Abstract: Even when many connectors are provided, all the connectors are easily and surely mated and demated at the same time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening tool (10) for applying parts (12), in particular plastic parts (12), to objects (14), wherein the plastic parts (12) are supplied in the form of a belt (20) in which the plastic parts (12) are linked together by means of at least one flexible web (22, 24), wherein the fastening tool (10) is designed to transport the belt (20) by means of a feed mechanism (62) such that one plastic part (12) at a time is delivered to a fastening position (18), and wherein the feed mechanism (62) has a fluid drive (64) that is coupled by a translation-rotation converter (68, 70, 72) to a transport gear (84) that is rotatably mounted on the fastening tool (10) and is designed to positively or nonpositively engage the belt (20) in order to transport it.

Abstract: A method of making a resonant frequency tag which resonates at a predetermined frequency comprises the steps of forming a first conductive pattern comprising an inductive element and a first land, the first land having a first end connected to one end of the inductive element, and a second end spaced a predetermined distance from the first end; separately forming a second conductive pattern comprising a second land and a link element, the second land having a predetermined width; placing the second conductive pattern proximate to the first conductive pattern at a first predetermined location so that the second land overlies at least a portion of the first land with a dielectric therebetween to establish the plates of a capacitive element with a first predetermined capacitance which with the inductive element forms a resonant circuit; measuring the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit and comparing the measured frequency with the predetermined frequency; if the resonant frequency does not match the prede

Abstract: A method of fabricating a printed circuit board assembly includes molding an array having a plurality of integrated circuits that are physically interconnected. Each integrated circuit has a molded body defining a lower surface. The integrated circuits have a plurality of electrical contacts on the bottom surface. The method includes singulating the array to form a plurality of separate integrated circuits, and at least a portion of the electrical contacts are cut. An organic solderability preservative is applied to the cut portion of the electrical contacts. Heat is applied to the integrated circuits to dry the circuits, and the integrated circuits are soldered to a printed circuit board by applying molten solder to remove the organic solderability preservative.

Abstract: The invention provides a via with improved resistance to failures due to delamination voids. In one embodiment, the via may extend from above to below a bottom conductor and include an anchor section. The anchor section may mechanically interlock the via with the bottom conductor to prevent the via from being detached from the bottom conductor.

Abstract: An overmolded electronic assembly having an electromagnetic interference shield, in the form of a thin metal film or foil, coupled to the top of or within an overmolded body. The shield effectively reduces the amount of electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) emissions from penetrating within the assembly to the circuit board without substantially increasing the cost of the unit. Thus, an electronic assembly having improved vibration, moisture, and EMI emission resistance is achieved as compared with traditional overmolded or metal assemblies. Further, because the shield can be formed on the electronic assembly in one continuous processing step, a substantial savings in time and cost for the manufacturing process is also realized.

Abstract: An arrangement for straightening a bent crankshaft is provided. In a crankshaft manufacturing process, a hardened crankshaft is measured and compared to reference tolerance specifications. If the crankshaft is determined to be out tolerance, data identifying the out of tolerance location and quantity is generated and the crankshaft is selectively induction rehardened in predetermined areas as a function of the measurement data to remedy the out of tolerance condition. The crankshaft is then remeasured and the process repeated until the crankshaft is within the reference tolerance specifications. The results can be logged to facilitate matching of subsequent detected out of tolerance conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger, in particular for motor vehicles, having a large number of flat tubes which contain indentations (“winglets”) and through which a fluid cooling medium can flow, and having corrugated fins which are associated with these flat tubes and to which environmental air or other media can be applied. In addition, there is disclosed a method for producing flat tubes of this type (“winglet tubes”) and for assembling these flat tubes into heat exchangers.

