Abstract: The claimed invention provides an apparatus for use with a vacuum cleaner nozzle having an intake opening with a flow area that receives a flow of working air. The apparatus comprises a cleaning pad with a structure that permits the working air to pass through the pad. The cleaning pad is configured to be installed over the intake opening in a position extending across the flow area.

Abstract: A swivel hinge has a base plate, a first loop, a first rotating board, a second loop, a mounting member, a second rotating board, a pivot member, a third loop, a third rotating board, and a locking ring. When the display panel rotates relative to the main board in a same plane, the third rotating board will not rotate, only the first and second rotating boards rotate relative to the base plate and provide an anchor and limitation function. When a direction of a camera on the display is to be adjusted, the third rotating board rotates with the second rotating board, thus the camera can rotate according to the shooting angle.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a pliable handle, which is cost-effective, speedily assemble, to improve the stability of the central pole and to prevent the gel from leaking out. It is characteristic of a plastic cover placed over a central pole partly defined a gel containing portion for filling gel. Both of the plastic cover and the central pole have stopper flanges or annular lips at their ends to seal the gel portion. Only a set of injection through bores formed through the proximal flange and lip to fit such as a needle-like injector of syringe-like barrel to inject a gel to fill the gel-containing portion. After injection, a projected stopper spindle further presses and seals the set of injection through bores. Said central pole is passed through a proximal cap then secures a distal cap to shape a stable pliable handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making high loft, nonwoven material by providing either natural and/or synthetic fibers, providing a low melt binder fiber, mixing the low melt binder fiber and the natural and/or synthetic fibers to form a web, cross-lapping the web, drafting the web with a drafter, heating the drafted web to a temperature sufficient to melt the low melt binder fibers, and cooling the web thereby forming a structural nonwoven material. The nonwoven batt can be cross-lapped between 2 and 10 layers and when the batt is cooled and has structural rigidity, the tensile strength in the machine direction is at least 50% of the tensile strength in the cross-direction. The batt weight is in a range of 0.25 oz/ft2 to 2.0 oz/ft2. The low melt binder fibers comprise 10 to 30 wt. % of the nonwoven batt and the synthetic and/or natural fibers comprise about 70 to 90 wt. %.

Abstract: A metal cable tie is provided with a locking head attached to a strap. The strap comprises a coated portion and an uncoated tip for insertion into the locking head. According to one embodiment, the locking head is coated. A strap may be comprised of stainless steel, with coated portions of the strap being coated with nylon.

Abstract: A method for producing a zipper for use in the production of reclosable plastic bags of the type having the zipper extending across a top end of the bag. The zipper has a first profile member and a second profile member that is interengageable with the first profile member. At bag length intervals of the zipper notches are formed by removing at least a portion of the first profile member and a portion of said second profile member. A mold is positioned about each of the notches and a molten thermoplastic material is introduced into the mold cavity filling the notch and extending beyond the notch and over the zipper top so that when the molten thermoplastic material is cooled an end stop is formed in situ at each of said notches.

Abstract: A clip includes a body having a first end and a second end. A connecting member extends through the first end of the body. A hook plate is attached to a bottom of the connecting member and an actuating member is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the connecting member. The actuating member is pivotable relative to the hook plate in a first direction so that the actuating member is turnable relative to the hook plate between a locked position and an unlocked position. Furthermore, the actuating member is turnable about an axis of the connecting member in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: A structure of a holding mechanism with a rotatable bidirectional knob suitable for securing a radiator is disclosed. The holding mechanism comprises a pressure-bearing unit, a buckling element and an operation assembly. The buckling element and the pressure-bearing unit have a positioning opening respectively. The pressure-bearing unit provides a slot for being penetrated with the buckling element. The operation assembly is pivotally positioned on the buckling element and comprises a bidirectional knob and a protrusion member. The protrusion member presses against the pressure-bearing unit while the bidirectional knob being turned. The buckling element is movably disposed at and of the pressure-bearing unit to effectively secure the radiator in place.

