Abstract: An electroplating process of electroplating an electrically conductive substrate is described. The process includes electroplating intermittently to a predetermined plating thickness using the substrate surface as a cathode and a plating metal as an anode at a constant voltage between the anode and the cathode by repeating application of a voltage between a cathode and an anode and interruption of the application alternately. It is described that a voltage time/interruption time ratio is 0.1 to 1.0, a voltage time is not longer than 10 seconds, and an interruption time is not less than 1 x 10-12 seconds.

Abstract: There are provided the steps of mounting a semiconductor chip on a first substrate, providing an underfill resin between the semiconductor chip and the first substrate, forming a through hole on a second substrate, providing an electrode on the second substrate, bonding the first and second substrates to include the semiconductor chip through the electrode, and filling a sealing resin between the first and second substrates at a filling pressure capable of correcting a warpage generated on the semiconductor chip and the first substrate while discharging air from the through hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making circuitized substrates using a continuous roll format in which a layer of conductor is fed into the apparatus, layers of photo-imageable dielectric are applied to opposite sides of the conductor layer, thru-holes are formed through the composite, and then metal layers are added over the dielectric and then patterns (e.g., circuit) are formed therein. Several operations are performed in addition to these to form the final end product, a circuitized substrate (e.g., printed circuit board), all while the conductor layer of the product is retained in a solid format, up to the final separation from the continuous layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for cold forming center web or webless tapered piston pins in one forming sequence. The method eliminates secondary operations such as but not limited to machining, annealing, coating and secondary forming. The method includes the steps of cutting a metal rod into a substantially cylindrical slug piece, die extruding the slug piece to form a first cavity in the slug piece, optionally die extruding the slug piece to form a second cavity in the slug piece, piercing the slug piece to form the slug piece into a hollow cylindrical piece, die extruding the hollow cylindrical piece at either end to form a hollow cylindrical piece having a taper on an internal surface of the hollow cylindrical piece at either end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for finish-machining of bearing positions on main bearing journals and connecting rod bearing journals of crankshafts for motor car engines, whereby the crankshafts have roundings between the bearing positions and transitions adjacent in each case to the bearing positions. The roundings are deep rolled with a deep rolling tool and then, while maintaining a distance interval to an individual transition in each case the bearing position concerned is machined with removal of material with a small cutting depth.

Abstract: A seal and method of making seals utilises folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces whilst perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurisation can take place between spaced seal elements or surfaces and this allows air flotation or riding of a rotating component relative to a static housing component. The perforations are typically graduated from the seal edge in order to provide the best pressurisation and air-riding effect for proximity or gap control between the sealing edge and the rotating component surface. The slots effectively provide flexibility to the sealing edge such that the seal component emulates a brush seal.

Abstract: A method for the maintenance of gas turbines is provided. According to the method, a gas turbine is dismantled and modules, structural components, or component parts of the aeroplane mechanism are subsequently inspected and/or repaired. Then, an aeroplane mechanism consisting of inspected and/or repaired or new modules, structural components or component parts is mounted. Dismantling and/or mounting is divided into at least two work steps. A work station is provided for each work step and the aeroplane mechanism, modules, structural components or component parts of the aeroplane mechanism are displaced by the work station provided for carrying out one work step.

Abstract: A support for the upper drive shaft of a marine stern drive unit. The support has an axial body installable in the axial bore of the upper case. Retainers on the body are engageable with the upper case to secure the support in place. One or both retainers are axially adjustable relative to the body. Adjustment may be achieved at threaded sections on the body which matingly engage threaded sections on the retainer.

Abstract: A method for riveting fins into a bottom plate of a heat dissipating device is disclosed. A punching device has a plurality of weights each of which is formed as a thin sheet. The punching device is installed to a fixture; a plurality of fins are spaced with a predetermined gap; and a bottom plate is formed with a plurality of trenches for receiving the fins. The method comprising the step of: positioning the bottom plate at the fixture; inserting the fins into the trenches of the bottom plate; inserting the weights of the punching device into the fins so that each space between two fins has a weight; and punching a backside of the bottom plate by a puncher so that as the bottom plate moves; the weights collide with and deform portions of the bottom plate between the fins to rivet the fins into the bottom plate, firmly securing the fins in the bottom plate.

