Abstract: Disclosed are cleaning sheets having substantial macroscopic three-dimensionality. Optionally, the macroscopically three-dimensional cleaning sheets can comprise a contractable material (e.g., a scrim material), which when heated and then cooled contracts so as to provide a macroscopic, three-dimensional structure. Macroscopic three-dimensionality is described in terms of “average peak-to-peak distance” and “surface topography index”, as well in terms of “average height differential”. Also disclosed are cleaning implements comprising a handle and the described cleaning sheets. Processes for the sheets, benefits of the processes, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a pivoting windshield wiper of a vehicle is designed so that after decoupling the drive connection to the windshield wiper a rack situated in the drive for the windshield wiper can be used as drive element for an actuator that is independent of the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A lever assembly holds a wiper strip, which directly wipes a wiping surface. The lever assembly includes a plurality of levers, which are connected together in tournament style. An axial length of the lever assembly is shorter than an axial length of the wiper strip. A cover member receives the lever assembly, and opposed ends of the cover member hold the wiper strip. The cover member includes a plurality of cover portions, which are formed separately from one another.

Abstract: A self-contained powered mobile articulating vacuum boom conduit having the ability to rotate 360 degrees. Said boom may be attached to or removed from a vacuum container. Said boom assembly may also contain means to provide a float shut off valve to the inlet of a vacuum source. The vacuum boom arm may be telescoped in or out, extended or retracted, raised or lowered, lid or shortened or rotated in any of 360 degrees or rotated in multiple 360 degrees rotations. Rotation is not limited by power supply sources. A linear actuators powered by a battery mounted on the boom is an example of means to articulate the boom arm. A battery-operated motor is an example of means to rotate the boom using a gear or belt with pulley. A solar panel may be used to recharge the battery.

Abstract: A cleaner (1) has a DC brushless motor (15) with stator (203) and rotor (212). Stator is mounted on a shaft and rotor is mounted inside and to a tubular body (207) about stator (203). Impeller (17) is mounted to and outside tubular body (207). The motor (15) and impeller (17) are mounted in a housing having an intake (17) and an exhaust (9). Operation of the motor and rotation of the impeller causes a partial vacuum at the intake (7) to draw air. The air is exhausted through the exhaust (9). A filter (61) prevents particles from entering the motor (15). Particles are collected in a receptacle (5) prior to the filter (61). The impeller (17) may be a squirrel cage fan, bladed fan, or centrifugal fan. A secondary exhaust (11) expels particles from the filter (61) and/or receptacle (5) by rotation of the impeller (17) in an opposite direction or by the use of a secondary DC motor and impeller. The housing (2) can fit in a cavity between conventional wall studs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the floor treatment unit being capable of being electrically connected to the charging station by means of electrical connecting elements that are associated with one another and are disposed on the charging station and the floor treatment unit. In order to develop the floor treatment system in such a way that improved electrical coupling of the connecting elements that are associated with one another is made possible, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one of the connecting elements that are associated with one another is mounted in a sprung manner.

Abstract: It is determined whether a sensor band reacts and, if the sensor band reacts, it is determined whether the sensor band continues to react for a predetermined period of time. If the sensor band continues to react for the predetermined period of time in the previous step, it is determined that sucking is dangerous because an object is considered as an object that may possibly obstruct a cleaning work, for example, a long object such as a cord-shaped object. In accordance therewith, a control unit gives a command for stoppage of the sucking of a suction unit, whereby decrease of the sucking power by entanglement with a long object such as a cord-shaped object can be prevented, and the cleaning work can be carried out efficiently and safely.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprises: obstacle detection sensors; moving means; a cleaning means including a power brush, a suction fan and a nozzle for sucking up dust on a floor surface; floor surface sensors each comprising a passive-type CMOS line sensor to receive light from the floor surface for detecting floor surface conditions. It performs cleaning while autonomously moving. Based on received light signals of the floor surface sensors, distance distributions to floor surface areas within the viewing angle of each sensor are derived. Detection of a step on the floor surface and identification of the material of the floor surface (polished floorboard, tatami or carpet) are performed by analyzing spatial frequency in the distance distribution. Based on the identification, cleaning conditions including at least the moving speed, the dust suction force of the suction fan or the brushing strength of the power brush are changed.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot cleaner that can thoroughly clean an area of high dust concentration. The robot cleaner includes a dust sensor to detect collected dust and a dust concentration decision means to decide degree of dust concentration in the area in which the main body of the robot cleaner moves based on an output of the dust sensor. The robot cleaner performs a basic cleaning operation while moving according to a predetermined movement procedure. When it finds an area in which the degree of dust concentration is above a given value using the dust concentration decision means during the basic cleaning operation, it additionally performs a local cleaning operation to move locally in such area after its movement in accordance with the basic cleaning operation.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner having right and left side brushes for directing dust on a floor surface toward the inside of the bottom of the cleaner body. The right side brush rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from top on a rotary shaft, which is tilted so that the lower end is located toward the right of and the rear of the cleaner body as compared with the upper end. The left side brush rotates in a clockwise direction as viewed from top on a rotary shaft, which is tilted so that the lower end is located toward the left of and the rear of the cleaner body as compared with the upper end. The tilted rotary shafts can prevent the outer portions of the side brushes at their rear portions from contacting a floor surface, thereby preventing dust collected by the front portions of the side brushes from being scattered to the outside of the cleaner body by the rear portions of the brushes.

