Abstract: A fluidtight slide fastener comprising a pair of tapes both delimited by two opposite long edges and by two opposite short edges, each tape comprising a textile material strip coated with a fluid barrier material layer at least at the opposite faces thereof, the strip remaining uncoated at least one of said short edges of each tape, each tape being equipped with a set of aligned teeth on at least a portion of one of said long sides thereof, the aligned teeth of said sets facing each other and being associated with opposite opening and closing stops, and a slider slidable between said closing stop and said opening stop for engaging in a fluidtight way or disengaging said aligned teeth respectively, wherein the fastener further comprises a coating formed on each tape at said at least one of said uncoated short edges for covering the textile material strip in a fluidtight way at said at least one of said uncoated short edges.

Abstract: A waterproof slide fastener comprising: a pair of fastener stringers in which a plurality of fastener elements are arranged in line by molding integrally along opposing element attaching edge portions of a pair of waterproof fastener tapes, in which a belt shaped core material composed of a woven fabric, knitted fabric or unwoven fabric is covered with a waterproof layer; and a slider for engaging and disengaging the fastener elements, wherein the waterproof layer is composed of a polyurethane elastomer and the fastener elements are composed of a polymer alloy of polyurethane resin and ABS resin, thereby providing the waterproof slide fastener in which its fastener tape has an excellent adhesion characteristic to an attachment object such as the one covered with urethane coating, an excellent bending characteristic, a high fixing strength between the fastener tape and the fastener elements an excellent engaging strength and water-tightness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security buckle and method and systems and methods employing the security buckle and methods. The security buckle a first body member having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is transitioned to the engagement mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved shoe lace comprised of a plurality of bendable support elements permanently held within a limp material at each of the two end tips by a sleeve, whereby the lace enables children, and persons with physical disabilities, to more easily tie their shoes, as well as staying tied while wearing the improved shoe laces.

Abstract: A modular casket assembly, created from composite wood scraps ground to a fine wooden composite grind and dried, is provided. A fine wooden composite is mixed with a dry glue and heat or pressure activated as desired. This mixture is then placed in a press mold with a thin veneer cover. The veneer cover may be paper, wood, cloth or other material. Typically, the veneer is perforated with small pin holes to permit steam to pass through during compression. Any desired image or scene may be provided on the veneer. The mold mixture and veneer is then compressed in a wood press, and to provide a finished product with durable veneer with a finished surface. The finished surface can be a fine wood finish, a wood-look finish or any variety of customized images. The casket assembly includes substantially flat or curvilinear panels. The casket assembly may be split as desired. Decorative brackets may be used to assemble the casket box.

Abstract: A system for hydroentangling a fabric material, while reducing the incidence of jet streaks therein, is provided. Various embodiments of the present invention provide an elongate hydroentangling jet strip spaced apart from the fabric material and extending substantially across a width of the fabric perpendicular to the processing direction. The strip defines a first row of orifices, each having a first diameter. The first plurality of orifices is spaced apart along a width of the elongate strip. The strip further defines a second plurality of orifices disposed downstream from the first plurality of orifices in the processing direction and offset therefrom along the width of the elongate strip. The second plurality of orifices each define a second diameter smaller than the first diameter such that fluid streams generated thereby impart a correspondingly smaller impact force on the fabric material than fluid streams generated by the first plurality of orifices.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a textile extending a length between a first end and a second end. The textile also extends a dimension transverse to the length. The dimension can be a width or a circumference. The apparatus also includes a first bonded portion adjacent to the first end to limit fraying at the first end. The apparatus also includes a second bonded portion spaced from the first bonded portion along the length to limit fraying at the first end.

Abstract: A method for mounting a film, used to fabricate a mask for use in screening an electronic device, to a common carrier frame. The common carrier frame has an outer edge along an outer periphery and an opening in a central portion of the frame. The method includes applying external pressure to the frame outer edge to compress the frame inward and reduce the opening, securing a film to the frame, the film covering the frame opening, and releasing the pressure on the frame to expand the opening and place the film in tension.

