Abstract: The present invention relates to a caster for a vacuum cleaner. The caster of the present invention is installed at and rotatably supported on a front portion of a bottom surface 40 of a main body of the vacuum cleaner. The caster comprises a caster body 52 protruding from the bottom surface to be rotatably supported on a horizontal plane and having a planar rear surface 54 with a predetermined width; and a caster roller 56 rotatably installed on a bottom surface of the caster body 52. The rear surface of the caster body 52 is formed with a slip-prevention protrusion 58 extending in a right and left direction. The caster 50 is in pairs in a right and left direction on the bottom surface 40 of the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A pavement dryer has a pick-up assembly operating with a gas processing system. The pick-up assembly has an assembly frame mounted on wheels and connected to the gas processing system, and a nozzle that is maintained in close proximity to a paved surface. The gas processing system has a system frame mounted on wheels, a compressor, and a collection chamber. The compressor draws air from the nozzle through the collection chamber. Water entrained in the air flow is removed from the paved surface and settles in the collection chamber. The water may be separated by gas centrifuges. The nozzle has a nozzle lip positioned to provide a controlled gap with the paved surface. The size of the gap can preferably be adjusted, preferably by a movable damper. The nozzle has a trailing edge seal that forcibly engages the paved surface, and preferably also has end seals.

Abstract: Street sweeper having dust control from two or more cleaning heads with one air source where one fan provides vacuum for a centrally located rotating broom which is surrounded by a vacuumized chamber and for a gutter broom which is surrounded by a vacuumized chamber. A plenum having a unique valving system and a filter shaker mechanism provides for filter cleaning and for a dirt and debris path from the plenum to a hopper bottom during filter cleaning.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner housing (10) with a vacuum source and an inlet (13) for dust-laden air communicating with the vacuum source. The vaccum cleaner has a separation system for particles separated from the airflow that is placed after the inlet as seen in the airflow direction. The separated particles are collected in a bag (21) of a mainly airtight material. The vaccum cleaner is provided with a closing and/or sealing arrangement by which a bag (21) inserted into the vaccum cleaner is closed and/or sealed before the bag is removed from the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A rotary brush for a vacuum cleaner comprises a drum 110 rotatably supported in a housing 21 of a brush assembly 20 and provided with bristles 111 on outer circumference, a bearing 120 including outer 122 and inner races 121 and having the outer race 122 press-fit in a groove 112 formed at an end of the drum 110, and a holder 130 having one side connected with the housing 21 and another side supporting the inner race 121 for the drum 110 to be rotatably supported in the housing 21. According to the present invention having the above-described structure, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of moving parts and also reducing the manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A battery-powered, upright vacuum sweeper comprises a base assembly and a handle pivotably attached thereto. The base assembly comprises a vacuum fan assembly fluidly communicating with an inlet for vacuuming dust and the debris particles from a surface into a removable reservoir. A rotating roller brush attached to the base assembly sweeps the particles into the inlet. A dust pad assembly comprises a disposable dust cloth extending over a portion of the base assembly in contact with the surface to be cleaned for removing dust particles which are not removed by vacuuming.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes several attachments and an attachment unit for accommodating the attachments. The attachment unit of the vacuum cleaner incorporates a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, or an upholstery brush. The attachments are connected to the attachment unit in a force fit and/or positive fit. The attachment unit, preferably, has a base body, to which the crevice tool and/or the upholstery tool and/or the upholstery brush is/are connected.

Abstract: A door holder door stop that uses magnetic force to hold a door in an open position adjacent an interior wall. The door holder door stop includes an elongated arm having a first end and a second end, a screw disposed at the second end, the screw to fixedly secure the arm to the wall. A magnetic surface is disposed on a magnetic head, the magnetic head attached at the first end of the arm. The door holder door stop further includes a metal plate having a first side and a second side. The second side having an adhesive surface to fixedly secure the plate to the door. When the door is opened and moved to towards the wall, the first side of the metal plate is attracted to the metal surface of the arm, and therefore the door is retained in the open position.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism of an image forming apparatus supporting a platen cover for holding an original at a fixed position on a platen glass includes a hinge unit for supporting the platen cover in such a manner that the platen cover can be opened and closed by swinging it up and down, a compression coil spring for biasing the platen cover in its opening direction, and a hinge holder attached to a housing of the apparatus for accommodating the compression coil spring. The hinge unit is provided with a hinge torque keeping mechanism which causes the compression coil spring to produce a specific amount of hinge torque to bias the platen cover in its opening direction even when the platen cover is closed.

