Abstract: A component carrier is described for fastening a component on a mounting wall having a through-opening, including a receptacle device for the component, an installation device for establishing a fixation of the component carrier on the mounting wall, and a retaining device for the pre-fixation of the component carrier in the through-opening. The retaining device includes a pin structure and a rib structure extending along the pin structure, the pin structure and rib structure forming a fixation area, using which the retaining device is fixable in the through-opening. Furthermore, the retaining device includes a securing structure situated on the free end of the pin structure opposite to the rib structure, which prevents the retaining device from being pulled out of the through-opening.

Abstract: A crimping tool for crimping a coaxial cable with a cable-end connector is disclosed to include a tool body, a lever pivoted to the tool body, and a linking mechanism having a link axially slidably coupled to the tool body inside the accommodation chamber and movable by the lever, a locating block located on one end of the link opposite to the lever and a working device consisting of a shank, a connection member, an expanded working head, a sliding socket and a spring member and connected to the locating block for crimping a coaxial cable with a cable-end connector of any of a variety of different sizes accurately and rapidly with less effort.

Abstract: A pair of connector removal pliers includes a first arm and a second arm which is pivotably connected to the first arm by a pin. A positioning member and a pressing member are respectively connected to the first and second arms. The positioning member has a rough surface and the pressing member has a protrusion extending therefrom which extends toward the positioning member. By operating two handles of the first and second arms to position one of two connectors between the positioning member and the pressing member, the technician can easily pull the other connector to separate the two connectors.

Abstract: An electronic module with an integrated electromagnetic shield using surface mount shield wall components has been disclosed. Each surface mount shield wall component provides side shielding of the circuitry within the overmolded electronic module and provides an exposed conductive shield wall section to which a top conductive shield can be applied. By including the shield structure as part of the overmolded electronic module, the need for a separate shield and separate process steps for installing the separate shield can be eliminated. Each surface mount shield wall component comprises a non-conductive portion that provides stability during a reflow soldering process, but at least a sacrificial portion of the non-conductive portion can be removed to reduce the amount of area occupied by the overmoldable shield structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of mounting components are provided. The apparatus for mounting components includes: a component supplying unit which supplies the components so that the components move in at least one line; and a plurality of suction nozzles disposed to approach to or retreat from the components, wherein intervals between the plurality of suction nozzles are changeable so that the suction nozzles correspond to positions of the components. The method of mounting components includes: disposing a plurality of suction nozzles corresponding to the positions of the components; picking up the components by using the suction nozzles adjusting intervals between the suction nozzles; moving the suction nozzles to an upper side of a substrate, on which the components are to be mounted; and putting the components down on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an alternative power source for a graphics card are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of laying a set of gold fingers on a printed circuit board according to an industrial standard bus interface, positioning a wire in a middle layer of the printed circuit board, attaching a first end of the wire to a specific gold finger, and attaching the alternative power source to a second end of the wire, wherein the second end of the wire is an electroplated contact protruded external to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a terminal insertion apparatus and method to insert a terminal into a terminal receiving chamber without hitting an inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber. A terminal insertion apparatus includes a housing holder unit, an insertion unit, and a control device. The housing holder unit holds a connector housing and is movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The insertion unit inserts a terminal attached with an electrical wire into a terminal receiving chamber of the connector housing. The control device controls a move unit support portion to reciprocate a housing holder by a move distance after an end portion of the terminal is inserted into the terminal receiving chamber so that the terminal can be inserted without hitting an inner surface of the terminal receiving chamber.

Abstract: An electrical contact assembly has a plurality of formed elongate closed seam tubular elements attached to a carrier with each of the elongate tubular elements attached to the carrier via a tab. Scored creases are formed in the tabs for separating the elongate tubular elements from the assembly and scored creases are formed in the carrier for defining carrier strips. The carrier strip had a plurality of grouped elongate tubular elements. The electrical contact assembly is placed in a crimping die where at least one or more wires are inserting into selected elongate tubular elements. Pressure is applied to least one or more of the selected elongate tubular elements to produce bulk material deformation along a substantial portion of the elongate tubular elements to crimp the elongate tubular elements to the wires as electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing a cylinder head having corrosion and erosion of the gasket sealing surface around the coolant inlet. The engine is disassembled and the corroded material is machined to a selected depth and width creating a pocket having a bottom wall surface and an annular side wall surface surrounding the coolant inlet port. An annular insert is provided having an annular outer side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a central opening. The insert has a thickness greater than the depth of the machined pocket. An adhesive is applied the insert is pressed into the pocket. After curing of the adhesive, the top wall of the insert is machined to a dimension flush with the sealing surface of the head thereby creating a proper sealing surface for the subsequent seating of a replacement gasket.

