Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning a fibrous material. The conditioning arrangement includes a moisturizing chamber having two series of opposed rollers arranged to accept a fiber batt into a pressing space therebetween. The pressing space tapers from a batt entrance toward a batt exit. This tapered configuration is affected for compressing a fiber batt as it is rolled therethrough. As illustrated, before entering the conditioner, the cotton batt has a greater thickness than after compaction and processing through the moisturizing chamber. A moisture infusion assembly is provided within the moisturizing chamber and has an air distributor configured to dispense moisture laden air adjacent to a fiber batt being processed through the pressing space. An air collector is configured to pull exhaust air away from the fiber batt being processed through the pressing space.

Abstract: A locking strap comprises a resilient finger grasp for facilitating assembly of the locking strap around one or more articles. The locking strap includes an elongate member at one end, a tail at the other end, and a central flexible strap body therebetween. A resilient finger grasp is located between the tail and the central strap body and facilitates fastening of the locking strap.

Abstract: A non-reusable quick release wire strap to retain wires, cables, and harness assemblies temporarily during transit or assembly operations. The plastic retention strap has double-coated foam tape near one end of the strap. The strap is wound around the wires to be retained, and then stuck to itself. To release the strap, a user grabs a plastic tab of the strap and pulls, thereby causing the tape to tear and ultimately to fail.

Abstract: A low profile cable tie, preferably a two-piece cable tie, has a low profile locking head with a lateral strap accepting channel and a strap preferably molded with a right angle bend that is retained in this state during non-use. The cable tie has a clean exterior appearance, including a top surface free of openings and a smooth lateral opening. With this cable tie, a strap accepting channel is provided in the locking head that is substantially parallel to a strap attachment axis. The strap accepting channel divides the locking head into a first part, which is secured to the strap, and a second part which contains a locking device. By providing the locking device on the second part, the first part can be made thinner, allowing the strap accepting channel to be closer to the cable bundle being tied.

Abstract: A structure of a magnetic belt buckle is disclosed. The magnetic belt buckle comprises a top cover, magnets, a pulling ring, an iron block and a bottom housing and at least one moving-type magnet, characterized in that the top cover, the bottom housing and one end of the belt are mounted with magnets of same poles to facilitate and rapid adjustment of belt by means of repelling force between the magnets so as to attain the optimum fastening, and by means of the moving-type magnets to mutually repel with each other, and to attract with the iron block, the tightening of belt is maintained.

Abstract: A clip for sheet materials comprising a clip member and a collar member. The clip member is made of resilient material such that the clip member may be deformed from a normally open configuration into a closed position. The clip member defines first and second finger portions that do not engage each other when the clip member is in the open configuration and engage each other when the clip member is in the closed position. The collar member defines at least one latch portion, a lever portion, and a housing interior. The collar member is made of resilient material such that applying a force to the lever portion causes the collar member to deform from a normally engaged configuration to a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of piezoelectric actuators (1) includes the following operations: manufacturing of sheets (10) from a piezoelectric ceramic material, coating at least one surface of the sheets (10) with electrodes (3), stacking and pressing the sheets (10) to form a stack, sintering the stacked sheets (10), and separating the stack to form individual actuators (1). At least one cutout (11) for each actuator (1) is made in the sheets (10) prior to stacking and sintering, the cutouts (11) of the sheets (10) being arranged exactly flush one above the other in stacking.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric filter with a resonator comprising a layer of a piezoelectric material (1) which is provided with an electrode (2,3) on either side, which resonator is situated on an acoustic reflector layer (4) formed on a surface (6) of a carrier substrate (7). In the method, the layer of piezoelectric material (1) is provided on a surface (8) of an auxiliary substrate (9), after which a first electrode (2) is formed on the layer of piezoelectric material (1). The acoustic reflector layer (4) is provided on and next to the first electrode (2), and the structure thus formed is secured with the side facing away from the auxiliary substrate (9) on the carrier substrate (7). The auxiliary substrate (9) is removed and a second electrode (3) situated opposite the first electrode (2) is provided.

Abstract: A pair of pincers for assembling and disassembling the springs of the brake shoes in a drum brake includes a position lever and a hook lever pivotally combined together. The position lever has a ball joint on top for fitting a position member. The hook lever has its upper end formed with a hook facing the position member. The position member has a sleeve fitting and turning around the ball joint, and ratchet teeth provided on top. The pincers has two handles one of which has a groove and a blocking member at the lower end. Thus, the ratchet teeth of the position member grab the outer wall of the brake shoes, and the hook of the hook lever hooks the end of the spring to disassemble the spring. The end of the handle hooks the end of the spring and is slightly pried to assemble the spring.

