Abstract: A crimping head (2) is hinged, at the upper part, on a horizontal pin (4) mounted at the end of a connecting rod pivotally bearing on a central vertical post (12). This pin enables the head to adopt a position inclined towards the rear of the machine, through the action of a small jack (5), in such a way that its lower end is moved away from the shaped support block (6) serving to hold the fastener in position on the support plate (1).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a pneumatically actuated, hydraulic jack and an electric air compressor. The disclosed apparatus is self contained and portable and includes a pneumatically actuated hydraulic jack, an air compressor, at least one air supply line, and an electronic switch, for directing the air flow to either the jack or the air supply line. The air supply line can be used to inflate objects, such as tires, or used to power pneumatic tools. The air compressor is preferably powered by an automobile's electrical system and is thus adapted with a cigarette lighter adaptor. This apparatus is preferably used for changing vehicle tires and/or inflating the tires.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and holding a golf club for installation of a golf club grip comprises a shaft cradle, a shaft clamp and a positioning device. The positioning device comprises a platen that is moveable toward and away from the axis of the golf club shaft when the golf club shaft is positioned in the apparatus. Mounted to the platen are a fixed stop and an opposing moveable ram. The fixed stop has a stop surface that is adapted to engage the face of the club so that as the opposing moveable ram presses the golf club head against the fixed stop, the face will assume an orientation flush against the surface of the fixed stop, thus aligning the club face with the stop surface. The entire platen assembly is moveable toward and away from the axis of the golf club shaft so as to accommodate golf clubs having different offsets.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a threaded joint for oil well pipe having a pin part with a male thread, a box part with a female thread, metal seal parts provided on the pin part and the box part, respectively, and torque shoulder parts provided at the tip of the pin part and at the portion of the box part coming in contact with the tip of the pin part, respectively, comprising the step of providing a design procedure for determining the dimensions of each part, whereby an highly strong threaded joint showing an excellent leak resistance to internal and external pressures can be designed and manufactured.

Abstract: A method for regulating a device used for fixing aircraft airframe pieces in connection with assembly of airframe parts, where the device consists of a rig comprising a matrix of rails that can slide in such a way that a number of fixing elements attached to the rails can be positioned freely along three co-ordinates x, y, z in space within a given volume, where a manipulator grasps a fixing element after which the fixing element is moved by the manipulator to the given co-ordinate, and where the rails on which a fixing element is arranged is locked in relation to the rig by an automatic locking function initiated by the manipulator, thereby fixing the fixing element's position in space and the setting procedure is repeated for a predetermined number of fixing elements on the rig.

Abstract: A method of joining a plurality of sheets by means of a blind rivet, comprises: (i) forming holes in the sheets and placing the sheets together so that the holes are in register and form a single hole therethrough; (ii) inserting a blind rivet into the hole formed in the sheets from a working side thereof, the blind rivet comprising a sleeve (1) positioned about a mandrel that has a head (4); and (iii) setting the rivet. The hole (24) is radially enlarged at the outwardly facing surface of at least the sheet on the blind side, and the sleeve of the rivet is deformed during setting to form a rivet joint in which no part of the rivet is proud of the outwardly facing surface (28) of the sheet at least on the blind side of the sheets. The method enables rivet joints to be formed in sheets, for example used in enclosures that house modules, where there is no space available for the set rivets to protrude.

Abstract: A method of connecting contact sheets to form a contact body that provides for mechanically deforming at least same of both interior and edge projection-depression couplings formed in two sheets to form positive locks in a pair of sheets, and then mechanically deforming only edge projections to form positive locks between at least two pairs of sheets, thereby forming the contact body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal strip from a cast by rolling in which method the technique of a profiled rolling in combination with a strip rolling is used. The material for the metal strip is first cast by using a casting technique to produce a cast profile having the center part thicker than the lateral parts and the cast profile is in an essentially continuous manner conducted into a rolling mill where during the at least two-staged profiled rolling the cast profile is divided into two symmetrical segments and maintained as two equal segments. These segments are spread into the lateral regions of the material to be rolled into a flattened profile which is as an object for at least one-staged strip rolling so that the spread ratios between the center part dimension of the cast profile and the width of the strip of greater than 2.8:1 are achieved.

