Abstract: The sponge snowbrush is an innovative tool used to clean snow & ice from vehicles without scratching the paint. The components of the brush are the rubber grip handle (1), the angled telescoping shaft (2), the spring loaded release buttons (2A) the brush head (3), the detachable sponge (4), the Velcro strips (4A) the detachable ice scrapper blade (5), and the ice scrapper blade storage slot (6). What makes this invention unique from all other snowbrushes is the fact that a sponge is used instead of the typical bristled brushes. This helps to prevent damage to the paint finish while snow is being removed.

Abstract: A device for treating a stain is disclosed. The device includes a scrubber which has a backing with an inner surface and an outer surface. Extending from the outer surface of the backing is a plurality of scrubbing protrusions. Fastened to the inner surface of the backing is an absorber such as a sponge. The backing and scrubbing protrusions may be molded from a flexible, resilient material, with the scrubbing protrusions being conical in shape with rounded ends. The absorber may be compressed to remove liquid held therein by folding the device about itself such that the backing is over the absorber and applying pressure.

Abstract: A liquid application tool (10,110) that holds a liquid applicator (14) at an angle to a handle (12,112). The tool (10,110) broadly comprises a handle (12,112), a liquid applicator (14,114) and a flexible arm (16,116) between the handle (12,112) and the applicator (14,114). The handle (12,112) may be adapted to be held in a user's hand. The applicator (14,114) preferably comprises a roller assembly (32) capable of holding a paint roller. The arm (16) preferably comprises L-shaped segments (20,22) joined by an adjustable joint (24) in order to adjust the angle. Alternatively, the flexible arm (116) may bend along at least a portion of its length in order to adjust the angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning at least one surface of tubular tool rails includes an elongated housing having a free end, at least one brush rotatably attached to the free end of the housing, and a motor attached to the housing. The motor is operable to rotate the at least one brush to clean the at least one surface of the tool rail when the brush contacts the at least one surface. A debris removal device is attached to the housing adjacent the brush.

Abstract: A vacuum dustpan having a housing with an inlet to the level of the floor surface into which dust and debris can be directed. A vacuum motor induces a vacuum to transfer the debris to a collection chamber within the housing. The vacuum dustpan is usable in locations such as shops, hair salons, kitchens and other environments where debris collects and periodically swept.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner system for the motor vehicle is provided, which comprises a negative pressure generator adapted to be connected with a motive power output of the motor to create a suction source and a dust collection chamber having a dust collection hose and in fluid communication with the negative pressure generator to enable the selective collection of dust in the dust collection chamber or the evacuation of water and other fluid. The invention incorporates a suction impeller and ratio gears, which are adapted to be coupled to the engine of the motor vehicle thus providing sustainable power and energy to the vacuuming cleaning tasks.

Abstract: A floor scrubber includes a forward cylindrical brush with adjustable down pressure. The cylindrical brush is sprayed uniformly with a controlled amount of water or solution and moves debris forward with a direct propelling action into a collection hopper. A set of three disc brushes is located behind the cylindrical brush, followed by a suction liquid recovery device for suctioning spent solution. A control system allows independent use of the forward cylindrical brush, or the rear disc brush set, or all brushes. A floor-engaging flap having a central opening extends transverse of the machine behind the cylindrical brush to channel water from the cylindrical brush to the disc brush set and then to the suction recovery device.

Abstract: A carpet extractor (10) operable in either a restorative cleaning mode or a maintenance cleaning mode includes a constant rate pump (96) which dispenses clean solution through a manually operated valve (98) to one of two lines (100, 102) having nozzles which restrict dispensing to high and low solution flow rates. In the preferred form, clean solution is dispensed at the high flow rate directly upon the carpeted surface and at the low rate upon the agitating brush (88). When restorative cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the high flow rate and a switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a slow working speed. When maintenance cleaning is desired, the valve (98) is manually moved to dispense at the low flow rate and the switch (110) is also manually moved resulting in the chassis (18) being propelled at a fast working speed.

