Abstract: A scrubbing pad formed of porous curled nylon strands. Portion of the strands are stitched transversely to form weft and the remaining strands are stitched longitudinally to form warp. In one embodiment in the warp two adjacent strands are formed as a unit, two units are separated by longitudinal strands, and a distance therebetween allows another unit opposite the sandwiched single strand to stitch. An uneven texture on one surface of the scrubbing pad is adapted to increase bubble creation capability. Further, a wavy texture on the other surface is adapted to increase rubbing capability. The scrubbing pad has advantages of decreasing the amount of dishwashing liquid being used, effectively removing dirt adhered on kitchenware, preventing microorganism from growing, and being not subject to decomposition.

Abstract: A buffing pad primarily for automobiles includes a foam layer and filaments of textile material interspersed throughout the foam layer and extending passed or exposed at the working surface of the pad. The filaments are needle punched through the foam layer. The filaments may be felt fiber such as wool fiber, cotton fiber, or the like.

Abstract: A paint applicator includes a paint roller having a pivotally adjustable handle.

Abstract: A surface finishing tool that uses a flexible extended blade with handles at either end to finish a variety of wall structures. The blade is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be deformed to float acute radius wall surfaces, or deformed in the opposite direction to allow it to float obtuse radius wall surfaces where two walls meet, to float irregular wall surfaces, or to float columns. Alternative structures provide the ability to replace the extended blade with other blades having a variety of edge finishes, or to add removable edge finishes. The edge finishes provide the workmen with the ability to rapidly install custom surface finishes on large walls. An optional rigid support brace holds the extended blade in a linear configuration for floating flat surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention includes clips elements that are advantageously employed with vehicle wiper blades. Particularly preferred clip elements may comprise a clip body inserted into a tip of a wiper blade, and a latching cover rotatably installed at the clip body. In preferred aspects, the latching cover can be releasably secured to the clip body and can prevent the clip body from being withdrawn from the tip of a wiper blade during a secured state. When a user rotates the latching cover after releasing the latching cover from the clip body, the overall clip can easily be detached from the tip of the blade, thereby enabling economical part replacement.

Abstract: An automatic cart wash apparatus. The automatic cart wash apparatus provides improved cleaning of stock carts on a regular basis over manual cleaning by store employees. The automatic cart wash apparatus includes three main stages: a debris removal (vacuum) stage, a cleaning (wash, sanitize, rinse) stage, and a drying stage. The debris removal stage uses forced air and/or suction to remove solid and generally non-soluble waste, such as a paper or other trash and debris, from a stock cart. The cleaning stage uses a selection of detergents, sanitizing agents, and rinse agents to remove soluble or sticky waste, such as food and liquids, and to kill germs, viruses, and bacteria present on the cart. The drying stage removes excess liquids from the cart making it ready for use by the next customer.

Abstract: An improved water filter vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum body which contains a dust chamber and a dust collector assembly in the dust chamber that contains filter water. The dust collection assembly includes a dust collection seat and an upper cap. The dust collection seat is divided by a partition to form a filter chamber and an airflow chamber that communicate with each other. The airflow chamber has an airflow duct connecting to the filter chamber. The vacuum body has a suction assembly to generate a suction airflow which sucks suction articles through the airflow duct into the filter chamber. The suction airflow generates oscillating moisture to trap the suction articles. The cleaned suction airflow passes through the upper cap and a guiding member communicating with the upper cap to the suction assembly to form output airflow in the suction assembly to be discharged through an air outlet.

Abstract: A suction port assembly for use in a vacuum cleaner is foldable so that it can clean a surface being cleaned in close contact. Accordingly, the cleaner can easily clean the cleaning surface even with a slope or angle, while maintaining a suction efficiency of the cleaner constantly. Additionally, damage to the suction port assembly due to collision with the cleaning surface can be avoided.

Abstract: A first bush is attached to each of the opposite end parts of a first cylindrical part of a first hinge member. Second bushes are attached respectively to the inner end parts of second cylindrical parts which are disposed at the opposite end parts of a second hinge member and to the opposite end parts of a second cylindrical part which is disposed at the central part of the second hinge member. The first bush is provided with a protection cylindrical part. This protection cylindrical part is fitted to the outer periphery of the first cylindrical part. The second bush is provided with a second protection cylindrical part. This second protection cylindrical part is fitted to the outer periphery of the second cylindrical part.