Abstract: When an object collides with a main body 1 during a cleaning and propelling operation, an acceleration sensor 11 obtains acceleration information according to the movement of the main body 1 due to the collision unlike the normal cleaning and propelling operation state. The control unit 10 detects based on the acceleration information that the main body 1 has collided with the object and controls motors 8 to rotate the main body 1 at that position by one revolution. A non-contact type sensor 12 detects the peripheral state of the main body and supplies the detected information to the control unit 10. When the control unit 10 determines based on the detected information that there is a new obstacle, the control unit reflects the obstacle on mapping data stored in a memory 13 and corrects a propelling route so as to avoid the obstacle.

Abstract: A cleaner comprises a cleaning fluid container installed at a cleaner body, for providing a space in which a cleaning fluid is stored; a cleaning fluid dispensing unit for dispensing a cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid container to a cleaning region; a brush rotatably installed at a bottom of the cleaner body, for brushing a cleaning region by being rotated; a recovery unit for recovering a soiled fluid including a filth from the cleaning region; a recovery fluid container installed at the cleaner body, for storing the recovered soiled fluid; and a drying unit for heating air and dispensing the heated air to the cleaning region. Accordingly, the moisture remaining at a cleaning region is quickly removed, and so cleaning efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: An attachment for portable power and suction units, including a long control tube having a length to extend from a floor to adjacent shoulder height of a standing user and a vacuum head formed from a length of tube having a slot in one side and with the ends of the slot closed; and a flexible connection between the interior of the vacuum head and the interior of a control tube to be connected to a portable power and suction unit.

Abstract: A debris removal system for removing debris from a surface. The debris removal system may comprise a first air supply duct positioned adjacent to the surface, a debris collection chute positioned adjacent to the surface and on the side opposite the first air supply duct, and a blower configured to intake air from the debris collection chute and exhaust air to the first air supply duct. The first air supply duct may be configured to direct airflow across the surface and the debris collection chute is configured to collect debris. The first air supply duct may direct airflow across the surface to move debris from the surface to the debris collection chute.

Abstract: An improved vacuum cleaner nozzle is disclosed which includes a squeegee element disposed along the front wall or front lip. The squeegee element acts to push liquid or slurry materials towards the inlet opening as the nozzle head is drawn towards the user in a pulling or retraction motion. The squeegee elements are preferably integrally molded with the nozzle head structure. In different variations, the squeegee elements comprise either a downwardly extending forward lip or a forwardly extending lip.

Abstract: An eraser dispenser is provided which can store in a dispenser body an eraser longer than the overall length of the dispenser body. The eraser dispenser enables the eraser to be used without replacement with a new one for a long period of time. The eraser dispenser includes: a dispenser body which is enclosed by an outer circumferential wall having a distal opening and has a storing chamber capable of storing therein an eraser that is longer than the overall length of the dispenser body; and a cover which covers the dispenser body. The eraser dispenser further includes; an external operation member which partially projects from the outer circumferential wall and is operated from the outside of the dispenser body; a driving roller which is operated by the external operating member; a receiving member which is disposed opposite to the driving roller with the eraser held therebetween; and a stopper which prevents a rotary button as the external operation member from undergoing reverse turn.

