Abstract: A dust collector includes: a motor functioning as a driving source; a drive unit for driving a motor; a dust collection fan rotated by the motor; a head section for accommodating the dust collection fan; a switch provided on the head section to control the starting of the motor; a tank section located below the head section, for accommodating dust conveyed by the dust collection fan, the tank section having a connecting portion; a duct hose having one end and the other end, the one end attached to the connecting portion, the other end being detachable from a portion of a power tool; a remote-control transmitter for transmitting a signal; and a remote-control receiver for receiving the signal from the remote-control transmitter to control the drive unit to start or stop the motor.

Abstract: A locking unit of a brush assembly for use with a vacuum cleaner has a release preventing member so that if the brush assembly accidentally falls, the release preventing member conveniently keeps upper and lower housings of the assembly assembled. The brush assembly includes the upper and lower housings. A connector is secured in one of the upper and lower housings and is adapted to direct air in the upper and lower housings towards a suction force generator of the vacuum cleaner. A locking unit rotates on the connector to open and sealingly close the upper and the lower housings. The release preventing member is formed between the connector and the locking unit to prevent release of the locking unit.

Abstract: A hinge member comprises a mounting portion to be secured to a vehicle body panel, and an extension portion having a fixed orientation relative to the mounting portion. The extension portion has a pivot-receiving slot defining a hinge pivot hole to receive a hinge pivot, and a slot portion extending from the hinge pivot hole. At least a portion of the pivot-receiving slot has a lateral dimension smaller than a diameter of the pivot hole. A hinge assembly includes a first hinge member pivotally joined to a second hinge member by a hinge pivot having a hinge pivot pin in a pivot pin bushing. Preferably, the pivot pin bushing shears under a pre-selected level of force or load to permit the pivot pin to be slidingly received in the slot. Embodiments of the hinge assemblies are well suited for hingedly mounting motor vehicle body panels to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A cargo tightener and strap collector is shown having a rotatable shaft provided on the lever portion of the cargo tightener and strap collector. A slot is provided in the shaft so that the free end of a strap may be inserted in the slot and wound on the shaft to secure the strap and prevent its fluttering in the wind or trailing on the ground while in use.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a clip configured to be secured to a structure, a strap frame rotatably secured to the clip, and a spring member. The strap frame may be rotated with respect to the clip. The spring member exerts a constant force into the strap frame, wherein the constant force maintains the strap frame in an aligned orientation with respect to the clip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment apparatus and process for increasing the air permeability of a textile web, and the airbag fabrics made by such process.

Abstract: A method of isolating piezoelectric thin film acoustic resonator devices to prevent laterally propagating waves generated by the device from leaving the device and/or interfering with adjacent devices or systems. Specifically, this isolation technique involves the manipulation or isolation of the piezoelectric material layer between the acoustic resonator devices, in an effort to limit the amount of acoustic energy which propagates in a lateral direction away from the device. In one aspect, at least a portion of the piezoelectric material not involved in signal transmission by transduction between RF and acoustic energy is removed from the device. In another aspect, the growth a piezoelectric material is limited to certain regions during fabrication of the device. In a further aspect, the crystal orientation of the piezoelectric material is disrupted or altered during device fabrication so as to form regions having excellent piezoelectric properties and regions exhibiting poor piezoelectric characteristics.

Abstract: A wheel assembly removal apparatus for use in the automotive maintenance and repair industry. The apparatus is adapted to remove a wheel assembly, and components thereof that may have become seized together, from a vehicle chassis for maintenance and repair while minimizing time and cost, and the possibility for damage to the assembly. The wheel assembly removal apparatus preferably incorporates, among other elements, a slide hammer assembly that includes a hammer secured to a hollow slide tube that is received on a slide shaft that also may incorporate a hammer stop near a distal end and a distally projecting support extension. A coupler is formed at a proximal end of the slide shaft and releasably engages an interchangeable rotor securing tool and or an axle impact bar. The interchangeable rotor securing tool attaches to the coupler and to a wheel assembly or rim mounting surface at the proximal end.

