Abstract: A method for preparing a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack is provided. The method first includes the steps of providing a first unipolar plate having a first active area with a plurality of channels formed on a first inner surface thereof, and a second unipolar plate having a second active area with a plurality of lands formed on a second inner surface thereof. The first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate are aligned to dispose the first active area adjacent the second active area. A first pressure is then applied to the first and second active areas to pre-nest the first active area and the second active area. The perimeters of the first and second unipolar plates are then joined. A clamping fixture and associated method for assembling the bipolar plate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An interposer having one or more hollow electrical contact buttons disposed in a carrier. The interposer is formed by disposing sacrificial posts in vias of the carrier. The electrical contact buttons are formed on the sacrificial posts by a metallizing process in desired pattern using a mask. The sacrificial posts are made of a material that thermally decomposes upon application of heat without altering the carrier or the electrical contact buttons.

Abstract: A packaged device may be provided with an in package power supply. The in package power supply may be selectively coupled to another component when the packaged device is not active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector of an electromagnetic clutch for a compressor and a manufacturing method thereof. The method includes the steps of arranging a leading end of a lead wire 62 or 72 of at least one discharge device 60 or remaining magnetic field removing device 70, which configures a surge absorbing circuit, to a terminal 50 installed in a connector 30 configuring a field coil assembly and having a coupling slot 56 formed in one side thereof; plastically deforming at least one slot bridge 57 to fix the lead wire 62 or 72 to the coupling slot 56; and making the connector 30 in a state where the terminal 50 is fixed to an assembly of at least the discharge device 60 or remaining magnetic field removing device 70 by injection molding.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for crosstalk compensation in a jack of a modular communications connector includes a flexible printed circuit board connected to jack contacts and to connections to a network cable. The flexible printed circuit board includes conductive traces arranged as one or more couplings to provide crosstalk compensation.

Abstract: A method for connecting at least one wire to a contact element to facilitate connection of the wire to a power source comprising the following steps: a) preparation of the contact element which is fitted with a groove for receiving at least one wire; b) insertion of the wire into the groove of the contact element; c) lowering an electrode onto the contact element; and d) heating of the area around the groove by means of the electrode while simultaneously deforming the area around the groove thereby embedding the wire lying in said groove.

Abstract: A land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. Provided is also a method of producing the land grid array interposer structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention use a gas flow to prevent adherence of a coating to portions of an engine block adjacent to a cylinder bore being coated with the coating. Embodiments may be particularly useful for applying a coating on the inner surface of the cylinder bores in one cylinder bank while protecting cylinder bores in an opposing cylinder bank, e.g., in a V-type engine. One method of applying a coating to an engine block comprises spraying the coating on an inner surface of a first cylinder bore of the engine block. The method further comprises shielding a second cylinder bore of the engine block from the sprayed a coating with a gas flow while spraying the coating on the inner surface of the first cylinder bore.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a plurality of catalytic substrates and support materials within a catalytic converter housing using a uniform compression. Outer profiles of a plurality of catalytic substrates are determined. Weight factors of a plurality of the support materials are determined. A lookup table containing a list of associated outer profiles of catalytic substrates and weight factors of support materials are provided. A first catalytic substrate and a first support material are joined as a first pre-assembly based on a matching outer profile and weight factor from the lookup table. A second catalytic substrate and a second support material are joined as a second pre-assembly based on a matching outer profile and weight factor from the lookup table. The first and second pre-assemblies are inserted into the catalytic converter housing. The first catalytic element and the second catalytic element are secured within the catalytic converter housing.

Abstract: A wick structure of a heat pipe includes two elongated stripe-like continuous woven meshes and a plurality of fibers. A method for disposing the wick structure includes the steps of: providing a heat pipe body for accommodating the two meshes and the fibers; stacking up the two meshes so as to bundle and dispose the fibers between the two meshes; curling one end of the two meshes along a width direction, thereof; penetrating a pulling rod into an opening of one end of the heat pipe body, connecting the end of the two meshes together by means of the pulling rod, penetrating out of an opposing end of the heat pipe body so as to curl the two meshes within the heat pipe body, and the fibers being located on an axial stripe-like region within the heat pipe body; and cutting both ends of the heat pipe body.

Abstract: The syringe pump comprises a receiving position for a syringe. The piston plate of the syringe is moved by a drive head which is fastened to a drive rod. For locking the piston rod prior to fixing the piston plate in the drive head, a braking element is provided on a syringe holding head. The syringe holding head further serves for determining the respective syringe size. After placing the syringe holding head against a syringe cylinder, the brake element is actuated to temporarily engage the piston rod and fix it relatively to the syringe cylinder.

