Abstract: A washing system for an elevated surface has a) a housing having a liquid application cleaning system therein; b) a support element that supports and elevates the washing system; c) a rigid member extending from a surface of the housing that faces away from a surface to be cleaned so that the cable, when supporting the cleaning system against the surface to be cleaned and connected to the housing at a connection point, exerts a rotational force on the cleaning system in relation to the fixed fulcrum at the roof top; and d) weights provided at a distance and direction from the connection point fulcrum to at least in part counterbalance the rotational force.

Abstract: A wet cleaning sheet 1 has a liquid retentive sheet 12 made of a fibrous material or a cellular material and impregnated with a predetermined amount of a detergent, etc., a liquid impermeable sheet 11 disposed on one side of the liquid retentive sheet 12, and a liquid gradual-releasing sheet made of a fibrous material and less air permeable than the liquid retentive sheet 12 disposed on the other side of the liquid retentive sheet 12. The liquid impermeable sheet 11 has a bag shape with openings 13 on one side thereof. The liquid retentive sheet is held in the bag and releases the detergent, etc. through the openings 13. The liquid gradual-releasing sheet has an air permeability of 0.05 to 6 m/kPa·s thereby to control the gradual release of the detergent, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush comprising an elongate body having one end forming a head for mounting bristles, and an opposite end forming an elongate handle. In accordance with the invention, the head includes, over at least a fraction of its periphery, a flexible portion for protecting the gums of a user against impacts.

Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush with a bristle carrier, in which bristles which are set in motion during the operation of the electric toothbrush, are anchored. The bristles are at least partly pointed filaments, which are arranged on the bristle carrier in such a way that, during the operation of the electric toothbrush, their tips cover at most a predetermined maximum path dmax. This advantageously succeeds in providing a toothbrush with an improved cleaning effect, in particular of the spaces between the teeth and the smallest structures on the tooth surface, while minimizing the mechanical loading, and consequently the wear, of the pointed filaments. The electric toothbrush has such a brush head, and a production method for such a brush head is shown.

Abstract: A tabletop wood-waste-collecting machine includes a support frame, a machine base, a guide shade, a work faceplate and a dust-collecting unit. The machine base has its opposite upper side bored with plural transverse assistant guide grooves and its central portion bored with a longitudinal lower main guide groove communicating with a connecting opening in the front center. The guide shade covered on the lower main guide groove is formed with an upper guide groove. The work faceplate fixed on the topside of the machine base is bored with numerous wind-sucking vents. When the dust-collecting unit is started to operate, every wind-sucking vent of the work faceplate and the wind-sucking space in the machine base will receive a balanced suction force to let the wood waste produced completely sucked out.

Abstract: A dusting device can be used with a vacuum cleaner having an inlet port and a vacuum source. The dusting device comprises a holder defining a chamber and a dust pick up tool adapted to be at least partially received by the holder. The dusting device further comprises a fitting adapted to engage an inlet port of a vacuum cleaner. The tool and/or the chamber may be cleaned by activating a vacuum source to cause air to flow through the chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser removably attached to a vacuum cleaner for easy access to distribute carpet and room deodorizer. The dispenser may have a Velcro attachment to mount on the vacuum cleaner to enable the dispenser to fit all upright models or standard cleaners. The carpet and room deodorizer is poured into the dispenser and can be releaser by the push of a button or switch.

Abstract: An illumination accessory assembly for vacuum cleaner includes a transparent extension having a first end capable of releasable connection to a vacuum cleaner hose and having a distal vacuum cavity intake end. A LED is positioned so the LED illumination transverses the transparent extension medium and exits the distal end and walls of the transparent extension. The invention provides the operator an illuminated clear line of sight around and through the transparent extension of the area to be cleaned and illuminates the contents in the initial vacuum cavity of the transparent extension for improved operator cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: An exhausting apparatus of a motor assembly comprises a motor assembly generating a suction force and having an air outlet; a motor housing enclosing the motor assembly and having an air discharging opening for exhausting air via the air outlet; and a porous noise prevention board configured in the exhausting passage formed by the motor housing. The motor housing has a porous noise prevention part at least at a portion, and at least a part of air discharging from the air outlet passes through the noise prevention part. As such, a noise can be reduced when air is discharged.

