Abstract: A lot management production method in which the lot size is reduced in order to respond to an order for small volume of large variety, without increasing the intermediate inventory and reducing lead-time, however without reducing the productivity of a production of large volume of small variety. Part of the processes in a production line are performed for pieces, or products to be manufactured, in a single lot, while other processes are done for pieces in a group or aggregate of single lots.

Abstract: A diaphragm for an electroacoustic transducer has a) a core layer containing poly(meth)acrylimide foam and b) at least one cover layer. The diaphragm is produced by laminating the cover layer with the core layer, using a pressure of 0.4 MPa and a temperature of 160° C., whereby at least the side of the core layer which comes into contact with the cover layer is compressed. The resultant composite is subsequently cooled to a temperature below 80° C., before the pressure is reduced to the ambient pressure. The process can be carried out as a single-step process. The diaphragms produced by this process demonstrate an excellent stability, whereby the cover layers in particular are highly resistant to separation.

Abstract: A microactuator, or micromotor, (60) and method for making it are presented such that a symmetrical build up of material is performed on opposite sides of a substrate. This reduces mechanical stresses in the device. In its construction, respective layers of circuit portions (108, 110) are built on each side of the structure, thereby eliminating the need to stack complex patterns. Stacking one complex pattern on top of a similar pattern is difficult because the surface, which is the base for subsequent layers, is not flat. The photolithography process that forms these patterns is not very forgiving to non-flat surfaces. Avoiding the stacked layers also allows thicker conductors to be considered for each circuit. Thicker circuits increase current carrying capacity, which in one of the key variables increase the power of the micromotor.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electric motor (10) having a stator (34) and a rotor (32). It is endeavored to keep the air gap (38) as narrow as possible, in order to achieve good efficiency of the motor (10). However, component tolerances and assembly errors require generous dimensioning in order to avoid possible contact between the stator (34) and the rotor (32). To improve the accuracy of assembly, is proposed, during the insertion into one another of the rotor (32) and the stator (34), a centering aid (40, 42) is introduced into the air gap (38) at at least three points, the rotor (32) and the stator (34) are subsequently fixed in relation to one another and finally the centering aid (40, 42) is pulled out through openings (48) in the motor housing (20, 30).

Abstract: A method of making a composite powder metal disk for a rotor assembly in a surface permanent magnet machine. The method includes filling inner and outer annular regions of a disk-shaped die with soft and hard ferromagnetic powder metals, compacting the powders, and sintering the compacted powders. By this method, a disk is formed that includes permanent magnets on the surface of an inner ring of magnetically conducting powder metal compacted and sintered to a high density. In one embodiment, non-ferromagnetic powder metal is filled into regions of the die such that the permanent magnets are separated by magnetically non-conducting powder metal compacted and sintered to a high density. The method may also include forming a rotor assembly by stacking a plurality of the composite powder metal disks axially along a shaft with their magnetic configurations aligned.

Abstract: A magnetic head positioning apparatus for adjusting the position of a head member relative to its support member by determining the boundary lines for the edge portion of the head body and the center of the pivot in the support member. Luminance variations near the boundary line between areas different in light reflections are derivated so as to determine the position of the boundary line with a high accuracy at a distance shorter than the unit block pitch of the camera photodetectors used to detect the image of the head body and the support member.

Abstract: A method of making provides a smooth surface of a pinned or free layer interfacing a barrier layer in a tunnel junction sensor wherein the smooth surface is an oxidized monolayer of the pinned or free layer. After sputter depositing the pinned or free layer the layer is subjected to an oxygen (O2) atmosphere which is extremely low for a very short duration. In a preferred embodiment of the invention a partial thickness of the barrier layer is provided with a smooth surface by the same process after which a remainder thickness of the barrier layer is deposited and the barrier layer is exposed to oxygen (O2) to form an oxide of the deposited metal.

Abstract: A method of making read sensor with self-aligned low resistance leads is provided. In the method a masking step has been eliminated by employing first, second and third protective capping layers in the construction of the read sensor and first and second lead layers. The first capping layer serves as a protective layer for the read sensor sites, the second capping layer protects low resistance lead layer portions during removal of the first capping layer from high resistance lead layer sites and then serves as a sacrificial layer during removal of spin valve material from the low resistance lead layer sites. The third capping layer protects the first and second lead layers during milling of low resistance lead layer material in field regions about the read sensor and first and second lead layers. The method aligns front edges of the low resistance lead layer portions with a rear edge of the read sensor so as to lower the overall resistance of the lead layers.

