Abstract: The headrest support tubes are secured to the seat frame member not by the usual welding, but by gripping the web of the member between two rings or lock-beads swaged into the metal of the tube. The first ring is swaged-out by compressing the tube. The tube, with the one ring, is then assembled into a through-hole in the web of the frame member. Then, the second ring is swaged into the metal of the tube, on the other side of the web, and the web lies gripped between the rings. The seat frame member may be an I-section extrusion, or a round tube with localised squeezed-flat areas, flanked by flanges.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade.

Abstract: A machine and a method for fabricating structural wood components, such as joist building components, is described. The machine comprises a component assembling jig for assembling pre-cut wood pieces at predetermined positions corresponding to a structural wood component design. Magnetic elements are adapted to position connector plates at predetermined locations in the machine. The assembled wood pieces of the jig are displaced to a transfer platform where they are clamped with the wood pieces positioned at interconnecting junctions. The transfer platform then displaces the assembled and held wood pieces to a position adjacent magnetic connector plate applicators whereby the plates are secured to the wood pieces at the interconnecting junctions to interconnect the wood pieces together to form an assembled structural component which is then displaced and discharged from the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-piece closed-shape structure and a method for manufacturing a one-piece closed-shape structure. In particular, the present invention relates to a one-piece fuselage and a method for manufacturing a one-piece fuselage. One embodiment of the method of the invention involves the use of molding technology, tooling technology, the integration of the molding and tooling technology, and fiber placement to manufacture a one-piece closed shape structure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable platform (10) for use in gasket manufacture, comprising a shaft connected to a motor and can receive at least one mandrel, and a surface to receive at least one molding tool, the mandrel being activated by the motor to turn in relation to the platform (10) and to the tool, and to move gasket-forming elements, such as metallic or non-metallic strips, among others, to be processed by the tool. Moreover, as much the mandrel as with the tool are replaceable respectively between mandrels and tools with different characteristics. Thus, the same platform (10) may produce different types of gaskets, and, consequently, speed up and facilitate the gasket replacement process.

Abstract: For producing a temperature-dependent switch, which has a temperature-dependent switching mechanism which is accommodated in a housing and, depending on its temperature, establishes an electrically conducting connection between at least two connection electrodes arranged on the outside of the housing, the switching mechanism is placed in a lower part of the housing, the lower part is closed off with a cover part while forming at least one join, an adhesive layer is stamped on near the join in order to seal the join, and the adhesive layer is allowed to cure.

Abstract: A base plate and load beam for an HG assembly are formed in series, stacked, and transferred by a transfer system in the form of the stacked-layer series to undergo the necessary assembly processes such as layer joining, slider attachment, and electrical connections between the terminals thereon. When uncompleted HG assemblies are transferred for each of the manufacturing processes, the uncompleted HG assembly is mounted on the assembly jig such as a tray or a block for transference. For this reason, assembling jigs, the number of which is at least equal to the number of the uncompleted HG assemblies remaining at the respective assembly processes would be needed. Accordingly, the efficiency of work space is reduced, and a rise in manufacturing cost is brought about by the need for the assembling jigs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for force mounting semiconductor packages onto printed circuit boards without the use of solder. The apparatus includes a substrate, a first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate, a housing configured to house the first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate, and a force mechanism configured to force mount the housing including the integrated circuit die and substrate onto a printed circuit board. The method includes mounting a first integrated circuit die onto a first surface of a substrate, housing the first integrated circuit die mounted onto the substrate in a housing, and using a force mechanism to force mount the housing including the first integrated circuit die mounted on the substrate onto a printed circuit board. According to various embodiments, the force mechanism includes one of the following types of force mechanisms clamps, screws, bolts, adhesives, epoxy, or Instrument housings or heat stakes.

