Abstract: A method for manufacturing large capacitance solid electrolytic capacitors that can be connected direct with semiconductor component, and offer a superior high frequency characteristic. An aluminum foil 3 is made porous in one of the surfaces, a dielectric layer 2 is formed on the porous portion, a through hole 4 is provided in the aluminum foil 3 at a certain specific location. An insulation layer 5 is formed to cover the other surface, viz. non-porous surface, of the aluminum foil 3 and the inner wall surface of through hole 4, a solid electrolytic layer 6 is provided on the dielectric layer 2, and a through hole electrode 7 is formed in the through hole 4, and then a collector layer 8 is formed on the solid electrolytic layer 6. The insulation layer 5 disposed on aluminum foil 3 is provided with an opening 9 at a certain specific location, and a connection terminal 10 is provided at the opening 9 of insulation layer 5 and the exposed surface of the through hole electrode 7, respectively.

Abstract: A piezo-electric vibrator having an electrode structure enabling to avoid unevenness of junction is to be provided. Plural electrode patterns 160 consisting of a pair of exciting electrode films 80 and 81 formed on a crystal vibrator 110 and frame electrodes 38 and 39 formed on each frame-shaped portion 100 and connected to a pair of exciting electrode films 80 and 81 are formed, and course adjusting of frequency is carried out. After that, plural electrode patterns consisting of a pair of exciting electrodes 80 and 81 formed on each crystal vibrator piece 110 and joining films 40 and 41 formed on each frame-shaped portion 100 and connected to the pair of exciting electrode films 80 and 81 in which each of them is shorted is formed on a crystal wafer 130 forming plural vibrators 20 consisting of the crystal vibrator piece 110 and the frame-shaped portion 100 again so as to carry out anode junction by making applying voltage possible.

Abstract: Owing to the application of a cone stub with scarfing knives on a drive that is positioned at an angle and the resilient adjustability of the cone stub, a safe and economical deburring process using only marginal space is possible.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas turbine engine fan blade (10) comprises forming three metal workpieces (50,52,54). A metal slab (30) is upset forged at both ends (32,34) to produce a metal block (40) with increased thickness (42,44) extending from opposite surfaces (36,38). The metal block (40) is cut in an inclined path to form two of the metal workpieces (50,52). The metal workpieces (50,52,54) are assembled into a stack (56) so that the flat surfaces (38,42,46,48) are in mating abutment. Heat and pressure is applied across the thickness of the metal workpieces (50,52,54) to diffusion bond the metal workpieces (53,52,54) together to form an integral structure (100). The integral structure (100) is hot creep formed and superplastically formed to produce the required aerofoil shape and the thickened end is machined to form the blade root (26). The method enables thinner metallic workpieces with better microstructure to be used and increases the yield of metallic workpieces.

Abstract: A part supply device comprises a robot device, a part supply unit installed onto a head member of the robot device, a reciprocating supply rod arranged in the part supply unit, a holding means for holding a part arranged at a front end of the supply rod, and a part supply passage extending from a part feeder and exits near by the front end of the supply rod.

Abstract: A fastener such as a self piercing rivet is inserted into sheet material without full penetration such that the deformed end of the rivet remains encapsulated by an upset annulus of the sheet material. The sheet material is disposed between a nose and a die of fastening apparatus. The rivet is inserted into the sheet material by means of a plunger that is reciprocal relative to the nose. Prior to rivet insertion no significant clamping force is applied to the sheet material and material immediately around the rivet insertion location is allowed to flow towards the rivet as to rivet is inserted. Thereafter during a second stage (being after said first stage) of rivet insertion a clamping force of sufficient magnitude is applied between the nose and the die in the region around the rivet insertion location so as substantially to prevent flow of displaced sheet material away from the rivet. The invention may also be applied to panel clinching.

Abstract: A method for constructing a box spring/foundation frame utilizes a template that is angled relative to and spaced above the ground. A plurality of frame elements are placed on the template, and a fastening machine is manually operated to attach the frame elements together with fasteners to form the frame.

