Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum collector includes a filter housing, a filter member disposed in the filter housing, and a sweeping device disposed in the filter member for sweeping the filter member, to sweep of dirt from the filter member, and to allow the dirt to be removed from the filter member and to be collected. The sweeping device includes one or more flaps rotatably disposed in the filter member with such as a shaft for engaging with the filter member to sweep of dirt from the filter member when the flap is rotated relative to the filter member. One or more resiliently blades may be attached to the flap for engaging with the filter member.

Abstract: A furniture glide is provided that is receivable on a foot of a piece of furniture. The furniture glide includes a rentention boot including a bottom wall, upper wall and a sidewall that define a cavity for receiving the foot therein. The upper wall has a central opening therethrough that communicates with the cavity. A neck projects from the upper wall and extends about the opening. A slider bonded to the bottom wall of the retention boot to facilitate the sliding of the piece of furniture over a supporting surface such a floor or the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to door check assemblies capable of holding a door in a number of predetermined open positions with a predetermined force. In particular, the invention relates to an automotive door check device capable of holding an automotive door in a number of predetermined open positions with a predetermined force. In preferred embodiments, the invention is capable of holding a door in an infinite number of open positions.

Abstract: A sliding replacement door is made of an extendable covering and a mechanism for extending the covering into the doorway and retracting it therefrom. The extendable covering includes a pair of plastic or vinyl sheets on respective spring-biased rollers, analogous to a window shade. The free ends of the sheets are attached to a movable, vertically oriented bar. The rollers are spring-biased to cause the sheets to normally be wrapped around them, and thereby pull the bar towards them. The extension mechanism causes the bar to move horizontally in a direction away from the rollers, to thereby unroll the sheets from the rollers against the spring bias, and extend them into the door opening. The extension mechanism can be a motor-operated scissors mechanism.

Abstract: A hinge connector assembly for securely attaching an earpiece to a frame of a pair of eyeglasses includes a hinge connector and connector clamp which secure an earpiece therebetween. The means for securing the earpiece comprise threaded bores attached to the connector clamp which combine with bolts inserted through bolt holes in the hinge connector. Further, notches located on the hinge connector combine with protruding tabs located on the connector clamp for added support. The hinge connector also includes a hinge element for attaching to a corresponding hinge element located on the frame of glasses.

Abstract: Manually adjustable hinges for gates, doors and other hinge applications where a first hinge is adjustable using an ordinary wrench in a first direction coaxial with the hinge pin, and as the first hinge is adjusted in the first direction the other hinges follows the movement of the first hinge to prevent the first hinge from binding the other hinges. All hinges are manually adjustable in a second direction perpendicular to the hinge pin using the wrench.

Abstract: A hinge structure, an electronic device, and a cover utilizing the same. The hinge structure for supporting a cover comprises an elastic member, a connecting portion, and a pivot. The elastic member comprises two ends. The connecting portion is disposed on an end of the elastic member. The pivot is disposed on the other end of the elastic member and rotatably connected to the cover. A gap is formed between the pivot and the connecting portion. When the cover rotates from a first position to a second position, the cover applies a force on the pivot such that the width of the gap is changed via elasticity of the elastic member.

Abstract: An automatic hinge having an upper or left hand section with an arcuate interior or lower edge, a central section with an arcuate left hand or upper edge and an arcuate right hand or lower edge, and a lower or right hand section with an upper or interior edge. The sections are preferably cylindrical and the edges generally elliptical. A drive moves the central section linearly between the upper and lower sections. As the central and upper sections engage, the central section will rotate in one direction. As the central section engages the lower section, the central section will rotate in the opposite direction. A gate is preferably attached to the central section. By linearly moving the central section, the gate is lifted and turned. The preferred configuration allows the hinge to open a gate inward or outward in both a left hand mount and a right hand mount.

Abstract: A hinge assembly capable of retaining a cable includes a hollow hub disposed on a first body, a bracket holder disposed on a second body, and an integrating member having a through hole and an external mounting part. The hollow hub inserts into the through hole, and the integrating member is rotatable relative to the hollow hub. The external mounting part formed around an outer circumference of the through hole upholds the integrating member on the bracket holder. The cable for electrically connecting the first body to the second body passes through the hollow hub.

