Abstract: A mask strap adjuster attaches a strap with right triangular ribs to a mask, allows the strap to be tightened by pulling the strap and comprises a base, a cover and a connector. The base has two corresponding moveable caps. Each cap has two nubs. The cover is mounted on the base and has a pawl and two nubs. The pawl engages the ribs on the strap to allow the strap to be tightened by simply pulling the strap. The nubs of the cover are pressed selectively by the nubs on the caps and press the cover away from the base and the pawl away from the ribs to loosen the strap. The cover and the base can be short.

Abstract: A lingerie strap and slide assembly has the central bar of the slide of set or recessed and formed with spikes to which the strap end is welded. The slide has its thickest portions at the centers of the transverse bars at which the central bar merges with the remainder of the slide. The strap passes around the central bar or directly through one of the slots to a ring and returns through that slot across the central bar and through the other slot in the slide to the shoulder of the wearer.

Abstract: A clip with dual attachment flanges that is easily attachable, removable and re-attachable to and from a vehicle, such as an automobile, boat, snowmobile, or other similar structure. The clip comprises a base, whereby a male member projects perpendicularly from the base on one side of the base substantially from a leg member of the base, first and second legs project from a cross-member substantially in the same plane as the base, the first and second legs projecting from the cross-member on opposite ends of the cross-member, and attachment flanges at the outermost ends of each of the first and second legs. A corresponding clip housing attached to a trim part is provided with flange receipt channels that receive the flanges of the first and second legs to secure the trim part to the clip. The first and second legs of the clip are thus slid over portions of the clip housing to seat the flanges of the first and second legs in their respective flange receipt channels.

Abstract: A clamp is provided having a synthetic clip and a metal plate spring. The clip includes a pair of side walls opposed each other at a certain distance, engaging shoulder portions each formed at an outer surface of each of the side walls and configured to be engaged with a peripheral edge of a mounting hole of a panel at the time of securing a mounting member to the panel. The spring is attached to one of the side walls of the clip. A press-fitting craw portion is formed at an inner surface of the other side wall and configured to be pressed against a boss portion of the mounting member. The spring includes a pull-out preventing tongue facing the craw portion and configured to bite into the boss portion of the mounting member at the time of securing the mounting member to the panel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a baby bottle liner constructed and arranged to fit into a cavity of a baby bottle. The baby bottle liner includes a continuous, profiled, elongated reclosable fastener. The continuous, profiled, elongated reclosable fastener has a first continuous elongated profile strip and a second continuous elongated profile strip. The first continuous elongated profile strip and the second continuous elongated profile strip are dimensioned to provide an airtight and/or watertight seal upon interconnection thereof. The baby bottle liner further comprises an airtight and watertight side seal at each end of the reclosable fastener. Each side seal connects an end of the reclosable fastener to an inside surface of a front wall and an inside surface of a back wall of the liner. The invention also provides a baby bottle with a baby bottle liner and a kit for infant nursing that has a plurality of baby bottle liners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for use in dry forming a fabric by at least two non-woven fabrics. The upper run of the transfer wire is used as a forming wire. A forming head is disposed above the transfer wire. An airlaid non-woven fabric is formed on the transfer wire. This non-woven fabric is carried with the transfer wire onto the top side of the first non-woven fabric. The first non-woven fabric is formed on a preceding forming wire and transferred by the transfer wire to a subsequent conveying wire. This subsequent conveying wire can also be a forming wire so further non-woven fabric can be formed before the fabric is consolidated, e.g. by hydroentanglement or latex bonding/fibre bonding.

Abstract: A method for producing a dielectric film, comprising: a coating step of coating a colloidal solution containing an organometallic compound containing a metal constituting a dielectric film containing at least a lead component to form a dielectric precursor film; a drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film; a degreasing step of degreasing the dielectric precursor film; and a sintering step of sintering the dielectric precursor film to form a dielectric film, and wherein the drying step includes a first drying step of heating the dielectric precursor film to a temperature lower than the boiling point of a solvent, which is a main solvent of the material, and holding the dielectric precursor film at the temperature for a certain period of time to dry the dielectric precursor film, and a second drying step of drying the dielectric precursor film at a temperature in the range of 140° C. to 170° C., the degreasing step is performed at a degreasing temperature of 350° C. to 450° C.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool having a motor driven hydraulic pump is disclosed. The rivet setting tool incorporates a fastener setting verification system configured to monitor changes pump drive motor current to determine if a particular fastener set is acceptable.

