Abstract: A manufacturing machine assembly for producing an article having a radio frequency identification (RFID) device. The article is fabricated from a continuous sheet of stock with an adhesive layer and a release liner. A printing station prints indicia on the sheet of stock. A cutting station cuts the continuous sheet of stock to form first and second strips. The release liner is removed from the first strip to expose the adhesive layer and an applicator applies a number of the RFID devices to the exposed adhesive layer. Coupling rollers, each having an integral notch, bond the adhesive layer of the first strip with the second strip such that the RFID devices are sandwiched between the first and second strips. Alternatively, the release liner from the second strip may also be removed such that the adhesive layer of the first strip is bonded with the adhesive layer of the second strip to sandwich the RFID devices between the adhesive layers.

Abstract: A fixing assembly for attaching a fixing to a workpiece, having a fixing and a resilient member. The fixing includes an aperture and is adapted for mating with the workpiece and holding the fixture. The resilient member includes a first portion secured in the aperture, and a second portion adapted for frictional engagement with a nosepiece of a fastener-driving tool.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.

Abstract: A floor for a storage bin comprising a circular metal sheet defined by sheet pieces arranged for connection together with overlapping edges. The sheet pieces include a central circular piece. The sheet pieces include a plurality of generally pie-shaped pieces arranged for side by side connection along radial edges thereof so as to define a ring surrounding the central piece having a circular outer edge and with an inner circular edge defined by the pie-shaped pieces being connected to an outer edge of the central circular piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow, elongated structural element, where a first and a second blank (1, 14) are led through an oven (2) for heating to working temperature and are led through rollers (3, 4) with profiled surfaces for pre-forming in one or more steps. The blanks are each led through a forging press with a number of cooperating dies, the blank being worked in a number of steps (5, 8, 11) into halves of an essentially finished product, having a cross-section substantially in the shape of a U-profile with a predetermined varying height, width and thickness of material along its length. The second blank (14) is essentially a copy of the first blank (1). In a final step (15) the blanks are joined together into a composite hollow structural element (18). The invention also relates to a structural element manufactured according to the method.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an expendable alignment ring is adapted for centering opposing conical surfaces of a transmission torque converter and an engine crankshaft. The ring has an annular body formed of a thermoplastic such as high density polyethelene. The body has first and second ends formed by axially spaced inner and outer coaxial conical surfaces extending between inner and outer peripheries. The ring is installed over a pilot of the torque converter so that the conical ends of the ring align the conical surfaces of the torque converter and the crankshaft during assembly to center the torque converter relative to the crankshaft. Upon assembly of the torque converter to the crankshaft, the alignment ring is slightly compressed and provides the mechanism for precise alignment of the torque converter to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method for forming a threaded pedestal cup including providing a pedestal with an interior cavity having an inner surface, and a top portion that has a larger diameter than a bottom portion; inserting a non-threaded arbor into the interior cavity to engage the inner surface of the bottom portion; and engaging the outer surface with a threading tool, wherein the engaging includes deforming the metal into threads.

Abstract: A heat sink vacuum packaging procedure to rapidly complete the packaging of a heat sink without drilling, pipe welding, vacuum pumping, or other processes. Because the packaging procedure saves much time and labor, the manufacturing cost of the heat sink is relatively reduced. During packaging, no welding process is employed, therefore the invention prevents accidentally flowing of tin solder into the inside of the heat sink to affect the quality of the heat sink, and the quality of the heat sink is maintained.

Abstract: A shaft support bushing with an improved structure, and a method of combining a bushing with a bracket. The bushing includes: a body having a coupling hole through which the shaft is inserted and being fitted into an installation hole of the bracket; a flange extending from one end of the body over a part of the bracket; and a skirt portion formed on the other end of the body to prevent the body from separating from the installation hole. The shaft assembling method includes: forming an installation hole in a bracket; coupling a bushing into the installation hole, the bushing comprised of a body, which has a coupling hole into which a shaft is inserted, and a flange extending from one end of the body over a part of the bracket; pressing the other end of the body to form a skirt portion preventing the bushing from separating from the bracket; and coupling the shaft into the installation hole.

