Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?) which have a body (30), a lower balancing layer (34) and an upper surface layer (32). A strip (6) is integrally formed with the body (30) of the floorboard (1) and extends under an adjoining floorboard (1?). The strip (6) has a locking element (8), which engages a looking groove (14) in the underside of the adjoining floorboard (1?) and forms a horizontal joint. A tongue (38) and a tongue groove (36) form a vertical joint between upper and lower plane-parallel contact surfaces (43, 45) and are designed in such manner that the lower contact surfaces (45) are on a level between the upper side of the locking element (8) and a plane containing the underside (3) of the floorboard. The invention also relates to a floorboard having such a locking system, a floor made of such floorboards, as well as a method for making such a locking system.

Abstract: Floorboard and openable locking system therefor comprise an undercut groove on one long side and projecting tongue on an opposite long side of the floorboard. The undercut groove has a corresponding upwardly directed inner locking surface at a distance from its tip. Tongue and undercut groove are formed to be brought together and pulled apart by pivoting motion with a center close to the intersection between the surface planes and common joint plane of two adjoining floorboards. The undercut is produced by at least two disk-shaped cutting tools with rotary shafts inclined relative to each other to form first an inner part of the undercut portion of the groove and then a locking surface positioned closer to the opening of the groove. Installation method for a floor of such boards, manufacturing method for manufacturing the undercut groove and a wedge-shaped tool for laying of the floorboards is also disclosed.

Abstract: A block used for building a structure such as a wall, floor or roof comprises deep recesses in the top and bottom surfaces. A bracket is attached between two blocks by inserting the flanges of the bracket into the deep recesses, thereby creating a central void between the two blocks. The block also comprises protruding portions and recessed portions wherein the protruding portion of one block fits snugly within the recessed portion of an adjacent block.

Abstract: A support frame is used to hold the position of a vertically-disposed air duct within a wall between wall studs. The support frame defines an opening that receives the air duct. The support frame has a flange extending around the opening that engages the air duct. The support frame may include notched ends that receive the opposed wall studs to position the support frame with respect to the duct opening formed in the floor boards.

Abstract: A stud wall framing system having a number of studs, and a floor and a ceiling track that are marked at spaced intervals to indicate the location of the studs when erected.

Abstract: The elongated box frame structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of frame segments attached to at least one end piece. Preferably, two end pieces are attached, one at each end of the plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such that a column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within the frame segments can be substantially free of webbing. Structural strength and stability is generally achieved by the bridging support of the attached end pieces.

Abstract: A ceiling trim comprising a plurality of trim elements and a plurality of connector clips for connecting abutting trim elements to form a continuous beam free of imperfections. Each connector clip is formed of a single elongated plate and includes first and second end sections. Each of the first and second end sections include a longitudinally extending web and a means for securing the end sections to the trim elements. The connector clip also has an intermediate section which integrally connects the first and second end sections. The intermediate section has a means for cinching together the edges of adjacent trim elements to provide a ceiling edge having a clean, finished appearance.

Abstract: A weatherseal assembly serving particularly for sealing a fixed window pane of a motor vehicle comprises a weatherseal made of an elastomeric material. In addition, the weatherseal assembly comprises a rigid component to which the weatherseal is securable. The weatherseal comprises an extruded sealing portion having at least one sealing lip and a mounting portion enclosing the window pane and connected to the sealing portion by bonding. The mounting portion is comprises a fastening means connected to the rigid component. To attain variable shaping of the sealing portion with reliable fastening the weatherseal is secured to the rigid component exclusively by the fastening means arranged on the mounting portion.

Abstract: A splice plate for a faceted curved beam formed in the field from a straight beam. The splice plate can be used to fix the bends of either a convex or a concave curved beam used in the grid of a curved suspended drywall ceiling.

Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardized in modular dimensions.

