Abstract: A floor cleaning device (10) includes a housing (40) and a container (43) removably received by the housing. A suction nozzle (18, 18?, 18?) is fluidly connected with the container and with a suction source (52) when the container is received by the housing. A filter (114) is selectively fluidly connected with the container and with the suction source. A float (170) selectively closes the fluid connection of the filter with the container. The filter and the float may be removable as a unit (42) from the cleaning device. The nozzle may be removable, allowing an appropriate nozzle to be selected according to the type of floor surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum bag mounting assembly for housing a vacuum bag within a vacuum cleaner, where the vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum intake nozzle having an outlet end portion through which sucked in dirt is delivered to the vacuum bag mounting assembly, including a vacuum bag collar receiver that engages a collar of the vacuum bag, a telescopic nozzle end attached to the outlet end portion, the telescopic nozzle end being moveable along the outlet end portion towards and away from the collar of the vacuum bag, and a nozzle engagement member pivotally attached to the vacuum bag collar receiver. The nozzle engagement member is attached to the telescopic nozzle end such that pivoting of the nozzle engagement member in a first direction results in movement of the telescopic nozzle end away from the collar of the vacuum bag and pivoting of the nozzle engagement member in a second direction results in movement of the telescopic nozzle end towards the collar of the vacuum bag.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for cleaning a soiled surface having soiling particles lodge therein includes a body having a cleaning surface defining first and second cleaning section. The first and second cleaning sections are provided respectively with first and second dislodging bristles for dislodging the soiled particles from the soiled surface. The first and second cleaning bristles are configured and positioned so that the dislodging action is performed more efficiently when the first and second cleaning section are move relative to the soiled surface respectively in a first and a second direction as opposed to other directions. The implement is connectable to a vacuum source for suctioning the soiling particles having been dislodged by the first and second cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly (60) includes first and second protrusions (314) interconnected to a support (172) to which front and rear flexible blades (170a, 170b) are mounted. In preferred aspects, squeegee assembly (60) is of a curved design such that the flexible blades (170a, 170b) are spaced at the center of the support (172) where a suction tube (174) is provided and taper towards each other so that their ends are closely adjacent each other. The first and second protrusions (314) define upper and lower channel portions (324, 326) between the flexible blades (170a, 170b) so that appreciable reduction in the speed of air flow towards the suction tube (174) does not occur, which reduction may result in dropping of carried moisture.

Abstract: A counterbalance system (25) for a door (D) movable between a closed position and an open position having an axle (20), a cable drum (15) attached to the axle, a winding shaft (35) interconnected with the axle by a counterbalance spring (26), and a pawl (70) selectively movable between a first position for adjusting tension in the counterbalance spring and a second position for preventing rotation of the cable drum upon failure of the counterbalance spring, thereby limiting movement of the door toward the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge coupling comprising a first connective section comprising a hollow first cylinder at one end with a first piece fastened therein, two parallel projections at the other end, each projection having a bent end, a bore in an intermediate portion open to the external, and a bar interconnected the bent ends, the bar being not aligned with rest of the first connective section, and a second connective section comprising an extension at one end, a hollow second cylinder substantially passed from one end to the other end, an intermediate recess, and a groove formed at bottom of the recess. The bar is fastened in the groove by snapping through the recess, a second piece is inserted into the second cylinder by passing over the bar, and the extension is inserted into the bore by counterclockwise pivoting about the bar. Both sections are parallel after folding.

Abstract: A cap fixing structure is provided, which is excellent in operability and can be easily assembled. An outer shaft barrel to be fixed with a clip is formed on the outer peripheral surface with an opening, and inside the outer shaft barrel, there is fixedly disposed a clip spring having an elastically displaceable elastic piece portion. The clip comprises a clip main body disposed outside of an outer shaft barrel, and a base portion to enter into the outer shaft barrel from the opening formed in the outer shaft barrel. The base portion of the clip is stopped from being fell out of the opening by the clip spring with elastically contacting the elastic piece portion of the clip spring inside said fixed member so that the clip is fixed to the fixing member. The clip displaces the elastic piece portion so as to be rockable relative to the outer shaft barrel.

