Abstract: A method is described having the steps of providing a surface having a plurality of wire bondable locations, wire bonding a wire to each of the wire bondable locations using a wire capillary tool; controlling the position of the capillary tool with respect to the substrate; after forming a wire bond of the wire to the wire bondable location moving the capillary tool relative to the surface as the capillary tool is moved away from the surface to form a wire having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and packaging an integrated circuit includes following steps: pressure a continuous pin material and a base board area at first; then cut off pin material into several pin units, accommodate each pin units into respective position in a mould, and ejecting plastic into the mould gap to shape a pin unit, then remove waste part of the pin material after removing down the mould parts; put four pin units and a base board into a rectangle mould, then eject plastic again into mould gap, after that cut off waste part of the base board to attain an IC socket; stick an IC chip on top of the base board of the IC socket and wire it. Finally, cover and stick a panel on the IC socket to finish the whole IC packaging procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling an internal combustion engine and for correlating engine information with a vehicle identification number. The engine includes an engine block and a plurality of pistons. The engine block has a plurality of cylinders formed therein, and the inner diameter of each cylinder is measured and recorded as cylinder information. A specific outer diameter of each of the plurality of pistons is measured and recorded as piston information. One of the pistons is selected for each cylinder based upon the recorded cylinder information and the recorded piston information so as to provide a desired piston clearance for each piston/cylinder combination. Engine information, which includes the piston information for each of the selected pistons and the cylinder information, is recorded, and the engine information is correlated with the vehicle identification number to permit the engine information to be accessed via the vehicle identification number.

Abstract: An assembly provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft is preferably comprised of reinforced fibers. A metallic inner sleeve is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features, such as dimples, that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a valve integrally associated with a microfluidic transport assembly that is useful for regulating the flow of a liquid sample through an analytical instrument such as, for example, a biosensor.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly, including a pair of sidebars, interconnecting crossbars and optional connecting brackets all formed from channel sections, is manufactured using soft adjustable tooling, preferably a roll former, thereby eliminating the need to use hard tooling. The shorter frame assembly components, including the crossbars and optional brackets, are formed as multi-piece gang members. The frame may be assembled with mechanical fasteners (bolts or rivets) or by welding, the latter obviating the need to use brackets. When mechanical fasteners are used, the components are hole-punched, preferably with numerically controlled piercing equipment. When heat treated steel is used, the piercing and cutting operations are preferably performed after heat treating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nail clipper provided with cutting edges having a curvature corresponding to a section and a curve of a nail, in which a blade body can be replaced with one having suitable cutting edges according to a shape and a size of a nail. In a nail clipper according to one embodiment of the present invention, cutting edges formed at one ends of upper and lower blades of a blade body are curved with a first curvature to the one end of the blade body while being bent with a second curvature with respect to the blade body. In a nail clipper according to another embodiment of the present invention, a blade body is removably received in a casing and a lever for applying force to the blade body is coupled to the casing. Since the blade body can be removably disposed in the casing, thus, it is possible that one having cutting edges corresponding to a size of the nail can be coupled to the casing, instead of the blade body.

Abstract: A coaxial cable stripper, consisting of:—a cutting unit (1) comprising cutting means (7) for a plurality of sheaths, said cutting unit (1) being designed to surround a cable (5) and cut its sheaths simultaneously by rotation of said cutting means (7) about the cable (5),—an intermediate unit (2) designed to surround said cable (5) and comprising means (6, 29-31) for adjusting the rotation of said cutting means (7),—a fixing unit (3) comprising fixing means (8) for said cable (5), the three units (1-3) being adjacent to one another and aligned along a common axis defined by said cable (5).

Abstract: A folding knife includes a handle having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and a blade rotatably connected to the distal portion of the handle. The blade may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position, and may have at least one lock member receiving recess formed therein. The folding knife may further include a lock bar pivotally connected to a medial portion of the handle and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lock bar may include a lock member which contacts a respective portion of the blade adjacent the lock member receiving recess to define a contact point between the lock member and the blade when the blade is in the opened position and the lock bar is in the engaged position. The folding knife may also include a lock pin connected to the handle adjacent the lock member.

