Abstract: A slider includes a slider main body and a thin-film magnetic head element. The slider main body has an air bearing surface, an air inflow end, and an air outflow end. The air bearing surface has a first part closer to the air outflow end, a second part closer to the air inflow end, and a border part between the first part and the second part. The second part is slanted against the first part so that the entire air bearing surface has a convex shape bent at the border part.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting apparatus which enables high levels of both maintenance/improvement of product quality and reduction of product cost by reliably preventing accidental contact of a mounting part with a mounting target part while enhancing the productivity. In S1, a contact detection start position Hs0 is set. In S2, a chip holding tool chucks an electronic part. In S3, S4, the tool is moved to a transfer position A, and then the tool is lowered to the Hs0 from the transfer position A. In S5, after the tool is lowered to the Hs0, the lowering speed is changed to a contact detection speed. In S6, it is determined whether or not the electronic part has come into contact with a substrate. If the result of the determination is YES, in S7, the lowering of the tool is stopped. In S8, the actual contact position Hc is measured. In S9, the next contact detection start position Hs1 is set, and Hs1 is set to Hs0 (Hs0-Hs1) so that the later steps reflect this setting.

Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus wherein a component in a component placement machine is rejected during the placement cycle and subsequently retained in a component rejection station. A component is imaged and the image processed using an automated vision system. The image processing determines whether the component is placeable based upon a comparison of the component image to preprogrammed mechanical parameters for the component. A non-placeable component is rejected into a reject station with means to retain the component. Because a component can not escape the reject station, there is no degradation of the placement machine performance.

Abstract: An autofeed speed rivet tool and method which does not require a mandrel to be constantly withdrawn and re-stocked, is very efficient and can be used in a flow line application without requiring the line to be stopped to re-load the tool with rivets. A flexible tube carries rivets to a tool, along a guide wire. A flexible, inner tube may carry the rivets, and nylon balls may be provided on an outer tube where the nylon balls work as joints, and allow the outer tube to compress without shortening the center line. The tool may incorporate a plurality of inventive concepts, such as spoons with pivotable blades which grip the mandrel very much forward of the end of the mandrel, a transfer mechanism, rivet centering mechanisms and a mechanism for longitudinally managing the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a rat's nest radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna is disclosed. The antennas are fabricated on a substrate that includes already fabricated RFID chips. The antennas can be loop antennas. An antenna is connected to a RFID chip in an assembly order and a RFID tag including the antenna and the RFID Chip is removed from a carrier substrate connected with the substrate in a disassembly order. The assembly order and the disassembly order prevent the overlapping antennas from being damaged or entangled upon disassembly. The antenna can be substantially larger than the RFID chip it is connected with and the resulting RFID tag can have a small size and small cost with the enhanced performance of a larger antenna without having to resort to a large off-chip external antenna or a large on-chip antenna that would increase chip area and cost.

Abstract: A method for forming a wear-resistant hardfaced contact area on the shroud section of a gas turbine engine blade. A predetermined contact area of a shroud section of a gas turbine engine blade is selectively coated with a high-density hardface coating material. The hardface coating material is capable of forming a diffusion boundary between the hardface coating material and the shroud section. A hot isostatic heat treatment process is performed to form the diffusion boundary between the hardface coating material and the shroud section to form a wear-resistant hardfaced contact area diffusion bonded to the shroud section. Depending on the coating process, and the necessity for doing so, the predetermined contact area can be masked off before the step of selectively coating. A sintering heat treatment can be perfomed before the step of performing the hot isostatic heat treatment to limit the occurrence bubbles on the surface of the hardface coating material after the isostatic heat treatment step.

Abstract: Thermally insulating layer incorporating a distinguishing agent and method for inspecting the insulating layer are provided. The distinguishing agent may be used for determining a remaining thickness of the thermally insulating layer.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a stator component that is intended during operation to conduct a gas flow. The component is made up of at least two sections (113) in its circumferential direction, which sections each have at least one wall part (101,102) The sections are placed adjacent to each other and two wall parts, one from each of two adjacent sections, are connected in order together to form a means, extending in the radial direction of the component, for guidance of said gas flow and/or transmission of load during operation of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-exchanger tube structured on both sides with excellent heat transfer characteristics utilizing both outer and also inner fins and secondary grooves intersecting the inner fins. Two spaced-apart rolling tools are provided in the utilized device in order to form the outer fins of two adjacent rolling tools; the inner structure is formed by two differently profiled mandrels. The first mandrel forms in a first forming area the inner fins. The second mandrel forms in a second forming area the inventive secondary grooves into the earlier created inner fins.