Abstract: A cord lock includes a female member with a cylindrical shape, a male member movable along an axial direction of the female member and receiving a part of the female member, and an urging device for urging the male member in a direction to project from the female member. The female member and the male member have holes for passing a cord therethrough, respectively. An attaching portion made of an attachable material is disposed on the female member. The attaching portion may be provided with a thin portion, so that the cord lock is attached to an attaching object through the thin portion. Accordingly, it is easy to attach the cord lock to the attaching object.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a decorative belt buckle comprising a base frame and a cover frame lockable with the base frame, and a tongue when it is inserted into the base frame thus creating a secondary lock. The cover frame includes a ratchet teeth mechanism for engaging ratchet teeth of an insertable tongue. One end of a belt can be fixed within a belt pocket of the base frame, and the other end of the belt can be fixed to an outer end of the tongue. Several forms or styles of covers are disclosed to provide a decorative cover in the form of a particular color or colors, artwork, or the entire cover frame may form a decorative cover.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener tape includes a first fastener strip and a second fastener strip that is adapted to mate with the first fastener strip in a reclosable fashion. A sheet connects the first fastener strip to the second fastener strip. The sheet has an unpunctured tear line formed between the first fastener strip and the second fastener strip for providing a tamper evident hermetic seal when the fastener tape is sealed with a bag.

Abstract: Molded surface fasteners are provided which include a fenestrated base structure with sets of at least three undercut segments extending laterally over at least one window, thereby allowing fastening elements of diverse designs to be precisely molded by a set of biparting dies, either as independent attachable products or as an integral part of a product component. Embodiments include fastener portions comprising singular fastening “buttons”, portions with recessed fastening zones, unitary double-sided fasteners, products incorporating multiple fastener types in different locations, and unique self-engaging fasteners. Methods for attaching and assembling various components, utilizing the present fastener types are also provided.

Abstract: A casket memorabilia compartment assembly adapted to couple to a casket to provide display and/or storage of pictures memorializing the deceased. The memorabilia compartment assembly comprises a panel mountable to the casket for swinging displacement between an inner hanging position within the casket and an outer hanging without the casket. The panel includes a display side exposed when in the outer hanging position. The display side includes a compartment for the display and/or storage of pictures. The outer surface of the compartment is transparent so as to view the pictures within the compartment. The memorabilia compartment assembly can be incorporated into a big body and/or throw used during viewing of the deceased.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator is assembled so that a gap is formed between a resonator element and a plug using a connecting layer formed with a conductive resin, with flattened leads having leading end portions opening in a U-shape. This piezoelectric resonator permits absorption of an impact by elasticity of the leading end portions. Further, operability can be increased by forming a temporary fixing layer using a UV-setting type resin between the leading end portions and the resonator element, or coating a silver past on one of the leading end portions and the resonator element prior to forming a connecting layer. It is thus possible to mass-produce a piezoelectric resonator unit high in impact resistance and reliability with only slight variations of frequency when exposed to high temperatures.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element with stable and excellent piezoelectric properties is made by: a step of forming a diaphragm 30 (31, 32) on a substrate 20 (S1); a step of forming a bottom electrode 33 on the diaphragm 30 (S2); a step of forming a first piezoelectric layer 43a on the bottom electrode 33 (S3); a step of patterning both the piezoelectric layer 43a and the bottom electrode 33 (S4); a step of forming a second piezoelectric layer on the piezoelectric layer 43a and on the diaphragm 30 to mature a piezoelectric film 43 (S5); and a step of forming a top electrode 44 on the piezoelectric film 43 (S6).

Abstract: A supply unit supplies a film strip from a film roll, and a winding unit cuts off a film strip into a fixed-length film and winds the fixed-length film around a spool to produce a wound-film assembly. An assembling unit introduces the wound-film assembly into a one-open-sided cartridge, and mounts and crimps a cap on the one-open-sided cartridge to produce a wound-film-loaded cartridge. After a pullout resistance of the film and a film length to be exposed are inspected, the wound-film-loaded cartridge is unloaded as a product.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for treating fluids, a pump delivers a fluid flow from a fluid source to a manifold. The manifold divides the fluid flow into first and second fluid flows, which are delivered from the manifold to a housing. The housing includes therein a first vortex nozzle positioned in opposed relationship to a second vortex nozzle. The first fluid flow enters the first vortex nozzle to create a first rotating fluid flow, and the second fluid flow enters the second vortex nozzle to create a second rotating fluid flow. The first and second vortex nozzles impinge the first and second rotating fluid flows in a collision chamber, thereby treating the fluid.

