Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose position sensitive floor cleaning device having two separate and distinct selective modes of operation whereby 180° longitudinal rotation of the floor cleaning device selectively activates one of the two separate and distinct selective modes of operation. The two separate and distinct selective modes of operation are, for example, a scrubbing mode for scrubbing an associated floor and a suctioning mode for suctioning associated liquid from the associated floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner. An upright vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a main body for housing a suction power generating device for sucking air and a filtering device for filtering out foreign substances contained in the sucked air. A suction nozzle is pivotably connected to a lower portion of the main body for sucking the air containing the foreign substances and then guiding the sucked air into the main body. A handle is installed at the top of the main body and is designed to be gripped by a user in use. The potentiometer, or some other device for controlling the electric current applied to the suction power generating device, is installed at one side surface of the handle. The potentiometer allows the user to control a suction power level and on/off operations of the vacuum cleaner by means of a sliding manipulation. Further, the potentiometer is preferably installed at a front surface of the handle.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide handles that can be attached to wire-like members. In one exemplary embodiment, a handle generally includes a handle portion, a retaining member, and a key member. The handle portion has a channel and an aperture extending from at least one outer surface of the handle portion into the channel. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of a wire-like member therein. The retaining member is configured to be received within the channel. The retaining member has an aperture. The key member is configured to be engaged within the handle portion's aperture and the retaining member's aperture. Engagement of the key member within the retaining member's aperture can inhibit the egress of the retaining member from the channel to operatively trap at least a portion of a wire-like member within the channel, and, thereby, attach the handle portion to the wire-like member.

Abstract: A pressure cylinder including a cylinder housing having one end including an opening. A piston is axially displaceable within the cylinder housing. A piston rod is coupled to the piston and extends through the opening at the one end of the cylinder. A cylinder base closes off the cylinder at an end of the cylinder housing opposite the opening. The cylinder also includes a pressure chamber between the piston and the cylinder base and capable of being pressurized by a pressure medium and a switching disk for interacting with a switch to determine the position of the piston. The switching disk is displaceably positioned in the pressure chamber in frictional engagement and coaxially with the piston rod so that the switching disk passes to a starting position near the piston in response to a pressure impulse overcoming the frictional engagement when the pressure chamber is first pressurized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card attachment for holding cards. The jaws of the card attachment can be locking in a closed position to ensure a secure grip on a card. Plastic gripping pads are included to increase the friction between the card and the jaws. Side walls are included to limit the distance a card may be inserted into the card attachment. Limiting the insertion of a card in this manner allows a card to be held without covering large amounts of the card. The ratio of an insertion length to the length of the side wall is selected to allow a card to be held securely without covering excessive amounts of the card. Thus a card can be held without covering pictures, words, or indicia on the card.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a base having at least one surface lying substantially in a base plane; a first member extending substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the base and defining an aperture therein; and a second member having a proximal end coupled to the surface of the base and a distal end, the second member defining a second plane extending transversely from the base plane of the base at least toward the aperture, wherein the orientation of the second member biases the second member toward the first member such that an article may be gripped therebetween.

Abstract: A buckle having a plug member and a socket member designed to detachably engaged to each other. The plug member includes a base portion, a pair of engaging legs extended from the base portion such that the engaging legs may be resiliently engaged to the socket member, and a guide rod extended from the base portion between the engaging legs. The socket member includes a chamber opened at a leading end thereof, so as to receive the engaging legs and the guide rod of the plug member, and a pair of latching portions defined within the socket member such that respective leading ends of the engaging legs may be latched into the latching portions. The socket member comprises substantially triangular-shaped upper and lower plates having opposite lateral sides gradually converging towards the leading end of the socket so as to form opposite tapered side surfaces of the socket member.

Abstract: An improved securing clutch comprises a flexible material retainer with an engagement passage sized to receive and frictionally engage the entire outer surface of a portion of a post. The flexible material retainer is surrounded by a metal frame that provides a base plate at the front of the retainer and handles at the back.

