Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a case having a reflective, prismatic mirror element, a support on the assembly for mounting the assembly on the interior of a vehicle, a day/night actuator mounted for movement between day and night positions on the case to change the amount of light reflected by the prismatic mirror element, and a lever mounted for movement on the case and engaging the actuator to move the actuator between the day and night positions. The lever includes a curved configuration adapted to mate and correspond with a portion of the case when the actuator is in the day and night positions. In a preferred embodiment, the lever is a pivot lever which extends outwardly through an aperture in the case and has concave and convex areas which mate with opposed portions of the aperture in which the lever is positioned.

Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed that includes a vehicle lamp assembly including a plurality of LEDs that emit white light so as to function as an illuminator light. The lamp assembly also may include a plurality of LEDs that emit colored light, such as red or red-orange, so as to function as a signal light. Alternatively or additionally, the lamp assembly may include a camera of a vehicle imaging system. The lamp assembly may serve as a center high mounted stop light or as a tail light. The system also includes a controller that rapidly pulses the LEDs on and off at a rate that is imperceivable by the human eye. The pulsing intervals of the LEDs may be related to the readout intervals of the camera sensor array. In this manner, the LEDs may be pulsed on during camera readout so as to increase their intensity while the camera is capturing an image, or may be pulsed off during camera readout to prevent feedback glare from interfering with image capture by a highly sensitive image sensor array of the camera.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp which radiates light by indirect illumination using a plurality of LED light sources and which has an improved appearance when the lamp is lit. Light from a plurality of LED light sources is formed into parallel light fluxes by a plurality of Fresnel lenses, and the parallel light fluxes are reflected toward the front of the lamp by a segmented reflector. The LED light sources and the lenses are divided into first and second groups which form respective light fluxes directed in orthogonal directions in a front view of the lamp. The reflecting surface of the reflector is divided into a plurality of segments, and first and second reflective elements, which reflect the parallel light fluxes from the respective lens groups, are provided in each of the segments. With this structure, a portion of all reflective elements can be seen brightly when viewing the lamp from a position directly in front of the lamp and within certain angular limits.

Abstract: In a headlamp for a vehicle, a lighting control circuit unit is provided in a lamp housing. The lighting control circuit unit is fixed to a holder with screws and the holder is fixed to a rear surface of a reflector with screws. A discharge lamp bulb is held on the reflector. The discharge lamp bulb is directly connected to the lighting control circuit unit. The lighting control circuit unit is removable through an opening of the lamp housing in a state that the discharge lamp bulb is held on the reflector. Also, the discharge lamp bulb is exchangeable through the opening.

Abstract: An illuminated back-lighted display unit that is capable of displaying a variety of different types of artwork, messages, logos, or pictures in various applications within a home, commercial building, vehicle, or anywhere a miniature back-lighted display is desired. The display unit has a main housing which contains a light source that may include a diffuser and a cover lens or glass that includes one or more layers of the artwork to be displayed. The cover glass is trimmed with a trim bezel, and when assembled, the unit is provided with some means of mounting the assembly to the window or other structure through which it will be viewed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optically marked surface. In the preferred embodiment, the optically marked surface (15) comprises a light source (16), a surface to be marked (18), optical material (19) capable of illumination by the light source, the optical material, the surface and the light source being so configured and arranged that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface. The present invention also discloses turf comprising artificial or natural turf fibers and fiber optic filaments extending between the turf fibers. The present invention also provides a method of marking a surface comprising the steps of providing a light source, providing a surface to be marked, providing an optical material capable of illumination by the light source, configuring and arranging the optical material, the surface, and the light source such that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface, and illuminating the optical material.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for lighting a decorative tree which includes optical fibers with their first ends distributed in branches and ornaments of the tree, a color sleeve loop, a roller and track system attached to a motor which rotates the color sleeve loop through the system, and a light source. As the color sleeve is moved by the motor between the light source and the optical fibers, the color of the light provided to the optical fibers changes thereby changing the color displayed in the tree. The preferred embodiment uses a color sleeve with two different tracks of color and a divider which divides the optical fibers into two sets. Then one set of optical fibers is exposed to one color track and the other set exposed to the other track; light provided to one part of the tree will change colors differently than light provided to another part of the tree.