Abstract: A hinge device comprises: an attachment member attached on an apparatus body side; a supporting member pivotally supported by the attachment member through hinge pins; a document press-contacting plate attached to the supporting member; compression springs elastically provided between the supporting member side and the attachment member in such a manner that the supporting member is enforced to pivot in a direction that the document press-contacting plate is opened; a damper set inside the compression springs and provided between the attachment member side and the free end side of the supporting member so that an abrupt pivoting at and from a predetermined angle measured from the supporting member is buffered.

Abstract: A hinge assembly, and an associated method, for hingedly connecting separate body portions, such as first and second housing portions of a mobile station, theretogether. The hinge assembly provides multiple axes of rotation including, at least, a transversely-extending axes and a longitudinally-extending axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece, associated, respectively, with the first and second body portions. The hinge pieces are coupled theretogether by a bearing that permits rotational movement about a longitudinally-extending axis. And, at least one of the hinge pieces is hingedly-connected to a body portion with which the hinge piece is associated to permit rotational movement a transversely-extending axis.

Abstract: An ergonomic handle is provided for a bicycle. The ergonomic handle includes a cross member to be mounted on the front fork of the bicycle, two bent members each extending from one of two opposite ends of the cross member and two curved members each extending from one of the bent members and including a grip portion near its free end. The grip portion of each of the curved members includes a convex upper side. The ergonomic handle is made of a compound material. The grip portion of each of the curved members includes a convex upper side for intimate contact with the palm of the rider's hand. The grip portion of each of the curved members includes a planar face formed on the lower side for increasing an area for contact with the fingers of the rider's hand. The planar face extends in a longitudinal direction of the grip portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card display device that includes two clips rotatably attached. A rivet connects the two clips and allows the clips to rotate with respect to each other. The design of one of the two clips allows it to grasp a card while the other clip grasps a user's clothing. In some embodiments, a suspender style clip serves as the card attachment. In other embodiments, a clothespin type clip serves as the card attachment. In some embodiments the first clip and second clip have only three separate jaws. The card attachment clip may include plastic or rubber gripping pads that aid in providing a secure grip.

Abstract: A container (120) includes a closure device (121). The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips. The slider includes a separator (133) that facilitates the deocclusion of the fastening strips. The container includes a seal (129) to provide a leak-proof closure by facilitating the occlusion of the closure device (121) after the slider (132) has been moved in the occlusion direction (114) and reached the end of the fastening strips. The seal (129) includes a curved portion that further facilitates the leak-proof closure. Additionally, a tactile indication that the closure device (121) has been fully occluded is given as the separator (133) passes over the seal (129). Similarly, an audible indication may also be provided. The seal may be accomplished by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing or adhesives that attach the sidewalls together.

Abstract: A two-part clip construction includes a U-shaped clip made from a plastic material with the legs of the clip spaced so as to fit over and then be deformed through a through passage in a leg locking member. The construction is especially designed to permit utilization of polymerics for forming the clips.

Abstract: A rubberized conveyor belt fastener is provided including a plate portion and elastomeric material that extends beyond lateral sides of the plate so that gaps between adjacent plate portions in a conveyor belt splice can be minimized. The plate portions can also include elastomeric material extending over the upper surface thereof to better absorb impact forces therewith. Preferably, the elastomeric material connects a strip of plates together. Both upper and lower plates can be provided with elastomeric material with the lower plates of solid plate fasteners having bolts preassembled thereto deriving the additional benefit of utilizing the elastomeric material to hold the bolt head in its lower plate aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved paper clip which is suitable for holding documents of different thicknesses. The improved paper clip includes three elements, which are a first clipping piece, a second clipping piece and a support beam. The first clipping piece is formed with a sunken slot therethrough and is connected to a bottom side of the support beam. The second clipping piece has a bending curve part and is connected to a top side of the support beam. The bending curve part is partially protruding into the sunken slot and is roughened to become a rough surface for increasing friction to tightly clamp documents. The inner surface of the support beam is a flat plane so as to provide a guiding function when the document is received between the first and second clipping pieces. The first and second clipping pieces are both adjoined to the inner surface of the support beam, such that the outer surface of the support beam substantially forms part of the outer contour oft the paper clip.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a plastic zipper which is equipped with a slider, imparted with a high degree of hermetical sealability, and easy to unseal and reopen/reclose; a plastic zipper which is equipped with a slider, and capable of further preventing unfair unsealing without the use of a slider; and a bag body fitted with the above plastic zipper with a slider.