Abstract: A dual GMR or dual spin valve sensor has a self-pinned layer which has its magnetic moment pinned perpendicular to an air bearing surface by sense current fields from conductive layers in the dual spin valve sensor when a sense current is conducted therethrough. This scheme eliminates one of the antiferromagnetic pinning layers which is typically employed in a dual GMR or dual spin valve sensor. The self-pinned layer is thin so that its demagnetization field will not be greater than the sense current fields acting thereon. Because of the thinning of the self-pinned layer the spin valve effect of the spin valve sensor is degraded by scattering of conduction electrons at the boundary of the self-pinned layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a second pole piece layer of a write head is constructed using first and second photoresist layers which are sensitive to light with different bandwidths. The second photoresist layer, which is on top of the first photoresist layer, is light exposed with light that excludes light that would change the molecular structure of the first or bottom photoresist layer. After light exposure and development of the second photoresist layer to provide an opening for yoke and back gap portions of the second pole piece layer, the first photoresist layer is light exposed with light that includes the light excluded in the light exposure step of the second photoresist layer. The light exposure of the first photoresist layer and its developing provides the first photoresist layer with an opening for electroplating the second pole tip of the second pole piece layer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing a batch of sensors including providing a substrate which has a plurality of conductive tracks formed thereon; electrochemically depositing a first active sensing material layer over the substrate and the conductive tracks in a process in which the conductive tracks are part of a single electrical circuit; removing deposited active sensing material from predetermined portions of the substrate: and sub-dividing the substrate to produce a plurality of sensor units.

Abstract: A switch structure having a base surface; a first high density interconnect (HDI) plastic interconnect layer overlying the base surface layer; a cavity within the HDI plastic interconnect layer; at least one patterned shape memory alloy (SMA) layer overlying the HDI plastic interconnect layer and the cavity, and at least one patterned conductive layer over the at least one patterned SMA layer; a fixed contact pad within the cavity and attached to the base surface and a movable contact pad attached to a portion of the first patterned SMA layer within the cavity such that when the first and second patterned SMA layers and the first and second patterned metallized layers are in a first stable position, the movable contact pad touches the fixed contact pad, thereby providing an electrical connection and forming a closed switch. The structure has a second stable position in which the SMA and metallized layers are flexed away from the cavity so that the contact pads are not in contact and form an open switch.

Abstract: In the fabrication of a surge protector device which utilizes breakdown phenomena of a resistive film, a case which fixes metal bars in it, makes electrical contacts with the metal bars and contains oxidizing and refractory agents, a cap, metal bars and oxidizing and refractory agents are prepared in advance. In the fabrication process of the surge protector device using these elements, a step to control the force applied to the cap, the metal bars and the case so that the force applied to the interface between the resistive films and the mechanical contacts which form electrodes to the metal bars can be controlled. Automation process to fabricate the surge protector device will be realized and efficient fabrication of the precise surge protector device will be also realized. A surge protector device whose breakdown voltage is precisely controlled will be realized reproducibly.

Abstract: A terminal applicator (50) for attaching an electrical flag terminal (2) to a wire (54) includes a wire guide (74) and crimping tooling (70, 72) attached to and carried by a ram (68). The wire guide has a wire guiding surface (100) that cooperates with lead in angled surfaces (92, 98) of the crimping tooling (70, 72) to guide the wire into alignment with the terminal. The lead in angled surfaces of the tooling are typically limited to the side of the terminal opposite the receptacle portion (4) while the wire guide surface is positioned on the same side as the receptacle portion.

Abstract: A device for inserting wires and/or pipes in a tubular, flexible sheath includes a sleeve (11), with a split (111) made therealong. The sleeve (11) is encircled by a cylindrical tubular body (21) also having made therealong a relative split (211). The sleeve (11) can turn inside this cylindrical tubular body (21), so as to define two working positions, first (H1) and second (H2). In the first working position (H1), the split (111) of the sleeve (11) corresponds to the split (211) of the tubular body (21), so that the wires can be inserted into the device. In the second working position (H2), the split (211) of the tubular body (21) is closed by the sleeve (11), so as to block the wires inside the device. A rounded, wedge-shaped member (23) rising over the cylindrical tubular body (21) is to be slidably fitted in the flexible sheath (F). The profile of the member (23) allows to open the edges of the elements (3) of the sheath, so as to insert the wires thereinside.

