Abstract: A brush assembly includes a handle and a brush head attached to the handle. The brush head includes a base with a plurality of integral bristles and a matrix. The matrix is made of sponge, foam or other compressible material. As the brush is used on a person or an animal skin or scalp, the hair or fur causes the matrix to compress and expose the bristles. When the brush is removed, the matrix springs back and removes any hair, fur, or other material entangled in the hair. Optionally a vibrating device is incorporated into the brush to provide massaging of the skin and/or scalp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning brush cap for capping a brush head of a cleaning brush. Said cleaning brush cap comprises: at least two main layers, superimposed to form a cap body having an interior space, wherein an opening is disposed on the lower end of the cap body such that the brush head of the cleaning brush is inserted into the interior space through the opening; at least two cleaning layers disposed on both surfaces of the cap body for taking away the filth; and at least one combination trace disposed on the surfaces of the cleaning layers for combining the main layers and the cleaning layers, wherein an margin is set between the combination trace and the edge of the cleaning layers, such that the edge of each of the layers forms becomes a loose border capable of cleaning small corners effectively. And an eccentric distance is provided between the middle section of the interior space and the opening, such that the cleaning brush cap can be pulled out easily.

Abstract: A hand held tool comprised of an elongated triangular shaped elastomeric applicator tool (20) for spreading, smoothing and feathering filler material which can be utilized with a handle (30).

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wiper blade assembly which is connected to an automobile wiper arm by means of a connector while coming into close contact with the glass surface of an automobile windshield. The wiper blade assembly includes a flexible blade, an elastic member, and a spoiler. The wiper blade assembly has the effect of reducing the number of constituent elements and achieving the easy assembling operation of the elements by virtue of a simplified configuration thereof.

Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of assembly thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.

Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of assembly thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.

Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of construction thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.

Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of construction thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting; head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.

Abstract: A wiper blade 13 comprises a rubber holder 17 attached to a tip of a wiper arm 14 and a blade rubber 16 supported by the rubber holder 17. The rubber holder 17 is formed into a U-shaped cross section, and an intermediate portion of the blade rubber 16 is covered with the rubber holder 17. Also, both sides of the rubber holder 17 are provided with covers 18 in a longitudinal direction in series. Each of the cover 18 becomes rotatable to the rubber holder 17 in a direction perpendicular to a front windshield glass 12, and exposed portions from the rubber holder 17 of the blade rubber 16 are covered with these covers 18 in an elastically deformable state.

Abstract: A motor manifold is disclosed and which includes a main body with an upwardly facing surface which supports a motor which drives an air movement assembly; and a downwardly facing surface which rests in juxtaposed relation relative to a fluid recovery tank, and wherein the main body defines an aperture which extends therethrough, and wherein the motor and associated air movement assembly are substantially aligned with the aperture, and wherein the downwardly facing surface defines an annularly shaped male member which circumscribes the aperture, and is matingly received within the fluid recovery tank.

Abstract: A motor-noise absorbing apparatus of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The motor-noise absorbing apparatus includes a body seated and fixed on a peripheral part of an opening of a motor housing to close between the motor housing and a stator core and, thus, to restrict an amount of the air discharged between the motor housing and the stator core, a first air discharging part formed in the middle of the body, so that most of the air comes out of the guide vein is discharged between the stator core and a rotor, and at least one second air discharging part formed to penetrate a peripheral part of the body, so that a portion of the air coming out of the guide vein is discharged between the motor housing and the stator core.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle comprising: a chassis (1a) extending in a longitudinal direction (1b) and with lateral sides (1c) parallel to the longitudinal direction (1b); a storage apparatus (5) for a fuel gas; an engine (2) utilizing fuel gas; wheels (2a) at least partly driven by the engine (2); driving means (14); a container (3) for refuse and pollutants; and conveying members (4) suitable to convey refuse and pollutants towards the container (3); the container (3) having side panels (3a) provided with recesses (15) expanding inward and extending above the lateral sides (1c); and the storage apparatus (5) comprising a plurality of tanks disposed in the recesses (15) and supported by the chassis (1a). The recesses (15) are also provided with connecting walls suitable to facilitate the flow of refuse inside said container (3).

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a spring in a passenger assist handle assembly for a vehicle includes spaced supports and a canister containing a spring connected to the supports on opposite ends of the canister. Protrusions and receiving surfaces are provided on each end of the canister and on the supports for securing a position of the canister relative to the supports and resisting rotational forces exerted against the canister.

