Abstract: A cyclone-type dust-collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner comprises a cyclone body, a dust-collecting receptacle, and a grill assembly. The cyclone body comprises an air inflow port and an air outflow port for forming an air vortex of dust-laden air drawn into the air inflow port. The dust-collecting receptacle is removably connected to the cyclone body for separating dust and dirt from the dust-laden air by the air vortex. The grill assembly includes a first grill member, a second grill member, and a connection member. The grill assembly is disposed at the air outflow port of the cyclone body and prevents the reverse flow of the dust and dirt into the air outflow port of the cyclone body. The first grill member has a supporter that is supported on the air outflow port of the cyclone body; a second grill member has a grill portion comprising a plurality of fine passage holes, through which the air flows to the air outflow port.

Abstract: A drive system for a moveable wing, especially for a door or a window, is described. The drive system includes at least one energy storage device by whose discharge of energy the wing is moved. The energy storage device is hereby controllable in its energy discharge by means of a control system. The control system has an electrically controllable control element. The motion of the wing is directly or indirectly detected by a sensor, whose output signal is fed into a regulating device, which controls the control element. The regulating device is realized in a way, that the influence of the control element, dependent on the motion of the wing, can change the energy discharge of the energy storage device.

Abstract: A roller which fits into and rides a panel along a guide channel has a molded synthetic roller head and a molded synthetic roller shaft. The head and the shaft are made separately from and then attached to one another. The roller head has a center opening and the roller shaft has an end part which is trapped in the center opening of the roller head without requiring the use of separate fasteners.

Abstract: A temporary pull for cabinet doors or drawers comprises a clear plastic member with a grasping portion adapted to extend outwardly of the door or drawer, while a backing portion is adapted to adhesively secure to a back face of the door or drawer. The handle is capable of being repositioned and may be removed once permanent pulls are available.

Abstract: A handle assembly is configured to indicate the positioning of an external handle relative to an internal handle. The handle assembly is further configured to selectively lock the internal handle when the external handle is in a selected position.

Abstract: A sash balance brake shoe assembly (2) is disclosed for counterbalancing a sash window (3) slidably supported within a master frame (5). The assembly generally includes a balance assembly preferably in the form of a block and tackle balance assembly (7) and a brake shoe (28). The balance assembly has a balance channel (6). The brake shoe (28) has an extension member (36) that is received by the balance channel (6). A fastener (42) directly connects the brake shoe (28) to the balance channel (6).

Abstract: A removable, reusable one-piece device for masking a door hinge to prevent paint from getting on the hinge while the door and/or door frame are being painted. The device includes an interior section having two sheets which are sized and shaped to cover the hinge plates of the door hinge. The two sheets are connected by a flexible sheet which covers an interior portion of a barrel of the hinge. On an exterior section of the device is a covering strip for covering an exterior portion of the barrel. The covering strip may include magnetic adhesive strips allowing attachment of the exterior section to the exterior portion of the barrel. The exterior section is connected to the interior section of the device, thus allowing a top portion of the hinge to be covered.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an appliance includes a claw and a channel pivotably connected to the claw. A link assembly is operably connected between the claw and the channel. The link assembly includes a link connected to the claw and a lever connected to the link. A glide member is connected to the lever and movably engaged with said channel. The glide member is slidably movable between first and second operative positions in response to movement of the channel relative to the claw between first and second positions, respectively. A spring is operably connected to a first end of the lever and biases the glide member into engagement with the channel.

Abstract: A hinge structure for combining a supporting unit with a unit to be supported. The supporting unit has a plurality of axially spaced holding members, and a connecting member in the form of a tubular member connecting the holding members together. The unit to be supported has a plurality of axially spaced holding members, and a connecting member in the form of a rod connecting the holding members together. The holding members of the supporting unit are pivotally combined with the holding members of the unit to be supported. A single movement limiting member is provided between one holding member of the supporting unit and one holding member of the unit to be supported for limiting a relative movement between the supporting unit and the unit to be supported. The movement limiting member is an expensive coil spring-like member, and only one movement limiting member is used.

