Abstract: Resiliently movable fingers receive a portion of a foldable handle therebetween to retain the handle against folding relative to a frame.

Abstract: An adjustable handle for a personal care implement including an elongated structure having a length that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The elongated structure has a pliable material such that the pliable material is adapted to bend at about 25° C. from an initial fixed position to an alternate fixed position in response to a pressure applied to the elongated structure.

Abstract: A unitary one piece badge holder for attachment to a garment, e.g., fabric pocket. The holder includes a substantially planar clip body having a front and rear surface and side edges. An opening in the clip body passes through the front and rear surfaces forming a periphery structure in the clip body. The structure has an interior wall surrounding the opening. A substantially planar flexible central spring member having front and rear surfaces and a surrounding edge surface appends from a top portion of the periphery structure. The opposing free end terminates within the opening near a bottom portion of the structure. The spring member and periphery structure are within the same plane. The gap between the surrounding edge surface of the spring member and the interior wall of the periphery structure decreases in width from the bottom portion of the peripheral structure to the top portion of the peripheral structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a button is provided having a pin and a base. The pin includes a head and a stem attached to, and substantially perpendicular to, the head. The base includes a case having a cavity defined by a top surface including an opening for receiving the stem and a side surface coupled to the top surface. A mechanism for securing the pin within the case includes one or two springs, configured to releasably engage a ridged portion of the stem of the pin. The depth of insertion of the pin into the case is controlled by the engagement of the pin and the springs, a solid bottom surface of the case, and a flange on the stem that engages the top surface of the case at a desired depth.

Abstract: a device which can slide up and down on a chain or cable, can be loosened to attach to the chain or cable, but does not have any parts that come free when the part is loosened.

Abstract: A security seal 10 comprises a strap portion 12 made of plastic and a lock portion 14 attached to the strap portion. The lock portion 14 includes a metal jaw with an aperture. In use, the strap portion 12 is guided into the lock portion 14 and pulled to provide an interference fit between the lock portion 14 and the strap portion 12. The security seal 10 deters tampering since efforts to pull the strap portion 12 will either result in snapping of the strap portion 12 or visible stress-induced damage to the strap portion 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for forming hook elements directly on a fabric substrate. In the method of present invention, melted plastic material is injected into cavities of a molding roll; excessive plastic material is scraped from a peripheral surface of the molding roll with a scrapper; a web of fabric substrate is bonded to the hooks molded in the cavities through a thermo-pressing process by using a thermo-pressing roll; and the combined hooks and fabric substrate is cooled and removed from the molding roll to form a fabric material with a hook strap. The present invention also provides an apparatus for performing the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A connecting structure adapted to connect two sound boxes comprises a clasping assembly and a positioning structure, the surface of the clasping assembly has a protruding portion, which has several protruding members, the surface of the positioning assembly has a hollow open, which has several oblique-rotation positioning portions and several apertures according to the protruding members of the clasping assembly, wherein the clasping assembly and the positioning assembly have four locking holes respectively for the clasping assembly and the positioning assembly being fixed to the two sound boxes; the protruding members of the protruding portion of the clasping assembly are inserted into the apertures of the hollow open of the positioning assembly accordingly, the clasping assembly or the positioning assembly is rotated in order to let the protruding members be fixed in the positioning portions, so that the different sound boxes are connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for securing a box cover to a watthour meter socket box. In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a clamping member that fits over a wall of a meter box, and a lock housing that locks to the clamping member after a box cover has been installed, thereby securing the cover to the box in a manner such that the box cover cannot be installed unless the clamping member has been installed correctly. In various other embodiments, the clamping member consists of a clamp disposed between a clamp actuating member and a fastening shelf. In various other embodiments, the clamp includes a stopping member for indicating when the clamp actuating member is actuated into a fully secured position. Other embodiments relate to a locking bracket and a lock housing wherein the locking bracket generally comprises a clamping member and a fastening lever that attaches to a wall of a meter box base.