Abstract: A pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, a clamping ring, a clamp and the forming of a flange on an end of two adjacent pipes. A clamping ring is sized to receive the flanges. The inlet insert is sized to be inserted into first and second pipes. The clamp is placed over the clamping ring. The clamp is tightened to secure the two pipes. A second embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, and a pair of latch clamps for joining a pipe to a sprinkler pipe. A third embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, two collars, a peripheral clamp and enlarging a perimeter of two coupled pipes. A fourth embodiment of the pipe coupling method includes an inlet insert, an inlet insert, a clamp and enlarging a perimeter of two coupled pipes.

Abstract: A flexible connector comprises a length of corrugated tubing, a polymeric sleeve aligned with the distal end of the length of corrugated tubing, and a length of mesh tubing extending the entire of the length of corrugated tubing and over the polymeric sleeve. The distal end of the corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the distal end of the length of mesh tubing are received in a sleeve which is formed integrally with an end piece. The sleeve is crimped into permanent retaining engagement with the length of corrugated tubing, the polymeric sleeve, and the length of mesh tubing. The end piece functions to secure the flexible connector into engagement with an adjacent component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a multifunctional tool or apparatus which permits the forming, storing and loading of shaped springs into a shaped spring cavity so as to form a shaped-spring assembly. The tool of the present invention permits the formation and storage of the shaped springs without fatiguing the spring, and also permits the loading of the shaped spring into a shaped-spring cavity in a manner that does not result in too large or too low of spring force for the shaped spring assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of employing a porous container for sealing, baffling, reinforcing or a combination thereof. According to the method, a porous container having one or more openings is provided. An expandable material is associated with the container and is preferably placed within the container. Thereafter, the expandable material is expanded to contact and adhere to a structure of an article of manufacture (e.g., an automotive vehicle).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid dynamic bearing in which a stopper is fixed by welding. The bearing comprises a hub, a shaft erected on the hub, a sleeve, a cylindrical wall erected on the hub, and the stopper mounted on the cylindrical wall. The method comprises a first step to hold oil in the bearing gap, and a second step to locate the stopper on the peripheral wall being apart from the interface of the oil to fix the stopper by LASER welding.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a multipurpose spoon structure, including a spoon, a flow-stopper and a springy element, wherein, one end of the spoon is a bowl-shaped part with a water outlet therein; at the other end is a handle holding a hanger hereunder used to hang the spoon to the rim of a pot. Moreover, the handle of spoon and the mobile handle of flow-stopper pegged together at a specific place is encompassed with a springy element, whereby enabling the flow-stopper to move up and down on the spoon, making a valve held at one end of the flow-stopper covering up the water outlet. When pressing a trigger, the valve subsequently lifts up, thus opening the water outlet. When being released, the trigger is sprung back in place by the strength of the springy element, and the valve go down and cover up the water outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is scissors with precise control and labor-saving functions. It is to accurately control shears and cooperate with extendable force-arms with double fulcrums to save labor. The present invention comprises: a pair of cutting portions with a pair of cutters, the cutters being connected pivotally; two handle portions having two handle rods with double fulcrums and interaction force-arms, the double fulcrums including two front fulcrums connecting and exactly controlling the cutting portions and two rear fulcrums pivotally located on two rear ends of two handle rods, the rear fuilcrums cooperating with an elastic member to let the handle rods restore; two sliding sleeves located on the handle portions and being extendable based on length demands to assist as handle rods. Therefore, the shears can be controlled easily and precisely.

Abstract: A pneumatic pruning hook with a telescopic shank includes a handle having a chamber defined therein and connected to a compressed air source, a valve mounted in the chamber for selectively allowing the compressed flowing into the chamber. The telescopic shank includes an outer tube longitudinally secured to the handle and an inner tube partially slidably received in the outer tube. A work device is secured on the inner tube opposite to the handle. A spiraled hose is received in the telescopic shank and respectively connected the handle and the work device for guiding the compressed air into the work device. A safety is mounted to the work device for selectively engaged to the work device to prevent the work device from an unexpected operation.