Abstract: A cleaning method for an objective lens of an optical disc device that rotatably drives an optical disc medium by a spindle motor and records and/or playbacks data to/from the optical disc medium by the objective lens of an optical-pick up, includes: an airflow generation mode for generating a high speed airflow at a surface of the optical disc medium by increasing a rotational speed of the spindle motor to be faster than a rotational speed during recording and/or playback of data to/from the optical disc medium; and a blow-off mode for blowing off dust attached to the surface of the objective lens by the high-speed airflow generated at the surface of the optical disc medium by moving the objective lens from the inner periphery of the optical disc medium to the outer periphery while vibrating the objective lens up and down and/or from the left to right.

Abstract: A self-contained handheld drain clearing device is provided that uses compressed air to unblock various household drains and pipes. The device comprises an upper body and a lower body. The upper body includes a cylindrical chamber for housing a manual pump. A one-way inlet valve allows compressed air to enter a collection chamber, from which it exits to a storage chamber through a small hole in a piston. A trigger component is located in the upper body of the device, as is a pressure release safety component included for user protection. The lower body of the device primarily serves as a storage area for compressed air, containing an upper end and a lower end. The upper end contains threads for joining the lower body with the upper body, while the lower end contains a fitting for receiving various drain-sealing adapters.

Abstract: An in-floor, adjustable, track assembly for sliding panels with a built-in weep system, the track assembly including: a base having a track extending upward therefrom, wherein the track is configured to engage undercarriage wheels of at least one vertically-oriented panel and support motion of the panel along the track; a conduit coupled to the base and configured to allow moisture that collects on the base to egress from the base; a track support rail configured to be placed underneath the base; and an alignment clamp configured to be coupled to a portion of the base and a portion of the track support rail, wherein the alignment clamp aligns and secures the base and the support rail in a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to one another.

Abstract: A hinge assembly 15 for a vehicle tailgate 14 comprises a first hinge member 21 fastened to the tailgate 14 and a second hinge member 22 fastened to a hollow flange 23 of a vehicle roof 13 by means of adjustment device 24 comprising an adjustment nut 25 and a locking screw 26. The second hinge member 22 has a hollow cylindrical shank portion 35 with a left-hand external screw thread 36 and a right-hand internal thread 38. Further, the adjustment nut 25 having a screw thread 39 engaged with the external thread 36 of the hollow shank portion 35 and the locking screw 26 having a screw thread 41 engaged with the internal thread 38 of the hollow shank portion 35.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (10) includes a shaft (20), a follower (22), a cam (30), a washer (50), a rolling means, and an urging means. The shaft has a securing portion (21) formed at one end thereof. The follower connects with the shaft. The cam essentially is in the shape of a cylinder, and includes a cam surface (32) and defines a cam hole (31) extending therethrough. The cam hole receives the shaft therethrough. The washer defines a center hole (52), and is located around the shaft. The rolling means is disposed between the washer and the cam. One end of the urging means abuts the shaft, and an opposite end of the urging means biases the washer. The cam surface of the cam is rotatably and movably engaged with the follower under force of the urging means.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) for a foldable electronic device includes a shaft (1), a housing (5) defining a guiding groove (56) therein, a spring (2), and a pin (7). A first end of the spring is coupled to the shaft, and an opposite second end of the spring is coupled to the housing. A first end of the pin is coupled to the shaft, and an opposite second end of the pin is slidable along the guiding groove of the housing. The shaft is rotatable relative to the housing between a first position where the second end of the pin is located in a first position of the guiding groove and a second position where the second end of the pin is located in a second position of the guiding groove. The hinge assembly is thus integrated into a complete unit which is capable of providing a wide range of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping a flexible web (2) includes, between an entry roller (5) and a forming roller (3), a regulating module (7) provided with a starting roller (13) designed to control the movement and the speed of the web upstream of the shaping roller (3) and at least one mobile guide element (9) designed to exert, at least on one buffer loop (8) of the web (2) formed between the rollers (5, 3), a positive guiding thereof, in accordance with a law of displacement which is a function of the length of the buffer loop (8) in operation.

