Abstract: An adapter for a windshield wiper assembly includes a head; and a body connected to the head and configured to cooperate with a bracket of a windshield wiper assembly to attach the windshield wiper assembly to a windshield wiper arm, the body including a bulge portion, and a cutout defining portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection base (1) for carrying a wiping blade and to be attached to an adapter (5) that can be connected to an actuation arm for forming with said adapter (5) a mechanical connector for a wiper blade for an automobile, the adapter (5) having an elongated shape with first (7) and second (9) ends, characterised in that it comprises a retaining linear guide (27, 29) for the first end (7) of the adapter and removable attachment means (13) of the second end (9) supported on the one hand by the adapter and on the other hand by the base (1). The invention also relates to a conform adapter (5), to a mechanical connector formed by the adapter and the connection base, to a planar wiper blade and to a wiping device.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, wherein ends of the longitudinal strip are connected to a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, with the special feature that the wiper blade comprises an elongated upper holding part and an elongated lower wiping part of a flexible material, wherein the holding part holds the wiping part, wherein the holding part comprises downwardly extending side arms, seen in cross-section, for pivotally engaging the wiping part from the outside in a lateral region thereof, and wherein additional engaging means are provided for allowing pivotal engagement between the holding part and the wiping part in an upper region thereof.

Abstract: A tilt sensor for a cleaning device makes use of an optical sensor to interrupt operation of the device. In one implementation, the tilt sensor shuts off a UV light included in the cleaning device's operations. The tilt sensor includes a housing with at least one chamber defined therein. A sliding or moving element is located in the chamber. The optical sensor is operatively associated with the chamber so that, in response to certain movement of the element within the chamber, the optical sensor signals the tilt sensor to turn off the UV light.

Abstract: A handheld canister vacuum cleaner device includes a canister assembly with a canister having a hollow interior and a suction-producing subassembly mounted on the canister that sucks air from the hollow interior. An attachment-coupling component is provided on the canister that serves to hold a vacuuming attachment on the canister while coupling the vacuuming attachment in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the canister. The attachment-coupling component holds the vacuuming attachment pivotally so that a user can pivot the vacuuming attachment relative to the canister to multiple user-selected angles for operating convenience. Preferably, the attachment-coupling component includes a ball-and-socket arrangement that includes a ball-shaped portion of the attachment-coupling component held pivotally by a socket-shaped component on the canister so that the user can pivot the attachment-coupling component to and lock it in place at a desired one of multiple pivotal positions.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a control assembly including a control stalk. A suction generator and dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. A dirt collection vessel includes a housing, having a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, a labyrinthine air flow path connecting the dirty air inlet with the clean air outlet, and a dirt collection chamber opening to the labyrinthine air flow path.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a motor arranged to drive a fan for generating suction air flow and a cleaner head having a drivable agitator with a dedicated motor. The agitator drive motor has a selectively-operable switch and a resettable circuit breaker arranged such that, when the switch is activated, the circuit breaker is reset. A button actuates the switch and simultaneously resets the circuit breaker. When there is a blockage so that the circuit breaker trips out the motor, the user can reset the circuit breaker and restart the agitator motor by the simple act of depressing one button, thereby obviating the need for a separate control.

Abstract: Device for large diameter bag port comprises a diameter reduction spacer with a first circular orifice of the diameter equal to the diameter of the port bag. This first orifice is facing towards the bag port. This device comprises also a second orifice facing towards the outside of the containment in the direction opposite to the first orifice, this second orifice being elongated in shape, particularly ovoid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel construction, particularly for furniture and furnishing pieces and trolleys, comprising a box-like body including two half-shells which can be coupled to one another and defining a cylindric hub, rotatably supporting an annular band defining the wheel sliding surface.

Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.

Abstract: Holding elements are known for holding an assembly in a holder, comprising a holding section for engaging behind the assembly and holding members that are provided on the holding section for holding the assembly in the holder. It is disadvantageous that the holding element is comparatively expensive to produce. For example, it is configured very rigidly in the holding direction, which is achieved with a comparatively high amount of material. This results in high production costs. In addition, in the case of very high mechanical loads the detent connection can detach due to torque acting on the detent hooks. The holding element according to the invention is simplified, thereby lowering the production costs. According to the invention, the holding section has a flat configuration viewed in the holding direction, and the holding members are angled in relation to the holding section and configured as elastically resilient holding arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an end of a belt in place. The apparatus comprises a clip member having a predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material for engagement with a user's belt. There is a covering member for covering an exterior surface of the clip member. Such covering member being formed of a second predetermined material.

