Abstract: A floor care appliance includes a housing having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet. A dirt collection vessel and a suction generator are carried on the housing. A control handle pivotally connects to the nozzle assembly and is selectively displaceable between a storage position and an operating position. A latch assembly is displaceable between a locking position to secure the control handle in the storage position and a release position to allow full movement of the control handle into the operating position. The latch assembly is characterized by a latch stop and a latch carried on the nozzle assembly. The latch has two mounting points with one of the mounting points being displaceable between a home position and a control handle break-over release position.

Abstract: A convertible blower/vacuum for selectively blowing or vacuuming debris. The blower/vacuum may include a housing to which a blower/vacuum tube is coupled. The tube may be movable, relative to the housing, to allow a primary passageway of the tube to selectively communicate with either an air inlet of the housing or an air outlet. The blower/vacuum may further include a vacuum receptacle having an opening that selectively communicates with the air outlet when the passageway of the tube communicates with the air inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner may include a cleaner body, in which a suction motor is provided; a dust collector selectively attached to the cleaner body, in which a dust container is formed; at least one pressing element that presses dust stored in the dust container; and a drive device that drives the at least one pressing element.

Abstract: A door closer comprising: (a) a housing for fitting into a door, the housing having a mounting plate with an opening adjacent to a central bore of the housing; (b) a tension member extending longitudinally within the central bore of the housing and extending outwardly of the housing through the opening to define an end thereof for fitting to a door frame; (c) a movable body within the housing and adapted for longitudinal movement within the central bore, the movable body being connected to the tension member; (d) a spring within the housing and biasing the movable body in a first direction away from the mounting plate so as to urge the tension member inwardly of the housing in a door closing motion; and (e) a hydraulic damping assembly for damping the longitudinal movement of the movable body at least in the first direction, the hydraulic damping assembly being disposed within the central bore of the housing, wherein the hydraulic damping assembly comprises a piston, coupled to the housing by a piston shaf

Abstract: A snap hinge for supporting a closure element comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral, sharing a first and a second lever having as a base element respectively a plate for coupling to a fixed element and a plate for fixing to a closure element, elastic elements acting between a point of the first lever and a point of the second lever and auxiliary elastic elements are arranged in series to the elastic elements and have opposite ends that are articulated to the first lever to a first pivot supported by a supporting element jointly associated with the fixing plate. The supporting element comprises at least one strip and one pair of first flaps formed so as to protrude from two opposite edges of the strip and provided with holes for the opposite ends of the first pivot. The strip is substantially inclined with respect to the plane of arrangement of the coupling plate.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus having an automatic return function for building materials is provided, in which a return spring is removed to thereby offer a closing force of each door with only a torsion spring. The hinge apparatus includes an upper body; a lower body; a shaft whose lower end portion is rotatably installed in the lower body; a piston whose outer circumference is slidably installed along the inner surface of the lower body”, a rotational/linear motion converter which converts a rotational motion of the shaft into an axial linear motion of the piston according to rotation of the door; a damping unit which provides a damping function selectively where the piston ascends according to return of the door; a torsion spring which rotates the shaft in the direction returning the door at the closing time; and a clutch unit for stopping an increment of an elastic force due to reverse twisting of the spring where an opening angle reaches a clutch stop start angle, or for restoring the elastic force of the spring.

Abstract: An over-center mechanism includes a pivoting member, rotatable about a pivot point between first and second positions, a drive gear, having a first radius, fixedly attached to the pivoting member at the pivot point, a pinion gear, engaged with the drive gear, having a second radius, and an over-center tension spring, eccentrically attached between the drive gear and the pinion gear, to bias the pivoting member toward the first and second positions.

Abstract: A pivot joint for a single blade spring tensioner or double blade spring tensioner generates a biased friction loss at a pivot joint. The friction torque generated in one direction of joint rotation is greater than the friction torque generated in the opposite direction of rotation. In one embodiment, the direction of torque bias at the joints is used to make the damping of the blade spring greater in compression than in extension. High damping in compression and low damping in extension is a desirable characteristic for a tensioner in most applications. The device may be designed to act as a one-way clutch or as a two-way clutch. The device may also be designed to apply large friction torques only when the joint undergoes large amplitude motions (loss of control).

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a third connecting member, and a fourth connecting member. One end of the second connecting member is slidably connected to the first connecting member and the other end is rotatably connected to the fourth connecting member. The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the third connecting member. One end of the third connecting member is slidably connected to the fourth connecting member and the other end rotatably connected to the first connecting member.