Abstract: A bangle or handle for supporting a mobile station that includes a continuous loop of resiliently compressible material. A portion of the length of the handle is configured to fit within a channel defined in a housing of the mobile station. A second length portion extends from the housing to form a loop of the handle that can be gripped by the user, or otherwise used to suspend the mobile station. The handle may also include a conducting element that extends through the loop and is in communication with a conducting contact of the loop. The conducting contact of the continuous loop can be positioned in overlying contact with a conducting contact of the housing of the mobile station. Such contact supplies power or signals to, and receives power or signals from, a device such as a light, fan, noise generator or camera, connected to the second length portion.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of natural fibers for use in forming reinforced polymer composites. The process comprises fiberizing or fibrillating the natural fibers by introducing them to a hammermill that includes a rotor with hammers affixed, which uses hammers to force the material against a set of perforated screens. The size of the screen prevents the material from leaving the process until it is ground to the predetermined size.

Abstract: A textile drafting system which is composed of a pair of coaxially mounted and rotatably driven lower rollers mounted to the frame of a textile processing unit, and a pair of upper rollers mounted adjacent the free end of a pivotally mounted weighting arm so that the upper rollers press downwardly against the lower rollers. A pair of clearer rollers are also mounted to the weighting arm so as to engage the upper rollers. The upper rollers and the clearer rollers are mounted to a common bracket which is adjustable along the length of the arm to accommodate different staple fiber lengths in the yarn which is being processed, and the upper rollers and the clearer rollers can be jointly moved with the bracket along the weighting arm without additional adjustment of the upper rollers and clearer rollers with respect to each other.

Abstract: A system for securing a line securely around an object, the system comprising a main body with holes to receive ends of the line and a plurality of protrusions within the holes allowing the line ends to enter the holes in a first direction and exit the holes in a second direction.

Abstract: A metallic slide fastener element in which an exposed portion outside of an element is finished uniformly with a high smoothness and the fixing strength to a fastener tape is intensified, and a method for effectively manufacturing the same element, wherein a metallic flat type wire rod is placed on a die and the flat type wire rod is punched out with a punch so as to produce a slide fastener element, and at this time, a mouth on a punch side of the die or a peripheral edge of the die is chamfered at a radius of 0.01 to 1.0 mm and a clearance between the punch and the die is set to 0 to 30 ?m, so that an element, which has a cut surface comprising a shear surface of 80% or more and a fracture surface of less than 20% and is suitable as a slide fastener to be attached to a high quality product, is obtained.

Abstract: An article having an opening equipped with a slide fastener type closure system, the opening being defined by a cutout having a generally rectilinear central portion and at least one end portion extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the central portion, the cutout defining a flap capable of covering at least a portion of the slide fastener.

Abstract: A fastener element with a sheet-form base and an array of wedge-shaped engageable elements molded integrally with a surface of the sheet-form base. The wedge-shaped elements each have a steep side and a gradually rising side, and are arranged with their steep sides all directed in a common sense, such that the array can engage a similar array of oppositely-directed wedge-shaped elements to resist shear motion. The distal edges of the wedges are curved in top view.

Abstract: A clasp for jewelry includes a body, a pin insertable into the body, a stopper engaging to the pin having been inserted into the body to keep the pin engaged to the body, and a releaser releasing the pin from the body. The releaser and the stopper are arranged to the body through a single part disposed in the body.

Abstract: A shoe lace including a wired cord 3 fixed to a conventional end piece 5 at one end and a buckle or anchoring device 1 incorporating two holes 2 at the other. The lace is threaded across the shoe between two opposite eyelets only and fastened either by being twisted around the buckle 1 or by being threaded through the two holes 2 on the buckle 1, the number of laces used to tie the shoe being a matter of personal preference. Preferably the buckle 1 is made of a light plastic material but it can be made of metal or wood or any other suitable material or be of any shape or design.

Abstract: A textile with transparent light structure and heat-insulating construction and the method of manufacturing the same comprise a surface layer and an underlying layer, and the weft yarns of the underlying layer and the surface layer include non-transparent weft yarns and transparent yarns. By controlling the arrangement and ratio of the non-transparent yarn and the transparent yarn, the transparent light property can be obtained. Further, between the underlying layer and the surface layer, there are a multiple of high shrinkage-rate yarns included. Through the heat treatment, it would cause the contraction of the multiple high shrinkage-percentage yarns thereto make the surface layer and the underlying layer individually protrude like a three-dimensional structure. Besides, because of the different shrinkage rates, the thickness of the air layer of the underlying layer, the surface layer and the multiple high shrinkage-percentage yarns would also vary.

Abstract: A casket ornament display plaque and associated methods for memorializing a deceased individual. The casket ornament display plaque comprises a decorative board, a casket ornament attached to the board, and indicia attached to the board identifying a deceased to be memorialized. The casket ornament is one having been removed from a casket in which the deceased was displayed. The indicia may be a nameplate bearing the name of the deceased, a photograph of the deceased, or both. A method for memorializing a deceased comprises displaying a casket containing the deceased therein, the casket having at least one selectively removable ornament, removing the ornament from the casket, affixing the ornament to a display plaque and presenting the display plaque and ornament to survivors of the deceased so that the deceased can be remembered by displaying the plaque and ornament.

