Abstract: A zip fastener top-end piece arrangement in which the top-end piece of the zipper tape is formed of a top block and a bottom block, the bottom block having a top recessed hole, the top block having a bottom springy hook, which is disengaged from the top recessed hole of the bottom block to open the passage between the top block and the bottom block for enabling the zipper slide to be coupled to the zipper tape, or hooked in the top recessed hole of the bottom block to close the passage between the top block and the bottom block-after installation of the zipper slide in the zipper tape.

Abstract: There is provided an improved tab member for a closure system comprising a tab portion and a slot member. The slot member includes a slit or a loop, with the slot located between an inboard portion and an outboard portion. The tab portion has a tab member having a length, an inner edge, an outer edge and at least one lip portion. The tab member outer edge is passed through the slot of the slot member to engage the fastening device. Once passed through the slot, at least one lip portion of the tab member overlaps or catches the outboard portion of the slot member to prevent the tab member from disengaging from the slot member. The slot member outward portion is retained between the lip portion(s) and the underlying generally flexible tab carrier substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to specific, improved spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics comprised of continuous multi-component longitudinally splittable fibers. The resulting nonwoven fabrics exhibit enhanced flexibility, drape, softness, thickness, moisture absorption capacity, moisture vapor transmission rate, and cleanliness in comparison with other nonwovens of the same fiber construction. These improved aesthetic and performance characteristics permit expansion of high-strength nonwoven fabric materials into other markets and industries currently dominated by woven and knit fabrics that exhibit such properties themselves, but at high cost and requiring greater manufacturing complexity. Such enhanced fabrics are subjected to certain air impingement procedures, for instance through directing low-pressure gaseous fluids at high velocity to the surface of the targeted nonwoven fabric. Also encompassed within this invention is the method of treating such a specific nonwoven fabric with this air impingement procedure.

Abstract: A memorialization casket of the type which allows it to be personalized to the deceased comprises a shell, a lid closable upon the shell and an alcove structure mounted to an under side of the lid, the alcove structure including a recessed area adapted to receive an ornament for display. The casket lid may include a dish mounted to the under side of the casket lid, with the alcove structure being mounted to the dish. The dish may have a panel which may include an opening therethrough, with the alcove structure mounted in the opening of the dish panel. An alcove structure mounting adaptor may be mounted in the dish panel opening, with the alcove structure being mounted to the adaptor. The mounting adaptor may include a fastener fastening the alcove structure to the mounting adaptor. The alcove structure may include a fastener adapted to removably retain the ornament in the alcove structure.

Abstract: A method of co-texturizing glass fibers and thermoplastic fibers comprises passing a glass fiber strand through a texturizing gun, simultaneously passing a thermoplastic fiber strand through the texturizing gun with the glass fiber strand and injecting pressurized air into the texturizing gun concurrently with the glass fiber strand and thermoplastic fiber strands. This method produces a co-texturized fiber material comprising between 20-85% by weight glass fiber and 15-80% by weight thermoplastic fiber having an overall density of from about 20 grams/liter to about 200 grams/liter, and preferably from about 20 grams/liter to less than about 30 grams/liter.

Abstract: A fabricating method of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device including a driving portion having thin plates facing each other and a film-like piezoelectric/electrostrictive element formed on the surface of at least one thin plate of the thin plates, and a fixing portion and a movable portion in rectangular solid form. The thin plates are spanned so that the side faces of the movable portion and the fixing portion are continuous. The fabricating method includes steps of preparing a laminated body of green sheets comprising at least one green sheet to constitute the thin plate, and at least one green sheet with at least one hole formed thereon, sintering a green-sheet laminated body, and forming a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element on an outer surface of the thin plates of the sintered body obtained.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing a component from a fuel rail in an automotive fuel system. The tool has a pair of jaws connected to a pair of pivoting handles, which allow the jaws to be opened and closed. The jaws have an inner cavity shaped to conform to an outer surface of the component. A pair of release members are slidably mounted on an outer surface of the jaws. When the release members are moved relative to the jaws, rims on the release members contact a retention clip holding the component to the fuel rail. Contact between the rims and the clip causes the clip to disengage from a retention surface on the fuel rail, freeing the component.