Abstract: A method and aerodynamic device for modifying at least one vane of a cascade thrust reverser. One or more of the aerodynamic devices may be formed and attached to forward-facing surfaces of vanes of the thrust reverser. The aerodynamic device may include a first side shaped to rest flush against at least a portion of the forward-facing surface of the vane, a second side opposite of the first side, a ledge portion protruding from the first side and configured to rest flush against a blunt leading edge of the vane, a rounded first end portion extending from the ledge portion to the second side of the aerodynamic device, and a second end opposite of the first end portion at which the first side and the second side converge. The aerodynamic device changes the size and contour of airflow channels between the vanes, increase the efficiency of the thrust reverser.

Abstract: A collapsible photovoltaic module mounting assembly framework for mounting a plurality of photovoltaic modules thereon, comprising a plurality of module support rails each configured to be attached to a portion of a photovoltaic module and a plurality of supporting beams. A first of the supporting beams is positioned under, and pivotally connected to, a first portion of the rails and a second of the supporting beams is positioned under, and pivotally connected to, a second portion of the rails. The supporting beams can be moved to a relative position adjacent to each other by moving the rails from a first orientation substantially perpendicular to the supporting beams to a second orientation substantially oblique to the supporting beams. Further, each supporting beam has a plurality of openings through which a hardware connector can be passed to connect the supporting beam to a support structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger coil, the method comprising the steps of reconfiguring the cross-sectional shape of an elongate tube from a substantially round cross-sectional shape having a first outer circumference to a reduced or corrugated cross-sectional shape having a second outer circumference which is less than the first outer circumference, forming a plurality of u-shaped hairpin tubes from the elongate tube, the u-shaped hairpin tubes each having a pair of parallel legs, inserting each of the parallel legs of the hairpin tube through a predetermined opening in at least one fin plate, attaching a plurality of return bends to the u-shaped hairpin tubes to form a predetermined circuitry and then incrementally applying fluid pressure from a fluid pressure source to an internal channel of the circuitry to incrementally expand the circuitry to form a tight heat transfer bond between the circuitry and at least one wall of the predetermined opening.

Abstract: A custom orthodontic appliance comprised of brackets to be positioned on a patient's teeth, and an archwire, is customized to provide a desired torque to a tooth by selecting an angle for the slot of at least one bracket so as to provide a torque interaction between that bracket slot and the archwire. The torque interaction is computed to compensate for tooth tilt resulting from misalignment of the force vector applied by the archwire with the tooth center of resistance. The torque interaction is computed at the desired final position of the teeth, and may be computed to provide for an applied torque even where the tooth is positioned in the desired final tooth position to compensate for force diminution. Material properties of the archwire and the relative archwire slot geometry are evaluated to determine an archwire/slot angular offset in which torque is applied to the bracket.

Abstract: A slitter for slitting a guide catheter is assembled from a handle, a blade assembly coupled to the handle, and a holding mechanism coupled to the handle. The blade assembly includes a shroud for receiving an elongated body of a medical device and a slitting blade having an exposed cutting edge to slit the guide catheter.

Abstract: A tool such as a knife or other hand tool has only two pieces, a handle and a blade or other implement. The blade is movable from a fully retracted position to an extended position and the blade may be locked in both the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: In a hand-held power tool with a drive motor and a clutch connected to the drive motor and having an output part, the drive pinion is fixedly connected to the output part of the clutch so as to be driven by the drive motor for driving a tool. The drive pinion has a first individual part and a second individual part that are fixedly connected to each other. The first individual part has a toothing and the second individual part is connected to the output part of the clutch.

