Abstract: A closed loop reciprocating fluid circuit apparatus for mechanically powered and electromechanically powered dock levelers, which may be mounted at a forward edge of a dock leveler to selectively engage the dock leveler during pivotal downward movement of a deck, is provided. The apparatus may include a header extending from a fluid chamber (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder), where the header may selectively engage the deck, within the range of dock leveler heights, including below dock level and above dock level operating positions. The hydraulic cylinder may be vertically oriented and coupled to a fluid accumulation chamber, such that vertical movement of the header in response to the deck's downward movement causes fluid displacement into the accumulation chamber. That displacement may be in a horizontally oriented fluid chamber having a piston that reacts to the fluid transfer.

Abstract: In a cleaning device 10, a dustpan portion 23 is supported to a frame 15 so as to freely oscillate independently from a scraping up body 16 in a vertical direction, and a dust receiving portion 23C of the dustpan portion 23 is supported so as to be disconnected from the frame 15.

Abstract: A sweeper comprising a main wheel being capable of spinning in both a counterclockwise and a clockwise direction in response to the broom being moved backwards or forwards. The sweeper has a brush wheel driven by the main wheel and being capable of spinning in one direction irrespective of the spinning direction of the drive wheel. The sweeper has a plurality of intermediate wheels capable of translating the spinning motion from the drive wheel to the brush wheel, and each of the wheels being capable of simultaneous and non-slip spinning.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothbrush having soft and hard bristles together. The toothbrush having soft and hard bristles with 6–10 mm in tapered length and 0.01–0.08 mm in diameter of end portions comprises: longer bristles(1) located at both edges; and shorter bristles(2) located at the central portion, wherein the bristles are generally in a semicircular form at their top portions when seen from a side, and a difference in length between the longer bristles(1) and the shorter bristles(2) is about 2–4 mm. The toothbrush can increase brushing efficiency and effectively remove foreign matters between teeth and inside periodontal pockets.

Abstract: A water-wiping apparatus for wiping standing water from a curved surface has a flexible panel of a first height, with an upper long edge and a lower long edge, a soft, flexible handle attached along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side of the flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle assembly having at least one auxiliary suction opening along an edge thereof for picking up dirt and debris as the nozzle is moved along a wall or other obstruction. The auxiliary suction openings may be on both sides of the nozzle assembly, located proximate the ends of the primary intake opening. Auxiliary suction ducts connect the auxiliary intake openings to an internal plenum that also supplies vacuum to the main intake opening. The primary and secondary airflows merge in the plenum for withdrawal and collection. The nozzle assembly may be a power nozzle having a roller brush and a drive motor, or may be an unpowered carpet nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing as well as a suction generator and bagless dirt system carried on the housing. The bagless dirt system includes a dirt cup, a prefilter, a filter chamber remote from the dirt cup, a filter in the filter chamber and a first conduit providing fluid communication between the dirt cup and the filter chamber. A second conduit provides fluid communication between the filter chamber and the suction generator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: A caster includes a wheel, and a connecting shaft mechanism for holding the wheel in position; the shaft mechanism includes a sleeve consisting of two half parts, and a supporting shank member, which is held in the sleeve at an upper end, and with which the wheel is connected; the supporting shank member is formed with two flat portions, which face outwards in opposite directions; the sleeve half parts are connected together by means of bolts with inward sides thereof facing each other; each of the sleeve half parts has a flat portion on the inward side thereof; the flat portions of the sleeve half parts touch respective ones of the flat portions of the supporting shank member for preventing angular displacement of the supporting shank member relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A door closer comprises a cylinder with an extensible and retractable rod. The cylinder has a first end adapted to be secured to a door frame, while the rod has an outer end adapted to be connected to the door. The rod has a series of grooves along the length. A pawl is mounted in a housing on one end of the cylinder and is adapted for movement between an engaged position engaging one of the grooves of the rod and a disengaged position. A button on the housing is adapted to be depressed to move the pawl to the engaged position, whereby the pawl holds the door open in a selected position. The pawl can be disengaged from the rod merely by opening the door slightly, after which the spring-biased rod automatically pulls the door to the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a claw and a body pivotally connected to the claw and movable to and between a first operative position and a second operative position. A link assembly operably interconnects the claw and the body. The link assembly includes at least one link pivotally connected to the claw and a spring connected between the link and an anchor point. A latch is movably connected to the claw, and the latch is movable to and between a locked position where it is adapted to engage an associated mounting receptacle to prevent separation of the claw from the mounting receptacle, and an unlocked position. Te hinge assembly can be provided as part of a door mounting system that also includes a mating mounting receptacle.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges, a pair of fastening members and a pair of abutting flanges. Each of the fastening members has a base portion that is coupled to an associated one of the top flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has a locking fingers which engages the mounting structure. Finger flange portions are configured to engage a first side of a mounting flange on an interior trim component.