Abstract: A new, faster and more efficient process to replace heating walls and ceilings in coke oven batteries. Thus, when replaced, at least one heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large size modular cast modules from end to end and the ceiling adjacent the heating wall is constructed of thermally stable non-expanding large modular cast blocks.

Abstract: A collector for liquid cooled exhaust includes a retention member, a coolant transfer plate and a collector housing. The retention member fits between at least two exhaust jacket pipes and is attached thereto. Holes are formed through the coolant transfer plate to receive the at least two exhaust jacket pipes and exhaust pipes. Such holes form respective sealing grooves therein, and respective sealing rings are received in such sealing grooves. The coolant transfer plate is secured to the retention member with welding or the like. At least one coolant opening is formed through each exhaust jacket pipe at substantially at end thereof, adjacent a coolant passage cavity in the coolant transfer plate. The collector housing is attached to the coolant transfer plate. Coolant flows between the exhaust pipes and exhaust jacket pipes; through the coolant transfer plate; and through the coolant housing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nozzle plate, which has a nozzle hole, includes radiating of a plurality of laser beams. The method further includes applying of the plurality of laser beams to at least one axial end surface of a plate member substantially throughout an inner circumferential periphery, which defines a boundary between a small hole defining the nozzle hole and the plate member.

Abstract: A gear and a method of making a forged powder metal gear having a plurality of teeth and a variable case depth profile forged in the plurality of teeth. Each tooth of the plurality of teeth has a first surface and a tooth root. A variable case depth profile is formed in each tooth of the plurality of teeth, whereby the variable case depth profile exhibits greater tooth wear resistance on the first surface and greater impact resistance in the tooth root.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a powertrain member capable of suppressing an effect of heat distortion is provided. A method of manufacturing a powertrain member including a disk portion provided to extend from a boss portion in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis and having a through hole formed in the disk portion includes the first through hole formation step of forming a tip hole which is at least a portion of the through hole, the chamfering step of chamfering at least a portion of the tip hole, the heat treatment step of performing heat treatment after chamfering, and the second through hole formation step of forming a desired shape of the through hole by laser processing after heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one-piece dental implant. The method includes the steps, in any order, of manufacturing an outer body of metal having a cavity and manufacturing an inner body of plastic or composite material having an outer profile. The cavity has an inner profile, and the outer profile of the inner body is complementary to the inner profile of the cavity of the outer body. The inner body includes a core manufactured within the cavity of the outer body. The respective profiles are wavelike rounded in an axial direction of the dental implant and tapering from the crestal end of the outer body to the apical end of the outer body, such as to decrease tension between the inner and the outer bodies and/or such that to provide for an anti-rotation lock between the two bodies.

Abstract: This new electric razor has a set of multiple shaving knives (12), having dual cutting edges longitudinally on both sides of knife, and rotating and reciprocating simultaneously on the inner surface of a cylindrical shaving screen (11). This mechanism creates a 3-dimensionally elliptical motion of the shaving knives that effectively slices hair off (not chopping) and provides a smooth and comfortable shave with minimum skin irritation. The cylindrical shaving screen (11) and the main body (19) containing a rotating cup (16), a motor (17) and power source (18) forms an inherently ergonomic, angled shape, which is also slim and compact overall for convenient use and easy carrying. This razor has a 360 degree effective shaving screen surface and can be used in wet or dry environments. Cleaning the shaving head screen requires no disassembly and can be done easily under running water.

Abstract: A corn scraper for removing whole kernels from the core of a corn includes a handle portion and a utility portion connected to the handle portion. The utility portion includes a bridge member and a base plate. The bridge member is connected to the base plate against which an ear of corn is put in use. The bridge member is provided with at least one tooth means for engagement and cutting into the root of the kernels of the corn.

