Abstract: A dirt collecting system for a vacuum cleaner includes a dirt cup formed with a coarse particle separation chamber and a fine particle separation chamber separated by an apertured wall. Coarse dirt particles directed into the coarse particle separation chamber are prevented from entering the fine particle separation chamber by the apertured wall. The apertured wall is removable from the dirt cup and is cleaned upon removal by a cleaning element. A fine particle filter is located in the fine particle separation chamber for filtering fine particles. The fine particle filter is cleaned by rotating a knob located in the dirt cup lid so that the pleats of the fine particle filter is brushed past a wiper element.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handle structure of an apparatus for opening and closing a window capable of allowing a user to open and close the window with safety. The handle structure may be mounted to a driving shaft installed in a housing of the apparatus for opening and closing the window and may then be foldable. In the handle structure, a depressed portion is formed on an inner surface of a body portion of the handle structure and extends along the longitudinal direction. Pair of fixed members is formed on the inner surface of the body portion within the depressed portion and extend over a predetermined length of the depressed portion. A supporting device is suitably secured together with the fixed members formed in the depressed portion. The supporting device is provided with a rectangular plate-shaped supporting piece, a hexahedral-shaped moving member and a coiled spring. A knob is engaged to be one body with an outer surface of one end portion of the body portion.

Abstract: A handle and method for use with a manually operated implement including an elongated tubular frame (A) with a holder (B) at one end for receiving a shank portion of the implement against rotation and movement in and out with respect to the holder and for achieving a two-point control by the user through a slidable support (C) opposite the holder and an intermediate upright hand grip (D), a strap (E) carried by a support (C) being provided for encompassing an arm of the user just below the elbow facilitating the application of force upwardly and downwardly as well as in and out through the implement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the collection of samples of staple fibers from a quantity (batch) of such fibers without material consideration of the “condition” of the fibers within the batch, (e.g., the relative humidity and/or temperature of the environment immediate the batch of fibers), and thereafter physically converting each sample of fibers to a tapered beard geometry, employing a rotary carrier. Each beard is grasped at one end thereof with the fibers thereof extending unsupported therefrom. The beard is conveyed to a location proximate the entrance to an air flow channel whereupon conditioned air flowing into the flow channel moves along, over and past the beard, causing the free ends of the fibers to enter the flow channel and become aligned generally along the length of the flow channel.

Abstract: A clip for stowing auxiliary eyeglasses comprised of a pair of clip bodies forming a jaw with a cylindrical socket formed on exterior surface of one of the bodies. The cylindrical socket is constructed to receive a cylinder held in place by a circumferential ridge engaging a circumferential groove in the cylinder that allows the cylinder to freely rotate in the socket. The cylinder also includes a rectangular slot having detents on either end for receiving a cylindrical end of appendages on auxiliary eyeglasses. The entire clip is simple in construction and easy to use and will securely and quickly stow away auxiliary eyeglasses when not in use.

Abstract: In an open hose clamp with overlapping band ends, the outer band part comprises, starting from its end, an opening, an undulation, an Oetiker ear, an aperture, and a hook, while the inner band part comprises, starting from its end, a hook for engagement in the opening, a smooth area spanning the undulation and the ear, and a tongue with an attachment which passes through the aperture. The attachment serves to guide the tongue in the aperture and thus to ensure correct mutual positioning of the two band parts, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the band, in addition to securing the hose clamp in the engaged state, and cooperating with the hook provided on the outer band part for opening the tightened clamp.

Abstract: An equipment mounting strap is disclosed for securing equipment in a rack having side frames. The equipment mounting strap includes two angled brackets, each bracket including a first leg defining a slot for receiving a strap and a second leg having means for fastening the angled bracket to one of the side frames of the rack, a bumper mounted on each angled bracket adjacent the slot, and a composite strap having one end fixedly fastened through the slot of one of the angled brackets and the other end detachably fastened through the slot of the other of the angled brackets.

Abstract: A clasp suitable as button for clothes, buckle for belt or the like adapted to facilitate operation of fastening and unfastening. A clasp comprising a pair of basic bodies provided on mutually opposed surfaces thereof with a pair of magnets and recess and projection cooperating with each other to serve as lock means, respectively, the basic bodies adapted to be detachably coupled together as the projection is engaged with the recess and the magnets attract each other so that at least sliding shift of the basic bodies from each other in horizontal direction is restricted by engagement of the projection and recess.