Abstract: A tie system fro plastic containers intended to provide greater rigidity and stability, wherein each tie comprises a central bar having two ends with clasps that fit with protuberances existing in the container.

Abstract: A clip body (11) of a harness clip member (10) is provided with a stem (14) which integrally projects from a lower face of an umbrella-like flange (13), and a pair of left and right elastic locking pieces (15, 15) formed on a tip end of the stem (14). A band connecting section (16) including a gate-like frame member where the band member (12) is inserted through has a pair of left and right side parts (16a, 16b), and an upper part (16c) which connects the side parts (16a, 16b). In one of the side parts (16b), wedge-like notches (16d, 16d) are formed at a symmetric position where tip ends (16e, 16e) are opposed to each other such that lateral widthwise direction size of the side part (16b) is reduced. A narrow weak section (19) is provided between these tip ends (16e, 16e).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick release buckle of those commonly used for temporarily attaching two belt or band sections, for example of a backpack, sports bag, waist packs, harnesses or leashes for dogs, etc. The object of the invention is to provide said buckle with an additional function such that it can be used for diffusing an insecticide and/or air-freshener substance in the atmosphere, for which a buckle component integrates a diffusion element for diffusing a volatile substance.

Abstract: An expandable clamp includes a band and a worm gear mechanism. The band makes an imaginary circumference and has a number of slots spaced apart from one another along the imaginary circumference. The worm gear mechanism is connected to the band and operates to radially expand and contract the imaginary circumference of the band. The worm gear mechanism includes a worm gear that has a threaded shank that engages the slots when the worm gear is rotated which causes the radial expansion and contraction of the imaginary circumference.

Abstract: A joiner and a slide fastener slider incorporated with the joiner includes a slider body having an upper wing and a lower wing connected by a neck to define a channel for insertion of a slide fastener. A lug is integrally formed on the upper wing with a gap between the lug and the upper wing for the insertion of a pull tab. A joiner has a locking arm inserted into a bore of the upper wing. A spring piece and a pair of positioning legs are formed at one end of the joiner, and a pair of position-defining arms is formed at an opposite end of the joiner. A pair of inverse hooks is formed on the pair of position-defining arms. The lug includes a recess for receiving the spring piece, and a pair of recesses for receiving the pair of positioning legs. A position-defining element provided on the lug for limiting the displacement of the pair of position-defining arms.

Abstract: A clip includes first and second clamping pieces provided to clamp a member to be fixed. The first clamping piece includes an insertion part to be inserted into a thorough hole of a fixed member. The insertion part includes a pair of strip member, each including a smaller width portion, a larger width portion and a stepped portion provided therebetween. In a course of the insertion part being inserted into the through hole, the larger width portions of the strip members pass the through hole while the strip members are flexed in the direction approaching to each other, and subsequently when the smaller width portions are inserted into the through hole, the strip members are allowed to be deformed in a direction separating from each other to return to an original state, whereby the stepped portions are locked to a region to be locked in the fixed member.

Abstract: A carabiner with a generally C-shaped body includes a first end and a second end located on opposite sides of an opening. A primary gate is mounted to the second end. The primary gate is rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to a plane that bisects the C-shaped body. The primary gate is rotatable between a closed position with the primary gate engaged with the first end and the C-shaped body enclosing an interior region, and an open position with the primary gate located generally in the interior region. A secondary gate is attached to the primary gate and adapted to be displaced in the plane relative to the primary gate between a closed configuration that separates the interior region into a first portion and a second portion, and an open configuration that provides access to the interior region. The secondary gate can be displaced in the plane to extend across the interior region as the primary gate rotates between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A system releases seat belts on school buses electronically via driver command or automatically by an inertia switch and electronic timer that then activate solenoids at each seat. This system operates on 12V direct current furnished by the load side of the bus's ignition switch. The system also has a level sensor that prohibits the system from energizing the solenoids when a bus equipped with the system does not have an upright position. The system provides a switch under each seat that notifies the driver when a child occupies it or a light at the dashboard. A second light flashes to notify the driver when the clip engages a buckle of each seat on a bus. The system allows for normal daily usage of seat belts and simultaneously releases the seat belts in an emergency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a twin buckle assembly with dual release positions. More particularly, the invention relates to a buckle assembly that can lockingly secure two buckle tongues. The buckle assembly includes a single, pivotal latch mechanism that can separately secure one or both of the buckle tongues. Pivotal movement of the latch occurs upon rotation of the buckle cover. Thus, one tongue is released at a first rotational position of the cover and both tongues are released at a second rotational position of the cover. The buckle assembly, thereby, allows the independent removal of lap and shoulder belts.

