Abstract: Methods of making a device for removing a facial blemish. A facial scraping element is configured to be substantially rigid and flat, and a distal end of the facial scraping element is transformed for contacting and advancing across a facial surface of a user. A pad member is configured to be substantially non-rigid and non-flat. The facial scraping element may be attached to the pad member to form a collection area between a surface of the pad member and a surface of the facial scraping element. The resultant device is capable of being gripped between a finger and thumb of a user and advanced across the face of a user to remove and collect facial blemishes.

Abstract: A method for aligning an elongated component that is to be fitted, with at least two component segments, into two coaxial installation points (A/B; C) spaced apart from one another. In this context, the coaxiality of the component segments is checked and any existing deviation from coaxiality is measured. At least one material fusion area, limited radially and in a circumferential direction, is generated in a surface region of the component located between the component segments, at a magnitude such that as a result of the axial shrinkage ensuing upon cooling of the material fusion area, coaxiality of the component segments is produced at least within tolerable limits.

Abstract: A pocket-sizing method for a device that inserts staple drivers into pockets aligned to form a slot in a surgical staple cartridge. A fin extends from a driver guide fixture for insertion into the slot. The fin increases the size of the slot, thereby aiding in inserting drivers into the pockets. Preferably a second fin extends from the driver guide fixture adjacent the fixture passage and aligned with the first fin. A gap is formed between the first and second fins, extending from a first edge to an opposite edge of the fixture passage. The driver is driven through the gap. The fins are substantially equal to the thickness of the driver. The fins have tapered leading edges to aid cartridge insertion and removal, and a lip extends from the driver guide fixture for preventing the fins from widening the slot too much and for narrowing an overly wide slot.

Abstract: Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.

Abstract: A bicycle steerer tube assembly having an oblong asymmetric cross section formed along a portion of the steerer tube. The asymmetric portion of the steerer tube has a first diameter that is generally aligned with an axis of rotation of the front wheel and a second diameter that is generally aligned with a plane of rotation of the front wheel. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and provides lateral stiffness to the wheel assembly and the second diameter accommodates longitudinal impact absorption of the fork and wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method of adjustment on manufacturing of a monolithic oscillator including circuit elements and a BAW resonator, this method including the steps of: a) forming the circuit elements and the resonator and electrically connecting them; b) covering the resonator with a frequency adjustment layer; c) measuring the output frequency of the oscillator; d) modifying the thickness of the frequency adjustment layer to modify the output frequency of the oscillator.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wiring substrate includes forming a conducting layer on a first insulating layer including a first glass cloth; forming a photosensitive resist layer on the conducting layer; recognizing a first origin position on the first insulating layer; forming a mask on the resist layer by positioning the mask with respect to the first origin position, the mask being formed so as to position wiring patterns only on positions overlapping the first glass cloth in a planar view; and exposing the resist layer via the mask and forming the wiring patterns only on the positions overlapping the first glass cloth in the planar view.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotor includes: (a) providing a core shaft; (b) cold spraying alloy powder particles onto the core shaft; (c) controlling the cold spraying to form sections at least of different shape along the core shaft to thereby form a near-net shape rotor; and (d) heat treating the near-net shape rotor to relieve stresses and to form diffusion bonding across interfaces between individual powder particles and the core shaft, and finish-shaping said near-net shape rotor.

Abstract: A handheld tool device to facilitate maintenance and installation of hollow through-hole audio input jacks on electrical guitars and other electronic musical devices. The tool has an expandable tip that can be placed inside the hollow opening of the through-hole audio input jack, and then be expanded by the operator. The device enables the operator to hold the audio input jack in a fixed position while a nut or other jack fastening device is tightened. Other applications for the device include stabilizing a large variety of different through-hole connectors, embedded in a wide variety of different surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus which can achieve an improvement in throughput and suppress the reduction in the operation rate of the entire apparatus even when a problem occurs. In the disclosed apparatus, at the rear end of a substrate loading block including a loading/unloading arm for transferring a wafer to a carrier, a first, a second, and a third processing blocks are disposed in that order. In the substrate loading block, transfer stages are provide for transferring a wafer from the loading/unloading arm to the first processing block, for transferring a wafer to the second processing block, and for transferring a wafer to the third processing block so that the wafer on the transfer stage is directly carried to the second processing block by a first direct carrying mechanism, and to the third processing block by a second direct carrying mechanism.

