Abstract: To dispose wine expectorant from a spit bucket, the interior of a portable pressurizable rigid tank is connected to a vacuum pump which draws a vacuum in the tank. The tank is disconnected from the pump and transported to the spit bucket. An inlet end of a suction conduit connected to the tank is inserted into the spit bucket. A passage from the inlet end to the tank interior is opened to cause the vacuum in the tank to draw-in the wine expectorant from the spit bucket. The tank is taken to a discharge station, and a drain of the tank is opened in order to discharge the tank contents.

Abstract: A mobile air duct vacuum provides an efficient method for cleaning HVAC ductwork in nearly any location. Upper and lower sections of circular cross-section are removably connected defining an air passageway. Said upper section houses 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage filters for insuring that “dirty” air passing through the system is thoroughly cleaned. Said lower section houses an air directional unit, blower wheel and motor. The motor causes the blower wheel, having spaced blades, to rotate and draw air from within the subject ductwork and through the filters thereby effectuating the cleaning. Thereafter, the clean air passes through the air directional unit into the blower wheel where it is re-directed to the surrounding environment through vents in the lower section. Wheels and a handle provide for a mobile air duct vacuum. To facilitate transportation of the vacuum the upper section and lower section can be readily disjoined.

Abstract: A removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dirt separation system includes a dirt cup having a number of outer walls having a first portion defined by a filter assembly and a second portion with a first translucent panel to allow viewing material which accumulates within the dirt cup. The dirt cup further includes a top opening allow emptying of the dirt cup and an inlet in fluid communication with a suction nozzle of the vacuum cleaner. The dirt separation system further includes a lid for sealing the upper opening of the dirt cup. The dirt separation system yet further include a dirt duct for routing air which exits the filter assembly to an exit opening of the dirt separation system. A method of operating a removable dirt separation system for a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus having a dust removing portion for removing from the grill portion the dust and foreign substances that become attached to the grill portion of the grill member while the grill portion is rotated by the vortex air of the cyclone body. The dust removing portion includes rotating means disposed at a lower portion of the grill member for rotation by an air current passing therethrough; a rotary member rotatably connected to the rotating means, and disposed separate from an end of the grill member by a predetermined distance; and a brush member having one side connected to the rotary member and the other side being disposed in contact with the grill portion of the grill member for removing the dust and foreign substances from the grill portion. As the cleaning operation starts, the brush member inside of the cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus is rotated by the vortex current generated therein, to remove dust or contaminants from the grill portion of the grill member.

Abstract: A suction device of a vacuum cleaner including a suction device body having an upper casing member and a lower casing member disposed oppositely thereto, and coupled with the upper casing member, a rotary brush chamber having a suction port formed therein, and a turbine chamber partitioned off from the rotary brush chamber by a partition and interconnected with the rotary brush chamber through a passage formed in the partition; a rotary brush rotatably supported in the rotary brush chamber; a turbine for driving the rotary brush rotatably supported in the turbine chamber and rotated by an air current drawn into the vacuum cleaner; a portion defining a service hole formed on the turbine chamber of the suction device body for partially exposing the turbine; a service hole cover removably mounted on the service hole; and a locking portion for removably supporting the service hole cover.

Abstract: A hinge consists of a movable upper leaf, a lower leaf, a transmission means and a pair of caps for anchoring a panel of a table or a storage rack or a merchandise shelf fastened to the hinge on an extending or folding position. The transmission means connects the movable upper leaf and the lower leaf to make the movable upper leaf turnable. The transmission means has a retaining mechanism to engage with the movable upper leaf to allow the panel and the upper leaf extending and anchoring within allowable angles, or to disengage with the upper leaf to move the panel to a folding position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly for an automobile armrest for reducing or preventing noise during the opening/closing of the armrest and providing smooth opening/closing force using a damping force of gears. In the hinge assembly, a first body includes a first mounting plate, a pair of first rotating members, and a first fixed gear. A second body includes a second mounting plate, a pair of second rotating members, and a second fixed gear. Hinge shaft is coaxially aligned to the first and second fixed gears at lower ends of the first rotating member of the first body and the second rotating member of the second body. A pair of springs is wound around both outer surfaces of the hinge shaft and provides a resilient force to the first and second bodies. A support plate is mounted at a rear space of a second stage tray.

Abstract: An extendable tool handle with a hollow gripping handle (1) comprised of 2024 T3 aluminum with a knurled segment (2), through which an extendable slide shaft (3) comprised of 6AL 4V titanium with a longitudinal slide groove (4) may travel. The slide shaft (3) can be locked in either the extended or collapsed position by means of a lock comprising a spring plate (5), and spring cap (6) of 2024 T3 aluminum, and a {fraction (19/64)} button head screw (8).