Abstract: A cable cutter for attachment to a power drill has a housing, first and second cutting blades connected to the housing for movement relative to one another and a drive assembly releasably engageable with the chuck of the drill and operatively engaged with at least one of the cutting blades. The drive assembly includes a worm mounted on a drive shaft, a worm gear and a drive gear mounted on a main shaft, and a segment gear formed on one of the cutting blades. The worm and worm gear which are in engagement, as are the drive gear and segment gear. The main shaft is supported in the housing by three bearings. A torque arm is attached at one end to the housing and adapted at its other end to engage the handle of the drill. A reversible stabilizing handle attaches to the housing to allow the user to securely grip the housing during cutting operations.

Abstract: A cutting unit for a plant or vegetation cutting device and which comprises a rotary cutting head and at least one cutting filament extending radially from the head, such that upon rotation of the head the filament is extended by centrifugal force and cuts through the plants or vegetation. The filament has at least one localized working zone which includes a cutting edge which is defined by two intersecting faces, and the filament is retained by the cutting head in an angular position wherein the cutting edge constitutes the leading edge that engages the plants during operation of the cutting unit. The filament may have a primary or preferred bending plane, and the filament is held in a configuration wherein the filament is bent essentially in the primary bending plane. Also, the localized working zone may be formed of a material which is different from the material of the remainder of the filament.

Abstract: A letter opener is disclosed as including a body with a channel allowing an envelope to pass through, and a cutting blade extending into the channel, in which the body and the cutting blade are movable relative to each other to vary the position along the channel at which the cutting blade cuts the passing envelope. At least part of the channel is of a generally S shape.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand tool for cutting shavings from the surface of a workpiece of wood (or other workable material) to shape and make smooth any three-dimensional surface having concave, flat, and/or convex contours. The thickness of the shavings is modulated by the angular relationship and distance between a blade and a regulating post. An embodiment comprises a combination body and handle holding a protruding cutting blade at an angle of about 30° to the surface of the workpiece, and an adjustable protruding post in front of the cutting edge to limit the effective exposure of the cutting edge as the tool is moved into contact with the workpiece. The embodiments provide a full view of the cutting zone and unrestricted one-hand use on surfaces of any contour.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an optical sensor for determining the angle and the torque of a rotatable object (13). The sensor contains at least one patterned surface (1) an ASIC (3), at least one lens (2) and at least one EMR source (16, 17). The ASIC (3) comprises processing means and an array of detectors for EMR. The at least one EMR source (16, 17) illuminates the patterned surface (1) and the at least one lens (2) focuses a part of the reflected EMR (5) from the patterned surface (1) onto the array of detectors for EMR. The patterned surface (1) contains a pattern including turning marks and laser marks (8). The at least one lens (2) focuses substantially EMR reflected by the turning marks (14) onto the array of detectors. The turning marks (14) are non-symmetrical.

Abstract: An invertible laser instrument that has a housing, a laser module disposed inside the housing and having a tenon disposed at the bottom of the laser module, a base disposed at the bottom of the laser module and having a hole at the center of the base, with the tenon inserted into the hole, and a resilient component disposed in the hole to secure the tenon in the hole. The resilient component secures the laser module to the base, so that the laser module will not fall out from the base when the laser instrument is inverted.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for carpenters, roofers and other tradesmen. The device is made of relatively lightweight plastic and has a variety of uses. The elongated base is rectangular in cross sectional and includes a scale for measuring distances along one side. Pivotally affixed to the base is a level which can be locked against a protractor (also affixed to the base) at any angle between zero and ninety degrees (0°-90°). Roof pitches, gradients and other angles can be determined or set in a simple, easy to learn manner.

Abstract: A lumber rule apparatus includes a gauge head which includes first fastener reception channels, a handle which includes second fastener reception channels, and fasteners received in the first fastener reception channels and the second fastener reception channels for securing the gauge head to the handle. In this respect, the gauge head is detachable from the handle by removing the set screws. The gauge head includes a primary gauge surface, a plurality of secondary gauge surfaces spaced apart from the primary gauge surface, and a suspension member located proximal to the primary gauge surface and distal to the secondary gauge surfaces. The gauge head includes indicia for indicating lumber sizes for grading lumber. The suspension member can be a two-ended suspension member. The two-ended suspension member includes downwardly extending lumber spikes. The apparatus is used for grading lumber.