Abstract: A counter-flow aggregate dryer for an asphalt plant is equipped with a secondary feeder for introducing RAP or virgin materials intermediate the ends of the combustion zone of the dryer. Nonveiling flights in the combustion zone shield material carried through the combustion zone from direct radiant heat and veiling flights in the drying zone create a curtain of falling aggregates heated by a hot gas stream flowing in a countercurrent direction from a primary burner. A secondary burner elevates the temperature of the exhaust gas above its dew point temperature before delivery to the baghouse.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus is provided having an extrusion worm with a threaded exterior passage and rotatably driven by a drive shaft operatively couplable with a drive motor for driving rotation of the drive shaft. A feed in device feeds to the extrusion apparatus material that is to be extruded. The extrusion device includes a socket having a threaded interior passage, the socket receiving therein the extrusion worm in at least partial axial overlap such that material to be extruded passes between and in contact with the threaded exterior passage of the extrusion worm and with the threaded interior passage of the socket. The rate of rotation of the socket and the rate of rotation of the extrusion worm are independently adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: A plasticating screw having a feed section, barrier melting section, reorientation section and metering section disposed sequentially downstream wherein solid material is moved from a trail side of a main flight to a push side of the main flight in the reorientation section. The reorientation of solids is accomplished by discontinuing a barrier flight at a terminal end of said barrier melting section. The main flight decreases its pitch and continues into the reorientation section, which has a longitudinal length at least 360° about the screw axis. A melt channel and solids channel in said barrier melting section merge into a substantially uniform reorientation channel in the reorientation section so that solid plastic material conveyed along the reorientation section moves toward the push side of the main flight.

Abstract: A device for making chewing gum with a mixer, in which gum base is kneaded and mixed with sugar and liquid components, such as glucose flavoring and/or coloring agents. Whereas this has been done until now using mixers that operate essentially in batches, now it is proposed according to the invention to use as a mixer a high-speed shearing mixer that is flowed through in the axial direction, in which many ring-shaped stator parts are arranged projecting radially to the inside on the inner wall of an essentially cylinder-shaped housing, with which the radial outside ends of circumferential mixing blades mesh to form grinding gaps. This device has the advantage that it is small, cost-effective and continuously productive.

Abstract: There is described a method of mixing a powder with a liquid comprising forming the liquid into a flowing film and dispersing the powder and directing it at the flowing liquid film so that it impinges thereon and mixes therewith. There is also described equipment (10) for mixing a powder with a liquid, comprising a mixing chamber (28), liquid inlet means (48) in the upper part of the chamber for directing the liquid on to an upper part of a supporting surface (31) in the chamber, the liquid inlet means (48) and the supporting surface (31) being so arranged that the liquid flows downwardly in adherence with the surface in use, and means for introducing the powder (13, 25) to the chamber (28) at a position spaced from the liquid inlet flow, for dispersing the powder within the chamber (28) and for directing it toward the said surface (31) so that it impinges on the liquid flowing down it, in use, and mixes therewith.

Abstract: A multi-entry fluid mixer is provided, e.g. for mixing and injecting liquid rocket propellants, which mixer has a first set of passages for receiving fluid A and a second set of passages for receiving fluid B, the passages being separated by porous walls for mixing of fluids A and B therethrough as the fluids flow through such passages and then through a porous end wall, for further mixing and then discharge, as in, say, fuel injection into the combustion chamber of a rocket. The inventive mixer can also be employed in filtrated mixing of gases or gas/liquid combinations as well as for liquid rocket propellant injection, jet engine propellant injection, chemical mixing, aerosol formation and numerous other mixing and dispersion operations.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an auxiliary device from an internal combustion engine driven tool without materially affecting the primary function of the tool. The system and method is particularly useful for operating a blender from an outboard motor.

Abstract: The wall of a case includes a U-shaped recess with two through passages (11, 17) for a control stem (20) held in a neutral position by a spring (27) and guided in the outer passage (11) by an O ring (25) allowing translation and tilting movements, and in the inner passage (17) by a contour of oblong shape allowing the end (22) to close an electric contact (32) by pressure and two other contacts (31, 33) by tilting. Application to an electronic timepiece.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to eliminate the influence of clamp dimensional changes on the displacement measurement during the measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of samples in tension. In a first embodiment clamp dimensional changes can be eliminated by making clamps from a material with near zero CTEs. In another embodiment clamp dimensional changes can be reduced by minimizing the CTE of the clamp material. Finally clamp dimensional changes are taken into account. This is achieved directly by subtracting a prerecorded baseline from the measurements; or by determining the CTE measurement for various sample lengths and obtaining the slope of a straight line through the points on a MD (measured displacement)/DT (temperature range of displacement measurement) versus sample length plot. The slope is the corrected CTE.

