Abstract: A body brush is provided for use in cleaning the human body, and includes two or more brush head mounting structures each fitted with a brush head. A brush head rotation mechanism is mounted to the brush housing and is drivably connected to two or more brush head mounting structures for rotating the brush heads, and a brush head axial reciprocation mechanism is mounted to the brush housing and is drivably connected to the at least two brush head mounting structures for axially reciprocating the brush heads.

Abstract: The invention is a portable drain clearing cable or snake guide device. It is designed to assist anyone wanting to clear a drain blockage or stoppage in a back to back plumbing fixture drain tee fitting via an electric or manually operated rooter cable or snake and guiding this cable or snake in a downward fashion towards the blockage or stoppage. It is designed to help clear a drain blockage or stoppage in a back to back plumbing drain fixture tee better, faster and with less of a chance for the cable or snake to cause damage to the opposing plumbing at the other side of drain fixture tee.

Abstract: A sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes. The dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before stepping foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green, or, alternatively, before the player attempts another shot, thereby enhancing the player's footing. The sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box or wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes. Moreover, the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club to clean his or her shoes, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the shoes.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.

Abstract: A mop head wringing mechanism comprises a first sleeve having a helical-shaped spline extending at least partially around an external face thereof and a second sleeve is slideably engaged over the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a spline engaging portion in constrained engagement with the helical-shaped spline of the first sleeve whereby translation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve causes rotation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve. A slip member is substantially constrained from lateral movement with respect to the second sleeve and is engaged with the second sleeve for enabling rotation of the second sleeve relative to the slip member. A control member is coupled to the slip member such that movement of the control member causes the second sleeve to translate from an at-rest position to a displaced position thereby rotating the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a cleaning head, a first handle segment, a second handle segment and a closure structure. The cleaning head includes a scrubbing portion, a squeegee portion and a handle attachment structure. The first handle segment includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is engaged with the handle attachment structure of the cleaning head. The second handle segment includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a storage space. The first end portion of the second handle segment is engaged with the second end portion of the first handle segment. The storage space extends between the first and second end portions thereof. An open end portion of the storage space is provided at the second end portion of the second handle segment. The closure structure engaged at the second end portion of the second handle segment covers the open end portion of the storage space.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for sweeping the indoor or outdoor floors. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a telescoping geongated handle with an attached sweeping member. The sweeping member is made of several layers of Vietnam Dot' Grass which is secured to the lower end of the elongated handle. The lower edge of the grass is cut in the shape of an arc. In another embodiment of the present invention, the elongated stalk of the grass is secured around the elongated handle. The lower edge of the grass of this embodiment is cut in the shape of an one-half arc shape.

Abstract: The adjustable bristle broom is a broom of which the bristles (32) are vertically, up or down, adjustable. The broom is comprised of an elongated handle (12) that connects the bristle housing (16), the connection is made through an upper lip (26) and a lower lip (28) located at the bottom of broom handle (12). The lips of the broom handle snap fits with the semi-circular lip (30) located within the top of the bristle housing (16). The adjustment means is a spring loaded push button (20) that works in accordance with the broom handle (12) and bristle rod (14). When the bristles (32) are adjusted outward from the bristle housing (16), bristle tensile strength decreases. When the bristles (32) located within the bristle housing (16) are shortened or adjusted inward, the bristle tensile strength increases allowing for a broom that can be used on several different surfaces indoors and outdoors.

Abstract: A hair brush includes a handle and a brush base having a plurality of depressions formed on its surface and brush bristles fixed in each of the depressions. The depressions are longitudinal when viewed from above. Each of the brush bristles is folded in two at a folding area. Each of the folding area of the brush bristle is positioned and fixed in one of the depressions. A pair of folded portions obtained by folding each brush bristle is aligned along the longitudinal direction of the depressions, is retained with a gap provided between the folded portions, is extended vertically upward.