Abstract: During the positioning of a control device for controlling an electromechanical drive, contact elements, which are connected to the control device in a fixed manner, are positioned in relation to one or more openings in a connector collar. To position the control device, the latter is displaced into a predetermined position. The predetermined position is defined, for example, by a guide or a stop. The contact elements are a component of an electric and/or optical junction which connects the drive device to other functional units, for example to a door control device or a motor vehicle battery. To position the contact elements in the connector collar of a connecting element which lies on the side of the drive device in the junction, the contact elements are positioned in relation to openings in the connector collar by being displaced together with the control device into the predetermined position.

Abstract: A motor includes a stator having magnets, a rotor having teeth, a commutator secured to the rotor, and brushes. A coil is wound about each tooth. The commutator is connected to the coils. The brushes slidably contact the commutator. The number of the magnets and the number of the teeth are determined such that the resultant of torque vectors that act on the teeth is zero. For example, the number of the magnet is six, and the number of the teeth is eight. As a result, the rotor is prevented from vibrating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sealing a metal housing member. A housing through hole is formed in a housing member for a lead wire sealing device. The housing member is provided with a housing through hole formed on the metal housing member and penetrates from a closed space to an open space. A resin coating layer is formed to cover a lower surface of the housing member. A metal surface exposed part is formed on a part of the resin coating layer. The circuit board having a board aperture is mounted on the metal surface exposed part via an adhesive layer while overlapping with the board aperture on the housing through hole. The lead wire is inserted in the housing through hole and the board aperture that are overlapped with each other. The sealing material is provided on the circuit board to cover the board aperture.

Abstract: A laminate is formed from a carrier layer and an electrically conductive layer. In one section, the conductive layer is formed into an antenna structure. The laminate is formed by placing a mask onto a packaging film and vapor-depositing aluminum onto the packaging film and the mask. After removal of the mask, only a desired antenna structure remains on a section of the packaging film. Then a microchip, is adhesively bonded to the packaging film and conductively connected to an end of the antenna structure, so that data can be written in or read out without contact in a wireless transponder system.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating pole piece tips for a magnetic transducer are disclosed. The ion-milling operations for trimming P2 and notching P1 are controlled using feed-forward and feedback. The preferred method of the invention includes steps for setting four time values used in different phases of the ion-milling process based on feed-forward and feedback of measured values including the P2 width measured in the mask, multiple P2B measurements and measurement of the notch depth.

Abstract: A method is used for fabricating sliders for use in a disc drive actuation system, the sliders having bonds pads formed on either a top surface or side faces of the slider. The method comprises providing a substrate having a top surface. Trenches are formed in the substrate and filled with a bond pad material to form slider bond pads. Excess bond pad material is removed from the trenches such that the slider bond pads are flush with the top surface of the substrate. A transducer is fabricated on the top surface of the substrate. Finally, the slider bond pads are exposed.

Abstract: In recapitulation, the present invention is a method and apparatus for the reliable removal and installation of a component feeding system, such as a direct die feeder, within a printed circuit board or similar assembly machine such as those used in the assembly of printed circuit boards. The invention employs a docking channel operatively affixed to the assembly machine, where the docking channel includes at least a pair of parallel grooves into which alignment rails on the component feeder may be inserted. In this way, the position of the component feeder may be controlled. The docking channel may further include stops, safety locks, alignment pins and a transport device to facilitate easy removal and exchange of component feeders on an assembly machine.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator manufacturing method including the steps of removing an abnormal layer (91) arising at the surface layer of a metal material for use as a separator (20) when it is rolled, exposing portions of conductors (92) included in a surface layer part of the metal material itself to project, and carrying out a passivation treatment on the surface layer part of the metal material itself. The steps of removing the abnormal layer and exposing portions of the conductors are possible in the same process, chemically or electro-chemically. Therefore, the number of steps can be cut and increased productivity and reduced cost of separators can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a heat sink includes preparing a surface of a graphite-based substrate and removing particulate matter generated from the preparation of the surface of the substrate. A metal-based coating is applied at the surface of the prepared substrate. The prepared substrate having the metal-based coating is arranged to form a heat sink structure.

