Abstract: A system for determining a level of a liquid present in a storage container in an automobile is disclosed. The system has a liquid level sensor for determining a preliminary liquid level of the liquid stored in the storage container, an ignition key position sensor for determining an ignition position, a vehicle speed sensor for determining the automobile's speed, a transmission gear selection sensor for determining a transmission gear position of a transmission of the automobile, and a processor. The processor receives input signals from the liquid level sensor, ignition key position sensor, the vehicle speed sensor and the transmission gear selection sensor for calculating the level of the liquid in the storage container.

Abstract: The adjustable to a user's upper extremity the exoskeleton structure provides testing and exercising of the whole upper extremity in a realistic manner without infringement of a locomotor act and with selective biomechanical information and exercise loading in each anatomical motion direction of every joint simultaneously. The exoskeleton structure comprises jointed means for connection with a user's shouldergirdle, upperarm, forearm, and hand. Those means include measuring-loading blocks to measure muscle forces and joint angles and to apply a dosed exercise load. All measuring-loading blocks in the exoskeleton structure are identical. The exoskeleton structure is able to provide a realistic and comprehensive information about both a complex locomotor act and a selective mono-planar motion for both isometric and isotonic muscular contractions.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder is connected to a pulley wheel that moves at least toward the cylinder. A main cable extends about a portion of the pulley wheel. One end of the main cable is fixed to the unit housing and the other end is attached to a pulley block of a block-and-tackle mechanism. A user cable extends through the block-and-tackle mechanism and is connected to a handle. The pneumatic cylinder resists movement of the handle away from the unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording the environmental conditions within a container during transportation or periods of extended storage, the container for receiving semiconductor wafers or other sensitive components.

Abstract: A method and a device for moving a wheel rotatably mounted on a wheel balancing machine from a first position at which unbalance compensation has been performed, to a second unbalance compensation position for further unbalance compensation. According to the method, the rotor is externally driven, e.g., by hand, to freely running rotation, at which time, a drive motor is energized to generate a torque which acts counter to the direction of rotation of the wheel and to bring the wheel to a stop over a braking distance brought about by the counter torque which corresponds to the angle of rotation which is traveled over up to the unbalance compensation position, whereupon, the motor is de-energized. The apparatus includes a motor drive including an alternating voltage controller having a longitudinal switching device; and a commutation switching device, the switching devices each including two semiconductor switches which are connected in an anti-serial configuration.

Abstract: A method of measuring unbalances of a rotor is described and is based on:

Abstract: The invention concerns methods and apparatus for improving the performance of a force-balance accelerometer based upon a conventional, single-coil, velocity geophone. Specifically, the operating temperature range is increased through the use of both a temperature-compensating reference impedance, and a new electronic circuit architecture. Two specific types of temperature-compensating reference impedances are disclosed. One is a pure DC-resistance, with the temperature coefficient of the DC resistance matching that of a single coil of a conventional geophone. A second reference impedance adds a series reactance which closely matches the ratio of total impedance to DC-resistance, and the temperature coefficient of this ratio, with that of the geophone coil.

Abstract: A micromechanical structure and a corresponding manufacturing method are described. The structure includes a substrate (10), which has an anchoring device (20), and a centrifugal mass (30), which is connected to the anchoring device (20) via a flexible spring device (40), so that the centrifugal mass (30) is elastically deflectable from its rest position. The centrifugal mass (30) has clearances and is designed to be deflectable by etching a sacrificial layer (50) underneath it. The sacrificial layer (50) is present in a first area located underneath the centrifugal mass (30) with a first etchable thickness (d1), and in a second area located underneath the centrifugal mass (30) with a second etchable thickness (d1+d2+d3), the second thickness being greater than the first thickness (d1). The centrifugal mass (30) is structured in the first area so that in etching only a maximum of two etching fronts may come together in order to limit the etching residue deposits.

