Abstract: The periphery of a metal rotating shaft is covered with elastic foam material and the peripheral surface of the elastic foam material is coated with conductive adhesive. Before the layer of conductive adhesive hardens, a plurality of bristles is embedded vertically into the smooth material made of a layer of conductive adhesive, thus forming a bristle-embedded layer upon the periphery of the smooth material. Thereafter, the conductive adhesive to become the smooth material is hardened. Alternately, a metal shaft with an outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the tube is inserted into the interior of the conductive tube, the tube is heated to cause heat shrinkage, thus tightly adhering the tube to the metal shaft, so that the metal shaft maintains the cylindrical shape of the tube. After the tube is coated with conductive adhesive, it is spirally wrapped with conductive brush cloth cut into strips.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed cylindrically configured wiping towel with two open ends, constructed with multiple, pre-selected exterior areas of varied colors and patterns for user awareness of soiled portions in order to discourage possible cross contamination. The cylindrically structured tube towel is designed to provide the same amount of cleaning surface as a flat conventional towel in a more compact maneuverable, controlled manner. The cylindrically configured wiping towel turns inside out in order to utilize all towel surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention features a fabric useful for applying a chemical composition, such as a finishing or polishing composition, onto a substrate surface. The fabric contains between about 2% and 10% stiff fibers and between about 90% and 98% adsorbent or absorbent fibers. The fabric can be used to make applicator pads useful, for example, as mop heads for spreading a finishing or polishing composition on a floor surface.

Abstract: The present invention features a fabric useful for applying a chemical composition, such as a finishing or polishing composition, onto a substrate surface. Typically the fabric contains between about 1% and 50% stiff fibers and between about 50% and 99% adsorbent or absorbent fibers, more typically between about 2% and 10% stiff fibers and between about 90% and 98% adsorbent or absorbent fibers. The fabric can be used to make applicator pads useful, for example, as mop heads for spreading a finishing or polishing composition on a floor surface.

Abstract: A gutter sweep for cleaning debris from a house gutter. The gutter sweep includes a scooping head with a blade end that is curved in a manner allowing the blade end to fit up and over a gutter. Extension poles are used with the scooping head to lengthen the reach of the scooping head. A handle end is attached to the extension poles or to the scooping head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying a liquid coating onto an object. The apparatus includes a device that has a handle and a transfer medium which is attached to the handle. The apparatus further includes a cover that is attached to the device. The cover includes a closure element that is operable to open and close an end of the cover. When the end of the cover is open, the cover is movable between a first position where the cover protects the transfer medium and a second position where the cover protects the handle. In another example embodiment, the cover is formed of a removable first layer that is positioned adjacent to the transfer medium when the cover is in the first position and a removable second layer that is positioned adjacent to the handle when the cover is in the second position.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, is proposed which features a wiper shaft (28, 30) with a cone (34) on which a wiper arm (32) can be fastened, whereby a macroscopic structure is superimposed on the cone (34). In addition, a wiper arm (32), in particular for a windshield wiper device (10) featuring a fastening part (47) with an inner cone (37), which can be fastened on a cone (34), whereby a macroscopic structure is superimposed on the inner cone (37).

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner including a central unit provided with a suction joint and an exhaust joint as well as a suction hose. According to the invention, the central vacuum cleaner includes an operating unit (1) having adaptors for attaching the central unit (2) to the operating unit, an exhaust junction (3) for connecting the exhaust joint of the central unit to the operating unit, a filter (4) for filtering the air flow from the exhaust joint and exhaust junction, as well as an outlet port (5) for directing the air flow that travelled through the filter into the air space surrounding the operating unit.