Abstract: Internally slotted brake rotors and method for producing the same wherein a brake rotor is machined from a unitary piece of material and includes at least one internal slot. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting blade is used to machine a plurality of segmented-circular shaped internal slots that are circumferentially distributed about the outer edge of the rotor. In an alternate arrangement a cutting blade is used to machine a single circumferential groove about the outer edge of a rotor.

Abstract: A mixed wire conveying step is provided to supply a plurality of terminal-connected wires having different specifications to the same production line. A wire holding step is provided to hold a terminal of the supplied terminal-connected wire such that the terminal can be inserted at least by means of a terminal chuck. An inserter selecting step is provided to select a suitable one from a plurality of terminal inserters for inserting the terminal in an inserting step in accordance with the kind of the supplied terminal-connected wire. The inserting step is performed by the cooperation of the terminal inserter selected in the inserter selecting step and a terminal chuck. A wide range of inserting operations for inserting many kinds of terminal-connected wires TW can be performed by a single unit.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for sealing an active area of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device on a wafer. The method includes providing a sacrificial material over at least the active area of the SAW device, depositing a seal coating over the wafer so that the seal coating covers the sacrificial material, and replacing the sacrificial material with a target atmosphere. Another embodiment disclosed relates to an SAW device sealed at the wafer level (i.e. prior to separation of the die from the wafer). The device includes an active area to be protected, an electrical contact area, and a lithographically-formed structure sealing at least the active area and leaving at least a portion of the electrical contact area exposed.

Abstract: A method of making a squirrel cage rotor of copper material for use in AC or DC motors, includes forming a core with longitudinal slots, inserting bars of conductive material in the slots, with ends extending out of opposite ends of the core, and joining the end rings to the bars, wherein the conductive material of either the end rings or the bars is copper. Various methods of joining the end rings to the bars are disclosed including electrofriction welding, current pulse welding and brazing, transient liquid phase joining and casting. Pressure is also applied to the end rings to improve contact and reduce areas of small or uneven contact between the bar ends and the end rings. Rotors made with such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a microelectronic package. The advanced microelectronic component package incorporates a specially shaped base element which holds and electrically separates the individual conductors associated with the microelectronic component(s) so that the individual conductors may be bonded to external package leads and other conductors within the package. In a first embodiment, jacketed, insulated wire is used as one winding of a toroidal transformer, while unjacketed insulated wire is used as another winding. The jacketing is stripped from the first winding and the exposed conductors are routed into channels along the sides of the base element. The unjacketed conductors are also routed into the same channels, where both conductors are bonded to the external package leads. Raised elements along the sides of the base provide the required electrical separation between the conductors during both manufacture and operation. A method of manufacturing the improved microelectronic package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic disk apparatus includes a magnetic reproducing head portion, and a magnetic recording head including a lower magnetic core and an upper magnetic core having a end portion and a rear portion. The rear portion is formed using a negative resist or an electron beam resist to form a frame for plating above the end portion of the upper magnetic core head.

Abstract: A method for reducing feature size in a thin film magnetic write head includes plating a seed layer over a selected base layer, spinning a photoresist layer onto the seed layer, defining a trench in the photoresist layer, depositing an insulative spacer layer to cover the trench side walls using a low temperature chemical vapor deposition process, anisotropically etching to remove spacer layer material from the bottom of the trench and thereby expose the plating seed layer while leaving intact vertical portions of the spacer layer that cover the trench side walls and narrow its width, forming a structure of reduced feature size by electroplating metallic material into the narrowed trench, stripping away the photoresist layer and the spacer layer vertical portions, and milling or sputter etching the plating seed layer to leave a structure of reduced feature size.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stack of interlock laminations and thereby shaping the stack of laminations into a desired shape. Each of the individual laminations is formed by a series of punching operations from sheet stock material. The laminations are blanked from the stock material, are stacked atop one another, and are interlocked in a choke. The laminations are thereafter repositioned to form the stack into a second shape. The stacking axis and the core axis may be either parallel or perpendicular to one another. The second shape of the core may be variable in that the second shape may be changed from time to time or may be continuously changed.