Abstract: A blade removing tool for rotary lawn mowers includes a central support assembly forming a guide adapted to be positioned over a bolt holding a rotary lawn mower blade in position and to allow the passage of a socket wrench there through. An elongated handle has an interior end coupled to the support assembly and an exterior end adapted to held by a user. A projection extends downwardly from the lower plate perpendicular to the handle and adapted to be positioned on one side of a blade to contact the blade when a socket wrench tends to turn a bolt and the blade.

Abstract: A material delivery system has a trailer with a deck and a plurality of tanks mounted thereon. In preferred embodiments, a main tank has curved lower sidewalls and a pair of lateral support tanks have concave curved sidewalls for laterally supporting the main tank. The lateral support tanks and main tank are anchored to the deck as is associated ancillary components.

Abstract: A method of coating metallic substrates with weldable primer and at least one powder coating is provided by the present invention. The base powder coating contains flake pigments that align parallel to the surface when the powder coating is heated. Optionally, a clear top coating is applied over the base powder coating. Substrates coated by the method of coating are also provided. The method of coating allows substrates coated with weldable primer to be assembled into assemblies or finished parts by welding, and then to be coated with the powder basecoat and clear coat. The parts prepared have striking visual effects and performance comparable to conventional automotive parts but are prepared more efficiently and economically.

Abstract: A laminated ceramic electronic component significantly simplifies a step of forming external electrodes and has reliable electrical connection between an internal electrode and the external electrodes. A method for manufacturing the laminated ceramic electronic component includes the steps of forming composite sheets each having a conductor and a ceramic layer provided at the sides of the conductor on a carrier film, laminating the composite sheets with each other for forming a mother laminate, cutting the mother laminate in the thickness direction thereof so as to divide the conductor for forming laminates each forming one laminated ceramic electronic component, in which the conductor is exposed on the cut surface of the laminate, and firing the laminate so as to simultaneously form external electrodes from the exposed conductors and a sintered ceramic body.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor of orthogonal flux-gate type is provided with a cylindrical core made of a soft magnetic material; an internal conductor that is placed inside the core; a detection coil wound up on the core; and an external conductor that is placed around the core and electrically connected to the internal conductor. A high-frequency current is allowed to flow through the internal core so that a magnetic field to be measured which resides around the detection coil is changed and the intensity and direction of the magnetic field to be measured is detected on the basis of an output of the detection coil. Since the external conductor is placed on the periphery of the core, it is possible to prevent the magnetic flux formed by the core from magnetizing any space, and consequently to concentrate the magnetic field on the core.

Abstract: In a stator for a dynamo-electric machine, a winding includes a conductor having a rectangular cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction, an overall shape of the conductor being a crank shape when flattened out, and the conductor includes straight portions laminated within slots, and bridge portions connecting the straight portions to each other, the bridge portions protruding from both end surfaces of the stator core in the axial direction.

Abstract: Methods for forming data storage media and the media formed thereby are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method for forming a data storage media, comprises: injection molding a substrate comprising surface features, wherein said surface features have greater than about 90% of a surface feature replication of an original master; and disposing a data layer over at least one surface of said substrate; wherein said data storage media has an axial displacement peak of less than about 500&mgr; under shock or vibration excitation.

Abstract: A modular submersible repairing system includes a working unit having a tool module capable of repairing structures in a reactor. A scanning/pitching module is capable of being selectively connected to or disconnected from the tool module, and is provided with a scanning/pitching shaft for scanning or pitching the tool module. A submersible fan module is capable of being selectively connected to or disconnected from the scanning/pitching module. A first buoyant module keeps an orientation of the tool module. A base unit includes a manipulator module internally provided with an actuator driving mechanism. An adsorbing module is capable of being detachably mounted on the manipulator module and a wall. A second buoyant module keeps the orientation of the manipulator module. The scanning/pitching module and the manipulator module are provided with a submersible connecting device capable of being operated in water for engagement and disengagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming serpentine heat exchanger coils from spine fin tubing involves applying spine fins to a tube while simultaneously forming the tube into a serpentine shape. The bending and fin wrapping occurs while a feed roll continues paying out the tube without interruption. Multiple bends can be made simultaneously.

