Abstract: A valve loading system is provided that uses a valve loader to transfer a valve or other medical device from a storage cartridge into a deployment catheter. The valve or other medical device can be implanted or positioned within a patient using the catheter after the valve or other medical device has been compressed and loaded into the catheter using the valve loader. The process then can be repeated by using the valve loading system to load or introduce another valve or other medical device into the catheter.

Abstract: An opposing first plate and second plate are slideably disposed with respect to each other using self-aligning plate registration means. Circuit board registration means and component registration means are provided for the initial X-Y alignment and registration of the circuit board and socket contact elements with one or more electrically conductive leads of an electronic component such as a focal plane array (FPA). A non-contact portion is provided on the first plate to eliminate plate contact with the first component surface which may comprise the lens of an FPA. The first and second plates are urged together such that an even, controlled and substantially planar compressive force is applied, permitting the efficient insertion of the electrically conductive leads into the socket contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling chip devices on a wire, each chip device comprising two substantially parallel lateral walls, and a groove in one of the lateral walls for receiving said wire. The apparatus includes a pinching device having two opposing surfaces, the distance between the opposing surfaces being substantially constant and substantially equal to the distance between the two lateral walls of a chip device. A wire feeder is adapted to continuously feed the wire in contact with one of the opposing surfaces of the pinching device. A chip device feeder is adapted to drive chip devices, one at a time, between the opposing surfaces, with their grooves turned towards the wire. The pinching device may comprise two cylindrical rollers having rotation axes substantially perpendicular to the wire, the opposing surfaces being formed by respective surfaces of the rollers.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic component, polishing is performed so that intersection lines extending from external surfaces of a green element body and interfaces between a green chip to be formed into a laminate portion and ceramic side surface layers are each located within a curved-surface formation range of a chamfer portion. Accordingly, since a green ceramic material is extended so as to fill the interfaces like so-called “putty”, and the adhesive strength between the green chip to be formed into the laminate portion and each of the ceramic side surface layers is increased.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.

Abstract: A method of producing a wiring substrate includes producing a substrate body including a first primary surface on which a semiconductor chip mounting area is provided and a second primary surface opposed to the first primary surface; attaching a stiffener member on the first primary surface, the stiffener member including an opening which the semiconductor chip mounting area is exposed from; and connecting lead pins to corresponding connection pads provided on the second primary surface by way of electrically conductive members.

Abstract: A radial pin 2 has a second end portion 2B protruded from an outer surface of a turbine casing 1 and a first end portion 2A inserted into a through hole 3 formed in the turbine casing 1, and a weld bead 4 is formed on a periphery of the second end portion 2B. A weld bead cutting device 10 has a cutting portion 12 which cuts the weld bead 4 formed on the periphery of the radial pin 2, and a support portion 20 which supports the cutting portion 12 on an end surface 2C of the second end portion 2B of the radial pin 2 such that the cutting portion 12 is movable along the periphery of the radial pin 2.

Abstract: A piston for a hydraulic motor including a body having a guiding and sealing surface, a base, and a top, which top is providing with a cradle-shaped recess. The base is provided with an additional cradle-shaped recess whose concave surface faces in the direction in which the concave surface of the recess in the top faces.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a service device to a wind turbine of a wind power unit, using the wind turbine to rotate the service device into one or more service positions, and using the service device to perform servicing on the wind power unit. In some embodiments, a blade of the wind turbine is removed and the service device is mounted in its place. In other embodiments, the service device is mounted to a device mount approximately in a saddle region between adjacent blades. In one example, the service device is a crane. In another example, the service device is a stator module installation/removal tool.

Abstract: A method of forming a printhead nozzle chamber includes steps of forming a first laminate of sacrificial layers on a substrate, the first laminate of sacrificial layers being formed as a ring on the substrate; hard-baking the first laminate of sacrificial layers to cause a shrinkage in the first laminate of sacrificial layers, the shrinkage further causing edges of the first laminate of sacrificial layers to angle inwards and form an approximate trapezoidal cross-section; depositing a TiN layer over the first laminate of sacrificial layer and the substrate, the TiN layer being inclined at portions deposited over the inwardly angled edges; etching the TiN layer to form a paddle and a nozzle chamber rim, the paddle incorporating an inner inclined portion and the nozzle chamber rim incorporating a complementary outer inclined portion, the paddle and nozzle rim defining an aperture therebetween; and removing the first laminate of sacrificial layers

Abstract: In a wheel rim including fiber reinforced composite material and preferably having lateral rim sidewalls that may include rings.

