Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) includes a button (3), a retaining member (4), a fixing seat (5), a control member (6), a first spring (7), a follower (10), a cam (30), a second spring (9) and a shaft (20). The button has at least one pushing portion (31). The control member has at least one receiving groove (61), and the pushing portion is received in each receiving groove. Each pushing portion resists the control member. The first spring provides an elastic force to the control member. The cam includes a cam hole having an inner screw thread (342). The second spring provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other. The shaft defines an outer screw thread (233). The outer screw thread engages with the inner screw thread of the cam.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) includes a retaining member (101), a fixing seat (5), a control member (6), a first spring (7), a follower (300), a cam (400), a second spring (9) and a shaft (20). The button has at least one pushing portion (31). The control member has at least one receiving groove (61), and the pushing portion is received in each receiving groove. Each pushing portion resists the control member. The first spring provides an elastic force to the control member. The cam includes an axis hole having an inner screw thread (4342). The second spring provides an elastic force to make the cam and the follower resist each other. The shaft defines an outer screw thread (233). The outer screw thread engages with the inner screw thread of the cam.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand grip for a hand operated tool has a pair of spaced apart curvilinear side beams having first ends and second ends, the first ends being coupled to each other; a forearm brace coupling the second ends of the side beams to each other, the forearm brace extending in a direction from the second ends toward the first ends, and only on one side of the side beams; and a gripping member mounted between the side beams, the gripping member being neither parallel to nor perpendicular to said side beams. The gripping member acts as a flat spring and the side beams act as a pair of torsion springs.

Abstract: An apparatus on a drafting system of a spinning machine, especially a draw frame, carding machine, combing machine or the like, for weighting the drafting system rollers, has at least one pressure fluid cylinder with a piston which is acted upon by pressure fluid and is arranged so as to be axially movable inside a cylinder housing and from which a piston rod extends. The piston rod passes through at least one cylinder cover that forms the end boundary of the cylinder housing. For determining the position of the piston with the piston rod, an optical distance sensor scans the distances with respect to a counter-element and the distance sensor is connected to an evaluation device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system for objects, such as pockets, that can be attached to an item of clothing in various positions. The aim of the invention is to develop a fastening system comprising a mechanism with an interlocking action for objects, e.g. pockets, that can be attached to an item of clothing in various positions, which has a high degree of operational safety and reliability, even in extreme conditions of use, which can be manipulated simply and rapidly, which ensures the saf3e and reliable fastening of the object that can be attached to the item of clothing in various positions, even in extreme conditions of use, whilst being extremely comfortable to wear and having a long service life and which in addition increases the variety of transport options, whilst being easy and cost-effective to produce.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in a cable tie. This comprises an elongate band part (2) of a certain width and thickness, which at one end has an elongate insertion part (2a) of a lesser width than the band part (2) and at its other end a locking head (3) with, on the one hand, a through-opening (4) for the band part (2), which has largely the same width as the band part (2) but a height greater than the thickness of the band part (2), and on the other a slit (5) in one transverse wall of the opening, the width of which slit is such that it will allow the insertion part (2a) to be inserted into the opening (4) via the slit (5), forming a band loop. A tongue (6), which is designed to lock the band part (2) in relation to the locking head (3), extends from one end of the opening (4) to the other and towards the slit (5). A sheet-metal insert (7) reinforcing the locking head (3) is embedded in the locking head (3).

Abstract: A clip (2) for securing sheet material (40) comprising a base (4); a cam member (30) operably connected to said base for displaceable movement between; an open position for insertion of said sheet material (40) between said base and said cam member (30); a closed position for gripping said sheet material between said base and said cam.

Abstract: A fastener for connecting a first component to a second component includes a first component connecting end allowing relative movement between a first component connected thereto and the fastener during assembly and during conditions of expansion and contraction. A second component connecting end of the fastener is configured for connecting to a second component.

Abstract: A buckle includes a metal component having only a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is defined by a first internal perimeter including a first serrated edge. The second opening is defined by a second internal perimeter including a second serrated edge. The buckle also includes a rust resistant component substantially encasing the metal component. However, the rust resistant component does not encase the first serrated edge or the second serrated edge.

