Abstract: An automatic vehicle washing apparatus wash brush assembly includes a drive shaft having a longitudinal shaft axis. At least two disks extend radially relative to the shaft axis and are spaced along the shaft axis. One of the disks has a first through hole spaced radially from the shaft axis. The through hole is formed substantially parallel to the shaft axis and is aligned with a corresponding hole formed in a second disk adjacent the one of the disks. A rod extending through the through holes is fixed relative to the shaft axis. The rod extends through a loop fixed to a wash strip to fix the wash strip relative to the shaft axis.

Abstract: A drain cleaning machine with an electronic cable counter is disclosed which is of the character comprising a frame supporting a rotatable drum which is driven by a motor through an endless belt. The drum contains a flexible drain cleaning snake which is rotatable with the drum and axially displaceable into an out from the drum, and the frame supports a cable feeding device through which the cable extends and by which the cable is displaced into and out of the drum. An electronic cable counter is configured to count an amount of cable payed out from and retracted into the drum and includes first and second sensor portions mounted on the rotatable drum and a cable follower member, respectively to sense relative rotational movement therebetween. A process determines an amount and direction of relative movement therebetween and generates a signal representative of an amount of cable payed or retracted into the drum.

Abstract: A device for travelling along a pipeline having fluid flowing along it comprises means for extracting power from said fluid flow and using that power to move the device along the pipeline against the fluid flow. The device is arranged in a series of coupled modules.

Abstract: A tool is provided for repairing or restoring the surface of a golf ball. A portable, hand-held, lightweight tool comprises one or more abrasive surfaces for repairing or lessening burs, gouges, scratches and other damage from the cover of a golf ball. The tool may be made from a pliable, deformable material, such as foam rubber, to conform to the curved surface of a golf ball. The tool may include a fastener so that the tool may be attached to a belt loop, golf bag, key chain, golf cart, or the like. In other exemplary embodiments, the tool may be an article of clothing or other golf equipment, such as a glove, towel, or golf club cover.

Abstract: Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for cleaning surfaces comprising; a housing having a handle on one end and a cleaning head on the other end the cleaning head having an upper surface, a lower surface, a perimeter edge and a magnetic means. The magnetic means is removably attached to the cleaning head and provides a magnetic field to its lower surface. There is at least one attachment means provided on the upper surface or the perimeter for securing a cleaning sheet over the lower surface of the cleaning head.

Abstract: A brush mitt includes a brush cover and a handle cover. A loop on the brush cover receives a handle of a brush of the type such as commonly used for washing vehicles. The handle cover wraps around the end of the handle and a brush cover attachment strap passes through the loop on the brush cover to secure the handle cover to the brush cover. The brush mitt prevents damage to delicate surfaces, such as the painted surface of vehicles, that might be caused by either the brush bristles or impact with the handle of the brush.

Abstract: The blade member is formed of a polyurethane member produced through curing and molding a castable polyurethane composition containing at least a polyol, an isocyanate compound, and a cross-linking agent. The polyurethane member exhibits a storage modulus (1 Hz) as measured at 40° C. of 2.0×107 Pa or higher and a (G?10)/(G?50) of 3 or lower, wherein represents a storage modulus (1 Hz) as measured at 10° C. (Pa) and G?50 represents a storage modulus (1 Hz) as measured at 50° C. (Pa).

Abstract: The present invention relates to castor wheel assemblies, in particular but not exclusively, to castor wheel assemblies of a type suitable for use with trolleys, for example supermarket trolleys or luggage trolleys. Embodiments of the invention provide a swivel castor wheel assembly configured to support an object to be moved across a surface, the assembly comprising a swivel castor wheel having an axis of wheel rotation and a steering axis and mounted on a first member, wherein the first member is configured for connection to the object in such a way that the steering axis can be moved between first and second different rake angles without substantially changing a height of the object over the surface.

Abstract: A catcher (2) provided in a door frame H? for capturing a striker body 1 moved from a near front side F when a door D? is rotated toward a reference position; a braking device (5); and a linkage device (3) for both are provided. The catcher (2) is provided to be reciprocatingly rotatable between a standby position and a rotated position, captures the striker body (1) at the standby position, and rotates forward to the rotated position. Braking of the braking device (5) is applied to a rotation toward the rotated position of the catcher (2) through the linkage gear member (30).

