Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an electrode that has a porous inorganic layer on the surface of an active material layer and is suitable for constructing a nonaqueous secondary battery with excellent input-output performance. In this manufacturing method, an electrode perform, which has an active material layer (344) consisting primarily of active material particles (42) and supported on a collector (342), is prepared. The water concentration of at least the surface (344a) of the active material layer (344) is adjusted to 100 ppm to 500 ppm. A slurry (S) containing inorganic particles (44), a binder and an organic solvent is coated on the surface (344a) of the active material layer with the water concentration thus adjusted, to form a porous inorganic layer.

Abstract: The “recessed installation tool” is for remote installation of a fire sprinkler head adaptor, or other device while it is positioned in a recessed or obstructed area that does not allow standard installation methods. This invention is a device for installing sprinkler heads from the type of overhead sprinkler systems commonly found in residential or commercial buildings. The device (or tool) would accommodate the “CPVC CUT BACK KIT” and the specific use of this tool is for obstructed or recessed fire sprinkler heads or adapters with minimum access holes or cuts. It being unique as it is a “code compliant” way to cut back a fire sprinkler head in or above hard ceilings such as drywall, stucco, or plaster without opening up the ceiling to perform the task. This tool is the only code compliant way to reinstall the “head adapter” without damaging the sprinkler head with the CPVC® cement, glue or bonding agent. This installation tool keeps the waterway open as the cement, glue or bonding agent dries.

Abstract: Apparatus for installing fasteners in a workpiece is mounted for computer controlled movement over the workpiece surface. The apparatus includes all of the tools, fasteners, drives and controls on-board that are needed to operate autonomously, without external connections. The apparatus may also include an on-board power supply for powering the tools, drives and controls. A supply of fasteners is held in an on-board replaceable cassette. An on-board fastener transferring device transfers individual fasteners from the cassette to the tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small electric blind rivet setting device that is capable of being driven by a battery and that does not require a pathway for recovering the broken mandrels to be provided in the motor shaft. A recovery container 10 is provided in a tool housing 27 forward of an electric motor 13 in the axial direction, and a spindle 14, which rotates because of the rotation of a drive shaft 18 connected to the electric motor circumventing the recovery container, is connected so as to move a pulling head (30) in the axial direction. The positive rotation, stopping of rotation and reverse rotation of the electric motor are controlled by a pulling operation on a trigger and detecting the position of the pulling head in the axial direction.

Abstract: Described in one embodiment is a system that has a multiple number of different stations for forming solar cell modules. Described in another embodiment is a system that includes a cutting station, a setting station, and an interconnection station to create different series-connected flexible solar cell modules. Described in still another embodiment is a monolithically integrated multi-module power supply.

Abstract: Coaxial cable preparation tools. In one example embodiment, a coaxial cable preparation tool is configured for use in preparing a coaxial cable for termination. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer surrounding the inner conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the insulating layer. The tool includes a body. The body includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted between the outer conductor and inner conductor where a section of the insulating layer has been cored out. The body also includes an opening defined in the insertion portion and configured to receive the inner conductor. The body further includes means for increasing the diameter of the outer conductor that surrounds the cored-out section.

Abstract: An auto-removing assembly is used for a wire electric discharge machine having an upper positioning head, a lower positioning head and a metal wire and has a blowing device, a suction device, a tension device, a fuse device and a transporting pipe. The blowing device is set near a front side of the metal wire and has a first guiding block and a first air source. The suction device is set near a rear side of the metal wire and has a second guiding block and a second air source. The tension device is set between the blow and suction devices. The fuse device is set near a left side of the metal Wire and has a pressure pump and a fused head. The transporting pipe is set above the suction device and aligns with the suction device to receive the fused metal wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning overlapping ends of metal strips, particularly contact bands for photovoltaic solar cells, wherein the end of one of the metal strips is bent back. The device has an advance, displaceable first alignment element for aligning the upper end of one metal strip and a trailing, displaceable second alignment element for aligning the bent end of the other metal strip, and a contact element for the first alignment element and a contact element for the second alignment element. In this manner, a rapid and simple mechanical automated alignment of the overlapping ends of metal is made possible.

