Abstract: An evaporator 1 comprises a flat tube 2 bent zigzag, and a corrugated fin 3 disposed between each adjacent pair of straight tube portions 2a of the flat tube 2 and brazed thereto by the flux brazing method. The flux remains on the surface of the portion of the corrugated fin 3 not brazed to the straight tube portions 2a in an amount of 0.03 to 1 g/m2. @ The evaporator 1 is fabricated by a process including applying the flux in an amount of 0.05 to 2.8 g/m2 to the outer surface of a zigzag flat tube 2, disposing a corrugated fin 3 between each adjacent pair of straight tube portions 2a of the flat tube 2 and brazing the fin 3 to the flat tube 2. The evaporator 1 can be effectively inhibited from emanating odor.

Abstract: A method of installing a piston position sensor proximate to a closed end of a hydraulic cylinder is provided. The sensor is attached to the face of a piston and that piston/sensor combination is inserted into the cylinder tube to position the sensor in the desired location. When properly located within the cylinder tube, the sensor is affixed to the cylinder tube by means of beveled holes in the sensor that receive bolts threadedly inserted through the cylinder tube to further properly align the sensor within the cylinder tube. When so affixed, the sensor is then detached from the piston so that the piston can thereafter move independently of the sensor. A fixture is also used that allows the assembler to accurately align the angular orientation of the sensor prior to being inserted into the cylinder tube.

Abstract: A pressure control valve for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a valve unit (10) extruded from plastic, which is disposed coaxially to an actuator unit and serves for control of a fluid flow between a supply port (18) and a consumer port (16) and in which fluid channels (24, 26) and a valve chamber (30) are formed, in which a valve closing member is arranged. The fluid channels (24, 26) and the valve chamber (30) are formed on an injection-molded preform (22), which is injected into a flange (12).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gear that employs an insert portion and a preform portion that is deformed about the insert portion to fixedly couple the insert portion and the preform portion while features, such as gear teeth, are formed on the preform portion. The insert portion can be formed to include a net-shaped hole that can be suited to slidingly but non-rotatably engage an axle shaft.

Abstract: A star gear for a constant-velocity joint is made by first forming in a steel blank without material removal a center hole of noncylindrical shape and defining an axis. Then a complementary mandrel is fitted in the formed center hole. Finally a plurality of outwardly open grooves are cut into an outer surface of the blank in a chip-removing process while the blank is on the mandrel.

Abstract: A rotating member of a printing press is comprised of a barrel that includes a base body having a cylindrical surface, and at least one outer element that is applied to the surface of the base body. The outer element has at least one hollow space through which a heat exchange fluid can flow. Alternatively, the outer element may cover a hollow space in the base body which preferably carries the heat exchange fluid. The outer element does not hinder access to a plate end clamping channel that is situated in the base body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a method for the direct manufacture of aerospace duct elements is provided comprising executing a single build run on a build chamber using direct fabrication technology to generate at least one duct section. The at least one duct section is generated by forming a plurality of partial cylinder duct segments orientated within the build chamber in a nested arrangement during the single build run, and assembling at least two of the partial cylinder duct segments to form the duct section. The duct section has a duct cross-sectional profile larger than a build chamber profile.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing internally and/or externally profiled rings from pipe material or solid material, machine-cutting processes and forming processes are combined with one another sequentially, parallel, or sequentially and parallel, wherein one of the forming processes is roll forming. During roll forming a counterforce is generated relative to a flow direction of the starting material so that a material flow in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction of the starting material is controlled such that flowing material is integrated into a profile to be shaped on the ring.

Abstract: Shaving razors and cartridges are featured that include one or more shaving aid portions. In some instances, the razors and cartridges include a shaving aid holder, configured to allow the shaving aid portion to deflect when pressure is applied to a surface of the shaving aid portion during shaving.

Abstract: A pipe shaving device for removing a uniform layer of material from the outer circumference of a pipe is provided. The device comprises a first frame member providing at least two support surfaces for the pipe, a second frame member slidable with respect to the first frame member so as to allow the device to engage and support a pipe, and a cutting platform mounted on the second frame member, the cutting platform providing a cutting blade for removing a uniform thickness of material from the outer diameter of the pipe when the pipe and the device are rotated relative to one another.

Abstract: An improvement on pruning shears which allows the user to quickly saw off branches and keep debris confined during use of the shears so that clean up operations after pruning are made in a shorter time and with less effort.