Abstract: A space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The fluid delivery system includes an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and the various fluid handling and monitoring components may be partially integrated or fully integrated into the substrate, depending on design and material requirements.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an actuator device including a substrate, a vibration plate, lower electrode, and a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode. The vibration plate is formed by forming an insulating film comprised of a columnar crystalline zirconium layer whose surface has an average crystal grain size of about 20 to 50 nm on one surface the substrate, and then thermally oxidizing the zirconium layer into a columnar crystalline zirconium oxide layer whose surface has an average crystal grain size of about 20 to 50 nm. The zirconium layer shows an XRD pattern having a (002) plane peak with an FWHM of 0.4 or less. The piezoelectric element is formed on the lower electrode.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator capable of being driven with a high electric field intensity, obtaining a larger displacement and being high in electric conducting reliability of electrodes, and comprising: at least one cell defined by two side walls, a substrate and a ceiling wall; the two side walls being disposed on the substrate and being covered with the ceiling wall to define one cell, at least the two side walls comprising piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices, and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices being capable of changing a volume of the cell by displacement of the walls. Each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices comprises a plurality of layered piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies and electrodes which are alternately stacked, and end portions of the electrodes are embedded in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies in at least the internal side of the cell.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound transducer assembly, e.g. a thickness-mode transducer assembly includes a plurality of elements comprising piezoelectric material, and a backing material disposed adjacent to a back surface of the plurality of elements. The piezoelectric material and backing material define at least a portion of a side surface, wherein an electrically conductive material is disposed upon and in contact with at least a portion of the side surface. The elements may comprise one or a plurality of front electrodes, and one or a plurality of back electrodes, wherein the front electrode(s) is electrically interconnected to the electrically conductive material disposed on the side surface portion. In a mass processing method, a plurality of thickness-mode ultrasound probe transducer assemblies may be produced, wherein a plurality of interconnected transducer subassemblies comprising a mass backing are processed in tandem.

Abstract: A method of holding a billet of material (70) to a machining table (106) includes determining a first set of outer dimensions of a component (72) to be machined. The billet of material (70) is selected in response to the first set of outer dimensions to have a second set of outer dimensions. Dimensions of the second set of outer dimensions are approximately equal to or greater than corresponding dimensions of the first set of outer dimensions. Multiple tabs (76) are attached to the billet of material (70). The tabs (76) are rigidly fixed to the machining table (106). A machining system (50) includes a controller (52) that determines a first set of outer dimensions of a component (72) to be machined. A tab-forming mechanism (54) generates multiple tabs (76) that are configured to be rigidly fixed to a machining table (106).

Abstract: An automated sidewall assembly machine is provided for attaching a sidewall panel to a top and bottom rail of a wheeled trailer. The machine comprises a frame, a carriage for longitudinal movement relative to the frame, an automated punch mounted proximate the frame and an automated riveting press mounted proximate the frame so that the sidewall assembly is movable by the carriage with respect to the frame, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting machine so that holes can be punched through one or more of the sidewall, the bottom rail and the top rail and rivets can be inserted into the punched holes to be mashed. A sensor is operably mounted to the sidewall assembly machine so that information obtained by the sensor can be used to drive the carriage, the automated punching machine and the automated riveting press.

Abstract: Articles of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys with improved durability and fatigue resistance, and more specifically articles of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys subjected to a surface treatment, such as shot-peening, which creates deformations in the exterior surface, and methods of improving the durability and fatigue resistance of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys using a surface treatment, such as shot-peening.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a fastener on a workpiece, typically a resilient retainer clip or spring fastener attached to a post or projecting member on the workpiece. The apparatus has a floating coupling that enables the fastener holder and correspondingly the fastener to vary its orientation. Accordingly, as the fastener is installed on the post or projecting member, the fastener self-aligns to the post or projecting member such that the fastener is properly seated on the base of the post or projecting member.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.

