Abstract: Fluffy powders, such as calcined kaolin clays or air floated clays, can be compacted using a process which comprises applying increasing amounts of pressure to a powder moving through a confinement area. The compacted product has an improved bulk density and improved wet out and slurry incorporation times as compared to the non-compacted starting material feed.

Abstract: A button whose button body is prevented from tilting obliquely even when it is attached to clothes mechanically and which can be attached firmly to clothes. The button includes a button body 11, and a leg portion 12 projecting in a ring shape downward to the bottom surface of the button body 11, the leg portion 12 has a groove 17 formed therein for twining a thread 23 to be attached to clothes 2, and the groove 17 has inclined surfaces 31 formed thereon an interval between which becomes narrower toward at least a tip. This structure prevents a knot portion of the thread from jumping out of the groove 17.

Abstract: A knot brush with a knot plate having a plurality of perforations disposed circumferentially about the plate near an outer rim. A plurality of mounting holes are formed through the knot plate and are spaced apart from one another. Each mounting hole is located at a radial position that is inward from the perforations. A plurality of wire bundles are attached to the knot plate. Each wire bundle includes a center portion extending through a perforation and two end portions twisted together securing the bundle to the knot plate. Two side plates are attached to the knot plate. Each side plate includes protrusions extending out from the side plate and into the mounting holes. One side plate is punched into a protrusion on the other side plate forming an interlocking button that extends from the surface of the side plate and locking the side plates together.

Abstract: A pre-cut and preformed free end band and seal of a predetermined length, and method of making and using the same is disclosed. The band is preformed with a substantially closed loop of band material to capture a seal to provide a preassembled band and seal wherein the seal is generally inhibited from being dislodged during packing, shipment, handling and installation. The band and seal are also formed in a manner to facilitate relative positioning of the band and seal as well as placement of a crimping tool relative to the band and seal for optimized crimping of the band and seal.

Abstract: What is described is a buckle structure comprising a female part (12; 212) and a male part (14; 214), each having means (22; 24?, 24?; 222; 224?, 224?) for connection to corresponding elements of articles of clothing or accessories to be fastened or coupled together. The female part (12; 212) is provided with a cavity for the insertion of an axial tab formation (30; 230) carried by the male part (14; 214), which has transverse seats (36a, 36b; 236a, 236b) on its opposite lateral edges (34a, 34b; 234a, 234b) for engagement by fastening members (72) of an operating mechanism (40; 240) associated with the female part (12; 212), these fastening members (72) comprising a pair of teeth located on opposite sides of a longitudinal direction of coupling of the buckle, which form between them a transverse aperture (74) for the insertion of the tab formation (30; 230).

Abstract: A hook and loop strap for attachment to an object and that is usable with loop indicia. The hook and loop strap has a first end, a second end, a top side surface area and a bottom side surface area, with all of the top side surface area being a hook portion. The loop indicia attached to the top side surface area of the strap has a means for attachment for the first end to the second end for attachment of the strap around the object and a second hook and loop fastener, with a second hook portion for attaching the loop indicia to the top side surface area.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular clamping systems and methods for use. A modular clamping system may be configured to mount a variety of accessories to a portion of tubing. The modular clamping system may utilize multiple strap clamp portions having different clamping diameters in order to mount an accessory to tubing of various diameters.

Abstract: A method of producing a spread multi-filament bundle along with an apparatus used in the same, by which a multi-filament bundle is spread with high speed and facility, and a high quality spread multi-filament bundle or sheet with the component monofilaments thereof aligned in parallel widthwise and uniformly distributed in density is produced.

