Abstract: A multi-layer circuit board comprises: an insulating layer having upper and lower surfaces thereof, and wiring patterns arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the insulating layer. A ferroelectric layer has a dielectric constant larger than that of the insulating layer and has upper and lower surfaces. The ferroelectric layer is arranged in the insulating layer in such a manner that the upper and lower surfaces of the ferroelectric layer coincide with the upper and lower surfaces of the insulating layer, respectively. A pair of electrode films are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the ferroelectric layer, respectively, to define a capacitor incorporated in the multi-layer circuit board.

Abstract: The printed circuit board according to the invention is highly reliable because a gap width between adjoining first conductive pattern bent parts is formed greater than a gap width in those of wiring parts positioned close to and on both sides of the first conductive pattern bent parts and accordingly, even if any running part arises in the conductive pattern bent parts, short-circuiting is unlikely to occur between wiring patterns, thus making the printed circuit board reliable.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an operative suction nozzle which holds an electric component. The apparatus mounts the electric component held by the operative suction nozzle on a circuit board. The apparatus includes a device which supplies the electric component to the operative suction nozzle; a device which supports the circuit substrate; a nozzle storing device which stores normal suction nozzles; and a nozzle moving device. A nozzle-defect detecting device which detects a defeat of the operative suction nozzle is provided. Also provided is a nozzle exchanging device which automatically operates the nozzle moving device to move the defective suction nozzle having the detected defect, to the nozzle storing device so that the defective suction nozzle is exchanged with the normal suction nozzle stored by the nozzle storing device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating and using an interconnection element that includes a first element material adapted to be coupled to a substrate and a second element material comprising a material having a transformable property such that upon transformation, a shape of the interconnection is deformed. An example is a material that has a transformable property such that a volume of the first and/or second element material may undergo a thermal transformation from one volume to a different volume (such as a smaller volume) resulting in the deformation of the interconnection element.

Abstract: The method of forming a micro-pattern comprising forming an organic thin film by building up monomolecular films on an insulating substrate; heating and baking the organic thin film to turn the organic thin film into an amorphous carbon or graphite film, thereby providing an electroconductive thin film; and processing the organic thin film by conducting a microcutting work on it while holding a probe in contact with the organic thin film by means of atomic force to produce the micro-pattern.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrical circuit on a surface of a substrate includes providing a substrate having a surface with at least one groove formed therein, the groove having a bottom textured surface, and applying an electrically conductive material onto the bottom textured surface of the groove.

Abstract: Electrical circuit trimming methods. In one aspect of the invention, a trimming method includes assembling one or more components of an electrical circuit onto a printed circuit board having one or more electrical connections coupled to the said one or more components. An electrical parameter of the electrical circuit is then trimmed. The trimming of the electrical parameter of the electrical circuit includes removing a portion of the printed circuit board to break the electrical connection on the printed circuit board. In another aspect of the invention, the trimming the electrical parameter of the electrical circuit includes electrical programming of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes removing a predetermined part of an insulative layer of a coated fine metallic wire by irradiating the predetermined part with a laser light and connecting the predetermined part of the fine metallic wire to one of the semiconductor device and a package of the semiconductor device. The insulative layer contains a substance that absorbs the laser light at a predetermined lasing wavelength.

Abstract: A method for installing stator vanes comprises the steps of installing a first rotor assembly within a case, placing a first inflatable tool over a portion of the first rotor assembly, positioning a first vane array having at least one vane on a surface of the tool, inflating the tool so that a portion of each vane and the first vane array is loaded against the case, and connecting each vane in the first vane array to the case.

Abstract: A hub (2) includes a spindle (14) which projects through a housing (4) and rotates relative to the housing (4) on a bearing (6) that is located between the spindle (14) and the housing (4). The bearing (6) has two sets of raceways (28,40) that are oblique to the axis x, and in addition rolling elements (36) arranged in two rows between the sets of raceways (28,40). The inner raceways (28) that fit around the spindle (14) and have back faces (32), with the back face (32) for one of the races (26) being against a shoulder (18) from which the spindle (14) projects. Initially, the end of the spindle (14) projects straight beyond the back face (32) of the outer race—indeed, so that the races (26) can be installed over the spindle (14).

Abstract: The present invention is a cable preparation tool which allows the preparation of a coaxial cable having a corrugated outer conductor to receive a connector in one step. The tool allows for the control of trim dimensions for each component of the cable without measuring. No matter whether the end of the cable before preparation is at the crest or valley of the outer conductor, the tool provides the correct trim dimensions for each component and stops cutting when these dimensions are reached. The cable preparation tool includes a main body having a cable receiving end, cable receiving area for stripping of the cable such that the crests and valleys are exposed, and a crest and valley locating system as part of the main body for locating the exposed crests and valleys of the corrugated conductor. The crest and valley locating system includes at least one valley locator unit extending into the cable receiving area and a spring that biases the valley locator unit into the cable receiving area.