Abstract: An air-assisted tool includes a handle, a tool head (such as a rake or shovel, and a blower assembly. The tool is used to quickly and easily move debris (such as grass, rocks, leaves, snow, branches, dirt, etc.) by lifting and dislodging the debris from a surface in the traditional manner. The blower assembly produces an airflow that is directed towards the tool head and is used to propel the debris, thus reducing the labor necessary to move the debris. The blower assembly includes a motor coupled to a blower and a manifold in fluid communication with the blower. The manifold is preferably disposed proximate the tool head. The motor and blower may be disposed on the handle or as a separate unit such as a backpack or hand-held or wheelable unit. The tool may include an air-biasing device to adjust the direction of the airflow across the tool head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclonic dirt separator comprising a dirt-collection assembly including a dirt tank having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, a cyclonic separator, at least one filter element, and a suction source fluidly connected with the dirt collection assembly. In one embodiment, the cyclonic dirt separator includes a separator plate cooperating with the housing to form a toroidal region of the dirt tank for aiding in the separation of dirt from a suction airstream developed by the suction source. The separator plate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the dirt tank, creating a gap between the outer edge of the separator plate and the inner wall of the dirt tank. A further embodiment includes fins projecting from a sidewall of the dirt tank, and fingers projecting from a bottom wall of the dirt tank, to reduce re-entrainment of dirt particles.

Abstract: A combination blower assembly and string trimmer whereby the string trimmer head is easily detachable without the use of any tools. The device includes a blower assembly that further includes an upper and lower housing mated together to form a volute-shaped cavity where an impeller with airfoil-shaped blades reside. The detachable string trimmer head is located under the lower housing of the blower assembly and is easily attached or removed from the blower assembly by a simple push and turn motion. The blower assembly further includes an air inlet and air inlet cover. When the air inlet cover is rotated to a position where the air inlet is open the blower assembly is operable and the string trimmer is inoperable. Furthermore, when the air inlet cover is rotated to a position where the air inlet is closed the blower assembly is inoperable and the string trimmer is operable.

Abstract: Claimed and disclosed is a fastening device that can fasten itself to a sheet material and at the same time couples itself to an object, comprising a coupling means for slidably coupling the device to a substantially fixed object and an attachment means for attaching the sheet material to the device. The coupling means defines a receiving surface at a first portion, has an extended second portion thereof which is rotatably connected to an attachment means for attaching an object to the device. The coupling means further has a receiving means extending outwardly from the second portion of the coupling means to receive a material. The receiving means having a concavely-shaped first end and an enlarged second end to receive a material. The enlarged second end ensures the material stays securely in the concavely-shaped first end.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for protecting hinges, including hinge plates, hinge loops and pins and related hardware from paint is disclosed. While painting doors, the apparatus and system can be used to protect the hinge hardware from paint without having to remove the hinge hardware from the door and door frame. In general, the apparatus and system includes a hinge plate cover that includes a magnetic material around the periphery of the cover. The apparatus and system further includes a hinge loop and pin cover that typically includes an elastic band that can optionally include a sealed end or a grip tab.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a hinge apparatus for mobile phones. In the hinge apparatus, a fixed cam is installed in a rotary hinge part, in place of a fixed hinge part, different from conventional hinge apparatuses. Therefore, the design of elements of the hinge apparatus can be preferably changed so as to allow the elements to be easily and simply assembled into a single structure without being scratched. It is thus possible to minimize wobble of the hinge apparatus due to scratches of the elements, and prevent a degradation in the operational performance of the hinge apparatus caused by the wobble.