Abstract: In a damped closing mechanism for automatic shutting pull door, a door closing mechanism includes a screw wheel to store restoring force, a change over device and a brake gear to produce a damping effect is integrally combined and equipped on the frame of a moving door panel. The brake gear is to alleviate the actuating force and moving speed of the door panel provided by the screw wheel. The change over device is capable of changing the damping effect of the brake gear to generate nearby the closing position of the door so as to alleviate colliding speed and impulse of the moving door panel with the door post when shutting without affecting the pulling of the door panel before closing.

Abstract: A hinge is described that includes a first bracket adapted to be attached to a first substrate. The first bracket includes a channel defining a first central axis and defining a first lateral axis perpendicular to the first central axis. The hinge also includes a second bracket adapted to be attached to a second substrate. The second bracket defines a second central axis and a second lateral axis perpendicular to the second central axis. The first lateral axis and the second lateral axis are disposed a distance from one another. A connecting stem pivotally connects the first bracket to the second bracket. A protrusion is disposed at one end of the connecting stem. The protrusion is disposed within the channel defined by the first bracket. An adjustable connection exists between the connecting stem and the second bracket to permit adjustment of the distance between the first and second lateral axes.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a tube, two friction members, and a resilient member. The tube is rotatably sleeved on the shaft. One of the shaft and the tube defines two receiving holes. The friction members are positioned in the receiving holes. The resilient member causes the friction member to resist the other one of the shaft and the tube which does not define the receiving holes. A foldable electronic device applying the hinge assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A hinge includes a shaft, a bracket, and a first interfering member. The shaft includes a post, with a noncircular cross section. The bracket defines a pivoting hole for the post of the shaft extending therethrough. The first interfering member defines a noncircular through hole for the post of the shaft extending therethrough. The first interfering member forms a wedge extending into the through hole for engaging with the post.

Abstract: A tilt hinge includes a movable range fixed tilt hinge and a movable range switching member. The movable range fixed tilt hinge includes a spindle, a movable bracket rotatably arranged around the spindle and having a projecting piece, a fixed bracket fixed to the spindle, and a stopper fixed to the spindle and having first and second cam portions. The stopper restricts a moving range of the movable bracket within a first movable range by engaging the projecting piece with the first and the second cam portions. A friction imparting arrangement has a friction built between the movable bracket and the fixed bracket. The movable range switching member is enable to switch the moving range of the movable bracket between the first movable range and a second movable range smaller than the first movable range by a pushing operation.

Abstract: A hinge includes a shaft, a bracket, a first interfering member, and a silencing member. The shaft includes a post, with a noncircular cross section. The bracket defines a pivot hole for the post of the shaft rotatably extending therethrough. The silencing member defines a noncircular through hole to be firmly mounted to the post of the shaft and a cutout. The first interfering member defines a non-circular through hole for the post of the shaft extending therethrough. The first interfering member includes a mounting portion engaged in the cutout of the silencing member to firmly mount the first interfering member to the silencing member.

Abstract: A cooking vessel bracket and handle provides a first handle portion and a second handle portion each having opposing end portions, parallel spaced apart sides and a back defining a channel between the ends. First handle has handle flanges at first end portion and locking seat at second end portion. Second end portion of first handle and first end portion of second handle are pivotally interconnected for first handle to optionally fold into channel of second handle. Spring biased locking pin within channel of first handle protrudes from first handle between the handle flanges for releasable engagement with pot bracket carried by vessel and operatively communicates with a thumb slide for axial movement in channel. Spring biased handle lock in second handle channel releasably engages with locking seat of first handle to secure the first handle and second handle in extended end to end alignment for use.

Abstract: A wearable, item attaching, apparel clamp is disclosed. The clamp broadly includes a clamping jaw and an underlying opposed clamping jaw capable of permanently or temporarily attaching a personal item either directly or indirectly to whatever substrate or fabric edge the clamp is attached. The clamping jaw attaches to the underlying jaw via a hinge element which includes a fulcrum. An article connecting element attaches to the clamping jaw and extends toward or beyond the securing portion of the clamping jaws. The connecting element contains a resilient opening large enough to attach a second item directly or indirectly. Such other item may include a key chain, chain link, receptacle, or the like, thus enabling the item to hang below the bottom of the clamp. The underlying clamping jaw(s) distribute the weight of the attached item relative to the clamp preventing the flexible substrate to which the clamp can fasten from excessive bending.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a retainer comprising a connecting member and a connector. The connector comprises a body having a first end and a second end, a first holding member, and a second holding member. The first holding member removably holds the first end of the connecting member, and the second holding member removably holds the second end of the connecting member.