Abstract: A removable handle for use with a cooking implement, including a grip portion with a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end, and a back end. A support post wire with a first support post end and a second support post end, the first and said second support post ends being parallel, is securely attached to the grip portion. A lock wire with a hook end and an anchor end is securely attached to the grip portion. A button is disposed in the grip portion, the button being arranged and configured to deflect the hook end downwardly. The first and the second support post ends are arranged and configured for insertion into a pair of support recesses disposed on the cooking implement, and the hook end is arranged and configured to engage a portion of the cooking implement.

Abstract: A stick with shock-absorber including: an elongated member associated with a movable member with the interposition of a shock-absorbing member; a means for activating and deactivating the shock-absorbing member and adapted to determine a first shock-absorbing condition and a second condition in which shock-absorbing is disabled. The movable member includes a grip body which is adapted to be gripped by a user, and the shock-absorbing member and the activation and deactivation means are arranged substantially at the grip body.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the production of a non-woven web, structure, or article using a spun-bonding process in combination with a forming fabric which is woven having flat CMD yarns, flat MD yarns or both with some or all of such yarns being conductive so as to dissipate static electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip having a base part and a pair of grasping arms. The grasping arms are integrally formed with and bent forward from upper and lower ends of the base part in a manner such that lip portions are formed adjacent to free ends of the grasping arms. The lip portions are abutted against each other with a substantial degree of elasticity. Each lip portion is projectedly formed at both widthwise ends thereof with a pair of lug portions. A pair of first projections are formed on an inner surface of a first grasping arm such that they extend over an entire width of the first grasping arm and define therebetween an engaging groove. A second projection is formed on an inner surface of a second grasping arm such that it extends over an entire width of the second grasping arm and is engaged into the engaging groove of the first grasping arm.

Abstract: A fabricated microstructure comprising at least one protrusion capable of providing an adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2,000 nano-Newtons. A stalk supports the protrusion at an oblique angle relative to a supporting surface. The microstructure can adhere to different surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention offers a titanium cremation urn that may be used in a variety of environments, including outdoor, semi-outdoor, water, or marine environments without the concern of corrosion and fermentation problems seen in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may comprise titanium, and its principal alloys, coatings of these metals. In a most preferred embodiment, an urn formed of titanium offers a preferred urn for the cremated remains of a deceased human or animal. In a most preferred embodiment, the urn may further include a compartment for the inclusion of objects. This invention offers a lightweight urn that is also advantageous for portability and mobility.

Abstract: A novel real time multimedia communication system links a deceased and the bereaved members of a family. The system of this invention is comprised of three elements: (1) the casket at the burial site installed with a sound and image transferring unit; (2) the family at home controlling the sound/image transfer unit in the casket; and (3) a relay station between the two transfer unit. The sound and image transfer unit, including but not limited to, videophone, computer and video camera combined with audio speakers. The sound and image transfer unit installed in the casket operated by the electric power generated by solar cell plates located on the tomb stone and/or surface ground above the buried casket. Sound messages such as music and voice, and graphic messages such as a letter, picture and moving images are transferred to each other by a wireless and wire relay station such as a website of internet, radio/television station.

Abstract: Insulative fabrics include a plurality of web layers. Each of the web layers comprises monostaple fibers having a length between about 0.5 and 2 inches. The plurality of web layers is positioned in overlying relationship and interconnected to each other (often through needle punching). In this configuration, the insulative non-woven fabric can provide a relatively low cost material with low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive (P/E) device includes a pair of mutually opposing metal thin plate sections, a movable section, and a fixation section for supporting the thin plate sections and the movable section. One or more piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements are arranged on at least one thin plate section of the pair of thin plate sections. Any one of the movable section and the fixation section has mutually opposing end surfaces, and a distance between the end surfaces is not less than the axial length of the movable section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling motorcycle frames includes a conveyor defining a path of travel and at least one pallet movable along the conveyor through at least one workstation. The pallet supports at least one rotatable frame for receiving individual components and/or sub-assemblies in fixed relationship with respect to one another in a geometry fixture. The angular position of the rotatable frame and supported geometry fixture can be reoriented about an axis of rotation by engagement with a drive motor. The rotatable frame is normally locked in an angular orientation with respect to the pallet until released by engagement with a lock release actuator or key. The pallet is supported on a movable section of the conveyor. The movable section of the conveyor is operable in response to actuation of a drive motor.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the thickness of a flexible expanded graphite sheet is provided that includes the steps of providing a a flexible expanded graphite sheet having a surface adhered to a substrate, pulling apart the sheet and the substrate with a force sufficient to separate the adhered flexible expanded graphite sheet into a removed layer and a remainder layer adhered to the substrate; and optionally repeating the foregoing steps until the remainder layer has a desired thickness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic artificial nail for attachment to a natural nail includes the step of heat-stamping a metallic substrate having a heat-activatable layer to a surface of a contoured nail body whereby the metallic substrate is bonded to the nail body. Also provided is a die set for heat-stamping a metallic substrate onto a contoured nail body to form a metallic artificial nail which includes a die including a first contoured surface substantially corresponding to the contour of a bottom surface of the nail body for supporting the nail body in the die set and a punch including a second contoured surface positioned opposite the first contoured surface. The second contoured surface substantially corresponds to the contour of a top surface of the nail body for conforming the metallic substrate to the contour of the top surface of the nail body during heat-stamping.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the production of compacted powder elements. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the improvement of tooling for powder compaction equipment, and the processes for making such tooling. The improvement comprises the use of a ceramic tip or similar component in high wear areas of the tooling, particularly center pins. Moreover, the use of such ceramic components enables reworking and replacement of the worn tool component.