Abstract: A handle system for removable attachment to an existing handle of a rolling luggage case. The system includes a grasping bar that has a gripping area ergonomically formed for grasping, and a releasable securement structure coupled to the grasping bar. The releasable securement structure is configured for releasably securing the grasping bar to the existing handle of the rolling luggage case at an end thereof distal from the luggage case. A locking mechanism is provided that is operatively associated with the releasable securement structure for locking the grasping bar in two or more pivot positions relative to the existing handle of the rolling luggage.

Abstract: An improved tool handle for a resulting tool is configured to be of an ergonomic cross section, such as a rounded triangle or a teardrop. The improved tool handle may include a core of glass strands within a plastic binder, as well as a coating formed over the core that resists penetration of glass strands therethrough. The coating of such a tool handle may be formed of two separate materials of two durometer hardness in order to provide both a relatively hard grip region and a relatively soft grip region that are contiguous. Such a tool handle may additionally include texturing such as knurling on the harder grip region.

Abstract: A separable apparatus to cushion and dampen vibration and method for making such separable apparatus. The separable apparatus comprises an overmold composed of a mixture of an elastrometric material and a foaming agent. The overmold comprises a first non-foam layer and a second non-foam layer, in conjunction, enveloping a micro-cellular foam layer.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument has a business end and a handle attached to the business end. The handle has a gripping portion and a longitudinal axis. A knob is provided on the gripping portion of the handle to facilitate the wielding of the hand-held instrument. The knob is disposed such that it projects away from the handle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred, but not required embodiment, the knob is removably attached to the handle by a quick release attachment device. In a typical, but not required, such embodiment, the quick release attachment device includes a male connection pin disposed within the knob and a female receptor disposed within the hand tool.

Abstract: In a device on a carding machine for setting the working gap between the cylinder and at least one neighbouring roller, which cooperate with one another with a small gap between their cylindrical surfaces (working gap) at the fibre transfer points, the working gap is readjustable to a pre-determined value as a result of changes in dimensions caused by thermal expansion and/or centrifugal forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to fastening means (in particular to so called clothing clips) for the fastening of clothing strips on flat rods, made of light metal or light metal alloys. Thereby the fastening means are laid-out in such a manner that, when the flat rods assume their operating temperature, these are not deformed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sawtooth wire for a cylinder lining, in particular for a doffer cylinder for a carding machine. In order to improve the take-over and delivery properties of the doffer cylinder to a subsequent stuffer cylinder, the sawtooth wire is implemented such that the back angle of the tooth angle of the individual teeth increases from the base to the tip of the respective tooth. Owing to this tooth design, it can be achieved that the tooth back is steep in the area of the tip of the tooth, whereby the delivery properties of the doffer cylinder to the subsequent stuffer cylinder will be improved, while the breast angle is large; this will facilitate the take-over of fibres from the main cylinder that rotates at a higher speed.

Abstract: A wrap for securing objects having an elastomeric band, a retainer having a body defining a notch for receiving widthwise a portion of the elastomeric band, a band receiving portion of the notch, a first tab extending axially over the band receiving portion of the notch and defining a mouth portion of the notch, wherein the mouth portion has a width less than the width of the elastomeric band.

Abstract: A flexible tie strap includes an elongated narrow web with a fastener joined at one end. One surface of the web is equipped with a plurality of spaced apart ratchet teeth. The fastener includes an aperture to receive the free end of the web and a tongue with a pawl. The pawl is positioned to engage the web teeth to prevent withdrawal of the web through the fastener. A release tab and an anchor tab are joined to the fastener in spaced relation to each other for flexing the fastener to disengage the pawl from the teeth and release the strap from the fastener. The web of the strap may include a series of spaced apart holes to permit attachment of other devices to the strap.

Abstract: Firm engagement to headwear and a versatile look of headwear may be improved by a button for headwear that includes an upper plate portion, a pillar portion extending from the upper plate portion and provided with a first catching projection, a lower plate portion, and a projection portion extending from the lower plate portion and provided with a second catching projection holding the first catching projection.