Abstract: A method for securely mounting an elongated, insulating strip in an elongated metal profile section, the strip having opposed longitudinal edges and the profile section having an elongated groove with a slightly open mouth. The method comprises placing one edge of the strip into the elongated groove in the profile section, the strip extending out of the groove and the groove loosely holding the strip and then partly closing the mouth of the groove, simultaneously along the entire length of the groove, onto the strip to securely retain the strip to the profile section. An apparatus for use in forming a thermal break between a pair of profile sections, each profile section having an elongate groove along its length, and an insulating strip loosely held in the grooves and extending between the sections. The apparatus is a press having a bed to support a first die; the first die holding the first and a second profile sections in place, slightly spaced apart, parallel to each other, and with the grooves facing.

Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first member including a hole which has narrower width at an opening portion than width at a bottom portion and a projecting portion projected toward the opening portion at the bottom portion of the hole, and a second member with a longer shape than the depth of the hole of the first member wherein the second member is inserted into the hole of the first member, the second member is plastically deformed by pushing the second member into the bottom portion of the first member with pressure.

Abstract: A method of processing a rotor. The rotor is formed by casting an ingot to have first and second regions formed of different alloys that intermix during casting to define a transition zone therebetween. The ingot is forged to yield a rotor forging that contains axially-aligned first and second alloy regions and a transition zone therebetween. A three-dimensional approximation of the transition zone is generated, which can be used to predict the effects of the transition zone on the dynamic performance of a rotor machined from the forging.

Abstract: A flexible elongate member such as a pressure guide wire (1000) includes an electrical device such as a pressure sensor (1002). The pressure sensor (1002) is electrically connected to conductive bands (304), (306) and (308) located on electrical connector (300). The electrical connector is attached to core wire (602) and shaft or hypotube (704). The use of electrical connector (300) helps minimize the assembly time of pressure guide wire (1000), as well as minimize some of the assembly problems associated with prior art designs such as pressure guide wire (100).

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement apparatus for obtaining a suitable position on a suspension where a more miniature magnetic head slider is to be mounted to the suspension, the apparatus including a front camera having a photographing optical axis within a plane parallel to a plane of extension of a suspension and directed to the suspension, and a side camera having a photographing optical axis within the parallel plane and which is different from that of the front camera. Coordinates of a top portion of a convex surface of a dimple formed in the suspension are obtained with these cameras. The resultant coordinates and coordinates of the deepest portion of a recess surface of the dimple are correlated with each other, whereby in actual mounting of the magnetic head slider, the deepest portion of the recess surface of the dimple which is readily recognized is measured.

Abstract: A new fixture which is capable of holding an HSA throughout all processes is invented so that Quasi-Static Test can be done before swaging. Handling operations are reduced and rework is made much easier. The invention further provides a process for testing the HSA by means of the fixture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thin-film magnetic head sliders is disclosed. Initially, an elastic layer, which may be made of poly-dimethyl siloxane (PDMS), is spun on a wafer and is thermally cured. Then, a resist layer is spun on the elastic layer. Both the resist layer and the elastic layer are subsequently peeled off together from the wafer. Next, the peeled resist layer/elastic layer is applied onto a group of magnetic heads with the resist layer in direct contact with the magnetic heads. Finally, the elastic layer is peeled off from the resist layer such that the resist layer remains attaching to the magnetic heads.

Abstract: A sealing technique is provided for forming complex and multiple seal configurations for fuel cells and other electrochemical cells. To provide a seal, for sealing chambers for oxidant, fuel and/or coolant, a groove network is provided extending through the various elements of the fuel cell assembly. A source of seal material is then connected to an external filling port and injected into the groove network, and the seal material is then cured to form the seal. There is thus formed a “seal in place”, that is robust and can accommodate variations in tolerances and dimensions, and that can be bonded, where possible, to individual elements of the fuel cell assembly. This avoids the difficulty, labor intensive cost and complexity of manually assembling many individual gaskets into complex groove shapes and the like. The seal material can be selected to be comparable with a wide variety of gases, liquid coolants and the like.