Abstract: In an apparatus for corking bottles, the corks are fed in succession within the cavities of a plurality of vice-like devices, which are driven in rotation by a carousel device and which are designed to be radially compressed by the vice-like devices before their insertion into the respective bottles. The cavity of the vice-like device that each time comes to occupy the position for receiving the cork is set in communication with a negative-pressure source, which sucks the cork downwards, causing it to drop into the cavity, and maintains it in the correct vertical position. Preferably, a similar suction device is provided at the outlet end of feed channel for feeding the corks, which brings the corks to a loading station. A transfer wheel with a vertical axis transfers the corks in succession from the loading station to the starting station of the corking apparatus, where the corks are received within the respective vice-like devices.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical cell comprises: feeding a sheet of ion exchange membrane material through a double belt press; feeding at least one electrode substrate through the double belt press; and applying heat and pressure to bond a portion of the membrane material and the electrode substrate within a process zone of the double belt press. An apparatus for manufacturing membrane electrode assemblies for an electrochemical cell comprises a double belt press. The present process can further comprise cutting a membrane electrode assembly, such as by longitudinal slitting to obtain strips of the desired width and/or cross-cutting of the strips to obtain a membrane electrode assembly of the desired length.

Abstract: A method and structure to form surface plating metallization on a substrate. Two layers of tape are applied to the surface of the substrate. A first path is cut through both layers of tape exposing the substrate surface. The first path connects at least one conductive via on the top surface of the substrate. A second path is cut through the second layer of tape exposing the first layer of tape. The second path is routed from the first path to an edge of the substrate A seed layer is deposited over the surface of the second layer of tape thereby creating a seeded plating path in the first path and a sacrificial seeded conduction path in the second path. Connecting the sacrificial seeded conduction path to a plating potential at the edge of the substrate creates a plated path on the surface of the substrate. The sacrificial path is removed when the tape is removed.

Abstract: A method of mounting a package such as a Butterfly package to a printed circuit board in order to make efficient use of the board's real estate is described. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the package is mounted on its side such that leads of one side (now the bottom) of the butterfly package are connected either directly to surface mount pads on the PCB or project through and connected to through-holes in the PCB. The leads on the other side (now top) are connected to a flex circuit or ribbon cable. A heatsink can be attached to the package without impinging significantly on the PCB layout.

Abstract: A method of making a data cable includes coupling an electrical conductor of an end of a cable to an electrical contact that is positioned within a portion of a connector housing. A protective clamp is positioned over a section of the cable rearwardly of the electrical contact. Another portion of the connector housing is formed over the cable section and the clamp, to thereby secure the cable with the connector housing. The protective clamp is positioned between the formed portion of the connector housing and the cable section and provides mechanical protection for the cable section to reduce damage thereto.

Abstract: Methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in computers are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes installing an electrical connector into a receptacle on an electrical component in a computer. The method further includes securing a mounting portion of a retaining device to at least one of the manner positions an interface portion of the retaining device at least approximately adjacent to an outwardly facing surface of the connector to prevent the connector from disengaging from the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of flexibly mounting a gas distribution plate to the back wall of a gas inlet manifold for a plasma chamber. A perforated gas distribution plate is suspended from the back wall by flexible side walls. The flexible suspension minimizes mechanical stress due to thermal expansion of the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: An electric rotary shaver comprising: a cutter frame having a plurality of outer cutter holes, outer cutters disposed in outer cutter holes so as to be tiltable in any direction, and inner cutters rotatably disposed inside the outer cutters and connected to inner cutter drive shafts that are rotationally driven and urged in a direction that causes the inner cutter drive shafts to protrude outward; wherein a cutter retaining plate is provided inside the cutter frame so as to be on a main body side of the electric shaver, and fulcrum plates are tiltably shaft-supported in the cutter retaining plate so as to be positionally correspond to the outer cutter holes; and the outer cutters are shaft-supported in the fulcrum plates via supporting members in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the fulcrum plates are shaft-supported by the cutter retaining plate, thus being tiltable.

