Abstract: A retractable hose central vacuum cleaning system comprising a retractable vacuum hose configured to retract through a valve assembly, into a system vacuum pipe responsive to the vacuum communicated from a vacuum source. The valve assembly comprising a static valve seal adapted for coupling a system vacuum pipe to the vacuum hose to create a substantially air-tight sealed communication between the system vacuum pipe and the vacuum hose. The static valve seal being adjustable from a first unsealed configuration where the vacuum hose can move freely through the valve assembly and system vacuum pipe, to a second sealed configuration where the vacuum hose is in sealed communication with a system vacuum pipe, and where the vacuum hose is substantially fixed in relative position to the valve assembly. Wherein movement from first configuration to the second configuration locks the vacuum hose in place relative to the valve assembly.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the repair of the sliding mechanism of horizontally or laterally sliding glass doors/windows, including shower doors, that are permanently built into a residential or commercial building. Instead of the door/window riding on a metal track using a roller mechanism on a metal rail during the opening and closing process, the door/window rides on strips of either the same or different types of plastic, such as a high density polyethylene plastic, for the same process. Basically plastic is adhered to the current tracking system of the door/window and additional plastic is adhered so a portion of the plastic is under the actual door/window. The door/window slides across the door/window track using the plastic as the main sliding mechanism instead of the rail and roller mechanisms as currently supplied by most door/window manufacturers.

Abstract: A screw connection for hinge parts, especially of an eyeglass frame, comprising a screw that interconnects the hinge parts that engage one inside the other and that have an upper hinge lobe, a lower hinge lobe, and at least one middle hinge lobe, the screw having a screw head and a screw shank that extends through a first through opening in the upper hinge lobe and extends through a second through opening in the middle hinge lobe, with a thread permitting the screw shank to be screwed into the lower hinge lobe, and comprising a sleeve that surrounds the screw shank, has elastic properties, and interacts with the upper and middle hinge lobes when the screw is in a screwed-in state, whereby the diameter (D2) of the second through opening is less than or equal to the diameter (D1) of the first through opening.

Abstract: A side pivot hinge includes a joint body for securely mounting a side edge portion of the glass structure, a joint seat, having a joint sleeve, for securely mounting to a border frame, and an angular adjustment arrangement which includes a joint housing securely mounted to the joint body, a supporting shaft rotatably supported by the joint housing to rotatably insert into the joint sleeve to pivotally connect the joint body with the joint seat, and an angular adjustment locker to securely lock up the supporting shaft within the joint housing such that when the joint body is angularly moved with the joint seat for adjustably aligning the glass structure with the border frame, the supporting shaft is locked up at the joint housing in a rotatably movable manner via the angular adjustment locker for retaining an alignment of the glass structure in position with the border frame.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa includes a mounting bracket, a slide bracket and a support arm adapted to be attached to the spa cover. The mounting bracket is adapted to be installed near a top of the spa. The slide bracket is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket. The support arm is pivotably coupled to the slide bracket at a pivot point on the slide bracket. A metal plate may be affixed using a double sided tape on an outside surface of the spa cover, and then anchored to the spa cover. The metal plate may be used to attach the support arm to the spa cover.

Abstract: A hinge assembly, and an associated method, for hingedly connecting separate body portions, such as first and second housing portions of a mobile station, theretogether. The hinge assembly provides multiple axes of rotation including, at least, a transversely-extending axes and a longitudinally-extending axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge piece and a second hinge piece, associated, respectively, with the first and second body portions. The hinge pieces are coupled theretogether by a bearing that permits rotational movement about a longitudinally-extending axis. And, at least one of the hinge pieces is hingedly-connected to a body portion with which the hinge piece is associated to permit rotational movement about a transversely-extending axis.