Abstract: A stent loading system comprises a contracting aperture device having blades defining a contracting aperture and a fluid supply source. The blades are movable so as to vary the size of the contracting aperture. A stream of fluid is supplied by a fluid supply source and enters the contracting aperture and travels longitudinally through the contracting aperture. The stream of fluid is arranged to transport a stent from the contracting aperture contracting aperture and outside the contracting aperture device.

Abstract: A flashing assembly includes a member extending between a first end and a second end. The flashing member includes a top portion and a flange at an angle to the top portion. The top portion extends from a rear edge to the flange. The top portion includes a mounting surface substantially level from the top portion rear edge toward the flange. The top portion includes at least one channel and at least one cross channel in communication with the channel. In one option, the cross channel is separated from the coupling portion. The channels facilitate trimming of members to desired sizes such that the assembly is used with windows and doors of various sizes.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant comprises at least one conveyor for conveying works and at least one processing machine. In front of a processing machine, provision is made for a delivery device which comprises a rotary table on which at least one pivoted work grab is disposed. A pivoting drive is disposed on the rotary table, acting of the work grab for pivoting the work grab between a downward position of delivery and removal and an upward conveying position.

Abstract: Vibration equipment includes a vibration table with rotating shafts for producing vibrations and used in casting concrete blocks for e.g. paving and erection of walls. These vibration tables are normally made of cut-out, welded steel parts that after welding constitute the main part of the vibration table, making such vibration tables costly and resulting in relatively great waste of material. This method solves the above problems by providing vibration equipment in which individual parts for the vibration table are cast in one piece or are welded and are finally fastened to each other by bolts or by welding, thereby avoid several work operations and saving material in the form of steel. Simultaneously, the vibration table is designed such that force and stress flow in the vibration table is optimized.

Abstract: A production installation comprises a loading transport means with a transport rail connecting processing machines. It also comprises workpiece grippers for supplying the processing machines with workpieces to be processed and for removing processed workpieces from the processing machines. The workpiece grippers can be pivoted about only one pivot axis between a lowered transfer position and a pivoted-up transport position. The processing machines also comprise a workpiece carriage which can be displaced transversely with respect to the direction of the transport rail for transport between the workpiece gripper and processing position on the processing machine.

Abstract: A machine for terminating electric cable has a feeding segment that is decoupled from a terminating segment. The feeding segment has two feeders on which electric cable is wound. A length of cable is paid off one feeder and cut to length while another length of cable that has been paid off another feeder and cut to length is terminated at least at one end of the cable. A process for terminating electric cable provides a cable feed comprising a plurality of feeders and pays off a length of cable from one feeder of the cable feed while another length of cable that has been paid off another feeder of the cable feed is terminated at least at one end of the another length of cable. Alternatively lengths of cable are paid off two feeders and accumulated in a buffer segment associated with a feeding segment and a terminating segment. In an alternative process several lengths of cable are cut off and accumulated in a buffer while several other lengths of cable are being terminated.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer employing a polymer connection for maximizing volume displacement. The transducer includes a diaphragm in a case and means for converting. The diaphragm includes a central portion. The means for converting converts between an electric signal and a vibration of the central portion of the diaphragm or vice versa while the diaphragm is coupled to the case. The central diaphragm has an outer edge, and between the outer edge and the inner wall of the transducer case a capillary space is present in which a polymer is provided as a coupling between the outer edge and the inner wall of the case.

Abstract: A clamp ring detaching method of detaching from a motor hub a clamp ring fastened to the motor hub, the clamp ring comprising a plurality of hub pressing portions contacting the outer circumferential surface of the motor hub and connecting portions which connect the hub pressing portions, each connecting portion having a concave portion, the method including pressing portions of at least one of the concave portions, which are displaced from a center of the concave portion, outwards in a radial direction of the clamp ring in order to remove the clamp ring from the motor hub.