Abstract: A spring system arrangement and a related connector are disclosed. The purpose is to allow the use of contact springs, such as coil contact springs, with relatively large size body, to be located on a small center distance, i.e. pitch, and to electrically connect with contact pads of high density electronic devices, having a small device pitch. The device pitch can be smaller than the diameter of the spring body itself. In order to achieve this desired small spring pitch and high density, the contact springs are located in a nested head-to-toe and/or staggered orientation. Furthermore, the connectors utilize guide plates, referred to as combs, to accurately control the alignment of the contact springs tips to the contact pads of the electronic devices.

Abstract: A method of making a micro-fluid ejection head structure for a micro-fluid ejection device. The method includes applying a removable mandrel material to a semiconductor substrate wafer containing fluid ejection actuators on a device surface thereof. The mandrel material is shaped to provide fluid chamber and fluid channel locations on the substrate wafer. A micro machinable material is applied to the shaped mandrel and the device surface of the wafer to provide a nozzle plate and flow feature layer on the shaped mandrel and wafer. A plurality of nozzle holes are formed in the nozzle plate and flow feature layer. The shaped mandrel material is then removed from the device surface of the substrate wafer to provide fluid chambers and fluid channels in the nozzle plate and flow feature layer.

Abstract: A lawn cutting device includes a handle having a hollow connecting part that has a bottom end portion defining a bottom opening and a driving member having an output shaft that is received in the connecting part of the handle and that extends outwardly through the bottom opening. The device also includes a blade-mounting seat spaced apart from the bottom end portion of the connecting part of the handle, and aligned coaxially with and secured to the output shaft. The device further includes a blade member mounted on the blade-mounting seat; and a protecting member including a cup-shaped body that is coaxially aligned with and that extends from the blade-mounting seat, and that defines a recess which receives the bottom end portion of the connecting part of the handle therein.

Abstract: A support roller 15 for supporting a blade of a jigsaw having a scroller mode and a pendulum mode is disclosed. A roller support frame 18 supports the roller 15 and is mounted via a collar 32 to a drive shaft 10 of the jigsaw such that the blade support roller 15 rotates with the jigsaw blade as the drive shaft 10 is rotated in the scroller mode. The support frame 18 also pivots relative to the jigsaw housing to enable the blade support roller 15 to remain in contact with the jigsaw blade in the pendulum mode.

Abstract: A blade quick removal device includes an arcuate frame integrated with a front handle and a rear handle, a first hook bar under the front handle, an oscillatory second hook bar nearby the rear handle for adjustably retaining the saw blade thereon and a locking member pivoted to the lower end of the second hook bar for fastening the hook bar to a reduced bottom of the rear handle and having an axial rod and a pair of latches respectively held by a hook and a pair of retaining projections on the bottom of the rear handle.

Abstract: A building board such as a gypsum board is provided for use in construction of commercial and residential building the board having opposed parallel surfaces, one having spaced apart transverse markings and the other having spaced apart longitudinal markings. Each marking is associated with a string embedded therein, and a releasable paper layer is coextensively adhered to each surface of the board adapted to be peeled away from the surface when the cord is pulled to peel away the releasable paper, and the desired size board is cut by breaking the board along the markings.

Abstract: A device for holding a target adjacent first and second intersecting surfaces of a structure to assist in measuring a distance from an instrument to the target. The device has first and second levers that are joined by a pin that has a section that extends above the levers to receive the target. A force is applied to the first and second levers to bring non-skid pads thereon into engagement with the intersecting surfaces. The target is thereafter rotated into parallel alignment with the second surface and the instrument is aligned with the first surface. A signal transmitted from the instrument is reflected from the target to provide a direct measurement of the distance from the instrument to the target.