Abstract: A separable electrical connection may be provided with a landside pad on one of two electrical components to be joined. The landside pad may be made up of two parts, including a flat portion and a raised edge formed on the flat portion. In some embodiments, the raised edge may have a closed geometric shape. Then, a socket contact engaging the junction between the flat portion and the raised edge is prevented from sliding off of the landside pad by the raised edge. In addition, dual areas of electrical connection can be established between both the flat portion and raised edge of the landside pad and the correspondingly shaped pair of portions on the socket. This increases the electrical efficiency of the connection and its security.

Abstract: Passive intermodulation (PIM) and impedance management in coaxial cable terminations. In one example embodiment, a method for terminating a coaxial cable is provided. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, an insulating layer, an outer conductor, and a jacket. First, a diameter of the outer conductor that surrounds a cored-out section of the insulating layer is increased so as to create an increased-diameter cylindrical section of the outer conductor. Next, an internal connector structure is inserted into the cored-out section so as to be surrounded by the increased-diameter cylindrical section. Finally, an external connector structure is clamped around the increased-diameter cylindrical section so as to radially compress the increased-diameter cylindrical section between the external connector structure and the internal connector structure, and via a single action, a contact force between the inner conductor and a conductive pin is increased.

Abstract: Low temperature bond balls connect two structures having disparate coefficients of linear thermal expansion. An integrated circuit is made to heat the device such that the low temperature bond balls melt. After melting, the bond balls solidify, and the device is operated with the bond balls solidified. In one example, one of the two structures is a semiconductor substrate, and the other structure is a printed circuit board. The integrated circuit is a die mounted to the semiconductor substrate. The bond balls include at least five percent indium, and the integrated circuit is an FPGA loaded with a bit stream. The bit stream configures the FPGA such that the FPGA has increased power dissipation, which melts the balls. After the melting, a second bit stream is loaded into the FPGA and the FPGA is operated in a normal user-mode using the second bit stream.

Abstract: Circuit modules including identification codes and a method of managing them are provided. A module substrate includes signal input output terminals and outer ground terminals provided at the peripheral portions of a surface which becomes a mounting surface when the circuit module is completed. An inner-ground-terminal formation area surrounded by the signal input output terminals and the outer ground terminals includes a plurality of inner ground terminals arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. One of the edge portions is a direction identification area. The inner ground terminal is not provided in the direction identification area, and a first identification code having information about the position of the module substrate is provided in the direction identification area.

Abstract: An electrical structure and method for forming electrical interconnects. The method includes positioning a sacrificial carrier substrate such that a first surface of a non-solder metallic core structure within the sacrificial carrier substrate is in contact with a first electrically conductive pad. The first surface is thermo-compression bonded to the first electrically conductive pad. The sacrificial carrier substrate is removed from the non-solder metallic core structure. A solder structure is formed on a second electrically conductive pad. The first substrate comprising the non-solder metallic core structure is positioned such that a second surface of the non-solder metallic core structure is in contact with the solder structure. The solder structure is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the solder structure to melt and form an electrical and mechanical connection between the second surface of the non-solder metallic core structure and the second electrically conductive pad.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wafer scale heat slug system includes: dicing an integrated circuit from a semiconductor wafer; forming a heat slug blank equivalent in size to the semiconductor wafer; dicing the heat slug blank to produce a heat slug equivalent in size to the integrated circuit; attaching the integrated circuit to a substrate; attaching the heat slug to the integrated circuit; and encapsulating the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical axis wind turbine, and in particular to an apparatus and method for transporting the vertical axis wind turbine. The method for transporting the vertical axis wind turbine, including the steps of: employing an apparatus to be a box or frame; situating a generator horizontally in the apparatus; fixing an upper flange and lower flange to a vertical shaft; fixing the base of the generator on the corresponding surface of the apparatus through holes at the base of the generator; and supporting the other end of the vertical shaft by a supporting object.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inkjet printhead, the method comprising the steps of providing a die mount substrate including a die mount surface, an ink receiving surface, a first end wall having a latchable projection and a second end wall having an extension; providing a printhead die including at least one nozzle array and a plurality of bond pads; attaching the printhead die to the die mount surface of the die mount substrate; providing a wiring member; adhering a portion of the wiring member to the die mount surface of the die mount substrate; electrically interconnecting the wiring member to the bond pads of the printhead die; providing a printhead frame including an ink delivery surface, a latch and a bracket; inserting the extension from the second end wall of the die mount substrate into the bracket; providing a sealing member between the ink receiving surface and the ink delivery surface; and closing the latch to engage the latchable projection of the die mount substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid discharging head which includes a flow path forming member which has a discharge port for discharging a liquid and a liquid flow path communicating with the discharge port, and a base body having a liquid supply port which supplies the liquid flow path with the liquid, the method includes (1) forming a mold of the liquid flow path and a foundation member formed of a porous inorganic material over the base body, (2) applying an organic resin over the base body so as to cover the mold and the foundation member to form the flow path forming member, (3) forming the discharge port in the flow path forming member to form the liquid supply port in the base body, and (4) removing the mold to form the liquid flow path.