Abstract: A negative electrode of an electrochemical capacitor includes an electrode layer using a material capable of reversibly absorbing and releasing a lithium ion. A method for pretreating the negative electrode includes forming a lithium layer on a substrate by a gas phase method or a liquid phase method, and transferring the lithium layer onto a surface of the electrode layer of the negative electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device with improved characteristics and a method of making the electronic device. In a method of making an electronic device (piezoelectric device) 74 according to the present invention, an outer edge R1 of a piezoelectric film 52A formed on an electrode film 46A of a laminate 60 is located inside an outer edge R2 of the electrode film 46A. For this reason, in removal of a monocrystalline Si substrate 14 from a multilayer board 61, where an etching solution permeates between polyimide 72 and laminate 60, the etching solution circumvents the electrode film 46A before it reaches the piezoelectric film 52A. Namely, a route A of the etching solution to the piezoelectric film 52A is significantly extended by the electrode film 46A. In the method of making the electronic device 74, therefore, the etching solution is less likely to reach the piezoelectric film 52A.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprises a body of a piezoelectric material, electrode patterns embedded in the body, and a sidewall protective film of a piezoelectric material covering at least a sidewall surface of the body, the sidewall protective film covering the electrode patterns at the sidewall surface of the body.

Abstract: The piezoelectric actuator comprises: a supporting substrate; a thermal stress controlling layer which is formed on the supporting substrate; and a piezoelectric body which is formed as a film onto the thermal stress controlling layer on the supporting substrate at a higher temperature than room temperature, wherein the thermal stress controlling layer reduces a film stress induced by formation of the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: A system for applying pressure relief valves to packaging from a liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves passing over a series of rollers in tension onto a peeler bar. There is a valve applicator unit proximate the peeler bar with a punch shaft and an applicator shaft with an applicator vacuum head. The liner is moved by a retraction unit including clamping members that alternately maintain the liner stationary under tension and pull the liner under tension to advance the liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves. A supply reel for a roll of liner carrying adhesive backed pressure relief valves has a pair of spaced apart plates and a pair of rings with a non-stick coating positioned between each of the plates and the roll of liner. The plates, rings and roll of liner are compressed together by an adjustable retainer.

Abstract: A shear coupling assembly utilizes a novel pin coupling member having radial slots formed about a top portion of the insert member, the top portion being radially expandable once engaged in the box coupling member to lockingly engage the threaded connection. Locking of the insert member in the box coupling member prevents backing-off of the connection and maintains a pretension in the neck of the pin coupling member, during use. The top portion of the insert can be radially expanded by forcing a ball bearing into a counterbore formed in the insert member.

Abstract: An installation tool for installing an escutcheon on a sprinkler assembly includes an extension member and a body portion. The body portion may be disposed on an end of the extension member. The body portion may include a sleeve adjustably engaging a base. The body portion may also include a recess adapted to releasably receive an escutcheon. The installation tool is adapted to remotely install the escutcheon to a sprinkler assembly.

Abstract: A decorative utility rod assembly that may be attached to a wall or other support surface. The rod assembly has a base rod, a cross rod, a cover plate, a set screw, and a knob or end cap. The proximal (wall) end of the base rod is threaded on its exterior surface. The distal end of the base rod forms a threaded hole. The cover plate forms a threaded hole in a central portion thereof. The cover plate is screwed onto the proximal end of the base rod to hide the wall attachments. One end of set screw is screwed into the threaded hole in the distal end of the base rod. The end cap is screwed onto the other end of the set screw. The cover plate and end cap may be made of a multitude of materials, may have a multitude of surface configurations, may be formed into a multitude of shapes, and may contain indicial of a seasonal, a vanity, an interest of the use, advertising, or decorations to match interior decoration décor. Alternative embodiments include a towel ring, a toilet paper holder, a hook, and shelving.

Abstract: A method of forming an inner wall of a sidewall configuration of a trailer is provided which comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of posts, each post having slots provided therethrough; (b) providing at least one pre-configured punching die; (c) providing a one-piece continuous liner; (d) securing the one-piece continuous liner to the plurality of posts; and (e) punching slots through the one-piece continuous liner with the at least one pre-configured punching die. In a first embodiment of the method, step (d) is performed before step (e). In a second embodiment of the method, step (e) is performed before step (d).