Abstract: An improved felting process utilizing silk fibers is now described. It comprises the steps of pulling off tufts of wool from a wool roving; placing at least some of said pulled tufts of wool one next to the other in order to produce a first row of wool tufts; adding one or more additional rows of wool tufts to said first row in order to produce a first layer of wool tufts of a desired size and shape; laying out at least one additional layer of wool tufts over said first layer of wool tufts in order to produce a wool fabric layout; laying out wool and silk along said layout in a desired geometric pattern in order to produce a felt fabric; wetting said felt fabric; and applying friction to said fabric layout.

Abstract: An attachment for an automatic lathe (10) and which is capable of carrying out threading operations without the need for purpose made cams; the attachment having a pair of quills (30, 34), one (30) holding a drill bit (32) and the other (34) a threading bit (36), with means such as cams (52, 90), for interchanging the quills (30, 34) precisely with respect to a work piece. (14).

Abstract: A system for joining two pipes comprising: a first horseshoe-shaped member which secures to the bell-end of a first PVC pipe, said horseshoe-shaped member having a plurality of chains extending therefrom; a second member comprising a bull-plate which secures to the open end of a second PVC pipe connected to the first pipe, said bull-end plate having two chains extending therefrom, a lever mechanism configured to join the two ends together such that the lever affixes to each of the chains such that the chain of the horseshoe-shaped member is attached to a first end and the second bull-plate chain is attached to the second end on opposite sides of the fulcrum of the lever, such that once said lever is thrust in a first direction, the chains tighten and the pipes are trussed tightly together.

Abstract: A pressing member 44 is pressed from the outside against a peripheral wall of a can shell 4 whose interior is maintained at a predetermined pressure by gas, to form a recess-deformed portion 56 having a predetermined shape on the peripheral wall of the can shell 4. Thereby, three-dimensional patterns can be formed by recess-deforming desired portions of the can shell 4 while preventing the strength of the can shell 4 from being deteriorated and preventing the inner surface of the can shell 4 from being scratched or the coating from being damaged, by which outer shape processing with high design performance can be easily applied to the can shell 4 at a low cost.

Abstract: An arrangement for sealingly and releasably connecting a first workpiece to a second workpiece, in particular two flanges, wherein each workpiece (1, 2) has at least one sealing surface (7a, 7b), wherein the first workpiece (1) has at least one guide projection (5) by which the sealing surfaces (7a, 7b) of the two workpieces (1, 2) can be pressed together by way of at least one inclined surface (8) in the assembly procedure.

Abstract: A handheld hydraulic assembly tool for advancing a fitting's swage ring onto a fitting's connecting body while a conduit is received in the connector body to mechanically and sealingly connect the fitting to the conduit includes a clamping assembly defining a piston chamber fluidly connected to a pump chamber. The clamping assembly has a fixed jaw adapted to engage one of the connector body and the swage ring and a moveable jaw adapted to engage the other of the connector body and the swage ring. A piston is disposed in the piston chamber. The piston and the moveable jaw are configured such that movement of the piston in a first direction moves the moveable jaw toward the fixed jaw thereby moving the swage ring axially onto the connector body to mechanically and sealingly connect the connector body to the conduit received therein when the jaws are engaged to the connector body and the swage ring. A pump body defines the pump chamber and is connected to the clamping assembly.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises a rotatable sheath and a stent. The assembly is crimped or reduced in diameter prior to loading onto a catheter by one or more crimping apparatuses. One crimping apparatus comprises a blade having a stepped configuration. A mandrel may be used to support the assembly during crimping. The mandrel may have an expandable region. A protective sheath may be used to protect the stent during crimping and to redirect the crimping forces to desired locations about the assembly.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for assembly of several elements by riveting, the device including rivets or analogs, the shank of which has an elliptical or analogous cross-section placed and riveted in holes with an elliptical or analogous cross-section corresponding to that of the shank, laid out in the elements to be assembled. The invention also includes a method for assembling panels to make a fuselage of an aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of securing a first thermoplastic membrane to a second thermoplastic membrane and securing these membranes to an underlying deck. The steps of the method comprise providing a composite fastener, placing the first thermoplastic membrane on the deck, placing the composite fastener on a marginal portion of the first thermoplastic membrane, driving the composite fastener through the first thermoplastic membrane into the deck to fasten it, placing the second thermoplastic membrane to overlap the composite fastener and the marginal portion of the first thermoplastic membrane, and lastly welding the membranes to the composite fastener and each other in a substantially continuous seam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-shot, non-shut-off method of manufacturing a 100% grained trim component for a vehicle. The method includes actuating a tool insert between a mold cavity and a secondary void to form a molded trim component having a groove. A first shot of material is injected to form a first trim element having a grained class-A side. During the first shot, flash enters the secondary void to provide a non-shut-off condition. The tool insert is retracted to define a ditch in the first trim element. A second shot of material is injected to form a second trim element having a grained class-A side, during which time a portion of the second shot enters the ditch to provide a non-shut-off condition. The trim elements are then bonded where a portion the second trim element bonded to the first trim element within the groove.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus which employs a first air feed device connected to an air passage at one end part of a spline shaft, and a second air feed device connected to the air passage in the vicinity of the other end of the spline shaft. The first and second air feeds function to supply air to the air passage to return an interior thereof to atmospheric pressure. The time required to return the vacuum pressure in the air passage to atmospheric pressure can be shortened by the use of the two separate air feeds.