Abstract: This patent relates to a machine that automatically assembles, inspects, and packages disposable prophylaxis angles. The machine includes a movable table including a plurality of fixtures on which angle components are assembled and the assembled angles are inspected. The movable table is surrounded by a number of stations, each of which performs a different operation of the assembly and inspection procedure. Feeders automatically supply the angle components to their respective stations for assembly. Angles that are incorrectly assembled are automatically rejected. Properly assembled angles are automatically sealed in individual bags. Individually bagged angles are counted into batches by the machine and automatically sealed into cartons.

Abstract: A process for the production of a multi-branched bundle of electrical conductors having an electromagnetic shielding system includes partially surrounding a bundle of electrical conductors with a network of metal sheath elements. The metal sheath elements are interconnected to provide electrical continuity in the network and thereby form an electromagnetic shielding system for the bundle. A network of protective braid elements is braided either (i) between the bundle and the network of metal sheath elements, (ii) external to the network of metal sheath elements, or (iii) both (i) and (ii). The protective braid elements are filaments of a wear-resistant material that protect against frictional wear.

Abstract: An electronic controller unit is formed of first and second base plates parallel to one another and spaced apart having a flexible substrate circuit board thereon with an intermediate portion of the circuit board extending between the two base plates. A connector is joined to the intermediate portion of the circuit board between the two base plates and is sealed to an edge of each base plate to form one side of the unit housing. A three-sided frame is joined to the other three sides of the two base plates to completely enclose the circuit board. The two major sides of the unit are formed by separate base plate pieces that are severed from an integral frame after the flexible circuit is bonded thereto. This allows the unit to be manufactured without bending of a rigid plate having the flexible circuit mounted thereto.

Abstract: A technique for mounting an electrical component to a circuit board includes deforming each of a number of electrical terminals extending from the electrical component to form a mounting portion and a tip portion extending away from the mounting portion. The circuit board defines a number of bores extending therein from a first surface to a second opposite surface, and the electrical component is mounted to the circuit board with the mounting portion of each of the number of electrical terminals supporting the component against the first surface of the circuit board with each of the tip portions extending into separate ones of the number of bores. The mounting portion of each of the electrical terminals is mechanically and electrically affixed to corresponding electrically conductive pads to thereby surface mount the electrical component to the circuit board. The disclosed technique is particularly advantageous for surface mounting display units.

Abstract: A device for aligning a PC board (2) on a manual press (50) for insertion of an electronic component (1) into an insertion zone (z). The device comprises a manually operated X-Y table, to which the PC-board (2) is secured. The X-Y table comprises an X carriage (40) movable along an X-axis and a Y carriage (11) movable along a Y-axis. Respective correction carriages (21,25) are movably mounted to each of the X and Y carriages. Respective correction carriages have corresponding correction motors for moving each of the correction carriages relative to the X and Y carriages. Encoders (17,18) are respectively connected to the X and Y carriages for detecting a position of the X and Y carriages. The encoders are connected to control units for operating correction motors of the correction carriages in response to a signal from the encoders indicating the position of the X and Y carriages.

Abstract: A chip carrier package that includes a cover plate attached to the stiffener by a reflowable bonding material is disclosed. Additionally, a thermally and electrically conductive bonding material between the cover plate and the chip itself may be included. Also a chip package including an alignment device to aid in properly aligning the cover plate on the stiffener is disclosed. Furthermore, a method of packaging a chip including providing a reflowable material between the cover plate and stiffener body for attaching the cover plate to the stiffener, and simultaneously attaching the cover plate to the stiffener with an attaching of the carrier to an electronic circuit board is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fastening a printed board to an element. The method comprises the steps of: mounting at least one guide element to said printed board before said printed board is guided towards said element, fastening said at least one guide element to said printed board by soldering before said printed board is guided towards said element, and positioning said printed board on said element with the help of said at least one guide element. The invention also relates to a guide element for the method.

Abstract: A method of implementing a micro BGA is introduced. More specifically, the method discloses packaging an integrated circuit into an integrated circuit assembly. The method first mounts polyimide tape to a lead frame. The polyimide tape serves as a substrate for the integrated circuit package. Next, a piece of elastomer is coupled to said polyimide tape. Then an integrated circuit die is attached to said elastomer. Lead beams are then bonded from bond pads on said die to said lead frame. Solder balls are attached to said lead frame. The attached solder balls may be located beyond the area of said die.