Abstract: A brush assembly having one or more handles, bristles, concave wedge slots, and insertion rods is provided. The brush assembly is more efficient, applies paint, coating materials or protective agents in a more uniform fashion, reduces the number of times the brush may need to be dipped into the paint, coating material or protective agent and accumulates an extra volume of paint, coating material or protective agent when the bristles are dipped into those materials.

Abstract: A cleaning chemical dispensing system includes: a liquid chemical additive having a predetermined viscosity; a mop bucket; a mop wringer provided on the bucket; a first indicator indicating a first volume of cleaning liquid in the bucket; and a reservoir for the additive, the reservoir positioned above the first indicator, and having a base, one or more upstanding walls continuously contiguous with and fully surrounding the base, an opening opposite the base for pouring the additive into the reservoir, a metering orifice in the base, and a second indicator indicating a second volume for the additive which corresponds to the first volume of the bucket so as to provide a required ratio of additive to cleaning liquid, the orifice being dimensioned to correspond to the predetermined viscosity of the additive, so that the additive can be poured into the reservoir before any significant amount of additive passes through the orifice.

Abstract: Brush head for cleaning a vessel and use in an automatic dissolution vessel cleaning apparatus which includes a rotatable shaft defining a through passage, an upper end of which is operatively connected to a vacuum source, an inflow housing having at least one channel through which cleaning fluid is pumped and to which the shaft is rotatably mounted, and a brush assembly mounted on the shaft below the housing such that a lower end of the passage is situated below the brush assembly. In use, when the brush head is inserted into the vessel, cleaning fluid is directed through the channel(s) into the vessel while the shaft rotates causing the brush assembly to rotate and clean an inner wall of the vessel with fluid in the vessel being drawn into the passage via its lower end upon coupling of its upper end to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A manually guided suction apparatus for suctioning up material via a suction air stream, comprising a suction fan having a fan housing surrounding a fan wheel and provided with an intake opening. A centrifugal separator is disposed upstream of the intake opening and produces a curved path of the suction air stream. The centrifugal separator has a curved peripheral wall in which is disposed a removal opening for material that is to be sucked up. The intake opening is disposed approximately in a central portion of the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A manually guided suction apparatus for suctioning up material via a suction air stream, comprising a suction fan having a fan housing surrounding a fan wheel and provided with an intake opening. A removal opening for sucked up material is disposed upstream of the intake opening in an intake channel that guides the suction air stream toward the suction fan. The removal opening empties into a collection bag, and the suction air stream in the intake channel is guided past the removal opening. An endless tube folded up to form a supply portion is stored in a storage chamber. A container portion of the endless tube forms the collection bag. A weight support for the collection bag prevents the supply portion from being pulled out of the storage chamber.

Abstract: A cordless vacuum cleaner including a structure mounted on transport members, a turbine carried by the structure, a beater brush secured to the structure and connected to a collector via a first duct, a suction device connected to the collector via a flexible second duct, means for selectively putting the first duct or the coupling for the second duct into communication with the collector, a first motor for driving the turbine, a second motor for driving the beater brush, an electrical circuit for powering the motors from a battery carried by said structure, and a three-position control member. When the control member is in a third position, the two motors are powered in series.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaner head (50;90;130; 180) for a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing (52;92;132;182), a suction opening (60;100;142;184) in a face (58;96;136;186) of the housing which is intended to face a floor surface, a suction passage (110;146) for conducting dirt-laden air from the suction opening (60;100;142;184) through the cleaner head to an outlet thereof, a bleed air inlet (200) arranged in the housing and closed by a bleed valve (76;124;166;198) which is openable to allow air to be bled into the suction passage via the bleed air inlet. The cleaner head further comprises a force-transmitting member (68 122;152;194;232) connected to, or adapted to be connected to, a handle (18;48) by means of which the cleaner head is, in use, maneuvered across the floor surface, and the force-transmitting member (68;122;152;194;232) is connected to the housing by a connection allowing relative movement between the force-transmitting member and the housing.