Abstract: A method of forming a rib-spar joint during assembly of an aircraft wing, the method comprising: providing a spar with a fixedly attached rib post, the rib post having a first coordination feature; providing a rib having a web with a first tooling feature; providing a tooling component having a second tooling feature for cooperating with the first tooling feature, a second coordination feature for cooperating with the first coordination feature, and a plurality of drill bushings; fixedly attaching the tooling component to the rib web by aligning the first and second tooling features; aligning the rib with the spar by aligning the first and second coordination features; drilling fastener holes in the rib and the rib post off the drill bushings of the tooling component; removing the tooling component from the rib web; and fastening the rib to the rib post using the fastener holes to form a rib-spar joint. The method may be applied to form front and/or rear rib-spar joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid bearing device in which a high adhesive strength is ensured in fixing another member by adhesion to a resin housing. A bearing sleeve is secured in position inside the resin housing, and a shaft member is radially supported in a non-contact fashion by a dynamic pressure action of lubricant generated in a radial bearing clearance between the shaft member and the bearing sleeve. A metal bracket for mounting the stator coil of a motor is fixed by adhesion to the outer periphery of the housing, in which the adhesion portion of the outer periphery of the housing to be fixed to the bracket is roughened, setting the surface roughness to 0.5 ?mRa to 2.0 ?mRa.

Abstract: A seal member is fixed to a predetermined position on an outer peripheral surface of a shaft portion. During rotation of a shaft member, a lower end surface of the seal member is opposed to an upper end surface of a bearing sleeve through an intermediation of a thrust bearing gap to form a second thrust bearing gap. An outer peripheral surface of the seal member defines between itself and an inner peripheral surface of an upper end portion of a housing a seal space having a predetermined volume.

Abstract: A dry shaver unit includes a housing and a cutter blade assembly mounted in the housing. The cutter blade assembly includes a cutter blade and cooperating shear blade arrangement. The thickness of the shear blade varies over its surface, such that the spacing between a portion of the skin engaging surface of the shear blade and the opposite face thereof is increased as compared with the spacing required to achieve a “close shave”. The cutter blade assembly is mounted in the housing such that a plurality of portions of the shear blade having different thicknesses are simultaneously available for application to a surface to be shaved.

Abstract: A hand-held electric power tool (1) having a tool (6) that can be rotated around a rotational axis (8) by the drive unit (3), having a protective cover (7) that at least partially surrounds the tool (6), having an outlet opening (12) that conveys out of the protective cover (7) the material removed from the workpiece that is to be machined, and having a suction adapter (13) that is connected to the protective cover (7) and that has a connection section (21) with a suction opening (22) for connecting a suction device, the suction adapter (13) having a guide device (23) for guiding the material being removed, the guide device (23) having an outlet opening (26) that differs from the suction opening (22).

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a sheath with an entrance, a slot, extrusion and withdrawal recesses, a positioning aperture and a discarding aperture. A handle is pivotally connected to the sheath. A first button is inserted through and movable along the slot between a position where bosses thereof are in the extrusion recesses and another position where the bosses are in the withdrawal recesses. A second button is inserted through the discarding aperture. A carrier is movably located in the sheath and connected to the first button. A jaw is connected to the carrier. Teeth of the jaw are moved out of cutouts of a blade when the jaw is pushed by the second button as the second button is pressed. A cassette can be inserted in the sheath so that a positioning block thereof can be inserted in the positioning aperture.

Abstract: A cutter knife 10 includes a case 12 having a slit 27 in a top wall 22 constituting an upper end portion, a cutter blade 14 provided such that the cutter blade 14 may appear from a forward end of the case 12, and a slider 15 holding the cutter blade 14 and provided movably in a forward and rearward direction along a guide member 13 in the case 12. The slider 15 includes a slider body 42, an actuating member 44, and a plate spring 17, the plate spring 17 being provided to keep the actuating member in an initial position relative to the slider body.

