Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mechanically actuated dock leveler with a mounting frame secured in a pit of a loading dock, and a deck assembly with a deck and extendable lip. A deck lift assembly biases the deck to move from a parked position to a raised position to activate a lip extension assembly. As the deck is “walked down”, the lip is extended and the lip extension assembly is deactivated in a controlled manner so that the deck and lip reach an engaged position against the trailer and are kept in place by a hold down mechanism. The deck assembly has a float housing with a slot for releasably engaging the lift assembly to achieve a range of float positions where the deck and lip rest on and float with the trailer as it is loaded and unloaded. The deck assembly has a durable combined lip lug and header plate hinge construction.

Abstract: In combination with a swimming pool cleaner having a head portion with a multi-flange exterior surface defined by alternating grooved sections formed between the flanges, a device for mounting a set of two suction wings, respectively, to each side of the head portion that assist in the accumulation and collection of dirt and debris and offers stability to the vacuum head as it is moved along the pool surface. The device, which is generally oval shaped and flat, is adapted to be deformed and dimensioned for tight fitting containment and retention within one of the grooved sections. The device is fabricated from a single piece of material and includes integrally formed and laterally extending first and second hinged portions adapted to be replaceably affixed to the suction wings, respectively.

Abstract: A conventional electric toothbrush of the type having a vibrating brush head mounted on a battery operated hand unit is modified so that its bristles can be replaced without replacing the entire bristle head. The bristle head includes a first shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, bristles mounted on the distal end of the first shaft, and means for releasably mounting the first shaft on the hand unit and for responding to a force produced by the hand unit by vibrating the first shaft. The bristle head is modified by cutting or otherwise dividing the first shaft to remove the distal end holding the bristles, and then releasably coupling a replacement brush (26) to the new distal end of the first shaft, the replacement brush including a second shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and bristles mounted on the distal end, the proximal end of the second shaft being releasably coupled to the new distal end of the first shaft.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has an elongate body having a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The body has an interior chamber with a motor. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. A first movable bristle carrier is disposed on the head. The shaft is operatively connected to the first bristle carrier to impart motion thereto. The first bristle carrier has a first composite tuft formed from a plurality of closely spaced bristle tufts and a plurality of second bristle tufts. The second tufts have a height that is greater than a height of the first composite tuft. The bristles of the first composite tuft having free ends and the bristles of the second tufts having free ends.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a replaceable head attachment is disclosed. The toothbrush includes a brush head that is releasably engaged to a handle portion and utilizes a threaded engagement configuration between the two components.

Abstract: A device with moving squeegees is disclosed. The squeegees can have any number of squeegee configurations. The squeegee or groups of the squeegees are configured to move independently or separately concerted fashion. The device is preferably and oral-care device and can include bristles and/or nodules that move or are stationary. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the oral-care device includes rows of squeegees that move with a first motion and a center section with squeegees, bristles and/or nodules that move with a second motion in a direction and/or frequency that is different from the first motion.

Abstract: A machine for washing bar stock includes an infeed to feed bars into a washing unit that has a conveyor separating each bar and discharging them to an outfeed. The cleaning is performed by brushes situated above the conveyor that sweep the lengths of the bars on the conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-contained washing machine to clean a vehicle window such as a vehicle's windscreen. The washing machine is principally a windscreen washing machine. The washing machine includes a cleaning liquid reservoir unit having a pump and a battery and support. Upon insertion of the battery and support into a housing and handle, electrical connection is made to drive a trigger operated reciprocating squeegee tool. The reciprocating squeegee tool includes a mechanical reciprocator, a squeegee head, and a spraying head, the mechanical reciprocator inducing reciprocating action to a connected squeegee head. The spraying head is connected to the cleaning fluid through tubing and is located proximate the squeegee head. An extender unit fits between the cleaning liquid reservoir unit and the housing and handle of the squeegee tool.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for washing utensils may include a housing and a first and second brush that may be removeably disposed in the housing. A hook may be provided on the housing for securing the housing to a secondary structure such as a sink or basin. A suction cup may also be provided on the housing to bias the housing against movement during use.

