Abstract: A spring manufacturing apparatus comprises a tool support (30, 40, 50) which supports a tool in a way that the tool can be slid toward the spring forming space. A plurality of the tool supports can be arranged in a radial pattern from the spring forming space on the forming table. The apparatus also comprises a driving force transmission unit (70), attached to the tool support on the forming table, which transmits driving force to the tool support for sliding the tool. The tool support includes first and second tool supports for driving a tool by different driving methods. The first tool support (30) comprises a first driving mechanism (32) that transmits driving force of a common driving axis to the tool. The second tool support (40) comprises a second driving mechanism (41) that transmits driving force of the driving axis to the tool.

Abstract: A valve nut removal and replacement system including a plurality of associated tools and methods used for above ground access to, replacement of, and maintenance of worn, misshaped, abused or otherwise faulty valve nuts located at a subsurface location. A system is provided including tool components, many of which can be configured for multiple uses. The system provides for the cleaning and removal of a retainer nut, for the removal of a damaged valve nut, and for the installation and securing of a new valve nut from a remote above ground location.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for repairing a collapsed underground duct for a fiber cable. A head is inserted into the duct until the collapsed section is sensed. Power, such as hydraulic or pneumatic pressure of electric potential, is applied to the head, actuating an expansion member that engages the duct wall and applies a force to it, forcing it to a non-collapsed state. The head may be fed through the non-collapsed duct by applying air pressure behind it, forcing through the duct until it encounters the collapsed section.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a technique which may be used in conjunction with an automated Z-pin insertion process to automatically monitor the insertion energy applied to the Z-pins during the initial insertion phase of the automated insertion process, and compare it to an empirically derived value for good insertions, thereafter allowing the insertion process to continue to a predetermined additional insertion depth before terminating the process. The insertion energy is calculated by cumulatively summing the insertion force and multiplying it by the insertion time, thus yielding the cumulative energy. At a specified, predetermined insertion depth, the energy accumulation is stopped and the value at the initial insertion depth is stored and compared to an empirically derived value. If the value is less than the empirical value, the insertion energy is too low, thus indicating that either a partial grid insertion is being encountered or defective Z-pins are being inserted.

Abstract: A cable stripping tool includes a marking device connected directly to a handle of the tool, or connected to a cartridge containing the marking device, which cartridge is connected to the handle of the tool. The underside of the cartridge contains a plurality of cutting blades to cut different layers of a coaxial cable. The marking device contains a tip which marks the proper location on the cable indicating the proper depth of insertion of the prepared coaxial cable into a cable connector. Different cartridges are sized to mark and cut different sizes of cable.

Abstract: The speaker design support apparatus can reduce time for designing the speaker instead of many design trials, and comprises the input means that a user inputs necessary data for voice coil and for magnetic circuit and for diaphragm, and the calculation means for calculate the speaker characteristic based on the inputted data from the input means, and the display for displaying the calculated results by the calculation means.

Abstract: A method of making UHF antennas for security tag and antennas thereby. A web of electrically conductive material having a thickness in the range of approximately 5 to approximately 50 microns is releasably secured to a carrier web using a releasably securable adhesive substantially coextensive with the conductive web. A series of antennas of a desired shape are die-cut into the conductive web, but not into the carrier web. The portion of the conductive web not making up the antennas is in the form of scrap and is removed, thereby leaving the series of antennas releasably secured to the carrier sheet. The antennas are arranged to be removed from the carrier sheet, whereupon the releasably securable adhesive is transferred to them, so that they may be subsequently secured to other components to form a security tag.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an inductor includes selecting a substrate, depositing a layer of magnetic material on the substrate, depositing an insulating layer on the magnetic material layer, forming a inductor pattern from gold on the insulating layer, depositing a second insulating layer on the inductor pattern, and depositing a second magnetic material layer on the second insulating layer.

Abstract: A method for mounting a head slider of the type having terminal pads to a wireless disk drive head suspension flexure including a slider mounting region, lead contact pads, and a deflectable and resilient slider engagement member for releasably mounting a head slider to the slider mounting region. The method includes engaging and deflecting the slider engagement member and positioning the head slider onto the slider mounting region and between the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member while the slider engagement member is deflected. The method further includes disengaging the slider engagement member and causing the slider engagement member to force the head slider into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member with the lead contact pads in mechanical and electrical contact with the head slider terminal pads.