Abstract: A method is provided for centering a workpiece on a metal shaping machine. First and second guide plates have respective first and second aligned bores therein for supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position. At least one spring is engaged with the centering pin for exerting a predetermined axial bias against the centering pin in the direction of the workpiece for urging the centering pin into the use position. The centering pin is locked in the use position during the operation of the machine on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for forming a brake assembly for a motor vehicle includes a wheel hub, a knuckle, and a brake rotor. The wheel hub includes a neck portion and a flange portion having a flange face. The flange face has a plurality of bolt receiving holes formed therein. The wheel hub is placed in rotational communication with the knuckle. The flange face of the wheel hub has a brake rotor secured thereto. The brake rotor has an inner surface, which is subjected to final finishing in order to reduce lateral run-out of the brake rotor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a guidewire having a distal flexible member, such as a helical coil, which is formed with at least one highly radiopaque component and at least one high strength component. In a presently preferred embodiment, the highly radiopaque component is at least 10% and less than about 60% of the transverse cross-section of the flexible member, preferably at least 20% but less than 40%. The highly radiopaque component may be formed of radiopaque material such as platinum, gold, iridium and the like and the high strength component may be formed of a material such as tantalum, stainless steel, NiTi alloys, Co—Cr—Mo alloys and the like.

Abstract: A wiring harness manufacturing method and a wiring harness manufacturing apparatus is provided, wherein manufacturing costs of a wiring harness is reduced. The wiring harness manufacturing apparatus (1) has a pair of wire stocking units (10a, 10b), a pair of cutting units (11a, 11b), a pair of joining units (12a, 12b), and a case insertion unit (13). Painting devices (14,15,16) are attached to one wire stocking unit (10a). Painting devices (17,18,19) are attached to one cutting unit (11a). Painting devices (18,19) are attached to one joining unit (12a). The painting devices (14,15,16,17,18,19) color the electric wire.

Abstract: A method is provided for reworking a head gimbal assembly (HGA). An ultrasonic probe is used to stress the connection between the slider component of an HGA to remove the slider from its mounting position.

Abstract: A simple method is provided for protecting slider mounted read/write transducers from electrostatic discharge damage during the manufacture of disk drives. The method involves placing a ball of conducting thermoplastic resin, such as a gold or silver epoxy, between the terminal pads of the transducer and using the ball to shunt the pads to read-head shields and the slider substrate and thence to ground. The epoxy ball is easily applied and easily removed and can be used at different stages in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: During fabrication of a perpendicular write head in a wafer, at least two sides of a write pole are defined (e.g. by ion milling) while a third side of the write pole is protected by a masking material. At this stage, a material that is to be located in the write gap is already present between the write pole and the masking material. After definition of the write pole surfaces, a layer of dielectric material is deposited. During this deposition, the masking material is still present. Thereafter, the masking material (and any dielectric material thereon) is removed, to form a hole in the dielectric material. Next, a trailing shield is formed in the structure, so that at least one portion of the trailing shield is located in the hole, and another portion of the trailing shield is located over the dielectric material, in an area adjacent to the hole. Note that the gap material is now sandwiched between the portion of the trailing shield in the hole, and the write pole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a reverse air bearing surface head with trailing shield design for perpendicular recording. A reverse air bearing surface head for perpendicular recording is provided with an inversed bevel shape to handle skew when recording data on a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head is disclosed. The method and system include providing a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) uniformity structure having an aperture therein and forming a perpendicular magnetic recording pole within the aperture. The CMP uniformity structure may include a CMP barrier layer. The method and system further include fabricating an insulator after formation of the perpendicular magnetic recording pole and performing a CMP to remove a portion of the insulator, expose a portion of the perpendicular magnetic recording pole and planarize an exposed surface of the perpendicular magnetic recording head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recycler that recycles a printed circuit board for separating and retrieving a metallic material, which includes a printed metallic material, and an insulating material, both composing the printed circuit board. The insulating body base of the printed circuit board as the waste printed circuit board can be a thermoplastic resin or a mixture of thermoplastic resin and inorganic loading material. The recycler includes a pressuring device that pressurizes the waste printed circuit board, a heater that heats the waste printed circuit board to a predetermined temperature at which the waste printed circuit board is at least softened, and a filter that filters the resin material from the waste printed circuit board. The heater can be maintain the filter at the predetermined temperature provided by the heater.