Abstract: An adjustable head adapted to an electrical clipper has an engaging port adapted to be securely attached to a side face of a body of the electrical clipper. A trough is defined in the engaging port and cutouts are oppositely defined in two inner side faces of the engaging port. A connecting head is detachably received in the engaging port. The connecting head has a base with two protrusions oppositely formed on two side faces of the connecting head to correspond to the cutouts in the two tracks. Two slits are each defined adjacent to a corresponding one of the two protrusions to provide resilience to the corresponding protrusion and a hollow receiving port is formed on a side of the base. The receiving port is adapted to correspond to teeth of the electrical clipper and has through holes defined in a top face of the receiving port.

Abstract: A pair of pipe shears includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw pivoted with the fixed jaw. The fixed jaw is provided with a pipe-locating structure including two locating members, each being formed of a seat block and a back block. The seat block is provided with an arcuate skidproof surface while the back block is provided with a front inclined surface. The arcuate skidproof surface and the front inclined surface work in tandem to locate securely a pipe which is acted on by the blade of the movable jaw.

Abstract: A cutting stroke-adjustable pruning shears is constructed to include a fixed jaw and a movable jaw pivoted together, the movable jaw having an elongated slot and a plurality of retaining notches in one long side of the elongated slot, a holder shell, the holder shell having two parallel side panels pivoted to a middle part of the fixed jaw at two sides and a spine connected between the parallel side panels, a coupling arm, the coupling arm having one end pivoted to the parallel side panels of the holder shell and an opposite end mounted with a pivot coupled to the elongated slot of the movable jaw and selectively positioned in one of the retaining notches, a tension spring disposed inside the holder shell and connected between the holder shell and the coupling arm, and two handles respectively fastened to the fixed jaw and the holder shell.

Abstract: A manually guided implement having an air-cooled internal combustion engine for driving a tool is provided. The engine is disposed in a housing, with cooling air being conveyed by a fan wheel that is fixedly held on the crankshaft of the engine and that is accommodated in a cooling air spiral case that is open toward the engine. Formed in the housing is an air inlet via which ambient air can be drawn into the cooling air spiral case. A base of the spiral case is disposed between the fan wheel and the engine and is provided with a second cooling air inlet that provides communication between the interior of the housing and portions of the cooling air spiral case that convey cooling air.

Abstract: A portable trimmer in which the power generated by an internal combustion engine is transmitted to a cutter via a centrifugal clutch and the output power of the internal combustion engine is controlled by operating a manual throttle lever, thereby adjusting the throttle opening of a throttle valve via a throttle wire. The portable trimmer includes a friction member arranged to face the clutch drum of the centrifugal clutch, a moving member which is connected to the friction member and moves the friction member between a braking position where the friction member is pressed against the clutch drum and a non-braking position where the friction member is kept away from the clutch drum so as to release the braking, a manual release device for moving the moving member from the braking position to the non-braking position, and a release restricting device for controlling the behavior of the manual release device.

Abstract: A filleting knife is disclosed having a reciprocating, motor driven filleting blade mounted on a buoyant handle. A flashlight head is mounted on the handle opposite the knife. A rechargeable battery is housed within the handle and can power either the knife or the flashlight via separate on/off switches. The handle is contoured to fit a user's hand, and is circumscribed with additional buoyant foam that covers the outer surface of the handle such as to provide a sufficient additional buoyancy such as to allow the entire knife to float when dropped or placed in water.

Abstract: A manually operated floor grooving tool is provided which has opposing front and rear ends with a seam-following roller at its front end and a groove-following roller at its rear end. The tool also employs a pair of grooving blades, one at the front end and one at the rear end. The front grooving blade is inclined upwardly and rearwardly with its cutting tip located just behind the forward axis of rotation of the seam-following guide. The rear-end grooving blade, on the other hand, projects rearwardly from the rear end of the tool and is inclined upwardly and forwardly and behind the groove-following roller. Since the rear-end grooving blade projects beyond the end of the tool in which it is secured, it can complete the formation of the groove all the way up to a vertical abutment. The groove is thereafter filled with sealant in a conventional manner.