Abstract: Vacuum and blowing apparatus is provided having means for selecting between a first vacuum mode and a second blowing mode. A base portion of the apparatus is in contact with a surface from which debris is to be collected and/or across or relative to which debris is to be blown in use and, depending from the base portion, a body portion of the apparatus supports a collection box for the reception of debris collected from the surface.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: This impeller-free vacuum cleaner is based on a rotary piston. Vacuum suction of 300 inches of water or better can be delivered. Quietness of below 70 db can be delivered. Tongued rotary piston assemblies may be strategically placed, such as stacked, to eliminate vacuum suction dead zones. Sealing problems that otherwise were encountered with previous reciprocating and rotary piston structures for vacuum cleaners are solved by using a tongued rotary piston with a double-notched rotary valve operating by a Geneva mechanism, and a novel pancake-shaped cylindrical structure to house the rotary piston. An inventive rotary combustion engine also is disclosed.

Abstract: A grommet includes an enlarged bulbous body and a cylindrical extension projecting therefrom, the projection and body defining axially aligned openings therethrough. The cylindrical projection is configured to retain a washer on the outside thereof and a fastener on the inside thereof.

Abstract: A door piston to door jamb interface (30) includes an elongated plate (32) having a number of threaded holes (34) therein and a bracket (50) including a base (52) and a transverse support member (54) affixed to the base (52). Base (52) includes a set of holes (60) configured in the same pattern as each subset (36, 38 or 40) of threaded holes (34) of plate (32) whereupon, when set of holes (60) and one subset (36, 38 or 40) of threaded holes (34) are aligned, threaded bolts (44) inserted therethrough can threadedly mate with threaded holes (34) of subset (36, 38 or 40) of threaded holes (34) thereby securing base (52) to plate (32). Bracket (50) also defines a pin receiving hole (58) that is spaced from base (52) and which is configured to receive a pin (80) for pivotally securing an end of a door piston (78) to support member (54).

Abstract: The present invention uses a unique slide hinge, preferably mounted to the side of the exterior door for a storage compartment in a recreational vehicle. The hinge is particularly applicable for use with a trunk door on vehicles over 5,500 pounds gross vehicle weight. Unlike the more common piano hinges, the slide hinge provided by the present invention can be staked, i.e. “mechanically retained,” in an open orientation. For example, the hinge can be held in an orientation that forms a 90° angle between the door and the body of the recreational vehicle. The hinge also presents a low profile relative to the mounting surface when the hinge is in the open orientation.

Abstract: An adjustable gate hinge assembly is fabricated from stamped components and includes a base plate mountable to a gate or door, an inner hinge component slidably adjustable and securable to the base plate with threaded fasteners, an outer hinge component mountable to a fence or wall, first and second pivot plugs which locate the inner hinge component within the outer hinge component, and a rivet which passes through the slot of each pivot plug, thereby retaining them seated within the outer hinge component. The inner hinge component has a tubular member which pivots between a pair of opposed drawn ears on the outer hinge component. Each of the ears has an aperture that is axially aligned with the aperture of the other ear. For a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge assembly incorporates a coil spring within the tubular member, which can be loaded to bias the hinge as self-closing or self-opening.

Abstract: An inventive hinge has the ability to be biased toward open and closed positions and/or is adapted to be hidden in door assemblies. The hinge includes a first bracket adapted to be mounted to a first workpiece. The first bracket comprises a generally tubular sleeve and opposed spaced-apart surfaces including first openings that are aligned with each other. A second bracket is adapted to be mounted to a second workpiece. The second bracket comprises opposed spaced-apart surfaces including second openings that are aligned with each other. The first bracket and the second bracket are oriented with respect to each other effective to align the first openings with the second openings. A hinge pin is received in the first and second openings effective to enable the first bracket to be pivotally movable relative to the second bracket. The tubular sleeve extends from the first bracket generally parallel with an axis of the hinge pin.

Abstract: An electronic device. The electronic device comprises a host, a display, a fixed member, a first rotating member and a second rotating member. The fixed member is secured on the host and has a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion separated therefrom with a predetermined angle. The first rotating member is rotatably connected to the fixed member and has an engaging portion. The engaging portion moves between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion along a curved route such that the first rotating member rotates relative to the fixed member with the predetermined angle. The second rotating member is fixed on the display and is connected to the first rotating member. The second rotating member rotates relative to the first rotating member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved handle for a pan having an upper surface thereof lengthwisely recessed to form a depression with an opening formed toward a lower end of the depression. The handle having a pair of opposed wings formed outwardly extending from the sides of the handle, whereby a spatula can be seated above the handle along the depression and opening between the wings.