Abstract: A hinge that is configured to lock two pivotally connect members of a handle for a syringe together includes at least one end for engaging and rotating with a first member of the handle. The hinge also includes a locking element within the second member of the handle. The locking element is configured to engage or be engaged by a locking feature within the second member of the handle, with the locking feature configured to limit or prevent rotation of the hinge. By restricting rotation of the hinge in this manner, the at least one end of the hinge likewise restricts pivotal movement of the first member of the handle. Methods of limiting movement of the members of a handle of a syringe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hinge for connection of two furniture parts comprises a bowl-shaped element designed to be fastened to a first furniture part and a wing rotatably in engagement with said bowl-shaped element, the wing being adapted to be fastened to an intermediate element that, in turn, is fastened to a hinge base designed to be secured to a second furniture part, a shock absorber being present which comprises a body designed to be rigidly connected to said second furniture part and a shock absorbing member movably mounted on said body to restrain the closing movement of the hinge. The shock absorber body is mounted on the intermediate element of the hinge.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a wobble-resistant hinge structure, comprising a main frame body having a main plate; a first pivotal axle with one end of its axle rod being inserted with the main plate, at least a resilient plate body with a succession of wave or uneven surface, and a support part, and with the free end of the axle rod being capped, wherein the resilient plate body is disposed with at least a pair of flat portions and the support part corresponding to the flat portions s protrudingly to form a pair of support legs, which are held compressingly against the flat portions and are supported by the main plate, such that the application of external force on the resilient plate body will not result in wobbling.

Abstract: A vehicle body hinge mechanism includes at least one hinge set carried by a support plate that retains a pivot pin and a retainer bar in a cantilevered manner. Preferably, the plate is stamped, and the pivot pin supports a lever, such as a gooseneck arm, that will be coupled to the hood. The plate includes a mount that will be carried by peripheral body structure around the hood opening. The retainer bar carries a helically wound spring that secures one end of the spring for resistance to rotation about the axis of the bar. The other end of the spring engages a linkage that urges the lever to pivot toward the open position. Preferably, a stop limit is integrally incorporated in the linkage carried by the plate to stop the lever at a desired hood opening limit.

Abstract: A hinge to improve panel stability has a central bracket, a tilt hinge assembly and a rotating hinge assembly. The central bracket has two ribs. The tilt hinge assembly connects to the central bracket and connects to a base of an electronic device. The rotating hinge assembly connects to the central bracket, connects to a panel of the electronic device and has a flange abutting against the ribs of the central bracket to keep the panel steady when the panel rotates relative to the base via the rotating hinge assembly.

Abstract: A hand bracket comprising a grip section, a top connection bracket at a first end of the grip section and a bottom connection bracket a second end of the grip section. At least one of the top connection bracket and the bottom connection bracket comprises a shell having two screw holes and a rim, with screw cylinders extending from the screw holes to a position planar with the rim. The at least one of the top connection bracket and the bottom connection bracket includes a first side and a second side, with the two screw holes located closer to one of the first side or the second side.

Abstract: A drapery carrier has a generally rectangular retaining plate. The width of the retaining plate is sufficiently narrow (e.g., about ¼ inch), in the dimension perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the carrier, so that it can be inserted through the horizontal slot in a drapery traverse rod when the carrier is aligned with its longitudinal axis parallel to the horizontal slot in the traverse rod. The length of the retaining plate is sufficiently long (e.g., about ½ inch) and rounded on the ends so that it prevents the carrier from falling out of the traverse rod when the carrier hangs vertically to carry a wire hook supporting a drapery pleat. The carrier may be made of cast rigid plastic with an eye to receive a wire drapery hook. The retaining plate is attached to the base of the carrier by a generally cylindrical slider.

Abstract: A cable clamp having a retainer component and a plunger component. The plunger component includes serrated prongs that insert within slots formed in the retainer component.

Abstract: A hose clamp includes a clamping band, a clamping device and a positioning arrangement, wherein the positioning arrangement has at least one positioner with a base and a claw for being pressed into a hose wall. The claw has a portion protruding inwardly from the base in a pressing direction, wherein the claw has an end which forms with the inwardly protruding section an obtuse angle (?).

Abstract: A draw cord adjuster includes a closure member having a first end and a second end. At least one locking member is anchored to one of the first end and the second end of the closure member. At least one anchoring member is positioned proximate the one of the first end and the second end of the closure member to which a corresponding locking member is anchored, with each anchoring member being movably secured to the corresponding locking member.

