Abstract: A method for the surface treatment of ferritic/martensitic 9-12% Cr steels and of austenitic Cr steels for the purpose of achieving increased resistance to oxidation and solid particle erosion at application temperatures of above 500° C., in particular of approximately 650° C., in steam, includes that the surface of the steel is shot-peened with particles of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy; optionally, in a subsequent step, the surface of the steel is smoothed to a roughness of <0.5 ?m, preferably <0.3 ?m. Following additional heat treatment is not necessary, and the parts thus treated may be employed, for example, as blades in steam turbines.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite airfoil includes the step of providing a core made of a metal or ceramic material. A plastic airfoil portion is molded to envelope at least a portion of the core.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flow channel substrate for a liquid ejection head, includes at least the steps of: forming, on a substrate, a sacrificial layer which is made of a dissolvable resin and has a liquid flow channel shape; forming a lyophobic film on the substrate and the sacrificial layer; applying, by heat treatment, a rounded shape to a corner section of the sacrificial layer on a side which is not in contact with the substrate; removing the lyophobic film after the heat treatment; forming a coating resin layer on the substrate and the sacrificial layer after the lyophobic film is removed; patterning the coating resin layer; and dissolving the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sectioning module positioned within an automated solar cell device fabrication system. The solar cell device fabrication system is adapted to receive a single large substrate and form multiple silicon thin film solar cell devices from the single large substrate.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system that can be used to form a photovoltaic device, or solar cell, using processing modules that are adapted to perform one or more steps in the solar cell formation process. The automated solar cell fab is generally an arrangement of automated processing modules and automation equipment that is used to form solar cell devices. The automated solar fab will thus generally comprise a substrate receiving module that is adapted to receive a substrate, one or more absorbing layer deposition cluster tools having at least one processing chamber that is adapted to deposit a silicon-containing layer on a surface of the substrate, one or more back contact deposition chambers, one or more material removal chambers, a solar cell encapsulation device, an autoclave module, an automated junction box attaching module, and one or more quality assurance modules that are adapted to test and qualify the completely formed solar cell device.

Abstract: A system is provided for refitting a tire system on a compact tractor which typically comes equipped with a set of industrial tires mounted on standard industrial size wheels. A set of replacement agricultural tires or turf tires is provided. The replacement tires are sized to fit on the standard industrial size wheels while having rolling circumferences substantially equal to rolling circumferences of standard agricultural tires or turf tires, respectively, for the compact tractor in question. The industrial tires are replaced with the replacement agricultural tires or turf tires without changing at least the front wheels on the compact tractor.

Abstract: According to various exemplary embodiments, a spring device that includes a substrate, a self-releasing layer provided over the substrate and a stressed-metal layer provided over the self-releasing layer is disclosed, wherein an amount of stress inside the stressed-metal layer results in a peeling force that is higher than an adhesion force between the self-releasing layer and the stressed-metal layer. Moreover, a method of manufacturing a spring device, according to various exemplary embodiments, includes providing a substrate, providing a self-releasing layer over the substrate and providing a stressed-metal layer over the self-releasing layer wherein an amount of stress inside the stressed-metal layer results in a peeling force that is higher than an adhesion force between the self-releasing layer and the stressed-metal layer is also disclosed in this invention.

Abstract: The invention is a modular assembly of modular objects for autonomously executing a variety of tasks. The modular assembly consists of a modular object called a platform, one or more modular objects called modules which are mounted to the platform in accordance with a modular assembly system, and a modular bus system for distributing electrical power and electrical signals among the modular objects in the modular assembly. The modular assembly system utilizes modular object fasteners (MOFs) and MOF-accommodating features of modular objects for facilitating the attachment of a plurality of modular objects to one another thereby creating a modular assembly in any one of a variety of configurations, an MOF being activatable when object attachment surfaces associated with two modular objects are superimposed and two object attachment points on the object attachment surfaces coincide.