Abstract: A method is provided for nondestructive adhesion testing of a coating on a component surface through ultrasonic cavitation. The disclosed method includes submerging a tip end of a vibratory horn in a liquid medium and operating a converter, coupled to the vibratory horn, at a frequency and an amplitude to generate a cavitation field within the liquid medium. A first portion of a component having an adhered coating on at least a portion of the component is moved into the cavitation field. Areas of the coating that are poorly adhered to the component are located by the removing areas of the coating that are poorly adhered, while not removing areas of the coating that are properly adhered to the component.

Abstract: Ultrasonic sensors can be integrated and used to monitor composites throughout their production and during their useful lifetime. In an integrated program, ultrasonic sensors, in the illustrated embodiment contact sensors, can be used for quality control on raw rubber used for making a composite and for monitoring the cure of the rubber as it is transformed into a useful product, and non-contact sensors can be used to evaluate the product when it is completed, and to monitor its aging and wear during use. Such sensors can also be used in research to evaluate potential raw materials, and to compare cured candidate materials for properties useful in a completed product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultrasound imaging system and method which make a harmonic image of a good SNR(signal-to-noise ratio) by effectively removing fundamental frequency components through a pulse-compressing using the weighted chirp signals. The ultrasound imaging system includes: a transducer array for converting weighted chirp signals to ultrasound signals, and transmitting the ultrasound signals to a target object; a receiver for receiving signals reflected from the target object; a pulse-compressor for selectively pulse-compressing fundamental frequency components or harmonic frequency components in the reflected signals; and a producer for producing receive-focused signals from the pulse-compressed signals. Therefore, the ultrasound imaging system can form ultrasound image using the fundamental frequency components, and can form ultrasound harmonic image using the harmonic frequency components according to 2fo-correlation method or 2fo-correlation(PI) method.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tomographic image is obtained by using the difference between intensities of two echoes from the same analyte by two ultrasonic beams emitted through a vibrator element group of a probe A and through some vibrator elements within this group, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring the pressure of a fluid. A flexible barrier separates the fluid from the pressure receiving surface of a pressure sensing device. The pressure of the fluid is transferred through the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface. The flexible barrier may be in abutting juxtaposition with or may be spaced apart from the pressure sensing surface. In either case, the flexible barrier is coupled or held in defined relationship to the pressure sensing surface such that the pressure receiving surface will receive the substantially actual pressure of the fluid even when the pressure of the fluid is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Coupling of the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface may be achieved by any suitable means, including adhesive or the application of a full or partial vacuum between the flexible barrier and the pressure receiving surface.

Abstract: A thin pressure sensor includes: a pair of external electrodes, which are respectively made of conductive thin films that are respectively provided with piezoelectric layers on inner sides; and a single internal electrode, made of a conductive thin film, which is sealed between the pair of external electrodes, one of the pair of external electrodes having a conducting window that conducts to said internal electrode. The thin pressure sensor has a simple and thin structure with sufficient durability and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A related-art pressure sensor module is required to be sealed by a cover in a complicated manner, so as to hold pressure. A pressure sensor module (1) according to the present invention has a pressure sensor (6) in a sensor housing (8), the pressure sensor being easily mountable and pre-calibrated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive microsystem, which can be used to replace conventional strain gauges used currently. The microsystem has substantial advantages with regard to handling, overload stability and endurance. Capacitive microsystems of this type can be used to record deformations and to calculate forces, torque etc. They can be used in particular to determine the weight of vehicle seats, to provide for example deployment data for an airbag.

Abstract: The flow rate of a fluid can be measured using an ultrasonic flow meter according to the present invention with a higher measuring accuracy and a lower cost. The feature of the invention consists in an ultrasonic flow meter comprising a measurement tube for flowing a fluid to be subjected to measurement, a first oscillator fitted to the outer circumference of the measurement tube, a second oscillator fitted to the outer circumference of the measurement tube at a predetermined interval along the flow of the fluid from the first oscillator and an acoustic filter fitted to the measurement tube for cutting high frequency range of the oscillating wave propagating through the oscillating tube, in which the flow rate of a fluid is measured based on a time difference between a time required when the ultrasonic wave from the upstream oscillator reaches the downstream oscillator and another time required when the ultrasonic wave from the downstream oscillator reaches the upstream oscillator.

