Abstract: A baby bed has four upper corner elements joined to horizontal and vertical rods. Each upper corner element includes a main body, and an ornamental cover detachably fitted over the main body; the main body has a connecting hole on a bottom extension, and the ornamental cover has a hook for engaging the connecting hole of the main body. Two ends of the main body are formed with narrow slots, and two ends of each horizontal support rods are formed with thin and flat shape; the horizontal support rods are inserted into the slots of the main body at the plate-shaped end portions, and pivotally connected to the main body with pivotal pins. Dimensions of the baby bed can be reduced when it is in a folded position because the slots of the main body occupy relatively little space as compared with a round hole.

Abstract: A beach blanket includes a panel member that has an upper surface and lower surface. The lower surface is for resting on a beach. The upper surface is for supporting a user when the user lies on the upper surface such that the panel member is positioned between the user and the beach. The panel member has a plurality of anchor pockets. Each of the anchor pockets are positioned proximate a perimeter edge of the panel member. Each of the anchor pockets is for receiving some of the sand from the beach such that the anchor pockets anchor the panel member to the beach when the anchor pockets have some of the sand within the anchor pockets.

Abstract: Safety equipment for a bed includes sheeting (14) arranged to be securable to a mattress (12) and an inflatable wall structure (10) secured to the sheeting. The inflatable wall structure is arranged so as to define an upstanding wall which, in use, in an inflated condition, serves as a barrier to someone falling out of bed and as a cushion which protect an occupant of the bed from injuring themselves against the structure of the bed. The wall structure may include lengths arranged to be collapsable along lines transverse to the length to permit the wall to concertina to adopt the profile of a profiling bed.

Abstract: An overlapping siderail assembly for a bed having a head end and a foot end as well as a support deck. At least one pair of siderails are provided on one side of the bed, each one of the pair having a generally uniform thickness over a majority of a length of each thereof and extend in a plane that is generally parallel to a plane containing a longitudinal axis of the bed. First and second ones of the pair of siderails each have a head end and a foot end, the foot end of the first one having a first region of reduced thickness on a first side thereof facing in a first direction, the head end of the second one having a second region of reduced thickness on a second side thereof facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second regions are oriented in an overlapping side-by-side relation so that there exists no longitudinal gap between the first and second ones of the pair and the thickness at the overlapping location conforms to the aforesaid uniform thickness.

Abstract: A surgical table which includes a patient support surface 16 for receiving a patient, a vertically-movable support column connected to and supporting the patient support surface, and a pair of four-bar linkages for laterally tilting patient support surface relative to the support column. The support column includes a base that is mounted for vertical movement between a first position in which the surgical table is movable on rollers and a second position wherein the base contacts the floor to lock the position of the surgical table during a procedure. One or more trays may be pivotally connected to the patient support surface and selectively deployed to hold objects such as surgical instruments.

Abstract: There is provided a pad for a medical patient to be placed in a supine position thereon during a medical procedure which requires the use of cable in monitoring the patient during the procedure. The pad includes a cushioned substrate having a top surface adapted to contact the patient and a bottom surface adapted to contact a procedure table. The substrate has an outer edge about its periphery. An elongated channel is attached to the substrate along a portion of the outer edge. The channel is adapted to house a portion of cable which is used during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A head bed having a head cushion adapted to extend in an inclined position on the upwardly-facing top surface of a support adjacent an edge of the support, and an upper torso cushion adapted to hang down across the edge of the support.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment bed with features to enhance the care and comfort of burn patients and others subject to extensive recuperative periods. Among the features are patient engaging fluidized bead surfaces integral with the upper surfaces of air cushions provided by an air bed. Detachable conformation of the fluidized bead surfaces is also provided.

Abstract: A force optimization apparatus is provided including a patient support surface and an interface pressure sensor.

Abstract: A body support apparatus, for example, a bed, includes a support surface defined by support members. Each support member is mounted for movement in a direction substantially normal to the support surface. Support members are so arranged that movement of any one of the support members in a direction substantially normal to the support surface and beyond a threshold distance relative to an adjacent support member causes movement in substantially the same direction of said adjacent support member. No movement of a support member is caused by the movement of an adjacent support member when the distance of relative movement is below the threshold distance. The support members are resiliently urged towards an unloaded position, by tension springs.