Abstract: A unitary shoulder strap neck reliever for a seatbelt having two straps comprising a base with a front side and a back side, said base including an H-shaped slit having a left opening and a right opening, and a clip connected to said base defining a strap holding area therebetween, wherein the first strap is threaded into said left opening and along the back side of the base and threaded out through said right opening, and the second strap is clipped into said strap holding area.

Abstract: A clamp has two molded clamp C-Shaped halves 1, 2 C-halves held together by a two screws 3 and a nut 4.

Abstract: A magnetic clasp having completely visually obscured magnets is disclosed. The magnetic clasp includes an end cap, a first magnet (disposed within the end cap), a sleeve, a divider (dividing the sleeve into two inner portions) and a second magnet (disposed within the second inner portion). The end cap is configured to secure a first end of an object. The first inner portion of the sleeve is configured to enclose the end cap and the second inner portion of the sleeve includes the second magnet. The second end of the object is secured within the second inner portion of the sleeve. The end cap and/or sleeve may be made of a magnetic material. If the sleeve is made of a magnetic material, the first magnetic is not required. If the end cap is made of a magnetic material, the second magnet is not required.

Abstract: Fastener elements are attached to a side edge of a fastener tape composed of a knitting structure. An interval between the elements and a wale in the vicinity of the elements is formed into a thin knitted fabric. A flange on a side of a rear mouth of a slider is disposed on the thin knitted fabric and the slider is slid based on this section. For this purpose, an outer side of a bottom end face of the flange is cut out to provide with a notch portion, so that this portion is formed with a small width. Consequently, the thin knitted fabric is slid and introduced securely, and making a pressure contact with a surface of the wale is prevented. Even if a fastener is mounted on trousers and its fabric is pulled in a lateral direction forcibly to open, the elements are prevented from biting into a tape guide groove and escaping.

Abstract: A buckle apparatus comprises insertion control means press-operating an ejector (13) when a pair of tongue parts (5c, 6c) are simultaneously inserted into a buckle body (2) for allowing insertion up to an engaging position between the respective tongue parts (5c, 6c) and an engaging member (10) while regulating the press operation by posture tilting of the ejector (13) when only one tongue part (5c, 6c) is inserted. The insertion control means comprises a frame member (15) having a guide rail part (15g) reciprocatively slidingly guiding the ejector (13) along the direction of the press operation while comprising a stopper part (15k) separably coming into contact with the ejector (13) in posture tilting from an insertion allowing posture for regulating movement in the direction of the press operation on the guide rail part (15g).

Abstract: The invention relates to rolls for use in spreading webs and minimizing the formation of wrinkles therein. The roll has a diameter in its central region that is greater than the diameter proximate its end portions. The diameter can taper straight from the central portion to the ends, can parabolically taper from the central portion to the ends, can utilize a combination of a parabolic shape and straight taper, or other profile variations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant for the manufacture of mats formed of continuous yarns originating from bobbins (1) and thrown onto a conveyor belt (10), comprising:

Abstract: A smoothed and durable industrial process fabric and method for producing such a fabric. The fabric may be used as a papermaker's fabric, other industrial process fabric and/or engineered fabric. In any case, the fabric is processed using a device comprising at least two smooth rolls which form a pressure nip, such as a calender, such that at least some of the fabric components are permanently deformed. Preferably, at least one of the rolls is heated to a pre-selected temperature.

Abstract: A method of protecting surface mount capacitors from moisture and oxygen corrosion by applying a thermally curable pre-coat resin to a portion of the terminals of a capacitor and encapsulating the capacitor element(s) with a protective resin. The pre-coat resin is substantially rigid at ambient temperatures and flexible at elevated temperatures and is preferably a lactone-containing epoxy resin. The pre-coat resin may be applied to a solder coating-free portion of the terminals by brush or wiper prior to encapsulating the capacitor element(s) with the protective resin.

