Abstract: A carpet extractor head for a carpet extractor including at least one sonic agitator. The at least one sonic agitator includes a beater portion and an actuating member that vibrates the beater portion. The beater portion includes a hollow roller.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base unit, a body unit pivotally mounted to the base unit, a suction generating device, and first and second dirt separation members. The first dirt separation chamber includes an inlet to receive airflow from the base unit, an outlet, a filter between the inlet and outlet, and a collection chamber having a bottom disposed below the first filter and a sidewall extending upwards from the bottom. The filter has a surface extending in a first direction, and the surface is adapted to pass the airflow radially therethrough. The second dirt separation member includes a cyclone body, an inlet to receive airflow from the first chamber outlet, and an outlet to convey airflow to the suction generating device. This outlet includes a cyclone outlet tube located within and at a first end of the cyclone body and extending in a second direction. A dirt outlet is located opposite the first end of the cyclone body. Another collection chamber is connected to the dirt outlet.

Abstract: An appliance comprises a moving member, a drive motor, and a linkage drivingly connecting the drive motor to the moving member, the linkage including first and second magnetic coupling members The magnetic clutch may have first and second magnetic coupling members. Each magnetic coupling member has a first surface, which includes at least first and second magnets. Each of the first and second magnets have an outer pole and the outer poles of each of the first magnets and the outer poles of each of the second magnets are of reverse polarity, wherein at least one of the first and second magnetic coupling members is moveably mounted with respect to the other of the first and second magnetic coupling members in a direction perpendicular to the first faces.

Abstract: A fluid levitating caster lifts a heavy load “(17)” off a floor “(18)” with near friction-less-ness for transport has integrated a load lifting device. This extra rise height “(ER)” lifting feature accommodates moving loads “(17)” which have flexible-sagging frames, over uneven floors “(18)”, and which have frames that are not parallel to floor “(18)”. An inflatable bellows “(22)” design of the load lifting device receives its pressurization from fluid levitating caster, and additionally serves as a dampening reservoir to reduce hopping-pressure surges inherent in fluid levitating casters.

Abstract: An anti-rattle door assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first base plate and a roller disposed on the first base plate. The second member is configured to receive the roller of the first member. The second member includes a bumper that is configured to at least partly enclose the roller of the first member when the first member and the second member are engaged.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a refrigerator door improves productivity and reduces a manufacturing cost by improving a structure of a hinge assembly installed between a refrigerator main body and a door, and improves an appearance by using one hinge assembly for one door so as to coincide moving axes and thus positioning an opened door to be horizontal to the main body.

Abstract: A partition apparatus or system having one or more panels each releasably fixed with respect to a hinge element. The hinge element has at least one hinge leaf, each with an outer edge. Each hinge leaf has at least one opening, preferably multiple openings, extending from the outer edge in a direction inward toward the hinge pin. The panel at least partially defines a slot. A male connector is mounted within the slot. The hinge leaf can be inserted within the slot so that the male connector engages within the opening of the hinge leaf. The opening of the hinge leaf can be shaped so that the hinge element is releasably fixed with respect to the panel.

Abstract: This device will muffle the sound of buttons while clothes are being washed or dried. Because of the exposure to extremes in temperature as well as agitation it should be constructed of durable non-corrosive material.

Abstract: An adjustable fastening mechanism generally including an adjustable clasp and a cord. The adjustable clasp has an inlet end, a fastener end, and a center core therebetween. In the preferred embodiment the adjustable clasp has an inlet and a radial port which are connected by a conduit. The inlet end of the adjustable clasp is narrower than the fastener end of the adjustable clasp. A helical groove is provided on the exterior of the adjustable clasp and extends from the radial port to an exterior bore near the fastener end of the adjustable clasp. The exterior bore extends through the solid center core of the adjustable clasp and is substantially perpendicular to the center axis of the adjustable clasp and helical groove.