Abstract: A hook article that is constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment between two or more objects includes a fixed frame member and gate member. The gate member includes a first end that is pivotally hinged to the frame member, a second end movable with respect to the frame member to allow access into an interior space and a handle that is integral with the gate member. The position of the handle facilitates the process of and enables a user to easily open and close the gate member with a single hand, while protecting the fingers of the user against jamming. Upon applying pressure to the handle, the gate member pivotally retracts towards an interior space of the hook article.

Abstract: A snap hook device includes a hook member having a hook throat opening formed by a base portion and a hook portion and a shank, a hinged gate pivotally coupled to the hook member and to openably close the hook throat opening, a latch member pivotally coupled to the shank with a pivot axle, the latch member includes an anchor member for engaging with a lock member of the hinged gate and the base portion and for locking the hinged gate to the hook member, and to prevent the hinged gate from being depressed to open the hook throat opening before the anchor member of the latch member is disengaged from the base portion of the hook member and the lock member of the hinged gate.

Abstract: A foldable paper coffin includes a casket having a chamber formed by two side walls and two end walls and a bottom wall, and formed with a planar paper sheet having two side panels foldable relative to a bottom panel, two inner panels foldable relative to the side panels, two end panels foldable relative to the bottom panel, two inner folds foldable relative to the end panels, and the end panels and the inner folds each have two foldable end flaps engageable between the inner panels and the side panels, and the side panels and the inner panels and the end flaps each include one or more orifices for engaging with latches and for retaining the casket in a spatial or three-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A cinerary casket arrangement system providing solid, light, and compact construction and attractive appearance to allow easy packaging, transportation, installation, and use is comprised of base, sideboard, top, lateral shelf, vertical partitioning board, lateral partitioning board, and door panel; sideboard being fixed to the top and the base; multiple sub-racks being formed by having vertical partitioning board abutted to lateral partitioning board by means of insertion slot disposed on each partitioning board; the bottom edge and the top edge of each partitioning board being respectively fixed to the base, the lateral shelf or the top.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of pre-doping lithium ions into an electrode, and a method of manufacturing an electrochemical capacitor using the same. The method for pre-doping lithium ions into an electrode includes the steps of: immersing a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a lithium metal electrode into an electrolyte solution; performing a first pre-doping for directly doping lithium ions into the negative electrode from the lithium metal electrode; and performing a second pre-doping which includes a charging process for applying currents between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to charged with the applied currents, and a releasing process for releasing lithium ions from the lithium metal electrode, and a method for manufacturing the electrochemical capacitor using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus or tool for installing a continuous loop of track onto the idler wheel or sprocket of a tracked vehicle, including a pair of track grippers configured and operable for gripping at least opposite edges of a portion of the track to be installed over the idler wheel or sprocket, and shaping the portion of the track into an arc of appropriate size for passage laterally over the idler wheel or sprocket, each of the grippers having a rigid, generally arcuate or angular shape suitable for gripping the opposite edges of the portion of the track portion for forming and holding it in an arc; and arms that support and hold the grippers in a generally parallel, spaced apart relation such that the gripping element or elements of the respective grippers are in opposing relation and are spaced a distance apart corresponding about to the width of the track, so as to be capable of capturing or bounding the portion of the track to be installed onto the idler, and for positioning the gripping element or elements fo

Abstract: An alignment mechanism is used for assembly of a diffuser inside a pressure reducing and conditioning valve, said valve having a body, an inlet port, an outlet port, a pressure reducing section between the ports, and a diffuser in an internal cavity of the pressure reducing section. The alignment mechanism comprises at least one alignment assembly having an alignment port disposed in the valve body in the pressure reducing section. The port has a passageway passing through an outer wall of the valve, and has a removable closure member adapted to close one end of the passageway. A removable alignment rod is adapted to be inserted through the passageway in the to alignment port to contact an outer surface of the diffuser when the diffuser is inserted into the internal cavity of the pressure reducing section of the valve. A method of use of the alignment assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the manufacture of hoops and pre-forms for making articles comprising such hoops such as pants or a pants-like structures, such as baby or incontinence diapers, absorbent pants such as training, feminine hygiene or adult incontinent pants, or garments like underwear, such as reusable or single use pants, exhibiting particularly good body conforming fit.

