Abstract: A shop vacuum cleaner has a series of dust separation stages, with the large majority of the dust being preseparated in a cyclonic separator and deposited into a first drum or barrel. The remaining dust that is carried in the air stream is filtered out in a pre-filter in a second vacuum cleaner drum. A final filter cartridge is fitted onto the intake of the vacuum head. The vacuum cleaner machine exhausts clean, filtered air into the ambient.

Abstract: A cleaner head assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner head body pivotably attachable to a main body of a vacuum cleaner and a brush housing pivotably mounted on the cleaner head body, the brush housing having a suction opening, a brush bar mounted therein and a resilient member provided to bias the brush housing in a pivoting direction so as to urge a rear portion of the brush housing in an upward direction with respect to the cleaner head body. This configuration allows the brush housing to be doubly articulated with respect to the main body of the vacuum cleaner as it is biased by the resilient member in the pivoting direction such that the rear portion of the brush housing is urged in an upward direction with respect to the cleaner head body and the suction opening remains in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for a surface of a roller has a dry-ice container, a connector and an injector. The dry-ice container contains CO2. The connector has two ends and one end connects the dry-ice container. The injector is mounted on the other end of the connector, is coupled with the connector and the dry-ice container and allows CO2 to be sprayed out of the injector toward the surface of the roller. Because CO2 is solid when it is sprayed out of the injector toward the surface of the roller, the solid CO2 provides enough kinetic energy to residues in cells of the roller. Therefore, the residues can be removed from the cells. Additionally, after the solid CO2 impacts the surface of the roller, the solid CO2 sublimates directly to a gas CO2, so there is no stain or other spot to be remained on the surface of the roller.

Abstract: A magnetic fitted ratchet device assembled in rapid, safe and cost-effective manner. Advantageously, the device according to the invention is provided with suitable elastic protrusions and corresponding slots, provided on the surface of some of its components having a tubular shape, preferably cylindrical, which allow its rapid and safe assembly.

Abstract: Advertising is mounted for viewing in a rigid hollow housing that surrounds or otherwise encompasses a handle strap that at its upper end is attached to an overhead bar or rail on a bus, train or the like, and that has a lower end which is passed down through the middle of the housing so as to project a lower handle-end of the strap from the bottom of the housing. A hand-hold of toroidal or other shape, may be inserted at, or mounted to, the handle-end of the strap. The hand-hold may be sized to keep the housing from falling off the end of the strap.

Abstract: A hinge structure includes a shaft extending into a knuckle. The knuckle, when stretched-out, includes a knuckle body having a right portion and a left portion for coupling with the right portion. The knuckle body has a protrusion member projecting outwardly from the right portion with a neck section proximate to the right portion and a head section. The head section has a width greater than a width of the neck section. The knuckle body further has a recess member extending inwardly from the left portion with a narrow section proximate to the left portion and a large section. The large section has a width greater than a width of the narrow section. The width of the head section is greater than the width of the narrow section while the width of the neck section is smaller than the width of the narrow section in order to extend therethrough.

Abstract: A pivot structure is used to pivotally connect a first object to a second object includes a pivot hole and a pivot portion. The pivot hole is disposed at the second object, while the pivot portion is disposed at the first object. The pivot portion has a discontinuous ring with an outside diameter lager than an aperture of the pivot hole. The discontinuous ring can be squeezed to be deformed and be inserted into the pivot hole, such that the discontinuous ring tightly bears against the pivot hole to maintain an included angle between the first object and the second object at any time, thereby a user can steplessly adjust the included angle of the two objects.

Abstract: A hinge assembly with an oil-retaining collar has a barrel, a pintle assembly mounted in the barrel and an oil-retaining collar mounted around the barrel and is filled with lubricant to allow the pintle assembly to rotate smoothly. The oil-retaining collar prevents the lubricant from flowing out of the barrel and prevents a plastic housing of an electronic device from being corroded and electronics from malfunctioning.