Abstract: A holding device of a timing belt wheel structure includes two links, and two holding members. Thus, the relative position between the two holding members and the relative angle between the snap plates of the two holding members can be adjusted arbitrarily so as to fit the relative position of the two timing belt wheels, so that the holding device can be used to hold and position timing belt wheel structures of different sizes, types and specifications without having to prepare multiple holders of different sizes, types and specifications, thereby enhancing convenience in operation and maintenance of the timing belt wheel structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a driveline assembly including the steps of inserting a first member within a second member, heating the first member to a temperature greater than that of the second member and inserting both members into a die. The inner surface of the die includes an interlocking torque transferring profile. Fluid pressure is applied to the inner diameter of the inner member to expand both members into the profile on the inner surface of the die. The inner and outer members are then removed from the die and cooled such that both members are at a common temperature. Because the inner member was at an elevated temperature, and thereby expanded a greater amount than the outer member, cooling of the members results in a clearance between the members that provides for relative axial movement between the inner and outer members.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a display device patterns a conductive layer on a display substrate and forms pixel electrodes on the display substrate. A plate is employed for carrying separately fabricated active devices to the display substrate. The separately fabricated devices are connected to the conductive layers and the pixel electrode.

Abstract: An axle shaft for a differential assembly. The axle shaft includes a shaft structure and a flange structure. The shaft structure has a coupling portion with an engagement surface. The flange structure is formed in a fine blanking operation and has a mounting aperture with a contact surface. The mounting aperture is sized to receive the coupling portion such that the engagement surface and the contact surface are engaged to one another so as to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween. The shaft structure and the flange structure are fixedly secured to one another to facilitate the transmission of rotary power therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cardcage design. The improvements result from the formation of an integral cardcage side using a construction method involving precision punched sheet aluminum that is precision formed into final configuration. The integral cardcage side design provides ease of assembly for the cardcage while enhancing structural integrity, improves the alignment of circuit cards within the cardcage to the backplane, increases the airflow channels between the card guides, and adapts to incorporate additional features for airflow control. The manufacturability of the cardcage is greatly simplified by reducing the number of parts requiring assembly and by the use of simple and inexpensive tools and assembly techniques.

Abstract: A method for making a striker for a vehicle door latch produces such a striker having a longitudinal plate-like metal base and a U-shaped metal engaging member including a first leg part, a second leg part and a front connecting part. The first leg part has, at a front side portion thereof, a latch engaging part which is engageable with an engaging recess of a latch of the vehicle door latch device. The first leg part has, at a rear side portion thereof, a reinforced large diameter part with a larger diameter than that of the latch engaging part. A length of the reinforced large diameter part is 20% or more in the length of the first leg part.

Abstract: A method of securely attaching a plate to a malleable metal rod includes forming an integral, generally annular projection on one end of the rod. An opening through the plate is configured to receive the annual projection on the rod. The annual projection is inserted through the opening in the plate and is permanently deformed radially outwardly to overlie and contact the plate at a plurality of spaced locations. The deformations in the annular projection securely attach the plate to the rod.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and product-by-method of integrating a bias resistor in circuit with a bottom electrode of a micro-electromechanical switch on a silicon substrate. The resistor and bottom electrode are formed simultaneously by first sequentially depositing a layer of a resistor material (320), a hard mask material (330) and a metal material (340) on a silicon substrate forming a stack. The bottom electrode and resistor lengths are subsequently patterned and etched (350) followed by a second etching (360) process to remove the hard mask and metal materials from the defined resistor length. Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the bottom electrode and resistor structure is encapsulated with a layer of dielectric which is patterned and etched (370) to correspond to the defined bottom electrode and resistor.

Abstract: A winding on a stator of a rotary electric machine is constructed by welding end portions of a plurality of segments. A plurality of pairs arranged on an end of the stator are welded by a welder. In a welding stage, the pairs are held by a plurality of insertion rods of a circumferential side holding tool. The insertion rods are radially disposed. The insertion rods are movable in a radial direction. The insertion rods are moved back toward a radial outside to release a holding of the pairs after ball-shaped welding marks are formed. Holding is released without damage on the welding mark.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing radio frequency module components with a surface acoustic wave element includes a gold plating step of plating gold at a component bonded portion on a conductive surface of a ceramic multi-layer substrate 40 to have a mounted electrode 43, a surface acoustic wave element mounting step of face down bonding a flip chip 30 as the surface acoustic wave element on the ceramic multi-layer substrate 40 by the gold—gold connection, a side wall formation step of bonding a side wall member 60 surrounding the flip chip 30 onto the ceramic multi-layer substrate 40 by adhesives, a lid formation step of bonding a lid member 61 enclosing an opening of the side wall onto the side wall member by adhesives, after mounting the flip chip 30, and a soldered component mounting step of mounting a soldered component 50 by the use of solder, after the lid formation step.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: Linear configurations of metallic fuse sections have a bit combination which represents a characteristic of a circuit on a wafer. The metallic fuse sections need to be rid of a polyimide layer covering them in order to make it possible to burn the fuse sections. In the event of unsatisfactory adherence to process parameters and insufficient removal of polyimide on the metallic fuse sections, a resulting relative error in a characteristic of the circuit is minimized according to the method since the fuse section corresponding to the most significant bit is neighbored on both sides by other fuse sections.