Abstract: A method for producing spunlace non-woven cloth includes the following steps: clearing cotton—carding—spreading the web—water jetting—bleaching—drying—rolling the finished products. This method improves the good ratio of the finished products of the whole procedure, reduces the producing cost, economizes raw materials and save the power as well as reduces the impurity content of products and ensures the hygiene of finished products and greatly reduces the bacteria content. Moreover, the direct products of the present invention have the advantages of being soft, having good skin tolerance, no toxic, no stimulation, no sensibility, having good absorbency, convenient and comfortable to use.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing fluid passages of engines is disclosed. Preferred apparatus of the invention are able to automatically recognize inlets of several fluid passages, which exist in each engine at different positions depending on the engine model, and rapidly and precisely perform operation of closing the inlets at the recognized positions using a caulking device and a robot, thus enhancing manufacturing productivity of the engine.

Abstract: A tool useful for engaging and pivoting the rocker arm of an internal combustion engine in order to enable removal of a push rod from the engine by virtue of positioning the rocker arm in a manner that disengages the rocker arm from the push rod includes a pair of bifurcated arms which fit on opposite sides of the rocker arm and further includes cross members connecting the bifurcated arms which engage the rocker arm in a manner that facilitates manual rotation of the tool and the rocker arm.

Abstract: A system for locating and determining the orientation of fasteners in hard disk drive spindle assemblies utilizes a sensor system that facilitates an automated rework process for the spindle assemblies. The screw locating system identifies the locations of the screws in a spindle and generates a signal for a screw driver system to align tool bits with the screws. The sensor is highly advantageous when reworking spindle motors with opaque labels that cover and/or block the fasteners. The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of prior art techniques by using a screw locating system that is based on a selected capacitance probe without requiring the use of timing features.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of inserting at least one Z-pin into a composite laminate for providing Z direction reinforcement thereto. The method comprises the initial step of positioning at least one Z-pin upon the composite laminate. Thereafter, an insertion force is applied to the Z-pin at a first level which is sufficient to commence an insertion process wherein the Z-pin is driven into the composite laminate at a first insertion speed. The insertion force applied to the Z-pin is continuously monitored, with the first insertion speed being reduced to a second insertion speed in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from a first level to a second level.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing drilling vibration during drilling with casing. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing vibration of a rotating casing includes a tubular body disposed concentrically around the casing, wherein tubular body is movable relative to the casing. Preferably, a portion of the tubular body comprises a friction reducing material. In operation, the tubular body comes into contact with the existing casing or the wellbore instead of the rotating casing. Because the tubular body is freely movable relative to the rotating casing, the rotating casing may continuously rotate even though the tubular body is frictionally in contact with the existing casing.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for manufacturing a hard drive platen. The method includes depositing two or more types of film around a central core to form a plurality of film layers, each film layer being of a different type than its adjacent layers. Next, the deposited film layers are sectioned to expose a patterned surface. The patterned surface is then planarized and selectively etched to expose patterns comprised of one of the types of film to a predetermined depth to produce a selectively etched surface. Magnetic material it deposited within etches of the surface and the surface is then planarized to form separated magnetic tracks therein.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting process for mounting electronic components (6) to a substrate, each of the electronic components having an adhesive layer on a surface to be bonded to the substrate is picked up with suction nozzle provided with individual heater, and a time taken for the mounting operation is so allotted that a first heating time of a duration from a moment when the suction nozzle comes into contact with the electronic component for picking it up till another moment immediately before it begins a mounting motion to the substrate is longer than a second heating time of a duration from the moment when the suction nozzle begins the mounting motion till another moment when it leaves the electronic component mounted to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an interconnect for testing a semiconductor component includes the steps of providing a substrate, and forming interconnect contacts on the substrate configured to electrically engage component contacts on the component. The interconnect contacts include flexible spring segments defined by grooves in the substrate, shaped openings in the substrate, or shaped portions of the substrate. The spring segments are configured to flex to exert spring forces on the component contacts, and to compensate for variations in the size or planarity of the component contacts. The interconnect can be configured to test wafer sized components, or to test die sized components.

Abstract: A jewelry article includes an elongated support and a multiplicity of beads strung along the support. At least one of the beads constitutes a locking bead consisting of a substantially closed hollow shell with a pair of aligned holes sized to slideably receive the support. A heat-shrinkable plastic tube is positioned inside the shell with its opposite ends captured by portions of said shell around the holes. The tube has a heat-deformed inner wall which substantially conforms to the support so as to permanently anchor the bead to the support. A method of stringing the locking bead is also disclosed.