Abstract: A clasp suitable as button for clothes, buckle for belt or the like adapted to facilitate operation of fastening and unfastening. To provide such clasp suitable as button for clothes, buckle for belt or the like adapted to ensure its reliable fastening. A pair of basic bodies connected to front ends of a pair of swingable arms, respectively, contain therein magnets having opposed poles, respectively. These basic bodies are provided with at least one set of mutually opposed protruberances and notches adapted to come in engagement with each other as the front ends of the swingable arms get nearer toward each other and thereby to prevent the pair of basic bodies coupled to each other under attractive effect of the magnets from moving in horizontal direction as well as from swinging away from each other.

Abstract: An identification badge is connected to a lanyard using at least two connectors. One of the connectors securely connects a fixture which clasps the identification badge to a buckle. The other connector securely connects the buckle to the lanyard. The connectors are configured to position the badge flat on the shirt or blouse of the wearer so that the visibility of the badge is maximized. The size of the connectors is maintained small. Furthermore, assembly of a lanyard, badge, and buckle combination is made more efficient by making the connectors quick-connect.

Abstract: An electrically releasable form of hook and loop fastener allows one half of the fastener to release from the other half without applying direct physical force to either half. The hook elements of the fastener are formed of a shape-memory alloy material such as commercially available Ninitol. Release of the hook half of the fastener from the loop half is accomplished by passing an electrical current through the shape-memory alloy material to straighten the hooks so that they release their engagement with the loops. The flow of electricity through the hook half energizes the Ninitol material to change its shape, either expanding or contracting in length; the change in shape is made to act against another length of material that remains fixed in length or changes shape in an opposite direction so as to cause the hook shape to straighten toward a rod shape.

Abstract: A radiolucent surgical table is provided with a patient support member and includes a low shadow accessory interface profile formed by a plurality of interconnected curved surfaces disposed along the outer edge of the patient support member for selective attachment of a range of medical accessory devices. A clamping apparatus secures associated accessories to the outer edge, which has a top recess and an essentially planar and non-vertical side surface slanting inwardly from top to bottom and terminating in a flared lower edge extending beyond the bottom of the patient support member. The clamping apparatus includes an upper jaw member which has a downwardly projecting lip formed to conformably engage a section of the top recess. A lower jaw member is also included and has a hook region formed to surroundingly engage a section of the flared lower edge. A means is provided for joining the upper and lower jaw members.

Abstract: Lightweight, non-woven loop products for hook-and-loop fastening are disclosed, as are methods for making them and end products employing them. The products are non-woven webs of entangled fibers of substantial tenacity, the fibers forming both a sheet-form, bonded web body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from the web body. The product is, in important cases, stretched before bonding to produce spaced-apart loop clusters extending from a very thin web of taut fibers. In important cases a binder is added to stabilize the product in its stretched condition. An example of the loop product is produced by needle-punching a batt of staple fibers in multiple needle-punching operations, applying a foamed acrylic binder, and then stretching the needled batt and curing the binder with the batt stretched. Other forming techniques are disclosed and several novel articles employing such loop products are described.

Abstract: Setting of gems is accomplished by applying torque to flanges which extend from prongs that hold the gem in the setting. The flanges form integral lever extensions to provide a secure handle by which a force or torque can be applied without the risk of slipping and damaging the setting or gemstone. Notches or bendable sections of the prongs are located at grip locations and when the prongs engage the gemstone, the prong bends about the bendable section to secure the gem. To set a gem, the worker applies a clamping tool to individual ones of the levers, which results in the prong bending inward and gently twisting over the gemstone in a controlled manner. This allows the worker to control the pressure applied to the stone by the prong, thus limiting breakage of the gem. The levers are then removed from each prong by cutting and/or grinding, and the surface of each prong is then polished.