Abstract: A system for molding and assembling a fluid spray device, said system comprising two multi-cavity molds (B, C; B?; C?) for molding two different parts (100, 200) of said fluid dispenser device, the system being characterized in that the first part (100) is a spray head and the second part (200) is an insert for assembling in said spray head (100), said system comprising means for assembling parts coming from each of the cavities of the first multi-cavity mold (B; B?) in pairs always with parts coming from a corresponding respective cavity of said second multi-cavity mold (C; C?), such that the same insert (200) is always assembled in the same spray head, thereby guaranteeing constant spraying performance for each dispenser device assembled from the same pair of cavities.

Abstract: An improved vehicle box assembly with an upright front or side panel defined by a monolithic one-piece roll-formed steel sheet member having a desired three-dimensional configuration. The sheet steel member is roll-formed in the lengthwise direction thereof. The panel has a channel, preferably a closed tubular channel on the front panel, roll-formed along one edge of the sheet steel during forming of the panel. The closed tubular edge rail is preferably closed by a seam weld which extends lengthwise therealong and is performed in line with the roll-forming operation. The roll-formed panel is preferably provided with a flat shelf deformed horizontally to extend lengthwise along the panel downwardly from the top rail.

Abstract: An electric shaver including an outer cutter holder (30) that holds the outer cutters (24), an inner cutter holder (42) which has a plurality of projections (50) that pass through the outer cutter holder (30) and press the outer circumferential edges of the outer cutters (24) and which holds the inner cutters (36) so that the inner cutters are rotatable, a single shaft member (62) which passes through the inner cutter holder (42) and outer cutter holder (30) and whose tip end is positioned in the cutter frame (20) so as to be located between the mutually adjacent outer cutters (24), and a cutter retaining assembly (60), which the shaft member (62) passes through and is detachably anchored to the cutter frame (20) and further elastically presses the inner cutter holder (42) toward the outer cutters.

Abstract: A folding knife is disclosed.

Abstract: A bulb planter includes a pair of blade halves cooperating to form a tubular tool head and a molded plastic handle body forming a pair of handles. The blade halves are preferably metal and riveted to the handle body. The handle body forms a living hinge for selectively pivoting the blade halves upon movement of the handles. The blade halves pivot toward and away from each other between a soil plug cutting position and a soil plug releasing position upon movement of the handles. A resilient member biases the blade halves toward the soil plug cutting position. The resilient member is preferably an elastomer ring encircling the blade halves. The handles extend in opposed directions substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis and are manually movable against the bias of the resilient member to move the blade halves to the soil plug release position.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus having a handle attached to a rotatable cutting head. The cutting head includes a motor and a rotatable cutting edge. Shielding members adapted to protect a hand of a user are also attached to the handle.

Abstract: A head for a string trimmer machine includes a housing member having a central axis. The housing member is adapted for attachment to a string trimmer machine and includes a serpentine guide path in the housing for a length of trimmer line, with the guide path being located in a plane including the central axis of the housing and terminating in exit openings on opposite sides of the housing.

Abstract: A hand tool for cutting includes a first handle, a second handle pivotably connected to the first handle, and a cutting head including a fixed first blade and a pivotable second blade to provide cutting action with the first blade. The first and second handles are movable between a fully retracted configuration and a fully extended configuration to selectively adjust the length of the handles. The cutting head is selectively rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and carries the blades upon rotation of the cutting head to move the blades between a plurality of different orientations relative to the first and second handles. The cutting head includes a connector operably connecting the second handle and the second blade so that pivoting motion of the second handle moves the second blade relative to the first blade to provide cutting action therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cutting element as used in an electric shaver. Said element is manufactured from maraging or precipitation-hardenable stainless steel with a surface hardened by plasma nitriding. The cutting element is plasma nitriding hardened on all surfaces of the blade, and a plasma nitriding hardened layer comprises a surface top layer of steel supersaturated with nitrogen and a diffusion layer adjoining the top layer with a hardness ranging from the hardness of the top layer to the hardness of the steel before hardening by means of plasma nitriding. Also disclosed is an electric shaver comprising at least one of the above cutting elements, as well as a method of manufacturing a cutting element.

