Abstract: The closure device (121) includes first and second interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) arranged to be interlocked over a predetermined length and a slider (132) which slidably engages the first and second fastening strips. The fastening strips have a longitudinal X axis (160), a transverse Y axis (162) and a vertical Z axis (164). The slider (132) facilitates the occlusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards a first end of the fastening strips and deocclusion of the fastening strips when moved towards a second end of the fastening strips. The fastening strips (130, 131) are occluded and deoccluded by moving the first fastening strip relative to the second fastening strip in substantially the vertical Z axis (164). The fastening strips 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: The present invention provides a string fastening device which allows a string to be threaded thereinto easily, facilitates tightening of the string and enables the string to be gripped softly and captured accurately. The string fastening device can be used with its main body only and the main body includes a penetrating hole comprised of a sliding passage portion which allows the string to be moved freely and a braking passage portion for restricting movement of the string such that they adjoin. A narrow portion is provided at a joint portion so as to prevent the string from changing its path freely. The main body is made of thermoplastic elastomer to have elasticity. A rear face of the main body is formed to be a flat face. An attachment groove or sewing holes for sewing operation are provided around the penetrating hole. The main body is placed on a string threading hole in the cloth to be attached by a sewing thread to be fixed securely.

Abstract: A drop wire clamp comprising a shell, a wedge, and a shim, for securing a cable to a fixed object. The shell is an elongated open ended member that is tapered in length and is formed with a U shaped cross section, sized to receive the wedge in sliding engagement. The wedge has a shim fixed to its lower side with a surface shaped to frictionally engage the upper surface of a cable positioned within the shell and press it against a friction surface forming the bottom of the shell. A bail engages the wedge and shim to pull the wedge into operative engagement with the shell and a segment of cable extending through the shell.

Abstract: A plastic grille is attached to vehicle fenders by fasteners having a first connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the grille, and having an oppositely-facing second connector section particularly shaped to snappingly engage a hole in the fenders. The first and second connector sections are shaped for optimal low insertion force, yet high retention force. The first and second connectors have flexible arms that are oriented 90 degrees apart, permitting the connectors to slip in perpendicular directions in their respective receiving holes, thus providing improved tolerance and adjustability during installation. A method of assembly includes pre-attaching the fastener to the plastic component, and then attaching them as a unit to the metal component.

Abstract: A reusable bi-directional, fluid-tight, vertical sealing device for closing, sealing, and permitting re-opening of, flexible bags, with two sealing strips arranged to be interlocked and uninterlocked by a slider which has internal means such as rails acting upon the sealing strips so as to move them into a vertically interlocked fluid-tight sealing contact capable of holding a vacuum without leakage and of resisting pressure differences in either direction across the seal, so that the efficacy of the seal is improved by increases in the pressure differential. The word “fluid”, is used in its usual meaning of liquid or gas or a mixture of both, and, in addition, powder, and “vertical”, herein means in the plane of interior contact of the sheets of the bag when empty and hanging vertically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zipper's pull hook structure having a replaceable pull sheet. The pull hook comprises a first ring portion, a second ring portion, a hook portion, and a resilient sheet portion, which are integrally formed. The first ring portion and the second ring portion are folded and stacked together. The hook portion is bent into a hook shape, and has an opening. The resilient sheet portion is situated at the opening of the hook portion. One end of the resilient sheet portion forms a free end. The opening is closed flexibly through the help of the resilient sheet portion. The hook portion can be hooked at a joint ring of a pull sheet. A zipper's pull hook having a replaceable pull sheet is thus formed.

Abstract: A novel locking mechanism for a convertible shoe system is disclosed comprising a shoe upper and a shoe sole. The locking mechanism comprises a female member and a male member wherein one of said male or female members is attached to the shoe upper and the other is housed in an opening formed in a sidewall of the shoe sole. The locking mechanism is configured so that the male member is securely received in the female member while the shoe is being worn under normal wear conditions. However, when it is desired to remove the shoe upper and substitute it for uppers of different styles or functionality, the shoe upper may be quickly removed from the shoe sole.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes a shoe lace, a clamp member, a decorative knot, and a pair of pull members. The shoe lace has a first lace segment adapted to be strung on the shoe, and a second lace segment that includes first and second lace portions. The lower ends of the lace portions are anchored on eyelet tabs of the shoe. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on the lace portions. Downward and upward movements of the clamp member along the lace portions result in tightening and loosening of the shoe. The lace portions are anchored on the clamp member to form a pair of loops. The knot is positioned on the clamp member, and has a pair of distal lace ends. Each of the pull members is mounted slidably on a respective one of the loops.