Abstract: A cable tie with side notches on either one or both sides that allows breaking off the unused end after pulling the tie tight eliminating the need for using a tool to trim the ends off the cable tie. The strap is pulled normally when tightening the cable tie around wires, cables, hoses, tubes or other items in a bundle and then pulled sideways to cause the strap to break off leaving no sharp edges.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive device for a reliable tie down tensioning which device enables the tie-down to be quickly and easily applied and the flexible element tensioned and just as quickly and easily removed.

Abstract: The invention is a protective cover for a buckle, for protecting a vehicle from the buckle, which may be used with a strap to secure loads such as kayaks, rafts, and canoes to the vehicle roof. The buckle and its attached strap can be inserted into the protective cover, and can later be removed from the protective strap if desired. The release lever of the buckle is covered by the protective cover, and is depressed by pressing down on a portion of the protective cover.

Abstract: A buckle safety device formed for use with a seat belt assembly. The seat belt assembly includes a tongue and a buckle. The buckle safety device includes a first housing member having a pair of first arms. Each of the first arms has a first locking member for securing the first housing member to a base of the tongue. The first housing member has a base receiving cavity for receiving the base and a tongue receiving slot communicating with the base receiving cavity for receiving the tongue. A cover extends from the first housing member adjacent to the tongue receiving slot. The cover has an inner surface for positioning adjacent to a release button on the buckle. The inner surface has a recessed surface for allowing limited access to the release button.

Abstract: A magnetic clasp for securing a piece of jewelry that includes a first connecting device having a first cylindrical magnet with a top surface. The first cylindrical magnet has a hollow cylindrical section located at the center of the first top surface. Additionally, a second connecting device has a second cylindrical magnet with a second top surface. The second cylindrical magnet has a cylindrical protruding member located at the center of the second top surface. The protruding section of the second connecting device fits into the hollow section of the first connecting device. The magnetic clasp locks when the first and second connecting devices are brought together allowing opposite magnetic poles to face each other. To unlock the magnetic clasp the first and second connecting devices are rotatably turned allowing like poles to face each other.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a substrate having a bed of hooks located therein, in particular a system or manufacturing a hook plate having hooks with enlarged shaped heads. The system can include the use of a heated generally flat coining plate, a resilient layer placed under the hook plate, and a forming sheet placed between the coining plate and the tops of stems to be coined.

Abstract: In a molded surface fastener (10) having engaging elements (2) of minute dimension of thermoplastic resin molded together with a base member (1) by continuous molding, each engaging element (2) comprises first and second engaging portions (22a, 22b) each having a different configuration extending in parallel to a surface of the base member from a top end of a pillar portion (21) rising from the base member (1) such that they intersect at right angle. The second engaging head (22b) has an ordinary hook shape structure while the first engaging head (22a) has a wing-like thin plate structure as seen in a plan view. The engaging elements having such a structure in which each engaging element has appropriate engagement force, shearing force and separation force so as to keep an excellent tactile feeling of a surface of the surface fastener, prevents itself from falling down against a pressing force, secures a high engagement ratio with mating pile pieces and satisfies a durability.

Abstract: Methods for making stretch shirting fabric having fabric weight less than 175 g/m2 and fabric stretch between 15% to 45% in the weft direction are disclosed. A corespun composite elastomeric yarn is produced either (a) by low draft (2.7× or below) core-spinning of the elastomeric yarn, or (b) by pretreating the corespun composite yarn in steam or heated water at temperatures of at least 110° C. to reduce yarn power before dyeing or weaving. The shirting fabric with such corespun composite elastomeric yarn in the weft meets end-use specifications without heat-setting.

