Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a smart label web. The smart label web comprises smart labels placed one after another and/or side by side and comprising a circuitry pattern and an integrated circuit on a chip therein. In the method, an electrical contact is formed between the integrated circuit on a chip and the circuitry pattern of the smart label in the smart label web in such a way that a structural part separated from a separate carrier web and comprising an integrated circuit on a chip is attached to the smart label. The structural part contains a thermoplastic material whereby it is attached to the smart label.

Abstract: An internal circuit structure of a semiconductor chip with array-type bonding pads The semiconductor chip has a plurality of bonding pads located about periphery of the semiconductor chip, a plurality of signal circuit macros being positioned inside the bonding pads of the semiconductor chip, and an electrostatic discharge clamping circuit ring between the signal circuit macros and the inner row of the bonding pads. The bonding pads are positioned in at least four rows along each side of the semiconductor chip, in which the four rows has an inner row, a mid-inner row, a mid-outer row, and an outer row. The inner row and the mid-inner row of the bonding pads consist of signal pads, and the outer row and the mid-outer row of the bonding pads consist of power pads and ground pads. Each of the signal circuit macros is positioned to align to the corresponding bonding pads.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with an enhanced registration accuracy photo-mask used for manufacturing the device and a registration accuracy enhancement method are provided, by detecting lens aberration which causes problems in the process of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes an auxiliary mark including an inner mark having stepped portions with four sides as stepped portions to be detected and an outer mark having stepped portion as stepped portions to be detected, provided approximately parallel to stepped portions along four sides of the inner mark.

Abstract: A new Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cell using Thin Film Transistors (TFT) is disclosed. In a first embodiment, an SRAM cell comprises a strong inverter and a strong access device constructed on a semiconductor substrate layer, and a weak inverter and a weak access device constructed in a semiconductor thin film layer located vertically above the strong devices. The strong devices are used in the data read and write paths, and the weak devices are used for latch feed-back and sector data erase. This first embodiment is used for high density and high speed memory applications. In a second embodiment, an SRAM cell comprises thin film inverters and thin film access devices constructed in a semiconductor thin film layer located substantially above logic transistors. The TFT SRAM cell is buried above the logic gates of an Integrated Circuit to consume no extra Silicon real estate. This second embodiment is used for slow access and Look-Up-Tables type memory applications.

Abstract: A humidifier including a steam generator with a container for water and an immersed heating module. The heating module has a spherical shape and is formed of a stainless steel outer surface and an aluminum inner body. Electrical heating coils are affixed to the aluminum body to heat the aluminum body and transfer heat through the stainless steel into water. The composite of the inner and outer bodies provides efficient heat transfer for boiling water. The stainless steel resists any permanent adherence of residue to the heating module during the boiling process. Steam from the boiling water transfers through a mixing stack to surrounding air in the humidifier.

Abstract: A stamper having a good cost performance, which can be easily separated (released) from a layer of photo-curing resin, is provided. A process for producing an optical multi-layer recording medium having a good productivity is also provided by using such a stamper. The process for producing an optical multi-layer recording medium includes the steps of: laminating a layer of non-cured photo-curing resin and a transparent stamper made of amorphous polyolefin resin in this sequence on a substrate; curing the non-cured photo-curing resin with light permeated through the transparent stamper; and removing the transparent stamper.

Abstract: A method for spheridizing silicon metal particles is described. The method involves injecting irregular silicon metal particles into a high-temperature plasma reactor to melt at least 50 weight percent of the particles. The molten droplets are solidified to form substantially spherical silicon particles having a thin SiO coating which may be removed by treating with a weak hydroxide solution.