Abstract: A package of fiberglass is unwound such that the revolution of the unwinding is controlled relative to linear payout speed of the package. A strand of fiber is pulled from the package while simultaneously rotating the package about a longitudinal axis of the package.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode film using a vacuum deposition apparatus, includes the steps of depositing a refractory metal on a substrate after reaching a back pressure in a deposition chamber at a pressure that is within a range of about 1×10−4 Pa to about 5′10−3 Pa, and annealing the substrate on which the metal is deposited to decrease the electrical resistivity of the electrode film.

Abstract: An attachment construction includes an attachment member in which a body of a blind rivet is integral with a head of the blind rivet. The body of the blind rivet is inserted into a fastening hole formed in a base material. The head of the blind rivet is placed in contact with a peripheral edge of the fastening hole of the base material. A boundary region exists between the body of the blind rivet and the head of the blind rivet and the boundary region has a cylindrical shape substantially parallel to the outer peripheral surface of the body of the blind rivet. The boundary region is mounted on a blind rivet fastening device for fastening the blind rivet to the base material. The blind rivet has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the fastening hole in the base material for ease of dismounting the blind rivet from the base material using a dismounting device.

Abstract: A machine and method for securing fabric layers to the core of a fabric panel. The machine includes top rollers and side rollers for stretching the fabric layers along the top surface and side surfaces of the core. Staplers preserve the stretch by stapling the edge of the fabric to the side surfaces. A front stapler and rear stapler are also provided for stapling the fabric to the rear surface and front surface of the core.

Abstract: A large size clamping device for detaching a bearing having three cambered base blocks is disclosed. An inner edge of each base block is formed with a thinner top cambered surface. Each side of the base block has a penetrating connecting hole. Three connecting rods are used to connect the three base blocks by each connecting rod passing through the connecting holes of two respective base blocks. Thereby, an area confined by the base blocks is adjusted by adjusting the connections of the base blocks and the connecting rods. Thus the clamping device is suitable for bearings of different sizes. Moreover, the forces between the bearing to be pulled out and the clamping devices are more uniform so that the bearing will not be harmed.

Abstract: A tool installs barb emitters in irrigation tubing. The tool has a cradle which receives irrigation tubing and a punch mounted opposite the cradle. The punch has a first cylinder and a second cylinder telescopically received within the first cylinder. The first cylinder has a cap at the upper end and an annular ring extending inwardly from to partially occlude the lower end. The second cylinder includes a second cap at the upper end which slidably engages the first cylinder and is resiliently urged by a spring against the annular ring. The cap has a punch holder extending downwardly therefrom. A needle has a sharp tip extending downwardly from the punch holder through the second cap to a point within the second cylinder when the spring is fully extended and beyond the second cylinder when the spring is fully compressed.

Abstract: A process and a device produces an assembly linkage on a hollow profile which is shaped for the installation of the assembly part by internal high-pressure remodeling. In order to achieve the shaping of an assembly linkage in a component space-saving, for a subsequent assembly correctly positioned, and with regard to its contour exactly fitted to the assembly part, in simple manner and even with high degrees of remodeling in a secure process, the hollow profile, under internal pressure, which is smaller than the remodeling pressure, is indented at the place of the to-be-produced assembly linkage by a die and by forming a rough contour. Afterward, while the die remains in this indenting position, a fluid high pressure is created in the hollow profile. Thereby, the hollow profile sides surrounding the die are molded to the external contour of the die, and that after releasing the fluid high pressure and the subsequent removal of the die, the finished trough-shaped assembly linkage is released.