Abstract: A device having two elongated members pivotally connected at one end portions thereof and locked together at the other end portions thereof so that at least portions of at least two relatively rigid articles are enclosed therein and apparatus and method for moving the device from an opened position to a closed position forming an enclosure to contain the portions of the at least two relatively rigid articles. In a preferred embodiment, the two relatively rigid articles comprise radiant heating tubing and a wire mesh supported on a bed of particulate material.

Abstract: Machine components for use with automated machine tools such as base slides, thrusters, block slides and the like formed with mounting patterns of complementary holes comprising through bolt holes, tapped holes and dowel pin holes on the mounting surfaces thereof and arranged thereon in a predetermined manner whereby the respective base slides, thrusters, block slides and the like can be ganged in any of a multiple of different orientations to perform various machine operations by directly interconnecting them one to another without the need of individualized adapter plates or transition plates.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are provided for handling and transporting pairs of gap merge disks. A transfer member is provided in one embodiment which engages the outer perimeter of a pair of disks at three locations. The transfer member is configured to induce an angled tilt to the respective disks such that the bottom perimeter edges of the disks are spaced apart and the top perimeter edges of the disks are in contact. A mandrel is also provided which is configured to engage a pair of disks oriented in this fashion at the center aperture for purposes of transferring the pair of disks from the transport device to a second location for processing or transfer to another processing device.

Abstract: A high density multi-layer microcoil includes a substrate, a multi-layer coil winding, a magnetic core and a dry film photoresist structure. The multi-layer coil winding and the magnetic core are supported by the dry film photoresist structure. The fabrication process is using photolithography process to form a dry film photoresist structure with a coil tunnel having coil elements perpendicular to the substrate and two outlets at ends of the tunnel; and injecting a conductive material with a low melting point into the tunnel and forming the coil winding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of optimizing of planar type write heads for ultra high density magnetic recording. More particularly, the invention relates to a planar type write head for an ultra high density drive which can record information on a medium with high magneto-crystalline anisotropy.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility for manufacturing products according to customer orders includes a kitting facility at which components are collected for a product in a customer order. The manufacturing facility also includes a build cell in which the component are assembled, configured, and tested according to the customer order to form a product. The manufacturing facility also includes a boxing facility at which the product is packaged. A transportation system transports the two or more components from the kitting facility to the build cell and transports the product to the boxing facility, whereby the product is assembled, configured, and tested in the build cell and packaged at the boxing facility.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for assembly of component parts to produce an article includes a plurality of separate process modules for executing the various process steps, and a plurality of magazine units, which can be coupled to the process modules, for storage and transport of article components produced in the process steps. The process modules have a substantially identical base structure which can be suited to the respective process steps.

Abstract: A rotating structure of a gas turbine engine is provided by furnishing a rotor disk comprising a hub with a plurality of hub slots in a periphery of the hub, each hub slot having a hub slot surface, and furnishing a plurality of rotor blades. Each rotor blade includes an airfoil, and a root at one end of the airfoil, with the root being shaped and sized to be received in one of the hub slots of the rotor disk. A protective coating is deposited by a wire spray process at a location which will be, upon assembly, disposed between the root of each rotor blade and the respective hub slot surface. The protective coating is a protective alloy having, in weight percent, from about 6.0 to about 8.5 percent aluminum, from 0 to about 0.5 percent manganese, from 0 to about 0.2 percent zinc, from 0 to about 0.1 percent silicon, from 0 to about 0.1 percent iron, from 0 to about 0.02 percent lead, remainder copper and impurities.