Abstract: A sealing technique is provided for forming complex and multiple seal configurations for fuel cells and other electrochemical cells. To provide a seal, for sealing chambers for oxidant, fuel and/or coolant, a groove network is provided extending through the various elements of the fuel cell assembly. A source of seal material is then connected to an external filling port and injected into the groove network, and the seal material is then cured to form the seal. There is thus formed a “seal in place”, that is robust and can accommodate variations in tolerances and dimensions, and that can be bonded, where possible, to individual elements of the fuel cell assembly. This avoids the difficulty, labor intensive cost and complexity of manually assembling many individual gaskets into complex groove shapes and the like. The seal material can be selected to be comparable with a wide variety of gases, liquid coolants and the like.

Abstract: An automatic assembly machine includes a basis (10), a sliding device (30) horizontally movably attached on the basis for supporting a fan (40) thereon, a tube (27) fixed to the basis for receiving a plurality of bearings (28) therein, a diversion station for provisionally holding one bearing thereon, a mounting device (70) vertically movably attached to the basis, a horizontal driving device (60), a vertical driving device (80), and a control device (90) for controlling periodical movement of the horizontal and vertical driving devices. In one period, the vertical driving device drives the mounting device to catch the bearing from the diversion station and then the horizontal driving device drives the sliding device and the diversion station to move to allow the diversion station to receive another bearing from the tube and the mounting device to mount said bearing to the fan upon driven of the vertical driving device.

Abstract: A tube expander for heat exchangers is capable of organizing an ideal production line where the transportation efficiency is increased and the productivity is improved by having a transportation path in a straight line, that is, applying a method where the heat exchangers are carried into one end of the tube expander (in the left and right direction) and carried out from the opposite end, that is, the other end (so called through-the-center method). The left and right ends of the end plate 9 at the front side are inserted with a pair of first guide bars 10, and the left and right ends at the back side are inserted with a pair of second guide bars 11. A guide path 2a for a carrying device 23 or a guide path 2a to install a transportation device, in either case, the heat exchangers are transported from one end to the other of the base 2, is established on the base 2 that supports the first guide bars 10 and the second guide bars 11 in a clearance between the first guide bars 10 and the ball screw 20.

Abstract: The pair of press-connecting pliers mainly have a first handle provided with a press-connecting die block, the press-connecting die block at least has two set of press-connecting sections allowing diversion and position changing, while the second handle can drive a press-connecting head to move toward the press-connecting die block to press connect a set of wire and pin in cooperation with the two set of press-connecting sections capable of being opposite to the press-connecting head after diversion; and by the functions of diversion and position changing of the two set of press-connecting sections, the press-connecting pliers at least can do press connecting of pins and wires of two specifications.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a lead frame for an optical coupling device, the method includes the steps of preparing an elongated lead frame on which a plurality of tie bars are placed between a pair of side rails that are mutually in parallel with each other so as to orthogonally cross the bars, with a plurality of lead terminals being placed in a staggered form in a manner so as to orthogonally cross the tie bars, and laterally cutting the elongated lead frame to prepare a plurality of strap-shaped lead frames. Herein, the elongated lead frame is cut in such a manner that the length of protrusion of a cut end of each of the side rails from each of the tie bars is made longer than the length of protrusion of a lead terminal from each of the tie bars.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) integrated micro devices and acceleration sensor devices formed according to the method, the method being micromachining an array of first three-dimensional micromechanical device features in a first silicon wafer; micromachining an array of second three-dimensional micromechanical device features in a second silicon wafer, wherein the second three-dimensional micromechanical device features are configured to cooperate with the first three-dimensional micromechanical device features when joined therewith; mutually aligning the first and second arrays of device features by aligning the first and second wafers; permanently joining the first and second arrays of device features into an array of integrated micro devices as a function of permanently joining the first and second wafers into a single composite wafer; and subsequently separating the array of integral devices into individual devices each having a set of the first and second device featu

Abstract: To decrease the thickness, or stack height, of an electronics package, the package includes a solderless compression connector between an integrated circuit (IC) package and a substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In one embodiment, the IC package is mounted on the substrate using a land grid array arrangement. Corresponding lands on the IC package and substrate are coupled using a solderless compression connector. The compression connector includes a plurality of electrically conductive particles, and a thin, flexible apertured support that aligns the particles with corresponding lands on the IC package and substrate. A compression connector may also be used to electrically couple an IC to an IC package substrate. Methods of fabrication, as well as application of the package to an electronic assembly, an electronic system, and a data processing system, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention features a method wherein a component in a multi-head component placement machine is rejected during the placement cycle. A component is imaged and the image processed using an automated vision system. The image processing determines whether the component is placeable based upon a comparison of the component image to preprogrammed mechanical parameters for the component. A non- placeable component is rejected into a reject station, which is contiguous with the head. Because a component can be rejected during the placement cycle, there is no slowdown of the placement machine cycle rate.

Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes securing the blade into a clamping fixture, obtaining a zero reference from a gauging surface on the clamping fixture, coupling the clamping fixture to a grinding machine, and grinding the blade based on the zero reference.

Abstract: A method facilitates repairing a gas turbine engine compressor blade airfoil. The method comprises removing titanium alloy material from along leading and trailing edges of the airfoil, and along a radially outer tip of the airfoil to form respective leading edge, trailing edge, and tip cut-backs which each define cut-back depths, and depositing titanium weld material onto the leading edge, trailing edge, and tip cut-backs. The method also comprises removing at least some of the titanium weld bead material to obtain pre-desired finished dimensions for the leading and trailing edges, and radially outer tip.

Abstract: A turbine blade and a process for manufacture of turbine blades is provided comprising: casting as one piece a blade body and a first portion of an airfoil; forming a tip section having a tip cap and a second portion of an airfoil which is sized to fit on the first portion of the airfoil; and attaching the first portion of the airfoil to the second portion of the airfoil. A process for repairing turbine blades is provided which comprises: removing the tip cap and a portion of the airfoil from the blade to form a repair surface on the airfoil; forming a replacement tip section comprising a replacement tip cap and a replacement portion of the airfoil sized to fit onto the repair surface; and attaching the replacement tip section to the repair surface.

Abstract: A method for improving the wear characteristics of a system for operating a variable vane comprising the steps of providing a trunnion connected to the variable vane via an vane platform and means for causing rotation of the trunnion, and positioning a thrust washer formed from a carbon material about a lower portion of the trunnion and in a space between the vane platform and an outer split case so that during operation of the system the space between the vane platform and the outer split case is maintained substantially constant and unwanted deflection of the vane is avoided.

Abstract: A metal mold for electromagnetic forming, with the inner peripheral face thereof, serving as a forming face, is disposed on the outer peripheral side of a columnar workpiece, and a coil for electromagnetic forming is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the columnar workpiece. In a state of a configuration as described, electric energy is thrown into the coil for the electromagnetic forming, and the columnar workpiece is caused to undergo flaring to be thereby pressed against the forming face of the metal mold for the electromagnetic forming, so as to be turned into a shape corresponding to the forming face by means of the electromagnetic forming, thus obtaining a wheel rim. A disc is welded to the wheel rim obtained, and curling is applied to outer edges of the wheel rim. With the adoption of a method of manufacturing an automotive wheel, a manufacturing process as a whole is enhanced in efficiency.

Abstract: A rigid drive axle assembly includes a support beam member having a substantially flat central plate section, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section through at least two threaded studs extending from the central plate section. The differential assembly module includes a differential carrier frame member having two bearing hubs receiving differential bearings. A method for verifying a predetermined bearing preload of the differential assembly module comprises the steps of preloading the differential bearings to the predetermined bearing preload, inserting mounting bores in the bearing hubs of the frame member onto the mounting studs, and determining that the differential bearings are properly preloaded if the mounting studs are received in the mounting bores in the differential carrier frame member without substantial resistance, or determining that the differential bearings are not properly preloaded if the mounting studs may not be received in the mounting bores easily.

Abstract: The invention features an indexable wear plate/piercing tip insert that is configured to be removably and repositionably attached to the front, nose portion of the upper, movable jaw of a metal demolition shears. The insert functions as both a wear plate and a piercing tip and is indexable in that a non-worn or less worn portion of the wear surface of the wear plate portion of the insert, and non-worn shearing and piercing edges of the piercing tip portion of the insert, can be presented simultaneously simply by rotating the insert 180° and reattaching it to the nose portion of the upper, movable jaw of a metal demolition shears.