Abstract: A hanger hinge is used to suspend panels of a folding door or window from an overhead track. The hanger hinge has a hanger bolt with an externally threaded lower end on which a nut is threaded by a tool. The nut is located within a sleeve which engages the bolt to prevent relative rotation between the sleeve and the bolt. At least one hinge leaf is pivotally mounted on the hanger bolt and supported on the sleeve. Each hinge leaf is adapted to be fixed to a respective panel, and the position of the panel(s) is dependent on the extent to which the nut is threaded onto the hanger bolt. A key clip is used to lock the nut rotationally relative to the sleeve, so that the nut cannot rotate relative to the hanger bolt. The key clip is automatically disengaged when the tool is inserted in the nut, to permit the nut to turn relative to the bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotatable link, which may e.g. be incorporated in an upright. The upright may be used e.g. in connection with a support for a card terminal. The rotatable link may be characterized s a rotary friction link. Compressive forces caused by a mechanical tension in a pipe are transferred via two first objects to a second object clamped between them. The two first objects are secured and partly built into the pipe, and the second object is rotatable relative to the pipe. The second object constitutes a rotatable link part on which a plated may be welded to provide an upright.

Abstract: A rotary hinge suitable for coupling a first device with a second device is disclosed. The rotary hinge has a first axially extending pivot for coupling the first device, and a second axially extending pivot extending from the first pivot, for coupling the second device. The first device can be rotated about the first axially extending pivot or the second axially extending pivot relative to the second device. Two ratchet wheels can be mounted on the first pivot and one of them can be reciprocated along the first pivot. Two plates can be mounted on the second pivot and one of them can be reciprocated along the second pivot.

Abstract: A round mechanical locking device, permanently attached to a shoe by stitching to the outside, left or right side of the shoe; the locking device is capable of holding different items that are made to inter-lock into the locking device; by having same measurements, items are twisted and turned to lock into place; by turning the reverse direction, items can be removed from locking device; the locking device may come in various sizes and hold different items; items may be located on various locations on footwear, headwear, belts, wristbands, and straps; the locking device may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, so that it is lightweight and washable.

Abstract: A wrapping device for packages includes a tying member having two or more arms each having a longitudinal bore and an orifice perpendicular to and communicating with the bore, and a tying cord engaged into the bores and the orifices of the arms, to form two right angle bent portions, and to allow the tying cord to be solidly engaged and retained within the bores and the orifices of the arms. The arms each includes a longitudinal passage communicating with the bore and the orifice, and having a smaller width, to retain the tying cord within the bores of the arms. The arms each includes one or more catches or teeth to engage with and to catch and retain the tying cord within the bores of the arms.

Abstract: A binding device is provided for holding sheets of paper and other material of diverse sizes and shapes which allows the paper/material to be easily removed and reinserted. The device includes a rigid frame, first and second lips formed on the rigid frame (the second lip including a first set of teeth), a flexible spring member and at least one adjustable spacer block adjustably positioned on the spring member. One end of the spring member is attached to the first lip. A second set of teeth is formed at the other end of the spring member. The spring member is placed in a closed position by maneuvering the spring member to align the first and second sets of teeth. When the spring member is in the closed position, the paper/material is held securely between the at least one adjustable spacer block and the base surface.

Abstract: A paper clip includes a common section, a first clipping section extending from and integral with an end of the common section, and a second clipping section extending from and integral with the other end of the common section. Preferably, the first clipping section and the second clipping section are diagonally symmetric with respect to the common section. Preferably, each of the first clipping section and the second clipping section includes in sequence a first bend, a first leg, a second bend, a second leg, a third bend, and a third leg, forming an outer loop and an inner loop inside the outer loop. A clipping space is defined between the inner loop and the outer loop of each of the first clipping section and the second clipping section. A double clipping effect is thus provided.

Abstract: A fastener with tie belt adjustment function primarily structured to comprise a socket joint and a clasp, and is characterized in that a moveable pressure plate is disposedly configured on an upper portion of the clasp, and a L-shaped flexible structural member is positionally configured below a front end of the moveable pressure plate. According to the aforementioned, because the L-shaped flexible structural member and the clasp of the fastener with tie belt adjustment function are fabricated so as to form an integral body, and thus additional configuration of a spring is unnecessary, and is capable of preventing detachment of the spring and impairment thereof, thereby achieving effectiveness of saving on costs.

