Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydroenhancing fabrics is described. The method uses the force of pressurized liquid passing through elongated orifices and impinging on the fabric. The pressurized liquid exits in a coherent or columnar fashion from elongated orifices that are generally rectangular or linear in shape. The elongated orifices can be arranged so as to produce various effects on a web of fabric, including striping, graduated shading and seer-suckering. The elongated orifices also facilitate the hydroenhancement of high-warp-count fabrics without streak or moire effects. Liquid filtration can be relaxed without clogging the orifices, because the elongated orifices permit larger solid objects to pass. The use of elongated orifices also enhances the energy efficiency of the hydroenhancement process.

Abstract: A single step method and apparatus for the production of expanded metal mesh from deformable metal strip such as lead or lead-alloy strip for use in lead-acid battery manufacture. The apparatus comprises a pair of opposed rolls each having a plurality of spaced discs having opposite side walls and circumferential, equally spaced, convexly shaped tool surfaces alternating with substantially flat surfaces, said discs having radial notches formed in the opposite sidewalls of alternate circumferential flat surfaces, whereby peripheral surfaces of opposing rolls are adapted to interact on deformable strip passing therebetween to concurrently slit and form convex wire segments and alternate nodes in said strip by intermeshing of said shaped tool surfaces.

Abstract: In a surface acoustic wave device using a Shear Horizontal type surface acoustic wave, at least one interdigital transducer (IDT) is made of a material having a larger mass-load effect than that of aluminum. The metallization ratio of the IDT and the normalization film thickness h/&lgr; of the IDT are controlled such that ripple caused by a transversal mode wave is about 0.5 dB or less, where “h” indicates the film thickness of the electrodes and “&lgr;” indicates the wavelength of a surface acoustic wave.

Abstract: Common internal electrodes 27 and segment internal electrodes 28 are laminated alternately with a piezoelectric material 29 between and a common external electrode 30 and a segment external electrode 31 are provided on the surface, forming a drive vibrator 24. A free end part 24a of the drive vibrator 24 is formed with an active region L and can be expanded and contracted in the length direction of the vibrator. A piezoelectric material 29 of the outermost layer in the free end part 24a can be operated based on the potential difference between the external and internal electrodes and a portion of the active region L in the external electrode is used as a trimming portion with an effective length x varied by trimming.

Abstract: A post assembly for providing a selected tool member from a plurality of tool members and using the tool member in a machine operation is provided. The assembly includes a support post rotatable about its longitudinal axis and extending vertically during use from a bottom end to a top end thereof. Tool members each have a first end section and a second end section and each are pivotably attached at their first end section to the post in the vicinity of the top end. Each tool member is pivotable from a first position used for storage to a working position where the selected tool member extends radially outwardly from the support post. A linearly movable actuating member is able to selectively pivot any one of the tool members from the first position to the working position. A bearing arrangement supports the support post for rotation about its longitudinal axis and a power drive is operatively connected to a lower section of the post in order to rotate same about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A stuffer pin for a rotatable, two part fluid quick connector carries the seal elements and a retainer housing carrying a retainer for mounting the seal elements in the bore of a first component of the fluid quick connector and positioning the retainer housing for locking and rotatable engagement with the first component. A flange on the stuffer pin prevents premature movement of the retainer in the retainer housing to the fully latched position until the stuffer pin is removed from the assembled two part fluid quick connector. The flange does not interfere with the ability of the stuffer pin to carry an axially displaceable retainer in the retainer housing.

Abstract: A device to facilitate assembly of plumbing pipes and fittings comprising a frame, a plurality of laterally extending crossbars, and at least one transversely extending pipe jig. The frame has at least a longitudinally elongated rail. The plurality of laterally extending crossbars repositionally attaches to the rail and may be longitudinally repositioned along the rail. Each pipe jig has a post and a seat. The seat is attached proximate the distal end of the post. The pipe jig is attached to a selected crossbar.