Abstract: A rope thimble with a closed curve substantially reduces rope wear. Various closed curve rope thimbles may include side walls of different heights.

Abstract: A shoring post having first and second post parts that cooperatively define a variable effective length, a quick release assembly, and a movable pin that in an operative position limits movement of the first post part in one lengthwise direction relative to the second post part. The quick release assembly has: a) at least a first surface against which the pin bears with the pin and quick release assembly in a first operative relationship; and b) at least a second surface against which the pin bears with the pin and quick release assembly in a second operative relationship. The shoring post further has at least one repositionable member that is changeable selectively between: a) a locked state to prevent the pin and quick release assembly from changing from the first operative relationship into the second operative relationship; and b) a released state.

Abstract: A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine may include a tub, a drum, a motor rotating the drum, bearing housings housing bearings to support a rotation shaft, a suspension connected to the bearing housings and a cabinet to mitigate vibration, a bracket coupled to the bearing housings, and a gasket installed between the bracket and the tub. Such an arrangement may allow volumes of the tub and the drum may be increased without increasing the volume of the cabinet.

Abstract: A method of assembling any one of a relatively small, medium and large clip applier for delivering relatively small, medium and large clips includes providing a housing for a handle assembly, selecting a channel assembly, connecting the channel assembly to the housing, providing a pusher bar in the selected channel assembly that extends to the handle assembly, and connecting a motion multiplier system to the pusher bar. The channel assembly is selected from a first channel assembly containing small surgical clips, a second channel assembly containing medium surgical clips, and a third channel assembly containing large surgical clips. Each channel assembly has an associated stroke length. The motion multiplier system varies the stroke of the pusher bar in accordance with the associated stroke length such that, upon firing, the pusher bar is translated the associated stroke length to load one of the clips into jaws of the clip applier.

Abstract: A method for fastening a cord lock on a fabric is provided. The method includes the following steps: (a) providing a cord lock with at least one through hole in which at least one cord may pass, wherein the cord lock has an inner lateral wall extended upwards from a lower surface thereof to an inner surface thereof to define a recess portion; (b) providing a buckling element, wherein the buckling element has a protrusion protruded upwards from an outer surface thereof; (c) disposing the buckling element on the fabric via the protrusion passing an aperture of the fabric; and (d) fastening the cord lock onto the buckling element and the fabric via the protrusion received in the recess portion.

Abstract: Adhesive composition comprising: at most 15% of a PolyPropylene (or PP) having a melting point between 30° C. and 100° C. ; from 30 to 60% of a cross-linkable polymer with silyl end groups comprising cross-linking groups bonded to the silicon atom, said cross-linkable polymer having a functionality of on average 3-12 cross-linking groups; a cross-linking catalyst for the polymer; a water scavenger; and a rheology controller. Use of said composition for direct glazing of a windscreen on a metallic automotive frame.

Abstract: A thermal expansion compensator is provided and includes a first electrode structure having a first surface, a second electrode structure having a second surface facing the first surface and an elastic element bonded to the first and second surfaces and including a conductive element by which the first and second electrode structures electrically and/or thermally communicate, the conductive element having a length that is not substantially longer than a distance between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the catheter by a multi-step process for increasing scaffold-catheter yield following a crimping sequence. Damage reduction during a crimping sequence includes modifying blades of a crimper, adopting a multi-step crimping sequence, and inflating a supporting balloon to support the scaffold during crimping.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to an expansion bolt component that includes a bolt, an elastic component, and a nut. The bolt includes a necking part at an upper end thereof. The elastic component includes sides parts that include a plurality of ribs symmetrically arranged. Each rib includes a lower part and an upper part, each lower part being connected to a lower part of an associated adjacent rib. The nut is configured to be threaded onto a lower end of the bolt and to move into a lower end of the elastic component due to rotation of the bolt. The lower part of each rib is configured to expand in a radial direction when the nut moves into the elastic component. The upper part of each rib is configured to move simultaneously toward the upper part of its associated adjacent rib, such that the upper parts of the plurality of ribs clamp the necking part of the bolt.