Abstract: This invention provides an X-ray CT apparatus which can be mounted in a motor vehicle, trailer, or container, including locking mechanisms for locking at least some of the movable portions of the X-ray CT apparatus, detectors for detecting the locking/unlocking states of the locking mechanisms, and a notifying unit for representing the states of the locking mechanisms on the basis of outputs from the detectors. Collision of an unlocked movable portion with its periphery during traveling can be avoided.

Abstract: A method of controlling an X-ray system and a cabinet for an X-ray system. The method comprises viewing a first virtual X-ray image of an object, manipulating the first image to best show an area of interest, and generating a second image in real time corresponding to the area of interest. The cabinet comprises an inner housing having an open mouth and being fully insertable with a clearance in an outer housing having an open mouth, the inner and outer housings being attachable to secure and space the housings in a predetermined relationship. Lead shielding comprises a substantially complete intermediate layer extending between the inner and outer housings and the open mouth is provided with a lead lined closure.

Abstract: A flexible package with a body portion that includes a front, a back, a bottom and two sides. A top portion extends from the front upwardly and rearwardly, ultimately engaging the back in a secured relationship with a latch. A hanger is formed in the end of the top to allow the package to be suspended or hung from a hook or peg.

Abstract: A bridge bearing in which a substructure and a superstructure are displaceably connected to each other by means of a sliding bearing, whereby the displacement occurs in a linear and/or cardanic manner in at least one of the directions X, Y, and Z. The bearing is characterized in that a carriage (7) that is connected to a cover plate (10) is guided in a linear manner in the X and/or Y direction by two interspaced shafts (5, 4), respectively, on which displaceable slide bushings (9, 8) are arranged and/or the cover plate can be guided in a tiltable manner by a pivot bearing (18) in the Z direction. This combination of a linear and pivot bearing enables all alignment errors arising as a result of finishing inaccuracies, foundation subsidence, desired and undesirable slanting to be compensated and regulates the variations in lengths due to temperature and load.

Abstract: In a linear guide apparatus including an axially extending guide rail, a slider engaged with the guide rail, and a plurality of rolling elements loaded into the slider, the linear guide apparatus further includes a sealing device fixed to the slider in slidable contact with the guide rail for sealing a clearance existing between the guide rail and the slider, in which the sealing device includes a lubricant-containing polymer member formed of a synthetic resin containing a lubricant, and having a contact portion contacting with the guide rail to surround the guide rail, both wing portions, a connecting portion connecting the wing portions to be C-shaped substantially, and a pair of first recesses formed in the respective wing portions for fixing the lubricant-containing polymer member to the slider; a first plate member fitted to the lubricant-containing polymer member opposed to the slider; and a pair of first cylindrical members inserted to the respective first recesses.

Abstract: A direct drive bearing mechanism comprises guide plates which are installed to retaining recesses of a guide block and each of which has a plurality of hemispherical dimples, race members which are installed to a guide rail and each of which has a groove having a circular arc-shaped cross section, and a plurality of balls each of which rotates in each of the dimples and which slide along the grooves so that the balls do not circulate.

Abstract: The cone which is pressed onto or otherwise affixed to the shaft to cooperate with the sleeve to form a conical hydrodynamic bearing is modified to provide a flat surface at the axially outer end of the cone most distant from the conical surface which is used to form the conical bearing in cooperation with the bearing seat of the sleeve and the intervening fluid. The sleeve surface facing the second angled surface of the bearing cone is modified to diverge more sharply away from the second surface of the cone, or to simply be spaced further away. In this way, a larger reservoir is formed, diminishing the possibility of oil evaporation and oil loss. Finally, a relatively flat shield is supported from the sleeve overlying the flat upper surface of the cone. The divergence of the upper bearing cone surface from the surrounding sleeve also allows for filling the bearing before the shield is installed.

Abstract: In the dynamic bearing device, a chamfer having a larger percentage of surface openings is continuous to the outer diameter side of a lower end surface of a bearing member, which constitutes a thrust bearing gap of a first thrust bearing part. A lubricating oil in pores of the bearing member is supplied to a gap portion through the surface openings of the chamfer, so that the gap portion can be kept at a positive pressure without becoming a negative pressure.