Abstract: A sponge sleeve installation appliance for installing a sponge sleeve onto a roller has an elongated socket body including a sleeve portion and a tapered portion. The sleeve portion has an outer circular diameter slightly larger than an inner diameter of the sponge sleeve which when not deformed defines an interior space for accommodating at least part of the roller inserted from a bottom of the sleeve portion. The tapered portion has a cone shape with a bottom connected to a top of the sleeve portion which protrudes and tapers off from the sleeve portion in a longitudinal direction of the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A multiple connection socket assembly for operatively associating semiconductor device fabrication equipment with a plurality of external facilities. The multiple connection socket assembly includes a connective structure configured to substantially simultaneously connect at least two different external facilities selected from a power supply, a computer, a vacuum, a chemical source, a source of water vapor, a source of liquid water, a pressurized air source, a hydraulic fluid source, and a ventilation system. The connective structure itself may include interconnectable first and second members with corresponding connector elements disposed on the faces of each member.

Abstract: A conformable catheter comprising a catheter handle, an elongated catheter tube, and a distal tip portion of the catheter tube, capable of assuming a desired pre-programmed shape. A wire member is disposed within the core of the catheter's tip portion and is formed of a material, such as, for example, a shape-memory binary nickel-titanium alloy, that will assume a pre-programmed shape after pre-shaping, heat treatment, cooling and subsequent heating. To pre-program the shape of the wire member, prior to assembly of the catheter, the wire member is wound around a shaped, heat resistant fixture, heated until the temperature of the wire member exceeds the temperature at which the shape of the wire member on the fixture becomes programmed into the wire member, and cooled.

Abstract: A method for mounting a metal body on an essentially straight measuring tube, made of titanium or zirconium, of a Coriolis mass flowmeter. The method ensures secure retention of the metal body on the measuring tube even through very extended operation of the Coriolis mass flowmeter, in that the metal body is shrink-mounted on the measuring tube.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for manufacturing a wrought triple-glazed stained-glass panel, in which are combining the single-glazed stained-glass panel techniques with the wrought-iron techniques for obtaining a final product with combined decorative and resistance features provided by the single-glazed stained-glass panel and the wrought-iron frame, respectively.

Abstract: The inventive method of preparing an insulation article comprises providing a sealed first container comprising aerogel particles under a first air pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. The unrestrained volume of the aerogel particles at the first air pressure is less than the unrestrained volume of the aerogel particles under a second air pressure that is greater than the first air pressure. The sealed first container then is placed within a second container, and the sealed first container is breached to equalize the air pressure between the first and second containers at the second air pressure and to increase the volume of the aerogel particles, thereby forming the insulation article.

Abstract: A presetting table for preparing a system of converting tools in a stripping station of a converting press positions the following face to face, in a position simulating centring along the machine axis and positioning at the first rule: the stripper-holder plate of an upper stripping die, a central stripping board and a replica of a pull-out frame carrying telescopic pins. The upper stripping die is prepared by using the central stripping board as a template.

Abstract: Formerly, several machines or workstations have been required for bordering and closing creases, especially on pipes used in ventilation technology. The invention provides a machine that can carry out all of the operations without the workpiece having to be rechecked. By positioning the closing wheel (6), known per se, underneath the work surface, all of the operations, including the insertion of a sealing strip, can be carried out precisely and economically at the same workstation. According to a preferred method, a bead is first pressed in the workpiece (100) using a moulding roll (2) and a beading and feeding roll (1). During machining with these hydromechanically driven rolls (2, 1), the workpiece (100) is held in the correct working position. The closing process is carried out from the bottom and enables optimum adjustment of the angle of intervention on the closing wheel (6) and reduces wear.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking a metal tube to a hose fitting in which the end of the metal tube is flared to form a generally conical tube end, and the conical tube end is inserted into a fitting to seat against an opposing conical shoulder. The portion of the fitting surrounding the tube is then plastically deformed around the tube firmly and sealingly to grasp the tube, but without scarring a corrosion resistant coating on the tube. A plurality of barbs preferably are formed on the radially outer surface of the flared end of the tube for engaging the fitting when the fitting is crimped over the flared end of the tube and thereby preventing rotation of the tube with respect to the body of the fitting. The other end of the fitting may be crimped or otherwise secured to a constituent part such as a fluid hose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing a galvanized tube, in which two sizing stations are used. A first sizing station having at least one sizing roll is used for sizing the tube prior to the galvanizing process. A second sizing station is then used, the station having at least one resilient sizing roll which is used for sizing the tube after the galvanizing process. By using a first sizing stand, which does most of the sizing work, the rolls in the second sizing stand need not pull the galvanized tubes with as much force. The advantage of the present invention is that cooler temperatures, faster mill speeds, and less cosmetic flaws in the finished galvanized product are seen, due to the lower force applied by the second sizing stand rolls to the galvanized product.

