Abstract: It is an object to provide a machining and conveying apparatus in which a moving range of a movable arm is widened and a degree of operational freedom of the movable arm is heightened so that constraint of a work machining condition can be eased. A machining and conveying apparatus 1 has a first rotational moving unit 15 that is provided between a base end of a movable arm 2 and a base plate 16 so as to rotationally move the movable arm 2 about a rotation shaft 14 vertical to rotation shafts 5, 6 and 7 of joints of the movable arm 2, and a second rotational moving unit 20 that is provided to an arm piece 11 at the base end of the movable arm 2 so as to rotationally move the movable arm 2 about a rotation shaft 19 vertical to both the rotation shaft 14 of the first rotational moving unit and the rotation shafts 5, 6 and 7 of the joints.

Abstract: In a gear burnishing system having burnishing gear positions arranged around a subject gear at its center, a burnishing gear is formed as a scraper gear retained on a shaft rotationally by a keyway formed in an inner bore of the scraper gear which is wider by a predefined gap than a corresponding key formed on the shaft such that the scraper gear can move angularly by a small amount for maximum contact on the subject gear. In a preferred embodiment, a number of scraper gears are arranged in a stack on the shaft. Both ends of each scraper gear are beveled along the peripheral edges to cause each tooth to be raked and to create knife blades and serve to trap debris. Each tooth is formed with equal blade angles and a recess with compound angles for debris entrapment. The scraper gears can be mounted with bearings for limited gimbal movement to assure following the subject gear.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suspension damper removal tool for removing a shock absorber from a suspension assembly of a vehicle. The removal tool includes a base and a projection. The base includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion has at least one mounting hole for mounting the removal tool to at least one lug bolt of a hub assembly. The projection extends outwardly from the second end portion of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method transform a container into an article. The apparatus, the system and the method operate as a vending machine that allows a user to deposit the container and/or money into the vending machine. After receiving the container and/or the money, a shape of the container, a barcode on the container, and/or a weight of the container are analyzed to determine whether to accept the container or to reject the container. If the container is rejected, the container and/or the money are returned to the user. If the container is accepted, the apparatus, the system and/or the method cuts, washes and/or dries the container. The apparatus, the system and/or the method further cuts, presses, flanges and/or wraps the container into an article. The article may be a toy car and/or other novelty item. A window allows the user to observe the container transformed into the article. A decal may be delivered to the user to decorate the article.

Abstract: A shuttle change system for use in a wrapping apparatus for wrapping an associated item is disclosed. The wrapping apparatus includes a shuttle that moves along the inner periphery of a track dispensing a wrapping material. The shuttle change system includes a carrier and a pair of track sections mounted to the carrier. The track sections are spaced from one another and parallel to one another, each adapted to support a shuttle. The carrier is moveable vertically, longitudinally and laterally to align either of the pair of tracks with the cantilevered base portion of the track. One of the tracks is adapted to receive a shuttle to be replaced and the other of the tracks is adapted to store a replacement shuttle for movement onto the track. The carrier is movable away from the track to permit the openable track portion to open and close without interference.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle. The method includes assembling a set of body panels to a vehicle body structure by interlocking a body panel mating feature with a body mating feature.

Abstract: A composite material includes individual layers each having a plurality of bands of polymeric tape disposed generally parallel to each other. At least one polymeric fiber is provided between adjacent bands of the polymeric tape. A matrix at least partially covers the bands of tape and the fiber. Together, the plurality of bands, the polymeric fiber, and the matrix form a single layer composite material, which can be further processed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer case including carbon fiber. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a computer case. In one example, the computer case may be for a desktop computer (e.g., a personal computer or “PC”). In another example, the carbon fiber may be integrated into the computer case in the form of one or more panels.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing wireless communication devices for use in tracking or identifying other items comprises a number of cutting techniques that allow the size of the antenna for the wireless communication device. Further, the chip for the wireless communication device is nested so as to be flush with the surface of the substrate of the wireless communication device. Rollers cut the tabs that form the antenna elements. In a first embodiment, a plurality of rollers are used, each on effecting a different cut whose position may be phased so as to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. In a second embodiment, the rollers are independently positionable to shorten or lengthen the antenna element.