Abstract: An axe capable of delivering a relatively intensified impact and reduced recoil compared to prior art axes. The axe includes a head, a handle, a rigid casing, and shock-absorbing particles disposed within a portion of the axe. The head includes a blade end and a blunt end with the handle integrally extending from the blunt end and terminating in a grip portion. The rigid casing extends upwardly from around the grip portion of the handle, extends over a rear portion of the head, and terminates against a portion of the blade end of the head. Shock-absorbing particles are disposed within a chamber that is defined by the casing and the head. Upon impact of the axe with an object, the particles suddenly shift forward to intensify the impact of the axe and to reduce the recoil of the axe.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a liquid deflecting device which can be in the form of a spoon (10) and which has a bowl having an undersurface presenting a first generally concave region forming a pour depression (20) and arranged to receive liquid delivered onto the device (10), a second region (22) arranged to be in communication with the first region (20) by means of a lip (24) and allowing for the controlled escape of liquid therefrom, and the second region (22) presenting a laterally extending surface over which the flow escaping from the first portion (20) flows when being dispensed from the device (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting blade for a trimmer. The cutting blade (1) comprises a base body (14) having a central portion (15) as well as end portions (16) adjoining the central portion. Cutting edges (26) are formed on the longitudinal edges (23,24) of the end portions (16), whereby a central fastening opening (21) is provided in the central portion (15) for mounting the cutting blade (11) on a drive shaft. In order to obtain a multiply cutting blade for chopping material, it is provided that the end portions (16) that carry the cutting edges (26) be angled off in the same direction (18) out of the plane (17) of the central portion (15).

Abstract: A combined writing and window breaking device (10) includes a pen portion (12), a biasing spring (14), a slide portion (16) that comprises part of the pen portion (12), and a breaking member (18). The breaking member (18) is cooperatively coupled to the pen portion (12) such that a user is able to slide the breaking member (18) from a non-biased to a biased position. When the device (10) is disposed proximate to a window to be broken, the user releases the breaking member (18) whereupon, the biasing spring (14) forcibly moves the striking member (18) into the window to break same. After completing the breaking operation, the user places the device (10) into his or her pocket to function as a typical writing instrument when required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for sensing the angular position of a rotatable member. The system and method employ the use of a composite rotatable member comprising a solidifiable material and a magnetically attractable particulate material. The rotatable member has a major body portion and at least one magnetically detectable reference point. The reference point has a first magnetic property and the major body portion has a second magnetic property, different from the first magnetic property. A magnetic property sensor is fixed relative to the rotatable member to detect the passage of the reference point within the rotatable member. The sensor produces a signal in response to the passage of the reference point. A central processing unit is provided for determining the angular position of the rotatable member in response to the signal generated by the sensor.

Abstract: A bi-directional slide mechanism. A pair of master and slave disks engages opposite sides of the platform. Rotational drivers are connected to master disks so the disks rotate eccentrically about their respective axes of rotation. Opposing slave disks are connected to master disks on opposite sides of the platform by a circuitous mechanical linkage, or are electronically synchronized together using stepper motors, to effect coordinated motion. The synchronized eccentric motion of the pairs of master/slave disks compels smooth linear motion of the platform forwards and backwards without backlash. The apparatus can be incorporated in a MEMS device.

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: Arranging a magnetic sensor in a position within 2−1/2 of the radius from the center of a component in a circular shape assuming magnetism, and correcting deflection by deflection amount correcting circuit of an output from the magnetic sensor in accordance with the relative position between the magnetic sensor and the component.

Abstract: An extendable carpenter's level which comprises a pair of extending body members capable of adapting and mounting upon the standard “I” level frame configuration of a carpenter's level by sliding said extendable body members onto the frame of the standard level. Each extending body member consists of a top and bottom slide extension rigidly attached to one another so as to be firmly in contact with the level frame. The top and bottom slide he extensions each incorporate a lock pin to insure rigidity as against the level frame and stop clips to eliminate outward extension of the extending body members beyond the end of the level frame. In another embodiment, each extending body member is split such that both the top and bottom slide extensions comprise generally a right and left side extension held together by means of slide springs and flush mounted screws.

Abstract: A level having a frame with a reference surface and a level sensor secured to the frame. The level includes one or more attachment devices that are detachably secured to the level. The one or more attachment devices may include a torpedo level, a second level sensor, a tape measure, a writing instrument, notepad, or other auxiliary device that may be used by a user of the level.

