Abstract: A first and a second longitudinal bias-applying films are formed via a first mask at both sides of a magnetoresistive effective element film so that the difference in surface level between the magnetoresistive effective element film and the first and the second longitudinal bias-applying films is set within ±20 nm. Then, a first and a second electrode films are formed so as to cover edge portions of the magnetoresistive effective element film and the first and the second longitudinal bias-applying films.

Abstract: A photosensitive material is coated on an insulating material (13) stacked on a substrate (1) (FIG. 16A), and exposed and developed using a mask having a light-shielding film capable of controlling a light transmittance from 100% to 0% annularly and continuously to form a spiral photosensitive material (FIG. 16B). After conducting treatment at a high temperature, the insulating material under the photosensitive material is spirally formed by etching (FIG. 16C). A metal (12) is stacked on the substrate (FIG. 16D), and a photosensitive material is coated (FIG. 16E). The photosensitive material is exposed and developed using a mask having an annular light-shielding film with a light transmittance of 0% to leave the photosensitive material covering only the metal on the base of the spiral structure (FIG. 16F). After treatment at a high temperature is conducted and the metal exposed is etched (FIG. 16G), the photosensitive material is removed (FIG. 16H).

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for mounting an underfloor electronic equipment to a rolling stock body having an underfloor storage portion formed under the floor in the longitudinal direction of the body as a portion of the body. The underfloor storage portion comprises a guidance tool for guiding and supporting the underfloor electronic equipment formed as a unit, a body-side connector corresponding to an electronic equipment-side connector formed to the electronic equipment, and a fixing tool for fixing the electronic equipment to the underfloor storage portion. The underfloor electronic equipment comprises a moving means guided by the guidance tool and the electronic equipment-side connector corresponding to the body-side connector.

Abstract: A system for enabling a reliable, motor-to-base merge process is designed for motors that are attached to a base with screws that mount from outside of the base. An assembly fixture receives the motor, which has a tooling hole for circumferentially locating the motor relative to the base. The assembly fixture closely receives the motor and has a tooling pin that engages the tooling hole to prevent rotation of the motor relative to the assembly fixture. During the motor-to-base merge process, the motor is inverted with the tooling pin in the tooling hole. The assembly fixture aligns the threaded screw holes in the motor with the mounting holes on the base.

Abstract: A method of processing a strip of lead frames is disclosed. The method includes engaging the strip with a lead frame advancement system, advancing the strip to a tooling member, and performing a tooling operation on the strip.

Abstract: A plurality of flexible printed circuit boards are held on a transfer carrier, which is formed by a base plate and a resin layer formed on an upper surface of the base plate. Reference pins are positioned at reference pin openings of the carrier base plate and reference holes of the flexible printed circuit boards are positioned at the reference pins in order to adhere the board to the carrier resin layer. Electronic parts are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board by bonding the electronic parts to bonding portions of the flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A technique for accommodating electronic components on a multilayer signal routing device is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for accommodating electronic components on a multilayer signal routing device. Such a method comprises determining a component space that is required to accommodate a plurality of electronic components on a surface of a multilayer signal routing device, and then forming at least one signal routing channel on at least the surface of the multilayer signal routing device, wherein the at least one signal routing channel has a channel space that is equal to or greater than the component space.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit carrier includes providing a substrate. At least one receiving zone for an integrated circuit is demarcated on the substrate. A plurality of island-defining portions is arranged about each of the receiving zones. Rigidity-reducing arrangements are created between neighboring island-defining portions by removing material from the substrate.

Abstract: Methods for preventing disengagement of electrical connectors in computers are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes securing a bracket of a retaining device to an electrical component in a computer. The method further includes installing an electrical connector into a receptacle on the electrical component, and positioning a retainer portion of the retaining device at least approximately adjacent to an outwardly facing surface of the electrical connector. In this embodiment, the retainer portion of the retaining device is operatively connected to the bracket of the retaining device. Positioning the retainer portion in this manner prevents the connector from disengaging from the electrical component.