Abstract: A conventional carabiner (11) is molded directly into a plastic base (10), with the pivoted end of a closure gate (23) being toward the base. The base may also restrain a bungee cord (9) by having the end thereof and a wire crimp (15) molded into the base, or the base may have a bungee cord passageway (40) with cleat (41), into which the bungee cord may be pulled so as to lock the base in a desired position along the bungee cord.

Abstract: Various embodiments for carabiners employing a pivoting gate and having a captive eye opening are disclosed. The carabiners of the present invention employ an arm laterally extending from the body of the carabiner to define a major opening and a captive eye opening within the interior of the carabiner. Some of the inventive carabiner designs provide the capability of opening the gate while the captive eye opening is maintained. Methods of fabrication and use of the carabiners are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of creating a diamond includes the steps of creating entry points and internal passages in a natural or synthetic diamond, infiltrating a mixture comprising ashes produced from living human and animal parts or deceased human or animal parts into the diamond, and crystallizing the mixture. The diamond may then be repolished or refacetted. The invention also includes diamonds having discrete internal portions comprising ashes made from living human and animal parts, which internal portion are substantially transparent and which have an index refraction substantially matching that of the diamond.

Abstract: A body bag is provided comprising a substantially planar, optically transparent envelope defining an interior and having an opening extending substantially along a length dimension thereof. A closure for sealing the opening is provided comprising a rib and groove structure and an adhesive flap for impermeably sealing the closure. Conveniently, the body bag envelope may be dimensioned to allow placement in an interior for a conventional body bag. At least one access means formed through the envelope material for accessing the interior of said envelope is provided, spaced along an opposite length dimension of the envelope from the opening. The access means may include unidirectional infusion or extraction ports, integral gloves for accessing the interior of the envelope, self-sealing injection ports, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A yarn texturizing system, apparatus, and methods of reducing production loss or increasing production speed in a continuous textured yarn production process are provided. The system includes a yarn texturizer to texturize yarn, a chute positioned to receive and guide the texturized yarn in the form of a bundle of texturized yarn from the yarn texturizer, a yarn compressor positioned to compress the texturized yarn against an upper surface of the chute at least after being initially received from the yarn texturizer, and a yarn conveyor positioned to convey the compressed texturized yarn.

Abstract: Among other embodiment, disclosed herein is a setting for a gem formed from a blank, comprising a base formed from the blank and a negative impression forced against one another, at least three prongs formed from the blank and the at least one negative impression being forced against one another so that the at least three prongs extended radially from the base in a substantially coplanar manner, each of the at least three prongs having an end distal to the base, where the distal ends are forced to substantially face each other, and at least one receptacle end, formed from forcing a solid against the at least one of the distal ends, and adapted to confine the gem between the distal ends. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric transducer including piezoelectric fibers in a polymer matrix is described. The piezoelectric fibers or fiber segments are jacketed with a liquid polymer substance in such a way that a distribution of longitudinal axes of the fibers or fiber segments about a preferential direction occurs. The fibers are compacted among each other and the polymer substance is cured. The resulting composite structure is subsequently so processed that areas of the fibers or fiber segments are exposed along the preferential direction. Then electrical contacts are applied on at least one part of the exposed areas. The method permits the very simple and low-cost manufacture of electro-mechanical transducers made of piezoelectric fibers.

Abstract: A pneumatic/hydraulic riveter includes a valve unit formed of a socket set and a control valve movable relative to the socket set to provide a forward rotation control air loop, a pulling control fluid loop, or a reverse rotation control air loop in such a manner that when one loop is provided the other two loops are closed, so that the riveting unit is controllable to perform a forward rotation action, a pulling action and a reverse rotation action in proper order.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.

Abstract: To extract a bushing from a housing, a number of cylindrical engaging elements are inserted in the bore of the bushing. The elements are clipped together by clips and have a lip which bears on the bushing end surface. An extractor head pushes on the elements to force the bushing from the housing.