Abstract: A spackling compound is provided that is easy to apply smoothly, can be applied in thicker layers than known spackling without cracking upon drying, and can be modified after drying without pitting, flaking, or crumbling, particularly at the edges of the applied spackling patch. The composition includes polyaramid fibers that act as structural strengtheners to provide the dried composition with exceptional strength and resistance to cracking. In a second embodiment, the composition further includes low aspect ratio (about equal to 1) ceramic microparticles that fill voids in the mixture to produce a smoother, more dense composition. Upon drying, the ceramic microparticles produce a very smooth surface that can be sanded without flaking or crumbling. Additionally, the invention provides methods of preparing and using the compositions to produce smooth repair patches with no cracks, are easy to sand without pitting or flaking, and to provide improved structural integrity to the repaired area.

Abstract: A clinching tool for mechanically interconnecting at least two stacked sheets manufactured of a ductile material comprises a punch and a die axially aligned thereto. The die cavity features a radiused surface profile at its closed end thus facilitating material flow therein during clinching action. This design, while minimizing tooling material stresses and reducing the likelihood of premature tooling failure, allows for clinch fastening of thicker sheets by forming a secure and distinguishable clinch.

Abstract: Proposed is a method, as well as a tool, for performing a process to create a joint in which wall sections 8 of work opening 4 of die 5 are designed to yield, and in which cold hardening of the compressed material is achieved by a stop element after a specified distance has been traversed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a power transmitting apparatus by molding both the pressure-contact assist cam and back-torque limiting cam even though either one of the pressure-contact assist cam and back-torque limiting cam is molded as a reverse-draft surface. The power transmitting apparatus has a clutch housing (2) and a clutch member (4) connected to an output member (3). A plurality of driven clutch plates (7) alternately is arranged between the driving clutch plates (6) of the clutch housing. The pressure plate (5) and the clutch member (4) are, respectively, formed with through windows (5c) and (4c) at positions corresponding to the pressure-contact assist cams (4aa) and (5ba) and the back-torque limiting cams (4ab) and (5bb) to form reverse-draft surfaces of the pressure-contact assist cams (4aa) and (5ba) and the back-torque limiting cams (4ab) and (5bb) by inserting pin-shaped cores into the windows (5c) and (4c).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the actively-controlled deposition of microdrops of biological solutions. The inventive device consists of at least one flat silicon lever comprising a central body and an end area which forms a point, a slit or groove being disposed in said point. The invention is characterized in that it also comprises at least one metallic track which is disposed on one face of the central body and which runs alongside said slit or groove at least partially. The invention also relates to a method of producing the inventive device and a method for the active-controlled deposition and sampling of microdrops of biological solutions using said device.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming continuous metal grids, in particular producing grids for batteries, comprises a supporting structure, at least one punching roller and at least one matrix roller mounted on the supporting structure. The punching roller and the matrix roller respectively have a first and a second outer surface. The punching roller comprises a plurality of first teeth positioned radially relative to the first outer surface and each cyclically mobile, with each punching roller rotation, between an operating position in which it projects from the first outer surface and a non-operating position in which it does not project from the first outer surface. The matrix roller comprises a plurality of second teeth positioned radially relative to the second outer surface and each cyclically mobile, with each matrix roller rotation, between a passive position in which it is retracted relative to the second outer surface and an active position in which it is not retracted relative to the second outer surface.

Abstract: In a rotor of a rotary electric machine, a rotor core is formed by helically winding a material sheet. The material sheet forms teeth on a first side of a middle connecting portion and projections projecting from a second side of the connecting portion in a direction opposite to the teeth. The material sheet is one of a pair of material sheets formed in a single base sheet in a form of belt. In the base sheet, the material sheets are arranged such that the projections are intermeshed with each other. The material sheet is helically wound such that the projections are located at an inner diameter side of the rotor core.