Abstract: A peg (2), particularly a clothes peg, is disclosed. The peg includes a plate-shaped end part (4) which is connected with mainly plate-shaped primary holder parts (6), and connected with a mainly plate-shaped secondary holder part (8), where the primary holder parts are substantially mutually parallel holder parts (6) projecting from opposing sides of the end part. The secondary holder part (8) is a tongue-shaped holder part projecting from the end part and disposed midway between the substantially parallel holder parts (6). The primary holder parts (6) opposite the end part (4) and spaced apart therefrom are interconnected by a traversing holder part (10).

Abstract: An accessory for belaying and/or rappelling on a single or double rope. This accessory is a one piece component having a first through hole of a shape allowing a carabiner to be passed through it, a second through hole situated in a central position to the component the said first hole, the second hole allowing at least two strands of the rope to be passed through it, and a slot forming a notch communicating at its top, widest end with the second hole to allow the strand of rope from the second hole to be inserted into and locked in the slot. The accessory also includes between the first hole and the bottom, narrowest end of said slot, a boss extending transversely to the surface of the one-piece component and locally increasing the thickness of the component by at least as much as the diameter of the strand of rope. This boss forms on the surface of the one piece component a rope return element that makes it easier to manually release a strand of rope jammed in the slot.

Abstract: A wire grip is adapted for fastening a wire and mounted to a tension device which pulls the wire grip to produce a pulling force to the wire. The wire grip includes a basic body and a capstan. The capstan is pivotally mounted to the basic body for fastening an end portion of the wire and enabling the wire to be wrapped thereon. The capstan is movable in a direction relative to an axis thereof whereby to ensure the pulling force provided by the tension device is in alignment direction with the pulling force received by a middle portion of the wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe pacifier clip, mainly composed by a base sheet, a pulling member, a latching member and a tying tool.

Abstract: Burial containers to be power installed in non-horizontal positions without the need to dig large holes and subsequently replace the dug out material, and which greatly save land area, plus can be interred in high water table areas and even under shallow water.

Abstract: Process methods of interring remains non-horizontally into earth, sand, snow or other receiving materials on dry or wet land or under water in a much less labor intensive manner while using far less land area than currently practiced.

Abstract: The device is used for separating a partial quantity of threads from a thread layer by means of a movable separating means, wherein the thread layer is formed from a plurality of adjacently arranged threads. The device includes a movement device for moving the separating means relative to the thread layer, a control device for controlling the movement device and a detection device for detecting threads, wherein the detection device allows the detection of a reference position relative to the thread layer and the movement device can be controlled in such a manner that the separating means can be brought to a working position relative to the thread layer and can execute a separating movement in which the separating means is at least partially inserted between two adjacent threads.

Abstract: A hand tool that can be used to physically engage a release feature on a push-lock fitting so that a tube, hose, or other conduit can be easily inserted into and/or removed from the fitting. This can be particularly useful with industrial machines that have a number of pneumatic fittings installed close together in a tight proximity. According to one embodiment, the hand tool includes an elongated body portion, engagement portions located at opposing ends of the body portion, and transition portions located therebetween. Each engagement portion includes an open pocket for fitting around the tube, and a contact surface for engaging the release feature.

Abstract: The hose quick release tool is a one-piece tool that is easily manipulated to engage a conduit at the coupling juncture and deform the coupling assembly in a manner to affect a release of the coupling assembly without incurring any damage to the assembly. The tool has multiple embodiments, each embodiment of the tool having openings that are dimensioned and configured to adapt to most conventional quick-coupling assemblies. The tools are preferably fabricated from metal for durability.

Abstract: A large machining apparatus for working a substantially planar workpiece such as a metal plate in relation to which a set of work actions, such as machining grooves and holes, is required at one of a number of work zones on or in the workpiece, the apparatus including: a working assembly such as a drop down drill movably mounted on a beam for reciprocal linear movement along a first horizontal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece; and an assembly rail movably mounted on the beam at right angles to the beam to carry the working assembly.

Abstract: A method for removing and/or replacing tubes for generating ions in air flowing through an enclosed or partially enclosed structure. The method enables the tube to be removed and replaced without having to remove the device mounted to the structure that retains the tube.

