Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of vacuum cleaning and in particular the collection of air-entrained debris, in a filter bag. The filter bag is for use in vacuum cleaning apparatus, and comprises fine planar filtration means in the form of a collection bag and coarse planar filtration means both being adapted to be placed in a suction-induced air stream with the coarse filtration means disposed upstream of the fine filtration means, wherein the fine filtration means serves to provide a fine filter for retaining dust particles and wherein the coarse filtration means comprises a relatively coarse filter material having a thickness of at least 4 mm which provides a matrix volume in which dust may be collected. The volume occupied by the coarse filtration means comprises at least 2%, preferably at least 5%, most preferably at least 10% of the maximum internal volume defined by the collection bag.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a blockage sensor and methods of identifying an obstructed airway in a vacuum are described. The vacuum cleaner has a motor and a circuit board to provide electrical current to the motor including an amperage flow sensor to determine the electrical current draw of the motor, and a blockage determiner to sample the electrical current draw and count the number of times the sampled electrical current draw exceeds a threshold amperage within a window of time. The blockage determiner can sense a blockage within the airflow path or the beater bar, and can optionally shut down the motor prior to motor failure.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method of reducing noise generated by a vacuum is described. The method comprises providing a vacuum comprising a motor including a motor shaft adapted to operate at a rotational speed of n; attaching a centripetal fan with t number of blades attached to the motor shaft; enclosing the fan between the motor and a motor housing end bracket disposed about the shaft, the motor housing end bracket defining an air input opposite an air output; wherein the variables of speed n and the number of blades t are selected so that a blade pass frequency (BPF) of the centripetal fan is greater than about 5000 Hertz, and the BPF is calculated as BPF=n*t/60. A vacuum implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: A grommet includes two semicircular closing plate sections that protrude from inner peripheries of a larger diameter end of an enlarging diameter tubular section provided with a vehicle body latch recess. Two half ring sections protrude from peripheral edges of central circular cut-outs at opposed ends of the semicircular closing plate sections. Adhesive tape is wound around the half ring sections. The semicircular closing plate sections are thinner than the enlarging diameter tubular section and have bellows-like configurations with projections and depressions. The half ring sections deform in accordance with an outer diameter of the wire harness and a bending direction of the wire harness. Deformation of the semicircular closing plate sections is absorbed by the bellows-like configurations, and the vehicle body latch recess of the enlarging diameter tubular section coupled to an outer periphery of the semicircular closing plate sections.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a fixing bracket, a revolving bracket, a resilient member, and a fastening member. The fixing bracket comprises a contact surface, and is sleeved on the shaft. The revolving bracket comprises a contact surface matching the contact surface of the fixing bracket. The resilient member is sleeved on the shaft. The fastening member is fixed on the shaft. The contact surface of the fixing bracket defines at least two positioning recesses, in one of which a positioning protrusion formed on the contact surface of the revolving bracket is selectively received.

Abstract: A two-stage dual-pintle hinge mainly includes at least one connecting element which has two apertures run through by a first axis and a second axis in the same direction. The first axis and the connecting element form a first pivot displacement, and the second axis and the connecting element form a second pivot displacement. The first and second axes have respectively a first anchor portion and a second anchor portion. The connecting element has a corresponding third anchor portion. During the first pivot displacement, the first anchor portion and the third anchor portion form an anchor relationship and drive the second pivot displacement of the connecting element and the second axis. During the second pivot displacement, the second anchor portion and the third anchor portion form an anchor relationship to stop pivoting.

Abstract: Installed in a container for locking opposing first part and second part of the container, a magnetic snap fastener is disclosed to include a male snap member having a stud with an engagement portion and a magnetic attractive member fixedly mounted in one side of the engagement portion, and a female snap member having a socket with a socket hole for receiving the engagement portion of the stud of the male snap member and a magnetic attractive member fixedly mounted in one side of the socket for attracting the magnetic attractive member of the male snap member when the engagement6 portion of the male snap member is attached to the socket hole in the female snap member.