Abstract: An attachment is used with an appliance having a single shaft for gripping and manipulation of the appliance by a user. The attachment has a base having a first end and a second end, and a first side and a second side. On the base are two shaft-securing elements. There are a first shaft-securing element positioned towards the first end and a second shaft-securing element positioned towards the second end. There is a two-hand grip handle attached to the base intermediate the first shaft securing element and the second shaft-securing element.

Abstract: A needle bar has a carrier bar and a casing surrounding the latter and holding a number of needles lined up with one. The carrier bar has a diameter of, in particular, 7.2 mm and the casing has a thin-walled region with a wall thickness of, in particular, 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A cord safety device for a window covering includes a first and a second body. The first body includes: a first pivot portion, disposed on a periphery; a first fixing portion, disposed on a periphery at a predetermined angle with respect to the first pivot portion; a first stop portion, disposed on an inner side of the first body and protruded towards the second body; a first recess, disposed on an upper periphery; and a guiding block, disposed on one end of the first stop portion adjacent to the first fixing portion, in which the guiding block has a guiding surface for guiding the cords. The second body includes: a second pivot portion, disposed corresponding to the first pivot portion; and a second fixing portion, disposed corresponding to the first fixing portion, thereby being separably fixed with the first fixing portion.

Abstract: A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings.

Abstract: A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings.

Abstract: A seal has pre-cut slits formed in the seal body for securing the seal around a strap. The seal body has positioning tabs or a centering hole to position a hand tool to facilitate bending of the metal seal tabs defined by the pre-cut slits. The pre-cut seal is applied to overlapping sections of the strap and the seal tabs and strap ends are bent into an interlocking engagement sufficient to prevent withdrawal of the strap sections from the seal. A number of slits may be present in the seal depending on the size and shape of the seal, and the same number of slits may be formed on opposing sides of the seal. Different numbers of slits may also be formed, depending on the application. An inner surface of the seal may include a non-slip surface material such as grit or adhesive and/or may be formed with teeth or a knurled surface.

Abstract: A hinge portion of a case has a strap holder concavity into which a strap holder component is inserted, and a second pin hole into which a securing pin is inserted. A first pin hole into which a securing pin is inserted is formed in a strap holder component. As a result, lightly press-fitting the strap holder component into the strap holder concavity, and inserting the securing pin into the second pin hole and the first pin hole will cause the strap holder component to be secured to the case. This strap holder for a mobile device has a compact and high-strength structure.

Abstract: A fastening cord includes an elongated elastic member including at least one hook and loop strap connector secured to at least one end of the elongated elastic member. A flexible base material portion attached to an end of a bungee cord, the flexible base material portion adapted to attach Velcro® hook and loop portions thereon. Velcro® hook and loop portions are attached to the flexible base material portion and separated by a flexible gap formed on the flexible base material portion between said Velcro® hook loop portions. A pull tab can be secured to an edge of said flexible base material portion to facilitate user control over said Velcro® hook and loop portions.

Abstract: A tool assembly which is particularly suitable for friction stir welding applications. The tool assembly includes a holder having an axis and one end adapted to be rotatably driven by a rotary drive mechanism about the holder axis. A tool having an axis is also provided and includes a tool tip at one end. A fastener detachably and coaxially secures the holder and tool together. This fastener includes a first part secured to the second end of the holder and a second part secured to the second end of the tool.

Abstract: The carrier base 3 is movably installed at the upper part of the FOUP opener main body 50b, and the clamping base 4 is movably installed at the upper part of the carrier base 3. The clamp lever 5a is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft 5c at the upper part of the clamping base 4, and the clamping pawl 5b is formed on the clamp lever 5a. The carrier base 3 and the FOUP 2 integrally move. The clamping pawl 5b, which is accommodated into the clamping recess 2h, presses the clamped portion 2c from above to below, by which the FOUP 2 is fixed to the mounting base 51.

Abstract: A chip card holder for a portable electronic device includes a body member and a cover member pivotally connected thereto. The body member defines a receiving groove for a chip card. The cover member includes a contact portion, a latching portion, and a connecting portion. The contact portion is pivotally connected to the body member and contacts the chip card. The latching portion latches to the body member. The connecting portion includes a first sheet portion and a second sheet portion. The first sheet portion connects to the second sheet portion, forming a gap therebetween. The contact portion connects to the first sheet portion, outside the gap. The latching portion connects to the second sheet portion, inside the gap.

Abstract: A subsea connector comprises a female element (1) defining a parallel bore (2) adapted to receive a male element (3). First releasable locking means are disposed between elements (2) and (3) and comprise a sprung cage (6) in which balls (5) are retained for movement in tapered grooves circumferentially spaced around element (3). As the cage moves relative to element (3) balls (5) protrude from the cage to a greater or lesser extent to lock the elements together. Second locking means prevent relative movement between elements (1) and (3) in a locking release direction of the first releasable locking means. These second locking means comprise lock balls retained in an apertured body disposed between elements (1) and (2).