Abstract: A three-dimensional zipper pull tab attachment mechanism providing an enlarged gripping surface for facilitated location and manipulation of a pull tab, which is particularly useful in connection with diving equipment and by those having limited finger dexterity. The body of the pull tab attachment comprises mating male and female components, wherein male component comprises a locking arm sized for insertion through a zipper pull tab aperture and dimensioned to matingly engage the female component by way of a correspondingly shaped channel region extending at least partially therethrough. Upon appropriate engagement of male locking arm with a zipper pull tab and female component, a three-dimensional pull tab attachment having an enlarged gripping surface depends from the pull tab. The body of the pull tab attachment in an assembled condition, wherein male and female components are interconnected, may either include faces or a curved surface.

Abstract: Flexible material clamp discloses two parts, triangular bar and rigid clamp having congruent triangular channel. The bar has base and two major inclined surfaces meeting at acute angle, length of the major surfaces being at least three times base height. Clamp has internal triangular channel whose major surfaces are congruent to major surfaces of triangular bar. One clamp end opens into apex of the channel and at least one side of clamp opens to triangular channel. One end of flexible material to be clamped is wrapped about triangular bar and overlapped upon itself. The wrapped bar is inserted into clamp channel though the at least one open side of clamp and flexible material is passed through clamp opening at channel apex. Assembled wrapped bar and clamp connect to tensioning means causing clamp and bar to move relative to one another to lock flexible material between major surfaces of triangular bar and corresponding major surfaces of triangular clamp channel, locking flexible material in channel.

Abstract: A plurality of drive sections are defined by forming a plurality of slits in a plate-shaped member. Then, a plurality of piezoelectric layers are formed in the drive sections respectively by depositing particles of a piezoelectric material onto the plate-shaped member. Subsequently, after forming individual electrodes on the piezoelectric layers respectively, the drive sections are bent in a direction orthogonal to a plane direction of the plate-shaped member. Thus, there is provided a method of easily producing a piezoelectric actuator including the drive sections which are bent-shaped and on which the piezoelectric layers are formed respectively.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive device includes a stationary portion; a thin-plate portion supported by the stationary portion; and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element including a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive layers arranged alternatingly in layers. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive device is manufactured by the steps of forming a piezoelectric/electrostrictive laminate by alternatingly laminating laminar electrodes and piezoelectric/electrostrictive layers on a plane of a thin-plate member adapted to form the thin-plate portion, and cutting the thin-plate member and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive laminate. The cutting step is performed by advancing a wire member (wire saw) reciprocating in a direction parallel to the direction of lamination of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive laminate while holding the wire member substantially parallel to the direction of lamination.

Abstract: A handheld tool, or a pair of such tools, such as for use in removing/installing a bolt-type clamping ring on a container barrel/drum, where the clamping ring has a pair of clamping ends each with a throughbore. Each tool has an elongated handle and an elongated lever arm transversely connected to one end of the handle. The lever arm is capable of being inserted into the throughbore of a selected clamping end and leveraged with the handle to exert a first moment on the selected clamping end. Each tool also has a second lever arm, such as a socket with an open-ended slot, which is suspended alongside the first lever arm. The second lever arm is capable of engaging the selected clamping end and being leveraged with the handle to exert a second moment which is orthogonal to the first moment. In this manner, the first and second moments operate to hold the selected clamping end fixed relative to the tool so that the selected clamping end may be controlled with the handle.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a spring shock absorber leg (38) has an upper spring plate (2) and a lower spring plate (40) arranged in an axially fixed manner at a shock absorber pipe (39) of the spring shock absorber leg (38), between which a coil spring (41) is accommodated under pretension during operation. The shock absorber pipe (39) has, on its lower end, a bearing eye (37) running transversely to the shock absorber pipe (39). In order to be able to provide, without any doubt, a to-be-selected angular alignment of a spring plate to its bearing eye, an adjusting plate (1) is provided, which can be caused to mesh in a fixed manner with the upper spring plate in a predetermined angular position. The adjusting plate (1), together with the upper spring plate (2), can be aligned in relation to the lower bearing eye (37) of the shock absorber pipe (39) by means of an adjusting device (35).