Abstract: Hinge assembly for vehicle doors that comprises two hinge bodies articulately connected, the articulated connection consisting of at least two articulating formations spaced apart along the axis of rotation of the hinge assembly, each of which consists of a male element situated on a hinge body that can be coupled by moving it in the direction of the axis of rotation of the hinge onto a complementary female element that is situated on the other hinge body, the hinge assembly also comprising a safety element disposed so as to rotate around an axis that is solidly joined to one of the hinge bodies and that can move between at least a release position, wherein it is possible to decouple the male and female elements, and a second position wherein it is inserted between the two aforementioned articulating formations and prevents said male and female elements from becoming decoupled.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for a reduction of vibration of an auxiliary handle for a hand-held power tool. The object can be achieved by a representative auxiliary handle. The auxiliary handle includes a ring-like mounting part, a pair of bases, a rod-like grip, one or arms and an elastic region. The bases are formed on a free end of the mounting part. The bases of the mounting part and extending end portions of the arms are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the grip. The bases of the mounting part and the extending end portions of the arms are clamped by a bolt and a nut such that the mounting part holds the power tool body. The elastic region is provided in at least one of the mounting part, the bases and the extending end portions of the arms.

Abstract: A socket device (10) for securing an end of a load bearing member (22) includes first socket members (26a and 26b) and second socket members (28a and 28b) that are distinct, separate pieces of material. The second socket members (28a and 28b) are spaced apart from each other at a desired angle and rigidly secured on one side to one of the first socket members (26a) and on another side to the other first socket member (26b) to form the socket (24). A disclosed example includes cooperating tabs (38) and recesses or openings (34) for securing the socket members together in a rigidly fixed alignment.

Abstract: A coupling device and method for enabling simultaneous lifting of two containers (27,29) interconnected with a coupling device (1), wherein said coupling device (1) comprises two engaging portions (2,3) each adapted to be at least partially inserted into a corner fitting of a respective container. The coupling device (1) is provided with an automatic condition, in which automatic condition said engaging portions (2,3) are adapted to engage said corner fitting (26,28) for holding said coupling device (1) in said corner fitting (26,28) and wherein said coupling device (1) further is adapted to upon a prescribed relative movement between said containers (26,28) allow removing of at least one of said engaging portions (2,3) from its respective corner fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching gear pieces to a webbed panel such as, for example, the Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS). Using the apparatus and method described herein, a gear piece can be attached to an application member configured for easy attachment to an interface member, the interface member preferably having been previously attached to a webbed panel.

Abstract: Fasteners, cover systems, and related methods are provided. A fastener for fastening an item in place on an object can include a bottom member having a first cross-sectional shape and a top member having a second cross-sectional shape that is securable to the bottom member. The top member can be rotatable relative to the bottom member once the top member is secured to the bottom member. The fastener can also include a securement device for fastening the bottom member to an object. The fasteners can be part of a cover system that also includes a cover. The cover system can be used in conjunction with a window, such as a boat hatch.

Abstract: The SubZip is a waterproof submersible zipper with Vacuum Fit Technology. The Submersible Zipper is designed for watersports apparel and gear [10] and other water related applications. The SubZip's uniquely molded construction and engineered material make it strongly suited for hardcore gear applications, while it's sleek, flexible profile and feather weight allow it to blend unnoticeably into finer apparel applications. The SubZip [20] will be available in a standard black seven inch zipper as well as custom made colors and lengths. The SubZip waterproof submersible zipper will also be available in custom engineered materials. The standard zipper has a profile of less than a quarter inch and weighs less than an ounce.

Abstract: A clip for holding a first article in contact with a second article, comprising a first portion for insertion into a groove in the first article and a second portion abutting against the second article, the first portion extending substantially at right angles to the second portion.