Abstract: Manufacturing equipment and manufacturing process steps that improve upon prior art processes for the manufacturing of filament tube and arc tube light sources, their components and subassemblies, and lamps employing said light sources. A double ended, tipless filament tube or arc tube light source incorporates a drawn-down tubular body, and one piece foliated leads with spurs for process handling and for spudding into a filament with stretched-out legs. Bugled ends on the body provide a novel cutoff means, facilitate a flush-fill finishing process, and enhance mounting and support of the light sources in lamps. The foliated leads are made from a continuous length of wire in a process including foil hammering and two-bath AC electrochemical etching. Cost-reduced light source and lamp production enables affordable household consumer lamps, even when containing two series-connected halogen filament tubes.

Abstract: A process, apparatus, and kit for horizontally assembling a cryogenic pump with an apparatus generally including a workstand, a plurality of support stands longitudinally spaced apart from the workstand and a roller transport structure. The kit includes the apparatus and a beam crane for attachment to the apparatus for assembling and disassembling the cryogenic pump at the point of use.

Abstract: A throttle valve and the throttle body are formed substantially simultaneously in the same dies. The melted resin is injected in to a cavity through a pair of valve gates. The valve gates are symmetrically located with respect to the throttle valve shaft. A deformation of the throttle valve can be avoided because a stress concentration on the metal shaft of the throttle valve is reduced in opening the dies.

Abstract: A throttle valve and the throttle body are formed substantially simultaneously in the same dies. When a movable die moves away from a fixed die, a body ejector pin, a valve ejector pin, and a motor housing ejector pin simultaneously push a bore wall of the throttle body, a motor housing, and peripheral edge of the throttle the valve in a radial direction respectively. A deformation of the throttle valve can be avoided because a stress concentration on the metal shaft of the throttle valve is reduced in opening the dies.

Abstract: A first plate and a second plate have brazing paste on the surface thereof. When the first plate is combined with the second plate while an inner fin is disposed therein, a protrusion forms a clearance there between. Heat is added to evaporate the organic substances in the brazing paste. The organic substances vapor is discharged into outside of the tube through the clearance. After that, heat is added furthermore to melt the brazing paste. The first plate and the second plate are brazed together to form the tube and the inner fin is brazed to the inside of the tube.

Abstract: A heating roller including a core of hollow cylinder form and wherein a thickness of the core is thicker in a center portion thereof than in both end portions thereof. Further, a heating device may have the heating roller, a fixing device may have the heating roller and the heating device, and an image forming apparatus may have the heating roller, the heating device and the fixing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing tubes and profiles with variable wall thickness over the length. The method comprises the steps of flexible rolling of continuous material strip with variable thickness in the longitudinal direction of the strip material to a final wall thickness which is continuously reduced with respect to the original wall thickness, reshaping the material strip to form a continuous tube or profile and cutting to length individual tube or profile pieces from the continuous tube or profile.

Abstract: A molding dies have a first shaft holding portion and a second shaft holding portion. The first shaft holding portion supports an outer surface of a metal shaft which is exposed between an axial end surface of the throttle valve and a first collar molded in the throttle body. The second shaft holding portion supports an outer surface of the metal shaft which is exposed between the other axial end surface and a second collar molded in the throttle body. The first and the second collar have a first and second shaft holes into which the metal shaft is inserted. The first and the second holding portions restrict a flowing of melted resin into the first and the second shaft holes.

Abstract: Apparatus, kits, and methods for sharpening electric shavers having rotary and reciprocating-type cutting members are disclosed. A sharpening apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an applicator tray or other applicator means, and an abrasive material configured to abrade and sharpen the cutting surfaces of the electric shaver, when actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a folding knife is provided. The apparatus may include a plate having an arcuate slot and a substantially linear slot. A cam slide may be provided comprised of an extension which extends into the substantially linear slot, and an opening into which a post connected to a blade device can be inserted. The extension of the cam slide typically can be moved in a substantially linear manner in the substantially linear slot. The substantially linear movement of the extension in the substantially linear slot causes a sharp edge of the blade device to come out of or go into a housing.