Abstract: A folding knife with cam actuated opening and closing assistance preferably includes a pivoting blade, a biasing spacer, a front liner and a rear liner. A cam surface is formed on one end of the pivoting blade and a cutting edge is formed along at least one side of the pivoting blade. The cam surface preferably starts with a radius that gradually increases into a larger radius. One end of the pivoting blade is pivotally retained by at least one of the liners. Substantially one end of the biasing spacer is retained between the first and second liners and substantially the other end exerts force on the cam surface. The shape of the cam surface is designed to rotate the pivot blade relative to the liners, when force is applied through the biasing spacer. The biasing portion assists the opening and closing of the pivoting blade.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for cutting media, such as paper, cardboard, and metal foils. The device has a body that includes a sidewall extending from the body. The device has means for cutting the media disposed in the body. The means for cutting the media has a cutting edge having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The sidewall shrouds at least a portion of the cutting edge. The sidewall has a media contact point that is disposed away from the trailing edge in the direction of the leading edge.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a housing, a swing member rotatably attached to the housing and having a trigger extended out of the housing and having a curved slot and an enlarged opening communicating with each other. A button is slidably engaged through the housing, and includes a reduced stud to engage into the curved slot of the swing member, and a latch having an outer diameter to prevent the latch from engaging into the curved slot of the swing member. A link is coupled to the swing member, and includes a pole slidably engaged in the curved channel of the housing, and a rotary cutter blade is secured to the link with a shaft, to allow the cutter blade to be moved into and out of the working end portion of the housing by the link and the swing member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for facilitating the opening of vacuum-sealed jars by punching a hole through the jar cap and removing the implement to relieve the vacuum. The apparatus has a pin mounted on a plunger that is supported on a compression spring. The compression spring serves to raise the pin and plunger after use. A magnetic pad is affixed to a lower surface of the apparatus for attaching to a jar cap during use.

Abstract: A device for visual positioning of the type including a fixed scale (2), arranged on a base (1), defining an axis (Y), for pointing at a first landmark (5), at least two moving scales (6, 7), generating the axes (X, Z), concurrent with the axis (Y), for pointing at other landmarks (10, 13), jointed about an assembly piece (22), fixed to the base (1), provided with a hole (14) in the centre thereof, at least one steerable plate (15) or a steerable prism on a pivot, inserted in a fixed manner into said hole (14). The plate (15) or the prism permits a simultaneous direct sighting of the first landmark (5) and a reflected sighting of at least one of the other landmarks (10, 13). The invention is characterised in including elements for facilitating and speeding up the positioning of the axes (X, Y, Z), following or simultaneous to the orientation of the plate (15) or prism.

Abstract: A spacer system is provided for positioning studs preparatory to securing the studs with top and bottom plates to form a wall. The system employs a starter spacer having a first set of stud notches for positioning studs at the comer portion of the wall. A continuation spacer with a second set of stud notches then is deployed to position the rest of the wall studs.

Abstract: Provided is a caliper extender, which fits over a tape measure blade, enabling accurate measurements to be taken of an inside dimension. Extender slides along blade and is positioned against one wall of the inside dimension. Blade is then repositioned flat against extender and a measurement reading is taken. A pointer may also be incorporated into extender to indicate a tape marking corresponding to an accurate measurement. In the alternative, a caliper extender is incorporated into a tape measure such that extender can be disengaged from a casing of tape measure, slid along a blade and a measurement reading taken through a window in a channel through which blade is installed.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a novel drying cycle is provided. The dishwasher door includes a vent channel connecting the interior of the dishwasher to the outside and housing a condenser section that condenses water vapor from moisture laden air from the interior of the dishwasher and directs the condensed water back into the dishwasher. A vent valve covers the opening of the vent channel into the dishwasher and is opened and closed at appropriate times during the drying cycle. A heater adjacent a blower heats air entering the dishwasher. A temperature sensor in the dishwasher interior provides temperature measurements of the inside of the dishwasher that may be used to control the duration of the drying cycle. A controller interconnects the operating components of the dishwasher and provides the logic for the drying cycle.

Abstract: A cordless hairdryer is provided and includes a moveable or pivotable flow regulating member disposed within a housing and in fluid communication with combustion gases generated by at least one burners. The flow regulating member can be a pivotable baffle, such as a baffle having a butterfly type construction, having a pair of vanes that are pivotable relative to one another between a first position in which a first angle ?1 is formed between the vanes and a second position in which a second angle ?2 is formed between the vanes. The position of the vanes varies the heat level of the gases discharged through an end nozzle of the housing such that in the second position, the heat level of the gases is cooler than when the vanes are in the first position. A switch assembly that provides multiple operating modes and an ignitor for combusting a supplied gas is provided.