Abstract: A cord lock for adjusting the length of a cord used in clothes or bags, including: a main body for receiving the cord, including a bottom cover portion, an outer cover portion and an inner portion formed on the bottom cover portion, a control space portion formed between the outer cover portion and the inner portion, and an oval-shaped first receptor hole and an oval-shaped second receptor hole respectively formed through the outer cover portion and the inner portion for passing the cord; control means for adjusting the length of the cord, which had passed through the first receptor hole and the second receptor hole of the main body, including an upper cover portion provided with a plurality of protrusions, and a control portion protruded approximately perpendicularly from the end of the upper cover portion, received by the control space portion, and provided with a third receptor hole for passing the cord; connecting means produced integrally with the control means and the main body by injection molding for

Abstract: A hose clamp includes a clamping band, a tensioning device and a positioning arrangement for positioning the hose clamp on a hose. The positioning arrangement includes at least two positioners. The two positioners may be arranged at a distance from each other in a circumferential direction of at least 120°. Axial stops may be arranged on both sides in a circumferential direction of at least one of the positioners.

Abstract: A tether fastening device includes a tether clip and a strap to couple a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis, and a second engagement structure, such as a body panel. The strap is coupled to the tether clip and couples the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure to allow for controlled detachment. When attached, the tether clip fastens the first engagement structure with the second engagement structure. For example, the tether clip and first engagement structure may detach from the second engagement structure; however, the strap controls the acceleration, speed and distance displaced between the first engagement structure and the second engagement structure. According to one embodiment, the tether clip may further include a tether cap integrated with the strap and a fastener clip operative to couple to the tether cap.

Abstract: A flexible zipper for use with stretchy fabrics containing a tracking base composed of a first piece of fabric and a second piece of fabric, with the first piece and second piece being substantially equal in dimension, and with the tracking base fabric being composed of a material that is stretchable in multiple directions. There are a plurality of slits along the tracking base allowing the zipper to be stretchy in an up and down direction. There is a tracking portion that latches and unlatches the zipper through a plurality of protrusions on one side of the tracking portion and a plurality of grooves on the opposing side of the tracking portion. There is a sliding tab for latching and unlatching the tracking portion. The zipper can be turned inside out, rendering the zipper invisible, if desired.

Abstract: A scaffold clamp 1 is provided for retaining two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 in close proximity. The scaffold clamp 1 comprises a first yoke part 7 for engaging with external surface of one of the scaffold pipes 3/5. A second yoke part 9 is provided for engaging with external surfaces of the other of the scaffold pipes 3/5. A stringer part 11 interconnects the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 at one side. A clamping mechanism 17 is provided for interconnecting the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 at the other side. The scaffold clamp is such that the two scaffold pipes 3/5 will be embraced within a space 23 defined by the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9, and the stringer part 11 and the clamping mechanism 17, so there can be relative drawing of the first yoke part 7 towards the second yoke part 9 to retain the two scaffold pipes 3/5 in adjacent proximity.

Abstract: A connecting device which has an excellent appearance, produces no frictional sound between a connecting device main body such as a swivel hook main body and a belt attaching member and can be assembled easily and securely. The connecting device includes a neck portion standing from a proximal portion of a main body of the connecting device and an engagement head which is expanded in an outward direction form a center of an axis line such that a diameter thereof can be reduced, the engagement head being provided at a front end of the neck portion. A belt attaching member is connected to the main body rotatably around the neck portion. A through hole which the engagement head can be engaged with by insertion is formed in part of the belt attaching member. In the through hole, a small-diameter hole portion having a smaller diameter than the diameter of the engagement head and a large-diameter hole portion having a large diameter than the diameter of the engagement head are connected via a stepped portion.

Abstract: A snap fastener, of a laterally engageable type, for garments in general, comprises a male part including a contoured projection and to be clamped to a first flap of the garment article, and a female part, including a female part hollow body having an inner cavity and clamped to a second flap of the garment article, the hollow body including, at a top part thereof, a seat for laterally engaging therein the contoured projection, the seat comprising an elongated slot including an open end portion, formed on the peripheral surface of the hollow body. With respect to a prior like snap fastener, the inventive snap fastener has the advantage that it allows the garment article to be buttoned up by a simple lateral engaging of the male portion into the female portion, without requiring additional axial movements.