Abstract: A trimmer head for a line trimmer includes an automatic line feeding mechanism. The trimmer head accepts a spool of cutting line and spins extended line to trim, for example, unwanted vegetation in lawns. Upon actuation of the automatic line feeding mechanism, damaged or broken cutting line is replaced with additional cutting line from the spool. The mechanism is actuated remotely (electrically or manually) and eliminates the requirement to bump the trimmer head on the ground thus reducing wear and tear on the trimmer.

Abstract: A transitional feeding tool for individuals with oral sensory problems comprises a handle and a food-carrying platform carried by the handle. The food-carrying platform has a top surface and a bottom surface extending along an axis and at least one blunt projection extending radially from the bottom surface of the platform. The projection is adapted to contact the tongue to provide oral tactile stimulation as the tool is advanced over the tongue to deliver food.

Abstract: The present invention provides persons in charge of the care of other individuals with a tool for shaving that is designed to be safer to individuals in institutionalized environments, due to a shallow razor blade with rounded corners that is encased in a durable material.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for breaking a glass pane, wherein apparatus includes a housing which can be attached to a glass pane, initiating means breaking said glass pane and activation means for encouraging the initiating means to impact the glass with sufficient force to cause the glass pane to break or smash, wherein the apparatus can be retro-fitted to an existing window and is switchable between a sleep mode and active mode. The apparatus is further associated with identification means for aiding in the identification of a user upon activation of the apparatus which acts as an anti-vandalism system to prevent the device from being interfered with.

Abstract: A carpenter's pencil sharpener is designed for cutting a point on a carpenter's pencil that defines a longitudinal axis and has a maximum width or dimension (MD) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sharpener has a contouring portion defining a rotational axis, a pencil point contour surface and a blade. The sharpener also has a centering portion at least rotationally fixed to the contouring portion. The centering portion has a non-rotating, cylindrical, inner surface and an outer end defining an aperture for receiving the carpenter's pencil. The cylindrical surface has an inner diameter (ID) dimensioned to fit the maximum dimension (MD) of the carpenter's pencil, and is large enough to permit rotation of the carpenter's pencil within the cylindrical surface. The centering portion also has a length (L) generally parallel to the rotational axis and measured from the contouring portion to the outer end for maintaining the carpenter's pencil parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A cue tip shaper for shaping and reshaping a shapeable cue tip on a cue stick utilized for playing pool or billiards. The cue tip shaper comprises a planar base, and an arrangement of articulable guides for receiving and aligning a cue stick tip with a tip shaping scuff member. The cue stick is received between the guides and pressable against the scuff member. The tip is typically leather. A scuff surface is arranged on the scuff member secured in the planar base, and is in alignment with the movable guides.

Abstract: A laser beam module capable of simultaneously producing two mutually perpendicular optical indicator planes, and adapted for usage on building construction sites, thereat synchronously acquiring horizontal and perpendicular measurements as a basis for datum lines. The laser beam module primarily comprises a laser beam generator, a deflector is disposed in an optical path and utilized to split a laser beam thereof, whereby two light beams emerging from the deflector synchronously proceed towards two optical expanders, the two optical expanders being positioned such as to be mutually perpendicularly related, wherefrom the two light beams are synchronously transformed and therefrom expand to project a horizontal optical plane (beam) and a vertical optical plane (beam).

Abstract: A multi-purpose strap for use with a laser tripod having a head portion and a base portion includes a flexible member, a first coupling component located at an end of the flexible member, and a second coupling component located at an opposite end of the flexible member. The flexible member when in a first configuration is adaptable to be coupled to the head portion using the first coupling component. The flexible member in a second configuration is also adaptable to be coupled to the tripod base using the second coupling member to form a shoulder strap.

Abstract: The compass system of the present invention utilizes an improved calibration routine in which a processing circuit of the compass recalibrates the compass each time three data points are obtained from a magnetic field sensor that meet predetermined criteria. One such criterion is that the three data points define corners of a triangle that is substantially non-obtuse. When three data points have been obtained that define a triangle meeting this criterion, the processing circuit calculates a center point for a circle upon which all three data points lie by solving the equation x2+y2+Ax+By+C=0 for A, B, and C, using the coordinate values (x,y) for the three data points and defining the center point as (?A/2, ?B/2).