Abstract: An intermediate bearing for a driveline of a commercial vehicle has a housing (7) with a stirrup-shaped cross-section. The housing (7) has a fixing face (12) formed of two straight portions (8, 9) and a first arched portion (10). A bearing member (15) is arranged between the portions (8, 9, 10). The bearing member (15) is rubber and is connected to the fixing face (12) by vulcanization. A locking element (23) bridges the space between the two straight portions (8, 9). The locking member (23) is attached to the bearing member (15). The bearing member (15) encloses a supporting ring (16) which serves to receive a rolling contact bearing. The locking element (23) is adjustable for the purpose of setting a pre-tension of the bearing member (15) towards the longitudinal axis (18) of the bore (17) of the supporting ring (16). The locking element (23) can be connected to the housing (7) after the required pre-tension has been set.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus includes a hollow shaft provided around an outer peripheral surface with a bearing fitting region, and a rolling bearing having an inner ring fitted around the bearing fitting region of the hollow shaft. A shaft end of the hollow shaft is bent outwardly in a diametrical direction, thereby being caulked on an outer end surface of the inner ring. The bearing fitting region has a hardened layer in a region from a first position corresponding to an inner end surface of the inner ring of the rolling bearing to a second position before a position corresponding to an outer end surface of the inner ring, and has a non-hardened layer in another region from the outer end surface corresponding position of the inner ring to the shaft end. The second position representative of a caulked side end portion of the hardened layer is defined based on a predetermined relational expression.

Abstract: A bearing unit for vehicle wheel support comprising a shaft having a mounting flange for vehicle wheel or suspension apparatus, a step portion formed on one end portion thereof, a first inner ring raceway directly formed thereon, and a crimped portion formed on the end side of the step portion, and an inner ring fitted onto the step portion and having a second inner ring raceway thereon, the shaft being quench hardened at least at the first inner ring raceway with the crimped portion kept as formed and without quench hardened, and the inner ring being fixed to the shaft by the crimped portion of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multi-fiber optic connector system. The system contains a first housing and a second housing. The first housing contains (i) a first portion having at least one first cavity (ii) a second portion having at least one second cavity, a reference surface, and a first groove, and (iii) at least one alignment element disposed on the first groove. When an optical connector is slidably engaged into the first housing, the alignment element, having spring-like properties, contacts the optical connector and forces it against the reference surface.

Abstract: Eccentricity of a optical fiber installed in a passageway of a ferrule is minimized by imposing a force on the end of the optical fiber projecting from the passageway at the ferrule end face to push the optical fiber to a desired position in the passageway, prior to curing an adhesive used for fixing the optical fiber in the passageway, so as to compensate for eccentricity of the passageway. In one embodiment, the force is imposed on the optical fiber by hanging a weight on the optical fiber. In another embodiment, the force is imposed on the optical fiber by using a pressurized jet of fluid. The point of application of the force, the magnitude of the force, and the viscosity of the adhesive are selected such that minimal optical fiber bending occurs, thereby assuring that the optical fiber is positioned at the desired position in the passageway for an appreciable distance from the ferrule end face along the passageway.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting optical fibers to waveguides and other optical elements are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical fiber is modified so as to have opposing orthogonal tapered sidewalls that taper toward a tip of the fiber. An optical connector for the fiber includes a base having a receiving section and a waveguide formed therein. The receiving section is a flared channel having opposing orthogonal tapered sidewalls and a horizontal bottom surface perpendicular to the sidewalls. The waveguide is optically accessible at a narrow inner end of the channel. The angle of taper of the sidewalls of the channel matches the angle of taper of the sidewalls of the optical fiber. When the optical fiber is inserted into the open end of the channel and is moved toward the narrow inner end of the channel, the sidewalls of the fiber and channel come into contact with each other. In addition, a bottom surface of the fiber rests on the horizontal bottom surface of the channel.

Abstract: A strain relief boot that attaches to and can be removed from a pre-assembled fiber optic cable and connector, as well as, related strain relief boot designs and methods of assembly are disclosed. The strain relief boot may be overmolded, formed of a unitary unit, include two components, or even a coil element. The strain relief boot may be used during original assembly or as a replacement part. A variety of strain relief boot design alternatives and fiber optic assemblies that include the strain relief boot are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for downloading data, such as a web page, over a network such as the internet. The method includes the steps of (a) initiating a web page download request with a requesting entity having a first network address, the requesting entity being connected to the network; (b) fulfilling the web page download request with a web page source entity having a second network address; (c) transmitting a requested web page to a destination entity having a third network address; and (d) receiving and storing the requested web page in the destination entity for subsequent use by a user of the requesting entity. In this manner a low performance data processor may specify certain web pages to be downloaded to a higher performance processor over a higher bandwidth link, and may also specify postprocessing to be performed on retrieved web pages prior to a user of the first data processor accessing the stored web pages.