Abstract: A combination artificial candle and urn is disclosed to provide an aesthetically pleasing and dignified memorial to a departed loved one (e.g., a pet) who has been cremated so that the memory of the loved one will not soon be forgotten. The combination includes a hollow cylindrical (e.g., nylon) outer shell having upper and lower chambers and a partition to separate the chambers from one another. A removable top end cap is connected across the top of the outer shell, and a removable bottom end cap is connected across the bottom of the outer shell. The removable top end cap is rotated out of engagement with the outer shell to gain access to the upper chamber so that candle oil can be supplied thereteo. The removable bottom end cap is rotated out of engagement with the outer shell to gain access to the lower chamber so that the ashes of the departed loved one can be received and stored therein.

Abstract: The subject invention provides non-woven fabrics having yarns of varying characteristics. In a preferred embodiment the subject invention provides nonwoven fabrics that comprise yarns of different deniers or cross sections. The use of these yarns gives the nonwoven fabric a unique appearance and advantageous properties. The subject invention further pertains to the processes used to produce these fabrics.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mattress including providing a foam block, convoluting the foam to form a tongue extending longitudinally along the foam block, and removing at least a portion of the tongue, to thereby form a channel within the foam block.

Abstract: A device for engaging first and second terminal ends of a vehicle track and drawing the terminal ends together in order to facilitate their connection to form a closed loop of track. The device comprises first and second coupling ends for engaging respective terminal ends of the track; a terminal guide plate; and two guide rods and a threaded drive rod extending between the first coupling end and the terminal guide plate and passing through the second coupling end. Fittings are provided at both ends of the drive rod. Turning either or both of the fittings causes the drive rod to turn, which causes the second coupling end to move toward the first, thereby drawing the first and second terminal ends together. In alternative embodiments, this screw-type drive mechanism is replaced by ratchet-type and hydraulic/pneumatic-type drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A screw holder for securing a screw having a longitudinal shank and a central axis, a spindle adjoining the front end of the shank and having a bore therethrough flush with a groove, configured and dimensioned for receiving an elastic component to secure a screw into a steady position while turning the screw in or out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing a rotor of a rotary machine, such as a rotary combine harvester. The method comprises the steps of exposing one end of the rotor while ensuring that the rotor remains safely anchored within the machine, securing to the exposed end of the rotor a plate that is mounted on a support block carried on the lifting platform of a movable lifting device, disconnecting the rotor from all remaining components of the machine to permit the rotor to be slid out of the machine, and moving the lifting device away from the machine while simultaneously controlling the height of its lifting platform to cause the end of the rotor to move along a path parallel to the axis of the rotor and thereby extract the rotor from the machine while supporting the weight of the portion of the rotor projecting from the machine.