Abstract: A parallel handle, parallel handle system and method for designing parallel handles for a hand for use with tools or control mechanisms, that includes a handle having a radial section having a side for receiving the thumb and having a side for receiving the index finger, the radial section having a surface for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand, a middle section having a side for receiving at least a portion of the middle finger and at least a portion of the ring finger and having a surface that avoids placing undue pressure on a surface of the hand located over the carpal tunnel, and an ulnar section having a side for receiving the small finger and having a surface for engaging a portion of the palmar surface of the hand so as to position the end of the small finger.

Abstract: A web adjuster for use with a web. A clamping member and a bearing member are mounted to a web adjuster frame and movable relative to the frame about a common axis. The web extends at least partially around the bearing member. Applying tension to the web moves the clamping member toward a web stop on the frame to trap the web between the clamping member and the web stop.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic component includes the steps of forming an electrode layer including ?-tungsten on a substrate at a substrate temperature of about 100° C. to about 300° C. by a sputtering process, processing the electrode layer so as to have a desired shape, and heat-treating the electrode layer. An electronic component includes a substrate and an electrode layer that is disposed on the substrate directly or indirectly, includes ?-tungsten, and has a specific resistance of about 15 ??.cm or less and a warpage of about 120 ?m or less. A surface acoustic wave filter includes a piezoelectric substrate and an electrode layer, disposed on the piezoelectric substrate, including ?-tungsten.

Abstract: An external cathode terminal (16) is adhered to one surface of a capacitor element while a prepreg (25) is adhered to another surface of the capacitor element. A reinforcement plate (26) is adhered to the prepreg. Heat and pressure are applied to the external cathode terminal, the prepreg, and the reinforcement plate to elute thermosetting resin from the prepreg in the side of the capacitor element, thereby sealing the side of the capacitor element with eluted material (27A, 27B). Inasmuch as transfer molding is not used as exterior package, the element never deforms by injection pressure of resin. It is possible to thin by a thickness of exterior package resin. Inasmuch as eluted thermosetting resin does not include a mold release agent, it has good adhesion for the external cathode terminal.

Abstract: A tool turret mechanism includes internal and external tool turrets, a toothed ring secured to the internal tool turret, a central shaft secured to the external turret, a power switch, and a clutch; the central shaft has a piston fitted thereto; the power switch is used for providing power to the internal and the external turrets through the toothed ring and the shaft respectively; the clutch includes a fixed clutch claw, external and internal ring clutch claws, which are respectively securely connected to inner edge of the internal turret, and inner edge of the external turret; the ring clutch claws will rotate, and engage each other; when the piston is actuated, and displaced, the external turret will be forced to change position, and both the turrets will be left and right displaced between a first position, in which they engage the clutch, and a second position, in which they disengage the clutch.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method to engage a liner in an cylinder of an engine is provided. A wedge and rod are utilized as part of a liner remover assembly to move at least one collet axially to engage the liner. In a preferred embodiment, a novel eyehook is provided at an end of the rod to assist in the pulling of the liner from the cylinder.

Abstract: A mount assembly and method are provided for securing a component to an interior mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof. Initially, a sunroof frame is provided. The sunroof frame includes a cross-member disposed laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The component is then attached to the cross-member of the sunroof frame such that the cross-member supports the weight of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting grommets around the perimeter of a tarp. The method uses an apparatus with a feed reel from which a rolled tarp may be unwound; a table, across which a said tarp may be drawn; a take-up reel, onto which a the tarp may be rolled; and a grommet setter positioned relative to the table to permit an operator to set grommets on a the tarp as the tarp is drawn across the table.

Abstract: This invention provides a manufacturing method of a dynamic damper comprising steps of: forming an annular elastic body; fitting a weight on the inner periphery of the annular elastic body and an outer pipe on the outer periphery; and bonding the weight and the outer pipe on the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the annular elastic body.