Abstract: A multi-chip module suitable for use in a battery protection circuit. The multi-chip module includes an integrated circuit chip, a first power transistor, a second power transistor, a first connection structure electrically coupling the integrated circuit chip to the first power transistor, a second connection structure electrically coupling the integrated circuit chip to the second power transistor, and a leadframe structure comprising a first lead, a second lead, a third lead and a fourth lead, wherein the integrated circuit chip, the first power transistor, and the second power transistor are mounted on the leadframe structure. A molding material covers at least part of the integrated circuit chip, the first power transistor, the second power transistor, the first connection structure, and the second connection structure.

Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead includes attaching multiple segmented electrodes to a carrier. Each of the segmented electrodes has a curved form extending over an arc in the range of 10 to 345 degrees. The method further includes attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.

Abstract: A balancing weight clip with a mass adapted to balance a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine, includes a weight portion, a first flange engaging portion and a second flange engaging portion extending from the weight portion, each being engageable with a sidewall of at least one recess located on an edge of a flange of a disc of the rotor assembly. Each flange engaging portion is provided with a hook engageable with a mating groove provided on a face of the flange. At least one of the first and second flange engaging portions is resiliently biased so that the first and second flange engaging portions are elastically moveable away from one another to removably secure the balancing weight clip to the flange and engage each hook with the mating groove.

Abstract: A method for centering an engine structure such as a bearing housing is provided which may be used, for example, during assembly of a mid turbine frame or other engine case structure. In one aspect, the method includes using spacers with respective radial spokes which connect inner and outer portions of the case. In another aspect, centring may be provided by machining selected contacting surfaces of selected components.

Abstract: A method for preparing a blade of a turbomachine for a spray coating process is provided. The method includes providing a sheet of flexible material which is shaped such that, when the sheet is bent circumferentially around a blade root of the blade along a longitudinal axis of the blade, the sheet forms a circumferential cover on the surface of the blade root, and bending the sheet around the blade root to form the cover. The sheet is positioned on the blade root up to a platform between an airfoil and the blade root. The sheet is placed on the blade root such that the sheet forms a circumferentially closed structure around the blade root. Further, an arrangement for a spray coating process is provided.

Abstract: A portable conduit cutter for attaching to a power tool is disclosed. The portable conduit cutter includes a plate for use in attaching the conduit cutter to the different power tools. The plate may be adapted to fit different power tools depending upon the attachment requirements of the particular power tool. A compression spring and spring can assembly may be attached to a jaw slide and used to allow the jaw slide to move parallel with respect to the plate.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting tool is described which is used to readily cut or sever flexible pipe or tubing. The tool features one or more openings in the body of the tool sized to accommodate pipe or tubing to be cut. The tool is used to cut tubing by inserting the tubing into one of the apertures. A retractable blade is urged against the tubing and the tool then orbited about the tubing and/or the tubing rotated until the blade severs the tubing.

Abstract: The grape cutter includes a base and a cover overlying the base. The base includes a recess adapted to hold a plurality of foodstuffs therein. The cover also includes a recess adapted to accommodate and hold the foodstuffs between the cover and the base. Both the base and the cover include a respective surrounding flange that define a slicing gap when assembled so that a user may slide a knife through the slicing gap to cut the foodstuffs. The slicing gap may be adjusted to accommodate foodstuffs of various sizes.

Abstract: A combination chopstick utensil may comprise a first chopstick member and a second chopstick member. A base may be coupled to each of the first and second chopstick members; wherein the base may include a first transition member. The base may also include a second transition member, wherein the second transition member may be coupled to the first transition member along an interior edge. The first and second transition members may be selectably coupleable. The base may further include a separation facilitation structure between the first and second transition members and configured to facilitate separation of the first and second transition members. The separation facilitation structure may include a groove between the first and second transition members. The combination chopstick utensil may also include a utensil coupled to the base and extending therefrom substantially opposite of the first and second chopstick members.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are related to rotary cutting tools and rulers. In one illustrative embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention, a ruler for use with a rotary cutting tool has a guide ridge formed as a wall along a cutting edge of the ruler. A hand held rotary cutting tool has a groove in a cutting portion thereof that corresponds to the guide ridge and resides thereon during cutting. The rotary blade of the hand held rotary cutter is maintained in a position adjacent to the cutting edge of the ruler as the cutter is advanced long the ruler cutting edge by the interaction of the groove and the guide ridge. The cutter may include blade guard locking features and a blade depth control for additional safety and control during use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a cutting edge with a carbide coating to form a high endurance cutting edge that is self sharpening. The cutting edge has one side of its bevel treated with an electronically impregnated coating to create a wear resistant surface employing Tungsten, Titanium or Vanadium Carbide. The coating providing an abrasion resistant cutting edge and creates a differential hardness on the total cutting edge thereby extending its cutting ability through a wear-resistant surface on its treated face and a faster wear on the untreated surface causing the cutting edge to be self sharpening.