Abstract: Hinge (4) comprising at least one housing (6) formed in a first panel (2), and at least one rod (7) integral with a second panel (3) and rotationally mounted in the housing (6). According to the invention, the rod (7) is movable from a retracted position in which it is prevented from moving into the housing (6) when the two panels (2, 3) are in a correct mutual position, and a control element (9) movable from a release position to a locking position and adapted to cooperate with the rod (7) with the result that said rod is in the retracted and hinged positions when the control element (9) is in the release and locking positions, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving a moving furniture component, mounted in or on a piece of furniture, in particular, a drawer or door, comprising a closing device for retracting the moving furniture component into a closed end position in or on the piece of furniture, whereby the closing device comprises a driver, for driving the moving furniture component and an energy store, in particular, at least one spring, for tensioning the driver, whereby the device comprises an electric motor for powering the driver.

Abstract: An adjustable self-centering trolley for suspending a horizontally sliding door such as a shower door from an overhead track.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) includes a connecting member (10), two cams (30), two shafts (20), two elastic elements (40) and two barrels (50). The connecting member includes a first sleeve (12), a second sleeve (14) and a connecting sleeve (16) connected between. The first sleeve and the second sleeve each have respective partition boards (104, 144) formed therein. Each partition board includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom with a plurality of latching grooves formed between the protrusions. Each cam includes at least one latching block (32) and defines an axial hole (36). Each shaft has a shaft portion (24), and the shaft portion is configured for passing through the axial hole of each cam. Each elastic element provides an elastic force for each cam so as to hold the cam against the protrusions.

Abstract: Provided is a door hinge. The door hinge includes a fixing member, an activating member, a guide pin, and a guide frame. The fixing member is installed at a door frame. The activating member is installed at a door, and connects with the fixing member by a hinge, and opens and closes the door. The guide pin is fitted into guide holes provided at both sides of the activating member, and elastically moves up/down along the guide hole by a tension force of a spring installed inside the activating member. A guide frame is combined to the guide pin, and connects at its lower end with the fixing member by a pin, and rotates about the pin depending on an operation of the activating member. The guide hole is round (R) shaped at its center, and has a curved shape in entirety.

Abstract: A hinge is mounted in an appliance with a cover and a base and has a stationary bracket, multiple resilient spacers and a pintle. The stationary bracket is attached to the base of the appliance and has a tubular sleeve. The resilient spacers are mounted securely in the sleeve. The pintle is attached to the cover of the appliance and is mounted rotatably in the resilient spacers. With multiple resilient spacers, the area to provide friction between the resilient spacers and the pintle is increased. Therefore, the friction between the resilient spacers and the pintle is increased and is sufficient to easily hold the cover at any desired angle.

Abstract: An electronic device associated with a rotational casing includes a panel with a mount groove being joined to the rotational casing. The casing has a main body, which is composed of a first casing part and a second casing part, and a hinge. The main body has a projection part at a lateral side thereof and is received in the mount groove. The projection part extends outward a lateral side of the mount groove and is received in a locating groove of the panel corresponding to the projection part. The hinge is composed of a first hinge part and a second hinge part. The first hinge part is joined to another lateral side of the main body and an end of the second hinge part extends outward another lateral side of the mount groove and is joined to the panel. The present invention can hide the pivotal components and electrical wires to allow the rotational main body associated with the electronic device providing a sense of integral beauty.

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 locking system for connecting a handle and an implement is provided. The locking system includes a handle having a first thread and a first locking member and an implement having a second thread and a second locking member. The first and second threads are threadably engaged so that the first and second locking members selectively lock the handle to the implement.

Abstract: A new tool handle for providing an improved control, accuracy and stability for use with striking tools such as hammers of various types as well as multipurpose tools such as hatchets. The inventive device includes a shaft, a thumb ramp, a finger shield fixedly attached to the shaft and a finger positioning guide attached to the finger shield. The finger shield serves to physically restrain the tool in event of a loss of grip during use. The finger positioning guide allows a grip for a hand position for improved accuracy and control of the tool during helpful particularly with individuals having a weak hand grip or impaired freedom of finger movement.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to the use of potholders used for cooking. Potholders are typically an individual potholder for each hand and a potholder on the counter to set the hot dish on, a total of three potholders. The present invention pertains to only using one potholder serving the purpose of three potholders.

