Abstract: A cushion for a wheelchair, including a matrix of cushion modules, wherein each cushion module includes a cushion element that has a phase change material included in its filler material that sits above an additional cushion element of a larger volume of filler material. The cushion also typically includes a support rail located on three sides of the matrix of cushion modules to align the body of the wheelchair user when sitting in the wheelchair. In addition, the cushion typically includes a base member that is positioned beneath the matrix and provides stability for the cushion. The cushion elements are typically enclosed in a moisture resistant envelope.

Abstract: A mattress comprises a support plate having a plurality of mounting holes, a plurality of independent spring assemblies individually mounted to the support plate, and a cover enclosing the support plate and the plurality of spring assemblies. Each of the spring assemblies includes a tubular mounting member fixed to the support plate preferably by snap-fit through a mounting hole in the support plate, a sliding cap axially movable relative to the mounting member, and a spring acting between the mounting member and the sliding cap, wherein the spring is axially compressible when the sliding cap is forced in an axial direction toward the support plate. A spacer of chosen length can be provided to set preload on the spring. In a “flippable” embodiment, the mounting member includes a mid-portion snap-fitted to the support plate and upper and lower portions each having a sliding cap associated therewith, wherein the spring acts between the two sliding caps.

Abstract: A mattress spring structure (10) is provided with a strengthened central area (C) thereon to provide greater support for a user's body lumbar region when received thereon. The support is provided with a strengthening structure (30) having a continuous frame member (54) and a strengthening pattern (53). The continuous frame (54) encircles coil springs (12) over a major expanse of the mattress's central area (C); this frame is connected to mattress coils along the frames longitudinal (34, 36) and traverse (38, 40) segments. The strengthening pattern (53) has two metal bars (51, 52) arranged inside and connected to the continuous frame member (54). The strengthening pattern (53) may be connected to the spring coils (12) and contain additional metal straps (56, 59).

Abstract: An inflatable mattress is provided having an upper and a lower inflatable support chamber which are arranged in a substantially vertical manner. Each inflatable support chamber has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a side gusset. At least one inflatable stabilizing component is attached at the bottom layer of the lower inflatable support chamber and is of a height less than the height of the lower inflatable support chamber.

Abstract: A tool includes a handle and a sleeve on the handle. A multi-component slot is defined in the handle and the sleeve is attached to the handle by a set screw. A plurality of different screwdriver units can be mounted on one end of the handle and a plurality of different tools can be releasably mounted on the other end of the handle. The tools are held in place by a projection on the tool being received in a hole on the handle and the screwdriver units are held on the handle by the set screw. Biasing elements are accommodated in the handle and bias the tool and the screwdriver units outwardly of the handle.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge for holding a product adapted to be inserted into a machine configured to utilize the product. A container has a bottom and at least one side wall. The bottom of the container has an opening configured to cooperate with the machine. A removable cover closes the opening in the container and prevents contact with the product before the dispensing cartridge is inserted into the machine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a toothbrush having a handle and an articulated head coupled to the handle. The articulated head includes two sections and each of the head sections has a bottom surface and a side surface. Each of the head sections includes a plurality of bristles extending from the bottom surface of that head section and at least one of the head sections includes a plurality of elastomeric fingers partially defining the side surface of that head section and partially extending from the bottom surface of that head section. The head section most remote from the handle, in a normal configuration of the articulated head, is angled with respect to the other head section.

Abstract: An improved cleaning pad is provided. This cleaning pad includes at least one cleaning layer; and at least one functional cuff attached to the cleaning pad. This cuff can be made of a cuff material and has an inner surface and an outer surface capable of contacting a surface to be cleaned. The functional cuff is designed such that the ratio of the glide force resulting from the contact of the inner surface of the cuff material against itself relative to the glide force resulting from the contact of the outer surface of the cuff material against the material of the surface to be cleaned is smaller than 1.