Abstract: Resilient contact structures are mounted directly to bond pads on semiconductor dies, prior to the dies being singulated (separated) from a semiconductor wafer. This enables the semiconductor dies to be exercised (e.g., tested and/or burned-in) by connecting to the semiconductor dies with a circuit board or the like having a plurality of terminals disposed on a surface thereof. Subsequently, the semiconductor dies may be singulated from the semiconductor wafer, whereupon the same resilient contact structures can be used to effect interconnections between the semiconductor dies and other electronic components (such as wiring substrates, semiconductor packages, etc.). Using the all-metallic composite interconnection elements of the present invention as the resilient contact structures, burn-in can be performed at temperatures of at least 150° C., and can be comprised in less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a circuit board having a through-hole for defining via hole, which has a sloped inner wall tilted at a desired tilt angle &thgr;, is provided. The through-hole has an inverted-trapezoidal cross-section and is made using a photomask having a via hole pattern including a light-shielding pattern corresponding to the bottom of the through-hole, and pluralities of light-shielding strips and translucent strips which are arranged alternately and substantially parallel to one another, the pluralities of light-shielding strips and translucent strips corresponding to the sloped inner wall of the through-hole.

Abstract: The connector includes a first housing with a first engagement part. A holder is configured to be mounted to the first housing. The holder has a first mating part corresponding to the first engagement part. The holder has a second engagement part for engagement of the first engagement part and the first mating part.

Abstract: Material for a connecting rod for an internal combustion engine is carburized and quenched, a carburized layer formed on the bearing portion is ground until the portion which exhibits the maximum compressive residual stress, and a shot-peening processing is performed on the ground surface. The invention produces a bearing portion having surface characteristics in which maximum compressive residual stress is imparted, and therefore, remarkable improvement in the fatigue strength in the bearing portion can be obtained. Furthermore, a large number of concavities formed by the shot-peening processing can be efficiently employed as an oil reservoir, so that sliding properties and lubrication can be improved, and the occurrence of problems such as fretting corrosion, galling, and seize can also be solved, and the galling and problems of the seize can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine combustor facilitates reducing costs and time required for assembly. The combustor includes a spectacle plate, a plurality of swirlers, and a plurality of deflector plates. The method includes coupling an assembly fixture to at least one swirler, coupling the assembly fixture to the spectacle plate such that the swirler is maintained in alignment with respect to the spectacle plate during assembly of the combustor, and attaching the swirler to the spectacle plate.

Abstract: A wet shaving device has a razor head carried by a handle and supports a disposable blade cartridge which has a plurality of blades. A guard/transfer roller supported for rotation on the razor head in advance of a lead blade provides a guard for the lead blade, forms a closure for a dispensing slot in the razor head, receives soap film from a wetted block of soap preparation disposed within the dispensing slot, and transfers soap film from the wetted block to and deposits it ahead of the lead blade and on the skin surface being shaved during a normal shaving process. A spring biased pusher disposed within the dispensing slot and which normally urges the block of soap preparation into engagement with the roller is manually withdrawn from the dispensing slot to facilitate replenishment of spent soap preparation.

Abstract: A safety razor with a plurality of blade members which are covered by a guard plate. The guard plate is provided with a plurality of blade tip guards which are arranged along the blade tip edges of the blade members, and the blade tip edge of at least one of the plurality of blade members is not in contact with the blade tip guards of the guard plate and exposed between the blade tip guards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaving head (1) having at least two cutting members, the cutting edge (7)of at least one of the cutting members (5) being situated at a side, remote from the other cutting member (9), of an imaginary center plane (41) of the carrier (31) of the relevant cutting member, and having a tip angle (&agr;1)enclosed by a main side face (37) and a facet surface (43) of the carrier (31). In this manner, the cutting edge of the relevant cutting member has a tip angle (&agr;1) which is asymmetrical relative to the center plane of the carrier. As a result, a space (57), which is present between the carriers (31, 33) of the two cutting members, is divergent, viewed from the skin contact surface (29), and the risk of said space becoming clogged by cut hairs and shaving foam is considerably reduced.

Abstract: The present invention describes a wick cutting device, particulary designed to clip the wicks of candles to a specified length. The invention comprises two cylinders, one with a grip and one with a handle. The wick trimmer is assembled as a cylinder inside a cylinder in which the inner cylinder has a steel blade at the bottom. The inner cylinder rotates within the outer cylinder. The wick is cut with a simple twist of the handle.