Abstract: A cap clip for fastening caps together is realized employing pressure type pincer snaps, allowing complex geometrical shapes to be formed while reducing the use of fasteners. In one embodiment, the cap clip includes a generally triangular base and three pincer snaps formed integrally with the base along the outer perimeter. Preferably, each pincer snap is comprised of a pair of convex walls and a shared clasping section lying along a radius of curvature path that are co-centric.

Abstract: A holding element for fastening in a hole of a carrier part has a central shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, a supporting part fastened to the far end of the shaft and projecting laterally, and at least one arm, a fastening end of which is fastened movable to the shaft. The arm extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and for some distance from the shaft and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is supportable on the supporting part and in the opposite direction is supportable on a guide part fastened to the front end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS piezoelectric resonator system includes forming a stack of layers on a substrate, the stack comprising at least one piezoelectric material layer spaced from the substrate by a sacrificial layer, patterning the stack to form a plurality of edge coupled resonators, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to suspend the resonators relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A piezoelectric film poling method in which, with respect to an unpoled piezoelectric film formed on a substrate by a vapor phase growth method and having a Curie point Tc not higher than 300° C., an electric field greater than a coercive electric field of the film is applied in a predetermined direction under a temperature condition not higher than 0° C. to orient spontaneous polarization of the film in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A pair of burnishing rollers formed in a roughly disk shape are linearly disposed oppositely to each other on both sides of the shaft part of a crankshaft. The crankshaft is rotated about its axis by the rotatingly driving action of a rotating driving source (M). The pair of burnishing rollers are displaced in a direction apart from each other while the shaft part of the crankshaft is held by the outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of burnishing rollers to apply a rolling to the crankshaft.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and a second member. The second member is operably associated with the second component. At least one of the first member and the second member are adapted to provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis. The second member is operably associated with the first member for relative motion between the first member and the second member for assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component.

Abstract: Provided is a driving jig for a closing cap which makes it possible to drive a closing cap straight into a bolt installation hole (11) formed in a track rail (1) and which allows this driving operation to be quickly repeated on a plurality of bolt installation holes (11). The jig includes a driving piston (73) and a guide holder (72) for maintaining the driving piston (73) in a predetermined attitude with respect to the track rail (1). The driving piston (72) has a pressing portion (75) coming into contact with an upper surface of the closing cap (70), and a hammering portion (74a) to be hammered by a tool. The guide holder has a cylinder (72a) in which the driving piston (73) slides, and has, at an opening at one end of the cylinder, a guide groove (77) into which an upper portion of the track rail is loosely fitted and which is orthogonal to an axial direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: An uncoiling device having an uncoiler for uncoiling a strip is described. The uncoiler is arranged downstream from a thickness measuring device which measures the thickness of the unwound strip. Said thickness measuring device is arranged downstream from a straightening device which straightens the unwound strip. Said straightening device is arranged downstream from a machining device which further machines the straightened strip. The thickness of the trip is transmitted to a control device which controls the straightening machine and/or the machining device in accordance with the measured thickness of the strip.

Abstract: A cleaner cover replacing method includes the steps of detaching a first cleaner cover from a cleaner case; placing an attachment into fitted engagement with claw hooking parts of the cleaner case, placing a second cleaner cover on the cleaner case, and causing a bolt to pass through a bolt hole of the second cleaner cover and to threadedly engage with a nut part of the attachment.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for remotely inspecting and/or treating welds, pipes, vessels and/or other components used in reactor coolant systems or other process applications to, among other things, mitigate stress corrosion cracking in the welds, pipes, vessels and/or other components. The tool is placed at the entrance to a pipe or vessel and walks into the pipe or vessel to a pre-selected weld, pipe or vessel location or other component. Upon reaching the pre-selected weld, pipe or vessel location or other component, the tool anchors itself, then advances an end effector to inspect and/or treat the pre-selected weld, pipe or vessel location or other component.