Abstract: A joint press including a yoke including a first end and a second end. A first adapter attachment member is positioned on the first end. A second adapter attachment member is positioned on the second end,. The first adapter attachment member and the second adapter attachment member have the same profile, thereby allowing the same adapter to be removably connected to either the first end or the second end.

Abstract: The hand tool embodying this invention allows push nuts to be quickly and easily removed from axle rods and other shafts. The tool has a specialized head welded to a long handle. The tool head includes an end socket head and an extractor. The socket head has an open throat within which the caps of push nuts are seated. The sides of the socket head are cut down to form two axial cusps on either side of the socket head. The extractor is welded to the socket head and terminates in a flat claw, which extends downward in front and angles slightly toward the open mouth of the socket head.

Abstract: A compact, easy-to-use, hand tool which is made for the use of installing “Drive-Lock Cleats” on Heating and Air Conditioning sheet metal ductwork utilizing the “S-Lock and Drive-Lock” assembly system. More precisely the hand tool is used to hold the “Drive-Lock Cleat” steady, preventing damage to the Cleat while the Cleat is being driven into place. Further, the tool is used as a guide to tell the user that the Cleat is installed to the proper depth.

Abstract: A method of making a component of a spinal fixation system. The method may comprise providing a mixture of a powder of at least one metal or metal alloy and a polymeric binder. A metal-injection-molding process may use the mixture to form a component for a spinal fixation system. The components may have varying flexibility across their cross-sections. Also, components are provided that are produced by this process, such as spinal fixation rods and plates.

Abstract: A balance assembly (15) is provided for a sash window assembly (10). The sash window assembly (10) has a sash window (12) slidable within a master frame (14). The balance assembly (15) has an elastomer balance member (30) having one end adapted to be connected to the master frame (14) and another end adapted to be connected to the sash window (12) to provide an upward biasing force to the sash window (12). A system (50) is provided for custom-manufacturing the balance member (30) and for custom-manufacturing a sash window assembly (10) incorporating the balance member (30).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a slide fastener by cutting a long fastener chain, alternately having in a longitudinal direction thereof a pair of element rows meshing with each other and an interval portion lacking the element row, at a predetermined position of the interval portion, the method including the steps of: arranging a feed portion of the fastener chain on an upstream side of a chain cutting portion; positively transferring the fastener chain successively by the feed portion to the chain cutting portion along an inclined transfer path inclined downward; operating the chain cutting portion after awaiting for stopping to transfer the fastener chain and cutting the slide faster chain in a cross direction at the predetermined position of the interval portion; and making the slide fastener cut to be separated by the chain cutting portion slide down by a self weight thereof along the transfer path.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin wall structure involves reinforcing the thin wall structure with a meltable matrix to resist the stresses induced in the structure during machining.

Abstract: To form a pressed connection between a component (6) and a press-in nut (2), the latter has a deformation region (16) which is pressed into a wall (20) of a hole (4) in the component (6) by a suitably formed die (22) during the press-in operation. As a result, a form fit is formed which is effective in two directions and provides for a reliable hold of the press-in nut. The press-in nut (2) is suitable in particular for fastening in thick components (6) and is largely independent of the component thickness (D).

Abstract: A multi-axis, computerized numerically-controlled (CNC) toolhead positioning device with six degrees of freedom of movement while utilizing only five axes of movement, comprising a rotating workpiece mount assembly (28) and a rotating gantry (64) with a mounted toolhead assembly base (80). Perpendicular rotational axes about a mounted workpiece (26) provide the capability to perform specific toolhead operations on the arcuate surface of the workpiece (26), subject to the type of mounted toolhead assembly. The computer (120) uses CNC software to integrate operator instructions, machining operations, and the sequence of operations into an automatic and coherent machining package.

Abstract: A chuck includes a body, a plurality of jaws slidably positioned in the body, a nut coupled to the jaws so that rotational movement of the nut with respect to the body causes the jaws to move toward or away from an axial bore formed in the body, and a sleeve having a generally cylindrical inner core having an outer circumferential surface. The inner core is formed from a rigid polymer. An outer skin is adhered to the inner core outer circumferential surface. The inner core is mounted about the body in operative engagement with the nut so that rotation of the inner core with respect to the body causes the jaws to reciprocate relative to the body.