Abstract: A multi-layer substrate 2 is reacted with supercritical water in a reaction chamber 14 whose cross section is in the form of an elongated hollow ellipse, and the reaction chamber 14 has a central part having a small curvature, exhibiting substantially a straight line, and end parts having a large curvature, so that the central part of the reaction chamber 14 is suitable for introducing flat materials such as multi-layer substrates 2 thereinto. Furthermore, the large curvature of the reaction chamber 14 at the ends thereof provides a wider inner surface, thereby enabling the reaction chamber 14 to be proof against a high pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of producing a resistor device comprising a PTC-polymer element 2 and a varistor element 4. Both elements are moulded in a common moulding process using one common mould. Preferred is co-injection moulding. The invention further relates to the resistor device thus produced and a current limit means including the resistor device and a switch (FIG. 4).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method to embed a thick film resistor composition into a printed wiring board comprising the steps of applying a reinforcing composition onto a resistor composition disposed on a metallic substrate forming an assembly wherein the resistor composition is at least partially coated with the reinforcing composition; processing the assembly; and applying the assembly onto at least one side of an organic substrate forming a component wherein the organic substrate is at least partially coated with an adhesive layer and wherein the reinforcing composition side of the assembly is embedded into the adhesive layer. The reinforcing composition allows laser trimming of the fired resistor and also eliminates cracking during lamination steps of the invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a galvanic element including forming individual cells including electrode films laminated to a separator, wherein at least one of the electrodes is a lithium intercalating electrode with a polymer matrix in which electrochemically active materials are finely dispersed, wherein the electrochemically active materials are insoluble in the polymer, verifying the function of the individual cells by measuring impedance of the individual cells, and introducing an organic electrolyte into the cells to form the element.

Abstract: A pinch grip hanger mechanism dispenses pinch grip hangers, one at a time, and then opens the pinch grips for insertion of a garment. The insertion of a garment triggers the closing of the pinch grips, and reciprocation of a hanger feed push plate to dispense another hanger. The device may also automatically attach size indicia to the hanger as the hanger is dispensed. The closing of the pinch grips is initiated by safety triggers, which are triggered by insertion of a garment. This provides a safety feature for the device, since the operator needs to use both hands to hold the garment taut for insertion. Thus, both hands are away from the device at the time the pinch grips are opened and closed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for attaching a head gimbal assembly (HGA) onto a rigid actuator arm of an actuator assembly. A spacer key is provided comprising a support arm having a base support surface and adjacent first and second support surfaces opposite the base support surface. The support arm has a first thickness from the first support surface to the base support surface and a second thickness from the second support surface to the base support surface. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness by a distance nominally equal to a thickness of an HGA base plate. During installation the second thickness is used to support a single HGA between adjacent actuator arms, while the first thickness is used to support a pair of opposing HGAs between the adjacent actuator arms.

Abstract: A production line (13) for the one-sided and two-sided assembly of printed circuit boards with components consists of two successive sections (13a, 13b), each comprising a printer (4), at least one printed circuit board assembly machine (6, 7, 8) and a vertical reflow soldering furnace (14), in the direction in which the printed circuit boards pass through. One of each of the assembly modules (6, 7, 8) that are necessary for the desired product flexibility and which are allocated to the processing of different components is provided in the production line (13), said modules being distributed between the two sections (13a, 13b), between which a reversing station (11) is located. The soldering furnace (14) of the second section (13b) is preferably followed by another reversing station (11) which can be switched on and off.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a semiconductor die (303) from an adhesive tape (32) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a blade (34) mechanically coupled to a blade holder (36), wherein the blade (34) is inclined relative to the primary surface of the semiconductor die (303). The method further comprises lifting the semiconductor die (303) while it is attached to the adhesive tape (32) to assist disengagement. The blade (34) facilitates peeling of the semiconductor die (303) from the adhesive tape (32) while distributing stress exerted on the semiconductor die (303) over a larger surface area resulting in reduced die fractures (20).

Abstract: An attaching device is provided for mounting and fixing a semiconductor device and a heat sink provided on the semiconductor device on a board. The attaching device includes a base part fixed to the board, a rotation member provided to the base part rotatably, the rotation member rotated and received at the base part so that the semiconductor device is fixed to the board, and a press mechanism that presses the heat sink to the semiconductor device when the rotation member is rotated.

