Abstract: A trowel for working a curved surface is described. In one embodiment, a trowel comprises a relatively flexible sheet of material having a memory property tending to maintain the sheet in a planar configuration. The sheet has a leading edge, a trailing edge and first and second side edges connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge. The leading edge is arcuate between the first and second side edges. The trowel further comprises a handle coupled to the sheet at the trailing edge.

Abstract: A squeegee includes a squeegee handle coupled to a squeegee blade holder, wherein the squeegee blade holder holds a squeegee blade. The squeegee includes a channel guard protector which extends along the length of the squeegee blade holder. The channel guard protector holds the squeegee blade in the squeegee blade holder to reduce the likelihood that the squeegee blade will become bunched up. Further, the channel guard protector reduces the likelihood that the squeegee blade holder will undesirably scratch a surface engaged by the squeegee blade.

Abstract: Windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to said connecting device about a pivot axis near a free end thereof, with the special feature that said connecting device comprises a water channel for transporting water therethrough from a first side of said connecting device facing away form said free end of said oscillating arm to a second side of said connecting device facing towards said free end of said oscillating arm.

Abstract: A cleaning robot system includes a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot as directed by a controller, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing and a driven cleaning roller. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing and a docking platform configured to support the robot when docked. A mechanical agitator engages the roller of the robot with the robot docked. The agitator includes an agitator comb having multiple teeth configured to remove accumulated debris from the roller as the agitator comb and roller are moved relative to one another. The robot maintenance station includes a collection bin arranged to receive and hold debris removed by the mechanical agitator.

Abstract: A vacuum may include a housing defining a suction inlet opening and a debris chamber in communication with the suction inlet opening, a suction device disposed in the housing for providing a vacuum pressure to the inlet opening, a filter disposed in an airflow path between the suction inlet opening and the suction device, and a motor driving a device for disengaging debris from the filter. The device for disengaging debris from the filter may include at least one finger disposed on a belt or a rake. The device for disengaging debris from the filter may include a vibration device that induces a vibration in the filter. A controller can allow electric current to actuate the device for disengaging debris from the filter. The controller can have a plurality of operational modes.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a cleaning appliance has filter portion and a rim surrounding the filter portion. The rim is deformable so as to be capable of sealing against a part of an appliance in which the filter assembly is located. The rim is arranged to include a locating member adapted to prevent incorrect orientation of the filter assembly in an appliance housing. The rim is flexible and capable of being manipulated and flexed by a user during a process of locating the filter assembly in an appliance.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a cleaning appliance has a first filter portion surrounded by a deformable rim. The first filter portion consists of a non-woven medium. The filter assembly (also includes a second filter portion located downstream of the first filter portion. The first filter portion and the second filter portion are held directly adjacent one another by means of the deformable rim. The filter assembly further includes a third filter portion located upstream of the first filter portion and consisting of a mesh material. The first filter portion and the third filter portion are held directly adjacent one another by means of the deformable rim. The filter assembly has a tab located on a surface thereof to facilitate removal of the filter assembly from a filter housing or a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a debris receiving drawer is mounted in a receptacle bay slideable between a single closed position and an open position, wherein the drawer includes a basin, a channel from the basin, and an outlet from the channel. The basin is configured to guide debris entering the basin toward the channel and the channel is configured to channel debris to the outlet.

Abstract: A floor tool for a cleaning appliance includes a head engaging with a floor surface, a connecting arm pivotally connected to the head about a first axis and a supporting body pivotally connected to the head about a second axis. The head includes a suction opening which lies in a suction plane, and the connecting arm includes an outlet in communication with the suction opening and adapted to connect to the cleaning appliance. The first and second axes lie parallel to one another in a plane which is substantially parallel to the suction plane. By providing a pair of parallel axes which lie in a plane parallel to the suction plane, the floor tool can have a reduced depth while still being able to achieve the desired “rocking” motion to improve cleaning performance. The height of the floor tool can thus be minimized.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a set of interlocking instrument handles is provided that permits a user to directly engage a locking element to releasably lock one instrument to another instrument. In another preferred aspect, a locking collar is provided for locking instrument handles to one another. In a further preferred aspect, a method is provided for locking instrument handles to one another.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for interconnecting a cover and a main body of a foldable electronic device, includes a sleeve, a shaft unit, an elastic member and an engaging body. The sleeve has two opposite gaps formed in the interior wall thereof, the shaft unit includes a shaft portion and an end portion formed at an end of the shaft portion, the shaft portion defines a slot therein, the elastic member includes a central wall and two opposite flanges. The shaft unit, the elastic member and the engaging body are mounted into the sleeve, the slot receives the central wall and the two flanges extends into the two gaps correspondingly, the shaft portion is fixed with the engaging body, the elastic member urges the shaft unit return to original position when the shaft unit rotates relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: A foot member of a baby mesh bed includes a base part, and a tubular part; the tubular part is securely joined on a lower end of an upright rod of the mesh bed, and has two embedded protrusions on an outer side, and a detainment hole; the base part has an uppermost joining portion, which has two embedding cavities, and a wedge piece thereon; the base part and the tubular part are joined together with the embedded protrusions being embedded in the embedding cavities respectively, and with the wedge piece of the base part being detained in the detainment hole of the tubular part; the base part can be separated from the tubular part for the mesh bed to occupy less space, thus being able to be packaged in a smaller case.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes a base assembly and a top assembly that is coupled to the base assembly by a multi-axis hinge assembly. The multi-axis hinge assembly is configured to facilitate sliding motion between the top assembly and the base assembly along a first direction, as well as rotation of the top assembly relative to the base assembly along perpendicular axes. The portable communication device is provided with versatile configurations and modes of operation with a smaller footprint often associated with traditional clamshell devices.