Abstract: An attitude adjusting device (1) comprises a first roller (3), a second roller (5), a first stopper (7) and a second stopper (9). A golf ball (G) having a spew (B) is mounted on the first roller (3) and the second roller (5). Each of the first roller (3) and the second roller (5) includes a portion (11) having a small diameter. A groove (13) is formed on the surface of the portion (11) having a small diameter. With the rotations of the first roller (3) and the second roller (5), the golf ball (G) is rolled. When the spew (B) abuts on either or both of the first stopper (7) and the second stopper (9), the rolling is stopped. In a state in which the rolling is stopped, the spew (B) is extended in a horizontal direction. By the portion (11) having a small diameter and the groove (13), the rolling of the golf ball (G) is promoted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for highly flexible placement of one or more wheel chocks on a transport to thereby support one or more motorcycles. The wheel chocks are preferably mounted to the transport utilizing flexible straps. When the straps are under tension, then the wheel chock is urged in a first direction towards the motorcycle wheel. Additional straps may secure the motorcycle to the transport such that when the additional straps are under tension then the motorcycle is urged in a second direction toward the wheel chock. In a preferred embodiment, the first direction and second direction are substantially opposite so that movement of the wheel chock and motorcycle is prevented.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is intended to be used in association with a headed fastener such as a tee nut, but not limited to a tee nut. The present method contemplates embodiments of a riveting pin having protuberances that cause the flared end of the shaft to be flared in one or more discontinuous portions of the circumference of the shaft, whereby “push out” and “spin-out” are deterred. Where the length of the fastener shaft is no longer than the thickness of the material through which it is inserted, a first design of flaring pin is provided. Where the length of the shaft of the fastener employed is greater than the thickness of the material through which it extends, a second embodiment of flaring pin is employed In the former case, at least one discrete portion of the circumference of the shaft is flared into the wall of the passageway through which the shaft extends.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for assembling an aircraft wheel or brake (10) component on an axle (26) of an undercarriage in which a holder (12) is provided for the component along with a lifting device (28). The lifting device is used to lift the holder with the component therein to a position where the component is substantially in axial alignment with the axle. Once in that position, assembly of the component on the axle can take place by moving the component axially on to the axle. The holder can then be lowered away from the assembled component.

Abstract: A process for producing a potting transition which is more nearly planar and which is more repeatable from assembly to assembly. Devices for carrying out the process are also disclosed. A stranded cable comprising a containment jacket is stripped of its containment jacket for a short length to expose the end strands for termination (Obviously, in the case of a cable having no jacket, no stripping is required). The exposed strands are then placed in a barrier device to separate them into a region of exposed strands and a region of guarded strands. Potting compound is then applied to the exposed region. The barrier device prevents the potting compound from penetrating into the guarded region. The result is a distinct transition between a region of strands which have been wetted by the liquid potting compound (“wetted region”) and a region of strands which have not been wetted by the liquid potting compound (“unwetted region”).

Abstract: Device for putting polyethylene cladding on a galvanized steel plate, wherein a galvanized steel plate unrolling from unroller is passed through a plate press, an ultrasonic cleaner, a dryer, an intermediate frequency heater, and a roll press in succession, and polyethylene sheets unrolling from one pair of sheet unrollers are welded on opposite sides of the galvanized steel plate, and rolled on a sheet roller, thereby automatically putting polyethylene cladding on the galvanized steel plate, to improve workability and productivity.

Abstract: A substrate, preferably constructed of a ductile material and a tool having the desired shape of the resulting device for contacting contact pads on a test device is brought into contact with the substrate. The tool is preferably constructed of a material that is harder than the substrate so that a depression can be readily made therein. A dielectric (insulative) layer, that is preferably patterned, is supported by the substrate. A conductive material is located within the depressions and then preferably lapped to remove excess from the top surface of the dielectric layer and to provide a flat overall surface. A trace is patterned on the dielectric layer and the conductive material. A polyimide layer is then preferably patterned over the entire surface. The substrate is then removed by any suitable process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a conductor bar comprising a number of partial conductors insulated with respect to one another, in particular for a rotating electrical machine, for example a generator, with the following steps:

Abstract: In an actuator of the invention, coils are kept from being displaced along a y-axis direction as projections of coil bobbins are sandwiched between first and second iron cores along the y-axis direction. Also, the coils are kept from being displaced excessively along x- and z-axis directions due to shocks, for instance, as they are fitted in groovelike channels formed in the first and second iron cores. Since two bearings are sandwiched and fixed between third and fourth iron cores along the x-axis direction, the bearings can be easily set on a common axis with high accuracy. It is therefore possible to prevent displacement of the coils during operation of the actuator. Slidable support plates ensure smooth movements of an armature and thereby provide improved reliability even when the distance between the support plates and the first to fourth iron cores is reduced.