Abstract: Handles allow hand tools, implements or other utensils to operate within their arc of natural use, motion and attack without requiring extension, flexion, radial deviation, or ulnar deviation of the wrist from the neutral plane of the forearm. The preferred embodiments further include a grip shaped to increase the effectiveness of the tool and minimize antagonism between muscles and tendons of the wrist, forearm and upper arm, while maximizing the effectiveness of the gripping force delivered to it by the user. Maintaining the wrist and forearm in a neutral position increases a tool user's potential strength by increasing the synergy between large muscles of the forearm and upper arm and shoulders. It also decreases compression of the tendons and nerves in the carpal tunnel and between the wrist and forearm.

Abstract: An improved ergonomic handle for a knife or other hand held implement is disclosed. The ergonomic handle has a laterally projecting thumb support to accommodate a user's thumb while the user grasps the handle. The thumb support maintains the user's thumb in a natural and ergonomic position, laterally offset from the centerline of the handle as the user's hand grasps the handle. The thumb support provides for an efficient, comfortable grip and more control over the knife or other implement during use. It further provides a thumb-force transmitting pressure platform which enables a user to comfortably apply greater pressure to the knife blade or implement than would otherwise be possible without the thumb support.

Abstract: A polymeric knob is made by a method wherein a unitary part, which comprises a hub, a bar extending across one end of the hub, and an indicator extending from one end of the bar, is molded and wherein a shell is molded over the unitary part, so as to cover portions of the bar, so as to surround portions of the hub, at the same end of the hub, and so as to allow portions of the indicator to remain exposed. One of the unitary part and the cover is molded with a recess or recesses and the other of the unitary part and the cover is molded with a boss or bosses fitting into the recess or recesses so as to interlock the unitary part and the body. A grip may be then molded over portions of the knob so as to allow the same portions of the indicator to remain exposed.

Abstract: A knob assembly for use with cooking utensils, which includes a hand graspable metallic knob, a metallic bezel for the knob, a first heat insulating separator between the knob and the bezel and a second heat separator between the bezel and the cooking utensil to which the knob assembly is to be attached. The double heat insulators prevent the conduction, as well as radiation of heat, from the hot surface of the cooking utensil to the bezel and from the bezel to the metallic knob. When the assembly is tightened together, only the metallic knob and the bezel are visible and accessible, allowing for easier cleaning of the knob and for maintaining improved hygienic conditions.

Abstract: A pail handle having an integral grip, straps and pivot mechanism. The grip has ribs and spine, and optionally a writing section for insertion of a logo or other writing.

Abstract: A swivel-linker for use in a necklace assembly for holding a pair of eyeglasses includes a necklace-side connector and a holder-loop side connector. The necklace-side connector is attachable to a necklace. The holder-loop side connector has a connector opening configured to receive an eyeglass-holder loop having an eyeglass opening passing therethrough shaped and dimensioned to receive a temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses. The connector opening is configured to allow the holder-loop-side connector to rotate about the eyeglass-holder loop when the eyeglass-holder loop is received in the connector opening. The holder-loop-side connector includes a pin protruding away from the connector opening. The necklace-side connector has a cavity configured to receive the pin and to rotatably connect the necklace-side connector and the holder-loop-side connector to allow a full rotation between the necklace-side connector and the holder-loop-side connector by a swivel axis.

Abstract: An adjustable bundling device is disclosed that aids in the cinching and un-cinching of one or more items, such as the wrapping of food items in preparation for cooking. A cavity element and a stop element are attached to opposing ends of a length of flexible textured cord. The cord can be pushed through the cavity to form a loop that can hold various items. The loop can be tightened and loosened by sliding the cord within the cavity. The texture of the cord interacts with protrusions in the cavity to lock the cord in place. The cavity acts a type of clench and the end stop prevents the cord from slipping all the way out of the cavity.