Abstract: An adaptation device and method for molding a dental material to a die in the preparation of a dental coping with the die having the shape of a tooth to be restored and with said dental material placed over said die. The adaptation device includes a base for placement of the die, a cover mounted on the base over the die to form an enclosed chamber, an inlet opening extending through the cover into communication with the chamber, a source of a gaseous fluid connected to the inlet opening for pressurizing the chamber, an outlet opening extending through the base in proximity to said die and diaphragm means removably positioned in the chamber to surround the die and to isolate the outlet opening from the chamber such that upon pressurizing the chamber the diaphragm is caused to collapse about the die and to apply a uniform pressure over the dental material for adapting the dental material to the die.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for use in three-dimensional printing are shown and described. Various embodiments of the invention allow for more precise and controlled delivery of heat to achieve interlayer drying; isolation of the working region from the outside for reasons of cleanliness and in connection with the vapors of organic solvents; better control of the temperature of the working region; better accuracy in the flowrates of binder fluid dispensed; matching of delivered flowrates for multiple dispensers; verification of delivered flowrate or drops; provision for easier changeover of the machine from one powder to another; cleanability; and other needs.

Abstract: Method for the production of sealing elements on plastics articles. Said method includes the step of producing a film of silicone rubber on the sealing surface of the article. Advantageously, this film is formed by co-moulding or co-extrusion with the plastics article itself. The thickness of the said film may vary from a few tenths of a millimetre to a few millimetres. In the case of cylindrical elements, such as the pistons of the delivery cocks of ice cream machines, this film preferably covers only the side wall or the sealing part of the side wall of the cylindrical element, while in the case of flat elements, this film covers only the sealing surface of this element.

Abstract: A solution spinning process for the production of a textile fiber with permanent repellent action includes the steps of preparing a spinnable polymer component and an ambivalent polymer compound which contains a repelling group and a residual group with an affinity for the spinnable polymer component, mixing the ambivalent polymer compound with the spinnable polymer component in a solvent, and spinning the mixture into a fiber, wherein the repelling groups orient themselves in the direction of the surface of the forming fiber and migrate to the surface, while the affine residual groups anchor the ambivalent polymer compound in the spinnable polymer compound as the solvent is driven off.

Abstract: Methods for molding a surround over a liner to form a composite shell are provided. The liner is placed in a mold and molten surround material is injected into the mold so as to surround the liner. A surface of a protrusion of the liner abuts the mold so that the surface is exposed and is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the surround after the composite shell is removed from the mold. Molten surround material flows into a slot in a perimeter of the protrusion so that when the surround material solidifies, a rib of surround material extends into the slot to form a pressure seal between the liner and the surround. An adhesive is applied to the liner before placing the liner in the mold for reducing relative movement between the liner and surround as the surround material solidifies and the liner and surround cool.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of fabricating a bicycle saddle whose seating surface is made of a stretched membrane, where the membrane is stretched into a vaulted shape from the nose extending at least partially through the rider's crotch toward the cantle at the rear of the seat.

Abstract: A system and method for molding the shell of a medical device or other molded article is disclosed. The system includes a multi-axis rotational molding machine in which a mold is mounted. The mold has a cavity in the shape of the article to be molded. The mold seals to hold a vacuum. In operation, silicone or other molding material is inserted into the mold, vacuum is applied to the mold, the mold is rotated about at least two axes and a molding material coats the inside walls of the mold to form the shell or other desired article. A rotationally molded medical article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adaptable personal care product formulation method including the steps of obtaining a personal profile including at least one of hair type, skin type, lifestyle, skin ailments, hair condition and ethnicity, soliciting personal preferences including at least one of color and texture, and formulating a personal care product based on the personal profile and personal preferences.

Abstract: A mold box for producing a plurality of masonry units with a roughened texture side face, the mold box including a plurality of side walls defining a mold cavity open at its top and bottom, adapted to receive masonry fill material by way of its open top, and to discharge molded fill material in the form of a molded masonry unit of predetermined height by way of its open bottom; and a division member spanning between two of the side walls to define two subcavities in the mold box, the division member comprising a grate.

Abstract: An apparatus for tacking a multi-lumen tubular assembly together comprises a laser, an optical member and a placement tray for retaining the tubular assembly. A portion of the optical member defines a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy emitted from the laser. The window has a substantially concave shaped surface. The placement tray and the window surface define a processing area for positioning at least a portion of the tubular assembly. The processing area receives the laser energy that is emitted from the laser and passed through the window of the optical member. The tubular assembly is defined by an outer tubular member disposed about at least a portion of at least one inner tubular member. The laser energy transmitted into the processing area is transmitted substantially through the outer tubular member and is substantially absorbed by at least one region of the least one inner tubular member.