Abstract: The invention includes a method making a balanced disk pack for a hard disk drive, from a disk pack including a spindle motor rigidly coupled, and aligned by at least two open screw holes, with a disk clamp. The invention includes the resulting balanced disk packs, as well as hard disk drives built with such balanced disk packs. The invention also includes apparatus providing the means for implementing the steps of making a balanced disk pack from a disk pack. The invention includes at least one mechanical counterbalance for use in balancing the disk pack of a hard disk drive.

Abstract: A current in plane giant magnetoresistive (GMR) sensor having a hard bias layer that extends along the back edge (strip height) of the sensor rather than from the sides of the sensor. The hard bias layer preferably extends beyond the track width of the sensor. Electrically conductive leads, which may be a highly conductive material such as Cu, Rh or Au, or may be an electrically conductive magnetic material extend from the sides of the sensor stack. The bias layer is separated from the sensor stack and from the leads by thin layer of electrically conductive material, thereby preventing current shunting through the hard bias layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a process for fabricating a write gap structure for a magnetic recording head. In one embodiment, at least one layer of inert material is deposited which is disposed proximate to the P2 pole of a magnetic recording head. A layer of magnetic material is deposited which is disposed between the layer of inert material and the P1 pedestal (P1P) of the magnetic recording head. In embodiments of the present invention, a second layer of inert material is deposited which is disposed between the layer of magnetic material and the P1P of the magnetic recording head. In embodiments of the present invention, the throat height of the write gap structure is defined wherein the layer of magnetic material and the inert layer only overlie a portion of the P1 pedestal of the magnetic recording head.

Abstract: There are proposed a manufacturing method of a winding assembly of a rotating electrical machine using a rotation block and a fixed block and a manufacturing apparatus used for the same. The rotation block includes a rotation surface rotatable around a rotation axis, and the fixed block includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and a shaping surface. The shaping surface is formed between end parts of the first and the second surfaces, is made to have an almost semicircular shape with the rotation axis as the center, and extends along the rotation axis. Plural wire rods are simultaneously fed from the first surface of the fixed block to the rotation surface of the rotation block, and the wire rods positioned on the rotation surface are bent by rotation of the rotation block.

Abstract: A coil forming and insertion apparatus includes plural coil winding frames, a winding jig for forming a multipole coil, plural coil receiving portions, and an inserter jig for inserting and arranging the multipole coil in slots of a stator core. The coil forming and insertion apparatus has each coil receiving portion opposed to a coil winding frame, the multipole coil is formed by connecting the monopole coils wound on the coil winding frames and the multipole coil is transferred from the winding jig to the inserter jig.

Abstract: In an ultrasound transducer arrangement comprising at least one piezoelectric body with a lower and an upper electrode and a coupling layer including a wafer on which the ultrasound transducers are disposed and are connected to the lower electrode, a conductor structure of uniform height is disposed on the wafer and is in contact with the lower electrode and any space between the piezoelectric body and the wafer is completely filled with a cement material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating wire fuse elements is provided. The method includes providing a continuously extending high resistance fuse wire having a first electrical resistivity. The method also includes applying a conductive material to the wire, and reducing the first electrical resistivity of the wire to a second electrical resistivity lower than the first electrical resistivity. The method also includes selectively removing a portion of the conductive material from the wire, and forming at least one high resistance portion having the first electrical resistivity wherein the conductive material is removed, and the wire having the second electrical resistivity in portions thereof wherein the conductive material remains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gripping and transferring a ring of electrical conductors in the form of pins which are used to produce a winding, such as a pin winding. The gripping device (C) is designed to seize the ring from a first element, such as a ring-forming element, and to transfer same into a second element (B), such as an element used to insert the ring into the member that supports the winding to be produced. The inventive device comprises a control cone (19) which can be moved axially inside a frame (13) for contact with levers (15) which are pivot mounted to the frame, such that the levers pivot when the cone is moved. The winding-production system is characterized in that it comprises an autonomous gripping and transfer device (C) which can be separated from the above-mentioned first and second elements (B) and which can be positioned on same in a pre-determined reference position. The invention can be used to produce a stator for an electrically-rotating machine.

Abstract: A multi-use tool for assembly of electrical connectors includes a main tool body having an electrical connector assembly holder. The holder includes first and second cavities. The first cavity includes spaced anvils and removably retains an electrical connector end cap between the anvils. A cutting ram is opposed to the first cavity and includes two cutting blades that are translatable between disengaged and engaged positions to trim and sever excess wire lengths from the electrical connector end cap. The second cavity removably retains the electrical connector end cap and a jack housing. A termination ram is opposed to the second cavity and movably mounted between disengaged and engaged positions to terminate the jack housing with the end cap. A trigger mechanism is operably connected to both the cutting ram and the termination ram.

