Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp disposed within a vehicle. The ramp assembly further includes a movable floor hingedly coupled at a first end to the ramp. A reciprocating mechanism reciprocates a second end of the movable floor between a lowered position when the ramp is in the stowed position, and a raised position when the ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A probe cleaning tube cleans a probe in a cleaning tub of an endoscope reprocessor having a water supply nozzle for supplying liquid for reprocessing, and is made of at least a soft resin tube. An aperture is made in a side of the soft resin tube, and has a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the probe. A removable water supply nozzle attachment is provided at one end of the soft resin tube for coupling to the water supply nozzle. A drain unit has a drain port at another end of the soft resin tube to stop passage of the probe.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having movable and static carriers which independently slidingly engage the receiving member of the toothbrush head within channels defined by the surfaces of the receiving member. Such carriers can be releasably removable to replace or exchange the carriers. Also disclosed is a toothbrush having a unique assembly utilizing a one-piece housing in combination with a movable bristle carrier that is engaged on a receiving member located at the distal end of the toothbrush, and a static carrier such as a brush head tip which is secured thereto. The unitary housing reduces the number of components of the toothbrush and decreases manufacturing costs. The static and movable carriers may be replaced with other carriers and allows a consumer to individually tailor the brush to provide a particular brushing configuration. An electric toothbrush having a particular assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a cleaning composition container (10) and a dispensing section (12), wherein the dispensing section (12) is operable to eject an amount of cleaning composition from the cleaning composition container (10), and wherein the dispensing section (12) comprises a plurality of projections (14) adapted to work the cleaning composition into an item to be cleaned.

Abstract: A powered sweeper includes a housing, a brushroll chamber disposed in the housing, a brushroll mounted in a brushroll chamber, a dirt chamber disposed in the housing, a drive motor disposed in the housing, and a driven wheel operatively connected to the drive motor. The brushroll rotates in the brushroll chamber and the dirt chamber communicates with the brushroll chamber such that debris is propelled by the brushroll into the dirt chamber.

Abstract: Silicon wafers and the like are cleaned using new scrubber-type apparatus in which measures are taken to compensate for differential cleaning of the central region of the wafer by: using rotary brushes having one or more non-contact portions arranged in the section thereof that faces the central region of the substrate, or toggling the relative position of the wafer and the rotary brushes, or directing cleaning fluid(s) preferentially towards the central region of the wafer. Another aspect of the invention provides scrubber-type cleaning apparatus in which the rotary brushes are replaced by rollers (110). A web of cleaning material (116) is interposed between each roller and the substrate. Various different webs of cleaning material may be used, e.g. a length of tissue, a continuous loop of cleaning material whose surface is reconditioned on each cleaning pass, adhesive material provided on a carrier tape, etc.

Abstract: A brush using water alone to clean up toilets, baths, kitchens, tableware, kitchen utensils or the like. Phosphate ingredients contained in the higher alcoholic type detergents and nonionic detergents currently in use do enhance the cleansing effect, but are nutritive substances to plankton and the cause of its abnormal propagation. Resulting pollution of rivers, lakes and marshes, in particular their coasts, has been a social problem to be solved as soon as possible. The present cleaning brush can remove ordinary dirt, stains or the like, without using such pollution-causing detergents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brush head (1) for a toothbrush, comprising a grip part (11), a head part (12), and a bristle area with bunches of bristles (201, 202, 203, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304, 401, 402, 501, 502, 601, 602, 701, 702) that are inserted therein. At least one of said bunches of bristles (301, 302, 303, 304) is inclined. The inventive brush head (1) is characterized in that at least some of the bristles in at least one of the inclined bunches of bristles (301, 302, 303, 304) are pointed.