Abstract: A disassembling tool pushes first and second coupling members out of a process cartridge that also has an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and first and second coupling members for rotatably coupling first and second frames of the cartridge together. The disassembling tool includes first and second base bodies, first and second engagement portions provided on the first and second base bodies respectively, and engageable with the cartridge to position the cartridge when the tool is mounted on the cartridge, and first and second pushing-out portions provided for movement relative to the first and second base bodies, respectively, for pushing out the first and second coupling members, respectively. The first and second engagement portions are provided at a location opposed to the first and second pushing-out portions, respectively, in a movement direction in which the first and second pushing-out portions are moved, respectively.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fixture for magnetizing axially alternating N and S poles defined circumferentially in a portion of an outer periphery of an axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft, the fixture including: a hollow cylindrical mandrel formed from a non-magnetic, non-electrically-conducting material; a conductive wire disposed in parallel, circumferential channels defined in an outer surface of the mandrel; a potting compound surrounding the mandrel to secure the conductive wire in place; and a central bore defined axially and centrally through the mandrel and exposing or nearly exposing the conductive wire; and the central bore being sized to accept axially inserted therein the portion of the axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft. Methods of using and manufacturing the fixture are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus enables a reliable decision of abnormal suction of a component even when the difference between the width and the height of the component is small. When the difference between the thickness of the electronic component detected by a sensor and the data on the thickness stored in the RAM is within the tolerance, a CPU judges that the component is held by a suction nozzle in a normal posture and executes a normal processing control. Then an image of the electronic component is captured by a recognition camera, and a recognition processing is made by an image processing unit to measure the geometry of the component. The CPU, then, judges whether the size of the component is within tolerance or not.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting components, even if the components have narrow inter-component distances, without producing any interference between already mounted components and suction nozzles or components being suction-held by the suction nozzles. The component mounting apparatus for picking up electronic components supplied from a component supply section by suction nozzles attached to a mounting head and mounting electronic components on a printed circuit board, includes a control section containing information relating to components to be mounted and controlling, based on this information, the positions of the suction nozzle, the mounting head and the printed circuit board so that components to be mounted are mounted in ascending order of height.

Abstract: A portable memory device includes a molded housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) encased with the molded housing such that a plug connector extends from one end. A lower housing portion is produced by injection molding using a first apparatus, and then the lower housing portion is transferred to a second molding apparatus. The PCBA is mounted onto the lower housing such that the plug connector is received in a protected region. The second molding apparatus is then closed, and an upper housing portion is injected molded over the PBCA and exposed peripheral edges of the lower housing portion such that the upper housing portion becomes fused to the lower housing portion. Multiple lower housing portions connected together by plastic tethers to form a plastic strip, which facilitates efficient transfer to the second molding apparatus as a unit. The tethers are subsequently removed (e.g., singulated) to form individual memory devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a plating buss design and method for minimizing short circuit problems in PCB panel singulation. More particularly, the invention encompasses a serpentine plating buss which increases the PCB singulation process window thereby minimizing short circuit problems due to indexing errors caused by occasional manufacturing and equipment alignment problems. The serpentine plating buss design therefore increases board yield.