Abstract: A cable-based universal clamping device having a contoured base structured for stability on a diverse variety of differently contoured mounting surfaces, and a strong and flexible cable for securing to a variety of platforms having a diverse variety of nonspecific shapes and sizes. A hollow drum extends above the contoured base with a slot or port that communicates between the hollow interior and an outer surface of the drum. A ramp travels over the drum's outer surface from the port toward the base. The clamp includes a spool that is rotatable inside the cylindrical hollow interior of the drum. The cable has one end fixed to the spool and its length is wound about the spool. The cable exits from the drum through the slot or port and includes an anchor that is interlockable with an anchor receiver on the clamp.

Abstract: A slide fastener where each fastener element includes an upper half element portion disposed at a first surface side of a fastener tape and a lower half element portion disposed at a second surface side of the fastener tape. The upper half element portion includes a first tape-sandwiching portion and a first head portion of a tapered form that extends from the first tape-sandwiching portion. The upper half element portion has a tapered portion that gradually decreases in a dimension between front and rear side surfaces, in the tape length direction, of at least the first tape-sandwiching portion as it goes upward. Each fastener element can be lightweight, and the fastener element can look like a metal fastener element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for engaging and disengaging a releasable fastener system, comprising fastening devices composed of elastomers or shape memory polymers and their composites wherein the fastening devices may be of any number of geometrical shapes limited only by the fact that each pair of fastening devices are designed such that the mating geometries of each device are compatible with one another. This disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for an easy and near silent closure mechanism for a container. Specifically this application deals with the use of elastomers or shape memory polymers as the connection devices in a fastener system which can be used to attach one part to another or act as the closure mechanism for a pocket, box, or other container.

Abstract: A touch fastener has a base and an array of discrete fastener elements each extending from the base and together forming with the base a contiguous mass of resin. Each discrete fastener element includes a stem rising from the base, and a head overhanging the base from a front side of the stem to a distal edge, the front side of the stem, an underside of the head, and an upper surface of the base together forming, in side profile, a generally curved retention space boundary surface such that the boundary surface forms, at its innermost extent, a retention cavity defined between curvature discontinuities spaced from both the base and the distal edge.

Abstract: A sensor system and a reverse clamp is provided. The reverse clamp may include a back portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arm extending from the back portion to form an opening configured to receive a cylindrical arm.

Abstract: According to one embodiment there is provided a clip, including: a cylindrical body having insertion space into which one of different diameters of rod members is insertable; a pair of locking claws formed to face each other in a first direction and configured to lock the rod member inserted into the insertion space; and an inner wall configured to be deformable in a second direction which is substantially at right angles to the first direction, wherein the inner wall deforms in the second direction upon receiving a rod member having a largest diameter among all of the attaching target rod members.

Abstract: A recessed attachment point is mountable in a surface for attaching tie downs, life lines, etc. to the surface. The attachment point comprises a housing including a mounting plate having a central opening and a well extending from the central opening. An attachment member is slidingly connected to the housing such that it slides between a first (retracted) position in which an open end of the attachment member is retracted into the well and a second (extended) position in which the open end of the attachment member at least partially extends out of the well and through the opening in the mounting plate.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing an inkjet head. A method of manufacturing an inkjet head according to an aspect of the invention may include: forming a piezoelectric actuator on a dummy substrate; cutting the piezoelectric actuator into head cell units of an inkjet head; preparing an inkjet head substrate including an ink chamber formed at a position corresponding to the piezoelectric actuator; bonding the dummy substrate and the inkjet head substrate to each other so that the piezoelectric actuator and the ink chamber correspond to each other; and removing the dummy substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing piezoelectric resonator devices according to the present invention includes the following steps: a wafer forming step of preparing a thick-walled wafer 30 integrally formed with multiple lower lid members 3; a bonding step of bonding crystal resonator plates 2 to one main surface 31 of the wafer 30 via a bonding material 5 and bonding upper lid members 4 on the crystal resonator plates via a bonding material 5; a thinning step of thinning the wafer 30 from the other main surface 37 of the wafer; an external terminal forming step of forming external terminals on the other main surface of the thinned wafer; and a dividing step of cutting the wafer between each adjacent pair of crystal resonators so that multiple crystal resonators are obtained.