Abstract: A first holding frame of a component holding unit is allowed to hold a plurality of components composing a first assembly and a second holding frame of the component holding unit is allowed to hold a plurality of components composing a second assembly which is to be mounted on the first assembly. The first assembly held onto the first holding frame and the second assembly held onto the second holding frame are assembled by an assembly work unit. The second holding frame is allowed to reciprocate towards the first holding frame to pass the second assembly from the second holding, frame to the first holding frame. Thereafter, the first assembly and the second assembly which are held onto the first holding frame are assembled and coupled together by the assembly work unit.

Abstract: An environmentally resilient building product of a vinyl laminated formed-sheet metallic substrate wherein the vinyl laminate is adhesively attached to the formed-sheet metallic substrate to provide a durable and attractive surface. Possible decorative and resilient surfaces include, but are not limited to solid colors, metallic finishes, and graphical images or patterns, all available in a variety of textures.

Abstract: An endovascular device tip assembly and method of making the same, incorporating a tip device with a first and second flange, usable with catheters and other suitable endovascular devices is provided. The tip assembly incorporates a tip device by providing a counterbore within a primary bore of a tubular end portion of an endovascular device. The tip device is fitted securely within the counterbore by placing the first flange within the counterbore and the second flange on the outside of the end portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a punch-down tool blade suited for seating, and seating and cutting data transmission and telephony wires into crowded patch panels. Also disclosed are embodiments of an elongated punch-down tool blade having a slidable locking collar which may be used in reversibly locking a punch-down tool blade with either the seating tip being used as the working tip or the seating and cutting tip used as the working tip without compromising both the ability of the tool tip to gain access to terminating clips or the tradesman's visibility of terminating clips so that patch panels may be efficiently and accurately wired while providing enhanced safety and decreased worker fatigue.

Abstract: A method for forming Nb3Sn superconducting wire is provided. The method employs a powder-in-tube process using a high-tin intermetallic compound, such as MnSn2, for producing the Nb3Sn. The use of a high-tin intermetallic compound enables the process to perform hot extrusion without melting the high-tin intermetallic compound. Alternatively, the method may entail drawing the wire without hot extrusion.

Abstract: A powder and rod process for forming Nb3Sn or V3Ga superconducting wire is provided. The process includes hot extrusion or cold drawing of an assembly comprising an octagonal or hexagonal configuration of copper-clad rods comprising niobium, vanadium, a niobium alloy, or a vanadium alloy and an intermetallic powder compound, such as MnSn2, that is situated in a central hole within the octagonal or hexagonal configuration of rods.

Abstract: Methods for assembling an active array system are described. In one exemplary embodiment, an active subarray panel assembly having a first surface with a first array of electrical contacts and a radiator aperture with an array of radiator structure and an aperture mounting surface with a second array of electrical contacts are assembled together. The first surface of the panel assembly and the aperture mounting surface of the radiator aperture are brought into contact with an adhesive layer including microwave interconnects in a pattern corresponding to the first array of electrical contacts and the second array of electrical contacts so that the adhesive layer is between the first surface of the panel assembly and the aperture mounting surface of the radiator aperture. Pressure, heat and vacuum are applied to cure the adhesive and complete engagement of the microwave interconnects.

Abstract: A method for constructing a conductor assembly of the type formed of one or more coil rows which, when conducting current, generate a magnetic field or in which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reactor composed of a coil, a core, and a container, capable of suppressing the core to break when a current flows in the coil to generate magnetic flux. In the method, the coil is formed by spirally winding a conductive wire. The coil is immersed in an insulating film in liquid with electrical insulation. The coil is placed in a furnace. Annealing for the coil and thermosetting for the insulating film are performed at a temperature within 250 to 320° C. for a period of time within 30 minutes to one hour before forming the core in the container. The coil is then disposed in the container. Inside and outside areas of the coil in the container is filled with a resin mixture composed of magnetic powder and resin. The resin mixture in the container is hardened to form the core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of dunnage cassettes adapted to cooperate with a plurality of containers, a fixture, and an assembly device to simultaneously assemble a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies together with a plurality of bipolar plates.