Abstract: A door module includes a bracket having a hinge portion which permits alignment of the handle support of the door module with a door shell attachment portion. The hinge portion of the bracket comprises a flexible strip that allows the bracket to flex between a first and installed position. To install the door module, the hinge portion of the bracket is flexed to the first position such that additional clearance is provided between the door module and the door shell. The door module is located in the door shell and aligned with the door shell attachment portion. The hinge portion is released to the installed position and the handle support is secured to an outside handle.

Abstract: A method of transferring an uncured composite laminate skin from a lay-up surface of a male mandrel tool to a female cure tool includes defining multiple vacuum zones on the lay-up surface, each zone corresponding to one of a multiple of portions into which the skin is to be separated. For example, to separate the skin into two portions, a low profile seal of a first membrane to the lay-up surface is formed at a first vacuum zone and a second low profile seal for a second membrane is formed at a second vacuum zone. The method further includes laying up a composite laminate skin over all the vacuum zones; separating the composite laminate skin into portions, for example, a first portion over the first vacuum zone and a second portion over the second vacuum zone; and releasing the portions individually into cure tools having an outside mold line surface.

Abstract: A method of making a removable refrigerator storage assembly is provided. The method includes feeding a polymeric or metal material into an extruder and directing the material through a die having an aperture with a first and second leg formed therein, thereby forming an intermediate shelf extrusion. The intermediate shelf extrusion is cut into a predetermined length to form the shelf extrusion having a bottom wall integrally formed with a side wall. The shelf extrusion is painted or plated to a specific finish. The method also encompasses attaching to both ends of the shelf extrusion end walls having brackets formed thereon for removably engaging supports formed on the door of a refrigerator.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing of bundles of wires fixed in terminal boards for building wiring allows manufacturing of bundles of wires for individual sections from one to another junction point, so that the length and sheathing of each bundle correspond to the in situ status, whereby individual wires would be labelled in a way to allow a fitter to connect wires, the ends of which will be previously stripped off and prepared for being connected to other electric elements on junction points only on the basis of labels on wires and other electric elements, without fitter's knowledge of a wiring diagram, whereby after the completion of the input of data the device of the invention automatically performs a list of circuitry elements, a wiring diagram and a circuitry plan for instance in a ground plan of an object, whereby the device of the invention also allows new methods of wiring manufacturing.

Abstract: A gas flowmeter capable of reducing a secular change comprises a silicon semiconductor substrate formed with a cavity and a heat element formed above the cavity of the semiconductor substrate by way of an insulating film. The heat element is a silicon (Si) semiconductor thin film impurity-doped at high concentration. Stoichiometrically stable silicon nitride (Si3N4) thin films as barrier layers which less permeate and less absorb hydrogen in the heat generating temperature range of the heat element are formed above and below the silicon (Si) semiconductor thin film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a permanent-magnet excited rotor for a high speed electric motor, according to which method a support sleeve (1) is mounted with a pre-tension around the rotor body (2), characterised in that the sleeve is expanded by a liquid that solidifies and is solid at the working temperatures of the rotor, said liquid is injected under pressure between the sleeve and the rotor body and held under pressure during solidification.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing an electrical machine is provided. An array of permanent magnet segments is assembled around a rotor spindle. Desired orientation directions of the permanent magnet segments are determined. The assembled permanent magnet segments are then positioned in a magnetization fixture such that the desired orientation directions of the permanent magnet segments are aligned with corresponding flux directions of the magnetizing fixture.

Abstract: The GMR read head includes a GMR read sensor and a longitudinal bias (LB) stack in a read region, and the GMR read sensor, the LB stack and a first conductor layer in two overlay regions. In its fabrication process, the GMR read sensor, the LB stack and the first conductor layer are sequentially deposited on a bottom gap layer. A monolayer photoresist is deposited, exposed and developed in order to open a read trench region for the definition of a read width, and RIE is then applied to remove the first conductor layer in the read trench region. After liftoff of the monolayer photoresist, bilayer photoresists are deposited, exposed and developed in order to mask the read and overlay regions, and a second conductor layer is deposited in two unmasked side regions. As a result, side reading is eliminated and a read width is sharply defined by RIE.