Abstract: An improved system and method for mounting an air dryer is provided. The improved system and method employs a single centralized special fitting that secures the air dryer manifold to a reservoir. The bore in which the fitting is disposed is used to communicate air from the reservoir to the air dryer in order to purge the desiccant in the air dryer. The mounting assembly includes anti-rotational mechanisms which prevent the air dryer from rotating about its axis. The mounting assembly may also include a reservoir and a mounting bracket for the reservoir which uses less than 75 percent of a truck mounting rail height.

Abstract: A heating furnace includes a housing chamber adapted to house a heating object, a heater for heating the heating object housed in the housing chamber, a vacuum pump for reducing a pressure inside the housing chamber, a pressure detector for detecting the pressure inside the housing chamber; a leakage detector for detecting any leak current that is caused by reducing the pressure inside the housing chamber while power is supplied to the heater; and a controller for switching the power to the heater on or off on the basis of detection results from the pressure detector and the leakage detector.

Abstract: There is provided an air inlet structure of a laundry dryer. In the air inlet structure, a base defines an air inlet, a front cabinet is disposed in front of the base and defines a suction hole to pass ambient air into the base, a cooling fan is stably disposed in the base to suck the ambient air, a blower tube forms a flow passage for the ambient air, a blower cover is fixed to the base to connect the blower tube and the cooling fan, and an air guide is disposed between the base and the blower cover, the air guide having a shroud at a center portion.

Abstract: A sole for footwear having straps includes a first surface substantially of the shape of bottom of a foot, a second surface having a predetermined friction, and an edge connecting the first surface and the second surface The first and second surfaces and the edge are made of a light, flexible, and water repellent material. The first surface is substantially flat and adapted to accommodate a human foot. The first surface includes a surface contour similar to the geometrical surface contour of the bottom of the foot or grooves of predetermined pattern. The groove is for further repelling of water off the first surface and has open edges to let water off the first surface. The second surface is substantially flat and adapted to tramp on a ground. The material of sole includes ethylene vinyl acetate, synthetic glue, DICUMYL peroxide, blowing agent, stearic acid, and pigment.

Abstract: A shoe sole insert includes an upper member and a lower member, and a number of cells formed between the upper member and the lower member, the upper member includes an elastic pad and a pattern layer and a flexible envelope secured together, the lower member also includes an elastic pad and a pattern layer and a flexible envelope secured together, and the members each includes a number of recesses and depressions and receptacles aligned with each other, to form the cells of the shoe sole insert, and to increase elasticity and resilience for the shoe sole insert. The envelopes are transparent or semi-transparent, to allow patterns of the pattern layers to be seen through the envelopes.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a cover layer, and a cushioning member disposed on the cover layer, for softly contacting and engaging with feet of users. The cushioning member may be made of gel, or fluidity materials, or soft materials, or the like. The cover layer includes an opening to partially receive the cushioning member. A basic layer may further be attached to the cover layer, and may include an opening aligned with the opening of the cover layer, to partially receive the cushioning member. The opening of the cover layer includes an area smaller than that of the opening of the basic layer, to anchor and position the cushioning member in the openings of the cover layer and the basic layer.

Abstract: The orthotic is formed of a monolithic semi-rigid resilient shell for engagement inside a footwear and for conformingly fitting against the plantar portion of a patient's foot. The orthotic includes a rear heel cup portion that may have inner and outer rearwardly-extending resiliently deformable arms defining at their rear ends a rearwardly-opened notch therebetween. A number of first grooves may be made along the outer or inner flange of the heel cup portion, on the exposed top or bottom surface thereof. The orthotic further comprises a front end portion for engaging the metatarsal plantar region of the foot, having a sinuous front edge which includes five frontwardly-facing arcuate concavities each for registering wedging engagement therein by a corresponding one of the five metatarsal anterior portions of that person's foot.

Abstract: A ride-on snow blower is described that includes a cab for housing and protecting a rider of the snow blower from the elements, a seat, a door, cab windows, a front frame section, an adjustable snow chute operable for flexible snow disposal, a motor, a motor powered auger for transporting snow to the snow chute, rear wheels located generally under the seat, front wheels located in general proximity to the motor, rear wheel steering mechanisms, drive mechanisms for locomotion of the snow blower in a desired direction, and a power source to power electrical components of the snow blower.