Abstract: At the wafer stage of a manufacturing process of magnetoresistive effect elements, the characteristics of the magnetoresistive effect elements can be correctly measured, fluctuations in the characteristics of the magnetoresistive effect elements can be suppressed, and highly reliable magnetoresistive effect elements can be manufactured with a high yield. A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive effect element includes a process that forms terminals that electrically connect a lower shield layer on both sides of a final position of a air bearing surface and a process that forms terminals that electrically connect an upper shield layer on both sides of a final position of a air bearing surface.

Abstract: A photolithographic process using an X-direction delimiting mask (S11) for aligning respective side faces of a TMR element (1) and a strap (5) situated in a negative X side is performed, to shape the TMR element (1) and the strap (5) into desired configurations. The X-direction delimiting mask (S11) includes a straight edge and is disposed such that the straight edge is parallel to a Y direction and crosses both the TMR element (1) and the strap (5) in plan view. In use of the X-direction delimiting mask (S11), respective portions of the TMR element (1) and the strap (5) situated in a positive X side relative to the straight edge in plan view are covered with the X-direction delimiting mask (S11).

Abstract: A thermal-type fluid flow sensor technology for measuring more precisely the temperature of the heater for an improved sensibility of detecting flow measurements. The thermal-type fluid flow sensor for measuring the air flow rate includes a heating resistive element formed on the semiconductor substrate through a first insulating layer, temperature-measuring resistive elements for heating resistive element for measuring the temperature of the heating resistive element, upstream and downstream temperature-measuring resistive elements for detecting the temperature of air on the upstream side and the downstream side of the air heated by the heating resistive element, and an air temperature measuring resistive element for measuring the temperature of the air heated by the heating resistive element, and at least the temperature-measuring resistive element for the heating resistive element is disposed in the upper layer or lower layer of the heating resistive element.

Abstract: A method of making a printed circuit board in which at least three substrates are aligned and bonded together (e.g., using lamination). Two of the substrates have openings formed therein, with each opening including a cover member located therein. During lamination, the cover members for a seal and prevent dielectric material (e.g., resin) liquefied during the lamination from contacting the conductive layers on the opposed surfaces of the inner (first) substrate. A PCB is thus formed with either a projecting edge portion or a plurality of cavities therein such that electrical connection may be made to the PCB using an edge connector or the like.

Abstract: First, a unilayer wiring board is fabricated, which has wiring layers formed in desired shapes on both sides of an insulating base member; and a metal bump formed on the wiring layer on one side of the insulating base member. Then, a desired number of unilayer boards are prepared and stacked up. On that case, the board disposed in the uppermost layer is prepared without having a metal bump. The boards are positioned and stacked up in such a manner that a metal bump of one of adjacent boards is connected to a corresponding wiring layer of the other board. Thereafter, resin is filled into gaps between the stacked boards, and insulating layers are formed on both sides of a multilayer board obtained through the above steps, in such a manner as to cover the entire surface except pad areas defined at predetermined positions on the wiring layers.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an apparatus for crimping a terminal to an electrical wire, which have respective part numbers, and allows miniaturization of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a base, a drive portion, a plurality of applicators, a plurality of connection/disconnection portions and a control device. The drive portion drives the associated applicator to crimp the terminal to the electrical wire. The connection/disconnection portions each are disposed in one-to-one relation ship against the respective applicators. The each connection/disconnection portion is positionable at a connection and a disconnection position, where a driving force is transmitted to or released from the associated applicator. The control device controls the associated connection/disconnection portion so that the applicator corresponding to the part numbers of the electrical wire and the terminal can achieve crimping with the driving force from the drive portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves are used for generating hydrodynamic pressure. Each of the grooves includes an upper branch (344) and a lower branch (342) coupled to the upper branch. The upper branch has a larger angle (?1) of divergence from the groove than that (?2) of the lower branch.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing with hydrodynamic pressure generating grooves comprises steps of: step 201: providing a substrate with a first annular protrusion and a plurality of projections formed on a periphery thereof, the projections being in a side of the first annular protrusion; step 202: placing the substrate in a middle of a hollow mold, then injecting a feedstock of powder and molten binder under pressure into the mold to surround the substrate, thus forming a desired bearing preform; step 203: separating the substrate from the bearing preform by means of catalytic debinding; step 204: separating the molten binder from the bearing preform; step 205: sintering the bearing preform to thereby form the hydrodynamic bearing.