Abstract: A compliance mechanism for manipulating a control object by an end effector supported by a robotic arm. The robotic arm is supported by a combination of linear slides for two-axis freedom of movement. A locking arm is attached to the robotic arm and the locking arm is moveable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking arm is biased in the locked position to restrict movement of the robotic arm along the two axes. A plunger extends adjacent the end effector. Upon engagement with an alignment feature associated with the control object, the plunger moves the locking arm from the locked to the unlocked position, thereby introducing compliance along the two axes manipulation of the control object.

Abstract: A polymer battery module (2) provided with tabs (4) is put in a package (5) and an open end part of the package (5) is heat-sealed by a heat-sealing machine (10). The heat-sealing machine (10) is provided with a pair of sealing heads (10a, 10b) respectively having sealing surfaces (12). The sealing surfaces (12) of the sealing heads (10a, 10b) are provided with recesses (11) in parts thereof corresponding to the tabs (4) of the polymer battery module (2) contained in the package (5) as located in place between the sealing heads (10a, 10b) for heat-sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling electrical components is provided with a head. The head may include at least one gripper and a storage element which can be filled with the electrical components. The head may move over the substrate, and the gripper may remove components from the storage element and place them onto the substrate.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable hand tool is provided for applying an insulation-piercing electrical connector, having insulation displacement conductive elements, to an insulated electrical cable. The tool is made of injection molded, impact resistant plastic and includes a manually grippable frame, with a loading die on the frame for receiving and holding the insulation-piercing electrical connector. A manually actuable, movable portion of the frame moves relative to electrical connector to cause the insulation on the wires to be pierced and thereby electrically connected to the connector. The tool is suitable for use with electrical cable having one or more pairs of wire, such as the typical four pair Ethernet cable.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention relates use a dry atmosphere in the component storage portion of the surface mount device placement machine. The dry atmosphere provides the benefit of eliminating the baking process and other moisture management issues. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a component placement machine for placing components on printed circuit boards includes a component storage area, a component placement system for taking components from the component storage area and placing the components on the printed circuit boards, an enclosure surrounding the component storage area, and a dry gas delivery system for delivery of a dry gas to the storage area to prevent moisture from being absorbed by the components.

Abstract: An occurrence component lack at a component arrangement position, designated by a mounting program, of a component feed part, which feeds components to be mounted, is determined. Whether a spare component for the lacking component to be mounted is present in a spare component feed area of the component feed part is determined, and supply of the component to be mounted from a designated component arrangement position of the component feed part is switched to supply of the spare component from the spare component feed area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copper ball insertion machine, for integrating metal inserts in via holes provided through a printed circuit board (PCB), comprising a motor driven X-Y table (2) with the PCB on top. The X-Y table (2) is adjustable to position a selected via hole in a predetermined location aligned with a closable outlet opening (12) of a movable container (6) for metal inserts. The container is by means of a clamping cylinder (28) displaceable for clamping the part of the PCB adjacent said via hole against the working surface (2) of said X-Y table. By means of a pivoting cylinder (20) the container is rotatable for feeding one metal insert through the outlet opening (12) into said via hole. A stamp (30) is drivable by a hammer cylinder (40) for compressing said metal insert to shape and deform it into a tight fit with the via hole.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high frequency electrical connector including positioning a plurality of parallel contacts, a plurality of terminals, and conductors interconnecting the contacts to the terminals in a manner such that signals flowing through proximate contacts are transmitted in opposite directions to reduce near-end crosstalk.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a socket (300, FIG. 3) includes fabricating a conductive structure (310, FIG. 3) and embedding the conductive structure in a housing (302). The housing includes multiple openings (304) formed in the top surface. Each opening (304) provides access to conductive contacts (502, FIG. 5), which provide an electrical interface between a device that is inserted into the socket and the next level of interconnect (e.g., a PC board). In one embodiment, the embedded conductive structure (310) is electrically connected to one or more ground conducting contacts (708, FIG. 7B). The conductive structure includes column walls (312), which run in parallel with columns of contacts, and row walls (314), which run in parallel with rows of contacts and which intersect the column walls. In this manner, the conductive structure forms multiple chambers (402, FIG. 4).