Abstract: A process for the production of an over moulded substrate is provided together with an apparatus suitable for use in the process.

Abstract: A liquid and gas assisted injection molding apparatus comprising a source of liquid coolant, a source of compressed gas, a source of heated viscous plastic, a mold cavity means for controllably injecting said plastic into said cavity, means for controlling injecting said compressed gas into said cavity, means for controllably injecting said liquid coolant into said cavity, and means for selectively controlling the injection of said plastic, gas and liquid coolant.

Abstract: In a high temperature/high pressure vessel for treating a workpiece placed in the interior of the vessel at a high temperature and a high pressure wherein piano wire is wound under tension round an outer periphery of a cylindrical body to apply a compressive residual stress to the cylindrical body and axial openings of the cylindrical body are tightly closed with upper and lower lids so that the lids can be disengaged from the openings, the cylindrical body is constituted as a two-layer cylindrical body comprising an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder which is fitted on the inner cylinder through plural spacers arranged along an outer periphery surface of the inner cylinder, allowing cooling water flow paths to be formed each between adjacent such spacers so as to extend from one end side to an opposite end side of the tow-layer cylindrical body.

Abstract: A container for molten metal which uses heat of solidification for heating the molten metal.

Abstract: A suspension unit or suspension system includes an accumulator (112) for storing fluid under gas pressure and a motion damping unit (114) for storing fluid under pressure in fluid communication with each other. A valve arrangement (126) is located intermediate the accumulator (112) and the motion damping unit (114) to allow fluid under pressure to flow between the accumulator (112) and motion damping means (114). A piston (122) reactive to movement of the accumulator (112) and motion damping unit (114) with respect to each other is used to control the movement and fluid through the valve (126) so as to adjust the relative positions of the accumulator (112) and the motion damping unit (114). In one embodiment, the accumulator (112) is separate to the motion damping unit (114) and is connected thereto by a flexible hose or other conduit, whereas in another embodiment the accumulator (112) and motion damping unit (114) are a single unit in fluid communication with each other through the valve arrangement (126).

Abstract: A fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device wherein an inner and an outer sleeve are elastically connected together at their axially upper ends by an elastic body, at their axially lower ends by a flexible layer, and at their axially intermediate portions by a flexible partition. A pressure-receiving chamber partially defined by the elastic body and an equilibrium chamber partially defined by the flexible layer are disposed on opposite sides of the flexible partition, and are held in fluid communication through an orifice passage defined by an orifice defining member attached to an axially intermediate portion of an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. The flexible partition includes a cylindrical portion extending axially upwardly from an inner peripheral portion of the orifice defining member and an annular curved portion extending radially inwardly from the upper end of the cylindrical portion to be fixed to the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A suction-cup device has a cup-shaped support body having a cup opening and a hole. A suction diaphragm is positioned in the cup opening of the cup-shaped support body. A rod extends through the hole and is connected to the suction diaphragm. A clamp has first and second arms pivotally connected together at an articulation pin, the first and second arms each having a clamping jaw at one end and an actuating section at another end. The clamping jaws are biased toward each other. The clamp has a clamping member pivotally connected to the rod by a pivot pin which extends in a direction transverse to a direction of the articulation pin. The clamping member operatively contacts the cup-shaped support body and moves the rod and actuates the suction diaphragm when the clamping member is pivoted to a suction position. The clamping member moves the rod and releases the suction diaphragm when the clamping member is pivoted to a release suction position.

Abstract: An ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) for an image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a separating and feeding device for feeding one document from a stack of documents while separating the document from the others. A conveying device temporarily stops the document fed by the separating and feeding device at a position preceding a reading position and again conveys, on the elapse of a preselected period of time, the document toward the reading position. A controller controllably drives the separating and feeding device and conveying device. The controller drives the conveying device by controlling the time interval between the restart of conveyance of the preceding document and the restart of conveyance of the following document.

