Abstract: A method of assembling a recording head includes attaching a first segment having a plurality of toroidal coils to a second segment having a plurality of flexure beams to form a wafer assembly. The method also includes attaching the wafer assembly to a slider body such that a cavity portion of the second segment cooperates with a cavity portion in the slider body to form a transducer cavity. The method also includes vacuum attaching the slider body to a reference flat surface. The method also includes positioning a transducer body having a transducer in the transducer cavity using a touch sensor.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed microelectromechanical system (MEMS) package includes a MEMS switch having a movable portion and a stationary portion with an electrical contact thereon. A glass lid is anodically bonded to the MEMS switch to form a sealed cavity over the movable portion of the MEMS switch. The glass lid includes a contact aperture to allow access to the electrical contact on the stationary portion of the MEMS switch. A family of body-implantable hermetically-sealed MEMS packages are provided according to certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: Batteries and related compositions and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include heating at least one cathode including a cathode material in an atmosphere including oxygen, heating the cathode in a vacuum, adding the cathode into a housing, adding a separator into the housing, and adding an anode into the housing.

Abstract: A sealing plate 12 with an electrolyte pour hole 15 is welded to an outer can 11 having a mouth portion. A resin washer 18 is formed on the electrolyte pour hole 15 so as to cover the periphery of the opening of the electrolyte pour hole and the surface of an annular convex portion 17. Next, a nozzle 23 of an electrolyte pouring device 20 is inserted in the electrolyte pour hole 15, and an electrolyte 21 is poured in. Thereafter, an electrolyte 21b adhering to the surface of the resin washer 18 is cleansed or wiped. Then, a blind rivet 16? is used as a sealing plug 16 to tightly seal the electrolyte pour hole 15. Thus a method for manufacturing a sealed battery in which a peripheral surface of an electrolyte pour hole hardly gets clouded after manufacturing the battery is provided.

Abstract: The first aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an active material capable of improving the discharge capacity of a lithium-ion secondary battery. The method of manufacturing an active material in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of heating a phosphate source, a vanadium source, and water so as to form an intermediate containing phosphorus and vanadium and having a specific surface area of at least 0.1 m2/g but less than 25 m2/g; and heating the intermediate, a water-soluble lithium salt, and water. The second aspect of the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an active material capable of improving the rate characteristic of a lithium-ion secondary battery.

Abstract: Provided is a joint jig of a spiral duct manufacturing apparatus including an uncoiler around which a metal plate member is wound; a wave bending device which cuts the metal plate member supplied from the uncoiler into a straight line and waves and forms a single folded portion and a double folded portion at both edges of the cut metal plate member; a ball caster which bends the projecting wave portions of the metal plate member supplied from the wave bending device upward; a pair of transfer rollers which transfer the metal plate member supplied through the ball caster; upper and lower pressing rollers which are installed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction and press the single folded portion and the double folded portion of the metal plate member; and upper and lower cutters which cut a spiral duct pressed by the upper and lower pressing rollers.

Abstract: An automated system and method for manufacturing a thermal battery is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a press system, a stacking system, and an enclosing system to automate the manufacturing process of thermal batteries. A method of manufacturing a thermal battery using the system is also disclosed. An automated tracking, storage, and retrieval system for pellets used in the manufacturing process and a pellet pairing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A winding apparatus includes a mounting fixture configured to support a plurality of stator teeth. The mounting fixture is configured to rotate about an axis defined by each of the plurality of stator teeth. A plurality of stator tooth holding elements are connected to the mounting fixture. The plurality of stator tooth holding elements retain a select one of the plurality of stator teeth relative to the mounting fixture. The mounting fixture is selectively rotated about the central axis of at least one of the plurality of teeth to apply wraps of wire to the one of the plurality of stator teeth while at the same time rotating others of the plurality of stator teeth. A wire guiding member is supported by the mounting fixture. The wire guiding member is configured and disposed to establish a desired length of wire between adjacent ones of the plurality of stator teeth.