Abstract: A process for connecting at least two workpieces forming a workpiece arrangement, by means of a joining element having at least one radial recess, the joining element being driven axially into the workpiece arrangement while the workpiece arrangement is supported in the axial direction by a hollow die, so that at least one workpiece trimming is forced into the die. A deformation force is exerted on at least one of the workpieces to press material of a workpiece into the radial recess, thereby to set up a positive locking connection between the joining element and a workpiece. The die has a holding structure to hold a workpiece trimming securely in place, so that the workpiece trimming remains in the die when the die and the workpiece arrangement are separated from one another.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for a window includes a wiper arm having an injection molded body with a chamber formed therein. The chamber is formed with a gas and the chamber selectively directs a fluid to a nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a caulked assembly to be manufactured at low cost, and maintain sufficient caulking strength, and the manufacturing method and apparatus thereof. The manufacturing method comprises steps of forming a mounting hole for inserting and assembling a columnar body in a metal plate body, and forming a thick part along an inner circumferential edge of a mounting hole; forming a circumferential groove with a predetermined depth at an assembled position of a outer circumferential surface of the columnar body inserted into the mounting hole; inserting the columnar body into the mounting hole to set to the assembled position where the thick part is opposed to the circumferential groove; and caulking for compressively pressing the thick part from an axial direction of the columnar body to plastically deform the thick part in a center direction of the mounting hole to bite the thick part into the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A method of making an adjustable tool holder includes providing a tool holder body portion having a spindle-end portion and a shoulder portion and a neck portion and a bore. A collar having a plurality of threaded apertures is provided to engage the neck portion in a heat shrink relationship. The collar is heated to a predetermined temperature and placed over the neck portion at a predetermined location. The collar is allowed to cool on the neck portion, and threaded members having a length sufficient to engage the shoulder are installed in the threaded apertures of the collar.

Abstract: Arthroplasty jigs, arthroplasty jig blanks, and related methods and devices are disclosed. Some variations of the methods comprise forming an arthroplasty jig from a near-shape arthroplasty jig blank, where the near-shape arthroplasty jig blank has at least one feature specific to a target site to be matched by the arthroplasty jig. Certain of the methods comprise forming an arthroplasty jig having a first configuration from a near-shape arthroplasty jig blank having a second configuration approximating the first configuration. Some of the methods comprise forming a near-shape arthroplasty jig blank, where the near-shape arthroplasty jig blank is configured to be formed into an arthroplasty jig, and the near-shape arthroplasty jig blank has at least one feature specific to a target site to be matched by the arthroplasty jig.

Abstract: The method for fabricating the magnetic head comprises the step of forming over a lower electrode a magnetoresistive effect film 16 with a polishing resistant film 20 formed over the upper surface, the step of forming a magnetic domain control film 24 over the entire surface of the lower electrode 12 including a region where the magnetoresistive effect film 16 has been formed, the step of selectively removing the magnetic domain control film 24 over the magnetoresistive effect film 16 by polishing with the polishing resistant film 20 as the stopper, the step of removing the polishing resistant film 20, and the step of forming an upper electrode 34 over the magnetoresistive effect film 16, from which the polishing resistant film 20 has been removed.

Abstract: A method for forming micro-texture on ABS of a slider, includes steps of: positioning sliders arranged in arrays on a tray, each slider having a pole tip facing upward; loading the tray into a processing chamber, and evacuating the processing chamber to a preset pressure; introducing a mixture gas of inert gas and hydrocarbon gas into the processing chamber, and ionizing the mixture gas to produce ion beams; exposing the sliders to the ion beam for etching so as to form micro-texture with two-step structure on the ABS of the slider. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing a slider having micro-texture.