Abstract: An exemplary dual-axis hinge mechanism includes a base seat, a first rotatable assembly and a second rotatable assembly. The first rotatable assembly includes a rotary member rotatably assembled in the base seat, a steady member and an elastic member non-rotatably received in the base seat, and a fastening member. The rotary member includes a rotational shaft configured for extending through the steady member, the elastic member, the base seat, and then engages with the fastening member. Each of the rotary member and the steady member defines an engaging surface. The engaging surfaces movably engage with each other. The fastening member is rotatable along the rotational shaft for adjusting an external force for rotating the rotary member. The second rotatable assembly includes a pivotal shaft fixed to the rotary member, and a bracket pivotally assembled on the pivotal shaft.

Abstract: A pliable handle is defomable as it being held. When the force is released, the pliable handle will retain a deformed shape temporarily and return to an original shape gradually. The pliable handle comprises a middle rod, a lower rod below the middle rod; the lower rod having a buckling seat and an upper position plate; an upper positioning trench being formed between the buckling seat and the upper positioning plate; a plastic cover enclosing around the lower rod; the plastic cover encloses the thin bag containing gel so as to form a space between the lower rod and the thin bag, which is allowed to be wrapped around with several circles; and a base combined to the lower rod and tightly engaging a lower edge of the plastic cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally Y-shaped configuration, such as for a forceps/tweezers handle with a working end. The handle can include a radial section an ulnar section and middle section. The handle also can have a radial arm, an ulnar arm and distal leg, with an ulnar end and a radial end for engaging a portion of the hand.

Abstract: A side-release buckle assembly includes a main housing, a button positioned through a side of the main housing, a metal coil spring biased between an interior wall of the main housing and the button, and a mating member, such as a ratchet strap or a male buckle housing. Movement of the button is directly transferred to the spring, and vice versa. The ratchet strap is moveable through the main housing in a first direction, and when the button is pressed, the ratchet strap is moveable through the buckle housing in a second direction, which is opposite of the first direction. A side-release buckle assembly includes a main housing, a button positioned through a side of the main housing, a metal coil spring biased between an interior wall of the main housing and the button, and a mating member, such as a ratchet strap or a male buckle housing. Movement of the button is directly transferred to the spring, and vice versa.

Abstract: This invention is about the fastening belt with freely rotatable drag hooks, which includes two drag hooks. The said drag hooks have an upper cover and a bottom cover, with the hook fixed in the front of the drag hooks; one elastic rope to link the two drag hooks, which is made from stretchable material. Two rotatable linker and two ends of elastic rope are fixated inside the rotatable linker. The rotatable linker is connected with the rear rotation of the drag hook. The hook and the elastic rope are linked by the rotatable linker and the drag hook is linked with the rotatable linker. Thus, the drag hook can rotate freely in the elastic rope. The rope does not kink when in use, which not only prolongs the life of elastic ropes, but also reinforce the reliability of the connection between the drag link and the elastic rope.

Abstract: A dual magnetic interlocking pin system for attaching an item with a free moving magnet for providing a magnetic attraction strong enough to movably hold the free moving magnet adjacent a first outer plate.

Abstract: A slider is provided which can be mounted on a zipper without any pre-activation, particularly zippers which are opened by squeezing together a portion of the profiles wherein a fulcrum effect is achieved to separate the profiles. The slider omits at least part of the zipper opening elements so that the user must squeeze the slider together in order to urge the zipper profiles apart thereby opening the zipper.