Abstract: A manufacture method of a light emitting device is provided. Firstly, at least one circuit board is provided. A plurality of light emitting packages, a first undetermined power input end and a second undetermined power input end are disposed at the circuit board. The light emitting packages are electrically connected to the first undetermined power input end and the second undetermined power input end. Each of the first undetermined power input end and the second undetermined power input end has at least two first pads. The first pads of each of the first undetermined power input end and the second undetermined power input end are electrically isolated from each other. Next, the first undetermined power input end is selected to be a power input region for inputting an external power signal. Then, the first pads of the second undetermined power input end are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: There is a need for providing an electronic component mounting apparatus, a component supply apparatus, and an electronic component mounting method capable of reducing inadvertent insertion of component supply tape and ensuring high reliability or capable of reducing wrong insertion of component supply tape, supplying new electronic component tape, and ensuring a high operation rate. Supply tape is inserted into an insertion entry of a component supply apparatus. An electronic component mounted on the supply tape is absorbed and is mounted on a printed board. Information about the electronic component mounted on the supply tape is read. Based on the read information, the component supply apparatus for inserting the supply tape is selected. The insertion entry is opened while it is closed when no supply tape is mounted.

Abstract: A soldering method of an electronic component includes inserting pins of the electronic component into through-holes provided in a printed circuit board; preheating interiors of the through-holes with an inert fluid; and bonding the pins to the through-holes by exposing molten solder to the preheated through-holes.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrical structure. The electrical structure comprises an interconnect structure and a substrate. The substrate comprises an electrically conductive pad and a plurality of wire traces electrically connected to the electrically conductive pad. The electrically conductive pad is electrically and mechanically connected to the interconnect structure. The plurality of wire traces comprises a first wire trace, a second wire trace, a third wire trace, and a fourth wire trace. The first wire trace and second wire trace are each electrically connected to a first side of the electrically conductive pad. The third wire trace is electrically connected to a second side of the electrically conductive pad. The fourth wire trace is electrically connected to a third side of said first electrically conductive pad. The plurality of wire traces are configured to distribute a current.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabrication of a stimulation lead for electrical stimulation of tissue of a patient, the method comprises: providing a substrate of non-conductive material for a stimulation portion of the stimulation lead; processing the substrate to create a plurality of recessed features into a surface of the substrate, wherein the plurality of recessed features comprise a plurality of paths for electrical traces and a plurality of surfaces for electrodes with each of the surfaces being connected to one of the traces; providing first conductive material over the surface of the substrate; subjecting the surface of the substrate to mechanical processing to remove conductive material from portions of the substrate disposed above the plurality of recessed features, wherein each respective connected electrode and trace is electrically isolated from the other electrodes and traces after the mechanical processing; electrically plating second conductive material over the first conductive material; pr

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for wrapping biomedical conductor wires about core material, comprises: a payout assembly and a take-up assembly for controllably paying out the core material and taking up the core material with the wrapped conductor wires; a turntable; a plurality of carriers, disposed on the turntable, for letting out the conductor wires; and a die for applying force to the conductor wires as the wires are wrapped about the core material, the die adapted to rotate according to group rotation of the plurality of carriers by the turntable during operation of the system, wherein the die comprises one or more features asymmetrically arranged about a circumference of the die, the one or more features adapted to direct the conductor wires from the plurality of carriers onto the core material in an axially repeating pattern of groups of closely spaced wires with each group separated by a distance larger than the spacing between adjacent wires within each group.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of fabrication of a stimulation lead comprising a plurality of segmented electrodes for stimulation of tissue of a patient, the method comprises: providing an elongated, substantially cylindrical substrate, the substrate comprising a plurality of recesses defined in an outer surface of the substrate; coating the substrate with conductive material; patterning conductive material on the substrate to form a plurality of electrode surfaces for at least the plurality of segmented electrodes and a plurality of traces connected to the plurality of electrode surfaces, wherein each electrode surface and its corresponding trace are defined in the recesses on the outer surface of the substrate and are electrically isolated from other electrode surfaces and traces; providing insulative material over at least the plurality of traces; and electrically coupling the plurality of traces to conductive wires of a lead body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least a portion of a metal part of a turbine engine having a width L. The method is characterised in that said portion is manufactured by metal deposition using a MIG welding apparatus including a pulsed current generator and a pulsed deposition-wire flow, and used for varying said current and said flow, the manufacture being carried out in the form of metal beads (10) in several consecutive layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal component from metal powder comprises preparing (12) a metal powder, providing (14) gallium on at least part of the surface of at least some of the metal powder particles, encapsulating (16) the metal powder in a container, evacuating (18) the container to remove air and/or gas from the container, sealing (20) the container, hot isostatically pressing (22) the container to consolidate the metal powder particles to produce the metal component and removing (24) the container from the metal component. The process is used to produce gas turbine engine metal components, for example turbine discs with improved fatigue properties.