Abstract: A modular power tool (10) incorporates a modular drive system (14, 18, 22) and modular handle set (12) that is reversibe or use with both a left and right hand configuration. The modular drive system (14, 18, 22) and handle set (12) of the modular power tool (10) of this invention reduces the need for derivative circular saw designs by introducing common components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a motor driven tool such as a pole hedge trimmer, a pole saw or the like comprising a drive unit (11) that via a shaft tube (12) enclosing a drive shaft and being provided with a handle (16), is connected to a cutting unit (13) which is turnably secured to the shaft tube. The turnable connection is under the influence of a locking mechanism (L) which from the normal working position of the operator can be released by means of a control means (M) arranged at a distance from the locking mechanism (L) and close to the handle (16).

Abstract: A biasing assembly for a wet shave razor is provided. The razor comprises a cartridge and a handle. The handle includes first and second connecting arms extending outwardly from the handle for pivotally coupling the cartridge to the handle for movement between a neutral position and a fully-rotated position. The biasing assembly includes an abutment surface defined by the cartridge and located on an underside thereof, and a biasing member extending outwardly from the handle and having an end which when the cartridge is coupled to the handle is in sliding engagement with the abutment surface such that as the cartridge moves between the neutral and fully-rotated positions, the biasing member exerts a variable torque against the abutment surface.

Abstract: An armament sight includes a pin guard defining a sight window and a mounting member. One or more sight pins are supported in the sight window by the mounting member. Each sight pin is made up of a substantially optically clear material and a sight tip. The sight tip is positioned by the optically clear material. A user can view an object through the sight pin or pins while aligning the sight tip with the object.

Abstract: A rotor shaft is supported in a housing of a rotor assembly for a laser level. Bearings support the rotor shaft for rotation relative to the housing. An adhesive fixes an outer race of at least one of the bearings in position between the rotor shaft and the housing. The adhesive is a low viscosity, quick setting anaerobic adhesive, which when cured prevents angular drift of the shaft relative to the housing by eliminating the clearance that would have existed between the outer race and the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the aiming of an antenna enabling signals transmitted by one or several satellites to be picked up, this device includes a compass, the body of which (3) is provided with an attachment system (5) on the antenna. According to the invention, the compass includes a dial onto which the magnetic south and the name of the satellites in their geographical position are transferred and in that the body (3) includes a mark (4) for aiming the antenna by simply rotating it in azimuth.

Abstract: A thread ring gage testing and setting device including one end for testing “GO” ring gages, a second end for testing “NO GO” ring gages. Structure to test for a thread ring gage undersize effective minor diameter includes a non-threaded cylindrical portion on each end. Structure for testing thread ring gage oversize minor diameter includes a non-threaded cylindrical portion located at the innermost position of each end, and is of greater diameter than said means for testing thread ring undersize effective minor diameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a measuring device includes a reference surface, a trough extending lengthwise away from the reference surface at substantially a right angle, and a scale affixed to the trough indicating a distance from the reference surface along the trough.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatus having a base structure, a measuring structure, and a linking mechanism coupled to the base structure. The exemplary apparatus also includes an output device configured to determine the position of the measuring structure with respect to the base structure in response to a substrate disposed between the measuring structure and the base structure to indicate a quantity of warpage in the substrate.

Abstract: A machine having a pair of spaced structures, a plurality of ball and socket joints spaced apart on each structure, and six struts interconnecting the structures. Each strut engages with a respective ball and socket joint on each of the structures, and defines a variable distance between the centers of the ball and socket joints to which the strut is connected. At least one of the ball and socket joints to which the strut is connected has a plurality of the struts connected thereto, the ball and socket joint having a socket on each respective strut, co-operating with a sphere, the sockets having three engagement elements biased into engagement with the sphere.

Abstract: An inspection device designed for a large number of consecutively attached metal elements punched and processed into a specified shape and for inspecting clearance between said metal elements of a continuously variable transmission belt which are assembled to support a laminated band of a metal stepless belt; a wedge-shaped inspection jig, for example, used for inspecting quantitatively the clearance value with an inspection jig structure of a modified hexahedron having six surfaces containing an upper surface and a lower surface opposing four side surfaces of which both of two side surfaces are a rectangle and the remaining two side surfaces are a wedge-shape which becomes gradually narrower in width from an upper part to a lower part.

Abstract: An oil level gauge includes a handle section, a shank section, and a measuring section. The measuring section includes an upper limit mark and a lower limit mark in an up and down direction. The measuring section has a curved shape in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the measuring section.

