Abstract: An agitator includes a high strength, continuous metal axle, a pulley held on one end of the metal axle and a sleeve of lightweight plastic material received over the axle. The agitator is manufactured by molding a pulley body onto an underlying metal support or D-nut, fitting an axle into the pulley, molding a sleeve around the axle and securing a cleaning structure on the sleeve.

Abstract: A stand-up toothbrush having an elongated handle with a head at one end, the head carrying bristles, and a hand holding portion at the other end, the hand holding portion long enough to be fully grasped by the hand of the user. A stand is provided on the hand holding portion of the handle at the other end, the stand extending past the other end of the handle and terminating in a support end. The support end extends transverse to the handle and is large enough to stably support the toothbrush in an upright storage position. The handle is made from relatively rigid material, and the stand is made from resilient, flexible material of the type allowing the stand to be moved against the hand holding portion of the handle when the user grasps the stand and the hand holding portion so as to interfere minimally with holding the toothbrush during use, and to return to its original position when the brush is released.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automotive vehicle floor mat having an insert area to receive a removable dirt-trapping insert material.

Abstract: An improved paint roller for easy removal from a paint roller frame having a paint roller tube, an end cap and a removal interface attached to the end cap. The end cap attaches to, attached within, or is part of the distal end of the paint roller tube. The removal interface is configured to aid in removal of the paint roller from a paint roller frame.

Abstract: A grill scraper is provided for scraping the surface of a cooking grill or the like. The scraper includes an elongated frame defining a longitudinal axis which extends between a front head end of the frame and a rear handle end of the frame. A blade head is mounted at the head end of the frame for mounting a scraping blade thereon. A first handle is mounted at the handle end of the frame and extends downwardly therefrom. A second handle is mounted on the frame rearwardly of the head end but remote from the first handle.

Abstract: A wiper blade for a windshield wiper, in particular for a windshield wiper of a motor vehicle, is proposed, which has a wiper blade rubber with a wiper blade rubber lip (2). In order to achieve a low dry friction coefficient, the wiper blade rubber lip (2) is fabricated partially of polyethylene (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The Paint Brush Holder is attached to a paint can by means of a clasp or clip 4, it is further stabalised by a exterior cresent shaped bumper 3. A paint brush placed in the holder 1 and rests against the interior “tear drop” bumpers 5 which are dragged against by the brush to remove paint when removed, the excess paint is drained through holes at the base 6 into a detachable tray 2 which is removed downwards by applying pressure to both sides to release for cleaning.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for the cleaning, inspection, and testing of tubulars, particularly riser pipes, is provided. In a first aspect, a method of inspecting a tubular comprises cleaning, visually inspecting, corrosion mapping, and TOM testing the tubular. In another aspect, a specially designed or adapted tool is provided for each of the steps of the method.

Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having a traction wheel powered edge cleaner comprised of a vertical axis rotary agitator which is affixed to either the right or left side of the suction nozzle. The agitator is rotated by the traction wheel when the vacuum cleaner is disposed along a wall surface and moved relative to the wall surface. The rotating action of the agitator sweeps dirt particles off of the wall surface and along the edge of the wall surface into the path of the suction nozzle for pickup. When not in use the edge cleaner is stored in the accessory storage rack like other accessory tools. The agitator can have differing agitator elements such as bristles or a fluff wheel.

Abstract: An endpiece for a vacuum cleaner comprising a plate (3) having a lower surface which rests on the ground and optionally fitted with elements such as brushes (8), optionally comprising channels which direct suctioned air to a suction opening (5), also having an upper surface (4) which is fitted with a tube (6) which communicates with said opening and which is connected to a suction unit located close to the tube or at a distance therefrom in the case of an installation having a centralized suctioning unit. The lower surface (7) of the plate (3) comprises at least three suction channels (9,10) between which a wiping device (12) is mounted, said two channels (9,10) being disposed to the front and to the rear of the wiping device (12) in the direction of displacement of said endpiece on the ground during vacuuming.