Abstract: A high performance TMR element is fabricated by inserting an oxygen surfactant layer (OSL) between a pinned layer and AlOx tunnel barrier layer in a bottom spin valve configuration. The pinned layer preferably has a SyAP configuration with an outer pinned layer, a Ru coupling layer, and an inner pinned layer comprised of CoFeXBY/CoFeZ wherein x=0 to 70 atomic %, y=0 to 30 atomic %, and z=0 to 100 atomic %. The OSL is formed by treating the CoFez layer with oxygen plasma. The AlOx tunnel barrier has improved uniformity of about 2% across a 6 inch wafer and can be formed from an Al layer as thin as 5 Angstroms. As a result, the Hin value can be decreased by ? to about 32 Oe. A dR/R of 25% and a RA of 3 ohm-cm2 have been achieved for TMR read head applications.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a magnetic head with overlaid lead pads that contact the top surface of the sensor between the hardbias structures and do not contact the hardbias structures which are electrically insulated from direct contact with the sensor. The lead pad contact area on the top of the sensor is defined by sidewall deposition of a conductive material to form leads pads on a photoresist prior to formation of the remainder of the leads. The conductive material for the lead pads is deposited at a shallow angle to maximize the sidewall deposition on the photoresist, then ion-milled at a high angle to remove the conductive material from the field while leaving the sidewall material. An insulation layer is deposited on the lead material at a high angle, then milled at a shallow angle to remove insulation from the sidewall.

Abstract: A main pole forming method is provided. The main pole forming method includes etching an exposed side face of a main pole layer, and the plated foundation film, thereby defining a recording track width. The method also includes etching the nonmagnetic insulating layer, and reattaching a material repelled from the nonmagnetic insulating layer to the side face of the main pole layer and a side face of the plated foundation film.

Abstract: A coaxial cable is provided with a specially prepared precoat layer that facilitates removal of the precoat layer when the end of the cable is cored in preparation for receiving a connector. The cable includes an inner conductor; a foam polyolefin dielectric layer surrounding the inner conductor; an outer conductor surrounding said dielectric layer; and a precoat layer disposed between the inner conductor and the dielectric layer. The precoat layer forms a first bond interface with the inner conductor and a second bond interface with the dielectric layer, wherein the ratio of the axial shear adhesion force of the first (“A”) bond to the axial shear adhesive force of the second (“B”) bond is less than 1, and wherein the ratio of the axial shear adhesion force of the “A” bond formed by the precoat layer between the inner conductor to the dielectric layer to the rotational shear adhesion force of the bond is 5 or greater.

Abstract: A hoop molding method comprises forming, in the frame portions, connection portions that link, to the frame portions, at least one molded portion of the at least one bent molded portion or at least another molded portion other than the at least one bent molded portion such that it is displaceable in a direction toward another molded portion along the width direction of the parent material, and displacing the at least one molded portion of the at least one bent molded portion or the at least another molded portion other than the at least one bent molded portion toward the another molded portion after the bending.

Abstract: A method and a pre-shaped workpiece for making at least a portion of a gas turbine fuel nozzle are disclosed having opposed gripping tabs which can be secured to machine tool holders during manufacturing by a machine tool.

Abstract: A dual base plate heatsink for use in dissipating heat for electronic devices with thermal contact between fins and the base plates and manufactured without welding. Separately extruded fins are connected to both base plates by placing the fins side by side in channels in both base plates. In order to couple the base plates and the fins, the base plates are maintained at a constant relative distance and a swaging tool is passed adjacent the fins and between the base plates in a direction parallel to the surface of the base plates. The swaging tool applies pressure to the base plates to thereby swage the base plates against the ends of the fins.

Abstract: A sliding bearing for axial and/or radial arrangement of a first bearing member in relation to a second bearing member, comprises a second bearing member, which has a bearing recess provided with a second slide face; a first bearing member, which is lodged in the bearing recess and which is mounted axially and/or radially, the first bearing member having a first slide face, which is opposite the second slide face and spaced therefrom by a clearance; at least one sliding/guiding element, which is disposed between the first and the second bearing members and fixed in relation to one bearing member, for guidance of a motion of the first relative to the second bearing member; an equalizing compound, which is disposed between the at least one sliding/guiding element and the bearing member relative to which is fixed the at least one sliding/guiding element, for adaptation of the guide clearance between the at least one sliding/guiding element and the slide face that is displaceable in relation thereto, the equalizi

Abstract: A scissors-action tool whose blades or jaws are urged apart by a spring and which includes an adjustable member restricting opening movement to a limited blade or jaw separation angle during normal use of the tool, but allowing the blades or jaws to be opened to a wider angle when the adjustable member is moved to a rearward position. The adjustable member may be a rocker including an elongated hole permitting the rocker to be moved rearwardly from a normal position of engagement with a rocker pivot pin.