Abstract: An electric power tool has an electric motor disposed in a main body and a power supply circuit electrically connected to the electric motor by wires to supply electric power to the electric motor. A switch is disposed in the power supply circuit so as to electrically open and close the power supply circuit. A movable member is supported by the main body, a detector is disposed in the main body to detect a movement of the movable member and the switch is configured to electrically open the power supply circuit when the detector detects the movement of the movable member. The wires connected to the electric motor are not connected to the detector so that the length of the wires is shortened.

Abstract: An encoder for detecting measured values dependent on the rotation angle of the shaft of a motor includes a rotor, which can be fixed on the shaft, and a stator housing, which can be fixed by a bearing surface on an attachment surface of the motor and has a scanning means for detecting the relative rotational position of rotor and stator. In the mounted state, the rotor is fixed on the shaft and the housing is fixed on the attachment surface in such a way that the rotor and the scanning means have a defined axial distance (h). Additionally for mounting purposes, the encoder is pushed onto the shaft until the housing is held in a mounting auxiliary position with its bearing surface at an axial distance from the attachment surface, the axial distance corresponding to the defined distance (h).

Abstract: An alignment tool and method is disclosed for use in aligning wheels of trucks and truck trailers. The tool includes at least one self-leveling laser for checking wheel alignment. The self-leveling laser includes a body, an attachment member and a laser. The attachment member secures the alignment tool to the vehicle or trailer and the alignment tool provides for self-leveling to enable a user to make various predetermined measurements from the laser marking “+” when aligning the wheels of the vehicle or trailer. The alignment tool also may include a fifth wheel adapter for attaching the alignment tool to a fifth wheel pin of a truck trailer when checking the alignment of a truck trailer.

Abstract: A collection of couplers and a corresponding coupling method that removably connect existing forensic scales to create a coupled scale, wherein a ruler arm of each scale is slidingly engaged in a track of the coupler that provides and maintains arm-to-arm angular accuracy for scales coupled in a fixed angle, co-planar joint, and measurement accuracy of scale markings across the joint. The track includes a lower surface; two laterally opposed parallel edge walls extending up from the lower surface and spaced apart by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm width; holding tabs that extend laterally inward from both edge walls spaced above the lower surface by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm thickness; an open end; and preferably a longitudinally distal registration stop. Two coupler tracks are joined with co-planar lower surfaces; and an edge wall of each joined at a fixed angle vertex.

Abstract: A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit. An alternative embodiment only has a first carriage.

Abstract: An exhaust valve apparatus and a drier of a food treatment system having the exhaust valve apparatus are disclosed. The drier includes a drum having an input port and a discharge port. A stirring screw is rotatably disposed in the drum, and includes rotary blades for stirring and crushing the food waste and a rotating shaft for supporting the rotary blades. A power supply unit is provided on a surface of the drum and provides power to the stirring screw to rotate the stirring screw. A heater is provided on the outer surface of the drum body and provides high temperature heat to the inner space of the drum when electric power is applied to the heater, thus drying the food waste. An exhaust apparatus is mounted to the lower surface of the discharge port to open or close the discharge port.

Abstract: During the investigation of the mechanism that cellular water in woody plants growing in cold districts keeps liquid state at low temperature, the inventors have studied to identify the causative substances. As the results, the present inventors identified supercooling promoting agents in woody plants. The supercooling ability of identified flavonoid glycoside and synthesized flavonoid glycoside with similar structure was tested. It was found that the supercooling promoting agent comprising these flavonoid glycosides enables to stably supercool bulk water at low temperature for long-term. The aqueous solution containing the supercooling promoting agent of the present invention is useful to store biological materials at low temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for drying coal fines using molecular sieves. The method and system dries the coal fines by combining coal fines with the molecular sieves. While in combination, the mixture is agitated to maximize surface contact between the molecular sieves and the coal fines. As the coal fines contact the molecular sieves, the surfactant moisture on the coal fines is then absorbed by the molecular sieves. The molecular sieves allow for the water molecules to pass into the sieves, thus being removed from the coal fines. After a period of agitation, the method and system thereby separates the molecular sieves and the coal fines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to remove water content in organic solvents characterized in that it comprises treatment tank 10 to which organic solvent is introduced, solvent inlet section 1 that introduces the organic solvent, solvent outlet section 2 from which the treated organic solvent is discharged, inert gas inlet section 3 from which inert gas is introduced, treatment gas outlet section 4 from which gas is discharged, cooling treatment tank 20 in which the treatment gas is cooled and the gas and liquid are separated, treatment gas inlet section 5 from which the treatment gas is introduced, recovered liquid outlet section 6 from which the separated liquid organic solvent is discharged, and waste gas outlet section 7 from which the separated gas is discharged, and that the water content in the organic solvent is removed by having the inert gas flow over the entire liquid surface of the organic solvent inside treatment tank 10.