Abstract: The capacitor has a monolithic anode and at least one anode lead wire extending from the anode. At least one sacrificial lead wire extends from the anode. A dielectric layer is on said anode and a cathode layer is on the dielectric layer. The anode lead wire is in electrical contact with the anode and a cathode lead is in electrical contact with the cathode.

Abstract: A device for positional fixation of a first fuselage section to be joined onto a second one in a butt-join region, the first fuselage section being planked with a first skin and the second fuselage section being planked with a second skin. The fuselage sections are temporary connectable by at least one clamping element in the butt-join region for carrying out a joining process. The clamping elements are each formed with a holder and a counter holder, wherein for example the holders are positioned exteriorly on the second skin while the counter holders are positioned interiorly on an interior side of the first skin opposite in the butt-join region. Each holder comprises at least one magnet for temporarily fixing the fuselage sections to one another and preventing intrusion of bore chips in-between the skins and/or, as the case may be, a butt-join strap by use of the magnetic force of attraction toward the counter holder.

Abstract: An vehicle body framing apparatus and method for use in assembling vehicle body structures of varying vehicle types in a framing station positioned along an assembly line. The apparatus includes an overhead bridge frame that is connected to two pairs of vertical pillars positioned at a build station. One pair of the pillars is moveable to accommodate different lengths of vehicle bodies. The spaced pillars and overhead bridge provide substantially unobstructed access openings to the body sides of the vehicle to increase efficiency and quality of build. The device and method may include a bridge frame storage and transport system for remotely storing the different bridge frames not in use and then transporting a selected bridge frame to the build station for use.

Abstract: A removal tool includes a staking unit configured to deform a circlip located at a bore of an apparatus when the removal tool is pushed into the bore, and a spring fork unit configured to push a ferrule ring located at the bore when the removal tool is pushed into the bore.

Abstract: A system for joining tubular members comprising: a U-shaped joining member, with a first leg, a bottom of the U in communication with the first leg, and a second leg in communication with the bottom of the U, and wherein the first leg and second legs have a taper such that the cross-sectional surface area of the first leg is at a minimum at generally the far end of the first and second legs, and the cross-sectional surface is at a maximum at generally the beginning end of the first and second legs; an anchor member configured to fit generally in the bottom of the U; a first tubular member configured to fit abutting the anchor member, and between the first and second legs; a wire made of anisotropic material configured to be wound about the first leg, second leg, and a portion of the first tubular member located between the first leg and second leg; a second tubular member configured to structurally attach to the first tubular member, U-shaped joining member, anchor member, and anisotropic material; a pluralit

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a reaction at a selected temperature or range of temperatures over time. An array device is provided. The array device contains separate reaction chambers and is formed as an elastomeric block from multiple layers. At least one layer has at least one recess that recess has at least one deflectable membrane integral to the layer with the recess. The array device has a thermal transfer device proximal to at least one of the reaction chambers. The thermal transfer device is formed to contact a thermal control source. Reagents for carrying out a desired reaction are introduced into the array device. The array device is contacted with a thermal control device such that the thermal control device is in thermal communication with the thermal control source so that a temperature of the reaction in at least one of the reaction chamber is changed as a result of a change in temperature of the thermal control source.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing an optical detection device includes producing metal nanospheres on a substrate (2). The process also includes the following operations: producing (100) on the substrate (2) lithographic nanostructures (4a, 4b, 4c) capable of receiving the metal nanospheres,—performing (102) a self-aggregative deposition of at least one metal in such a way as to create a respective metal nanosphere in each lithographic nanostructure (4a, 4b, 4c).

Abstract: A wiper arm assembly and method of construction thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.

Abstract: A method for installing an interior structure for a mobile platform is provided. The method may involve carrying a lightweight collapsible frame through a man-door of a mobile platform while the collapsible frame is in a collapsed state. The collapsed frame may then be expanded to provide at least a portion of a load bearing frame for a mobile platform interior structure. A plurality of interchangeable panels may be attached to the collapsible frame to form interior surfaces of the mobile platform interior structure.