Abstract: A band clamp having a band and a nut and bolt fastener. The band includes radially-extending opposed flanges each having an aperture for receiving the bolt. The bolt has a shank that includes a neck, a threaded body for receiving the nut, and a tapered transition from the neck to the threaded body. In one embodiment, the tapered transition extends only partially around the shank such that a portion of the neck has a common surface with the body. During tightening, the radially inward facing surface of the aperture in the flange can engage the threaded body and slide along the threaded body across the common surface and onto the neck without having to traverse and ride up over the tapered transition. In another embodiment, the nut has an angled shoulder that engages the tapered transition when the nut is tightened to the desired axial position on the bolt.

Abstract: An improved becket structure is provided. The becket contains a first adjustable hook member and a second adjustable hook member, both of which can be opened and closed by a mechanism. As such, it is very convenient for a user to replace a cable connected to either one of the adjustable hook members. In addition, the mechanism also enhances the becket's strength to withstand greater tensions.

Abstract: A device for forming a seal includes upper and lower seal members, and a slider, wherein mating surfaces of the seal members interlock. In at least one embodiment, a lifting rib and closure bar on the slider cooperate with a lifting wing and closure bar groove on the upper and lower seal members, respectively. By moving the slider in one direction, the lifting rib lifts the upper seal member from the lower seal member. Moving the slider in the opposite direction causes the upper and lower seal members to interlock. In another embodiment, a slider has an intermediate lateral member connected on one side the slider top, and connected on the other side to the slider bottom. A breakaway sealing device is also provided, allowing a person to break the closed seal. A beginning stop block is also provided that includes a means for securing the upper seal member.

Abstract: Articles having cooperative fasteners are described. The cooperative fasteners comprise an elongated fastening strip with male fasteners extending from a first surface and foam disposed on the first surface, where at least a portion of the foam extends to a height greater than the height of the male fastener elements. In some instances the article is a hat, a mat, a bag, a garment, or a hair roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a type B clip which solves a technical problem that the latching of the clip is not easily released by the external force caused by falling, etc., and is easily released when the clip is used by users. The clip comprises opposed clipping arms capable of forming an independent and separate space by pressing and holding a clipped object constituted of a flexible hollow member therebetween, and a latching means, disposed on one end of the opposed clipping arm, which has a latching part capable of latching the clipping arms which are pressing and holding the clipped object therebetween, wherein the clip has a latching releasing means capable of releasing the latching by an external force headed to an external direction from the clipping arm, and a structure of the latching means has a supporting point part acting the latching releasing force, added to the latching means by the latching releasing means, to the direction to release the latching of the latching part.

Abstract: A safety buckle is disclosed to include two female buckle members respectively fastened to the two distal ends of a belt, each buckle member having a receiving open chamber and recessed engagement portions at top and bottom sides inside the receiving open chamber, and a male buckle member for joining the female buckle members, the male buckle member having two plug units for insertion into the receiving open chambers of the female buckle members respectively, each plug unit having raised engagement portions at the top and bottom sides thereof for engaging the recessed engagement portions of the respective female buckle member.

Abstract: A snap-hook that has a hook, forming a portion of an eye loop, and a lever that is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forms a remaining portion of said eye loop with respect to the hook. A thumb tab is connected to the lever, and is positioned in a slot defined in the hook. The thumb tab is slidable in the slot relative to the hook, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the slot causes the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The snap-hook has essentially broad, opposing, front and back sides, and relatively narrower edges, such that the back side of the snap-hook can be placed into the palm of a user's hand to hold the snap. The thumb tab is located on the front side of the snap-hook to allow simpler holding of the snap-hook and operation of the release mechanism with one hand while essentially eliminating swiveling of the snap-hook in the hand.