Abstract: A rubber product for wiping, a rubber for a wiper blade, a method for producing a rubber for a wiper blade, and a wiper unit. The rubber product for wiping, for example, includes a hydrophilic gel-like surface treatment layer coated on at least a wiping surface of the rubber product, wherein the wiping surface is softer due to water absorption when moistened than when dried.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is mainly comprised of a base case whose upper portion is equipped with a driving part for running and a suction part for removing dust or dirt; and a top case covering on top of said base case, wherein said base case is formed at lower portion thereof with an inside vertical wall protruding so as to surround dust suction aperture, and with an outside vertical wall external to said inside vertical wall so that a hollow part may be formed in-between surrounding said inside vertical wall; and an auxiliary suction wall is installed between said inside vertical wall and outside vertical wall in such a manner that said auxiliary suction wall is movable by force of spring external to said inside vertical wall between a No. 1 position locating toward floor (F) and a No. 2 position locating withdrawn from said No. 1 position opposite to floor (F), said auxiliary suction wall being positioned toward floor (F) when no external forces are applied.

Abstract: A mobile foam producing unit (10) includes a first hose and hose assembly (110) and a second hose assembly (120). Water is provided to the mobile foam producing unit (10) by a supply hose (100). A foam gun (140) provides for the dispensing of a foam. A sanitizer gun (160) provides for a sanitizing solution being dispensed with water as well as, in another mode, a rinse mode wherein only water is dispensed.

Abstract: A portable drive unit (10) for operating a handheld power tool (70) by means of suction and/or blown air, is portable in an especially handy and space-saving way in that it has a housing (11), which is designed as a case (13) that is closable with a lid (24), and that its air feeding power is adapted to the power requirement of the handheld power tool (70), and it serves to store at least one such or similar handheld power tool (70), particularly with its accessories, such as air-carrying tubes and hoses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a device for collecting and transporting loose material, and in particular, to a device pulled by a vehicle equipped with a turbine, a conduit, an enclosure, and a foldable accordion-type top. This device is equipped with a top made of a plurality of foldable rectangular ribs over which a flexible sheet and air opaque or mesh-line panels are used to regulate the flow of air through the enclosure. At one end the sheet is secured to the loose material conduit where loose material enters the enclosure and at an opposite end the sheet is secured to the tailgate or to the back section of the enclosure. To open the enclosure with a tailgate equipped with this disclosure, a user unlocks the tailgate of the enclosure, flips the back section of the accordion-type roof up toward the front section, and secures the tailgate to the folded accordion-type roof.

Abstract: An air re-circulating vacuum for cleaning loose fabric and other non-tensioned surfaces is disclosed. The vacuum has an air intake and an air exhaust located together inside an air space to create a turbulent flow to pull air and debris through an air flow space as the air flow space is pulled over the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum can be battery powered, or powered by plugging into a standard household current.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning filter and a sweeper stand that also functions as an electric dustpan when the vacuum is seated within the sweeper stand is provided. The vacuum includes a housing having an air inlet at one end of the housing and a handle at the other end of the housing. An air passageway includes a deflector to direct dirt into a dirt collection tray which is pivotably mounted to the housing. A filter mounted on the motor divider wall and a filter cleaning arch mounted on the dirt collection tray so that the filter cleaning arch strikes the filter to dislodge dirt collected on the filter as the dirt collection tray pivots open. The sweeper stand includes a housing for receiving the hand vacuum, an opening for directing dirt laden air into an air inlet of the hand vacuum. Power switches to actuate the hand vacuum when the hand vacuum is seated in the sweeper stand are provided.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a main body and a collecting chamber releasably held on the main body. The collecting chamber includes a closure member which is movable between a closed position and an open position in which the collecting chamber can be emptied and an actuating member adapted and arranged to release the collecting chamber from the main body and, when the collecting chamber is released from the main body, to release the closure member from the closed position. By providing such an arrangement, a single actuating member can be used to release the collecting chamber from the main body of the cleaning appliance and also to open the closure member to empty the collecting chamber. A single actuating member is less complex, requires less space and is more intuitive for a user to operate.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a floor engaging portion and a handle portion pivotally mounted to the floor engaging portion. The handle portion includes an input device. An agitator is rotatably mounted in the floor engaging portion to agitate a floor surface being cleaned. A first motor has an output shaft and an agitator belt selectively drivingly connecting the motor to the agitator. A tensioning arm pivotally mounts to the floor engaging portion for motion between an agitator-on position in which the tensioning arm engages the agitator belt, to place the agitator belt under tension whereby the agitator belt drives the agitator, and an agitator-off position in which the tensioning arm does not engage the agitator belt, to place the agitator belt in a slack condition whereby the agitator belt does not drive the agitator.