Abstract: A high-resolution pressure-sensing device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating flexible matrix having a plurality of filler particles. Application of a force to the matrix causes compression of the matrix. This results in the filler particles occupying a greater amount of space within the matrix relative to when no force is applied. A detector attached to the matrix detects or measures the volume of the filler particles relative to the volume of the matrix, and therefore determines the force applied to the matrix. Preferably, the resistivity of the matrix is inversely proportional to the volume percent of the filler particles, in which case the detector is a resistance-measuring circuit.

Abstract: A device mountable onto the head of a torque wrench for testing the braze strength of replaceable kerf or saw tips (referred to inter-changeably herein), the device includes a clamp supporting member for clamped mounting, at a first end thereof, to a braze-on saw tip brazed to a saw blade tooth, and for mounting, at an opposite second end of the member, to the head of the torque wrench. A clamp, for rigidly clamping the braze-on saw tip between opposed facing jaws of the clamp, is mounted to the clamp supporting member so as to orient the jaws on opposite sides of an axis of rotation of the head of the torque wrench when the head is mounted to the second end of the member.

Abstract: A force transducer element (20) comprises a body (22) of magnetisable material having at least one magnetised region (30) at an angle, say 45°, to the force-sensing direction (P-P). Preferably there are a plurality of parallel magnetised regions of alternating opposite polarity of magnetisation to form closed loops (43p, 43n). The element may be a block having opposite force receiving surfaces (24, 24′). The body (122) may contain plural transducer elements (120a, 120b) angled to one another to resolve force directions. The principle is extended to a circular transducer element (243). The invention may be implemented in a flexible magnetic tape. Another embodiment (300) is realised in a planar structure in which a ferromagnetic core (310) is subject to a magnetic field (326) at an angle to the direction (F) of force application generated by laterally offset coils (312, 314). A sensor device (330) is fabricated in the structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting a representative sample of water, oil and sediment from a container. The apparatus is a container closure having a tube extending therethrough, such that fluids can be extracted from any closed container through the tube when closed by the closure. The tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is open to the flow of fluids and the second end is closed. Several radial inlet ports are position at spaced intervals along the tube between the closure and the second end of the tube. Fluids from the container enter the tube at several levels through different ones of the inlet ports, thereby providing a more representative sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipette having a body (2), a casing (4), sheathing the body (2), and a graduation means (6) located between the body (2) and the casing (4).

Abstract: An impact particle collector for separating particulates from a gaseous fluid in which the particulates are entrained. The impact particle collector includes (a) a prime mover having a drive shaft that is drivingly rotated; (b) an impeller that is mechanically coupled to the drive shaft and rotated thereby; and (c) a housing for the impeller, said housing defining a fluid passage for conveying the gaseous fluid in which the particulates are entrained to the impeller, said impeller including vanes that draw the gaseous fluid into the housing so that the particulates entrained in the gaseous fluid impact upon the impeller, being thereby separated from the gaseous fluid when impacted by the vanes of the impeller. In another embodiment, an air sampler that includes a body having an inlet and an outlet; and an impeller coupled to the body, the impeller being driven by a motor and configured to draw gas having target material across the impeller, thereby stripping target material from the gas.

Abstract: An electronic balance with a housing (1) that can be put under an above-ambient pressure, for example for the purpose of using the balance in a hazardous environment where a risk of explosion exists, has an inlet (21) for a gas, in particular compressed air. The balance also has a horizontal passage through the housing (1) for a force-transmitting rod member (6) that is coupled to the load-hanger element (12) of the balance. The housing (1) has an opening (9) through which the force-transmitting rod member (6) passes in a substantially horizontal direction without making contact; and the opening (9) also forms an outlet for the gas.