Abstract: A relatively thick sponge has a washable microfiber cloth that removably covers at least a portion of the sponge, and is particularly well adapted for automotive use by virtue of a microfiber pile on the cloth. Preferred cloth coverings have microfibers with a length (pile height) of between 0.5 and 0.11 cm, and more preferably between 0.7 and 0.9 cm. The sponge can be any suitable size and shape, but is preferably dog bone shaped, having a length of at least 10 cm, a width of at least 6 cm, and a thickness of at least 2 cm. The cloth is preferably sized and dimensioned to completely enclose the sponge.

Abstract: A brush having an ergonomic handle is utilized in conjunction with a body in different orientations as a result of rotation of the handle. Suitable handles are readily removed from the body by the user by operating a spade shaped clip or other quick release mechanism. It is especially desirable to provide a collection of interchangeable brushes and handles that provide numerous permutations for different uses. It is further contemplated that the advantages of such a system of brushes could benefit from advertising that directs potential consumers to usefulness with respect to automotive care.

Abstract: A brush having an ergonomic handle is utilized in conjunction with a body in different orientations as a result of rotation of the handle. Suitable handles are readily removed from the body by the user by operating a spade shaped clip or other quick release mechanism. It is especially desirable to provide a collection of interchangeable brushes and handles that provide numerous permutations for different uses. It is further contemplated that the advantages of such a system of brushes could benefit from advertising that directs potential consumers to usefulness with respect to automotive care.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a handle and a head. The head includes a first section having cleaning elements extending outwardly from its outer surface. A ball joint is mounted to the head adjacent to the first section. The ball joint also includes cleaning elements extending outwardly from the outer surface. The head includes resilient material urging the ball joint so be in its initial position after the pivotal movement of the ball joint cleaning elements.

Abstract: A brush has a slidable collar that effectively shortens the bristles to a desired plurality of lengths. The collar preferably slides with respect to a support in a manner that effectively locks the collar in predetermined positions. The locking mechanism can be purely frictional, but preferably also used a detent, or any other suitable device that provides discrete stops. Such stops are preferably no more than 2 cm apart, and can advantageously be spaced no more than 1 cm apart. Contemplated devices can have 2, 3, 4, 5, or more stops. Collared brushes can advantageously be marketed specifically with respect to the slidable collar feature, and more specifically with respect to the applicability of such brushes to automotive use.

Abstract: An edgeless mop utilizing a relatively narrow diameter, knit tubular material to form the strands of a mop head wherein the tubular material incorporates an arrangement of elongate depressed channels and raised profile segments extending along its surface in the length direction. This construction increases the overall fluid retaining or sorbency capacity of the mop even while lowering the overall mass of the mop head.

Abstract: A paint roller cleaning device is in the form of a tubular sleeve member defining a through bore sized to receive a generally cylindrical paint roller. An internal annular rib intermediate the ends of the sleeve member defines an orifice of reduced cross-section relative to the roller such that the roller is compressed by the rib as it passes through the orifice and paint is removed from the surface of the roller by contact with the marginal edge of the orifice.

Abstract: The splash guard comprises an apron defining a horseshoe shape having an open rear end along a vertical plane. A rectangular frame encloses the open rear end. The rectangular frame has a centre of gravity rearward of the vertical plane, to keep the rear end of the apron taut. The rectangular frame also has adjustment clamps to allow the adjustment of the width thereof to different floor-scrubbing machines. In another aspect, the apron has a double thickness along each end of the horseshoe shape, to prevent buckling of the apron near the open rear end thereof.

Abstract: A refuse pan has an elongated edge sufficiently hard and strong to operate as an ice scraper. A kit that includes the pan and a brush is sized and dimensioned as an automobile valet kit, and is marketed as such. The ice scraper portion of the pan can be made of plastic or any other suitable material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a robot cleaning system that includes a robotic cleaner having a tactile sensor and a barrier unit, wherein the barrier unit is such that the tactile sensor on the robot cleaner is triggered by contact with the barrier unit. As a result the robot changes directions. The barrier unit can be adapted to avoid sliding, such as when the robot comes into contact with it. The anti-slide element can be projections such as hooks or rubber grommets and the like.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has one or more display indicators on its housing. The indicators are supplied with light from at least one light source assigned thereto in order to optically indicate an operation condition. An electrical component actuates the at least one light source according to the operation condition. In order to create a vacuum cleaner in which the light source can be disposed elsewhere than directly below the display indicators, yet the indicators are nevertheless well illuminated, a light guiding element is disposed between the light source and the display indicators, which redirects the light that is emitted by at least one light source to the display. The assembly provides for the advantage that the distance and the structural differences between the light sources and the display indicators can be easily bridged, so that these functional components do not need to be directly adapted to one another.