Abstract: A substrate for power semiconductor modules with a through-plating of solder, includes two metal plates and a ceramic plate which is seated as a layer between the metal plates and has a through hole formed therein. The substrate is plated through by making a through hole in one of the metal plates in alignment with the through hole in the ceramic plate and applying a paste solder to one side of the substrate. The substrate is then subjected to a furnace step, so that the paste solder flows into the through holes and the solder makes a permanent contact between the two metal plates. A method for producing the substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A printed circuit board and a method for manufacturing the same that facilitates the formation of an upper surface pattern and prevents a lower surface metal foil from being damaged when forming a blind via hole with a laser. A lower surface and an upper surface of an insulative substrate (5) are respectively coated with a lower surface metal foil (220) and an upper surface metal foil (210), the thickness of which is less than that of the lower surface metal foil (220). Next, an opening (213) is formed in the upper surface metal foil at a location corresponding to a blind via hole formation portion (35) of the insulative substrate. A blind via hole (3), the bottom of which is the lower surface metal foil, is formed by emitting a laser (8) against the blind via hole formation portion (35) through the opening (213). Then, a metal plating film (23) is applied to the wall of the blind via hole (3), and an upper surface pattern (21) and a lower surface pattern (22) are formed through etching.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a wire component on a substrate has a feed device for feeding a wire a predetermined length intermittently, and an insert device for cutting the wire fed out by the feed device, bending the cut wire to form a wire component, rotating and positioning the wire component, and then inserting the wire component in a hole defined in the substrate. In particular, irrespective of a position of the insert device, the feed device feeds out the wire in a direction where no interference would occur between the feed device and the insert device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for quickly and accurately determining the amount of metal to be removed from the lower portion of an engine block when the engine is to be stroked, i.e. have a longer, replacement, connecting rod installed to increase the engine's cylinder displacement.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing sliding bearings of the type in which a sliding guide surface is formed by using a resin liner, including fixing a thermosetting resin, which constitutes the resin liner, on the whole or a part of a sliding guide surface of a first member by an injection molding operation using the first member as a core, thereafter molding a second member, which covers a sliding guide surface of the first member, by a metal molding operation with the resin liner-fixed first member placed firmly as a core in a metal mold, and thermally curing the resin liner with the heat working on the sliding surface of the first member during the molding of this second member.

Abstract: A butterfly knife has a locking mechanism. The butterfly knife has a first handle component, a second handle component, and a blade hingedly coupled at a proximal end of the butterfly knife. The first and second handle components are moveable to an open position and a closed position. The locking mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the butterfly knife for securing the butterfly knife in an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A folding cutting tool which includes a handle having gripping depressions and a plurality of cutting blades. The blades are rotably connected to the ends of the handle to allow them to be folded into the handle or extend from the handle during operation of the tool. At least one blade has at least one depression that aligns with a depression on the handle. Alternatively, the blades of the tool may fold far enough into the handle to not interfere with the depressions in the handle. The depressions allow for the user to adequately grip the handle to perform a cutting operation.

Abstract: A scraper includes a primary jaw having a first top edge, and a secondary jaw having a second top edge and a bottom tail. The top edges of the jaws are normally opposite to each other. The secondary jaw is connected to the primary jaw between the second top edge and the bottom tail in a relationship of being movable and slightly rotatable with respect to the primary jaw. A wheel screw is threaded engaged with the primary jaw and adapted to move the bottom tail of the secondary jaw away from the primary jaw. Therefore, a blade may be held tightly between the top edges of the jaws when the wheel screw is tightened.

Abstract: A mounting and fixing structure of a handle and a tool head of a hand tool includes an urging ring, a fixing seat, a saw blade, an insertion shank, an insertion pin, and a screw. In such a manner, the saw blade may be retained by the insertion shank rigidly and stably, and the insertion shank may be secured in the mounting hole of the socket of the handle rigidly and stably, so that the saw blade may be secured on the handle rigidly and stably.