Abstract: A door braking device for the door of a vehicle, in particular a truck, includes a bar movable between an extended position in which the door is fully opened, and a retracted position in which the door is closed, and a brake surface being biased towards the movable bar by a spring member providing a recoil force being proportional to a recoil length of the spring member, such that the brake surface exerts a brake force on the movable bar for braking a movement of the door.

Abstract: A vandal resistant adjustable metered handle assembly for a faucet is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a body having a base adapted for attachment to a sink and a sidewall extending in an upward direction with respect to the base. The base is attached to a push button handle via a stem. A spring is associated with the body and the push button handle for metering an amount of water emitting from the faucet and a sleeve is positioned between the body and the push button handle. The sleeve cooperates with the sidewall of the body to adjust the shut-off time of the metered handle assembly. The sleeve may be color-coded to indicate water temperature. The handle assembly can be made vandal resistant by adhesively securing various components together and providing an unconventional attachment member for securing the handle assembly to a sink.

Abstract: An electronic device, comprising a hinge arm having a display member rotatably coupled to one end thereof, the hinge arm rotatably coupled at an opposite end thereof to a base member, and a locking system configured to prevent rotation of the hinge arm relative to the base member based on an angular location of the display member relative to the hinge arm.

Abstract: A hinge assembly attaches a cover pivotally to a base of an electronic device such as a notebook computer and has a base bracket, a pintle and a cover bracket. The base bracket is attached to the base and has a gudgeon. The pintle is mounted securely in the gudgeon in the base bracket. The cover bracket is mounted tightly and rotatably around the pintle and securely on the cover of the electronic device, allows the cover to pivot on the base and has a through ring and a pivoting gudgeon. The through ring is mounted tightly around the pintle and has an open slot to prevent the through ring and the pintle from wearing. The pivoting gudgeon is slightly narrower than the through ring, fastens the pintle to position the cover and has an open slot to prevent the pivoting gudgeon and the pintle from wearing.

Abstract: A multi-directional adjustment hinge includes a head plate, a connector, a locating plate, a pivot pin, a spring tongue, a first adjustment cam, and a second adjustment cam. The arm is provided with a cam portion and an insertion portion. The cam portion of the arm is connected to the head plate. The connector has a connection plate and an extension plate. The insertion portion of the arm and the connection plate are interlocked and interacting with the first adjustment cam. The locating plate is connected to the extension plate. The locating plate and the extension plate are interlocked and interacting by means of the second adjustment cam. The spring tongue penetrates and engages with the arm.

Abstract: A multi-directional adjustment hinge includes a head plate, an extension plate, a locating plate, a pivot pin, a spring tongue, an adjustment screw, and an adjustment cam. The head plate has a chamber. An arm extends from one end of the extension plate and another end of the extension plate is provided with a joint. A pair of sidewalls is disposed at both sides of the extension plate. Two lips are disposed at both sides of the locating plate to be inserted between the sidewalls and side edges of the joint. Each lip contains a protruding tab to hold against the joint. One side of the extension plate and the locating plate is linked to interact with each other by means of the adjustment screw. Another side of the locating plate and the joint is linked to interact with each other by means of the adjustment cam.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a compact hinge capable of a vertical, a horizontal, and an overlay adjustment, comprised of a cup portion and a hinge arm with one end pivotably connected to the cup portion and the other end slideably connected to a fastener plate. The fastener plate further comprises a first semi-planar surface for contact with a cabinet frame and a second semi-planar surface for slideable engagement with the hinge arm to accomplish the horizontal adjustment. The first and second semi-planar surfaces are interconnected by a deformable hinge section that allows for an elastically resilient connection at one end and an adjusting screw at the other end for a horizontally arcing movement relative to each resulting in an overlay adjustment. The fastener plate further comprises an elongated aperture in the first semi-planar surface through which the vertical adjustment is accomplished.

Abstract: A transversely movable hinge has a central bracket and two tilt hinge assemblies and is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device to allow the cover to pivot and rotate relative to the base. Each tilt hinge assembly has a pivoting leaf with a mounting segment, a torque washer and a biasing assembly. The torque washer is rotated relative to the mounting segment and has at least one protrusion. The biasing assembly presses the torque washer so the protrusion rubs against the mounting segment to provide a larger force to hold the cover at any visual angle. Then even if the resilient force of the biasing assembly is reduced to allow the cover to be easily moved transversely relative to the base, the hinge can still provide enough holding force.