Abstract: A method is provided for planarization of structures which minimizes step heights, reduces process steps, improves cleanliness, and provides increased ease of debond. Structures are placed with working surfaces facing down onto an adhesive layer such that structures remain fixed during heating. A bi-layer encapsulating film is used to achieve planarization. A carrier is bi-laminated with a thermoplastic film layer followed by a chemically inert protective polymer film layer that can withstand etch and cleaning processes. The thermoplastic layer is laminated on top of the carrier; the polymer layer is laminated on top of the joined thermoplastic layer and carrier. The carrier with bi-layer film is then placed onto the backside of the structures to resist chemical attack from the front side during photostrip and enable planarization. When heat is applied, the bi-layer encapsulating film melts and pushes the polymer layer into the gaps between structures thereby achieving complete planarization.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a stent by segmental radial compression, comprising a stationary base member; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the stationary base member; and a crimping head aligned with respect to the stationary base member and to the rotatable drive hub. The crimping head includes at least ten segments. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length, each segment having a centerline between the proximal and distal ends, each segment having a proximal point and a distal point, the distal point being disposed on the centerline and the proximal point being disposed off the centerline, and the proximal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the stationary base member and the distal point being pivotally coupled by pins to the rotatable hub member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for a flexible tape constructed of a material suitable to convey electronic devices through an entire manufacturing process without removing the electronic packages from the tape. According to one embodiment, part receiving areas are located within the tape. Each part receiving area is suitable to hold an electronic device. A retention channel encompasses each part receiving area. The retention channel extends substantially an entire length along each edge of each part receiving area. The retention channel comprises an upper tab and a lower tab wherein the upper tab is flush with an upper surface of the flexible tape and extends into the part receiving area and the lower tab extends below a lower surface of the flexible tape and into the part receiving area.

Abstract: A retainer element for at least one electrical component for assembly on circuit supports, such as, e.g., on printed circuit boards. The retainer element is comprised of at least one body, which has at least one uptake for the component. The component can be inserted in the uptake, and the body has at least one fastening element, by means of which it can be fastened to the circuit support. For example, the fastening elements are configured as catch hooks.

Abstract: Reflow soldering of a variety of circuit boards (9, 11, 15) in a variety of sizes and shapes to assigned locations on the base or carrier (13) of the electronic module housing (3) is simplified by eliminating custom made metal blocks previously used to clamp the circuit boards against the carrier metal. Instead, the solder-backed circuit boards are placed in assigned positions in the module housing and the inside volume of that housing is filled (22) with particulate, such as small beads (17), covering the circuit boards, but leaving the edges of the upstanding metal shields (5 and 7) visible. A plate (21) backed foam sheet (19) is placed over the module housing (24) and clamped down (26), pressing against the beads. The clamped assembly is then heated (28) to reflow the solder, soldering the circuit boards in place.

Abstract: A method for fixing tin balls in one of a connector or an IC device to the welding portion of the terminals of an electric connector, IC or other electronic element so that the terminal can be welded to the tin balls of the ball grid array seat; the method comprising the steps of: selecting a ball grid array seat; covering a bottom of the ball has a mold by a mold plate having a plurality of recesses; filling the tin glue into the recesses of the mold plate so that the tin glue exactly encloses the welding portions of the terminals; taking out the mold plate; and melting the tin glue so as to condense as a balls or ball-like tin balls, so that condensed tin balls are combined to the welding portions. Moreover, the mold plate can be removed in manufacturing the tin balls.

Abstract: Thick film bond surfaces (8) on a support structure (10), such as a ceramic substrate or an IC package substrate, tend to deform during processing. A personality kit (16) having raised bosses (24) engages with and compresses the bond surfaces, resulting in a flatter, wider bond surface having improved reflectivity. The personality kit (16) is fit within a clamp (30) that can be used as a stand-alone unit or integrated into an existing machine, such as a wire bonder (46).

Abstract: A plug-in line connector (1) for especially simple and secure assembly has a fluid-tight plug-in connection and a locking device (25), which is very easy to access when its retaining parts are assembled in the axial direction and which is locked so that it cannot be released by passing a locking point. A tension spring, which is formed as a ring and acts as a block, is used for the locking element. This guarantees particularly low activation forces and minimizes axial play.