Abstract: Process for treating threads by knitting-unraveling includes: knitting several individual threads (2) on a multi-feed knitting machine (1); carrying out one or more heat, chemical or other treatments, in one or more chambers (7); carrying out, in an unraveling unit (4), an unraveling with pulling on the first knit thread and winding or beaming the unraveled threads (2) individually or carrying out on these individual threads another treatment operation or a production operation, optionally with an intermediate accumulation of the threads. The invention can be applied more particularly in the field of the textile industry, in particular the treatment of threads, particularly texturing by knitting-unraveling.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element includes a step of subjecting the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film to a heat treatment and a polarization treatment after the film is allowed to stand until the value of an electric constant has converged after the heat treatment. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element manufactured in this method has small stress remaining in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film, and predetermined performance regarding, for example, a displacement amount, a displacement-generating force, and an electric power efficiency (consumed electric power) as a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element (piezoelectric/electrostrictive film) is never spoiled.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool for machining a workpiece by a relative movement between the workpiece and a tool, comprising a first receiving device for the workpiece or the tool, a compound slide system with a second receiving device for the tool or the workpiece and comprising a drive device for moving the second receiving device in relation to the first receiving device, which drive device acts at least two spaced-apart points of application by at least three drive struts extending parallel to at least two different directions and each with a pivot joint, and with which drive device the at least two points of application can be positioned by means of the at least three drive struts, in such a way that exact positioning of the second slide element can be achieved by structural measures, it is proposed that four drive struts of invariant length, each with a pivot joint, act on the slide element, each of which struts is pivotally connected to a guiding slide, which is guided in a linearly movable manner

Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces, for example plastic spectacle lenses, has a workpiece spindle which rotates the workpiece about a workpiece rotation axis, and a fast tool arrangement which moves a turning tool in the direction to and from the workpiece, wherein the workpiece spindle and the fast tool arrangement can moreover be moved relative to one another in a direction transverse to the workpiece rotation axis. A tool holder is connected to the fast tool arrangement and carries the turning tool. An engraving tool is spaced from the workpiece rotation axis and has an essentially point-shaped end facing towards the workpiece. The engraving tool can be moved in the direction of the workpiece and away therefrom in a highly dynamic manner via the tool holder, so that a marking can be produced on the workpiece in particular by a needling engagement of the engraving tool with the workpiece.

Abstract: A multiple well plate and method for media exchange, including a body defining a plurality of cell wells each connected via a channel to one of a plurality of aspiration holes, is provided. The cell wells contain a porous, hydrophilic frit which is suspended on a ledge above a reservoir of fluid media and supports a tissue sample. The properties of the frit wick the fluid media upwards to supply the tissue sample with nutrients for growth and proliferation. Old media is aspirated from the wells by a liquid handling device which inserts a pipette tip into the aspiration holes. The pipette tip applies a suction pressure which draws the media out of the cell well, through the channel, into the aspiration hole and out through the pipette tip. New media is dispersed through the pipette tip and directly into the cell well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for connecting cable cores, in particular of insulated telecommunication and data cables, to an insulation-piercing contact element, with a ram, which is formed with a ram head, by means of which the cable cores can be pressed into the insulation-piercing contact, the ram head being shaped in such a way that at least two cable cores can be pressed in simultaneously into at least two insulation-piercing contact elements lying next to each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminated stator core includes: forming a band-shaped yoke core piece having a shape that a yoke of the laminated stator core is developed in a straight line and having concave connection portions in the inner circumferential edge thereof by punching a metal plate; forming a laminated yoke body by winding and laminating the band-shaped yoke core piece in a spiral shape and coupling the laminated band-shaped yoke core piece in a caulking manner; forming a magnetic core piece having a convex connection portion at the base end thereof by punching a metal plate; forming a laminated magnetic body by laminating and coupling a predetermined number of the magnetic core pieces to each other in a caulking manner; and coupling the laminated yoke body and the laminated magnetic body to each other by winding a coil around the laminated magnetic body and then inserting the convex connection portions into the concave connection portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric synchronous machine. There is a need for a dual rotor electric synchronous machine which has a mechanism for adjusting the rotor relative angular displacement while the machine is running in order to reduce back EMF. There is a need for such an adjusting mechanism which can carry high torque loads. An electric synchronous machine is provided with a housing, first and second shafts rotatably supported in the housing, each with a corresponding rotor fixed thereon, both having permanent magnet field poles. Each rotor is surrounded by a corresponding annular stator, and stator coils are wound through both stators. A planetary transmission is coupled between the first and second shafts and operable during rotation of the first and second shafts to adjust an angular orientation of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an antenna includes the step of stamping an initial set of openings within a metal strip and then plating that metal strip on all exterior surfaces. Initial openings define portions of features of the completed antenna that require plating on all surfaces. Once the metal coil has been plated the metal strips are fed through a final stamping process that makes final cuts that correspond with the initially made openings. The final cuts are on surfaces that do not require plating on all of the exterior surfaces.