Abstract: A method for forming elastic ventilation cushion comprises the steps of arranging a plurality of needle seats at two banks, an upper bank and a lower bank, and a straight gap is formed between the upper bank and the lower bank, wherein one edge of each needle seat near the other bank is mounted with a plurality of slender needles, wherein each distal end of the needles is folded as a distal folded section; passing an elastic cushion through the gap; and moving the needle seats at the upper and lower banks so that the length of the gap is enlarged or reduced, thereby, the needles on the needle seats will pierce the elastic cushion and the distal folded section will tear surfaces of the elastic cushion to form a plurality of elastic ventilation slits on the elastic cushion. Moreover, the needle seats can be replaced by needle rollers.

Abstract: An automated de-banding machine which can perform by scanning the surface of the pallet to determine the number and position of bands to be removed. The machine also is capable of analyzing to determine the overlay bands from underlay bands. The overlay bands are removed first and typically fed individually to a chopper which chops the bands into pieces for recycling. The band information may be recorded and used to facilitate handling of a similar type of pallet in future operations to eliminate any stoppage for determination of retooling or adjustment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a test model of a gas turbine engine combustor dome, and the test model produced thereby. The method entails individually stamping a plurality of dome wall segments and first and second mounting band segments. Each wall segment comprises at least one cup between radially inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and an opening in the cup. At least one wall segment and its two corresponding mounting band segments are placed on a fixture that locates the opening of the wall segment, locates the first and second mounting band segments at the radially-inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and orients the wall segment to establish a dome angle of the fixtured dome assembly. The wall segment and mounting band segments are then joined while the fixtured dome assembly remains on the fixture to form at least a unitary sector of the test model.

Abstract: A process of making molds and inserts where each mold or insert consists of superimposed plates, tightly secured together, having the hollow form(s) or pattern(s) been cut in place. The hollow form(s) or pattern(s) were cut by means of laser or similar cutting machine, which is not possible to do in the blanks or solid pieces that are used to make most molds or inserts because the material to be cut is too thick.

Abstract: A punch having wings is driven through framing members and then rotated. Rotation of the punch causes the wings to crimp the framing members together. An angular crimping technique where piercing members are driven through framing members in at least two different directions to crimp the framing members together. A fastenerless cinching tool pierces adjacent framing member and crimps the framing members together.

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: As part of a method for producing a combination packaging container (28), which combination packaging container (28) comprises a beaker-shaped plastic inner part (15) and a casing-type outer part (14) surrounding the plastic inner part (15) and retained on the external face of the plastic inner part (15) in an interlocking arrangement, and by which method the two parts (14, 15) are pushed one in the other in an interlocking arrangement, the assembly process is improved due to the fact that the outer part (14) is retained in a holder (13) and the plastic inner part (15) is introduced into the outer part (14) retained in the holder (13) and then pushed down into the outer part (14) so as to interlock.

Abstract: A machine tool in which the workpiece is transported by a pair of longitudinal carriages with transverse and vertical carriages supporting the workpiece holders to a machining region from a workpiece replacement region. In the machining region the workpiece is displaced relative to the tool and possibly rotated. In the workpiece replacement region, the workpiece is replaced in the machine tool by a workpiece which has not been machined.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and method for manufacturing an automotive beam for use as a beam in structural components of automobiles with significant improvements in terms of torsional rigidity and yield strength. The beam improves the overall safety of passengers and maintains the simplicity of the manufacturing process. The apparatus (1) for manufacturing roll formed profile beams comprises a plurality of material dispensers (2,6), a first set of rollers (5), a second set of rollers (11), a first welding station (10) mounted between the two sets of rollers (5, 11) and a second welding station (12) at the outlet of the second set of rollers (11). The method of manufacturing roll formed profile beams comprises the steps of roll forming a first profile element followed by roll forming a second profile element enclosing the first profile element and forming a closed profile beam having an internal support structure.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head comprises a reproducing head and a recording head. The reproducing head comprises: a GMR element; a bottom shield layer and a top shield layer for shielding the GMR element; conductive layers connected to the GMR element; and shield gap films formed between the shield layers. Each of the shield gap films is made up of a plurality of thin alumina films stacked that are formed by performing the step of forming a thin alumina film by low pressure CVD, for example, a plurality of times.