Abstract: Method for determining a grease condition in a bearing (10), comprising the steps of measuring at least one operational parameter of the bearing (10) and determining the grease condition by inputting the measured at least one operational parameter into a model. The model interrelates the at least one operational parameter and the grease condition for a specific combination of a predetermined type of grease and a predetermined type of bearing (10). The present invention also relates to a bearing (10) provided with a processing unit (13) and at least one sensor (11, 12), in which the processing unit (13) implements the present method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording the environmental conditions within a container during transportation or periods of extended storage, the container for receiving semiconductor wafers or other sensitive components.

Abstract: In a rack-and-pinion steering gear for motor vehicles, in which in a steering gear housing a pressure piece is guided within a stub having an axis normal to that of the steering-gear housing so that the pressure piece is longitudinally displaceable in the guide stub. A preloading force acts on the pressure piece at an angle to the direction of motion of the pressure piece such that the pressure piece is held in engagement with a side wall of the stub in either direction of movement of the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1), for example for use in a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle, and to a method for the production of the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism (1). The mechanism comprises a housing (101), in which a pinion shaft (102) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (103). The pinion shaft (102) is connected to a rack (110) which is mounted in the housing (101) in such a way as to be longitudinally displaceable. A counter-pressure device (102, 123) compensates for reaction forces between the pinion shaft (102) and the rack (110), having a thrust piece (102) and an adjusting/closing nut (25), between which a spring (123) is supported. The adjusting/closing nut (25) is composed of a material which has a softening/melting point such that the adjusting/closing nut (25) can be softened and/or melted locally while installed in the housing (101) without damaging the housing (101).

Abstract: A ball-worm transmission is provided which replaces the sliding friction of the classic worm mechanism with the rolling friction of spherical balls. The ball-worm transmission assembly includes a worm which defines a recirculation path, and a gear coupled to the worm via a plurality of spherical balls. The gear includes a plurality of teeth each having a thickness in a central plane of the gear and a lesser thickness towards both sides of the gear, so that a gap is defined between the teeth is larger towards both sides of the gear than in the central plane of the gear.

Abstract: In a parking brake mechanism and installation method of the mechanism in a vehicle, the mechanism includes a wind-up device for tightening a brake cable which wind-up device can be locked by a locking member to prevent tightening during installation. The brake cable comprises two sections, which are joined outside the vehicle by a coupling member, which is installed while the windup device is locked. The locking member includes a break-structure so that, upon installation of the coupling member, the locking member can be broken by pulling on the brake cable to permit the brake cable to be tightened thereby rendering the parking brake mechanism operational.

Abstract: A flex spline 1 used for a meshing type gear device includes an attachment portion 1a, a thin-thickness tubular portion 1b continuing to the attachment portion and capable of being elastically deformed, and external teeth 1c formed at the tip end portion of the tubular portion away from the attachment portion. The thin-thickness tubular portion 1b is formed in a conical shape with an opening angle &thgr; which is tapered in a direction from the attachment portion 1a toward the external teeth 1c before inserting a wave generator 3.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert has a cemented carbide substrate and a coating. The cemented carbide substrate includes 73-93 wt % WC, 4-12 wt % binder phase, and cubic carbide phase with a binder phase enriched surface zone essentially free of cubic carbide phase. The cubic carbide phase includes elements from the groups IVB and VB, with the Ta content on a level corresponding to a technical impurity. Inserts according to the invention exhibit favorable edge strength and thermal shock resistance.

Abstract: A method to agglomerate metal particles such as tantalum and niobium powders is described which includes combining a volatilizable or vaporizable liquid with the particles to form wet particles; compacting the wet particles; drying the compacted wet particles to form a cake; and heat treating the cake to form the agglomerated particles. Also described are agglomerated particles obtained by this method and further, particles, preferably tantalum or niobium powder, having a flow rate of at least about 65 mg/sec and/or an improved pore size distribution, and/or a higher Scott Density. Capacitors made from tantalum powder and niobium powder are also described.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects aluminum and copper metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of a metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: A process and apparatus prepares and collects metal nanoparticles by forming a vapor of aluminum or copper metal that is solid at room temperature, the vapor of the metal being provided in an inert gaseous carrying medium. At least some of the metal is solidified within the gaseous stream. The gaseous stream and metal material is moved in a gaseous carrying environment into or through a dry mechanical pumping system. While the particles are within the dry mechanical pumping system or after the nanoparticles have moved through the dry pumping system, the vaporized metal material and nanoparticles are contacted with an inert liquid collecting medium.