Abstract: A spring assist folding knife and method of biasing a blade in a folding knife. The folding knife includes a blade, liner, and handle. The blade includes a first recess for receiving a pivot pin. The blade includes a second recess offset from the axis of rotation. A latch cam having an offset pin is located relative to the second recess. The liner includes an arcuate slot in which the offset pin of the latch cam is located. The arcuate slot within the liner or handle also includes a convex extension. A spring is configured to provide a force in the direction of blade opening and provides the force throughout the entire range of blade motion. The spring applies its force to the offset pin to bias the blade in the closed position until the blade reaches a predetermined angle. Then the spring biases the blade to the open position.

Abstract: A cutter knife with a blade extendable from and retractable into a cutter knife body by operating a slider. The cutter knife body has a plurality of engagement indentations formed alongside a slit. The slider has a spring member with an engagement head which is engageable with one of the engagement indentations. When an external force is directly applied to the blade in an advancing direction, the blade is inhibited from sliding out, because the distal side of the engagement head comes into contact with the distal end wall of the engagement indentation. When a predetermined external force is directly applied to the blade in a retracting direction, the blade can be withdrawn and held inside the cutter knife body by this external force, because an escapee is provided to the proximal end wall of each engagement indentation, or to the proximal side of the engagement head.

Abstract: A utility knife has a blade carriage having a blade-receiving bay and moveable horizontally to move a cutting blade disposed in the bay from a retracted position to a deployed position. A locking mechanism is operative to releasably couple the cutting blade to the carriage and includes a lock plate having an blade-engagement element and moveable by non-pivoting, generally vertical displacement between a locked position and an unlocked position. An actuator engages the locking mechanism and moves the locking mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position. The actuator may move from a first position to a second position in unlocking the locking mechanism, optionally vertically, with the second position being not closer to the midline of the utility knife than the first position. The blade-receiving bay may face the side of the housing that supports the actuator for the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A retaining assembly is provided for a tensioning arrangement for adjusting the tension of the cutting chain in the chainsaw. The retaining assembly includes a knob body, a lock, and a lever. The lock and lever rotate about a common axis, which is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the retaining assembly. The lock includes a tooth adapted to engage with teeth on a clutch cover of a chainsaw to lock the retaining assembly in place.

Abstract: An electric cutting tool has a body, a chuck at an end of the body for attaching a cutting implement having a rear end including a recess, and a drive mechanism for driving the chuck to slide in reciprocation for operating the cutting implement. The chuck has a gap for receiving the rear end of the implement, an internal multi-part fixing mechanism for engaging the recess of the cutting implement in the gap, and an outer cylinder having an inner cam surface for acting upon the fixing mechanism. The cylinder is manually rotatable between a locked position in which the cam surface presses the fixing mechanism tight against the recess in the gap to fix the cutting implement in place and an unlocked position in which the fixing means is released from the cutting mechanism. The fixing mechanism includes two discrete balls.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric knife is provided that includes a blade that is adapted to cut the pulp and shell of pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables but not readily cut the skin and flesh of humans. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electric knife also includes a shield that that is adapted to prevent fruit or vegetable matter from entering the housing of the electric knife.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a shaving apparatus includes a chassis supporting a cleaning container for receiving the shaving head region of the shaving apparatus. A detent device is movably suspended on the chassis and is biased by means of a resilient element toward a first end position in which the detent device fixedly secures a replaceable reservoir holding a supply of cleaning liquid to the chassis in a positive engagement relationship therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precise angular positioning of an object. A first pivot arm and a second pivot arm each is pivotally mounted with respect to a base. A pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the first pivot arm and allows the first pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, within a particular plane. A second pivot base flex member is operatively connected to the second pivot arm and allows the second pivot arm to pivot with respect to the base, and also within either the same plane or a different plane as the plane within which the first pivot arm pivots. Support structures maintain each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm within the particular plane or planes. An interconnect flex member connects the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. With a relatively small base and thus overall apparatus, an input movement, such as a linear input of about 10 mm can be translated into an output movement of about 7200 radians.