Abstract: An automatic document feeder is provided with the first transport device and the second transport device for feeding an original at a reading position to read the original, and a curved reading path disposed between the first transport device and second transport device. The automatic document feeder is also provided with a reading guide unit including the first guide member disposed at an upstream side of the reading position in an original feeding direction for guiding the original to the reading position, the second guide member disposed at a downstream side of the reading position in the original feeding direction for guiding the original from the reading position, a flexible transparent film member extending between the first guide member and the second guide member for forming the reading path. The reading guide unit is detachably and rotatably supported on an apparatus frame of the automatic document feeder.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a sheet feeding apparatus that can feed a sheet accurately and stably by eliminating sheet feeding problems such as double feeding and misfeeding. A plurality of sheets stacked on a lifting plate are fed to a separator plate and separated so that only one sheet will be transported with the rotation of a feed roller, and only the one sheet is thus transported downstream in a sheet feeding direction. When the one sheet has been transported to a target position reaching a transport roller and a pinch roller, a sheet aligning/pressing portion and a separator plate pressing portion displace the remaining sheets in a direction away from the feed roller, cause an abutting portion to move away from the feed roller, and prevent the remaining sheets from moving downstream in the sheet feeding direction.

Abstract: An automatic feeding device in a printing machine includes: a sheet container containing a number of sheets, a pick-up unit picking up and transporting sheets in the sheet container using a rotational friction, a driving unit driving the pick-up unit, and at least one sheet separator roller rotatably installed in a transport path of the sheets to rotate in a direction opposite to a sheet transport direction to individually separate the sheets one by one picked up by the pick-up unit. The sheet separator rollers rotate in response to a driving force of the driving unit and frictionally contact the picked sheets to separate the sheets one by one. According to the automatic feeding device, when the sheets are fed, the sheet separator rollers rotate in the direction opposite to the sheet transport direction and frictionally contact leading ends of the sheets to separate the sheets so that the sheets can be always separated in a reliable manner regardless of deformation or a type of the sheets.

Abstract: A method of promoting business includes the use of a customer interactive message decoding game. The method involves identifying a prize winning message, providing separately a static code in a promotional area, such as an in-store display, a newspaper or magazine insert or product packaging, and distributing a number of game pieces, at least one of which includes a complementary code for deciphering the message by combining it with the static code, without which the message could not be readily discerned.

Abstract: After making a wager to participate in a game, a player is dealt two distinct hands at the beginning of the game, each hand being dealt from a separate deck of playing cards. The card values for only one of the hands is fully revealed to the player, and the player is required to select which of the two hands will be played in the game. The unselected hand is removed from further play. If the fully revealed hand is not selected, the value of any remaining unknown cards is revealed to the player, and play proceeds in a conventional manner. If the hand having card values not fully revealed is selected by the player, the payout table is modified by removing a previous winning result to accommodate the changed odds in the player's favor.

Abstract: A method for teaching and developing the culture, values, and skills of an organization using an educational game. An organization is divided into associated small teams through a succession of divisions. The small teams play an educational board game emphasizing collaboration, innovation, industry knowledge, and leadership skills. As each small team completes the educational board game, members of the small team assist other associated small teams in completing the educational game. The winners of an educational game are determined by considering both the speed at which associated small teams complete the educational game and the number of points earned by the associated small teams.

Abstract: A sealing device comprises a sealing member brought into contact with a contact surface so as to be slidable in a predetermined sliding direction. The sealing member comprises a sliding contact portion containing a high polymer material to be brought into sliding contact with the contact surface. A plurality of recessed or protruding streaks, which are independent of one another, are provided side by side so as to constitute a column on a surface of the sliding contact portion.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a sealing means for piping and equipment flanges, especially of the Camprofile-type. The gasket of the present invention comprises a sealing ring (100) and a centralization ring (120) to centralize the sealing ring on the flanges of piping or equipment. Preferably, the sealing ring and the centralization ring are concentric rings made of a metallic alloy. The sealing ring has an outer contour surface (118), a lower surface (115) and an upper surface (117), the upper and lower surfaces consisting, respectively, of lower and upper prolongations of the outer contour surface. The outer contour surface has a substantially L-shaped cross-section comprising an innermost portion (118a) and an outermost portion (118b) extending axial and a radial portion interconnecting the inner and the outer portions. The centralization ring (120) comprises an outer contour surface (128), an inner contour surface (126), a lower surface (125) and an upper surface (127).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wine vat having a metal hoop forming the top, end walls and bottom, and with wooden side walls pressed in sealing engagement with the side edges of the metal hoop. The seal is a compressible seal attached to the side edges of metal hoop, the wooden side walls being clamped to the metal hoop.

