Abstract: A device and method for catching a person who is participating in a trust fall exercise in a ropes course. The device is constructed of a sheet of strong, flexible material that is provided with straps of reinforcing material, that extend under the sheet from side to side and from top to bottom. Each end of the straps is formed into a loop. The loops at the sides and the top of the sheet serves as handles by which team members grasp the device when catching a person on the device, and loops at the bottom of the sheet are to secure the device to a platform on which the person who is to be caught stands prior to falling backward off of the platform and onto the device.

Abstract: A cushioning apparatus such as a pillow which includes an upper pocket with reception cavity for receiving preferably loose or grouped non-integral filler material such as down, fiberfill or fiber-balls and another pocket for receiving additional filler material such as a foam core filler material. The foam core filler material is preferably an integrated or monolithic foam body of, for example, visco-elastic or alternate polyurethane foam. The core preferably has a non-planar upper surface contour allowing for a relatively thin, consistent height upper pocket thickness. The pillow also preferably includes a lower pocket joined about its periphery to the upper pocket such as by way of an intermediate gusset panel with beading and with the lower pocket also receiving loose or non-integrated filler material and with the bottom surface of the core preferably having a convex surface such as one symmetrical with the top surface.

Abstract: A topper for selectively changing the firmness of a bed includes first and second sheets of foam which are bonded together at a flexible interface. The firmness of the first and second sheets differ, so that by putting one sheet face up on the bed one level of firmness is achieved, and by reversing the topper and putting the other sheet face up another level of firmness is achieved.

Abstract: A chain link remover includes a base having an opening formed by an anvil and having a screw hole for threading with a threaded shaft which has a link ejector rod to remove the chain link pin from the chain. A support device is disposed in the base to support the chain in the opening of the base, and to retain the chain between the anvil and the threaded shaft, and thus to allow the chain link pin to be easily disengaged or removed from the chain without holding by the users. The support device includes two pawls to engage with and to support the chain between the anvil and the threaded shaft, with such as resiliences.

Abstract: A dock leveler has a support with a deck pivotally secured to the support at one end for movement between a stored position and an elevated position. A deck lip is pivotally connected to the deck assembly for movement between a pendant stored position and a bridging position projecting from said deck assembly. A lift mechanism acts on said deck assembly to lift it toward the elevated position and a lip operating mechanism operatively connected to the lip moves it from the pendant position to the bridging position. A latch holds the lip in the bridging position. The latch releases the lip upon relative movement between the lip and the deck assembly and has a yieldable connection to permit limited pivotal movement between said lip and said deck assembly upon application of a rearward force from a vehicle to allow the lip to move to an unlatched position.

Abstract: A remotely actuated surface cleaning device employs an inner component having a resiliently flexible body with a plurality of embedded magnets and a cleaning element to engage a surface to be cleaned. An outer housing containing an electric motor moves a support disc containing an operably like plurality of magnets to those embedded in the body. The inner and outer components are placed oppositely adjacent on the surface to be cleaned thereby supporting the inner component with respect to the outer component by magnetic attraction. Operation of the motor moving the second support disc causes the sympathetic motion of the first support disc and body thereby rapidly moving the cleaning element across the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for damp cleaning of surfaces using mopping water includes a first plastic element which indicates the temperature of the mopping water by a reversible change in its color upon contact with the mopping water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brush having a one-piece body comprised of a handle and at one end thereof a head provided with bristles, wherein the brush body comprises a mixture of first polymer and a second polymer that is of a lesser hardness than the first polymer, wherein the ratio of the first polymer to the second polymer is from about 95:5 to about 30:70.

Abstract: A leaf collection system for lawn blower/vacuums is disclosed. The collection system includes a port coupling fitted to the exhaust port of a blower/vacuum, a dust cover, and a unique disposable collection bag. The disposable collection bag is constructed of an environmentally friendly, bio-degradeable plastic that will quickly decompose along with the organic leaves and lawn debris collected therein. Both sides of the collection bag has several rows of T-shaped slits and two rows of straight or I-shaped slits that allow air to escape from the bag but retain the leaves and lawn debris deposited therein. The collection bag is shaped to fit inside the dust cover that is fixed to the port coupling. The port coupling includes an elastic lock ring that secures the collection bag to the coupling. The dust cover envelops of the collection bag and shields the operator from the dust that passes through the collection bag.