Abstract: A method of controlling the spring rate of a spring region of an unassembled or partially or fully assembled load beam for a disk drive head suspension by providing the spring region with a number of bridges which may then selectively opened to achieve a target spring rate. Adjusting the spring rate in this manner provides control of resulting performance characteristics of the head suspension. In one aspect, a data set of spring rate reductions corresponding to bridge sets removed is predetermined and used with the corresponding type of load beam to determine the bridges to remove to approximate the target spring rate.

Abstract: A rigid first loop is rigidly mounted to the first end of at least one of a pair of nail clipper mandibles. A rigid second loop is rigidly mounted to the distal end of the nail clipper operating lever. The first and second loops lie in substantially parallel, adjacent planes, when the operating lever is in either its deployed position or its storage position. The loops are nested side-by-side when the operating lever is folded-down into the storage position.

Abstract: Shaving systems are provided including an elongated blade and a plastic housing, the ends of the blade being captured in the plastic housing.

Abstract: A releasable, double locking knife including a body having a cavity and a pair of opposed arms, each having a free end extending into the cavity, and a blade connected to the body for rotation between the closed position wherein the blade is disposed substantially within the cavity and an open position wherein the blade is disposed substantially outside the cavity. The opposed arms engage side surfaces of the blade when the blade is in the closed position to resist movement of the blade out of the closed position. The arms further engage stop surfaces on the blade when the blade is in the open position, thereby locking the blade in the open position. The blade further includes a release mechanism for moving the arms out of locking engagement with the blade to permit movement of the blade out of the open position.

Abstract: A cutting member is provided for mounting onto a guard for a line trimmer, the cutting member having at least one knife edge for cutting vegetation in concert with the flailing filament(s) of the trimmer. The knife edge is spaced from any planes swept by the flailing filaments. Additionally, the cutting member may be provided with a second knife edge that is positioned to trim excess length of the filament(s), thus ensuring no filament extends beyond the guard while in use.

Abstract: A combination game knife having a handle and a blade portion having a tip, a top back edge and a bottom front edge and a rear portion opposite the tip, the blade portion having up to five cutting surfaces. A unique feature is a small gut hook positioned below the forefinger aperture in the rear of the blade portion and above the handle and opening toward the user. Other cutting surfaces are the back cutting edge, a top back large gut hook, a front bottom cutting edge, a front serrated edge to the rear of the front cutting edge, and a bottom edge small gut hook to the rear of the serrated edge and in the vicinity of the handle. A forefinger aperture is spaced toward the back edge from the small gut hook near the handle.

Abstract: A cutting blade is disclosed fabricated of micromachined silicon. The cutting blade utilizes a monocrystalline silicon substrate having a {211} crystalline orientation to form one or more cutting edges that are defined by the intersection of {211} crystalline planes of silicon with {111} crystalline planes of silicon. This results in a cutting blade which has a shallow cutting-edge angle &thgr; of 19.5°. The micromachined cutting blade can be formed using an anisotropic wet etching process which substantially terminates etching upon reaching the {111} crystalline planes of silicon. This allows multiple blades to be batch fabricated on a common substrate and separated for packaging and use. The micromachined cutting blade, which can be mounted to a handle in tension and optionally coated for increased wear resistance and biocompatibility, has multiple applications including eye surgery (LASIK procedure).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a surface of blade of a hair clipper, in which a nitrogen ion beam is irradiated to an edge of the blade at a predetermined angle with respect to the normal of the blade surface, to prevent the blade from becoming blunt, to remove undesirable adsorbents from the blade surface and to reduce surface roughness of the blade using sputtering effect due to the collision of nitrogen ions to the blade, and to form hard Cr—N and Fe—N particulates on an edge as well as on a surface of the blade. The method is advantageous in that surface-frictional coefficient of the blade is reduced, thereby improving durability and life of the blade.

Abstract: The razor handle defines an elongated body, a first and an opposed second end. A razor head attachment component is provided for attaching the razor head to the razor handle adjacent the body first end. The razor handle is attachable to a supporting stem by an attachment slot. The attachment slot defines an insertion segment leading into a retention segment. The retention segment is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle. In one embodiment of the invention, the attachment slot has a generally L-shaped configuration while in another embodiment of the invention, the attachment slot has a generally U-shaped configuration. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the handle includes an attachment adaptor spacedly attached to the handle adjacent the body second end. The attachment adaptor defines a sleeve section having a sleeve channel configured so as to be slidable over the body second end.