Abstract: A container (120) includes a closure device (121). The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips. The slider includes first and second side portions (140, 142) and a top portion (144). The first side portion (140) includes pivot arms (158, 168). The pivot arms (158, 168) include shoulders (156, 166). The second side portion (142) includes pivot arms (152, 162). The pivot arms (152, 162) include shoulders (150, 160). The pivot arms (152, 158, 162, 168) create a pivot point for the shoulders (150, 156, 160, 166) that prevents the slider (132) from being removed from the fastening strips in the vertical Z axis (106). The shoulders move into the fastening strips when an upward force (180) is applied in the Z axis (106).

Abstract: A slide fastener comprises a pair of fastener tapes having fastener elements that constitute the engagement part and a slider for opening and closing the fastener tape. The fastener elements project from the tapes, and the projections are joined with each other so that the pair of fastener tapes are joined one above the other. The fastener elements can be coils or rows of teeth.

Abstract: A slider (10), a slider insertion apparatus (50) and a method for inserting the slider (10) on an interlocked fastener or zipper (25) of a reclosable bag (44). A loading rack (58, 72) feeds individual sliders (10) to the slider insertion apparatus (50) wherein the slider (10) is inserted on the interlocked profiles (24, 28) being held by a zipper guide (56). After insertion, a keeper (15) and retaining shoulders (19, 20) of the slider (10) secure an interlocking member (22) of the profile (24) from unintentional engagement with an interlocking member (26) of the opposing profile (28). A positioner (200) is used to move the inserted slider (10) and/or to move the attached reclosable bag (44) in conjunction with driving rollers (217) of a vertical form-fill-and-seal machine.

Abstract: A running length of fastener product is formed of longitudinally pre-oriented synthetic resin. The product is characterized by a base web and an array of discrete fastener elements protruding from at least one side of the web, the web being in a laterally stretched molecular oriented condition. After forming a preform having discrete fastener elements integral with a base web in a stretchable state, the preform is stretched in a manner that substantially increases the fastener element spacing and reduces the thickness of the base web. A machine is shown that is capable of lengthwise orienting before forming and widthwise stretching after forming, which employs controlled heating to render the product widthwise stretchable while preserving or achieving a desired shape of the fastener elements.

Abstract: A double-face velour fabric article consists of a fabric body having a technical face formed by a filament stitch yarn and a technical back formed by a filament loop yarn. The filament stitch yarn includes a heat sensitive material, e.g. a hot melt material or a heat shrinkable material, and/or an elastomeric material, such as spandex. The fabric body has a velour surface formed at both the technical back and the technical face. Raised fibers of at least one of the technical face and the technical back may be entangled, including in and/or through interstices of the fabric body, toward the other of the technical face and the technical back, e.g., by a hydroentanglement process applied after finishing. The fabric body has permeability of about 80 ft3/ft2/min, or less, under a pressure difference of ½ inch of water across the fabric body.

Abstract: A method for improving a quality of a fabric includes providing a nonwoven fabric a polyester component and a polyamide component, and subjecting the nonwoven fabric to at least one physical treatment so as to improve at least one of a softness and a drape of the nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A method for producing an artificial leather includes mixed spinning an island polymer and a sea polymer having a different dissolving property from that of the island polymer at a predetermined temperature, producing a non-woven substrate from the fiber obtained, immersing the non-woven substrate into a polymer, dissolving and removing the sea polymer in the non-woven substrate to obtain an artificial leather as a semi-finished product, and polishing the surface of the artificial leather to obtain an artificial leather having excellent dyeability and advanced fluff-like property. The ratio of melt flow index of the sea polymer to relative viscosity of the island polymer is about 20 to about 55, in which the relative viscosity of the island polymer is about 2.7 to about 3.5 and the weight percentage of the sea polymer relative to the sum of the sea polymer and the island polymer is about 30% to about 70%.