Abstract: A nozzle plate includes a nozzle surface and a nozzle hole. The nozzle surface defines an ink ejection port. The nozzle hole includes a taper hole portion and a curved-surface hole portion. The taper hole portion has an inner surface of a truncated conical shape and has the smallest diameter at one end thereof. The curved-surface hole portion has an inner surface of a curved-surface shape. The inner diameter of the curved-surface hole portion gradually decreases as approaching from the one end of the taper hole portion to the ink ejection port.

Abstract: In a valve housing 11, which is constituted by an section of an extruded billet material, into which are formed inlet and outlet conduits 27, 28, 29, 30, which are substantially arranged in a common plane, and a receiving bore 20 for at least one valve element 21, 26, arranged transversely in relation thereto, the billet material is formed as a profiled element provided with ribs 15, 16, 17, 18 which project from a substantially parallelepiped base body and in which ribs the inlet and outlet conduits 27, 28, 29, 30 open.

Abstract: Methods of machining a single piece hub with integral upper and lower female cones includes providing a single piece hub with upper and lower conical voids having respective narrow ends proximal each other and respective wide ends distal each other. Surfaces of the voids are machined using a tool provided from a single side of the hub that is dimensioned to fit through an opening defined by the interface between the narrow ends of the conical void. The tool can be moved parallel to a rotational axis for accessing conical surfaces of both voids and perpendicular to the rotational axis while contacting the surfaces so as to produce a final machined surface.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for a mowing machine includes a cord for mowing grass by rotating, a reel which contains the cord and intermittently rotates to pay out the cord, a case which contains the reel, and a cover which covers the case, wherein the reel includes an upper cam and a lower cam, a stopper is incorporated in the case at a center of a bottom thereof, one end of the stopper is engaged with the upper cam thereby to stop the rotation of the reel, the other end of the stopper is engaged with the lower cam, one end of the cord is engaged with the stopper from outside thereof and guided out of the rotary cutter through a cord guide, and the other end of the cord is guided out of the rotary cutter without touching the stopper.

Abstract: A cutter for cutting pizza and other foods comprising a pair of rotatable cutting wheels mounted on the ends of a substantially C-shaped handle. The cutting wheels are spaced such that the centers are a predetermined distance apart equal to one half of the length of the food item to be cut. By positioning one wheel in the center of the pizza and one wheel at the edge of the pizza, a complete cut of the pizza may be made by moving the cutter one half of the span of the pizza. The cutter in this position may be used with the lower arm of the user substantially vertical wherein the shoulder and body weight of the cutter may be used directly to press down on the cutter. The cutter may also be used in a vertical position using a single cutting wheel. In either position, the cutter provides improve ergonomics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plunge-cut action circular saw having a double pivot hinge mechanism. Problems associated with this hinge mechanism, in particular axial end flow are reduced by urging a component of the hinge against a fixed component of the saw, such as a base plate component or the like. The urging force is applied by a resilient member, such as a spring washer.

Abstract: An improvement in a compass that marks large radius arcs is disclosed. The compass is for marking on flat surfaces like the ground and walls where higher degree of accuracy for the radius or circle is desired. More particularly, the present flat compass allows a person to create a virtually unlimited radius arc using a center point and a rigid arm with a marking tip. The flat compass uses a rigid flat ruler with an embeddable anchor, such as a nail, on one end and a marking tip on the other that keeps the rigid arm essentially parallel with the marking surface as the surface is being marked. The marking tip is movable along the length of the rigid flat ruler. Multiple rulers can be connected to increase the size of the arc that will be drawn.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which is suitable for the calibration of a measuring table (20) of a coordinate measuring machine (1). For this purpose, a mask (2) is deposited in a three-point support of the measuring table (20), wherein the mask (2) used for the calibration of the measuring table (20) is a mask (2), which is used for the semiconductor production. The measurement of positions of a plurality of different structures (3) which are arranged in a distributed manner on the mask (2) is carried out. The structures (3) are available in an initial orientation on the mask (2). The mask (2) is rotated and the position of the structures (3) is determined in the rotated orientation. Afterwards, the mask (2) is shifted and the position of the structures (3) is also determined. A total correction function for eliminating coordinate-dependant measuring errors is determined, wherein the total correction function has a first correction function and a second correction function.