Abstract: A door holder has a piston reciprocable in a cylinder and a rod extending from the piston through one end of the cylinder. The outer end of the rod is pivoted to a door frame and the opposite end of the cylinder is pivoted to the door, or visa versa. A retainer is provided on the rod to prevent the piston and cylinder from contracting after the door has been opened. To release the retainer so that the piston and cylinder can contract, a coil spring is compressed between the retainer and the end of the cylinder. Upon a slight extension of the piston and cylinder beyond the door holding position, the spring pushes the retainer out of engagement with the cylinder so that the piston and cylinder can contract and the door can close.

Abstract: A doorknob cover comprise a hollow cylindrical body and an element which is capable of attracting magnetically or being attracted magnetically. The cylindrical body is provided in one side with an elastic opening, and in other side with the element. The doorknob cover is fitted over the doorknob via the elastic opening. As the door is swiveled toward a wall, the doorknob is arrested by a magnetic seat of the wall due to the magnetic attraction between the element of the doorknob and the magnetic seat of the wall.

Abstract: A removable door check device for use for use with a door hinge for holding a vehicle door in an opened position. The removable door check device includes a body, a first contact element extending from the body and having a first contacting surface, and a second contact element extending from the body and having a second contacting surface facing the first contacting surface. The first and second contacting surfaces are moveable with respect to each other to permit release of the door check device. In addition, a door hinge includes a first hinge part, a second hinge part pivotally connected to the first hinge part, and a removable door check device. The removable door check device includes a first contact element having a first contacting surface configured to engage the first hinge part and a second contact element having a second contacting surface facing the first contacting surface and configured to engage the second hinge part when the door hinge is in the opened position.

Abstract: An anti-rattle door assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first base plate and a roller disposed on the first base plate. The second member is configured to receive the roller of the first member. The second member includes a bumper that is configured to at least partly enclose the roller of the first member when the first member and the second member are engaged.

Abstract: A method for mounting a door to a vehicle body without the aid of a door-to-body mounting fixture. The method utilizes statistical process control data from previously assembled doors to determine the locations of holes that are pierced in hinges just prior to hinge installation. A pair of hinges are provided with the pierced holes to ensure self-alignment of the door.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for a center pivot door, comprising a support bracket comprising a generally flat plate, a ledge extending perpendicularly from the plate and having an aperture defined therein, two bosses extending perpendicularly from the plate, each boss having an aperture defined therein; an attachment plate comprising a generally flat member having a pair of apertures defined therein which can be aligned with the boss apertures; and, a pin having an annular ring extending therefrom, a portion of which rotatably fits within the ledge aperture. The support bracket and attachment plate are placed on either surface of a door, such as a shower door and screws are used to join the support bracket and attachment plate sandwiching the door therebetween. A second support bracket and attachment plate are mounted to the door frame.

Abstract: A removable door check device for holding a vehicle door hinge in an opened position includes a body, first and second leg portions extending from the body and disposed coplanar to the body, a protrusion portion extending from the body in a direction perpendicular to the body. In addition, a door hinge that includes a first hinge part, a second hinge part, a hinge pin passing through the first and second hinge parts and a removable door check device. The first and second hinge parts are pivotable about the hinge pin between an opened and a closed position. The removable door check device of the hinge is disposed on the hinge pin exterior to the first and second hinge parts engaging the second hinge part in the opened position.

Abstract: “Holder for pens and the like,” a device that attaches to clothing or fabric material, mainly a shirt, coat or automotive seatbelt strap. The device utilizes a free turning or pivoting disk approximately ¾ inch in diameter with hook, loop or magnetic material attached to the surface of the disk. A writing instrument or other lightweight item, with hook, loop or magnetic material applied to it, can be easily attached to the disk with the use of one hand and will automatically hang vertically.