Abstract: A method of installing panels includes temporarily securing un-upholstered panels in place on an underlying support and marking the underlying support at each of a plurality of panel clip locations on the panel. The panel is removed from the support structure for upholstering. The support structure is drilled at the marks to provide a hole to receive a socket component, and a socket component is driven into each of the receiving holes in the support structure. The socket component includes a cup open to at least one end, an external thread for engaging the support structure, and a constriction in the cup spaced away from the bottom of the cup. A plug component is secured at each of the panel clip locations on the panel, the plug component having a protruding portion to engage in the socket. The upholstered panel is lifted into position and the periphery is pressed into place to engage the protruding portions of the plug components within the cups of the sockets.

Abstract: Nanotube-based switching elements and logic circuits. Under one embodiment of the invention, a switching element includes an input node, an output node, a nanotube channel element having at least one electrically conductive nanotube, and a control electrode. The control electrode is disposed in relation to the nanotube channel element to controllably form an electrically conductive channel between the input node and the output node. The channel at least includes said nanotube channel element. The output node is constructed and arranged so that channel formation is substantially unaffected by the electrical state of the output node. Under another embodiment of the invention, the control electrode is arranged in relation to the nanotube channel element to form said conductive channel by causing electromechanical deflection of said nanotube channel element.

Abstract: A contactless transponder includes an antenna and an electronic module placed on a substrate and connected to the antenna by a conducting wire passing through the contact pads in the form of at least one stitch. The module is produced as a single block, having at least one integrated circuit and contact pads. The module is transferred to the substrate before connection to the antenna.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for an electronic assembly. The electronic assembly has a first object created and separated from a host substrate. The first object has a first electrical circuitry therein. A carrier substrate is coupled to the first object wherein the first object is being recessed below a surface of the carrier substrate. The carrier substrate further includes a first carrier connection pad and a second carrier connection pad that interconnect with the first object using metal connectors. A receiving substrate, which is substantially planar, including a second electrical circuitry, a first receiving connection pad, and a second receiving connection pad that interconnect with the second electrical circuitry using the metal connectors. The carrier substrate is coupled to the receiving substrate using the connection pads mentioned.

Abstract: A device for switching stator sections that are arranged on both sides of a guideway, for instance of a magnetic levitation railway system. In order for the device to be installed in as independent a manner as possible, the separately installed switching stations comprise not more than three switchboard sections each and are associated with only one stator section. The switching sections are therefore more compact and less heavy.

Abstract: The jig includes an upper jig part, a lower jig part, a support plate, a guide jig part, and a spring. The upper jig part has a pressure protrusion for press-fitting a rotating shaft, and applies pressing force to the rotating shaft. The lower jig part supports a rotor casing in a direction which is opposite the acting direction of the pressing force. The support plate is mounted to the lower jig part, and supports the rotor casing in a direction which is opposite that of the force for press-fitting the rotating shaft. The guide jig part supports the rotor casing in a direction which is opposite that of reaction force generated in the rotor casing by the support plate. The spring elastically biases the guide jig part towards the rotor casing.

Abstract: A device for assembling and disassembling an inner support of a vehicle tire, comprising a supporter, a fastening belt, a retracting device, a securing device, and a gear unit. The retracting device and the securing device are disposed on the supporter. One end of the fastening belt is connected to the retracting device, the other end of the fastening belt is connected to the securing device. The retracting device is connected to the gear unit. The device facilitates assembling and disassembling on demand and allows for a simple and fast disassembling process.

Abstract: An electrically insulated conductor for carrying signals or current includes a solid or stranded copper core of various geometries with only a single electrically insulating and thermally conductive layer of anodized aluminum (aluminum oxide). The device is made by forming a uniform thickness thin sheet or foil of aluminum to envelop the copper or copper alloy core. The aluminum has its outer surface partially anodized either before or after forming to the core in an electrolytic process to form a single layer of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: A foil perforation needle for perforating a foil and detaching a die from the foil has a shaft, which passes at one end into a blade having a cutting edge. The cutting edge minimizes the strain per unit area occurring upon impact on the foil and, after the perforation of the foil, upon impact on the die.