Abstract: A method for reducing an apparent height of a board system is provided. The board system may include, for example, a carrier, a component, a printed circuit board and/or a solder material. The component is mounted on a first side of the carrier. The printed circuit board has a hole that is structured to accommodate the component. The solder material solders the carrier to the printed circuit board and provides a structural bond between the carrier and the printed circuit board. At least one portion of the solder material provides an electrical coupling between the carrier and the printed circuit board and at least one portion of the component is maintained in the hole after the carrier is soldered to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Individual plate members (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5) that are different in plate thickness or material are joined together by mush seam welding to form hollow material (W, W′), and the rigidity is controlled in individual parts. By spinning the rigidity material (W, W′), a junction (1b) and a cone (1c) are formed in an optimum shape, and a hollow member (1) is manufactured. Thus, the hollow member (1) smooth in juntion and high in welding strength is obtained in spite of thin plate material. When this hollow member (1) is used in a catalyst container, the sealing performance is excellent without being accompanied by an increase in radiant noise or an increase in weight.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing miniature ball bearings that reduces material loss to improve manufacturing efficiency. The process consists of obtaining an inner and outer ring blank by cutting a first blank, forging the first blank to obtain a final blank, and separating the final blank to form an outer ring blank and an inner ring blank. The outer ring blank has an outer diameter of at most 13 mm. Cutting the first blank is performed by mechanically cutting and machining.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing miniature ball bearings that reduces material loss to improve manufacturing efficiency. The process consists of obtaining an inner and outer ring blank by cutting a first blank, forging the first blank to obtain a final blank, and separating the final blank to form an outer ring blank and an inner ring blank. The outer ring blank has an outer diameter of at most 13 mm. Cutting the first blank is performed by press cutting.

Abstract: A shaving aid delivery system for a shaving system includes a razor head having a resilient reservoir for holding a shaving aid and a piezoelectric ceramic disposed adjacent the resilient reservoir. The delivery system also includes a shaving strip disposed within the razor head, an actuator and an ejection port. The shaving strip is oriented to engage the skin of a user during a shaving stroke and the actuator electrically couples to the piezoelectric ceramic such that, upon activation, the actuator causes deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic which, in turn, deforms the resilient reservoir and forces the shaving aid from the reservoir through the ejection port. Alternatively, the actuator may include a shape memory alloy which, upon transformation between states, deforms the reservoir and forces the shaving aid from the reservoir through the ejection port.

Abstract: A process of cutting monofilament line using a cutting tool including a tool body having a cavity for insertion of a bent portion of the monofilament line. A cutting blade is provided in the cavity and a pair of opposing walls in the cavity are located generally parallel to and on either side of the cutting blade. For cutting, the monofilament line is bent into a U-shape portion which is inserted into the cavity with the legs of the U-shape portion adjacent the respective opposing walls, thereby placing the outer exterior surface of the monofilament line at the bottom of the U-shape portion in tension and the inner exterior surface of the bottom of the U-shape portion in compression. As the U-shaped portion is inserted into the cavity, the outer exterior surface at the bottom of the U-shape portion is placed against the cutting blade thereby cutting the monofilament line.

Abstract: A craft knife having interchangeable blades includes a housing, and a controlling piece moveably received in the housing. A receiving chamber is defined in an interior of the housing for receiving blades. A resilient member is disposed in the interior of the housing to provide a resilience pushing the blades such that one of the blades is urged to be received in a receiving recess defined on the controlling piece. In operation of the craft knife, the controlling piece is able to be slid so that the blade received in the receiving recess is slid out of the housing and detached from the controlling piece, moreover, the controlling piece is able to be slid back into the housing so that another one of the blades in the receiving chamber is able to be pushed into the receiving recess for replacing the detached blade.