Abstract: An enhanced aglet that can be attached to original aglets, or used as a replacement aglet. The enhanced aglet can be in the shape of an animal, cartoon character, symbol or logo. Attractive characters and rounded shapes make seeing and grasping the ends of a shoelace with the present invention easier, especially for older and younger hands. An attachment means within the enhanced aglet is designed to latch onto the original aglet of the shoelace, and allow for pulling and tugging of the shoelace. The attachment means also allows the enhanced aglet to be attached to shoelaces that no longer have their original aglets.

Abstract: Miniature memorials are provided which are light in weight and of small size so as to be easily portable by hand, the memorials being inscribed with the name and vital dates of a deceased loved one and being readily positioned for prominent display in a place of honor for open viewing or moved to any selected location for keeping alive the memory of the deceased while displaying any one of miscellaneous items such as a cross, or a crucifix, or other religious, or military or national items intimately associated with the deceased.

Abstract: A casket or urn container having a multiple seal arrangement that provides for easy sealing and essentially permanent closure of the container. A redundant sealing system is provided to ensure that an initial seal breach does not allow the interchange of gases, solids, or liquids between the container and the external environment.

Abstract: A ferrule extraction tool for sliding a ferrule off of a pipe is disclosed. The tool may be operated with one hand such that a plumber may operate the tool in hard to reach areas. The tool has an actuator which pushes a yoke. The yoke engages a smooth rod and traverses a ram forward upon actuation of an actuator. Upon release of the actuator, the yoke releases the smooth rod and is traversed back to a retracted position via a spring force. A brake prevents rearward traversal of the rod as the yoke is traversed in a rearward direction. To reset the tool after removing the ferrule from the pipe, the operator may release the brake such that the operator may traverse the rod and the ram back to the retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing an automatic transmission. Access is obtained to the valve body and a special shaped Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) regulator apply valve clip is inserted against a TCC regulator apply valve to hold a TCC regulator apply valve in a fully open position. The clip is dished to avoid wear when engaging the TCC regulator apply valve and has an asymmetric top portion which cooperates with the shape of the valve body chamber the TCC regulator apply valve clip is inserted into, to ensure proper placement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for working a piece with a machine called a parallel-architecture machine of the type comprising a movable tool-holder table connected to a fixed table by a plurality of legs, the machine being programmed to carry out theoretical cycles of the tools, characterized in that: the fixed table (4) of the machine (1) is fixed relative to a zone of the piece to be worked; measurements are taken of the relative position between a first entity specific to the machine and a second entity specific to the piece; from the measurements previously acquired, the exact position is deduced, in coordinates and in inclination, of the first entity in a frame of reference; the preprogrammed theoretical cycles of the tool or tools are modified according to the exact relative position of the two entities calculated in the previous step.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include indicia that facilitate attachment of the cuff relative to the tube to reduce manufacturing variability for such characteristics as rotational and length alignment. Such indicia may include protrusions that are formed in the wall of the cuff collars or may include visual indicators, e.g., calorimetric or shape-wise, indicators. Cuffs with improved attachment relative to the tube may have increased sealing performance.

Abstract: A harness making device having at least two receiving sections, a pivoting gripping device, a cable preparation device, and a cable transfer. Each receiving section is utilized for receiving a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism, in each case, connects an end portion of a cable to a connector. The gripping device is located in a fixed position between the at least two receiving sections, and is constructed to guide the end portion of the cable to the connection mechanism. Additionally, a cable preparation device is positioned to prepare a cable loop with the cable. The cable transfer, which is constructed to receive the at least one cable from the cable preparation device, positions the cable to the pivoting gripping device.

Abstract: A hand tool having an elongated plunger assembly that is rotatably and movably disposed in a socket. The plunger assembly can be rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation as well as being moved between a first, withdrawn position and a second, extended position. The plunger assembly also has an upper notch and a lower notch on a front side and at least one generally flat lateral side. A fixed latch member extends across a portion of the socket and defines a narrow passage within the socket. The hand tool, preferably, includes a compression spring biasing the plunger assembly toward the extended position.

Abstract: An illuminated component for motor vehicles and the like includes a light source that may comprise one or more LEDs. A sheet of light-transmitting material has a first side surface that is coated with ink or other opaque material. Some of the opaque material is removed to form areas that may be illuminated by the light source. The opaque material may be removed utilizing a laser-engraving/etching process according to a specific pattern or design provided by a customer from a remote location.

