Abstract: A lockable wheel assembly includes a stationary member, a swivel member, a wheel, and a locking device. The stationary member is adapted to be mounted fixedly to a deck of a cart, and is formed with a notch. The swivel member is formed with a trench and is mounted rotatably to the stationary member about a vertical axis to register selectively the trench with the notch. The swivel member has a wheel support. The wheel is mounted to the wheel support and is rotatable about a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the vertical axis. The locking device includes an engaging unit mounted pivotably to the stationary member. The engaging unit may engage the notch and the trench to prevent the swivel member from pivoting, and may be removed from the notch and the trench such that the swivel member is pivotable relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: Provided is a glide device for use in stabilizing an object on a support surface. In one embodiment, the glide device is adapted to be mounted between the contact surface and the object and includes a stabilizer, which has opposed first and second surfaces and a body extending therebetween. The stabilizer is mounted to the object with a fastener that includes an elongate shank and at least one lug projecting away from the shank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sliding supports, and more particularly but not exclusively to sliding supports for use in supporting slidable luggage trays in vehicles. The sliding supports disclosed herein offer less frictional resistance than those of the prior art and are more likely to run smoothly in the environment of a luggage space in a vehicle. The sliding support includes an elongate support element (40) and a block (20) slidably supported on the support element (40). The block (20) has a roller (30) mounted thereon. The roller (30) provides a load bearing contact with the elongate support element (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic hinge element (60) for a spectacle frame, comprising a body (10) consisting of a housing (11) comprising a guiding area (12) and at least one cavity comprising a retaining partition, a slide (20) fitted in the housing and comprising a guided part (22), a center part and a rod, a spring (40) for returning the slide to a rest position, mounted around the rod, and a bushing (30) forming a front stop for the spring. According to the invention, the cavity comprising the retaining partition is located in the guiding area (12) and opens out therein, and the guided part (22) of the slide comprises a recess into which an elastic tab (32) of the slide extends. Advantage: creation of a short-length hinge element.

Abstract: A mechanism for pivotally coupling a liftable cover with a faceplate comprises a plurality of rotation shafts. These rotation shafts comprise axial bars and fastener bars. The axial bars are for insertion into shaft sleeves of the liftable cover and shaft sleeves of the faceplate. The fastener bars are for positioning in positioning means that mount on the liftable cover near the shaft sleeves of the liftable cover. As a result, the fastener bars can be rotated for positioning in notches of the positioning means after the axial bars of the rotation shafts pivotally couple the liftable cover with the faceplate such that the rotation shafts can be detached easily by rotationally separating the rotation shafts from the notches. Accordingly, the liftable cover and the faceplate can be assembled or disassembled easily.

Abstract: A dampened hinge used for pivoting a flip cover onto a cover case of an electronic apparatus comprises a pivot element, a first connector, a second connector, a shaft, a first torsion element, and a second torsion element. The pivot element connected to the flip cover is set between the first connector and the second connector fixed on the cover case of the electronic apparatus. The shaft inserted through the pivot element is fixed on the first connector and the second connector. The first and second torsion elements are sleeved on the shaft. One end of the first torsion element is fixed on the first connector, the other end of that extends in adjacent to anther side of the pivoting element. One end of the second torsion element is fixed on the second connector, the other end of that extends away from anther side of the pivoting element.

Abstract: A hinge unit applies resilience differently according to the angle at which the hinge unit is opened, and an image forming apparatus has a cover attached by the hinge unit. The hinge unit includes a lower frame connected to a scan unit of a main body of an apparatus; an upper frame engaged with the lower frame through a hinge shaft and connected to a cover; and first and second resilient members serially arranged within the upper frame. When the cover pivots toward the scan unit at less than a predetermined angle, the hinge unit provides relatively minor resistance, whereas when the cover pivots toward the scan unit at the predetermined angle or greater, the hinge unit provides relatively greater resistance, thereby appropriately coping with the moment by weight of the cover. As a result, the improved hinge unit may enable a user to open and close the cover more comfortably.