Abstract: An electrical terminal includes a generally planar base pad having two opposed legs and an intermediate portion. The base pad legs have proximal and distal ends and are joined at the proximal ends to the intermediate portion. The legs are spaced apart from each other to form a gap between the legs. The base pad legs have inner edges facing each other which extend away from each other moving away from the proximal ends of the base pad legs to the distal ends. A connector arm having a neck extends upwardly from the intermediate portion of the base pad between the base pad legs and terminates in a blade connector for engaging with a mating terminal. The neck has a proximal end with a width that is less than the gap between the proximal ends of the base pad legs by about ½ mm to 3 mm. The neck has a narrowing section moving away from the proximal end of the neck.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a flat product in the form of a wall for a heat exchanger that is operated with cooling mediums in the form of corrosive liquids that contain biological organisms. In order to protect the wall of the heat exchanger against corrosion on the side that comes in contact with the cooling medium and to prevent biological organisms from settling down on the heat exchanger wall, the wall consists of a titanium or titanium alloy layer and a copper/titanium alloy layer that is integrally connected to the titanium or titanium alloy layer by means of an intermediate alloy layer.

Abstract: When constructing a steam generator, buckstay modules are joined with tube wall units to form buckstay and tube wall modules while the boiler steel structure is being erected, and they are temporarily placed within the boiler steel structure level by level. Then an external part of the boiler top main grid is constructed whose beams are flush with the tube walls of the buckstay and tube wall modules. Then the boiler wall is mounted by aligning and welding the individual tube wall modules from top to bottom. Simultaneously, the internal components are constructed on the boiler base and hoisted to installation height. Preassembling buckstay and tube wall modules eliminate the need for inserting buckstays or tube walls from above through the boiler top main grid. For this reason, the roof opening can be smaller than usual. The inner boiler top main grid therefore does not require its own main beams, which saves a substantial amount of steel.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a drop generator with a uniquely formed nonconductive mandrel, which when encapsulated with electroplated metal, shapes and defines the internal ink channel entails identifying a non-conductive dimensionally stable structure with a shape adapted to define a fluid cavity for the drop generator for an ink jet printer. The ends of the structure are covered with caps. A conductive base is mounted to each structure. Metal from the conductive base is electroformed onto the structure to a thickness at least equivalent to a desired outer dimension. The caps are removed and the structure is removed, thereby leaving a drop generator with a channel adapted to receive fluid and a slot adapted to communicate fluid from the channel to the orifice plate.

Abstract: A tired-wheel having a wheel-rim and a tire thereon is automatically serviced. The method includes loading the tired-wheel onto a motor-driven support mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation, centering the tired-wheel with respect to the axis of rotation, and holding it by use of the motor-driven rotatable support, urging the wheel-rim against the rotatable support by use of an urging device so as to make the tired-wheel rigid in rotation with the rotatable support, disassembling the tire from the wheel-rim by use of a pair of working arms, moving away the urging device and removing the disassembled tire, loading a new tire onto the wheel-rim, repositioning the urging device and urging the wheel-rim against the rotatable support, and mounting the new tire onto the wheel-rim by use of the pair of working arms.

Abstract: An improved recloseable ring and a method of manufacturing thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening packages having a handle with a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. A cutting member is connected to the shaft at an end opposite the handle. The cutting member is selectively positionable between a seal and a container and upon moving the cutting member along a length of the seal, the seal is removed from the container.

Abstract: A combination utility and sporting knife includes a longitudinal knife handle, a utility blade carrier disposed within the handle and linearly movable within the handle, a utility blade carried by the blade carrier, a manual movable blade moving member operatively connected with the blade carrier, and a pivotally movable blade pivotally connected to the handle. The utility blade and the pivotally movable blade are extendable from opposite ends of the handle. The utility blade edge and the pivotally movable blade edge both are exposed towards the bottom portion of the handle when the pivotally movable blade and the utility blade are in operative positions thereof so that the bottom and top portions of the handle retain their relative bottom and top orientations for use of either the utility blade or the pivotally moveable blade.