Abstract: An improved method for production of a rotor (10) of a centrifugal compressor, wherein the rotor (10) is produced from a monolithic disc; this disc is worked in a radial direction by at least one tool (20) of a numerical control machine, such as to remove shavings, so as to produce radial cavities (12) in the rotor (10).

Abstract: A piston-pin lock-ring-insertion tool has a ring-insertion tube (1) in ring-insertion relationship to a ring pusher (2). The ring-insertion tube has an inside periphery with a press-close taper (8) that is tapered inwardly from a ring-feeder end (6) to a ring-guide bore (9) that is cylindrical uniformly intermediate the press-close taper and a ring-insertion end of the ring-insertion tube. The ring-insertion end (7) of the ring-insertion tube has a perpendicularity surface (10) that is adapted for alignment of the ring-guide bore and a piston-pin bore (4) in a crankshaft-engine piston (5). The ring pusher has a pusher taper (26) with a pusher head (12) adapted for being buttressed against a side of lock ring (3) for pushing the lock ring from a major diameter to a minor diameter of the press-close taper proximate a circumferential entrance to the ring-guide bore. The ring pusher has a slide rod (13) that is oppositely disposed end-to-end from the pusher head.

Abstract: A method of producing a bevel gear, particularly a bevel ring gear, the bevel gear comprising mounting surfaces. The method comprising the steps of flashless warm forging a blank, preferably an annular blank, in a forging die to produce the bevel gear with precision forged teeth; performing a hardening operation on the teeth; and then, without machining, finishing the teeth by lapping the teeth with a mating bevel gear. A die apparatus for use in a press for forging the bevel ring gear from the annular blank is also disclosed.

Abstract: The first personal ornament of the present invention is constituted of an ornament base article made of a metal or the like; an underlayer, preferably non-nickelic, formed on the base article; and a coloring layer constituted of an abrasion-resistant layer of 0.2-1.5 &mgr;m thick formed by dry-plating on the surface of the underlayer and an outermost layer of 0.002-0.1 &mgr;m thick formed by dry-plating on the surface of the abrasion-resistant layer. The coloring layer is a white hard coating film of a stainless-steel color. This ornament has a white coating film which gives superior quality, having high scratch resistance, not causing deterioration of appearance by scratching, and yet has high-quality image like a stainless steel film.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for joining structural members are provided. The apparatus includes a support structure of extendable members, each with an adjustable support surface for engaging the structural members so that structural members of different sizes and shapes can be accommodated. Gantries, which are longitudinally adjustable, support a joining device having co-operable heads that engage the structural members. The heads are adjustable in a transverse direction along the gantries so that the heads can be configured in an opposing configuration and used to join the structural members therebetween.

Abstract: A bearing apparatus includes a hollow shaft provided around an outer peripheral surface with a bearing fitting region, and a rolling bearing having an inner ring fitted around the bearing fitting region of the hollow shaft. A shaft end of the hollow shaft is bent outwardly in a diametrical direction, thereby being caulked on an outer end surface of the inner ring. The bearing fitting region has a hardened layer in a region from a first position corresponding to an inner end surface of the inner ring of the rolling bearing to a second position before a position corresponding to an outer end surface of the inner ring, and has a non-hardened layer in another region from the outer end surface corresponding position of the inner ring to the shaft end. The second position representative of a caulked side end portion of the hardened layer is defined based on a predetermined relational expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a flange sleeve (10) especially for a sliding bearing. A strip of material is cut into lengths corresponding to the later periphery of the flange sleeve. The strip section (14) thus arising is rolled to form a hollow cylindrical sleeve with an open butt joint (12) and a collar (20) is placed around one or two sides. The open butt joint is expanded in the region of the collar to form a V-shaped slit. One or several recesses (18a, 18b) are made in the region of the later open butt joint (12) on one or two of the longitudinal edges (16) of the strip section.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus has been produced that eliminates the common occurrence of raw razor blades contaminating everything from food and food products to garbage cans to shelves in retail stores. Furthermore, the cutting apparatus comprises a guard assembly that, when activated, opens the blade cover and allows only one cut to be made with the exposed blade before the unidirectionally-locking blade cover snaps back over the exposed blade, thus preventing laceration-related accidents. In addition, if the operator continues to activate the guard assembly (squeezing, pulling and/or depressing the trigger and/or releasing the trigger and continuing to hold it in the released position during and after the cut has been made) after one cut has been made with the exposed blade, the unidirectionally-locking blade cover will still snap back over the exposed blade, despite the position of the trigger.