Abstract: A fine adjustable sliding buckle is described. The fine sliding adjustable buckle has a base having two pairs of axial holes respectively for axially fitting the axles of the releasing plate and fine adjustment handle. The axles positioned on the two sides of the fine adjustment handle and the releasing plate are fitted in the axial holes on the same side of the base, and the handling portion of the fine adjustment handle has a receiving hole for receiving the releasing plate. Thus the fine adjustment handle and the releasing plate are positioned along the same direction and are positioned almost on the same plane to prevent accidental touch which would otherwise accidentally release the releasing plate from the base to loosen the adjustment belt. Thus, the fine adjustable sliding buckle of the present invention is easy to operate, safe and compact.

Abstract: A device for locking at least one cord, and an article, such as a garment, that includes such a device. The device includes a base adapted to be attached to a panel, and having an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice for the cord, one of which is arranged in alignment with a hole of the panel, and having a maneuvering member that is movable with respect to the base, between a locking position and a sliding position, the maneuvering member being made in one piece with the base.

Abstract: A strap clamp for e.g. a helmet includes relatively pivotable members (11) which have internal wedge faces (19). Relative pivoting movement of the members (11) releases the wedge faces to permit strap adjustment. In the preferred embodiment the pivotable members are identical, and snap-fitted together. Divergence of the straps on one side gives a degree of self-locking under tension.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener or zipper comprises interengageable male and female profile members (12, 16), each provided on a base (13, 17). One or both vases is/are provided with a lateral flange (18, 20, 22, 24). One or more of such flanges is/are provided with a pair of spaced, shallow convexities (28) with a layer of sealant material (30) co-extruded into the zone or zones between the convexities.

Abstract: A zipper pull mechanism attaches two free ends of a zipper cord together, after the free ends are looped through an eyelet in the zipper slider. The zipper pull mechanism will assist the user in operating the zipper. The zipper pull mechanism includes two components that snap fit easily together and onto the free ends of the zipper cord, thereby securing the zipper cord to the zipper slider. The zipper pull mechanism also includes a whistle integrated into the shape of the mechanism to be used to create a loud piercing noise so as to attract attention to the user. The zipper pull mechanism is easy to grip even by users wearing gloves.

Abstract: A removal and installation device for external and internal snap rings that can switch to a shaft mode and a hole mode by extremely simple operation and produces more excellent effect in controllability, workability, serviceability and easiness in handling is provided.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a remote intensifier and autofill/recharge system is disclosed. The rivet setting tool has a hydraulic pulling head which is coupled to an intensifier. The intensifier has a means for providing hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic rivet head to set a rivet tool. The intensifier further has a mechanism for refilling/recharging the hydraulic system of the rivet setting head.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool is provided with a mandrel collection system. The mandrel collection system uses a valve system to provide high and low vacuum states to draw rivet mandrels into a collection bottle. The low vacuum state provides an energy savings and reduced noise levels.

Abstract: A puller tool for installing wheel studs in a wheel hub comprises an outer sleeve having an axially extending passage, a washer defining a radial detent shoulder about the passage at one end of the sleeve, an actuating bolt including a threaded shank axially insertable into the passage and an enlarged head that engages the detent shoulder to prevent further insertion of the actuating bolt into the passage, and a puller member insertable into the passage for axially directed travel relative to the sleeve. The puller member is axially slidable relative to the outer sleeve by rotation of the actuating bolt which mates with a threaded hole in the puller member, and the puller member is prevented from rotating relative to the outer sleeve as it travels through a range of axial positions.