Abstract: An opening and closing device which includes a roughly cylindrical stator, a concavo-convex stator cam provided at an end of the stator, a ring-like rotor rotatably disposed relative to the stator, a rotor cam opposedly protruding from an inner periphery or outer periphery of the rotor, and a spring pushing the rotor against the stator. The rotor cam slides on the concavo-convex stator cam during the opening and closing operations. In this structure, the opening and closing device is openable roughly up to 180°, and a force in the opening direction is applied to a movable housing even when the movable housing is opened not less than 165°. Accordingly, this opening and closing device eliminates wobbling in the opening and closing direction, and ensures reliable opening and closing operations and retention at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A hinge for a refrigerator is disclosed. The hinge device for a refrigerator, which fastens a door thereto to open/close storage space formed therein, includes a case having a side opened to define an exterior thereof, a case cap fastened to the case to close the opened side of the case, a rotation shaft provided within the case, the rotation shaft fastened to a side of the door to rotate together with the door, a clutch protrusion projected outwardly from a lateral surface of the rotation shaft to have a predetermined curvature, and a clutch ring mounted within the case cap, the clutch ring made of elastic material so that the clutch ring is selectively contacted with the clutch protrusion to supply elasticity to the rotation shaft during the rotation of the rotation shaft. An object of the present invention is to provide a hinge device for a refrigerator which can damp in an auto-closing section for closing a door of a refrigerator automatically.

Abstract: A vibration dampening handle for a powered apparatus includes an elongate gripping member including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a wall defining an inner bore and having an inner surface. The inner bore extends along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the gripping member, and opens on at least the first end of the gripping member. A weighted mass is disposed at the second end of the gripping member. An elongate elastic beam member is one of attached to and integral with the gripping member. The beam member extends along a region of the longitudinal axis and a portion of the beam member is disposed within the inner bore and is spaced apart from the inner surface.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a flat card, roller card or the like, for the purpose of monitoring, a clothed, rapidly rotating roller lies opposite to at least one clothed and/or non-clothed component, and the spacing a between the components lying opposite to one another is changeable. To avoid contact between the components lying opposite to one another in a simple manner, in order to monitor the spacing, there is located opposite to the clothing of the roller, spaced therefrom, a sensor that is arranged to respond in the event of contact between clothing and sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a multicomponent fiber comprising a temperature-regulating inner fiber component encapsulated by an outer fiber component. The invention further provides methods of preparing the inventive multicomponent fiber and methods of preparing a temperature-regulating fiber component incorporating at least one phase change material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rigid single piece buckle used to securely connect the loose end of a strap to the looped end of another strap.

Abstract: A device for detachably fixating a first object, a foldable car seat in a folded position, to a second object, a vehicle, the device comprising a cord, wherein the cord is connected, at at least one position, to a fastening means by means of at least one pin, which pin at least partially pierces the cord and preferably has a diameter of at most several millimeters. The invention further provides a method for the manufacture of a device for detachably fixating a first object, a foldable car seat in folded position, to a second object, a vehicle, the device comprising a cord, wherein the cord is connected, at at least one position, to a fastening means by at least partially piercing the cord with at least one pin, the pin preferably having a diameter of at most several millimeters.

Abstract: The present invention concerns breathable fasteners for use with hook fastener systems. The breathable fastening system comprises a first breathable mechanical fastener surface, which is generally a loop or fibrous type surface that can optionally be joined to a breathable backing loop, and a recon large area breathable hook type fastener. The hook type fastener generally has an integral film backing which film backing has a porosity of from 0.0001 to 0.005 cm3, a backing thickness of from 25 to 200 ?m, a stiffness of from 10 to 2000 Gurley units and a hook or projection containing surface area of at least 10 cm2.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a female connection member having open button areas, and a male connection member configured to mate with the female connection member. The male connection member may include deflectable lateral arms having buttons that are configured to be positioned within the open button areas, and at least one flexible and resilient strut member connecting the lateral arms together.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of fabric which comprises transport means (20, 26) for effecting relative movement between a heat and pressure application means and the fabric, whereby the passage of the fabric through the apparatus results in the yarns substantially across the width of the fabric being forced closer together, thus imparting semi-permanent “ease” or “stretch” into the fabric, characterised in that fabric speed control means (28) are employed downstream of the apparatus whereby to maintain the fabric output speed at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A novel brake spring tool for engaging the brake spring in a braking system, comprises a pair of opposed handle portions and a pair of working ends, where each working end compatibly engages a brake spring end. When the handle portions are transitioned towards each other, the working ends expand the brake spring ends that are engaged thereon, thus allowing the brake spring to be removed from a braking system or to be re-installed onto a braking system without any distortion or damage to the brake spring.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment disclosed herein relates to an articulatable sealing device. The device includes a plurality of seal elements each of which is urgable against a seal-surface, a fixing member tightenable about a perimeter of the seal elements, and a retractor in operable communication with the plurality of seal elements and able to move the plurality of seal elements in a desired direction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing armature windings for an electromechanical machine, includes manufacturing a band of conductor elements with at least one layer, formation of windings on a tool and installation of the windings into an armature. The method results in a highly uniform winding, increased fill percentage in slots, improved electrical efficiency, lower material cost and labor consumption for manufacturing and complete automation of production.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a structurally integrated antenna into a fiber composite carrier structure of a vehicle includes the following method steps: arranging an antenna preform on a carrier system primary structure which is the form of a fibrous semifinished product, whereby the antenna preform comprises one or more flexible conductive antenna elements arranged in a layer; and curing the component by means of a temperature and/or pressure treatment.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) system antenna having adhesive pre-applied to one or more of its contact pads to allow for high speed attachment of the antenna to the RFID die or die strap.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetostrictive torque sensor having low nonuniformity of sensitivity characteristics. The residual austenite content in the rotating shaft of the torque sensor is measured first. A magnetic film is subsequently subjected to a heat treatment under heat treatment conditions that are different for each of the measured residual austenite contents, and magnetic anisotropy is imparted.