Abstract: A printing system includes a print head to deliver ink to an image receptor and at least one ink reservoir to deliver ink to the print head. Driving circuitry provides signals to the print head to control delivery of the ink and a flexible circuit interposed between the print head and the ink reservoirs connects the driving circuitry to the print head. The flexible circuit may include a heater to provide heat to the ink reservoirs. Alternatively, the flexible circuit may be replaced with a rigid substrate having a heater within its layers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling warpage in an integrated electronic panel assembly including a plurality of die embedded within an encapsulant. The method comprises determining a number of build-up layers required for the integrated panel assembly. Each build-up layer contributes an amount of concavity to the integrated electronic panel assembly. A level of global convex warpage on the integrated panel assembly is then predicted, wherein the global convex warpage is provided by the presence of an embedded ground plane (EGP) alone within the integrated panel assembly and in the absence of any build-up layers. The embedded ground plane includes openings therein for accepting at least one die within a corresponding opening and it contributes a fixed amount of global convex warpage.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a device with a flexible substrate includes providing a rigid substrate at first. Next, an interfacing layer can be formed on the rigid substrate, and then a flexible substrate is directly formed on the interfacing layer. The flexible substrate fully contacts the interfacing layer. A device structure is then formed on the flexible substrate.

Abstract: In a method of forming a wiring having a carbon nanotube, a lower wiring is formed on a substrate, and a catalyst layer is formed on the lower wiring. An insulating interlayer is formed on the substrate to cover the catalyst layer, and an opening is formed through the insulating interlayer to expose an upper face of the catalyst layer. A carbon nanotube wiring is formed in the opening, and an upper wiring is formed on the carbon nanotube wiring and the insulating interlayer to be electrically connected to the carbon nanotube wiring. A thermal stress is generated between the carbon nanotube wiring and the upper wiring to produce a dielectric breakdown of a native oxide layer formed on a surface of the carbon nanotube wiring. A wiring having a reduced electrical resistance between the carbon nanotube wiring and the upper wiring may be obtained.

Abstract: A method of repairing a blade outer air seal for a gas turbine engine includes the step of utilizing laser powder fusion materials to supply a metal powder filler into cracks in the blade outer air seal to repair the blade outer air seal for future service. Finally, a weld pass without deposition of powder metal is performed.

Abstract: A method of repairing a stator assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a worn surface of the stator assembly to provide a revealed area, and securing additional material to the stator assembly utilizing gas metal arc welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of repairing moving blades of a gas turbine, with at least the following steps: a) preparation of a moving blade to be repaired; b) removal of at least one damaged section of a damaged blade tip of the moving blade to be repaired, forming a parting surface; c) successive building up of the, or each, removed section or the entire blade tip on the parting surface of the moving blade by means of a rapid manufacturing process, using three-dimensional CAD structural data on the moving blade.

Abstract: The present invention aims to improve the efficiency of a clamping step for combining a flange with a shaft and to improve productivity. The shaft and the flange are tentatively combined in the tentative clamping step. In the tentative clamping step, a concave part at the end of the shaft is pressurized by a metal mold such as a ball to be enlarged in an outer circumferential direction, thereby pressurizing this concave part against the inner circumference of the flange so as to fix the concave part. The combined body made by tentatively combining the shaft and the flange is strongly combined in a proper clamping step. In order to correct a distortion such as a warpage of the flange that has been solidly combined by the proper clamping step, sandwiching the flange by the upper and lower metals, the flange is pressurized and a flash molding is carried out.

Abstract: A pair of scissors having a pair of looped handles has a clip such as a carabiner-style inwardly-opening gate mounted on the outer-most perimeter of one or both of the looped handles. Where the clip is a carabiner, the distal end of each gate, distal from the gates hinge, is oppositely disposed relative to the fulcrum of the pair of scissors. The non-gate portion of each of the looped handles containing a gate includes a hooked portion adjacent the distal end of each gate. The hooked portion includes a stop to limit movement of the gate. A resilient loop is mounted around the levers of the scissors between the handles and fulcrum so as to urge the scissors closed.