Abstract: In a method for producing a cellular wheel made of metal, the following steps are conducted consecutively: (a) providing a sheet metal strip (26) having a length (1) that corresponds at least to the length of a circumferential line of an intermediate sleeve and a width (b) that corresponds at least to the length of the cellular wheel; (b) placing disks (16) in predetermined locations in predetermined quantities on both sides of the sheet metal strip (26) perpendicular to the sheet metal surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sheet metal strip (26) and connecting the disks (16) to the sheet metal strip (26) by welding or brazing; (c) bending the metal strip (26) equipped on both sides with the disks (16) and connecting the two ends of the sheet metal strip (26) by welding or brazing to form the intermediate sleeve; (d) placing a first tubular sleeve that is concentric to the intermediate sleeve as an outer sleeve, and a second tubular sleeve that is concentric to the intermediate sleeve

Abstract: A dental prosthesis manufacturing machine is disclosed. The machine includes two spindles each having a roughing tool and a finishing tool, a workpiece holder for holding a workpiece which forms the dental prosthesis, and a base supporting the two spindles and the workpiece holder. The machine is capable of simply alternating the roughing tool with the finishing tool according to the accuracy required when the workpiece is machined.

Abstract: A hair removal device having a device for preparing the skin is disclosed. The hair removal device has a shaving or cutting device for removing hairs, the shaving or cutting device having a front line of action along which hairs are removed by the shaving or cutting device. In front of the shaving or cutting device, there is situated a spacer for producing a defined skin wave between the front line of action and the spacer, the spacer being situated at a distance from the front line of action.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a razor blade (4) from a blank (19), the razor blade (4) having an edge portion (6) with a cutting edge (7) and a further portion (9) bent relative to the further portion (8). The blank (19) is bent and hardened. The bending of the blank (19) includes a local heat treatment after hardening. A razor blade (4) made by this method and a device for carrying out this method are also described.

Abstract: A desktop cigar cutter comprises a cutting blade assembly which can pivot in and out of a cutting-blade-assembly receiving groove of a base, on the base is further provided a control assembly for engaging with the cutting blade assembly. Between the base and the cutting blade assembly is disposed an elastic assembly with both ends pushing against the base and the cutting blade assembly, respectively. When the control assembly is disengaged from the cutting blade assembly, the cutting blade assembly will be pivoted upward into a stand-up position under the effect of the pushing force of the elastic assembly.

Abstract: An invention is provided for a hinged trimmer head for use in flexible line rotary trimmer systems. The invention includes a hinged housing and cover capable of being opened to allow access to the interior of the trimmer head without risk of losing the housing parts. In addition, an open faced channel is provided is a spool that allows easy loading of cutting line. Further, a bumper button is disposed in an annular opening of the cover, providing an automated line feed mechanism and an easy cutting line spool winding mechanism.