Abstract: A solid state angular rate sensor is fabricated by preparation of a disc-shaped base structure (10) having first and second outer layers of a piezo-electric ceramic material, built up from a number of layers of a ceramic sheet or film that is capable of being tape-cast. The layers are then sintered and an inner layer of metallic material is provided between the outer layers, to complete a piezo-electric base structure having an inner electrode (15) between the sintered outer layers. Arrays of electrode structures are provided on the outer layers of the base structure (10), the electrodes radiating from the central region 14 of the base structure (10) and being equi-spaced around the outer edge of the disc (19).

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a multi-nozzle ink jet head having a plurality of nozzles, cross talk between adjacent elements is suppressed. The head has the nozzles (12), pressure chambers (15), and bimorph drivers. The bimorph drivers have piezos (19) formed on a diaphragm (18). The diaphragm (18) has linear parts (18-1) that convert the generated force from the piezos (19) into displacement, and non-linear parts (18-2) that are provided between the linear parts (18-1) and diaphragm fixing parts. Due to the non-linear parts (18-2), transmission of strain energy to the fixing parts is suppressed, and hence cross talk is suppressed.

Abstract: A spindle head for a universal milling machine having a housing rotatably mounted on a machine part and a work spindle mounted axially parallel in the housing. A second spindle unit adjustable about two axes is disposed on the rear side of the housing.

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: The present invention provides a method for coupling a tool and a tool holder using a tool assembly unit including a measuring device which determines a position of the tool with respect to the tool holder, an alignment device adjacent to the measuring device which receives the tool holder, a moveable rod slideably disposed on the alignment device for engaging the tool and which moves the tool with respect to the tool holder to a desired position as measured by the measuring device. The tool may be affixed to the tool holder by heat shrinking.

Abstract: A process of forming a structure by diffusion bonding and superplastic forming includes forming a pack from at least one skin sheet and at least one core sheet, placing the pack in a mould and heating it. A gas is injected between the skin sheet and the core sheet to urge the skin sheet against an internal face of the mould, thereby forming a cavity. Gas is also injected on the other side of the core sheet to urge it against the skin sheet, and gas pressure is maintained on said side of the core sheet thereby forming a diffusion bond between the skin sheet and the core sheet. Helium gas is used to maintain a regulated pressure of helium in the cavity between the skin sheet and the core sheet, which allows such gas trapped between the skin sheet and the core sheet to diffuse through the core sheet.

Abstract: A device for applying a scale element to a first body, in relation to which a second body can be moved in a measuring direction, the device includes an alignment element displaceable on a scale element in a measuring direction, and applied transversely thereto in a defined position, and includes a reference surface, which is adapted for interaction with a second reference surface on a second body and otherwise is loose in relation to the second body.

Abstract: A machine for assembling enclosure including a shell and a base includes a support base (12), a pair of first brackets (20) movably attached to opposite ends of the support base, and a pair of second brackets (40) pivotably attached to the first brackets respectively. A pair of first engagement assemblies (50) is arranged on opposite ends of the second bracket, each comprising a movable engagement part for engaging inside of the shell. A second engagement assembly (70) is arranged between the first engagement assemblies, and comprises a movable engagement plate for engaging outside of the shell. A controller (80) is provided for controlling the first and second brackets, the first and second engagement assemblies to act properly and sequentially, for engaging pins of the shell in corresponding holes of the base to form the enclosure.

Abstract: A process of forming a capacitive audio transducer, preferably having an all-silicon monolithic construction that includes capacitive plates defined by doped single-crystal silicon layers. The capacitive plates are defined by etching the single-crystal silicon layers, and the capacitive gap therebetween is accurately established by wafer bonding, yielding a transducer that can be produced by high-volume manufacturing practices.