Abstract: A hose coupling employs a tailpiece, a sleeve and collar to prevent the hose to be removed from the coupling. The tailpiece includes an exterior having: a first sinusoidally shaped (in cross-section), partially diamond shaped knurled contour, and, a cylindrically shaped interior. The sleeve includes an interior second sinusoidally shaped contour reciprocal to the first undulating contour of the tailpiece. The sleeve includes first and second halves each having two sets of fingers which interengage the fingers of the other half. A hose is disposed between the sleeve and the tailpiece and the hose includes a grounding wire which engages the collar or the sleeve. The collar includes first and second halves and each of the halves of the collar interengage the sleeve urging the sleeve against the hose compressing the hose against the contour of the tail piece.

Abstract: This is a toner-dispensing unit using a blow-molded, one-piece toner bottle with integral tabs. The tabs are uniquely designed so that they can only be used with specific marking machines. The tabs fit into mating slots in a drive dog so that installation, while usually a blind installation of bottles, is easily accomplished. The one-piece, blow-molded bottle with integral tabs used with mating slots in a drive dog provides an improvement over prior used toner-dispensing units.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an antenna includes steps as follows. First, a substrate is provided, wherein a surface of the substrate has an antenna region. Then, the surface of the substrate is electroless plated with a metal medium, so that the surface is covered with the metal medium. Then, the metal medium is covered with a resist. Then, a portion of the resist in the antenna region is removed. Then, the antenna region is electroplated with metal material to form an antenna main body. Then, a remaining portion of the resist is removed, and excluding a portion of the metal medium in the antenna region, the other portion of the metal medium is also removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The fabrication method includes providing a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. The method further includes providing a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. A high strength material may be injected from an inflow slot to an outflow slot of the distal portion such that the material is disposed in-between the inner conductor and a ceramic layer. The material bonds the distal portion and the ceramic layer to the proximal portion while providing mechanical strength to the distal portion.

Abstract: A method and kit for confirming the position of at least one variably positionable turbine vane is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of mounting at least one camera on an exterior of an at least partially assembled turbine engine. The method also includes the step of generating visual data with the at least one camera corresponding to a position of a turbine vane actuation structure positioned on the exterior of the at least partially assembled turbine engine.

Abstract: A feed mechanism is provided for a terminal crimping machine that crimps a terminal to a wire. The terminal crimping machine has a crimping zone. The feed mechanism includes a feed finger configured to move along a feed stroke. The feed finger is configured to move along the feed stroke in a feed direction to feed the terminal into the crimping zone. The feed mechanism also includes a cam having a lift profile, and a push rod that includes a cam follower engaged with the cam. The cam follower is configured to travel along the lift profile of the cam such that the push rod moves in a lift direction. The push rod is mechanically connected to the feed finger and is configured to move the feed finger along the feed stroke in the feed direction when the push rod moves in the lift direction. A biasing mechanism is operatively connected to the push rod to exert a biasing force on the push rod that biases the cam follower of the push rod into engagement with the cam.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a probe card includes inserting an attaching portion of each probe into one of first through holes provided on a probe substrate at least in a row, inserting a probe tip portion of each probe into second through holes respectively provided on a plurality of plate-like positioning members piled in their thickness directions at least in a row, relatively displacing the adjacent positioning members in opposite directions to two-dimensionally position the probe tip portions of the probes, and thereafter softening a conductive jointing material to position the attaching portions of the respective probes against the first through holes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of fabricating a plurality of metallic microstructures, characterized in that it includes the steps consisting in: a) taking a conductive substrate or an insulating substrate coated with a conductive seed layer; b) applying a layer of photosensitive resin over the conductive part of the substrate surface; c) flattening the surface of the photosensitive resin layer to the desired thickness and/or surface state; d) irradiating the resin layer through a mask defining the contour of the desired microstructure; e) dissolving the non-polymerized areas of the photosensitive resin layer to reveal, in places, the conductive surface of the substrate; f) the galvanic deposition of at least one layer of a metal from said conductive layer to form a unit substantially reaching the upper surface of the photosensitive resin; g) flattening the resin and the electroformed metal to bring the resin and the electroformed units to the same level and thereby form electroformed parts or mic