Abstract: An improved utility knife with an ergonomically shaped handle having a cavity and a working blade holder slidably disposed within the cavity is described. A bottom release lever and a top drive lever are pivotally mounted to the handle and movable with respect to the handle for releasing and moving the working blade holder, respectively. The knife includes an extra blade holder slidably mounted to the handle and movable with respect to the handle within the cavity. The extra blade holder includes a front support end for engagement with a working blade, whereby slidable displacement of the extra blade holder disengages the support end from the working blade to allow removal and replacement of the working blade from the utility knife.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vegetable product shredding apparatus comprising means (5) supplying vegetable products (20), a part ejecting (7) shredded vegetable products and an intermediate chamber (6) comprising a rotor (12) secured to several blades (10, 11). The rotor has several blades (12) in a plane perpendicular or inclined relative to the rotor pin (2) and at least another blade (11) offset about the rotor pin (2) and parallel thereto. The blades (10) are arranged into at least two rows of blades. Preferably, one row of blades (10a) is inclined in one direction and another row of blades (10b) is inclined in the other direction.

Abstract: A drafting instrument is disclosed that functions as a protractor, compass and ruler. The instrument is ideally suited for flat surfaces used for marking including: paper, dry erase board, chalkboard and drafting table. The instrument accommodates pencils, pens, chalks and markers and facilitates the drawings of arcs, circles and parallel lines. The instrument has a built-in protractor for measuring and drawing angles and multiple rulers for measuring distance and drawing straight lines. The preferred embodiment of the instrument is two-piece with an arm shaped main ruler and a single slide-ruler that freely slides in and out of the main-ruler. A place ring with thumbscrew is attached to the slide-ruler to hold a writing tool such as pencil, pen, chalk or marker.

Abstract: A chassis alignment system comprising a first alignment tool associated with a toe-in/chamber target, the first alignment tool comprising a first housing accommodating a first laser emitting means, the first housing having a first mounting means adapted to enable the first alignment tool to be fixed to a first steerable axle and to be movable therewith, the first laser emitting means being disposed in the first housing at a predetermined distance from the first mounting means and adapted, in use, to emit a beam in a direction parallel to a first central axis, the first mounting means being further adapted to enable the first laser emitting means to be oriented about the first central axis of the first steerable axle into a selected orientation, the toe-in/chamber target comprising means to receive the first laser beam and provide an indication of the position at which the first laser beam is incident upon the target relative to a reference, the target adapted to be positioned relative to the vehicle to enable

Abstract: The current invention discloses an improved clinometer which can be used as an inexpensive form of builder's level or transit due to its capability of orienting itself to a predetermined vertical angle, and maintaining said angle through the use of gravity.

Abstract: An aid apparatus for level surveying instrument comprises a housing having a receiving chamber therein, two channels at opposite ends of the receiving chamber respectively, a window at one side of the receiving chamber, and a socket opening at the side wall of the housing connecting to receiving chamber via the channel. A controlling member is slidable received in the housing. The controlling member has a movable bar, two seal block disposed at opposite ends of the movable bar for sealing the channel, and a driving member is provided at the housing for driving the controlling to shift, whereby the sealing block being driven by the driving member to seal the channel and to depart from the channel to prevent bubbles formed in liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for indicating the watering quantity suitable for a pot, particularly a flower pot, via the determination of the pot volume V from the pot height H and pot diameter D, as well as to a volume measuring tape or tape measure usable in this method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby a succession of elements (1) designed to be placed against the structure to be monitored by pressing the baseplate (4) of each element against a surface of the structure. The elements (1) are linked by articulations (2) and the mutual angular deflection of the elements (1) is read by sensing devices (19). The signal from the sensors is processed by a processing unit (29). The invention is useful for very simple installation of an essentially prefabricated and pre-cabled detector.

Abstract: A template for hanging a group of two or more pictures or other wall decorations is disclosed which is conformable to the size of the area to be covered by the hangings and carries the locations of the hangings and hooks therefor onto the chosen area. A method for arranging two or more wall hangings for a chosen area of a wall while the hangings are disposed on a horizontal surface and thereafter transferring the arrangement to the vertical surface of the wall is also disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement marking and scoring device includes a platform configured to be affixed to a base of a tape measure. A marking member extends from the platform and defines a sharpened edge or point marking surface at a lower end thereof. An alignment tab extends from the marking member so as to be positioned over indicia of a tape extended from the tape measure so that measurement marks or score lines can be created on a working surface upon application of pressure to the marking member or tape measure. In another form, the device is integrally formed into a tape measure such that the marking member extends from a front edge of the tape measure.