Abstract: A tilt hinge connecting a first member which constitutes a keyboard base and a second member which constitutes a display device of a small-sized office automation equipment, in which the first member and the second member are opened and closed with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle or grip providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various supports and handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally boot-shaped body or portions thereof. The body or body portions include a radial section, an ulnar section and middle section. Furthermore the body has a distal (frontal) finger side, proximal (back) side, palmar side and a thumb side. The body also has radial and ulnar sides. These portions are shaped to engage the various corresponding regions of the inner surface of the hand. These sections and sides forming the body can be divided and used separately for individual applications of the present invention.

Abstract: A money clip having jaws connected by a throat that provides spring action to urge the jaws together, a pair of operating levers slidably mounted respectively on the jaws, and a device that emits and receives radio waves, electromagnetic waves, light waves, sound waves, microwaves or a combination thereof and other electronic media for the purpose of transmitting and receiving wireless data from and to other base transmitters/receivers being disposed on one of the operating levers.

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 footwear lace retainer includes a first fabric sheet having a pair of spaced-apart openings for passage of the lace therethrough and a second fabric sheet secured to the first fabric sheet to form a pocket sized and shaped for receiving ends of the lace therein and having an open end facing toward the openings. A portion of the first fabric sheet forms a closure selectively foldable between a closing position wherein the open end of the pocket is closed and an opening position wherein the open end of the pocket is open. The openings are located between a fold line of the first fabric sheet and the open end of the pocket. A hook and loop fastener releasably secures the closure in the closing position. An attachment on the first fabric sheet opposite the pocket secures the first fabric sheet to the lace.

Abstract: A memorial container is formed of an engine block or a portion thereof which contains at least one engine cylinder wherein cremated remains can be stored. The portion of the engine block surrounding the cylinder is supported by a base closure, which closes one end of the cylinder, and is covered by a lid closure which closes the opposite end of the cylinder. The base closure preferably has an at least partially hollow interior which opens onto the engine cylinder, whereby cremated remains placed in the cylinder will also enter the interior of the base closure, with the base closure thereby providing greater effective storage volume for the cylinder.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element contains a piezoelectric ceramic body having a layered perovskite structure, and has the C axis selected and oriented in the thickness direction. In the piezoelectric ceramic body, line shaped electrodes are formed perpendicular to the C axis selected and oriented. The electrodes exposed at both of the end faces of the piezoelectric ceramic body are covered with conductive materials and insulation materials. The piezoelectric ceramic body is polarized in the opposite directions on both of the sides of electrodes arranged in the width direction. Moreover, external electrodes are formed on the faces where the conductive materials and the insulation materials are formed, whereby two groups of the electrodes are arranged in an interdigital electrode form.

Abstract: A matrix type piezoelectric/electrostrictive (P/E) actuator includes a plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements, each including a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body and at least one pair of electrodes formed on a ceramic substrate. The matrix type P/E actuator is activated by the displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements are joined to the ceramic substrate as respective unified bodies, and are two-dimensionally arranged independently from each other. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator provides a greater displacement with a lower voltage, a high responsive speed, and a greater generating force, as well as enhancing the mounting ability and the integration. A method for manufacturing such a matrix type P/E actuator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw gun including a driving unit fitted with a slidable cartridge holder adapted for receiving and indexing a separate cartridge containing a plurality of screws. The invention further relates to the replaceable cartridge containing the plurality of screws for use in a screw gun. The invention allows for the loading and insertion of a plurality of screws from a cartridge without requiring a worker to handle and insert the individual screws into the driver.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a carbon composite structure that is lightweight, structurally sound, and characterized by high heat capacity. A carbon structure is devised with cavities therein receiving a phase change medium. The phase change medium demonstrates both high energy absorption capacity and high thermal conductivity and is formed from a carbon fiber to establish a high porosity medium having a large volume fraction. The surface energy of the carbon fibers is enhanced in various ways as by deposition of a carbide former, a metallurgical coating or a precursor liquid or by electroplating or etching the surfaces of the carbon fibers. The enhanced surface energy allows for the retention of phase change material.