Abstract: An elongate hollow profile for securing objects and formed of a flat material includes two first side walls (2;12;32) and two second side walls (3;13;33) defining together a substantially rectangular cross-section, and at least one trough (4;9;14;19) formed of one of the second side walls (3;13;33) and having two trough walls extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the hollow profile and parallel to each other and a trough bottom (6;16;36) defining together with the two trough walls, a substantial U-shaped cross-section having two bent regions (8;18;38) each formed between the tough bottom (6;16;36) and a respective longitudinal web (5;15;35) forming a respective one of the two trough walls, the two first side walls (2;12;32) each having a receiving region (7;17;37) which a respective one of the two bent regions (8;18;38) of the at least one trough flatly abuts.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying and embedding drywall tape in joint compound along a drywall joint which includes an applicator, or use thereof, for guiding the tape along the joint and provided with a handle structure and a blade portion having slots to guide the tape.

Abstract: A bricklaying tool includes a mortar guide member having a slot for reception of mortar when the tool is placed on a course of bricks when building a wall. The mortar guide member has a brick engagement panel. An upstanding mortar retaining flange is provided having a rear edge of the panel. A spirit level is mounted on the flange. The slot is open ended with a stiffening strut mounted across the open end which also forms a handle.

Abstract: The connection means for boxes includes a connection support which connects integrally a base plate and a cover plate which faces to the base plate upwardly via a predetermined space; a rotary shaft member which is supported pivotably by and perpendicular to the base plate and the cover plate; an engage piece which is installed into the predetermined space at a horizontal state, capable of rotating with the rotary shaft member together; a return spring, a center part thereof wound around the rotary shaft member and both ends thereof supported by a spring pressure part of the rotary shaft member and an engage piece of the base plate; a lock piece for the engage piece, an end part thereof which is supported pivotably by a fixed shaft which is provided at one side of the base plate, having an engage part which projects from an upper surface of the base plate; and a spring which is attached to the fixed shaft, capable of biasing the lock piece to an engagement direction.

Abstract: A system for fabricating a slab from a construction material having both unhardened and hardened states includes a form panel unit and a pair of spaced structural supporting members. The supporting members are adapted for assisting in supporting said slab made the construction material. The form panel unit includes a panel member adapted for use as part of a form to retain said construction material when in an unhardened state and has generally opposed upper and lower surfaces. The panel unit also has at least one reinforcement unit having at least one reinforcement member mounted above the upper surface of the panel member is interconnected to the panel member. The form panel unit is configured so that the panel member can be positioned between the supporting members, such that said unhardened construction material can be retained above the upper surface of the panel member to permit hardening of said construction material from its unhardened state to its hardened state.

Abstract: An insulated refrigeration panel has a first skin and a second skin. The second skin is spaced generally parallel to the first skin. A first insulating body is sandwiched by the first skin and the second skin. The first skin, the second skin and the insulating body form a panel unit. A first snap fit connector and a second snap fit connector is integrally formed with the panel unit. The first snap-fit connector allows engagement of a mating connector along the first direction while the second snap-fit connector allows flexible engagement of a second mating connector along the second direction transfers to the first direction.

Abstract: A secure shipping parcel invention (1) is described that includes features to protect against unauthorized entry (51) and/or contamination by biological agents. Technologies employed may be tamper evident features (60) that make it obvious someone has attempted to gain entry (50), high tech materials that make it impossible to enter without destroying the parcel or its contents unless specific steps are taken, antistatic (20) additives to inhibit contact with airborne particles, and anti-microbial (5,10) additives that kill biological agents on contact.