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

Abstract: A shoe with a breathable and waterproof sole and upper, including a breathable and waterproof sole, an assembly associated with the sole in an upward region, an external breathable upper, an internal lining and, between them, a breathable and waterproof membrane, and an at least partially perforated or breathable insole, which is joined at least to the upper and to the breathable and waterproof membrane. The shoe thereby has a sole that is joined hermetically and peripherally to the assembly at the connecting region between the upper and the breathable and waterproof membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the upper U of an athletic shoe comprising a first opening 1 out of which the foot sticks upwards during wearing and a second opening 2 which is closed with a tongue. The two openings 1, 2 are continuous with each other, and the upper U comprises a medial side stretchable part 51 which covers a part of a medial side face of an arch of the foot, a lateral side stretchable part 50 which covers a part of a lateral side face of a ball of a little toe (a fifth toe), a front part 3 located forward of the two stretchable parts 50, 51 and a rear part 4 located backward of the two stretchable parts. Each of the stretchable parts 50, 51 is provided so as to essentially cross one of side faces of the upper U from a top surface of a sole S to the second opening 2. Young's modulus along the lengthwise direction L of the foot of each of the stretchable parts 50, 51 is set smaller than that of the front part 3 and the rear part 4.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel interchangeable flip-flop/sandal footwear that is capable of interconversion between a flip-flop and a sandal by movement of a heel and/or forefoot band between a first stored position and a second in-use position. In the first stored position, the heel and/or forefoot band is movably stored adjacent to the heel portion of the sole. In the second in use position, the heel and/or forefoot band is placed on the user's foot as described herein. In one embodiment, the flip-flop/sandal comprises a sole, a forefoot cover, at least one of a heel band and a forefoot band, each of which being capable of movement between a first stored and a second in-use position, at least one central member rotatably secured and received by the sole, said central member being in removable communication with the heel band and/or forefoot band and at least one void or indentation in the sole to rotatably receive and secure the central member.

Abstract: A footwear (e.g., bike shoe, snow ski boot, snowboard boot, wakeboard boot, water ski boot, work boot) is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable a person who has their foot placed within the footwear to attach or remove the footwear to or from a corresponding device (e.g., bike pedal, snow ski, snowboard, wakeboard, water ski, or work platform) which also incorporates correlated magnets.

Abstract: A sports shoe or a pair of asymmetric shoes, in particular for playing golf, including a sole fitted with a rotation mechanism to rotate independently of the sole. The rotation mechanism includes a first rotary disc substantially located in the shoe section intended to receive the big toe of a foot.

Abstract: A novelty footwear item includes a footbed and a heel-shaped storage unit which has a liftable lid. The footbed and the storage unit are mounted within a wedge-shaped cupsole so that a rear portion of the footbed overlays and conceals the storage unit and pivots up and away from the cupsole in unison with the lid when it is lifted to provide a user access to the heel-shaped storage unit.

Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port extending through a blade. Pressurized fluid is ejected through the at least one fluid exhaust port extending through the blade and ejects towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may further include a soft pad and an ice scraper blade to assist in removing material from a surface of a motor vehicle. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to deliver a fire suppressant pressurized fluid upon a material that is burning. Additionally, the fluid shovel apparatus may be used to clear snow from railroad train tracks ahead of a railroad train car.

Abstract: A method and device for forming steam with high pressure and a cleaner or iron comprising the device are provided.

Abstract: A mail processor machine casing having an identity plate for identifying the machine, which identity plate is formed by a portion of said casing that is connected to the remainder of said casing by a peripheral zone of weakness that, on being broken, makes it possible to detach said identity plate. Preferably, said zone of weakness comprises a plurality of casing bridges that can be broken by hand.

Abstract: A room for use in conducting medical procedures includes an image on a screen disposed in the room. The room preferably includes a track for disposing the screen across the room to create a panoramic view of the scene in the screen. Preferably the track, and hence the image on the screen disposed on the track, are arcuate. The screen provides a virtual reality and a calming effect to the patient undergoing the procedure. The screen can be moved mechanically around the room to display different images on the screen. The screen can be changed to provide a different set of images. Ceiling lights, sounds and smells can be added to the room to further accent the theme of the screen's image and enhance the overall calming effect by portraying the medical procedure room as the scene in the screen. Illumination may be provided behind the screen, as well. The medical procedure may be a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, in which case the room comprises a magnetic resonance imaging assembly.