Abstract: The clamping device comprises: a bolt member with a support head and a shank provided with a threaded portion, a locking clip (10) comprising a base (21) equipped with a through-hole (20) for the passage of the shank of the bolt member, and retaining means which are supported by the base (21) so as to be arranged vertically to the through-hole (20) and which are suitable for cooperating with the threaded portion to effect axial immobilization between the bolt member and the locking clip (10). The retaining means are constituted by flexible and elastic tongues (22, 23), arranged convergently. Their free ends (221, 231) define between them a gap (d) which is smaller than the nominal diameter of the threaded portion (15) so that they automatically enter into engagement with the threads of the threaded portion (15) when the shank (12) is inserted axially into the through-hole (20).

Abstract: Embodiments of an irreversible locking mechanism are presented herein. According to one embodiment, an irreversible locking mechanism comprises a body, a gate, and a spring-loaded pin. The body comprises two opposing ends separated by a gap. The gate is supported by a first of the two opposing ends and advances from the first opposing end to span the gap and engage a second of the two opposing ends such that the gate is engaged with the first and second opposing ends of the body. The gate transitions from an advancing state, where the spring-loaded pin is depressed within a seat in the first opposing end by the gate and the gate is free to span the gap, to an irreversible locked state, where the gate engages the second opposing end and the spring-loaded pin projects from the seat in the first opposing end into a catch of the gate.

Abstract: The invention discloses several types of fastener, fastening systems, fastener assemblies and related areas. In particular, the invention discloses a releasable fastening system (150) which has a pin (152) with a locking cavity (163). The pin is intended for insertion in an aperture (154). A locking means (158, 160) engages the locking cavity (163) of the pin (152) when the pin (152) is received in the aperture (154). The system (150) also includes unlocking means (162) which includes material adapted to contract when activated. When a material contracts, engagement means (158) included in the locking means (158, 160), disengage the locking cavity (154).

Abstract: An apparatus for multiple storage functions comprising a first portion having walls defining a first cavity for storage, the first portion having an opening into the first cavity which is closeable by a first cover. A second portion defining a second cavity with an opening closeable by a second cover, the second cover having at least a portion of light transmissive material for viewing into the second cavity.

Abstract: Controlled corrosion processes in the production of lead acid batteries, wherein the processes utilize one atmospheric glow discharge plasma (OAGDP) to generate etched and chemically altered grids to increase the development of electrically conductive lead dioxide. The process involves placing pasted or unpasted lead or lead alloy grids in a chamber having two plasma-generating electrodes therein. A feed stream is directed into the chamber and passes between the electrodes to develop a plasma at atmospheric pressure. In the plasma, the components of the feed stream break down into atomic and reactive species to create a reactive environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position includes a rail bracket fixedly secured to the vehicle and including inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method used to upholster a box-spring frame. A textile tape with a portion encapsulating a draw cord is sewn to the inner perimeter of a border material. The other edge of the border material is sewn to a top cover material. The box-spring frame is placed within this assembly, with the top side of the frame abutting the top cover. This assembly is placed in the attachment apparatus. The attachment apparatus optionally compresses the box-spring frame and is equipped with a pair of tension applicators. Once in place, each of the two draw cord ends are secured to a corresponding tension applicator, and tension is applied to the draw cord. This tension tightens the border assembly edge around the frame. With the proper tension applied, the draw cord is secured to the box-spring frame. The bottom cover is then attached in the conventional manner with a series of staples.

Abstract: A portable windshield installation device capable of removing and installing windshields and/or back glasses by remote control actuators; with the device carrying all the weight and very little manually help from the installer.

Abstract: It is described an apparatus for removing a flexible film seal (12) from a tubular specimen container (3), comprising a vertical mounting shaft (5) upon which is mounted a holding member (6) for a head assembly (9) having a cavity (13) and pinch means (14, 15). There is provided driving means for causing coupling motion of said head assembly (9) and said specimen container (3) towards each other to receive the seal (12) into said cavity (13), then operating said pinch means for pinching the flexible film seal (12), and finally causing removing motions of said head assembly (9) and said specimen container (3) away from each other to remove the flexible film seal (12) from the head of the specimen container (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an end fitting to a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method includes the steps of securing an open end of a portion of flexible pipe body to an inner collar member, urging an open mouth of a body portion of an end fitting towards the flexible pipe body and inner collar member and securing the end fitting body portion to the inner collar member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flow block for use as a T-Block, tree block, manifold block or valve block, the method including: machining a main bore in a body; forming an opening in the body in a side wall of the main bore; providing an insert including a first bore intersecting with a second bore and being in fluid communication with each other; forming a substantially curved surface on at least part of the intersection between the first bore and the second bore; and inserting the insert into the opening, such that the first bore is substantially aligned with the main bore in order to provide a fluid flow path between the main bore and the second bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing carriage house style sectional doors. A plurality of fabricated door sections, each section having a length that spans the garage opening. Each section includes an upper molding, a lower molding, and a paneled skin interposed between the upper and lower moldings. Each section is separately fabricated and then hingedly attached to an adjacent section via a plurality of hinges. The paneled skin is fabricated by bending a piece of sheet metal to provide a plurality of alternating raised and recessed surfaces. The paneled skin further includes features for coupling an upper and lower end of the paneled skin to the upper and lower moldings. Once completed, the hinged door sections are installed to selectively cover the garage opening. In yet another embodiment, a raised surface of the paneled skin creates a cavity into which a finger guard is inserted.