Abstract: A hinge for supporting a vent between a closed position in which it lies within a fixed frame and an open position in which it extends substantially perpendicularly to the fixed frame comprises a support track, a slider mounted on the support track and a vent arm attached to the support track via the slider by a plurality of links. The hinge further comprises a restricting member for acting between the support track and the vent arm wherein upon movement of the vent arm, the restricting member acts to further restrict movement of the vent arm. The slider includes a body portion and a restricting device for engaging the track, in use, to limit movement of the slider, wherein a portion of the restricting device extends into the body portion of the slider to provide reinforcement thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hinge assembly for notebook computers capable of keeping a screen of a monitor connected face-to-face with a main system of the notebook, and such hinge assembly also can keep an included angle between the monitor and the main system from zero degree (i.e. closed status for stacking the monitor and the main system) to 180 degrees (i.e. horizontally aligned status of the monitor and the main system). Furthermore, the monitor can continue to be turned over until the screen of the monitor faces the back of the main system, and then further till the monitor and the main system are in the back-to-back contact with each other.

Abstract: A vehicular door hinge mechanism imparting a two dimensional motion to the door as it opens or closes, the present mechanism provides for a motion in two different directions at two different portions of the door's motion cycle.

Abstract: A pivot door hinge having a door receiving channel member pivotally connected to a fixed base plate member, the base plate member having a pair of opposing parallel ridge members defining an alignment channel, such that the channel member is retained within the alignment channel until pivoted from the centered orientation, whereby the channel member rests on the ridge members.

Abstract: An appliance knob has a polymeric body, which is molded, and a metal cup, which is made by stamping and drawing a metal sheet or a metal strip. The polymeric body has a central boss, which has an end face, a cylindrical wall, and an annular recess encompassing the central boss and having an annular floor. The cylindrical wall adjoins the annular floor. The metal cup, which is adapted to fit over the central boss, has a circular plate covering the end face top of the central boss and a cylindrical skirt encompassing the cylindrical wall of the central boss. The cylindrical skirt is unitary with the circular plate. The metal cup is secured to the polymeric body via two unitary tabs, which project through associated slots in the annular floor and coact with the polymeric body, as well as adhesively.

Abstract: A clip for retaining a trim cover assembly against a foam pad of a vehicle seat including a base having a hook end and a lock end. The base also includes a flange extending out therefrom. The hook end defines a hook, which secures the trim cover assembly to the clip. The lock end includes a lock and a lock hook. The foam pad includes a pair of inner foam pad walls that define a trench, through which the clip initially passes before contacting the foam pad. The clip is inserted into the foam pad so that the lock end passes completely through the foam pad to an underlying “B” surface. The lock hook is then rotated relative to the base until the lock hook engages the flange. The clip is firmly anchored within the foam pad by the lock end, which has a width greater than the trench.

Abstract: The separable bottom end stop assembly has male and female members engageable with and releasable from each other in a front-to-back direction thereof. A slide plate of the male member has an engagement leg portion projected therefrom, while a sliding plate of the female member has an engagement hole. Sliding surfaces are respectively formed at peripheries of the engagement leg portion and the engagement hole of the slide plates. Each of the slide surfaces is formed with steep incline surfaces and a gentle incline surface. With the cam mechanism, when the male member and the female member are pressed from both surfaces thereof, an insert plate disposed at one of the male member and the female member is automatically guided to an inside of the slider held by a holding portion disposed at the other of the male member and the female member, which simultaneously causes the slider to start moving.

Abstract: A slide fastener having a separable bottom end stop is provided, which comprises a high quality reinforcement piece in which flexibility thereof is improved and there is no stripping or breakage of the reinforcement piece. Reinforcement pieces overhanging on front surfaces of fastener tapes are provided on side faces of the box pin and insert pin. Each reinforcement piece comprises an inclined portion which is formed in a substantially triangular shape overall toward an outer side edge close to a lower end of each fastener tape. An edge portion of the inclined portion is formed as a slope portion, which slopes gently toward a front surface of the fastener tape.