Abstract: A utility knife has a counter-reciprocating blade and blade guard. Preferred utility knifes have an internal mechanism comprising several components that are advantageously coupled via one or more pivot points. Though an appropriate arrangement of pivot points, both stationary pivot points and translating pivot points, the blade and guard counter-reciprocate such that forced retraction of the guard results in forced extension of the blade. While the internal mechanism is in a locked position, the guard locked. Actuation of a trigger can unlock the internal mechanism, which releases the blade guard. Preferably a single actuation of the trigger provides for a single use of the knife.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a folding knife has a biasing mechanism, such as a spring, that applies an opening force to the blade when the blade is in the closed, or folded, position (i.e., the force of the spring creates a moment in the opening direction of the blade). The folding knife includes a latching mechanism that holds the blade in a closed and latched position against the opening force of the spring. To open the blade, manual pressure is applied to the upper edge of the blade (the edge opposite the sharpened edge) to move the blade slightly to a closed and unlatched position to release the blade from being held from the latching mechanism whereupon the blade is then free to pivot under the opening force of the spring.

Abstract: A retractable knife includes an elongate handle and a blade holder slidingly mounted within the handle for sliding movements between a retracted position and an extended position. The blade holder is configured for receiving. A manually operable blade lock is formed on the holder and including a release member rotatably mounted on the blade holder. The release member having a first portion projecting beyond the handle and positioned to be actuated by a finger of a user while holding the handle. A second portion is movable with the first portion between a locking position in which the second portion is received with a notch of a blade and a releasing position in which the second position is removed from the blade notch to a position outside the notch of the blade. A spring normally rotates the release member to move the second portion to the locking position.

Abstract: A power driven portable sheet metal cutter includes a head with two blades that mounts to a hand-held electric or pneumatic rotating power unit. The fixed blade has a primary shearing surface that has a convex or radiused cutting edge, a convex or radiused bevel, and a convex or radiused body feature. There is also a clearance radius and a nose radius so that the cutter can cut a wide variety of shapes and configurations of corrugated building panels. A head with a right hand set of blades predominately cuts curves to the right, and a head with a left hand set predominately cuts curves to the left.

Abstract: A lawn trimmer of the present disclosure has a trimmer head with a first opening for receiving string and a second opening for extending the string through so that the string can be used to cut weeds. In addition, the lawn trimmer has a first spool of string mounted to the lawn trimmer, and the string is wound around the spool and has a free end that is inserted into the first opening and out of the second opening. The spool rotates such that when the string breaks during use a user can manually forward the string through the second opening for continued use of the string.

Abstract: A drywall cutting apparatus is provided having a slidable mount with a top surface and a bottom surface. A channel is integrated into the bottom surface and utilized for a slidable engagement. The apparatus also includes a body having at least one side surface. The body is mounted on the top surface of the slidable mount. The apparatus further includes at least one cutting wheel mounted on the at least one side surface of the body. The at least one cutting wheel is a wheel-shaped blade that cuts as the apparatus is moved across a surface.

Abstract: A shaving foil for an electric shaving apparatus. The shaving foil includes a perforated region with a plurality of holes which are separated from each other by bars. The perforated region is divided at least into two zones, preferably a central zone, a first edge zone, and a second edge zone. The central zone is arranged between the first edge zone and the second edge zone. The holes in the central zone have (i) an average size which is smaller than the average size of the holes in the first edge zone and in the second edge zone, (ii) a floating mean value of the size of the openings in the central zone smaller than a floating mean value of the size of the openings in the first edge zone and the second edge zone, or both (i) and (ii).

Abstract: A razor handle having a handle body including two arms, each having a bearing for pivotally connecting a shaving head about an axis of rotation, the arms extending substantially symmetrically on both sides of a medial axis, each bearing having a protrusion extending toward the axis of rotation so as to limit the angular range of rotation of the shaving head.