Abstract: An actuator having two parts (3, 5) which extend in a main plane and are mutually connected by three bridges (7, 9, 11). The bridges can be shortened in respective shortening (Y1, Y2, Y3) directions parallel to the main plane by local heating and subsequent cooling down of the bridges. According to the invention, the shortening directions of the three bridges are parallel, and the two parts of the actuator are rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation (21, 23) extending perpendicularly to the main plane through alternate shortening of two adjacent bridges (7, 9 or 9, 11) of the three bridges. The two parts of the actuator can be rotated relative to one another in two opposite directions.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a lead frame. Generally, a first surface of a lead frame base tape is placed on a first surface of the lead frame. A second surface of the lead frame base tape is placed on a first surface of a porous block. A vacuum is placed on a second surface of the porous block. A device for processing lead frames comprises a porous block with a first side and a second side, and a vacuum system connected to the first side of the porous block. The device may also include devices for attaching chips to the lead frame and wire bonding the chips to the lead frame.

Abstract: Device for the contacting of a wire conductor (113) in the course of the manufacture of a transponder unit arranged on a substrate (111) and comprising a wire coil (112) and a chip unit (115), wherein in a first phase the wire conductor (113) is guided away via the terminal area (118, 119) or a region accepting the terminal area and is fixed on the substrate (111) relative to the terminal area (118, 119) or the region assigned to the terminal area by a wire guide and a portal, and in a second phase the connection of the wire conductor (113) to the terminal area (118,119) is effected by means of a connecting instrument (125).

Abstract: An improved structure of terminal connector pliers is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and circuit board assembly provide a zero interconnection height in a board-to-board interconnect while maintaining efficient space allocation for multiple axis connections by providing a floating connection in one plane thereby enabling a connection in another plane.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to methods and systems for forming die packages. In one exemplary embodiment, the method for forming die packages contacts interface areas of a die assembly to keep the interface areas free of an insulative material. The method distributes a flowable insulative material around portions of the die assembly.

Abstract: In order to improve the adhesion of a circuit to a circuit forming board, a separation film including a base film and a coating layer formed on the base film is joined to both the sides of the board. When a laser beam is applied to form a throughhole in the board, a unified portion of the board and the separation film is formed around the throughhole. An energy beam is applied to the whole or a part of the surface of a circuit formed at a circuit forming step to transfer a part of the separation film. Thus, a high density board where the circuit strongly adheres to the board can be realized in the manufacturing process of the circuit forming board.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for machining crankshaft comprising the following main operations: determining starting points; machining the ends, bearings and crank pins; producing lubricating oil holes; finishing the ends, bearings and crank pins, dynamic measurement and optionally removing material for balancing purposes. The method is characterized in that it consists in carrying out dynamic mass measurements and eliminating material for balancing purposes, before the finishing operations. The invention also concerns a device for implementing said method. The invention is applicable to production lines machining and balancing crankshafts.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric film element with increased durability is disclosed. The method of manufacturing the piezoelectric film element includes the steps of thermally treating a first film, and thermally treating a second film formed over the first film; whereby a dislocation layer is formed in the second film in a vicinity of an interface between the first film and the second film. Additionally, an ink-jet recording head including a pressure room substrate, a pressure room, and a piezoelectric film element is disclosed. The method of manufacturing the ink-jet recording head includes the steps of forming a pressure room in a pressure room substrate and manufacturing a piezoelectric film element at a position which makes it possible to press the pressure room.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tool to form a dynamic pressure bearing in which at least one of the bearing surfaces has a plurality of pressure generating grooves defined by projections and in which lubricating fluid is contained in the grooves to provide lubrication between the bearing surfaces when they rotate relative to one another. A flat bevel is created at one or more of the corners of each of the projections that define the grooves thereby generating a wedge-shaped space that communicates between the grooves and the gap between the bearing surfaces. This wedge-shaped space facilitates passage of lubricating fluid from the groove to the gap when movement, normally rotation, occurs between the two bearing surfaces thereby minimizing wear between the surfaces.