Abstract: A device being used for measuring the internal diameter of a pipe, which including a tape mounted into a flat elongated body having holes to allow a string to be pulled out of the flat elongated body. The tape includes hole at a first end for connecting a first end of an elastic band and the string to the tape. The flat elongated body includes a tongue having hole for connecting a second end of the elastic band. The string pulls the tape out of the flat elongated body for measuring the internal diameter of the pipe. The tape includes also hole at a second end for connecting a circular member keeping the device at a right angle in bottom of the pipe when reading the diameter of the pipe with the inspection camera, and also blocking the tape at the input of the flat elongated body when the elastic band bringing the tape into the elongated body.

Abstract: A self-contained means to move a media or component, such as fiber (12) or other miniature object, such as a lens, into a desired position is given. The fiber (12) or component is moved in various dimensions to achieve the desired location and is locked into position after the move. An input electrical signal, such as a voltage or current controls movement. A thermal actuator comprises the micro-positioner (80) using semiconductor technology in one embodiment. In another embodiment, of the present invention, a thermal or electrostatic actuator uses mechanical gears to move the fiber. Another embodiment of the present invention is implemented using mechanical technology such as microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology. Another embodiment of the present invention, utilizes piezoelectric materials to facilitate fiber movement.

Abstract: Multiple sensors may be attached to a substrate to measure conditions at different points. Positioning the sensors accurately may be achieved using a template to establish sensor position. A pre-fabricated kit including a template, sensors and a cable assembly may be easily transported so that sensors may be attached in the field.

Abstract: An alignment gauge used to align the concave broadface copper in a continuous casting mold with a reference point below the mold such as the first and second rolls in the zero segment. The gauge includes a pair of support members with a first side and a second side. The first side of the support members has a curved edge that matches the concave curved wall of the broadface copper. The first side also has a pair of probes for detecting the position of the first and second rolls in the zero segment. Information regarding the alignment of the concave broadface copper with the first and second rolls in the zero segment is provided to a display in electrical communication with the probe.

Abstract: Components of a measuring tool such as a main beam (11) and a slider (12) of a caliper gauge (1) are formed by a synthetic resin containing carbon nanofiber and an electro-conductive electrode (15) is formed on the surface of the main beam (11) at a predetermined pitch, so that a production process can be simplified, rigidity of the components can be enhanced, linear expansion coefficient can be reduced, and anti-frictional properties can be improved, thus enhancing durability while improving measurement accuracy.

Abstract: High-heeled footwear has a heel with a resilient compressible element allowing the heel of the foot to be lowered at heel strike to approximate a normal walking pattern in low-heeled shoes. Preferably, the footwear also includes a midfoot support structure, which may be a sprung footbed, or a sling and reinforcement girder, and which serves to redistribute load from the wearer's forefoot to her midfoot.

Abstract: A shoe including an upper material using a double raschel warp knitted fabric is provided. The upper material includes a first surface having a non-mesh structure and a second surface having a non-mesh structure part (A) and mesh structure parts (B, C). The burst strengths burst strengths A, B and C of the parts (A, B and C) satisfy the relationship: A>B>C. The non-mesh structure part (A) is disposed in a part surrounding the tiptoe, a part connecting to a shoe sole and disposed in both sides of the foot for example, in a stripe. The mesh structure part (B) is disposed in the vicinity of the surface of the toe and the mesh structure part (C) is disposed in the both sides of the foot for example, in a stripe. Thus, a shoe having lightweight, air permeability and durability and a double raschel knitted fabric used for the shoe are provided.