Abstract: A brake includes an annular boot which can be expanded and contracted according to movements of a piston and is assembled to an opening part of a cylinder and to an annular groove on an outer peripheral face of the piston. The boot is assembled by: engaging one end of the boot with the opening part of the cylinder in a state where the piston is contained in the cylinder; moving the piston so that at least a part of the piston is withdrawn from the cylinder and that the other end of the boot is pressed by a pressing face of the piston; and fitting the other end of the boot into the annular groove of the piston, while a movable range of the other end of the boot is restricted by an expanding allowance of the boot whose one end is engaged with the opening part of the cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A method being applied to manufacture a water-proof electronic device (200, 200a) is disclosed in the present invention. In the method, at least one inner component is assembled into at least one water-proof shell to form at least one sub-assembly, which has a first water-proof portion and a water-permeable portion; a injection molding die is fitted around the water-permeable portion; and an injection molding treatment is executed for the injection molding die with the water-permeable portion therein to form a second water-proof portion; and then the injection molding die is removed after a cooling process, so as to manufacture the water-proof electronic device with the first water-proof portion and the second water-proof portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, compositions and methods of fabricating high performance thin-film batteries on metallic substrates, polymeric substrates, or doped or undoped silicon substrates by fabricating an appropriate barrier layer composed, for example, of barrier sublayers between the substrate and the battery part of the present invention thereby separating these two parts chemically during the entire battery fabrication process as well as during any operation and storage of the electrochemical apparatus during its entire lifetime. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention thin-film batteries fabricated onto a thin, flexible stainless steel foil substrate using an appropriate barrier layer that is composed of barrier sublayers have uncompromised electrochemical performance compared to thin-film batteries fabricated onto ceramic substrates when using a 700° C. post-deposition anneal process for a LiCoO2 positive cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, compositions and methods of fabricating high performance thin-film batteries on metallic substrates, polymeric substrates, or doped or undoped silicon substrates by fabricating an appropriate barrier layer composed, for example, of barrier sublayers between the substrate and the battery part of the present invention thereby separating these two parts chemically during the entire battery fabrication process as well as during any operation and storage of the electrochemical apparatus during its entire lifetime. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention thin-film batteries fabricated onto a thin, flexible stainless steel foil substrate using an appropriate barrier layer that is composed of barrier sublayers have uncompromised electrochemical performance compared to thin-film batteries fabricated onto ceramic substrates when using a 700° C. post-deposition anneal process for a LiCoO2 positive cathode.

Abstract: A assembly apparatus for attaching decorative pieces to electronic devices includes a seat, a first cover, a second cover, and a transmitting member. The seat includes a disengaging portion and an attaching portion. The disengaging portion has a recess, a protrusion and at least one positioning column in the recess. The attaching portion defines a receiving room for receiving a shell. The first cover is detachable mounted on the disengaging portion and defines at least one first through hole. The second cover is detachable mounted on the attaching portion and defines a second through hole. The transmitting member includes a latching portion. The latching portion is inserted in the first through hole to attract a decorative piece, and is inserted in the second through hole to release the decorative piece on the shell.

Abstract: An improved hairpin expander machine equipped with a closed-loop-controlled hydraulically positioned bolster plate and a heat exchanger-holding fixture characterized by a full-length, continuous front plate, back plate, and side rails. The hairpin expander includes a novel heat exchanger bottom end plate clamping mechanism as part of the fixture. These features enable the hairpin expander to provide larger expansion ratios and exert greater forces with tighter control, which is required for producing heat exchangers with reduced diameter hairpin tubes according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A method of mounting conductive balls comprises a step of setting, on a substrate, a mask that includes a plurality of apertures for disposing conductive balls on the substrate and a filling step. The filling step includes using a head that moves along a surface of the mask, holding a group of conductive balls in an area that is part of the surface of the mask, and moving the area so that parts of a path taken by the area overlap. By limiting the area where filling is carried out and moving the conductive balls while gathering the conductive balls in this area, it is possible to prevent losses for the conductive balls, to increase the filling efficiency, and to suppress the number of unfilled apertures.