Abstract: A method of forming a drill bit structure, the method including fixing spacers to the drill bit structure. The spacers are arranged at preselected locations on an outer surface of the drill bit structure. A hardfacing material is then applied to the drill bit structure, and the spacers are removed. Holes are machined in the drill bit structure at the preselected locations, and drilling inserts are positioned in each hole. A method of forming a drill bit structure, the method including applying a hardfacing material to selected surfaces of the drill bit structure. The hardfacing material includes a perforated carbide infiltrated material and a perforated powder infiltrated material. The perforations in the powder infiltrated material correspond to the perforations in the carbide infiltrated material. Holes are machined in the drill bit structure at the locations of the perforations, and drilling inserts are positioned in each hole.

Abstract: A convertible knife assembly includes a knife and a conversion piece. The knife includes a blade with a handle end portion, a tip, a cutting edge intermediate the handle end an the tip, and a spine opposite the cutting edge. The conversion piece has a spine-opposing portion and a handle portion such that the conversion piece is adapted to be mounted on the knife pivotally with the spine-opposing portion opposing the spine of the blade and the handle portion opposing the handle of the knife. The action of a user squeezing the handle portion of the conversion piece and handle of the knife toward each other causes the spine-opposing portion of the conversion piece and the spine of the blade to move toward each other in order to bear against an object the user positions between the spine-opposing portion of the conversion piece and the spine of the blade.

Abstract: A combination contractor's pencil sharpener and retainer includes a sharpener having a body member which is inserted through a retainer loop mounted on a plate. The plate is attached to a contractor's tool belt, tool case or the like. The sharpener is retained by a U-shaped spring member which engages against a retention flange associated with the sharpener.

Abstract: A guide plate assembly for a chain saw includes a middle plate that is sandwiched and fixed between two side plates so as to define a guide groove among outer peripheries of the middle plate and the side plates. A saw chain can run within the guide groove. The middle plate has a plurality of first holes formed therethrough. Each of the side plates has a plurality of second holes formed therethrough that are aligned and communicated with the first holes in the middle plate.

Abstract: An adaptable neck tie tying method and template system are provided that can be customized to individual users, incorporated into the tie itself, as well as transferred from tie to tie.

Abstract: A mounting plate assembly for use in aligning electrical and plumbing components of a toilet flush valve installation includes a pair of rails having openings therein for use in attaching the assembly to wall studs of variant spacing. There is a plate with openings and fasteners on the plate and rails for variable mounting of the plate to the rails. The plate has an opening for installation of an electrical box and at least one opening for a water inlet pipe. A pipe locater is used to properly position a pipe within the plate opening. There are openings at upper and lower portions of the plate to insure its correct vertical alignment with a water drain from a toilet fixture.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tool for measuring depths of countersunk holes includes a worktable (1), a measuring member (30), and a display device (50). The worktable includes a measuring plate (10) defining four adjusting screw holes (17) in four comers thereof, and four adjusting rods (28) adjustably attached in the adjusting screw holes below the measuring plate. The adjusting rods are adjusted so that the measuring plate can be level. The measuring member is generally cylindrical, and includes a cylindrical head (32) having a conical tip (34). The display device includes a vertical central shaft (58), and a bearing sleeve (60) surrounding a bottom of the central shaft. The central shaft can move vertically through the bearing sleeve. The display device further includes a cylindrical body (52) having a display (54) showing a height value of a top face of the central shaft, and a zeroing button (56).

Abstract: A dehydration device and method is provided for the quick and efficient drying of garments wherein said dehydration device may be specifically adapted to receive an individual garment and may direct forced air into the interior volume of the garment to rapidly remove liquid and/or vapor from the garment. An optional heater may also be provided that is configured to accelerate the drying process.

Abstract: In a drum for a clothes drier having a plurality of baffles projected from the inner circumference of the drum, lifting and moving clothes, a drum for a clothes drier comprises a cylindrical body housing clothes and rotating and a plurality of baffles projected from the inner circumference of the cylindrical body in a length direction of the cylindrical body and lifting the clothes, wherein at least one baffle is installed at each disposal domain and is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the length direction of the cylindrical body when the inner circumference of the cylindrical body is divided into a plurality of disposal domains in the length direction of the cylindrical body. Accordingly, because the clothes housed in the drum can be regularly dispersed, contact of the clothes and heating air can be performed well, accordingly clothes drying efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: Waterproof, water vapor permeable shoe construction including an exterior upper, a waterproof, water vapor permeable functional-layer upper, a lining upper, and a sole. Both the waterproof, water vapor permeable functional-layer upper and the lining upper are in the shape of a sock and introduced separately into the shoe. The functional-layer upper and lining upper are preferably joined to the exterior upper only at a top opening of the shoe construction through which a foot is inserted. The functional-layer upper can be composed of individual pieces that are joined together by seams that are sealed, or it can be seamless.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe, especially a house slipper, has an outer layer constituted of a fabric material, and a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material. The fabric layer and the backing layer are molded integrally together to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance, quieter usage and increased shape retention.