Abstract: A bush cutting machine has a relay member mounted to undergo movement by actuation of a throttle lever to adjust the opening degree of a throttle valve and to release a brake unit from a braking condition. A first wire has first and second ends each connected to a respective one of the throttle lever and a first portion of the relay member so that pivotal movement of the throttle lever pulls the second end of the first wire in a pulling direction from a standby condition to an operative condition. A first end of each of second and third wires is connected to a respective one of the throttle valve and the brake unit.

Abstract: The present cutter is comprised of a plate for attaching to the top of a conventional hammer tacker. A notch at the front end of the plate is for engaging a raised head at the front of the hammer tacker. A belt clip projecting from the rear end of the plate is angled away from the hammer tacker for clipping to a belt. A side extension is arranged on the plate to one side of the notch. A shallow groove is arranged on the bottom surface of the side extension, and a blade is positioned in the groove. A thumb screw attached to the blade is positioned through a slot in the side extension. The blade is movable along the groove for extension or retraction relative to the front end of the plate. When extended, the blade is angled to one side of the hammer tacker.

Abstract: An improved serrated cutting blade is characterized by the shape and positioning of the sharpened teeth of the cutting edge. In preferred embodiments the blade may be used in combination with a handle or holder such as that typically referred to as a utility knife or box cutter.

Abstract: A shaving device that defines a substantially cylindrical volume to receive an index finger of a user. Rotation about the index finger under control of the adjacent thumb and middle finger provide precise finger-tip control of the pitch, angle and pressure applied the fixed or replaceable shaving blades.

Abstract: A low profile, single platform carriage (40) for use with a quilting frame that is capable of simultaneous motion in two orthogonal axes, capable of motion along the length of a table without the need for guidance systems such as tracks or channels, for enhanced portability with a simple means of adjustment (20) for the length of the carriage in the y-axis for the purpose of accommodating slight variations in standard table width.

Abstract: A transparent plastic template permits an angle to be conveniently truncated with a pencil and straight edge. The template has three holes equally spaced apart along a hypothetical line, a central hole and a pair of outer holes. A circle is centered about one of the outer holes, and has a radius equal to one-half the spacing between the outer holes. A line is defined on the template, perpendicular to the hypothetical line and intersecting the midpoint of the hypothetical line. The template is manually positioned on the angle with its line intersecting the vertex of the angle. Simultaneously, the circle is positioned so one arm of the angle forms a tangent, and the opposing outer hole is positioned on the other arm of the angle. The central hole and the hole surrounded by the circle are then positioned to mark a pair of trisecting lines through the vertex.

Abstract: An improved sight for an archery bow providing a mechanism operable to convert a rotational input to a purely translational output. The mechanism may be adapted simultaneously and uniformly to adjust the windage of a plurality of sight pins. In another embodiment, the mechanism may be operable to adjust a vertical position of an individual sight pin carrying a fiber optic pickup.

Abstract: A vehicle laser alignment system laser supporting attachment for mounting a laser module to either the wheel spindle or hub of a vehicle has a plurality of attachments for attaching to different vehicles. A laser module supporting mandrel has a cradle for supporting a laser module on one end and a mandrel to wheel adapter connection on the other end thereof and has a slot formed in the side of the mandrel. A mandrel-to-wheel adapter is selected for a particular vehicle and is removably attached to the mandrel on the mandrel-to-wheel adapter connection for attaching the mandrel to a specific vehicle. An adapter holding plate has a threaded opening therein and is sized to fit into the mandrel slot for bolting the mandrel to a specific mandrel-to-wheel adapter.

Abstract: An alignment structure and an alignment method which generates a plurality of spot images from the same light source and aligns individual spot images between different fields in independently steps without affecting the alignment of other spot images. The camera has a plurality of focusing members referenced to a common focal plane array of a plurality of detectors. The alignment structure has a light source, a collimator and a multiple-beam generator. A light beam generated by the camera is collimated and split into a plurality of components converging on the camera at angles within field of view of the camera. Multiple fields of a plurality of spot images are formed on the focal plane. By translating and rotating the focusing members, distances of the corresponding spot images between different fields are minimized to align the camera.