Abstract: One preferred method for use in making a magnetic write head with use of the resist channel shrinking solution includes the steps of forming a first pole piece layer of a first pole piece; forming a gap layer over the first pole piece layer; forming a patterned resist over the first pole piece layer and the gap layer; electroplating a first pedestal portion of a second pole piece over the gap layer within a channel of the patterned resist; forming an oxide layer over the first pedestal portion; applying the resist channel shrinking solution comprising the resist channel shrinking film and the corrosion inhibitors over the patterned resist; baking the resist channel shrinking solution over the patterned resist to thereby reduce a width of the channel; removing the resist channel shrinking solution; electroplating a second pedestal portion of the second pole piece within the reduced-width channel of the patterned resist; removing the patterned resist; and milling the structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a head space insulator for an electrochemical cell is presented. A polymer is selected. The polymer has a melting point lower than the melting point of separator material. The polymer is heated to place the polymer into a liquid state. The liquid polymer is introduced over one or more tabs associated with one or more electrode plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for piercing nuts, comprising a die part and a punch part and a piercing nut feeder incorporated into the punch part. The piercing nut feeder is adapted to feed piercing nuts into a piercing nut holder in the punch part so that these nuts, when the punch part is pressed against the die part by a press, are to punch holes in and be fastened to a metal sheet inserted between the punch part and the die part. A gas spring (3) is arranged between the press and the punch part, which gas spring (3) has at least one cylinder (5-7) and a piston (8-10) which is movably arranged in the cylinder (5-7) and which is aligned with the press, the pressure in the cylinder (5-7) being settable for adjusting the pressure exerted upon the piercing nut by the punch part.

Abstract: A large area heater used, for example, in a laser printer belt fuser or as cooking surface, has an alumina substrate in which two bowed parts of alumina ceramic having opposed concave regions are formed together as a laminate. Electrical resistors are deposited on the laminate. The alumina laminate provides excellent resistance to uneven heating or other thermal stress. Alumina ceramic is readily shaped during manufacture and manufacturing costs and yield are good. A wide variety of large area heaters can usefully employ the laminate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a packaged integrated circuit is tuned by a) incorporating into a packaged integrated circuit design, at least one tunable circuit feature; b) fabricating a packaged integrated circuit in accordance with said packaged integrated circuit design; c) identifying a trimming point on the tunable circuit feature of said packaged integrated circuit, using an x-ray inspection system; d) relating coordinates of the trimming point to coordinates of a visible reference marker; e) utilizing the relationship between the visible reference marker and the trimming point to position a cutting tool over the trimming point; and f) utilizing the cutting tool to make one or more cuts into the packaged integrated circuit, until the tunable circuit feature has been acceptably modified at the trimming point. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features a method and apparatus for improving the performance of a component placement machine. The machine includes an imaging unit that moves in the X-Y plane and captures images to provide real-time monitoring of the performance of the machine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a power module on a substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes providing power conversion circuitry including providing a magnetic device having a magnetic core and at least one switch on the substrate. The method also includes placing a shielding structure over the magnetic core to create a chamber thereabout. The method also includes depositing an encapsulant about the power conversion circuitry. The shielding structure limits the encapsulant entering the chamber thereby allowing the encapsulant to surround a portion of the magnetic core within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an encapsulated package for a magnetic device on a substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a magnetic core on the substrate and placing a shielding structure over the magnetic core to create a chamber thereabout. The method also includes depositing an encapsulant about a portion of the magnetic core within the chamber. The shielding structure limits the encapsulant entering the chamber.

Abstract: A method of applying a jacket of varying thickness around the exterior of a cable in order to make the cable's diameter both standard and uniform. In this context, “uniform” means devoid of fluctuations. “Standard” means conforming to a predetermined anchor size. The number of anchors needed to cover a range of cable diameters and types may thereby be greatly reduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aligning and/or installing reluctor rings on a crankshaft. In at least one preferred embodiment, apparatus having at least first and second alignment mechanisms for aligning a reluctor ring in a correct phased position on a crankshaft. In at least one additional embodiment, methods for installing a reluctor ring in a correct phase orientation on a crankshaft utilizing an alignment tool.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing turbine engine casings having at least one boss includes, in one exemplary embodiment, forming an engine casing having an outer wall, machining a tapered opening through the casing outer wall, and machining a tapered portion in a metal plug where the tapered portion is sized to mate with the tapered opening in the casing outer wall. The method also includes inserting the metal plug into the tapered opening in the casing outer wall, and welding the metal plug to the casing.