Abstract: A razor handle includes a hard section and a soft section integrally formed and overlapping each other. On the rear surface of a gripping section, a second rear contact section of the soft section is exposed and a finger applying concave section is formed at the upper section of the second rear contact section. On the front surface of the gripping section, the first front contact section of the hard section is exposed at the boundary section with a side surface, the second front contact section of the soft section is exposed between the first front contact sections at the both boundary sections, and a concave area is formed on the upper section of the second front contact section.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a base and a slit is defined longitudinally in the top surface. A groove is defined transversely in the top surface of the base and communicates with the slit at an angle. A rod is connected between two lugs on the top surface of the base and a spring is mounted to the rod. A handle has a passage through which the rod extends. A blade is fixedly connected to an underside of the handle and movably inserted in the slit. A pipe or cable is put in the groove and cut by the blade by moving the handle.

Abstract: A fruit coring device comprising a right circular tubular member having an interior defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends, the first end being fast with a handle and the second end defining a circular cutting edge, and a flat blade having a length disposed diametrically transverse of the member, a width extending along the axis, from a straight cutting edge, of the flat blade, disposed adjacent the circular cutting edge, and extending normal to the axis, diametrically across the interior of the member.

Abstract: A fruit coring device including a handle and a tubular member having first and second ends. The tubular member defines a longitudinal axis and has an interior region. One end of the circular tubular member is integral or fast with the handle and the second end defines a member cutting edge. The fruit coring device includes a blade with a cutting edge supported within the circular interior of the circular tubular member substantially normal to the member cutting edge.

Abstract: A heavy-duty demolition shear with a replaceable shearing tip has a lower jaw and an upper jaw piviotally connected to the lower jaw. The upper jaw has primary and secondary shear blades. A replaceable shearing tip is mounted to the upper jaw. The replaceable shearing tip has two L-shaped sections which engage the upper jaw between them. The replaceable shearing tip engages the upper jaw on at least three seats. The replaceable shearing tip is connected to the upper jaw by socket-head cap-screws.

Abstract: A hand-held rotary trimmer comprises a removable multi-piece shroud for covering a drive shaft and rotary cutter of the trimmer. The shroud includes an opening for feeding vegetation to the rotary cutter and an expulsion duct extending in a direction generally tangential to a rotational direction of the rotary cutter. In the preferred embodiment, the shroud includes three pieces formed of molded plastic. A first piece of the shroud has a hood portion and a first half-collar portion integrally formed with the hood portion. A second piece of the shroud has a second half-collar portion removably attached to the first half-collar portion of the first piece for releasably clamping the shroud on the trimmer housing and a flange portion integrally formed with the second half-collar portion and arranged to be flush against the hood portion of the first piece.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes an elongate handle to be grasped by a user, and an elongate blade connected to the elongate handle. The elongate blade includes a downwardly sloping proximal portion extending outwardly from an end of the handle, and a linear distal portion extending substantially parallel to and downwardly offset from an axis defined by the elongate handle and ending in a tapered tip. The downwardly sloping proximal portion may have a sharpened lower edge, and the linear offset distal portion may have a sharpened lower edge. In some embodiments, the elongate blade may have a length of less than about twelve inches so that the cutting tool is a knife, and in other embodiments, the elongate blade may have a length of greater than about twelve inches so that the cutting tool is a sword.

Abstract: A cutting tool includes an elongate handle to be grasped by a user, and an elongate blade connected to the elongate handle. The elongate blade includes a substantially linear proximal portion extending longitudinally outwardly from an end of the handle, and a curved distal portion extending in a downward and forward curve from the proximal portion and ending in a tapered tip. The linear proximal portion and curved distal portion may have about equal lengths. The linear proximal portion may have a sharpened lower edge and the curved distal portion may have sharpened upper and lower edges. In some embodiments, the elongate blade may have a length of less than about twelve inches so that the cutting tool is a knife, and in other embodiments, the elongate blade may have a length of greater than about twelve inches so that the cutting tool is a sword.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for making the effective use of cooling air for a motor within a power tool in order to rationalize the structure of the power tool. The representative power tool may comprise a tool bit case, a tool bit, a drive motor and a cooling air guiding member. The tool bit is provided within the tool bit case and performs a predetermined operation on a workpiece. The drive motor drives the tool bit. The cooling air guiding member guides cooling airfor cooling the drive motor to a work area of the workpiece to be worked on with the tool bit, when the cooling air is discharged into the tool bit case. By such construction, the representative power tool can have rationalized structure that cooling air for cooling the drive motor of the power tool can also be utilized to clean the work area of the power tool.