Abstract: An adjustable fit laser-projecting tool used to project a light beam outward from the end of any cylindrical object for reference to the object's centerline axis or reference to points parallel to the centerline axis some distance away from the cylindrical object. The tool is comprised of a clamping means utilizing the outer surface of the cylindrical object as the contact surface. The tool contacts the outer surface of a cylindrical object as to orient the tool to the centerline of the cylindrical object. A laser diode module is mounted on a sliding centering scale, allowing the laser diode module to be moved to the centerline of the cylindrical object or another desired position parallel to the centerline axis of the cylindrical object.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two optical adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions two optical targets of the aligner at transversely spaced apart locations. The stand is positioned between the vehicle and the aligner and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to the thrust line of the vehicle. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the thrust line.

Abstract: A continuous measurement-while-drilling surveying apparatus includes a fiber optic gyroscope sensitive to rotation about the tool spin axis of the bottom hole assembly and a second fiber optic gyroscope sensitive to rotation of the bottom hole assembly about an axis normal to the tool spin axis. The first gyroscope may be shaped as a torus to accommodate flow of drilling mud through the bottom hole assembly. The outputs of the first and second gyroscopes are processed together with acceleration signals from three accelerometers in a microprocessor which determines the orientation, velocity and position of the bottom hole assembly on a continuous basis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for marking an angles relative to a baseline, the apparatus comprising two elongate arms, one arm having a length greater than that of the other, the arms being pivotally joined at one end by a connecting means having an aperture and anchoring means attached to the other ends for anchoring the arms to a first marker at one end of the baseline and a second marker marking the other end of the baseline to a specified length. The baseline length determines the size of the angles given the constant lengths of the first and second arms. The method may be employed by a single unskilled user to mark angles of any size greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees. The apparatus may be sized and proportioned for use on projects of widely varying scales.

Abstract: An assembly jig includes a jig frame, workpiece supports provided in the jig frame for supporting a workpiece, and actuators for moving the workpiece supports relative to the jig frame. Based on the results obtained by measuring the positions of reference points of the jig frame and the positions of the workpiece supports by means of a position measurement device, positional coordinates of the workpiece supports relative to a coordinate system fixed to the jig frame are calculated, and the actuators are operated so as to make the deviation of the calculated positional coordinates from the preset positional coordinates a predetermined value or less, thereby automatically correcting the misalignment of the workpiece supports relative to the jig frame. Thus, it is possible to easily and accurately correct the deteriorated precision of an assembly jig caused by the influence of aging and thermal expansion.

Abstract: In order to create a solid-bow centrifuge for mechanical drainage and thermal drying of sludges, in which the possibility of clumping or of bake-on of the finely dispersed thick matter spun off from the thick matter outlet openings is minimized or prevented, according to the invention it is proposed to provide in the flight path of the spun off thick matter, a baffle cone surrounding the thick matter outlet openings at a distance and which rotates at a high circumferential velocity, that is, preferably it rotates together with the basket shell, and whose inner, ring-shaped, rotating conical surface accelerates the arriving thick matter and prevents solids bake-on.

Abstract: A dryer section for drying a moving material web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, including several dryer groups that are located successively in the direction of web travel, whereby at least one of these is a double row configuration and whereby the material web is continuously supported in at least one transitional zone from a single row dryer group to an immediately following double row dryer group and/or in a transitional zone between two double row dryer groups that are located immediately following each other.