Abstract: A scissors assembly includes a main body, a jaw plate, and an angle adjusting base. Thus, the scissors assembly has a simplified construction and can be positioned efficiently. In addition, the scissors assembly can adjust the cutting angle easily and conveniently. Further, the scissors assembly is operated easily and conveniently.

Abstract: An improved guard is provided for flexible cutting element devices such as lawn trimmers. The guard extends above the cutting planed formed by the circular travel of the flexible cutting element. The flexible cutting element is allowed to extend past the perimeter of the guard, such that the cutting action created by the travel of the cutting element occurs immediately past the edge of the guard. A cutter may be provided outside of the perimeter of the guard and extending into the plane formed by the rotation of the cutting element to function as a cutter for setting the length of a cutting element being used. The guard may be formed as a single piece or as a composite which when assembled encircles the center assembly of the cutting device.

Abstract: A weed and grass trimmer has a cutting line which is fed as the weed trimmer is in use. The weed trimmer's cutting head includes a spool for cutting line, and a housing. The spool has flanges around its circumference, which may engage a corresponding upper or lower set of flanges in the housing. Actuation of a control located near the handle operates either a cable or a solenoid, causing the spool to reciprocate between the upper and lower flanges. The difference in centrifugal force and angular velocity during this reciprocation causes additional cutting line to be fed.

Abstract: A multi-purpose rotary cutting tool having a plurality of interchangeable head attachments, wherein the head attachments are easily attached and detached to a rotary cutting device, thereby providing various tools for a multitude of applications.

Abstract: A band saw has a housing with portions covering the output wheels and the motor. A handle is coupled with the housing. Also, an activation member is coupled with the housing and is electrically coupled with the motor and the power source. A blade is coupled with the output members to accomplish cutting. A hanger member is coupled with the housing. The hanger member includes an engaging surface to support the band saw with respect to a support member to suspend the band saw off the ground to enable the user to hang the band saw between use out of the work area.

Abstract: An expandable storage container includes a primary storage container having a series of openings arranged in an upper portion and a cavity on one side, and a secondary storage container arrange at least partially within the primary storage container. The secondary storage container has a series of openings arranged in an upper portion therein, and is sized to be slidably nested within at least a portion of the primary storage container. Items such a knives, rods, screwdrivers, etc. are stored vertically within the openings, and the secondary storage container slides outwardly from the primary storage container to permit additional storage as the use increases the number of item needing storage.

Abstract: A chain saw bar tensioning apparatus is disclosed comprising a sliding member having a recess formed therein. The sliding member is adjacent to a first tensioning member that biases the sliding member in a direction such that when the apparatus is incorporated into a chain saw bar and mounted to a chain saw having a mounting stud, the sliding member is biased towards the mounting stud. The apparatus further comprises a latch adjacent to a second tensioning member. The recess of the sliding member is configured to receive the latch and the second tensioning member biases the latch towards the sliding member such that, when the sliding member is forced in a direction away from the mounting stud, the latch will eventually enter the recess and prevent the sliding member from moving towards the mounting stud.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reciprocating saw including a rotating handle. In embodiments of the invention a reciprocating saw includes a motor housing for containing a motor. A linkage is disposed in the motor housing for linearly reciprocating a straight cutting blade connected to the linkage. A rotating handle is pivotally coupled adjacent an end generally opposite the straight blade. Preferably, the handle is a generally D-shaped handle coupled via a series of interlocking ribs/grooves which may be included on the motor housing, on a connector mounted to the motor housing, or the like. Additionally, a securing mechanism is included for locking the handle in predefined orientations with respect to the motor housing.