Abstract: There is provided a keyless chuck, a clutch assembly, and an associated method for releasably gripping a bit. The chuck includes a jaw assembly that is adjustable between open and closed positions, a threaded shaft in operable communication with the jaw assembly, and at least one clutch member. Each clutch member is adjustable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, each clutch member threadably engages the threaded shaft, such that the threaded shaft translates axially and adjusts the jaw assembly between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A two-wheel high-speed glider inline roller skate having a boot having toe and heel pads to which a downward opening channel-shaped wheel support is attached centrally along the length of the boot. The channel structure has a front portion with sidewalls extending downward and forward of the boot toe to receive a front wheel between the sidewalls, the wheel mounted on an axle mounted to the channel structure by bearings. The channel structure has rear portion which receives a rear wheel between its sides, the wheel being rotated on a rear axle and mounted to the channel structure by bearings. The rear wheel is located below the rear portion of the heel mounting plate. The rear portion has attachment bores spaced above the rear axle for attachment of an optional hand brake system acting on the rear wheel at its rear periphery.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly for a wheeled device, such as a wheelchair, includes a housing suitable for connection to a wheeled device, a caster fork configured to mount a caster wheel for rotation, and a caster bolt connected to the caster fork and inserted into the housing for rotation within the housing. Also included is a damping insert applying a biasing force between the caster bolt and the housing to dampen the rotation of the caster bolt with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A luggage includes a bottom tube located at the underside of the luggage and two casters are retractably received in the two opening of the bottom tube. The two casters are connected to two links which are connected to two ends of a bar. The bar is supported on two springs and can be pressed to compress the spring by the retractable inner tube of the handle. The two casters are retracted in the bottom tube when the inner tube is located in retracted position, and the two casters pop out when the inner tube is pulled out.

Abstract: A cargo hauler having a bed that can be lowered from a first position to a second position to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo comprising a cargo bed, a set of wheels supporting the cargo bed, a U-shaped axle, U-shaped axle having a first end and a second end with the set of wheels attached proximate to the ends of the axle and a power source for moving the cargo bed between a cargo transporting condition and a cargo loading condition to aid in the loading and unloading of cargo.

Abstract: A gardener carriage has four wheel assemblies, at least two rectangular brackets each having four conical sleeves respectively and securely engaged with a corner of the bracket, four poles each connected to a corresponding one of the four wheel assemblies and composed of a first section and a second section screwingly connected to the first section and at least two clamping devices movably attached to the outer periphery of the pole. Each pole extends through a corresponding one of the conical sleeves such that the corresponding conical sleeve is able to enclose a corresponding one of the clamping devices on the pole so that the conical sleeve is supported and stopped by the corresponding clamping device and therefore the at least two rectangular brackets are supported.

Abstract: A reverse caster suspension apparatus includes a tiltable platform assembly that is interposed between a sprung axle assembly and a vehicle structure. This arrangement provides an efficient means for changing the caster angle without harmful distortion of springs, and without requiring complex special-purpose suspension design and components that would likely be subjected to excessive wear. The platform assembly includes a platform frame to be connected to the vehicle, a nested, pivotally connected suspension frame to which the axle assembly is attached, and an actuator mechanism coupled at high mechanical advantage between the pivotally connected frames. A pivot axis of the platform assembly can be located approximately in line above respective spindle axes of the axle assembly for facilitating operation of the actuator at low power, and the actuator preferably holds its positive-caster condition with no applied power.