Abstract: An automatic pallet inspection cell (10) comprises one or two multi axis robot arms (14, 15) which terminate in either internal or exterior pallet grippers. The robots are used to transport a gripped pallet (12) through an automated inspection station (16) which compiles a three dimensional data map of a pallet surface. A processor interprets the map and producing a recipe for the robot or robots. One or more stations (17, 18, 19) conduct pallet repair operations that are specified by the recipe. A method for levelling a pallet prior to board removal by a band saw (17) is also disclosed, characterised by rolling the pallet relative to a blade of the band saw to a first and a second roll angle, and positioning the pallet at a position which is an average of the first and second roll angles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a placement unit including a rotatable holder for electric components that can be placed on a substrate. The holder is connected to a rotary drive of the placement device by a separable coupling which includes coupling elements that can be uncoupled in an axial direction. When the component is placed on the substrate, the coupling is completely separated, thus uncoupling the holder fully from the rotary drive. The holder is prestressed axially towards the component against the rotary drive by an adjustable pressure device, the coupling surfaces separating from one another by an axial application force that acts on the holder and prevails over the axial pre-stress. The application force can thus be adjusted individually in a more precise manner for different components.

Abstract: A method of stacking wires or cables is provided. The method uses a device which includes an attachment portion capable of attachment to a stud or other anchor, and a wire or cable receiving portion connected to the attachment portion. The wire or cable receiving portion has a plurality of segments which form a generally serpentine-shaped spine, thereby providing a plurality of wire or cable receiving slots. A pair of spaced apart tabs extend from each main portion. Each said tab has an end attached to the respective main portion and an opposite end which is free. Each tab curves outwardly and downwardly from the respective main portion and at least partially overlaps the respective wire or cable receiving slot.

Abstract: A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to break away in response to predetermined impact against the riser. Each mounting bracket further includes means defining a triangulated mounting interface between the base and the riser arranged in concentric relation to the fastener bolt.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of manufacturing electrical cables. In one embodiment of the invention, method for manufacturing a wellbore cable includes providing at least one insulated conductor, extruding a first polymeric material layer over the insulated conductor, serving a first layer of armor wires around the polymeric material and embedding the armor wires in the first polymeric material by exposure to an electromagnetic radiation source, followed by and extruding a second polymeric material layer over the first layer of armor wires embedded in the first polymeric material layer. Then, a second layer of armor wires may be served around the second polymeric material layer, and embedded therein by exposure to an electromagnetic radiation source. Finally, a third polymeric layer may be extruded around the second layer of armor wires to form a polymeric jacket.

Abstract: A circuitized substrate and a method of making the circuitized substrate are provided. The circuitized substrate includes a substrate having a conductive pad thereon. A first layer of solder enhancing material is positioned on the conductive pad, the first layer of solder enhancing material includes a first region and a second region positioned relative to the first region. A solder member is positioned on the first region of the first layer of solder enhancing material. A second layer of solder enhancing material is positioned on the solder member and on a portion of the second region of the first layer of solder enhancing material. The circuitized substrate may be used in the fabrication of an electronic package.

Abstract: A metal-ceramic circuit board is characterized by being constituted by bonding on a base plate of aluminum or aluminum alloy at least one of ceramic substrate boards having a conductive metal member for an electronic circuit. A method of manufacturing a metal-ceramic circuit board is characterized by comprising the steps of melting aluminum or aluminum alloy in a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere to form a molten metal, contacting one surface of a ceramic substrate board directly with the molten metal in a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere, cooling the molten metal and the ceramic substrate board to form a base plate of aluminum or aluminum alloy, which is bonded directly on the ceramic substrate board without forming any oxidizing film therebetween and bonding a conductive metal member for an electronic circuit on the ceramic substrate board by using a brazing material. The base plate has a proof stress not higher than 320 (MPa) and a thickness not smaller than 1 mm.

Abstract: A conductive portion is formed in a hole formed in a material sheet. A metal foil is placed on a surface of the material sheet to provide a laminated sheet. The laminated sheet is heated and pressed to provide a circuit-forming board. The metal foil includes a pressure absorption portion and a hard portion adjacent to the pressure absorption portion. The pressure absorption portion has a thickness changing according to a pressure applied thereto. The circuit-forming board provided by this method provides a high-density circuit board of high quality having reliable electrical connection.