Abstract: A portable working machine comprising: an engine; a frame which holds the engine; front handle and a rear handle which are provided to the frame; and a power conversion unit for transmitting an output from the engine to drive a working tool, wherein the engine, the power conversion unit and the working tool being held by the frame via an elastic member, and wherein the front handle and the elastic member are disposed so that an axis passing through a center of an attachment portion of the front handle and an axis passing through a center of an attachment portion of the elastic member substantially coincide with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a weed trimmer for trimming a lawn comprising: a gas powered motor, where the motor is mounted one end of a shaft; a cutting assembly, where the cutting assembly is mounted on a second end of a shaft; an electric starter to start the motor; and a means to supply power to the electric starter. In one particular embodiment, the means to supply power may include an AC power cord. The weed trimmer may also include a start button to activate the starter.

Abstract: A cover for a trimmer head of a landscape trimmer has a diameter at least slightly greater than the diameter of the retaining assembly, which extends outwardly from the bottom plate. The retaining assembly engages with the knob of the trimmer head, while the cutting line spool is positioned between the cover and the knob. The bottom plate forms an enlarged collar surrounding the retaining assembly and prevents damage to lawn and soil during an occasional contact with the trimmer head.

Abstract: A dosing spoon is provided with two bowl portions, each with a front end for oral insertion, a back end, and a top edge along the circumference of the bowl. The spoon also has a handle portion that extends between each bowl. The first and second bowl portions are sized and shaped to contain a 2.5 mL and a 5.0 mL dose, respectively, of a substance with a specific gravity in the range of about 1.1300-1.1700. A rib may be present on the bottom surface of the handle portion to provide both additional stiffening to the handle, as well as a de-nesting feature.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw can include a housing and a motor disposed in the housing. A blade retaining mechanism can receive a saw blade. A drive mechanism can translate rotational motion of the motor into reciprocating motion of the blade retaining mechanism. A clamp assembly can include first and second shoes that are coupled to the housing. The first shoe can have a first shoe body that includes a first material facing surface. The second shoe can include a second material facing surface that opposes the first material facing surface and that defines a clamping distance therebetween. At least one of the first and second shoes is selectively adjustable relative to the housing, such that the clamping distance can be altered. One of the first or second shoe bodies can have a third material facing surface that comprises an arcuate section defining a radius.

Abstract: A handle for a shaving razor, the handle comprising a frame and a flexible pod coupled to the frame. The flexible pod comprises a base with a first mounting member. The first mounting member corresponds in shape and mates with a second mounting member of the frame. The flexible pod is compressible and uncompressible to engage the first mounting member of the flexible pod with the second mounting member of the frame.

Abstract: A handle for a shaving razor in which the handle comprise a frame and a pod operably coupled to the frame such that the pod is configured to rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the frame. The pod comprises a base and a cantilever tail extending from the base. A distal end of the cantilever tail is loosely retained by the frame. The cantilever tail generates a return torque upon rotation of the pod about the axis.

Abstract: A movable measuring ruler device for measuring an external contour precision of a vehicle body comprising a movable trolley with a rail and an upright detecting ruler, wherein the upright detecting ruler is fixed on a frame of the movable trolley. The advantageous effect of the present invention lies in that measurement of external contour or intended parts of the vehicle body can be accomplished during rail traveling of the movable trolley, which is installed in parallel with the longitudinal center axis of a vehicle body and includes an upright detecting ruler, thereby a quick and accurate measurement is achieved.

Abstract: A universal tape and drywall scoring apparatus for use with a tape measure that includes a tape measure encasement for encasing a portion of the tape measure housing, a clip assembly connected to the distal end of the measuring tape, the clip assembly comprising a hollow housing having a top wall provided with a slot and a pair of spaced apart side walls each having a cavity formed therein, and a cutting assembly connected to the clip assembly, the cutting assembly comprising a scoring blade receivable within the slot in the top wall of the hollow housing of the clip assembly and a pair of spaced apart connector clips having end portions receivable the cavities formed in the side walls of the clip assembly.