Abstract: A shaving razor blade unit including a housing having a primary guard at a front of the housing and a primary cap at an upper surface at a back of the housing, one or more primary shaving blades between the primary guard and the primary cap, a rear wall having a rear exterior surface extending downward from the upper surface at the back of the housing to a terminating surface, and a trimming blade mounted on the rear wall and having a trimming cutting edge extending at least partially beyond the terminating surface inside of an imaginary extension of the rear exterior surface, the rear exterior surface defining a secondary cap for the trimming blade. The back of the housing includes a trimming guard including spaced guard segments.

Abstract: A razor assembly is provided that includes a razor cartridge with one or more razor blades, a shaving aid body, a handle, and a linkage pivotally connected to the handle. The linkage is connected to the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body in a manner such that the razor cartridge and the shaving aid body are moveable relative to the handle. Movement of one of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body in a first direction causes the other of the razor cartridge or the shaving aid body to move in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. As a result, the positions of the shaving aid body and the razor cartridge are continuously adjusted to maintain the contact surface of the shaving aid body approximately co-planar with the cutting edges of the razor blades within the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A hair removing apparatus has a hair removing device for at least partially removing hair projecting from a skin, a liquid channel leading to a liquid outlet, a pump for causing liquid displacement through the liquid channel to the liquid outlet, a motor coupled to the hair removing device; a transmission coupled to the motor and to the pump; and a control structure operable between at least a first and a second operating condition for dispensing liquid at different rates. The control structure is arranged for controlling amounts of movement transmitted by the transmission to the pump such that, in the first and second operating conditions, different amounts of movement are transmitted by the transmission to the pump.

Abstract: An eating utensil with an integrated construction machine where the functional aspects of the integrated construction machine (front loader scoop, bulldozer blade, fork lift tines, etc.) act as the functional aspects of the eating utensil (spoon, pusher, fork, etc.). The integration of the construction machines in such a manner provides entertainment for the user and encourages the use of the flatware.

Abstract: A gardening tool with a retaining assembly comprises a first rod pivotally installed to a second rod; the first rod having a track for assembling a retaining portion; the first rod further having an elastic unit at a side having the track; the second rod being rotatably installed to the first rod; one end of the second rod being formed with a recess; and the retaining portion being movable in the track; the elastic unit resisting against the retaining portion so as to be buckled to the recess and thus an orientation of the second rod is fixed.

Abstract: A jigsaw generally includes a housing containing a motor activated by a trigger assembly. The housing defines a window. A shoe member pivotally connects to the housing. An indicator wheel is disposed in the housing so that a portion of the indicator wheel is visible through the window, wherein pivoting of the shoe member relative to the housing causes the indicator wheel to rotate.

Abstract: A motor chain saw has a housing, a motor arranged in the housing, a drive pinion driven by the motor, and a guide bar connected to the housing. A saw chain is driven in circulation about the guide bar by the drive pinion. A lateral panel is arranged between the housing and an attachment section of the guide bar. The guide bar and the lateral panel each have a distance relative to the drive pinion upstream and downstream of the drive pinion when viewed in a circulating direction of the saw chain. The lateral panel has a first guide that guides the saw chain at a level of rivets of the saw chain, wherein the first guide extends approximately parallel to the plane of the guide bar.

Abstract: A jigsaw includes a housing containing a motor activated by a trigger assembly. A shoe member is pivotally connected to the housing of the jigsaw and establishes an angle therebetween. The jigsaw includes a keel assembly includes a blade member that generally extends from the housing beyond the shoe member. The keel assembly remains generally in line with the housing as the angle between the shoe member and the housing varies. The jigsaw also includes a latch assembly capable of retaining and releasing the keel assembly from the housing.

Abstract: A jigsaw generally includes a housing that contains a motor activated by a trigger assembly. A reciprocating shaft is connected to the motor that extends from the housing toward a cutting area. A laser module is contained with a housing operable to produce a laser light pattern forward of the cutting area. An upper connection portion releaseably connects the housing of the laser module to the housing of the jigsaw. A lower connection portion pivotally couples the housing of the laser module to the housing of the jigsaw to permit the housing of the laser module to tilt away from the housing of the jigsaw to provide access to a rear area of the laser module.