Abstract: An improved Rogowski coil is formed on a toroidal core made of a thermoplastic or other moldable material, the core having a preferably continuous groove or grooves extending around the core. The grooves correspond in size to magnet wire which registers within the grooves, thus controlling the specific location of the wires. The grooving may be helical. A return loop can be provided for return path cancellation, or a reverse winding can be added in a direction opposite to the direction of advancement of the main coil. In using the return loop, a resistive network can be added to improve the cancellation of the return path due to the effect of geometries. In addition, it can compensate for thermal and other variations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary cell which has very good practical utility, is safe to use, is less expensive in comparison with conventional cells, and has high energy density. The present invention is a method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary cell in which a positive electrode 1 and a negative electrode 2 are disposed via an interposed inorganic solid electrolyte 3, the method comprising forming into a three-dimensional shape the surface of an electrode selected from the positive electrode 1 and negative electrode 2 using a nanoimprint method; subsequently providing an inorganic solid electrolyte 3 on the electrode whose surface has been formed into a three-dimensional shape; and providing the other electrode on the inorganic solid electrolyte 3.

Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup to an eyeglass lens, comprises: a lens mount on which the lens is to be mounted; at least three support pins provided on the lens mount to support the lens when a rear refractive surface of the lens is brought in contact with the support pins; and a first moving mechanism adapted to simultaneously move the support pins to change a distance of each support pin from a central axis for attachment of the cup.

Abstract: A substrate holding rotating mechanism is used to hold and rotate a substrate to be processed. The substrate holding rotating mechanism according to the present invention includes at least three spindles, clamp rollers mounted respectively on the spindles for holding a periphery of a substrate, a rotating device for rotating at least one of the clamp rollers, at least one base member on which at least one of the spindles is installed, and a rotational mechanism adapted to allow the base member to be rotatable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for adhering electronic devices comprising an electronic device, an adhesive, and a circuit board. Because the conventional circuit board includes air bubbles, these air bubbles are heated to the expansion state so as to forming the illness structure with holes. The circuit board of the present invention has an improved structure to improve the speed of filling and forming shape of the adhesive disposed at the bottom of the electronic device, so that when the electronic device is placed on the circuit board with the edges thereof coated with the adhesive, it can be adhered on the circuit board quickly while it can render the air in the interlayer between the electronic device and the circuit board exhausted through the hole. In addition, the present invention provides a method for adhering electronic devices, in order for the electronic device to be adhered on the circuit board quickly.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a pattern of conductive elements on a substrate is provided. The method includes depositing in a vacuum deposition chamber an electrically conductive material onto the substrate to form a base layer. Then, the method includes selectively applying an electric insulating agent on selective areas of the base layer. Then, areas of the base layer that are not covered with the insulating material are electroplated with a second electrically conductive layer. The electric insulating agent is then removed from the substrate and the base layer is chemically etched thus removing the base layer that was covered with the insulating material and selectively exposing the substrate to create the pattern of conductive objects on the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power losses in a semiconductor device, especially a photovoltaic cell. The system includes a semiconductor device that includes at least one conductive crossbar with a pattern and a substrate that includes similarly patterned supplemental crossbars. The crossbars are coated with the adhesive solder paste and superimposed on each other. The adhesive solder paste when heated forms a conductive path between the crossbars and the supplemental crossbars while simultaneously adhering the crossbars and the supplemental crossbars together. Thereafter an under-fill material is deposited into voids defined by gaps between the semiconductor device and the backplate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a hybrid integrated circuit device, in which multiple circuit boards are manufactured from one large metal board by dicing. The hybrid integrated circuit device of the present invention includes a circuit board with a surface provided with an insulating layer, and conductive patterns provided on the insulating layer. Circuit elements are electrically connected to the conductive patterns. Further, each side surface of the circuit board includes a first inclined portion extending obliquely downward from a peripheral portion of the surface of the circuit board, and a second inclined portion extending obliquely upward from a back surface of the circuit board and formed to be larger than the first inclined portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically connecting two substrates using resilient wire bundles captured in apertures of an interposer by a retention film. The interposer comprises an electrically non-conductive carrier having two surfaces and apertures extending from surface to surface. A resilient wire bundle is disposed in each aperture. An electrically non-conductive retention film is associated with one or both surfaces of the carrier and has an orifice overlying each aperture. The width of each orifice is smaller than that of the underlying aperture to thereby enhance retention of the resilient wire bundle within the aperture. Pin contacts of one or both of the substrates make electrical contact with the resilient wire bundles by extending through the orifices of the retention film and partially through the apertures. In one embodiment, the interposer is a land grid array (LGA) connector that connects an electronic module and a printed circuit board (PCB).