Abstract: A pair of gardening shears include a main body, two shanks, two positioning blocks, two handles, and two handle jackets. Thus, each of the two handles is retracted inwardly onto and fully expanded outwardly from the main body to adjust the distance between the main body and each of the two handles, thereby facilitating the user operating the gardening shears in an energy-saving manner. In addition, each of the two handles is substantially arc-shaped and is bent outwardly to provide a comfortable sensation to the user, thereby facilitating the user holding the gardening shears. Further, each of the two handles is exactly locked onto the main body by the locking member without incurring slip, thereby facilitating the user holding and operating the gardening shears.

Abstract: A jigsaw comprising a debris or dust collection system is described. A shroud is arranged to encapsulate a portion of a saw blade such that debris from the blade ejected during cutting of a work-piece is captured in the shroud and entrained in an airflow provided by a vacuum source. The airflow passes along a pipe section from the shroud to the vacuum source, where the debris can be collected. The shroud is generally U-shaped and symmetrical such that it extends around other jigsaw components, such as the orbital action bell crank. As a result, the pipe can be fitted on either side of the jigsaw's shoe or footplate and engage with the shroud. The airflow in the immediate area of the cutting blade is transverse to the cut direction, thereby removing debris from the line-of-sight of the operator. The shroud is arranged such that only a portion of the blade passes through a volume defined by the shroud, footplate and work-piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and a method for projecting an indication of alignment. The invention features forming a first output beam, and a second output beam that is substantially perpendicular to the first output beam. The first output beam indicates level, the second output beam indicates plumb, and the first and second output beams together indicate square.

Abstract: A chassis can be electro-mechanically rotated about an axis. The chassis contains a laser module and an inclination sensor. A laser beam and/or a laser line or plane can be emitted from chassis using a lens or reflector to focus the light in the desired beam or plane shape. The inclinometer/accelerometer senses the spatial orientation of the chassis and a microprocessor drives a motor through a motor control to adjust the angular orientation of the chassis. Preset angular orientations may be programmed into microprocessor that define predetermined angular orientations of the chassis.

Abstract: A multi-axis bubble vial device includes a bubble vial having a vial body defining a fluid chamber with a curved upper surface, and a quantity of fluid partially filling the chamber. The fluid defines a bubble in the upper portion of the chamber that moves along the upper surface in dependence upon the orientation of the vial. A centrally positioned light source above the bubble vial directs light into the chamber, and four light sensors, positioned above the bubble vial and arranged circumferentially around the centrally positioned light source, detect the reflection of light from a reflector beneath the fluid chamber. A first pair of the sensors is positioned on opposite sides of the light source along a first axis, and a second pair of the sensors is positioned on opposite sides of the light source along a second axis. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An infinitely adjustable level with a least one extender that extends outward from the end of a central body. The level indicating devices can be attached to the extenders, to the central body, or to the extenders and the central body. In this manner the level indicating devices will never be obscured as the extenders are adjusted, no matter what the length of adjustment might be. The infinitely adjustable level provides a method of positioning a level indicating device in a manner such that the level indicating device can be moved to a location for best and most accurate viewing by the operator. The infinitely adjustable level provides a method of locking the central body with the extenders so that relative lateral movement is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable offset straight line alignment tool which includes a rigid body having graduated guide lines for stringing offset lines at a construction site. The tool may also include a flat base surface and nailing apertures for nailing the tool to an offset mount at the desired anchoring site and a leveraging catch for a leveraging instrument such as a claw of a claw hammer to easily remove the anchored tool from the anchoring site.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide installation templates and methods that allow placement of various sized equipment in a finished wall or ceiling. In one embodiment, a method of forming an aperture for mounting of an in-wall component between two supports is provided. The method generally includes coupling a substrate, including an adjustable guide corresponding to the dimensions of the in-wall component, to the two supports, installing drywall over the substrate and the guide, and forming the aperture by removing at least a portion of the drywall installed over the guide.

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 tool for measuring an object having a circularly curved surface provides a generally rectilinear body defining a V notch having two converging sides meeting at an apex and an angulated wedge track. A wedge movable along the wedge track and across the V notch intersects a bisector of the V notch at an angle other than perpendicular. Sides of the V notch and a measuring edge of the wedge simultaneously contact the circular curve at three equally spaced apart positions along the circumference of the circular curve. Measuring indicia on the body adjacent the wedge track allows determination of the lateral movement of the wedge along the wedge track. The distance the wedge moves on the wedge track is equal to the radius of the circular curve.