Abstract: A transportation container comprises: a container body for housing a plurality of semiconductor wafers; a detachable lid adapted to engage in and cover an open front face of the container body via a seal gasket; and a locking mechanism adapted to fix the lid engaged into the open front face of the container body. The locking mechanism has a pair of protrusions formed at the opposing sides of a rim of the open end face of the container body. The locking mechanism also has a pair of clamp plates which are pivotally supported on the opposing sides of the lid to clamp the protrusions. Each protrusion has, on the back thereof, a groove with a semi-circular cross-section to be clamped. Each clamp plate has attachment shafts for the lid formed in one end of the clamp plate. The clamp plate also has operated parts for automatized operation formed in the other end of the clamp plate. The operated part has a Y-shape in cross-section.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair or maintenance of a vehicle is provided which facilitates the removal of a wheel, wheel rim, brake rotor, brake drum or the like, when these become seized or fused onto the wheel hub of the vehicle. The wheel pulling apparatus provides a pull plate to pull on, for example, a brake drum, and a push plate which acts to directly or indirectly push on the wheel studs of the vehicle. A simple, easy to use wheel pulling apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The instrument package mounting apparatus comprises an axle that serves to eliminate the need to wrap a tether line about the axle. In particular, the axle comprises a cylindrical solid configured with a slot extending from the outer surface of the axle to a substantially central axis thereof, the slot being capable of receiving the tether line. Juxtaposed to this slot and located substantially centered about the substantially central axis of the axle is a rectangular shaped interior channel that functions to receive a pinch bar comprising a substantially rectangular shaped tapered bar. The tapered pinch bar is inserted into the channel formed in the axle and operates to frictionally secure the tether line and the axle. The friction to secure the tether line in the slot, as held in place by the tapered pinch bar is generated by a compression fit formed as the tapered pinch bar is inserted into the interior channel of the axle.

Abstract: A vibration canceler for a shaft rotating about an axis, including an inertial ring which is fastened to the shaft in a relatively twistable manner by at least one elastic ring made of a rubber-like material. The elastic ring contacts the outer circumference of the shaft in a directly abutting manner and is untwistably pressed on to the shaft by the inertial ring.

Abstract: A ring for a laminated type metal belt includes: an endless metal ring for configuring a belt by laminating a plurality of the rings. In the structure, the ring is chamfered at each of its inner and outer peripheral corner edges; and the radius of curvature of the chamfered portion of the inner peripheral corner edge of the ring is set to be larger than the radius of curvature of the chamfered portion of the outer peripheral corner edge of the ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for preparing the windings for an electric motor. The magnetic core (20) of the stator and/or rotor of the motor is provided with slots (24,25) in which winding coils (2; 5,7;15,17) can be fitted. According to the invention, the winding coils (2) are wound from winding wire and shaped substantially into their final form, the cross-section of the coil sides (15,17) corresponding to the space reserved in the slot (24,25) for the coil. The winding coils (15,17) are fitted in place in the slots (24,25) provided in the magnetic core.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided for manufacturing thin film magnetic heads through the use of a thin-film magnetic head material, the head material including: a plurality of rows of head-to-be sections to be thin-film magnetic heads; an inter-row cutting section provided to be a position at which adjacent ones of the rows are to be separated; and an intra-row cutting section provided to be a position at which adjacent ones of the head-to-be sections in each of the rows are to be separated.

Abstract: A method for forming a bottom spin valve sensor having a synthetic antiferromagnetic pinned (SyAP) layer, antiferromagnetically coupled to a pinning layer, in which one of the layers of the SyAP is formed as a three layer lamination that contains a specularly reflecting oxide layer of FeTaO. The sensor formed according to this method has an extremely high GMR ratio and exhibits good pinning strength.