Abstract: A low friction folding knife has a blade with a distal end and a tang. The tang has a slot disposed in the thickness of the tang with a roller cam extending slightly outside of the perimeter of the tang and rotatably attached within the slot. There is a safety assembly disposed within the first outer handle that has a safety stud extending through a safety slot in the first outer handle for moving the safety assembly between a safe position and a safe off position. There is an adjustable bias element disposed between the first liner and the second liner. The adjustable bias element is positioned to assist the blade in exiting the blade slot.

Abstract: Orientation-sensitive signal output, in which a neutral position of a device is automatically determined in relation to at least a first axis, an angular displacement of the device is measured about at least the first axis, and shaking of the device is detected. A selection of the first control is received, and an output signal is output based at least upon the selection and the angular displacement or based upon detecting the shaking of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to environmentally friendly levels. Through the use of renewable resource or environmentally friendly liquids in the transparent tubes of a level, it is possible to provide a level that will not harm the environment if the liquid escapes from the tubes as well as reduce the use of petroleum based fluids. In one embodiment, the level contains non-petroleum based hydrocarbons and a water-based solution of dissolved ionic solids. In other embodiments, the level contains non-petroleum based hydrocarbons and water-based solutions of dissolved ionic solids with increased boiling points and lowered freezing points. In other embodiments the level contains arced tubes, standard tubes and combinations of both wherein the liquid in the tubes may be the same or different.

Abstract: A method of measuring a three-dimensional shape of a connection assembly of a stator coil in a turbine generator, includes first measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement area of the connection assembly of the stator coil in a measurement range set in advance by a laser non-contact three-dimensional shape measurement device, second measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement area of the connection assembly of the stator coil in a measurement range set in advance by a multi-joint contact three-dimensional shape measurement device, the multi-joint contact three-dimensional shape measurement device including a plurality of arms being coupled via a joint including a built-in encoder, and integrally synthesizing the three-dimensional shape data measured in the first measurement, the three-dimensional shape data measured in the second measurement, and shape measurement data of a local area measured manually, thereby drafting a plan of the stator connection assembly.

Abstract: A template for assisting a person with drawing and cutting two-dimensional shapes is disclosed. In one embodiment the template is a substantially planar member spaced apart surfaces. The template is formed in a selected shape having a handle disposed on one surface and a skid-resistant member disposed on an opposite surface. The handle and the skid-resistant member facilitate holding the template stationary in respect of a writing surface while tracing the shape of the template. In another embodiment the template includes two members formed in substantially matching shapes. A plurality of magnets is employed to secure the two members in substantial alignment having a material disposed therebetween. The outer edges of the two members provide a guide for cutting a piece of the material in a shape conforming to the shape of the template.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring a distance between a center of a through hole defined in a panel and a side of the panel extending from an end of the panel includes a positioning member, a support member, and a measurement member. The positioning member and the measurement member are set on two ends of the support member. An inside surface of the positioning member resists the side of the panel. A distance between the inside surface and a center of the measurement member is about equal to a normal distance between the side and the center of the through hole. If an actual distance between the side and the center of the through hole meets a determined specification, the measurement member will enter into the through hole.

Abstract: A footwear structure including an outsole, an upper and a midsole, each including a shank interlock portion. The midsole may include a base portion including at least one receptacle and an insert disposed in the receptacle.

Abstract: Methods of making molded articles and the articles formed by the method, particularly viscoelastic gel articles.

Abstract: An article of footwear including different cleat sizes is disclosed. The article of footwear includes cleats of a first size along the medial side of the outsole and cleats of a second size along the lateral side of the outsole. The cleats also include spherical indentations along their tips. The outsole also includes an internal structural plate with notches associated with the cleats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole made from a first material, at least one receptacle made from a second material, and at least one stud, which can be releasably mounted within the receptacle by inserting a fastening projection of the stud into the receptacle. The fastening projection includes a first locking member, and the receptacle includes a flexible wall having a second locking member. The flexible wall is deflected when the fastening projection is inserted into the receptacle until the first and the second locking members engage.