Abstract: A jigsaw that uses a cutting blade generally includes a housing containing a motor activated by a trigger assembly. A blade storage compartment is recessed in the housing. A platform is provided in the blade storage compartment having a first edge that at least partially defines a first recess that extends further into the housing beyond the platform. A member is connected to the platform that produces a magnetic field that releasably secures the cutting blade to the platform. The magnetic field is configured to permit a user to tilt the cutting blade about the first edge of the platform into the first recess to overcome the magnetic field and remove the cutting blade from the storage compartment.

Abstract: A jigsaw generally includes a housing containing a motor activated by a trigger assembly. A shoe member is pivotally connected to the housing. A locking mechanism has an unlocked condition that permits the shoe member to pivot relative to the housing and a locked condition that prevents the shoe member from pivoting relative to the housing. A stop member extends from the housing and the shoe member is configured to be moved axially relative to the housing so that a portion of the shoe member engages the stop member to prevent the shoe member from pivoting relative to the housing. The stop members provide an additional positive lock for the shoe member at a certain cutting angle.

Abstract: A jigsaw generally includes a housing containing a motor activated by a trigger assembly. A single control member is connected to the housing and configured to be accessible by a user. A reciprocating shaft moves at a reciprocation speed and at a magnitude of orbital motion when the trigger assembly is in a retracted condition. The single control member is operable to be positioned among a plurality of positions. Each of the positions corresponds to a predetermined combination of values of the reciprocation speed and the magnitude of the orbital motion.

Abstract: A tool for tracing horizontal lines on curved surfaces configured so that it can receive two spirit levels and a slider to allow for one level to push against a ruler so as to give the ruler a curvature similar to that of a wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary switch for a glass ceramic cooktop, which rotary switch includes a rotary knob projecting above the glass ceramic plate. The rotary knob interacting with a switch unit disposed on an underside of the glass ceramic plate. The rotary knob interacts with the switch unit via a knob axis and the switch unit includes a signal generator for generating a signal on the based on an angular position of the knob axis.

Abstract: The invention concerns a profile measuring fixture for the measuring of the profile of a surface of a narrow body, especially the profile of the surface of the wall of a tube end with a holding fixture (8) for the body (7) and at least a first measuring arm (4) with at least a moveable measuring arm (4), the probe head (9) scans the surface during the measurement and one of the first relative movements between at least the first probe head (9) and the at least first measuring arm (4). At least one probe head sensor (26) is provided during the measurement of the relative position between at least the first measuring arm (4) and the surface in a one dimensional travel direction (L), which changes travel fixture (2,3) whereby the first relative movement direction (S1) is provided inclined to the travel direction (L).

Abstract: A spherometer for measuring at least one physical parameter of the workpiece includes at least on fluid-actuated linearly extensible probe member having an output indicative of an amount of linear travel and a chamber housing the linearly extensible probe member. The chamber has an aperture for supporting a workpiece and a vacuum line is coupled to the chamber for creating a vacuum. The probe member is activated as a result of the vacuum in the chamber, causing it to extend linearly toward the workpiece until touching it. The linear extension of the probe may be used as a measurement of distance. The distance measured to a workpiece may be compared to a standard to determine a physical parameter of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described to dry solid objects being manufactured in a chain of steps. The apparatus contains a cartridge to hold the objects, a chamber to house the cartridge, nozzle sections to spray drying agents on the objects, and a vacuum section to remove the drying agent and the released solvent. The apparatus also contains an optical radiation source such as an IR lamp for heating the objects, which can be used in conjunction with the vacuum section for removing solvent and drying steps. The cartridge or the nozzles can be swayed changing the orientation of the objects and the nozzles. The spraying step and evacuating steps can be repeated as needed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fluidization of particle and/or powder systems with reduced generation of static electricity are disclosed. The systems/methods are particularly advantageous for fluidization of nanoparticle and/or nanopowder systems, where the generation and/or presence of static electricity is a significant fluidization issue. The systems and methods generally involve the addition of an alcohol or other solvent to a fluidization gas to be introduced to the fluidization chamber, e.g., by bubbling the fluidization gas through a volume of solvent/alcohol, to advantageously reduce the build up of electrostatic charge. Systems and methods for capturing in-situ images within a fluidized bed are also provided that involve reducing the electrostatic charges generated within the fluidized bed and introducing a particle vision and measurement (PVM) probe to the fluidized bed for image capture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dryer and a method for controlling the same, which prevents foreign matters from entering into a heater and can remove the foreign matters from the heater. The dryer includes a drum for holding a drying object, a heater for heating air to provide hot air to the drum, a duct for forming a flow passage for introducing the hot air heated at the heater to the drum, a fan for controlling an air flow in the duct, and a microcomputer for controlling operation of the fan and the heater for removing foreign matters accumulated on the heater. The method for controlling a dryer having a heater and a fan includes the steps of a foreign matter removing step for removing foreign matters from the heater by driving the fan in a state the heater is not operated, and a drying course step for performing a drying course by driving the heater after the foreign matter removing step.