Abstract: An example furniture hinge includes a saddle supporting the damping cylinder that engages a first mounting edge of the supporting arm from behind. A locking element supported movably on the saddle has a laterally protruding mounting lug, which in a locking position engages a second mounting edge of the supporting arm from behind. The second mounting edge is oriented counter to the first mounting edge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for delinting cotton seed by mixing and propelling both the cotton seed and abrasive particles in high-speed contact with each other in a contained space or vessel. The abrasive particles may be calcium carbonate, glass, diatomaceous earth, sugar or sand. The abrasive particles and cotton seed may be propelled by mechanical means in the form a mixer, or through the use of high-speed air in a vessel (10).

Abstract: A locking system (2) for a piece of jewelry, including mutually complementary interacting locking parts (4, 6) shaped as coupling parts of a male and female type, where each locking part (4, 6) additionally includes polarized magnets (10, 12), where each locking part (4, 6) opposite the coupling parts additionally includes end parts (8) with connecting means (9) for connecting the end parts (8) with one or more pieces of jewelry, e.g. in the form of necklaces, bracelets, ankle bands, headbands, belts or the like.

Abstract: This system, comprising a fastener (1) which is V-shaped and which comprises an intermediate portion (2) which is in the form of a clamp having two arms (3, 4), for receiving a projecting portion (12a, 12b) of the first component (12) and from which wings (6, 7) extend and are provided with engagement means for passing an over-centre position on an edge of the second component (13) and in the region of the junction zone of each wing and the corresponding arm, at least one harpoon-like cut-out (8, 9) extending in continuation of the wing in the direction of the intermediate portion, is characterized in that the engagement means of the wings (6, 7) comprise means for resilient snap-fitting thereof on the edge of the second component (13), allowing the projecting portion (12a, 12b) of the first component (12) to be engaged, to a greater or lesser depth, in the intermediate clamp-like portion (2) of the fastener (1) during assembly thereof, in order to adjust the two components relative to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a virtually invisible rail closure for use in garments or items having a first rail and a second rail configured to matingly interlock so that the first and second rail are not visible on the exterior facing surface of the rail closure.

Abstract: A magnetic shoe lace includes a flexible magnetic member or material of a size and configuration to be laced through conventional shoe eyelets of a shoe, wherein at least part of a first half of the member is charged of a first polarity and at least part a second half of the member is charged with an opposite polarity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an orientation film which method is suitable for manufacturing an orientation film containing a ceramic at low cost. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a ceramic film on a seed substrate in which crystal orientation is controlled at least on a surface thereof by using an aerosol deposition method of injecting powder toward a substrate and depositing the powder on the substrate; and (b) heat-treating the ceramic film formed at step (a) to form an orientation film in which crystal grains contained in the ceramic film is oriented.

Abstract: A seal assembly and method for the manufacture thereof is provided. The seal assembly provides a dynamic fluid seal between a housing having a bore and a shaft having an outer running surface rotating within the bore. The seal assembly comprises a rigid carrier for supporting the seal assembly within the bore of the housing. A flexible member is mounted to the rigid carrier. The flexible member is formed from an elastomeric material that allows the flexible member to flex during use. A sealing element is retained by the flexible member about the outer running surface. The sealing element is formed from a non-polytetrafluoroethylene bearing grade plastic material having a hardness relatively greater than a hardness of the elastomeric material of the flexible member. The sealing element moves with the flexible member as the flexible member flexes. The sealing element extends along the outer running surface in a plurality of helically wound convolutions.

Abstract: A machining center is provided enabling a high degree of machining automation. The machining center includes a master machining head including multiple spindles mounted fixedly to the machining base. A workpiece transport system transports workpieces between machining stations and also moves it toward and away from the machining stations which are preferable fixedly mounted. Registration pins mounted to the master machine head register with a receiving socket carried by the workpiece platform or associated workpiece fixture. A robot actuator is provided which loads and unloads workpieces with the machining center 10 and can also potentially provide other functions such as tool inspection tool changing, workpiece repositioning.