Abstract: A utensil for cutting and serving pastry or similar goods has operating handles made in form of tabs similar to ordinary scissors for fitting in operator's fingers, a spatula simultaneously used for cutting pastry or similar goods and holding a sliced piece and rigidly connected to the upper operating handle, blades bent in a form of a frame rigidly connected to the lower operating handle, a pusher for serving a piece of pastry or similar goods to a serving plate and a lever mechanism made in a form of pantograph for moving the pusher.

Abstract: A combination cooking utensil for use in food preparation has a handle with a shank extending from the handle to a utensil head. An audio input/output and audio player are provided with the housing for storing and playing audio files. A power supply is located within the handle for powering the audio player.

Abstract: A hand tool such as a multi-bladed folding knife incorporates a lock back mechanism t hat is interconnected with springs extending parallel to the knife body and with pins that interconnect the springs. The springs apply biasing force via the pins to the lock back mechanism associated with the primary blade, and also on secondary blades if used.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a razor handle includes a first handle and a removable cap. The first handle portion includes a first molded portion, a second molded portion, and a cavity. A removable cap includes a first molded cap portion and a second molded cap portion. The second molded cap portion forms a sealing ring on the removable cap. The removable cap is selectively detachable to the first handle portion. The sealing ring, when the removable cap is attached to the first handle portion, forms a seal between the removable cap and the first handle portion, preventing water from entering the cavity during normal shaving. Preferably, the first molded cap portion and the first molded portion of the first handle portion are formed simultaneously. Likewise, the second molded cap portion and the second molded portion of the first handle portion are preferably formed simultaneously.

Abstract: Can opener includes frame; rotating, toothed wheel cutting blade; and counterpoised drive wheel. A first, perforating relationship can provide the lid of a can with perforations about its outer boundary for draining liquids; and a second, lid boundary-releasing relationship, which is less than the first distance, can provide for the lid of the can being cut to completely sever it from the remainder of the can.

Abstract: A fabric having a procedure map which enables identification, by a machine or by a person, of one or more of the fabric characteristics, e.g. the straight of grain, true bias, up-down direction, decorative pattern characteristic, distance from a selvedge or distance along a selvedge. The procedure map facilitates accurate measuring, marking, and cuffing of fabric e.g. for furniture upholstery, garments, draperies, linens and quilts.

Abstract: A bow sighting device according to the present invention includes a laser in electrical communication with a power source to actuate the laser to produce a laser beam. The bow sighting device includes an arrow shaft having forward and rear ends with the laser positioned in the arrow shaft such that the laser beam projects through the forward end. A focusing lens may be positioned at the forward end through which the laser beam passes. The sighting device may include a nock at the rear end and a pushrod configured such that the pushrod urges the power source into connection with the laser when the arrow shaft is placed in ready-to-fire configuration relative to the bow. The bow sighting device simplifies hunting with a compound bow or crossbow by providing a visual indication of exactly where the arrow shaft is aimed.

Abstract: A string line tool having a string line support and an integral line block for using a string line under tension in alignment work for carpentry, masonry and general construction work. The string line tool of this invention is self supporting due to maintaining the string line under tension between the string line tool at one end of a string line and a fastening means at the opposite end of the string line via the intermediary of a grooved line block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented I beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the I beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or box shaped side. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a box shaped construction.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the correct measurement and placement of tiles having a transparent top plate for viewing indicia markings on bottom sliding plate, also having a channel for the setting of a rule that is angularly and spatially adjustable from the thin metal abutment edge through the loosening and tightening of a wing nut and washer attached to the ruler through said channel. Additionally the rule of the present invention is equipped with a stop which ends 1¼? from its side edges for the utilization of the present invention as a guide for correct placement of tile.

Abstract: A borehole tool, comprises: a tool body; a series of arms connected to the tool body and moveable radially relative thereto; and a series of pads mounted on the arms so as to be pivotable about a radial axis relative to the tool body. By allowing pivoting of the pads about a radial axis, elongate pads can be arranged to provide different circumferential coverage according to the orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining wear of a feedscrew and barrel combination includes a measuring aperture formed in a wall of the barrel, a gage plug releasably retained in the measuring aperture and having an inner end curved to correspond to a curvature of a surface of the central bore surrounding an inner end of the measuring aperture, and a retaining plug releasably retained in the measuring aperture for maintaining the gage plug in place. When the plugs are removed, the gage plug can be measured for barrel wear and a probe can be inserted into the measuring aperture for determining feedscrew wear. A test bar simulating feedscrew wear is used to calibrate the probe.