Abstract: A mattress has a quilted internal pillow wherein one or more internal layers of material are quilt-stitched prior to encapsulation in mattress upholstery. The quilted internal pillow is positioned relative to a support surface of an innerspring or spring core of a mattress to provide support characteristics determined by the quilt stitch pattern. In a related method of manufacture of a mattress with an internal quilt stitched pillow, the layer or layers of the pillow are processed through a quilter stitching machine and then assembled in combination with a mattress spring core and upholstery. The quilted internal pillow may be located adjacent to the spring core, spaced from the spring core by other internal layers of material, or located adjacent to or within a mattress pillowtop, and in each embodiment on one or both sides of the mattress.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. The handles can be releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement and a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly can extend transversely through openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The interchangeable implement can be pivotally attached to the axle. Alternatively, the implement can be releasably coupled to the handles by a latch. The latch can include a rocker with a locking tab that is biased into locking engagement with the implement by a spring plate.

Abstract: A multifunction tool includes a pair of handles, each handle having two side walls and a plate connecting the two side walls. A pair of jaws is coupled to the handles, each jaw having at least one pin extending therefrom. A slot is disposed in at least one side wall, the slot configured to receive the pin, whereby the jaws are slidably coupled to the handles such that the jaws have a retracted position and an extended position. At least one ancillary tool is coupled to one of the handles.

Abstract: A method of constructing an elevated roadway, utilizing a crane having an articulated boom arm and a gripping mechanism, at the end of the arm for gripping a pylon, below a roadway cradle of the pylon, in order to temporarily transfer loads, generated by a tramway moving a precast bridge section along the crane arm and onto a pair of cradles, mounted upon the pylons. The construction method permits the crane to be positioned on an assembled portion of the elevated roadway, while constructing the remaining portion of the elevated roadway.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an electric toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a housing, an electric motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The electric motor is connected to the housing has a motor output member for rotation about a motor output axis. The first transmission is connected to the housing, and converts rotational movement from the motor output member into rotational reciprocating movement at a first average angular speed. The second transmission is linked to the first transmission, and converts rotational reciprocating movement from the first transmission into rotational reciprocating movement at a second average angular speed about a second transmission output axis that is parallel to the motor output axis. The second transmission drives an output member to reciprocate at the second average angular speed about the second transmission output axis. A brush head is removably connectable to the output member.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device that can fit onto a human finger is provided. The oral cleaning device, or dental wipe, is at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the wipe can more aptly fit onto a finger. Furthermore, the wipe, in some instances, can possess a barrier that is liquid-impervious, but vapor-permeable so that the finger of a user is more comfortable during cleaning. Various additives can be applied to the wipe to aid in the cleaning process.

Abstract: A paint roller having modular, rebuildable sections including a hollow tubular handle terminating in a cylindrical end connected to an offset midsection and a roller spindle rod. The offset midsection includes a pair of clamps at opposed ends. The first clamp includes a clamp body with a slotted opening and a collar having an opening within which said cylindrical end is received. A screw passing through the clamp body and collar is turned to retract the collar into the slotted opening thus locking the handle to the midsection. A second clamp includes a clamp housing with a threadable opening, a plastic bushing transverse to the threadable opening and a spindle rod having ridges passing through the plastic bushing. A set screw is insertable within the threadable opening, pushing a plastic surface of the plastic bushing into the ridges and locking the spindle rod to the clamp and attached midsection.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system that includes a feature which will eliminate the build-up of snow and ice on windshield wiper blades. This feature is an operator initiated activation of a mechanism that produces a slapping action of the wiper blades against the windshield causing the snow and ice build-up to dislodge and fall away. The slapping device is activated by the operator pushing a tab or push button. The slapping motion is accomplished by pivoting the oscillating wiper arm shaft mount, while in the vertical position, by a linkage connected to the wiper arm shaft mount. A solenoid pulsed from a pulse generator moves the linkage which in turn lifts the blade and slaps it back against the windshield.

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A nozzle assembly 67 is mounted to the base housing and provides a fluid flowpath 182 for dirty cleaning fluid from the floor surface to the recovery tank. The nozzle assembly is pivotable from a first position, in which the fluid flowpath communicates with the recovery tank, to a second position, in which the nozzle assembly is spaced from the recovery tank to allow the recovery tank to be removed from the base housing. A second flowpath 138 is formed on the recovery tank between the tank and a nozzle plate 136. The flowpaths have openings 218, 140, respectively, at their lower ends, which are located either side of two longitudinally spaced brushrolls 60, 62. A flap valve 474 selectively closes both flowpaths during above floor cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a hinge for the hinging of spectacle temples, which allows the automatic closing of the temples on the same front of spectacle which has been removed from the head or which features one or both temples in open or wide-open position. A hinging element is provided attached to the endpiece of the front, which is cam-shaped with an eccentric profile progressively increasing from its internal position to its external position and on which a follower runs. The follower is guided in an axial hole 23 in the temple 20 to be hinged and together with an elastic medium which acts axially with the hinge pin while the follower works on an inclined plane produced by the shape of the cam to help the automatic return of the temple 20 in the closing phase.