Abstract: An electric switching circuit with a first current path for operating an electric motor and with a second current path for operating a first heater. The electric motor drives a fan during which an air flow created by the fan is heated by the first heater. A switch for opening or closing the second current path in response to an actual operating state of the electric motor is, in the second current path, connected in series to the first heater. The switch is designed as a bimetallic switch and a second heater is assigned thereto that is arranged and designed for detecting the actual operating state of the electric motor and for controlling the bimetallic switch by changing its ambient temperature in response to the detected operating state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent shoe insole intended to internally line the outsole or sole thereof in order to improve its comfort. The insole is formed from a first profusely perforated water-repellent layer (1) of natural leather or another similar material, a second layer (3) of an absorbent, microporous and hydrophilic material, only allowing the passage of perspiration in a downward direction, a third layer (4) of a purely absorbent material, based on micro-fibers collecting the moisture from the previous layer, a fourth layer (5) based on an open pore heat-formed material acting as a moisture conductor towards the fifth and final layer (6), also of an absorbent material based on micro-fibers and acting as a final moisture collector. An insole with a multi-layer structure is thus achieved, fulfilling the double function of being absorbent and transpirable in addition to forming a flexible, adaptable and shock-absorbing base for the foot of the user.

Abstract: A footwear sole having a dual-structure midsole, in which a seesaw movement can be performed to enhance an exercise effect during walking. The seesaw-motion footwear sole includes a main midsole having a convex projection in the central portion of the underside thereof to define a walking axis; a sub-midsole coupled to the underside of the main midsole and made of a softer material than that of the main midsole in order to exhibit a primary shock absorbing function, wherein the sub-midsole allows the main midsole to perform a seesaw movement on the basis of the walking axis in backward and forward directions during walking; and an outsole coupled to the sub-midsole. The seesaw-motion footwear sole can be applied to a variety of shoes such as running shoes, and can advantageously provide an excellent exercise effect, which is superior to that provided by heelless shoes of the prior art.

Abstract: Boot (10), in particular a motorcyclist's boot, with a leg-piece (12) and closing means for varying the dimensions of the boot (10) in the zone of the heel (11), characterized in that said closing means comprise at least one elongated part (22) which extends between two sides of the leg-piece (12) above the heel (11), surrounding it at the rear, and is tightened around the heel (11) in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a sleeve to be worn over a soccer shoe, with indicia in two distinct regions of an instep, indicia on an outstep, and indicia on a top region constructed and arranged for teaching soccer skills and a method of using the sleeve to teach soccer.

Abstract: A cleat arrangement is configured for use with an article of footwear comprises a receptacle, a cleat, and a retaining ring. The receptacle is provided in the sole of the footwear. The cleat includes a projecting member and a retaining surface. The retaining surface is configured to fit within the receptacle with the projecting member extending from the receptacle. The retaining ring fits over the cleat and engages the retaining surface of the cleat positioned within the receptacle and the projecting member of the cleat extending through the retaining ring. The retaining ring releasably engages the receptacle such that the retaining ring holds the cleat within the receptacle.