Abstract: A method is presented for repairing damaged photomasks for electronic component fabrication processes, particularly for fabrication of the ABS of a disk drive slider. The method includes applying an overcoat of material having index of fraction which is close to the index of refraction of the photoresist material of the damaged photomask to produce a non-scattering boundary surface. The overcoat material preferably includes an overcoat base material which is a polymer having an index of refraction which is in the range of plus or minus 0.1 from the index of refraction of said photoresist material.

Abstract: Batteries and related compositions and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include heating at least one cathode including a cathode material in an atmosphere including oxygen, heating the cathode in a vacuum, adding the cathode into a housing, adding a separator into the housing, and adding an anode into the housing.

Abstract: A method of making a printed circuit board in which the board includes a common power plane having dielectric layers on opposing sides thereof and a signal layer on each of said dielectric layers, each signal layer comprising a plurality of substantially parallel signal lines running in substantially similar directions across said signal layers. Predetermined portions of the signal lines in one signal layer are aligned relative to and also parallel to corresponding signal lines in the other signal layer, with the power plane being located between these portions. Through hole connections are provided between selected signal lines in the two layers, these occurring through clearance holes in the power plane so as to be isolated therefrom.

Abstract: In a method for producing an electronic part mounting substrate wherein a heat sinking metal base plate 12 is bonded to one side of a ceramic substrate 10, and one side of a circuit forming metal plate 14 is bonded to the other side thereof, an electronic part 16 being mounted on the other side of the circuit forming metal plate 14, the ceramic substrate 10 and the electronic part 16 are arranged in a mold so that the ceramic substrate 10 is spaced from the electronic part 16, and then, a molten metal is injected into the mold so that the molten metal contacts both sides of the ceramic substrate 10 and the electronic part 16.

Abstract: A method for producing a printed circuit board is described. A substrate having a via is provided with the via being coated with a conductive layer defining a perimeter of the via. The conductive layer defining an open via hole. The open via hole is filled with a non-conductive filling material. Then, the substrate is planed to remove any residue of the filling material on the surface of the substrate. Then, at least two holes are formed in the substrate with each hole overlapping the perimeter of the via and thereby removing a portion of the conductive layer and the filling material whereby the two holes in the substrate cooperate to form at least two electrically isolated segments in the conductive layer.

Abstract: Electronics mounted on a printed circuit board are housed within a high conductivity case with connecting pins extending therethrough. The case is filled with thermally conductive potting material to provide thermal conduction from the printed circuit board to the case. The case may be a conduit having open ends through which the printed circuit board is inserted or it may comprise a cover mounted to a base plate.

Abstract: A coating apparatus comprising a pocket section for spreading a coating solution across the coating width, a coating solution supply port for supplying this coating solution to the pocket section, and a slit section for discharging the coating solution from the pocket section to an object to be coated, the above-mentioned coating apparatus using a die coater incorporating at least two bars. In this coating apparatus, these bars are suspended with the end face of one them facing upward. After having been heat-treated in a heat treating furnace, these bars are treated by grinding.

Abstract: An installation construction method is provided for boiler facilities in which the boiler facilities include a boiler building configured of a steel structure, a boiler main unit to be installed within the boiler building, various types of equipment to be installed to the boiler main unit, and accessory members which are accessory thereto. During construction of the boiler building, the various types of equipment and the accessory members are carried into the boiler building and installed.