Abstract: A seal is retrofit to an existing seal groove and made whole after being positioned in the groove. It can be an initial coil shape to allow it to slip over a shaft to get to the groove or it can be in a plurality of sections that are joined in place. The sections can be abutting or overlapping and are preferably coated with a brazing material that will ultimately join such ends. The ends can then have a nano-engineered coating that comprises alternating layers of aluminum and nickel that when initiated with applied heat becomes reactive exothermically to join the ends using the brazing material.

Abstract: An assembling device of a driving belt, in which two rows of rings are accommodated parallel to each other in a recess of a plurality of elements interlinked annularly in a manner to situate the recess to open to an outer circumferential side, in which protruding portions protrude from an outer circumferential side of inner walls of the recess toward a width center of the element to prevent detachment of the rings and from the recess, and in which the rings are held by the protruding portions in an inner circumferential side of the protruding portions. A ring holding mechanism immovably holds the first ring whose outer lateral side is being fitted into a space between one of the protruding portions and a bottom of the recess, and a ring moving mechanism pushes the second ring toward other protruding portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool used for pressure crimping and driving-out of a cleat, comprising: (a) a first receptacle opposite which is located a crimping head movably mounted on a body of the tool; (b) a second receptacle opposite which is located a drive-out head also movably mounted on the body; and (c) pressure means movably mounted on the body so as to be able to be displaced from a crimping position in which they are capable of exerting pressure on the crimping head, to a drive-out position in which they are capable of exerting pressure on the drive-out head, and conversely.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the present disclosure is directed at a non-woven fabric, which provides, at selected locations, the ability to mechanically and releasably join with a hook fastener. The non-woven web may include entangled fibers which have been overprinted with dots, lines or designs to create defined locations of joined fibers which may engage with a corresponding hook profile. The print material may include thermoplastic and thermoset binder systems. The binder systems may include a gas expanding substrate (e.g. gas-filled microspheres) which may provide a relatively thicker location for joining with the corresponding hook engaging material.

Abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a prosthetic valve having at least one leaflet, which includes a first plate having a first side from which at least one leaflet mold extends and a planar portion adjacent the at least one leaflet mold, wherein the planar portion has multiple access holes through its thickness, and a second plate having at least one mold opening and a planar portion adjacent the at least one mold opening, wherein each mold opening is sized and shaped to correspond with one of the leaflet molds of the first plate, and wherein the planar portion has multiple access holes through its thickness. The second plate is positionable relative to the first plate so that each of the leaflet molds of the first plate extend at least partially through one of the mold openings of the second plate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods of forming an integral lens sheet for use with a photovoltaic solar cell subassembly. The integral lens sheet is constructed from a parquet member and one or more individual lenses. One embodiment of a method may include positioning an individual lens over each of the apertures in the parquet member. The size of the lenses may provide for peripheral sections of the lenses to overlap the parquet member. Each of the lenses may be welded to the parquet member by directing a laser beam through the peripheral sections and onto the parquet member. The laser beam may form a laser weld between the parquet member and an underside of the individual lenses.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated device which can peel a protective film from a board assembly and mount the board assembly on a backlight unit. The integrated peeling and mounting device includes: an index rotary unit having a shaft for rotating heads facing in different directions; an alignment calibration unit for calibrating an aligned state of the board assembly and the backlight unit; and a mounting unit for mounting a board assembly adsorbed to a first head of the index rotary unit on the backlight unit.

Abstract: A method for establishing a wind turbine generator with one or more Permanent Magnet (PM) rotors. The method comprises the steps of: manufacturing a generator prepared for taking one or more PM rotors, manufacturing one or more rotors comprising a plurality of holding means prepared for retaining PM material, mounting substantially non-magnetized PM material prepared for magnetization in said holding means before or after said one or more rotors are mounted in said generator, connecting a magnetization system for magnetizing said PM material in the generator, and magnetizing said PM material with said magnetization system. The invention also relates to a wind turbine nacelle, a wind turbine comprising said wind turbine nacelle and use of a wind turbine.