Abstract: A circuit element the presence of the circuit element includes first and second capacitor plates disposed over the surface of the substrate in an aligned relationship with each other. The aligned relationship has manufacturing variations in the relative positioning of the first and second capacitor plates and a dielectric layer disposed between the first and second capacitor plates. At least one of the first and second capacitor plates is formed substantially smaller relative to the other of the first and second capacitor plates. The at least one of the capacitor plates is disposed at a predetermined offset in at least one planar direction from an edge of the other of the first and second capacitor plates. The predetermined offset is selected according to the manufacturing variations to prevent variations in the value of capacitance of the capacitor due to the manufacturing variations.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is wire bonded in a manner such that there is consistent RF performance from integrated circuit package to integrated circuit package. Bond distances within the integrated circuit are measured, each corresponding to a wire bond to be formed. An area under a hypothetical wire bond profile is calculated as a function of the bond distances, a baseline wire length, and a baseline loop height. A wire is bonded across a given one of the bond distances to form a given one of the wire bonds. A wire bond profile for the given wire bond is provided having an area thereunder that is substantially equal to the calculated area.

Abstract: A clamshell package opener includes a driver gear and an idler gear that are compressed against the die cut edge of the clamshell. As the gears are being compressed to hold the die cut edge, a cutting blade is positioned so as to puncture the clamshell package in the area adjacent the die cut edge and inside the same. Once the clamshell package has been punctured, the driver gear is rotated while the two gears are maintaining frictional engagement with the die cut edge. The rotation of the driver gear causes the die cut edge of the package to pass through the tow gears while being cut by the cutting blade. This action is performed around the die cut edge of the clamshell package until the user may easily remove the contents of the same.

Abstract: An electric shaver in which a plurality of mutually separated cutter blades provided in an inner cutter are moved in relative terms while making sliding contact with an outer cutter that is formed with a plurality of hair introduction openings, so that hair that enters into the hair introduction openings of the outer cutter is cut by the cutter blades, wherein the cutter blades are caused to intersect the same hair introduction openings of the outer cutter at different angles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a folding knife assembly allows its blade to be positioned therein, such that when the blade of the folding knife is stored in an accommodating space of a handle, a latch member on the handle is used to fix the blade in the accommodating space and prevent the blade from rotating out from the accommodating space by accident and causing a stabbed wound or an incised wound to the user or others.

Abstract: A guard for a grass trimming device having a support member slidably connected to the shaft of the grass trimming device, a flexible guard member connected to and extending outwardly from the support member, and a means for adjusting the distance between the guard member and the shaft.

Abstract: A portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw (1) includes a housing (2) wherein an internal combustion engine (10) and a carburetor (11) are mounted. A throttle lever (6) is provided which is pivotally journalled on a handle (3). The handle (3) is connected to the housing (2) via at least one antivibration element (33). A vibration gap (9) is configured between the handle (3) and the housing (2). A transmitting unit (13) is provided for transmitting the pivot movement of the throttle lever (6) to the carburetor (11). The transmitting unit includes a rigid transmitting element (17, 37) which bridges the vibration gap (9).

Abstract: The reciprocating saw has a main body, a support member, a guide shoe, a locking member and an engaging member. The support member can be slid relative to the main body. The guide shoe is attached to an anterior end of the support member. The locking member can be switched between a state allowing the support member to be slid relative to the main body and a state not allowing the sliding. The engaging member is energized towards the support member. The engaging member and the support member engage or release their engagement, while the support member is being slid relative to the main body across a location allowing locking and a location not allowing locking.