Abstract: A rotatable display box comprising, a signage body and mount to engage this to a fixed structure in a manner to allow the signage body to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to said fixed structure. The signage body includes at least two display sides. A cam and the other is a cam follower are included. The cam has a surface including a number of cam surface depressions corresponding to the number of regions at or from which signage is or can be presented, said cam surface depressions located at intervals about said axis or rotation corresponding to the number of display sides of the signage box to which said rotation is to be biased to. The biasing to such locations is encouraged by the biasing of said cam follower towards the cam surface of said cam.

Abstract: An electronic sign having a formed metal cabinet where precise and close tolerance formed planar panels and formed channels are fastened together only by rivets, nut inserts, adhesive coated tapes, or the combination thereof for rapid assembly thereof.

Abstract: Display device including a unitary, rigid sheet defining a left center panel, a right center panel pivotally connected to the left center panels, a left side panel pivotally connected to the left center panel and a right side panel pivotally connected to the right center panel. Vertically extending separation lines are formed on a rear planar layer without penetrating or cutting a front planar layer so that the panels are able to pivot about vertical axes. Fold lines may be formed opposite the separation lines on the front planar layer to facilitate folding the sheet whereby the fold lines define the vertical axes about which the panels pivot. Folding of the sheet provides a compact configuration which enables the display device to be easily carried.

Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.

Abstract: A supportive edge retaining graphic display arrangement for supportively holding a display banner in a readily exchangeable manner. The arrangement comprises an elongated, generally “U”-shaped, extruded first or inner housing having an upper elongated flange, and an arrangement of opposed, spaced apart, aligned display panel engaging ribs on side walls thereof extending oppositely from a flange supporting bridge member, an outer elongated extruded outer housing having an inner channel for sliding receipt of the elongated flange of the inner housing, and a display panel having an elongated fastener member attached to an upper end thereof, wherein the elongated fastener member has a plurality of aligned engagable elements extending outwardly therefrom, the aligned engagable elements being in spaced alignment with the ribs on the inner housing for sliding longitudinal engagement therewith.

Abstract: A magazine well extension for a firearm having a magazine well in a lower receiver, the magazine well extension including a substantially hollow body including a magazine well extension portion, for covering and extending beyond an opening of the magazine well of the firearm, the magazine well extension portion being adapted and configured to guide a magazine into the magazine well of the firearm and coupling elements for coupling the body about the lower receiver of the firearm. The inner surface of the body is contoured to conform to the outer surface of the lower receiver, and the body is shaped as a grip, for use as a fore grip on the firearm.

Abstract: A collapsible stock which includes a stock body having a buffer tube holder, a firearm buffer tube slidingly mounted in the buffer tube holder, the stock body being arranged for linear reciprocating motion relative to the buffer tube during firing of the firearm, a recoil absorbing mechanism mounted inside the stock body and affixed to the buffer tube, and a locking pin mounted through the stock body and affixed to the buffer tube, the stock body being arranged for motion relative to the locking pin during firing of the firearm.

Abstract: A semi-automatic pistol with a detachable barrel and/or a detachable suppressed barrel assembly consists of a new or replacement interchangeable barrel receiver of a type similar to that of the Ruger™ Mk I/II/III or .22/45™ pistols with user interchangeable barrels. The interchangeable barrel receiver incorporates a feed ramp and has alignment surfaces that provide positive alignment with the user interchangeable barrel or sound suppressed barrel assembly. Means are provided for allowing the user to change barrels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different stock, or a different receiver assembly, in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus comprises: a long gun (e.g., an illustrated shotgun) having a stock and a receiver assembly; and an adaptor assembly which removably interconnects the stock to the receiver assembly, wherein the adaptor assembly includes: an adaptor base affixed to the receiver; an end of the stock is mounted onto the adaptor base; and a rotatable locking pin, continuously attached to the base, which can be lifted up and rotated or turned on its axis by 90° to unlock the adaptor assembly. The stock can then be pulled off the adaptor base. Upon a new stock being mounted on the adaptor base, the locking pin can be rotated back to its original orientation and pushed down to lock the adaptor assembly, whereupon the adaptor assembly interconnects the substitute stock with the receiver assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting accessories to a firearm are disclosed. The systems include a rail connector and quick release device for mounting on a firearm. The connector includes at least one mounting rail and a fastening member for securely fastening the connector directly to the firearm. The quick release is then mounted to the mounting rail.