Abstract: A wet/dry utility vacuum with a canister, a powerhead assembly with a fan, a shut-off device that prevents the fan from drawing liquids into the fan inlet when a volume of the liquid in the canister exceeds a predetermined volume. The powerhead assembly includes a controller that permits the utility vacuum to be operated in a desired power mode so that the user may employ either an AC power source or a DC power source, such as a battery pack, for example. In some applications, the battery pack may be interchangeable with the battery packs of various cordless tools, including drill/drivers and saws. A tool set and a method for operating a battery-powered tool set are also provided.

Abstract: A suction head of a vacuum cleaner, comprises: a housing having a suction port through which dust on a floor is sucked by an operation of a fan motor; a brush rotatably installed in the suction port and having a plurality of bristles arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof; a brush driving device for reciprocatingly rotating the brush within a range of a predetermined angle; a first suction duct having an inlet positioned corresponding to a direction of dust movement when the brush rotates in a forward direction; and a second suction duct having an inlet positioned corresponding to a direction of dust movement when the brush rotates in a backward direction. Brushed dust can be properly sucked according to a reciprocating rotation direction of the brush, and thereby a cleaning function of the cleaner can be increased.

Abstract: A suction head of a vacuum cleaner, comprises: a housing having a suction port through which dust on a floor is sucked by an operation of a fan motor; a primary brush rotatably installed in the suction port and having a plurality of bristles arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof; a primary brush driving device for reciprocatingly rotating the primary brush within a range of a predetermined angle; and an auxiliary brush rotatably installed at one side of the primary brush and having a plurality of bristles arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof, for supplementing an operation of the primary brush with being rotated. According to this, an entire area occupied by the suction head can be evenly brushed, and brushed dust can be smoothly sucked.

Abstract: An extension pipe supporting apparatus is pivotally attached to a vacuum cleaner extension so as to be retractable into a storage position. The extension pipe supporting apparatus provides an included support for a vacuum cleaner extension pipe by which a vacuum cleaner extension pipe can be independently supported in a substantially upright position. The extension pipe supporting apparatus comprises a shell member mounted to an extension pipe of the vacuum cleaner, and a supporting member engaged with the shell member and pivoting between a first position and a second position, the first position in which the extension pipe is supported in a standing posture on a floor and the second position in which the supporting member is folded to be in contact with the extension pipe. Accordingly, the user can keep the extension pipe in a standing posture on a floor, and therefore, the user does not have to bend over to pick up the extension pipe from the floor when restarting the cleaning work.

Abstract: A locking roller assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting to an article of furniture. A wheel is rotatably mounted to the housing via a mounting arrangement that accommodates relative vertical movement between the wheel and the housing. The wheel is mounted to an axle, which in turn is secured to an axle carrier. A biasing member, such as a spring, is engaged between the housing and the axle carrier to bias the housing toward a raised position. When a load is applied to the article of furniture, the spring is compressed so as to allow the housing to move vertically downward toward the wheel. The housing includes an engagement surface that engages the wheel when the load is applied and the housing is moved downwardly, to prevent rotation of the wheel and to thereby prevent movement of the article of furniture.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cabinet with a pair of hinge holes, a door having a pair of hinge shafts and being rotatably coupled to the cabinet by engagement between the pair of hinge shafts and the pair of hinge holes, and a door-closing device to allow the door to be automatically closed toward the cabinet, the door-closing device including an auxiliary hinge shaft attached to a bottom of the door; a restoring unit in a bottom of the cabinet to bias the door toward the cabinet when the door is opened; a hinge lever connected between the auxiliary hinge shaft and the restoring unit and having a coupling hole in which the auxiliary hinge shaft fits; and a cap fitted on an end of the hinge lever where the coupling hole is formed.