Abstract: A cam lock device for flexible ropes, cords or similar elongated materials has a pivotable cam element with a convexly curved, preferably knurled periphery and an eccentrically located pivot point supporting it on a base. A stationary cam surface integral with the base faces the cam element and includes at least one curved surface projecting towards the cam element for wedging the elongated material between the cam element and the stationary cam surface. A retaining edge above the stationary cam surface is spaced from the base a sufficient distance to allow pivoting of the cam element in a channel between the base and the edge. A pivot pin through the pivot point is supported on opposite ends thus stably supporting the cam element.

Abstract: A clip for attaching a second member such as an insulator to a first member such as a car body, includes a first clip component attached to the first member and a second clip component working with the first clip component to support the second member. The first clip component has a flange for contacting the first member, a leg extending from the flange for insertion into a mounting hole in the first member, and a shank extending from the flange in a direction opposite to the leg for engaging the second clip component. The second clip component has a flange for contacting the second member, a tube for receiving the shank, and pawls inside the tube. The end of the shank has a portion for engaging the pawls to clamp the second member between the flanges.

Abstract: A male component of a mechanical fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener, that can remain fastened to a female component under high levels of shear force. The male component has a backing material with protrusions extending from the backing material at an angle toward the direction of fastener force. The combination of the male component with a female loop component results in a secure fastening system.

Abstract: A latch device comprises a base suitable for attachment to a substrate, a cover, an elongate strap hinge that connects the base and cover, a hinge guide structure and/or a camming structure, and a locking mechanism. The cover is selectively movable about the strap hinge relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. The hinge guide structure includes a curved surface proximal to the elongate strap hinge that assists in distributing forces throughout a significant portion of the entire length of the strap hinge as the cover is moved relative to the base. A camming structure may be included that has a camming surface that biases the cover toward the open position. The latch device is useful in a variety of areas, including tie downs for sail boats, campers, tarps, suit cases, back packs, and other sporting goods.

Abstract: A fastener connects a first object to a second object and includes an anchor securable to the second object and configured to have a portion thereof pass through a hole in the first object. A latch is connectable to the anchor on a side of the first object opposite the second object. The latch is connectable without tools, and provides clamping force for securing the objects to each other.

Abstract: A buckle including a pair of members (4, 5) coupled to or separated from each other. The buckle includes a socket (10) and a plug (30) capable of being inserted into the socket and hooked in the socket in the state where the plug is inserted into a prespecified position. The socket is attached to a one member (5) in the pair. The plug has a pull section (33) in the direction intersectional to the plug inserting direction, and a mounting section (37) with the other member mounted thereon is provided on the pull section (33).

Abstract: A security cover is provided for a belt-type passive restraint system including a buckle with a tab and a receiver. The cover includes a slot for receiving the buckle tab and an enclosure for receiving the buckle receiver. An optional retainer assembly can be provided for retaining the cover on the buckle receiver or the belt. The buckle is released by inserting a key through a corresponding keyhole formed in a tab end of the cover.

Abstract: A seat belt cover comprising a flat tubular member through which a seat belt of a motor vehicle is passed to be covered therewith, wherein, the flat tubular member has i) a slit-shaped opening provided at its lower end and having a width larger than the width of a through-tongue and ii) a slit-shaped opening provided at its upper end and having a width which is enough to pass the seat belt but not enough to pass the through-tongue. Also disclosed is a seat belt cover provided with a pocket for, e.g., a cellular phone on the outside. The former seat belt cover can prevent the friction of a seat belt with clothes to keep the shoulder or breast of a coat or jacket from becoming shiny and wearing. The latter seat belt cover enables, e.g., safety driving in talking over the cellular phone during the driving of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The fastening member removing force measuring device according to the present invention includes a holding unit (300) for holding and pressing a fabric (953) around a snap member (921), a restricting unit for restricting the snap member (921), and a tensile force measuring unit for pulling the restricting unit away from the fabric (953) and measuring a tensile force. The holding unit (300) includes a die (420) for mounting thereon the fabric 953, and a fabric presser unit (500) for holding the fabric (953) placed on the die (420) together with the die (420).