Abstract: A vacuum solar thermal panel including a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume and able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber being disposed inside the vacuum envelope, a pipe entering and exiting the envelope and being in contact with the heat absorber, the vacuum envelope including a first plate made of glass, a peripheral frame, a metallic peripheral belt being joined to the first plate by way of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal, including glass material and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification. The metallic peripheral belt includes at least one elastically deformable portion that prevents the bulk glass-metal seal from getting damaged and is no more vacuum tight when subject to the evacuation process of the envelope and the thermal treatments of the panel and the potential reciprocal displacements of the glass plate and the joined metallic peripheral belt.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A carcass ply is applied around an outer surface of a building drum according to an application diameter larger than the fitting diameter of a tyre. Coaxially engaged around each of the end flaps is an annular anchoring structure defining the fitting diameter. A pair of sidewalls is manufactured by laying of a continuous elongated element in the form of approached coils on the carcass sleeve. An outer sleeve, including at least one belt structure possibly associated with a tread band, is coaxially centered around the carcass sleeve. Through axial approaching of two halves forming the building drum, the carcass sleeve is shaped into a toroidal configuration to determine application of same against a radially internal surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Methods are described for integrating a UL compliant power generating system within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rolling bearing device which can improve operational efficiency and can enhance productivity thereof is provided. The method includes the steps of: applying an adhesive agent to fitting portions formed between inner rings of two rolling bearings which are arranged coaxially in a spaced-apart manner in an axial direction and a shaft which is fitted in the inner rings and fitting portions formed between outer rings of two rolling bearings and a sleeve which is fitted on the outer rings; bringing the inner rings and the shaft into fitting engagement and the outer rings and the sleeve into fitting engagement respectively; and welding, in a state where the inner rings to which the adhesive agent is applied in the adhesive agent applying step are brought close to each other due to pushing of the inner rings in the axial direction, the pushed inner rings to the shaft by laser welding using laser power which does not generate thermal deformation of the pushed inner rings.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a spherical bearing having an inside member with a metal ball portion and an outside member having a ball support portion enclosing and supporting the ball portion of the inside member and connected to the inside member swingably or rotatably relative to each other, including the steps of performing injection molding in which the ball portion of the inside member is inserted as a core in a mold to mold a resin liner covering the ball portion, molding the outside member covering the resin liner by a casting in which the ball portion and the resin liner are inserted as a core in the mold, and after the completion of the casting, heating the resin liner covering the ball portion through the ball portion of the inside member.

Abstract: A hair remover including a cylindrical outer blade and an inner blade rotatably accommodated in the outer blade. The outer blade includes a side wall, a bend, and an upper wall that are continuous with each other. A first cutting edge is arranged on the upper wall and the side wall. The inner blade includes a second cutting edge arranged so as to clip hair in cooperation with the first cutting edge of the outer blade. The hair remover further includes a relief arranged on at least either one of the inner blade and the outer blade to prevent contact between the inner blade and the bend of the outer blade.

Abstract: A hair remover including an outer blade and an inner blade accommodated in the outer blade. The outer blade includes a cylindrical side wall, an upper wall, and a bend connecting the side wall and the upper wall. Straight upper cutting edges and side cutting edges are formed by slits extending from the upper wall to an upper part of the side wall. The inner blade includes a straight upper cutting edge, which is formed at a location corresponding to the upper cutting edges of the upper blade, and a straight side cutting edge, which is formed at a location corresponding to the side cutting edges of the outer blade. The outer blade and the inner blade are formed so as to clip body hair through cooperation between the straight side cutting edges and cooperation between the straight upper cutting edges.