Abstract: An extensible apertured nonwoven web, and a method for making such an apertured nonwoven web. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing an apertured nonwoven web, incrementally stretching it in a direction substantially parallel to the cross machine direction, and applying tension in the machine direction such that the web width after applying tension is less than the web width after incremental stretching.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack disposed in a case, the capacitor stack including one or more substantially planar electrode layers. The one or more substantially planar electrode layers have an etched surface, an unetched surface, and a grade bordering the etched surface and the unetched surface. Also, the present subject matter includes a lid conforming sealingly connected to the material defining the first aperture. Additionally, the present subject matter includes a feedthrough assembly connected to the capacitor stack and passing through the feedthrough hole and sealingly connected to the material defining the feedthrough hole. In the present subject matter, the one or more substantially planar electrode layers are made by printing a curable resin mask onto the one or more substantially planar electrode layers and etching the layers, the curable resin mask defining the grade and adapted to resist etching.

Abstract: A method for mounting a flap (3) on a workpiece (1) in a precisely positioned fashion, in particular for mounting a vehicle door on a vehicle body. A robot guided gripping tool (5) has a securing device (14) for holding the flap (3) and a sensor system (18) permanently connected to the gripping tool (5). In a first step, the gripping tool (5) is moved, within the scope of a positioning phase (A-2), from a proximity position (37), which is independent of the position of the workpiece (1) in the working space (27) of the robot (7), into a mounting position (29) in which the flap (3) which is held in the securing device (14) is oriented with respect to the workpiece (1) in a precisely positioned fashion. To move into the mounting position (29), an iterative closed-loop control process is run through, in the course of which firstly an (actual) measured value of the sensor system (18) is generated, which value is compared with a (setpoint) measured value which is generated within the scope of a setup phase.

Abstract: A method for producing a connection area (4) on a work piece (1), in particular on a vehicle body plate which is to be positioned precisely with respect to a reference area (8) on the work piece (1). A robot-guided processing tool (9) is used which is permanently connected to a sensor system (13) and forms a tool/sensor combination (16) with it. In a first step, the tool/sensor combination (16) is moved, within the scope of a positioning phase (II), from a proximity position (24) which is independent of the position of the work piece (1) in the working space (23) of the robot (11), into a preliminary position (18) in which the tool/sensor combination (16) is oriented precisely with respect to the reference area (8) of the work piece (1).

Abstract: Method of sealing one or more threaded connections between ends of a pair of tubular members configured to be rotatably threadably engageable. One of the members as an externally-threaded portion, with the other one having an internally-threaded portion. One of the threaded portions has a radial groove formed therein which is configured to receive a seal ring for sealing the connection. The groove of the one portion defines a void with the other portion, with the seal ring being compressed into the void by the engagement of the threaded ends of the members. The method involves determining a deformed axial cross-sectional geometries of the ends, mathematically revolving the deformed axial cross-sectional geometries to generate a corresponding solid of revolution, calculating the volume of the void by subtracting the open of the solid volumes from the other, and sizing the seal ring to overfill the void by a specified amount.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel (14). A controller (60) is adaptable for segmenting the wheel (14) into a plurality of sections (S1-S11). A detector (70) identifies and signals a general location of the aperture (12) to the controller (60) to identify a target section (S11) transmitted to the controller (60) by a first signal. A robotic manipulator (110, 112) is operably connected to the controller (60) and adaptable for inserting the valve stem into the aperture (12). A sensor (153) is connected to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) and is adaptable for visually identifying the target section (S11) and transmitting the general location of the aperture (12) within the target section by a second signal. The controller (60) generates a target signal transmitted to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) to increase the speed and accuracy of mating the valve stem into the aperture (12) in response to the target signal.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method for centering the reactive force of a coil spring to an applied load. The method provides a coil spring which defines a spring natural centerline. The spring has opposing ends and at least one end coil with an end coil tip. Opposing loads with parallel load axes and at least one fixed load surface are applied to the opposing ends of the spring. The spring natural centerline is maintained parallel to the applied load axes. The end coil is initially engaged to at least one of the applied loads at a point substantially opposite the end coil tip. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a coil spring and an applied load are combined. A plurality of helically wound coils define a spring with a natural centerline and at least one end coil. The end coil defines an end coil tip.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydroforming member includes the step of providing a blank (10). The blank (10) is defined by blank wall (16). The blank (10) is placed in a die assembly (14) having a die cavity (12) defined by a die surface (24). The blank (10) is expanded so that the blank wall (16) is forced against the die surface (24) to form the hydroformed member. A portion of the blank wall conforms against a wall-thinning element (26, 28) positioned along the die surface (24) to form a removable wall section (46, 50) in a portion of the blank wall (24). The removable wall section (46, 50) is then removed from the blank wall (16) to form an opening in the hydroformed member.