Abstract: A method for molding large parts, comprises the steps of providing a reinforced plastic melt comprising at least one thermoplastic material and reinforcement particles dispersed within the at least one thermoplastic material, the reinforcement particles comprising less than 15% of a total volume of the plastic melt, at least 50% of the reinforcement particles having a thickness of less than about 20 nanomenters, and at least 99% of the reinforcement particles having a thickness of less than about 30 nanometers; communicating a tubular formation of the plastic melt to a mold assembly having a mold cavity defined by mold surfaces, the mold surfaces corresponding to a configuration of the part to be molded; applying pressurized gas to an interior of the tubular formation to expand the tubular formation into conformity with the mold surfaces; and solidifying the plastic melt to form the part; and removing the part from the mold assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming ferromagnetic sputter targets and sputter target assemblies having a uniform distribution of magnetic leakage flux. The method includes providing a ferromagnetic sputter workpiece and hot rolling the workpiece to a substantially circular configuration sputter target; machining a taper in a surface of the sputter target to have a thickness gradient of the sputter target, where the center of the sputter target is about 0.020 to about 0.005 inches thinner than the edge of the sputter target, and where the magnetic leakage flux across the sputter target is uniformly distributed.

Abstract: An inductor comprises a substrate comprising a semiconductor material, a first dielectric layer over the substrate, a magnetic layer over the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the magnetic layer, and a conductor over the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Hard biasing of a magnetoresistive sensor or a spin valve sensor in a magnetic read head is initialized by repeatedly applying a magnetic field to the hard biasing at any level of fabrication of the magnetic read head or any combination of levels of fabrication of the read head such as at the wafer level, row bar level, single slider level, head gimbal assembly (HGA) level and/or head stack assembly (HSA) level.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for loading and assembling disposable hand-held label applicators (“labelers”) in which individual unbacked labels are cut and loaded in a stacked arrangement into a tubular labeler. The labeler is operable in the rapid and flexible fashion necessary to utilize the devices on irregularly shaped objects, as well as flat surfaces, without the need for mechanisms designed to peel away a backing material or rollers to apply moisture or adhesive to a label before application.

Abstract: A method of assembling an interconnect device assembly which consists of cylindrical resilient wire bundles captured within a carrier. In a step of the method, the interconnect device assembly is placed in a fixture and the ends of the resilient wire bundles are deformed by shaping dies in the fixture so that the resilient wire bundles now have a dog bone shape. The dog bone shape of the resilient wire bundles prevents the resilient wire bundles from being partially or totally dislodged during handling and transit.

Abstract: A method of grounding a tube to a chassis wherein a plastic clip made conductive by the incorporation of conductive particles therein, is clamped onto the jacket of metal automotive vehicle tubing so that projections on the clip penetrate through the jacket to engage the outer surface of the metal tube. The clip body is welded to the jacket to hermetically seal the region of contact between the clip and the metal.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for producing a multilayer circuit board (50) for a semiconductor device, comprising using a composite metal sheet (14) in which two metal sheets are combined, forming, on each side of the composite metal sheet, pads for connecting to a semiconductor element, the pads being made of a metal material which is substantially not etched by an etchant for the metal sheet, and an insulating layer having openings exposing the pads, forming, on the insulating layer, a wiring line layer (26) connected to the pads and having pads for connecting to another wiring line layer to be subsequently formed, subsequently fabricating a multilayer circuit board body (20) by necessary numbers of insulating layers and wiring line layers alternately formed, forming, on the outermost insulating layer of the multilayer circuit board body, an insulating layer provided with through-holes exposing pads for external connecting terminals, which are located on the outermost insulating layer, then dividing the c

Abstract: A system and method for assembling an internal combustion engine and for correlating engine information with a vehicle identification number. The engine includes an engine block and a plurality of pistons. The engine block has a plurality of cylinders formed therein, and the inner diameter of each cylinder is measured and recorded as cylinder information. A specific outer diameter of each of the plurality of pistons is measured and recorded as piston information. One of the pistons is selected for each cylinder based upon the recorded cylinder information and the recorded piston information so as to provide a desired piston clearance for each piston/cylinder combination. Engine information, which includes the piston information for each of the selected pistons and the cylinder information, is recorded, and the engine information is correlated with the vehicle identification number to permit the engine information to be accessed via the vehicle identification number.