Abstract: The invention discloses a kind of movable addition or removable product, a leg cover, on top of any human feet, low top shoes, or open top shoes to protect against the dust, insects, harm from falling, and to provide warmth around the covered area, and to give ankle support via the ankle-laced area (with the product) and the bottom closure or attachment beneath the arch of a foot or the arc of the bottom of a shoe. The leg cover comprises: an upper portion, which extends from the instep and covers at least the ankle; and a stirrup bottom, which is footless and can be applied to a shoe by a bottom-securing strap beneath the outsole of said shoe or applied to a foot by said bottom-securing strap beneath the arch of said foot. The bottom-securing strap is removably and easily applied to a foot or the outsole of a shoe.

Abstract: A method of improving perspiration absorbency in a shoe or boot using particulate amorphous silica as an absorbent in insoles for shoes and/or boots, as well as a shoe insole containing an absorbent which contains particulate amorphous silica, and footware containing the insole.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate various elements that are at least partially formed through a knitting process, such as a circular knitting process or a flat knitting process. Examples of the elements include tongue elements, collar elements, and collar-throat elements. In some configurations, the elements include compressible areas and flange areas. The compressible areas may include foam cores or floating yarns that impart compressibility, and the flange areas may be utilized to join the components to the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a medial side and a lateral side simultaneously formed from a single sheet of material in a thermoforming mold. The medial side and lateral side are joined to each other such that a joint between the medial side and the lateral side extends continuously from a heel portion of the upper to a toe portion of the upper.

Abstract: The walking device has a shoe bottom with a midsole. A soft heel part is arranged in a recess of the midsole and the outsole has a form that is rounded convexly in the walking direction. The reinforcing element, forming an insole, is arranged on the upper surface of the midsole and fastened to it. In the production of the walking device, the upper is joined to the reinforcing element to form a structural unit, which is then mounted on the midsole, for example by adhesive bonding.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slip-on boot with fit features that enable snug fit while still allowing for convenient foot entry and exit. Related methods of using and manufacturing a slip-on boot are also provided.

Abstract: A series of ski boots comprising at least two ski boots whose rigid outer shell (2) is identical, and in which at least one of the boots of the series of boots has a rigid shell (2) comprising an internally inserted slipper (20; 20?), the slipper (20; 20?) comprising a bootboard (25; 25?) and side walls (21; 21?), so that the at least two ski boots comprising an identical rigid outer shell (2) are of different sizes.

Abstract: The club head cleaning attachment for a golf shoe is removably secured to a golf shoe to enable the shoe to be used in cleaning the head or face of a golf club during play. The device is formed of a flexible, resilient elastomeric material, and has a toe pocket fitting over the extreme forward end of the toe cap and sole of the shoe. Attachment straps or bands extend rearwardly to secure the device about the horizontal circumference of the shoe. The strap or band may be a continuous, endless component stretched to fit around the shoe, or may have mating first and second ends that secure to one another behind the heel. The toe pocket includes a cleaning element extending outwardly therefrom generally along the forward edge of the shoe sole. The cleaning element may be a non-woven web of plastic material, an absorbent cloth, or a brush.

Abstract: Articles of footwear may include selectively engageable traction elements that engage with a surface or the ground during certain activities and do not engage with the surface or the ground during other activities. The selectively engageable traction elements are caused to engage with the ground or surface when a portion of the footwear is flexed. When the footwear is in its unflexed position, the selectively engageable traction elements may not engage with the ground or surface. Selectively engageable traction elements may be desired or may be useful during particular, targeted movements such as sharp turns, pivoting, sudden or abrupt starting and stopping motions, and the like and in changing environmental conditions, such as on various surfaces having different characteristics. Wearers of such footwear may benefit from the extra traction provided by the selectively engageable traction elements when performing the targeted movements and/or when wearing the footwear on surfaces with varying conditions.