Abstract: Improved shoe inserts (22, 56, 63) are provided which are designed for placement within the toe regions (37, 52, 64) of shoes (34, 50, 62) to provide enhanced comfort to the shoe wearers. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably cut from initial pillow-shaped bodies (20) to give the custom-designed inserts (22, 56, 63). The inserts (22, 56, 63) are designed to substantially occupy the distal end of the shoe toe region and present a proximal toe-engaging face that substantially spans the cross-sectional dimension of the toe-region. The inserts (22, 56, 63) are preferably formed of heat-sensitive, viscoelastic, polyurethane foam material.

Abstract: A cycling shoe substantially defined by an appropriately shaped vamp, a rigid sole stitched and/or glued to the bottom of the vamp, and one or more Velcro-fastened straps by which to tighten the vamp and immobilize the user's foot inside the shoe; each strap having a slip ring secured stably to the vamp, close to a first lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot; and a fastening strip, of appropriate length, which has a first end secured stably to the vamp, close to a second lateral edge of the vamp defining the longitudinal opening for insertion of the foot, and is designed to fold back on itself about an intermediate portion, so that the second end of the strip rests on one of the two faces of the strip, close to the first end of the strip.

Abstract: An article is selected and spread from a load of articles. A first clamp moves along a run to remove an article. By changing orientation of the run, articles may be removed from different locations. A second clamp rotates while holding the article. The rotation generally flattens out the article. A third clamp grabs a portion of the article and further spreads the article. This process may detangle or untwist the article. The untwisted article is dragged over a belt. The belt adjusts the amount of overhang on each side. A plate lifts a resulting edge. The article is clamped at that edge and dragged over a roller. The roller moves into contact with a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the article to find a leading edge. The article is then conveyed in a spread position.

Abstract: A card may include a generally planar panel and a plurality of opposing retaining members disposed on the panel. The plurality of opposing retaining members may be arranged to retain a substantially rectangular transaction card having a first longitudinal axis in a first orientation with respect to the panel and to retain a substantially rectangular paper gift having a second longitudinal axis in a second orientation with respect to the panel, so that the orientation of the first longitudinal axis is substantially transverse to the second orientation of the second longitudinal axis. The paper gift may be, for example, paper monetary currency, a paper bank check, or a paper gift certificate. The transaction card may be, for example, a debit card, a credit card, a gift card, a prepaid phone card, a card containing a merchandise credit usable at a retail establishment.

Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying back-lighted images to viewers moving along a path of travel past viewing boxes containing transparent images illuminated by substantially vertical light sources which are then reflected to obtain a shallow light box depth relative to the transparent images, the light sources being located behind the transparent images, relative to the viewer.

Abstract: Advertising system that adheres printed indicia to surfaces are described. The advertising system can contain a substrate containing the printed indicia layer and an adhesive layer. A protective layer, formed of a substantially clear or transparent material, can be used protect an exterior surface of the substrate. The printed indicia may be coated, screen printed, transfer laminated, etc., to the underlying surface to which the advertising system is attached, as can the protective layer and the adhesive layer when present. The advertising system can be used on non-durable surfaces, as well as surfaces which are exposed to extreme conditions and/or continuous wear have. The advertising system can also be used with moving and non-moving, vertical and horizontal surfaces. The advertising systems also allow application and removal of advertisements quickly and effectively without removing, mechanically altering, or damaging the surfaces to which they are applied. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A lighting unit adapted to be mounted to a vertical member, preferably a pole for use at a checkout counter in a retail service location. The lighting unit includes a substantially polygonal housing secured to the pole. The housing typically includes at least three sides, a top, and a base; the top may have slots to promote ventilation. An opening is formed in the first side of the housing and defines a receiving location for the pole, situated between the top and base of the housing. A clamp plate is releasably engageable with the first side of the housing spans the opening adjacent to the pole, and releasably engages the pole to provide for easy vertical adjustment of the housing relative to the pole. Each flange can advantageously include at least one set of teeth for enhancing the gripping strength of the clamp plates and penetrating the vertical member.