Abstract: A detachment jig is placed on a printed circuit board. Advancement of an inclined surface of the detachment jig is received on a solder bump of solid state disposed between the printed circuit board and an integrated circuit chip package. The solder bump melts to remove restraint to the advancement of the inclined surface, so that the inclined surface advances into a space between the printed circuit board and the chip package in response to the melt of the solder bump. A force to lift the chip package in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board acts on the chip package after the solder bump has completely melted down. Detachment of an electrically conductive pad is thus reliably prevented on the printed circuit board. The chip package can solely be removed without inducing detachment of the electrically conductive pad on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An expandable tubing assembly comprises a tubular connector defining overlapping longitudinal slots, the connector comprising end portions and an intermediate portion. The slots extend over the whole length of the connector, but the only slot overlap occurs in the intermediate portion. The assembly further comprises lengths of expandable tubing defining overlapping longitudinal slots and having end portions defining nodes between and beyond the ends of the tubing slots. Tubing threads are formed on the end most tubing nodes. The connector end portions define threads and are coupled with the threads formed on the nodes of the respective end portions of the tubing lengths.

Abstract: An improved rotor design for hammermills. The invention eliminates the solid rotor shaft and replaces it with a tubular structure comprised of two stub rotor shafts with plate flanges and grooved spacer rings therebetween. End head disks, attached to the plate flanges, and intermediate disks are concentrically positioned with the axis of rotation of the assembly. The intermediate disks are held in alignment by the pilot groove located in the spacer rings. The flanges, stub shafts, spacer rings and intermediate disks are supported and held in proper alignment by tension rod compression. The resulting tubular rotor shaft assembly is less massive, more stiff, less susceptible to vibration, has a reduced bending stress, is less expensive to startup and operate and less expensive and more flexible in terms of component inventory than known solid through-shaft rotors.

Abstract: The present invention provides for assemblies comprising metal matrix composite bars where the bars only intermittently have mutual contact. Minimally two bars of metal matrix composite are joined, for example by lap joints, or by the use of incorporated tabs and slots or over-lapping slots, at areas of mutual contact to form the assemblies. The metal matrix composite assemblies of the present invention may be readily assembled to provide structures, supports, or sub-assemblies, and the like, that may exhibit high strength and stiffness coupled with relatively low mass. Additionally, such assemblies may withstand exposure to elevated temperatures higher than can be tolerated by polymeric composites. Such assemblies are expected to be particularly suitable for lightweight, stiff support structures for space booms, satellite structures, mirror backings, solar panel supports, wall reinforcement, and the like.

Abstract: A method for producing metal parts such as special bolts (20) by means of cold extrusion in pressing dies comprises a first step of cutting to size a metal blank (30) to be modelled with predetermined dimensions, at least one step of cold pressing in a die in order to reduce one or more portions of the blank (30) to predetermined diameters, and a step of cold pressing in a die during which a coupling key (25) is formed on a portion (32) of the blank (30), the lateral surface (36) of the key protruding beyond the lateral surface of this portion (32), with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blank (30). The resulting product can be used in particular as a special bolt for the positive coupling of a mowing machine blade to a rotating plate in order to rotate the blade.

Abstract: A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.

Abstract: A clamp for attaching a clip to an end of a stator bar including: an anchor adapted to fit into an open end of the clamp; a bracket having a first leg extending radially from the anchor and a second leg substantially perpendicular to the first leg, wherein the second leg has a distal end with a pivot point; at least one alignment post on an inside surface of the second leg; a lever arm pivotably attached to the pivot point on the second leg of the bracket, the lever arm further including a lip on a first end of the arm and adapted to releasably engage an edge of a cover to clip, and an adjustment screw threaded through the lever arm and having a first screw end abutting an outside surface of the second leg of the bracket, wherein turning the screw pivots the lever arm and moves the lip towards or away from the cover.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a clamping mechanism capable of clamping a magnetic disk by an accurate fastening force. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk fastening method includes the steps of: mounting a magnetic disk on a hub structure, setting a thin plate spring having a pressure-bearing part, a flexible part and a disk holding part at a predetermined position relative to the magnetic disk with the disk holding part in contact with a surface of the magnetic disk; pressing the pressure-bearing part by screwing a fastening screw in a threaded hole formed in the hub structure; measuring a deflection by which the flexible part is deflected in the pressure-bearing part pressing step; and stopping pressing the magnetic disk upon the increase of the deflection to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.