Abstract: A paint roller tray includes a paint roller reservoir adjacent one end and a roll off area sloping upwardly away from the paint roller reservoir. The slope of the roll off area is maintained by a support member longitudinally spaced from the paint roller reservoir. The support member is comprised of one or more compartments each having a closed bottom and open top, and an inner wall extending above the upper end of the roll off area to separate each compartment from the roll off area.

Abstract: A device for squeezing liquid-absorbing wiper bodies consists of first and second press jaws, each of which has two principal faces and side faces at right angles thereto, where the first press jaw is connected with the second by means of an articulated joint, a press lever connected with the first press jaw by means of an articulated joint, a clamping device for clamping the first and second press jaws, said clamping device being connected with the press lever, and a fixing arrangement for the device provided on the second press jaw.

Abstract: An air jet for a machine tool to clean cutting dust has a housing with a hole and an outlet. An eccentric member has a cam and is provided in the housing which the eccentric member is driven by a power resource of the machine tool for rotation. An annular transmission is engaged with the eccentric member. A driving member is driven by the transmission for linear reciprocating motion. A flexible film is provided in the housing covering the outlet and has an inlet corresponding to the driving member, wherein the inlet of the film is sealed and the film is pressed for strain while the driving member is moved toward the film, and a tube has an end thereof connected with the outlet.

Abstract: A securing device for a window includes a fixed support, a slide rod pivoted to the window and displaceably passed through a transverse hole of the fixed support, and a knob screwed into an axial screw hole of the fixed support for securing the slide rod after the window is moved to an intended position; a pair of curved pads is used for protecting the slide rod from scratching of the fixed support; each pad has a curved main body with convex and concave sides, an engaging protrusion on the convex side, and several ribs formed around and connected to the engaging protrusion; the pads are respectively positioned in the axial hole, and the fitting cavity with the concave sides facing each other, and with the ribs being pressed against inner sides of the fixed support for preventing the pads from falling off.

Abstract: An elastic hinge for eyeglasses, comprising an elongated box-like body provided with an open receptacle inside which a traction elastic element and a first hinge articulation element associated with the elastic element are inserted with the first hinge articulation element arranged to slide and pivoted to a second hinge articulation element for fixing to the eyeglasses; the first and second ends having both a larger diameter than the intermediate body of the elastic element; a longitudinal milling extending on the entire length of the box-like body, and being provided with an axial hole; the length of the elastic element when inactive being substantially equal to the distance between the bottom of the axial hole and the end of the milling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge assembly comprising a frame plate for engagement to a furniture frame member comprising means for engaging a spring assembly, an intermediate plate comprising means for rotatably engaging the intermediate plate with a pin, and two side members, a spring assembly for releasably engaging the intermediate plate to the frame plate, and, a base plate comprising two side members each having at least one aperture therein, and a pin. The pin extends through the apertures on the side members of the base plate and the means for rotatably engaging the intermediate plate with a pin provide a slideable engagement between the base plate and the intermediate plate, and the spring assembly provides a releasable engagement between the frame plate and the intermediate plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, such as a carding machine, for processing fibers, said device comprising a cylinder, which is provided with a lining, and at least two carding segments which are arranged one after the other in the direction of rotation at least over an area of the circumference of said cylinder, each of said carding segments being provided with a toothed lining. The present invention aims at improving the efficiency of such a device especially in terms of fiber parallelization.

Abstract: The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips and a slider. The fastening strips include a flange portion that engages a separator on the slider. The flange portion angles inwardly toward the separator. The flange portion is altered at the closing end of the fastening strips to prevent the slider from opening the fastening strips a the closing end. The flange portion may be altered by flattening the flange portion.

Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.