Abstract: An axe comprising a blade (3) provided with a cutting edge (6) at one end, and a handle (2), and in which the centre of gravity of the axe is located at a distance from the cutting edge (6) of the axe and lies in a centre-of-gravity plane (C) of the axe located at a distance from a blade plane (B) of the axe parallel with both the centre-of-gravity plane (C) and a normal working motion plane (W) of the axe, and in which the cutting edge (6) of the blade and the centre of gravity of the axe are arranged to cooperate when the blade (3) hits wood and the cutting edge (6) of the blade partly penetrates into the wood such that at least some of the impact force of the blade (3) is converted into a rotational motion and a motion of the blade (3) in a curvilinear trajectory, the blade (3) is attached to the handle (2) so that the handle (2) is uncircled by the blade (3).

Abstract: A utensil that includes a functional end and a handle associated with the functional end. The handle includes a longitudinal axis, a first surface, and a second surface. The first surface includes at least one protrusion configured to separably couple the utensil to a second utensil. The second surface is configured to receive at least a portion of a third utensil. The at least one protrusion is configured such that the utensil and the second utensil are configured to be at least one of coupled and decoupled with respect to one another via relative movement in a plane parallel to a reference plane that intersects a plane extending between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a cutting tool such as a chainsaw may include a cutting member that is movable by an engine, one or more sensors configured to detect one or more of acceleration in a direction parallel to one or more axes of the cutting tool and rotational velocity about one or more axes of the cutting tool, and a microprocessor configured to cause movement of the cutting member to stop in response to receiving one or more signals from the one or more sensors. In various embodiments, a method may include receiving, by a microprocessor of a chainsaw, a signal from a gyroscope configured to detect rotational velocity about one or more axes of the cutting tool, and actuating, by the microprocessor, a braking system of the chainsaw to stop movement of a cutting chain around a perimeter of a guide bar in response to the signal.

Abstract: An inch rule for reading off distances has at least one lighting element that is adapted to lights up the surroundings.

Abstract: A tape measure having an integral pencil sharpener specifically for square contractor pencils, and a retractable tape formed with opposing indexed metal edges flanking a central elongate transparent or translucent window for allowing a laser beam to shine centrally through.

Abstract: A dispensing vessel for introducing moisture to a clothes drying environment includes a core and a cover substantially surrounding the core. The core is comprised of a sponge-like material for retaining a moistening substance within the core, and the cover has at least one opening extending through to the core for permitting the release of moisture to the clothes drying environment.

Abstract: A tumble dryer includes a housing, which has an enclosable drying chamber, a heater mounted in the enclosable drying chamber, a gate for closing/opening the enclosable drying chamber and a tumbler rotatably mounted in the drying chamber, an intake pipeline equipped with an intake control valve for guiding outside air into the drying chamber, an exhaust pipeline equipped with an exhaust control valve for guiding air out of the drying chamber to the atmosphere, an air-suction pipeline equipped with a pipeline control valve and having a pump installed therein for pumping air out of the drying chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The industrial tumble dryer comprises a casing (1) enclosing a drum (2) to contain the clothes to be dried by means of drying air introduced into it, a low-pressure chamber (3) to extract drying air from the drum (2) and a filtering device (4) interposed in the low-pressure chamber (3). The filtering device (4) comprises a filtering element (5), means to detach fuzz from said filtering element (5) and a build-up enclosure (6) to collect the detached fuzz. In the casing (1) there is an opening (7) communicated with the build-up enclosure (6) and configured to receive a suction nozzle (8a) of an external suction device (8) to remove the fluff from the build-up enclosure (6) through suction without the need to remove the filtering element (5) or to access it.