Abstract: Device for dislodging and recovering dredging material of varying nature, comprising a bearing housing (25), a drive shaft (11) mounted therein for rotatingly driving with a determined torque a cutter head (10, 10?) with a support ring (15, 15?), which cutter head is mountable on the drive shaft via a hub (9), and a suction pipe (13) which can be connected to a suction mouth (14, 14?) which is surrounded by a fixed cutter shield (21, 21?) which fills the space between the rotating support ring on the one side and the suction mouth and the bearing housing on the other, wherein a number of cutter heads with a different support ring diameter can be mounted on the drive shaft, wherein the support ring diameter is determined by the torque and the nature of the dredging material to be recovered.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insert for use with ground engaging tools. It allows newer-type locking mechanisms to be used to lock wear members to older-styled support structures. The insert is comprised of an elongated body for insertion into a passage in the support structure. At one end is a faceplate for engaging the inner surface of the wear member. At the other end is preferably an attachment means for connecting to corresponding attachments on the inner surface of the opposing leg of the wear member. The faceplate has a recess for receiving the end of a lock pin used to lock the wear member or adapter to the support structure. Alternatively, a lock pin may abut against the rear end of the faceplate.

Abstract: A greeting card assembly includes two panels that define a front cover and a back cover and are attached to one another along a fold line. One or more individually detachable self adhesive postage stamps form a portion of at least one face of one of the panels, and a gift card containing scanable data is detachably affixed to one of the panels. The gift card can be a prepaid telephone calling card.

Abstract: The Business Cardfolio is a business card that serves the dual purpose of providing contact information and a visual reminder of the card owner's work. The card has a face and four or more fold-out panels that enable the card owner to display visuals and/or text, within the shape and relative size of a traditional business card. The card provides the card owner with sufficient space to present a “mini-portfolio,” and conventional contact information, along with additional information about the images displayed on the business card, or resume or other marketing information about him/herself. The card also provides the recipient with writing space for notations.

Abstract: The advertising panel is to display an advertising message and to diffuse a scent which is associated with the contents of the visually-displayed message. The inventive panel includes a parallelepiped volume containing: an assembly which is used to display an advertising message that is disposed opposite a display window, and at least one scent diffuser which is connected to a scent-diffusing element which is in turn installed opposite an opening in the panel, such as to diffuse a scented flow to the exterior. The diffusing element is connected to the head of the scent diffuser, thereby ensuring that a carrier gas is mixed with the scented fluid contained in the receptacle. The scented flow obtained at the outlet of the head is pulsed towards the diffusing element and, subsequently, to the exterior of the panel.

Abstract: An animated Christmas tree includes a trunk member having a plurality of openings and an actuating member positioned within the trunk member and extending substantially the length thereof and being operable between an extended position and a collapsed position. A plurality of flexible tree branches are anchored to the actuating member and extend outwardly from the trunk member. Upon movement of the actuating member in the trunk member, the tree branches move between the collapsed position and the extended position.

Abstract: An ornamental writing board having the ornamental function of a picture comprises a board surface, a roll-up curtain, a frame surrounding the roll-up curtain and a pair of scrolls. The frame consists of a frame seat and a plurality of frame surfaces that can be easily replaced. The scrolls are hidden behind two opposite frame surfaces, wherebetween the roll-up curtain situates. The roll-up curtain is subsequently connected picture, projection screen and soft plastic writing board of scrolling type, whereby the ornamental writing board can appear as an ornamental device or another writing device when the original writing board is not being using. The ornamental writing board can be further equipped with lights to make the picture more visually appealing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display apparatus for changing images. The apparatus comprises a cassette unit adapted for replacement as a single unit. The cassette unit comprises multiple sheet-formed image carriers (21,22,23,24). The image carriers (21,22,23,24) comprises image parts constituting at least two different images. The image carriers (21,22,23,24) are subdivided into panels adapted for sliding between each other. The cassette unit further comprises a back plate (42) covering a side of one of the image carriers (21,22,23,24). The display apparatus further comprises moving means (30) for moving the different image carriers (21,22,23,24) relative to each other, and a frame (28) for supporting the cassette with the image carriers (21,22,23,24) and the moving means. According to the invention, one of the image carriers (21,22) is fixedly attached to the back plate (42) along its edges.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying items for sale is provided. The apparatus may include first, second, third, and fourth walls which make up a box structure. First, second, third, and fourth magnets may be permanently fixed to the first, second, third, and fourth walls, respectively. Each magnet exerts a magnetic force. First, second, third, and fourth items for sale, can be held by the first, second, third, and fourth magnets, respectively, to display the items in an upright position.

Abstract: A restaurant tabletop stand having rotatably affixed numbers and labels and a method of using the device for a silent, discrete and immediate communication between patron and a waiter to identify a specific need of the patron that matches a specific duty of the waiter.

Abstract: A poster clasp, includes a substantially T-shaped frame having a cross bar defining a suspension assembly and a depending backplate, an overcenter clasp assembly being disposed on a first side of the backplate and a strengthening arch being oppositely disposed on a second side of the backplate.