Abstract: The method of producing a grid for a battery electrode plate is characteristic in that in producing a grid formed from a sheet by means of a rotary expander equipped with the disk cutter cluster with disk edge disk cutters, there is a notch that penetrates the outer periphery of the said edge disk cutter in the thickness direction of the said edge disk cutter.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing, by utilizing a punch and a die, a cell driving type actuator wherein a plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements are arranged in alignment like the teeth of a comb on a base plate. Each cell is formed by closing two adjacent piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements disposed on the base plate with a cover plate positioned at a plane facing the base plate in such a manner that the cell is formed independently from its adjacent cells. The method includes the steps of preparing a plurality of green sheets made of piezoelectric/electrostrictive material, machining slit apertures in all of the green sheets with the punch, and laminating all of the green sheets after positioning them, thus forming comb-like piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements.

Abstract: A method of forming an LTCC structure having at least one open cavity on each of first and second opposing sides is disclosed that includes the steps of forming a first LTCC structure including a first side having a plurality of cavities and a second side, subjecting the first LTCC structure to a first pressure, forming a second LTCC structure including a first side having a plurality of cavities and a second side, subjecting the second LTCC structure to a second pressure, arranging the first LTCC structure and the second LTCC structure such that the first LTCC structure second side faces the second LTCC structure second side, and subjecting the placed-together first and second LTCC structures to a third pressure to join the first LTCC structure to the second LTCC structure. A product formed by the subject method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible production line for machining undulated workpieces arranged individually or in groups on a pallet, in a plurality of successive operations (OP-20, OP-40) carried out along from pallet stores. In order to machine series' of workpieces, the entire production line is divided into a plurality of decoupling modules. A plurality of operations (OP-20, OP-40) are associated with each decoupling module. A stacker for individual pallets is associated with each decoupling module. Each decoupling module has at least one store for pallets and the decoupling modules are interconnected by transfer conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning welds on and machining rectangular plastic frames, such as sash frames, includes a supporting arrangement capable of rigidly supporting two plastic frames and holding them one above the other for cleaning and machining. Preferably, there are two tool mounting mechanisms each of which is equipped with two frame cleaning tools and at least one pair of machining tools. Each tool mounting mechanism is capable of moving its tools both horizontally and vertically and each is located adjacent a respective side of the supporting arrangement. The cleaning tools are mounted one above the other on each tool mounting mechanism as are the machining tools. The cleaning tools and the machining tools are capable of carrying out weld cleaning or machining on both plastic frames simultaneously.

Abstract: In a method for repairing electric insulation layers between sheet metal pieces of sheet metal segments of electric generators or motors, wherein between two neighboring sheet metal pieces an electric insulation is arranged, two neighboring sheet metal pieces are spread apart by introducing a tool for generating a permanent channel-shaped intermediate space between the two neighboring sheet metal pieces. Into the intermediate space, a curable, electrically insulating insulation material as an electric insulator is forced.

Abstract: A mounting device and process are provided for arranging a protective bellows on a component. The device includes a basic body, a mounting head, which is displaceable at the basic body, an adjusting device for providing an adjusting action and including an electromechanical drive and a position recognition system and gripping elements movable. The gripping elements include gripping arms and clamping fingers movable in relation to the gripping arms. The process includes bringing the gripping arms of the device into contact with the inner surface of a collar of the protective bellows and fixing the collar by the clamping fingers. The collar is expanded in preparation for the mounting and then released by loosening the clamping fingers such that the collar of the protective bellows jumps into a recess provided on the component as a consequence of its intrinsic elasticity after the necessary positioning of the protective bellows in relation to the component to be protected has been established.

Abstract: A supporting assembly for a lock of a motor vehicle having a shell made of plastic material, which defines a housing for a part of the mobile members of the lock and with at least one metal element, which supports respective pins for hinging the aforesaid mobile members. The shell, which is made of plastic material, is co-molded on the metal element.