Abstract: A wetlaid or foam formed hydraulically entangled nonwoven material containing at least 30%, by weight, pulp fibres and at least 20%, by weight, man-made fibres or filaments. The material has a basis weight variation in a non-random pattern in that it comprises a plurality of higher basis weight cushions protruding from one major surface of the material. The cushions as a main component comprise pulp fibres and are surrounded by a lower basis weight network which as a main component comprises the man-made fibres or filaments. The invention further refers to a method for making the material.

Abstract: A lofty, nonwoven material having a nonwoven web having a plurality of substantially continuous fibers oriented in a z-direction of the nonwoven web and a method for producing the lofty, nonwoven material from as-formed z-direction fibers. The method is fast, having no mechanical manipulation of the fibers to slow it down, easily adjustable and allows for in-line processing. The material can be varied from preponderantly open to preponderantly closed in its web structure.

Abstract: The apparatus has an indexable carriage adapted to move the coil springs and the border wire along a path. A wire cutter disposed adjacent the path has an inner member with an axial hole adapted to receive the wire and a tubular outer member receiving the inner member and movable relative to the inner member. The outer member has a cutting edge. An actuator is operatively connected to one of the inner and outer members to provide a relative rotation between the inner and outer members. That relative rotation results in the wire being sheared by the cutting edge to provide a length of wire. A wire wrapping mechanism disposed adjacent the path receives the length of wire and wraps the length of wire around an end turn of a coil spring and a border wire.

Abstract: A tool for installing or removing a valve core in a valve stem of a tire assembly has an engagement end for physically engaging the valve core, an actuator cylinder for initiating rotation of the engagement end, and a planetary roller and shaft system for multiplying rotation from the actuator cylinder to the engagement end.

Abstract: A hydraulic deck crimper for securing adjacent panels of a steel deck together and including a wheeled support structure and spaced apart depending pinch clamps operated by hydraulic cylinders to pinch mating flanges of adjacent panels that form a locking seam securely together.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.

Abstract: A method of vehicle assembly (10) comprises the step (A) of fabricating a vehicle body (12) having a floor (14) and door (16) openings and roof pillars (18) defining window openings (20), and a roof (17) supported on the pillars (18) and defining a roof opening (22). The following step (B) includes placing the body (12) on a vehicle chassis (24) followed by the step (E) through (I) of inserting interior components (26) through the opening (22) in the roof (17) and securing the components (26) to the interior of the vehicle body (12). The final step (G) of the assembly includes placing a roof panel (38) on the roof (17) to close the opening (22) therein after the interior components (26) are inserted through the opening (22). The method (10) of vehicle assembly of the present invention will provide new, efficient, and economical method for assembling automotive vehicles that will reduce assembly time and will not be labor intensive.

Abstract: A method of applying a cover element to an elongated support comprises sliding the cover element over the elongated support by force, the cover element having an interior surface on at least one layer facing and adjacent to the elongated support, and the interior surface having a Shore A hardness of less then 55. This support with a cover element may be a handle, and other layers may be easily positioned over the cover element.

Abstract: A pallet assembly device is disclosed that is configured to automatically position pallet components together and to automatically secure such components to each other. Furthermore, the pallet assembly device of the invention is preferably fed stacks of pallet components, and thereby eliminates the need for an assembly operator to manually position various pallet components in a jig or carriage. Yet further, the device preferably comprises a plurality of wheels that are positioned to simultaneously engage opposite sides of a pallet component and comprises a drive motor. The drive motor is preferably operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of wheels in a manner allowing the drive motor to rotationally drive and rotationally stop at least one of the plurality of wheels so as to move the component along an assembly path. A method of assembling pallet components using a pallet assembly device is also disclosed.

Abstract: To manufacture an axially collapsible driveshaft assembly, first and second tubular members are disposed in an axially overlapping relationship. Central portions of the concentric tubular members are then deformed into conformance with a die cavity having a non-circular cross sectional shape. The deformed first and second tubular members are then cut to provide two pairs of outer and inner tubular sections. Next, the outer tubular sections are removed from the associated inner tubular sections, and the inner tubular sections are oriented such that the deformed portions thereof are aligned with the deformed portions of the outer tubular sections. Lastly, the deformed portions of the inner tubular sections are inserted within the deformed portions of the outer tubular sections to form a pair of axially collapsible driveshaft assemblies.