Abstract: A fencing system that includes a plurality of interconnected accordion-style fence segments is disclosed. The accordion-style fence segments include a plurality of slats having a predetermined width, a predetermined height, and a predetermined thickness. A plurality of supple folding zones interconnect respective adjacent slats. The supple folding zones have a second predetermined thickness. The plurality of supple folding zones are operable to allow the plurality of slats to fold in an accordion fashion such that the plurality of slats stack on top of one another to form a compact storage arrangement, and wherein the plurality of slats are capable of being expanded to a predetermined length.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for preventing de-bonding of insulation from a propellant container surface. When assembled to a propellant container, the container includes a substrate having an outer surface, a base material having an overall rough outer surface relative to the outer surface of the substrate, and an adhesive material adhering the base material to the substrate. Alternately, the base material may be welded to the outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making microstructured laminae for replication and apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to machining V-shaped grooves on individual lamina forming cube-corner microstructures.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin quartz crystal wafer from a quartz crystal block which is cut from a crystal body of synthetic quartz crystal and has a flat principal surface, comprises the steps of (a) converging a laser beam at a region in said quartz crystal block at a predetermined depth from the principal surface thereof to cause multiphoton phenomenon state, thereby breaking Si—O—Si bonds of quartz crystal in said region to form voids in said region, and (b) peeling said thin quartz crystal wafer from a body of said quartz crystal block along said voids. The above process is repeatedly performed on one quartz crystal block to peel off a plurality of thin quartz crystal wafers successively from the principal surface of the quartz crystal block. Each of the thin quartz crystal wafers is divided into individual quartz crystal blanks for making quartz crystal units.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head has coil layer formed in a space surrounded by a lower core layer, a protruding layer and a back gap layer. The top of these layers are planarized to a continuous flat surface. A lower magnetic pole layer, a gap layer, an upper magnetic pole layer and an upper core layer are formed on the flat surface and are precisely formed in a predetermined shape. The track width Tw can also be set to a predetermined dimension by the width of the upper magnetic pole layer at a surface facing the recording medium. Also, the magnetic path can be shortened to improve magnetic properties.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of a slider includes forming a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer and applying a layer of protective material to proximal ends of those layers that are proximal to the disk surface. The method further includes recessing a proximal end of a non-magnetic metal layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer from the disk surface to form at least one recessed area. The method also includes filling the recessed area with protective material to a depth such that when the layer of protective material is worn from the ends of the first ferromagnetic layer, the second ferromagnetic layer, and the antiferromagnetic layer by burnishing of the ends by the disk surface, protective material still remains in the recessed area of the non-magnetic metal layer.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head involves providing a partially constructed magnetic head which has a top surface formed by a front P2 pole tip, a back gap P2 pedestal, and insulator materials disposed between the front P2 pole tip and the back gap P2 pedestal; forming a layer of selectively etchable materials over the top surface of the partially constructed magnetic head, the layer having a front edge that is recessed away from an air bearing surface (ABS); forming additional insulator materials over the selectively etchable material layer and over a front portion of the front P2 pole tip; performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) to form a substantially coplanar top surface with the selectively etchable material layer and the additional insulator materials; etching to remove the selectively etchable material layer; and depositing yoke layer materials over the resulting structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit (10) for the production of track elements (32), comprising a number of retaining devices (14), arranged serially in the longitudinal direction of the unit. Said units each comprise a base element (20), which can be moved on wheels (34) and at least one support device (28), connected at least indirectly thereto. The above is arranged, such that a section (30, 172) of a pre-assembled track element (32) may be placed thereon, in the alignment which essentially corresponds to that of the most recent fitting position. Furthermore, the above may be positionally adjusted relative to the base element (20).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a miniaturized, high-precision, easy, and low-cost dynamic pressure bearing device and a manufacturing method thereof. In manufacturing a dynamic pressure bearing device, a first and a second ring-shaped member are fixedly fitted to an outer peripheral surface of a rotating shaft member to constitute a rotating portion, an intermediate member is disposed between these members to constitute a fixed portion, a thrust bearing portion is formed in gaps between the first and second ring-shaped members and the intermediate member, and a journal bearing portion is formed in a gap between the rotating shaft member of the rotating portion and the intermediate member, the first and second ring-shaped members being fixed only with an adhesive applied on surfaces thereof which is to be fitted to the rotating shaft member.

Abstract: A method of making a lead finish incorporating mechanically flattening the plated coating of metal leads. This may be accomplished by mechanical means such as rolling, stamping, peening, coining, forging, or other suitable flattening techniques.

Abstract: A known good die is economically fabricated. A tested integrated circuit is provided which includes a die having a bonding location on an upper surface and a lead. An upper portion of the integrated circuit package is removed or ground away to expose the bonding location. The lead is removed leaving the die and exposed bonding location to provide a known good die. The backside portion of the integrated circuit package is removed or ground away to expose the backside of the die. A contact pad is disposed on the bonding location. The bonding wire and exterior lead are also removed or ground away. The upper portion of the bonding ball is removed to provide a flattened bonding location. Preferably, the tested integrated circuit package provided is a thin small outline integrated circuit package (TSOP), and advantageously may be a packaged flash memory integrated circuit.