Abstract: A hinge cover is for use in connection with a hinge having a pivotal axis and typically two leaves penetrated by fasteners with heads. The hinge cover comprises a plate covering the leaf The plate is attached either to the hinge or to the fastener heads with an adhesive pad having a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface. The plate has a skirt projecting outward from the plate lower surface, so as to cover the leaf edges and the leaf distal end.

Abstract: A high strength easily assembled hinge assembly for supporting an access door upon a modular section of an air handling system. The assembly includes a pair of spaced apart mounting flanges that are connected by an arm. One end of the arm is pivotably mounted in a first end flange and integrally mounted on the second flange. The first mounting flange is locked to the framework of the modular section using a special clamp that acts in conjunction with a locating frame that registers the assembly in a home position. The second mounting flange is secured to the door using a pair of mounting screws.

Abstract: A hinge for mounting a door to an enclosure includes a first leaf, a second leaf, and a pin. The first leaf includes a first tongue attached to a surface formed on one of the door or the enclosure, and a first knuckle depending from the first tongue. The first knuckle includes a tab depending therefrom, and the tab extends through an aperture in a flange depending from the surface. The second leaf includes a second tongue coupled to another of the door or the enclosure, and a second knuckle coupled to the second tongue. The pin extends through the first and second knuckles. A method of assembling a hinge to a door includes: extending a portion of the hinge within an aperture in the door; applying a magnetic force to the portion of the hinge to secure the portion of the hinge within the aperture; and securing the hinge to the door with a fastener while applying the magnetic force.

Abstract: A cabinet hinge configured to pivotally couple a cabinet door to a frame is disclosed. The frame includes an edge with a first side and a second side. The cabinet hinge includes a door wing configured to be mounted to the cabinet door. The cabinet hinge also includes a frame wing configured to be mounted to the frame and including a wrap portion. The wrap portion includes a first wrap portion configured to wrap around the first side of the frame and the second wrap portion configured to wrap around the second side of the frame. The first wrap portion is configured to extend along the cabinet frame a sufficient distance to prevent splitting of the frame material under normal usage and following normal mounting procedures. The cabinet hinge also includes a hinge arm configured to pivotally couple the door wing and the frame wing. The first wrap portion is configured with a raised surface configured to contact the frame first side.

Abstract: A handle for a container includes a retaining portion for securing between a mounting band and an outer peripheral surface of the container. A holding portion extends from the retaining portion. A gripping portion extends from the holding portion. Wherein positioning the mounting band relative to an outer peripheral surface of a container and wedging the mounting band relative thereto secures the retaining portion of the handle relative to the container and permits a user to hold the holding portion and grip the gripping portion during use of the handle.

Abstract: A handle for tape dispenser includes a plastic grip formed via a first time injection molding. The grip is provided at front and rear sides with shallow recesses that have smoothly curved profiles and predetermined depths. The grip is then positioned in a forming machine, so that two covers formed from a thermally plastic rubber material via a second time injection molding are set in the shallow recesses to tightly attach to the plastic grip, enabling comfortable and stable holding of the tape dispenser at the grip without unwanted sliding of the handle relative to a user's hand. Etched patterns, densely distributed dots or other grains may be formed on outer surfaces of the rubber covers to provide enhanced grip resistance.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes a roll having a direction of rotation and a clothing for carrying thereon fiber material; a cover partially circumferentially shrouding the roll; an air passage opening provided in the cover; an air guiding element bordering the air passage opening; a support for movably holding the air guiding element for varying a distance between the roll and the air guiding element; a pressure sensor for measuring a static pressure between the cover and the roll; and an arrangement for setting a position of the air guiding element as a function of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for creating a seal which includes an upper seal member, a lower seal member, and a slider, wherein mating surfaces of the upper and lower seal members interlock. A lifting rib on the slider cooperates with a lifting wing on the upper seal member and a closure bar cooperates with a closure bar groove of the lower seal member. By moving the slider in one direction, the lifting rib lifts the upper seal member from its interlocking relationship with the lower seal member. Moving the slider in the opposite direction causes the upper and lower seal members to interlock. Also disclosed is a seal device which includes upper and lower seal members and a cooperating slider and plug. Each of the slider and plug cooperate with first and second mating surfaces of the upper and lower seal members. In addition, the slider and plug have an exterior tongue and groove portion which cooperate to interlock the slider and the plug.