Abstract: A system to construct a manifold from an original material. A first progressive die implements a first set of stamping stages on the original material to generate a shaped material. A second die implements at least one of a second set of stamping stages on the shaped material to generate a finished manifold. The second die is physically separate from the first die.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet head having a substrate that has a plurality of energy generating elements used for generating energy that in turn is used to discharge ink. The substrate has recessed portions separating the energy generating elements, and a wall member is provided having depending flow passage walls which are joined respectively to the recessed portions. The energy generating elements act on the ink and discharge it through the flow passages.

Abstract: A well car for carrying shipping containers has a pair of end structures supported by rail car trucks, a pair of first and second spaced apart side beams extending between the end structures and a well defined therebetween. A container support cross member is mounted between the side sills in a position to support an end of a shipping container load carried within the well. The container support cross member may be a monolithic beam member with a attachment fitting formed at an end thereof. The attachment fitting is connectable to a side sill at a moment connection. The remaining end of the cross member is similarly configured and connected to the second side sill. Each end of the cross member has load bearing surface portions which may be used for supporting a corner of a shipping container. The moment connections permit a bending moment to be carried by the cross member between the first and second side sills.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaving device which comprises a shaving head (1) having at least one cutting blade (5) and two skin-supporting members (11, 13), said cutting blade comprising a cutting edge (7) extending perpendicularly to a shaving direction (X) of the shaving head, and said skin-supporting members, viewed in the shaving direction, being arranged, respectively, in front of and behind said cutting blade, and defining a contact surface (17) between the shaving head and a skin surface (53) to be treated. The cutting blade and the skin-supporting members are mounted to a sub-frame (9), which is coupled to a main frame (19) and can be displaced with respect to said main frame against a spring force (FS). According to the invention, the main frame comprises two further skin-supporting members (21, 23) which, viewed in the shaving direction, are arranged, respectively, in front of and behind the sub-frame and extend substantially in said contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and pliers for cutting amorphous light wave guide cables including a core and at least one insulating sheath. The pliers include a pliers head, a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw being arranged in the pliers head. The first and second clamping jaw are designed and arranged to form a clamping profile to receive a light wave guide cable. A cutting element is arranged in the pliers head to be stationary. A drive is operatively connected to the first and second clamping jaw to move the first and second clamping jaw in one direction with respect to the cutting element during a stroke of movement, the stroke of movement including a clamping stroke, a cutting stroke and an opening stroke. The present invention also relates to a method of cutting optical fiber cables.

Abstract: A folding knife has a handle, as well as, a first blade and a second blade, which are rotatably supported by the handle. When the first blade is located in the fold-out position and the second blade is located in the fold-in position, the first blade functions as a knife. When both the first blade and the second blade are located in the fold-out positions, the first blade and the second blade cooperate with each other so as to function as a pair of scissors. The folding knife provided merely with a pair of blades can function not only as a knife but also as a pair of scissors in spite of its simple structure. Thus, the folding knife is reduced in number of parts and is simplified in structure.

Abstract: An instrument for cutting hair comprises first and second members extending longitudinally in a direction generally perpendicular to a hinge axis of a hinge that connects the two members at proximal ends thereof. Each member has an arm and a leg. The legs have sockets in which blades are received. The arms comprise grip portions for grasping and actuating by a user's hand. During use, the actuation of the arms moves the legs in an arcuate path about the hinge axis similar to jaws on a pair of tongs. The instrument has a closed pinching or clamping position in which the blades meet each other in abutting relation.