Abstract: A magnetic head having a spin valve sensor that is fabricated utilizing an Al2O3, NiMn0, Si seed layer upon which a PtMn spin valve sensor layer structure is subsequently fabricated. In the preferred embodiment, the Si layer has a thickness of approximately 20 ? and the PtMn layer has a thickness of approximately 120 ?. An alternative fabrication process of the Si layer includes the overdeposition of the layer to a first thickness of from 15 ? to 45 ? followed by the etching back of the seed layer of approximately 5 ? to approximately 15 ? to its desired final thickness of approximately 20 ?. The Si layer results in an improved crystal structure to the subsequently fabricated PtMn and other spin valve sensor layers, such that the fabricated spin valve is thinner and exhibits increased ?R/R and reduced coercivity.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a coil and pedestal for a write head using a common seed layer is described. A nonmetallic gap layer is deposited on a planarized pole piece surface. Openings for the pole piece pedestal and the back gap pole piece are etched through the nonmetallic gap layer. A seed layer comprising a magnetic material is deposited on the etched gap layer. Preferably the coil is fabricated first on the planar surface of the seed layer. The coil structure, the pedestal pole piece, back-gap pole piece, side and center tap connections are fabricated on the same seed layer. The remaining seed layer is removed, the coil is encapsulated, the wafer is refilled with alumina and the wafer is planarized. The prior art process can be resumed at this point. Optionally a second seed layer such as copper (Cu) can be used.

Abstract: A tape guide for guiding a carrier tape in a component mounting machine, a tape magazine for receiving the tape guide, and a system including the tape guide and the tape magazine. The carrier tape carries components that are positioned in sequence on the carrier tape and are covered by a cover tape. The tape guide includes an exposure mechanism for exposing the components at a picking position, wherein the exposure mechanism includes a separator for separating and lifting a lateral portion of the cover from the carrier tape, leaving the remaining portion of the cover at least partially attached to the carrier tape, and for bringing the lifted portion of the cover aside. The tape guide also includes a lock for enabling ready and quick attachment and detachment of the tape guide to and from the component mounting machine, a guiding for guiding the carrier tape towards a picking position, and a retainer for preventing accidental displacement of the carrier tape along the tape guide.

Abstract: An inner terminal installation jig used to install an inner electrode terminal mount formed on an inner peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical sensor element of a gas sensor.

Abstract: A method and machine-readable medium are described for a flexible tape constructed of a material suitable to convey electronic devices through an entire manufacturing process without removing the electronic packages from the tape. According to one embodiment, part receiving areas are located within the tape. Each part receiving area is suitable to hold an electronic device. A retention channel encompasses each part receiving area. The retention channel extends substantially an entire length along each edge of each part receiving area. The retention channel comprises an upper tab and a lower tab wherein the upper tab is flush with an upper surface of the flexible tape and extends into the part receiving area and the lower tab extends below a lower surface of the flexible tape and into the part receiving area.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating a multi-layer circuit assembly and a multi-layer circuit assembly fabricated by such processes are provided. The process includes (a) providing a substrate at least one area of which comprises a plurality of vias, these area(s) having a via density of 500 to 10,000 holes/square inch (75 to 1550 holes/square centimeter); (b) applying a dielectric coating onto all exposed surfaces of the substrate to form a conformal coating thereon; and (c) applying a layer of metal to all surfaces of the substrate. Additional processing steps such as circuitization may be included.

Abstract: The invention is a methods of connecting wire that is suitable to connect electrical devices implanted in a living body. The invention enables manipulation of a narrow wire and a crimping component that are on the order of a millimeter in size. The method utilizes a crimper having a slideably attached connector holder that moves relative to the crimper to position an open end of the crimp connector between the crimp die and the crimp anvil, and a slideably attached wire holder that allows the wire holder to be moved relative to the crimper to position a portion of the wire within the open end of the crimp connector. Small components are positioned with precision using a combination of the user's senses, not necessarily including vision. The method does not require stripping electrical insulation from the wires and is also useful for interconnection of miniaturized non-medical electrical devices.

