contoured handle member (20) having a generally ovoidal configuration with certain portions missing from the top surface, the front surface, and the left side of the generally ovoidal configuration; wherein, those missing portions define a plurality of elongated arcuate recesses (21) through (24) that are dimensioned to receive a user's fingers, a first extension recess (30) that is dimensioned to receive a user's thumb and a second extension recess (32) to form a raised lip (37) that forms an abutment surface for the heel of a user's palm.

Abstract: A flat card fed with fibers by means of a plurality of feed devices comprising licker-in rollers that operate in parallel so as to feed different fibers onto different points of the main carding drum, where the feed points are set sequentially and are staggered in such a way as to constitute, on the main carding drum, a series of pre-carding areas that are specific for the fibers fed at each point and that are provided with equipment adjustable for each type of fiber that is being processed.

Abstract: A simple suspension carrier component for bottle portability that is installed around the neck of a bottle to provide user convenience. The suspension component is of one-piece stretchable plastic construction. The suspension component has an open end consisting of a snap-lock recess with a passage formed in one extremity that accommodates the placement inside the snap-lock recess of an insertable hook disposed at its other extremity. A retaining bar is situated at the top edge of the snap-lock recess entrance, thereby constituting an engagement section after the insertable hook is slipped in and, furthermore, a pendant release button extends laterally parallel to the top side of the passage. The insertable hook has a curved back extremity that is angled upward and, furthermore, after the insertable hook is slipped into the snap-lock recess, the tip of the curved back extremity becomes engaged against the inner side of the retaining bar and the insertable hook cannot be drawn out to the rear.

Abstract: The closure device includes first and second interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length. The fastening strips (130, 131) have a longitudinal X axis (160), a transverse Y axis (162) and a vertical Z axis (164). The fastening strips (130, 131) are occluded and deoccluded by moving the first fastening strip (130) relative to the second fastening strip (131) in substantially the vertical Z axis (164). The fastening strips (130, 131) may also move in the Y axis (162), rotate or deflect during occlusion. In addition, the fastening strips may include a locking feature (1244, 1245) to prevent unintentional deocclusion.

Abstract: An inward-wind type belt buckle in which the rear end portion of a belt is wound between the front end portion of the belt and the clothes is disclosed. A fixing piece for fixing the front end portion of the belt is fixed to the inner side wall of the belt buckle, so that a hinge pin of a fixture for fixing the belt is not exposed outwardly, and thus, its outer appearance is fine as well as improving a stability in use.

Abstract: A first panel-like element has a longitudinal fold near a first longitudinal edge. A second panel-like element has a longitudinal crease near a second longitudinal edge. The first longitudinal edge and second longitudinal edge are parallel to each other and form a longitudinal opening. A fastener is disposed at said longitudinal opening. When the fastener of the closure is closed, the first element and a second element form a flat, longitudinal flap, and the longitudinal opening and the fastener are located on the inside surface of the flap.

Abstract: A buckle is composed of a buckle body and an insertion body. The buckle includes an engagement and disengagement system in which the insertion body is inserted into the buckle body. An elastic member provided with elasticity, which is made of, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, is integrally molded on a pressing surface formed on an operating portion for performing an engagement and disengagement operation of the buckle by bicolor molding means or insert molding means. The pressing surface of the operating portion may be disposed on the buckle body or may be disposed on the insertion body. In either case, it is possible to produce a buckle having a good touch. Consequently, since the operating portion is flexible and soft to the touch, a smooth engagement and disengagement operation of the buckle can be realized.

Abstract: A connector mechanism for releasably securing a length of material and a fastening mechanism together is provided. The connector device comprises a compressible first device connected to the fastening mechanism with at least a portion of the material receivable within the first device. A second device is positionable over at least a portion of the first device. A securing mechanism associated with the first device and the second device releasably secures the first device to the second device wherein the second device compresses the first device about the portion of the material receivable therein thereby securing the first device to the material.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle assembly including a seat belt buckle, the buckle including: a frame (26) defining a tongue-receiving slot (40); a latch plate (34) operably positioned in relation to the tongue-receiving slot and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position; a latch spring (64) for biasing the latch plate toward the locked position; an ejector mechanism (28) located behind the tongue-receiving slot and rearwardly movable in response to inward movement of a tongue; the ejector including a first portion engageable by the tongue and rearwardly movable to a position beyond the location of the latch plate and a second portion (80) slidably receiving and supporting the latch plate, the second portion remaining in contact with the latch plate, preventing the latch plate from moving to its locked position even when the first portion has moved beyond the latch plate.