Abstract: An aerodynamic slider has at least one side surface that is continuously curved between the leading and trailing surfaces to substantially eliminate off-track forces on the side surface due to changing skew orientations. A slider profile is modeled, and a numerical simulation of airflow on the modeled profile is generated for each of a plurality of skew orientations within a range of skew orientations at which the slider will fly. The modeled slider profile is repeatedly adjusted based on the numerical simulations until a vibration analysis on the modeled profile indicates vibration does not exceed a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow sensor for a fluid flowing through a pipe comprises a measuring tube which can be inserted into a pipe. The measuring tube comprises a support tube as an outer covering of the measuring tube, a tubular liner of insulating material, located in a lumen of the support tube, for conducting the flowing fluid isolated from the support tube, and an open-pore reinforcing body for stabilizing the liner. The reinforcing body is sintered directly in said support tube. A magnetic-circuit arrangement is disposed on the measuring tube for producing and guiding a magnetic field which induces an electric field in the flowing fluid. Electrodes pick up voltages from the electric field. Furthermore, the reinforcing body has coil-core seats for coil cores of the magnetic-circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A method for producing a rechargeable button cell having a negative electrode composed of a lithium/indium alloy, a positive lithium/intercalating electrode and an organic electrolyte, a lithium layer and an indium layer are introduced into a negative housing half-section. The positive electrode material is introduced into a positive housing half-section. The two housing half-sections are beaded to form the button cell once the organic electrolyte has been added and a separator has been placed in between, with a seal being inserted between the housing half-sections. A lithium-indium alloy is formed from the lithium layer and the indium layer by storage or a subsequent charging/discharge cycle.

Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage device includes a number of solid-state thin-film electrochemical cells which are selectively interconnected in series or parallel through use of an integrated interconnect board. The interconnect board is typically disposed within a sealed housing which also houses the electrochemical cells, and includes a first contact and a second contact respectively coupled to first and second power terminals of the energy storage device. The interconnect board advantageously provides for selective series or parallel connectivity with the electrochemical cells, irrespective of electrochemical cell position within the housing. Fuses and various electrical and electromechanical devices, such as bypass, equalization, and communication devices for example, may also be mounted to the interconnect board and selectively connected to the electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A load cell is made by polymer/metal composite materials or pure polymer with two or more flexible arms to transmit loading and four or times of four strain gages to transfer mechanical strain into electrical signal. The structure of load cell can be standed various direction and various position of loading. With dramatically reduction in manufacturing step, the processing time can be correspondently shortened. This gives flexibility in manufacturing.

Abstract: A method for separating an encoder shaft of an angle encoder from a drive shaft, which are axially aligned with each other along an axial direction and are self-lockingly braced on each other by a press fit along the axial direction and a central fastening screw, which connects the encoder shaft and the drive shaft in the axial direction. A head of the fastening screw rests against an end of a bore of the encoder shaft, which receives a shank of the fastening screw, and a thread of the fastening screw is screwed into an internal screw thread of the drive shaft for bracing the encoder shaft and the drive shaft. The method includes partially turning the fastening screw out of the internal screw thread of the drive shaft and canceling the press fit by generating an axially oriented force acting between the head of the fastening screw and an end of the encoder shaft opposite the press fit.

Abstract: A method for packaging image sensors of the invention includes the steps of: providing a substrate formed with a plurality of zones, traces, and first long-holes penetrating through the substrate at a periphery of each zone, the zones being separated by the first long-holes; providing a frame layer placed on the substrate, the frame layer being formed with slots at positions corresponding to the zones of the substrate, and with second long-holes at positions corresponding to the first long-holes of the substrate; placing a plurality of photosensitive chips in each of the zones of the substrate and within the slots, respectively; electrically connecting the plurality of photosensitive chips to the substrate; placing a plurality of transparent layers above the slots of the frame layer to cover the photosensitive chips, respectively; and cutting along the first long-holes of the substrate and the second long-holes of the frame layer to form a plurality of image sensors.