Abstract: A weaving apparatus used to separate the tubes of a heat exchanger so that spacers that hold the tubes apart can be inserted between the tubes to increase thermal efficiency. The weaving apparatus includes a frame assembly and a weaving mechanism contained within the frame assembly. The weaving mechanism includes an alignment plate to align the tubes and separation plates to separate the tubes after they have been aligned. The weaving apparatus thus automates the step of separating the tubes of the heat exchanger so that the spacer can ready inserted between the tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus having a mandrel, and a ring having an aperture therein, the ring being slidable over the mandrel. A multilead electronic component having electric leads extending therefrom is positioned atop the mandrel. The ring is pressed over the mandrel, bending the electric leads downward. When the ring is retracted, springback forces within the bent electric leads forces them against the inside of the ring; and the multilead electronic component is retained therewithin. The ring is then used, either manually or robotically, to position the component proximate a printed-circuit board with the electric leads aligned with connection apertures in the printed-circuit board. The multilead electronic component is pressed toward the printed-circuit board, forcing the leads through the connection apertures; and the ring is withdrawn for subsequent use.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrostatic chuck capable of holding a substrate in a chamber comprises forming an at least partially sintered dielectric insert, forming a dielectric preform comprising an electrode and a gas conduit, and placing the dielectric insert in the gas conduit of the dielectric preform, and sintering the dielectric preform and the dielectric insert.

Abstract: A fine-pitch flexible electrical connector includes a plurality of generally parallel metal conductors in a matrix of a molecularly flexible dielectric adhesive, and may be made in various sizes and thicknesses so as to be utilized as a connector, jumper, test membrane, interposer or other electrical connection structure providing connection between two or more electronic devices and/or substrates. The connector is made by providing a number of metal conductors disposed in relation to the dielectric adhesive, such as by lamination or aggregation, and then separating individual connectors therefrom by cutting, slicing and/or otherwise separating transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conductors.

Abstract: A method of processing a leadframe strip defining a first row of alignment holes and a second row of alignment holes. One embodiment of the method comprises allowing incremental advancement of said leadframe strip using said first row of alignment holes and refraining from using said second row of alignment holes to allow said advancement.

Abstract: A substrate carrier which is used through beginning assembly operations such as solder reflow for attaching ball grid array devices to flexible substrates. The carrier includes a main structural support for centerly placing the substrate. The support member include two pairs of pins protruding from the support member to engage with a matching pair of datum apertures disposed inboard of the side edges of the substrate. A plurality of high temperature magnetic inserts are affixed into holes of the support member disposed parallel and outboard of the pins. The cover has two rows of apertures for engagement with the pins of the support member is attracted by the magnetic inserts forcing the outer periphery of the cover against the top surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Method of collectively packaging a plurality of electronic components formed in a first substrate, wherein the electronic components are separated from one other by separation strips associated with a plurality of conducting tracks formed on a second substrate. The conducting tracks on the second substrate are associated with contact pads of the components in the first substrate. Each conducting track on the second substrate includes a connection strip arranged to coincide with associated depressions in the first substrate when the first and second substrates are mated. After mating, the components are separated into individualized electronic modules by forming proximal trenches in the first substrate and distal trenches in the second substrate. The proximal trenches are formed around the components in the first substrate to open up into the depressions in the first substrate.

Abstract: High aspect ratio (5:1-30:1) and small (5 &mgr;m-125 &mgr;m) diameter holes in a dielectric substrate are provided, which are filled with a solidified conductive material, as well as a method of filling such holes using pressure and vacuum. In certain embodiments, the holes are lined with conductive material and/or capped with a conductive material. The invention also contemplates a chip carrier formed by such material.

Abstract: A method of picking a component having an alignment indicating fiducial marker according to a predetermined alignment is provided. The method includes detecting the alignment of the fiducial marker of the component, comparing the detected fiducial alignment with a predetermined fiducial alignment, determining an alignment offset and picking the component in a manner that corrects the alignment offset when the offset has a predetermined value.

Abstract: A slide-type solvent transfer unit is used, and a plurality of nozzles at a head part which suck and hold components are moved down simultaneously to transfer flux to electronic components. In comparison with an electronic component mounting method including a transfer operation whereby nozzles are lowered one by one by a conventional electronic component mounting apparatus equipped with a rotary type solvent transfer unit, the time required for moving the nozzles up and down is shortened and a total cycle time is reduced, so that production efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A method for forming pin-form wires or bumps on, for instance, an electrode pad of an electronic circuit element, in which a ball is formed on a tip end of a wire that passes through a capillary, the wire is then extended from the lower end of the capillary, a notch is formed in the portion of the wire between the ball and the capillary by a cutter, the ball is bonded to the electrode pad using the capillary, and the capillary is raised, thus pulling the wire and cutting the wire at the notch to form a pin-form wire or bump on the electrode pad.