Abstract: A motor armature which allows assembly works to be facilitated and which can be miniaturized and thinned is provided. An inner cylinder 1 and an outer cylinder 2 are disposed coaxially and a plurality of pole pieces 3 are provided radially at equal intervals between the inner cylinder 1 and the outer cylinder 2. The inner cylinder 1 is formed into a cylindrical shape by curling up in the longitudinal direction a hoop member (band steel) made of a magnetic material and having a predetermined thickness and length. The outer cylinder 2 is made of the hoop member similarly to the inner cylinder 1. The pole piece 3 is what a coil 4 is wound around a wire piece 5 obtained by cutting a wire (wire rod) made of a magnetic material and having a predetermined thickness into a predetermined length. One end of the wire piece 5 is fixed to the outer peripheral face of the inner cylinder 1 by means of welding or the like and the other end of the wire piece is fixed to the inner peripheral face of the outer cylinder 2.

Abstract: A recording head has: a bottom pole layer and a top pole layer that include pole portions; a recording gap layer placed between the pole portions; and a thin-film coil located between the top and bottom pole layers, the coil being insulated from the pole layers. The top pole layer has a pole portion layer and a yoke portion layer. The step of making the yoke portion layer includes the steps of forming a frame made of an insulating material around a region where the yoke portion layer is to be formed; forming a layer including a magnetic material inside and on top of the frame; and forming the yoke portion layer with the layer remaining in the frame by flattening the top surface of the layer including the magnetic material so that the frame is exposed.

Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element.

Abstract: An insulator substrate or printed circuit board (PCB) having a filled and plated via. A sidewall of the via and preferably opposite sides of the insulator substrate are first plated with a conductive material. The plated via is then filled with an electrically conductive fill composition. A conductive cap layer is preferably formed over both ends of the conductive fill composition and the opposite surfaces of the insulator substrate, and can be bonded to a surface mount contact as a land or a pad.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a circuit board comprises the steps of: (a) feeding a printing stage having a porous member comprising a porous plate and a porous sheet, the porous sheet is composed of 90 wt % to 98 wt % of cellulose; (b) placing a plate for the circuit board having a pierced hole above the porous member; and (c) filling a conductive material in the pierced hole from an upper side of the plate for circuit board by sucking the porous member at a prescribed vacuum pressure from a back of the porous member.

Abstract: A connecting method of connecting covered wires with each other and recessed resinous tips used in the method are provided. In the method, it is executed at the first step to put a connecting part constituted by a shield wire and a ground wire between a first resin tip and a second resin tip. The first resin tip has, around the connecting part, first recessed parts for accommodating the molten cover of the shield wire and second recessed parts for accommodating the molten cover of the ground wire. The second resin tip has second recessed parts formed for accommodating the molten cover of the ground wire.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a catalyst converter includes the steps of: obtaining a tubular member by rolling up a metallic plate member of a rectangular shape having ear portions at four corners thereof such that opposing ones of the ear portions abut against each other, and by effecting butt welding for both ends of the plate member; cutting off projecting portions formed by the ear portions at both ends of a weld of the tubular member; incorporating a catalyst carrier into the tubular member with the projecting portions cut off; effecting drawing for both end portions of the tubular member with the catalyst carrier incorporated therein; and attaching a pair of flanges, respectively, to the both end portions of the tubular member subjected to drawing.

Abstract: A dog-bone type heat exchanger having a plurality of fin members for dissipating heat. Each of the plurality of fin members includes a pair of offset surfaces interconnected by a sloped interconnecting surface. The plurality of fins members may be spaced apart at a distance that is less than, equal to, or more than the offset distance between the pair of offset surfaces on each fin member, thereby maximizing the mixing of air flow and the conductive heat transfer of the heat exchanger through an impinging effect.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange. The rim blank includes first and second edge portions. At least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank is shaped. After the shaping step, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.