Abstract: A safety catch device of a sealing machine has a baffle and a probe set. The baffle is pivotally arranged at the opening of the machine body. A conducting sheet is provided at the rear side of the baffle. The probe set has a first probe and a second probe, which are connected to a circuit unit with signal cables. The front end of the first probe exceeds the front end of the second probe by a certain distance. The front end of the first probe contacts the conducting sheet. The front end of the second probe keeps a certain distance from the conducting sheet. When the baffle swings backwards, the conducting sheet contacts the front end of the second probe to transfer signals to the circuit unit for stopping the film sealing operation. The safety of operation can thus be greatly enhanced to effectively avoid occurrence of hazards.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans, and modules for labeling stations and a bottling plant having a mobile module carrier. The present application further relates to a module carrier for use on labeling machines that are constructed in a modular fashion, whereby the present application teaches that the module carrier is equipped with means that facilitate its mobility. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.

Abstract: A cartoning machine to arrange a predetermined number of objects fed on one or more rows by a belt conveyer in boxlike containers, able to operate in unison with production machines running at very high speed and having a simple, reliable construction comprising several heads (55) to grip the objects which are arranged on at least one working station and are put into rotation to take the objects from the feeding rows and to lay them down into cartons carried on a second belt conveyer placed at 180 DEG from the first conveyer.

Abstract: A method for sealing a zipper assembly to bag making film at three or more points. The zipper assembly comprises a short zipper flange and a long zipper flange. The short flange is joined to one wall of the package while the long flange is joined to both walls of the package to define a product space in which the product is contained. Both the short and long zipper flanges are sealed to the bag making film at a first sealing station prior to folding of the film. After folding, the long zipper flange is sealed at one or more zones of joinder to the other side of the folded film. If the zipper assembly is attached in proximity to the fold line, then the second sealing operation is performed before filling and the bag is filled through the package bottom. If the zipper assembly is attached near the edge of the web of bag making film, then the second sealing operation is performed after the filling operation.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance for sealing items in a plastic bag is disclosed. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the device. The trough in the lower portion of the device contains a heat-sealing element used to seal the contents of the bag once the vacuum packaging is complete. In another embodiment, the heat-sealing element is mounted on the lid of the device and comes into contact with the vacuum bag when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: An encapsulating machine includes a pair of offset die rolls with one die roll mounted on slides urged by an adjustable fulcrum spring toward the other die roll. An offset drive coupling between the axle of the die roll and the associated drive shaft allows independent movement of the die axle to compensate for die wear. A split gear between die roll shafts accommodates for backlash and gear wear. Precise pulley-driven timing belts and phase adjusters extend between the die roll drive and a tablet feed roll to synchronize the clocked introduction of tablets onto film of one of the die rolls for encapsulation at the co-acting nip between the die rolls. The die cavities for tablets include a step-cut to improve the sealing of films around the tablets and a circumferential rub rail on opposite edges of each die prevents excessive wear of the die cavity lands.

Abstract: Method and material for wrapping items using a wrapping material made up of separate wrapping portions of a predetermined length. The wrapping portions are attached and released at their ends using a Z-lock system including a discrete laminate. The discrete laminate of the Z-lock system holds the wrapping portions together during manufacturing but can also easily release or separate the wrapping portions at a desired point in the wrapping process. The separating of the wrapping portions exposes an adhesive that is use to securely bond at least one wrapping portion to the item being wrapped at the end of a wrapping cycle.

Abstract: A process for the cost-effective packaging of high purity polysilicon fragments has the polysilicon fragments being packaged automatically.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for riveting a two-piece suture tray package. A two-piece suture tray assembly is provided having a top member and a bottom member. The top member has a top and a bottom, and plurality of rivet members extending down from the bottom of the top member. The rivet members have free ends. The bottom member has a top and a flat bottom surface, and a plurality of rivet receiving openings extending therethrough. A counterbore surrounds each rivet receiving opening in the flat bottom surface. An ultrasonic riveting apparatus is provided having a clamp member with a cavity, and an ultrasonic horn member having a flat bottom moveably mounted in the cavity The assembly is mounted in the riveting apparatus and engaged by the clamp member.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention is for forming filled pouches and it comprises: (a) a vacuum supply apparatus, (b) an elongated conveyor support, (c) an elongated row of vacuum apertures leading from the vacuum supply apparatus and discharging through the conveyor support, (d) a sequence of processing stations above the row of apertures in the conveyor support and which comprise holding, forming, filling and sealing stations, (e) a conveyor which includes a plurality of recessed vacuum moulds in its upper surface and mounted to slide over the conveyor support through each the processing station, (f) vacuum orifices extending through the conveyor into the vacuum moulds for transferring under-pressure from the vacuum apertures to each of the moulds, (g) means for supplying formable sheet material on to the conveyor at or ahead of the holding station, (h) drive means for driving the conveyor carrying the sheet material through the processing stations, and (i) means for supplying into the mould recesses