Abstract: A device and method for joining fitting parts provided with a passage opening on hollow profiles through partial expansion of the hollow profiles at the location of the fitting parts is provided. The fitting parts are slid on with the passage openings and are held in position by means of fluid high internal pressure expansion of the hollow profile. The device includes an expanding lance, which can be slid into the hollow profile and exhibits an axial borehole for the purpose of guiding the pressure fluid. The axial borehole is connected to a fluid high pressure generating system and exhibits a cross channel with an outlet for the pressure fluid in the direction of the hollow profile location to be expanded. The shell surface of the expanding lance exhibits sealing elements that are spaced apart and that define the outlet so as to seal axially on both sides against high pressure.

Abstract: A replacement method facilitates replacing of a portion of a nuggeted combustor liner within a gas turbine engine combustor in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The combustor includes a combustion zone that is defined by an inner and an outer liner. The inner and outer liners each include a series of panels and a plurality of nuggets formed by adjacent panels. The method includes the steps of cutting between an outer surface and an inner surface of at least one liner panel through at least one nugget, removing at least one panel that is adjacent the area of the liner that was cut, and installing a replacement panel into the combustor for each panel that was removed from the combustor.

Abstract: An optical film having structures that vary in height along their length where the variations have a nominal period of less than forty times the nominal height of the structures is taught. In some embodiments of the invention the variation is random.

Abstract: A caulked portion is formed by plastic deformation of a cylindrical portion which is formed at the inner end of a shaft member and is reduced in thickness toward the leading end in a diametrical outward direction. The force required to form the caulked portion is reduced, and the caulked portion is less susceptible to damage. Further, the force of the caulked portion for supporting the inner ring is ensured.

Abstract: An application tool (and a method of use of the tool) is provided for assembling an outboard seal and roller assembly into a hub unit. The tool and method allow for the use of standard seals and standard cage/roller assemblies, thus avoiding the problem associated with the use of special cages or oversized large-diameter seals.

Abstract: An inner cutter for an electric rotary shaver, the inner cutter comprising a cutter supporting member and an inner cutter body. The cutter supporting member has a ring-form body formed in a shape of a flat plate and is provided with a plurality of upright supporting portions that rise from an outer-circumferential edge of the ring-form body and are lined up side by side. The inner cutter body is formed on the tip end of each one of the upright supporting portions. Gaps are formed between adjacent upright supporting portions, and ribs are provided between the adjacent upright supporting portions, thus allowing cut hair to be discharged out of the inner cutter through openings defined by the adjacent upright supporting portions and ribs.

Abstract: A shaving unit having a handle which accepts razor cartridges of various lengths is provided. The handle of the unit includes a head with a razor cartridge receptacle. A cartridge kit is provided containing razor cartridges with blades of two or more different lengths. The razor cartridge receptacle of the shaving unit is designed to detachably retain any one of the cartridges selected, regardless of blade size.

Abstract: An adjustable cable slitting tool for longitudinally slitting optical fiber buffer tubes and other precision cables includes a T-shaped body and a guide that slides relative to the body to hold and guide the cable to be slit in a guide channel. A slitting blade is mounted on a blade carriage that can be precisely adjusted with an adjustment screw to control the depth the slitting blade projects into the guide channel. A scale and indicator marks allow the desired depth of cut to be adjusted with precision by comparing indicator marks on the adjustment screw with the scale and other indicator marks on the tool body. The adjustment screw has a tapered portion that drives the blade carriage through a single contact point via a ball bearing. A deformable pad material in contact with a threaded portion of the adjustment screw acts as both a friction adjustment and part of the backlash prevention mechanism.

Abstract: A motorized vegetation trimmer apparatus comprising an elongate main handle to which is connected a motor that rotatably drives a trimmer head located at a distal end of the handle. The trimmer head carries one or more radially outwardly projecting cutting members which cut vegetation as the trimmer head rotates. Each cutting member comprises a finite length of flexible strand. The cutting member is releasably gripped by a one-way gripping mechanism including a reciprocating gripping member and a compression spring that biases the gripping member into gripping contact with the strand.