Abstract: Even when a cell electrode plate with broader width is press formed to enhance bulk density of electrode active material, it is made possible to positively and reliably provide a high-quality cell electrode plate with good productivity. From upstream to downstream in a travel direction D of a cell electrode plate 10 comprising a core member with electrode active material applied thereon, an uncoiler 1, a tension applicator 3, a four-high mill type roll press device 4, a thickness detector 5, a tension applicator 6 and a coiler 9 are arranged in the order named.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus to mount electronic components on a board includes at least one component feeder in which electronic components of different types are disposed in series, and a mounting information supplier which supplies mounting information. The component feeder is configured to mount the electronic components on the board based on the mounting information from the mounting information supplier.

Abstract: Provided is a coaxial cable connector compression tool comprising a resilient coaxial cable retaining mechanism, having a tool mounting portion, affixed to said compression tool and a compliant cable receiving portion configured to releasably retain a coaxial cable, wherein the cable retaining mechanism, which may be comprised or one or multiple pieces, bears minimal compression forces while positioned on said compression tool to hold said coaxial cable in proper alignment when said compression tool is operated. Moreover, a method is provided for retaining a coaxial cable in proper alignment during compression of a coaxial cable connector onto said coaxial cable.

Abstract: A wire insertion tool for a push-in wire connector has a frame and a slide assembly mounted for reciprocating motion on the frame. The frame includes a carriage on which a push-in wire connector is mounted. The slide assembly carries a wire holder which mounts an electric wire opposite the wire connector. An actuator extends to advance the slide assembly and carry a wire in the holder in a direction parallel to the axis of the wire. Advancement of the wire holder inserts the wire into the connector. The wire holder is then released and the slide assembly is retracted to prepare for the next insertion cycle.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a leadframe with a structure made of a base metal (105), wherein the structure consists of a chip mount pad (402) and a plurality of lead segments (403). Covering the base metal are, consecutively, a nickel layer (301) on the base metal, and a continuous layer of noble metal, which consists of a gold layer (201) on the nickel layer, and an outermost palladium layer (202) on the gold layer. A semiconductor chip (410) is attached to the chip mount pad and conductive connections (412) span from the chip to the lead segments. Polymeric encapsulation compound (420) covers the chip, the connections, and portions of the lead segments. In QFN devices with straight sides (501), the compound forms a surface (421) coplanar with the outermost palladium layer (202) on the un-encapsulated leadframe surfaces.

Abstract: A method of making a circuitized substrate in which pairs of vertically oriented though holes are formed such that at least one of the through holes is partially embedded within a lower one, thus assuring a sound connection following subsequent lamination or other steps the substrate including such holes is subjected to during manufacture. An electrical assembly including a substrate with such features is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming transcriptional circuits and a method for manufacturing a circuit board are disclosed. A method of forming a transcriptional circuit, which includes forming an intaglio pattern corresponding to a circuit pattern by selectively forming a resist on a mold board, filling conductive material in the intaglio pattern, and transferring the conductive material onto a carrier by pressing the carrier onto the mold board such that the carrier faces the surface of the mold board having the conductive material filled in, makes it possible to form transcriptional circuits that can be transcribed into an insulation board using existing equipment, whereby costs can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circuit board is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a circuit board that includes forming a first circuit pattern on the insulation layer of a carrier, in which an insulation layer and a first seed layer are stacked in order; stacking and pressing the carrier and an insulation board with the side of the carrier having the first circuit pattern facing the insulation board; removing the carrier to transfer the first circuit pattern and the insulation layer onto the insulation board; and forming a second circuit pattern on the insulation layer transferred to the insulation board, allows fine pitch circuit patterns to enable the manufacture of fine circuit patterns of high density on the board, and allows the manufacture of a multi-layer circuit board with a simple process.

Abstract: An insulated electric wire having a conductive core and an insulation jacket is center stripped by cutting a pattern in one side of the insulation jacket with a laser beam, and then cutting a coordinated pattern in an opposite side of the insulation jacket with a laser beam to produce two axially spaced circumferential cuts connected by a plurality of generally axial cuts that define at least two removeable insulation slugs for exposing the conductive core while the insulation jacket on either side of the exposed conductive core is left intact. An in-line center stripping device or a multiple wire rotation device may be used for center stripping the insulated electric wire. The insulated slugs may by removed by an insulation removal device on an offal removal assembly.

Abstract: A process for producing exhaust gas manifolds is provided, which have a flange for fastening to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, manifold pipes for leading off the exhaust gases flowing from the cylinders, and a pipe connector, wherein the pipe connector has openings for the manifold pipes. In accordance with the invention, the pipe connector is designed with reinforced openings. Then the ends of the manifold pipes are introduced into the openings and expanded. In this process, the pipe ends undergo plastic deformation, and the pipes are connected gas-tight.