Abstract: A double ended clipper, comprising a double clipper body having two opposite cutting members with a pair of cutting blades, in a planar or a stacked position. The cutting members can have clip covers covering both lateral sides of the cutting members with the clip cover leaving the cutting blades exposed. The double ended clipper is operated by a lever arm attached to the clip cover or by a handle attached to the cutting members in a similar manner as the conventional nail cutters.

Abstract: A razor cartridge measurement apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first device for measuring a first load applied to a razor cartridge in a first direction and a second load applied to the razor cartridge in a second direction different than the first direction. The apparatus also includes a second device for measuring an angle at which the cartridge is positioned relative to a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A reciprocative electric hair trimmer is constituted by a seat, a blade body, and a mesh. An interior of the seat is provided with a reciprocative vibration mechanism; the blade body is fixed on the reciprocative vibration mechanism, and is formed into a piece of continuous bending surfaces. Lower concave surfaces of the continuous bending surfaces are fixed on the reciprocative vibration mechanism, and top surfaces of the continuous bending surfaces are formed with a plurality of blades. The mesh is mutually assembled with the seat, and conforms to an outline of the blade body. Accordingly, the present invention is provided with a great hair trimming effect and function, and can be also used to trim temples.

Abstract: A specialized utensil including a functional tool disposed on one end of the utensil and a handle disposed on a second end of the utensil, wherein the handle comprises a graphical illustration of the function of the utensil and a item that the functional tool is designed to be used on.

Abstract: A fruit cutter includes a fixed seat, and a cutting device movable relative to the fixed seat. The cutting device includes a movable seat and a blade unit. The blade unit includes a plurality of cutting blades. The cutting blades have an intersection provided with a sharp tapered drilling portion. Each of the cutting blades has a mediate portion provided with a concave guide edge. Thus, the drilling portion of the cutting blades is inserted into the central portion of the fruit to pierce the fruit, while the cutting blades of the blade unit extend from the central portion toward the rim of the fruit to cut and separate the fruit by guidance of the guide edge of each of the cutting blades, so that the fruit is cut into multiple parts easily and quickly.

Abstract: A blade set for hair clipper which comprises a lower fixed blade, an upper fixed blade, a movable blade assembly and a blade holder. The lower fixed blade is provided with a first toothed front edge. The upper fixed blade is provided with a second toothed front edge which is disposed on top of the lower fixed blade and aligned corresponding to the lower fixed blade so that the teeth of the first toothed front edge and the second toothed front edge do not overlap with each other. The movable blade assembly is disposed in between the lower fixed blade and the upper fixed blade and is connected to a driving means driven by a driving unit in the hair clipper to reciprocate laterally relative to the lower fixed blade and the upper fixed blade in an operating condition. A third toothed front edge is provided at a front end of the movable blade assembly. A lower portion of the third toothed front edge cooperates with an upper portion of the first toothed front edge to define a first cutting surface.

Abstract: To allow trimming body hair by pulling as well as pushing with the same hair trimmer device (1), its comb unit (6) is positioned over the trimming head (16) in at least two different positions (8, 9), one (8) pulling and one pushing position (9). In particular, in the different comb positions (8, 9), the tips (20) of the comb unit's fins (13) point in the direction of the respective movement. Preferably, the comb unit (6) is removably attached. In a preferred embodiment, the trimming head (16) includes shaving means (18) besides trimming means (19).

Abstract: A gardening shears includes a shears body, an actuating mechanism supported on the shears body, a nozzle assembly to be driven by the actuating mechanism, a container, a flexible tube connected between the nozzle assembly and the container for guiding a chemical fluid out of the container to the nozzle assembly for spraying onto the cutter blades of the shears body or the cut cross section of a stalk or twig as the actuating mechanism is forced to drive the nozzle during a cutting operation of shears body.

Abstract: An improved feedout mechanism for the cutting head of a rotary trimmer includes curved surfaces on the top of the lower row of the cam tangs which replace the original flat surfaces of the lower row of cam tangs in the prior art cutting head. Also, the lower surface of each follower tang also has a curved surface which is changed from the original flat design in the prior art. The curved surfaces of the follower tangs and the cam tangs facilitate the line advancement operation and prevents the follower tangs from being hung up with the cam tangs.