Abstract: A molding process of composite material including high-thermal-conductor and room-temperature magnetic refrigerant comprises the steps of nesting magnetic refrigerant with high-thermal-conductor and connecting them mutually, especially making the room-temperature magnetic-thermal-conductor into sheet, strip or filament, inserting the high-thermal-conductors'sheet, strip or filament in the room-temperature magnetic refrigerant's sheet or filament and connecting them fully. This invention has solved the application of the room-temperature magnetic-thermal-conductor, particularly the application of the room-temperature magnetic-thermal-conductor which is lower thermal-conductor, easier oxidation and powdering. The invention utilizes the high thermal-conductor to solve the problem of room-temperature magnetic refrigerant which is poor in conventional heat exchange, meanwhile decreases the loss of the magnetic-thermal effect.

Abstract: Formation of a structure with through-holes includes attaching two sub-structures to one another. The resulting structure may be used in a sub-assembly for various types of micro components and may serve as a lid or base of a housing that encapsulates one or more micro components. The techniques may provide greater flexibility in the shape of the through-holes and may reduce costs compared with other known techniques.

Abstract: A method of making a sensor element comprises: combining coarse aluminium oxide with fine aluminium oxide and a binder to form a mixture, milling the mixture to form a base slurry, mixing a supported catalyst with the base slurry and a fugitive material to form a final slurry, applying the slurry to a sensor element precursor over at porous protective layer at least in an area opposite a sensing electrode, and calcining the sensor element precursor to form a calcined sensor element with a catalyzed coating over at least a portion of the porous protective layer. The coarse aluminium oxide has a coarse agglomerate size and the fine aluminium oxide has a fine particle size less than the coarse agglomerate size.

Abstract: An electrode comprises a planar collector, and an active material containing layer disposed on the collector. The active material containing layer comprises a plurality of particles containing an active material, and a binder for binding the particles containing the active material to each other and the particles containing the active material to the collector. The collector has a surface depressed in conformity to a form of the particles containing the active material.

Abstract: A method of making a read sensor while protecting it from electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage involves forming a severable shunt during the formation of the read sensor. The method may include forming a resist layer over a plurality of read sensor layers; performing lithography with use of a mask to form the resist layer into a patterned resist which exposes left and right side regions over the read sensor layers as well as a shunt region; etching, with the patterned resist in place, to remove materials in the left and right side regions and in the shunt region; and depositing, with the patterned resist in place, left and right hard bias and lead layers in the left and right side regions, respectively, and in the shunt region for forming a severable shunt which electrically couples the left and right hard bias and lead layers together for ESD protection.

Abstract: A pedestal is formed over a first pole piece layer and insulator materials are formed to surround it. A gap layer made of a non-magnetic insulator or metal is then formed over the pedestal and the insulator, followed by the optional formation of a seed layer. A second pole piece is formed over the gap layer with or without the seed layer by forming a patterned resist using E-beam lithography and electroplating second pole piece materials within the patterned resist. After milling to remove side portions of the gap layer and the optional seed layer, a chemical etch is performed to remove a top portion of the insulator materials. The pedestal is then notched and trimmed by ion milling using the second pole piece as a mask to form a central notched structure. Since the second pole piece is precisely centered over the pedestal prior to notching, the pedestal is notched symmetrically to form a notched structure having side walls with angled slopes.

Abstract: A method for constructing a tapered write pole, the method including the use of a bilayer hard mask.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head comprises a medium facing surface, a bottom pole layer, a top pole layer, a recording gap layer, and a thin-film coil. The bottom pole layer and the top pole layer are coupled to each other via a coupling portion located away from the medium facing surface. The coupling portion has an end face facing toward the medium facing surface. The end face includes a curved surface convex toward the medium facing surface. The thin-film coil has a conductive layer of three turns disposed around the coupling portion. The first turn of the conductive layer from an inner side thereof includes a portion disposed between the end face of the coupling portion and the medium facing surface. This portion has a minimum width of the conductive layer at a position on a virtual line connecting the end face of the coupling portion and the medium facing surface in the shortest distance, and increases in width with distance from the virtual line.