Abstract: This invention discloses a spectacle edging assist device including a flexible layout chart, chart holding portion, and spectacle frame holding portion. An index used to determine the suitability of a lens while the layout chart is superposed on a spectacle frame is drawn on the flexible layout chart. The chart holding portion holds the layout chart upon bending the layout chart to have a curvature corresponding to the frame curve of the spectacle frame, and also holds the layout chart to be movable in the horizontal direction of the spectacle frame. The spectacle frame holding portion holds the spectacle frame so that its front portion overlaps the layout chart. The chart holding portion brings at least two end pieces of the spectacle frame into contact with the layout chart. A spectacle lens suitability determining method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coordinates measuring head unit is provided, which is compact, inexpensive, and capable of performing high-precision measurements at high speeds, and facilitates, for example, measurements conducted on machine tools or in-situ measurements on transport lines. The head unit includes: drive means (an X-axis drive section, a Y-axis drive section, and a Z-axis drive section), an integrated housing for accommodating the drive means, and fixture means (fixture surface). The drive means allows a probe to be moved by computer numerical control along a plurality of drive axis, which are orthogonal to each other, and abut against a measuring target to measure the dimensions of the measuring target. The fixture means is provided on one of side surfaces of the housing to attach one of the drive means to a support (a support on a stand secured to a base).

Abstract: A removable and attachable tool for attachment to a measuring tape. The tool may have a body defining a cavity which is configured to receive the measuring tape. A cap may be hingedly attached to the body to secure the measuring tape in the cavity. The tool may have a mount, such as a tacky outer surface, for example, for temporarily affixing the tool to a workpiece. The tool may have a cavity for receiving a rigid member. The tool permits unassisted measuring using a measuring tape.

Abstract: A tape measuring device with magnetic end hook is provided, the tape measuring device comprises: a housing; an extendable and retractable tape blade having opposing ends, one end of the tape blade is attached to and situated within said housing; an end hook having opposing front and rear portions, the second end of the tape blade is attached to the end hook, the rear portion of the end hook is generally perpendicular to the front portion of the end hook, the front portion of the end hook has a frontal surface and at least one cavity, and the cavity forms a protrusion on a rear surface of the front portion of the end hook, and the front portion of the end hook comprises at least two opposing side arms, the side arms are offset so that the side arms are generally parallel to the protrusion on the rear surface of the front portion of the end hook to thereby allow for accurate measurements; and at least one magnet glued within the cavity of the end hook.

Abstract: An apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: System for installation of a complete, safe, compact, and efficient one piece dryer exhaust. Provides a removable end cap for access to internal areas of conduit for dryer lint build-up removal. This will allow the removal of built up lint which is a potential fire hazard, which current available products lack. Has a recessed collar/sleeve connector to the outside wall port. Allows dryer placement in tight confines: laundry closets, pantry areas, first floor apartments, anyplace where space for a dryer vent is limited. System may be used to route dryer exhaust conduit inside of dwelling walls.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes a base having an outer edge defining a perimeter, the base having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion; and a plurality of resilient projections extending from the base, wherein the plurality of projections includes a plurality of projections extending non-orthogonally from the base about the perimeter of the base and a plurality of projections extending substantially orthogonally from the base within the non-orthogonal projections.

Abstract: A pneumatically cushioned shoe or shoe insert including a plurality of regions, each region including a respective plurality of air bladders; each respective air bladder having a self-sealing valve disposed thereon and configured to allow air to enter the bladder through the valve while maintaining air pressure within the air bladder; and each self-sealing valve configured to allow air to escape through the valve via an air pump needle or via an integrated pump and release valve device.

Abstract: Shoe insert (1) comprised of numerous elements that provide shock absorption, elements that are made up of numerous cavities (2), each corresponding with pivots or shock absorbing (3) elements, which extend out from the bottom part of the insert; shock absorption elements (2, 3) configured in such way that, when compressed by the user's weight, they compress and absorb the shock that is produced by the stepping action, thus achieving a sensation of well being and comfort.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boot comprising an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein an intermediate layer which can comfort the user better while wearing is arranged between the outer layer and inner layer. When a user is wearing the boot, such boot can make the user's foot more comfortable.

Abstract: A waterproof footwear assembly comprises a sole assembly and an upper. The upper has an outer layer with a plurality of panels stitched together. A continuous layer of waterproof material is fixed to the outer layer's inner surface and extends over the stitched seams. The waterproof material defines a seamless waterproof barrier covering substantially the entire outer layer. The waterproof material's peripheral shape substantially matches the outer layer's peripheral shape. The layer of waterproof material is joined to the outer layer when in the outer layer is flat. The upper has a second configuration wherein the waterproof laminate is formed from the first configuration to a three-dimensional shape that defines the interior area configured to receive the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A piece of footwear has a sole and a heel mount on the sole suitable for mounting and displaying one of a plurality of interchangeable collectible heels. Collectible heels may be mounted to the heel mount. Each of the collectible heels adorned with collectible markings, such as the name of an athlete, the emblem of a sports team, a real or fictitious character, a national flag, or collegiate marking or other marks, drawings designs or the like suitable, for collecting. Optionally, multiple heels may be mounted on a display board, and thus housed and display together.

