Abstract: A robotic cell enables a robotic station to be downsized and both high maintainability and high rigidity to be attained. To this end, the robotic cell for assembling parts by using multiple robots includes multiple booths for housing multiple trestles, on each of which a pair of robotic arms are mounted, with the trestles adjoining one another. Each trestle has an opening portion on one side surface thereof, through which a power controller box is carried in and out. To compensate for a decrease in rigidity of the trestle due to the opening portion, a connecting member is used for coupling two trestles adjacent to each other across the respective booths. Both end portions of each connecting member are fastened to the both trestles with screws, respectively.

Abstract: In a component mounting apparatus, a picking member picks components and mounts them on a board through movements of a plurality of moving members driven by motors. The apparatus is provided with a regenerative electric power control section for controlling regenerative electric power produced by regenerating a motion energy when each of the motors is decelerated; power supply sections for the motors each for exchanging electric power with the regenerative electric power control section; and a control section. When two moving members are moved, the control section begins to start and accelerate one of the two moving members in synchronized relation with a timing of beginning to decelerate and stop the other moving member and controls the regenerative electric power control section to utilize a regenerative electric power which is obtained from the motor driving the other moving member, in starting the motor which drives the one moving member.

Abstract: Respective attracting openings of a bonding head are disposed so as to avoid joining regions at which bump electrodes (obverse electrodes) of a semiconductor chip are joined with bump electrodes of a package substrate. Bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) that are connected to the bump electrodes are provided at a reverse side of the semiconductor chip at positions opposing the bump electrodes. Because the attracting openings do not overlap the joining regions, the bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) are not suctioned at the joining regions.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a wiring substrate of the present invention, a through-hole plating layer is formed from an inner surface of a through hole in a substrate to both surface sides, then a resin is filled in a through hole, and then a first resist in which an opening portion is provided on the through hole is formed. Then, a partial cover plating layer is formed in the opening portion in the first resist, then the first resist is removed, and then a second resist that covers a whole of the partial cover plating layer and has a pattern for patterning the through-hole plating layer is formed. Then, a pad wiring portion containing the partial cover plating layer and a wiring pattern are obtained by etching the through-hole plating layer while using the second resist as a mask.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printhead includes providing a substrate and a filter membrane structure. A first portion of the substrate defines a plurality of nozzles and a second portion of the substrate defines a plurality of liquid chambers. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of nozzles. The filter membrane structure is adhered, for example, laminated, to the second portion of the substrate. Each liquid chamber of the plurality of liquid chambers is in fluid communication with a distinct portion of the filter membrane structure. Pores are formed in the filter membrane structure using a photo-lithography process.

Abstract: This invention relates to sealing HVAC ductwork along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method for repairing a plate heat exchanger of the type comprising a plurality of plates which, together with side bars arranged on the plates, define fluid flow paths is presented.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing a substrate or textile of a core structure of a component with the following method steps: a continuous semi-finished product is fed, via a feed means, into a cartridge of a conveying means which comprises a plurality of cartridges; the continuous semi-finished product is cut to length using a cutting means in order to produce a cut, reinforcing semi-finished product which is received in the cartridge; the cartridge is conveyed to a machining means; the cut, reinforcing semi-finished product is sharpened using the machining means; the cartridge is conveyed to a textile or substrate to be reinforced of a core structure; and the sharpened semi-finished product is shot into the textile or substrate of a core structure by a stud-shooting means.

Abstract: A shaving razor has a housing joined to a handle, one or more blades mounted in the housing and a light source. The light source projects a defined image of a line segment indicating the exact location of a blade edge on the skin of a user enabling the user to properly align the blade edge on the skin during shaving.

Abstract: A shaving blade unit having a housing with a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge and a pair of side edges extending between the front edge and the rear edge. The housing has a pair of apertures between the front edge and the rear edge. The pair of apertures extend through the housing from the top surface to the bottom surface. One or more shaving blades are disposed between the front edge and the rear edge. The one or more shaving blades each have a cutting edge. A clip has a pair of legs that extend through the pair of apertures. Each leg is bent about at least a portion of the bottom surface of the housing securing the clip to the housing and retaining the blades on the housing.