Abstract: The swab cutter has a body and a blade assembly. The body has an upper surface, a rear section, a front section, a cutting slot, a blade assembly slot and at least one detent. The cutting slot is formed in the front section. The blade assembly slot is formed vertically in the front section from the upper surface through the cutting slot and has two inside surfaces. The detent is formed in one of the inside surface. The blade assembly is mounted detachably in the blade assembly slot and has two sides, at least one resilient finger, a cutting slot and a blade. The resilient finger is formed respectively on one of the side of the blade assembly, and the finger has a boss corresponding to and selectively engaging the detent. The cutting slot corresponds to the cutting slot in the body. The blade is mounted in the cutting slot in the blade assembly.

Abstract: A saw blade clamping mechanism includes a saw blade spindle, a support sleeve, a clamping pin, and a rotating sleeve. The spindle has a longitudinal receiving slot and an axial elongate slot. The rotating sleeve has a retaining slot. A movable pin is secured on the rotating sleeve and extends through the elongate slot. A latch pin is fixed on the support sleeve and is held within the retaining slot. The rotating sleeve is movable from a first position to a second position. When the rotating sleeve is in the first position, the latch pin is positioned at an outer end of the circumferential section of the retaining slot and the clamping pin inserts into the longitudinal receiving slot of the spindle to fix a saw blade. When the rotating sleeve is in the second position, the latch pin is positioned at an upper end of the axial section of the retaining slot and the clamping pin retracts from the receiving slot of the spindle to release the saw blade.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable cutting device for cutting different sized objects. It includes a frame, a circular blade and a guiding guard mounted to the frame and around the blade. The guiding guard includes first and second projections extending beyond the periphery of the blade. Each projection has an edge being spaced-apart from and facing the other edge, and defining there-between a cutting area having a peripheral entrance. This enables an insertable object to be cut as it is guided into the blade along the edge facing the rotation direction, and a partially insertable object to be partially cut as it abuts against borders of the peripheral entrance. It also includes a protector removably mounted around the peripheral entrance to removably cover it. The invention also concerns a guard with adjustment elements movably mounted thereto to adjust the dimensions of the cutting area.

Abstract: A drawing instrument includes a turning assembly including a handle, a post having an end center, a bevel gear rotatable about the post, and a lower extending socket; a gear assembly meshed with the bevel gear and including a wheel; a link assembly including a first link having an upper end pivotably secured to the wheel, and a second link pivotably secured to a lower end of the first link and having a lower portion received in the socket; and a drawing assembly including an arm including a scale and a groove, a wheeled support secured to the arm, a third link pivotably secured to the second link and the groove, a slider pivotably secured to the third link and adapted to slide in the groove, and a pen mounting bed adjustably fastened at the groove. Rotating the handle will cause the pen mounting bed to draw an ellipse.

Abstract: The model elementary flexor is a polyhedral panel represented by a four-angle star-like pyramid which is formed by thin elastic three-angle faces with hinge junctions. It has two symmetry planes which intersect the petals of flexor. An essential geometric property of the flexor is following: when the middle polyhedron is projected into the plane of the boundary, then each face is mapped to a triangle whose doubled intrinsic and extrinsic angles adjacent to the boundary are equal to ?/2?? ?/2+? respectively, where ? is the third angle of the three-angle and it belongs to the interval (0,?/2). As consequence, the presented device is more general than its prototype, the right star-like pyramid “Model ideal flexor”, disclosed in UA Patent No. 54692. The invented device belongs to various areas of technique and industry where polyhedral shells with freely changed geometric forms are applied: architecture, aircraft construction, shipbuilding and precise instrument-making.