Abstract: A new method to detect module-to-module misalignment in a manufacturing apparatus is achieved. The method comprises providing a manufacturing apparatus comprising a first module and a second module. The first and second modules are initialized to an optimal alignment with respect to each other. Relative motion is detected in a first direction between the first and second modules. The relative motion indicates a loss of optimal alignment. A alarm is generated based on loss of optimal alignment. An apparatus is also achieved.

Abstract: In a spatial coordinate measurement system using an articulated arm and associated electronic data processor, the workpiece having locations to be measured is held by a carrier rotatively supported about an axis. An angular encoder feeds into the processor the relative orientation of the carrier about the axis. The processor virtually translates the origin or point of reference of the arm as a function of the orientation of the carrier so that the carrier and workpiece can be rotated to place the location to be measured in close proximity to the sensing probe of the arm without affecting the relative coordinate measurement. The extent of movement of the arm around the workpiece that would be necessary if the piece remained stationary throughout measurements of all locations, is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Touch-triggered probe comprising a fixed part, designed to be fastened onto a measuring machine or a machine tool, and a mobile contact feeler that can be oriented on two independent axes along a multiplicity of spatial directions. The two axes of the probe comprise each an actuator for unlocking and adjusting the axes. The operation force is reduced as compared with the high effective indexing force by a demultiplying mechanism.

Abstract: A template for assessing damaged areas on a blade includes a set of marks indicating the maximum areas of damage allowed on an edge, as well as the tip of a blade. A guide enables the template to be aligned in proper position against the blade for accurate visual inspection of the damaged areas. One or more blend guides are included to allow the inspector to mark a blend area around the damage to enable maintenance personnel to smooth sharp, jagged edges of the damaged areas, thereby relieving stress points on the blade and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the blade. The template is fabricated with transparent material that allows the blade to be viewed when the template is overlayed on the blade. A mechanism such as a clip, a sleeve, or magnetic attraction can be included on the template to retain the template on the blade during inspection.

Abstract: A shape cutting system for cutting a material having a surface. The shape cutting system includes a cutting unit and at least one template. The cutting unit includes a frame, a blade adjustment assembly and a blade assembly are coupled to the frame. The blade assembly is positioned at least partially within the frame such that a longitudinal axis of the blade assembly is substantially perpendicular to a lower support surface of the frame. The blade assembly includes a blade retainer and a blade connected to the retainer. The blade adjustment assembly is positioned on a neck which is rotatable relative to the frame. A user is capable of accessing and replacing the blade assembly without altering the position of the blade adjustment assembly relative to the neck.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for heat treatment of lignocellulosic material. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber and devices for circulating and recovering gases from the treatment chamber such as to provide a uniform temperature within the chamber and allow efficient drying of the material. This is achieved by injecting and recovering the gases from at least two sides of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A paint drying system for drying a painted body (4), such as a painted motor vehicle, includes a spraybooth (1) having an enclosure (2) through which air flows from an air inlet (6) to an air outlet (16, 18). The spraybooth (1) may also have columns of air jets (34) mounted in respective corners of the enclosure (2) to direct air obliquely at surfaces of the vehicle body (4). The system includes ionization members (33) for electrically charging this air supply. In a preferred embodiment the air is negatively charged by ionization members comprising one or elongate rods (33) mounted parallel with the columns of air jets (34). The spraybooth (2) may also have a control system (210) for controlling the paint drying system (4). The control system (210) has user-operable controls (234) to pre-select a predetermined parameter/combination of parameters and thus control the characteristics of a respective drying stage or cycle which parameters, e.g. temperature, vary with time.

Abstract: A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel. A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface. The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal heels.