Abstract: A motorized apparatus to simultaneously excise, retrieve, temporarily store and transport a sample of material has a hollow clamshell casing with a blended contoured grip for the fingers, a horizontal extension to eliminate slippage when held in a user's hand, and a flange bottom portion from which a removable cutting tool threaded to a drive shaft extends downwards. Within the clamshell casing an electric motor is mounted which drives, via gears, a drive shaft which rotates a cutting tool threaded to the distal end of the drive shaft. The end of the cutting tool, distal from the clamshell casing, forms a cutting edge circumscribing a circular region. An ejection rod slides reciprocally within the cutting tool between a stowed position and an expulsion position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: A cutting device and method uses a power tool releasably engageable with a shank or drive shaft of a mechanical assembly powering a movable cutting blade. The cutting device can include a drive shaft drivably coupled to the cutting blade, a neck supporting the drive shaft, and a shank having a first portion fixed relative to the neck and a second portion drivably coupled to and rotatable with the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft and/or the second portion of the shank is shaped and dimensioned for releasable engagement with the power tool. In some cases, one or more gears are drivably coupled between the drive shaft and the cutting blade, and are operable to transfer rotation from the drive shaft to the cutting blade.

Abstract: A cutting tool and method comprises a first lever having a first jaw at one end. A second lever is connected to the first lever at a first pivot where the second lever has a second jaw that is opposed to the first jaw. A third lever is connected to the first lever at a second pivot and connected to the second lever at a third pivot such that relative movement of the third lever relative to the first lever between an open position and a closed position defines a stroke of the tool that corresponds to movement of the hand contact points on the levers toward one another. The third pivot comprises a pin engaging a cam surface where the cam surface has a shape such that the mechanical advantage may increase and decrease through the stroke of the tool and may be variable through the stroke of the jaws.

Abstract: A substantially toroidal container for coiled vegetation trimmer line has a front shell and a rear shell capable of bonding at the center with heat and pressure, radio frequency, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, or attachment mechanisms. The bonding of the shells leaves a separation between the outer edges of the shells. The separation is nonlinear around the circumference of the container, so that a user can access the trimmer line, but the trimmer line cannot uncoil and spill out of the container. The separation is preferably defined by a series of offset uniform teeth on the outer edges of the shells. One or more teeth may be removed, providing a line aperture through which the end of the trimmer line extends out of the container. Male and female indices on each shell are used to align the teeth during packaging.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a wide V-shaped blade edge at an end of an elongated rod over which is positioned an outer tubular member which can be raised and forcefully lowered to strike an upper end of the inner tubular rod. This landscaping tool allows for removing the root ball of small trees, bushes and shrubs.

Abstract: A pencil-sharpener tool for carpenter pencils includes a housing, a pencil-tip-insertion hole, and a hex-bit-drive hole. The pencil-tip-insertion hole may configured in to receive a portion of a carpenter pencil. The hex-bit-drive hole may extend at least partially through the housing opposite the pencil-tip-insertion hole. The hex-bit-drive hole may also be in axial alignment with the pencil-tip-insertion hole and the central axis of the housing. The housing, the pencil-tip insertion hole, and the hex-bit-drive hole may be in fixed relation to each other, and may move in unison when the hex bit is inserted inside the hex-bit-drive hole and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.

Abstract: A hand saw with a curved cutting edge is described. The hand saw includes a handle for grasping by a user and an elongated blade attached with the handle. The blade has cutting edge that is curved to form a curved blade edge. Due to its curvature, when the curved bladed edge is placed on a flat surface, a reduced portion of the curved blade edge engages with the flat surface. Additionally, the elongated blade is bound by a top edge, a bottom edge that forms the curved blade edge, and a front edge that intersects the top edge and bottom edge. A curved tip is formed at an intersection of the bottom edge with the front edge. The curved blade edge includes cutting markings for cutting a surface that are formed on the elongated blade and continue past the bottom edge and along the curved tip.

Abstract: A Prism Tripod includes a planar base including a supported portion and a cantilever portion. Preferably the base includes a cantilever axis, and a point axis, wherein the cantilever axis within the cantilever portion and the point axis within the supported portion. The prism tripod including at least three legs supporting the base and a laser holder for supporting a locating device and a laser. The base is adapted to demountably receive the laser holder along the cantilever axis, wherein the laser and locating device mounted along the cantilever axis.