Abstract: A column-type machining arrangement for machining a workpiece is provided, including a machine bed; a traversable column slidably coupled to the machine bed; a tool carrier coupled to the column, the tool carrier configured to detachably couple to a tool for machining the workpiece; a plurality guideways to guide the traversable column on the machine bed, the guideways including a first guideway arranged on the machine bed below the column and a second guideway arranged centrally and laterally next to the column at a height equal to approximately half a height of the column; and a first drive arrangement configured to cause the column to slidably traverse on the machine bed, the first drive arrangement acting on the column at a level of the second guideway.

Abstract: An elongate, elastomeric fastener (13, 19) includes a head (13) and barrel section (19). The fastener may be installed into a hole (12) in a panel (11) by stretching by the elastomeric, elongated portion reducing diameter so that it passes through the hole (12) and fastens by releasing the force on the fastener (13, 19) allowing gripping around the hole (12). In yet a further embodiment, a central push-pin (35) may be used to apply an axial force on the fastener which is required to operate the fastener (13, 19).

Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention includes a support structure having a primary portion with first and second arm portions formed thereon for movement relative to one another, and a secondary portion with either a clamp portion or valve portion integrally formed on an outer end of each arm portion for movement therewith. A primary actuator is operably associated with the primary support structure for driving the arm portions relative to one another in response to an electrical activation of the primary actuator. Secondary actuators are operably associated with the secondary portions for independently driving the secondary portions between an opened position and a closed position in response to an electrical activation of each secondary actuator. Each of the actuators is operable independently of one another.

Abstract: A ramp member is provided for attachment with an edge of a floor mat to facilitate transportation of an object from a floor to an upper surface of the mat. A tab is provided which extends from the ramp member and defines a plane. Two projections extend from the plane of the tab out of alignment with the plane. Additionally, two cavities are formed in the ramp member adapted for receiving at least one of the two projections therein. A method of providing the same is included.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a laundry appliance (10) which comprises the steps of: a) manufacturing and assembling, in a first location, a laundry appliance (10) comprising an outer casing (12) in which is mounted a means for washing and/or drying laundry (102), the outer casing (12) including a fascia (20), the fascia (20) being removable from the outer casing (12); b) transporting the laundry appliance (10) to a second location; c) manufacturing at least one alternative fascia attachable to the outer casing (12) of the laundry appliance (10), the or each alternative fascia differing from the fascia (20) by colour, material or finish; d) transporting the or each alternative fascia to the second location; e) selecting the or an alternative fascia; and f) replacing the fascia (20) with the selected alternative fascia so as to change the final appearance of the laundry appliance (10). The invention provides a further method of manufacturing a laundry appliance (10).

Abstract: An arbitrary position of a pipe is clamped and a connector is engaged with the pipe. Then, an end portion of the pipe is expanded with a tool such as a diameter expanding punch so as to caulk the pipe to the connector from inside. As a pipe fluctuation-absorbing portion, which is a relief space of pipe material, is provided in a portion of an inner face of the connector, when the diameter-expanding portion is formed, an excess pipe material is absorbed there and the length of the pipe is reduced and adjusted to an appropriate value. A portion in which the pipe fluctuation-absorbing portion is formed is not limited to a forward end portion of the pipe but it may be formed on an inner face of the connector corresponding to an intermediate portion.