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for providing a sealed cover for documents comprising a document conveying table (18) with a general longitudinal shape, arranged upstream of a unit for inserting (20) said documents in an envelope (26), at least a contact member (40, 42) mobile longitudinally, under the action of driving means (76, 82, 84, 88) in the direction of the inserting unit and which is designed to drive the documents on the conveying table, the driving means being distant from the inserting unit. The invention is characterized in that said at least one contact member is arranged on a mobile support (44) linked to the driving means in a zone (44b) located upstream of said at least one contact member, the driving means imposing on said at least one contact member is reciprocating translational movement between two extreme positions, in one of said extreme positions said at least one contact member being placed proximate to the inserting unit.

Abstract: A horse bit is disclosed, including a pair of right and left mouthpieces, a joint shaft member extending in a longitudinal direction of the mouthpieces and configured to join the mouthpieces, and cheeks, respectively provided substantially on outer ends of the mouthpieces and configured to respectively connect reins to the mouthpieces, wherein the mouthpieces are each rotatable around the joint shaft member, and the joint shaft member is divided into right and left shaft elements at an intermediate portion thereof, and eye bolts corresponding to the right and left shaft elements are rotatable toward the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A safety halter includes a nose band which is formed of an upper nose band connected to a lower nose band by connecting rings. A crown piece is connected to a throat latch by connecting rings. The crown piece and throat latch are joined to the nose band by cheek pieces. A connecting piece extends between the lower nose band and the throat latch. The crown piece, throat latch and lower nose band are provided with safety release mechanisms which will separate when subjected to a tension exceeding a predetermined threshold. The strategic location of the safety release mechanisms ensures that the safety halter will release regardless of which part of the safety halter becomes ensnared providing greater safety than conventional halters and conventional safety halters.

Abstract: An improved filter support structure for supporting filter media. The support structure includes two sections removably coupled together with an improved coupling assembly. The first section has a cross section presenting a first width spaced apart from a second width, the second width being less than the first width. The coupling assembly includes an element carried by the second section, and presents an engagement width that is greater than the second width and less than or equal to the first width such that the element may be shiftably received within the first section at the first width, and can be removably engaged at the second width.

Abstract: An autonomous ground maintenance vehicle is capable of varying its operating parameters in response to environmental conditions. These operating parameters include maximum permitted acceleration, deceleration, velocity, rate of change of direction and rate of change of steering values. A rain sensor 50 and moisture sensor 51 may be mounted to the vehicle or be positioned on the ground. An inclinometer may also be provided such that the operating parameters may be varied according to the inclination of the ground to be maintained. If guidance means is provided to guide the vehicle along a specified path a variable operating parameter may be a minimum allowable specified path length.

Abstract: A towable rotary mowing apparatus (10) includes a tow frame (30) for ganging together a plurality of rotary mowers (12) which are allowed to rotate about three axes (pitch, roll, yaw). The tow frame (30) includes a mid link (60) having opposite ends pivotally connected about side axes between first and second mowers (12) and having a carrier (66) for common components of the mowers (12). The third mower (12) is pivotally connected to a rear link (74) about a rear axis and which in turn is pivotally connected to the mid link (60) about the three axes. The control circuit of a control box (70) starts and stops operation of the mowers (12) by actuation of a handheld remote control device (120). A first timer (106) actuates a starter solenoid (108) for actuating the starters (100) and a second timer (110) actuates a choke actuator (112) of the engines (16) of the mowers (12).