Abstract: A pumpkin cutting apparatus includes a tubular shaft and a cutter releasably coupled to one end thereof, the cutter having a continuous side wall capable of cutting a pumpkin and retaining the cut portion. A plunger shaft extending through the tubular shaft and slides upwardly therethrough and extends through a top opening as the cutter cuts into a pumpkin. Once a cut is complete, the plunger shaft may be pushed back down into the tubular shaft so as to eject the cut portion from the cutter. The apparatus includes an elastomeric shell for surrounding and stabilizing a pumpkin. A transparent dome defining an aperture is selectively situated atop the shell. The tubular shaft and aperture have complementary threads so that the shaft may be rotated to force the cutter into the pumpkin, the cutter being rotatably coupled to the tubular shaft so as not to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A pneumatic hand tool comprises a tool body communicable with an operating air source, a pneumatic motor supported by the tool body, and a control valve for controlling air flow to the motor. When the control valve is in an open condition the motor is operated to drive the tool. When the valve is in a closed condition it cuts off the supply of operating air to the motor. In the closed condition the control valve communicates with air at ambient atmospheric pressure so that source air leaking from the control valve is vented away from the motor to preclude unintended motor operation.

Abstract: A string trimmer having an elongate shaft, a cutting head rotatably mounted on one end of the elongate shaft, at least one cutting member which extends from the cutting head, and a barrier which is capable of being used by an operator to move vegetation away from a path swept out by the cutting member when it rotates. The barrier is in the shape of a truncated sphere, and forms a broad band. There is further provided a guard on the string trimmer mounted on the elongate shaft which surrounds part of the rear of the path swept out by the cutting member as it rotates, wherein the barrier is mounted on the guard.

Abstract: A method of extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes reusing an elastic portion of energy in a transducer by transferring the elastic portion of energy to another transducer. An apparatus for extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes at least two transducers coupled such that an elastic portion of energy in one transducer is transferable to the other transducer. The transducers are coupled by a member defining a waved surface, and each transducer defines a coupler in contact with the waved surface for movement following the waved surface. Couplers of two transducers are positioned such that they move out-of-phase relative to each other. The transducers are bound to a plate positioned between members such that the plate is deformed. The plate and members are configured such that relative rotation therebetween produces a wave that travels along the plate.

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

Abstract: A coordinate measuring apparatus includes a bending-resistant measuring table configured as a ribbed hollow body.

Abstract: A gauge assembly for use with surface finishing apparatus having an endless conveyor for transporting workpieces through one or more work stations. The gauge assembly includes a gauge head or body having a planar base support surface housing a movable linear scale shaft having a planar distal upper end surface and mounted for reciprocatory movement between extended and retracted dispositions. A push rod control is provided for accurately controllably positioning the head within the finishing apparatus. A signal generator coupled to the linear scale shaft generates a signal indicative of the position of the distal end surface of the linear scale shaft relative to the planar base support surface, and a remote meter coupled to the signal generator provides a movable and closely positionable meter for visually determining the position of the elevation of the distal end surface and the gauge head.

Abstract: For separating and drying pellets from a suspension, centrifugal dryers have proved successful wherein a rotor equipped with conveyor blades and disposed vertically in an outside housing for collecting the liquid is enclosed coaxially by a hollow body formed of screen elements. The suspension of pellets and liquid is supplied continuously to the lower area of the space between the hollow body and the rotor. The pellets are transported upward by the conveyor blades rotating with the rotor while being thrown back and forth and dried between the conveyor blades and the screens. At the upper end of the rotor the dried pellets are thrown off. The liquid separated from the pellets passes through the screen jacket and flows out of the discharge port of the outside housing.

Abstract: A combination ultraviolet curing and infrared dryer system which allows both an ultraviolet curing unit to be used at the same time an infrared dryer is used. The infrared dryer and ultraviolet curing unit are placed in an enclosure having a cooling system which cools both the ultraviolet curing unit and the infrared dryer. The cooling system may comprise an air supply system, or may comprise an air supply system and a water cooling system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller belt drier. The drying of panel-shaped products often requires the drier to have considerable construction lengths in order to achieve a high capacity. Long roller belt dryers, which are usually equipped with chain drives and a motor for each chain, present the problem that very strong chains are required to transmit the necessary driving forces. When the drier reaches a certain length, it is no longer possible to provide chains that are able to accommodate these forces. According to known solutions, a chain is divided and the drives are located in the centre of the drier. This causes problem s in terms of sealing the drier, as well as extra expense for the driving and tension station. The aim of the invention is to create a drier which has a driving and tension system that is structurally simple and economical even for considerable construction lengths. A chain is equipped with two drives (15, 23), the second drive (23) being integrated in a tension device (24).