Abstract: A punch-to-fix structure of steel-head shoes comprises a vamp, a steel head, and a sole, in which a covering portion and a wearing entrance are formed at a front and a rear end of the vamp, respectively. The bottom end of the vamp is an upper jointing mouth having a plurality of peripherally punched through holes, and there is also a plurality of through holes formed surrounding the steel head. The top end of the sole is a lower jointing mouth surrounded by a plurality of protruding dots corresponding to the through holes in the steel head and the upper jointing mouth of the vamp. When assembling, the protruding dots along the perimeter in the lower jointing mouth of the sole are squeezed into the through holes of the covering portion in the upper jointing mouth and into the through holes of the steel head to thereby combine the steel head, the vamp, and the sole solidly together.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cushioning systems for athletic shoes that can be adjusted by a wearer. The systems include one or more cushioning inserts having anisotropic properties and are lockable in place in the shoe sole. The systems may also include structural support elements that provide additional stability and support to the wearer's foot. The wearer can adjust the degree of cushioning by rotating the insert within the shoe. The wearer can also remove the insert and replace the insert with a new and/or different insert.

Abstract: An article of footwear having an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The midsole defines a plurality of upper and lower channels intersecting in a waffled construction to define openings. The channels and openings allow passage of water from the interior of the article of footwear. The upper channels extend across the upper half of the midsole in one direction and the lower channels extend across the bottom half of the midsole in another direction. The channels are of sufficient depth so that the upper and lower channels intersect one another to define the openings through which the water may pass from the upper channels to the lower channels. The outsole forms the wear surface and covers a majority of the undersurface of the midsole, preferably defining a plurality of outlets or ports through which water may drain from the bottom of the shoe.

Abstract: A stretchable string (100) having a first cross sectional diameter at rest and a second smaller cross sectional diameter when stretched. An aglet (200) positioned on the string. The aglet has an inner cross sectional diameter that is smaller than the cross sectional diameter of the string at rest and approximate to the cross sectional diameter of the string when it is sufficiently elongated. The aglet is moved along the string when the string is sufficiently elongated. The aglet can be repositioned along the string by stretching the string such that the diameter of the string is approximate to the inner diameter of the aglet. Excess string can then be removed.

Abstract: A perfected device for walking on snow or ice consisting of platforms (1) that are fitted on the upper face of the rackets (20) and have a swivel mechanism (6) formed by a spherical or similar piece equipped with axles (22) at the heel end. At the bottom of the platforms (1), they also have housings (24), spikes (8), rackets (20) and, at the heel end, semi-cylindrical parts (23) and (23′) equipped with fastening elements (10) and (10′).

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: An improved footwear structure, which comprises an upper and a sole, associated to such upper. The footwear structure also comprises fitting means, which are associated to such upper and such sole for accommodating the internal volume of such footwear structure to the size of a user's foot by means of co-operating resilient deformations of such upper and such sole.

Abstract: A shoe upper has an outside surface having a first ornamental theme, the first theme being formed in three dimensions, with artwork coincident with the three dimensional effect. An outsole below the shoe upper includes a bottom surface for engagement with a walking surface; a peripheral area extending about the bottom and mating with the upper. The upper surface is for engagement with a bottom of the upper. The bottom surface and the peripheral area have a surface with a second ornamental theme. The first ornamental theme and the second ornamental theme are thematically related so as to create a surrounding ornamentation of the footwear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an outsole (1) for sports shoes (2) comprising nock-type elements arranged in the front sole area (3) and heel area (4), said nock-type elements extending in a conically tapered manner fro the base (6) thereof to the contact surface (7). The aim of the invention is to improve said outsole, in order to enable improved contact of the feet when they are placed on the ground, even when the ground is moderately hard. This is achieved by reducing the height (hred) of at least one nock-type element (5′) in the sole edge area (12) of the heel area (4) in relation to the average height (hnorm) of the other nock-type elements (5″) in said area.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a shell (10) and preferably also a leg piece (20), and features, at least at some portions thereof that do not include the sole (15), a composite structure formed of two layers (30, 40; 30A, 40A) that are made of preferably synthetic materials having different mechanical properties. At least the interfacing surface (34, 34A) of the layer (30) made of mechanically stronger materials is provided with protruding elements (36) that remain inseparably adhering to the interfacing surface (42, 42A) of the other layer (40).