Abstract: A door closer includes an anchor assembly for mounting on a door frame, an actuator assembly for mounting within the thickness of a door which is hinged for movement between open and closed positions, an operating member coupled by a linkage to the anchor assembly and mounted for a range of movements between a retracted position and an extended position, a resilient driving apparatus arranged to exert a driving force on the operating member, a damper mechanism operatively connected to the operating member so as to damp movement of the operating member at least in a direction towards the retracted position, and a resilient thrust device arranged to exert an increased driving force on the operating member over a defined part of its range of movement as the operating member approaches the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable roller bracket for a retractable door hinge assembly. The adjustable roller bracket device comprises a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion comprises a horizontal face having a first aperture and an upstanding plate member having a mounting section with a second aperture therein, an adjustable roller support portion, wherein the roller support portion comprises a tubular support member and at least a third aperture and wherein a fastener secures the roller support portion to the mounting section in a predetermined position. The roller support portion is adjusted relative to the hinge assembly accordingly so that the use of different sized hinges are no longer required during the installation of overhead retractable door panels.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first leaf assembly with a first leaf and two barrels. A pintle has a cylindrical part extending through a first of the barrels and a non-cylindrical shaft extending through the second barrel. A second leaf is mounted on the pintle. A collar with a non-circular opening is provided outside the shaft. A resilient member is provided between the cylindrical part and the collar. Two channels are defined at a side of the collar facing the second barrel for alternately receiving at least one lug formed on the second barrel. Whereby, when the pintle is turned about the barrels, the first leaf can be positioned at multiple points about the second leaf.

Abstract: Means to create a friction restraint between the interlocking leaves of a hinge. The outer surface of the hinge pin shaft is in contact with the inner surface of the interlocking elements. Friction is generated between the contacting surfaces through a motion resistive material comprising the outside surface of the hinge pin shaft, the inner surface of the knuckle, or both.

Abstract: A hinge plate had a part that can be attached to a frame or a door panel. The part has two hinge rollers that are spaced apart from one another. Sleeves are disposed in the hinge rollers so as not to rotate. A pin that is inserted into the sleeves bridges the distance between the hinge rollers. The pin has a pin head as well as a connector end for attachment of a pin screw. The pin head and the head of the pin screw attached to the pin are disposed countersunk within the hinge rollers. The pin screw has a collar that is fitted into the sleeve with a wedge fit.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for a sliver-forming textile machine, especially a draw frame, flat card or the like, a fibre structure (fibre web) coming from the delivery rollers of a drafting system passes through a web guide and a sliver funnel with take-off rollers, the web guide has an inner wall (deflection and/or guide face), and a frictional resistance offered by the inner wall acts on the fibre structure. In order to allow in a simple manner an improved web guidance and sliver quality, and to permit the web guide to be adapted to different technical parameters, such as fibre material properties, working speed, a parameter relating to contact between fibre structure and inner wall is alterable.

Abstract: A securement device for adjustably holding an element in a desired position. In a preferred application, the device holds a napkin or drape in position on a person's shirt-front, the device having first and second cord sections, each cord section having a clip mechanism attached on its distal end, and a slide mechanism interconnecting the first and second cord sections adjacent proximate ends thereof, wherein each of the first and second cord sections are slidably movable through the slide element providing for length adjustment enabling positioning of a napkin or drape in a desired position over the user's shirt-front forming a bib.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a clamping system for preparing safely lifelines used in recreational and professional sports such as sailing that requires minimum skills to install, easy to store and highly dependable.

Abstract: A cable retaining device is suitable for retaining flexible cables at high load tensions. The device includes: a body including a void having a width that tapers from a wider rearward end to a narrower forward end; and a wedge shaped plug, capable of slidable insertion at least partially into said void. The wedge and the plug define at least one channel between them, said channel capable of receiving a cable. The channel is tapered from a narrower rearward orifice to a wider forward orifice. The invention also includes a system of the cable retaining device together with a high-tension polymer cable, said system suitable for surgical use. Furthermore, the invention includes the method of fastening cable with the cable retaining device of the invention. In one embodiment the device retains a looped cable by engaging two cable ends.