Abstract: A plant for the drying and treatment of a pourable mineral material. The plant includes a combustion apparatus, introducing smoke gases into a rotary-driven rotary drum for cocurrently with the pourable mineral material. The rotary drum is inclined in the conveying direction, has installed fittings on the inner circumference and is connected sealingly at its outlet end to a shaft. The installed fittings in a front introduction region of the drum are transport blades. The shaft is put under a vacuum by means of a fan and is set up to take over the material and gas stream emerging from the rotary drum. A Venturi fitting is arranged coaxially in the rotary drum, upstream of the outlet, and a bypass for conveying air is arranged in the drum casing in the introduction region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inhibiting corrosion of an automobile chassis is provided. The method utilizes an apparatus which provides a flow of heated air to the underside of the automobile. The apparatus preferably includes a pair of elongated conduits positioned under and along the length of the automobile having a plurality of spaced apart openings. A flow of heated air from the apparatus housing is directed into the conduits and flows out of the openings outward and upward toward the chassis of the automobile and dries the chassis.

Abstract: A breathable shoe including an upper assembly having a breathable upper, a membrane made of a material which is waterproof and breathable, and a sole made of perforated elastomer, which arc all mutually attached such that the membrane is arranged between the upper assembly and the sole. Further, the sole is sealed perimetrically to the membrane, in a manner to prevent moisture from entering into the upper assembly from the sole through the membrane, and to permit moisture to leave the inside of the upper assembly through the membrane and through the sole. In one preferred embodiment, the membrane is first attached to the upper assembly so that the upper assembly is a unitary upper assembly including the membrane, and such a unitary upper assembly is subsequently attached to the sole.

Abstract: A device for securing and restraining the loops and tails of tied shoe laces prevents the laces from becoming loosened and untied. A tab is mounted on a tension band to permit the loops and tails to be passed between the tension band and the shoe tongue and the loops end tails held securing next to the tongue and facings of the shoe.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe, especially a house slipper, has an outer layer constituted of a fabric material, and a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material. The fabric layer and the backing layer are molded integrally together to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance, quieter usage and increased shape retention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding element for a shoe sole. The sliding element includes an upper sliding surface and a lower sliding surface, wherein the lower sliding surface is arranged below the upper sliding surface so as to be slideable in at least two directions. The upper sliding surface can form a lower side of an upper heel cup and the lower sliding surface can form an upper side of a lower heel cup, wherein the upper heel cup and the lower heel cup have corresponding substantially spherical shapes. Complex multi-dimensional sliding and cushioning movements between the upper sliding surface and the lower sliding surface are made possible by the corresponding three-dimensional shapes of the two substantially spherical surfaces.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: A snow removal apparatus having a frame, a first snow removal device, and a second snow removal device. The first snow removal device is operably mounted to the frame for removing snow from a front end of the frame. The second snow removal device is operably mounted to the frame for removing snow from a region lateral to a front end of the frame. The first snow removal device and the second snow removal device enable snow to be removed from a width that is wider than a width of the frame.

Abstract: A sectional snowplow having a plurality of separate sections, each mounted separately and independently to the snowplow frame for limited movement upwardly and downwardly relative to the sections of the snowplow on either side, whereby one section can rise to scrape over a rise in the surface below that section without causing the sections on either side to also rise above the surface below such other sections. Each section is mounted separately and independently to the snowplow frame by flexible members of a resilient but nevertheless sturdy material such as polyurethane. A preferred material is known in the trade as polyurethane 90 A Shore hardness.

Abstract: A method of excavating a surface layer of soil is disclosed that uses an excavator with a grab having two bucket halves with cutting edge. In a first excavating position, the grab is held in a first orientation as seen in projection on a horizontal plane and inserted into the layer of soil in an open position of the bucket halves until their cutting edges reach a first predetermined level while maintaining the first orientation. While maintaining that level and first orientation, the bucket halves are moved to a closed position during which movement their cutting edges move towards each other through a substantially straight path so as to excavate a first rectangular portion of the layer of soil. The grab is then lifted and moved to a discharge position horizontally spaced from the excavating position and emptied there to make further transport of the excavated soil possible.