Abstract: A chalk line holding device includes a hook retainer and cord holder coupled to a body with a bottom pad defining a bottom channel. A hook retainer, which projects forward from the body, includes a feature for securing a hook ring at the free end of a chalk line, while the line extending from the hook ring is secured by the cord holder. The cord holder includes a leading edge, a leading edge groove at the bottom of the leading edge defined between a pair of hoof-like feet, a cord space beneath the cord holder, a vertical groove beneath and approximately aligned with the neck of the hook retainer. The bushing couples the handle, cord holder and hook retainer to the body. The body has sufficient mass or inertia to hold a retained chalk line in place while the line is plucked.

Abstract: A method of determining a correction parameter for use in effecting alignment of a component of a metrological apparatus in at least one direction is described which includes: positioning an artefact on a support surface of a turntable of the metrological apparatus so that a measurement surface of the artefact is asymmetric with respect to a rotation axis of the turntable in the at least one direction; using a measurement probe of the measurement instrument to make a first measurement of the measurement surface; rotating the turntable; using the measurement probe of the measurement instrument to make a second measurement of the measurement surface after rotation of the turntable; and determining a correction parameter from the first and second measurements.

Abstract: An analogue scanning probe with a connector detachably connectable to a movable support of a coordinate measuring system, the scanning probe including a touch at the tip of a stylus pivotally connected to the scanning probe according to a measure axis and a position encoder delivering a measure of the tilt angle of said touch about said measure axis, the scanning probe including one articulation comprised between said connector and said measure axis arranged to allow tilting of the scanning probe or of a part of the probe scanning probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining measurements of human body parts (B), in particular the leg and hip measurements to be determined for the supply with compression stockings, at which first measuring means (5) are provided for measuring the circumference of said body part (B), whereat the device comprises second measuring means (6, 7), with which the length section (1C) of said body part (B) can be determined from a reference plane up to a circumferential plane (U).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a self-regulating speed control mechanism. In the present invention, when a bobbin rotates, a rubber roller rotatably provided on a movable mounting plate alternately comes into contact with an inner surface of a support ring and a rubber acceleration prevention member provided on the inner surface of the support ring, so that the speed of the bobbin can be smoothly and reliably reduced.

Abstract: A tape checking apparatus has a driving roller (42) interposed in a running path (L) of an endless tape (T) and a thickness-measuring device (44) disposed near the driving roller (42). The thickness-measuring device (44) measures the thickness of the endless tape (T) that is pinched between the driving roller (42) and a pinch roller (45).

Abstract: A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a fixed drum provided in the inner space of the main body, and a tumbling device coupled to the drum. The fixed drum may have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated. The tumbling device may tumble laundry items received in the fixed drum as it slides along an inner circumferential surface of the fixed drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer for drying of garden waste, particularly of chopped lop and other bulk material, comprising an elongated lying container with a cross section which is at least partially round; the container comprises at its one end an inlet and at its other end an outlet for the material; the container wall is perforated at least over parts of its length; the perforations are connected to pressurized air; there are provided conveyer means which seize the material in the ascending quadrant of the container wall and transport the same upwardly over a certain length of path.

Abstract: Scent adsorbing disposable and adjustable encapsulating foot/shoe/boot cover system for various hunters, photographers, military and medical personnel, paintball or other activities offering concealment and/or prevention of odorous detection by animals or protection from dangerous materials such as bacteria, viruses and the like when encountering animals, people or other. The cover may be solid in color or be camouflaged with various colored patterns and may be imprinted with indicia such as logos or advertisements. The cover being comprised of at least a layer of breathable material containing an odor adsorption means such as activated carbon or other; and may further be comprised of a water resistant or water-proof layer or shell enabling the user to position said product about a shoe, boot or the foot area of the user while performing an activity such as but not limited to hunting or during storage or travel.

Abstract: A differential-stiffness impact-attenuation member includes at least one spring element. The spring element has dimensions in height, length and width directions. The height dimension extends from a top surface to a bottom surface. The length dimension extends from a front end to a back end. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is adapted for mounting. The impact-attenuation member has a first stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the front end of the spring element and a second stiffness characteristic in the height direction at the back end of the spring element. The spring element may define a cavity. A tension element may engage the spring element and be located at least partially within the cavity. The impact-attenuation member may engage at least one of a foot-covering member, a foot-supporting member and a surface-contacting member associated with a foot-receiving device.

Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foot covering closure mechanism that converts any laced shoe to a design that requires no bending down, sitting or use of the hands to put on or take off ones shoes. The new and unique device utilizes rolling motion actuation for ease of use. Polymeric components for reliability in hostile environments, water seals to keep feet dry and adaptable fastening hardware and exterior color for compatibility with the wide variety of shoes available to the public. Other features make the mechanism easily operated by action of the opposite foot.

Abstract: An overshoe traction device includes a flexible strap for attaching to a shoe, and front and rear cleat members attached to the strap. The rear cleat member includes a metallic rear plate. The front cleat member includes metallic fore and aft plates, and an elastically flexible material molded to, and interconnecting, the fore and aft plates. The fore and aft plates are spaced from one another to form a gap therebetween. Cleats extend downwardly from the rear plate and each of the fore and aft plates. The cleats of the fore and aft plates extend in a pattern around a central region of the front cleat member. The elastically flexible material forms a topside of the front cleat member, and a central region of the underside of the front cleat member and defines a horizontal pivot zone between the fore and aft plates, enabling the fore and aft plates to pivot up and down relative to one another.

Abstract: A human shoe sole or insole, sockliner or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a foot supporting upper surface including a first region for supporting at least the first, metatarsal head of the foot, and a second region surrounding the first region. The first region provides less resistance to downward motion than the second region, and includes a hollow or depressed area, sized and located to promote eversion of the first metatarsal head as the wearer moves from midstance through propulsive phase. Also provided human insole or orthotic for insertion into a human shoe having a bottom surface with a hard shell covering at least a heel portion of the bottom surface, which reduces the deformation of the footbed under load. The insole or orthotic may also include a series of grooves located to increase flexibility where necessary.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a dynamic foot-arch support assembly for dynamically supporting the arch and structures of the human foot throughout phases of the biomechanical movement of the foot during weight-bearing activities. A dynamic foot-arch support assembly for supporting the arch and structures of a foot is provided that includes a support band having an upper end and a lower end, the support band forming a loop at the upper end through which to place a foot and position the loop around or just below an ankle portion of the foot, the lower end configured to wrap from an inside area of the ankle portion of the foot and rotate to an underside of the foot for secure attachment below the underside of the foot, the support band thereby configured to provide a tension to support an arch area of the foot, and a shoe sole, the lower end configured secured to the shoe sole.

Abstract: An athletic shoe is comprised of: (a) a toe area that includes a toe box partially surrounded by a toe box frame that is higher in elevation than the toe box, (b) a medial side that includes an inside stall partially surrounded by a border and a medial strip that includes a series of apertures for laces, (c) a lateral side that includes a lateral body and a lateral strip that includes a series of apertures for laces, (d) a tongue including at least one tongue loop, (e) an ankle area including a low rim, and (f) a sole that may include a ridge below the inside stall to prevent a footbag or ball from rolling of the shoe. The toe box and inside stall are comprised of a material thin enough to allow the user to feel and control the footbag or ball when in contact with the shoe.

Abstract: A removable walking attachment for a ski boot includes an elastomeric body defining a toe pad and a heel pad interconnected by a flexible connector. The toe pad includes a toe base and an upright wall, the latter forming a rearwardly open cavity for receiving a toe portion of a ski boot. The toe base includes a toe underside and an upwardly facing toe support surface. The heel pad includes a heel base and an upright wall, the latter forming a forwardly open cavity for receiving a heel portion of a ski boot. The heel base includes an underside and an upwardly facing heel support surface. The undersides of the toe pad and the heel pad define a common plane when the attachment is not being worn. When attaching the attachment to a ski boot, the undersides of the toe and heel pads will be flexed upwardly to enable a more natural walking motion to be achieved.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion extends from a side to an underside of an article of footwear. The ball control portion includes a lattice with a plurality of protrusions arranged in a grid. The plurality of protrusions include multiple groups of protrusions arranged with one or more of different orientations, different types of protrusions, and different heights.