Abstract: A lockable theft-resistant quick-release collar for use with, for example, bicycles. The collar comprises a ring and a lever. The lever pivots about one end of a skewer rod and the skewer rod passes through the end of the ring and into a flange that is integral with the ring. The lever has a camming action such that, as it is moved from the open position to the closed position the ring is compressed about the seatpost tube, thereby holding it firmly in place. The lever and ring have a tab and locking flange, respectively, that receives a lock so that the collar can be locked in the closed position. The end of the skewer rod distal from the pivot of the lever is inaccessible to bike thieves so that they are unable to open the collar without cutting the lock. The present invention therefore comprises an improved quick-release collar that acts as a deterrent against bike thieves.

Abstract: A universal carry strap includes a woven strip, an adjustment buckle and a shuttle buckle. The strip has two opposite ends onto which the adjustment and the shuttle buckles are integrally formed by molding plastic. The adjustment buckle has multiple adjusting through holes. The shuttle buckle passes selectively through the adjusting through holes. Consequently, the carry strap will provide a robust connection and be easy, quick and convenient to be connected to an object, such as a case having a first and a second connecting hook ring by passing the shuttle buckle through the first connecting hook ring, selectively through the adjusting through holes in the adjustment buckle and eventually through the second connecting hook ring to engage the second connecting hook ring.

Abstract: A disposable device which secures tubing to a bedrail is disclosed. A mechanism for attaching and securing the disposable device is also disclosed. In today's hospitals, it is becoming apparent that the number of nosocomial infections or hospital acquired infections is growing. Thus, it is desired in the health care industry to have devices that can be disposable, cost effective, and easily used that can assist in decreasing these infections. Accordingly, an adjustable, disposable device which secures intravenous tubing to the bedrail as to assist in prevention of contamination of the tubing which may ultimately contaminate the insertion site of the catheter is proposed. The device will also assist in prevention of inadvertently pulling the intravenous catheter out of its insertion site.

Abstract: A disposable device which secures tubing to a bedrail is disclosed. A mechanism for attaching and securing the disposable device is also disclosed. In today's hospitals, it is becoming apparent that the number of nosocomial infections or hospital acquired infections is growing. Thus, it is desired in the health care industry to have devices that can be disposable, cost effective, and easily used that can assist in decreasing these infections. Accordingly, an adjustable, disposable device which secures intravenous tubing to the bedrail as to assist in prevention of contamination of the tubing which may ultimately contaminate the insertion site of the catheter is proposed. The device will also assist in prevention of inadvertently pulling the intravenous catheter out of its insertion site. This will ultimately have the effect of decreasing infection by decreasing the number of times the skin is opened up for microorganisms to potentially invade, while at the same time decreasing unnecessary pain to the patient.

Abstract: An article for tightening together the ends of a lace includes a lace end receiving device having a pair of flexible, tubular members joined together lengthwise, each member including a lengthwise retaining passage therein. The end of the lace is received within, looped through and held within the tubular members of the lace end receiving device. By employing two lace end receiving devices, one at each end of the lace, the devices may be tied together, whereby the lace is tightened without the lace itself touching. The ends of the flexible tubular members are flared outwardly. The lengthwise retaining passages are lubricated.

Abstract: A composite nozzle strip for hydroentangling of a fibrous mass is provided to lower nozzle erosion potential and increase operational efficiency. The composite nozzle strip comprises a substrate comprising a material of a first hardness having at least one aperture and at least one orifice element comprising a material of a second hardness greater than the first hardness and further defining an aperture of a second diameter less than the first diameter. The at least one orifice element is affixed to the substrate so that the aperture in the orifice element is aligned with the at least one aperture in the substrate for creation of a constricted water jet when subjected to pressurized water.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes comb teeth-shaped piezoelectric actuators, each comprising plural piezoelectric layers. A side surface of each tooth is fired. Actuators are made by (1) preparing a plurality of piezoelectric material green sheets on which electrode films are formed and forming slits on a first green sheet using a punch and a die, (2) pulling up the first green sheet using a stripper, (3) pulling up a top portion of the punch slightly from the lowest portion of the pulled up first green sheet, (4) forming second slits in a second green sheet by the punch, (5) pulling up the second green sheet jointly with the first green sheet, and (6) pulling up the top portion of the punch slightly from the lowest portion of the pulled up second green sheet, and thereafter laminating green sheets by repeating steps (4) through (6). The layers can thereafter be fired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mounting any type of seat covers (10) on foam cushion parts (12) of a seat, more particularly a vehicle seat, using gripping elements (14) which form actuation groups (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) receiving the profiled strips (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) that are arranged in the seat cover (10) and which pull the profiled strips (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) into channel-like recesses (44, 46, 48, 50, 52) in the foam cushion part (12) by means of a positioning device (42) that tolerates a relative movement between the foam cushion part (12) and the corresponding gripping element (14), thereby fixing the seat cover (10) to the foam cushion part (12).