Abstract: A wheel suspension with a transverse leaf spring (1a-1c) which is articulated at both ends on wheel carriers. The transverse leaf spring shaped symmetrically to the vehicle longitudinal axis (L) has a curved profile with a middle region (1a) offset parallel to the wheel axis. The transverse leaf spring is supported on the vehicle body by means of two transverse leaf spring bearings (2) with high lateral rigidity. What is achieved by the curved profile of the transverse leaf spring with four arcs (1d, 1e) is that a bending of the middle region (1a) can take place essentially without a change in the tread width.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steering axle of a vehicle chassis provides anti-roll and frame stiffening properties. First and second leaf springs are provided aligned with longitudinal frame rails for a vehicle. An axle is attached to the middle portion of each of the first and second leaf springs with the axle being aligned transversely to the longitudinal frame rails. First and second shackle boxes depend from the longitudinal chassis frame rails aft of the axle and substantially adjacent the area of the longitudinal frame rails upon which the cab is supported. One end of each of the first and second leaf springs depends from one of the first and second shackle boxes. A bar is mounted transversely to the pair of longitudinal frame rails, connected between the first and second shackle boxes to resist vehicle roll and to stiffen the frame.

Abstract: A coil spring mounting structure for a suspension strut of the present invention comprises a spring bracket fixed to a shock-absorber and having a coupling hole; a coil spring inserted to the coupling hole, having screw threads formed on an end thereof, and nuts screw-coupled with the screw threads for fixing the coil spring to the spring bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for attachment to a vehicle chassis, one or more U-shaped cylindrical bars attached to and suspended from said bar comprised of two end portions and a center bar, a generally flat surface on the top of each of said center bar of said U-shaped bars. The U-shaped bars maybe of tubular construction and have a flat surface and are preferably angled from the side bar at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and each U-shaped bar has end portions that meet the center bar at an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees. The side bar may be attached to any of a variety of chassis designs and may have a plurality of steps at the doors and at or near the back of the vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger carrier frame of the invention includes a lower frame member, a folding frame member, a back frame member and a frame folding control. These frame members are pivotally connected adjacent their ends to form a triangular arrangement in side view. The pivotal connections permit the frame to be folded and the frame folding control acts at a selected one of the pivotal connections to drive and lock pivotal rotation at that pivotal connection.

Abstract: An occupant propelled vehicle is provided that includes a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, front and rear wheels, a platform, a steering mechanism and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may include a drive sprocket mounted on the frame, a driven sprocket, an endless chain provided around the drive sprocket and driven sprocket, and a pedal for an occupant to drive the drive sprocket and propel the vehicle in a forward direction.

Abstract: A curb-climbing rear wheel drive power wheelchair is disclosed having a pair of drive wheels, at least one ground-engaging idler wheel connected to the frame forward of the drive wheels and at least one ground-contacting anti-tip caster wheel mounted to the wheelchair aft of the drive wheels. The drive wheels and anti-tip caster wheels are mounted on common suspension arms, pivoted to the frame of the wheelchair behind the drive wheels and resiliently suspended, so that the anti-tip caster wheels move up and down in response to movements of the drive wheel suspension.

Abstract: A door for an airbag module having a housing, an inflatable cushion, the airbag module being adapted to be used in a vehicle having an instrument panel with an airbag module opening, the door having an inner surface and an outer surface adapted to match the instrument panel, comprising: a first member depending away from the inner surface of the door, the first member being movably secured to the airbag module for relative movement therebetween and remains secured to the module during deployment of the inflatable cushion; a pair of second members depending away from the inner surface of the door, the pair of second members each having an opening for receiving a guiding member depending away from the housing; wherein the configuration of the first member and the openings of the pair of second members allows the door of the airbag module to deploy in a first direction until the first member reaches a point of maximum movement in the first direction, wherein the door continues to deploy in a second direction tha

Abstract: A horn switch integrated with an airbag module, which is capable of utilizing the inside of a steering wheel more effectively by changing the mounting structure of a horn switch unit installed in the steering wheel, includes a fixed plate fixed in the steering wheel, a moving plate supported vertically movable by a plurality of coil springs mounted at an upper portion of the fixed plate and contacted with a lower portion of the airbag module, and a horn switch unit formed at an upper surface of the fixed plate and generating a horn when the moving plate is moved near or in contact with the fixed plate.