Abstract: An object is to provide a drying machine capable of maintaining air discharged into a housing chamber while efficiently drying a matter to be dried in a short time. A drying machine provided with a housing chamber which houses the matter to be dried, and executing a drying operation of the matter to be dried in the housing chamber comprises: a gas cooler; an evaporator; a blower fan; an air circulation path for discharging air heated by the gas cooler into the housing chamber by the blower fan, sending the air passed through the housing chamber into the evaporator, and circulating the air in the gas cooler; and a closeable outside air introduction port for mixing outside air with the air circulating in the air circulation path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for curing coating on articles using multi wavelength IR and UV energy sources, which can be pulsed in a system for analyzing and producing in-line programmed production of the finished product.

Abstract: Footwear having plastic or rubber soles and having molded protruding hang tabs from the soles for use in the pairing of footwear together. Each sole having a plurality of protruding hang tabs molded at spaced-apart positions along a perimeter edging of the sole. The plurality of hang tabs includes a first hang tab positioned on the toe end of the sole, a second hang tab positioned on the heel end of the sole, a third hang tab positioned on the inside section of the sole, and/or a fourth hang tab positioned on the outside section of the sole. One or more of the hang tabs have plastic fasteners and the like attached thereto for connecting a pair of the soles together. The hang tabs are being removable from the soles after purchase by cutting off each hang tab from the perimeter edging of the sole.

Abstract: A fluid system for an article of footwear or other products is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes a pump chamber and a pressure chamber. The pump chamber is formed to exhibit a four layer structure to imparts an expandable configuration. The four layers are bonded to each other such that the sidewall has a zigzag-shaped configuration. In another aspect of the invention, the fluid system includes two pump chambers and a pressure chamber in order to increase the resulting pressure in the pressure chamber. In yet another aspect of the invention, at least one of the two pump chambers has an expandable configuration.

Abstract: An inflatable cushioning device, and a process for making it, having a fluid-tight, enclosed area that is bordered by a first generally flat surface, a second generally flat surface and at least one bellowed surface, such that the bellowed surface will collapse when a force is applied. The cushioning device may include an inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air into the enclosed area. The cushioning device can be used in an athletic shoe.

Abstract: A lace-up device for tightening an article of footwear, providing for the tieing of the lacing without causing discomfort to the user's hands, as well as to the article of footwear equipped with such device. The lace-up device includes a gripping mechanism arranged on the linkage in the area of a loop formed by the lacing outside the tightening zone. The gripping device includes a rigid frame, making it possible to distribute the tension of the lacing over the hand of the user.

Abstract: An anti-slip overshoe includes a contoured outer band, a gripping pad disposed interior to the contoured outer band for providing traction, and a web structure connecting the gripping pad to the contoured outer band. The gripping pad can include gripping ridges for providing traction. The gripping pad can include ridge spaces for providing traction. The gripping pad can include removable grip devices for providing traction. A method of making an ant-slip overshoe includes providing a contoured outer band, providing a gripping pad disposed interior to the contoured outer band, and providing a web structure connecting the gripping pad to the contoured outer band.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved spike installed in a sole of a shoe and consists of a receptacle having a base and several connecting seats integrated around the edge of the base in one piece flexibly moving in proportion to the base. Several spikes are installed unto individual connecting seats extruding the sole. Accordingly, each connecting seat and partial spikes are wrapped up by the flexible sole. When spikes receive an external force causing connecting seats to deviate slightly and simultaneously, the elasticity of the sole material and elastic recovery of each connecting seat are used ingeniously to create proper grip.