Abstract: Slot core inductors and transformers and methods for manufacturing same including using large scale flex circuitry manufacturing methods and machinery for providing two mating halves of a transformer winding. One winding is inserted into the slot of a slot core and one winding is located proximate to the exterior wall of the slot core. These respective halves are joined together using solder pads or the like to form continuous windings through the slot and around the slotted core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assembly of several semiconductor components on a target substrate. At least two semiconductor components are removed from a dispenser by a transfer device and simultaneously mounted in predefined target positions on the target substrate. The apparatus includes positioning units for positioning of the semiconductor components relative to the target substrate. Feed of the target substrate occurs by a first positioning unit into an assembly area where the semiconductor components are mounted on the target substrate in a first X direction, and feed of the transfer device with the semiconductor components occurs by a second positioning unit into the assembly area in a second Y direction. Both directions deviate from each other and the assembly area represents vicinity of the intersection point of the X and Y directions. Removal of the process target substrate from the assembly area continues its feed movement.

Abstract: A nozzle unit includes a rotating body and a driving source. The rotating body includes a plurality of nozzles for holding a component using a negative pressure and rotates the plurality of nozzles. The driving source drives the rotating body in a non-contact state.

Abstract: An electrical connector tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes a conductor tool and a connector tool connected to and cooperable with the conductor tool. The tool assembly can be used in connecting a first conductor to a second conductor with an electrical connector. The tool assembly is adjustably arranged and disposed to receive and removably retain a first conductive member of an electrical connector in the connector tool and is further arranged and disposed to both to hold the second conductor in place relative to a second conductive member of the electrical connector and to prevent rotation of the second conductive member with respect to the first conductive member.

Abstract: A process for producing an electronic component assembly, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a first electronic component whose surface (A) is provided with a plurality of electrodes (a) and a second electronic component whose surface (B) is provided with a plurality of electrodes (b) wherein at least one concave portion is formed in the surface (A) (except for a surface region on which the electrodes (a) are provided) and/or the surface (B) (except for a surface region on which the electrodes (b) are provided); (2) supplying a resin that comprises a solder powder onto the surface (A) of the first electronic component; (3) bringing the second electronic component into contact with a surface of the resin such that the plurality of electrodes (a) of the first electronic component are opposed to the plurality of electrodes (b) of the second electronic component; and (4) heating the first electronic component and/or the second electronic component, and thereby forming solder connections from the solder powder

Abstract: A method for fabricating a printed circuit board is provided. The method includes manufacturing a base film including a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; printing a first wiring on the first side with a high-viscosity conductive material having a viscosity of 5,000 to 300,000 centipoise (CPS); forming a via-hole that passes through both sides of the base film, and passes by the first wiring; and printing a second wiring on the second side with a low-viscosity conductive material having a viscosity of 100 to 5,000 CPS. The low-viscosity conductive material is applied to an inner wall of the via-hole to conductively connect the first wiring to the second wiring.

Abstract: The present invention provides reduced fatigue stress levels in a stressed area of an engine crankcase by lowering the outer edges of the crankshaft bearing cap fracture-split lines without changing the central axis location of the crankshaft in the crankcase. This is accomplished by causing the fracture-split lines of the bearing caps to angle downward from the horizontal plane of the crankshaft axis to a slightly lower position at the outer edges of the bearing caps. This lowers the outer edges of the bearing caps sufficiently to allow larger radii to be formed on the lateral connectors of the crankcase support webs with the adjacent sidewalls of the crankcase. Accordingly, the fatigue stress levels in the crankcase web members are reduced without requiring a significant change in the crankcase dimensions.

Abstract: A method of replacing wind turbine equipment, which can reduce the cost for replacing large equipment disposed in a nacelle, is provided. The method is characterized by including a winch-hoisting step for winching up to a nacelle a reciprocating winch that is used for replacing the wind turbine equipment disposed in the nacelle mounted atop a tower and a balance supporting the wind turbine equipment with an ordinarily-installed winch provided on a girder that moves in the nacelle; a wire-hoisting step for hoisting a wire that is used for the replacement of the wind turbine equipment to the nacelle from a drum disposed on the ground; a winch-replacing step for detaching the ordinarily-installed winch from the girder and attaching the winch for replacement to the girder; and a wire-arranging step for arranging the hoisted wire on the reciprocating winch and a movable pulley provided between the balance and the girder.