Abstract: A method for forming a topographical image of the heterogeneous variations in a surface of a material has a first machining step and a second scanning step. The preferred machining step uses a preselected scribing tool to scribe a plurality of adjacent grooves in a selected material surface at a preselected constant force. This machining step produces a machined surface whose local elevations relative to a datum plane are dependent on the local hardness or wear resistance of the surface. Then the scanning step shifts the scribing tool across the surface in contact with the surface, and measures the elevation of the tool at a plurality of selected surface coordinates. The measured elevations allow formation of a topological map depicting sub-micron structural features of the surface.

Abstract: A hand-operated feeler includes a rod on a crossed movement table mounted on a support fitted with an immobilization device at a fixed reference as compared to the part to be measured and a processing unit configured to store and process the results. Such a device results in rapidly measuring the contours of parts including deep and sunken honeycomb cells.

Abstract: A freestanding micrometer and method for determining the diameter of a cylindrical body, including measuring variations in diameter along a longitudinal length thereof, such as a roll used in the production of metal and paper sheet products. The micrometer comprises a housing supported on a circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. A first sensing element is movably supported by the housing and adapted for sensing a first surface point of the cylindrical body laterally spaced apart from the housing and disposed in a cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. A second sensing element is mounted to the housing for contact with a second surface point of the cylindrical body disposed in the cross-sectional plane of the cylindrical body. The first and second surface points locate, respectively, a terminal and midpoint of a chord lying in the cross-section plane of the cylindrical body, from which the diameter of the cylindrical body is determined.

Abstract: Measuring-point bolt including a body having a first end and a second end. The first end has an internal opening adapted to receive a measuring device pin. The second end is adapted connect to a hollow pin of another measuring device. A main internal opening is arranged within the body and communicates with the internal opening of the first end. A spring is arranged within the main internal opening. A element is movably arranged within the body. The element is structured and arranged to prevent entry of foreign particles into the body. A sealing member is at least one of non-removably connected to the second end and permanently fixed to the second end. The sealing member is adapted to prevent equalization of air pressure between an outside atmosphere and the main internal opening. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A workpiece size alignment device includes a rail set including a plurality of guide rails each having a top face formed with an elongated guide channel extended longitudinally, and a ruler set mounted on the rail set and including a plurality of rulers each removably mounted in the guide channel of a respective one of the guide rails. Thus, the workpiece size alignment device has multiple rulers having different units for use and replacement, so that the operator can select the rulers having different units according to different working requirements, thereby greatly facilitating the operator working the workpiece.

Abstract: A coilable tape rule includes a fixed structure or a roller about which the measuring blade moves during extension from the casing and which causes the blade to turn on its longitudinal axis so as to reorient its width dimension to a perpendicular relationship to the axis of coiling.

Abstract: There are provided a substrate drying method and apparatus by which an attachment amount of particles to surfaces of substrates can be reduced when the substrates are exposed from pure water, and occurrence of non-uniform drying can be prevented by improving drying efficiency of the substrates. Air or an inert gas, and gaseous or droplet-like isopropyl alcohol (hereinafter, referred to as IPA) are supplied into a space on a liquid level of the pure water in a drying chamber, and pure water on a liquid level side is drained from the liquid level or the vicinity of the liquid level of the pure water, while raising the pure water in which the substrates are immersed together with the substrates, the substrates are exposed from the pure water above the liquid level in the drying chamber, and, at the same time, the pure water held on the exposed surfaces of the substrates is replaced by IPA, whereby the substrates are dried.

Abstract: A water shoes for improving the safety of public bathing and swimming areas. The water shoes includes comprises a sole portion, and upper portion including vamp and quarters, and a cuff portion for abutting an ankle of the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a shoe sole formed from cotton fabric and bonded together with what in the prior art was thought to be a water soluble glue. As used in the specific construction of the present invention, millet glue is not substantially water soluble after about a year's worth of water exposure and day to day use of footwear having the invention shoe sole.