Abstract: An electric machine (40) has a stator (43), a permanent magnet rotor (38) with permanent magnets (39) and a magnetic coupling uncluttered rotor (46) for inducing a slip energy current in secondary coils (47). A dc flux can be produced in the uncluttered rotor when the secondary coils are fed with dc currents. The magnetic coupling uncluttered rotor (46) has magnetic brushes (A, B, C, D) which couple flux in through the rotor (46) to the secondary coils (47c, 47d) without inducing a current in the rotor (46) and without coupling a stator rotational energy component to the secondary coils (47c, 47d). The machine can be operated as a motor or a generator in multi-phase or single-phase embodiments and is applicable to the hybrid electric vehicle. A method of providing a slip energy controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A superfine multi-core Nb3Al superconductive wire is produced by getting a Nb3Al superconductive wire ready which was obtained by subjecting a precursor wire having a superfine multi-core structure in which a plurality of Nb/Al complex cores are embedded in Nb, Ta, a Nb based dilute alloy, or a Ta based dilute alloy as the matrix to a rapid heating and quenching treatment comprising rapidly heating to a temperature range near 2,000° C. in 2 seconds, (A) coating the Nb3Al superconductive wire with Cu or Ag as the stabilizing material; then (B) subjecting to a hot isostatic press (HIP) process for 10 minutes or more in a inert gas environment with a pressure of 40 atmospheres or more; and then (C) subjecting heat treatment for 1–200 hours in temperature range of 680–850° C.

Abstract: Conventional liftoff processes used to define track width in magnetic read heads can produce an uneven etch-depth of dielectric materials around the sensor and cause shorting to the overlay top lead layer. This problem has been overcome by printing the images of track width and stripe height onto an intermediate layer to form a hard mask. Through this hard mask, the GMR stack can be selectively etched and then back-filled with a high-resistivity material by using newly developed electroless plating processes.

Abstract: The method of making a thin-film magnetic head in accordance with the present invention forms a cover layer on an insulating layer about a magnetoresistive film so as to eliminate a protrusion riding on the magnetoresistive film. Then, the protrusion can be eliminated by etching. The part of insulating layer clad with the cover layer is not etched. This can prevent short-circuit from occurring because of thinning the insulating layer.

Abstract: The problem of increased edge sensitivity associated with the reduction of the spacing between bias magnets in a CPP head has been solved by limiting the width of the bias cancellation layer and by adding an extra layer of insulation to ensure that current through the device flows only through its central area, thereby minimizing its edge reading sensitivity.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a microscopic transducer are described. The method and system include forming a plurality of adjoining sensor layers. The sensor layers include a first magnetically soft layer, a nonmagnetic layer on the first magnetically soft layer, and a second magnetically soft layer on the nonmagnetic layer. The method and system also include forming a sidewall over the second magnetically soft layer. The sidewall formation includes forming a base having a surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the sensor layers and depositing an electrically conductive material on the surface. The method and system also include removing a portion of the sensor layers not covered by the sidewall.

Abstract: Patterned, longitudinally and transversely antiferromagnetically exchange biased GMR sensors are provided which have narrow effective trackwidths and reduced side reading. The exchange biasing significantly reduces signals produced by the portion of the ferromagnetic free layer that is underneath the conducting leads while still providing a strong pinning field to maintain sensor stability. In the case of the transversely biased sensor, the magnetization of the free and biasing layers in the same direction as the pinned layer simplifies the fabrication process and permits the formation of thinner leads by eliminating the necessity for current shunting.

Abstract: A structure of inkjet-head chip and a method for making the same are disclosed. Driven by the need of making a thin insulator layer to lower the working power of the inkjet-head chip, we separately manufacture a passivation layer and a second conductive layer. The passivation layer and the second conductive layer have to be formed from different materials. The defining means for the passivation layer and the second conductive layer have high selectivity and do not overetch or damage the structure of inkjet-head chip.

Abstract: A suction head is inserted between first and second cameras relatively disposed facing one another with aligned optical axes, so that the first camera takes images of a head reference mark on the suction head, and the second camera of a first part suctioned to the suction head. Next, a stage is inserted between the first and second cameras so that the first camera takes images of a second part held on the stage, and the second camera of a stage reference mark thereupon. The relative positions between the first part and the suction head, and between the second part and the stage, are calculated based upon image information from the cameras, and the suction head and the stage are positioned, the first and second parts being relatively positioned based upon positional information and relative positional information from the first and second cameras, and mounting is performed.