Abstract: Multi pivot latch assemblies for releasably engaging anchors and other attach points in vehicles are disclosed herein. A latch assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a latch and an actuator, each of which is movably coupled to a frame. In operation, movement of the actuator from a locked position toward an unlocked position causes the latch to rotate from a first position to a second position about a first pivot point, and from the second position toward the third position about a second pivot point to open the latch assembly and release the anchor.

Abstract: A buckle assembly including a first buckle portion having an outwardly projecting engagement member. The assembly further includes a second buckle portion including an extended socket structure with one or more resilient biasing arms disposed radially outboard of the extended socket structure. A sleeve member is disposed in reciprocating relation to the second buckle portion at least partially about the extended socket structure. A camming surface is disposed in substantially fixed relation to the sleeve member radially outboard from the resilient biasing arms. The camming surface includes at least one concavity engaging one or more of the resilient biasing arms.

Abstract: A tie-down strap system designed to be integrated with the plurality of tie-down straps that are currently on the market. A system for the protection of the tightening mechanism, the storage of excess strapping during use, a storage device when not used as a tie-down strap, a hanging system when not in used as a tie-down strap, and a termination feature that prevents the free end of the strap from sliding through the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: A dressing table skirt has a tabletop portion that is sized to fit over a dressing table and a drape portion covering the sides and legs of the dressing table. The drape portion is attached to the perimeter of the tabletop portion. The tabletop portion of the skirt may have one or more anti-skid pieces that come in contact with the dressing table. A continuous slit is provided in the tabletop portion and drape portion of the dressing table skirt. The slit includes a keyhole shape on the tabletop portion that is bulbous and forms into a narrow channel. One or more fasteners may hold the slit or expanded slit together. The drape portion may also have one or more fasteners found at the bottom edge positioned to couple the drape portion to the dressing table.

Abstract: This invention is that a specific object is manually or by machine hot wire cut, die cut, hand carved and/or sculpted out of a block of earth friendly material preferably but not limited to (GCE) Biodegradable Water Resistant Green Cell foam for creating a burial casket. The casket is then painted with Green Seal Certified paints. The casket is then cut or carved into a top and bottom piece. A tongue and groove is carved into the top and bottom pieces for a secured closure. An organic unbleached calico cotton mattress filled with organic wool is inside the casket for the cadaver. Before burial the casket is sealed with organic biodegradable glue. Depending on size some desired objects may start out with more than two parts. In that event the objects would be glued together and then cut into a top and bottom piece.

Abstract: Film thickness uniformity and stoichiometry are controlled and deposition rate is increased in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of silicon nitride from complex gas mixtures in microwave plasmas. In Si2H6+NH3+Ar gas mixtures using a radial line slot antenna (RLSA) microwave plasma to deposit SiN by CVD, deposition rate and film uniformity are improved by limiting the amounts of atomic or molecular hydrogen from the gas mixture during the deposition process. A halogen, for example, fluorine, is added to a gas mixture of silane or disilane, ammonia and argon. The halogen scavenges hydrogen from the mixture, and prevents the hydrogen from blocking the nitrogen and silicon atoms and their fragments from bonding to the surface atoms and to grow stoichiometric silicon nitride. Adding the halogen generates free halogen radicals that react with hydrogen to create hydrogen halide, for example, HF or HCl, thereby scavenging the hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitor production method where an electric conductor having a dielectric layer formed thereon is used as one electrode and a semiconductor layer is formed by energization to be the other electrode, comprising the energization performed through a constant current diode, and also provides a jig for producing capacitors, which is used for forming semiconductor layers by energization on two or more electric conductors each having formed on the surface thereof a dielectric layer, the jig comprising two or more current ejection-type constant current sources in accordance with the number of electric conductors, which current sources each has an output electrically connected in series with a connection terminal for the electric conductor. Use of the jig of the present invention, enables production of capacitors including semiconductor as one electrode with a small variation in the capacitance.

Abstract: A low-profile capacitor that can be bent and that has excellent interlayer adhesion strength. The capacitor includes a dielectric layer, a first capacitor electrode formed on a first main surface of the dielectric layer, a second capacitor electrode formed on a second main surface of the dielectric layer, and a lead electrode formed on the first main surface of the dielectric layer and electrically connected to the second capacitor electrode. The dielectric layer has a thickness of 5 ?m or less. The sum of the thicknesses of the first and second capacitor electrodes is 5 ?m or more and at least twice the thickness of the dielectric layer. The first and second capacitor electrodes and the lead electrode are formed of a malleable metal. The dielectric layer and the first and second capacitor electrodes are formed by being simultaneously sintered.