Abstract: A portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw includes a housing (6) of a drive unit (2). The following are mounted in the housing (6): an internal combustion engine (3), a carburetor (4) for fuel metering and an air filter (5) as well as a fuel tank (8). The air filter (5) is mounted ahead of the carburetor in the flow direction of the fresh air flow. A largest possible filter action is obtained with a compact configuration in that a housing (10) of the air filter (5) lies at least partially in a space between the carburetor (4) and the fuel tank (8).

Abstract: A 3D angle measurement instrument includes a casing having a top and bottom with side walls extending therebetween. A gyroscope is positioned within the casing and electrically connected to a battery power source. The gyroscope is capable of measuring acceleration and deceleration velocities of the casing indicative of angular rotation thereof. A microprocessor is positioned within the casing and is electrically connected to the gyroscope and battery. The microprocessor receives an output signal from the gyroscope and is capable of calculating an angular displacement value using the output signal and a corresponding time factor. The angular displacement value is displayed on an electronic display in angular degrees from a reference point.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure includes a cover, a base and a calibrated tape. The internal configuration of the retractable tape measure allows a much longer calibrated tape to be used than a conventional measuring tape.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electric hair dryer (10) including a body (12) with a rear end (16) allowing entry of air into the body (12), a front end (18) allowing exit of the air from the body (12), two cover plates (20) secured with the body (12), in which the cover plates (20) are movable between a first position in which at least part of the rear end (16) is blocked by the cover plates (20) and a second position in which the rear end (16) is unobstructed by the cover plates (20).

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided with a fire detection and suppression system which releases a fire suppressing substance into the dryer chamber upon detection of a fire condition. The fire detection and suppression system includes, a controller, at least one temperature detector which is in communication with the controller and sends a signal to the controller when a temperature set point has been reached and/or exceeded, a source of fire suppressing substance (preferably water) which is delivered to the chamber over a pathway; and a valve in the pathway controlled by the controller. The controller opens the valve when a fire condition is detected, and closes the valve after a time sufficient to introduce a predetermined volume of the fire suppressing substance has passed.

Abstract: A microfilm drying device and method are presented for salvaging and drying microfilm which has become wet due to excessive moisture resulting from high water, floods and the like. The device includes a needle assembly which is slidably affixed within a frame to direct air into the internal compartments of a flexible jacket containing microfilm strips. In another embodiment, a hand held drying device allows air to pass through a series of needles to dry the interior of the flexible jackets.

Abstract: Disclosed are unidirectional support devices and articles incorporating such devices. The devices are substantially flexible in one direction while substantially rigid in an opposing direction. The devices can be manufactured in essentially any shape or size and can be incorporated into a variety of articles of sports equipment, such as sport shoes, elbow braces, gloves, etc. The devices disclosed are typically made of polymeric materials, such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, nylons, polyesters, and polyester elastomers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A weighted footwear insert for use inside a footwear. The weighted footwear insert includes a weighted plate defining at least one longitudinal fold line and a plurality of transversal fold lines. The fold lines are specifically positioned so as to allow the weighted plate to follow the contour of the sole of a foot during movement of the latter.

Abstract: Foot wear with storage pack with features that are attractive to a child and encourage cooperation and use.

Abstract: A foot stimulating shoe insole including: an insole member of a somewhat soft material; a plurality of ventilation and fastening holes are opened in the insole member from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof; a plurality of ventilation-maintaining projecting portions that have a certain height and are disposed on the bottom surface of the insole member; and stimulating projecting elements disposed in the ventilation and fastening holes, each of the stimulating projecting elements having a stimulating part in its head part, a supporting shaft in its intermediate part, and a projecting anchoring part having an inverted truncated circular cone shape at its lower end. The stimulating parts have an inverted bowl shape and come in several types with different thicknesses. Also, the material of the insole member uses mugwort as a part of the material.