Abstract: A combination food preparation and handling tool comprises a handled main blade body, a turning hook, and a pair of legs protruding from the main blade body. In the preferred embodiment, the turning hook is integrally formed from an extended and pointed tip of the main blade body formed into the desired shape and bent at an angle to the main blade body. One edge of the main blade body is preferably arcuate in shape and sharpened to form a primary cutting edge. The legs can form a bottle de-capper and a secondary cutting edge. The preferred arrangement of the main blade body, the turning hook and the legs forms a likeness of a legged animal, such as an alligator. Further enhancement of the animal appearance may be had through etchings or engravings on the main blade body to represent other features of the animal.

Abstract: A field dressing tool of the type for field dressing small game, is provided. The field dressing tool including: a pair of handles each having a first and second end, each handle forming a trough; a cutting blade connected to a first end of each of said handles, the cutting blades functionally interconnected by a pivot joint; a knife member having a first edge tapering to a point and a notch formed proximate the point on an edge opposite the first edge, the knife member pivotally connected to the second end of one of the handles and pivotable from a position disposed within a trough to a position extending from a handle; and a rake member pivotally connected to the second end of one of the handles, the rake being pivotable from a position disposed within a trough to a position extending from a handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eccentric drive (1) and especially to an eccentric drive for a portable handheld work apparatus having a wheel (3) driven by a drive motor (2). A cam (5) is eccentrically fixed to an end face (4) of the wheel (3). The cam (5) is held by a connecting rod (6) and cylinder-shaped roller bodies (7) are mounted between the connecting rod (6) and the cam (5). The roller bodies (7) have axial ends (8) which engage in an annular slot (9) of the wheel (3). A holding element (11) is disposed on the cam (5) and limits the axial play of the roller bodies (7).

Abstract: A pivoting structure is provided to pivot together a first working block, a cutting blade, and a second working block of a pair of shears in such a manner that the cutting blade and the second working block work against each other to effect the scissors action. The pivoting structure includes a first locating slot disposed in the first working block, a pivot located in the first locating slot, a second locating slot disposed in the second working block, and a nut engaged with the pivot and located in the second locating slot.

Abstract: A razor blade tool relating to overcoming single use shortcomings of current utility knives allows a user to select multiple razor blade positions. Each razor blade position allows a razor blade tool to be utilized for a different purpose, such as scraping, case cutting, twine cutting, and as a knife. Additional razor blades are stored in a razor blade tool in a manner that prevents the sharpened edges of razor blades from contacting side-walls of the storage area so that stored razor blades remain sharp and undamaged.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle for a poultry knife has an elongated handle with a longitudinal axis, a curved upper grip surface extending away from the axis and a lower grip surface in about parallel disposition with the axis, and the lower grip surface is formed with a downwardly depending planar wall for engaging the back of the index finger. The wall is perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A shaving razor including a handle and three blade units each connected to the handle by a respective mounting structure that provides a pivotal connection of the blade unit to the mounting structure about a pivot axis that is transverse to the cutting edge, and also provides controlled up and down movement of the blade unit thereby permitting each said blade unit to conform to the contour of a surface being shaved. The handle has an index finger indent on a top surface, and thumb indent on the bottom surface, and is shaped to match the curvature of a user's hand.

Abstract: A leveling assembly to establish elevations in a building structure for installing cabinets, bookshelves, countertops, etc. There is a telescoping mounting post adapted to be positioned in bearing engagement between a floor surface and the top of a doorway, ceiling or other upper surface. A laser that transmits a horizontal laser beam is mounted to a mounting device that can be moved to different positions along the length of the post. Locking devices hold the laser-mounting device in place, and also properly position the post to be in firm engagement with its bearing surfaces. The laser-mounting device can be swung to upper and lower positions.

Abstract: An inspection device for inspecting production of splined members wherein the splined members are inspected to ensure that when the splined member is matched with a corresponding splined hole in an automotive drive system, the splined member will mate properly to serve its intended purpose. The apparatus of the invention is formed as a three-piece gage assembly that checks for lead errors and length errors set forth in the splined member. The combination gage includes a substantially cylindrical gage spacer, a splined ring gage, and a flush gage pin, which is associated with the splined ring gage, having a low end mark and a high end mark thereon. The markings indicate proper/improper axial length of the splined portion. The preferred embodiment is used to evaluate a drive pinion shaft of an automotive axle assembly.