Abstract: In order to make possible simple operation of a cable storage device it is proposed that a multitude of cable storage elements be arranged on a rail and comprise an element with which they can be displaced by the cable gripper in a front delivery row until they are collected, preferably manually, for further treatment.

Abstract: a method of making a printed circuit board including the steps of: providing a board with electrical conductor traces; applying a solder material to at least one selected location on a first side of the board; placing a first component on the first side of the board; heating the board and solder material to reflow the solder applied to the first side of the board to provide an electrical connection of the first component with a first conductor trace portion of the board; and then connecting a second component to the board and providing a nonsoldered electrical connection between the second component and a second electrical conductor trace portion of the board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a three dimensional array of semiconductor chips is disclosed. The method uses a multiple step fabrication process that automates the surface mounting of semiconductor chips with unique chip carriers to achieve the three dimensional array of chips. The method can include the steps of depositing solder on one or more chip modules, placing and interconnecting low-cost components on the chip modules, and storing the preprocessed chip modules in pallets or in a tape and reel. Later these chip carriers may then be mounted on a circuit board, possibly over; for example, low and/or high cost components and then populated with low and/or high cost components. The apparatus includes a unique stackable chip module pallet and print fixture pedestal.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is a method of creating alignment holes in a multilayer structure that includes depositing a metal layer in contact with a polymer layer of material, patterning the metal layer and creating alignment holes in the multilayer structure based on the patterned metal layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a flow passage in a director plate is presented, comprising placing a director plate and a sacrificial strip immediately adjacent a surface of the director plate in a stamping tool. The director plate is clamped to the sacrificial strip, and a flow passage is created in the director plate by punching a tool piece substantially completely through a predetermined location on the director plate. The flow passage in said director plate may comprise a fluid-discharge orifice for a fuel injector. The flow passage may be punched substantially orthogonal to the planar surface of the director plate, or, alternatively, oblique to the planar surface of the director plate.

Abstract: A device for expanding the circumference of a ring shank includes: (a) an expansion unit movably attachable to an inner surface of the ring shank; and (b) a single hinge pivotally attached within the ring shank about opposite the expansion unit; wherein the expansion unit includes a first, hollow tubing section, an expansion pin or shaft having a first end portion mounted in the first tubing section, and a second, hollow tubing section slidably supporting an opposite, second end portion of the expansion pin or shaft. Also included herein is a ring comprising this ring expansion device. A method of installing a ring expansion device in a ring is also included.

Abstract: A lateral wall module extends to the rear in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle at least from an A-pillar as far as a rear wheel mounting, and has a lateral wall structure and also a lateral wall panel connected to the latter. The lateral wall structure, for its part, is constructed from an inner part and a wall part, which is fastened on the outside of the inner part and integrally reinforces the lateral wall module, and is at least partially designed in the sill region in such a manner that it complements the lateral wall panel there.

Abstract: In a personal care apparatus (1) having a main part (2) and a head part (3), the main part (2) is designed to be held in one hand, the head part (3) is pivotable relative to the main part (2) about an axis of pivot (26) and a return spring (55) is provided between the main part (2) and the head part (3), thus enabling the head part (3) to be pivotable by means of the return spring (55) in synchronization with varying displacing forces that act on the head part (3) in the course of a hair-cutting operation, and to be positionable by means of the return spring (55) in a defined rest position relative to the main part (2) when there are no displacing forces present.

Abstract: A reciprocating-type electric shaver including an outer cutter having an inverted U shape as seen from a side thereof and an inner cutter making a reciprocating motion while making sliding contact with an inside surface of outer cutter, and further including: an oscillator making a reciprocating motion by a motor installed inside the main body of the shaver; a central shaft provided in an upright position on the oscillator and rises toward the inside of the outer cutter; an inner cutter holder disposed in a slidable manner on the central shaft so that the inner cutter holder holds the inner cutter thereon and the inner cutter swings about a straight line that is perpendicular to the reciprocating direction of the inner cutter; and a spring compressedly installed between the oscillator and the inner cutter holder.