Abstract: A system and method for self-piercing riveting including an alignment mechanism comprising laser diodes and sensors for facilitating alignment of a rivet gun and a back-up located on opposite sides of sheet metal parts to be joined, and an oscillation piercing technique for reducing force loads on structures, particularly robotic structures, carrying the rivet gun and the back-up.

Abstract: Mounting methods of electronic components in which the electronic components are mounted on plural printed circuit boards are disclosed. An exemplary method includes: supplying a printed circuit board on a first conveyor; transferring the printed circuit board to the third conveyor and simultaneously, transferring the printed circuit board transferred to the first conveyor to the second conveyor; mounting the electronic components to about half-portion of the printed circuit board by moving the printed circuit board to one side and simultaneously, mounting the electronic components to about half-portion from the original position of the printed circuit board and transferring the printed circuit board to a fourth conveyor, simultaneously transferring the printed circuit board to the second conveyor to the third conveyor and then discharging the printed circuit boards sequentially.

Abstract: A process for producing a multilayer printed wiring board, comprising providing an uncured or partly-cured resin layer from a curable composition comprising an insulation polymer and a curable agent, the resin layer superimposed on an internal layer substrate having a first conductive layer as an outermost layer; bringing the surface of the resin layer into contact with a compound having a structure capable of coordination with a metal; curable the resin layer to thereby form an electrical insulation layer; oxidizing the surface of the obtained electrical insulation layer until the surface average roughness (Ra) of the electrical insulation layer falls within the range of 0.05 to less than 0.2 ?m and the surface ten-point average roughness (Rzjis) thereof within the range of 0.3 to less than 4 ?m; and forming a second conductive layer on the electrical insulation layer by plating operation. There is further provided a multilayer printed wiring board produced by the process.

Abstract: A method for repairing a rotor of a turbine includes providing a rotor having a groove portion defined by a circumferential portion of the rotor. The circumferential portion of the rotor is removed to create an opening to provide access to the groove such that the opening, immediately adjacent the groove, is narrower than the groove. A guide block may be extended into a receiving slot separating a first protruding surface from a second protruding surface of the rotor such that a weld area slot of the guide block extends over at least a portion of the opening. The opening may be welded adjacent the guide block to close at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: A reactor cartridge includes a plurality of spaced-apart monoliths, formed along a tube or other mandrel. Each monolith is formed of a pair of flat and corrugated metal strips, spirally wound around the tube. These strips could be made of solid or screen material. The corrugations are skewed, such that the monolith imparts a swirl to gases flowing through it. The corrugations of the strips in adjacent monoliths are oriented differently, so that successive monoliths impart different swirls to the gases, so as to promote mixing of gases and better heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the cartridge. An insertion and removal tool simplifies the procedure for stacking such cartridges in a long pipe, or for removing cartridges from the pipe. The all-metal construction facilitates heat transfer through the entire reactor, and avoids the problems associated with packed ceramic beds.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a support member bonded with an adhesive to a discharge element substrate forming a discharge port for discharging a liquid, the adhesive contains a multifunctional epoxy resin of epoxy equivalent of 150 or less, a curing agent, and a mercapto silane coupling agent, and the adhesive is applied to one side or both sides of junction surfaces of the both members, and the both members of the liquid discharge head are positioned, and heated and pressed, and the adhesive is cured to bond the both members.

Abstract: A graphite base is made by: mixing nanometered graphite powder with a bonding agent to form a graphite mixture and then grinding the graphite mixture and processing the graphite mixture into a graphite mass with a high pressure by means of hot press, cold press and vibration, and then dipping the graphite mass in a liquid phase asphalt, and then baking the graphite mass to a dry state graphite block. The dry state graphite block is further coated with a layer of metal coating and bonded with metal radiation fins to form a heat sink.