Abstract: A multi-axis automobile door hinge, comprising a first leaf, a second leaf, and a third leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf are pivotally coupled defining a swing-out hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The second leaf and the third leaf are pivotally coupled about a lift bearing defining a vertical-lift hinge adapted so as to enable rotation in a substantially vertical plane about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The multi-axis automobile door hinge provides a combination of swing-out and vertical-lift motion suitable for retrofitting a conventional swing-out automobile door for swing-out and vertical-lift operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a safety unit of a hinge for a folding ladder to prevent a user's finger from being caught in the hinge when the hinge rotates. The hinge includes a first joint unit, a second joint unit, and a locking unit, and the safety unit is provided between a first stop shoulder of the first joint unit and a second stop shoulder of the second joint unit. The safety unit includes a mount part and an insert part. The mount part is provided in the first joint unit to be positioned under the first stop shoulder, and an inside portion of the mount part is rounded to surround a part of the first joint unit. The insert part extends from an upper end of the mount part, and is rounded to have the same curvature as the inside portion of the mount part.

Abstract: A pivot joint includes a fixed member, a movable member, two friction pads respectively fastened to the fixed member and the movable member and each having at least one raised portion and one recessed portion formed at its one side, and a pivot shaft inserted through the fixed member, the movable member, and the two friction pads to tightly hold the same by its two ends. The two sides of said two friction pads having the raised and recessed portions are attached to each other. When the movable member is driven by a force to turn with respect to the fixed member for a predetermined angle, the friction pad fastened to the movable member is turned together with the movable member, such that friction resistance is increasingly generated between said raised portions of said friction pads.

Abstract: “On the longitudinal sides situated in the centre, the hinge parts 4, 5 have upper and lower receiving portions 6 and 7 respectively having cylindrical longitudinal bores 8 and 9 respectively for a hinge pin 10. The hinge pin 10 is a cylindrical metal pin 11 having a circumferential projection 12 between its ends. The circumferential projection 11 on the hinge pin 10 is inserted as a good fit in the cylindrical depressions 12a, 13 in the receiving portions 6, 7, which depressions 12, 13 are formed by circumferential rims in the longitudinal bores 8, 9 in the receiving portions 6, 7, with the metal pin extending into the receiving portions through one bore in each case. The longitudinal bores 8, 9 in the receiving portions 6, 7 are closed off by the respective plugs 14, 15 which have cylindrical bores 16, 17 into which the metal pin 11 forming the hinge pin 10 extends”.

Abstract: A window egress assistance handle having a base, at least one finger grip with two legs, multiple offset orifice fixation ports for receiving multiple securing devices such as set screws or thumb screws, and a base midline grooved channel receiver. To temporarily install and use the handle, the handle is positioned to envelope an integrated extruded window sash lift in the grooved channel receiver, and the securing devices disposed in the multiple offset fixation port are engaged to create a binding compressive force upon enveloped sash lift. The window can then be lifted or slid by applying force to the finger grips. The handle can be adjusted to the user's strength, size, and dimensions, and installed and removed without use of tools or creating permanent damage to the framework of the window.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the separation and recovery of at least one selected salt from a mixture of salts containing at least one salt, the solubility of which increases with increase in temperature, comprising providing a pond having a dark bottom surface and a plurality of stratified salt solution layers wherein the solution closest to the bottom contains a salt concentration higher than that in the upper layers, the solution closest to the bottom is hotter than those in the upper layers and at least some of the layers are saturated with at least one salt; introducing a feed solution containing at least one salt, the solubility of which increases with increase in temperature into the pond thereby resulting in an increased ratio of the at least one salt in the bottom layer; withdrawing a solution from the bottom zone; and withdrawing a solution from the upper zone.

Abstract: An opening (21) for strap through which an end portion (12) of a strap (11) is inserted, an accommodation portion (23) that accommodates the end portion (12) of the strap (11) inserted through the opening (21) for strap by a predetermined length, and a pair of holding portions (40) that sandwiches and holds the strap (11) that has been accommodated in the accommodation portion (23) are formed. The pair of holding portions (40) has a substantially V-shape in which the distance between one end sides thereof is shorter than that between the other end sides thereof, and arranged in an inclined manner relative to the insertion axis (13) such that one end sides are situated nearer to the opening (21) for strap than the other end sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicular suspect restraint device for use in a law enforcement vehicle. The vehicular suspect restraint device includes a first strap portion comprising a substantially-flexible material and a second strap portion comprising a substantially-flexible material. The vehicular suspect restraint device also includes a buckle assembly attached to a first end portion of the first strap portion and a first end portion of the second strap portion, wherein the buckle assembly is operable for selectively adjusting the length of at least one of the first strap portion and the second strap portion. The vehicular suspect restraint device further includes a first fastening mechanism movably attached to a second end portion of the first strap portion, wherein the first fastening mechanism is operable for selectively engaging and holding a personal suspect restraint device associated with a suspect.