Abstract: A snowmobile ski with a pair of outboard keels and laterally projecting, upwardly slanting, lateral wings attached proximate the outboard keels is disclosed. A ski of this structure has improved flotation and resistance to side slippage in turns.

Abstract: In order to improve a machine tool comprising a machine frame with a machine bed, machining units mounted on the machine bed, of which at least one is a work spindle for a workpiece to be machined and at least one is a tool carrier, displacement units, by which the at least one work spindle and the at least one tool carrier can be moved relative to one another within a working space for machining the workpiece, and a handling device, by which workpieces can be inserted into and removed from the work spindle, in such a way that the time during which the tools are in the working space can be optimized, and consequently the times for machining each of the workpieces can also be optimized, it is proposed that a wall defining the working space being provided with an opening, by the handling device being disposed on a side of the opening that is remote from the working space and by it being possible to use the handling device to insert workpieces into the work spindle and/or remove them from it through the opening.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for manufacturing a sputtering target. The system is preferably automated. Sub systems of the manufacturing system include a robotic part handling sub system, a weighing sub system adapted to measure the weight of a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target, and a machining sub system adapted to finish machine a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target. The system can further include a cleaning sub system adapted to clean a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target, an inspection sub system adapted to measure dimensions of a part to be manufactured into a sputtering target, and a feedback control sub system adapted to provide control signals to one or more of the robotic handling sub system, the weighing sub system, the cleaning sub system, and the inspection sub system to control processing performed by one or more of the sub systems.

Abstract: A method of making a dumping cart having an article retaining bed, a first set of wheels, a second set of wheels and a chassis. The first set of wheels is operably attached to the article retaining bed. The second set of wheels is operably attached to the chassis. The chassis is pivotally attached to the article retaining bed intermediate the first set of wheels and the second set of wheels.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a crystal unit, the method including: providing a package wafer including a plurality of connecting terminals each having top and bottom ends exposed to top and bottom surfaces of the package wafer; mounting a crystal blank having an excitation electrode formed thereon on at least one of the connecting terminals of the package wafer; depositing and bonding a cap wafer having a cavity with an open bottom therein on the top surface of the package wafer where the crystal blanks are mounted; and cutting bonding portions between the package wafer and the cap wafer into a plurality of individual crystal units. The crystal unit is reduced in thickness and size, and can be manufactured in mass production and packaged in a single process, thereby increasing lead time and process efficiency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method allows the write head to be formed with a write pole having a concave trailing edge. The method further allows the amount of concavity of the trailing edge to be accurately and carefully controlled both within a wafer and between wafers. A write pole is formed using a mask that includes a hard mask, a RIEable layer and an endpoint detection layer. A layer of non-magnetic material (ALD layer) h deposited, and then, an ion milling process is used to remove a portion of the ALD layer disposed over the write pole and mask. A reactive ion etch process is performed to remove the RIEable layer leaving the ALD layer to form non-magnetic side walls with upper portions that extend above the write pole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a substrate support is provided herein. In one embodiment, the substrate support includes a body having a support surface and at least one groove. A heater element clad with a malleable heat sink is disposed in the groove. Substantially no air is trapped between the clad heater element and the groove. An insert is disposed in the groove above the heater. The insert substantially completely covers and contacts the clad heater element and the sides of the groove. A cap is disposed in the groove above the insert. The cap covers and contacts the insert and has an upper surface disposed substantially flush with the support surface.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for lifting a retractable lower safety-guard on a circular saw. In one representative implementation, an actuator is attached to the circular saw and an elongated arm is coupled to the actuator such that operating the actuator causes the elongated arm to lift. In addition, an engagement element is attached to the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. When lifted, the elongated arm engages the engagement element, thereby retracting the retractable lower safety-guard of the circular saw. Preferably, the actuator is configured, and is located sufficiently close to a power switch for the circular saw, so that the actuator can be operated simultaneously with the power switch using a single hand. Also provided are retrofitting techniques for attaching such a device to an existing circular saw.