Abstract: Adjustable shooting rests and shooting rest assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a shooting rest includes a rest assembly for supporting a forestock of a firearm. The rest assembly includes a base member and first and second upright members extending from the base member. A position of each of the first and second upright members is independently adjustable with reference to the base member. The shooting rest also includes a support assembly coupled to the rest assembly to move the rest assembly in a first direction and in a second direction. The first and second directions are in a plane generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the firearm. The shooting rest further includes a base coupled to the support assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a rifle recoil absorption system comprising a harness attached to a rifle support and shooting surface for absorbing recoil force generated when a high powered rifle is fired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective cover which is intended for sporting rifles that comprise screws (2) which are used to fix a shell propulsion mechanism (3) to a rifle support (4). The invention is characterised in that the dimensions of the cover (5) are pre-determined as a function of the area to be covered, said area to be covered including the heads (1) of the screws (2) which are used to fix the shell propulsion mechanism (3) to the support (4). The invention is further characterised in that it comprises means for fixing the cover to the sporting rifle.

Abstract: An air-actuated wing assembly includes a wing body; at least one half-wing portion having a generally elongated, flexible, cupped wing panel extending from the wing body; and an attachment mechanism carried by the wing body. In some embodiments, the air-actuated wing assembly includes an assembly base; a wing support assembly carried by the assembly base; at least one half-wing portion having a generally elongated, flexible, cupped wing panel rotatably carried by the wing support assembly; and an attachment mechanism carried by the assembly base. A fowl decoy is also disclosed.

Abstract: The DNA Sampling Hook is a significant improvement on a method of obtaining a tissue sample from a live fish in situ from an aquatic environment. A tissue sample taken from a live fish can be used for DNA analyses, which can identify the species of fish, as well as the unique individual fish. Taking a small tissue sample without bringing the fish to the surface is important as it allows for observing the fish community without harming the individual fish by inducing barotrauma or other stresses associated with bringing a fish up from depth, which can be lethal to the animal. These tissue samples are obtained by hook and line methods and do not capture or traumatize the fish resulting in a non-lethal and non-destructive method of observing fish individuals and species. The DNA Sampling Hook is specifically designed to virtually eliminate a condition called double bites, in which more than one individual fish gives up tissue to the same hook.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip has an active face in which an integrated circuit region is implanted. The chip includes an inclined lateral contact pad extending beneath the plane of the active face and electrically linked to the integrated circuit region. An electronic module includes a substrate having a cavity in which the chip is arranged. The module can be applied to the production of thin contactless micro-modules for smart cards and contactless electronic badges and tags.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to materials and methods useful for management of certain pests. The invention is particularly well suited for the control of social insect pests and, particularly, termites. The invention concerns unique toxicant-containing matrices as well as apparatuses for monitoring pest activity and presenting a toxicant. The invention is useful as part of an Integrated Pest Management Program and can greatly reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Abstract: Described herein is an indoor greenhouse that includes a rack unit, an outer layer that surrounds the rack unit and defines a greenhouse interior, at least one light surrounded by a light enclosure, a cooling system, and a ventilation system all disposed in the greenhouse interior. The ventilation system includes a fan, a filter and at least one duct that cooperate to exhaust air out of the exhaust vent opening. The rack unit includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer layer includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween that correspond to the similar portions of the rack unit. The outer layer also has intake and exhaust vent and light cooling openings defined therein. The cooling system includes at least one duct that cooperates with the light enclosure to define an air path between the intake and exhaust light cooling openings.

Abstract: A watering and fertilizing device comprises at least one fertilizing column and a water supply system. The fertilizing columns are vertically inserted in soil, surrounding roots of a plant to be watered. Water from the water supply system enters the fertilizing columns, taking along fertilizer contained therein and further dripping into surrounding soil at a constant rate, so that the plant is effectively supplied with water and nutrients without waste of water. The water supply system optionally provides besides water water-soluble fertilizer, which flows into soil along with water.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unattended watering of plants over an extended period of time utilizing a watering system that regulates a partial vacuum to control the discharge of water to the roots of the plants. A water reservoir is provided having an encapsulated interior cavity and an exterior exposed to ambient air, and having upper and lower ends. The reservoir is located above the root level of a plant to be watered. At least one drain opening is defined in the lower end of the reservoir. The upper end of the reservoir is closed and is provided with an adjustable valve, preferably a pinch valve, and an air conduit, preferably a flexible tube, that passes through the valve and extends between the interior and the exterior of the reservoir. The valve thereby interacts with the conduit to partially obstruct air flow through it, so as to maintain a partial vacuum in the upper end of the reservoir as water drains from the lower end of the reservoir.