Abstract: A conductive ball mounting method for mounting conductive balls on a mount using an arraying mask, in which the mount includes mounting positions formed in a predetermined pattern, and the arraying mask is provided above the mount and includes through holes provided in positions corresponding to the mounting positions. The method includes providing a ball suction unit for sucking solder balls, the ball suction unit including a ball holding member capable of holding the conductive balls, sucking up the conductive balls below the ball suction unit, holding the conductive balls on a lower surface of the ball holding member while sucking up the conductive balls, and after the holding the conductive balls, falling the conductive balls held by the ball holding member to the mount.

Abstract: Tools and methods for engaging a variety of blades with a variety of wall jacks. A tool includes a platform for supporting a wall jack; and a blade for engaging a wire with the wall jack while the wall jack is being supported. The platform may be adjustable. The tool may further include a blade holder configured to hold at least one of a plurality of blade types.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a conductive paste, for forming electrodes, onto an electronic component, such as a micro chip device. The apparatus includes a first jig unit provided with paste holes, which are filled with the conductive paste; and a second jig unit being movable and provided with extruding pins, which are inserted into the paste holes of the first jig unit, for allowing the conductive paste to be applied onto the electronic component. The conductive paste is applied onto the electronic component, while the electronic component is loaded onto or unloaded from the first jig unit.

Abstract: Tools and methods for engaging a variety of blades with a variety of wall jacks are provided. A tool includes a platform for supporting a wall jack; and a blade for engaging a wire with the wall jack while the wall jack is being supported. The platform may be adjustable. The tool may further include a blade holder configured to hold at least one of a plurality of blade types.

Abstract: A contact element for producing an electric contact has a laser cut conducting plate, with the contour of the laser cut conducting plate including at least two tips, which are embodied as contact tips for a contact pad of a part, connected to each other by a separating area, such that a one-piece semi-finished part is embodied.

Abstract: A droplet discharging head comprises a pressure chamber in which fluid is filled through a channel, and a nozzle that is connected to the pressure chamber and which discharges the fluid as a droplet. After the droplet discharging head is assembled, at least the wall surfaces contacting the fluid are coated with a carbonized silicon film.

Abstract: A method for producing a micromechanical component for controlling a fluid flow and a component produced according to this method are described. The method for producing a micromechanical component for controlling a fluid flow includes: producing an oscillatory diaphragm on a surface of a substrate by forming an underlying cavity from the same side of the surface, covering the substrate with an intermediate layer, patterning the intermediate layer, and covering the intermediate layer with a covering layer sealing the micromechanical component. It is characterized by the fact that the intermediate layer is patterned in such a way that a sealing element of a fluid valve forms on the diaphragm, which element seals and/or surrounds a valve opening formed in the covering layer.

Abstract: Method for producing a heat exchanger with the following steps: a) hot dip refining a steel sheet to form a corrosion-protection layer (3), wherein the corrosion-protection layer (3) contains zinc and between 0.5% and 60% aluminum; b) removal of the corrosion-protection layer (3) from one side of the steel sheet; c) production of a heat exchanger tube (2) from this steel sheet, wherein the corrosion-protection layer (3) is arranged on the outside; d) provision of ribs (6) of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; e) provision of a flux; f) provision of a filler material (8) containing aluminum and silicon in the connecting region between the ribs (6) and the outside of the heat exchanger tube (2); g) connection of the heat exchanger tube (2) to the ribs (6) in a brazing operation.

Abstract: A shaving aid member pivots in a predetermined range from an initial position to a pivot position with respect to a razor head against elastic force of leaf springs. In the shaving aid member, a mounting portion of a base member is aligned with the razor head and two arm portions of the base member are invisible from the front side of the razor head. This reduces the space occupied by the arm portions outside the outer peripheral portion of the razor head. As a result, in a razor with a shaving aid, comfort in use is enhanced. Further, the razor is compact-sized since the surface area of the front side of the portion outlined by the razor head and the shaving aid member is decreased.