Abstract: A snowboard boot includes a sole, an upper and a coupling member coupled to the sole. The sole has a longitudinal axis and a support projection extending downwardly from the sole. The upper includes a foot section fixedly coupled to the sole and an upwardly extending leg section. The support projection is arranged and configured to secure the coupling member against forward and rearward longitudinal movement. Preferably, the sole includes an outer sole and a mid sole constructed of a more rigid material than the outer sole. Preferably, a front coupling member is fixedly coupled to a toe section of the mid sole and a rear coupling member is fixedly coupled to a heel section of the mid sole. Preferably, the heel section has the support projection to secure the rear coupling member against forward and rearward longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe has an upper portion with a sole attached to the upper portion. The sole has upper and lower outer surfaces that define a toe section, an arch section, a ball section and a heel section with a longitudinal axis extending between the toe and heel sections. The ball section has a cleat attachment area surrounding at least one cleat attachment hole extending between the upper and lower outer surfaces. At least the arch section is configured with a transverse cross section having a center sole area with a first predetermined height, a medial side sole area with a second predetermined height and a lateral outside sole area with a third predetermined height, the first predetermined height being smaller than said second and third predetermined heights. Preferably, the sole upper and lower inner surfaces defining an interior cavity.

Abstract: An ice and snow remover includes a covering part, an electric heat generating part disposed in the covering part for melting ice and snow, two temperature sensors, and a display fitted to the covering part. The temperature sensors are connected to the heat generating part, and disposed in the covering part respectively, and are electrically connected to the display so that temperature of the heat generating part and temperature inside the covering part can be sensed and displayed, helping a user use the ice and snow remover and preventing the user from getting burnt due to touching the remover to try to find out the temperature of the remover when the remover is very hot.

Abstract: Hitch mount assembly for snow blades or other accessories or implements for off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles. The assembly includes a receiver for mounting to the vehicle chassis and an implement assembly readily removably coupled to the receiver. The configuration of the receiver and implement assembly allows for self-alignment during the mounting operation. A switching mechanism and actuator also can be used to pivot the working implement remotely. The mount assembly can be attached to the vehicle with a powered winch or manually.

Abstract: A rock and root puller connected to a three point hitch assembly and used for extracting rocks, stumps roots and other impediments at or below ground level having a fixed frame assembly and an articualted frame assembly both bivotally connected together and the articulated frame assembly moving along a vertical plane relative to the fixed frame assembly when actuated by a hydraulic piston; a set of braces bracing both ends of the piston and forming a piston frame assembly; a three point hitch brace securing the three point hitch assembly; a straight edge situated underneath the articulated frame assembly.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic dredging apparatus for removing a sediment layer from an underlying substrate lying below a water surface includes a receptacle having an open-front portion through which is sediment is collected, means for attaching the dredging apparatus to the submersible end of a boom that extends from a surface vehicle, a hydraulic pump for pumping a sediment and water slurry to the water's surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor device for thick matter, especially for concrete. The distributor device (16) comprises a concrete distributing boom (18) carrying a conveying conduit (20), which has at least two boom arms (30 to 36) that can be swiveled about horizontal articulation axes (38 to 44) relative to one another or relative to a boom support (26). At least one of the boom arms, preferably the base arm (30), is telescopically movable. In order to be adaptable to the telescoping movements, the conveying conduit is assembled from three interlinked conduit sections in the area of the telescoping boom arm. A first conduit section (58) is rigidly linked with the stationary member (46), while a second conduit section (60) is rigidly linked with the extensible telescoping member (48). The device further comprises an intermediate section (62) which is connected with its ends (64, 66) to the first and the second conduit section (58, 60) and which is configured as a flexible pipe.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator is equipped with one or more than one downsizing scheme of arranging a bubble removing device for removing bubbles in hydraulic fluid, using a hydraulic tank including a main tank (51) and a variable capacity tank (52) arranged separately from each other and/or fitting the variable capacity tank (52) to the rear surface of the upper cover. Thus, the lateral section of the seat can be ultimately downsized to provide a large space around the seat. Then, unlike the prior art, a canopy or a cab of a large hydraulic excavator can be securely arranged on the upper swing body of a small hydraulic excavator. Since such large parts can be commonly used with large service vehicles, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost of the service vehicle.