Abstract: A can opener for opening cans of various sizes having an operating handle, which when rotated in a first direction functions to bring a sharpened cutting wheel of the can opener from an elevated position into piercing engagement with the top of the can with the butting wheel n piercing engagement with the top of the can, continued rotation of the handle will cause rotation of the can and will cause the cutter wheel to cleanly cut the top of the can so that the top can be easily removed. Reverse rotation of the handle will cause the cutting wheel to disengage from the top of the can and to return to its elevated, starting position.

Abstract: A saw having an angle adjustable blade includes a handle and a blade. The handle includes a body and a ratchet structure. The ratchet structure includes a positioning member and a ratchet rod. Thus, the angle of the blade relative to the handle may be adjusted arbitrarily by rotating the blade relative to the handle, without having to change and adjust the angle of the handle, thereby facilitating the user operating the handle, and thereby preventing the user's wrist from being hurt.

Abstract: A system for measuring the correct size of the shoes is formed by a sensor (1) located at the frontal tip of the shoe, at the level of the big toe or the longer toe of the foot, so that when the toe touches the sensor, it turns on a preferably bright signal consisting of a led (2). In this way, it will be possible in any moment to verify if the size of the shoe is correct, which is particularly important for children who hardly say when the shoe does no more fit the size of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for determining the alignment of marked axes (22, 28, 36, 38, 48, 50) of a first (20, 30, 40) and a second body (26, 32, 42) relative to one another, which is provided with a first and a second measurement means (10, 12) which can be attached to the first body or to the second body in a fixed spatial relation to the respective marked axis, the first measurement means (10) having a first source (L2) for delivering a light beam and a second (D1) and a third optoelectronic sensor (D3), and the second measurement means (12) having a second (LI) and a third source (L3) for a light beam and a first optoelectronic sensor (D2), the optoelectronic sensors being made such that they can determine the impact point of a light beam on the sensor, and the first light source being assigned to the first sensor and the second and the third light source being assigned to the second and third sensor.

Abstract: A leveling system including a first post for contacting an upper surface, a second post for contacting a lower surface, wherein one of the first and second posts telescopes within the other of the first and second posts, a locking assembly disposed on the one of the first and second posts, and a mount assembly for supporting a laser instrument.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle with a laser alignment device for drills comprises a grip portion for grasping, an opened collar which can be engaged with shoulder of the drill, and a clamp means for locking or loosing the opened collar. The auxiliary handle also comprises a first laser generator which can project a fanned planar laser beam, a battery pack which can be used to power the first laser generator, and a switch for turning on or turning off the first laser generator, the fanned laser beam which is projected by the first laser generator is in alignment with the central axis of the opened collar. Such that the fanned laser beam is in alignment with the central axis of the chuck when the auxiliary handle is mounted on the drill.

Abstract: My invention, a fluid instrument bearing, which in one embodiment is constructed in the form of a magnetic compass, negates or greatly reduces the defects of the prior art by allowing the pole seeking magnet or magnets and associated indicia complete freedom of motion about all axes simultaneously, and by greatly reducing the pendulous effects of the prior art. At the same time, my invention is easy to construct and requires no frictional parts such as bearings. While this disclosure treats in its exemplary embodiment with the construction of a magnetic compass, it is to be understood that this invention deals with an essentially frictionless bearing or gimbal having complete freedom of motion about all axes simultaneously and as such is not limited only to its use in magnetic compasses, but will be of value whenever its unique properties and characteristics may be applicable.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating correct or faulty back posture comprises a housing and an indicator body. The housing is supported on the user's body. When the user's back posture or head position is incorrect, the indicator body moves and signals the user of the incorrect posture or position, e.g., through an audible alarm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool and method for drilling in a work piece a hole pattern duplicating a hole pattern in a base structure. The tools are made of an elastomeric material and comprise a plug-like element having a main body of generally cylindrical shape with a then flat flange at one end. Embedded in the tool is a hard metal marker element extending from adjacent the flange surface to adjacent the opposite end of the tool. The top surface is coated with an adhesive material.