Abstract: Method and plant for processing in the form of washing and/or ironing of substantially flat items (4), such as textiles and the like, which individually can be fed continuously and successively into a processing plant. The processing plant contains fixed as well as movable, tubular parts (12, 13, 14, 15), where the process or the processes take place in a forwardly-progressing movement by means of a holding arrangement (6) with a holding device (7) for the securing and stretching-out of one or more items (4), the holding arrangement (6) securing the item (4) or the items (4) from the feeding-in part (1) in the process, through washing and/or ironing parts until the processes are concluded. A plant for the execution of the method was the fixed and the movable parts which form part of the processing part of the plant consisting of a number of tubular elements (12, 13, 14, 15) which are disposed in a substantially horizontal manner and transversely to the processing direction.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave element includes a laminated substrate where a first substrate made of a piezoelectric material is laminated over a second substrate made of a material different from that of the first substrate, and at least one pair of comb-shaped electrodes formed on one main plane of the first substrate. A step or a notch is formed on the periphery of the laminated substrate on the side of the first substrate.

Abstract: A transducer is tuned to a desired impedance by building piezoelectric assemblies of multiple layers, each layer acting as a parallel capacitor. Piezoelectric layers are preferably constructed by plating or otherwise placing a conducting perimeter around a piezoelectric substrate. Gaps are suitably formed in the conducting layer by dicing or otherwise to form distinct electrical conducting regions on each layer. Piezoelectric layers are then suitably placed such that positive and negative conducting regions on each layer contact positive and negative regions on other layers. Layers are suitably joined by epoxy or by any other joining technique.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a piezo-electric vibrator, a vibrator is provided having a vibrator piece and a frame surrounding a periphery of the vibrator piece. A first exciting electrode is formed on the vibrator piece. A weight is disposed on the vibrator piece in spaced-apart relation to the first exciting electrode. A characteristic of the vibrator is then adjusted. The first exciting electrode is removed and a metal film is formed on a surface of the vibrator. The metal film is patterned and a second exciting electrode is formed on the vibrator piece.

Abstract: A method of making a bristle arrangement for a brush seal, which includes: providing a bristle arrangement; severing the bristle arrangement, the bristle arrangement now having free ends; and joining the free ends. A method of reworking a bristle arrangement for a brush seal, which includes the steps of: providing a bristle arrangement; removing a section from the bristle arrangement; and adding a replacement section to the bristle arrangement.

Abstract: A torque tool handle for releasably holding a driven shank, such as a screwdriver bit. The handle is elongated and has an opening with a sleeve therein carrying a detent and an actuator which is slidable on the sleeve for alternate locking and release of the detent relative to the shank disposed in the sleeve. There can be two handle openings at right angles to each other and with each having a sleeve and an actuator and a detent, so the handle is both an axial and a T-handle driver.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a tread plate having alternating stripes incorporated thereon is disclosed. The tread plate is comprised of a base plate typically formed from a metallic extrusion. Alternating stripes of resinous material are placed on the base plate and are angularly positioned thereon with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base plate. The alternating stripes of resinous material have a coloring pigment incorporated therein permitting the alternating stripes of resinous material to provide a visual warning to individuals of the existence of a potentially hazardous condition or situation when the tread plate is installed in a particular location.

Abstract: A method for displaying an advertisement panel upon a road barrier having a base, a vertical partition having front and rear surfaces, and transverse cavities extending between the surfaces, using a display assembly having a panel sleeve and a pair of mounting brackets for securing the sleeve against the barrier. Each mounting bracket has an insert for extending partially into the transverse cavities. One mounting bracket is mounted against the vertical partition front surface and the other against the vertical partition rear surface. The inserts of the mounting brackets are simultaneously brought into close proximity within the cavities and are mated to hold the brackets and the panel sleeve securely against the vertical partition. The panel sleeve is secured to the mounting bracket and has a horizontal top lip and a horizontal bottom lip. The advertising panels may be easily inserted therebetween for display and removed when desired.