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a circuit board that can stably provide normal circuit boards by preventing the solder detachment and the generation of needle-like crystals during the formation of solder bumps. The method of producing a circuit board includes steps of forming an adhesive layer by applying an adhesiveness-imparting compound to the surface of a terminal of the circuit board; attaching solder particles onto the adhesive layer; applying an activator that includes a hydrohalic acid salt of an organic base to the solder particles and fixing the solder particles by heating the circuit board to which the solder particles have been attached at a temperature equal to or lower than the melting point of the solder; applying a flux to the circuit board to which the solder particles have been fixed; and melting the solder particles by heating the circuit board.

Abstract: A method of building a light-emitting diode (LED) based lighting product includes mounting a plurality of unpackaged LED chips or LEDs directly on conductors on a surface of a two-sided panel, integrating the panel with support structure to form the lighting product such that at least one surface of the panel forms an external surface of the lighting product, and coupling a diffuser, with a distance from the diffuser to the surface of the LED chips or LEDs being at least twice an average spacing between adjacent LED chips or LEDs. A method of building a an LED chip-based lighting product includes mounting unpackaged LED chips directly on conductors formed on a surface of a two-sided panel, and mounting a cover plate to the LED chips such that light emitted from the LED chips passes through the cover plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic component embedded printed circuit board including: mounting an electronic component on an insulating layer in a fluidal condition so that a part of the electronic component is inserted into the insulating layer and another part of the electronic component is protruded out of a top surface of the insulating layer by pressing the electronic component onto the insulating layer; fixing the electronic component by curing the insulating layer; forming a metallic seed layer on a top surface of the insulating layer including an exposed surface of the electronic component; forming a plating layer on the metallic seed layer; forming via-holes at positions on the insulating layer, which correspond to pads of the electronic component and forming circuit patterns electrically conducted with the pads; and forming a solder resist layer including the via-holes electrically connected to the circuit patterns.

Abstract: A method for embedding at least one component into a dielectric layer. obtain a good result, it is provided that the method includes the following steps: a) Position and affix the at least one component on a carrier; b) Cast a liquid dielectric around the at least one component, thereby enclosing the at least one component completely; c) Harden the liquid dielectric to form a solid dielectric layer; and d) Apply, in particular by lamination thereon, another layer, in particular an electrically conductive layer. The use of a dielectric layer formed entirely of liquid dielectric, wherein the liquid dielectric is not converted into a solid state until the dielectric is processed.

Abstract: The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described situation, and provides a method of producing a circuit board that can bond a component to be mounted without slanting the component, and simplify the steps. The method of producing a circuit board includes forming a first adhesive layer by applying a first adhesiveness-imparting compound on the surface of terminal portions of a circuit board; attaching a core body on the first adhesive layer of the terminal portions; forming a second adhesive layer by applying a second adhesiveness-imparting compound on the surface of the core body; attaching first solder particles on the second adhesive layer of the surface of the core body; and forming a solder layer on the surface of the core body by melting the first solder particles.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a probe card uses a probe having first and second metal layers made of a material in which wettability of a conductive jointing material to the metal layers is higher than wettability of the jointing material to an attaching portion on an outer circumferential surface of an upper area of the attaching portion and at two opposed surface areas of an area continuing downward from the upper area of the attaching portion, respectively, and having a jointing material layer at the upper area and the two surface areas to cover the first and second metal layers. Each probe is attached to a probe substrate at the attaching portion by melting and thereafter solidifying a material for the jointing material layer in a state where the attaching portion is inserted in a through hole of the probe substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a lead body includes contacting a proximal section of the lead body having a lumen and a first lead body characteristic to a distal section of the lead body having a lumen and a second lead body characteristic. The proximal and distal sections are contacted such that their lumens are axially aligned. A lap band is disposed about a portion of the proximal section and a portion of the distal section, and is thermally formed to the proximal and distal sections. Axially compressive pressure is applied to the lap band as the lead body is being thermally formed. The pressure applied is sufficient to result in the lead body having an outer diameter in regions proximally and distally adjacent to the lap band that are substantially the same to an outer diameter in a region formed by the lap band.