Abstract: A fiber array device for arraying fibers three-dimensionally, includes: a fiber winding device onto which a fiber is wound; and a fiber supply device that supplies the fiber to the fiber winding device, wherein the fiber supply device is provided with a movable guide that supplies fiber to the fiber winding device while undergoing relative displacement, and wherein the fiber winding device has a fiber winding bobbin that winds fiber onto its circumference as it rotates around a shaft, and fiber array flat plates a plurality of which are stacked respectively at a plurality of predetermined positions on the circumference of the fiber winding bobbin and on whose respective external surfaces the fibers are arrayed. In addition, there is provided a fiber array jig. It is thereby possible to array fibers three-dimensionally extremely efficiently at a high density and with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A plastic seal and system is configured for sealing to first and second confronting courses of plastic strap material. The seal includes a body having first and second opposing walls. The first wall has a sealing element formed therein that is bounded by a first wall opening, and the second wall has a sealing element formed therein that is bounded by a second wall opening. The sealing element is connected to the body by one or more frangible connectors. The body defines a central opening for receiving the first and second confronting courses of strap material generally parallel and adjacent to their respective opposing walls. The first sealing element is sealed to the first course of strap material and the second seal element is sealed to the second course of strap material to form a strap seal. A tool and a method for positioning and tensioning a plastic strap around a load are also disclosed.

Abstract: A keyed channel strut mounted connector device includes channel engagement structure connected to attachment structure. The channel engagement structure includes a key for engaging the channel, and an octagonal neck connecting the key to a boss surmounting the attachment structure. The neck includes clearance facets permitting the key to pass into the longitudinal channel, and relief facets defining support shoulders on the key for supporting the key on the inwardly turned sidewalls of a channel strut. Two pairs of opposed support shoulders permit installation of the device for supporting a run of cables or pipes parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strut, or rotation of the device 90° for supporting the cables or pipes transverse to the strut. By rotating the device 180° in either direction, the head and tail ends of the attachment structure can be reversed without changing the parallel or transverse orientation of the attachment structure.

Abstract: A money clip for organizing and storing paper bills such as currency. The money clip includes a single length of wire having two free ends which form a clasping portion and a flap attached thereto. The two free ends of the wire have spherical elements attached thereto to cover the free ends. The wire is folded symmetrically with respect to a straight base portion to provide a “butterfly-like” configuration; the base portion being “the body” of the butterfly, and the folded portions on either side of the base forming “the wings” of the butterfly. The flap is a substantially flat, disc-shaped member affixed to the base portion along a diameter thereof such that the base portion is substantially colinear with a diameter of the flap. A portion of the flap covers a portion of the clasping portion disposed adjacent the base portion and serves to maintain the correct orientation of the bills in the clip.

Abstract: An improved button structure which includes a pillar element and a zinc casting body. The pillar element is provided with a hollow cylinder at the bottom and an expanding disk, which is provided with pluralities of through holes, on the top. The zinc casting body is provided with a smooth plane at the upper surface, and pluralities of engaging posts, which have positioning portions, at the bottom surface. The through holes of the pillar element are mounted on the engaging posts of the zinc casting body, such that the pillar element can be positioned at the positioning portions of the engaging posts and further mortised to lock to the top end of the engaging posts which extrude out of the disk to form blunt heads to accomplish a firm combination, thereby enhancing the benefit in production.

Abstract: The instant fastener presents a novel way to secure fabric and other materials. The fastener comprises a fastener base having holes through which a lace or cord is intertwined for holding ends of a scarf, skullcap, bandana or other headgear together. Creating knots is common practice, but in certain applications it has disadvantages. Knots are difficult to adjust, maintain and disassemble, especially when one is doing so on a knot tied behind their head. The instant fastener eliminates these problems because of its simplicity and design. Additionally the fastener alleviates the discomfort associated with knots as well. Finally, the fastener improves on the prior art because it presents the user with an opportunity to individualize their securing device by embellishing it with beads or other accessories. Therefore, the present invention solves problems created by the prior art, and offers new improvements on the prior art.