Abstract: Secure-digital (SD) type memory cards are produced using one or more prefabricated cover portions and a molded casing portion. A sub-assembly is formed by mounting a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) onto the cover portion such that the contact pads of the PCBA are exposed through associated windows defined in the cover. The sub-assembly is placed into a cavity formed in a mold assembly, and molten thermoplastic material is then injected into each cavity of the mold assembly under heat and pressure using known injection molding techniques, thereby forming a molded plastic casing portion that secures the PCBA to the cover and completes the memory card housing.

Abstract: An integrated circuit contactor includes a base of an insulating material, the base being elastically deformable. A plurality of pads of a first conductive material are bonded to the base at positions corresponding to positions of terminals on an integrated circuit. A plurality of contacts of a second conductive material are bonded to the plurality of pads, respectively, the terminals of the integrated circuit being electrically connected to the contacts only when a pressure is exerted onto the contacts by the terminals of the integrated circuit, each contact having a projecting edge with a roughness produced by pulling a wire of the second conductive material apart from a corresponding one of the plurality of pads after the wire is bonded to the corresponding pad.

Abstract: A method for fabricating connection terminals of a circuit board is proposed. The method involves providing a circuit board with connection pads thereon, forming an insulating layer with first openings over the circuit board to expose the connection pads, forming a conductive layer over the insulating layer, forming a first resist layer with second openings over the conductive layer to partially expose the conductive layer, electroplating a first metal connection layer on the exposed conductive layer, followed by forming a second resist layer with third openings over the first conductive layer to partially expose the first metal connection layer, and electroplating a second metal connection layer on the exposed first connection layer, and removing portions of the first and second resist layers and conductive layer covered by the first and second resist layers to form metal connection material of different heights and sizes on the connection pads.

Abstract: An electrical connection terminal of an embedded chip and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. An insulating layer is provided on a circuit board integrated with a chip and has a plurality of first openings for exposing a conductive pad of the chip. A first metal layer is formed on the conductive pad, and a conductive layer if formed on surfaces of the first metal layer, the insulating layer and the first openings. A patterned resist layer is formed on the conductive layer and has a plurality of second openings for exposing a part of the conductive layer corresponding to the condictive pad of the chip. A second metal layer is formed on the exposed part of the conductive layer by an electroplating process. Thus, the fabrication of conductive structure of the conductive pad of the ship and build-up of conductive circuits on the circuit board are integrated simultaneously.

Abstract: A circuit board including a desired number of electrically insulating layers and wiring layers laminated alternately, and an inner via hole for securing an electrical connection between the wiring layers by compressing and hardening a conductive paste including a conductive particle and a resin. In the electrically insulating layer, a porous sheet is provided a resin sheet at least one surface, and the porous sheet is not impregnated with a resin at least at a central portion. A through hole penetrating the electrically insulating layer in the direction of the thickness of the electrically insulating layer is filled with a conductive paste including a conductive particle and a resin, and pores that are present inside the porous sheet are filled with laminated resin. The average hole diameter of the pores inside the porous sheet may be smaller than the average particle size of the conductive particle.