Abstract: A slider for a slide fastener having a cover member capable of rotating between a first position at which a pull tag is concealed in an immobile state and a second position at which the pull tag is exposed, wherein engaging/disengaging means for engaging with/disengaging from each other when the cover member is located at the first position is provided at a portion on first end portions side apart from respective rotating portions of second end portions, the second end portion having the rotating portions in which the pull tag and the cover member are coupled so as to be able to rotate relatively, thereby providing the slider a simple structure and costing low, being capable of achieving a pull tag holding performance stable and excellent over a long period and preventing deflections between respective components.

Abstract: A sheet-form composite has a paper side and a side having a field of fastener hooks. The paper side has a surface formed to be printable, writeable or photo-developable in the presence of the fastener hooks on the obverse side. Weak hook areas enable support of light weight papers upon loop surfaces that are not designed for hook and loop fastening. Selected bands in which hooks reside enable performing other operations in non-hook areas, with which the hooks would interfere, or would be damaged. The composite is useful for display, sales, advertising or adornment, and is readily fed through standard inkjet and other printers. Images are thus acquired and transferred onto the composite by computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a case structure for a sensor structure attachable to and detachable from a shoe, the case structure comprising a case and an attachment arrangement for attaching the case to the shoe, the attachment arrangement comprising an attachment projection structure intended to attach the case to the shoe such that shoelaces remain between a bottom comprised by the case and the attachment projection structure below the bottom. The essential feature in the invention is that the attachment projection structure is a branched projection structure comprising a first projection branch and a second projection branch, and, between the projection branches, an intermediate area intended to enable the placing of the case structure in position even if the shoelaces were arranged to support a tongue of the shoe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an improved lacing system having a clasp with an anchoring end and a lace end, where the lace end is adapted to hold a lace. An anchoring end is also included having a first part and a second part where the first and second parts are movable away from and toward one another. The closing mechanism also has a receiver with a first receptacle and a second receptacle for engaging the first and second parts, respectively, and wherein the clasp is removably joinable to the receiver when the first and second parts are engaged with the first and second receptacles and, when the first and second parts are disengaged with the first and second receptacles, the clasp is separable from the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is an ornamental light assembly for a casket. The casket has a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls. The light assembly comprises a back plate adapted to be mounted to at least one of the walls of the casket shell. A base member having a top and bottom wall and at least one side wall connecting the top and bottom wall is coupled to the back plate. The top wall of the base member includes a light source, such as a light bulb, and a translucent ornament overlying the light source such that the light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the translucent ornament. The base member can include at least one battery for powering the light source and an electrical switch for energizing the light source.

Abstract: A concentric coaxial cutting machine which cuts cylinders, cylindroids or cones using a chain saw from a single larger object such as a wood tree trunk, a block of ice or a block of plastic.

Abstract: “A device for assembling a vehicle seat having a seat upholstery and a sensing mat. The device includes a first supporting device having a receiving surface for receiving the sensing mat and a second supporting device for receiving the seat upholstery, the first and second supporting devices being movable with respect to each other so as to bring the seat upholstery and the sensing mat into contact with each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a pillow comprises cutting at least one piece of fabric to form a pair of skins that each comprise a midsection and two arm sections. The two skins are sewn together near their outer edges except for a portion of the mid section to form a shell defining and interior and having a middle region with an opening into the interior and two opposing arms extending from the middle region to form a well region. A fill material is blown into the interior of the shell until the pillow has a firmness defined by an IFD of at least about 20 Newtons with 25% deflection, and the opening in the middle region is closed.

Abstract: A sectional flooring installation device allows carpet installation teams to quickly remove and install sectional carpeting in locations that have multitudes of the bookshelf assemblies, for example, libraries. The sectional flooring installation device includes a bridge assembly, a lifting device, a bearing plate, and a transfer unit to raise supports for bookshelf assemblies. The bridge assembly spans the tile, the transfer unit engages a vertical support, and the lifting device displaces the transfer unit relative to the bridge assembly to free pinned tiles or broad loom carpet sections. Once a pinned tile or carpet section is removed, a replacement tile may be installed. Use of the sectional flooring installation device essentially eliminates the requirement of removing bookshelf assemblies, reinstalling the bookshelf assemblies, and realigning the bookshelf assemblies after installation of the carpet. Accordingly, installation cost will decrease when using the sectional flooring installation device.