Abstract: A connector for coaxial cable, and a tool and method for connecting coaxial cable. The connector may have a projection configured to extend into a channel defined by an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and to engage an inner surface of the inner conductor; and a lip configured to engage an outer surface of the inner conductor when the projection extends into the channel. The lip and the projection configured to limit the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor. The tool and method may be used to displace insulation adjacent the lead end of the inner conductor or outer conductor to facilitate connection of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated wire harness machine (40) capable of manufacturing a wire harness (42) unique in-part due to the automation process. The novel wire harness is generally a plurality of bundled, preferably un-stripped, insulated wires (46). Each un-stripped end portion (180, 182) of each wire is preferably terminated to one of a series of electrical connectors (44) of the wire harness. Each connector has at least one wafer (52) which houses a plurality of terminals (54) preferably crimped and electrically terminated to the ends of the wires. The wire harness machine preferably utilizes a pallet (56) which holds all of the wafers of one wire harness. A conveyor (58) transports the pallet and wafers through a series of stations which perform automated manufacturing steps. The first station is a terminal inserter (64) which inserts and locks the terminals within pre-assigned cavities (114) of the wafers.

Abstract: A press-fitting device in which a terminal of a connector having a staggered arrangement section of the terminal of the connector is press-fitted into an insertion hole is provided. In the press-fitting device, a first terminal restricting member on which a guide section for restricting a vertical displacement of the terminals between the terminals along the lateral direction of the connector housing and a second terminal restricting member on which a guide section for restricting the lateral displacement of the terminals between the terminals along the vertical direction of the connector housing in an upper or lower part of the first terminal restricting member are provided. A guide groove to which terminals on an interior side of the connector housing are introduced is provided at a tip end portion of the guide portion positioned at the staggered arrangement section of the terminals.

Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing a wiring substitute comprises a transporter having a circuit where a sheet is circulated; a screen printer for printing a conductive paste on the sheet; a counter for counting the number of times to print the conductive paste on the sheet; and a distributor for ejecting the sheet from the circuit when the counted number reaches a preset number. Thus, the conductive pillars having uniform properties can be formed automatically on the conductive foil with high productivity.

Abstract: An electronic module and method that enable circuitry required by one form of the module (e.g., a developmental unit) to be omitted in a second form of the module (e.g., a production unit), without necessitating additional changes in the module. The electronic module includes a motherboard, a multichip module (MCM) mounted to the motherboard, and a circuit unit connected to the MCM. The circuit unit comprises a flexible substrate, instrumentation circuitry mounted on the flexible substrate, and a connector coupled to the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate has signal lines that electrically communicate with the MCM, the instrumentation circuitry, and the connector. A portion of the flexible substrate is located between the MCM and the motherboard and permits electrical communication therebetween. The instrumentation circuitry does not occupy space on the motherboard.

Abstract: A method of production of a multilayer circuit board comprised of a multilayer structure circuit formed by a plurality of interconnect layers and insulation layers stacked together and a semiconductor chip included therein, including the steps of placing a semiconductor chip having a polished back surface, with its active surface facing downward, on an already formed lower interconnect layer and forming an insulation layer over the layer on which the semiconductor chip has been placed, the method further including the step of treating the polished back surface of the semiconductor chip to improve its bondability with the insulation layer before the step for formation of the insulation layer.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an electronic device, an electronic component and a mount substrate are disposed such that one of surfaces of the electronic component faces toward one of surfaces of the mount substrate, and a connection electrode of the electronic component is electrically connected and mechanically bond to a patterned conductor of the mount substrate. A resin film is then disposed on the electronic component and the mount substrate. A gas captured in between the resin film and the electronic component is sucked through a hole provided in the mount substrate from a side of the mount substrate opposite to the electronic component. The resin film is thereby deformed to closely contact the electronic component and the mount substrate. The resin film is then heated and adhered to the mount substrate.

Abstract: Reel-to-reel manufacturing methods and systems are disclosed herein. In general, one or more plastic parts (e.g., plastic substrate) can be transported on a carrier for manufacturing of a final product based initially on the part or substrate. A reel-to-reel mechanism is provided comprising one or more reels associated with the carrier, such that the part can be spooled and unspoiled upon the one or more of the reels prior and subsequent to a performance of a manufacturing operation upon the part for the purpose of creating an electronic circuit. A plurality of manufacturing operations can then be subsequently upon the part utilizing the reel-to-reel mechanism to create a final electronic system based upon the part initially subject to the manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electric element built-in module including flip-chip mounting at least one electric element such as a semiconductor chip or a surface acoustic wave device on a wiring pattern, sealing the electric element with a thermosetting resin composition, and grinding or abrading the thermosetting resin composition and electric element from a side of the electric element opposite that of the wiring pattern. The method provides upper surfaces of the electric element and the thermosetting resin composition that are substantially flush with each other. The method provides an electric element built-in module suitable for high-density packaging with a reduced thickness without damaging the electric element and while maintaining mechanical strength.