Abstract: A split axle assembly for obtaining gage measurements of a track including a first wheel with a first split axle, a second wheel with a second split axle, a first bearing for rotatably receiving the first split axle, and a second bearing for rotatably receiving the second split axle, the first bearing and the second bearing being positioned inboard between the first wheel and the second wheel. In one embodiment, a sliding barrel device is provided. In another embodiment, the first bearing is received in a first bearing body and the second bearing is received in a second bearing body so that they are axially movable relative to one another. At least one linear guide is provided to allow axial movement of the first bearing body and the second bearing body relative to one another.

Abstract: A tilt sensor having a printed circuit board disposed in a direction normal to a reference plane for measuring a tilt angle with a pair of electrodes formed on a first surface of the printed circuit board. A cover is affixed to the printed circuit board and creates a cavity between the cover and the printed circuit board with a predetermined gap between the cover and the pair of electrodes, the cover acting as a common electrode to the pair of electrodes to create a pair of capacitors. An inert liquid is contained in the cavity, the surface level of the inert fluid varying according to the tilt angle of the reference plane. A signal processing circuit is formed on a second surface of the printed circuit board that produces an output signal corresponding to a difference in capacitance between the two capacitors as a tilt angle detection output.

Abstract: A multi-purpose framing square has an elongate blade having a T-shaped slot with an L-shape at the base of the T-shaped slot. A handle has a top end has a handle thumbscrew hole. The handle is boltably attached through the handle thumbscrew hole to the blade through the blade T-shaped slot. The handle has a handle cavity through which the blade can move. A handle support pin is detachably connectable to the handle.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the arc of an arched window comprising a base; measuring means selectively rotatable relative said base for measuring a distance between said base and said arch at a selected angle.

Abstract: An edge wheel for supporting and rotating a disk-shaped substrate includes a wheel body having a peripheral groove configured to support an edge of a substrate and at least one radial channel extending into said wheel body from said peripheral groove. An edge wheel dryer and a method for processing a disk-shaped substrate are also described.

Abstract: A tailpiece has been provided that includes a tubular member, a washing machine connector, and a dryer drainage connector. The washing machine connector can receive a fluid discharge from a washing machine drain line and the dryer drainage connector can receive a fluid discharge from a dryer drain line. In some configurations, the tailpiece include ports. The ports have a plug positioned within them when they are not being utilized and a connector positioned within them when they are being utilized. Additionally, a method of installing a tailpiece beneath a sink has been provided.

Abstract: A sheet dryer includes sprockets and a delivery chain, at least one heat-resistant glass plate, at least one lower-surface drying lamp, a guide plate, a plurality of first discharge holes, and a plurality of second discharge holes. The sprockets and delivery chain convey a paper sheet along a convey path. The heat-resistant glass plate is arranged under the sheet convey path. The lower-surface drying lamp is arranged under the heat-resistant glass plate and dries the lower surface of the printed/coated paper sheet. The guide plate is arranged adjacent to the heat-resistant glass plate in a sheet convey direction. The first discharge holes are formed in the heat-resistant glass plate. Air is discharged upward through the first discharge holes. The second discharge holes are formed in the guide plate. Air is discharged through the second discharge holes in the widthwise direction of the paper sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed is footwear including a ventilation and shock-absorbing device having an air pump and a check valve for passing air supplied by the air pump. The footwear includes an air chamber provided at a front of the check valve for storing the air supplied through an inlet passage connected to the check valve, and an air tube having one or more discharge holes for discharging the air stored in the air chamber into the footwear.

Abstract: A toe shoe capable of providing support to a ballet dancer's foot while dancing en pointe. The toe shoe preferably includes a toe box in the toe of the toe shoe, an upper, and an outer sole. Support structure within the toe shoe includes a longitudinal support member, a foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and/or a toe ridge. In a first preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member, foot encirculating tubular sleeve, and toe ridge. In a second preferred embodiment, the support structure includes the longitudinal support member and foot encirculating tubular sleeve. In a third preferred embodiment, the support structure is the longitudinal support member and toe ridge.