Abstract: A drive-on system for installing a tire chain (i.e., snow chain) on a pneumatic tire mounted on a vehicle wheel. The system includes a U-shaped installation tool whose arms releasably engage fastening elements (hooks or links) at one end of each side chain, and a installation tray or ramp in which the connected tire chain and tool are arranged, and may be stored, prior to installation, with the tire chain in a partially laid-out orientation and the tool preferably within a tool compartment in the tray. To install the tire chain, the vehicle is driven onto the tray and stopped, preferably in a predetermined optimum position in response to a signal initiated by a position-indicating switch on the tray. Then the tool, with one end of the tire chain connected to it and trailing it, is drawn upward and circumferentially around the tire.

Abstract: Process for fabricating an axle that includes a cross-member and arms which are assembled to extremities of the cross-member, wherein the process includes forming a cross-member, forming at least one arm, arranging the cross-member and the at least one arm in a fastening position, and fastening together in a rigid manner the cross-member and the at least one arm using a magneto-forming process. Wherein the fastening occurs while the cross-member and the at least one arm are in the fastening position and at least one of the cross-member and the at least one arm include at least one metallic material. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing and laying a plurality of elongate elements into an umbilical comprising a core element, a plurality of conduits of metal and if necessary at least one cable situated outside the core element, which core element is advanced along a feed line and the conduits and the cables are fed onto the outside of the core element and laid in a helix, a first group of single lengths of metal tubes forming the conduits are provided parallel one to another, the single lengths are advanced in the direction of the feed line, a second group of single lengths of metal tubes are provided parallel one to another, the lengths of the second group are advanced in the direction of the feed line and the first ends of the lengths of the second group are welded to the second end of the lengths of the first group, further groups of single lengths of metal tubes are provided and welded to the lengths of the foregoing group respective by, the metal tubes welded together are laid to the outside of the core elemen

Abstract: A fabrication station (117) suitable for use mobile unit (1) or as stand alone unit for fabricating solid surface construction materials is provided, as is a method of use therefor. The fabrication station is equipped with climate control units (23, 23a, 123) fabrication equipment (24, 124) and other environment control equipment. Therefore, solid surface construction materials can be fabricated onsite or at a remote fabrication shop. In the fabrication process according to the present invention, dimensional information is laid out directly onto the solid surface material stock. The fabrication station can include an adjustable support (124a) that supports each slat support channel portion so that the position of the slat support channel portions is adjustable relative to the support wall and one another to provide a fine adjustment. The fabrication station can also include removable slat portions 124c to accommodate different shapes of solid surface material to fabricate.

Abstract: A means and method for inserting drivers into a surgical stapling cartridge, including a pallet that holds the cartridge firmly. The pallet has a central slot and laterally positioned lip members that are biased toward the slot. The cartridge is positioned in the slot and the lip members are released to extend their lips over the lateral flanges on the cartridge, thereby holding the cartridge in position. A finger extends into a recess formed at one end of the cartridge, thereby positively positioning the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge is released for removal by a tongue inserted between the lip members, thereby separating them by displacement.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a fuel inlet, bulge forming and bend processing are conducted to a stainless pipe which will serve as an inlet pipe. Next, one end of the stainless pipe is eccentrically expanded, and the hardened portion is removed. After the pipe expanding step is finished, boring processing is conducted so that a breather pipe can be inserted into the inlet pipe, a guide is spot-welded to the inside of the eccentrically expanded portion, and a screw structure is formed. The inlet pipe and the breather pipe are degreased and cleaned as a pretreatment for brazing, and brazing is conducted by using BAg-4 (Low-temperature brazing material) at a temperature of 750-850° C. Removing of the flux and cleaning are conducted as a post-treatment for brazing, and finally coating is conducted.

Abstract: Proper registration between layers of a laminated multi-layer interconnect can be achieved by precisely dimensioning the alignment plate, selecting the materials of which the alignment plate is composed to have the same thermal coefficient of expansion as the layers being laminated, and/or providing the alignment plate with pins sized to be equal to or larger the alignment/registration holes of the layers.