Abstract: A self-lifting electric iron having a handle and a soleplate and a support switch located on the handle. The iron has three retractable support rods capable of protruding beyond the soleplate to form a stand for supporting the iron in a horizontal stable position with the soleplate removed from the article being ironed or from an ironing board cover. The retractable support rods are operated by the support switch so that when the handle is not gripped the support rods protrude from the soleplate and when the handle is gripped during use the support rods are located within the iron.

Abstract: A promotional viewer includes a generally rectangular housing which can be engaged to an enclosure containing a recorded entertainment piece, or may be formed as an integral part thereof. The front surface of the viewer is provided with viewing apertures aligned over a portion of a continuous film loop mounted on turning rollers within the housing and illuminated by ambient light collected by a mirror in a lateral opening in the housing. To shield the other ambient illumination paths each of the viewing apertures may be provided with erectable shields.

Abstract: A displaying ornament with rotatable color disc includes a base and a color disc circumferentially rotatably mounted on the base. The color disc includes a plurality of parallelly arranged clear thin plates to provide a closed narrow space between any two adjacent thin plates. Each of the narrow spaces has a differently colored liquid and a small amount of air contained therein, and has a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced air-collecting units formed along an outer peripheral area thereof to catch air bubbles moving upward in the narrow spaces. When the color disc is rotated, air bubbles caught in the air-collecting units are moved from an upper position to a lower position in the color disc and automatically released from the air-collecting units to float and overlap each other in the narrow spaces to show non-uniform shapes, continuously creating dynamic and colorful views in the displaying ornament.

Abstract: An illuminated exit bar incorporates a light source within the elongated space defined between a door-mounted housing and a push bar. The push bar defines an elongated opening for light generated within the exit bar. An exit plate covers the push bar opening and defines light transmissive openings in the form of exit instructions. An exit insert of light transmissive material is configured to be complementary to the exit plate. Light is gathered from within the exit plate and conducted to the push face of the exit bar to provide illuminated words and/or symbolic instructions for egress. The illuminated light bar is configurable for installation on left or right hand opening doors by electrically altering the pattern of internal illumination and assembling some parts in alternative configurations. The illuminated exit bar is compatible with electronic building security systems. The pattern of illuminated instructions can be remotely altered to reflect changed security conditions.

Abstract: The invention is a device that enables a child's baby bib to be preserved and displayed along with other memorabilia in a permanent holder. The baby bib is mounted on a frame backing sheet by slits. The sheet is attached to a frame that allows for a removable placement of a display board, which may contain photographs and other memorabilia. The entire combined holder and display is readily mountable in a book or album.

Abstract: A rifle periscope (30) is provided for allowing an indirect line of vision without obstructing use of existing sight assemblies (18, 20) mounted on a rifle (10). The rifle periscope (30) includes a removable mount assembly (32) attached to a barrel (22) of the rifle (22) so as to allow for an unobstructed direct line of vision when using the sight assemblies (18, 20). The removable mount assembly (32) has a first surface (48) and a second surface (52). The first surface (48) has a viewing mirror (50) attached thereto for to providing a first indirect line of vision that is outside of a firing range of the rifle (10). The second surface (52) has a targeting mirror (54) attached thereto for providing a second indirect line of vision that is within a firing range of said rifle (10).

Abstract: The animated game bird decoy simulates wing movements of various species and creates the illusion of living waterfowl on water by disturbing the surface of the water. A wing/paddle constructed from a planar flexible material is mounted to a flexible stem situated beneath a stationary hollow decoy. An operating cord manipulated by a hunter is attached to the steam Alternately applying and releasing tension on the line causes movement of the flexible stem that imparts motion to the wing/paddle device. The oscillating movement of the wing/paddle device produces the illusion of a duck with beating wings on the surface of the water. The unit can be used in the absence of water, the hunter relying on the stationary decoy and the movement of the wings to attract waterfowl. The unit does not rely on motors or air movement, and activates only when the hunter applies and releases tension on the cord.