Abstract: A street name sign depicted with a portrait of the honored person or a subject which the street was named after, including a box and a sound reproduction apparatus. The external surface of the box is made of a transparent material, and on its front part is the portrait of the honored person, or the depiction of the subject, relevant to the street name. The street name is displayed below the portrait or the depiction of the subject and the sound reproduction apparatus (7) is installed inside the box optionally with a radio receiver, a storage medium of any desired acoustic message, a loudspeaker (8) and a lighting fixture (5) powered by conventional means or by solar energy through solar cells (6) located on top of the box.

Abstract: An identification band is formed from a soft flexible woven fabric, such as polyester or nylon. The identification band includes a front surface and a back surface. Patient specific indicia can be imprinted on selected areas of the front surface. The identification band initially is part of a laminated sheet that can be processed through a printing apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a portable device, operable for being displayed, that facilitates autographing keepsakes items from an event, such as replica flags, and the method of making and using of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a magazine and follower assembly for use with a semi-automatic handgun. The assembly may include a magazine body configured to be received within a recess in a handgun. The magazine body has an open top end including a pair of magazine lips sized to retain cartridges within the magazine body. A follower is housed within the magazine body and is biased against the force of a compression spring. The follower has a resting face configured to accommodate the outside profile of a cartridge body and further includes a protrusion disposed along the resting face. The protrusion maintains contact between the magazine lips and an uppermost cartridge loaded within the magazine body.

Abstract: A self-cleaning trigger connector system resulting in increased reliability comprising a self-cleaning trigger connector and a trigger mechanism housing. The self-cleaning trigger connector is designed with specific contact points to prevent over-travel of the trigger bar when operating in cooperation with the trigger of the firearm. The self-cleaning trigger connector has a first at least one elongated through hole of a predetermined length that allows for a lighter trigger pull and defines a lubrication reservoir. The trigger mechanism housing comprises a second at least one elongated through hole. Debris that accumulates from the interaction between the trigger bar and the self-cleaning trigger connector passes through the first and second at least one elongated through holes. After passing through the first and second at least one elongated through holes, the debris then falls downwardly through a cavity adjacent to the firearm magazine well.

Abstract: A firearm assembly for a firearm can include a monolithic rail platform with a handguard portion and an upper receiver portion. The barrel of the firearm can be positioned through the bandguard portion and secured with the upper receiver portion. A firearm assembly can also include a bolt assembly with a bolt carrier having minimized land area and a forward end sized for receipt in the barrel extension at the rearward end of the barrel.

Abstract: A tactical gear receptacle including a carrying apparatus affixed on a first side thereof, the carrying apparatus being adapted to support at least a partial weight of the tactical gear receptacle when the tactical gear receptacle is carried, and a light rail affixed to a second side of the tactical gear receptacle.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for cleaning firearm barrels, including those of military issue firearms, wherein the methods include a step for removing loose materials from within the barrel, a step for dislodging materials not removed during the first removal step, and a step for removing the materials dislodged during the dislodging step, as well as one or more optional cleaning steps to be performed in addition to or in lieu of the other cleaning steps, and wherein the firearm barrel cleaning device can be adapted to have different configurations for use during one or more of the various cleaning steps.

Abstract: A head up display for firearms is provided, wherein a light valve is employed to create variable images in response to user input. The images from the light valve are entrained in an illuminating beam which intersects a diffractive optic. The diffractive optic includes a recorded infinite focal plane which is reconstructed by the illuminating beam, thereby displaying the image from the light valve at an infinite focal plane which is readily viewed be a user looking through the diffractive optic.

Abstract: A reticle for a projectile weapon aiming device, such as a riflescope, includes a primary horizontal sight line that intersects a primary vertical sight line to define a primary aiming point. A circle is centered on the primary aiming point to intersect the primary horizontal and vertical sight lines. Multiple aiming marks are preferably spaced apart along the primary horizontal and vertical sight lines and cooperate with the circle and the sight lines to form horizontal and vertical scales for estimating a range to a target having features of known or estimable size. The scales also facilitate windage and holdover aiming adjustments. The circle may facilitate quick target acquisition in rapid fire engagements, as well as enhance range estimation capabilities.

Abstract: A storage device for bait rigs comprising a securing element having indentations for storing bait rigs by winding around the body and securing the hooks. The storage device may be used alone or it may be attached to a fishing pole with a bait rig installed to prevent tangling when not in use. When the storage device is attached to a fishing pole an optional case may surround the storage device for further protection from tangling.