Abstract: A drying system for drying a semiconductor substrate is provided. The drying system includes: a chamber for housing a vapor distributor and a fluid bath, said fluid bath being disposed in a lower portion of the chamber and said distributor being disposed in an upper portion of the chamber for distributing vapor for drying the substrate; and a fluid flow system for supplying fluid flow into said fluid bath for cleaning and drying the substrate and for draining said fluid from the fluid bath, wherein the chamber includes a plurality of exhaust vents disposed at the upper portion for venting the vapor.

Abstract: A moisture indicator in an air flow drying process where hot gas is circulated over and around a granular material having an undesirable amount of moisture includes a detector located in the path of the exhaust gas to determine exhaust flow temperature, a valve control device associated with the temperature detector to control the percentage of hydrocarbon gas in the hot gas intake and an indicator connected to the valve control device. A display is associated with the indicator to display the percentage of hydrocarbon gas in the gas intake which indicates the amount of moisture in the granular material. The percentage of hydrocarbon gas needed in the intake is inversely proportional to the amount of moisture in the granular material. The percentage signals the loader operator whether the granular material loaded has an acceptable amount of moisture for successful operation of the drying process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vacuum processing apparatus having vacuum processing chambers the insides of which must be dry cleaned, and to a method of operating such an apparatus. When the vacuum processing chambers are dry-cleaned, dummy substrates are transferred into the vacuum processing chamber by substrates conveyor means from dummy substrate storage means which is disposed in the air atmosphere together with storage means for storing substrates to be processed, and the inside of the vacuum processing chamber is dry-cleaned by generating a plasma. The dummy substrate is returned to the dummy substrate storage means after dry cleaning is completed. Accordingly, any specific mechanism for only the cleaning purpose is not necessary and the construction of the apparatus can be made simple.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for pick and place handling of electronic components that have been formed on a common substrate and then separated on a cutting chuck. A transferring means is provided formed with openings for receiving separated components. The opening is defined by walls of which at least one is movable so as to engage the components and hold them in a fixed configuration and orientation while they are moved by a sliding motion through a processing unit and onto a transfer platform for delivery to an output track.

Abstract: A device and a process for drying thin layers or films which are manufactured by applying a coating mass, which is produced on an aqueous basis, to a support, the said layer or film being transported through a drying device having at least one drying zone, is characterized in that in at least one drying zone, designated as moisture-compensation zone, air is supplied which has a moisture content corresponding to the constant moisture content of the film to be prepared or the layer to be prepared.

Abstract: A fire arrester for use with a clothes dryer includes a fire detector at the dryer vent to detect fires starting in the dryer and provides an electrical power disconnect means to break the flow of electrical power being supplied to operate the dryer. Optionally, the signal is applied to release an extinguishing agent or fire suppressant into the interior of the dryer just prior to shutting off the dryer blower. The output signal from the fire detector can also be used to provide various alarms, including local visual and/or alarms, as well as a remote alarm, which can be accomplished by sending a signal to a remote monitoring facility such as a home intrusion service or to a local fire department. Optionally, the activation of any of the alarm signals, and/or the activation of any of the features or functions of the fire arrester can be accomplished by using wireless communications.

Abstract: A breathable and waterproof sole for shoes, which comprises, at least along part of its extension, a lower waterproof component, which constitutes the tread; an upper component, with a supporting structure which has chambers which are connected to openings at least on the upper and edge surfaces; a membrane which is impermeable to water and vapor-permeable and externally surrounds at least the outward-facing regions of the upper component. The lower and upper components and the membrane are joined so as to form a seal at least in the regions where water infiltration is possible.

Abstract: A structure for inserting an insert member of an attachment, etc., into a concave receptacle portion embedded in a shoe sole and removably pinching and fixing the insert member inside the concave receptacle portion with an elastic member, the structure being capable of permitting the removal of the attachment with a wrench for a screw. The structure is constituted as follows. First, the structure has a concave receptacle portion embedded in a shoe sole and an attachment having an attaching/detaching tool fitting portion formed on the shoe sole side and an insert member that is to be inserted into the concave receptacle portion and is formed on the opposite side. Second, the insert member is inserted into the concave receptacle portion, and inside the concave receptacle portion, the insert member of the attachment is removably pinched and fixed with an elastic member.