Abstract: A disposable drawer insert system and method is disclosed for refilling components in medical and surgical carts. The disposable drawer insert system and method includes at least one disposable drawer insert adapted for insertion into one or more drawers in the carts and a predetermined set of components resident in the at least one disposable drawer insert. The predetermined set of components is associated with medical and surgical procedures. The at least one disposable drawer insert containing the predetermined set of components is packaged and delivered as a single unit for insertion into the carts.

Abstract: A wiper blade assembly has a resilient wiper element with a crown having lengthwise grooves and a tip for wiping a window. An arcuate metal flexor has inner edges disposed in the grooves of the crown and outer edges. An elongate cover has an upper wall and a pair of flanges curled inwardly in spaced relation from the upper wall to provide elongate channels. The outer edges of the flexor are disposed in the channels. The connector is configured for attachment to a wiper arm, and has a lower surface with a pair of flanges curled in spaced relation from the lower surface to provide opposite facing pockets that slidingly receive the cover flanges therein. A projection on one of the connector or the cover is received in an opening of the other of the connector or the cover to lock the connector to the cover.

Abstract: A fastening device template for joining mosaic pieces together having two variants that are easy to install by unskilled labor so as to help them achieve professional result. The device can be for assembling individual planks that together make up a floor covering such as solid wood flooring and engineered flooring, or it can be used for tiles. It can also be used to assemble individual parts which, together, create a piece of furniture. In this application, the generic term “mosaic” or “mosaic units” will be used to describe the individual pieces which, as indicated hereinabove, have a multitude of possible uses. Mosaic units can be assembled in all possible XYZ plans: side-to-side, side-to-face, side-to-end, end-to-end, end-to-face. In order to do so, the invention has an elongated clip core. At least one wing member attached to and extending a portion of the length of the clip core, and resilient leg members adapted to be frictionally inserted within a groove of a mosaic piece.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a workpiece holding method which enables a workpiece to be held when a multi-fingered hand is used to grasp the workpiece that is in an untidy heap, even if a target workpiece is subject to interference from another workpiece, and thereby the method enhances the success rate for holding the workpiece.

Abstract: Filter media are provided having improved conductivity to enhance filtration efficiency and/or dissipate static charge, and methods for making the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the filter media can include a filtration substrate, and at least one conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of the filtration substrate. In use, the conductive coating is coupled to an energy source and it is effective to emit ions when energy is delivered thereto to increase the efficiency of the filtration substrate and/or to dissipate or eliminate static charge generated during filtration.

Abstract: A method of making a pole housing for an electric motor is provided. The pole housing may be used in both sealed and unsealed applications.

Abstract: A microradio is provided with a hysteretic switch to permit an optimum range increasing charging cycle, with the charging cycle being long relative to the transmit cycle. Secondly, an ensemble of microradios permits an n2 power enhancement to increase range with coherent operation. Various multi-frequency techniques are used both for parasitic powering and to isolate powering and transmit cycles. Applications for microradios and specifically for ensembles of microradios include authentication, tracking, fluid flow sensing, identification, terrain surveillance including crop health sensing and detection of improvised explosive devices, biohazard and containment breach detection, and biomedical applications including the use of microradios attached to molecular tags to destroy tagged cells when the microradios are activated. Microradio deployment includes the use of paints or other coatings containing microradios, greases and aerosols.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered heater includes forming a continuous resistive layer over a substrate, forming conductive overlays in predetermined areas of the resistive layer, and removing portions of the continuous resistive layer between the conductive overlays to form a plurality of single cuts extending between the conductive overlays. The single cuts extend through the continuous resistive layer between the conductive overlays and longitudinally into a portion of the corresponding conductive overlays. Preferably, the single cuts are formed using a laser.

Abstract: An opener for a test handler is provided. Even when holding members of inserts of a carrier board are manipulated to release semiconductor devices that have been in a held state, a predetermined distance can remain between an upper surface of the opening plate and a lower surface of the insert, thus preventing the inserts from becoming defective.