Abstract: A fishing float includes a hollow body with a first and a second electric power sets, and a conductive member received therein. A pendant is connected to an end of a resilient, whereas another end of the resilient is connected to one of the electric power sets, and located in a conductive member which is connected to another electric power set. Two caps each have an illuminating piece received therein and are respectively mounted to two ends of the body, one of the caps is movably mounted to the body and is pushed to form a circuit for the two respective illuminating pieces. The pendant swings when the bait is bitten by a fish and touches the conductive member to let the illuminating pieces light up.

Abstract: A sporting receptacle, e.g., a tackle box or pail for holding fishing articles has side walls, a bottom wall, an upwardly opening wide mouth and a pair of horizontally spaced apart sockets on opposing walls of the receptacle proximate its top edge. The sockets are positioned vertically and are supported by the side walls of the receptacle. A pair of L-shaped right angle brackets each includes a vertical and a horizontal leg. The vertical leg of each bracket is sized and arranged to slide into one of the sockets so as to extend upwardly therefrom above the receptacle for supporting various sporting articles at an elevation that is raised above the receptacle. The brackets are reversibly supported in the sockets to enable the horizontal leg of the bracket to be positioned so as to extend either outwardly beyond the side of the receptacle or centrally above the receptacle and are interchangeable between the tackle box and pail.

Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a door, such as an overhead door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.

Abstract: A flower pot for covering the top of a post has a central capped receiver channel with a square channel extending upward from the bottom of the flower pot, a transition channel extending upward from the square channel, a cylindrical channel extending upward from the transition channel and an upper cap. The flower pot accepts and self-centers on a variety of posts. An optional knock-out in the cap also allows the flower pot to be hung from an overhead support.

Abstract: A modular, expandable, self-regulating watering system for burial in planters, which do not have access to water pipes nearby for use in watering plants continuously with on the amount of water the plant needs and which can be refilled by relatively infrequent visits. The system is comprised of a plurality of hollow sections each of which has two upper ports and two lower ports, unless there are only two sections in which case only one upper port and one lower port is needed on each section. One section has a fill pipe that extends above the soil level. One section has an air port at the top thereof, or close to the top, which is coupled to an air tube, which is plugged at the other end with a hydrophilic sensor. Expansion sections can be added or subtracted to make the system larger or smaller. All sections are coupled together at their upper ports by flexible hose or tubing, and are coupled together by their lower ports by flexible hose or tubing.

Abstract: A turnstile entry gate comprising at least two, at equiangular distances on an arm carrier (5) mounted barrier arms (2-3), the arm carrier (5) being by way of a remote-controlled barrier device (6) arranged to permit or to prevent turning in at least one rotational direction. The arm carrier (5), or at least one of disks (7; 8) arranged near and connected thereto exhibits a magnetic strip (9) preferably extending circumferentially and adapted, by way of sensors, to indicate the position and the direction of movement of the turnstile. The barrier function of the device (6) is normally mechanically disconnected when one of the barrier arms (2-4) in the turnstile is in its home position, i.e. horizontally oriented, the sensor and electronic systems only checking that a passage has taken place and that, with the aid of e.g. a spring and/or hydraulics, the turnstile can assume its next home position.

Abstract: A seal for a pivotally mounted door, which is arranged to close off a load area on board a ship and is provided with sealing elements around the periphery of the door and exhibits battening jacks that are caused to move to batten down the door to the deck and bulkhead or parts thereof. A sealing element pivotally supported along the top and/or bottom edge of the door is capable of actuation by a number of the battening jacks causing it to be moved into a sealing (SP) position along the top and/or bottom edge of the door against a contact surface.

Abstract: A door system including a door movable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, a cable interconnected to said door near the bottom thereof, the cable extending along a vertical line adjacent the door and being normally, substantially taut, and an anti-drop assembly having a pawl pivotally supported on the door, a stop surface formed adjacent the door and a spring operable to urge the pawl toward engagement with the stop surface, wherein the pawl is oriented such that it rotates in a plane passing through the cable and placed in contact therewith such that the taut cable opposes the biasing force of the spring, whereby upon the cable going slack, the spring biases the pawl into engagement with the stop surface to decelerate the door.