Abstract: A device for assembling a banded fuel cell stack with at least one custom-fit band comprises a frame, a base to support the stack while assembling, a press plate that is movable toward and away from the base to compress the stack under a constant force, band folding means to fold the band around the compressed stack such that the ends of the band overlap and welding means for welding the overlapped ends of the band. A method for assembling the banded fuel cell stack with at least one custom-fit band is also described. The device can be used to fit a plurality of compression bands around the assembled stack.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for separating interconnects between, for example, a card and a substrate. The apparatus includes one or more rotationally biased (e.g., spring-loaded, etc.) partial-circle structures (e.g., blades, squeegee, plow, etc.) and one or more temperature-sensitive releases connected to the partial-circle structures. The partial-circle structures are positioned to rotate and separate the interconnects when released by the temperature-sensitive releases. The invention can also include solder reservoirs positioned to receive solder from the interconnects separated by the partial-circle structures.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for transfer of dies using a die plate is described herein. The die plate has a planar body. The body has a plurality of holes therethrough. A support structure and the die plate can be positioned to be closely adjacent to each other such that each die of a plurality of dies attached to the support structure adheres to a first surface of the die plate. The dies can subsequently be transferred from the die plate to one or more destination substrates or other surfaces, by a punching mechanism.

Abstract: A printed circuit board is fabricated so contacts for tight-pitch components are at an angle with respect to the bundles of glass fibers in the epoxy-glass printed circuit board such that adjacent component contacts do not contact the same bundle of glass fibers. This angle may be accomplished by manufacturing a printed circuit board panel with the glass fibers at an angle with respect to its edges. This angle may also be accomplished by placing parts on a printed circuit board panel that has a traditional X-Y orthogonal weave of glass fiber bundles at an angle with respect to the edges of the panel. This angle may also be accomplished by starting with a traditional panel that has an X-Y orthogonal weave, laying out parts on the panel along the X-Y weave, then placing components on the parts at an angle with respect to the edges of the parts.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plurality of turbine components is provided. The method includes removably coupling at least one tab to a plate, wherein the at least one tab and the plate each include a plurality of apertures extending therein. The at least one tab is removably coupled to a first turbine component, and a tool is removably coupled to the plate such that the plate and the at least one tab substantially align the tool with respect to the first turbine component. The method further includes performing a fabrication operation on the first turbine component. The at least one tab is re-oriented with respect to the plate, and the at least one tab is removably coupled to a second turbine component. The tool is removably coupled to the plate such that the plate and the at least one tab substantially align the tool with respect to the second turbine component, and a fabrication operation is performed on the second turbine component.

Abstract: An ink remaining amount detection module, mountable to an ink container, for detection of an ink remaining amount in an ink container for ink jet recording, the ink remaining amount detection module, includes a support substrate; at least one detection electrode provided on one side of the support substrate; and readable and writable non-volatile information storing means provided on the one side of the support substrate; and information transmitting means, provided on the support substrate, for transmitting, to an outside, information relating to an ink remaining amount which is provided depending on whether the detection electrode is contacted to ink, and for receiving, from an outside, information to be written in the information storing element.

Abstract: A composite gear and method of making same. In one embodiment the gear includes a body portion having a plurality of teeth. The gear is formed by placing it in a suitable tool such that a compressive stress is exerted on the teeth adjacent the root portion of each tooth. A portion of the gear adjacent the teeth is wrapped with a resin fibrous material that is allowed to cure while the compressive stress is maintained on the gear. When the resin fibrous material has at least substantially cured and the gear is removed from the tool, a permanent compressive stress is formed at the root portion adjacent each tooth. The compressive stress counteracts the tension stress that is experienced at the root portions of the teeth when the gear is in use, thus significantly strengthening (i.e., toughening) the gear and increasing its fatigue life.

Abstract: A method of making a compressible elastomeric spring including at least one compressible elastomeric pad enclosed by a pair of metal plates includes the steps of forming plates with a center aperture and a plurality of prongs positioned about a peripheral edge thereof, forming each end of the pad with an axial projection and abutting groove, aligning the plurality of prongs with each respective projection and respective groove and applying axial force to one end of the spring to frictionally interlock the plurality of prongs with such projection and groove. The method also provides for making a multi-tiered stack of pads separated by plates in the above described manner and pre-shortening the spring prior to installation into the conventional yoke. The above described method additionally improves axial straightness and lateral stability of the multi-tiered spring assembly.