Abstract: A ball valve body manufacturing method is disclosed. The method comprises rolling a continuous metal tube to form a series of connected ball valve body blanks by roller means, punching or milling the blanks to form at least one valve stem fastening slot thereon, rubbing or polishing surfaces of the blanks to form substantially rounded surfaces, and cutting the blanks into a plurality of ball valve bodies each having two opposite openings in communication each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rolling shaft of a photo printer mainly has two rubber casings sleeved at two ends of a long cylindrical rod which is then placed horizontally; after that, the long cylindrical rod is sprayed with a layer of resin thereby forming an rubber wheel at the central position of the long cylindrical rod; finally, the rubber wheel is adhered with a layer of fine grain material with high coefficient of abrasion such that the rolling shaft has a preferred abrasiveness and causes no chemical reaction with the photo paper.

Abstract: A process for production of conical filter elements, in particular slotted tube filter elements, includes forming a support structure of a plurality of support rods around which is wound at least one wire profile in individual turns. Slots are left clear in the wire profile through which a fluid may pass. The wire profile is, at least in part, rigidly connected to the support rods and is enclosed in a screen grid. The screen grid, at least in part, rests against the wire profile, follows to the same extent the conical path of the filter element, and is provided on its ends with end components. Since the conical screen grid is in the form of a one-piece pull-on part fitted on the support structure and since the pull-on part is designed to be longer than the support structure, after the screen grid has been pulled onto the support structure, at least one projecting length of the screen grid may be separated for precision fitting and is connected to the respective end component of the filter element.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydro dynamic bearing device is provided. This method is capable of sufficiently increasing a circumferential speed at the time of grinding an axial member which is a structural component of the hydro dynamic bearing device, and also capable of preventing the generation of centrifugal whirling to improve the grinding efficiency and working efficiency while improving the quality of the product. The axial member as one of structural component of the hydro dynamic bearing device is supported at both ends thereof with a pair of plate members in a face-contact manner, while rotating the axial member around its axial center. The outer peripheral surface of the axial part of the axial member is ground on a grindstone while supporting the outer peripheral surface of the axial part with a supporting member.

Abstract: In a microprismatic shaving element for abrasively removing hair, a substrate defines a plurality contiguous raised portions projecting outwardly therefrom. Each of the raised portions defines at least one hair engaging surface and is located on the substrate in an array that defines an abrasive surface. During a shaving operation as the abrasive surface is drawn over the skin of the user, each of the raised portions successively abrades hair extending from extending from said user's skin leaving the ends of the hair frayed after completion of the shaving operation thereby achieving the feel of a smooth shave.

Abstract: A razor in which an intermediate linkage (12) is interposed between handle (16) or frame (14) and a razor cartridge (10). The cartridge (10) is mounted to a pivot about a first axis (42) relative to the intermediate linkage (12); and the intermediate linkage (12) is mounted to pivot about a second axis (44) relative to the handle (16) or frame (14). The intermediate linkage (12) is resiliently biased toward and extreme counterclockwise position relative to the handle or frame; and the cartridge is resiliently biased to a neutral position relative to the intermediate linkage. The two axes (42, 44) are each parallel to the cutting edges of blades (20, 22, 24) carried by the cartridge (10).

Abstract: A device for piercing a nut comprising a first member having a receptacle for receiving the nut and a first handle section. A second member is also provided having a handle section and a cover section for the receptacle. The cover section has an opening formed therein. A third member is provided having a handle section shorter than the first and second handle sections and a piercing device for extending through the opening and into the receptacle for piercing the nut. The first, second, and third members have a common hinge point for pivoting the second and third members relative to the first member to pierce the nut in the receptacle. The first and second handle sections cooperate to form a gripping handle for the user to grip while pivoting the third member and piercing device to safely pierce the nut.