Abstract: Provided are a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for estimating delays of networks. An automated design system comprises a computer configured to identify a critical path in a network, calculate a delay for the technology-mapped version of the network, calculate a delay for the technology-independent version of the network, calculate a scale factor from the technology-mapped and technology-independent delays, and apply the scale factor to all the delays in the technology-independent network.

Abstract: A lens barrier device is provided which includes an adaptor body capable of being removably attached on a taking lens frame, a lens barrier member capale of movement between a closed position covering a taking lens and an open position withdrawn from the front of the taking lens, and an engagement member capable of engagement with a filter screwthread of the lens frame. If the lens barrier member in the open position is rotated excessively by wrong manual operation, the edge of the lens barrier member presses on the engagement member, releasing the engagement with the filter screwthread and so separating the adaptor body from the lens frame, thereby protecting the lens barrier device.

Abstract: At least two (groups of) sensors forming an insertion detection sensor are offset from each other in the conveyance direction of a photosensitive material. An insertion speed, which is different for each manual insertion event, is obtained based on the time difference when sensors that have been offset from each other detect the leading end of the photosensitive material. The length of the photosensitive material in the conveyance direction thereof is accurately computed based on the insertion speed and other information. By correcting the errors due to the changeable insertion state of the photosensitive material caused by manual insertion by the operator, the process area of the photosensitive material, required for calculating the amount of replenisher to be replenished, is accurately obtained. Therefore, the amount of the replenisher is appropriately determined and the process capacity of the developer or the fixing solution can constantly be maintained at the satisfactory level.

Abstract: Thermal processing unit sections each with ten tiers and coating processing unit sections each with five tiers are disposed around a first main wafer transfer section and a second main wafer transfer section, and in the thermal processing unit section, the influence of the time required for substrate temperature regulation processing on a drop in throughput can be reduced greatly by transferring the wafer W while the temperature of the wafer W is being regulated by a temperature regulation and transfer device.

Abstract: The invention is a thermal printhead mechanism having a stationary spring channel, a top bracket supported by the spring channel, and a printhead mounted to the top bracket. Additionally, the invention may include a cam, a bottom bracket, and a front mounting plate.

Abstract: A key unit of a keyboard apparatus having at least one bumper extending from the key unit for cushioning the impact of the key unit against the enclosure of the keyboard apparatus when the key unit assumes a depressed position and/or when the key unit resumes a non-depressed position, thereby eliminating or reducing the feedback noise, while retaining the benefits of a pre-loaded feature for the key unit.

Abstract: A keyboard structure, comprising: a substrate, a scissors mechanism, and a key lid. The scissors mechanism and the substrate are connected together. The scissors mechanism has a rotational configuration formed by cross-connecting a first rod and a second rod. The first rod has a first upper end and a first lower end. The second rod has a second upper end and a second lower end such that the first lower end and the second lower end are connected with the substrate. The key lid is connected with the first upper end and the second upper end for allowing the key lid to move between a first position, wherein the key lid and the substrate are detached, and a second position. The key lid has a base and a stop block. The base is connected with the second upper end of the scissors mechanism. The stop block is kept an appropriate distance with the base. The stop block and the base are formed into a releasing space.

Abstract: A fill and refill disposable toothbrush package comprising of a neck having tufts attached thereon at one end at the traditional location where the head placement on a conventional toothbrush, at the opposite end a hollowed opening that can be integrated therewith a fill handle. The fill handle having a cylindrical open center within and throughout for storage of toothpaste. The fill handle at one end able to integrate therewith the neck. At the opposite end of fill handle which can be integrated therewith an end plug. Thereon end plug dental floss within an annular groove and floss cutter. A refill handle that is an exact duplication of fill handle, at one end a front closing cap that can be integrated therewith the refill handle, at the other end a rear closing cap that is integrated thereon to the refill handle. The fill handle and refill handle having a soft elastical non-porous membrane intermediate thereon extending over to enclose an open cavity having concave sides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.

Abstract: An insert for being coupled to coil, the insert comprising a piece of sheet-like material having an inner edge and a plurality of wings. Each wing has a central stem extending outwardly from the inner edge and a pair of tip portions located on opposed sides of the central stem. Each tip portion extends inwardly toward the inner edge to define a coil receiving portion located between the stem and the associated tip portion. Each coil receiving portion is shaped and located to receive a turn of the coil therein to couple the insert to the coil.

Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling a ceramic member to a metal member is comprised of a ceramic shaft portion attached to the ceramic member; a slotted shrink fitter formed of a first metal and disposed around and in torque transmitting contact with the ceramic shaft portion to define a first interface surface therebetween; and a sleeve formed of a second metal disposed around and in torque transmitting contact with the shrink fitter to define a second interface surface therebetween. Either the shrink fitter or the sleeve attached to the metal member. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the second metal is relatively low compared to that of the first metal and the diameters of the first interface, (d1), and the second interface, (d2), are determined from the equation, d1/d2=(&agr;c−&agr;1)/(&agr;2−&agr;1) where &agr;c, &agr;1 and &agr;2 are the coefficients of thermal expansion of the ceramic, the first metal and the second metal respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fastening system comprising a first mounting bracket rotatably attached to a first assembly, a second mount bracket rotatably attached to a second assembly and a rigid attachment between the first mount bracket and the second mount bracket wherein the attachment enables the first mount bracket and the second mount bracket to rotate together about a common axis and wherein the attachment enables a portion of the first mount bracket and a portion of the second mount bracket to be separated by space.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint incorporating a detent mechanism that provides positive biasing toward a desired position. The ball and socket joint can be used in flexible supports that hold and support items such as lamps, tools and faucets. The detent mechanism comprises two corresponding parts, one in the ball portion and the second in the socket portion of the joint. The first detent part is a protrusion of some type and the second detent part is a groove or indentation that is adapted to accept and engage the protrusion. If the ball contains the detent protrusion, then the socket contains the detent indentation. And conversely, if the socket contains the detent protrusion, then the ball contains the detent indentation. The detent tensioning force can be provided by a spring, a spring band, the characteristics of the material from which the joint is made, or by some other similar tensioning device.

Abstract: The invention herein of a spherical connector and supporting rod assembly is mainly designed as a structure of a multi-angular spheroid with multiple tangent planes of six cubical quadrilaterals and twelve beveled hexagons, and with mounting holes disposed respectively at the centers of the quadrilateral and the beveled hexagonal tangent planes to make each spherical connector having eighteen mounting holes with included angles pointing at different directions so as to increase the application of a single spherical connector and to make all the spherical connectors have the identical structure for exchangeable connection to not only fully comply with the needs of specific application, but also to be able to make various applications by using the supporting rods pointing at different mounting angles to directly fulfill the specific need of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention discloses an elongate spliced member, particularly a tooth rack for a rapier loom, and a method for making same. The spliced member includes two elongate member segments joined at respective ends and having at least one through aperture positioned laterally from a respective first side to a second side adjacent the joined ends. An elongate recess is formed on opposed surfaces of the member segments, and each recess surrounds a respective aperture and communicates with the respective joined end of the segments. A carbon fiber strand is wound alternately through the aperture in each of the segments to splice the segments together end-to-end. The spliced member has the functional characteristics equivalent to an integrally formed member of the same length.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of a double ended fastening system includes a first segment for engaging a component and a second threaded segment for engaging a nut. In another aspect of the present invention, the component has a stud receiving portion made of a polymer or soft metal. A further aspect of the present invention provides a self-drilling and self-tapping feature on the stud.

Abstract: A fastener connects an insert to a hollow tube. The fastener is formed to have a yoke portion extending between a pair of arm portions, all of which are formed arcuately to conform to the shape of tube. Arm portions have arcuate free ends with horizontally oriented seams. Arm portions include protuberances which then may be cammed between an engagement position with edges of openings in the tube and edges of a cavity space in insert and a disengageable position between the edges. The fastener includes a lifting handle that is spaced away from the tubes surface to form an access gap.

Abstract: The combining device for combining stacked plates includes a first plate at a bottom layer thereof, a plurality of upper plates, and an inserting means. The first plate is formed with at least two buckling rings; and a proper distance is retained between the two buckling rings. The upper plate is formed with at least one hole at position corresponding to one of the buckling rings. The buckling rings is inserted by the two inserting ends of each inserting means; and then the elastic pieces aside the inserting end pass through the buckling ring and resists against the inserting end. Thereby, the plates are combined, while the inserting end can not be released. Therefore, the combining device of the present invention provides a low cost and conventional way for combining a plurality of overlapping plates. Moreover, by the present invention, the combining surface is flat.