Abstract: A pin and method for fastening the pin in an undercut hole. The pin has an internal end for placement within the undercut hole and an opposite external end that extends away from the undercut hole. The internal end is made from a malleable material such as an annealed material. If desired, the external end can be made from a hardened material. The pin is fastened in the undercut hole by placing the internal end of the pin in the undercut hole and impacting the external end of the pin, thereby causing the internal end of the pin to substantially conform to the interior of the undercut hole and fastening the pin in the undercut hole.

Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a connector (24) for interconnecting a first tube (18) to a second tube (20), the connector including a pin member (26) extending into a box member (28). The pin and box members have cooperating support means (26, 28) arranged to support the pin member so as to prevent radially inward movement of said end portion of the pin member relative to the box member. The method comprises radially expanding the connector (24), and supporting the pin member so as to prevent radially inward movement of said end portion of the pin member relative to the box member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a function element (10) comprising a head part (14) with an annular bearing surface (12) and tubular rivet segment (16) that is provided on the side of the bearing surface of the head part and that extends away from said head part. The invention is characterized in that a tubular guide segment (18) is concentrically disposed relative to the tubular rivet segment and radially inside said rivet segment, wherein an annular gap is provided between the guide segment and the rivet segment and the guide segment projects beyond the free end of the rivet segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of joining a sheet metal part to a metal tube to form an assembly. In an overlapping configuration, the parts are held together under a clamping force while a self-piercing rivet is driven through the assembly by a welding electrode. The rivet pierces and passes through the sheet metal part and then through at least substantial portion of the metal tube to thereby form a mechanical interlock. An electrical current is then applied to this mechanical retention to melt a portion of the rivet as well as a portion of the metal surrounding the joining region. The flow of electrical current is then stopped after several welding cycles where the now melted material is allowed to solidify upon cooling, thereby forming a weld.

Abstract: In order to detect setting defects of a self-piercing rivet in a self-piercing rivet setting machine, on a graph having X-Y coordinates representing a rivet driven stroke and a rivet driving load, a normal upper limit curve 37 defining the upper limit of a normal setting range and a normal lower limit curve 38 defining the lower limit of the normal setting range are plotted to detect a conventionally detectable setting defects. Further, a defect upper limit curve 39 and a defect lower limit curve 41 which are obtained from an additional setting defect different from the conventionally detectable setting defects are plotted between the normal upper limit curve and the normal lower limit curve, so that the additional setting defect is detected when a plotted curve 45 of actual-measurement data of a rivet under a rivet driving operation lies between the defect upper and lower limit curves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for characterising component carriers (100, 200, 310) provided with a plurality of electrical components (110, 210) to be fitted, and to a method for using one such device. Said device comprises at least one data carrier (150, 250, 350) which is coupled to the components (110, 210) to be fitted, and in which at least technical data of the components (110, 210) is stored. Said data carrier (150, 250, 350) can be detected and read by means of a processing unit, and is designed in such a way that it can store other technical component data, logistical component data and/or operating data of the fitting installation. It is thus possible to take into account all operating states of a fitting installation, defective components, defective fitting processes etc. during a fitting process in a fitting program, and/or to evaluate the corresponding data, and use it for optimising and improving the fitting process.

Abstract: A system and method for performing operations on a plurality of workpieces comprises an operations portion and a load/unload portion, a plurality of independently operable work heads located in the operations portion, the work heads each being operable to perform work on the plurality of workpieces, a transfer system, the transfer system including a plurality of mounting devices, the transfer system being operable to deliver the mounting devices into and out of the operations portion of the system, the plurality of workpieces being contained in workpiece-holding structures, the workpiece-holding structures being mountable on the plurality of mounting devices, wherein one of the plurality of mounting devices is positioned in the operations portion of the system and work is performed on the plurality of workpieces by at least one of the plurality of independently operable work heads while another one of the plurality of mounting devices is positioned in the load/unload portion of the system and workpiece-holdin