Abstract: A length measuring device for determining a relative position of two objects, which can be moved relative to each other. The measurement device, includes a carrier body which supports the measurement device and is connected with a contact area with a mounting area of one of the two objects and with a scanning arrangement connected with another one of the two objects and scanning the measurement device along a measurement direction. Wherein a torque on an end face of the carrier body in the measurement direction acts on the carrier body in such a way that the contact area of the carrier body is pressed against the mounting area.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which can be used as a marking gauge and/or compass comprising a tape measure, an insert comprising a base, a guide attached to the base and generally parallel to graduated indicia markings of the rule blade when extended from the tape measure whereby the graduated markings of the tape measure's rule blade may be read. An alternative embodiment includes an insert enabling standard tape measures to be used as marking gauges and/or compasses.

Abstract: A device (10) for removing lint from a dryer lint screen (14). Device (10) preferably includes a trash container (13) and a trash container lid (12), the latter of which forms a slot (26) for receiving the dryer lint screen (14). Attached to the underside of lid (12) adjacent slot (26) are bristles (40). Lint is removed from the lint screen (14) by inserting it into slot (26) and then withdrawing it. Bristles (40) contact the lint and strip it off of screen (14) as the screen is withdrawn from the slot (26). The lint can then fall into trash container (13) for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a moving, web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, on one or both sides with a liquid or pastous coating material includes a coating station for applying the coating material onto the web, as well as a non-contact turning apparatus following the coating station in the moving direction of the web. The web moves in only one plane from the point of exit from the coating station to the point of entry into the non-contact turning apparatus) without changing direction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture for providing electromagnetic drying of printed media. A resonant cavity allows support of standing waves along many radial axes throughout the resonant cavity. The electromagnetic drying unit allows forced air to be introduced into the resonant cavity, thereby reducing moisture within the resonant cavity and extending the life of the resonant cavity. Input and output openings may be arranged longitudinally along the resonant cavity and may be designed to substantially reduce the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from them during operation. A honeycomb feature at the end of the resonant cavity may allow egress of the forced air, while substantially reducing the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the end of the resonant cavity.

Abstract: A drier for commercial printers comprises an air receiving and discharging member having end walls, side walls, and a bottom wall and characterized by air receiving slots formed in the side walls and air discharging slots formed at the intersections between the side walls and the bottom wall. A lamp support frame having an imperforate top wall is positioned within the air receiving and discharging member. A fan support plate positions a fan above the top plate of the lamp frame for directing air onto the top plate thereof then downwardly along the side walls of the air receiving and discharging member and out through the air discharging slots thereof.

Abstract: A lumber sticker for separating lumber, comprised of an elongated rectangular shaped block with generally rounded-off sides. The lumber sticker has channels cut into the top and bottom surfaces, traversing the width at substantially a diagonal. The channels are cut in an arcuate concave shape or a V-shape, and in one embodiment, the channels are cut at 45 degree angles relative to the lengths of the surfaces such that the channels of the top surface are perpendicular to the channels of the bottom surface. In yet another embodiment, the deepest point of each channel is at the midpoint of each channel. The point of contact between the lumber sticker and the wood panels is a substantially flat plateau between each channel.

Abstract: A device for holding substances during drying comprising a flask having a structure defining an opening. A pair of contiguous or juxtaposed filters is disposed in the opening. A freeze-drying assembly comprising a freeze-drying apparatus, and the device disposed in the apparatus for holding substances during freeze-drying processing. A method for processing a substance under sterile conditions comprising disposing a substance in a flask, positioning the flask in a drying apparatus, and passing a drying medium through a pair of juxtaposed filters for drying the substance.

Abstract: A drying hopper for plastic resin pellets has an inverted frusto-conical lower section and a diffuser with an inverted frusto-conical lower section and an inverted upright frusto-conical upper section. A supply conduit is connected to the upper section and to a source of heated drying air. An inverted frusto-conical basket is disposed in the hopper in spaced relationship with the lower portion of the diffuser and also in spaced relationship with the lower portion of the hopper. The basket is perforated so that a through flow of heated drying air occurs across an annular frusto-conical passageway for drying of the pellets. The air flow outwardly through the lower end portion of the diffuser passes substantially continuously through the pellets and across the passageway for final highly efficient drying of the pellets and thence to a space outwardly of the basket and upwardly for initial drying of the pellets in the hopper thereabove.