Abstract: A tool for the removal and insertion of the retaining pins used to maintain teeth, or caps, on heavy equipment. The tool has an elongated body with the majority portion of the ends being angled and the remaining portion chamfered. A handle extends from the body and on the opposing side is a pin removal bar at right angles to the body which has a sufficient length to extend beyond the teeth. Preferably the pin removal bar is offset from the center of the body to position the pin removal bar proximate the tooth adjacent to the pin to be removed. A removal pin is affixed to the distal end of the pin removal bar and has a length slightly less than a distance between teeth.

Abstract: A twisted wire 1 is produced by twisting two wires 2 together. When that portion of the twisted wire 1 extending from one ends 3 of the two wires 2 to a first predetermined position 4 is defined as a one end-side twisted portion 5, and that portion of the twisted wire 1 extending from the first predetermined position 4 to a second predetermined position 6 is defined as an intermediate twisted portion 7, and that portion of the twisted wire 1 extending from the second predetermined position 6 to the other ends 8 of the two wires 2 is defined as an other end-side twisted portion 9, a twisting pitch of the one end-side twisted portion 5 and the other end-side twisted portion 9 is smaller than a twisting pitch of the intermediate twisted portion 7.

Abstract: One embodiment is a unique replaceable filter element. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.

Abstract: A method of installing a door glass (15) on a vehicle door (16). The door glass is tilted relative to the front-rear direction of a vehicle to reduce the length in the front-rear direction of the door glass. The tilted door glass is lowered to position it between a pair of sashes (121, 122) provided at the front and rear of the vehicle door. The tilt of the door glass is corrected to a predetermined level to fit the door glass into the front and rear sashes and then the door glass is lowered.

Abstract: A method is described for producing a glass pane having at least one edge section delimiting the glass pane, for whose production the glass pane has been severed along the edge section with the aid of a severing procedure comprising a thermal energy introduction. The invention of the glass pane is enclosed at least sectionally and preferably along the entire edge section by a sheath immediately after production of the at least one edge section using a severing procedure comprising a thermal energy introduction.

Abstract: A method to protect a police officer receiving small arms fire utilizes a pliable armor sheet of interconnected, hinged, articulating panels. During construction of a police vehicle outwardly curving convex panel windows are utilized and made from tempered glass or from laminated glass including an outer convex surface, a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and a polymer sheet intermediate said first and second glass panels. The armor sheet is mounted in a dispensing unit housing in a wound configuration in said driver's side door for deployment therefrom at an angle canted inwardly toward said interior of said frame, to contact directly with said outer convex surface of a convex window in the driver's side door to form a canted convex small arms fire-resistant laminate comprising the armor sheet and the window in the driver's side door.

Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.

Abstract: A fastener 10 for fastening a welding nozzle to a gas output device, the fastener 10 comprising: a first clamping member 12 and a second clamping member 14, moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and which define an aperture 24 for receiving the welding nozzle, the first clamping member 12 including: a member 34 for resiliently engaging the welding nozzle, wherein the member 34 is arranged to be progressively deformed by the welding nozzle as the first clamping member 12 and second clamping member 14 move from the open configuration toward the closed configuration, and is arranged such that the degree of deformation of the member 34 by the welding nozzle achieved when the first and second clamping members 12, 14 reach the closed configuration is equal to, or less than, the maximum resilient deformation of the member 34.

Abstract: An adapter, used with a spark plug body and an engine block, is disclosed. The body defines an axis and has adjacent one end, a coaxial metal ring. A coaxial metal tube extends from the ring towards the other body end and is threaded in said block in use. An insulator, having a portion inside the tube, extends axially, from inside the tube, beyond the ring, and has a void therethrough. A positive electrode occupies the void and extends axially beyond the insulator to a terminus. In use, the adapter is secured to said body and comprises: a positive electrode extender in electrically-conducting relation to the positive electrode and a ground electrode extender in electrically-conducting contacting relation to the ring. The adapter is configured such that a gap defined between the positive and ground extenders comprises a channel which opens axially away from said body and is substantially unobstructed axially.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to effectively suppress vibration of the disk in a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with low density gas sealed therein, and securely prevent leakage of the low density gas from the base. In an embodiment, helium gas is sealed in a hermetically sealed enclosure of an HDD, and a shroud is formed integrally with a base. In manufacturing the base, a magnetic disk facing surface of the shroud is shaped by cutting after die-casting. This accomplishes a small and precise size of the gap between the magnetic disk facing surface and the circumferential edge of the disk. Cutting the shroud formed independently from the exterior walls, which ensure the hermeticity with the shroud, suppresses the vibration of the magnetic disk and eliminates the necessity of cutting of the inner surfaces of the exterior walls for the purpose of suppression of the vibration to reduce the risk of helium leakage.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a universal handle that may be selectively mounted to a front face portion or a side edge of a refrigerator door. The universal handle includes first and second handle ends separated by an intermediate portion, wherein each of the handle ends includes a recessed section. Each of the recessed sections includes a mounting arrangement formed therein, which is adapted to receive either a bracket for mounting the handle to the side edge of the door or a clip for mounting the handle to the front face portion of the door.