Abstract: An apparatus has a holder that receives a component from a component supply and then places the component on a substrate. In operation, it is determined whether the holder would make an interference with another component already mounted on the substrate. If this judgement is affirmative, mounting of the component held by the holder is prohibited. If, on the other hand, this judgement is negative, the component held by the holder is mounted onto the substrate.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic repair process which provides a new electrical repair path to connect top surface vias. The repair path is established between a defective net and a redundant repair net contained within the multilayer ceramic substrate. The defective net and the repair net each terminate at surface vias of the substrate. A laser is used to form post fired circuitry on and in the substrate. This is followed by the electrical isolation of the defective net from the electrical repair structure and passivation of the electrical repair line.

Abstract: The present invention provides the miniaturization and weight reduction of the multi-layer circuit board and improvement in the processability thereof. The multi-layer circuit board comprises a substrate 10, on at least one surface of a substrate 10, a first electrical conductive circuit (metal plating film 30) disposed on the substrate 10, an resin layer 20 disposed on the first electrical conductive circuit and a second electrical conductive circuit (metal plating film 30) disposed on the resin layer. The resin layer 20 is composed of a resin compound including benzocyclobutene resin, particulate inorganic filler and ultraviolet absorbent.

Abstract: An assembly system and a method are for assembling components on substrates. The system includes a transport track and several substrate carriers that can be displaced, for example, perpendicularly to the transport track. The substrate carriers can be loaded with substrates using loading that can be displaced in the direction of transport. Manipulation devices for removing components from feed devices and depositing the components on the substrates are arranged next to the transport track, so that they can be displaced laterally in the direction of transport. The feed devices can be displaced in a substantially perpendicular manner in relation to the direction of transport, in order to align the pick-up point for the respective components along a single pick-up track, parallel to the transport track.

Abstract: An apparatus has a holder that receives a component from a component supply and then places the component on a substrate. In operation, it is determined whether the holder would make an interference with another component already mounted on the substrate. If this judgement is affirmative, mounting of the component held by the holder is prohibited. If, on the other hand, this judgement is negative, the component held by the holder is mounted onto the substrate.

Abstract: An electronic parts mount apparatus for taking out semiconductor chips from a semiconductor wafer held on a wafer hold section by a transfer head comprising a plurality of suction nozzles and transporting and mounting the semiconductor chips to and on a board has a parts recognition camera disposed in a manner that it can advance to and retreat from the wafer hold section for picking up an image of the semiconductor wafer. A parts mounting step for mounting a plurality of semiconductor chips on the board by the transfer head and an image picking up step for picking up a plurality of semiconductor chips to be next taken out by the parts recognition camera are performed concurrently. Thereby, the number of electronic parts per mount turn can be increased, the tact time can be shortened, and the electronic parts can be efficiently taken out and mounted on the board.

Abstract: A method for producing printed wiring boards comprises the steps of perforating through holes at predetermined positions in an adhesive insulator sheet, filling the through holes with a conductive material such as a conductive paste or metal balls, transferring conductive wiring patterns that have been formed on surfaces of releasable supporting sheets onto the surfaces of the adhesive insulator sheet by heat and pressure. Simultaneously, interlayer via-connections are performed by means of the conductive material filled into the through holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microbeam oscillator. Tuning of the oscillator is carried out by addition or subtraction of material to an oscillator member in order to change the mass of the oscillator member.

Abstract: A method for packaging an injection-molded image sensor includes the steps of: providing metal sheets arranged in a matrix, each of the metal sheets having a first board, a second board and a third board to form a -shaped structure; performing a first injection molding process to encapsulate the metal sheets and to form a first molded body with the first to third boards exposed; performing a second injection molding process to form a second molded body and a cavity on the first molded body, wherein the first boards are located within the cavity; arranging a photosensitive chip having bonding pads within the cavity; providing wires for electrically connecting the bonding pads to the first boards, respectively; and arranging a transparent layer on a top of the second molded body to cover over the photosensitive chip.