Abstract: The invention comprises filling a conductive adhesive on a hole end of a wire connection part in tubular shape of the terminal which has an electric contact part at one side and the wire connection part at the other side, inserting an electric wire from a hole opening of the wire connection part toward the hole end, and reducing evenly a size of a tubular wall of the wire connection part, thereby causing the conductive adhesive to infiltrate into a space of the electric contact part or between wires. The invention also comprises tightening the tubular wall of the wire connection part by a rotary swaging process. Further, the conductive adhesive is a nickel paste which is a mixture of nickel powders in a liquid epoxy resin based binder. In addition, at least one of a core wire portion of the electric wire or the terminal is aluminum or aluminum alloy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a fluid treatment device having a honeycomb member in a metallic cylindrical housing with a shock absorbent member wrapped around the honeycomb member. The method comprises the steps of (1) inserting the honeycomb member with the shock absorbent member wrapped around the honeycomb member, into the cylindrical housing, (2) forming a necking portion on at least one end portion of the cylindrical housing, with a body portion thereof being clamped, and (3) reducing a diameter of at least a part of the cylindrical housing with the shock absorbent member received therein, together with the shock absorbent member, to such an extent that a desired inner diameter of the part of the cylindrical housing is provided enough to cause the shock absorbent member to produce a desired holding pressure for holding the honeycomb member in the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of (1) wrapping a shock absorbent member around a columnar member, (2) supporting one end portion of a cylindrical housing on a support member, (3) arranging the columnar member in a cylindrical guide member formed with the tapered portion inside thereof, (4) inserting the shock absorbent member and the columnar member into the cylindrical housing through the tapered portion, (5) pressing a pushing member to the columnar member so as to be moved along the longitudinal axis thereof relative to the cylindrical housing, to accommodate the shock absorbent member and the columnar member in the cylindrical housing, (6) moving the support member and a shrinking mechanism relative to each other, and (7) actuating the shrinking mechanism to reduce the diameter of a part of the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: Embolic protection filters and methods of making and using such devices are disclosed. An illustrative method of making a device for filtering embolic debris from a body may include the steps of molding a filter assembly that includes a distal tip and a filter portion, forming a plurality of apertures within the filter portion, and coupling a support member to the filter assembly that is adapted to shift the filter portion between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A plain bearing and method for making the plain bearing are described, the plain bearing having an overlay alloy layer at a sliding surface of the plain bearing, the plain bearing comprising a layer of a strong backing material, a layer of a first bearing alloy bonded to the strong backing material and a layer of a second bearing material comprising said overlay material bonded to said first bearing alloy layer wherein said second bearing material comprises tin having included in the matrix thereof an organic levelling agent.

Abstract: A tube-cutting circular saw device, comprising a housing, a tube-clamping device for clamping the tube in relation to the housing, a motor-driven cutoff tool pivotable about the tube axis and a tool-guide device for the radial guidance of the cutoff tool around the clamped tube, the tool-guide device comprising a rotation body rotatable about the tube axis and a swivel plate pivotable about a swivel axis and connected to the rotation body, wherein the swivel plate contains a slide for the radial positioning of the cutoff tool.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting machine has a tubular operation rod, a motor mounted to an end of the operation rod, a drive shaft extending through the operation rod and driven by the motor, a cutting tool provided at a distal end of the operation rod to undergo rotation with the drive shaft, a handle mounted on the operation rod, and a pair of handgrips provided on distal ends of the handle. Each of a pair of fastener members traverses the handle and a respective one of the handgrips for fixedly mounting the respective handgrip to the handle at a point located substantially at a center of gravity of a sum of a mass of the respective handgrip and a mass of a portion of the handle extending between the fixing point and a respective one of the distal ends of the handle, such that the fastener members of the respective handgrips are located at positions of the handle at which vibrations transmitted to the handle from the motor through the operation rod are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention presents a pliers-like hand tool with special shaped cutting edges and grooved guides in the jaws of the tool so that when used to cut off the unwanted ends of cable ties the cable tie can be guided into the tool and positioned for cuffing the end of the cable tie leaving a smooth rounded end on the cable tie.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for improving the workability of a cutting tool. According to the present invention, a cutting tool may comprise a body, a base, a sub-base and a parallel ruler. The body may have a blade that can be rotationally driven. The base may be connected to the body, while the base is placed in contact with the upper surface of the workpiece. The body may tilt in a pivotal movement about an axis substantially parallel to the cutting direction such that a cutting operation can be performed with the blade projecting laterally outward from a side of the base. The sub-base may be removably attached to the base on the side from which the blade projects. The parallel ruler may be removably attached to the base on the side on which the sub-base is attached or on the opposite side of the base, together with the sub-base or in the state in which the sub-base is not attached.

Abstract: A cutting guide. The cutting guide includes a body portion having a leading edge and an opening therethrough and an engagement portion concentrically attached to the body portion. The leading edge is adapted to guide a saw while a cut is being made in a material.