Abstract: A method for assembling components that are sealed hydraulically or pneumatically includes forming an outer component having an inner surface, a groove for holding a seal, the groove having an opening at the inner surface. A seal is fabricated in the form of a substantially circular ring having a scarf cut extending through the width and the thickness of the seal, and a second inner surface having an inside diameter. The seal is then placing over a mandrel having a diameter that is larger than the inside diameter of the second inner surface so that the seal is expanded by plastic deformation such that a gap is formed at the scarf cut. Then the seal is inserted in the groove while the seal is expanded.

Abstract: A first and second component joint includes using a fastener having a first end, and a flange having a diameter greater than a tubular barrel portion. A second end having a second tubular barrel portion merges into a shoulder of a flange part having a greater diameter than the barrel portion. The first tubular barrel portion is deformed radially outwardly sandwiching the first component between the flange and the first barrel portion. The second end of the fastener is introduced through a hole in the second component by applying the second component to the first component so the shoulder of the flanged part abuts the second component spacing the second component from the first component. The fastener device is fastened to the second component by deforming the second tubular barrel portion radially outwardly sandwiching the second component between the shoulder and the tubular barrel portion.

Abstract: Each tooth of a stator core has circumferential projections at an inner tooth edge and circumferential notches at a base portion adjacent to a core back. A width of the teeth at the base portion is larger than a width of the same at the tooth edge. Therefore, the magnetic reluctance of the teeth does not increase. In addition, a plurality of the magnetic strips can be formed from a long and thin magnetic sheet. This increases the yield percentage of the magnetic strip and reduces a manpower of manufacturing the magnetic strip. Further, the notches make it easy to wind the magnetic strip into a cylindrical core.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a load beam including a flexure/slider assembly are provided. A pre-form of a load beam has a base, a side beam extending from the base and a tab extending from the side beam, all substantially in a common plane. The flexure/slider assembly is attached to the base, then the load beam is bent in two locations, between the tab and the side beam, and between the side beam and the base. After bending, the tab and the side beam are substantially orthogonal to one another and both the tab and the side beam are substantially orthogonal to the base so that the base, side beam, and tab form a partial enclosure around the slider.

Abstract: A patterned, synthetic, longitudinally exchange biased GMR sensor is provided which has a narrow effective trackwidth and reduced side reading. The advantageous properties of the sensor are obtained by satisfying a novel relationship between the magnetizations (M) of the ferromagnetic free layer (F1) and the ferromagnetic biasing layer (F2) which enables the optimal thicknesses of those layers to be determined for a wide range of ferromagnetic materials and exchange coupling materials. The relationship to be satisfied is MF2/MF1=(Js+Jex)/Js, where Js is the synthetic coupling energy between F1 and F2 and Jex is the exchange energy between F2 and an overlaying antiferromagnetic pinning layer. An alternative embodiment omits the overlaying antiferromagnetic pinning layer which causes the relationship to become MF2/MF1=1.

Abstract: A pin having a voltage probe pin-head is provided. The pin includes a pin-head having a substantially flat surface at one end and a pin-head tip at an opposing end, the substantially flat surface is configured to attach to a resistor, and the pin-head tip contacts an electrical test point. The pin also has a neck-like portion that extends between a shaft and the pin-head, wherein the neck-like portion is shorter than the shaft and has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a cross-section of the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for configuring an externally coated workpiece are provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a tubular reconfiguration chamber having a plurality of slidably mounted outer walls, the outer walls slidably mounted along individual radial lines emanating from and orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the tubular reconfiguration chamber; and a device for adjusting and maintaining the temperature of the external coating of a work-piece located within the tubular reconfiguration chamber.

Abstract: The machine includes a movable carriage (5) carrying an application gun (8) filled with pins for application, which is movable above a work station composed of a table (1) carrying an endless belt (2). The machine is provided with a rack (10) for storing a plurality of guns (8) pre-filled with pins, which rack can be accessed by a gripping holder (7) carried by the carriage (5). A detector mounted on the gun can ascertain the absence of a pin in the frame at the application location and instruct the movement of the holder towards the rack.