Abstract: Photolithography patterned spring contacts are disclosed. The spring contacts may be fabricated using thin film processing techniques. A substrate, such as a silicon wafer or a carrier substrate is provided. At least one layer of a metal or alloy film may be deposited on the substrate or on at least one intervening release layer and patterned to form metal traces. A stressable material, exhibiting an at least partially tensile stress state, may be deposited on the metal traces in a localized region. A portion of the substrate or a portion of the intervening release layer underneath the metal traces may be removed by etching, causing the metal traces to curl upward resulting in the spring contacts. The spring contacts may be used as compliant electrical contacts for electrical devices, such as integrated circuits or carrier substrates. The compliant electrical contacts may also be used for probe cards to test other electrical devices.

Abstract: A method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly includes extruding a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly in a single extruder. The jacketed steam distribution tube assembly includes an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of connecting members connecting the inner tube to the outer tube. The inner tube, outer tube, and plurality of connecting members of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly are simultaneously extruded such that the inner tube and plurality of connecting members are simultaneously extruded within the outer tube in the single extruder, thereby forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly having a first predetermined length. The first predetermined length of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly is then divided into a plurality of jacketed steam distribution tube portions.

Abstract: The present invention provided a method of manufacturing a duct for a gas turbine engine or the like from sheet metal material; the method comprising the steps of: fabricating a duct from sheet material (10,12,14) including rolling or folding metal sheet along ruled lines to form a ruled surface geometry approximately corresponding to at least part of a desired irregular final duct geometry; welding corresponding rolled or folded parts of the duct skin together and positioning the duct on a heat treatment fixture (30) having a shape corresponding to the said desired irregular duct geometry; the material of the heat treatment fixture having a greater thermal expansion coefficient than the duct material; heating the duct and fixture substantially to a stress relieving temperature of the duct material such that differential thermal expansion of the duct and fixture at the said stress relieving temperature causes the duct to distort and adopt the shape of the exterior surface of the fixture on which the duct is l

Abstract: The present invention comprises a heat exchanger and method for sealing a heat exchanger tube to a header of the heat exchanger. The method comprises melt-bonding the tube to a header of the heat exchanger to form a bond and sealing the bond with a sealant material to form a seal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro nozzle is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: providing a substrate having a channel for fluids, wherein the thickness of the substrate is D1 and the depth of the bottom of the channel is D3; forming a protrusion having an acute angle ? on the edge of the substrate through the cutting operation; and further forming a nozzle with a thickness D2 of on the tip of the protrusion. The outlet of the channel is located on the tip of the protrusion. Moreover, the thickness of the nozzle on the tip of the protrusion is less than the depth of the channel or than the thickness of the substrate. The micro nozzle made by the method illustrated above can provide a reliable and stable interface for electro-spraying.

Abstract: A gear structure including an annular gear having an outer peripheral wall and a coaxial inner peripheral wall, the outer peripheral wall having gear teeth formed by forging. The gear structure also has an inside member having a circular outer peripheral wall fitted in and integrated with the annular gear such that the circular outer peripheral wall of the inside member engages the inner peripheral wall of the annular gear.

Abstract: In a method for successively generating, on the inner peripheral surface of a ring, the individual profiles of a plurality of teeth of an internally toothed gear wheel: positioning the ring on a turntable; imparting complex motions, at a predetermined speed relationship therebetween, on the turntable; rotating a contoured grinding wheel, via both axial and radial feeding motions, as the grinding wheel enters into the inside of the ring for the tooth profile generation; keeping the tip radius of the grinding wheel at least substantially similar to the radius of the arc shape of each tooth; and continuously maintaining but a single contact line, between the grinding wheel and the ring inner peripheral surface, during the actual generation of the tooth profiles on the inner peripheral surface of the ring, with the complex motions including both, at least partially concurrent, angular and orbital movements, in the same angular direction.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for manufacturing a hollow elongate construction element in which a first blank and a second blank (1, 14) are conveyed through a furnace (2) for heating to working temperature and are conveyed between rolls (3, 4) with profiled surfaces for preshaping in one or more steps. The blanks are each conveyed through a forging press with a number of interacting die cushions, the blank being worked in a number of steps (5, 8, 11) to form halves of an in the main finished product, having a cross section essentially in the form of a U-profile with a predetermined varying height, width and material thickness along its length. The second blank (14) constitutes in the main a copy of the first blank (1). In a final step (15), the blanks are joined together to form a composite hollow construction element (18).