Abstract: An electronically lighted bow sight is provided which may be attached to conventional bows. The bow sight includes a main body having a circular passageway in which are located multiple sight pins. The main body may be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The ends of the sight pins are illuminated by an archer turning a knob at the top of the main body of the bow sight. A battery powered LED illuminates a plurality of fiber optic elements extending down to the ends of the sight pins. The fiber optic elements are different colors to help the archer distinguish the sight pins.

Abstract: A temporary visible image, such as a first down reference line, corporate logo, or text is projected onto a target surface by an orientation-stabilized, fiber-fed laser projector. The projector may include at least one cylindrical lens or at least one pair of X-Y scanners. One or more remotely located lasers, supplying optical energy at a single wavelength to the projector, accommodate projection of a monochromatic line pattern. Multi-colored images are accommodated by supplying, to the projector, the output of a plurality of lasers operating at different wavelengths within the visible band. The projector is suspended and conveyed as a unitary assembly by a suspension system adapted to maintain the projectors angular orientation and dynamically stabilize the image. If desired, two or more independently-suspended projection modules or groups of modules adapted to move in unison or independently over the length of the field may be employed.

Abstract: A geomagnetic sensor for detecting a dip angle includes a geomagnetic detection module for outputting an electric signal having a magnitude corresponding to a magnetic field; a memory for storing an azimuth measured in a horizontal plane; an accelerometer module for measuring a tilt at present, and computing a tilt angle therefrom; and a controller for calculating a dip angle by using the electric signal outputted from the geomagnetic detection module, the tilt angle, and the horizontal azimuth. Therefore, a user can more easily and conveniently calculate the dip angle at the present position.

Abstract: There are provided a method and apparatus for determining a geomagnetic field by using a compass and a method and apparatus for determining an azimuth angle of a moving object using the method and apparatus for determining a geomagnetic field. The method of determining a geomagnetic field by using a compass includes defining an allowable magnetic field range used to determine a valid geomagnetic region; calculating a magnitude of a magnetic field in a geomagnetic-field validity test region by using a compass; and if the magnitude of the magnetic field is within the allowable magnetic field range, determining that the geomagnetic-field validity test region is the valid geomagnetic region, and if not, determining that there is applied an external magnetic field disturbance. Accordingly, since an error of an azimuth angle of the compass due to an external magnetic field disturbance can be determined, it is possible to accurately detect a valid azimuth angle of the compass.

Abstract: A compound level comprising a first straight, linear leveling section and a second straight, linear leveling section. Each section includes at least one flat surface configured for contact with a work surface and at least one indicating level. The first section includes an engagement tongue that is configured for connection with an engagement groove of the second section, thus providing co-linear interconnection of the leveling sections and forming an integral linear structure for positioning the flat surfaces of each section in mutually coplanar contiguous alignment. A locking cam provides a lateral force on the tongue such that the connecting surfaces of the first and second sections are maintained in desired mutual contact.

Abstract: An improved chalk line tip for a chalk-line. The tip having a string attachment portion, having a first end configured to receive a pivot pin therein and extending in a generally arcuately shaped configuration toward a second end, which is also configured to receive a pivot pin therein. The string connection body defining an aperture dimensioned to allow passage of a portion of the attachment portion therethrough. A surface attachment portion having various devices for attaching the surface attachment portion to a surface to be marked. The tip is configured to allow various configurations of the attachment device to be presented and attached to a surface to be marked thus allowing for increased applicability and utility upon a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A well depth measuring device that collects depth data so operators do not have to manually record the data in the field and then again into a computer. The well measuring device is attached to the well head. A rotary encoder rotates as a probe/sensor is lowered into the well via a longitudinal strip of tape. The rotary encoder sends pulses to electrical circuitry and a handheld computer that stores longitudinal information. The stored information can be easily transferred to other computers and databases.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly including a housing and reel rotatably mounted in the housing and having an elongated blade formed from ribbons of metal. One end of the blade is connected to the reel and extends from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. When retracted within the housing assembly, the blade is in the form of an abutting volute coil. The blade is configured through the use of first and second ribbons connected to one another to provide improved standout characteristics and increased torsional rigidity as compared to conventional blades currently available.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A measuring and tool setting device for use on woodworking machines. This invention relates to a measuring and tool setting device having a bridging cursor body 11 of plastics material, wood, metal or any combination of these with an integral locking cam mechanism 12 these acting upon a steel rule or scale 13 which passes through said body at an angle of 90 degrees to a datum drawn between the feet 14 of the body all of these foregoing in conjunction measuring the projection of a cutting edge from a relevant reference face the measurements being read as indicated on the rule or scale by the bevel 15 situated on the cursor body.