Abstract: A rotational micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) having a piezo-resistor sensor is provided. The rotational MEMS device includes a pair of torsion springs that support a stage, four resistors, at least one of the resistors being formed along a center axis of the torsion springs, and electrical signal cables connected to the four resistors, wherein at least one of the torsion springs is formed in a <100> direction on an n-type silicon substrate having a (100) plane, and the resistors formed on the at least one of the torsion springs are formed in a <110> group direction.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pin and sight point shape configuration for enhancing sight point visibility. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a pin configuration including a pin portion, an integral pin mounting portion, and an integral spool adapted to be positioned offset to one side of a bow sight.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to plumbing control joints in masonry walls, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for plumbing a control joint in a brick wall surface. The invention includes a plumb rod which is positioned in a vertical control joint as bricks are being laid against a wall surface. A mounting bracket supports a bracket rod and cylindrical collar which may slide axially along and pivot about the bracket rod. The plumb rod is slidably received in an adjustable holding member. The plumb rod is then secured relative to the holding member. A spirit level is fixed within a circular bore of the holding member, which can be adjusted to the user's desired position. The plumbing apparatus is used to ensure that a control joint is vertical or plumb to level ground. The mounting bracket is attached to the wall surface, and the collar adjusted to position the plumb rod. The plumb rod is secured when the desired vertical position of is attained.

Abstract: A system for measuring substrate concentricity includes a substrate support member adapted to rotate a substrate around a substantially vertical axis. The substrate includes a mounting surface and a process surface. The system also includes a spin cup positioned below the substrate and a translatable arm mounted a predetermined distance above the process surface of the substrate. The translatable arm is adapted to translate along a radius of the substrate. The system further includes an optical emitter mounted on the translatable arm and an optical detector mounted on the translatable arm.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a tape outlet opening. A flexible measuring tape is movable between a retracted position in which the measuring tape is substantially disposed within the housing, and an extended position in which at least a portion of the measuring tape extends through the tape outlet opening and linearly outside the housing. The measuring tape has a free end and a pair of longitudinal edges, and the measuring tape has measuring indicia displayed thereon. A magnifying lens is connected to the housing. The magnifying lens overlays the portion of the measuring tape extending outside the housing when the measuring tape is in the extended position. The magnifying lens extends laterally beyond one of the longitudinal edges of the measuring tape. A cross-hair extends across the magnifying lens. The cross-hair is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal edges of the portion of the measuring tape extending outside the housing. The cross-hair is aligned against the measuring indicia.

Abstract: A clothes dryer comprises a plurality of generally parallel shelves. Each shelf includes at least an outer frame having a first end and a second end. Each shelf also includes a fabric extending across the frame to form a substantially planar surface. The dryer further includes a fan and a housing that encloses the fan. The housing has an extension arm and at least one air intake vent. The extension arm supports the second end of each shelf and comprises a plurality of air exhaust vents that are configured to direct air substantially parallel to the planar surface of each shelf.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved dryer (22) that is adapted to dry an object (?) and to an improved method of drying an object. The improved dryer (22) broadly includes: a conveyor (32) for translating an object (?) to be dried, the conveyor having an entrance end (33) and an exit end (34); an enclosure (35) surrounding the conveyor; a movable panel (36) arranged within the enclosure; an actuator (38) mounted on the enclosure and operatively arranged to selectively move the panel toward and away from the object; a first air knife (39) operatively arranged to discharge a first jet of air through the conveyor toward the object; and a second air knife (40) mounted on the movable panel and operatively arranged to discharge a second jet of air toward the object; whereby the actuator may be operated to move the panel into closer proximity with the object as the object moves along the conveyor from the entrance end to the exit end to dry the object.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, a wet shaving razor blade drying apparatus has a housing. A chamber in the housing, suitable for receiving at least a bladed end of the wet shaving razor. A fan within the housing that causes air to pass over the bladed end of the wet shaving razor when the wet shaving razor is inserted into the chamber when the fan running. A switch switches on the fan when the wet shaving razor is inserted into the chamber. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A pedestal dryer vent passes the dryer vent hose through the pedestal, allowing the dryer to be placed close to a wall and reducing the opportunity for kinks or obstructions in the vent hose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry machine and a control method thereof. The control method includes supplying steam, generated by a steam generator, into a drum, and supplying hot air into the drum to dry clothes wetted by the steam. According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively removing wrinkles on clothes.

Abstract: A tap shoe assembly is disclosed wherein both relatable elastic strap retaining means and alternative lace means are provided, so that the shoe can provide the look and feel of a laced tap shoe and elastically retained tap shoe.