Abstract: A spike shoe has a cushion mounted on the outer sole thereof. The cushion has spike-accommodating bores defined therein and each spike is accommodated in a bore. The cushion compresses as the wearer of the shoe places his or her weight on the sole of the shoe. The spike-accommodating bores are sized and shaped so the cushion adjacent to each bore contacts the spike accommodated in the bore during the compression of the cushion and prior to the cushion being fully compressed whereby each spike is wiped by the cushion every time the wearer places his or her weight on the shoe during a walking or running movement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a snow trail grooming accessory and method for use with an operating snowmobile to groom a snow trail during operation of the snowmobile. The accessory includes at least one mounting arm, the mounting arm being mountable directly to a track suspension of the snowmobile; and a snow collector/leveler secured to the mounting arm wherein when the mounting arm is mounted to the operating snowmobile the mounting arm and the snow collector/leveler are pulled behind the snowmobile with the snow collector/leveler substantially skimming over a level portion of the snow trail and the snow collector/leveler impacting at least a portion of a snow mound, a snow mogul or a snow displacement in the snow trail.

Abstract: A course-grooming vehicle with a rear tool carrier, to which a course-grooming device can be detachably connected, where the height and/or the angle of the rear tool carrier and/or of the course-grooming device can be varied by means of at least one adjusting element, and with an electronic control unit, which actuates the minimum of one adjusting element, is known. At least one sensor for the direct or indirect detection of an actual state of the surface of the course to be groomed by the course-grooming device is provided, which sensor is connected to the control unit, the control unit comprising a memory for storing at least one characteristic diagram and an evaluation unit, which compares the actual values detected by the sensor with corresponding nominal values of the characteristic diagram and which, as a function of the result of the evaluation, actuates the minimum of one adjusting element accordingly.

Abstract: A plow including a plowing vehicle and a moldboard has a decelerating fluid actuator which allows adjustable positioning of the moldboard with respect to the plowing vehicle. The cylinder has first and second ports which are successively blocked as the piston is retracted within the cylinder, with the second port being blocked after the first port during retraction. An enclosure is provided outside the cylinder, with the enclosure interior defining a passage between the ports and connecting the ports to a fluid supply. The flow area of the passage between the ports is adjustable to create a restriction. As a result, when the piston begins retraction, the retraction speed is dictated by flow through both ports, and when the piston retracts to a sufficient degree that the first port is blocked, retraction speed is dictated by the flow through the second port and the passage.

Abstract: A lift arm assembly for a small or “mini” loader is pivotally mounted onto a self propelled frame for movement between a raised and a lowered position. In the raised position, a support strut is provided that fits over an extended rod of the lift arm operating cylinder and will prevent the lift arm assembly from lowering. The support strut is stored in a front tubular cross member of the lift arm assembly. Additionally, the front cross member supports an upright strut that acts as a back stop for material in a bucket, by projecting upwardly beyond the bucket top so that if an object in the bucket tends to roll rearwardly, if the bucket is not leveled, it will be intercepted by the upwardly projecting portion of the back stop and deflected laterally.

Abstract: A clearing chain is mounted on a mobile track maintenance machine for excavating ballast material from a track bed. The chain is composed of shovel-type clearing members for gathering the ballast and intermediate chain elements positioned between the adjacent clearing members and connected thereto by means of chain joints, thus forming an endless chain. Each intermediate chain element comprises two chain joints spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the clearing chain. The chain joints are designed for receiving a hinge pin articulatedly mounted in the joint and releasably fastened to the clearing member.

Abstract: A combination greeting card carrier and scanable card is provided which permits the scanable card to be pivoted between an initial position where the scanable card is displayed and has a scanable area thereon extending from the perimeter of the card in a first position and a second position where the scanable card is concealed. A hinge member pivotally connects the scanable card to the greeting card carrier. The greeting card carrier may include a recess in a front panel thereof to permit the scanable card to lay flat in its initial presentation. The greeting card carrier may include indicia conveying a preprinted desired sentiment which corresponds to the goods or services made available to the recipient when using the scanable card.