Abstract: A specialized tool is provided for the removal of components in a microwave module in which a fixed tool having a channeled tip is positioned adjacent the component to be removed. A hot stream of gas, in one embodiment nitrogen, is then forced through the channel onto the top surface of the component to be removed, with the microwave module lying on a heated platen, such that the local increase in temperature at the component to be removed is enough hotter than the ambient temperature of the module as determined by the heated platen to soften the silver epoxy used to mount the component to the module without damaging nearby components. With the fixed tool adjacent the component to be removed and with the component provided with targeted heating, the module is moved against the tool to cause a shear force that moves the component away from its original position, thus breaking the epoxy bond, after which the component is plucked from the module.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a base layer circuit structure are provided. One fabrication method includes: providing an alignment carrier having a support surface; forming a plurality of electrically conductive structures above the support surface of the alignment carrier; disposing a structural material around and physically contacting the side surfaces of the electrically conductive structures formed above the support surface, the structural material having an upper surface coplanar with or parallel to the upper surface of one or more of the electrically conductive structures; exposing, if covered, the upper surfaces of the electrically conductive structures to facilitate electrical connection to the structures; and separating the alignment carrier from the base layer circuit structure. The base layer circuit structure includes the plurality of electrically conductive structures and the structural material surrounding and physically contacting the electrically conductive structures.

Abstract: A method for filling a through hole or a non-through hole formed on a board with a fluent filler comprises combining at least one filling method selected from a centrifugal filling method and a magnetic filling method with an ultrasonic filling method.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a blind via structure of a substrate is provided. First, a substrate is provided, which includes a conductive layer, a metal layer, and a dielectric layer disposed between the conductive layer and the metal layer. Next, a cover layer is formed on the conductive layer. Finally, the substrate formed with the cover layer is irradiated by a laser beam to form at least one blind via structure extending from the cover layer to the metal layer. The blind via structure includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening linking to one another. The first opening passes through the cover layer. The second opening passes through the conductive layer. The third opening passes through the dielectric layer. For example, a size of the first opening is greater than a size of the second opening and a size of the third opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board having interlayer insulating layers and conductor layers repeatedly formed on a substrate, via holes formed in the interlayer insulating layers, and establishing electrical connection through the via holes, including containing an electronic component in said substrate, removing a film on a surface of a die pad of said electronic component, forming a mediate layer to be connected to a via hole of a lowermost interlayer insulating layer, on said die pad, forming the interlayer insulating layers on said substrate, and forming the via holes connected to the conductor circuits and the mediate layers, in said interlayer resin insulating layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a probe card is disclosed. The method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include coupling a thermoplastic resin board to one surface of a probe head, forming a plurality of terminals on the other surface of the probe head, coupling a metal board to the thermoplastic resin board, and forming a probe tip by etching the metal board selectively. The method of the present invention can protect the probe head while etching and reduce percent defective of the probe card.

Abstract: A manifold for use in a heat exchanger assembly and a method of forming the manifold is disclosed herein. The method starts with the step of separately forming a first member at least partially defining an interior and having a spaced set of first tube slots and a second member having a wall positioned against the first tube slots and dividing the interior into a plurality of chambers. The method is finalized with the step of permanently fixing the first member to the second member to define an first manifold after the separately forming step.

Abstract: A method for producing steam generator tube walls, where the tube walls are formed from a tube-fin-tube combination and are comprised of a multiplicity of at least one of the tube wall components made of plane tube wall panels, curved tube wall panels, transition tube wall panels and corner bends and are configured with a take-up member with one penetration opening each at tube wall regions at which tubes are passed through the tube wall and the tube wall panels exhibit at the periphery longitudinal fin-fin panel joints and transverse circumferential weld-panel joints. The method including producing tube wall components made primarily of 9-12% martensitic chromium steels by welding in a workshop, the components having a material that is not to be heat treated at specific locations. Tempering the tube wall components in the workshop with a first heating device. Connecting the tube wall components at their circumferential weld-panel joints at the assembly site with weld seams.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for a heat exchanger is manufactured and assembled by separately molding a tank portion and a header portion, and assembling the tank and header portions together by positioning them relative to each other and injecting a sealing substance in a cavity that is formed when the portions are so positioned. Ribs are incorporated in the tank and header portions to increase the interface area between the molded portions and the sealing substance, to achieve a mechanically sound, leak proof assembly without using gaskets or fasteners.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a wheel hub by means of a casting process which involves providing additional material during the casting process at the perimeter of the hub in quantity sufficient to form a rim; spin-forming a rim about the hub using the additional material provided during the casting process; machining mounting features in the hub; and machining finish features into the rim.