Abstract: The clutch mechanism of the present invention is constructed such that in an unlocked, free position, a set of pins and linkages are off line and permit a pivotable wedge member to accommodate movement of a line (e.g., rope) that is carried by a rotatable member without causing wedging of the line since the wedge member is moved away from the rotatable member and therefore the line can freely travel through the clutch mechanism. However, when the set of pins and linkages is brought in line, the wedge member moves toward the rotatable member, thereby downsizing the line path and locking the line when the wedge member pivots to cause the line to become wedged between the pivotable wedge surface and the rotatable member.

Abstract: A slider is adapted for use with a reclosable fastener for bags containing material. The reclosable fastener includes a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first profile, while the second track includes a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. At least one of the first and second profiles has an interior portion. The slider comprises a body that includes a top, a first side, a second side and a separation member on an underside of the top. The separation member is adapted to open and close the fastener and includes a slider finger that extends generally downwardly from the top. The slider finger extends into an interior portion of the first profile so as to assist in removing material trapped in the interior portion of the first profile when closing the reclosable fastener.

Abstract: A fastener strip configured to be plastically deformed to a desired shape and to retain the desired shape without a significant amount of recovery.

Abstract: A seatbelt buckle protective apparatus comprises a protective body and a release key. The protective body includes a seatbelt buckle receiving space having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is open and an end wall terminates the second end. A tab receiving slot extends through the end wall and a key receiving opening extends through the end wall. The release key includes a protruding member and a hand gripping portion. The protruding member is configured for being inserted through the key receiving opening of the protective body. The release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.

Abstract: A funerary receptacle having a chamber for receiving remains of an individual is disclosed. The funerary receptacle is at least partially formed from a material obtained from a man-made military article, and the material may be subjected to a recycling process that alters the material from a first form to a second form. Another aspects of the invention is a method including steps of obtaining a material from a man-made military article, recycling the material, and incorporating the material into the funerary receptacle. A method may also include manufacturing an urn from a material obtained from a man-made military article and supplying the urn to customers with an identifier that identifies a source of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needling machine, especially for use in the production of paper-maker's felts, the needling machine having at least one traversing roller which is movable back and forth in the axial direction during operation. The invention relates also to a method of operating such a needling machine.

Abstract: A method for preparing a mat, including: a) deposition or projection of threads onto a traveling belt to form a lap of the threads that are driven by the belt, then b) needling by bearded needles passing through the lap and being displaced in the direction of the lap at substantially the same speed as that when they pass through the lap, with a stroke density ranging from 1 to 25 strokes per cm2. By the method the mat obtained can easily be deformed by hand to be placed in a mold for manufacture of a composite material by injection of resin (RTM). The mat may also be incorporated into a preimpregnated sheet (SMC) and be molded under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for needling a non-woven material with at least one needleboard (23) which is connected with push rods (26) guided in the needle-penetration direction and with at least one drive for the needleboard (23) acting upon the push rods (26). In order to provide advantageous drive conditions it is proposed that the drive is arranged as a hydrostatic resonance drive which comprises at least one working cylinder (1) with a piston (2) pressurized on both sides by a hydraulic spring (4, 5) each and a device for pressurizing the piston (2) with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance frequency of the oscillation system obtained from the moved masses and the hydraulic springs (4, 5).

Abstract: A continuous heat set line for setting yarn, having spaced-apart, elongate, tubular entrance and exit cooling chambers interconnected by an elongate intermediate steam heat-setting chamber communicating therewith. The entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber collectively define a single longitudinally-extending axis along the combined length thereof. Sealing heads seal the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the intermediate heat-setting chamber to a degree sufficient to maintain a pressurized condition within the heat-setting chamber. A yarn conveyor extends through the pretreatment chamber for conveying the yarn through the entrance and exit cooling chambers and the heat-setting chamber. At least one piston and cylinder assembly moves sealing rolls into and out of position relative to each other, while independently-operating springs urge the rolls together sufficiently to effect a seal.