Abstract: A device to bring a gas into contact with a particulate solid bulk material, comprising a first and a second tubular, radially gas-permeable element (1, 2) having different diameters and which each define a central axis, wherein one of the elements is essentially coaxially placed in the second element, wherein the elements (1, 2) internally define a ring-shaped shaft (30) for a material (40) that is to be contacted by the gas, wherein the elements have essentially vertically oriented axes, a ventilation device (50) for compelling the gas radially through the shaft and the material, a first device (41) for addition of the material to an upper end of the shaft (30) and a second device (31-36) for output of dried material from the lower end of the shaft. Driving means (12) are provided for internal displacement of the elements (1, 2). At least one of the walls is provided with at least one screw line ramp which maintains a high porosity and a controlled feeding of the material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a substrate include supplying steam in a chamber, arranging a substrate with a deposited layer that includes silicon in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the steam for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially convert the deposited layer. Systems and methods for densifying a deposited layer of a substrate include supplying ammonia in a chamber, arranging the substrate that includes the deposited layer in the chamber, and directing UV light onto the deposited layer in the presence of the ammonia for a predetermined conversion period to at least partially densify the deposited layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a felt material comprising at least one felt layer and an absorbing layer, to a method for producing the felt material, and to the use of the felt material in textiles, shoes, technical application or medical applications. The felt material according to the invention has the advantages of conventional felt materials regarding the warming and damping properties and is permeable to air in the dry state. Due to the special design, however, it is waterproof in the wet state and thus it is suitable for sealing many materials. The felt material according to the invention binds more humidity or binds water in a different way than common felt materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dryer used to reduce the moisture content of sheet material. A drying chamber is provided and includes a plurality of drying sections and a single point exhaust system. A seal section located at the input end of the dryer includes an exhaust passage through which a gas sample is drawn by a sampling fan. Gases within the seal section are a combination of ambient air drawn through restricted passages at the entry to the seal section and exhaust gas that bleeds into the seal section from the drying chamber. A controller monitors the temperature of the sampled gases and ambient air and adjusts the rate of exhaust flow from the main exhaust system as a function of the temperature differential. A heating system is also provided for heating the seal exhaust gases above the pitch condensation temperature for the flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe, particularly to a sports shoe, with a sole (1), wherein the sole (1) comprises at least one spring element (2), which spring element increases the bending stiffness of the sole (1) around an axis (Q) which is oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a longitudinal direction (L) of the sole (1). To create a shoe which sole has a sufficient bending stiffness and spring properties respectively without employing separate measures, i. e. without employing a spring element, the invention proposes that the sole comprises at least one receiving groove (3) for the at least one spring element (2), in which the spring element (2) is arranged in such a manner that it can slide at least along a part of its extension in longitudinal direction (L) relatively to the sole (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a boot (10) laceable by means of a bootlace (12) with a plurality of bootlace-deflecting elements (18, 19) and at least two separating units (20) for dividing the bootlace (12) into a bootlace portion (12a) extending in the forefoot region (16) and a bootlace portion (12b) extending in the lower leg region (14), the separating units (20) each comprising a base element (22) fastenable to the boot (10) and an eyelet element (24), fitted swivellably to the base element (22), in between which the bootlace (12) may be clamped. The eyelet element (24) comprises a substantially arched clip portion (40) with a middle part (42) and two clip legs (44). The two clip legs (44) each comprise an opening (50), wherein the bootlace (12) may be introduced through the one opening (50) into the inside of the arch shape, passed under the middle part (42) and passed back out of the arch shape through the other opening (50).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tongue for shoes comprising: a basic structure of an essentially non-elastic material, having a top side facing away from a foot, and a bottom side facing the foot; a retaining device on the top side of the basic structure, wherein the retaining device is structured such that it can fixedly accommodate at least one pulling element; and a padding on the bottom side of the basic structure, wherein the basic structure is designed such that across the entire surface, the tongue can lie form-fittingly on the foot, and that both on the right and the left side, the tongue is pre-molded according to the anatomy of the dorsum of the foot, and wherein in the tongue a plurality of perforation is provided. The present invention further relates to an interlocking system for shoes, which includes same tongue.