Abstract: A support assembly is configured to secure an object to a structure and includes a bracket adapted to be secured to the object. The bracket has an opening formed therein. The support assembly further includes a support capable of being received within the opening of the bracket in a secure position. The support has a marking element designed to extend away from the object when positioning the support within the opening of the bracket. The arrangement is such that when positioning the support within the opening of the bracket, the marking element forms a mark on the structure in response to positioning the object against the structure. The support assembly also includes a device to secure the support to the structure upon removing the support from the opening of the bracket with the marking element being positioned on the mark formed on the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the position of a plane or recess of an instrument. The device includes a positioning element that has at least one reference marker, wherein a spatial position of the positioning element can be ascertained, and a position determining element coupled to the positioning element. The position determining element includes at least one reference element that defines a contact plane, and at least one pressing element.

Abstract: A lint filter assembly for removing lint and particulate matter from a clothes dryer exhaust system includes a conduit adapter and a filtering element. In a preferred embodiment the lint filter is a secondary filter removably connected inline between conduits substantially at the point of communication of the exhaust gases through a wall or floor to the outside, the filter portion not exceeding the conduit size in diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced drying of bulk agricultural products is provided in a transport trailer. The apparatus includes a perforated false bottom below the product, an air manifold buried within the product, and baffles for air distribution. Product unloading capabilities are enhanced as well. These capabilities enhance the uniformity and reproducibility of drying, ease of product handling, and greater safety in unloading the product.

Abstract: Articles that provide foot pain-relief for wearers of shoes and methods are disclosed. Foot pain relief by cooling or heating of footwear is provided by footwear comprising a length of tubing coupled to and along at least a portion of the shoe insole and an aperture for the release of gas from a compressed gas cylinder into the tubing. The shoe is recharged as needed to provide continuous cooling or heating of a foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, and a pocket positioned beneath the forefoot portion. A first midsole portion is received in the pocket. An outer sole assembly is secured to the upper. The outer sole assembly is visible from an exterior of the article of footwear and the first midsole portion is not visible from an exterior of the article of footwear.

Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has, in several different embodiments, a pair of straps to draw the binding tight over a user's boot, the two straps reversing direction at side loop points and being secured to a pair of buckles on a floating tongue at the top of the binding, generally over the ball area of the foot. In one form the straps are anchored at toe points on the binding and extend back in a crossing, X configuration, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,360. In another form the straps are shorter and do not cross, the forward ends being replaced with toe-cradling strap-like members that extend up and back and come together at a pivot connection with a tongue, in this case a shorter tongue, to which the two buckles are connected. The binding tends to open with release of the straps. In a third form the tongue is a larger, padded X-shaped flexible member under which the boot is slid to engage the binding.

Abstract: A soccer training apparatus for teaching a user the proper technique to stop a soccer ball. The training apparatus includes a contact patch assembly having a contact region, and a strap mechanism configured to removably mount around a foot and shoe of the user in a manner orienting the contact region generally at an instep portion of the user's foot. The contact region, in one example, includes one of a hook or loop material. The training apparatus further includes a soccer ball having an exterior surface containing the other of a loop or hook material that is adapted to cooperate with the contact region of the contact patch assembly to promote attachment of the soccer ball to the contact region. Such contact and adherence indicates precision locational contact of the foot or shoe with the soccer ball at the instep portion thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to an apparatus for varying a footwear's color. The apparatus comprises a first variable filter having a first reservoir portion and a first non-reservoir portion. The first reservoir portion houses a first dye when the first variable filter is in a first state. The first non reservoir portion houses the first dye when the variable filter is in a second state. The apparatus further comprises a first air pouch adjacent to the first variable filter and a casing surrounding the first variable filter and the first air pouch.

Abstract: Footwear is provided that includes a sole having a front and a back. A light source is disposed in the front of the sole. A foot sensor, disposed in the sole, detects the presence or absence of a foot in the footwear. A light sensor, disposed in the sole, is adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear. The sole may also include a delay circuit for maintaining the light source in the ON state for a predetermined period of time after the foot is removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench cutter comprising at least two cutting wheels or pairs of cutting wheels, whose axes of rotation are offset from each other. A forced synchronization is achieved in accordance with the invention in that a single drive motor is provided which jointly drives the at least two cutting wheels or pairs of cutting wheels by means of a gear arrangement.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a motion picture display apparatus constructed with a casing, an undulating lens mounted on the casing, a motor mounted in the casing, and a background picture disposed on rear of the display apparatus. The motion picture display apparatus is driven by a motor and drive assembly comprising a driving shaft connected to the motor, a driven shaft and a transparent film which is rotatably connected between the driving shaft and the driven shaft in an endless rotating manner. The dynamic picture comprises a plurality of designs having at least two design layers, and the contents and colors of the design layer are identically printed on the film and viewable from the obverse and reverse surfaces. A light source disposed on a rear portion of the background picture illuminates the background picture.