Abstract: A backlight module assembling apparatus for attaching a reflector plate to a driving circuit board is disclosed. The backlight module assembling apparatus includes an assembling portion and a pressing movably connected to the assembling portion. The assembling portion defines a receiving space configured for receiving and positioning a driving circuit board therein. The assembling portion includes a top plate and a first opening defined in the top plate. The first opening communicates with the receiving space. The assembling portion includes a number of blades arranged around the first opening for cutting a reflector plate. The pressing portion includes a pressing plate. The pressing plate is movable toward and away from the blade and configured for pressing the reflector plate against the blades thus allowing the blades cutting the reflector plate to a shape conforming to the first opening and attaching the reflector plate to the driving circuit board.

Abstract: A magazine for mounting twist locks includes a rotatably mounted drum having a plurality of axially oriented elongated guide elements, which are arranged at a distance from each other on the circumference of the drum and the longitudinal axes of which are oriented parallel to each other. The distance between the guide elements is larger than the diameter of a concave section of a respective twist lock and the guide elements form the support for the terminal sections of the twist lock. Closing elements are arranged at each end of the drum and delimit the intermediate spaces formed by the guide elements in the radial direction. One closing element is arranged in a non-rotatable manner and has a radially oriented recess for inserting twist locks between two guide elements in the axial direction.

Abstract: A system and method for an integrated rechargeable power system for a container monitoring and security system is provided. The power system is affixed to a container and comprises an integrated photovoltaic area conforming to the container construction, a battery pack module, power conditioning circuitry or recharge unit, and a power controller unit. The photovoltaic unit may be conventional photovoltaic crystalline cell array, or a photovoltaic coating with is applied to the walls, door, or roof of a container.

Abstract: A method of making a probe for an electronic thermometer includes positioning a flex circuit together with a probe shaft. Connecting a locating member to the probe shaft. The locating member comprises a resilient locator that is resiliently deformed by engagement with the flex circuit thereby to bias the flex circuit to a selected position. The biasing of the flex circuit by the resilient locator is independent of movement of the probe shaft.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of identifiable print circuit board comprises a step of “disposing identifier”, by providing a base plate, defining a surface of the base plate as a manufacturing surface, and disposing a primary identifier on the manufacturing surface; a step of “piling”, by sequentially piling up an insulating layer and a circuit layer with a penetrating area on the manufacturing surface, with the penetrating area in alignment with the position of the primary identifier; and a step of “lamination”, by laminating the base plate, the insulating layer, and the circuit layer at a temperature not less than 150° C. and a pressure not less than 280 psi to obtain a print circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible circuit electrode array adapted for neural stimulation, comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and the metal traces at least one tack opening. The present invention provides further a method of making a flexible circuit electrode array comprising depositing a polymer base layer; depositing metal on the polymer base layer; patterning the metal to form metal traces; depositing a polymer top layer on the polymer base layer and the metal traces; and preparing at least one tack opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an interposer including forming an inorganic insulating layer over a support substrate, forming a first wiring in or on a surface of the inorganic insulating layer, forming an organic insulating layer over the inorganic insulating layer and the first wiring, forming a second wiring on the organic insulating layer, and forming a conductor portion connecting the second wiring and the first wiring.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an interposer including forming a first insulating layer comprising an inorganic material on a supporting substrate, forming a first wire in the first insulating layer, forming a second insulating layer on a first side of the first insulating layer, forming a second wire with a longer wire length and a greater thickness than the first wire on the second insulating layer, and removing the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A novel CCP scheme is disclosed for a CPP-GMR sensor in which an amorphous metal/alloy layer such as Hf is inserted between a lower Cu spacer and an oxidizable layer such as Al, Mg, or AlCu prior to performing a pre-ion treatment (PIT) and ion assisted oxidation (IAO) to transform the amorphous layer into a first metal oxide template and the oxidizable layer into a second metal oxide template both having Cu metal paths therein. The amorphous layer promotes smoothness and smaller grain size in the oxidizable layer to minimize variations in the metal paths and thereby improves dR/R, R, and dR uniformity by 50% or more. An amorphous Hf layer may be used without an oxidizable layer, or a thin Cu layer may be inserted in the CCP scheme to form a Hf/PIT/IAO or Hf/Cu/Al/PIT/IAO configuration. A double PIT/IAO process may be used as in Hf/PIT/IAO/Al/PIT/IAO or Hf/PIT/IAO/Hf/PIT/IAO schemes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing piston with enclosed inner oil cooling chamber including 1) forging a blank of a piston body member and a blank of a piston ring member separately; 2) thermally treating the blank of the piston body member and the blank of the piston ring member separately; 3) sand blasting the blank of the piston body member and the blank of the piston ring member to form the inner cavity, the inner oil cooling chamber, and the laser welding surface; 4) welding the piston body member and the piston ring member together through laser welding procedure; 5) manufacturing the piston ring shaped groove, combustion chamber, ring groove, pinhole, outer circle, and the oil inlet/outlet holes, separately; and 6) phosphating or graphitizing the piston surface.