Abstract: A snowplough blade with adjustable width, of the type including: a first, stationary blade body (L1), supported by a frame (S) for suspension and coupling to a respective machine (O); and a second blade body (L2), connected to the first blade body (L1) by mutual coupling means, sliding and moving with respect to the latter, operated by actuating means (A) between a retracted position (R) and an extreme advanced position (EA), in which the snow-removing surface of the snowplough blade (L) is maximum. The second blade body (L2) is situated in front of the first blade body (L1). The first blade body (L1) includes a tubular cross-beam (1), connected to the suspension and coupling frame (S) and housing the actuating means (A).

Abstract: Applicants have created a method and system of deep sea mining comprising mining SMS deposits from the sea floor with a subsea miner, pumping the solids from the subsea miner through a jumper and pumping the solids from the jumper up a riser to a surface vessel. Further, applicants have created a method of deploying a deep sea mining system, comprising stacking a riser hangoff structure on top of a subsea pump module forming an assembly; picking up the assembly by a hanging mechanism, hanging the assembly on a moon pool, attaching a first riser joint; disconnecting the riser hangoff structure from the assembly; and attaching at least one second riser joint to form the riser.

Abstract: A walk-behind trenching vehicle incorporating a trenching boom with an endless trenching chain. The trenching boom may be connected to a forward end of the vehicle via a pivot joint that is offset from a drive axis of the trenching chain. The boom may be movable between an operating position and a transport position via a single actuator, e.g., hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A boom control circuit for controlling hydraulic fluid fed to a boom cylinder is provided separately and independently from a travel/stick/bucket control circuit, which serves to control hydraulic fluid fed to travel motors, a stick cylinder, and a bucket cylinder. The boom control circuit includes a boom pump, an energy recovery motor disposed in a return passage through which return fluid from the boom cylinder 8bmc passes, and a boom motor generator connected to the energy recovery motor. The aforementioned boom pump is connected through a clutch to the boom motor generator. The invention is capable of providing a work machine of which a boom control circuit is adapted to function independently so that the flow rate required by the boom control circuit can be easily ensured.

Abstract: A ground scraper (10) comprises a bowl (12) for holding excavated ground material, a cutting edge (14) mounted at an open side of the bowl for excavating the ground material, a hitch assembly (56) pivotally coupled to the bowl for coupling the ground scraper to a powered vehicle and an apron (44) pivotally mounted to the bowl for closing the open side of the bowl. An axis of rotation (50) of the apron is substantially parallel to, forward of and above a longitudinal axis of the cutting edge. The axis of rotation is located in a plane extending from the cutting edge and the plane is inclined between 15° and 30° to a vertical plane extending from the cutting edge.

Abstract: A pilot pressure control valve V17 is provided that is switchable between an operation position 56 where pilot pressure is supplied to a first channel switching valve V12 and a non-operation position 57 where pilot pressure is not supplied to the first channel switching valve V12; this pilot pressure control valve V17 is switched to the non-operation position 57 during a state of non-travel and is switched to the operation position 56 with a pilot pressure established in a travel detection circuit 54, and in the operation position 56, supplies a pilot source pressure to the first channel switching valve V12 from a fourth pump P4 on the upstream side of a pressurized oil introduction orifice 53.

Abstract: An improved dipper stick, tool, and thumb combination includes a progressive linkage for connecting the thumb to a thumb actuator wherein the pivot axis of the thumb idler link connection is spaced from the pivot axis of the tool idler link connection. The pivot axis of the thumb idler link connection may be offset outwardly from the inner surface of the dipper stick. A mounting plate may be connected to the inner surface of the dipper stick to locate the pivot axis in the offset position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to rotatably display a plurality of products having corresponding animation of the plurality of products via virtual tracking to enable user interaction with the plurality of products, such as selection of one or more of the plurality of products to gain more information about the one or more of the plurality of products and/or to compare one or more of the plurality of products with each other.

Abstract: Gift bag assemblies and related retail displays including multiple components which are selected and assembled to form unique gift bags. The display includes a plurality of each of the gift bag components which include bags which have a transparent pocket for receiving a decorative card, decorative cards which bear printed matter which is visible through the transparent pocket, and handles which have a gripping portion and an attachment portion and a fastener on the attachment portion for attachment to the bag. The consumer selects each of the components based upon occasion or design attributes and assembles a unique gift bag by insertion of a selected decorative card into the transparent pocket of the bag and attachment of a selected handle to the bag.