Abstract: A promotional apparatus includes a housing having first and second openings and an elongated slot formed therein. A first measuring tape is disposed within the housing, and is retractably extendable from the housing via the first opening. A second measuring tape is disposed within the housing. A first end of the second measuring tape is fixed to the housing and an opposite second end of the measuring tape is movable within the housing such that a portion of the second measuring tape between the first and second ends thereof extends from the housing via the second opening and forms a loop that is retractably expandable and that is configured to measure a circumference of an object. A goniometer is pivotably secured to the housing and is movable between a stored position and a plurality of operative positions that allow measurement of angles of movement of patient limbs, joints, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for device for continuous drying of material, particularly sewage sludge, which has a belt 2, particularly a filter belt, on which the material is conveyed. It is characterised by a distribution screw 4 being mounted above the belt 2, particularly filter belt, at the inlet in order to feed the material onto the belt 2, particularly filter belt. In addition, the invention relates to a process for drying material, particularly sewage sludge, where the material is conveyed on a belt 2, particularly a filter belt, through a dryer 1, which process is characterised by the material being fed in through a distribution screw 4, where the level can be changed by altering the belt speed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for drying sludge derived from urban or industrial wastewater purifying stations using solar energy, produced in the form of a greenhouse (1) comprising a slab or floor (2) whereon is deposited the bed (3) of sludge to be dried, means (4) being provided for turning over the sludge spread on said floor and driving it forward along the drying device, the latter further comprising ventilators to renew the air contained in said greenhouse. The invention is characterized in that said ventilators (6) are positioned on the means (4) turning over and driving forward the sludge bed.

Abstract: To remove and/or prevent contamination of a probe, at least a portion of the probe is positioned in a chamber having an inlet passage and an outlet passage, with a distal end of the probe extending through the outlet passage and terminating on a side thereof opposite the chamber. A gas is caused to flow through the inlet passage into the chamber and out the outlet passage, thereby modifying an environment surrounding the distal end of the probe. The gas may be heated prior to injection.

Abstract: A reactor defines a reaction chamber for processing a substrate. The reactor comprises a first inlet for providing a first reactant and to the reaction chamber and a second inlet for a second reactant to the reaction chamber. A first exhaust outlet removes gases from the reaction chamber. A second exhaust outlet removes gases from the reaction chamber. A flow control system is configured to alternately constrict flow through the first and second exhaust outlets. The reactor chamber is configured to for a diffusion barrier within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A web coating process and apparatus employing a coating applicator, dryer or curing station and web-handling equipment for conveying the web past the coating applicator and through the dryer. The web is enclosed from at least the coating applicator to the dryer or curing station in a close-coupled enclosure or series of close-coupled enclosures supplied with one or more streams of conditioned gas flowing at a rate sufficient to reduce materially the particle count or change materially a physical property of interest in a close-coupled enclosure.

Abstract: A drying device for drying a gas comprises parallel cooling branches, at least one of which is in its active state at any given time. A gas-coolant heat exchanger arranged in each of the cooling branches has a first channel through which the gas to be dried flows in the active state of this cooling branch and a second channel which, in the active state of this cooling branch, forms an evaporator for a coolant circulating in at least one coolant circuit. The drying device further comprises an ambient-air input line, an ambient-air output line and an ambient-air conveyor. In the passive state of a respective cooling branch, the ambient-air input line and the ambient-air output line are connected, at least for a time, with this cooling branch by the switching device and the ambient-air conveyor conveys ambient air through the first channel of the gas-coolant heat exchanger arranged in this cooling branch.

Abstract: A shoe has a shell including a front part, a rear part, and two opposite intermediate parts extending between the front and rear parts. The shell has a flexible corrugated portion which includes a plurality of crests and valleys that extend along a direction transverse to a line parallel to a front-to-rear direction of the shell, and a plurality of vent holes formed in the corrugated portion. The corrugated portion is extendable and compressible.

Abstract: A sole for shoe of elastic material is provided with valves placed at its sides for discharging inner air, each said valve consisting of a through channel (4) formed in the thickness of the sole and not involving the tread of the sole, which channel (4) connects the interior of the shoe to the outside and is closed by a perforated diaphragm or membrane (2) of elastic material provided with a convexity directed to the outside and forming a check valve. Advantageously, said valves are made in one piece of elastic material with the sole during the same moulding step, the membrane being provided with microholes in a later step.