Abstract: With an installation construction method for boiler facilities, the boiler facilities comprise a boiler building configured of a steel structure, and a boiler main unit suspended within the boiler building from the upper portion of the boiler building. A portion of the boiler building is constructed, a portion of the boiler main unit is suspended from the upper portion of the partially-constructed boiler building, and while the remaining steel structure portions are being added to the partially-constructed boiler building so as to construct the boiler building, the remaining portions of the boiler main unit are added to complete the boiler main unit.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a shaving head (8) comprising at least one cutting blade (10, 12) and actively driveable skin stretching means (14) arranged behind said cutting blade (10, 12) relative to a cutting direction (16) of said cutting blade (10, 12). The actively driveable skin stretching means (14) are provided to reduce the possibility that ni cks and cuts or irritations of the skip to be shaved are created during the shaving operation. In accordance with the invention the shaving head (8) comprises means (18) for providing a pivot axis (20) between the shaving head (8) and a handie (22) attached or attachable to said shaving head (8), said pivot axis (20) being arranged at least essentially parallel to said cutting blade (10, 12). By providing the pivot axis (20) the for ratio between a force applied to the actively driveable skin stretching means (14) and forces applied to other parts of the shaving head (8) may be kept constant for different angles of the handle.

Abstract: A rotary electric shaver including a cutter unit 16 for holding an outer cutter 14 in an outer cutter frame 18 mounted on the shaver main body 10 and for rotationally driving an inner cutter 40 installed inside the outer cutter 14 by a rotational drive shaft 26 while pressing the inner cutter 40 elastically toward the outer cutter 14; and the shaver further including a swivel case 48 which swivels freely and moves up and down freely with the outer cutter 14, a movable panel 92 for pushing this swivel case 48 upward with a return spring 70 in between, and a push-up mechanism 94 for changing the height level (position) of the movable panel 92, so that the push-up force on the outer cutter 14 from the inner cutter side is controllable by changing the height level (position) of the movable panel 92 by the push-up mechanism 94.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cigar cutter device comprising a pair of blades movable in pivoting about an axis and each including a sharp edge presenting an inside face co-operating in a cutting plane with the inside face of the sharp edge of the other blade, the device including mechanical coupling means for coupling pivoting of the two blades about their said respective pivot axes, said mechanical coupling means comprising at least two toothed portions secured respectively to each of said blades, and co-operating by meshing in such a manner as to enable said blades to move simultaneously and symmetrically about a middle axis, said sharp edges presenting respective leading profiles that are concave and symmetrical to each other about said axis, said profiles preferably being substantially semicircular.

Abstract: An avocado slicer includes a frame having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of slicing elements extending from the proximal end of the frame to the distal end of the frame. Each slicing element is substantially parallel to an adjacent slicing element.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a handle assembly including a drive motor and a drive pin; and an adapter configured to removably couple to the handle assembly, the adapter including a drive connector, a gear coupled to the drive connector, and a tool coupled to the gear, the drive connector configured to couple to the drive pin, the tool having a plurality of substantially blunted cutting surfaces, the drive motor being configured to cause movement of the tool such that the tool can be used to cut through a pumpkin shell.

Abstract: An improved trimmer guard (15), for use with a trimmer (16) having a motor (18), a head (19) and a shaft (20), comprising a mounting assembly (23) configured to mount to a trimmer shaft, a frame (24) supported by the mounting assembly and a foldable skirt (25) supported by the frame. The frame and the skirt may be configured and arranged to move from a first folded position (26) to a second expanded position (28). The skirt may comprise a material selected from a group consisting of polyethylene film, woven polypropylene, woven nylon, canvas and neoprene. The support frame may comprise a first arm (29) extending from a mounting assembly and a second arm (30) extending from the mounting assembly and the first and second arms may be pivotally connected to the mounting assembly. The first and second arms may pivot from a folded position that is substantially parallel to the shaft outwardly to an expanded position that is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for guide bars used in cutting operations, and more particularly to prolonging the life of the nose sprocket and/or reducing the tendency of guide bar separation in the nose sprocket region, by reconfiguring the nose sprocket outer race and/or the cutting chain drive tang.

Abstract: An automatically programmable tilting mechanism for holding a scribe tool at varying angles using an aerostatic bearing. The air bearing secures the scribe tool about its longitudinal shank and generally allows for free axial movement while the tool holding structure prevents rotation of the scribe tool, thus providing extremely fine compliance and force application of the scribe tool point against the substrate. During a scribing process, the tilting mechanism regularly adjusts the angle of the scribe tool relative to the substrate so that a fresh cutting edge is always being employed in the scribing process.