Abstract: The boot including a lacing device, is noteworthy in that the boot (1) comprises at least two independent successive zones of lacing (Z1-Z2), allowing a differential adjustment and tightening of the lacing chosen and adapted by the user himself, whatever the lacing means may be.

Abstract: Engaging elements may be included in foot-receiving devices, such as footwear, bindings, clips, or the like. Such elements may include a bimodal spring member movable between two independent stable positions and an arm that moves in response to the bimodal spring member changing between its stable positions. The engaging elements additionally may include a retaining element extending from the arm and/or an arm/bimodal spring interface that induces changes in position of the arm in response to the bimodal spring member changing its stable position. The bimodal spring member, the arm, the retaining element, and/or the arm/bimodal spring interface may form an integral unit. Additionally, methods of engaging a foot-receiving device with a user's foot are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved shoe outsole, and a shoe incorporating the outsole, having improved traction are provided. The outsole contains articulated lugs of various shapes extending downward from the base of the outsole and adapted for contacting the ground and enhancing traction.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a sand surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to protect an instep of a tourist or an inspector at a worksite where safety shoes are required without forcing him or her to replace shoes.

Abstract: A ski boot having a rigid shell made of a plastic material, in which an inner comfort element is inserted, the rigid shell including a collar fixed on a shell base. The boot has a softening structure located on the outer wall of the boot and which includes a plurality of recesses provided in the rigid shell. The recesses are provided in the ankle joint zone, in the lower portion of the outer wall of the shell base, and on the outer wall of the collar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical digging device (1) with a handle-like support (2), comprising a digging part (4) near its bottom end (3) and two grip arms (6) on its upper end (5), a support part (7) embodied on the bottom end (3) of said support (2) and a rotating device mounted on the support (2) and connected to the digging part (4) for laterally tilting the material on the digging part (4). According to the invention, the rotating device (9) penetrates the support (2) and the longitudinal axis (11) of the rotating device (9) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the digging part (4).

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise obtaining and analyzing data from at least one discrete machine, automatically determining relationships related to the data, taking corrective action to improve machine operation and/or maintenance, automatically and heuristically predicting a failure associated with the machine and/or recommending preventative maintenance in advance of the failure, and/or automating and analyzing mining shovels, etc.

Abstract: A pop up container for containing baggage identification tags is provided. The baggage identification tags bear an indication of what airline a passenger is flying on, and also bear an advertisement for a third party.

Abstract: By employing the present invention, a unique, pre-printed housing member which is quickly and easily assembled from a flat, generally two-dimensional configuration into a three-dimensional promotional display, along with an integrally affixed stabilizing and locking member is attained. Once the promotional display system is placed in its three-dimensional configuration, with the stabilizing/locking member activated, assurance is provided that the entire advertising/promotional display product is securely retained in the desired, eye-catching, visually exciting, three-dimensional configuration. In particular, in the present invention, the promotional display member incorporates an integral, arcuately pivotable, stabilizing/locking arm and stand combination which cooperates with one or more panel members of the housing to assure securement of the promotional display system in its fully erected configuration when desired by the user.

Abstract: A reelable sign device for warnings, information and directions include a reel structure having a reel and a long opening, a soft curtain with sign marks for signaling, and a brace with a plurality of fixtures to uphold the outstretched soft curtain with sign marks. The soft curtain with sign marks is connected to the reel structure and capable of being furled and folded up into the reel structure through the long opening. The sign marks on the signaling side of the soft curtain are a combination of drawings, symbols and characters composed of photo-reflective and photo-luminescent materials. With the reel structure and the soft curtain with sign marks, the reelable sign device can be stored easily and setup promptly. The large reflection and luminance area of the outstretched soft curtain with distinguishably visible sign marks enables the reelable sign device apparent from a long distance.