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: An electrical terminal connector and method of fabricating the same is provided. The electrical terminal connector includes an angled insulating housing, a conducting terminal and a cylindrical crimp ferrule positioned therein. Two ends of the insulating housing have a first opening and a second opening, while the angled insulating housing has a through passage therein. The conducting terminal includes a flat-ended connecting portion facing the first opening and a crimped-ended facing the second opening. The cylindrical crimp ferrule has a core-connecting end facing the second opening and a crimped portion facing the crimping end of the conducting terminal. The angled insulating housing further includes a window with a cover at the sidewall near the first opening. One end of the covers pivots at the side of the window, while the other end of the cover comprises a fastening means. The fastening means can be operationally fastened to the matching means forming an opening position and a closed position.

Abstract: A system for applying a coating to an engine valve and curing the coating using infrared radiation includes a spraying device, an infrared oven, and a movable track. A plurality of engine valves is transported through the system on the movable track. The spraying device applies a protective coating composition on a portion of the engine valves. The coating composition has a high emissivity value that allows the coating to be rapidly and efficiently cured as the coated engine valves travel through the infrared oven.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal tubular member that is composed of two or more tube forming bodies and has at least one portion at which the tube forming bodies are superposed on each other, wherein one open annular end section of one of the tube forming bodies, which one annular end section is positioned on the inner side in the superposed section, and the other open annular end section of the other tube forming body, which the other annular end section is positioned on the outer side, are integrally joined by welding. The one annular end section is inserted into the other annular end section with the outside diameter of the one annular end section pressed by a die so as to be smaller in diameter than the inside diameter of the other annular end section, and then pressing force applied to the one annular end section on the inner side is released to cause it to be in tight contact with the inner surface of the other annular end section on the outer side.

Abstract: Disclosed are a jig and a method for forming a satin surface on an outer peripheral surface of a ring made of a rigid material by processing the outer peripheral surface of the ring using a diamond bite in a state in which inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the ring do not represent a perfect roundness and a center of the outer peripheral surface of the ring is offset from that of the inner peripheral surface of the ring. The method includes the steps of supporting both sides of the ring while rotating the ring, and processing the outer peripheral surface of the ring by using the diamond bite.

Abstract: Disclosed are structure for inlaying precious metal in and outer peripheral surface of a ring and method for manufacturing a ring inlaid with precious metal in an outer peripheral surface. The ring includes a annular blank obtained by compressing a powdered mixture including 80 to 85 weight percent of tungsten carbide in a mold by means of a hydraulic press, and a precious metal inlaid in an outer peripheral surface of the annular blank after sintering the annular blank. An annular groove is formed at an outer peripheral surface of the annular blank, in which the annular groove is defined by sidewalls, which are inwardly inclined in a downward direction, and a bottom wall. Inclined slots having a gradient identical to that of the inclined sidewalls are formed at both lower edge portions of the annular groove, in which the lower edge potions are defined between the bottom wall and the inclined sidewalls.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a double row rolling bearing device includes: providing a collet chuck having radially expandable separated parts and a tapered cone for radially expanding the separated parts; inserting the radially contracted collet chuck into a through hole before the double row rolling bearing is caulked to the hub shaft; caulking the cylindrical end of the hub shaft, with the separated parts being in contact with the end by radially expanding the collet chuck to prevent radially inward plastic deformation of the end; and contracting the collet chuck and extracting the collet chuck out of the hub shaft after the caulking.

Abstract: A sleeve has a thrust dynamic pressure generating groove arrangement for generating a dynamic pressure in a thrust direction between another member and the sleeve. The sleeve is formed in the following manner. First, a mold is prepared which is provided with a portion corresponding to the thrust dynamic pressure generating groove arrangement. Injection molding is carried out by using this mold and material containing binders and metal particulates, thereby forming a work-in-process piece having the thrust dynamic pressure groove arrangement in a cavity of the mold. Then, binders in the work-in-process piece are removed by heating, and thereafter metal particulates in the work-in-process piece are sintered.