Abstract: A concave tapered food product includes a cross section and a second end having a shape defined by a generally concave arc and a generally convex arc. The concave tapered food product has a first side and a second side shaped by a longitudinal cut along the foodstuff. A cutter assembly for cutting a foodstuff to form the concave tapered food product includes a housing member. The cutter assembly also includes a curvilinear blade including a cutting edge for cutting the foodstuff, the cutting edge defining an arc along a first portion of the curvilinear blade and a foot positioned at an end of the curvilinear blade for supporting the curvilinear blade. The foot is configured for being received and secured in the housing member. The housing member is configured for at least partially enclosing the curvilinear blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a utensil that can be comfortably held simultaneously by two people, an adult and a young child and/or those with disabilities. A conventional spoon bowl is attached to a handle. The handle has a neck, which attaches to the bowl. Proceeding away from the bowl, the neck is adjacent to a child grip. The child grip is followed by a waist, and then an adult grip. The neck, child grip, waist, and adult grip taken in combination comprise the handle. The utensil is designed to allow the adult to guide the child and/or those with disabilities during the feeding process. The result is a utensil that is better than existing utensils at helping a child and/or those with disabilities to learn to feed themselves.

Abstract: The left-handed knives system comprises a collection of left-handed knives providing a set of cutlery tools for left-handed people. The left-handed cutlery set may generally comprise a plurality of individual left-handed knives which may be used for various purposes and tasks within the field of food preparation and dining. A left-handed knife may comprise a dishwasher-safe handle and stainless steel blade. The knife handle may be ergonomically designed to provide a left-handed contour profile thereby providing a comfortable and natural grip for a left-handed user. Further, the blade may comprise a sloped concave profile from left to right, thereby providing a balanced cutting action for the left-handed user during an in-use condition. Left-handed knives system may further comprise a carrying case for storing, displaying and/or transporting the left-handed cutlery set.

Abstract: A power tool for cutting a workpiece including a casing, an auxiliary handle assembly extending from the casing, a motor disposed at least partially in the casing, and a drive transmission operably coupled to the motor. The drive transmission outputs a driving force to a circular cutting blade in response to an input from the motor. The power tool further includes a movable blade guard pivotally coupled about an axis relative to the casing. The movable blade guard includes an inboard surface, an outboard surface, and an edge surface defining a cavity for receiving the circular cutting blade. The outboard surface defines a cam having a camming tip and a camming portion. The camming portion extends substantially along a radial line from the axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jigsaw (1) having a saw blade receptacle (10) for fastening a saw blade (4) to the jigsaw (1) without a tool. The saw blade receptacle (10) comprises a clamping element (20), a counter piece (30) and at least one wedge (35) operatively connected to the clamping element (20), wherein the clamping element (20) by means of a displacement of the wedge (35) can be moved against a shaft (5) of the saw blade (4) that can be positioned between the clamping element (20) and the counter piece (30). The wedge (35) can be displaced approximately perpendicular to the movement direction of the saw blade (4).

Abstract: A power tool comprises a crank pin that is eccentrically rotatable by a motor about a rotational axis. A non-rotatable first slider is linearly reciprocated by the crank pin so as to linearly reciprocate a tool. An eccentric pin is disposed substantially diametrically opposite of the crank pin relative to the rotational axis and is eccentrically rotatable by the motor about the rotational axis. A non-rotatable second slider is linearly reciprocated by the eccentric pin in a substantially opposite phase from the first slider so that the second slider acts as a counterweight to the first slider in order to reduce vibrations at least in the direction of linear reciprocation. A rotatable component is rotatably driven by the motor about the rotational axis and has a center of gravity displaced from its rotational axis towards the eccentric pin so as to supplement the vibration reducing function of the counterweight.