Abstract: The arm lowering motion restricting device 40 comprises an arm restricting member 41 which can be freely swung upward and downward, one end portion of which is pivotably connected to the arm 21, and which extends so as to cover the upper surface of the raising and lowering cylinder 23, a locking pin 50 which is detachably passed through the lower end portion of the arm restricting member 41, and a torsion coil spring 60 which is attached to the upper portion of the tip end of the arm restricting member 41. When the raising and lowering cylinder 23 is extended so that the tip end portion of the arm restricting member 41 contacts the end surface 23b1 of the cylinder tube 23b on the cylinder rod side, the retraction of the raising and lowering cylinder 23 is restricted.

Abstract: Maximum charging power of a battery (63) is set by a battery-charging power setting unit (75), while maximum discharging power of the battery (63) is set by a battery-discharging power setting unit (76). Lower and upper limit of generator output power is set by a generator output power setting unit (77). A generator/battery power distribution determining unit (81) distributes power between the battery (63) and the generator (62) using the set values above.

Abstract: This invention provides with a continuous underground trench excavating method and an excavator for the method, which performs vertical excavation in which a trencher of the excavator is inserted into the ground and horizontal excavation in which a travel body of the excavator is moved substantially horizontally, characterized in that it determines a penetration resistance under penetration of the trencher to a predetermined depth, estimates a ground strength in the underground depth direction on the basis of the penetration resistance, and a continuous underground trench excavating is carried out with a thrust matching the estimated ground strength, whereby capable of carrying out an appropriate excavation with better understanding of the ground condition.

Abstract: Transmission mechanism accommodated in a transmission case includes an input shaft extending upward to connect to a vertical engine and an output shaft extending horizontally to connect to a working unit. The engine is mounted on an upper surface portion of the transmission case, and the working unit, motors and axles of left and right traveling sections, such as crawler belts, are attached to the transmission case between the traveling sections. The working unit is vertically pivotable about the central axis of axles of the traveling sections. The driving wheels and motors are positioned adjacent to front end portions of an engine crankshaft positioned near and rearward of the central axis.

Abstract: An excavating tool for pivotal attachment about an axis to the outboard end of the dipperstick of an excavating system, the tool having multiple shanks offset longitudinally of the axis and offset radially about the axis. The tool does not have a bucket configuration. The shanks are arranged on the axis so the, as the tool is rotated about the axis, the shanks engage the substrate serially and axially offset.

Abstract: A locking arrangement (1) for releasably locking a wear tooth (2) to a tooth adaptor (3); the wear tooth (2) being defined by a top wall, a bottom wall and a pair of opposed sidewalls, each sidewall having an elongate slot (5) therethrough; the tooth adaptor (3) being of generally complementary shape to receive said wear tooth (2), and having an elongate cavity (6) on each opposed side thereof adapted to substantially align with a respective slot (5) of said wear tooth (2) when said wear tooth is installed on said tooth adaptor; said slot having a first inner surface, the locking arrangement including a retaining means (4) to be installed in each aligned cavity and slot to releasably lock said tooth (2) to said adaptor (3), the retaining means (4) including a pair of engaging retaining pieces (7, 8) adapted to fit in end-abutting relationship when in said locked position, whereby, an arcuate force is applied to at least one of said pieces (7, 8) to release said pieces from said locked position.

Abstract: An extension cylinder is provided and includes an elongated tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a first fluid opening formed proximate the proximal end. The extension cylinder also includes an elongated rod that is telescopically received within the elongated tube through the distal end thereof. The elongated rod has a second fluid opening formed proximate a rod distal end. A fluid communication tube is disposed between, and enables fluid communication between, the first and second fluid openings. The fluid communication tube includes a length that varies depending on how far the elongated rod is extended or retracted from the distal end of the elongated tube.