Abstract: Attachable and detachable footwear components are disclosed which contribute to the development of certain muscles and tendons in the lower body, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, sartorius, plantaris, and the like. The disclosed footwear components are inflatable in some embodiments and made in the preferred embodiment of flexible elastomeric polymers. The disclosed components detach to and from the soles of common footwear commonly available in the market, and comprise a distal ball, a proximal ball, and some embodiments, one or more mid-balls. When affixed to standard footwear, the disclosed components destabilize the foot longitudinally and laterally, and plyometrically stress tendons and muscles in the legs of a wearer, toning and strengthening the wearer's legs with time.

Abstract: There is a felt need on the part of business people to have an affordable individualized promotional piece similar to and about the size of a standard business card that will have some inherent practical value to the recipient of the piece that induces the recipient to keep and to use the practical feature of the piece. The present invention provides a multi-year calendar not much bigger than a standard business card which encourages the recipient to keep and use the invention as a calendar for possibly several years, with the business person's name and contact information pre-printed on the invention. The calendar uses a coded wheel and the edge of the table area to get the correct code which then acts as a key to reveal the days and dates for the entire month on the inner semi-circles.

Abstract: A back-lit license plate for motor vehicles that includes a license plate that is at least partially translucent and which serves as a medium for carrying standard license plate information. A lighting source is positioned behind the license plate and when illuminated, operates to transmit light through the translucent portions of the license plate in such a manner that the carried license plate information can be perceived by a human eye in the dark. A diffuser between the lighting source and license plate may be used for distribution of the light energy.

Abstract: A bleacher advertising display system including a bleacher having a seating surface and a plurality of support beams that define an external vertical surface along one or more of the left side, rear side and right side of the bleacher. An advertising panel having advertising indicia thereon is engaged with a carrier and secured by way of a frame member to the support beams in such a way that the advertising panel is displayed along the external vertical surface. The frame member is adjustable to maintain the tension in the advertising panel so that the indicia are clearly displayed.

Abstract: A fence wrapping assembly for retaining a panel of sheet material adjacent one or both of a front and back of a fence. The panel has one or more pockets formed therein; a carrier is received in each pocket and a mounting member engages each carrier and secures the same to one of a first and second fence post. A tensioning device extends between the first and second fence posts and engages the panel. The device is adjustable to apply tension to the panel. Advertising graphics are applied to the panel's exterior surface.

Abstract: An advertising display system including a bleacher having a seating surface and support beams below the seating surface and defining a primary chamber, and an advertising panel assembly mounted within the primary chamber and defining a secondary chamber. The primary chamber has a first end and a second end and the advertising panel assembly may include an intermediate advertising panel between a first and second advertising panel that define the sides of the secondary chamber. Additionally, a ceiling panel may extend between the top edges of the first and second panels.

Abstract: A banner stand having an upright display mode and a collapsed transport mode, the banner stand comprising a banner presenting graphics thereon, a base and a post extending upwardly from the base, a support member selectively operably coupleable with the post to support the banner in an upright display mode, a curved form selectively changeable from a first configuration into a curved configuration to selectively impart a curve to the banner when the banner is in the upright display mode, and a magnet configured for selectively magnetically coupling the banner stand with a second banner stand when placed adjacently thereto.

Abstract: A panel fastening assembly comprising a frame member securable to a beam, an advertising track, a rod mating the frame member and the advertising track, a carrier for retaining an advertising panel therein, and wherein the carrier is secured to the advertising track to display the advertising panel. A method of displaying an advertising panel comprising the steps of engaging an advertising panel with a carrier, attaching a frame member to a beam, attaching a rod to the frame, coupling an advertising track to the carrier, and securing the advertising track to the rod.

Abstract: A single panel label holder for a product display supports a label for display to shoppers. The single panel traps the label against an adjacent surface of a corresponding shelf. The label holder can include a clip member for securing the label holder to the shelf.

Abstract: A picture frame with a smooth and flush back side is presented in this application, where the intended art piece will be held in place by a foam padding, and a back panel will be placed into a concave rectangular area, pressing the foam padding and art piece snugly in place, with the resulting back side surface being a nice and smooth surface.