Abstract: An intermediate portion of the outer insulation of a shielded electrical cable is removed near an end of the cable. A remaining small segment of the outer insulation at the cable end is moved axially inward along the cable to bunch up an exposed conductive braid of the cable. The bunched up braid is pinched to form a flattened, bell-shaped element on two opposite sides of inner conductive wires of the cable. The inner wires are attached to electrical terminals and the terminals are inserted into an insulator mounted within a conductive connector shield. The flattened elements are simultaneously aligned between opposite crimp arms extending from sides of the connector shield. The arms are crimped onto the flattened elements using an ultrasonic/vibration type crimping process or a shear lock crimping process. Since the flattened braid elements extend away from the cable, the crimping process is offset from the inner wires.

Abstract: A mandrel, useful in high voltage cable splicing and termination operations, having a tapered surface and longitudinal ribs for assembly onto a high-voltage cable to be connected to a premolded or extruded high-voltage component. As the premolded high-voltage component is passed over the mandrel, the mandrel expands the internal cavity of the high-voltage component and may further reduce the loss of lubrication within the internal cavity of the high-voltage component thereby allowing for the high voltage component to be easily installed onto the high-voltage cable. After the high voltage component passes over the apparatus, the high-voltage component may return to a lesser-expanded shape providing a snug fit around the cable member. The high-voltage component may then compress around the cable, with a uniform layer of lubricant remaining in between interior cavity of the high-voltage component and the outer layer of the cable.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided to form an overhead transmission cable having an elongated stranded steel core, and at least one layer of conductor wires generally encircling the stranded steel core. Each conductor wire includes a circumferentially extending, metallurgically bonded aluminum outer layer of at least 99.5 percent pure aluminum and having an IACS conductivity of at least 20.3 percent. In one embodiment, the steel conductors include a generally circular cross-section and an aluminum outer layer metallurgically bonded thereto, with the thickness of the aluminum outer layer being at least 10 percent of the overall radial dimension of the conductor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for making an electrical connector. The method may include: obtaining a part having a first end portion, a second end portion, and an interim 1 portion between the first and second end portions; flattening the second end portion; trimming the flattened second end portion; and forming a hole in the flattened second end portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a three piece aluminum wheel assembly comprising the steps of providing a pair of circular blanks made of a heat treatable alloy to be formed into preforms of a general shape. The preforms are subjected to a quenching step in an unconstrained condition to allow for natural thermal deformation during the quenching operation. The as quenched preforms are then subjected to a first forming operation using spin forming to remove the effects of the thermal deformation in the preform, followed by a second forming step using spin forming to shape the component to its desired final shape. The components are then exposed to precipitation heating and finishing to yield the final product.

Abstract: A hair cutting device with a suction device for drawing off cut pieces of hair is provided. A varier, which may have an adjustable spring loaded movable wall portion, reacts to the circumstances of the hair being cut and adjusts an air flow rate in the area of the suction opening.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hand tool for cutting shavings from the surface of a workpiece of wood (or other workable material) to shape and make smooth any three-dimensional surface having concave, flat, and/or convex contours. The thickness of the shavings is modulated by the angular relationship and distance between a blade and a regulating post. An embodiment comprises a combination body and handle holding a protruding cutting blade at an angle of about 30° to the surface of the workpiece, and an adjustable protruding post in front of the cutting edge to limit the effective exposure of the cutting edge as the tool is moved into contact with the workpiece. The embodiments provide a full view of the cutting zone and unrestricted one-hand use on surfaces of any contour.

Abstract: A cutlery implement includes a blade, a tang and a handle. An insignia or making is located on an end surface of the handle facing away from the blade, the insignia indicating the type of blade attached to the handle. The blade and tang are part of a single piece of forged metal. The tang extends substantially the entire length of the handle and includes a surface visible from the top of the handle.