Abstract: A tool for installing flexible strand like material in a split harness wrap, wherein the tool is capable of handling harnesses of selectively different diameters, and in which the tool is formed in sections adapted for folding in mating relationship over lengths of cable to be wrapped. The tool has ridges or tracks for spreading the harness open and receiving the selected harness arranged over the cable.

Abstract: A hand press having an operation member provided at a main body with a pressure head section including a pressure head movable up and down relative to the main body and the pressure head section is configured to be pushed down by the operation member and to apply a pressing force, further, an elastic member is provided at the main body, and configured to apply an elastic force to the pressure head section such that a position of the pressure head located below a top dead center by a predetermined distance serves as an operation origin of the pressure head, and a switch is configured to turn ON when the pressure head section is located at a position above the operation origin.

Abstract: An electronic component is mounted on a printed board by a first head and a second head collaboratively. The first head is prioritized to the second head for moving operations. The range which allows the second head to move is defined in consideration with all the positions where the electronic components held by the first head are to be mounted on the printed board such that no collision occurs between the first head in operation and the second head.

Abstract: In a mounting apparatus for electronic components, a command from a host computer is transmitted to a linear motor M via a motion controller and a servo amplifier to thereby drive a mounting head H1 or a mounting head H2. To prevent collision between the two mounting heads H1, H2, position information from a linear encoder E is fed back to not only the servo amplifier, but also the motion controller. Once determining that the two mounting heads H1, H2 collide, the motion controller applies brake to the mounting heads H1, H2 to avoid collision therebetween, regardless of the command from the host computer.

Abstract: An electrode calking apparatus that enables to fix electrodes 2 at positions distant a predetermined distance on a shape memory alloy wire 1 in a condition that the shape memory alloy wire 1 is heated to a temperature recovering an original shape is provided.

Abstract: Side rail removal apparatus and method for removal of side rails are provided. The side rail removal apparatus includes a side rail removal assembly, side rail removal pins, a turn-table, and upper and lower holders for the removal pins. Hence, the user can remove the side rails of UV tape without causing scratching to an IC package.

Abstract: A bearing assembly tool for use in a bicycle comprises a contacting member, a handle, an engaging member, a screw, a press member, and a limiting member. By way of the screw, the contacting member and the engaging member, or the press member and the limiting member, a bearing can be assembled into or removed from a workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a wire harness covering having a predetermined three-dimensional geometry is provided. The system and method make use of a mold and a post-molding fixture. In a first phase, the mold is used during an injection molding process to form a substantially flat and partially-cured harness covering having an intermediate, substantially two-dimensional shape. In a second phase, the post-molding fixture is used after the injection molding process to orient the harness with covering to a predetermined three-dimensional geometry corresponding to the desired final shape.

Abstract: A circuitized substrate and method of making same in which a first plurality of holes are formed within two bonded dielectric layers and then made conductive, e.g., plated. The substrate also includes third and fourth dielectric layers bonded to the first and second with a plurality of continuous electrically conductive thru holes extending through all four dielectric layers. Conductive paste is positioned within the thru holes for providing electrical connections between desired conductive layers of the substrate and outer layers as well. A circuitized substrate assembly and method of making same are also provided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) having different thicknesses in different areas includes: providing a first substrate having two lateral unwanted portions bounded two imaginary boundary lines, a binder layer having a through opening and a second substrate having a mounting area for mounting electronic elements; forming two slots bounded the imaginary boundary lines in an intermediated unwanted portion of the first substrate corresponding to the mounting area; laminating the first and second substrates, and the binder layer with the mounting area exposed via the through opening; filling the two slots and the through opening with a filling material, thereby obtaining a semifinished PCB board; cutting the semifinished PCB board along the imaginary boundary lines to remove the two lateral unwanted portions and a portion of the second substrate corresponding to the two lateral unwanted portions; and removing the intermediate unwanted portion and the filling material.