Abstract: A shoe protection article made with a deformable textile that contains an antimicrobial agent. The shoe protection article is placed over a shoe tree, and the shoe tree is inserted into a shoe so that the shoe protection article comes into contact with a substantial portion of the interior surface of the shoe, thereby providing antimicrobial benefits to the shoe. The shoe protection article may cover a toe portion of the shoe tree or also the heel portion depending on the amount of contact desired. Various antimicrobial agents may be used such as silver dihydrogen citrate, and various textiles may be selected based on compatibility with the antimicrobial agent. A moisture-proof container protects the shoe protection articles before use to preserve the effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations.

Abstract: A multi-purpose attachment for work vehicles comprises a unique bucket shape and tine arrangement permitting the attachment to be used when performing a variety of jobs at a job site. The attachment may also include a thumb that can be extended over the open front of the bucket, retracted and even folded when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A trading card (10) comprises a first substrate (14A), a second substrate (14B) and a spacer (16A). The first substrate (14A) includes a first card image (18). The second substrate (14B) includes a second card image (20). The second substrate (14B) is spaced apart from the first substrate (14A). The spacer (16A) is positioned substantially between the first substrate (14A) and the second substrate (14B) to maintain the first card image (18) spaced apart from the second card image (20). The trading card (10) can further comprise a third substrate (14C) and a second spacer (16B). The third substrate (14C) includes a third card image (22). The third substrate (14C) is spaced apart from the first substrate (14A) and the second substrate (14B). The second spacer (16B) is positioned substantially between the second substrate (14B) and the third substrate (14C) to maintain the second card image (20) spaced apart from the third card image (22).

Abstract: An electronic license plate and information processing system allows for a vehicle license plate to serve not only the purpose of identifying a specifically associated vehicle, but to also serve as a media for publishing temporal messages specifically associated with the vehicle or its locale. A license plate assembly consisting of a microprocessor chip in communication with a radio frequency transponder serves to control a light emitting diode matrix or other similar display and to publish messages therethrough in accordance with data and commands received from the transponder. The various information sources, including a department of motor vehicles, law enforcement, insurance records, and public service agencies are capable of communicating with the electronic license plate through encrypted transmission. The control server is interposed between these various sources and the interactive license plate for effecting the desired transmission and receipt of data and commands.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a first display element which displays letters, numbers, and/or images when power is applied to it and which continues to display the letters, numbers and/or images after the power is no longer applied to it; and a second display element which only operates whilst power is applied to it. The first display element may be a cholesteric panel or a bistable nematic panel, or may use e-ink technology to display letters, numbers and/or images. The second display element may comprise one or more light sources such as LEDs.

Abstract: A textile complex adapted to be attached to a communicating panel includes a textile sheet having, on at least one face, loops adapted to engage with a self-gripping strip provided with hooks; a coating film attached to a face of the textile sheet; and a printing ink deposited on the coating film. The textile complex has a capacity for preferential elastic deformation in a direction of deployment on the communicating panel. A communicating panel and to a corresponding method of display are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a tactile indication to an operator of a firearm of the number of cartridges remaining in the firearm's magazine. In some embodiments, an indication is provided when a critical few cartridges remain in the firearm.

Abstract: A modular magazine for a firearm is disclosed. The magazine has a tower and a magazine body. The tower and magazine body are modular and can be disconnected from each other. When disconnected, the tower can be paired with other magazine bodies. Also, the magazine body may be connected to other suitable towers. Different towers may allow a magazine to connect with a plurality of styles of firearm. Also, a plurality of styles of magazine may be used with a single firearm when connected to a suitable modular tower.

Abstract: A retriever and location marker device created for but not limited to fishing rods. Invention is fastened to a fishing rod for precautionary measures in the unfortunate accident of rod being dropped overboard and/or becoming submerged. Device has minimal impact concerning balance and action of the rod. Device is mounted, incorporated, attached, or connected to rod handle. This device consists of a fastener with automatic extender, floatation device, water splash shield, and specialized water-soluble material which deteriorates upon submersion in water. Device is particularly created to facilitate the needs of fishermen but not limited to only fishing rods or fishermen. This device can be attached to other items where the same end result can be achieved.