Abstract: An electronic part mounting apparatus includes a chamber for cleaning a substrate and an electronic part by plasma, a mounting mechanism for mounting the electronic part on the electronic part, and a conveying robot for conveying the substrate and the electronic part from the chamber to the mounting mechanism. After plasma cleaned, the substrate and the electronic part are swiftly conveyed to the mounting mechanism by the conveying robot. After the electronic part is mounted on the substrate by the mounting mechanism, the resultant combination of them is pulse heated. Therefore, the electronic part is appropriately mounted on the substrate in a state that those are exposed to the air. A part mounting mechanism is simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for a tarpaulin-like or cloth-like object to be processed. To provide a holding device that means are provided for releasably pressing at least a part of the object to be processed against a processing head connectable with the holding device, said means being releasable from the contact position via an actuating lever, it is suggested within the scope of the invention that means are provided for releasably pressing at least a part of the object to be processed against a processing head connectable with the holding device, said means being releasable from the contact position via an actuating lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor element and to a sensor element. In the method, both surfaces of a sensor film are provided with metallic electrodes. The sensor element is produced by cutting it from a larger amount of sensor element material. In the manufacture of the sensor element material, the electrodes are produced as a continuous process from roll to roll and the sensor element material is formed by laminating as a continuous process from roll to roll. At least the signal electrode consists of repeated electrode patterns which are at least partially connected to each other via one or more narrow connecting strips, and a sensor element of a desired length and/or shape is produced by cutting the material across the region of the connecting strips.

Abstract: A circuit board having an embedded inductor and a process for making the circuit board is provided. In general, the process begins by providing a core structure including a dielectric core layer and a first metal layer on a top surface of the dielectric core layer. The first metal layer is etched to form first inductor windings. A material, such as an epoxy material, including magnetic filler material is deposited over the first inductor windings. Thereafter, a prepreg layer is placed over and attached to the material deposited over the first inductor windings to form the circuit board having the embedded inductor.

Abstract: A method of assembling a plurality of disk drives comprising providing an assembly-plate comprising a plate alignment feature (PAF) and a plurality of cells wherein each cell has a cell alignment feature (CAF) and is adapted to receive and retain a disk drive; determining a valid alignment of the assembly-plate in relation to a disk drive assembly device based on PAF; selecting a disk drive for assembly; determining a valid alignment of a selected cell in relation to disk drive assembly device based on CAF of selected cell; placing an initial component of selected disk drive in selected cell wherein the initial component is retained by the cell via a retention feature of cell; repeating the selecting, determining a valid alignment of a selected cell, and placing for each of disk drives; and completing the assembling of each disk drive during which each disk drive remains in its cell.

Abstract: Methods of making a read head with improved contiguous junctions are described. After sensor layer materials are deposited over a substrate, a lift-off mask is formed over the sensor layer materials in a central region which is surrounded by end regions. Ion milling is performed with use of the lift-off mask such that the sensor layer materials in the end regions are removed and those in the central region remain to form a read sensor. A high-angle ion mill (e.g. between 45–80 degrees) is then performed to remove redeposited material from side walls of the lift-off mask. Next, a reactive ion etch (RIE) is used to reduce the thickness and the width of the lift-off mask and to remove capping layer materials from the top edges of the read sensor. With the reduced-size lift-off mask in place, hard bias and lead layers are deposited adjacent the read sensor as well as over the mask.

Abstract: A material application system for applying a panel of material to a framework with a shoe for retaining the framework, a nest, opposed mechanisms for retaining opposite portions of the panel of material traversing between the shoe and the nest, an arrangement for selectively moving the shoe and the nest into and out of an engaged position wherein the panel of material is sandwiched between the shoe and the nest and a disengaged position, and an arrangement for inducing an attachment of the panel of material to the framework. The opposed mechanisms can be clamping mechanisms, which can be segmented and individually moveable to enable variable pretensioning. A contoured deflection control member can alternatively produce variable pretensioning. A pressing arrangement with a tooth member can press a locking spline into a groove in the framework to secure the material.

Abstract: Provided is an electron beam lens for a micro-column electron beam apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same. A photosensitive glass substrate is used as a base isolation substrate and a thin metal film is grown by a plating method. Holes through which electron beam passes are formed by a lift off method after forming a resist pattern shaped as a hole on a seed metal layer and plating the thin metal film.

Abstract: method for making a mount for at least two electronic devices forming a first mounting surface (210) from a material (240), and forming a second mounting surface (220) from the material (240). The first mounting surface (210) is connected to, but spaced from, the second mounting surface (220) by a mounting surface distance (250). The method further comprises reducing the mounting surface distance (250).

Abstract: A printed circuit board support including a first member having a planar upper surface for supporting a printed circuit board. At least one second member is movably coupled to a first side of the first member and movable toward and away from the side of the movable member, and a bias source biases the second member in a direction away from the first member.

Abstract: Solder bumps are created on a substrate of an electronic assembly having lengths that are longer than the widths. The solder bumps are created by locating solder balls of power or ground connections close to one another so that, upon reflow, the solder balls combine. Signal solder balls however remain separated. Capacitors are created by locating power solder bumps adjacent ground solder bumps and extending parallel to one another.

Abstract: A production method for a band-pass micro-strip filter which need not conduct an adjusting process on the central frequency in a pass band based on the frequency characteristics of a filter that have been previously measured and inspected after the filter is produced. The production method for a micro-strip filter includes the step of adjusting, in the production process, a resonator length according to the thickness and capacitance of a substrate that have been measured in advance.

Abstract: A production method of a wired circuit board can prevent corrosion of a first thin metal film inwardly of a conductor layer, due to the forming of an undercut portion caused by a skirt portion of a plating resist. A first thin metal film is formed on an insulating base layer. A plating resist is formed in a reversal pattern to a wiring circuit pattern on the first thin metal film, and a conductor layer is formed in the wiring circuit pattern on the first thin metal film exposed from the plating resist. Thereafter, the plating resist is removed and, then, a second thin metal film is formed on the conductor layer and first thin metal film. Thereafter, the second thin metal film and then all portions of the first thin metal layer, except portions thereof where the conductor layer is formed, are removed.

Abstract: A circuit board includes an electrical insulator layer formed of a reinforcer sheet with density distribution in its in-plane direction, an electrical conductor filled in a plurality of inner via holes provided in the electrical insulator layer in its thickness direction, and a wiring layer connected to the electrical conductor. The inner via holes provided in a high-density portion of the reinforcer sheet are formed to have a smaller cross-section than the inner via holes provided in a low-density portion of the reinforcer sheet. In this manner, it is possible to provide a circuit board that can achieve a high-density wiring and an inner via connection resistance with less variation, when a base material including a reinforcer sheet with density distribution in its in-plane direction such as a glass-epoxy base material is used for an insulator layer.

Abstract: A method and structure relating to multisegmented plated through holes. A substrate includes a dielectric layer sandwiched between a first laminate layer and a second laminate layer. A through hole is formed through the substrate. The through hole passes through nonplatable dielectric material within the dielectric layer. As a result, subsequent seeding and electroplating of the through hole results in a conductive metal plating forming at a wall of the through hole on a segment of the first laminate layer and on a segment of the second laminate layer, but not on the nonplatable dielectric material of the dielectric layer. Thus, the conductive metal plating is not continuous from the first laminate layer to the second laminate layer.

Abstract: A method is to be used with a device that is capable of carrying a cable and has a cover with a port. The method includes: (1) arranging the cable in the tray; (2) determining that the port is to be used to connect the cable; and (3) connecting the cable to the port.

Abstract: An improved high pressure intermeshing gear pump that achieves high efficiency and a low cost by forming the pumping cavity such that no fillets exist at the corners permitting closed fits without utilizing bearing end plates. In addition an improved coupling between the gears and their supporting shafts is disclosed as is a simplified machining method that eliminates burrs that may be formed during the drilling operations.

Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine blade and the blade repaired thereby. The blade comprises a platform that has become bowed as a result of high temperature creep, with the result that the platform has a concave surface and an oppositely-disposed convex surface. The method generally comprises welding the concave surface to build up a weldment on the concave surface, cooling the weldment during which the weldment shrinks, the convex surface becomes flatter, and the concave surface beneath the weldment becomes flatter, and then removing a surface portion of the weldment so as to create a substantially flat weldment surface overlying the substantially straightened concave surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an axial force controlling method for controlling an axial force applied to a rolling bearing in a bearing apparatus having a shaft body, the rolling bearing being mounted to the shaft body such that the rolling bearing fits an outside of the shaft body, and the bearing apparatus.

Abstract: A shaving assembly operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments is provided that includes a razor assembly and a shaving preparation cake. The razor assembly, which includes a razor cartridge attached to a handle, is operable in dry shaving environments and wet shaving environments. The shaving preparation cake includes an upper surface, a lower surface, one or more side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and an axial bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The shaving preparation cake is operable in a wet shaving environment, and is selectively attachable to the razor assembly for wet shaving environment applications. When the shaving preparation cake is attached to the razor assembly, the razor cartridge is disposed within the axial bore of the shaving preparation cake. The shaving preparation cake is selectively detachable from the razor assembly to facilitate use of the razor assembly in dry shaving environment applications.

Abstract: A battery powered circular saw includes a rechargeable battery removably attached to the housing and an adjustable shoe pivotally attached to a guard assembly for controlling a depth of cut. A locking mechanism for preventing relative movement between the adjustable shoe and the housing includes a depth of cut strap disposed adjacent a first sidewall of the housing. A lever is disposed adjacent a second sidewall of the housing. A tightening element interconnects the depth of cut strap and the lever. The battery powered circular saw additionally includes a handle extending from the housing. The handle is disposed substantially parallel to a direction of cut and oriented horizontally above the housing. The rechargeable battery pack includes a pair of laterally spaced apart guide rails which cooperate with the pair of longitudinally extending grooves to permit sliding movement of the rechargeable battery pack in a direction parallel to the direction of cut.

Abstract: A laser leveling device includes a laser instrument having a base rotatably received in a cavity of a housing and having a light emitting device to generate a light beam, such as a line-shaped light beam. One or more batteries may be used to energize the light emitting device. The light beam generated by the light emitting device may be rotated relative to the housing when the light emitting device of the laser instrument is rotated relative to the housing. The housing includes two conductors, and the laser instrument includes two terminals to electrically couple to the conductors of the housing when the laser instrument is rotated relative to the housing.

Abstract: A square that includes two rigid, channeled members having an interior and an exterior, with the two members being joined at a ninety-degree angle to form a one-piece L-shaped tool having an elbow and a notch disposed on an exterior corner opposite the elbow. The invention also features a bubble level attached to the exterior of each member and a releasable adhesive member disposed upon the interior of each member, such as magnets, tapes, or adhesive plastic materials. Methods for pipe-fitting and for holding pipes or joints in place with the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A method for improving the measurement accuracy of a portable coordinate measurement machine which comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments is presented. This method includes sensing deformation of a portion of the articulated arm when the arm is placed under a load, this deformation causing an error in the measurement made by the CMM, and correcting such error in response to the sensed deformation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for circumferentially measuring cross-sectional characteristics of a tubular member. The apparatus includes first and second template members that cooperably define an aperture for receiving the tubular member. At least one of the template members is adjustable so that the aperture can be adjusted between open and closed positions. A measurement device can be configured to detect the relative position of the first and second template members, thereby measuring the relative adjustment of the members between the open and closed positions. This measurement is indicative of the cross-sectional size of the tubular member, e.g., for determining the diameter of the tubular member. Alternatively, multiple measurement devices can respond to a contact force between the measurement devices and the tubular member, e.g., to determine a variation in wall thickness of the tubular member.