Abstract: An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.

Abstract: An advertisement light box is disclosed. The light box comprises a main frame, a panel, a light guiding structure, a light guiding source positioning device. The inner side of the panel is provided with a locking hole and the four sides of the panel can be lifted or the entire panel can be lifted by means of the fastening of connection plate, and the light box is provided with a clip for easy mounting of an advertisement material, and the four lateral sides of the light guiding structure are provided with a light guiding source fastener which is an inverted U-shaped board directly mounted to the edge of the light guiding structure so as to prevent the light guiding board to deform or to prevent the light to leak, the interior of the inverted U-shaped board is provided with light tubes, and the inner wall of the U-shaped board is coated with a silver or the like material to provide good reflection of light.

Abstract: A sign system is disclosed for use with a parking lot which includes a plurality of parking spaces. The sign system comprises at least first and second monuments, a plurality of signs, and at least first and second cable segments suspended between the first and second monuments in a spaced relationship to each other. Each of the plurality signs is disposed adjacent to and bearing indicia identifying a corresponding one of the plurality of parking spaces and is affixed to both of the first and second cable segments in a steadying relationship. The first monument includes first and second weights, each of which is coupled respectively to a corresponding one of the first and second cable segments, whereby tension is applied to each of the first and second cable segments.

Abstract: A shelf-front label holder is provided with a specifically improved form of auxiliary sign clip along its upper front edge. The label holder is formed of a relatively rigid plastic material, and the sign clip includes a downwardly extending portion overlying the upper front margin of the label holder to accommodate upward insertion of special sign tags. A thin, flexible tongue-like retaining element extends across a lower portion of the sign clip and is adapted to be easily deflected by upward insertion of a paper sign but thereafter lightly grips the sign to hold it in place. A new process is also disclosed for the continuous extrusion of the new label holder product, enabling the continuous co-extrusion of the soft, flexible tongue-like retaining element together with the main section of the label holder.

Abstract: A system for monitoring use of a weapon. The system includes a monitoring station and at least one weapon in which the weapon fires a projectile. The weapon includes a tracking device, in which the tracking device receives navigational data, and a transceiver. The transceiver transmits at least the navigational data to the monitoring station. The weapon can further include a biometric identifier for identifying a user and a trigger mechanism in which the biometric identifier can enable the trigger mechanism only when the biometric identifier identifies an authorized user. In one arrangement, the tracking device can be a global positioning system receiver that can receive navigational data from a plurality of global positioning system satellites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating the mosquito bait as well as stimulating the human body's surface temperature and emanated odor. A well-controlled heating assembly can be used to generate a suitable thermal gradient for simulating body temperature and evaporating the bait. The bait comprises at least the bacterial fermentation product. The bait is not poisonous to human beings and contains mosquito attractants made from natural products of fermentation or decomposition. The apparatus according to this invention comprises at least an upper compartment for trapping mosquitoes and a bottom compartment including the bait and the beating assembly. This invention can also combine with electrocution grids or insecticide webs to destroy attracted mosquitoes.

Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining disease-free seeds of high quality by efficiently controlling a seed borne disease of seeds of vegetable crops, ornamental plants and other herbage, seeds are subjected to a physical or chemical sterilization to reduce a fungal or bacterial amount held by the seeds and then the thus sterilized seeds are treated by an effective microorganism which is antagonistic against a pathogen of the seed borne disease. Controlling effect and fixing property of the effective microorganism can be enhanced by using a plurality of fungal or bacterial strains thereof. Examples of such effective microorganisms include fungi or bacteria belonging to the genus Pantoea or the genus Leclercia which is antagonistic against the pathogen belonging to the genus Xanthomonas.

Abstract: A plastic article includes a first plastic portion having a series of protrusions extending therefrom and adjacent to each other. A second plastic portion is molded between and over the protrusions of the first plastic portion, thereby forming a protuberance on the plastic article in a desired profile.