Abstract: A combined fuel tank and handle unit for a motorized, handheld tool includes a substantially closed volume, a handle, and a joint between two parts of the unit. The joint protrudes a distance beyond the surrounding surfaces. At least one rib is disposed at a distance from the joint on the underside of the tool.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chain saw including: an engine having: a crankcase; a cylinder attached to the crankcase; and a piston configured to reciprocate in the cylinder; a housing configured to accommodate the engine; and a guide bar, around which a saw chain is to be wound so as to be rotated by the engine, the guide bar being attached to the housing, wherein the engine has two surfaces substantially parallel to an axis direction of a crankshaft, the two surfaces being covered with and fixed to the housing, and wherein the engine is fixed to the housing with a fixing member at a side where the guide bar is attached to the housing.

Abstract: A bow sight mounting system including a forward sight assembly used with conjunction with a rearward sight assembly adjustably mounted to a base plate, each component considered modular. The forward sight assembly, interchangeable with identical parts in the rearward sight assembly, includes two pin sight assemblies, two sight mounting brackets and two moveable connecting bars terminating in a base mounting plate. The base mounting plate is symmetrical with the ability to mount on a left-hand or right-hand bow. The moveable connecting bars extends perpendicular to the bow frame and base mounting plate and locates the sight mounting bracket in position to be inline with the bowstring. The forward pin sight assembly containing a vertical pin works with conjunction with the rearward pin sight assembly containing two vertical pins. The rearward vertical pins are positioned as such to create an open gap alignable with the forward pin and the target.

Abstract: A tilt sensor including a body, a plurality of metal pad pairs, and a moving element is provided. The body is suitable for tilting in a plurality of tilt directions and has a movement region having a plurality of corners. The metal pad pairs are respectively located in at least a portion of the corners. The moving element is located in the movement region. The moving element moves to one of the corners and physically contacts with the metal pad pair located in the corner when the body tilts towards one of the tilt directions, such that the metal pads of the metal pad pair are electrically connected with each other via the moving element.

Abstract: A tilt sensor including a body, an LED, a first photosensitive device, a second photosensitive device, and a moving thin-element is provided. The body has a movement region, a first containing region, a second containing region, and a third containing region. The first, second, and third containing regions have an opening respectively and are connected with the movement region through the openings. The LED providing a light beam is disposed in the first containing region. The first and second photosensitive devices are disposed in the second and third containing regions respectively. When the body tilts toward different tilt directions, the moving thin-element moves in the tilt direction, allowing the light beam provided from the LED to reflect directly to the first and second photosensitive devices, or shielding the light beam provided from the LED from being transmitted to the first and second photosensitive devices.

Abstract: A belt rib wear gauge comprising a body, an elongate member having a length and extending from the body, the elongate member having an arcuate surface, the elongate member further comprising a tactile surface cooperatively disposed with respect to the arcuate surface, and the arcuate surface having a predetermined radial dimension wherein engagement of the elongate member within a belt groove and the position of the tactile surface relative to a datum plane at a tip of belt ribs disposed immediately adjacent to the belt groove indicates a state of wear of the belt ribs.

Abstract: A linear encoder that includes a housing having: an elongated hollow profile section including a first face end and a second face end; a cap disposed on the first face end; and a seal which is disposed in sealing fashion between the hollow profile section and the cap, wherein the seal includes an electrically conductive connecting element. The linear encoder further includes a scale made of electrically nonconductive material, wherein the scale is disposed inside the housing and the scale includes a measuring graduation that is scannable by a scanning unit, which is movable in a measurement direction relative to the housing. The linear encoder includes a shunt made of electrically conductive material, wherein the shunt is mounted on the scale and extends in the measurement direction and wherein the electrically conductive connecting element is configured so as to establish an electrical connection between the shunt and at least one of the hollow profile section and the cap.