Abstract: A pair of hole punching pliers, so-called stoma pliers, is arranged to punch a hole in a skin protection plate for a stoma bag. The hole punching remedies of the pliers consist of a hole socket (16) and a holding-up plate (18) for the same. During the punching, a plastic skin protection plate is located between the hole socket (16) and the opposing surface of the holding-up plate (18), as the free, outer cutting/punching edge (22) of the hole socket (16) after the completion of the punching abuts directly on said opposing holding-up plate surface.

Abstract: An angle finder for large diameter ducts and piping. It consists of a pair of legs having front and back sides, and top and bottom ends. The top ends are pivotally connected, thereby forming an inverted adjustable “V.” There also is provided a moveable center pointer having a top and a bottom mounted on the top end of the legs so as to bisect the “V” formed by the legs. Finally, there is a direct reading angle finder, preferably used in conjunction with a laser, mounted near the bottom of the moveable center pointer.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus with line level for conveniently storing and providing access to a line level within a material dispenser. The material dispensing apparatus with line level includes a handle structure formed for removably receiving the line level. The handle structure is preferably comprised of a handle post structure having a receiver slot for receiving the line level within. A plurality of first nubs extend inwardly from the walls of the receiver slot to selectively retain the line level within the receiver slot. A handle cover is removably attachable about the handle post structure for enclosing the handle post structure during usage of the material dispenser structure.

Abstract: A tape measure with laser beam (10) comprises a case (12), a laser device (70) carried in the case and capable of transmitting a laser beam therefrom, and a roll (24) of measuring tape (25) supported in the case. The measuring tape roll is disposed to be rewound into the case by a conventional spring mechanism. A one-way brake (38) is couplable to the measuring tape roll for preventing rewinding of the measuring tape back into the case. A brake override 50 permits retraction of the measuring tape into the case. A second brake (92) is adapted to hold the tape measuring roll securely in place when a pencil (86) is inserted into the case. Power supply apparati, comprising parallelly connected batteries (78), solar cells (82) and a dynamo (83), are electrically coupled to the laser for enabling laser beam transmission therefrom.

Abstract: A twin tower gas drying system is disclosed for cleaning compressed air lines in locomotives, buses, transit vehicles and the like by removing undesirable contaminants from an air or gas stream. A multistage filtration process employs a first scrubber that is capable of removing particulate material or soot from a stream of unpurified gas. A pre-filtering means is employed to remove impurities from the stream of unpurified gas. Coalescing filters are us to remove remaining moisture from the gas stream. Two towers of dessicant material dry the gas stream. The drying system is capable of controlling the flow of gas by alternately switching between supplying unpurified gas to a first tower and supplying unpurified gas to a second tower, with a purge cycle in between. Thus, a first dessicant tower is being purged of moisture while the second tower accumulates moisture, and likewise the second tower is purged while the first tower accumulates moisture, in alternating sequence.

Abstract: A nozzle for a fabric dryer whose cross sectional area tapers from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof. The nozzle has a fabric side that is juxtaposed relative to the fabric. The fabric side of the nozzle is provided with a slot that extends therealong. The slot has flanges that penetrate away from the fabric side of the nozzle and open inwardly into the nozzle. A plurality of baffles are positioned between the flanges, along the slot. Each of the plurality of baffles is directed toward the fabric side of the nozzle and is inclined toward the proximal end of the nozzle to deflect hot air from the slot, so that the hot air projects normally onto the fabric so as to avoid moving the fabric off the fabric conveyor of the fabric dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material, a device for carrying out said method and the use of said method in the production of dried ligneous plant material. The method for extracting the natural juice of ligneous plant material comprises the following: a pressurization step in which a sealed enclosure containing the plant material is pressurized, whereby the pressure thereof is greater than that of the atmosphere; a stage in which saturating water vapor is created or injected; a stage in which the plant material is heated to the core by means of electromagnetic waves; a step in which the liquid exudates from said plant material are gravitationally recovered.