Abstract: A unique athletic shoe sole that is constructed of two more separate pieces designed to release when a predetermined longitudinally directed force is applied. A releasable athletic shoe sole includes a detachable lower sole; a mechanical release mechanism constructed to release when a predetermined force is applied; and a longitudinal guiding element. The longitudinal guiding element allows the lower sole to detach specifically in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of release prevents knee ligament injuries, particularly ACL injuries.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unique improvement in foot cushioning constructs and shock absorbing systems for a constructed article of footwear to be worn by a person. The invention employs a deformable and re-formable elastic stretchsole joined as a planar sheet to the perimeter edge of the shoe upper and forms an elastic end closure for the shoe upper; and includes not less than one pre-positioned median cavity able to receive at least a part of the deformed elastic stretchsole layer and cushion the compression forces generated thereon by a person's foot. The foot cushioning construct and system provides a trampoline effect that will lessen the impact on the foot and create greater comfort for the wearer of the shoe.

Abstract: A midsole includes a thick plate-shaped or column-shaped cushioning portion. A plurality of grooves is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the cushioning portion. The respective grooves are helically formed around a substantially vertical line. The respective grooves are arranged substantially parallel with each other. A range ? in which each of the grooves is formed is larger than a range of 15 degrees around the axial line and is smaller than a range of 180 degrees around the axial line.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a variable support structure includes a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. At least one reservoir of magneto-rheological fluid is positioned in at least one of the upper and the sole structure. A magnet assembly is positioned proximate each reservoir, and a magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly transforms the magneto-rheological fluid from a fluid state to a near-solid state.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. At least one recess is formed in the sole assembly, and a retractable protrusion is positioned in each recess. The protrusion is configured to be contained substantially within an exterior surface of the sole assembly in a retracted position and to extend substantially beyond the exterior surface in an extended position. The footwear includes at least one reservoir containing a fluid, with each reservoir having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another, the first chamber is positioned inwardly of the second chamber, and the second chamber is positioned proximate a retractable protrusion.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an electrical circuit having a battery, one or more integrated circuits connected to an array of LEDs and to a loudspeaker, and, a number of switches which are operative to activate the integrated circuit(s) in response to motion of the footwear and/or the application of a magnetic field from a permanent magnet located externally of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A multi-functional calendar structure includes a calendar made up of a set of upper and lower layers wherein the upper layer has week elements, day elements, and month elements respectively marked at the front face thereon, and a plurality of empty elements for recording important occasions or favorable/forbidden events in the month sequentially arranged at the bottom of the front face thereon. Each of the day and empty elements is provided with a set of top and bottom dotted tearing lines, a set of transversely U-shaped left and right cut areas disposed at both adjacent edges of the top/bottom dotted tearing lines thereof, an oblique cut opening defining the lower section of the left cut area thereof, and an adhesive portion properly coated at the reverse face thereon and limited within the left/right cut areas thereof. The lower layer is also provided with identical day and empty elements in corresponding positions relative to that of the upper layer thereof.

Abstract: A combination postcard picture display is disclosed. The combination postcard picture display includes a postcard panel typically having a photograph or image, a display stand cutout which is detachable from the postcard panel, and a self-supporting display stand which is formable from the display stand cutout to display the photograph or image.

Abstract: A revolver for firing high velocity ammunition includes a frame, a cylinder, a barrel, and a firing mechanism. The revolver may include one or more of the following, each of which is especially adapted for use in the context of firing high velocity ammunition: spacers for adjusting a barrel-cylinder gap, for eliminating broaching of the rearward surface(s) of the barrel; a forcing cone formed in the rearward opening of the barrel for accommodating deformed projectiles; a reflective surface (e.g., mirrored surface) provided on the cone and/or barrel rearward surfaces, for reducing erosion resulting from using high velocity ammunition; gain-twist rifling in the barrel for a smoother transition to full projectile velocity; a larger diameter, hardened firing pin bushing for minimizing brass flow in the rearward direction; and a front sight assembly that minimizes lateral shift or drift of the sight pin during firing.