Abstract: A razor handle including an elongated handle body that terminates in a flexible yoke for receiving and releasably retaining a shaving cartridge. The razor handle further includes a slide element that cooperates with the yoke and is connected to the handle body, where the slide element is movable relative to the handle body between a rest position (in which the yoke is open and can releasably retain a shaving cartridge received in the yoke) and a release position (in which the yoke is flexed and can receive a shaving cartridge or release a shaving cartridge received in the yoke). Further, the razor handle includes a spring member to return the slide element from the release position to the rest position. Additionally, the razor handle includes a stop element to prevent the yoke from inadvertently flexing when the slide element is in the rest position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the performance of displacement sensors, including inclinometers, accelerometers and linear position transducers, by reducing hysteresis.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a construction device having a receptacle configured to provide an indication of a geometric shape of the receptacle on a panel of sheetrock. The receptacle includes walls having a thickness and a length, a cavity delimited by the walls, the cavity configured to provide an interface through the panel of sheetrock, a first end configured to abut the panel of sheetrock, the first end having a surface that corresponds to the thickness of the walls, a second end spaced from the first end by the length of the walls, and a plurality of integrally formed protrusions extending from the surface of the first end, the protrusions configured to at least indent the panel of sheetrock to form a pattern of indentations that indicate the geometric shape of the receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins (18) of a crankshaft (34) in the course of the machining in a grinding machine comprises a first arm (9) rotating with respect to a support (5) arranged on the grinding-wheel slide (1) of the grinding machine, a second arm (12) rotating with respect to the first, a reference device (20) carried by the second arm and a measuring device (16, 17, 40-45) associated with a reference device. A guide device (21), fixed to the reference device (20), enables the apparatus to engage a crankpin, in the course of the orbital motion of the crankpin, and limit the displacements of the first arm and those of the second arm when a control device (28-30) displaces the apparatus to a rest position.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a casing containing a conventional tape with a hook on its outer end and a return spring. A magnifying lens is mounted in a front end of the casing above the tape with an indicator line on the bottom of the lens extending transversely of the tape. An LED in one side of the casing illuminates the lens and the area therebeneath. A marker is slidable in the lens beside the tape and aligned with the indicator line. A slider, which can be operated with a thumb, turns on the LED and then pushes the marker against a workpiece. When the slider is released, a spring returns the marker to the rest or non-use position and the LED is turned off by the slider.

Abstract: A laundry machine, more particularly, a dryer is disclosed. A dryer includes a cabinet, a drum in which a drying object is held, a steam generation device to supply steam to the drum, a water supply device to supply water to the steam generation device in order to generate steam, an additive holding part in which an additive is held, and an additive supply device to supply the additive held in the additive holding part to the drum.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for absorbing condensation on beverage cups are provided. The apparatus consists of an inner layer of absorbent material fixed or bonded to an outer layer of non-absorbent material. The two layers are formed into a cylindrical sleeve, which is then placed over the outside of a beverage cup.

Abstract: A device for the dry-cleaning of rolls and brushes, which comprises a rotating support (1, 8) for the rotation of a roll (4) and a brush (10) respectively. In this way, the cleaning of rolls, brushes and similar items is substantially effected without the formation of polluting waste-products to be disposed of. According to the invention, on the contrary, all the colour extracted from the brushes is recovered for its re-use, for example as a first coating colour for subsequent paintings. A pump (35) is also envisaged for the recovery and recirculation of water collected in the upper part of the container and sprayed onto the roll (4) and/or brush (10) to be cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for applying heated-air flow to wet or damp copper cable and specifically to individual mutually-insulated copper conductors within that cable including their respective paper sheath coverings. This cable can be used in telecommunications applications. Disclosed embodiments permit drying of difficult to reach wet/damp areas within a cable and between and amongst layers of wet/damp cable. A heat gun muzzle-insert attaches, at one end, to a heat gun barrel's muzzle end to extend hot air flow from the gun through the insert and through a plurality of tubes attached to its other end, This allows air flow to be pin-pointed at wet/damp areas otherwise not reachable without the tubes. The muzzle-insert attaches via threaded connection and is made from the same material as the gun to have the same thermal expansion characteristic. The hot air flow extender mechanisms can be modularized, each ha mg differently-sized pluralities of tubes.