Abstract: The shaving device includes an extendable handle via a connecting rod with an angular bend whereby the handle may be extended by a connecting rod which fits inside said handle to desired variable length to adjust to different body sizes, such as approximately 12 to 18 inches and the angular bend may also be variable to adjust to different body sizes, such as approximately 30-45 degrees. The characteristic of the shaving device allows shaving hard to reach areas, such as the back. The shaving device may further comprise a disposable shaving blade attachment and switch mechanism for a detachable blade. If desired, the shaving device may further also comprise a detachable shaving cream applicator.

Abstract: The invention provides a lubricating strip for use in wet shaving systems which strip comprises a biodegradable polymer, preferably a surface-eroding, non bulk-eroding biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: A bow sight having a support structure, and at least one pin connected to the support structure, the pin having a sight point. The support structure can be movably connected to a mounting base for attachment to a bow. The support structure is movable from a first position to a second position, thus changing the position of the pin in respect to the archer. In a preferred embodiment, when in the first position, the pin extends vertically and when in the second position, the pin extends horizontally.

Abstract: A plumb bob apparatus comprises a rigid surface mount member for coupling at a proximal end to a surface. The surface mount member is rotatable about its axis. The plumb bob apparatus further includes a rigid device support member for pivotally coupling at a proximal end to a distal end of the surface mount member. When the plumb bob apparatus is coupled to the surface, the device support member will align vertically. The plumb bob can be mounted on a substantially vertical surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved teaching aid for teaching addition and subtraction of real numbers which may be easily mastered by children or students. The teaching aid includes a slide (20) and a rule (30). The rule is inscribed with a scale (31). The slide is inscribed with a pointer (25) and indicia (21, 22, 23, 24) indicating the appropriate movement of the slide relative to the scale as a function of the sign of the real numbers desired to be added or subtracted. In certain aspects of the invention, the indicia include arrows (23, 24, 43, 44), and positive and negative signs, and combinations thereof. The slide and the rule are so configured and arranged that the pointer (25) and the scale (31) are in relative alignment. In some aspects, the rule is inscribed with one or more real numbers (32, 32a, 32b, 32c).

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having joint arm segments. The arm includes a probe at one end thereof. The probe has an integrally mounted touch trigger probe which is easily convertible to a hard probe. The probe also includes improved switches and a measurement indicator light. The probe further includes a rotatable handle cover surrounding the probe.

Abstract: A product contact sensor of the type shown and described herein.

Abstract: A device utilized to measure the distance a golf cart has traveled from its last position. In the sport of golf, it is desirable to have an estimate of one's last shot in order to ascertain the distance required for the following drive. The present invention comprises; a universal mounting bracket which mounts to either wheel-struts, a flexible arm which frictionally attached within an opening in the mounting bracket, a magnetic sensor fixedly attached to one end of said flexible arm, a magnetic trigger plate having a two-faced pressure sensitive adhesive back, a battery powered pulse processor having a display readout and programming means, and wire communication means between magnetic sensor and pulse processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing solvent droplets from falling on wafers during a solvent drying process of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus is constructed by a body having a cavity therein for holding a wafer, means for introducing a solvent vapor in the cavity, a plurality of condenser coils on an inside wall of the cavity, and a plurality of condensing plates attached to the plurality of condenser coils on a surface facing the wafer for condensing solvent vapor and flowing condensed solvent into a reservoir thus preventing solvent droplets from falling on the wafer surface.

Abstract: A dehumidification dryer configured and operated so at to achieve higher drying temperatures than traditionally obtainable with dehumidification driers. The invention takes advantage of refrigerants not previously used in the field of dehumidification drying to achieve temperatures in the range of 180-225° F. that previously were found only in open hot air kilns, open commercial clothes driers, and other apparatus of high throughput. In order to make optimum use of high-temperature refrigerants, the invention uses variable control rates for drying the air that is used as the drying medium, and restructures the deployment of the components of the refrigeration circuit that participates in the heat and humidity exchange central to the operation of the drier.

Abstract: A footwear is constructed to include a sole provided with a breathable body at the top, and an upper fastened to the sole for securing a foot. The breathable body is made of a plurality of intertwined elastic filaments, having a compacted portion and an ornamental member of a predetermined design sealed to compacted elastic filaments of the compacted portion by a heat-sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A footwear is constructed to include a sole provided with a breathable body at the top and an upper fastened to the sole for securing a foot. The breathable body is made of a plurality of intertwined elastic filaments having a compacted portion in an area in the breathable body and a design impressed on a surface of the compacted portion.