Abstract: An electronic display module having a four-point latching system for incorporation into an electronic sign and process where more than one latch mechanism can be actuated simultaneously to deploy to engage the mounting panel assembly of an electronic sign. Gear operated actuating arms incorporated in an overcenter arrangement position latch in opposing latch mechanisms to position latch arms outwardly in a linear direction over a mounting panel assembly followed by pivotal latch positioning to rotationally engage the latch arms against the mounting panel assembly to secure the electronic display module to the mounting panel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a label or a business form label combination in which the labels have been created by applying multiple zones or coatings. The zones or coatings can have differing thicknesses, coat weight or may use a variety of adhesives. The label is intended for a variety of different industries such as business, marketing, advertising, retail, wholesale, industrial, personal, and the like and more particularly the label is suitable for use in contaminated or difficult to label applications.

Abstract: A container system for storing food or other products is provided comprising a bottom wall and a peripheral wall defining a storage area for receiving the goods, and a display window extending from the outer surface of the peripheral wall. The display window defines a gap for receiving at least one display token. The display token corresponds to information relating to the goods or products stored in the container, and the display token is visible through the wall of the display window.

Abstract: The application discloses a friction coated label and labeling sheet for use in labeling a label holder of a merchandiser unit that supports merchandise in which the label holder has means for supporting one or more labels without an adhesive bond. The labeling sheet comprises a plurality of friction coated labels removably secured to the release liner. The friction-coated labels include a face stock and a friction coating integrally connected to the face stock. The face stock has printed indicia thereon relating to the merchandise. The friction coating may comprise a weak adhesive that is adapted to inhibit migration of the friction coated labels but is not strong enough to provide a self supporting reliable adhesive bond for retail applications.

Abstract: A label holder is hingedly connected to a clip portion grippingly engaged over a transversely extending rod at the distal end of a merchandise aid, such as a scanner hook or the like, or over a plate on the end of a scanner hook enabling the label holder to be moved forwardly to access or position product on the scanner hook, or, in some applications, rearwardly in the event of impact from a passerby. By selecting the properties of the hinge section, the label holder can be temporarily fixed in a selected angular relationship when the scanner hook extends above or below the eye of a viewer to facilitate reading information on labels carried thereby.

Abstract: The inventive firing device (1) comprises a cartridge reception unit (11) in which each of several cartridges (3a to 3d) is provided with one propellant (132) and is interchangeably disposed in one reception chamber (9), and a cover part (7) closing the rear section of the device by means of which cartridges can be replaced. A fluid and/or powdered substance (14) that can be propelled by means of the triggered propellant (132) is stored in each cartridge. Triggering units for the cartridges (3a-3d) which can be activated sequentially by a trigger element (21) are disposed in the cover part (7). In order not to harm the user when replacing cartridges, the cartridge reception unit (11) and the top part of each cartridge are aligned with each other so as to seal the cartridge area (9) at least following the firing of the cartridge, thereby leaving no substantial quantity of the substance (14) in the firing device (1) outside the cartridges (3a-3d).

Abstract: Ammunition feeder with a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion is integrally attached to the head portion. The handle portion is a flat elongate shape having raised portions to help the user maintain his grip on the handle. The head portion is shaped to accept the front end of a standard ammunition belt. The head is flattened longitudinally on one side and includes a longitudinal recess so that the feed pawl on a standard machine gun is not activated by the head. A preferred embodiment includes that the feeder fits with the M 60 machine gun and the 240 Golf machine gun.

Abstract: A magazine loader comprises a magazine compartment (30), an elongated slideway (14) having a bullet and a case grooves (18, 22), respectively, along its length profiled to receive and retain the distal ends of rounds (50) between them, and a slider (40) slidable in slideway (14). A magazine (60) is positioned in compartment (30) such that its open end is perpendicular and in continuation to slide-way (14), and is leveled to receive rounds (50) slidable in slideway (14). Slider (40) is moved away from magazine (60) and a plurality of rounds (50) are sequentially placed in slideway (14) in and between grooves (18, 22). When all rounds (50) are placed in slideway (14), slider (40) is used to thrust all rounds (50) into magazine (60) with a single quick hand stroke.