Abstract: A substrate carrying device reduces time necessary for conducting changing work for changing the types of flat panel displays or the like. A substrate support member (10) has a support body (11) provided with an outer peripheral part (11a), which is joined to an inner peripheral part (21b) of an extension support member (20) to connect the substrate support member (10) to the extension support member (20). Only by the substrate support member (10) is used for supporting a small glass substrate (41) to carry the small glass substrate (41). A combination of the substrate support member (10) and the extension support member (20) is used for supporting a large glass substrate (41?) to carry the large glass substrate (41?).

Abstract: An electric-component mounting system for mounting a plurality of electric components onto a circuit board. The system includes a plurality of electric-component mounting units which are arranged in a predetermined direction with a spacing distance between each adjacent pair of the electric-component mounting units. Each of the electric-component mounting units includes (a) a board holding device which is capable of holding the circuit board in a predetermined position, (b) a component mounting device which is capable of mounting the electric components onto the circuit board held by the board holding device, and (c) a component supplying device which is capable of supplying the electric components to the component mounting device. The system further includes a spacing-distance changing device capable of changing the spacing distance.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an array of aligned microstructures on a substrate are disclosed. The microstructures may be spring contacts or other microelements. The methods disclosed include construction of an alignment substrate, alignment of die elements with the alignment substrate, and fixation of the aligned die elements to a backing substrate.

Abstract: An optical module for use in an optical device is provided. The module includes an optical component and relative reference mount. The optical component is fixed spacially relative to a registration feature. The registration feature is configured to couple to a fixed reference mount.

Abstract: A copper plate 2 is mounted on a titanium electrode element 1 by spot welding, and a lead wire 3a is attached to the copper plate 2 by solder 4.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step method for crimping a contact (1) comprising a sleeve (7), the sleeve being provided with a cylindrical portion (14) and a truncated portion (18), about one end (2) of a cable (3) inserted in this sleeve. In the first step, the cylindrical portion is crimped around bared strands (10) of the cable by means of a first jaw (12). In a second step, while the crimping pressure exerted during the first step is maintained, a second jaw (13) is shifted axially along the sleeve so as to apply stress to outer walls of the tapering portion along the bared strands of the cable and also along a sheath (11) of the cable.

Abstract: A shielded socket includes a conducting plate including a plurality of apertures, and an insulating layer. The insulating layer surrounds the conducting plate and lines at least one aperture. In an implementation, the conducting plate includes at least one grounding site.

Abstract: The disposable cutting head is basically a four element clip together assembly with a base, lower and upper cutting blades, and spring. The base serves as the support for the entire assembly and incorporates the attachment elements for retention to a clipper. The spring holds the elements together, forces the cutting blades together and includes the runner under which the upper blade slides. The entire assembly is such that the head assembly with blades is of the disposable type, but uses metal blades. If desired the blades alone may be disposed and the head assembly reused; however, the structure is not intended for long wear and use. The head and blades are constructed such that the common problems encountered with existing removable/disposable heads and blades as for example heat retention in the blades and head and the catching and pulling of hair are minimized. Use with clipper comb elements is also accommodated.

Abstract: A cutting device is operable with one hand for cutting a circle or an elliptical shape in a sheet of material. In a first embodiment for cutting elliptical shapes, the cutting device includes a first member for placement on the sheet material and a second member for simultaneous pivotal and translatable movement with respect to the base plate. The first member has a first pivot point that is movable along a first axis, while the second member has a second pivot point that is movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second members are operably connected to each other at the first and second pivot points. A knob is connected to one of the pivot points and is sized to be grasped by one hand and rotated. Rotation of the knob about the one pivot point causes the second member to rotate and slide in an elliptical pattern with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: A marking system that may be configured to achieve a variety of marking devices. The marking system includes a main body member and a plurality of downwardly directed marking members.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting lean of a container includes a light source positioned beneath a container for directing light energy onto the container bottom as the container is held in position and rotated around an axis. A light sensor positioned beneath the container receives portions of the light energy from the source reflected from the container bottom. An information processor is coupled to the light sensor for determining, as a combined function of the reflected light energy and container rotation, departure of the container bottom from a plane perpendicular to the axis. The container preferably is held in position and rotated around an axis by a drive roller that urges the container against axially spaced backup rollers so as to define an average axis of rotation as a function of the geometry of the container and spacing between the backup rollers.