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

Abstract: Marshmallow-toasting utensils that include a handle and a wire assembly with at least one wire segment extending from the handle. In some embodiments, the wire assembly includes deflectable wire segments with end regions that are biased to a spread-apart configuration. During use, the end regions are urged together and a marshmallow is impaled upon the ends. As the inside of the marshmallow melts, the end regions return toward the unbiased configuration. In some embodiments, the utensil is a collapsible utensil where the wire assembly is selectively positionable between at least extended and collapsed configurations. In some embodiments, the wire segments are adapted to pivot between the stowed and extended configurations. In some embodiments, the wire segments are selectivley removable from the handle. In some embodiments, the wire segments are selectively extendable from and/or stored within the handle. In some embodiments, the handle includes at least one internal compartment.

Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for adjusting tension of a cutting chain in a chain saw. A rotatable knob operates with an engine chassis, clutch cover, and guide bar, whereby the knob may be rotated between a tightened position and loosened position, by which the guide bar is loosened and may be adjusted. The knob is provided with a knob handle, pivotally connected to the knob and pivotable between locked and unlocked positions. When the knob handle is in the locked position, at least one, but not all, of a plurality of handle engagement points engage with corresponding fixed engagement points that are fixed relative to the clutch cover. When the knob handle is in the unlocked position, the handle engagement points are disengaged from the fixed engagement points. Further, the engagement points are visible when the knob handle is in both locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A reciprocating hand saw with a housing has a motor, a gearbox with a lifting rod for moving a saw blade mounted thereon up and down, and a base plate on which the housing is mounted, capable of carrying particularly easy-to-handle spare saw blades by the fact that the housing has an opening into which a magazine-like, longitudinal saw blade receptacle is capable of being inserted in a detachable, captive manner, and a part of the saw blade receptacle serving as grip projects outwardly.

Abstract: A counterweight is provided to cancel axial vibration of a plunger of a saber saw. Swing rollers, rotatably supported at both ends of a roller shaft provided at a rear end of the plunger, are interposed between a pair of opposing tracks formed in an axially elongated groove formed on the counterweight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical measuring devices and method of using the device. The optical measuring device utilizes a plurality of lasers attached to a plurality of interconnected legs to optically determine CENTER, LEVEL, LENGTH, DISTANCE, and PLUMB related to a measured object. In an exemplary embodiment, a user can sight reference laser beams at a first and second point on an object. A mechanical interrelationship between the interconnected legs of the device orientates a laser beam emitted from the center laser at a point, which is equidistance between the reference laser beams. The optical measuring device can include a level, a distance finding attachment, and or an electronic system 500. Electronic system 500 functionality can include, but is not limited to, data processing, data communications, GPS enabled applications, user interface, and distance and angle determination interfaces. The optical measuring device is preferably compact, pocket sized, and portable.

Abstract: A method and system is presented for acquiring calibration data for a three-axis electronic compass by positioning and rotating the compass so that each sensitive axis in the compass experiences variation in the magnetic field while rotating the compass. Acquiring the calibration data occurs by measuring output signals that reflect the magnetic fields acting on the electronic compass while rotating the compass. Positioning of the compass includes moving the compass so that at least one of the sensitive axes travels a path that approximately forms a cone when the compass is rotated around a gravity vector. Calibration data from three sensitive axes experiencing variation in the magnetic field is available during a single rotation of the compass.

Abstract: A system for modeling a recessed or protruding angle formed by convergent surfaces and transferring that modeled angle directly to a miter saw for facilitating the cutting of workpieces in conformance with the bisection of that modeled angle. This system may be manufactured with, or retrofitted onto a standard miter saw or used with a hand miter saw designed to accommodate the system.

Abstract: To make available a method for checking a marking element for displacement in relation to a holding structure, in particular a bone, on which this marking element is fixed, said marking element being used for determining position in navigational surgery, and said marking element functioning with the greatest possible precision, it is proposed to choose a point of orientation which is in a unique relationship to the holding structure and to monitor the position of the point of orientation in a reference system of the marking element.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating correct or faulty back posture comprises a housing and an indicator body. The housing is supported on the user's body. When the user's back posture or head position is incorrect, the indicator body moves and signals the user of the incorrect posture or position, e.g., through an audible alarm.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of measuring downhole the curvature of a borehole and, in a particular application of the invention, using the curvature information as an input component of a bias signal for controlling operation of a downhole bias unit in a directional drilling assembly.