Abstract: A moisture applicator is positioned to apply moisture to a pile fabric prior to the blades of a tip shearing cutter contacting the carpet so that moisture may be selectively applied for one of a number of purposes such as, but not excluding, creating a pattern, and/or providing a more uniform appearance as viewed from above in the event that the latex securing the polypropylene layer is not uniform across the width of the carpet. While moisture application may take one of a variety of forms, the preferred embodiment utilizes a steam applying moisture applicator wherein the selected portions which have moisture applied are cut to a deeper depth than the unselected portions which do not have moisture applied thereto.

Abstract: A method of producing memorial items for memorializing a deceased comprises providing a casket in which to inter the deceased, providing a plaque to be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased, inscribing the casket with an inscription of memorialization and inscribing the plaque with the same inscription of memorialization. Another method of memorializing a deceased comprises providing a casket in which to inter the deceased, providing a plaque to be presented to a loved one of the deceased as a memorial to the deceased, inscribing the casket with an inscription of memorialization, inscribing the plaque with the same inscription of memorialization, interring the deceased in the inscribed casket and presenting the inscribed plaque to the loved one of the deceased. A combination of memorial items for memorializing a deceased comprises a casket and a memorial plaque, with the casket and plaque having inscribed thereon the same memorialization inscription.

Abstract: A method for producing titanium alloy brazing strips and the resulting brazing strips and/or foils. The method uses a cold-rolling process without annealing to generate a titanium based multi-layer alloy strip or foil made up of discrete layers of titanium and an additional layer or layers of one or more metals, such as nickel and/or copper, for example, or alloys thereof, with the layer of titanium roll bonded without annealing to the layers of the additional metal(s). The resulting strip or foil can include, for example, Cu/Ti/Cu, Ni/Ti/Ni, and Ni/Ti/Cu, and also, for example, Cu/Ni/Ti/Ni/Cu, and Ni/Cu/Ti/Cu/Ni, among other combinations. The resulting strip or foil can be used for brazing, creating an alloy of the weight percentage of the original materials.

Abstract: An underwater wide-band electroacoustic transducer and a method of packaging the transducer. The underwater wide-band electroacoustic transducer comprises of several groups of piezoelectric ceramic units and acoustic window material. To produce the underwater wide-band electroacoustic transducer, groups of piezoelectric ceramic units each having a different dimension are assembled such that each ceramic unit separates from each other by different distances. The frequency response of each ceramic unit groups are added together to provide a wide-band frequency response. The acoustic window material is injected to joins the ceramic unit groups together into a package.

Abstract: A welding gun electrode reshaping device includes a head with satellites supported by a satellite holder to identify between them opposing seats for the gun electrode tip. The satellite holder is powered to be rotated around the seats to move the satellites around the electrode tip zone and cause reshaping of the electrode tip. In the seats there is a support member for the electrode tip with a surface designed for simultaneous smoothing of a ‘lense’ zone on the electrode tip. A movement mechanism enables positioning of the head in an operational zone.

Abstract: A turret includes a housing connected to a machine tool, a rotatably mounted toolholder for mounting of machining tools, and an electric drive for rotating the toolholder into a particular working station for the machining tools. The electric drive has a rotor and a stator with coil windings. The rotor of the electric drive is connected to the toolholder. The stator is connected to elements of the housing. The rotary movement for the toolholder is generated without gearing and directly by the electric drive of the rotor enclosing the stator. Since both the rotor and the stator are enclosed by the toolholder and since the rotor is in direct contact with the toolholder on the side of the external circumference and rigidly connected to the toolholder for transmission of torque, the rotor-stator layout creates an external rotor for the electric drive. In that layout, the rotor rotates externally, with the tool holder and the stator being mounted internally of the housing.