Abstract: A process including providing a semiconductor device including a bond pad, and an under bump metallurgy overlying the bond pad. Forming a solder structure over the under bump metallurgy, and wherein the solder structure includes an outer layer including tin oxide. Producing a plasma from at least one of CF4 and SF6, and exposing the solder structure to the plasma. Heating the solder structure and cooling the same to provide a solder bump on the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A device and method for identification marking of cables, especially electric cables, that are continuously provided with unambiguous markings at least in their end sections. The cable is cut such that the marking of interest is visible directly behind the shell of a connector when mounting the connector to the cable at the end thereof, and wherein the connector is provided with a strain relief clamp. The strain relief clamp is provided with a transparent portion such as a window for making visible the marking of interest when the strain relief clamp has been arranged on the connector.

Abstract: A method of bonding a connector to an electrical conductor. The conductor is applied to a glass substrate and the connector is placed over the conductor. An ultrasonic welding apparatus is used to oscillate the connector relative to the conductor to bond the connector to the conductor while maintaining the temperatures of the connector and conductor below the predefined melting points and without damaging the glass substrate. In addition, an electrically conductive foil can be disposed between the connector and the conductor for ensuring electrical communication between the connector and the conductor.

Abstract: A structure for transmitting the power of a motorcycle engine includes an intermediate shaft arranged between a crankshaft and an input shaft of a transmission, and a method for making the structure. The structure and the method have the objective of shortening the distances between these three shafts, improving workability of assembling, and providing freedom of setting a speed reduction ratio. An intermediate shaft driven gear and an intermediate shaft driving gear having a diameter smaller than the intermediate shaft driven gear and are mounted in two steps, with the former overlaid on the latter, on an end of the intermediate shaft projecting outside a right case. Similarly, the intermediate shaft driven gear is engaged with a primary gear of the crankshaft, and the intermediate shaft driving gear is engaged with a primary driven gear of the input shaft at a location outside the right case.

Abstract: A method and system dampens vibrations associated with a device installed in a system by supporting the device with one or more support members having a rigid support portion and a dampening support portion made from an elastic material. In one embodiment, an information handling system fan assembly is made with two shot injection molding to form a support member with an integrated dampener that holds a fan mount disposed in a cooling air channel defined by a fan housing. The fan housing, mount and rigid portion of the support member are formed with one shot from a substantially rigid material and the dampening portion is formed with another shot from a substantially elastic material. A fan couples to the fan mount for installation in the information handling system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining pipe against internal forces at a pipe or fitting connection and to join and seal at least two pipes to form a pipeline is shown featuring an improved restraining/sealing mechanism. The restraining/sealing mechanism includes a relatively rigid gripper ring and a companion sealing ring which are received within one or more mating grooves provided in the belled end of a female pipe. The gripper ring and sealing ring can be combined or attached, or they can be separate members located in the same retaining groove or separate grooves in the female belled pipe end.

Abstract: A button, knob or control key with an etchable support plate which is engraved on the backside with a fine symbol by laser, erosion or mechanical engraving, which only cuts into the material of the support plate, but not through the support plate. The backside of the support plate is optionally coated. A foil is applied on the laminated layer and affixed thereto. The front side of the support plate is treated with a material-removing substance. The material removal with the material-removing substance is performed until the engraving extending into the support plate is at least partially or completely exposed on the front side. Application of a protective layer to the front side of the support plate from which the material was removed. A function symbol is provided on the button such that it can be backlit. It is engraved in a fine line width providing a sharp optical definition erosion, mechanical engraving.

Abstract: A combination utensil for preparing and eating crustaceans comprising an elongated handle portion having opposing longitudinal ends; a crustacean shell breaking tool extending integrally from one of the longitudinal ends; and a fork extending integrally from a remaining one of the two longitudinal heads.

Abstract: A utility knife having a handle and a blade holder movably mounted on the handle for movement from an unfolded position to a folded position. The handle has a space adapted to receive the blade holder when the blade holder is in its folded position. The blade holder has a blade holder mechanism thereon and a finger support. The handle also has a blade storage compartment.

Abstract: A vegetation trimmer having a head, a handle and an intermediate portion interconnecting the head to the handle. The intermediate portion is configured to include a first portion, a second portion and a third portion that are each arranged about a respective axis. The first portion is coupled to the primary handle at a first end and to the second portion at a second end. The second portion is coupled to the third portion at an end of the second portion opposite its connection to the first portion and an opposite end of the third portion is coupled to the head. The axis of the second portion is skewed to the axes of the first and third portions.