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the angle of inclination of a surface or object with respect to the gravitational horizontal, having (1) an electric circuit with a homogeneous resistance curved to form a circumference, (2) a device or voltmeter to measure the voltage consumed by the resistance in its total length (VT), (3) another device or voltmeter to measure the voltage consumed by a portion of the resistance (VP) which length measured depends on one leg of the device/voltmeter fixed to one end of the resistance and the other leg of the device/voltmeter, with a weight and constant contact with resistance, moving due to the gravitational force as the circumference rotates on a horizontal axis, (4) a device that takes the voltages measured and outputs the inclination given by this formula [(VP:VT)*Scale].

Abstract: A calibration wafer which is suitable for calibrating alignment of a transfer robot blade with respect to wafers in a loadlock chamber or input shuttle. The calibration wafer includes a circular wafer body on which is provided a pair of spaced-apart blade alignment lines which are used to properly align the transfer robot blade. The invention further includes a calibration kit for calibrating alignment of a polishing head with a pedestal, including a base plate for placement on the pedestal; a calibration plate for placement on the base plate; and a calibration circle provided on the calibration plate for aligning the polishing head with the pedestal.

Abstract: A combination hair dryer and mounting assembly includes a hair dryer having a switch movable between an OFF position in which the hair dryer is not energized and an ON position in which the hair dryer is energized. A receptacle is configured for receiving the hair dryer therein when the switch is in the OFF position. The receptacle prevents insertion of the hair dryer therein when the switch is in the ON position.

Abstract: Method for using surface-tension properties of polished vinyl or other plastic sheeting as a reusable seal on a vacuum pressing bag. The bag must be of a high surface tension material such as polished vinyl to create the friction to create a seal. The vinyl bag consists of at least two pieces of vinyl welded at the edge on all sides. A slit through one piece of vinyl allows entry into the bag. Another vinyl strip that is wider and longer than the slit is placed over the opening. The polished surface of the vinyl or other polymer creates surface tension that “self-seals” under mild hand pressure creating a complete seal after suction is supplied to achieve evacuation. This surface tension is not released until the vinyl flap is pulled away from the slit. Because the “seal” is created using a physical property of the bag material, it will never wear out. If the seal is complete, constant pressure on the contents of the bag is maintained while evacuation proceeds. A conventional vacuum pump produces the vacuum.

Abstract: A cordless hair dryer for individuals includes a grove handle end that is curved upward to generally conform to the individuals hand, and house the battery. The dryer also, including a curved body with an inward air vent and a outward air vent.

Abstract: A hand-held hair dryer and holder assembly including a hand-held hair-dryer a holder, and a cord hanger connected to the holder. The holder is adapted for mounting to a supporting surface. The holder provides a location for storing the hand-held hair dryer when the hand-held hair dryer is not in operation. An electrical cord extends from the hand-held hair dryer. The cord is utilized to electrically connect the hand-held hair dryer to a power supply. The cord hanging member is adapted to support a portion of the cord when the hand-held hair dryer is not in operation. The cord hanging member being removably or integrally connected to the holder.

Abstract: A machine with vibrating tank for drying and polishing cutlery, comprising a support and containment structure that supports elastically a treatment tank for containing a drying and polishing material. The treatment tank is actuatable with a vibrating motion and is connected to a port for loading the cutlery to be dried and polished and to a port for unloading the dried and polished cutlery, and has a circular plan shape being provided internally with a rising channel that is arranged helically around the axis of the treatment tank from the bottom of the tank to the unloading port. The loading port is spaced laterally from the axis of the treatment tank.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is disclosed for sheet-like elements such as flat wall elements (e.g., pasta dryers). A separation joint can be sealed against penetration gases or steam by placing level sealing elements on both sides of the separation joint, the sealing elements being braced against each other by connections, such as screw connection.

Abstract: A method for drying a plurality of objects in a same space using a microwave, a method of uniformly drying all the objects to be dried while retaining the high productivity (mass productivity) as much as possible is provided. The method comprises laying a plurality of objects to be dried apart from each other by keeping, as a shortest distance between at least one pair of adjacent objects among them a distance equivalent to ¾ or more of the wavelength of the microwave to be used and irradiating them with the microwave.