Abstract: An automated manufacturing system of a secondary lithium battery is disclosed.

Abstract: A chip transfer apparatus includes a first carrier for feeding chips and a second carrier for carrying works on it. The transfer apparatus also includes a transfer engine including two or more coaxial revolvers, which can revolve coaxially with each other. Each of the coaxial revolvers includes an end-effector for receiving a chip from the first carrier and transferring the received chip onto a work on the second carrier. The end-effectors of the coaxial revolvers are arranged in a circle coaxial with the revolvers. The end-effectors sequentially receive chips from the first carrier at substantially zero speed relative to the first carrier and transfer the received chips onto works on the second carrier at substantially zero speed relative to the second carrier. While the end-effectors are revolving, they undergo periodic speed change control for timing adjustment and speed adjustment for the chip reception and transfer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a multi-layer printed circuit board can include forming an etching resist layer on a first metal layer having plating grooves that selectively expose the first metal layer, forming a plated layer at the surface of the first metal layer exposed by the plating groove through a plating process to form connection protrusion, removing the etching resist layer, forming an insulation layer at the first metal layer and positioning a second metal layer at the surface of the insulation layer coupled to an end portion of the connection protrusion. By forming the connection protrusion through the plating process, a loss of material can be reduced and a strength of the connection protrusion can be increased. Further, a complexity of the fabrication process is reduced to reduce costs and increase productivity.

Abstract: A resist post is formed on a connection pad of a semiconductor chip, and the semiconductor chip and the resist post are covered by a heat resistant insulating layer. A surface of the insulating layer is next polished by CMP or the like, thus an upper surface of the resist post being exposed. The exposed resist post is then removed by developing processing or the like, thus forming a through hole. A conductor is then embedded in the through hole by plating, thus forming a connecting conductor, and wirings are formed. A method of forming the connecting conductor does not impart damage to the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: In a ceramic packaging method employing a flip-chip bonding, a gold bump is formed on a chip bond pad in a wafer and the wafer is divided into a plurality of chips by a die sawing. A Cu pattern and the gold bump are aligned on a ceramic package, thereby adhering a bottom chip to the ceramic package through the Cu pattern and the gold bump and a top chip is adhered to the bottom chip by using an adhesive, thereby forming a bottom/top chip structure of the bottom and top chip. The chip bond pad is electrically connected to the bottom chip and the top chip by interconnecting the bottom and the top chips and interconnected portions of the bottom and the top chips are encapsulated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a probe card comprises the steps of forming a plurality of amorphous alloy layers of a predetermined shape at a predetermined substrate, wherein the amorphous alloy layer has a supercooled liquid temperature area, heating the amorphous alloy layer at the supercooled liquid temperature area, cooling the amorphous alloy layer at a temperature lower than the supercooled liquid temperature area and removing at least a part of the substrate in a state where the amorphous alloy layer is cooled at a temperature lower than the supercooled liquid temperature area.

Abstract: A hole plugging method for a printed circuit board, a hole plugging device in accordance therewith and a manufacturing method in accordance therewith where a mask for selectively exposing a via hole, a through hole and a surface pattern of the printed circuit board is positioned on the board having the via hole and the through hole to electrically connect circuit patterns formed on the surface of the board and in the board and an insulating material is plugged in the via hole by abutting and pushing the material on the surface of the board. Therefore, the insulating material can be plugged smoothly without a void, the processing is simplified by plugging the insulating material just to the height of the circuit pattern in a space between the circuit patterns and accordingly, damage to the circuit pattern can be prevented.