Abstract: A turbine blade airfoil assembly includes a cooling air passage. The cooling air passage includes a plurality of impingement openings that are isolated from at least one adjacent impingement opening. The cooling air passage is formed and cast within a turbine blade assembly through the use of a single core. The single core forms the features required to fabricate the various separate and isolated impingement openings. The isolation and combination of impingement openings provides for the augmentation of convection and film cooling and provide the flexibility to tailor airflow on an airfoil to optimize thermal performance of an airfoil.

Abstract: A honeycomb structure includes a plurality of substantially parallel channels, a layer of at least partially structured metal foils and a housing. The layer includes a number N of at least partially structured metal foils and a number N+1 of smooth metal foils. The number N=1, 2 or 3 and two of the smooth metal foils are exterior foils. A method for producing such a honeycomb structure is also provided. The honeycomb structure is used, in particular in exhaust gas systems of mobile internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A manifold for conveying injection molding material into a mold from a molding material supply and method for making same includes a main flow member having a central flow passage extending through the main flow member along a longitudinal axis of the main flow member. The main flow member also includes a plurality of branching passages each transverse to and in fluid communication with the central flow passage. The main flow member has an outer surface that is generally round in cross sectional shape. The outer surface is machined so as to be generally round in cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A flexible production process for fabricating a heat pipe, having the processes of (a) performing pre-process on a heat-pipe material, (b) performing annealing process on the heat-pipe material, (c) introducing working fluid into the heat-pipe material, (d) removing non-condensable gas from the heat-pipe material, and (e) sealing the openings of the heat-pipe material. The heat-pipe material can be disposed into a laminar flow box between any of the steps (a) and (b), (b) and (c), and (c) and (d).

Abstract: A knuckle (16) for a corner assembly (10, 210, 310) wherein a cylindrical body (18) has an outboard race (39) and an inboard race (45) located therein for correspondingly receiving a first roller assembly (52) and a second roller assembly (94) carried by a wheel hub (56) such that brake engagement surfaces (12a) and (12b) on a rotor (12) are located in a parallel relationship with faces on a friction members (14a) and (14b) associated with caliper (14) and perpendicular with the axis of the wheel hub (56) to obtain a desired lateral run out relationship between the rotor (12) and the axis of the first (52) and second (94) roller assemblies retained in the wheel hub (56).

Abstract: A module corner assembly wherein a wheel hub is permanently attached to a knuckle and various surfaces on the wheel hub and knuckle are machined in a same fixture utilized in holding the knuckle to deform an end on the wheel hub against a cone of a bearing. When a rotor is thereafter attached to the wheel hub it is also machined in the same fixture such that a perpendicular relationship is established between the axis of the wheel bearing and braking surfaces on the rotor and as a result a desired lateral run out relationship is achieved between the axis of the bearing and rotor surfaces.

Abstract: A tube roll for a paper machine has a shell (10) and roll heads (11) for supporting the tube roll rotably to the paper machine. The shell (10) has two metal cylinders (12, 13) adapted coaxially at an interval of each other. Between the cylinders (12, 13) there is additionally a core construction (14) attached to both of the cylinders (12, 13). Each roll head (11) is attached to both of the cylinders, of which at least the inner cylinder (13) is made of a sheet metal material. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a tube roll.

Abstract: Various structural features can be formed in the blank prior to welding opposing walls of a blank together to form a tubular member and/or can be formed simultaneously with forming a wall of the tubular wall. Transverse collapse initiating features can be formed by expanding the material of the wall. These features can be located in a corner portion that connects two side wall portions of the tubular member together and/or in a side wall portion thereof. In cases where both are provided, the side wall and corner collapse initiating features can be aligned with each other. Another portion of the wall material can be free of strain hardening and/or material thinning. A blank for the tubular member can be formed from sub-blanks welded together, can have non-parallel opposing side edges, and/or can have different thickness and/or different material portions.