Abstract: An articulated arm portable coordinate measurement machine (PCMM) can be calibrated or recalibrated using a coordinate measurement machine (CMM). In one method for PCMM calibration, the CMM can be moved to one position, and the PCMM moved to a contact position where a probe head of the PCMM contacts a probe head of the PCMM. The PCMM and the CMM can be operatively coupled, for example, by a synchronizing cable such that position data from the PCMM and the CMM can be obtained at the contact position. The PCMM can be repositioned one or more times to obtain position data at multiple PCMM positions. The CMM can be repositioned as desired and additional contact position data sets obtained by subsequent positioning and repositioning of the PCMM. Various probe head types such as touch trigger probes, hard probes, and contact probes can be used in the calibration systems and methods.

Abstract: In order to determine spatial coordinates of a multiplicity of measurement points along a contour of a measurement object, a probe head is provided with a probe element that is movably supported on the probe head. During movement of the probe head along the contour, position measuring values of the probe head and deflections of the probe element relative to the probe head are determined. Spatial coordinates for the measurement points along the contour are determined from the position measuring values and deflections. The probe element is kept in contact with the contour during movement of the probe head by using an actuator to produce a defined contact force. The contact force is set as a function of a differential acceleration of the probe element relative to the probe head.

Abstract: A linear position transducer reliably and wirelessly tracks rapid motion. The transducer includes a scale, a control head, and a wirelessly-powered read head disposed proximate to the scale. The read head is configured to sense movement between the scale and the read head and to wirelessly communicate position data to the control head. The control head can include a wireless data receiver to receive position data from the read head, an output data driver to communicate with an external device, and a microcontroller to coordinate a data transfer between the wireless data receiver and the output data driver. In addition, the read head can include a wireless data transmitter to transmit position data to the control head, a linear position sensor to sense position along the scale, and a microcontroller to calculate a position measurement from the scale. The microcontroller in the read head can also coordinate a data transfer between the wireless data transmitter and the control head.

Abstract: A compact, easy-to-carry multi-function tape measure to perform a variety of different jobs at home or in the field and ideally suited for use by carpenters, contractors, do-it-yourselfers, and the like. The tape measure includes a housing in which the usual pull-out measuring tape is carried. A retaining lip projects outwardly from the top of the housing. The housing has a graduated straight edge that is aligned perpendicular with the retaining lip. In use, the housing is laid on its side such that the outwardly projecting retaining lip overhangs and moves into interlocking engagement with a work surface to be cut. At the same time, the straight edge of the housing lies against the work surface to create a guide along which a marking instrument is moved for marking a cutting line on the work surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for drawing an instrument across a curve in a surface for constructing an arch. The apparatus comprises a base member having a pivot and a plurality of first indicators and a slidable member having a plurality of second indicators. The slidable member is slidably positionable on the base member. The method comprises pivotably securing the base member to a surface, selecting one of the plurality of first indicators corresponding to the chord height and selecting one of the plurality of second indicators representing the chord height and length of the arch to be scribed. The method further comprises aligning the first and second selected indicators, and rotating the apparatus about the pivot hole so as to draw across an instrument located at a distal end of the slidable member across an arc so as to define the arch.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of blind holes in bones and/or nails inserted into bones. The measurement tool comprises: a probe with an abutment at its end to engage against the distal edge of the blind hole; a tubular body; and a grooved insert. After the probe, lying into the tubular body, is positioned through the blind hole to be measured, the grooved insert is slid forward inside the tubular body, surrounding the probe, and pushing the probe sideward, towards the blind hole wall. When probe and groove insert are retracted together, they firmly engage against the distal bone wall. The tubular housing is then pushed forward until it abuts against the proximal bone wall, allowing even in small diameter holes, an accurate reading of hole depth on the scale located at the rear end of the probe.

Abstract: A washing machine equipped with a radiation drying unit includes a rotary drum for accommodating laundry therein, a water tub for accommodating the rotary drum rotatably, a far infrared radiation generator for generating a radiant ray in a far infrared wavelength range, a radiation transmission portion for transmitting the radiant ray generated by the far infrared radiation generator to the rotary drum, a radiation controller for controlling an amount of the radiant ray transmitted from the far infrared radiation generator to the rotary drum, and a convection fan for circulating air by rotating in forward and reverse direction depending on an internal temperature of the rotary drum.