Abstract: A method for removing heat from a heat generating component using a low profile extrusion with a plurality of micro tubes extended there through. The low profile extrusion is placed into thermal connection with heat producing components. A heat transfer fluid removes heat via an adiabatic process.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a fluid jetting apparatus, including: forming a heat driving part, a membrane, and a nozzle part; and forming a nozzle and jetting fluid chambers sequentially by using one nozzle plate, and assembling the heat driving part, the membrane, and the nozzle part, sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a valve integrally associated with a microfluidic transport assembly that is useful for regulating the flow of a liquid sample through an analytical instrument such as, for example, a biosensor.

Abstract: A cutting implement having a pair of cutting blades and a coating is provided. The coating has titanium chromium nitride and provides the cutting blades with a satin silver appearance. In some embodiments, the titanium chromium nitride coating has a thickness in a range between about 0.3 microns and 0.5 microns, a surface roughness in a range of about 15 to 25 10?6 inch/inch, and a hardness in a range of about 5.7 to about 9.1 gegapascals.

Abstract: A signal sampling circuit of a tilt sensor, suitable to be used in a tilt sensor, is described. The signal sampling circuit has a signal-generating module, a sample and hold module, and a differential module. The signal-generating module regularly generates a plurality of level-measuring signals at equally timed intervals and unidirectionally and alternately sends them to the first input pin and the second input pin of the tilt sensor, respectively. Then, the tilt sensor sequentially outputs the corresponding first and second output signals. The sample and hold module alternately samples and holds the first and the second output signals and outputs the first and the second sampling signals, respectively. The differential module receives and differentiates the first and the second sampling signals and outputs a level-estimating-result signal to a micro-controller unit to derive the tilt information of one direction.

Abstract: A water or spirit level is composed of an elongated body, preferably of metal, at least one bubble mounted in the elongated body, and end caps, preferably of plastics material, at the end faces of the elongated body, wherein at least one outer surface of the elongated body constitutes a preferred measuring surface. At least one of the end caps is releasably connected to the level body such that the end cap can optionally be removed and once again replaced.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance tilt angle sensor having a size that is reduced without lowering detection capacity. The sensor is provided with a case including a first wall and a second wall facing each other. A common electrode is arranged on the first wall and a differential electrode is arranged on the second wall. A liquid electrostatic capacitance medium is accommodated in the case and contacts the common electrode and the differential electrode. The electrostatic capacitance medium includes an insulative liquid base and fine particles mixed in the base. The fine particles have a dielectric constant that is higher than that of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing feedback to the operator of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. The apparatus includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, the deformation being an indication of the magnitude of the external force being applied to the arm, and providing feedback to the operator of the CMM in response to the sensed external forces.

Abstract: The tool kit comprises a set of angle gauges for measuring angles in a workpiece being formed in a sheet metal bender, and printed math tips and charts related to the angle gauges. Each angle gauge has an elongated shape with juxtaposed longitudinal base surface and longitudinal angled surface, and an indicia thereon indicating a nominal angle. The angled surface makes a true angle with a transverse projection of the base surface. This true angle corresponds to the sum of the nominal angle on the indicia plus a supplement angle. The nominal angles on the angle gauges in the set are different from each other, and the supplement angle is common to all angle gauges in the set. The supplement angle corresponds to the slope of the nose bar in the sheet metal bender. The entire set can be used on a same bender to measure different angles.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an adjustable measuring and pointing tool to be used for construction material measurements in building and metallic carpentry, comprising a bar (1) preferably, but not exclusively, made of aluminium alloy, on which a graduated plane (4) is realized, which allows the material measurement, and one or more cursors (7) able to slide along the entire graduated plane (4) to obtain the desired measures, comprising at least one screw (8) with adjustment ring nut, to allow the locking on said bar (1) of said adjustable measuring and pointing tool once established the desired measure.

Abstract: A forage bale dryer is described, which is particularly adapted to dry large bales of forage material, such as hay, alfalfa, etc. The dryer has a bale support platform disposed between a lower and an upper plenum chamber, and the upper plenum chamber is spaced from the support platform to define an accessible stacking area for disposing one or more layers of forage bales onto the support platform. An air circulating passage is connected to the plenum chambers to direct a drying air flow there across. A sheet of flexible film material is disposed about the stack of bales and between the plenum chambers, whereby upon the application of a drying air flow, a negative pressure causes the flexible film material to collapse against the circumferential side surface of the stack of bales, whereby the drying air flow is confined through the stack. The drying air flow is also reversible by proper synchronization of valve plates in the air circulating conduits.