Abstract: A height measuring device, including a scale, including graduation and a measuring part, and a positioning plate, the graduation and the measuring part are disposed on a right side of the scale, the measuring part is capable of moving along the graduation and indicating height, a measuring plate is disposed on the measuring part, and capable of folding as being perpendicular to or parallel to the scale, a top edge of the scale is capable of being buckled with a bottom edge of the positioning plate, a bottom edge of the scale is capable of being buckled with a top edge of the positioning plate, and a fixing part is disposed at the back of each of the scale and the positioning plate, and capable of being disposed in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A composite machine for drying dishes and cleaning vegetables and fruits includes a dish-drying body, an ozone generator, a cover and a switching element. The cover selectively covers the dishes or allows the vegetables and fruits to be received therein. The switching element is switchable to be electrically connected to the dish-drying body or the ozone generator. The dish-drying body generates hot air to dry the dishes when the switching element is electrically connected to the dish-drying body. The ozone generator generates ozone to clean the vegetables and fruits when the switching element is electrically connected to the ozone generator. With this arrangement, the operation of drying dishes or cleaning vegetables and fruits can be executed as demands. Thus, the utility rate of the machine is increased and the space can be used more effectively. As a result, the cost is reduced and the maintenance is easy.

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a support body arranged in the main body so as to form a frame of the main body, a flexible drum rotatably installed on the support body so as to have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated, and rotation guides arranged between the support body and the flexible drum so as to guide rotation of the flexible drum. A distance from a center of rotation of an inscribed circle contacting the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum to one random point on the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum is greater than a distance from the center of rotation of the inscribed circle to another point on the inscribed circle such that the drum maintains a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a support body arranged in the main body so as to form a frame of the main body, a flexible drum rotatably installed on the support body so as to have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated, and rotation guides arranged between the support body and the flexible drum so as to guide rotation of the flexible drum. A distance from a center of rotation of an inscribed circle contacting the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum to one random point on the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum is greater than a distance from the center of rotation of the inscribed circle to another point on the inscribed circle such that the drum maintains a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a support body arranged in the main body so as to form a frame of the main body, a flexible drum rotatably installed on the support body so as to have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated, and rotation guides arranged between the support body and the flexible drum so as to guide rotation of the flexible drum. A distance from a center of rotation of an inscribed circle contacting the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum to one random point on the inner circumferential surface of the flexible drum is greater than a distance from the center of rotation of the inscribed circle to another point on the inscribed circle such that the drum maintains a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: A multiple garment drying apparatus for drying garments that includes a hot air source and blower assembly attached to a garment hanging assembly. The garment hanging assembly includes two upward extending hot air transfer arms that connect to two hot air ports on the blower assembly. The garment hanging assembly includes two upward extending air tubes. Attached to the ends of the two arms is a hollow, transverse hollow brace with two upward extending outer end brackets attached to the opposite ends of said hollow brace. Attached to the upper ends of the two end brackets is an upper shoulder component used to support a jacket placed thereon. The upper should component includes a plurality of air vents that enable air delivered below said upper shoulder component to travel upward and through the upper shoulder component. During operation, air from the hot air source and blower assembly is delivered to the two transfer arms.

Abstract: The Suction Sole is unique because it uses “suction cylindars” to affix itself to the bottom of the foot. The Suction Sole can be used as the sole of a shoe adding a “non-slip” function to the shoe. When the foot is inserted into the shoe, the suction cylindars take hold and prevent slippage. The Suction Sole can also be used independently from the shoe as a kind of “topless shoe” or “foot cover” that affixes itself to the foot as the person walks providing protection from the ground and traction as the person walks or runs.

Abstract: Support structures for footwear are described including, in one embodiment, one structure in the heel portion of the footwear and another structure in the forefoot portion. One or both of the support structures may be hollow and may include internal support elements such as ridges or posts to support the foot. Additionally, air may be included in the structures with a passageway between the internal support structures permitting the transfer of air back and forth as the wearer treads. Thus, energy is absorbed as the foot strikes the treading surface and is either stored to be returned as the foot rolls forward or, when air is included in the design, is transferred from the heel to forefoot portions and then back again as the foot pressure moves from the heel portion to the forefoot portion.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe includes a body that is configured to fit within the shoe. A heel recess in a heel area of the insole extends partially through the body. A metatarsal opening in a metatarsal area of the insole extends completely through the body. A heel insert is secured in the heel recess, and a metatarsal insert is secured in the metatarsal opening. A method is disclosed for making an insole by mixing a reactive resin with a quantity of cork particles to form a body mixture. The mixture is injected into an injection mold to form a body portion of the insole that includes a heel recess and metatarsal opening. A heel insert and metatarsal insert are molded and provided in the heel recess and metatarsal opening, respectively.