Abstract: A device designed to eliminate women from stepping on the backs of their slacks when wearing open-back shoes and therefore, providing a safer and more stable fashion experience. Heel Helper is a removable device that slides up the heel of the shoe and buckles around the ankle so that the shoe can be safely worn with slacks while also providing an aesthetically pleasing look.

Abstract: Insole constructions for shoes including flexible components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a slip-resistant rubber composition, which includes a substrate made of rubber, about 0.5 to about 3 parts by weight of a vulcanizer, about 2 to about 5 parts by weight of glass fibers, and about 1 to about 100 parts by weight of an additive, based on 100 parts by weight of the substrate, and has remarkably improved non-slip properties. Also, an outsole using the slip-resistant rubber composition and a method of manufacturing the outsole are provided, in which the outsole which results from subjecting the slip-resistant rubber composition to cutting, arrangement and vulcanization molding and in which one-side ends of the glass fibers are located at the lower surface of the outsole may exhibit remarkably improved non-slip properties so that a user who is wearing shoes having such an outsole is able to walk even on inclined ice.

Abstract: A jet snow clearing device including a housing unit having an intake, a hot air jet nozzle and a combustion chamber, a high-pressure blower unit including a drive motor, a transmission shaft and an axial fan, a fuel injection unit including a fuel inlet pipe connected to the combustion chamber and at least one nozzle connected to the fuel inlet pipe, and an ignition unit including an igniter connected to the housing unit and positioned in the combustion chamber is provided.

Abstract: A snow shovel device is provided that allows a user to remove snow from pathways. The shovel comprises a “V” shaped blade surface attached to a telescoping main shaft, which is fixedly attached to a push handle. The “V” shape of the blades provides a plow device to efficiently pierce deep snow in order to create a clear pathway. The main shaft may be pivoted in a plurality of directions to allow the user to adjust the yaw angle of the blade surface as well as the pivot angle of the main shaft with respect to the blades. Adjustment of the pivot angle and shaft length reduces strain on the user as snow is displaced.

Abstract: A snow, slush, and water removal device comprising a blade with top and bottom working edges. The blade can be straight, curved, or V-shaped when viewed from above or from the side. The bottom edge of the blade is comprised of a flexible material. The reverse side of the blade contains attachment points and bracing for the main long handle pole, the main handle being connected at the first end to the reverse side of the blade. The novel combination of features provides superior results both in terms of less energy required, and faster and safer removal of snow, slush, water, or other matter.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A fastening method and adapter configuration for mounting an excavation tooth to an excavation implement lip. A fastening system for the adapter can include a retainer which is receivable in an opening formed through the implement lip. The retainer cannot be removed from the opening while the adapter remains fully engaged with the lip. A method of fastening an adapter to an excavation implement lip can include: installing a retainer in an opening formed through the lip; then engaging the adapter with the retainer and the lip; and then securing the adapter to the lip by biasing the retainer forward. Another fastening system can include a retainer which is receivable in an opening formed through an excavation implement lip, with the retainer including one or more movable teeth and one or more stationary serrations. A wedge biases the retainer forward when the retainer teeth displace relative to the retainer serrations.

Abstract: A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects.

Abstract: The interactive greeting card of the present disclosure and related inventions combines a traditional paper card with one or more special effects that are initiated by interaction between a user and the greeting card. One or more touch sensors are used to initiate effects including, but not limited to sound, light, movement or a combination thereof.

Abstract: In identification devices having a contactlessly readable data carrier (20 equipped with an antenna (17), the antenna (17) assigned to the data carrier (20) is formed by an electrically conductive part of the identification device (10) with a slit (18) provided therein, making the antenna (17) an integral component of the identification device (10), and making a separate antenna (17) redundant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an automobile message display device are provided. The device allows a user to compose a message on a first device, such as a cell phone, computer, or other personal electronic device and download the message to the automobile message display device. This download may be accomplished with a cable connection, or may be done wirelessly. A further embodiment allows for wireless reception of coded messages received from message transmitters. These messages are then displayed on the automobile message display device.

Abstract: Signage is presented comprising an in-mold plastic plate portion having a slot. The signage has a flexible tongue having a neck portion that extends outwardly from the plate portion and has a locking tip extending from the neck portion and the locking tip is formed to be received by the slot. The plastic plate portion is made of a filler material and a detectable additive such that the signage is easily detected by a metal detecting machine.