Abstract: A seal ring tool that allows an installer to position a primary seal ring between hub ends of pipe flanges that are being assembled together. The tool includes a pivoting handle member and extension arms attached to the pivoting handle member. The ends of the arms have side indentation type longitudinal grooves angled toward one another for holding the primary seal ring in place between the hubs of respective pipes that are to be attached together. The arms of the tool can also have flat sides that can be used to abut against an optional second larger seal that is supported within a groove in one of the hub ends so that the second hub end can then be moved against the other side of the primary seal ring. Once the seal ring is positioned between the pipe hubs, the pipe hubs can be moved about the seal ring due to the flat sides of the arms of the tool. The tool eliminates the chances of damaging and contaminating seal rings being installed within pipe hubs that are being attached to one another.

Abstract: An electric cord connector kit is adapted for electrically connecting two electric cords together and includes a connector which is made of flexible material and a pinching device. The connector includes an insulating layer, a fastening member, which is enveloped in the insulating layer, having two spaced apart fastening arms adapted for receiving the two electric cords therebetween, and a plurality of protuberances integrally projected from inner peripheries of the fastening arms of the fastening member through the insulating layer. The pinching device is arranged to hold the connector in position and compress the connector in such manner that the protuberances are penetrated through sheaths of the electric cords so as to electrically connect two conducting wires of the electric cords via the fastening member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool assembly unit for coupling a tool and a tool holder including a measuring device which determines the position of the tool with respect to the tool holder, an alignment device coupled to the measuring device which receives the tool holder, a moveable rod slideably disposed on the alignment device and coupled to the tool which moves the tool with respect to the tool holder to a desired position as measured by the measuring device. The tool may be affixed to the tool holder by heat shrinking.

Abstract: A sheet hydroforming method is disclosed wherein two stacked metallic sheets are clamped between a pair of upper and lower dies 10, 11 and a fluid is introduced and pressurized between mating surfaces of the metallic sheets, causing the metallic sheets to bulge into a space defined by die cavities 10b and 11b. A thru-hole 11d for introducing the fluid is formed in one of the dies so as to lead to a holding surface of the die, while a pierced hole for introducing the fluid is formed in one of the metallic sheets in a portion of the one metallic sheet which portion is in contact with a holding surface 10a (10b) of one of the dies, the pierced hole being positioned with the thru-hole 11d, then the fluid is introduced in a pressurized state between mating surfaces of the metallic sheets from the thru-hole through the pierced hole, thereby causing the metallic sheets to bulge. According to this method, a pressurized fluid can be introduced between the mating surfaces of blanks easily without leakage of the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for disassembling and assembling a product. The system includes a production facility for assembling a product, a processing facility for disassembling a used product and offering the unit or parts of the used product for assembling the product after the unit and parts are processed, and a commonly-used processing facility for practicing mutually reversible steps between the process of assembling the product and the process of disassembling the used product and offering the unit and parts for assembling the product and/or for practicing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes. The method includes the steps of performing an assembling process, performing a disassembling process, and performing in a commonly-used processing facility mutually reversible steps between the assembling and disassembling process and/or performing steps which are identical for the assembling and disassembling processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for installing a c-clip outside a far end of a passage. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises prong members each comprising a prong end, a base end, and a lip part. A base is secured to the base ends, so the prong members are parallel with each other, and so the lip parts form a ring-shaped lip adapted to secure the c-clip. A tube is provided comprising an inner surface having a varying radius. The base inserts the prong members through the tube and against the inner surface, the inner surface forcing the c-clip to close into a closed c-clip. The prong ends are moved at least partially through the rear of the tube, and in some embodiments through a tube extension, permitting a restoring force of the c-clip to open the c-clip.

Abstract: The invention deals with a technology for minting coins and medals. The technology is based on the utilization of metal blanks with similar diameters, one being very thin (hereafter named as the foil), joined together by mechanical means during the impartion of the surface details by the minting dies. The technology requires the design and manufacture of a special geometry in the edge of the thicker disk in order to make possible assembly of the metal blanks. The proposed technology is based on a multi-stage manufacturing process consisting of three cold metal forming operations (preforming, rimming and coining) and one intermediate annealing treatment. The first metal forming operation ensures the preforming of the thicker disk blank, hereafter named as the disk. The second metal forming stage is the rimming operation in which the preformed disk is bent along its diameter in order to generate a suitable profile for subsequent assembly with the foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a tool and a punch (1) for joining a sunken punch to one or more metal plates (2, 3). According to said method, in a single step, the plate or plates are deep-drawn into a deep-draw opening (5) of a female mould or then possibly crushed so that the displaced material fixes and joins the punch (1) to the plate or plates in a positive fit. The punch (1) may present further possibilities for engagement for creating a connection to other components.