Abstract: A method for assembling a torque limiting device to be mounted to a member on the engine side is disclosed, the torque limiting device having a clutch plate 11 that includes a clutch disk 13, a spline hub 25 that has a spline hole 25a in the inner peripheral portion thereof, a damper mechanism 16 that links the clutch plate 11 and the spline hub 25 together, and a torque transmission controller 6 that is mounted to a flywheel 2, has friction facings 21 that are interposed between a pair of plates 30, 31, and which controls the torque transmitted thereby. This assembly method includes a first step in which the spline hub 25 and the torque transmission controller 6 are centered and attached to each other and the torque limiting device is assembled, and a second step in which the torque transmission controller 6 and the flywheel 2 are centered and the torque limiting device is attached to the flywheel 2 via the torque transmission controller 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and tool for producing a press joint connection. According to the invention, portions of the radial lateral walls of the matrix opening (3) are configured as flexible displaceable segments, whereas other sections (5), when viewed from the periphery of the matrix opening (3), remain rigidly connected to the die.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a rotor of an electric motor to be arranged inside a stator, a permanent magnet is formed in a ring-shape, and a rotating shaft and the permanent magnet are concentrically arranged in a mold. Then, a rubber material in a fluid state is poured into a space between the permanent magnet and the rotating shaft to vulcanize and mold a cushioning member having predetermined hardness. The permanent magnet and the rotating shaft are integrally coupled through the cushioning member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes stacking a plurality of segments of a first plate member and connecting the segments together to thereby assemble the first plate member, fixing a plurality of segments of support-post members to the first plate member and connecting the support-post segments to thereby assemble the support-post members, providing a magnet device assembly by connecting a first magnet device and a second magnet device together by a connection pipe, fixing the magnet device assembly to the first plate member and to the support-post members and sequentially fixing and stacking a plurality of segments of a second plate member on the second magnet device to thereby assemble the second plate member.

Abstract: The disassembling tool for a process cartridge has a base body, an engagement portion provided on the base body and adapted to be engaged with the process cartridge to thereby position the process cartridge, a pushing-out portion provided for movement relative to the base body for pushing out a coupling member, and a grip portion adapted to be gripped when the pushing-out portion is to be moved, and connected to the pushing-out portion, and the engagement portion is provided at a location opposed to the pushing-out portion in a movement direction in which the pushing-out portion is moved. Thereby, a process cartridge having a frame can be simply disassembled.

Abstract: A flexible wiring board according to the present invention comprising growing metal bumps 16 using a mask film patterned by photolithography. Fine openings can be formed with good precision, therefore, fine metal bumps 16 can be formed with good precision because laser beam is not used to form opening in a polyimide film. After metal bumps 16 have been formed, the mask film is removed and a liquid resin material is applied and dried to form a coating, which is then cured into a resin film. The coating can be etched at surface portions during coating stage to exposed the tops of metal bumps 16.

Abstract: A method includes populating components in a cavity of a substrate, disposing a polymer over the components and within the cavity. The polymer is cured and a thin film is formed on the polymer. In addition, a method includes forming an EMI shield within a medical device by depositing a thin film of metal on a surface within the medical device. The thin film of metal, of gold, aluminum, or copper, is formed by vapor deposition or sputtering. An apparatus includes a first substrate assembly including a first substrate having a cavity. A first set of electronic components are disposed within the cavity, and a first polymer is disposed over the first set of components. Deposited on an outer surface of the first polymer by vapor deposition is a thin film of metal. The thin film of metal is electrically coupled with a ground. A second substrate assembly including a second substrate is coupled with the first substrate assembly.

Abstract: An interposer for interconnection between microelectronic circuit panels has contacts at its surfaces. Each contact extends from a central conductor, and has a peripheral portion adapted to contract radially inwardly toward the central conductor response to a force applied by a contact pad defining a central hole on the engaged circuit panel. Thus, when the circuit panels are compressed with the interposers, the contacts contract radially inwardly and wipe across the pads. The wiping action facilitates bonding of the contacts to the pads, as by friction welding, or by a conductive bonding material carried on the contacts themselves.