Abstract: An intrinsic gauging device for a ferrule type tube fitting of the type having a coupling nut, a coupling body and at least one ferrule, includes a precisely formed marking on the coupling body that is visually perceptible when the coupling is in a finger tight position, and that is covered or visually imperceptible or otherwise has a predetermined relationship with the coupling nut when the fitting has been initially pulled-up. In a preferred form, the marking is realized as a precision groove or recess machined into a surface of the coupling body. The groove can be made more easily visually perceptible such as by roughening or knurling the surface, or coloring the surface, for example. The groove defines an edge at a precise position that corresponds to a predetermined axial displacement of the nut relative to the body for initial pull-up.

Abstract: An adjustable end arm effector alignment system and process is provided. The system includes an arm having a working end and an alignment support in a known location relative to said arm. An adjustable end arm effector including at least two alignment members is attached to one of said working end of said arm and said alignment support. A control system is also provided that is operable to move the working end of the arm into a first and a second alignment position, each permitting appropriate adjustment of the adjustable end arm effector with respect thereto.

Abstract: A multidimensional surface mechanics measurement system applies forces to a surface while minimizing coupling between the forces so applied. The system includes first, second, and third elongate members, a coupler for coupling the elongate members together, and a probe connected to the coupler having a contact point for contacting the surface. The first elongate member extends in a first axial direction that is substantially normal to the surface, the second elongate member extends in a second axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first axial direction, and the third elongate member extends in a third axial direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first and second axial directions. Desired relationships between the free length and diameter, and between the axial stiffness and transverse stiffness, and the orthogonal relative positioning of the elongate members, minimizes cross-talk between the measurement axes while maintaining the necessary structural rigidity.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a measuring tape for measuring the torso girth of a user, the tape comprising a separable fastening that, when fastened, creates a loop of tape that extends in use around the user's torso without support from the user's hands, a link co-operable with the tape allowing the circumference of the loop to be adjusted or varied when around the user's torso, and girth indicia co-operable with the link to indicate the circumference of the loop. The link maintains a securing tension on the loop to secure the loop around the torso but allows expansion of the loop when the user expands her torso during said measurement, and resists variation of the loop circumference when the fastening is unfastened after use. In this way, the circumference of the loop can be read by the user after use with reference to the girth indicia A method for measuring the torso girth of a user by means of the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: In the flow path to atmosphere venting hot exhaust gases of a clothes dryer, a fluid-tight seal between a flow-diverting elbow telescoped about a clothes dryer exiting conduit consisting of a rubber sleeve in increasing thicknesses in width in the direction of flow effective in providing an establish sealing contact into the sleeve at a location of its thickness which obviates leakage of gas through the telescoping connection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of drying timbers loaded in a drying chamber, which comprises the steps of heating the drying chamber by a heating system up to a temperature of 80 to 100° C., subjecting the timbers to vacuum blowing by connecting the inside of the drying chamber with a vacuum chamber (receiver) evacuated by a rotary pump until the inside pressure of the drying chamber drops to 1 to 10 mmHg, disconnecting the inside of the drying chamber from the vacuum chamber, connecting the drying chamber with the atmosphere. When the inside of the drying chamber is connected with the vacuum chamber, the moisture content of the timbers is sharply reduced, so that their temperature sharply drops. Thereafter, when it is disconnected from the vacuum chamber, and connected with the atmosphere, the inside temperature of the drying chamber is again increased. Meanwhile, the heating system is worked during the whole process.

Abstract: A vehicle air supply system having a compressor, an air dryer, a reservoir adapted to receive air from the compressor via the air dryer, and control means operable to cause a standard regeneration of the air dryer when a predetermined system condition is met, the control means being further operable to cause an intermediate regeneration of the air dryer in advance of said predetermined system condition being met.

Abstract: A sandal comprises a sole and at least one upper. The sole is provided in left and right sides with a connection piece. A stop member is fastened with the connection piece. The upper is provided at two ends with a connection hole for connecting the stop member. The connection piece of the sole may be provided with a hooked member which is fastened therewith fixedly or detachably. The hooked member has a neck. The upper is provided with a connection hole and a fitting hole in communication with the connection hole. The neck of the hooked member is retained in the connection hole of the upper. The upper or heel strap is detachably fastened with the sole.

Abstract: A foot protector includes a resilient sheet member having a shape generally matching a shape of a sole of a foot and having a size generally corresponding to a size of the foot. The resilient sheet member has a foot-contact surface, and a tack adhesive layer is provided on at least a portion of the foot-contact surface. The foot protector is lightweight and readily removable and disposable. The foot protector readily conforms to the three-dimensional contours of the sole of the feet, allowing increased mobility of the foot and increased adhesion as a greater effective contact surface area is provided. The foot protector is also preferably of a substantially constant thickness to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly on a footwear body includes a stationary member, a pivotable member, a pivot unit and a releasable fastener unit. The stationary member is fixed on the footwear body. The pivotable member is provided with a footwear lace stringing part that is formed with at least one eyelet. The pivot unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members to permit pivoting movement of the pivotable member relative to the stationary member about a pivot axis between a footwear tightening position and a footwear loosening position. The releasable fastener unit is provided on the stationary and pivotable members and releasably retains the pivotable member at the footwear tightening position.