Abstract: A holding clip for mounting on a longitudinally ribbed bolt having an indicator for providing an audible signal when the bolt is fully inserted. The holding clip has a flexible rod having a free end which extends transversely across a receptacle chamber. The receptacle has a transverse wall situated slightly above the rod. When the bolt is inserted, the free end of the rod is pressed upwardly to audibly impact the transverse wall. The rod may be provided with a tab which protrudes through the transverse wall so that the tab end may be tactilely sensed or visually seen.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes a shoe lace, a clamp member, and a positioning unit. The shoe lace has first and second lace portions, each of which has lower, upper, and medial sections. The lower sections of the lace portions are anchored on eyelet tabs of the shoe. The upper sections of the lace portions are tied together to form a knot and a pair of distal lace ends. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on the medial sections of the lace portions. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along the lace portions permit the tightening and loosening of the shoe. The positioning unit positions the knot on the clamp member such that the medial sections of the lace portions form first and second loops between the knot and the clamp member.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes a shoe lace, a clamp member, and an assembly of two loops and a decorative knot. The shoe lace has a first lace segment that is strung on the shoe so as to form a criss-cross pattern on the eyelet tabs, and a second lace segment that includes first and second lace portions. Each of the lace portions has a lower end connected to the first lace segment so as to be anchored on a respective one of the eyelet tabs. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on at least one of the lace portions. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along at least one of the lace portions result in tightening and loosening of the shoe. The assembly is disposed on and externally of the clamp member.

Abstract: A cinerary urn device for holding and displaying cremated remains of a loved one. The cinerary urn device includes a housing for receiving cremated remains. The housing includes at least a front side, a back side, and a bottom side. The bottom side may include an opening that is in communication with an interior of the housing. A cover may be provided for selectively closing the opening in the housing. An exterior of the cover may threadedly engage the bottom side of the housing.

Abstract: A cremation container foldable into a compact configuration for shipping purposes and unfoldable and erectable at its destination comprises a bottom, a pair of side walls pivoted relative to the bottom, a pair of end walls pivoted relative to the bottom, an angle interconnecting adjacent end edges of adjacent ones of the side and end walls, and a cover removably positionable atop the pair of side walls and end walls. The container includes a pair of side base mold frame members and a pair of end base mold frame members and the container bottom comprises a panel with peripheral side and end edges retained in grooves in the pair of side base mold and end base mold frame members, respectively.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric making apparatus adapted to continuously feed a fibrous web in one direction, to eject streams of high pressure fluid from a plurality of nozzles against at least one surface of the web, thereby to entangle component fibers of the web and to obtain a predetermined nonwoven fabric. On the assumption that a Y-axis extends in a direction along which the web travels and an X-axis extends to intersect the Y-axis at right angles, the nozzles are arranged at predetermined intervals to define a straightly extending a first nozzle array R1 which is declined at a predetermined angle with respect to the Y-axis. The nonwoven fabric obtained has no impact traces by ejection of the streams of high pressure.

Abstract: An electronic component has a substantially reduced size and is adapted to be produced at low costs without variation in superior quality of the component because of the ease of achieving electrical connection between a piezoelectric element and a electrode pattern on a substrate supporting the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element has a lower electrode formed on the lower surface thereof and an upper electrode formed on the upper surface thereof. The piezoelectric element is fixed to the substrate such that the lower electrode is bonded to an electrode provided on the substrate by a conductive adhesive. A conductive wire is fixed to the upper electrode of the piezoelectric element. A metallic cap is bonded to the substrate so as to cover and seal the piezoelectric element on the substrate. The cap is contacted at its inner surface by the wire, whereby an electrical connection is achieved between the cap and the upper electrode of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A method of manufacture and a piezoelectric transducer are provided having a housing whose interior contains a piezoelectric element having radially spaced surfaces which undergo relative shear and produce an electrical signal in response thereto, an outer radial surface of the piezoelectric element being soldered to the interior of the housing, and an inner radial surface of the piezoelectric element is soldered to the outer surface of a stress/strain transmitting element. The solder alloy used shrinks less than →2.5% solidification. The subassembly made up of the piezoelectric element and the stress/strain transmitting element is provided with a passage to permit escape of gas from a chamber above the piezoelectric member which may be present from vapors attendant soldering.