Abstract: For use as a law enforcement weapon, a saber is provided having an elongated blade and a hilt affixed to one end thereof The blade has a triangular cross section including a pair of concave sides converging to a sharp common edge. The third side in opposed relation to the sharp edge is convex The blade is tapered along its length from the hilt end to a point. The handle is oval-shaped, conducive to orientation using the convex side of the blade in a battering mode or the sharp edge in a slashing mode.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses a visual tag to determine an angle. During operation, the system observes the visual tag from an observation point, wherein the visual tag includes an angle-sensitive image which changes in appearance when observed from different angles. Next, the system uses the appearance of the angle-sensitive image (as observed from the observation point) to determine the angle between the visual tag and the observation point. In a variation on this embodiment, the system uses the determined angle along with supplemental information to determine the physical location of the observation point.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser tilt apparatus and the method thereof. The present invention comprises an input device, a tilt sensor, a motor, a microcontroller unit, and at least a laser module. The input device is used to input a tilt value. The tilt sensor supplies a tilt signal to represent the levelness of the laser tilt apparatus. The motor, electrically connected to the tilt sensor, adjusts the levelness of the laser tilt apparatus. The microcontroller unit samples the tilt signal to judge the levelness of the laser tilt apparatus. When leveling, the microcontroller unit drives the motor to adjust the tilt apparatus until the tilt signal matches the tilt value. After adjusting, the power supplied to the tilt sensor and the motor is suspended. The laser module is used to transmit laser light.

Abstract: A framing square includes a right-angle square formed from a first member and a second member connected to each other at a respective distal end of each thereof and forming a right-angle connection therebetween. An angular measuring member is positioned at the right-angle connection. An indicator guide is positioned on a first side of the right-angle square and pivotally connected at a pivot point positioned at the right angle connection and moveable about a first side of the angular measuring member. An indicator arm is connected to the indicator guide and further includes a means for securing the indicator guide at a predetermined angle along said angular measuring member. The pivotal indicator arm and the pivotal indicator guide can be secured to the right-angle square resulting in a user able to consistently measure a same angle.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing end cap for an instrument such as a level is provided that is secured to an end of the level and has an outer portion and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is positioned between the outer portion and the body of the level and is securely fastened to the outer portion. In addition, the intermediate portion provides greater resilient compressibility than the outer portion so that the end cap is better adapted to absorb impacts to the outer portion and thereby prevent damage to the level. Preferably, the outer portion has a profile matching the body profile at the end of the level and the intermediate portion forms a serrated intermediate profile to facilitate compression of the end cap. Also preferred is where the end cap includes an inner portion with less resilient compressibility than the intermediate portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a measuring device includes a reference surface, a trough extending lengthwise away from the reference surface at substantially a right angle, and a scale affixed to the trough indicating a distance from the reference surface along the trough.

Abstract: A measuring device for obtaining inlet invert measurements, pipe invert measurements, and pipe diameter measurements includes an invert measuring rod having a plurality of rod segments, each a threaded bore at a first end and an axially extending threaded stud at a second end, a foot assembly comprising a guide rod removably connected to and extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the lower segment of the continuous rod, when connected having a free end opposite the connecting with the invert measuring rod with a bottom conical foot connected to and extending downwardly from the free end of the guide rod and parallel to the invert measuring rod, the bottom conical foot having an axial length the same as axial length of the conical rod tip, and extending from the free end of the guide rod parallel to the invert measuring rod and a diameter measuring sleeve, having a tubular portion positionable concentrically about the invert measuring rod and having an inner diameter just greater than the outer diameter

Abstract: A feeler device (1) of workpieces being machined, in particular for measurement instruments (2) of workpieces being machined on machine tools, of the type comprising a head (7) including control and measurement members, and a pivoting arm (6) extending in an operating position between the head (7) and a workpiece (3) being machined, the pivoting arm (6) comprising a pivot (10), a base portion (11) extending between the head (7) and the pivot (10), and an end portion (12) extending between the pivot (10) and the workpiece (3) being machined, control means (13) of the pivot (10) being provided, to allow movements between the base portion (11) and the end portion (12) in the event of forcing on the end portion (12).