Abstract: An insole of the present invention includes a first layer, and a second layer integrally and continuously formed with the first layer. The second layer is mold-injected on the first layer to bond the second layer with the first layer, so as to form the stable bonding therebetween for securely and integrally bonding the first and second layers in a glue-less manner.

Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.

Abstract: A protective sole of an item of footwear for electric and electrostatic charges comprises a sole unit comprising at least a midsole portion and an outsole portion. The midsole portion is connected on top of the outsole, with the midsole portion oriented toward the wearer while the outsole portion is against the ground when the item of footwear is worn. An electronic device is inserted in the sole unit, and comprises circuitry with a first contact end exposed on a top surface of the midsole portion to be electrically connected with the wearer, and a second contact end to be electrically connected with the ground via the outsole portion. A substrate supports the circuitry and is adapted to be mounted in the sole unit. Electronic components are between the first and the second contact ends, on the circuitry, and concurrently performing a ground of electrostatic charges and insulation against electric discharges.

Abstract: A shoe having a toe region, a middle region, a heel region, and a multi-layer, multi-density midsole wherein an upper layer of the midsole has a bottom surface that has a longitudinal convexity and a longitudinal concavity, the longitudinal convexity typically occupying a substantial portion of the toe region or a substantial portion of the toe region and middle region, and the longitudinal concavity typically occupying a substantial portion of the heel region, the longitudinal convexity and the longitudinal concavity collectively contributing to simulating the effect, and imparting the fitness benefits, of walking on a sandy beach or on a giving or uneven surface regardless of the actual hardness of the surface.

Abstract: A protective cover, and a method for producing the protective cover, for footwear. The protective cover includes a unitary body including a toe portion, a vamp portion, a quarter portion, a heel portion, and a throat portion. The body is formed from a multi-layer film including an outer layer that includes a first frictional property, an intermediate layer that is compliant, and an inner layer that includes a second frictional property, wherein each layer is water-resistant and the first frictional property is greater than the frictional anti-slip property.

Abstract: A railroad ballast removal system capable of removing ballast material from below a rail line. The railroad ballast removal system includes at least one rotary cutting wheel having a plurality of individually replaceable cutting attachments positioned about a perimeter of the rotary cutting wheel. Each rotary cutting wheel is attached to an articulated arm capable of adjusting the position of the rotary cutting wheel along varying axis. The articulated arm is mounted to a support structure capable of transporting the rotary cutting wheel to a portion of railway requiring maintenance of the ballast material. The railroad ballast removal system is able to operate at a spot location or in a continuous manner down a length of railroad track. The ability to manipulate the rotary cutting wheel along the various axis allows the rotary cutting wheel to be used for ballast removal in locations wherein adjacent railways limit cutting access.

Abstract: A tooth retention device for attachment to an excavator bucket, which has a tooth mounting portion, a fork shaped body fitting over the edge of the bucket, a clamp passing through the body and the bucket, and a wedge holding the clamp in position, in which the wedge has a threaded rod and a threaded block on the rod. The rod is rotatable to move the block between locked and released positions.

Abstract: A card-type memorabilia article including a photographic print paper intermediate layer, a urethane top layer, and an ink-receptive laminate. The intermediate layer defines opposing, first and second major surfaces, and displays a photographic image on the first major surface. The urethane top layer is applied over the first major surface. The ink-receptive laminate is applied over the second major surface, with the laminate defining an outer face. The ink-receptive coating protects ink that is written onto the outer face from smudging and smearing. The high quality photographic image is environmentally protected by the urethane layer, whereas the laminate not only protects against water damage, but also receives autographs or other ink-created marking without smudging or smearing.