Abstract: A multi-sided hand-held sign includes two substantially planar panels having a preselected shape interlocking substantially perpendicularly at a common central vertical axis and held in position partly by a handle for engaging with and holding the sign panels. Indicia typical of signs held by school crossing guards are disposed on all the planar surfaces of the planar sign panels, and a slotted top end cap is engageable with the top horizontal edges of the planar sign panels.

Abstract: A mounting for sheet signage which includes a base structure of frame elements, an elongate support having frame members and sheet attachments. Mounts on the base and on the elongate supports facilitate placement of the mounting on the base structure. Interlocking elements are engageable through relative longitudinal displacement between the elongate supports and the base which are neither engageable nor disengageable through relative lateral displacement between these elements. A mounting for sheet signage also contemplates the integration of a vehicle frame with sheet attachments.

Abstract: A foldable traffic sign system comprises a relatively rigid sign panel and a plurality of folding lines disposed in the sign panel, for permitting ready folding of the sign panel into a substantially smaller configuration. In a preferred embodiment, at least one cut is disposed partially along a dimension of the sign panel, to further facilitate ready folding of the sign panel. One of the folding lines is disposed substantially horizontally across a center region of the sign panel, and at least one of the folding lines is disposed substantially vertically on the sign panel, and intersects with the horizontal folding line. The plurality of folding lines creates a plurality of sign sections, preferably six, defined by a combination of the folding lines and cuts in the sign panel. The sign system further comprises a folding sign stand, and a tote for containing both the sign panel and sign stand.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a housing (4), and a tag-shaped identification element (14.1; 14.2) mountable on the housing (4) so that it becomes visible on an outer side of the housing (4), provided with an identification mark (16.1; 16.2), insertable in a receptacle (20.1; 20.2) provided on the housing.

Abstract: A firearm with reversible backstrap and method of use. The firearm in one embodiment includes a frame defining a grip and a cavity therein, and a backstrap insert that is removably positioned in the cavity. The insert includes first and second backstrap grip surfaces that are each respectively disposed on opposite portions of the backstrap insert, such as a front portion and a rear portion in one embodiment. Preferably, the second backstrap grip surface is different than the first grip surface in some characteristic, such as thickness, profile or shape, material of construction, surface texture, etc. In one embodiment, the position of the insert may be reversed in the frame to selectively reverse the orientation of the first and second grip surfaces between front-facing and rear-facing in some embodiments to provide a user with a choice of grip surfaces. In some embodiments, this allows the user to change the grip depth of the firearm.

Abstract: The autoloading handgun is a short recoil, locked breech, semiautomatic service pistol. A rear located safety latch is provided for ambidextrous usage. A hold-open lever opens the pistol after the last round in the magazine is fired. A recoil spring guide rod, which alone is used for field stripping, is provided. Only three moving elements, a trigger, trigger bar, and a striker are required for firing. The hold-open lever is formed from a single piece lever acting laterally and cooperating with the magazine follower. A standard Browning swinging barrel lock is utilized wherein at the instant of firing, barrel and breechblock remain locked with each other, recoil backward for a small distance, and then swing vertically away from each other via cam elements. The swinging barrel lock construction has no intermediate parts.

Abstract: A collapsible firearm stock system is generally provided and preferably includes a shoulder stock system adapted to receive a buttstock thereon, and a locking linkage having a first linkage portion, a second linkage portion, and a hinge pin operatively uniting the first and said second linkage portions. One of the linkage portions is carried by the shoulder stock assembly so as to define a terminal end therefore, the other of the linkage portions being adapted to be carried by a firearm. Each of the linkage portions are adapted so as to automatically unite in locking engagement upon axial alignment of the shoulder stock assembly with the firearm about the hinge pin.