Abstract: Electrical circuit trimming methods. In one aspect of the invention, a trimming method includes assembling one or more components of an electrical circuit onto a printed circuit board having one or more electrical connections coupled to the said one or more components. An electrical parameter of the electrical circuit is then trimmed. The trimming of the electrical parameter of the electrical circuit includes removing a portion of the printed circuit board to break the electrical connection on the printed circuit board. In another aspect of the invention, the trimming the electrical parameter of the electrical circuit includes electrical programming of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to mount a capacitor plate to a substrate, under a component. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to assemble a capacitor plate on a substrate. A second embodiment of the invention involves a method to fabricate a capacitor plate. A third embodiment of the invention involves an assembled substrate with a capacitor plate on the second side of the assembled substrate, under an electrical contact area of a component on the first side of the assembled substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for carrying out nondestructive testing of a gas turbine blade during which corrosion areas, which are located near the surface and which consist of oxidized carbides or of base material that is sulfidized near the surface, are determined by means of an eddy current measurement. As a result, the blades can be ground or sorted, in particular, before subjecting the gas turbine to a complicated cleaning and coating process.

Abstract: An electronic assembly comprising one or more high performance integrated circuits includes at least one high capacity heat sink. The heat sink, which comprises a number of fins projecting substantially radially from a core, is structured to capture air from a fan and to direct the air to optimize heat transfer from the heat sink. The heat sink fins can be formed in different shapes. In one embodiment, the fins are curved. In another embodiment, the fins are bent. In yet another embodiment, the fins are curved and bent. Methods of fabricating heat sinks and electronic assemblies, as well as application of the heat sink to an electronic assembly and to an electronic system, are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved system and method for producing manifolds such as those used to direct exhaust gasses from an internal combustion engine into a turbocharger. The manifold is made from two or more pieces which are machined in such a way as to create passageways when the separate pieces are assembled together. The method is much faster and easier to produce than present methods and allows for improved accuracy. The ability to machine these manifolds using computer controlled machines will lower costs and improve quality.

Abstract: A cable stripper of the type typically used by an operator to remove the outer insulation layer from a coaxial cable having a ridged outer conductor such as that typically used in the telecommunications industry. The cable stripper includes unique stop devices that actually engage the stripped outer conductor so as to prevent removal of more than a predetermined length of the outer insulation and so as to present the distal end of the stripped cable for trimming so that the cable is properly prepared for use and installation.

Abstract: A chamber is formed in the upper end of a brush saw cutting head housing. The brush saw cutting element drive spindle's upper end projects into the chamber. The drive spindle's lower end projects beneath the housing and is drivingly couplable to the cutting element. A disc is mounted against the underside of the cutting element. A cavity is formed in the disc. At least one channel extends through the disc, between the cavity and the disc's external rim. An aperture extends through the drive spindle, between the chamber and the cavity. Herbicide supplied to the chamber flows from the chamber, through the drive spindle aperture, into the cavity. The drive spindle rotates the disc. Centrifugal force imposed on herbicide within the cavity forces the herbicide through the channel(s) onto the underside of the cutting element, for transfer onto the stumps of material cut by the element.

Abstract: A metallic housing utility knife and method for making the device with a soft over molded elastomeric cover to provide blister free comfort and slip proof safety. The cover or skin is molded into the unique structure of the housing in a fashion that results in mechanical bonds that embrace the cover on the housing. The knife includes flexible posts from the cover that project into the blade storage compartment of the housing to prevent internally stored spare blades from moving within the storage compartment. An elastomeric blade clamp integrally formed with the cover serves to restrict lateral movement of blades of varying sizes when installed in a cutting position within the knife assembly. A rear quick release latch and interlocking housing sections provide a convenient way to open and close the knife and assure that it is also secure and firmly held when locked in a safe cutting position.

Abstract: A hand held hair trimming device which when pulled through the hair trims only a determined portion of the ends of hair strands while leaving adjacent hairs uncut. The device will cut a predetermined length off only the distal ends of the hair shafts each time it has the hair drawn through one or a plurality of serpentine pathways formed by retainer cavities and an engageable retainer. The cutting head portion of the device may be removed and replaced and optional hair dryer or vacuum may be attached to an aperture on the rear of the cutting head to dry hair, vacate cut ends, or encourage distal ends of hairs toward the cutting blade.

Abstract: A combination spoon and straw utensil is advantageously manufactured on extrusion forming equipment, which also provides improved manufacture of straws or dip tubes with feature sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to folding knives and implements, and more specifically to a locking mechanism used to prevent the inadvertent closing of the knife blade as well as overextension of the knife blade during use.