Abstract: The cleat sole protection system comprises an auxiliary sole having an outer sole and a midsole, a first set of straps that attach around the toe region of the cleated shoe, a second set of straps that attach around the metatarsal region of the cleated shoe, and in some embodiments there may be a third set of straps attached to the second set of straps which wrap around the back of the heel area of the cleated shoe. The auxiliary sole may comprise a wedge profile that gives the appearance of a sandal and is easily placed on the bottom of a cleated shoe and quickly strapped into place for the protection of wood, tile, and other types of flooring that can be damaged by cleated sports shoes.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear may include a frame member having a continuous opening with portions located in forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions. A plurality of primary traction elements may extend outward from the frame member. A compressible midsole may be bonded to upper surfaces of the frame member. A flexible support plate may be bonded to the midsole. The flexible support plate may span substantially all of the frame member opening and have a lower surface exposed in at least a forefoot region. The support plate may be isolated from the frame member by the compressible midsole. A plurality of secondary traction elements may be integral to and extend outward from the exposed lower surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A midsole structure for shoes, including shoes with a vapor-permeable sole, designed for use in sports activities, comprising a monolithic plantar frame made of polymeric material, which comprises a reinforced rim with structural cross-members, which cooperate to delimit opening compartments that pass through the monolithic plantar frame in order to lead onto opposite faces thereof, at least one first vapor-permeable element, which covers at least the opening compartments, which open onto a first one of the faces, with which the first vapor-permeable element is associated, at least one second vapor-permeable element, which covers at least the opening compartments, which open onto the second one of the faces, with which the second vapor-permeable element is associated.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be removably attached to an excavator has a bottom portion having a screen as part of the container, and the container has a variable widthwise coverage area. Liquid may drain from the screen, and debris may remain in the container to clean swampy areas.

Abstract: In a wear assembly for securing wear members to excavating equipment, a spool is used with a wedge to hold the wear member in place. The spool is formed with at least one laterally extending arm at its upper end in lieu of an axial arm such as used in a conventional C-shaped spool. In this way, the spool can be easily supported in the assembly as the wedge is installed. The spool does not fall through the opening and no special care is needed to prevent it from falling. The spool also holds itself in place when the wedge is driven into the passage. As a result, installation of the wear assembly is easier and less hazardous. In addition, the lateral support reduces the risk that the spool will suffer spreading.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a domestic appliance and specifically an ironing appliance having an external water reservoir connected to the appliance through a feeding tube. Water conveyed to the ironing unit is directly subjected to an independently heated inner plate where steam is directly produced and conveyed to the soleplate whose temperature being independently adjusted. The independently heated inner plate comprises a pair of covers set one above the other. The first cover receives water through its openings and channels and the second cover lying just below the first one to define an inner space allows conveyance of the water to the steam producing plate. The steam then reaches the soleplate to be applied to the cloth item being ironed.

Abstract: An electronic greeting card integrated with a physical carrier is disclosed and includes: a first wireless communication circuit module for wirelessly transceiving a signal associated with data or a command; a first communication software module, when executed, establishing a communication link with an electronic apparatus with a greeting card browser via the first wireless communication circuit module; a greeting card software module for editing, browsing and archiving the digital content, and storing the digital content or the status information back to the electronic greeting card; at least one flash memory for storing programming codes respectively corresponding to the software modules and storing the digital content and status information; a processor for processing the data or command from the first wireless communication circuit module; and a physical carrier for carrying the first wireless communication circuit module, the flash memory and the processor.

Abstract: A display unit comprising of at least one display sheet of a substantially rigid and foldable material divided into a plurality of panels by crease and/or score lines that when erected forms a display unit with at least one concave presentation face.

Abstract: A flowing sand picture flowing sand picture includes a transparent, flat box-like picture frame holding therein a fluid, multiple heavy granular materials and multiple lightweight granular materials. Each heavy granular material has a specific gravity higher than the fluid and each lightweight granular material has a specific gravity lower than the fluid. When the transparent, flat box-like picture frame is turned upside down, the granular materials float up and down through one another, showing a picture of dynamic variation.

Abstract: A DIY LED sign panel arrangement for use as an illuminative signboard includes a LED supporting frame which includes a plurality of module holders and a wire arrangement interconnecting the module holders for electrical communications, a power unit for providing power, and a plurality of LED modules. The LED module includes a casing, a LED unit having an illuminating surface for providing illumination, and a module connector on the casing for securing the LED units into position. The LED modules are arranged for forming an adjustable LED module pattern on the LED supporting frame as a text object or a graphical object serving as a sign, such that a user can design his own LED signboard simply by placing the LED modules onto the LED supporting frame as desired.