Abstract: A rifle with an upper receiver and a barrel attached to the upper receiver and including a bolt carrier, and operating, buffer, and cooling systems. The operating system includes a cylinder and a piston coupled to receive propelling gases from the barrel. As the piston moves between retracted and extended positions the bolt carrier is moved between closed and open positions. The bolt carrier includes a weight movable within a guide frame between rearward and forward limits. The buffer system includes a compression spring in a tube attached to the upper receiver in abutting engagement with the bolt carrier. A partially fluid filled cylinder is attached to a coil of the spring and includes a piston and shaft. The piston is formed so that fluid in the cylinder restricts movement in one direction and allows free movement in a second direction.

Abstract: A riflescope includes an objective lens component slidably supported on a guide track oriented perpendicular to an optic axis of the objective lens component for lateral, non-pivoting movement of the objective lens component in or along a plane perpendicular to the optic axis. Movement of the objective lens component shifts an image of a target in the field of view relative to an aiming mark displayed in the riflescope. In a preferred embodiment, a transparent optical window is fixedly mounted forwardly of the objective lens element and sealed to the riflescope housing.

Abstract: A scope mount base design which readily accepts onto a preexisting rear sight base without any alteration of the sight base except for the easy removal of the original sight leaf and mainspring. This scope mount invention achieves solid lockup by the use of the appropriate sized threaded support fixtures and scope mount configuration to successfully engage these rear sight slots that originally contained the sight leaf and mainspring, and thus achieve strong lockup of the scope mount to the sight base.

Abstract: A scope assembly includes an elongated viewing scope and a scope mount adapter. The viewing scope has first and second opposite ends, and at least one externally-threaded mounting post located between the opposite ends. The scope mount adapter includes a first connector having an internal screw thread mating with the external thread of the mounting post and a second connector designed for releasably engaging an accessory mounted to the scope.

Abstract: A weapon accessory integrates multiple illumination sources and a mechanism for dispensing a chemical irritant within a single housing for attachment as a fore grip to a firearm. The weapon accessory has selectable microprocessor-controlled multi-modes of operation for providing illumination, sighting or target debilitation. Switches on the outside of the housing enable user setting and control of the multiple modes of operation, which include one or a combination of (i) activating high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate an object or human subject with either visible or infrared light, (ii) activating a visible or infrared laser for sighting a target, (iii) activating a frequency modulation mode that alternates pulsing white and blue LEDs at three superimposed frequencies to temporarily disable, distract and degrade the vision of a human subject, and (iv) activating the chemical irritant dispenser.

Abstract: A night sight includes a notched bottom portion, permitting the use of a large objective lens for maximized light gathering capability while also permitting the night sight to be mounted with its center line relatively close to the center line of the barrel of the weapon with which it is used. This configuration permits the night sight to be mounted so that its center line is the same as the center line of a daytime telescopic sight used in conjunction with the night sight. The night sight includes a focusing assembly having decreased sensitivity to tilt or decenter, and a collimator mounted within a spherical bearing so that the collimator may be precisely aligned during assembly of the night sight. The night sight thereby ensures that an image viewed through the night sight appears to originate from the same angle as that with which the image entered the objective lens, and further resists a need to compensate for parallax during aiming.

Abstract: The invention provides animal decoys and animal decoy kits comprising a body portion and a support member. The support member is made up of a sleeve with a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the support member is positioned within the body portion of the decoy. The decoy can also include a carrying aperture, having an interior surface, and a reinforcement member positioned to cover at least a portion of the interior surface of the carrying aperture. The body portion of the decoy can further contain textural ridges and a carrying strap, which passes through the carrying aperture.

Abstract: A portable fishing pole holder is a device for supporting a fishing pole without manually holding the pole. It is a substantially “Y” shaped frame which further comprises a support and an anchor. The support contains the fishing pole. The anchor secures the fishing pole holder. Optionally, the fishing pole holder includes a bridging member to more securely contain the fishing pole. The an anchor for securing the in which the fishing pole is placed while fishing. The other end is used to anchor the device. Optionally, it has members to more securely support the fishing pole or to more securely anchor the device.