Abstract: A dual base plate heatsink for use in dissipating heat for electronic devices has sufficient thermal contact between fins and the base plates and is manufactured without the requirement for welding. Separately extruded fins are connected to both base plates by placing the fins side by side in channels in both base plates. In order to couple the base plates and the fins, the base plates are maintained at a constant relative distance and a swaging tool is passed adjacent the fins and between the base plates in a direction parallel to the surface of the base plates. The swaging tool asserts pressure to the base plates to thereby swage the base plates against the ends of the fins. Undesirable warping of the base plates during the process is reduced or prevented by providing a base plate configuration that minimises the bending moment between the swaged base plate material and the rest of the base plate.

Abstract: A fabricated, B type heat exchanger tube is folded with a distinctive internal enclosed seam of substantially triangular cross section, with an enlarged cross sectional area and longer, sharper corners. The uniquely shaped internal seam prevents liquid braze material from bridging and filling the cross sectional area of the seam, and thereby causes a lengthwise, erosive flow of braze material to move along the internal seam, rather than along the external seam.

Abstract: Structure of driving unit in a drum type washing machine including a tub mounted inside of a cabinet, a drum mounted inside of the tub, a shaft connected to the drum mounted inside of the tub for transmission of a driving force from a motor to the drum, a front bearing and a rear bearing mounted on an outer circumference of the shape at opposite end portions thereof respectively, a bearing housing built in a central portion of a rear wall of the tub for supporting the front bearing, a rotor composing the motor together with the rotor, and coupled to the rear end portion of the shaft, a stator fixed to the tub rear wall inward of the rotor to compose the motor together with the rotor, a connector serration coupled to the outer circumference of the shaft in front of the rear bearing and fixed to the rotor, for transmission of a rotating power from the rotor to the shaft, and a bearing bracket fixed to the rear wall of the tub to cover an outside of the rotor and support the rear bearing, thereby reducing noise,

Abstract: Hand-held apparatus for clipping hair including a self-contained vacuum source for collection of hair clippings. The apparatus comprises a housing. An airway extends within the housing from an inlet to an exhaust. A vacuum source is disposed in the airway intermediate the inlet and the exhaust and operates to draw air into the housing through said inlet. A cutting assembly comprising at least one cutting blade is disposed exterior of the airway in spaced relationship with the housing inlet such that hair clippings produced by the cutting assembly are drawn through the housing inlet into the airway. A filter member is disposed in the airway between the inlet and the vacuum source to inhibit hair clippings that have been drawn into the airway from flowing to the vacuum source. Various metrics are disclosed that can be used individually or in combination to improve performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. The knife may be either automatic or semi-automatic. In one embodiment a pair of spring arms, one located to each lateral side of the blade is interconnected at their forward ends with a pin and a roller sleeve. The spring arms apply pressure to the tang of the blade when the blade is closed.

Abstract: A cutter assembly for hair clipper includes a fixed blade set, which has a series of cutters, a mount, and a coupling portion, a movable blade set, which has a series of cutters, a coupling portion slidably coupled to the coupling portion of the fixed blade set to guide movement of the series of cutters of the movable blade set relative to the series of cutters of the fixed blade set, and a bearing portion, and a biasing mechanism, which has a spring holder pivotally mounted on the mount of the fixed blade set and a spring member mounted on the spring holder and stopped against the bearing portion of the movable blade set for biasing the movable blade set relative to the fixed blade set.

Abstract: A knife blade having a cutting edge with a first end and a mounting edge opposite the cutting edge. Typically the first end will be a point, but other configurations are possible. In addition, the knife blade has a first attachment slot extending from the mounting edge toward the cutting edge and away from the first end. The first attachment slot may be tapered at a select taper angle. In addition, the first attachment slot may include a first segment extending from the mounting edge toward the cutting edge and a second segment extending from the first segment away from the first end. Similarly, a third segment of the first attachment slot may extend from the first segment toward the first end. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third segments form a substantially “T” shaped attachment slot. Preferably, the second and third segments of a “T” shaped attachment slot are tapered at a select taper angle from the junction with the first segment.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hand-operated tool (100) with a housing (12) and at least one handle (14) that is arranged on the housing such that it can be turned about an axis (13), wherein said handle comprises handle shells (15, 16) and a bearing part that is mounted on a counter bearing of the housing (12). The invention aims to develop a tool of this type that does not have the above-described disadvantages, particularly to make available a simple and inexpensive tool that can be easily assembled, and proposes that the first handle shell (15) and the bearing part are realized in one piece and the second handle shell (16) to be mounted on the first handle shell (15) is realized without a bearing part.