Abstract: A figurine is mounted on a shoe. On a preferred embodiment, the figurine stands upright on top of the toe portion of the shoe; is selectively removable from the shoe; and is capable of standing upright on a floor surface when removed from the shoe.

Abstract: A snowplow control system is provided that uses the distance between the vehicle frame and the ground or wheel axle as an input to a feedback loop useable to provide increased control over the pressure exerted by the plow blade. The control system allows the plow to operate in various modes of operation including a manual mode, a float mode, and a down pressure mode. The control system interfaces with the vehicle operator by way of a controller that is preferably operable from within the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A snow blower, vehicle having a blower engine and a propulsion engine is provided with a drvice for limiting the speed of operation of the snow blower vehicle if the blower engine is overloaded. A first signal is transmitted to the propulsion engine when the blower engine is overloaded and a second signal is transmitted to the propulsion engine when the blower engine is no longer being overloaded. The first signal may be provided to the propulsion engine to automatically limit the output thereof or it may be provided to generate an operator perceptible warning to the operator of the vehicle. The second signal may be provided to the propulsion engine to discontinue the limitation of the output of the propulsion engine or to stop the generation of the warning. A method of improving snow blower performance by increasing the ability of the blower engine to blow snow by limiting the output of the propulsion engine.

Abstract: A method is described for containing dispersed particulate or soluble matter during contaminated sediment remediation operations in the marine environment. The preferred method comprises the use of a specially designed marine vessel that establishes a negative differential pressure gradient between a defined remediation control zone and the external ambient water environment, thereby preventing the release of contaminants dispersed during the remediation process. The preferred method also includes the use of marine vessels to remove contaminants contained within said control zone and to provide for the management of solids collected in the process.

Abstract: A control device for earth moving equipment comprising a bucket pivotal about a bucket pivot between a closed position and an open position, a thumb pivotal about a thumb pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the thumb pivot is separate from the bucket pivot, and an extension plate fixedly attached to the bucket and attached to the thumb pivot, wherein rotation of the bucket urges the thumb pivot to rotate around the bucket pivot and urges the thumb to move. A retrofitting kit for retrofitting earth moving equipment so that the thumb is movable in response to movement of the bucket.

Abstract: A steam iron includes an iron unit, an evaporating unit concealed in a receiving space in a base unit, a water reservoir detachably connected to the base unit, and a pump unit. The evaporating unit includes a housing that confines a steam generating chamber and that is formed with a water inlet. The pump unit is provided for drawing water from the water reservoir into the steam generating chamber via the water inlet.

Abstract: A greeting card has a first panel and a second panel joined at a fold line. A video disc is removably attached to the first panel. A cutout on the second panel is arranged such that the video disc is visible when the card is closed.

Abstract: A trading card having an electroluminescent feature in combination with a display stand providing a power source. When the trading card is placed in the display stand, the power source from the display stand energizes the electroluminescent feature of the trading card, thereby providing illuminated graphics and making the trading card more interactive. The trading card can include a circuit that facilitates moving graphics displays and can further drive a speaker to allow for audio in conjunction with the illumination.

Abstract: An assembly and method for providing audio/visual advertising to supplement standard print advertising is disclosed and described.

Abstract: A support for a glass etching includes a lamp and offset mounts whereby an image is projected onto the support creating a shadow effect.

Abstract: A repositional and reusable automobile advertising banner, for attachment at the top exterior surface of the automobile windshield. The banner contains disclosure information to facilitate the sale of the car, including areas for entry of additional and varying information. When installed, the banner allows an unencumbered view of the entire width of the windshield, allowing the car to be test-driven without removal of the banner. Methods for use of the banner are also disclosed.

Abstract: A firing mechanism for firearms, in particular a firing mechanism for automatic firearms, without preadjustmnent with regard to the choice of firing single rounds or bursts of fire, whereby a firing link provided with firing edge and arranged around a rotational axis, a lever arm being able to become influenced by the firing edge, which lever arm is present in a spring joint with a lever link, whereby said lever link is present in a spring joint in relation to a sear which carries one or more holding teeth for a bolt, whereby the lever arm/lever link are arranged around a further rotation axis.