Abstract: In a machining sequence a flow of coating fluid is applied, such as through a nozzle, to wet at least the cutting surface of a tool to be engaged with a part to perform a machining operation thereon. The fluid is applied quickly and dried or cured to form an adherent coating layer on the tool. Propylene glycol is an example of a suitable fluid. After the tool is wetted an energy source is placed in appropriate proximity to the wetted tool The energy source is energized to heat the tool, thereby raising its surface temperature sufficiently to dry the coating layer. This process, and the apparatus performing it, can be incorporated into the machining operation and the tool coating can be refurbished in situ, on a regular basis, before or after a machining operation as appropriate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for progressively cutting, piercing, bending, stacking, and interlocking lamination assemblies from a strip of laminate. The stacked laminations are mechanically interlocked with a staple-style interlock that secures all the laminations in the stack together. All the steps in the process of forming, stacking and interlocking are done within the tool and die assembly, eliminating the need for additional equipment to stack and interlock assemblies.

Abstract: A technique for separating the stator leads of an electric motor during the manufacturing process. The technique comprises a system having a lead gathering assembly, a lead separator, and a drive mechanism. The lead gathering assembly is adapted to gather together a plurality of stator windings extending from a stator. The lead separator having a plurality of teeth adapted to separate a stator winding from the plurality of stator windings gathered together by the lead gathering assembly. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive the lead separator into the plurality of stator windings. The lead separator has teeth to separate each of the stator windings gathered together by the lead gathering assembly.

Abstract: A planar inductor having at least a helical coil and a coating of ferromagnetic material deposited on a flat carrier. The inductance and/or the magnetic coupling of a plurality of coils or windings of the inductor can be set precisely through the ferromagnetic material, which is inside an insulant window that is fixed to the carrier, being deposited on the carrier during the coating process.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic write head includes forming a strip of negative photoresist on a wafer at an ABS site with a width that defines a track width of the write head and which has a height above a desired height of a second pole tip. An alumina layer is formed on the wafer and on the strip with a thickness above the wafer that is equal to or greater than a desired height of the second pole tip. The alumina layer is then mechanically polished until the negative photoresist strip is exposed. The negative photoresist strip is then removed leaving an opening in the alumina layer after which the second pole tip is formed in the opening. In a first embodiment of the invention the second pole tip and the second pole piece yoke are one piece and are planar and in a second embodiment of the invention a P2 yoke is stitched to the second pole tip. In both embodiments the first pole piece of the write head can be notched without damaging the second pole tip.

Abstract: A horizontal combined head is provided which has both a thin film write and an MR read element located at an air bearing surface (ABS). The read element can be formed with a track width that is independent of the track width of the write element. The MR sensor or the read element is separated from one of the first and second pole pieces of the write element by an insulation layer. Accordingly, the shields for the read element remain more stable after a write operation. In one embodiment of the present invention a single stripe MR sensor is employed while in a second embodiment a dual stripe MR sensor is employed. A method of the invention includes forming the dual MR stripe in a single process step so that the dual MR stripes of the dual MR sensor are near identical for implementing near absolute common mode rejection of noise.

Abstract: A workpiece table assembly is configured to hold a plurality of workpieces (e.g. conductive strands) so that the workpieces can be modified (e.g. bent). In one embodiment, the workpiece table assembly advantageously comprises a table, a saddle, a lift mechanism, and a die. The saddle is advantageously recessed below the table and raised or lowered by the lift mechanism. The table advantageously has a top surface with holes adapted to accept quick-release pins from a step-off board. The step-off board also has notches to accept and position the strands for die pressing. In one exemplary operation, the step-off board is used to stagger the strands over the down-positioned saddle. The saddle is then raised by the lift mechanism and the die placed within the saddle on top of the strands. A force is applied to the die to bend the strands.

Abstract: A press-fitting unit includes a vertically movable press blade for press-fitting an electrical wire to a terminal disposed in a press-fit-type terminal of a connector. A connector retaining bar, movable in a horizontal direction, is disposed to be opposed to the press blade. The retaining bar is provided with a plurality of connector receiving recesses in parallel to hold connectors with a press-fit terminal. A wire chuck is disposed so as to abut against a rear part of the press blade so that the chuck unitedly moves with the press blade. The wire chuck is horizontally movable to a side of the press blade.