Abstract: A clipper and herbicide or other chemical dispenser comprises a pair of pivotal handle members that are squeezed together to operate a shear mechanism and a chemical dispenser that dispenses chemical directly on the end of the cut stem after the stem has been cut. Preferably, a clamping mechanism clamps a plant stem in place below the shears while the shears cut the stem. The chemical dispenser includes a liquid pump actuated by the handles that pumps a discreet amount of chemical through an opening in a cutting blade at a time when the opening is aligned with the cut end of the plant stem. The dispenser has an outlet mounted on a dispenser arm that is moved away from the opening in the cutting blade by the upper plant stem as the stem is being cut. When the upper stem falls away, the dispenser arm pivots back to align the outlet with the opening in the cutting blade for chemical dispensation on the lower cut stem.

Abstract: This invention provides an article of manufacture for a knife or cutting tool that can cut materials such as webbing and cording without opening the knife. More particularly, the present invention relates to knives with blades that are partially exposed for use when the knife is closed or the blade is sheathed.

Abstract: The blade of a folding knife has a tang portion by which the blade is pivoted to a handle for swinging between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the blade extends from the handle with its sharpened edge exposed for use, whereas in the closed position the sharpened edge is received in a groove of the handle. A locking link is pivotally mounted on the handle for swinging in the same plane as the blade, with a swinging end of the locking link cooperating with a notch in the tang to automatically lock the blade in the open position. The blade can be released for movement to the closed position by manipulation of buttons exposed at the exterior of the handle, which buttons extend transversely from the swinging end portion of the locking link.

Abstract: The speed and precision in positioning a moving table in the X-axis and Y-axis directions is enhanced dramatically. An X-Y stage apparatus is provided, in which a moving table is supported relative to a stationary base, with slight displacements made possible within the XY plane, and in which a component mounted and placed on the moving table can be positioned within the XY plane. The X-Y stage apparatus includes an elastic hinge that is flexible only in one or two direction among the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and rigid in directions of the other axes. The moving table is supported relative to the stationary base with slight displacements made possible in the XY plane, using an elastic deformation of each of the elastic hinges in the flexible direction. Furthermore, the moving table can be slightly displaced within the XY plane, using an X-axis linear motor, and a Y-axis linear motor.

Abstract: A miniature, low cost, angle-sensing device is disclosed. The device comprises a tilt-actuated assembly having a non-mercurial electrically resistive fluid that bridges conductive members when the device is tilted to a desired position to initiate a signal for electronic devices. Embodiments include multi-axis and multiple angle position sensors with or without alert signal means for inverted orientation.

Abstract: As a quilter, when you first look at the new design of the tape measure blade, you will see instantly the advantage of having the measurements in inches and yards. The ability to “Convert Inches Into Yards at a Glance”, saves the user of the tape measure time in the conversion process, and making the correct measurements, limiting any errors in measuring their fabric.

Abstract: A system for creating at least one foot insert for an individual using a neutralizer 10, a levelor 40, and a sled 60. The neutralizer has a housing, protractor, and an angularly adjustable plate capable of supporting the foot. The neutralizer is adapted to accommodate a single foot of the individual to determine the neutral angle for each foot individually. The levelor is positionable on the neutralizer and has a plurality of adjustable arms to transfer the neutral angle from the neutralizer to the levelor. The levelor is also mountable to the sled with the adjustable arms being adapted to engage an insert for transferring the neutral angle to the insert.

Abstract: MY INVENTION IS A MACHINE VISE JAW, MODIFIED WITH 0.063″ HOLES, TO ACCEPT {fraction (1/16)} DOWEL PINS TO PROVIDE THE MACHINIST EASY SET UP TO MACHINE ANGLES IN AN “KURT ANGLE LOCK VISE”.

Abstract: The tool for locating a center mark for embroidery on articles such as garments includes a planar body having orthogonally-related legs with respective exterior and interior edges. Index markings are provided on the legs along the linear edges. The index markings include indicia identifying a plurality of corresponding preestablished garment sizes along the linear extending edges, respectively. By aligning common selected sizes along the edges with the vertical centerline of a folded garment and a shoulder portion of the garment, respectively, the location of the embroiderer's center mark on the garment is identified at the intersection of the linear edges. The interior edges of the tool may also used to form marking lines where conventional hoop grids are not available.