Abstract: An attachment for a sugarcane harvester allows two rows of cane to be harvested at the same time. The attachment is simple and robust in design and comprises an inclined large rectangular guide plate which diverges outwardly from one side of the sugarcane harvester to intercept the adjacent row of cane. At the bottom of the guide plate and in a front part of the guide plate is a cutting wheel to cut the row of cane. At the bottom of the guide plate and in a rear part of the guide plate is a second rotating wheel containing projections or paddles to assist in passing the cane into the sugarcane harvester. The attachment does not require complicated arrangements to enable the second row of cane to be cut.

Abstract: A device supported by a turf grass or agricultural mowing machine to provide for the reduced energy created from accidental contact between a object and said machine, while increasing the time the operator has to adjust the direction and speed of the machine. This contact routinely occurs during the maneuvering of the machine under normal operating speeds and conditions. The Turf Bumper accomplishes this by system that directs collision or contact energy to a system of energy absorbing devices. The initial contact with an object can occur with the wheel (100) followed by succeeding contact with a series of rollers (301, 302) that are attached connected to individual acting force vectoring devices (400). The force vectoring devices direct the energy generated from contact with an object to the energy absorbing devices (500).

Abstract: Olive harvesting machine of the type that includes a chassis with four wheels, a power engine, and command and transmission devices: the said chassis carries an operator's cab and a frame supporting the rollers placed in opposition to one another, each of which consists of a motorized vertical axle to which are connected several hairs capable of being in physical contact with the branches of the plant. Each of the said hairs is connected to abovementioned vertical axle so that, apart form enabling a turning movement, they allow the free end in the axle to oscillate as compared to the end attached to the axle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device for raising or lowering the individual raking wheels on a foldable hay rake. On a foldable hay rake having a rake arm with a plurality of raking wheels, the device comprises a lift tube that is slidably mounted to the rake arm and is hingedly attached to the plurality of raking wheels. The device further comprises a hydraulic cylinder with a fixed end attached to the rake arm and an extendable cylinder rod attached to the forward end of the lift tube. As the cylinder rod operates, it pulls the lift tube from the forward end, thereby raising the raking wheels.

Abstract: This specification describes a twinned pair of optical fibers having two optical fibers twisted about each other axially. Also described is a fiber optics cable having at least one twinned pair of optical fibers.

Abstract: A variable geometry pre-mixing fuel injector (50) for injecting a fuel/air mix in a downstream direction, comprising: an air inlet (60); a fuel inlet (58) positioned downstream of the air inlet (60); a duct (56) extending at least downstream of the fuel inlet (58) to define a fuel and air pre-mixing zone (62), that narrows to form an opening (64); and means for varying the flow of fuel/air mix from the pre-mixing zone (62) through the opening (64).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for starting up a combined cycle plant using a startup duct to connect an auxiliary engine to the inlet of a plurality of HRSGs or other heat recovery systems. Each HRSG is fed by a combustion turbine. Dampers are supplied to isolate each HRSG from the startup duct and its CTG. The auxiliary engine is also ported to a stack allowing simple cycle operation. Dampers are also supplied to isolate the auxiliary engine from the startup duct and from its stack. During startups, the large CTGs will be isolated and the auxiliary engine will be connected to the HRSGs and started, allowing the HRSG to pressurize. As each HRSG pressurizes, it is isolated from the startup duct and connected to its respective CTG. The CTG is then started and loaded. The auxiliary engine is turned off and isolated when the last HRSG pressurizes.

Abstract: An energy capture system to capture the heat and thrust produced from a hydrogen and oxygen reaction. This is accomplished by means of heat exchangers and turbines. It is intended to replace steam generators that rely on fossil fuels and uranium and used in electric power plants. This invention also provides for the capture of the water produced, from the said reaction, and may be used to supplement or completely supply a community's water requirements.

Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one polyoxymethylene structural support member. The polyoxymethylene structural support member includes a polyoxymethylene component that is a propellant that provides thrust to the vehicle upon pyrolysis or combustion of the polyoxymethylene component of the product of pyrolysis of the polyoxymethylene component. The vehicle can be a satellite or other type of spacecraft.

Abstract: Sliding-Action Magneto-Mechanical Injector Throttling Device (SLAMMIT) provides on-demand, yet accurate, throttling of the mass flow of the fuel and/or oxidizer into the combustion chamber of a vortex injector. At least two SLAMMIT sub-assemblies comprise the SLAMMIT Device and each sub-assembly is integrated into a manifold and is driven to slide in a given direction by a drive block that is internal to the sub-assembly. The drive block is, in turn, actuated by an electromagnet that is external to the SLAMMIT sub-assembly. As the SLAMMIT sub-assemblies slide, flappers inside the sub-assemblies achieve the effective opening size of the injection orifices anywhere between fully open and fully closed.

Abstract: Accelerated heating of automotive exhaust system components is effected by controlling the application of supplemental electrical loads to the vehicle electrical system thereby increasing engine load and increasing exhaust heat. Alternative strategies are disclosed for implementing the invention through control of electrical and engine management system parameters.

Abstract: A catalyst (22) suitable for reduction of the NOx in an exhaust gas by ammonia in the presence of excess oxygen is arranged in the exhaust passage (18, 21) of an internal combustion engine. An aqueous urea solution is fed through a flow control valve (33) to the inside of the exhaust passage (21) upstream of the catalyst (22). When the temperature of the catalyst (22) is low, a large amount of the aqueous urea solution is fed to make the urea contained in the aqueous urea solution be stored in the catalyst (22). When the engine is accelerated and the temperature of the catalyst (22) rises, ammonia is released at a little at a time from the inside of the catalyst (22) and the NOx in the exhaust gas is reduced by the released ammonia.

Abstract: In elevating the exhaust gas temperature for conducting the sulfur contamination-removing operation for a NOx occluding and reducing catalyst, a motor/generator is driven by the electric power from a battery while operating an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle to produce a low output, and the wheels are driven via the internal combustion engine, power change-over mechanism and transmission. A motor assist is effected for increasing the output of the motor/generator during a period in the expansion stroke in each cylinder of the engine to increase the engine rotational speed during the above period only. Then, the exhaust valve is opened before the combustion is completed in the cylinder, and the exhaust gas temperature is raised.

Abstract: An enhanced pumped storage power system. More particularly, the invention is a regenerative power system that utilizes the gravitational forces of downward movement of large quantities of water to convert same to electrical energy. In the preferred mode of implementation, the system utilizes a man-made lake at a first level of elevation. Though higher altitudes can be effective, the lake need only be approximately twenty to thirty feet in elevation. The lake, which may exceed one hundred acres in size, may be elevated above and adjacent a natural body of water, such as seawater at a coastline. As such, sandy terrain associated with the region facilitates initial construction of the system. An underground generator is utilized for the power conversion and pumping of the water back to the upper reservoir during times of low energy demand, allowing for significant noise reduction.

Abstract: A device is formed from an integrated circuit which comprises a substrate; drive circuitry arranged on the substrate; and a plurality of micro-electromechanical devices positioned on the substrate. The micro-electromechanical devices have an elongate actuator having a fixed end that is fast with the substrate so that the actuator is connected to the drive circuitry and a free end that is displaceable along a path relative to the substrate to perform work. The actuator includes a pair of elongate arms that are spaced relative to each other along the path and are connected to each other at each end, with one of the arms being connected to the drive circuitry to define a heating circuit and being of a material that is capable of expansion when heated, such that, when the heating circuit receives an electrical signal from the drive circuitry, that arm expands relative to the other to deform the actuator and thus displace said free end along said path.