Abstract: All existing drywall square designs do not allow for quick & accurate marking nor do they possess the ability to hold onto the square to help in the accurate marking and measuring because they are simply flat metal. Existing drywall squares do not have the ability to provide angle measurements such is required, for example, in sloping roof structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, said device comprising a hub gripping element (20) for gripping and rotating a hub (50) of the wheel axle, and at least one measuring sensor (58). The invention also relates to a method using said device. The aim of the invention is to create one such device and one such method which enable measuring values to be much more precisely recorded. To this end, the hub gripping element (20) comprises at least one stud (42, 44, 46) that can be screwed into a threaded borehole on the hub (50) or the brake disk (62) in order to fix the wheel axle to the hub gripping element (20).

Abstract: A sighting device (20) and method of sighting for a bow (22) or shooting instrument are disclosed. A photo optic cable (15) or other light transmitting flexible tubular member has a first end (19) which receives light from a light emitting diode (LED) (3) or other initiator of light and a second end (30) at which the light is emitted. The initiator is responsive to an indication of an electronic level (5) or other indicator of orientation that the bow (22) is within a predetermined angle (31), of side-wise tilt. The second end (30) of the tubular member is positioned to provide a sight point (30) for the bow (22). Alternatively, the LED is spaced from a fluorescent member (530) providing the sight point at one end thereof, and light from the LED is emitted onto the fluorescent member (530) to provide increased brightness to the sight point end thereof.

Abstract: A headlamp aiming apparatus for vehicles used for accurate measuring of light radiated from the headlamp of a vehicle. The headlamp aiming apparatus is capable of appropriately calibrating the moving quantity of an aiming unit, based on data measured by distance measuring units measuring the positions of respective wheels of a vehicle, during a headlamp aiming operation, thus accurately aligning the center of the headlamp with the center of the headlamp aiming apparatus.

Abstract: A laser surveying apparatus includes: a laser light source configured to emit a laser light flux; a laser projector supported tiltably and configured to rotatably irradiate the laser light flux emitted from the laser light source; a mechanism tiltably supporting the laser projector; tilting arms extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction substantially perpendicular to the laser projector; a tilt driving section provided to at least one of the tilting arms configured to drive corresponding at least one of the tilting arms; detectors provided to each of the tilting arms and each configured to detect a movement amount of the corresponding one of the tilting arms, and an arithmetic section configured to calculate an inclination of the laser projector in the X-direction and the Y-direction from each of the movement amounts of the tilting arms detected by the corresponding detectors.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods to control a plurality of gyroscopes utilizing intermediate frequencies are disclosed. The gyroscopes are configured to operate at the same pre-determined intermediate frequency. To accomplish this, the natural frequency of each gyroscope is determined, and a reference signal is added to the output signal of its respective gyroscope such that the sum of the natural frequency and the reference signal frequency equals the pre-determined intermediate frequency. The output signal from each gyroscope is transmitted to a common inertial data processor, and the inertial data processor outputs a directional signal. The directional signal includes a representation of angles from an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. Since each signal output by the gyroscopes has the same frequency, the loss of data is decreased and the accuracy of the data increased.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensing device can be realized by using a magnetic sensor in electronic compassing as well as switching. A magnet can be brought in close proximity to the magnetic sensor within an electronic compass to generate a signal that a portable information device has been closed. This signal can be input to a processor or other circuitry to initiate a response to the portable information device being closed. When the magnet is moved out of close proximity to the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor can be used in the electronic compass. Thus, a magnetic sensor can serve two functions, namely compassing and switching, reducing the need for separate sensors to perform both functions.

Abstract: An adjusting device having a front plate and a stabilizing bracket extending generally transversely from the front plate. An adjusting slot, a centerline slot, and a plurality of lateral slots are defined in the front plate. The stabilizing bracket extends generally transversely from the front plate. The device is affixed to a horizontal member and may be horizontally adjusted on the horizontal member to determine the location of a string, the string determining the outer boundary of a footing to be poured. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine for the metrological determination of a measurement coordinate on a test object comprises a table for mounting the test object. A first and a second bearing support are arranged on the table. A first and a second carriage, each moveable in a longitudinal direction, are mounted on the bearing supports. According to one aspect of the invention, the carriages are each mounted on the bearing supports via at least three, preferably four separate bearing points, with the bearing points defining a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the table.

Abstract: A gage assembly for measuring a generally cylindrical workpiece. The gage assembly includes a support member and a gage block subassembly located opposite of the support member. The subassembly includes a moveable contact located in spaced relation from the support member so as to define a gaging space therebetween. A measuring device is coupled to the contact and a part handling member, coupled to an actuator, moves the workpiece from a first side of the gaging space to a position where the workpiece is in the gaging space and subsequently to a position where the workpiece is on an opposing side of the gaging space, passing the workpiece between said support member and said gage block subassembly. In its method of operation, the workpiece is dynamically gaged by the gage assembly.