Abstract: A nautical navigation aid comprising a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities used to enhance the safety of nautical travelers on waterways in conditions where visibility is limited. The navigation aid sign has a first rigid sheet member having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral edge, a second rigid sheet member having an upper surface and a lower surface extending outward from the peripheral edge of the first rigid sheet member at a predetermined angle to a predetermined length, thereby defining an angled collar of the first rigid sheet member sized and configured to redirect light waves emanating from a light source, and a luminescent layer. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the present invention might also include a means for retrofitting existing nautical navigation aids with a photoluminescent element and a light wave re-directing means for improved photoluminescent qualities.

Abstract: Embodiments of internally illuminated panels and methods for making such panels are disclosed herein. In general, the internally illuminated panel includes a transparent plate having a front surface and a back surface, a channel formed within the back surface of the transparent plate, and an illumination source embedded within the channel for directing illumination into an interior of the transparent plate. Unlike conventional panel designs, a pattern of grooves is formed across the back surface of the transparent plate for reflecting and refracting the internal illumination in a predetermined and predictable manner. In particular, characteristics of the pattern (such as the spacing and depth of the grooves) are configured to provide uniform distribution and intensity of the internal illumination emitted from the internally illuminated panel.

Abstract: A display device including a front panel; and a rear panel detachably connected to the front panel via at least one fastening means.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a sign holder having a plurality of tabs securing a sign within a cavity. Additionally, the sign holder includes a plurality of counter-facing projections for selectively attaching the sign holder to a panel.

Abstract: A recipient verification system including a band having a pocket coupled to a strap. The pocket includes a first layer opposite a second layer. Seals are formed between the second layer and opposing side edges of the first layer to form an interior region. An end seal is formed adjacent a trailing end of the first layer and a liner covered adhesive coating is provided along an inner face of one of the layers. In an open arrangement, the liner is disposed over the adhesive coating, and a leading end of the first layer is free of the second layer to define an opening to the interior. In a closed arrangement, the liner is removed. The system can further include a separated insert. In an assembly state, the insert is insertable into the interior pocket, and a positive identification state, the insert is permanently affixed to the pocket.

Abstract: A frame and a system for mounting a plurality of frames in a grid. The frame has an axial first mounting member and a second mounting member, the first mounting member having a generally flat portion exposed to and generally flush with a perimeter surface of the frame. The alignment device has a cross-shaped body having a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members intersecting at a common point, the horizontal and vertical members having interior surfaces defining four quadrants, the alignment device further comprising a level attached to the cross-shaped body and a magnet mounted in a recess in one of the horizontal members or vertical members. The alignment device used to position and mount the frame.

Abstract: A multi-frame groove-mount wall system comprises a multiplicity of closed frame sections and a panel element. Each closed frame section has a frame opening and a plurality of interconnected frame members, each with a groove segment. The closed frame sections can be releasably coupled to form a multi-frame structure having an outer perimeter. The panel element has a flexible substrate portion, a periphery and a multiplicity of edge gasket segments disposed about the periphery. The panel element can be removably and tensionally affixed to the multi-frame structure such that the substrate portion is simultaneously disposed across the frame opening of each closed frame section by interengagement between a plurality of the edge gasket segments and a plurality of the groove segments that are proximate the outer perimeter, and none of the edge gasket segments are shared between a groove segment of one closed frame sections and a groove segment of another closed frame section.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver and a barrel connected to the receiver. A hand guard extends from the receiver and defines a hand guard bore. The receiver includes a threaded end and the hand guard includes a flange extending into the hand guard bore and abutting the receiver about the threaded end. A hand guard nut abuts the flange of the hand guard and threadedly engaging the threaded end of the receiver. The hand guard nut sandwiches the flange between the hand guard nut and the receiver for attaching the hand guard to the receiver. The hand guard includes a first hand guard portion and a second hand guard portion removably attached to the first hand guard portion. The second hand guard portion is slid from an assembled position to a disassembled position to expose the hand guard nut in the hand guard bore.