Abstract: A license plate frame comprising: a frame surrounding an opening for displaying a vehicle's license plate, the frame comprising a three-dimensional decorative sculpture; and a luminary source located within the frame so as to illuminate the three-dimensional decorative sculpture. In another aspect, the invention can be a license plate decoration comprising: a horizontal member comprising a three-dimensional decorative sculpture and constructed of a colored substantially transparent material; a luminary source located within the horizontal member frame so as to illuminate the three-dimensional decorative sculpture; and first and second holes located in the horizontal member, the first and second holes sized and spaced from one another so as to facilitate mounting to a vehicle using the vehicle's license plate mounting holes.

Abstract: Device for identifying articles such as animals, comprising a male part and a female part, which male part comprises an arrow-shaped element and which female part is provided with a passage with a front end and a rear end, wherein the arrow-shaped element can be inserted into the passage along the front end, wherein the passage is provided close to the front end with at least one protruding element, and wherein the passage is partly closed close to the rear end by a closing part, wherein the partly closed passage, including the protruding element, are manufactured integrally from a hard material; method for manufacturing such a device.

Abstract: A billboard (10) includes a substrate (11), a lens array (12) and at least one light source (13). A plurality of pattern units are provided at a first side of the substrate. Each of the pattern units includes a plurality of pattern cells for being selectively combined to form at least one independent image. The lens array corresponding to the pattern units is arranged on one surface of the substrate at the first side thereof. The lens array includes a plurality of lenses arranged in rows and columns. The lens array is configured for displaying the at least one independent image. At least one light source is disposed facing to the other surface of the substrate configured for emitting light rays towards the substrate.

Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) one-way vision, see-through graphics panel comprises a sheet of light permeable material with a uniform electrically conductive coating. A print pattern comprising an electroluminescent ink system partially covers the sheet of light permeable material forms an ‘EL lamp’. A design is superimposed on, or forms part of, the print pattern such that the design is visible from only one side of the panel. The design can be a uniform colour, but is typically a multi-colour graphic image. The EL lamp illuminates the design when subjected to an electrical current. If the light permeable material is transparent, through vision is possible from the other side of the panel through the imprinted portions of the transparent material. A dark coloured opaque mask layer faces in the direction of the other side of the panel to mask the other print pattern layers and enable good through vision.

Abstract: A billboard (100) includes a light module (120) and a light-permeable panel (140). The light module comprises a plurality of elongated light conductors (122) and at least one LED (124). Each of the light conductors has two end surfaces (1222, 1224) and a circumferential lateral surface (1223) interconnected between the end surfaces, and one of the end surfaces of each of the light conductors is adjacent to and optically coupled to the at least one LED. The light-permeable panel has a light incident surface (142) and an opposite light emitting surface (144). One of the light incident surface and the light emitting surface has a pattern (143).

Abstract: A hand-held display device such as a stop/slow paddle is provided for warning passing motorists. Included is a self-supporting sign panel having opposed major surfaces for displaying warning information. A first mast section has a first end receiving the sign panel and an opposed second end. A second mast section is releasably joined to the first mast section with a coupler providing end-to-end joinder, with the coupler keyed to the first and the second mast sections. At least one of the first and the second mast sections have a tactile indication of the angular position of the sign panel.

Abstract: A sign frame comprises a pair of upstanding leg members each having a proximate end and a tapered distal end, at least one top member connecting the leg members at the proximate ends thereof, and at least one cross member connecting the leg members between the proximate and distal ends thereof. The members together define a first sign mounting area. Within the sign frame is at least one mounting flange extending into the first sign mounting area from the sign frame, and at least one elongated stiffening rib upstands from and extends along each of the leg members.

Abstract: A sign attached to the back of a poker or blackjack dealer's chair to provide ease of visibility for a casino's floor staff and players waiting to enter a gaming area as to the availability of a vacant seat and as to the betting limits associated with the table, with the sign being operated by means of a pull-cord arrangement at the dealer's chair.