Abstract: A shoe insole structure which includes a non-springy, acceleration-rate-sensitive viscoelastic cushioning layer carrying, on its upper surface, a low-friction, abrasion-resistant, load-distributing, moisture-wicking overlayer.

Abstract: An insole having a molded base and a top sheet. The insole includes directional air ports for facilitating airflow above and below the insole. In addition, the insole has a shock absorbing pad positioned on the bottom of the base to provide cushioning to the area of the joints of the metatarsals and proximal phalanges and along a portion of the fifth metatarsal. A rear shock absorbing pad is provided which provides cushioning to the center of the calcaneus and which has an extension along the medial portion to provide cushioning to the talus. Two anatomical centering devices are provided on each side of the rear portion of the insole to support and direct the foot into the proper position over the cushioning pads. The medial anatomical centering device also provides additional stiffness to the arch area.

Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an article of footwear having a thematical a toe box cover. The toe box cover may be removably coupleable to a primary shoe element in which the toe box cover has an ornamental sculptured work simulating the appearance of another and different article. A covering system for an article of footwear, includes a themed cover adapted to cover at least a forefoot portion of a foot of a wearer. The themed cover may include a flange provided for removably coupling the themed cover to the article of footwear and the flange is disposed on bottom periphery of the themed cover. Further, a plurality of interchangeable footcovers bears different three-dimensional ornamental simulations within a common theme relating to another article of manufacture. There is also provided a method of marketing an article of manufacture with an article of footwear, in which the article of manufacture is different from the article of footwear.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: An articulated scraper blade system mounted to a snow plow blade length installed in the front of a vehicle for snow scraping, which comprises a multitude of carbide sections moving independently when they strike an obstacle on a road surface.

Abstract: A frontward blade mounting bracket, for connecting the front end of a side blade to a vehicle side adjacent a road surface, includes a spacer and an elongate guide member. The spacer has opposed first and second spacer ends. The first spacer end is pivotally connected to the vehicle side about a substantially vertical pivot axis, and the second spacer end is spaced apart from the first spacer end in a direction leading outwardly away from the vehicle side. The guide member has first and second guide parts connected to the second spacer end and the second guide part respectively. The first and second guide parts longitudinally move relative to one another about a substantially vertical guide axis.

Abstract: The current invention describes a tool mounting device that permits a rotating attachment of a tool to an excavator arm in such a way that the tool can be used for work in relatively small work spaces, independent of the alignment of the excavator arm and the excavator.

Abstract: The invention described herein permits decorative or other lighting of a transparent or a translucent surface by placing a light source within a frame and contacting the light source with the transparent or translucent surface. The transparent or translucent surface may be eroded in one or more places to provide contrasting images on the transparent or translucent surface.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure for temporary sign displays formed from a vertically oriented rigid panel having a plurality of length and angle adjustable support arms. Each arm has a distal end thumb screw attachment to a T-nut on the sign. The arm is adjustably anchored to the panel by a bolt extending from the panel through a longitudinal oval slot in the arm to engage a wingnut. Additional hardware prevents loss of movable parts. Sign stiffening battens are tethered to the panel. A stiffening tray parallely spaced apart from the back of the panel further bears against and secures the support arms.

Abstract: A display device having a support structure and display panel is provided. The support structure generally includes a cross bar horizontally supported by first and second leg assemblies. A coupling is provided at each end of the cross bar to receive the corresponding leg assemblies. A plurality of locking mechanisms are provided for independently and releasably connecting the cross bar and the leg assemblies to the coupling without requiring the use of tools.

Abstract: A locking system for firearms including a locking ring rotatably mounted to a bolt. As the bolt is moved through a bolt slide, the locking ring engages a cam member, which causes the locking ring to rotate about the bolt, which can remain fixed against rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick assembling and disassembling of accessories to a firearm includes a mounting body that enables efficient switching of tactic equipments as accessories to the firearm and a mounting base stabilizing the apparatus to the base of the firearm.