Abstract: A recycling method which comprises constructing a membership computer system comprising appending to products identification displays showing that the products satisfy the standards for products scarcely giving loads to environments, easily recyclable products, highly healthy and safe products, or the like, connecting members comprising the producers A of the products to which the identification displays can be appended, product seller B, purchasers or consumers C, waste-collecting members D, collected commodity-transporting members E, and intermediate raw material producers F to an information network manager G through an information network, and totally monitoring and managing the production of the products, sales, wastes and the production of the intermediate raw materials by the information network manager G, and recycling the used products as wastes to the intermediate raw materials for producing the products, and by which the products can be produced with reduced energy, and the system thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing hollow body elements such as nut elements for the attachment to components consisting normally of sheet metal, in particular to the manufacture of hollow body elements with an at least substantially square or rectangular outer periphery by cutting individual elements by length from a section present in the form of a bar section or a coil after prior punching of apertures in the section, optionally with subsequent formation of a thread cylinder, utilizing a progressive tool having a plurality of working stations in which respective processes are carried out is characterized in that in each working station two respective operations are carried out for the section, or for each of a plurality of sections arranged alongside one another, for each stroke of the progressive tool at the same time. A hollow body element and also a progressive tool are also claimed.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular member with thickened ends includes the steps of positioning a tubular member between open die halves and sealing ends of the tubular member. The method also includes the steps of applying at least nominal internal hydraulic pressure to the tubular member and progressively closing the die halves. The method includes the steps of raising the hydraulic pressure substantially within the tubular member to expand and conform the tubular member to the tubular cavity portion. The method further includes the steps of thickening a wall thickness of the axial ends of the tubular member, separating the die halves, and removing the tubular member having thickened axial ends from the die.

Abstract: A jack for mounting solar panels and other objects to a roof is disclosed. It has two parts: an elongated substantially planar anchor portion that fits under a roof's shingles, and a mounting curve that supports the solar panel or other equipment. This invention can easily be incorporated into standard roofing practices, since it can be installed before the shingles are installed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming armed sutures has a swaging station for receiving, holding and swaging needles that are deposited therein. A linear motor drives a suture insertion gripper, which pulls suture from a supply reel and inserts a cut end thereof into a needle held in the swaging station. A ganged needle transfer assembly with a plurality of spaced needle gripper units carries needles along a line substantially at right angles to the suture line and transfers them to and from the swaging station and other needle processing stations. A precisor orients needles prior to placement in the swaging station and a pull test assembly tests armed sutures in both destructive and non-destructive modes. Both ends of the production line may be automated, e.g., by robots which load and offload needles prior to and after swaging, respectively. The apparatus is capable of forming double armed sutures by using a rotatable mount for the suture insertion gripper and a secondary, loop gripper.

Abstract: A compression generator uses a plurality of jackbolts threadedly engaged at a spaced apart relation about a bolt circle in a main core element. The main core element is releasable interlocked by threads, bayonet connection or other form of fasting system with the mounting element forming a fixed part of the mechanical connection. The jackbolts torqued to generate a pushing force in an axial direction for compressing a moveable part of the mechanical connection against a compression seat for forming a mechanical connection between juxtaposition fixed and moveable parts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibre reinforced metal matrix composite article, the method comprising placing metal coated (18) fibres (14) between a first metal ring (30) and a second metal ring (36). Each of the metal-coated (18) fibres (14) having a glue (22) to hold the metal-coated (18) fibres (14) in position. A solvent is supplied to the glue (22) on the metal-coated (18) fibres (14) to soften the glue (22) and pressure is applied to allow the metal-coated (18) ceramic fibres (14) to become more closely packed. Thereafter the glue (22) is removed and the metal coated (18) fibres (14) and first and second metal rings (30, 32) are consolidated and diffusion bonded together.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: Crimping apparatuses for reducing the diameter of an intraluminal medical device from a first diameter to a second diameter prior to loading the medical device into a catheter delivery system and loading apparatuses for introducing the medical device into a catheter delivery system, the devices constructed and arranged for matingly engaging one another, combinations thereof, and methods of using the devices.