Abstract: An electricity-producing shoe comprises a shoe body including an electricity-producing module and an electricity generator mounted therein. The electricity-producing module includes a rack, first and second gears, and a spring buffer that mounts between the first and second gears. The first and second gears are engaged with the rack and an axial gear of the electricity generator, respectively. The electricity generator has an electricity output terminal connected to an electric device of the shoe body. As a result, the rack drives the first gear and the second gear drives the axial gear of the electricity generator by means of normal stepping motion of walking for producing electric power and thereby supplying the electric power for the electric device.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: A method of removing wrinkles, and a device to assist in wrinkle removal is provided. Wrinkles are removed from items such as clothing, linens, curtains, upholstery, fabrics and the like by placing a handheld pad on one side of the item, a wrinkle-removing device (such as a nozzle of a garment steamer) on the other side of the item, and pressing a portion of the item between the pad and the wrinkle-removing device. The wrinkle-removing device and the pad are moved about the item compressing a small portion of the item at a time until the wrinkles are removed from the entire item. The pad device of the instant invention includes a working surface against which a portion of the item is pressed by the wrinkle removing device, and a handgrip for the user to support the pad on a user's hand. The pad includes a foam core that insulates the user's hand from heat of the wrinkle-removing device. The foam core is located within a heat-reflective pouch to further insulate the user's hand and to aid in wrinkle removal.

Abstract: A card-like apparatus may be used as a card, a bow, a decoration, or other item, and is preferably made from a single sheet having an interior central region in the shape of a regular polygon defined by fold lines between the central region and a plurality of extremity panels. The panels fold across and beyond the central region, forming an outer perimeter that represents a flower, plant, holiday novelty, animal, person, or other object or living thing. Decoration such as paint, print, artwork, or a portion of a picture may be added to the panels so that the folded panels further represent the object or living thing. Methods have been developed to dissect a whole picture and then to lay or copy sectors of the picture onto distal portions of the panels, so that upon folding of the panels, the distal portions are visible, over and beyond the central region, in positions wherein the picture comes together again as a whole.

Abstract: A method of personalizing a stored value card includes selecting a sticker from a group of stickers associated with the stored value card, removing the selected sticker from the group of stickers, and applying the selected sticker to the stored value card, to personalize the stored value card. Other method and product embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A pair of sign support frames connected to a sign with upright member has upright reinforcement bars secured to arch or base members. The bars are associated with the upright members to reinforce the upright and arch members in motor vehicle impact areas above the arch members. When the upright members are hit with a motor vehicle the sign support frames move upwardly and rearwardly into engagement with the bumper or front frame of the motor vehicle to limit rearward movement of the sign toward the motor vehicle and reduce bending and breaking forces on the upright members and sign support frames.

Abstract: A gun safe door storage system is permanently affixed to an interior surface of a gun safe door. The door storage system comprises a plurality of integrated pouches or pockets and a rack arranged such that the pouches or pockets are accessible even when the rack is holding rifles or rifle parts, such as barrels. Substantially all of the available space on the interior surface of the door is filled with pockets or pouches. The pouches or pockets are affixed to a backing material having strength and weight sufficient to prevent sagging. The backing material is permanently affixed to the interior surface of the gun safe door. The rack comprises a barrel support and a stock support mounted permanently on the interior surface of the gun safe door over the pouches or pockets.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of weapon aiming sights having a light intensifier. To make certain firing modes safe, a weapon may be provided with a camera allowing a soldier to take aim while remaining protected. The proposed invention allows this function to be fulfilled at night. For this purpose, a night vision aiming sight with a light intensifier comprising two optical channels is fitted onto the weapon. The first optical channel provides the camera placed on the weapon with an intensified image. The second optical channel provides the firer with a directly observable intensified image. In a variant, the aiming sight also includes a display that supplies the soldier with additional information superimposed on the intensified images.

Abstract: An accessory for a waterfowl decoy, which attachment simulates the wake of a swimming fowl, thus creating the illusion of movement. The attachment is a three-part device including a hollow first member made of molded plastic. A slot is disposed in the plastic member for receiving the keel of the decoy. Two identical, elongate parts are removably connected to the plastic member. The two identical parts are also hollow and are configured in a manner to give the appearance of a wake when immersed in water and viewed from a distance.

Abstract: A powered fishing line casting system utilizing compressed air is provided to cast a projectile provided with fishhooks and bait, and to which the fishing line to be cast is attached, to greater distances than could be achieved using conventional casting methods. The system includes a hollow launch tube sized to accommodate insertion of the projectile. A reducer is disposed adjacent to one end of the launch tube and is adapted to receive a flow of compressed gas from an accumulator tank and to discharge a stream of high-velocity air that impinges upon the projectile disposed within the launch tube in order to launch the projectile. A manually-operable valve is interposed between the reducer and the accumulator tank to control the flow of air to the reducer. Spaced-apart front and rear support legs provide stable support for the system during and between launches of a fishing line carrying projectile.