Abstract: A modular footwear construction includes an upper with a removable outsole. The upper and the outsole both include bottoms having tread surfaces. A removable footbed fits inside the upper, and includes both a cushioning midsole and a structural plate. The outsole is removably secured to the upper without adhesives. In one embodiment, the midsole and the plate each have structure that enables a mechanical interlock therebetween. In another embodiment, a heel strap extends from the outsole and fits over a protrusion on the upper to removably secure the outsole to the upper.

Abstract: A multiple dimensional sandal having a multi-positional strap includes a sole having a heel portion, a forefoot portion, a lateral side and a medial side. A sandal includes a first strap portion having a fixed position with respect to the sole, and a pair of convertible strap portions having moveable positions with respect to one another and to the sole. The convertible strap portions are selectively positionable to define at least three sandal strap configurations. In a first configuration, the convertible strap portions coextend along the first strap portion to define a thong type sandal. In a second configuration, the convertible strap portions extend over the instep of the user's forefoot to define a thong sandal with an instep strap. In a third configuration, the convertible strap portions extend around the back of the heel to define a thong sandal having a heel strap.

Abstract: A shoe such as an infant's shoe includes a sole and an upper with the upper formed by a forefoot portion and a heel portion. When an infant's foot is to be placed in the shoe, the heel portion is configured to be pivoted with respect to the forefoot portion to an open position to allow the foot to slide into the forefoot portion. According to an example, after the foot is received in the forefoot portion, the heel portion is pivoted to a substantially closed position and one or more securing devices associated with each of the forefoot portion and heel portion are engaged to secure the shoe on the infant's foot.

Abstract: Melded footwear and process for manufacture of footwear. This enhanced shoe can be formed and assembled with a limited number of steps and without the need for much stitching. The shoe has a durable polyurethane shell, which is an integrated upper and outsole. The shoe contains a textile upper portion which is attached by direct injection molded. Molding the textile to the outsole eliminates the need for the use of adhesives. A locking plug element is provided that serves the dual function of providing cushioning around the heel and locking certain elements together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single lace boot with multiple compression zones. In one embodiment, the present invention is a boot having a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The boot also has an upper zone located near a top portion of the first side and the second side, a middle zone located below the upper zone, and a lower zone located below the middle zone. Furthermore, the boot has a plurality of lacing mechanisms located on the first side and the second side and a single lace with a first end secured to one of the plurality of lacing mechanisms in the upper zone and a second end secured to one of the plurality of lacing mechanisms in the lower zone.

Abstract: A cushioning attachment for shoes including athletic shoes and, in particular, running shoes includes two component features: a cushioning feature, and a resilient/traction feature. In addition, the cushioning attachment can include a securing feature for securing the device to the outsole of the shoe of a wearer In the cushioning attachments, the cushioning feature is typically a first layer of the attachment while the resilient/traction feature is typically a second layer of the attachment. In one aspect, a cushioning attachment has a shape suitable for attaching to the outsole of a shoe and comprises: a. a first upper layer comprising a cushioning material; b. a second lower layer comprising a resilient material; c. a securing means for permanently or removably attaching the cushioning attachment to a shoe. In another aspect, a cushioning attachment for a shoe comprises: a. a first upper layer comprising an anti-fatigue material; b. a second lower layer comprising a wear resistant material; c.

Abstract: An electric iron in accordance with a preferred embodiment includes a housing body, a carrying base, and a flexible soleplate. The carrying base is mounted on the bottom of the housing body to define a containing space configured for receiving inner members and a controlling circuit of the electric iron. The flexible soleplate is arranged under the carrying base and transforms an electric energy transmitted from the controlling circuit to a heat energy for generating the high temperature on the surface thereof to perform an ironing function. The electric iron has the flexible soleplate, which has a high heating and dissipating-heat property and a low power property so as to decrease the consume of the electric energy and the whole weight of the electric iron.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for ironing or steaming linen, comprising a device which is used spread an additive over the linen and a container for said additive (20). The invention is characterised in that the additive container (20) comprises a substrate (22) bearing microcapsules and in that said microcapsules are carried progressively by a flow of fluid discharged by the device in order to spread the additive over the linen, said flow conveying the microcapsules outside of the appliance.