Abstract: In a waste wire harness including electric wires each coated with a resin comprised of an olefin-based resin and magnesium hydroxide as a fire retardant, and including accompanied members having at least one of terminals, connectors, various kind of boxes such as junction boxes and fuse boxes, tapes, tubes, grommets, wiring clips, and protectors, a method for recycling the waste wire harness includes a step of removing the accompanied members from the waste wire harness, a step of crushing the waste wire harness after removing the accompanied members to obtain crushed particles, a step of incinerating the crushed particles to produce incinerated ash, a step of converting a magnesium compound contained in the incinerated ash into magnesium hydroxide, and a step of collecting the magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a coaxial cable, or the like, and effecting cutting and stripping operations to remove a portion of one or more layers which concentrically cover a central conductor. A single blade, having a circular cutting edge, is moved in an orbital path about the cable with rotary motion of a motor translated to orbital motion of the blade through a plurality of plates relatively movable on crossed, linear, roller bearings and a shaft eccentrically affixed to the motor with the shaft and motor axes at an acute angle to one another. The shaft extends through a spherical bearing mounted in one of the plates, thereby translating nutational motion of the shaft to orbiting motion of the plate which is directly attached to the blade. A unique clamping assembly includes a pair of jaws having respective gear racks engaging a single pinion gear on a motor output shaft for linear movement of the jaws by equal distances in opposite directions.

Abstract: This invention relates an improvement of the torque transfer mechanism exclusively applied to the socket wrench. General speaking, it is an improvement made on the prior art of the socket wrench now popular and available in the tool market. Inside the shank of the socket wrench, it contains a rotary rod connected with a bevel gear which is further meshed with a ring gears on the wrench head. Without changing the profile of the socket wrench, it forms a torque transfer mechanism with robust structure and easy assembly. It provides stable and practical output of the torque for tightening and loosening the bolt.

Abstract: In a ratchet wrench, rotation of an output shaft of an air motor is transmitted to a ratchet unit via a reduction gear unit in order to rotate a spindle connected to the ratchet unit, and the ratchet unit is accommodated within a ratchet housing. The ratchet wrench includes a cover plate which covers one face of the ratchet housing opposite the other face thereof from which the spindle projects. A pair of reverse buttons are disposed on the cover plate to be slidable along a direction parallel to an output shaft of the air motor. A pair of reverse arms rotatably are attached to the reverse buttons, each reverse arm being movable together with the corresponding reverse button. The ratchet wrench further includes a reverse gear which the reverse arms engage upon movement of the reverse arms caused by sliding movement of the reverse buttons.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench comprises a wrench handle having a receiving portion at an end thereof, in which has a chamber at a side thereof and a slot in the chamber. A pawl is installed in the chamber having a teeth portion at a side thereof. A spring is installed in the chamber having an end thereof rested against the pawl and the other end thereof rested in the slot in the chamber. A driving member is rotatably received in the receiving portion and has an annular teeth portion at outer surface thereof to mesh with the teeth portion of the pawl and two engaging portions at opposite sides of the teeth portion respectively, and two covering members, each of which has a tube, an opening at central of the tube and an annular flange at an end of the tube. The covering members have the tubes inserted into the spaces between the receiving portion of the wrench handle and the engaging portions of the driving member respectively in an interference fit with the engaging portions.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a pipeline to a high internal pressure of the order of 1000 to 15000 bar, having at least a first, substantially stationary receiving device for a first end of the pipeline and a second receiving device for a second end of the pipeline, wherein the second receiving device is arranged so as to be spatially freely adjustable.