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for the race for a thin cross-section rolling bearing from a heat-treated pipe-shaped material W with a rib section 1 at one end thereof comprises a first spindle 11 having a clamping jig 14 to clamp the rib section 1, and a chuck 12 to securely hold the clamping jig 14; a machining unit 23 to process the pipe-shaped material W to form an annular member 10 via turning and/or grinding steps; and a second spindle 28 to retain the annular member, which has been cut off from the rest of the pipe-shaped material W, so that the end face of the annular member is subjected to turning and/or grinding steps, whereby the precision in roundness and uniformity in material thickness of the race is improved.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for the race for a thin cross-section rolling bearing from a heat-treated pipe-shaped material W with a rib section 1 at one end thereof comprises a first spindle 11 having a clamping jig 14 to clamp the rib section 1, and a chuck 12 to securely hold the clamping jig 14; a machining unit 23 to process the pipe-shaped material W to form an annular member 10 via turning and/or grinding steps; and a second spindle 28 to retain the annular member, which has been cut off from the rest of the pipe-shaped material W, so that the end face of the annular member is subjected to turning and/or grinding steps, whereby the precision in roundness and uniformity in material thickness of the race is improved.

Abstract: A cable slitting tool for longitudinally slitting the web of an aerial interduct cable has preferably two guide rollers fitting with their circumference into a groove of the cable's longitudinal web such that the rollers are guided along the groove while they are pressed against the groove by a circular blade penetrating the web from opposite side. The rollers are rotationally free held in a top body and the blade is held in a base body. Both bodies are slide ably adjustable and tightened with respect to each other by a screw. The bodies are held in alignment to each other and the blade's cutting edge is pointing in slitting direction with a wedge angle providing pressure contact between rollers and web groove during slitting. A sliding guide provides additional guidance against eventual roller run out in case of excessive cable bend.

Abstract: A hand-held system adapted to assist stripping of an undulating outer jacket of a twisted pair wire. The system incorporates cutters to provide two longitudinal cuts through the outer jacket of the twisted shielded pair wire. The cutters are removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A wire termination tool for terminating conductor wires in a connector panel of the insulation displacing type has a cast metal tool body, or metal injected molded or other injected molded tool body, and a separate and replaceable cutting blade preferably made of a good grade of tool grade steel which is attached to the tool body at two different points along the length of the blade.

Abstract: A utility knife has a disposable blade cartridge in its handle that has front and rear blade compartments. Each compartment is sized to store a plurality of blades in side-by-side relation. Fresh blades are disposed in the front compartment and one end of each is advanced one at a time substantially out of the compartment into operative position by a carrier that is controlled by an actuator on the handle. When the active blade is to be replaced, it is moved by the carrier into the rear compartment, and a new blade may then be withdrawn from the front compartment into the operative position. The active blade when not in use is partially withdrawn into the front compartment. The cartridge is reversed when the one end of all the blades in the front compartment are used, placing what was the rear compartment at the front, and the unused end of each blade is advanced into the operative position and when used they are each moved to the rear compartment.

Abstract: A cutting head for a brush cutter, edge trimmer or similar comprises a plurality of string outlets for a plurality of cutting strings. According to the invention: the axes of the cutting string outlets are distributed in at least two planes (Pac, Pcb) mutually spaced by a distance (H2) greater than or equal to approximately 1.8 times the height (H1) of each string, in each plane the respective string outlets are at the same level, and in all planes the direction of rotation of the head is the same. Chopping of the cut vegetation is therefore promoted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cutting apparatus comprising a sharpened V blade, a catch to capture and remove cut materials, a section of serrated or saw toothed edge, and interchangeable telescoping handle wherein the V design of said blade increases the effectiveness of cutting action with regard to thin flexible generally cylindrical materials such as ropes or lines.

Abstract: Colored razor blades are provided. Methods for manufacturing such blades are also provided, including methods involving depositing an oxide coating prior to heat treatment of the blade material and heat treating under conditions selected to enhance the color of the coating.