Abstract: A handheld illuminated traffic sign is disclosed. The handheld sign provides a warning to oncoming traffic. The sign includes a planar surface having two sides. Each side includes a solid background color having a plurality of block letters providing a warning. The block letters are illuminated by red LED bulbs. The sign also includes a perimeter which is illuminated by a plurality of side mounted bulbs. A printed circuit board is located in an interior portion of the sign. The sign also includes a handle. The red LED bulbs may be flashing. The sign may include a blue beacon mounted on a top portion of the sign or a line of blue lights outlining the perimeter of the sign. The handle may be extendable to lengthen the handle.

Abstract: A container and booklet combination comprises a container having walls defining a space, the walls having at least an insert aperture, and a booklet comprising a plurality of media sheets mounted on at least a portion of the outer surface of the container in a manner which allows removal of one of the media sheets from the plurality of media sheets, the media sheets being configured so as to be placed in the container through the insert aperture.

Abstract: A modified toggle link assembly for a lever action rifle including a modified slide channel that, in at least one embodiment, produces a shorter lever stroke and smoother lever cycle. The modified toggle link may also include a modified profile which defines a hump on an upper surface of the rearward link of the toggle link and a corresponding recess on the forward link. This hump allows for the modified geometry of the slide channel. The slide channel may be a modified straight path or a compound, or non-linear path.

Abstract: A magazine doubler includes a resilient body with two cavities each having upstanding ribs to carry magazines therein at different heights. A bracket and spaced screws are mounted medially between the front and back of the body to squeeze the body to generally conform it to carried magazines therein. A blocking element is used to replace the top round in one magazine to prevent the upper round from being dislodged during use of the doubler. Such element is tethered and biased by a rubber band looping around one of the screw shanks.

Abstract: A magazine for a firearm includes an elongated containing body and a closure member adapted to hold cartridges. The closure member longitudinally slides on the containing body and is extendable to open a side of the containing body for cartridge loading. The closure member has opposing sidewalls forming an integral handle surface that can be grasped for moving it. A follower and spring bias cartridges toward one end of the magazine. A latching mechanism is provided for holding the follower in a disengaged position when the closure member is extended, and is configured to release when the closure member is closed. Preferably, the containing body and closure member are constructed to include integrally formed features that cooperate with an automatic latching mechanism, thus minimizing parts.

Abstract: A weighting material for use with fishing tackle includes a gel base material and a distributed tungsten filler material suspended in the gel base material. The weighting material can be applied to a fishing tackle article to provide weighting.

Abstract: A two-part semi-buoyant fishing lure that through select design and materials solves the problem of controlling and maintaining the placement of the lure without the usual complicated rig system accompaniment. The balance of weight that enables an angler to place and keep the lure in the top three feet of water, where it will be most attractive to top water fish, is derived from the combination of a buoyant head and a solid soft body. If pull is maintained, it will stay in the area three feet or less from the surface. The shape of the head allows for a true straight pull. It also looks like live bait and behaves in a manner attractive to top water fish, including popular sport fish. Further, a kink in the shank holds the head on and prevents its rotation relative to the body portion of the lure during use.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of termites and killing termites by exposing the termites to a termiticide, includes locating a monitoring device in ground adjacent a building. The monitoring device has an integral termite indicator mechanism for indicating the presence of termites within the monitoring device that provides an aboveground visible signal that termites are present within the monitoring device. The termite indicator mechanism is actuated by a trigger mechanism that includes a termite food source that, when fed upon by termites, actuates the visible signal of the termite indicator mechanism to indicate the presence of termites in the monitoring device. After the visible signal has been actuated, a termiticide is introduced into the monitoring device and/or the ground adjacent the monitoring device to expose termites to the termiticide as the termites pass between a termite colony and the monitoring device and/or feed within the monitoring device.

Abstract: A plant protector includes a flexible cover having an apex, a base, plural sides and plural vertices defining intersections between adjacent sides, together with plural elongated frame members each respectively attached to the cover at one of the vertices. The frame members each have a first end proximate to the cover apex and a second end proximate to the cover base. The frame member first ends are mutually interconnected for pivoting at or below the cover apex. The pivotal interconnection may be provided by hinge connector hardware, but is more preferably provided by the cover itself functioning as a living hinge. The frame members are pivotable from an open position wherein the frame members are angled relative to each other to a collapsed position wherein the frame members are substantially parallel to each other.