Abstract: A tool includes a hammered shaping device having a first working surface and a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to said first working surface. The first working surface has a length and a width. The length is about equal to a length of a hinge leaf. The width is about equal to a width of the hinge leaf. The thickness is at least two times a thickness of the hinge leaf. The hammered shaping device is fabricated of a material that can be hammered without substantial permanent deformation. The hammered shaping device can have a gauge. The hammered shaping device can have countersunk holes to facilitate connection to a door or door frame hinge reinforcement plate.

Abstract: A portable water display platform and system. The platform is adjustable in height, and is configured for displaying an object such as, for example, a statuette or fountain in a body of water such as a decorative pond.

Abstract: A method and device for marking trim miters for a bull-nose corner is provided. Embodiments for wainscotting, crown molding and baseboard are also disclosed. The device comprises a molded, hand-held structure which envelopes a portion of the bull-nose corner and provides marking guides for marking correct placement of trim. The method discloses utilization of the device.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a novel mounting clip assembly having a distinct lever arm coupled to a base plate for movement about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The lever arm has a first spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the base plate and disposed rearward of the pivot axis. The base plate has a first fastener-receiving hole therein forward of the pivot axis, a second spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the lever arm. A spring biases the lever arm to assume the closed position and extends from the first bay to the second bay. A centerline of a mounting hole in the base plate extends through a second hole in the lever arm when the lever arm is in the closed position. A top of a securing fastener is accessible via the second hole. Also, methods of assembly are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing a golf practice range by at least one of measuring distances for such practice range and gathering golf balls from such practice range. The apparatus comprises a frame, the frame includes a handle member and an axle member that is engageable with a bottom portion of the frame. There is a pair of wheels having a predetermined diameter, each of the pair of wheels is disposed closely adjacent an outer edge of the axle member and a shag bag having a predetermined shape engageable with the frame. The apparatus has a means, disposed on the axle member, for measuring distance.

Abstract: A wearable, disposable dryer for point-of-use installation in an air/gas line delivering compressed air or gas to an air/gas-driven tool. The dryer includes a main body, a drying composition substantially filling the main body, inlet and outlet connectors, a carrying strap and a wall mount holder that provides a stowage accessory. The strap can be attached to the inlet and outlet connectors, each of which can be provided with a strap mounting portion. According to a method of use, the dryer is attached to air/gas lines and the strap is placed over a user's shoulder so that the dryer can be worn while delivering dried compressed air or gas to a tool. A dryness indicator may be provided as either a site glass or by virtue of a portion of the main body being transparent or translucent and a dryness indicating material in the dryer being viewable therethrough.

Abstract: Provided is a laundry dryer. The laundry dryer includes a drying drum for inserting laundry in, a base, and a cabinet enclosing the drying drum and the base. The base includes an outside air intake port that suctions indoor air, an air passage for moist air from the drying drum to pass through, and an impurity descending slot recessed a predetermined depth at a front of the outside air intake port for impurities to fall into.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodologies are provided for flash drying liquid materials using a variable die. A die and a die body are provided with an adjustably configured pressure regulating variable obstruction in the material flow path that allows control of the pressure applied to the material and consequent control of the temperature of the material as it enters the die. Optimizing pressure and temperature allows optimization of the flash drying process.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a clothes dryer having a dryness sensing device and method of use comprising at least two electrically conductive sensor bars placed closely together but not touching one another so that articles in the dryer can contact two of the sensor bars at the same time. At least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical current source and at least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical ground. A microcontroller is electrically connected between the electrical current source and the electrical ground so as to be capable of measuring the voltage across the sensor bars when the sensor bars are contacted by the articles being dried. The microcontroller is configured so as to determine the dryness of the articles by calculating the electrical resistance of the articles by using the value of the voltage across the sensor bars and the value of the current through the sensor bars.

Abstract: A heated or cooled item of clothing (1;15), comprising a cartridge (4) made of two compartments (5, 6), separated by a divider (7) that can be easily broken or removed, each compartment containing a substance which, coming into contact with the other, triggers an exothermic or endothermic reaction, respectively. Said item of clothing may be shoes (1) or women's elegant shoes, or clothes (15).