Abstract: A folding knife is disclosed. The folding knife includes a handle; a blade connected to the handle in a manner allowing movement of the blade between a closed position in which the blade extends along the handle and an open position in which the blade extends away from the handle; and a blade-assisting mechanism configured to apply a manually adjustable force to urge the blade towards the open position over at least a portion of the blade travel between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable base for a portable saw and a portable saw therefore. The base includes a longitudinal shell secured to the housing, and mounted to a baseplate. A shaft is mounted to the housing extending through a slot formed in the shell. A collar is connected to the shaft and has a first cam surface cooperating with a corresponding second cam surface of the housing. Rotation of the collar in an unlocked direction extends the shaft away from the housing. A clamp member is received within a shell inner region and cooperates with the shaft. The shaft is threadably engaged to one of the collar, the housing or the clamp member so that rotation of the collar in the unlocked direction either extends the shaft further away from the housing or extends the clamp member along the shaft away from the housing.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include devices and/or methods of measuring a personalized lens-orientation value for a spectacle frame supporting a pair of lenses. The device, according to some demonstrative embodiments, may include a pair of orientation-measuring mechanisms, each mechanism adapted to measure a value corresponding to an orientation of a surface of a respective one of the lenses relative to a reference axis. The device may also include an adjustable positioning mechanism to adjust a distance between the pair of orientation-measuring mechanisms according to an inter-pupil distance of the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electronic vertical angle sensing and indicating device for use on aiming systems is provided for bow sights and for other aiming sights for projectile launchers. Improved vertical level measurement and display minimizes the left-right drift of a projectile by sensing and indicating to the user when the projectile launcher is tilted slightly prior to release of the projectile. The vertical level indicator is easily viewed within the field of direct or near direct vision and focus of the eye in a reduced profile that does not distract the operator from the task of accurately aiming the projectile is provided. One embodiment of the present invention positions the signal indicators in the far-field of view of the eye, so that all of the signal indicators, the sighting means and the distant target being viewed are simultaneously in focus or near-focus.

Abstract: Provided is a device/method of alignment of a laser's beam with the laser's support system so that the beam is substantially parallel in a chosen direction with respect to a reference line on the laser's support system.

Abstract: A light detector which includes a housing having front and rear walls, a light receiving section disposed on the front wall, and displays disposed on the front and rear walls for showing the location of received light relative on the light receiving section. Also disclosed is a laser level including a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, a housing fixedly disposed on the shaft, the housing having a bore therein, a barrel, and a screw disposed on the housing and contracting the barrel for adjusting the pivotal position of the barrel.

Abstract: a device for measuring dimensions in a hollow organ of the body, includes: a length of conduit; a measuring mechanism on one end of the conduit; and an indicator in connection with a second end of the conduit. The indicator is in operative connection with the measuring mechanism to provide an indication of a dimension measured by the measuring mechanism. In one embodiment, the measuring mechanism includes extending members that open and close in the manner of forceps to contact the walls of the organ.

Abstract: A surface curvature measuring apparatus includes a platform and a magnetically attractable curvature-measuring module. The platform has a rotary mechanism to mount and to rotate a sample object. The magnetically attractable curvature-measuring module includes a fixed guiding member, a movable measuring member and a magnetically attractable slide track. The movable measuring member includes a magnetic slide to attract the magnetically attractable slide track, and a measuring rod to be in contact with an undersurface of the sample object. The magnetic slide attracts the magnetically attractable slide track but the movable measuring member disposed between the fixed guiding member and the magnetically attractable slide track is capable of moving upwardly or downwardly. When the sample object rotates, a downward stress exerted by the sample object presses on the measuring rod such that the movable measuring member is moved downwardly to appear positions of the undersurface, and subsequently stopped.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a sensor array having at least one field-measuring sensor and at least one curvature-measuring sensor within a flexible substrate, the field-measuring sensors capable of providing orientation data of the flexible substrate relative to a field and the curvature-measuring sensors capable of providing relative orientation data within the substrate, for measuring dynamic and static shapes and vibration of geotechnical, structural and biological bodies.