Abstract: An inner sole assembly for slippers or sandals includes a slipper or sandal made up of a sole, a retaining strap, a coupling pad, and an insole wherein the sole has a plurality of assembly holes properly preset at the top surface thereon for the retaining strap led through the insole and the coupling pad thereof respectively to be fixedly engaged therewith, and the coupling pad, better made of EVA or PVC foaming material, is sandwiched between the insole and the top surface of the sole to integrally combine the insole and the sole into one piece. The insole has a plurality of resilient supporting rings with air vents densely and neatly arranged in upright circular shapes at the upper surface thereon, an engaging underside formed at the bottom surface thereof to be fixedly attached to the coupling pad thereby, and a plurality of dividing passages defined at the adjacent sides of the closely juxtaposed resilient supporting rings thereof.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe, especially a house slipper, has an outer layer constituted of a fabric material, and a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material. The fabric layer and the backing layer are molded integrally together to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance, quieter usage and increased shape retention.

Abstract: Footwear, particularly athletic shoes, that has a sole structure copying support, stability and cushioning structures of the human foot. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the use of the shoe upper portion to envelop one or more portions of the shoe midsole in combination with portions of the shoe sole having at least one concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface, relative to a portion of the shoe sole located adjacent to the concavely rounded outer surface portion, and at least one convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, relative to a portion of the midsole component located adjacent to the convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, all as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: A sole assembly for a shock resistant shoe includes a sole having a heel region and a ball region. A first cone spring, disposed within the sole, includes a large diameter terminal end and an opposing small diameter terminal end. The large diameter terminal end is disposed above the small diameter terminal end.

Abstract: A shoe insert including a bladder positioned within a main body. The bladder includes a fluid tight membrane defining an interior chamber containing a liquid. The bladder further includes a heel portion in fluid communication with lateral and medial passages, which are in turn in fluid communication with a metatarsal portion. A central island of solid material is bounded by the heel portion, the lateral and medial passages, and the metatarsal portion, such that the bladder is configured to move liquid contained within the interior chamber in a cycle that conforms to a natural gait cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a printed film innersole (PFI) and a process for making the same. The present invention provides to a PFI and a process for the construction of an innersole for post-insertion into a shoe that can have significant design details added to the bottom surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of footwear having a stabilizing element incorporated into a sole structure. The stabilizing element is located primarily in the midfoot region of the footwear but extends into both the forefoot and heel regions. In one embodiment, the stabilizing element includes five stabilizing members that extend from a connecting member. The function of the stabilizing members is to provide support along the longitudinal length of the foot so as to limit non-axial, vertical flexion in the midfoot and heel regions; permit the forefoot to axially flex in relation to the heel; and permit forefoot flexion.

Abstract: A dog shoe that is configured to be worn by a dog comprises a rubberized sole sized for a foot of a dog. The rubberized sole has an exterior portion and an upper portion opposite the exterior portion. The rubberized sole further includes a heel portion and a toe portion. The heel portion is raised in relation to the toe portion. The dog shoe further comprises a shoe wall that comprises a flexible material and that is coupled to at least a perimeter portion of the upper portion of the rubberized sole. The shoe wall includes an elongate opening along an upper portion thereof. The dog shoe further comprises a zipper that is mounted on opposite sides of the elongate opening in the upper portion of the shoe wall, the zipper is also configured to open and close an adjustable ankle opening in the upper portion of the shoe wall. The dog shoe further comprises an elastic ankle cinch that is mounted to the upper portion of the shoe wall.

Abstract: A sports boot comprising an outer shell and an inner boot, with at least one opening in the outer shell and at least one projection on the inner boot assigned to each opening, where the opening(s) and the projection(s) serve to produce a positive fit connection between the inner boot and the outer shell. The outside of the inner boot is optionally made waterproof such that no water enters the inside of the inner boot, despite the presence of the openings in the outer shell.

Abstract: A snow throwing machine including a housing, an engine, an impeller and an auger for collecting snow and directing it to the impeller. The auger including an auger shaft disposed transversely in the housing and drivable by the engine, and a plurality of flytes mounted on the auger shaft. Each flyte includes a hub and a plurality of fins and is mounted on the auger shaft with a shear pin extending through the hub and auger shaft. The flytes are configured such that an outer peripheral edge of adjacent flytes forms a helix around the auger shaft directing snow toward the impeller.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, including a shaft; a scoop, coupled to a distal end of the shaft, for collecting and holding a bolus of a compressible medium, the compressible medium retaining a post-compressed shape when operated from a proximal end of the shaft; and a former, coupled to the scoop and mating with the scoop, for molding and compressing the bolus into a generally spherical ball retained within the scoop. A method for forming a throwable ball, includes scooping a bolus of a compressible medium with a scoop coupled to a distal end of a shaft, the compressible medium retaining a post-compressed shape; and molding compressively the bolus into the scoop using a former coupled to the distal end, wherein the molding step creates the ball retained in the scoop when a user operates a proximal end of the shaft.