Abstract: An adaptive, ergonomic designed multi-purpose air motor driven hand-held trimmer that uses the air motor as the handle, has the air motor offset at an angle of 25 degrees to the fore and aft axis of the base plate and downward 10 degrees, to thereby have the center of gravity as near as possible to the wrist of the operator so that there will not be a constant bending of the wrist or exerting of constant hard pressure on the tissue at the base of the hand, thus virtually eliminating the possibility of the operator acquiring the carpal tunnel syndrome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing information carriers (11), such as labels, tickets or the like, in particular contactless information carriers (11), which have integrated circuits (ICs, 30) and antennas (12, 13) connected to them, wherein antennas (12, 13) are formed at intervals one after the other on surface regions (27, 28) of a web (14), and moreover, one IC (30) provided per antenna (12, 13) is connected electrically conductively by its housing or its contacts (31, 32) to associated contact faces (33, 34) of the antenna (12) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention is directed to correcting of a lower end level of a suction nozzle during manufacturing running based on the lower end level of the suction nozzle measured after a mounting operation. An electronic component mounting apparatus for picking electronic components up from component feeding units by suction nozzles and mounting the electronic component on a printed board is provided with a line sensor unit for measuring a lower end level of the suction nozzle after a component mounting operation on a printed board. A CPU calculates a descending amount of the suction nozzle at a pickup station and a mounting station based on a value measured by the line sensor unit, and rotates a stroke motor to move a moving body to a position where the suction nozzle can descend by the amount. Therefore, the electronic component can be picked up and mounted on the printed board properly even if the suction nozzle is worn with time.

Abstract: A coil forming apparatus includes a twisting formation unit that twist-forms a predetermined number of U-shaped conductor segments. The twisting formation unit includes a first twisting formation jig composed of a first inside ring and a first outside ring and a second twisting formation jig composed of a second inside ring and a second outside ring. Each of the first and second inside rings has the same number of circumferentially disposed holding slots as the stator slots to hold one of each pair of straight portions. Each of the first and second outside rings has the same number of circumferentially disposed holding slots as the stator slots to hold the other of each pair of straight portions of the U-shaped conductor segments. The first and second inside rings and the first and second outside rings are coaxially coupled to shift relative circumferential position between the inside rings and the outside rings by a predetermined angle to twist the turn portions of the U-shaped conductor segments.

Abstract: An electrical and mechanical connection between (a) a first shielded cable including a metal sheath and electrical conductors and (b) a second cable including a ground conductor and electrical conductors, comprises a zone of interconnection between the first and second cables. In this interconnection zone, a first connection is made between the free end of the metal sheath and the free end of the ground conductor, and second connections are made between the free ends of the electrical conductors of the first cable and the free ends of the electrical conductors of the second cable, respectively. Still in the interconnection zone, the interconnected metal sheath and ground conductor have a first length shorter than second lengths of the interconnected electrical conductors of the first cable and electrical conductors of the second cable whereby, in operation, longitudinal tension in the interconnection zone is totally supported by the interconnected metal sheath and ground conductor.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of assembling a modular internal combustion engine. The modular engine includes a cast crankcase having an open top and a closed bottom, a mid-plate, and an extruded cylinder bore block. A pre-assembled crankshaft with bearings, connecting rods, and pistons with piston rings are all placed through the open top crankcase. The mid-plate partially houses the assembled components over top the crankcase as the connecting rods and pistons extend through and above. Next, the piston rings are simultaneously compressed and the cylinder block is located over the pistons. The pistons with piston rings are inserted into cylinder bores through the bottom surface of the cylinder block and the assembly is completed. This method is performed with the help of a fixture for compressing and positioning the piston rings.

Abstract: A cylinder housing (1) is cast with a cylinder wall (2) in the making of a cylinder for an internal combustion engine. The cylinder wall delimits an interior space (3) for accommodating a reciprocating piston and, thereafter, a control window (5) is machined into the cylinder wall (2) as an opening of a transfer channel (4) into the interior space (3). A two-stage machining for forming the control window (5) is provided in order to make possible a rapid and cost effective manufacture of the cylinder. In a first step with a work tool (7) having a rotating primary movement (11), a breakthrough (10) is machined into the cylinder wall (2) and, in a second step with a work tool, the breakthrough (10) is widened to the wanted dimensions of the control window (5).