Abstract: Device and method for spreading a carbon fiber hank into a carbon fiber band. The device includes a heating device having at least two electrodes that are spaced apart from each other and coupled to a power supply, and a spreading device arranged after the heating device in the traveling direction of the carbon fiber hank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for introducing gas bubbles into a liquid, a device (1) for fastening a perforated aeration membrane (2) to an aerator base plate (3) as well as to an aerator base plate (3) therefor. The aerator base plate (3) has an undercut groove (4) in at least one rim region thereof, into which a locking body (7) clamping the membrane (2) in said groove (4) fits clampingly. The locking body (7) has a generally circular cross-section. The groove (4) has an at least substantially oval cross-section. The locking body (7) is designed to be generally cylindrical.

Abstract: A modular synthetic grass playing surface system formed from a plurality of modular units. Each modular unit has a synthetic grass layer placed upon predetermined sized pallets having a pre-installed elastomeric layer. A layer of resilient particle infill is optionally introduced to the top surface of the modular unit. A corrugated plastic sleeve is optionally installed around each formed modular unit while the modular unit is stored and moved. A plurality of modular units are then installed onto a relatively flat surface to form the playing surface in a desired shape and size.

Abstract: A work transport apparatus includes a carriage to carry a work along a guide lane; a work loading mechanism to load the work on the carriage at a work loading position; and a work unloading mechanism to unload the work from the carriage at a work unloading position. Each of the work loading mechanism, the carriage and the work unloading mechanism includes a work sliding incline sloping down to move the work held on a holder from the work loading mechanism through the carriage to the work unloading mechanism. Each of the work unloading mechanism, the carriage and the work loading mechanism includes a holder sliding incline sloping down to move the holder from the work unloading mechanism through the carriage to the work loading mechanism.

Abstract: A method for creating fixtures used in the build of prototype parts, including a base plate having various holes and notches with various details mounted onto the base plate, and wherein the various details are used to support a prototype part, and the prototype part is created by using the fixture. The method comprises the steps of first using a milling or other process for producing a base plate having the predetermined precisely located holes and notches. An electrical discharge machining process is used to create the various details. The details are then assembled onto the base plate to create a predetermined fixture. The fixture is then used to create the prototype part.

Abstract: A stator manufacturing device including a winding unit for forming a winding coil consisting of a plurality of unipolar coils formed by winding wire, an insertion unit for receiving the winding coil from the winding unit and inserting the winding coil into a stator core, a shaping unit for shaping an outline of the winding coil that has been inserted into the stator core, and a transfer unit that is movable towards the insertion unit and the shaping unit, characterized in that, in a state of holding the stator core, the transfer unit, by relatively moving to the insertion unit, moves the winding coil into a position for insertion into the stator core, and, by relatively moving to the shaping unit, forms an outline of the winding coil.

Abstract: In a wire-processing machine, by a linear movement away from a first holding unit, a gripper applies to a gripping unit a pull-out force in the longitudinal axis of the wire. The pull-out force that is exerted on the wire is measured by, for example, a force sensor that is arranged on the holding unit or by the motor current of the motor that causes the linear movement. The gripper and the gripping unit together make measurement of the pull-out force possible also for medium-sized and large wires without the gripper needing to be constructed stronger, or its dimensions, or the gripper-arm drive, needing to be changed.

Abstract: [Solution means] A process for producing a printed wiring board comprises the steps of depositing a base metal on at least one surface of an insulating film to form a base metal layer and further depositing copper or a copper alloy to form a conductive metal layer, then removing a surface metal layer, which is formed through the above step, by etching to form a wiring pattern, and then treating the base metal layer with a treating liquid capable of dissolving and/or passivating the metal that forms the base metal layer. The printed wiring board so provided comprises an insulating film and a wiring pattern formed on at least one surface of the insulating film, the wiring pattern including a base metal layer deposited on the insulating film surface and a conductive metal layer, the base metal layer for forming the wiring pattern protrudes in a widthwise direction more than the conductive metal layer for forming the wiring pattern.