Abstract: A method for producing an inkjet printhead that includes aligning and stacking together an aperture plate and a plurality of jetstack plates; bonding together the aperture plate and plurality of jetstack plates; and depositing a layer of coating material to a surface of the aperture plate by inkjet printing to form a coating on at least a portion of the surface of the aperture plate.

Abstract: A food punch assembly for a food sheet comprises a base, a lid, a die and a punch. The base has a food receiving surface, and a die receiving opening. The die receiving opening is formed through the food receiving surface. The lid has a punch receiving opening. The lid is hingedly attached to the base. The lid is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the base. The punch receiving opening generally aligns with the die receiving opening of the base. The die has an opening formed therethrough. The die at least partially resides in the die receiving opening of the base. The punch has a punch protrusion. The punch at least partially resides in the punch receiving opening of the lid. A portion of the punch protrusion is adapted to enter the die opening.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a set of two uni-body ceramic kitchen knives, wherein the handle of each knife is designed with a longitudinal opening in order to receive the blade of the other knife, wherein the width of the resulting groove inside the handle allow the cleaning during a dish-washing machine cycle. The resulting assembly, fitting in Head-to-tail method, protects each edge of blade, and could be carried safety after use.

Abstract: A utility knife comprises a first housing portion carrying a strike plate and a second housing portion carrying a sliding nut assembly comprising a rotatable screw and a sliding nut. The sliding nut engages the strike plate upon rotation of the screw to draw the first housing portion toward the second housing portion.

Abstract: A utility knife comprises a first housing portion carrying a strike plate and a second housing portion movable relative to the first housing portion between a closed position and an open position. The second housing portion carries a locking member. An overlapping locking mechanism locks the first housing portion to the second housing portion in a first direction when the first housing portion is moved relative to the second housing portion in a second direction. The locking member is movable between a first position in which it engages the strike plate to prevent the first housing from moving relative to the second housing in the first direction and a second position in which it does not engage the strike plate and allows the first housing to move relative to the second housing in the first direction.

Abstract: A utility knife comprises a blade carrier movable between retracted, extended and positions. A latch is movable with the blade carrier for locking the blade carrier in position. The blade carrier comprises a locking tab movable between a first position where the locking tab is engaged with the blade and a second position where the locking tab is released from the blade. An actuator moves the locking tab from the first position to the second position when the blade carrier is in the intermediate position and the actuator is moved to the unlocked position. The latch is engageable with a holder when the blade carrier is in the intermediate position. A retention member holds the blade on the plate where the retention member cannot be inserted into a notch on the blade. A blade guide guides the blade between the retention member and the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for cutting through a layer of material. Some embodiments pertain to the removal of an orthopedic cast in a manner that is quiet and generates little or no particulate matter. In yet other embodiments there are a pair of toothed wheels that press down and penetrate into the cast and then split the cast by moving it past a sharp edge. In some embodiments the cutting head is reversible for the cutting of material in either of two opposite directions.

Abstract: A circle cutter for a food sheet comprises a center knob assembly, an arm, and a cutting assembly. The center knob assembly comprises a base portion adapted to contact a food sheet and fix a position of the cutting assembly relative to the food sheet. The arm is adapted to rotate about the center knob assembly. The cutting assembly comprises a cutting portion having a rotatable cutting blade. The cutting assembly is releasably fixed to the arm to cut a generally circular pattern into the food sheet as the arm rotates about the center knob assembly.

Abstract: A knife blade includes a blade body having first and second major surfaces which respectively have marginal regions that extend toward a cutting line to form a cutting edge. The cutting edge includes successive cutting edge areas, at least one of which is cut along an inclined plane to form upstream and downstream surfaces. The downstream surface is configured to extend to join one of the first and second major surfaces to form, in terms of one cutting direction, a leading edge which forms a piercing site at the corresponding cutting edge area. With the cutting edge together with the piercing site of the leading edge, a food product having soft and hard textures may be cut effortlessly.