Abstract: In one of the many embodiments, a method for processing a substrate is provided which includes generating a first fluid meniscus and a second fluid meniscus on a surface of the substrate where the first fluid meniscus being substantially adjacent to the second fluid meniscus. The meniscus also includes substantially separating the first fluid meniscus and the second fluid meniscus with a barrier.

Abstract: A system and method of moving a meniscus from a first surface to a second surface includes forming a meniscus between a head and a first surface. The meniscus can be moved from the first surface to an adjacent second surface, the adjacent second surface being parallel to the first surface. The system and method of moving the meniscus can also be used to move the meniscus along an edge of a substrate.

Abstract: A shoe cover has an upper and a sole connected to the upper. The upper includes at least one, self-supporting and resilient shoe admission portion connected to the sole. The shoe admission portion has an inwardly inclined lead-in surface extending toward the sole, and an overhang surface extending from the lead-in surface toward the sole portion. The overhang surface is adapted to form an undercut area so that a shoe to be held to the shoe cover first engages and slides along the inclined lead-in surface to resiliently expand the admission portion outwardly without being crushed, and then slides into engagement with the overhang surface to enter the undercut area. A length adjusting mechanism may be provided for adjusting the length of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

Abstract: A calendar slide for binding a margin of a calendar or a poster and allowing the same to be hung by a hanger in a desired location, such as a wall. Spaced convex bulges in the calendar slide prevent the slides from sticking together during the storage, shipment, and binding processes, and also promote uniform stacking of the slides in a tinning machine magazine, and finally prevent the adjacent nested slides from scratching or marring one another.

Abstract: A range finder for hunting applications. In one embodiment, a method of using a range finder is disclosed. The method comprises coupling the range finder to a weapon having an associated scope. Positioning at least part of a display of the range finder in front of a select portion of the associated scope. Activating the range finder. Determining the distance to a target and displaying the distance to the target through optics of the scope.

Abstract: An air driven liquid pump includes a reservoir, a liquid inlet aperture extending through the reservoir wall for fluid coupling to a liquid inlet duct, a liquid outlet aperture extending through the reservoir wall for fluid coupling to a liquid outlet duct. The liquid outlet aperture is in fluid communication with an outlet level inside the reservoir chamber located below the liquid inlet aperture and corresponding to a predetermined lower threshold value of the volume of the liquid within the reservoir chamber. The liquid pump also includes an air aperture extending through the reservoir wall for pneumatically coupling the reservoir chamber with the atmospheric air located exteriorly to the reservoir, a liquid inlet valve operationally coupled to the liquid inlet aperture and an air valve operatively coupled to the air aperture.

Abstract: A reusable plant injector includes a sealed housing defining a reservoir for containing a pressurized fluid, the housing including an elongated neck having an inner end in fluid communication with the reservoir and an outer end defining a nozzle. An inlet valve is disposed in the housing in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving a supply of fluid therethrough. A control valve is provided for selectively starting and stopping a flow of pressurized fluid from the reservoir through the neck and out of the nozzle. A method is also provided for treating a plant or group of plants using the described plant injector.

Abstract: A window assembly with a frame and a sash mounted to tilt open relative to the frame includes a tilt control to prevent a free fall opening of the sash. The tilt control provides a resistance to the tilt opening of the sash. The sash applies a force on the tilt control as the sash is tilted open. The force increases the farther the sash is tilted open. The resistance provided by the tilt control also increases the farther the sash is tilted open to compensate for the increased force applied on the tilt control.

Abstract: A gutter member including a channel portion adapted to receive and carry away water flowing from the roof structure; and a cover portion extending above and at least partially covers the channel portion. The cover portion is adapted to support sliding travel of solid or semi-solid material, such as snow and ice, from the roof structure over the channel portion. Preferably, the cover portion extends inwardly from an outer side of the channel portion to at least partially cover it. The cover portion presents an upper bearing surface that extends across more than half and the entire lateral width of the channel portion to act as a bridge for the solid and semi-solid material. The gutter member includes a mounting portion at which the gutter member is adapted to be secured at the periphery of the roof structure, the mounting portion being an integral extension of the cover portion.