Abstract: A method of joining plates of material to form a predetermined structure, the method comprising: assembling a first plate (40) of a material comprising at least one recess (100) against a second plate (80) of material such that the at least one recess (100) of the first plate (40) is in an exterior surface of the first plate (40) on a side of the first plate opposite to the side which faces the second plate (80); bonding a portion (120) of the first and second plates (40, 80) to one another; superplastically forming the bonded plates, wherein the superplastic forming causes the material of the second plate (80) which is opposite to the at least one recess (100) of the first plate (40) to be driven towards the recess (100), and wherein the unbonded portion of the second plate (80) is deflected away from the plate to form the predetermined structure.

Abstract: A water-retaining element (2) for forming a temporary water-retaining structure (1) comprises a bottom (6), a plurality of side walls (8, 10), and connecting means (20). The plurality of side walls are immovably connected to the bottom and extend upwards from the bottom to form a water-fillable container (12). The connecting means are designed to connect the water-retaining element in a water-retaining manner to least one adjacent water-retaining element. The water-fillable container (12) is open at the top to receive a second water-retaining element (2) during transport and/or storage.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a yoke includes forming a through-hole that is open in a yoke bottom surface and a cylindrical bearing support portion by burring an edge of the through-hole using a burring punch, wherein the burring punch is located on a base end side at a distance from a cylinder front-end portion of the bearing support portion so as to form a ring-shaped flange portion inclined toward an inner radial side on the cylinder front-end portion of the bearing support portion.

Abstract: A mechanical force switch to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis of a medical device includes an electrically conductive switching piston to form a first electrical contact of the switch, a hollow body, an end stop, a bias device, and an electrically conductive second contact of the switch electrically insulated from the piston. The piston is movably disposed in the body hollow along the axis to define different switch-making and -breaking positions. The piston is also movably disposed in a cavity of the stop and the stop is disposed in the body. The stop can be a smooth or threaded puck. The bias device surrounds the piston and imparts bias against it to retain it in one of the two positions until an external axis force overcomes the bias, at which time the switch indicates a state changeover. The switch can be normally open or closed.

Abstract: Provided is a fabrication method of a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) which comprises a metal supporter, and an anode layer, an electrolyte and a cathode layer stacked in turn on the metal supporter. The fabrication method includes forming the anode layer and the electrolyte on the metal supporter; forming the green cathode layer by coating on the electrolyte a cathode slurry containing a cathode material; and in-situ sintering the green cathode layer by a normal operation of the metal supported SOFC.

Abstract: A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate.

Abstract: A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an unfailing pickup operation of an electronic component from a component storage portion at a seam of storage tapes connected even using a connection tape and prevention of reduction in a pickup rate of an electronic component. A CPU sends a feeding command to a component feeding unit to perform a component feeding operation or the like. Then, when the CPU judges that a connection tape reaches a pickup position, the CPU drives an X axis drive motor and a Y axis drive motor to move a board recognition camera to the pickup position of the feeding unit, the camera takes an image of a storage portion of a storage tape, and a recognition processing device performs recognition processing. A correction value based on a result of this recognition processing is stored in a RAM, and a suction nozzle is moved taking this correction value into account and lowers to pick up an electronic component.

Abstract: A tool is for attaching a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable by longitudinal compression of the coaxial cable connector. The tool includes a tool body defining therein a connector compression chamber and a plunger receiving chamber longitudinally adjacent thereto. A plunger having a plunger head is within the plunger receiving chamber and a plunger shaft extends outwardly therefrom, the plunger having a bore to receive an end of an inner conductor of the coaxial cable. A handle carried by the tool body is movable from a retracted position to a compressed position for driving the plunger head to longitudinally compress the coaxial cable connector within the connector compression chamber to attach the coaxial cable connector to the coaxial cable. A seating indicator is carried by the bore for contacting the inner conductor of the coaxial cable to indicate seating of the coaxial cable into the coaxial cable connector.

Abstract: A flat cable having at least two conductor planes, in which a number of electrical conductors running in the longitudinal direction of the cable are arranged, in which the electrical conductors in the flat cable thickness direction and/or in the flat cable width direction are kept at a defined distance from each other by means of a central insulation layer of predetermined thickness acting as a spacer insulator and are electrically insulated and positioned relative to each other and to the flat cable exterior by means of an outer insulation layer.

Abstract: A method for self-assembly is disclosed that accomplishes the assembly process in one step, obviating or mitigating the need for post-processing of an assembled macro-electronic device. Microcomponents are fabricated having a particular shape, and a template with embedded interconnects is fabricated having recessed binding sites that are sized to receive particular microcomponent types. The binding sites include a low melting point alloy for electrically connecting received microcomponents to the interconnect network. The template is placed in a liquid, and the microcomponents are introduced to the liquid such that the microcomponents flow or slide along the template propelled by gravity and/or fluid-dynamic forces and some of them are received into the binding sites, and retained by capillary forces. The liquid is heated before or after introduction of the microcomponents to melt the alloy. The fluid and/or template are then cooled to harden the alloy, binding the microcomponents.