Abstract: A telescopically adjustable structure capable of defining or measuring an arbitrary three-dimensional volume and having twelve telescopically adjustable telescopic units, capable of maintaining a change in telescopic length and eight corner connection units for assembling the telescopic rods into a three-dimensional structure. A method of assembly may have the telescopic units adjusted to specified length prior to three-dimensional assembly or, alternately, the telescopic units may be assembled in collapsed telescopic form, and adjusted in assembled fashion. Particularly suited to provide a lightweight, low-cost, low-damage furniture or object double to check how the furniture volume might fit in a space or be transported to a space.

Abstract: Improved process for manufacturing ring-type metal joints for high pressure ducts, characterized because it presents the following steps: a) oval bar manufacturing and b) ring-type metal joints manufacturing, wherein the oval bar manufacturing comprises the following steps: submitting a round metal bar to a sharpening treatment before it is drawn through a die and forming the oval bar; cutting, rolling, and bending said oval bar and welding the profile; submitting the joint to an electrolytic coating treatment.

Abstract: A method for producing a single-clad or multiple-clad product includes providing a welded assembly comprising a cladding material disposed on a substrate material. Both the substrate material and the cladding material are individually selected alloys. At least a first edge of the cladding material of the welded assembly does not extend to a first edge of the substrate material and thereby provides a margin between the first edges. A material that is an alloy having hot strength greater than the cladding material is within the margin and adjacent the first edge of the cladding material. The welded assembly is hot rolled to provide a hot rolled band, and the material within the margin inhibits the cladding material from spreading beyond the edge of the substrate material during the hot rolling. In certain embodiments of the methods, the substrate material is stainless steel and the cladding material is nickel or a nickel alloy.

Abstract: The design, development and fabrication of a DEP microfluidic assembly with an in-built interdigitated microelectrode array is presented. Continuous fractionation of microparticles in a PDMS microfluidic channel is described. Experimental verification of positive and negative DEP of yeast cells and polystyrene latex beads is demonstrated. A microfluidic device with DEP arranged electrodes in a channel has posts extending into the channel for controlling shaping of DEP fields.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a surface acoustic wave element including: forming a conductive film on a surface of a piezoelectric substrate; forming a photoresist film on the conductive film; printing a pattern by exposing and developing the pattern, which is originally provided on a photomask, onto the photoresist film by reduced projection; forming an electrode of a surface acoustic wave element by etching the conductive film using the patterned photoresist film as a mask; measuring a resonant frequency of the surface acoustic wave element formed on the piezoelectric substrate; calculating an anodic oxidation voltage based on an amount of anodic oxidation of the electrode that is calculated in advance from the measured resonant frequency and a preset target resonant frequency; and performing anodic oxidation based on the anodic oxidation voltage calculated in the voltage calculation step and finishing anodic oxidation after detecting an end-point of oxidation reaction of the electrode.

Abstract: A speaker diaphragm and a method of fabricating the same with the reduced number of fabrication steps and high production efficiency, from which a stable rust-proof effect can be expected without generating any variation in rust resistance, are provided. After a diaphragm base material formation step, a diaphragm base material is molded at a molding step. Thereafter, a first trimming step for forming trim holes along an outer circumference is conducted. A molded diaphragm product is supported to a diaphragm base material through supporting sections. Then, at a surface treatment step, after an anodic oxidation coating is formed on a surface of the molded diaphragm product at an anodization substep, electrodeposition coating is formed at an electrodeposition coating substep. Subsequently, a second trimming step of cutting the supporting sections is conducted to form a magnesium diaphragm including convex portions on the outer circumference.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a separation mechanism configured to mechanically drive adjacent end turns radially apart from one another. By way of example, the separation mechanism mechanically actuates one end turn in a radially outward direction, while mechanically actuating a second end turn in a radially inward direction. Advantageously, the mechanical separation facilitates the insertion of phase paper between adjacent end turns.