Abstract: A terminal examination jig 10 includes a jig body 12 having a gauge receiving portion 13 and a terminal holding portion 20, and a limit gauge 28 releasably supported pivotally on a support pin 14 extending through the gauge receiving portion 13 in a bridging manner. The terminal receiving portion 20 has a fixing surface 23a against which a bottom surface of a terminal (an object to be examined) is adapted to abut, and a fixing screw 25 for pressing the terminal against the fixing surface 23a to hold the terminal is provided at the terminal receiving portion 20. The limit gauge 28 has an opening portion 30 which is formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of an electrical contact portion of the terminal. Whether or not the bending of the terminal is within a tolerance is judged by checking whether or not the electrical contact portion can pass through the opening portion 30 without interference when the limit gauge 28 is pivotally moved about the support pin 14.

Abstract: A braking structure of measuring tape, including a housing, a tape rule contained in the housing and a braking mechanism, characterized in that: a push button is formed onto the housing, by pushing the push button into the housing to keep it at a lower position; a braking plate of the braking mechanism would effectively suspend the movement of the tape rule, and after that, if the push button is pushed downward again, the braking mechanism would push the push button upward and return to its higher position, and the braking plate of the braking mechanism would separate the tape rule and the movement of the tape rule would not be suspended.

Abstract: A voltage step-down structure for a heat-emitting element of a drier is disclosed. The structure is for a heat-emitting element of a drier having a hollow body containing a motor and a ceramic heat-emitting element and a voltage step-down device characterized in that the interior of the hollow body is mounted with the heat-emitting element and the ceramic or glass voltage step-down element coated with conductive film such that one end of the power source is connected to one end of the step-down element, and the other end is connected to the diode end of the motor such that the impedance of the conductive film provides voltage step-down.

Abstract: A footwear construction including an articulated welt. The footwear includes an upper and an outsole secured together with a welt in the forward portion of the footwear. The welt terminates short of the heel region of the footwear. In one embodiment, the outsole in the heel region is secured to a heel cradle which is further secured the upper. The footwear provides the durability of a welt construction in the forward portion of the shoe and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel region of the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes securing an outsole to an upper with a welt in a forefoot and/or arch region of the shoe but not the heel region of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle is disposed in the heel region of the shoe and the outsole is secured to the heel cradle and/or upper in the heel region.

Abstract: The invention relates to footwear comprising a shank and a sole construction having an outsole. The shank is constructed with an upper material and with a water-tight functional layer which at least partially lines the upper material on the inner side thereof. In addition, the shank comprises a shank end area which is situated on the side of the sole and which has an upper material end area and a functional layer end area. The functional layer end area comprises an area which requires sealing, and the outsole is glued to the shank end area by means of an outsole adhesive situated on said outsole. The outsole adhesive is formed by a reactive hot-melt adhesive at least in one outsole partial area located opposite the area of the functional end area which requires sealing. Said hot-melt adhesive leads to water impermeability when complete reacted.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a tufted foam insole for use in slippers or other footwear. The present invention also provides for tufted footwear. A plurality of tufts in a foam pad provide for a firm but yet cushy feel to a user's foot.

Abstract: An outsole (1) for athletic shoes (2) having stud-type cleat elements arranged in the front sole area (3) and heel area (4), the cleat elements extending in a conically tapered manner from the base (6) thereof to the contact surface (7). To improve the outsole, in order to enable improved contact of the feet when they are placed on the ground, even when the ground is moderately hard, the height (hred) of at least one cleat element (5?) in the sole edge area (12) of the heel area (4) is reduced in relation to the average height (hnorm) of the other cleat elements (5?) in that area.

Abstract: A modular shoe separates into components. The components may be interchangeable to provide versatility without requiring a large number of single use shoes. Each shoe component may also be collapsible to provide for convenient packing in a travel bag or other location where space is limited.

Abstract: This invention provides with a continuous underground trench excavating method and an excavator for the method, which performs vertical excavation in which a trencher of the excavator is inserted into the ground and horizontal excavation in which a travel body of the excavator is moved substantially horizontally, characterized in that it determines a penetration resistance under penetration of the trencher to a predetermined depth, estimates a ground strength in the underground depth direction on the basis of the penetration resistance, and a continuous underground trench excavating is carried out with a thrust matching the estimated ground strength, whereby capable of carrying out an appropriate excavation with better understanding of the ground condition.

Abstract: A mounting frame unit attached to a tractor body for enabling working implements such as a front loader and a backhoe to be attached to the tractor body. The mounting frame unit includes a pair of right and left main frames extending longitudinally of the tractor body, and connecting frames for connecting the main frames as spaced from each other. A lower mounting unit is disposed in a rearward section of each of the main frames for connection to a rear axle case forming part of the tractor body. An upper mounting unit for connection to the rear axle case is disposed on a bridge member that bridges upper positions of an upwardly opening cutout formed in the rearward section.

Abstract: A medal mounting device is comprised of a ribbon with a first end folded into a narrower strip with parallel sides. A second end of the ribbon is attached to a metal clip with foldable tabs. The first end of the ribbon is inserted through a loop attached to a medal and folded behind an intermediate portion of the ribbon. The ribbon is positioned against a medal support bar on a uniform so that the bottom of the medal is aligned with the bottoms of adjacent medals. The second end of the ribbon is folded behind the support bar, and the clip is positioned against the strip at the first end. The tabs are folded around the opposite edges of the strip and pressed against the back of the strip to secure the first end relative to the second end.

Abstract: The hang tag and method for labeling products. The hang tag is composed of a digital memory encoded with product information and a connecting member which removably couples the digital memory to the product. In this way, the hang tag provides consumers with a wealth of information relating to accessories, operating instructions, general company data, customer service information, web site links, telephone contacts, and other information consumers may find useful.

Abstract: A label assembly having multiple viewing areas and indicia portions is disclosed. A label is affixed to a non-opaque container, such as a glass or plastic bottle. The container contains an opaque substance, such as a consumable beverage. In one embodiment, the label includes two vertically separated viewing areas through which indicia portions on the inward side of the label on the opposite side of the bottle can be viewed. Thus, as the beverage is consumed below a first level, the first indicia portion becomes viewable through the first viewing area. As the beverage is consumed below a second level, the second indicia portion becomes viewable through the second viewing area. The first indicia portion is optionally an inquiry or question, and the second indicia portion is optionally a response or answer which is logically related to the first indicia portion. Packages of such containers can be assembled having various configurations of categories of subject matter contained in the indicia portion pairs.

Abstract: A trigger system for an automatic handgun includes a trigger bar sized to be installed in an interior space behind a trigger by movement from the magazine well. The trigger bar is first inserted into the inlet opening of the magazine well and into the interior space which includes a front cavity having a pair of spaced apart upper shoulders and lower shoulders that limit movement of the trigger bar upwardly and forwardly respectively. The interior space further includes a rear cavity that includes a pair of spaced apart lower ledges and a pair of spaced apart rear walls for limiting the rearward and downward movement of the trigger bar. The front cavity is adjacent the trigger and trigger guard. The rear cavity is formed within the handgrip. The trigger system and method is specifically designed for a Colt 1911 .45 pistol with an enlarged magazine well inlet opening for receiving an enlarged stagger magazine.