Abstract: A sensor module for a probe head of a tactile coordinate measuring machine has a frame forming a stationary module base, thereby defining a first measurement plane. A moving part is connected to the frame via webs. Each web has a thick-material web portion arranged between two thin-material web portions, if seen in a cross section perpendicularly to the first measurement plane. The thick-material web portion has a material thickness greater than the corresponding material thickness of the thin-material web portions.

Abstract: A system for inserting a probe into a turbomachine. The system may include a male measurement fixture having a shaft and a female portion a housing for receiving the male measurement fixture. The male measurement fixture may include: a tip portion, an indicator, and a target zone.

Abstract: An assembly of a tape measure and a screwdriver includes a tape measure having a case, a ruler received in the case, an outlet being defined in the bottom of one side of the case for extension of the ruler, a receiving chamber being defined in one surface of the case and extending to an edge of the case, a pressing unit being disposed at one side of the case; and a screwdriver mechanism movably disposed in the receiving chamber of the case, the screwdriver mechanism having a positioning unit corresponding to the pressing unit. Thus, the assembly has functions of a tape measure and a screwdriver for easy use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pedicure boot having a forward end of an upper member detachably secured to the forward end of the sole member to enable the toes of the user to be exposed and then covered as needed without having the forward end of the upper member detached from the pedicure boot.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongated pole that has a longitudinal axis and further has axial proximal and distal ends. A central anchor includes brackets equidistantly and radially spaced about a perimeter thereof. The anchor threadably receives the proximal end. Coextensive paddles are pivotally connected to the brackets that articulate along a unique pivot axis between extended and retracted positions, and are radially extended from and equidistantly juxtaposed along an outer perimeter of the anchor when a user exerts a linear force towards the proximal end of the pole, fanning the paddles to an extended position. A flexible canvas is connected to the paddles for collecting snow therein when the paddles are fanned to an open position. The canvas is foldable to a compact position when the paddles are at a closed position, and further has an outer edge provided with a radius equal to a longitudinal length of the paddles.

Abstract: A backhoe coupling for joining members of a backhoe attachment is provided, the coupling having a pivot pin assembly that includes a pivot pin and a retaining plate. The pin has a groove for receiving the retaining plate. The retaining plate has an edge that is sized to fit into the groove and prevent it from being extracted. The groove has two blocked regions on opposing sides of the pin that prevent the pin from rotating freely with respect to the retaining plate.

Abstract: Metals having a silvery-white appearance and methods of producing the same. In one embodiment, the composite material of the present invention comprises a metallic core, a first layer, and a second layer. The first layer encases the external surfaces of the metallic core and is produced by electroplating copper or copper alloy from a first bath containing copper ions. The second layer encases the first layer and is produced by electroplating white bronze from a second bath containing copper and tin ions. According to one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first layer is electroplated on the metallic core and the second layer is electroplated on the first layer. In another embodiment of the composite material and method of the present invention, the material comprises only the metallic core and a first layer of white bronze. The resulting composite has a silvery-white appearance and does not include exposed nickel so that persons allergic to nickel metals are not affected by the composite.

Abstract: A banner (1), which can be dragged by an airplane (2) using a drag rope (3), includes a banner rod (5) which is connected to the drag rope (3) by way of a banner spider (4). Disks (10) acting as trailing wheels are arranged on the banner rod (5) on both sides of the banner (1). The banner rod (5) is held at a distance from the surface of the runway prior to starting off, such that the banner does not lie on the runway as a result of the wind produced by propeller of the airplane (2), thereby enabling the airplane (2) to start off with a coupled banner 1without any problem.

Abstract: A retail display article based upon an original photograph of a subject including at least one item of clothing and having visible portions of skin. The display article includes a back panel and a display photograph. The back panel defines a flat surface. The display photograph depicts an edited version of the original photograph such that the visible portions of skin depicted in the display photograph is configured to imitate a general appearance of a mannequin. The display photograph is disposed on the flat surface of the back panel. The display photograph and the back panel are collectively cut about the perimeter of the subject. Retail display systems and methods of construction provide additional advantages.