Abstract: The slipper comprises a sole having a plurality of holes, anchorage elements inserted into the holes, and a lace passed through holes in the anchorage elements to join the upper lace to the sole. Each anchorage element comprises a base, is housed in one of the holes in the sole, for cooperation with the sole to prevent the movement of the relative anchorage element along at least a first direction. A projection extends upwardly from the base of each anchorage element, and a through hole is defined in the projection to receive the lace. Each anchorage element may also include retention members for securing the position of the slipper with respect to the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball. Additionally, a water repelling member for the article of footwear is also disclosed. The water repelling member helps to repel water from the gripping system, especially horizontal water or water from splashing. The water repelling member is also breathable and helps to dissipate water vapor caused by heat evaporation of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A boot cover for a boot having an elongated tubular throat portion is provided which includes a textile sheath having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge having a length sized to at least partially encircle the throat portion of the boot at an upper attachment location offset from a mouth of the boot, and the lower edge having a length sized to at least partially encircle the throat portion of the boot at a lower attachment location in the lower region of the boot. The boot cover also includes an attachment system coupled to the textile sheath to removably attach the boot cover to the throat portion of the boot in a secure manner. The textile sheath is configured to conceal a substantial portion of the throat portion of the boot when the boot cover is attached thereto. Methods of attaching boot covers to a boot are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.

Abstract: The sole structure 1 has an upper plate, a lower midsole located under and fixedly attached to the upper plate, and having a laterally extending groove opening to the bottom side of the lower midsole, and a bending restriction member formed in a bent shape and spanning the groove longitudinally between the front edge and the rear edge of the opening of the groove. During the beginning phase of sole bending, the bending restriction member allows for the sole to bend till the bending restriction member gradually extends toward a straight shape from the bent shape and becomes taut between the front edge and the rear edge of the opening of the groove. During the advanced phase of the sole bending, when the bending restriction member experiences a force from the taut state, it functions so as to restrict the sole from bending.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a shock absorbing heel system is disclosed. The heel system includes a lower heel plate, a set of support members, and an upper heel plate. Also, the heel system includes a heel cover configured to hide the upper heel plate from view. The lower heel plate is associated with a cantilever portion that supports the upper heel plate laterally. As force is applied to the heel system, the support members may compress slightly and the cantilever portion may lower, absorbing energy and or shocks applied by the ground.

Abstract: A remnant snow removing apparatus for a snow thrower includes a scraper bucket and at least one extension panel located on the scraper bucket. The scraper bucket includes a central plate and two side plates at two sides of the central plate. The extension panel is extended from one side plate to clear remnant snow scattered during snow clearing. The scraper bucket and extension panel further have respectively a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion that include respectively a plurality of first positioning surfaces and second positioning surfaces that are latched with each other for positioning. The first positioning surfaces and second positioning surfaces are formed annularly on the first and second coupling portions in equiangular and polygonal structures. Users can assemble and disassemble the extension panel and adjust the included angle between the extension panel and scraper bucket according to their requirements.

Abstract: An accessory mount is bolted to the upper ends of a pair of gussets secured to the rearward side of a blade of an off-road vehicle or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag head of a trailing suction hopper dredger. The drag head comprises a visor which is dragged over the bottom and herein loosens soil, and a suction pipe which is connected to the visor and which discharges the loosened soil. The visor comprises at least two individually movable pressure elements transversely of the dragging direction which comprise a number of substantially disc-shaped penetrating bodies. The penetrating bodies transmit forces to the bottom via their peripheral edge under the influence of the weight of the pressure element in which they are received, whereby the bottom is broken. The drag head has an improved efficiency.

Abstract: A retarding mechanism for continuously retarding the swinging movements of a dipper door is disclosed. The retarding mechanism comprises a hydraulic braking assembly mounted to the dipper bucket and operatively connected to the dipper door via at least one braking arm pivotally mounted within the braking assembly and at least one linking member pivotally mounted to the dipper door. The retarding mechanism continuously retards the opening and closing movements of the dipper door by controllably braking or slowing the at least one braking arm using the compressive action of at least one hydraulic piston mounted to the braking assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to motorcycles and more specifically custom motorcycles that have added a special rear fender that has a curved license plate recess that is built into it. This license plate frame is curved and fits into the recess of the custom fender that is located away from the tailight which traditionaly is the light source for the license plate. The license plate that it surrounds is illuminated independently by waterproof flexible strips of white light LED's that are attached with an automotive grade double sided tape to the inside edge of the frame and because they are flexible, take the curved shape of the frame. The LED's are spliced into the vehicle's tailight wiring system and are energized from the motorcycle battery when the tailight is on.