Abstract: A method and ground support equipment (GSE) for attaching an engine core to an engine fan module on an aircraft pylon. The GSE may comprise GSE supports and lifting components attached to the pylon, two suspension rails attached to the lifting components, two translating rails translatably attached to the two suspensions rails and fixedly attached to opposite sides of the engine core, and two alignment fittings fixed to the engine fan module. The method of using the GSE may comprise lifting the engine core vertically using the lifting components and anchoring the suspension rails to the alignment fittings. The translating rails and engine core may then be translated in an aft-to-forward direction such that portions of the translating rails engage portions of the alignment fittings to cooperatively guide the translating rails into a final forward position in which the engine core is aligned relative to the engine fan module.

Abstract: A method for mounting an integral inner ring (10) of a turbocompressor stator to a guide vane ring (12) comprises the following steps: Providing the guide vane ring (12) with an inner radius S; Providing inner ring (10) with an outer radius R, which corresponds to the inner radius S; Pre-tensioning inner ring (10) to an outer radius r that is smaller than the outer radius R of the untensioned inner ring (10); and Relaxing inner ring (10) to the outer radius R.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve device usable in a medical procedure in relation in heart valve replacement of a patient. In one embodiment, the replacement heart valve device includes a heart valve holder or conduit holder formed in the form of a cylindrical tube having a longitudinal cut substantially extending from one end to the other end of the cylindrical tube, and a conduit formed with a tubular segment of an elastic material. The conduit is mountable onto the heart valve holder or conduit holder or self-expanding stent. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conduit is formed with a single layer of the elastic material. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the conduit is formed with two layers of the elastic material.

Abstract: A datum is created in an axle housing. A finished brake flange is welded to the axle housing with reference to the datum to make an axle sub-assembly. The axle sub-assembly is fixed to a first part of a machine. A finished spindle is supplied to a second part of the machine. The spindle is welded to the axle sub-assembly with reference to the datum. A dial indexing table is rotated to a first position. An axle is placed on the dial indexing table with its longitudinal axis oriented vertically. The dial indexing table is rotated to a second position, wherein the axle aligned with a CNC machine. A machining operation is performed on the axle with the CNC machine. The dial indexing table is rotated to a third position. The axle is removed from the dial indexing table. An axle and an apparatus for manufacturing an axle are described.

Abstract: A blade guide for a hair clipper bladeset, the guide configured for slidable engagement in a transverse track of a stationary blade, and including a blade guide body having a first edge and a second edge being generally parallel to and spaced from the first edge, each of the edges having a pair of opposed free ends. At least one arched load beam connects a corresponding opposed pair of the free ends of the first and second edges for exerting a torsion-resisting biasing force between the edges.

Abstract: A foldable hand tool is provided with a retractable tether having a fixed end attached to a retractor assembly. The foldable hand tool includes at least one tool pivotally coupled to a handle assembly. The retractor assembly is coupled at the pivot point of the foldable tool. The retractable tether runs in a channel inside the handle assembly to eliminate tether damage from a stowed tool. When the free end of the tether is attached to an anchor point on a support structure or an article of clothing or equipment worn by a user, the retractable tether limits the distance that the foldable hand tool may extend away from the user.