Abstract: An illuminated caliper device includes a caliper assembly having first and second caliper legs each having a pointed tip and a pivot end. A pivot support and first and second pivot elements pivotally connects the pivot ends of the first and second caliper legs to the pivot support. A battery housing attached to the pivot support contains a battery. First and second light emitting diodes are coupled by a switch mounted on the battery housing to first and second terminals of the battery and produced light that is directed to areas of the surface to be measured by pointed tips of the legs. The intensity and color of light emitted by the first light emitting diode are such as to sufficiently illuminate the surface under low ambient illumination conditions without disrupting acquired night vision of a user.

Abstract: A shape cutting system for cutting a material having a surface. The shape cutting system includes a cutting unit and at least one template. The cutting unit includes a frame, a blade adjustment assembly and a blade assembly are coupled to the frame. The blade assembly is positioned at least partially within the frame such that a longitudinal axis of the blade assembly is substantially perpendicular to a lower support surface of the frame. The blade assembly includes a blade retainer and a blade connected to the retainer. A rigid collar of the retainer is configured to operatively engage at least one of a periphery and the edge of an opening of the template thereby enabling the blade to cut a shape in the cutting material which assimilates the shape of at least a portion of the at least one of the periphery and the edge.

Abstract: A device employed in the reduction and standardization of the sizes of visual works, such as photographic images, for use with articles of jewelry, such as a bracelet. Included is a template comprised of a rectangular sheet of material having a plurality of different size openings defined by borders adapted to overlay the version of a visual work with the largest image to overlying progressively smaller cropped versions of the work. Means are combined with the overlayed visual works to standardize their sizes and enable them to be assembled and integrated with items of jewelry having miniature frames. A method to employ the device of the present invention for reducing, cropping and standardizing the sizes of the visual works for use with articles of jewelry.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a spool mounted in a housing having opposing front and rear ends. A string is wound about the spool, and has an end is attached to a marker located outside the housing. The string winds and unwinds relative to the spool upon rotation thereof. A rocker arm, which carries a first reference mark, is pivotally attached to a support attached to the housing at the front end thereof. The rocker arm carries a second reference mark, which can be aligned with the first reference mark by pivoting the rocker arm. A brake is mounted in the housing, which moves between a first position against the spool inhibiting its rotation, and a second position away from the spool permitting its rotation. The brake is biased for movement in its first position, and a handle is provided for operating the brake.

Abstract: A through-air dryer is disclosed. The through-air dryer includes a cylindrical deck made from a plurality of deck plates that support a throughdrying fabric. The deck plates are supported by opposing hubs. Each of the hubs is in communication with the bearing that is mounted to a stationary shaft for allowing the cylindrical deck and the hubs to rotate. The bearings are positioned so as to create a through-air dryer structure that remains stable during operation and allows for easy calculation of loads on the dryer.

Abstract: A computer controlled power saving automatic zoned dryer for a printing press has a dryer head facing the substrate travel path, having a multiplicity of IR lamps connected individually or in groups to form a plurality of heating zones running longitudinally and each extending laterally side by side across the substrate travel path. The radiant heat output of each heating zone is controlled separately by means of a control unit connected to a power supply. The control unit individually regulates output of the heating zones. Unneeded zones are turned off to reduce cost of power and conserve energy. A plurality of heat sensors spaced laterally across the substrate path measure the surface temperature of substrate heated areas corresponding to the heating zones being operated and maintain an automatic set point temperature.

Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided which incorporates ultraviolet light sources to aid in the sterilization of the clothing as it is dried. A series of ultraviolet emitters, envisioned to be germicidal lamps, are located around the perimeter of the drying drum inside of the dryer. As the clothes dryer operates, these lamps are energized, and their light passed thru clear panels into the drying drum where they can aid in the killing of germs, bacteria and the like. Such a feature is envisioned as being particularly useful in hospitals, centers where biological studies are performed, or for those who are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases.