Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and improved multi-layered osmotic device (1) that is capable of delivering a first active agent in an outer lamina (2) to one environment of use and a second active agent in the core (5) to another environment of use. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices in which the first and second active agents are similar or dissimilar. An erodible polymer coat (3) between an internal semipermeable membrane (4) and a second active agent-containing external coat (2) comprises poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-(vinyl acetate) copolymer. This particular erodible polymer results in an improved multi-layered osmotic device possessing advantages over related devices known in the art. The active agent in the core (5) is delivered through a pore (6) containing an erodible plug (7). The osmotic device (1) can be coated by a final finish coat (8).

Abstract: A wear resistant coating for protecting surfaces undergoing sliding contact is disclosed. The wear resistant coating is applied by high velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) deposition of a powdered blend of the coating constituents. The powdered blend includes a nickel-chromium alloy, chromium carbide, and molybdenum. The disclosed coating should find use as a bearing surface on piston rings, cylinder liners, and other components of a power cylinder assembly of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Two new groups of A-21978C cyclic peptides, anhydro- and isomer-A21978C peptide derivatives, have antibacterial activity and are useful as intermediates. The two groups are prepared via transpeptidation of the parent cyclic peptides. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the new peptides as active ingredients and methods of treating infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria with the formulations are also provided. The invention also provides an antibacterial composition containing the new drug substance LY 146032 in substantially pure form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound of the general formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each a hydrogen or an acyl, a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof or a hydrate thereof; a pharmaceutical comprising this compound; a pharmaceutical composition comprising this compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; and 2-amino-2-(2-(4-(1-hydroxy-5-phenylpentyl)phenyl)ethyl)propane-1,3-diol or 2-amino-2-(2-(4-formylphenyl)ethyl)propane-1,3-diol, the derivatives of the two compounds whose amino group and/or hydroxy group are(is) protected or a salt thereof. The compound of the present invention shows superior immunosuppressive action with less toxicity and higher safety, and is useful as a drug for prevention or suppression of rejection of organs or bone marrow transplantation, or as a drug for prevention or treatment of various autoimmune diseases or allergic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for optimally operating a three phase slurry bubble column. The constituents of the three phases, gas, liquid, and solids, are determined by the chemical reaction in the column. The method includes injecting the gas phase into the column with an appropriate velocity so that the solid phase is fluidized while still maintaining “plug flow” over the column length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the selective preparation of acetic acid from a gaseous feed comprising ethane, ethylene or mixtures thereof plus oxygen at elevated temperature, which comprises bringing the gaseous feed into contact with a catalyst comprising the elements Mo, Pd, X and Y in gram atom ratios a:b:c:d in combination with oxygen MoaPdbXcYd??(I) where the symbols X and Y have the following meanings: X is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of: Cr, Mn, Nb, Ta, Ti, V, Te and/or W, in particular Nb, V and W; Y is one or more elements selected from the group consisting of: B, Al, Ga, In, Pt, Zn, Cd, Bi, Ce, Co, Cu, Rh, Ir, Au, Ag, Fe, Ru, Os, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zr, Hf, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Sn, TI and U, in particular Ca, Sb, Te and Li. The present invention further provides a catalyst for the selective preparation of acetic acid comprising the elements Mo, Pd, X and Y in the gram atom ratios a:b:c:d in combination with oxygen.

Abstract: A self-contained portable unit for heating physiological fluids is disclosed. A heat exchanger is disposable to ensure sterility, and the hot exchanger is attached to a heating system by inserting it between opposed fluid connection elements. One of the fluid connection elements is movable to permit the heat exchanger to be installed and removed easily by inserting one end of the heat exchanger in one of the fluid connection units and moving the other fluid connection unit into contact with an opposite end of the heat exchanges. The heating fluid is heated by an electric heating element and is circulated by an electric pump.

Abstract: An article of clothing such as a vest incorporating buoyant material is configured to reduce pocket bulging when carried items that are placed in pockets and to allow the wearer to move freely. The article of clothing includes a main clothing unit having one or more pockets and one or more buoyant material sections coupled to the main clothing unit. One or more of the buoyant material sections has at least one concavity formed at a position on the outside and/or inside surfaces of the buoyant material sections at positions that correspond to one the pockets such and at least part of each the carrying spaces of the pockets are formed in one of the concavities. Preferably, buoyant material sections are generally plate-shaped. Preferably, the pockets are made of cloth and located at prescribed positions on the outside and/or the inside of the buoyant material sections.

Abstract: A garment system includes a torso covering member and an upper back and shoulder covering member secured to the torso covering member by a fastener. The garment may include a plurality of torso covering members, each having a configuration different from each of the others, and a plurality of upper back and shoulder covering members, each having a configuration different from each of the others. In certain embodiments, the fastener has a first portion secured to the torso covering member and a second portion secured to the upper back and shoulder covering member. The fastener may be a magnetic fastener, and at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the fastener may have a surface discontinuity configured to mate with the other of the first portion and second portion.

Abstract: An ear protector and ear cover for and method covering, protecting and holding the folded ear on a person's head while the hair of the person is being treated. The cover includes a flexible, water impervious strip shield for covering and holding the ear in a forwardly folded condition. The flexible strip shield includes one side with a central non-adhesive ear engaging portion for bearing against the folded ear and an adhesive border strip surrounding the central portion for adhesively sealing to the portion of the person's head surrounding the ear.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head both cool and cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and comfort, and includes a water absorbent polymer or other material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions attached to a concave disk of mesh fabric. The mesh fabric provides ventilation portions, which allow for the free flow of air and breathing of the wearer's scalp to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. The article provides a cushion to the wearer's scalp from the abrasive effect of the webbing of the headgear harness. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of water by the polymer material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.

Abstract: A garment comprises a neck member including a body having two ends, a zipper attached to the body near the ends, and may include a head covering (or hood) member. Other embodiments include vest, jacket or pullover configurations. The zipper, installed in the conventional (up-and-down) manner, may extend the length of the garment; where it approaches the garment's neck portion, the zipper's direction changes to an angle that is about 45 degrees, such that when the zipper is moved into a closed position, the garment enables the wearer to warm their neck, and when the wearer wants to cool down, the zipper is moved into an open position, such that the ends of the neck member are separated and remain open, exposing an area of the wearer and enabling the exposed area to be cooled down without interference from the garment.

Abstract: A toilet seat having a generally ring-like shape, with an upper surface, that comes into contact with the user's skin, defined between an external perimeter edge and an internal perimeter edge, the seat comprising, or being associated with, a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying sanitizing fluid over the upper surface. The seat has a passage arranged in such a manner as to have a fluid inlet opening along the external perimeter edge and an outlet opening along the internal perimeter edge, the inlet opening being shaped so as to collect any excess fluid flowing beyond the external edge, such that the excess fluid drains through the passage, out the outlet opening and into the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A digital electronic volume/flow control sensor toilet includes a bowl, a water storage tank interconnected with the bowl, and a digital electronic volume/flow control sensor flushing mechanism. The flushing mechanism has components including a volume sensor, a shuttle, a plunger assembly, a motor, a water valve, and a control with a power source and volume/flow control sensor circuitry communicatively interconnecting the components. The volume sensor has a plurality of electrically conductive contact points exposed on a surface and at positions along a length of the side of the volume sensor with a recess, the positions of the contact points corresponding to predetermined volume levels of the flushing mechanism. A plurality of VOLUME SELECTION buttons/switches are mounted on an outer surface of the water storage tank, the VOLUME SELECTION buttons/switches being associated with the contact points. A HOLD button/switch can be mounted on the outer surface of the water storage tank.

Abstract: In order to dress a subject's hair using the two first and second kinds of medicine solutions, a hood must be once taken off. Therefore, in order to apply the second medicine solution, the position of the hood must be adjusted so that the head is centrally located at the hood. This adjustment is troublesome for both the operator and subject. In order to obviate such inconvenience, a hair dressing device equipped with a hood D includes a fixed hood 71 and an opening/closing hood 72 into which said hood is divided, said opening/closing hood being openably attached to said fixed hood. In this case, said opening/closing hood 72 is opened/closed so that said fixed hood 71 is opened from above.

Abstract: A molded shower surround includes a base portion which receives wall portions and a corner portion therebetween. The corner portion includes an upper lock tab and a lower lock tab adjacent an outer edge. An upper lock slot and a lower lock slot are located adjacent the inner edge of each wall portions which engage the corner portion. Each side of the corner portion includes a corner flange arranged substantially perpendicular to a corner planar surface. The corner flange and the molded slots when combined with the upper lock tab and the lower lock tab which respectively engage the upper lock slot and the lower lock slot, provide a watertight interlocking arrangement between the corner portion and the wall portions. In one assembly method, the corner portion and a wall portion are locked into a sub-assembly then this sub-assembly is lifted and slide onto to a second wall which may already be mounted to the base portion.

Abstract: An inflatable lifting cushion for an articulated chair including a five-sided polygon capable that is longitudinally aligned on the seat and back of the chair. The cushion includes triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum. A system for transferring a patient is provided including an articulated chair having a back and seat that are arranged to cooperate with one another for movement between an upright position and a reclining position. An inflatable lifting cushion is longitudinally positioned upon the back and the seat of the articulated chair. The inflatable lifting cushion comprises a five-sided polygon including triangular side walls and at least one interior plenum having an air inlet port enabling air to enter and exit the plenum.

Abstract: A modular patient support system adapted to be quickly mounted to utility vehicles such as trucks, buses, vans or trailers, to permit emergency medical workers to rapidly transform standard utility vehicles into specialized ambulances. When not in use, the modular patient support system is easily dismounted and collapsed for warehousing. The modular patient support system comprises a base frame that is used to attach the system to a vehicle. The base frame is oriented parallel and adjacent to a side wall of the vehicle. Two telescoping litter supports are attached to the base frame by hinges having a vertical axis of rotation. The two litter supports can either be extended normal to the base frame in order to support a patient on a litter, or collapsed and folded parallel to the base frame. A seat frame is adjustably attached to the base frame using multiple connecting links. When positioned vertically, the seat bottoms serve as mounting surfaces for medical equipment.

Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. The siderails are configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails and the other components of the patient support.

Abstract: An adjustable bed rail capable of gripping a mattress either alone or together with a bedspring to hold the protective side rail in place. A locking assembly is adjustable to adjust for the height of the mattress either alone or together with the bedspring. Friction pads and/or friction surfaces may be mounted along the bed rail to further enhance the locking of the side rail to the mattress. The bed rail may be provided with a rail that drops down to facilitate climbing on to or off of the bed and can be locked into the upright position.

Abstract: A bed rail is disclosed for use with a bed. The bed rail includes a support portion joined to a rail portion. The support portion being adjustable to grip a member such as a mattress member. A fold controller controls foldable movement of the bed rail and adjustment to clamp the bedrail to the bed.

Abstract: A medical sanitary multifunctional system bed is provided for nursing, having necessary functions that can be added optionally according to clinical conditions of users. The optional addition of functions allows the medical sanitary multifunctional system bed to perform necessary functions, on a case-by-case basis, thereby minimizing the economic burden imposed on patients. Ordinarily, the bed includes a lower capsule, supported by a metallic support frame, an upper capsule mounted on the lower capsule, a movable and rotatable portion, which is supported by the metallic support frame, and a plurality of removable cushions placed on the movable portion. On a optional basis, the bed may include a stool, a bathtub, a shower, and additional washers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for braking in a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient, a first brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface, and a second brake for affecting motion of the patient positioning surface. In an embodiment, the first brake is a power-off brake that is active when power is removed from the brake. The second brake is a power-on brake that is active when power is applied to the brake. Power may be applied and/or removed from the first and second brakes o affect the motion of the patient positioning surface.

Abstract: A board has an upper section, with an upper surface for supporting a patient, and a lower section, having two spars separated by a concave surface. The lower section is smaller than the upper section, forming longitudinal flanges through which hand passages are provided. Stiffening members can be housed in the spars. The board is combined with a pad that is attached to the upper surface. A beveled edge on the pad reduces shear forces. Indicia, such as a raised ridge, aid in properly locating the pad, which is preferably attached by a two-sided adhesive sheet with less adhesion on the side that adheres to the board. An IV support pole formed of collapsible segments can be attached to the board by a clamp. The pole has a hook on which an IV container can be hung, and an elastic wrap that encircles, stabilizes, and pressurizes the IV container.

Abstract: A width-adjustable alternating air inflation mattress has a body. At least one lateral side of the body is added with tubular air cells for increasing the width of the bed body. The inflation of the tubular air cell is controlled by air valves. When the tubular air cells are inflated, the width thereof is increased. By above mentioned alternating air inflation mattress, in normal use, the alternating air inflation mattress has a sufficient wide and thus the patient can lie upon the bed comfortably. If it is desired to pass the alternating air inflation mattress through the door, it only needs to evacuate airs in tubular air cells at two sides of the bed to reduce the width of the bed. Other than the inflation of the tubular air cells being controllable, if the patent needs a first aid, the air in the tubular air cell can be evacuated out rapidly for executing CPR.

Abstract: A multifunctional container opener for opening a plurality of different containers, including a body that supports a template defining one or more pockets and a pill splitting tool and one or more compartments or pockets for capturing pieces of the split pill or tablet. The body may also support a variety of tools adapted for opening a container or accessing a container's contents. Such tools include tools for piercing, scoring, cutting or prying portions of the actual container or safety seals associated with the container. The body also supports a gripping device for frictionally engaging the cap or top of a container.

Abstract: A multi-functional hand tool for punching holes into plastic piping and for inserting fittings, primarily intended for use in making holes in irrigation pipes of all sizes, with holes of 2–5 mm in diameter, and for inserting drips and sprinklers into the pipes. The tool comprises of a set of different-sized easily interchangeable cylindrical blades made of steel, preferably hardened and provided with a sharpened around cutting edge, and a variety of recesses that can accommodate different sized fittings for the intent of inserting them into the piping, and a small cutting blade for cutting the irrigation piping of up to 20 mm to the required length, and a special hollow for holding start connectors during the insertion operation.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for a pipe. The assembly comprises a sleeve, at least one magnet, and at least one moveable hollow member. The sleeve is moveably disposed on the outer wall of the pipe. The at least one magnet is disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve. The at least one moveable hollow member conforms to the profile of the pipe's interior and is disposed in the interior of the pipe and is metal. When an external force acts on the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the pipe, the at least one moveable hollow member moves with the sleeve by means of magnetic attraction to clean condensed powder from the pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved sanitary foot washing device that is designed for washing feet in both private and public locations. This device has been created for the purposes of reducing the occurrences of foot mediated transmutable diseases that are prevalent in public locations like public showers and swimming pools. The device consists of a support having a system that administers fluid like detergents to scrubbing cords that enable the cleaning of all areas of the foot specially the regions between the toes. The support also has scrubbing sheets that enable the cleaning of the regions under feet as well as the regions on the sides of feet.

Abstract: A painting tool capable of swiveling through 360 degrees comprising a base having a pad mounted thereto and upwardly projecting threaded portion on the base having a recess or socket and a handle having a ball at one end to engage the socket. A threaded nut joins the ball to the socket. A tab may be provided on the base to lock the pad in position. The tool permits an increase in the speed of painting and is particularly effective when an extension pole is mounted to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning pad which can be used with various cleaning implement. The cleaning pad has an absorbent layer, attachment wings which can be attached to grippers located on the top surface of the mop head of a first cleaning implement and loop fasteners which can be attached to hook fasteners located on the bottom surface of the mop head of a second implement.

Abstract: Embodiments of a paint roller support for rotatably supporting a conventional paint roller cover are disclosed. In one embodiment, a paint roller support comprises a frame having an elongated shaft and at least one hub rotatably coupled to the shaft for supporting a conventional roller cover. A locking spring exerts a retaining force against an inner surface of the roller cover for frictionally retaining the roller cover on the hub while the paint roller support is used to deliver paint to a surface. Embodiments of a method for manufacturing a paint roller support also are disclosed.

Abstract: An angular notched trowel applies a bonding material uniformly to a substrate. The angular notched trowel contains: (a) a top plate; (b) a notched plate connected along and descending from the trailing edge of the top plate; (c) a handle connected to the upper surface of the top plate, and (d) a descending member connected to the lower surface of the top plate or the handle. The bottom of the descending member is located so that the spread section is substantially free of gaps.

Abstract: A wiper blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5–42 weight percent, preferably 11 percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than 6 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a wiper blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper blade for wiping a windshield of a motor vehicle, and more particularly, to a so-called flat blade wiper which can be connected to a wiper arm without a primary and a secondary yokes. The wiper blade assembly comprises a flexible elongated wiper strip that includes opposite longitudinal grooves and comes into close contact with a windshield of the vehicle; a rail spring including rail portions disposed in the opposite grooves of the wiper strip; an elastic support member that extends along a longitudinal direction of the wiper strip and includes a plurality of openings; and a connection member which includes an inserting portion inserted in the opening of the elastic support member for connection with the elastic support member and a claw for holding both the wiper strip and the rail spring.

Abstract: A wet/dry type vacuum cleaner has a suction generator, a cleaner body including the suction generator at one side of a lower portion, an intake port being connected with a nozzle that is movable along a surface to be cleaned, and a discharge port through which a clean air is discharged, a contaminant separator removably mounted in the cleaner body to separate contaminant-laden wet air drawn through the intake port into the contaminant and water components and air, and then to store the separated contaminant and water therein, a cover, being open and closed, disposed on an upper portion of the cleaner body to seal an upper opening of the cleaner body, and a discharge path opening a fluid communication between the contaminant separator and the discharge port, for the air separated at the contaminant separating means to be discharged out through the discharge port of the cleaner body.

Abstract: The invention provides a retracting apparatus of a sliding rail in which a self locking state is not cancelled without intention, a structure and an adjustment are simple, and a cost is inexpensive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inertial braking system for spring-loaded devices, such as block and tackle window balances incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment, a block and tackle window balance includes a translatable block assembly disposed in a track including a pawl pivotally attached to the translatable block assembly. The pawl, in response to a rapid acceleration of the translatable block assembly, rotates about a pivot and frictionally engages the track, thereby wedging the translatable block assembly in the track. In another embodiment, the translatable block assembly includes a cam attached to the pawl and a brake shoe disposed between the cam and a cord seated within a pulley. Rotation of the pawl causes the cam to translate the brake shoe, thereby compressing the cord against the pulley.

Abstract: A door hinge mounting device is provided for a microwave oven, which is constructed such that when a hinge plate provided in a main body of the microwave oven and a hinge shaft provided in a door of the microwave oven are hingedly connected to each other, a supporting rib supports the hinge plate so that the hinge plate cannot be lowered. Further, the supporting rib is integrally formed on a choke cover is constructed such that one end thereof is connected to the choke cover and the other end thereof is formed as a free end. The supporting rib constructed as such has a predetermined elastic force depending on the material and shape, and thus, the free end of the supporting rib tends to move toward the hinge shaft, that is, a position where the hinge plate can be supported by the supporting rib. With this construction, the door can be firmly mounted to the main body of the microwave oven without any additional components.

Abstract: A hinged housing portion (110) coupled to a second housing portion (120), for example in a wireless communications device, including a compression spring (134) coupled to one of the housing portions, a cam (142) coupled to the body member, and a follower (336) coupled between the cam and the compression spring. The compression spring compresses along a compression axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The contoured surface or cam surface urges the follower against a first side of the second housing portion with the follower force 724. The follower force is parallel to the slope of the contoured surface slope at the point of contact between the follower and the contoured surface. The follower force results in rotation of the second housing portion in a first direction or second direction of rotation about the first axis depending on the angle of the contoured surface relative to the compression spring axis.

Abstract: A coupling device (4) for detachable handles of the type that are fitted to pots, pans, utensils of various kinds or the like, comprising a support (5) having two coupling parts opposite to each other, of which a first part (6) comprises means for fixing to a gudgeon (2) or other similar coupling element integral with the pan (1) and a second part (7), opposite the previous one, comprises means designed to hold the end of a handle (3) or the like. Said means designed for coupling with the gudgeon comprise engaging and/or pressure clamping elements that act on said gudgeon.

Abstract: A hollow, cylindrical, handle is substantially permanently connected to a end piece by insertion into the distal end of the handle of a first axial section of the end piece and inwardly deforming portions of the handle wall inwardly into indentations formed in the outer surface of the end piece. The end piece includes a shoulder at the juncture of the first section with a second section limiting the extent of insertion of the end piece into the handle and the indentations are formed, preferably on diametrically opposite sides of the first section, at a known axial distance from the shoulder. Visible indicia are placed on the outer surface of the second section in axial alignment with the indentations. The positions at which the handle wall is inwardly deformed is determined by the known distance from the shoulder (distal end of the handle) and in axial alignment with the indicia on the second section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for holding and facilitating the unloading therefrom of packaged merchandise onto a display peg. The device includes a gathering mechanism for gathering together a group of packages such that hanging holes provided in individual packages are aligned so as to permit the gathered packages to be applied to a display peg together with the device.

Abstract: A method of producing an ink jet recording head, which includes (1) fixing a passage unit in which a nozzle pate having a nozzle opening, a spacer forming a common ink chamber, and an elastic plate having a thick portion abutting against an end of a piezoelectric vibrating element are stacked, to an opening of a frame having an overhang portion which overhangs to a vicinity of the thick portion, (2) inserting a vibrating element unit into the frame, the vibrating element unit being configured by fixing piezoelectric vibrating elements operating in a longitudinal vibration mode to a fixing substrate, and (3) injecting an adhesive into a groove formed in a region opposing the fixing substrate of the frame.

Abstract: A part to be shot peened includes at least one thin wall (12?) defining two opposite main faces, the square root of the area of each face being greater than the mean distance between the two faces by a factor of at least five, and preferably by a factor of at least ten. According to the method, the part is caused to rotate at least intermittently relative to one or more vibrating surfaces, with at least one of the main faces being exposed to projectiles (6) set into motion by one or more of the vibrating surfaces, treatment taking place progressively on the face(s) so as to impart compression stresses thereto, with a portion only of the part being treated at any one time and with regions of the part preferably being exposed on several occasions to the projectiles, with relative rotation taking place between the exposures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hood latch assembling device for assembling a hood latch to a position of a carrier which is the same as a hood latch part of the vehicle. The hood latch assembling device includes: a carrier assembling stand for fixing the carrier; and a hood latch guide jig for exactly positioning the hood latch assembly at a predetermined position of the carrier. The hood latch assembling device can reduce a time period required for an assembling process of the vehicle and lower an defective proportion as a position error rate of the hood latch is reduced by assembling the hood latch to an exact position of a carrier when a front end module is constructed.

Abstract: A device and method of removing a rivet which has been installed on a work piece. The method includes clamping a hand held device having springs onto the work piece, engaging a drill with a drill bit of the hand held device, the springs applying a pre-load force to the drill bit, operating the drill, thereby causing the springs to apply an increased load force to the drill bit and causing the drill bit to drill into a button of the rivet, unclamping and removing the hand held device from the work piece, and using a compression tool to remove the rivet from the work piece. The compression tool includes a push out portion configured to push out the rivet, and a recess is disposed generally opposite the push out portion for catching the rivet as the rivet is pushed out.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast/sheet-metal composite body, comprising the following steps: provide a casting mold (12), place at least one sheet-metal part (11) in the casting mold (12), produce a cast part (2) interconnected with the at least one sheet-metal part (11), and apply pressure to the at least one sheet-metal part (11) to form a hollow space (8).

Abstract: A tank for fluids and processes for manufacturing the same. The tank includes a first end plate and a second end plate, wherein the end plates are substantially planar. The tank also includes an interior wall, wherein a periphery of the interior wall comprises a flange. A sheet is attached to a periphery of the first end plate or the second end plate, and another portion of the sheet is attached to the flange by a seam located on an exterior of the tank. A first end and a second end of the sheet each define a portion of the first surface of the tank, and a portion of the sheet between the first end and the second end define a portion of a second, opposing surface of the tank.

Abstract: The apparatus for joining and sealing conduits, includes edge trim, a sleeve, and a retaining element. The edge trim is shaped to mount upon and engage an end of a conduit. The sleeve extends between the conduits and at least partially surrounds the edge trim. The sleeve may be made of compressible material, such that when the retaining element surrounds a portion of the sleeve and the edge trim, the retaining element generally compresses the portion of the sleeve portion underlying the retaining element and displaces the sleeve material to expand on either side of the retaining element and limit movement of the retaining element. The method of joining and sealing conduits includes mounting the edge trim and a retaining element upon an end of a conduit, extending a sleeve between the conduits, and sliding the retaining element over the sleeve toward the end of the conduit.