Abstract: The invention features, in general, a wet-shaving system including a housing, one or more blades mounted on the housing, an exfoliation member mounted on the housing, and a drive mechanism providing repeating movement to said exfoliation member.

Abstract: An electric shaver includes a plurality of outer cutter frames connected to an electric shaver main body, the outer cutter frames accommodating therein short hair cutter blocks and long hair cutter blocks. Each of the outer cutter frames is floatably and swingably movable with respect to the electric shaver main body according to an amount of pressure applied to the outer cutter frame by a skin.

Abstract: Multi-blade razors are provided. The razors include blades having different tip radii and thus different relative sharpness.

Abstract: Razors are described herein. In some instances the razors include a safety razor blade unit comprising a guard, a cap, and at least two blades with parallel sharpened edges located between the guard and cap. A first blade defines a blade edge nearer the guard and a second blade defines a blade edge nearer the cap. The first blade has a cutter force greater than the cutter force of the second blade. In some instances the razors provide a comfortable shave having improved closeness.

Abstract: Multi-blade razors are provided, having blades with differing properties. In one aspect, a razor is provided that includes a safety razor blade unit comprising a guard, a cap, and first, second and third blades with parallel sharpened edges located between the guard and cap with the first blade closest to the cap, the third blade furthest from the cap, and the second blade disposed between the first and third blades, the blades having first, second and third tip radii, respectively, at least two of the three blades having different tip radii, and at least two of the blades having different coefficients of friction.

Abstract: Nicks or injuries due to misuse of a clipping device (1) having a comb unit (4) to be movably mounted on a casing (2) to cover a cutting unit (3) are avoided when the clipping device (1) includes detection means (5) for detecting the position of the comb unit (4) with respect to the cutting unit (3), and warning means (6) for generating warning signals which indicate the detected position. The position is preferably first detected at the instant when the clipping device (1) is switched on and repeatedly after it has been switched on, whilst the warning means generates a warning signal after the first detection and subsequently only when the position has changed.

Abstract: A utility knife has a receiving cavity which opens through the body. A cartridge comprising a magazine of blades is removably insertable into the receiving cavity. A carrier within the body is manually operable for receiving a blade from the cartridge and positioning the blade for extension through the opening to present a cutting edge. The cartridge may be released from the utility knife body by depressing a button and withdrawing the cartridge. The cartridge is releasably held in place within the knife body and releasable when the blade carrier is in its retracted position and the release button is depressed. When the thumb button moves the blade carrier into its extended position to expose the knife blade, the cartridge is rendered unreleaseable even if the release button is depressed.

Abstract: A convertible peeler includes a cutting blade that is adjustable in more than one orientation. In a first orientation, the peeler can be used as a “Y-Peeler” so that the blade is generally orthogonal to the handle. In a second orientation, the peeler can be used as an in-line peeler so that the blade is generally parallel with the handle. In its preferred form, the blade can also be secured to a plurality of positions at a range of angles between parallel and orthogonal. In some examples of the invention, the blade can be adjustably secured to the handle by rotating a threaded fastener secured to the handle. Rotating the fastener in an opposite direction tightens the blade to hold it in the desired location.

Abstract: The invention comprises an armoring element (1) of a knife haft, which has a bar (10) extending in an axial direction (100) and is connected to the tang (20) of a knife blade (2) using a connecting means (11). A secure, frictional connection in an axial direction (100) between the armoring element (1) and the knife blade (2) is formed by positive locking and/or material bonding between the connecting means (11) of the armoring element (1) and a corresponding counter piece (21) on the tang (20) of the knife blade (2). In an inventive method for producing a knife, the tang (20) and the armoring element (1) are coated with haft material, e.g. haft shells in the connected state. The haft material forms the actual body of the knife haft, wherein parts of the surface of the armoring element (1) may be disposed in the outer surface of the knife haft such that they are visible.