Abstract: The invention provides a frame (12) of a hack-saw (10) and, particularly, the handle formation (14), defines shoulder formations (22) that define a linear edge (24) on opposite sides of the extension formation (16), the operative external edge (26) of the extension formation (16) extending perpendicularly with respect of the shoulder formations (22). As such, the frame (12) of the hack-saw (10) can be used as a conventional L-square.

Abstract: A saw and/or saw frame including: an elongate substantially rigid back member and a swing arm pivotally connected to the back member so as to be rotatable between an extended position and a storage position; a handle with a first blade mount; the swing arm includes a second blade mount; the back includes a third blade mount disposed proximate to the swing arm; each of the first, second, and third blade mounts being constructed to engage one end of a removably mounted saw blade, with the first, second, and third blade mounts disposed to allow quick changes in blade configuration. The back member also has an elongate blade storage cavity accessible from above adapted to store at least one of the removably mounted saw blades and an auxiliary blade mounting mechanism configured to operatively mount an auxiliary blade extending forward from the frame.

Abstract: A method for designing an elliptical structure with an outline of an approximate elliptic curve, which is generated by connecting circular segments to one another, and an elliptical structure created on said method.

Abstract: A support bracket (1) for sensors adapted to be fastened to the wheel cover of a wheel mounted on a vehicle, comprising a central body from which there derives on one side a support device (3) of the sensor, and on the opposite side at least three devices (7) adapted to be engaged in the lugs which fasten the wheel cover to the vehicle; at least one of said engagement devices (7) comprises a jaw (73), placed at the end of a rod (72) sliding in a tubular body (70), adapted to be inserted on the head of a fastening screw of the wheel cover, means being foreseen to slide the rod in the tubular body so that it enlarges and tightens the jaw.

Abstract: A spherically rotatable support for a light image projector has level and/or plumb indicators for leveling or plumbing a central reference frame of its spherical rotation. A projected light image, such as a laser line segment of relatively short length may be successively stepped across a long wall while maintaining its level or plumb condition. A low powered laser or other light source may be used to generate the short-length, line segment in place of a more high powered light source that would otherwise be needed to illuminate the full length of the wall or other such surface.

Abstract: A modular tool assembly including a tool base configured to releasably secure a modular tool arrangement in a fixed relationship relative to a mounting surface. The tool base includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion having a mounting seal extending therefrom. The mounting seal cooperates with the mounting surface to define a vacuum pocket therebetween. A vacuum generating mechanism is configured to remove air from the vacuum pocket through an aperture in the lower housing portion. A modular tool attachment releasably engages a portion of the tool base to secure the modular tool attachment to the tool base. The modular tool attachment can include a self leveling laser leveling device having a laser light source mounted within a housing to project an alignment beam through an opening in the housing to denote a reference plane along the mounting surface.

Abstract: A precision shaft alignment system for establishing concentric alignment of a first rotatably mounted shaft and a second opposed, rotatably mounted shaft that can be configured for stand-alone or retrofitted with an existing measuring system.

Abstract: The present invention is a sliding ruler square that provides an adjustable and extendible straightedge element permitting a user to conveniently scribe lengthy cut lines at pre-selected angles across a work piece typically utilized in the construction industry without the necessity as exhibited by the prior art to reposition the tool. The inventions comprises a right triangularly shaped base with a fence on one base edge, a sliding straightedge on the other base edge and markings along the straightedge and the hypotenuse and other edges of the base to present a variety of ways to measure and mark. The tool combines a number of measurement and scribing functions typically requiring several tools.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. At least one of the joined arm segments is comprised of a plurality of components being bonded to each other using adhesive. In addition, the jointed arm segments may include tapered and/or threaded ends.

Abstract: A machine having a pair of spaced structures, a plurality of ball and socket joints spaced apart on each structure, and six struts interconnecting the structures. Each strut engages with a respective ball and socket joint on each of the structures, and defines a variable distance between the centers of the ball and socket joints to which the strut is connected. At least one of the ball and socket joints to which the strut is connected has a plurality of the struts connected thereto, the ball and socket joint having a socket on each respective strut, co-operating with a sphere, the sockets having three engagement elements biased into engagement with the sphere.