Abstract: In an inner blade (5) for electric shaver comprising plural blade elements (30) which are supported on a base (20), and reciprocally driven parallel to an outer foil blade (10) having beard/moustache/whisker introduction apertures (11) so as to cut beards, moustaches or whiskers by the inner blade and the outer foil blade, wherein the plural blade elements (30) are arranged in parallel each other; a pair of cutting edges (32) is provided symmetrically on both sides of a top portion of each blade element (30); each cutting edge (32) is established with a top face (31) of the blade element (30) and a cutting face (33) slanted for the top face (31); a cusp of the cutting edge (32) is rounded to have a radius of curvature R (?m); and as an angle of the cutting face for the top face is designated by a symbol ? (degree), the radius of curvature R of the cusp of the cutting edge is selected to satisfy a relation that R??0.02·?+1.1 (?m).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting conduit. The apparatus preferably comprises a motor operated cutting blade which is slideable relative to a fixture for holding the conduit. The fixture is preferably spring loaded and preferably sufficiently grips the conduit so that only one hand is needed to operate the saw and cut the conduit. Alternatively the conduit may be held by one hand while the saw is operated by the other hand. The saw is preferably cordless.

Abstract: A cutting tool including a housing provided with a compartment having an opening, a carrier disposed in the compartment and displaceable between extended and retracted positions, a spring for biasing the carrier in the retracted position, a mechanism for displacing the carrier in the extended position, a mechanism for releasably retaining the carrier in the extended position, and the carrier having a nesting surface for a blade whereby a blade nested thereon will project through the compartment opening when the carrier is in the extended position and will be disposed within such compartment when the carrier is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The folding ladle's primary function is similar to many other ladles found in the market today and known in the prior art, it can be used to scoop a standard size portion of liquid or powered solids from one container to another. The primary innovation of the invention is the flexible bowl, which allows the large scooping bowl of the ladle to fold in half for more compact storage. Once folded the ladle will hold this smaller position indefinitely until it is snapped back to its open position. This is achieved through the special shape of the ladle's bowl. When snapped into the closed position the size of the tool is greatly reduced in size and it fits more easily into drawers for storage.

Abstract: A concrete panel pre-pour marking system in the form of a portable stand that includes a central reference pointer at the bottom end of the stand that is used as a starting point. The upper end of the stand has a computer processor, keypad, display screen and a device for reading pre-saved construction drawings for the panels to be formed. Key points for locating panel corners, arches, lift inserts, reveals, openings, and other required features are identified with a projection of laser beam(s) to the specific point on the surface upon which the forms are to be laid out and the concrete to be poured.

Abstract: A sighting system for use on an archery bow includes a sighting pin defining a front focus point and a plurality of contact knocks coupled to the bow string. An archer adjusts the distance of a shot by positioning a reference feature relative to a contact knock while placing the sighting pin on a target. A range finder for determining a distance to the target includes a sighting pin having a focus point and first and second yardage bars on opposite sides of the sighting pin. The first and second yardage bars are configured to be located relative to known features of the target at certain distances from the target.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a measurement probe (10) mounted on a machine is described. The measurement probe (10) has a stylus (14) with a workpiece contacting tip (16). The method comprises determining a probe calibration matrix that relates the probe outputs (a,b,c) to the machine coordinate system (x,y,z.). The method comprising the steps of scanning a calibration artefact (18) using a first probe deflection (d1) to obtain first machine data and using a second probe deflection (d2) to obtain second machine data. The first and second machine data are used to obtain a pure probe calibration matrix in which any machine errors are substantially omitted. Advantageously, the method determines the pure probe matrix numerically based on the assumption that the difference between the first and second machine position data is known.