Abstract: A wired circuit board has a metal supporting board, a metal foil formed on the metal supporting board to have a thickness of less than 2.0 ?m, a first insulating layer formed on the metal supporting board to cover the metal foil, and a conductive pattern formed on the first insulating layer.

Abstract: A novel, reliable, easy-to-install cable connector requiring a combination of push-on force with minimal torque for proper clamping and sealing to a target port is provided. Such a connector device includes a rubber element that encircles metal contact fingers and which is compressible through tightening of a hand-operable nut to secure contact between the metal contact fingers and the target port. The device also includes a contact basket with at least one cut-out portion that, upon tightening of the nut noted above, deforms into latching engagement with the external threads of the subject port. In such a manner, the inventive cable connector provides a highly effective apparatus for signal transfer, reduced interference and noise ingress, and reliable moisture prevention. A method of providing a signal connection and transfer in a cable system is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A method is provided for firmly connecting a connector terminal to a flat conductor. This is a method for electrically connecting the pierce terminal 20 having pierce blades 21 that pierce through the flat conductor 102 with the flat conductor 102 by the pierce blades 21, in which the connection state is adjusted based on a terminal reaction force R acting on the pierced blade 21a by a ruptured end surface 102a of the flat wiring conductor 102. The adjustment of the terminal reaction force R is made by adjusting a pressing reaction force F/A generated when the pierce blade 21 pierces through the flat wiring conductor 102.

Abstract: A connector attaching tool is for attaching a coaxial cable connector to a coaxial cable by longitudinal compression of the coaxial cable connector. The tool includes a tool body defining therein a connector compression chamber and a plunger receiving chamber longitudinally adjacent thereto. A plunger having a plunger head is within the plunger receiving chamber and a plunger shaft extends outwardly therefrom. A handle is carried by the tool body and is movable from a retracted position to a compressed position for advancing the plunger shaft to drive the plunger head to longitudinally compress the coaxial cable connector within the connector compression chamber to thereby attach the coaxial cable connector to the coaxial cable. The tool body defines a connector magazine chamber for storing a plurality of coaxial cable connectors. A biasing member is within the connector magazine chamber for urging the coaxial cable connectors toward the connector compression chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal-ceramic substrate for electric circuits or modules, said substrate including a ceramic layer which is provided with at least one metallic layer of a first type applied to a surface of said ceramic layer in a plane manner. An insulating layer made up of a glass-containing material is applied to at least one partial region of a surface of the metallic layer of the first type, said surface opposing the ceramic layer, and a metallic layer of a second type is applied to the insulating layer, the insulating layer and the metallic layer of a second type respectively being thinner then the ceramic layer and the metallic layer of the first type.

Abstract: A method for producing a hollow piston for compressor by coupling a piston top side member and a rotation preventing portion side member where a rotation preventing portion and a cylindrical portion are formed integrally. When the rotation preventing portion side member is formed, an intermediate material for forging the rotation preventing portion side member is formed, the cylindrical portion of the rotation preventing portion side member is forged in a uniaxial direction by molding for pushing the cylindrical portion rearward in a punch inserting direction using a punch having a tip portion formed asymmetrically to a piston axis, and a material theft portion is formed to copy the asymmetric profile at the tip of the punch on the rotation preventing portion side bottom of the hollow section for forming the cylindrical portion. A hollow piston can be produced by simple and inexpensive forging and the position of the center of gravity can be brought closer to the axis of the cylindrical portion of the piston.

Abstract: A lighter device having a flow restrictor and associated methods for manufacturing and testing such lighter device and flow restrictor are described. The flow restrictor may be formed of a porous member to achieve a substantially fixed or varying flame height. The flow restrictor may be tested before or after assembly into a lighter housing by receiving a non-combustible fluid therethrough. The flow rate of the non-combustible fluid may be correlated to the flow rate of a combustible fluid through the flow restrictor to approximate the resultant flame height of a lighter incorporating the tested flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may also be tested by receiving a combustible fluid therethrough prior to assembling the flow restrictor into the lighter housing. In this manner, flow restrictors and corresponding lighter devices may be tested without introducing combustible fluids into such lighter devices prior to shipment. Also, a vacuum may be drawn on a fuel tank of the lighter prior to shipment.