Abstract: A foot cover comprising an elastically stretchable, homogeneous moulding having a foot-insertion opening which seals elastically to the leg above the foot in use.

Abstract: An overshoe that is removably disposable on a user's shoe and provides a tread surface that enhances the user's footing on slippery surfaces. The tread surface has removable spikes that penetrate surfaces and forward-oriented and rearwards-oriented gripping ridges that grip the surface. The ease of pulling on and removing the overshoe is enhanced by using stretch zones that are placed to allow stretching of the overshoe to fit over a shoe or the like without compromising the snugness of the overshoe fit. A spike assembly for use with an overshoe that fits over a person's shoe and enhances a person's contact with the ground, includes a spike having a head operably coupled to a shank; and a button overmolded on the spike and having a neck for removable engagement in a bore defined in the overshoe. A method of minimizing slippage on a ground surface is further included.

Abstract: A boot liner basically includes a sole portion, an upper portion and a tightening device. A tongue part is preferably mounted in a slit formed in the upper portion. The upper portion has a thermoformable layer with first and second non-thermoformable members located on an inner side and an outer side of the ankle section. The first and second non-thermoformable members are banana-shaped or L-shaped pads that are preferably formed of a polyurethane. The first and second non-thermoformable members are preferably located below and rearwardly the portions of the tibia and fibula that form the ankle of a foot corresponding to the size of the boot liner.

Abstract: A sole unit for footwear having, comprising: a medial side, a lateral side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; the sole unit having at least one collapsible profile on a portion of its bottom surface, the collapsible profile being capable of selectively, resiliently canting a side of a user's foot upwardly on the side opposite an applied lateral force during use, the collapsible profile having a canting means for facilitating the selective canting of the user's foot. The invention is also directed to methods of constructing footwear in accordance with the foregoing.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper portion positioned atop the sole. A number of pins extend downwardly from the sole. Two of the pins are flat plates positioned parallel to one another on opposite sides of the sole. Another one of the pins is positioned rearwardly of the first two at the center of the sole. A heel has a number of slots that snugly, yet releasably, receiving the pins.

Abstract: A protective boot made from a foldable material such as Nomex™ material or Kevlar™ material or, for some applications, such as neoprene has an ankle-covering portion and a foot-covering portion, which has a heel end and a toe end. Near the toe end, the foot-covering portion is foldable onto itself and is fastenable to itself when and where folded onto itself, whereby the foot-covering portion can be adjustably sized. Hook-and-loop fasteners, which are preferred, or other fasteners are used for fastening the foot-covering portion releasably to itself when and where folded onto itself, at any one of plural positions. Hook-and-loop fasteners, if used therefor, enable the foot-covering portion to be releasably fastened to itself when and where folded onto itself, at any position within a range of possible positions. The protective boot has two hook-and-loop straps, each drawn around the protective boot and fastened to itself and to said fastening means.

Abstract: A sport shoe has a sole portion and an upper portion fixedly coupled to the sole portion. The upper portion has an inner side section, a center foot section and an outer side section. The first strap member has a first attachment portion coupled to one of the inner and outer side sections and a first pad connecting portion. The pad member has a first end portion, a center portion and a second end portion with the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member being fixedly coupled to the pad member by a fastening member. The adjustable strap buckle fixedly coupled to the first pad connecting portion of the first strap member by the fastening member. The second strap member has a second attachment portion coupled to the other of the inner and outer side sections and a second pad connecting portion that is adjustably coupled to the first strap member by the adjustable strap buckle.

Abstract: A control platform for directing the operation of a snowblower is provided. The platform includes a bail which is pivotably moveable within the platform. Attached to and moveable with the bail are levers for controlling the engagement or disengagement of the drives that power the snowblower's wheels and auger. Also attached with the bail are controls which permit the operator to change the speed and/or direction of the snowblower as well as the orientation of the discharge chute. Through their attachment to the bail and proximity relative to one another, an operator can use each of the levers and controls simultaneously. Accordingly, the platform permits an operator to engage or disengage the drives which power the snowblower's wheels and auger while, simultaneously, enabling a change in speed or direction as well as the direction towards which snow is directed during the removal process.