Abstract: An assemblage of reference points arranged in a distorted pattern of rows and columns over a planar surface is used to precisely establish the coordinates of a particular situs on said surface by determining the location between said situs in relation to three of said reference points. The array is particularly useful in ascertaining the reference location of a swiveling coordinate measuring arm or other such spatial measuring device. A three-dimensional reference point array can be constructed from a similarly distributed matrix of reference points arranged in orthogonally-oriented layers of rows and columns. Positioning the probe of the measuring device over three closely located reference points is sufficient to automatically load the exact coordinates of the measuring device location into an associated data processing system.

Abstract: A sizer for assessing the geometry of a heart valve annulus including a handle portion for holding the sizer and a sizing portion. The sizing portion is preferably in the shape of an arch having an apex and two legs, each of which has a base adjoining the handle portion. The legs of the arched sizing portion are separated from each other by a predetermined distance that corresponds to the expected separation of commissures of a normal heart valve annulus. The height of the arch (measured from the base of each leg to the apex) corresponds to a predetermined leaflet height that approximates the expected height of a leaflet of a normal heart valve. For aortic valve reconstruction, the instrument is inserted into the opened aortic root following removal of the native valve tissue and is used to assess the distance between the commissures, the leaflet height, and the symmetry of the commissures of the exposed valve annulus.

Abstract: Device for measuring the bottom of vehicles comprising an extendable rule that in one end is provided with a conical mandrel for contact with measuring holes or points and that the ruler in its other end is provided with a magnetic fastening means and a centering means for centering the fastening means relative to holes in the bottom. The centering means is a conical mandrel that against the force of a spring can be pushed into the fastening bracket.

Abstract: A bolt centralizer for a rock bolter, which advances a bolt along a work axis, has a hand pivotably mounted on an arm so as to pivot between first and second hand positions. A pair of fingers is pivotably attached to the hand. When the fingers are in a closed position, they form a centralizer passage which is aligned with the work axis when the hand is in the first hand position. The hand is pivoted to the second hand position to remove the fingers from the bolt to allow a bolt plate and bolt driver to be advanced past the hand.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved retractable tape measure of the type including a housing (12) having an opening (14), a retractable measuring tape (16) with top (18) and bottom (20) surfaces, edges (22, 24) that turn upward so as to stiffen the tape (16) from being bent downward by the force of gravity, a free end (26)that extends through the opening (14), an end stop (28) that is mounted on the tape's free end (26), and top measurement indicia (30) that are inscribed on the top surface (18) of the measuring tape (16).

Abstract: A tape measure case with coiled measuring tape therein having a miniature builders square provided along one side wall, having a magnifying lens to magnify the numbers and markings on the measuring tape, having a rearwardly extending positioning member with a pivot hole around which the tape measure case and extended measuring tape can be pivoted to mark an arcuate line on a work piece, having a ripping guide member extendable downwardly from the case to bear against the side edge of a board on which a rip saw line is to be marked, having an end piece at the outer free end of the measuring tape that has a V-notch to receive the acute-angled end of a rafter or other work piece to thereby hold the outer end of the tape measure in position hands-free, having the outer free end of the measuring tape magnetized for retrieval of items that have fallen into otherwise difficult locations to reach, having a gradually tapering and thickening outer end portion of the measuring tape to gradually increase frictional engag

Abstract: A wafer drying apparatus of increased efficiency in which isopropyl alcohol (IPA) supplied to a hood is activated by heat, thereby increasing its diffusion efficiency and enabling it to vaporize pure water on a wafer quickly, includes a washing tank for storing pure water, a hood positioned at an upper portion of the washing tank, an injection nozzle for ejecting IPA positioned in the hood, a storage tank for storing the IPA, a bubble maker in the storage tank to create IPA vapor, a nitrogen supplier for storing a carrier gas for transferring the IPA vapor in the storage tank to the hood, and a heater provided near the injection nozzle to heat the IPA vapor that is ejected through the injection nozzle to a predetermined temperature, thereby uniformly diffusing the IPA vapor.