Abstract: A battery-operated electrical tool (10) is provided with a machine housing (11) that has a longish, substantially rod-shaped housing portion (12) containing an electric drive motor (13) and an end portion (15) on which a terminal connection surface (16) with push-in receptacle (17) for the detachable attachment of a battery packet (14) is provided, which said battery packet is provided with a connection part (18) that comprises a seating surface (19) matched to the connection surface (16) for seating on said connection surface, and comprising a push-in part (20) engaging in the push-in receptacle (17). The end portion (15) is inflected toward one side in relation to the housing portion (12) out of the direction of longitudinal extension. The terminal connection surface (16) of the end portion (15) extends within a plane (21) that is oriented skew in relation to a plane (22) extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (23) of the housing portion (12).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting and threading a sheet of material is described. The apparatus can facilitate the transfer of a sheet from a sheet forming machine to a processing machine, and can halt the feeding of sheet material to the processing machine. When the processing machine is ready to receive more sheet material, the apparatus cuts the sheet and feeds the newly formed sheet to the processing machine.

Abstract: A device for cutting a web of material, the web having a web velocity and moving in a web direction. The device includes a plurality of linearly movable cutting elements capable of moving in the same direction as the web direction for cutting the web into signatures, and a plurality of gripper elements interacting with the cutting elements. A method for cutting a web includes the steps of linearly moving a plurality of cutting elements within a signature formation area, the web also moving within the signature formation area, the cutting elements and the web moving in the same direction; cutting the web with the plurality of cutting elements so as to form signatures; gripping the signatures; and varying a length of the signatures by varying a spacing between cutting elements in the signature formation area.

Abstract: A method for expelling air out of mailpieces includes the steps of creating a stack of the mailpieces; cutting an opening in at least some of the mailpieces; jogging the stack of mailpieces; and subjecting the stack of mailpieces to at least one compression/decompression cycle during the jogging step thereby expelling air out of the at least some of the mailpieces through their corresponding openings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a log sawing system comprising multiple cutting blades. The multiple cutting blades are positioned to cut laterally or perpendicular to the centerline of the log which is to be cut. The logs are transported into cutting position using some type of log positioner. The multiple cutting blades are rotatably mounted on an arm which is pivotally mounted on a shaft in groups, being driven by an electrical or like motor, all of which are mounted onto a platform positioned adjacent to the log to be cut. Hydraulic lifters are used to partially rotate the saw blades into the cutting position adjacent the log. Means utilizing a computer and lasers are provided to develop a log cutting solution to best utilize the logs.

Abstract: A cut alignment device for a rotary saw having a motor which spins a cutting unit which includes a rotary shaft driven by the motor, a circular blade having a central aperture through which the shaft fits, and a blade mounting device for holding the blade on the shaft, the cut alignment device including: a battery power source carried by the cutting unit; and a beam light source, operatively connected to this power source, and carried by the cutting unit; wherein the light source projects a light beam at a shallow angle from the cutting unit directed to intersect the plane of the rotary cutting tool or saw blade, to assist the operator in cutting accurately.

Abstract: A magnetic cutting board-template combination as disclosed for cutting paper into desired designs or drawing designs on the paper. The cutting board is preferably formed from a ferrous metal and the template is formed from a magnetic material so as to hold the paper to the cutting surface while the cut is performed.

Abstract: A cut-off mechanism for forming metal parts from elongate stock and the like includes a first jaw having a first cutting surface that extends from a sharpened cutting edge. A second jaw has a second cutting surface that extends from a sharpened cutting edge. A connector pivotally interconnects the first and second jaws in a side-by-side relationship at a location spaced apart from the first and second cutting surfaces. The connector positions the leading edges of the first and second cutting surfaces in close planar alignment to shear cut stock positioned therebetween. The cutting edge of the first cutting surface has a hook-shaped side elevational configuration extending arcuately between an outer tip portion thereof and an inner base portion thereof.