Abstract: A method of manufacturing an inductor includes a lamination step, a division step, a firing step, and a plating step. In the lamination step, a laminate including an insulator, a coil body, and external electrodes is formed. That is, in the lamination step, insulating layers having wide filling conductors, insulating layers having narrow filling conductors, and conductor patterns having external electrode patterns are laminated. As a result, the conductor patterns form the coil body, and the wide filling conductors, the narrow filling conductors, and the external electrode patterns form the external electrodes. The narrow filling conductors have a width that is less than the widths of the wide filling conductors and the external electrode patterns, and recesses and projections are provided in the external electrodes.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a push-button switch, a key-top end of a pressing element 25 is inserted into a lower-mold recess for the pressing element, which is provided in a surface of a lower mold. A reinforcing plate 28 is placed in the lower mold so that the pressing element 25 extends through a plate through hole of the reinforcing plate 28. An upper mold and the lower mold are moved toward each other so as to insert the other end of the pressing element 25 into an upper-mold recess for the pressing element, which is provided in a lower surface of the upper mold. A liquid silicone rubber 27, which contains a component that does not adhere to the upper and lower molds but adheres to the pressing element 25, is introduced into a cavity.

Abstract: Silicate cathodes for lithium ion batteries are provided along with methods of forming a silicate. Olivine structures are substituted with a lithium ion. The substituted Olivine structures are combined to form flake-like sheets having an orientation that facilitates passage of lithium ions. Related methods of forming a cathode are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a lithium ion secondary battery exhibiting a high capacity retention rate over a long period.

Abstract: A fastening system includes a housing and a plurality of spindles. The plurality of spindles are not fixedly attached to the housing. The fastening system has a first axis. Each of the plurality of spindles is moveable parallel to the first axis. The fastening system also has a second axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the plurality of spindles is also moveable parallel to the second axis. A template member is configured to locate the plurality of spindles, and is not permanently fastened to the housing.

Abstract: A component mounting apparatus includes two board transfer devices each for transferring boards, at least one component supply device for supplying plural kinds of components to be mounted on the boards, and a component placing device including at least one component placing head for picking up the supplied components to mount the picked-up components on the boards and at least one head moving mechanism for moving the at least one component placing head in at least two directions parallel to a surface of the board. The apparatus also includes a controller that operates one component placing head to mount components alternately on two boards transferred by the two board transfer devices to respective component mounting positions and operates two component placing heads to mount components in parallel on two boards transferred by the two boards transfer devices to the respective component mounting positions.

Abstract: A fastener dispensing apparatus includes a body that defines a punch path and at least partially surrounds a punch that includes forward and rearward portions. The punch reciprocates between retracted and advanced positions in which the tip of the forward portion extends from an end of the punch path to drive a fastener towards the workpiece. A fastener feed path extends transverse to the punch path and is defined by a surface of the body, the fastener feed path receives an elongate carrier of fasteners. A fastener feeding device sequentially feeds fasteners along the fastener feed path and into alignment with the end of the punch path. An actuator is drivable by the reciprocal movement of the rearward portion of the punch. An engagement member engages the carrier and is moveable relative to the body.

Abstract: A coupler assembly is disclosed comprising: a mounting sleeve including at least one L-shaped slot; a mounting support including an insertion stud, the insertion stud configured to fit into the mounting sleeve; the insertion stud further including a radial through-hole: a compression spring disposed over the insertion stud, the compression spring functioning to exert a separation force between the mounting sleeve and the mounting support; and a retaining pin disposed in the radial through-hole wherein the insertion stud is inserted into the mounting sleeve by sliding an end of the retaining pin inside the at least one L-shaped slot.

Abstract: One or more embodiments contained herein disclose rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) and methods for manufacturing the same comprising strain resistant layers configured to, among others, minimize defects from occurring in cap layers of the PCBs.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide capacitance sensing devices and methods for forming such devices. The capacitance sensing devices include a substrate having a central and an outer portion. A plurality of substantially co-planar electrodes are on the central portion substrate. A first plurality of conductors are on the substrate. Each of the first plurality of conductors has a first end portion electrically connected to one of the plurality of electrodes and a second end portion on the outer portion of the substrate. An insulating material is coupled to the second end portions of the first plurality of conductors. A second plurality of conductors are coupled to the insulating material. Each of the second plurality of conductors is electrically connected to the second end portion of at least some of the first plurality of conductors and is insulated from the second end portion of the others of the first plurality of conductors.

Abstract: A radiation detector using gas amplification includes: a first electrode pattern which is formed on a first surface of an insulating member and has a plurality of circular openings; and a second electrode pattern which is formed on a second surface of the insulating member opposite to the first surface thereof and has convex portions of which respective forefronts are exposed to centers of the openings of the first electrode pattern; wherein a predetermined electric potential is set between the first electrode pattern and the second electrode pattern; wherein edges of the first electrode pattern exposing to the openings are shaped in respective continuous first curved surfaces by covering the edges thereof with a first solder material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes forming on a support board a first resin insulation layer, forming a second resin insulation layer on the first resin insulation layer, forming in the second resin insulation layer an opening portion in which an electronic component having an electrode is mounted, accommodating the electronic component in the opening portion of the second resin insulation layer such that the electrode of the electronic component faces an opposite side of the first resin insulation layer, forming on the first surface of the second resin insulation layer and the electronic component an interlayer resin insulation layer, and forming in the interlayer resin insulation layer a via conductor reaching to the electrode of the electronic component.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a plurality of cable connectors onto a panel that defines a plurality of target mounting locations. At least two of the plurality of cable connectors defines at least a pair of cable retaining apertures. The pairs of cable retaining apertures of a first one of the two cable connectors are spaced apart in a first direction, and the pair of cable retaining apertures of a second one of the two cable connectors are spaced apart in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

Abstract: A single-aperture, multi-axial transceiver is provided that is particularly useful in a LIDAR system for detecting low velocities at increased ranges. The system is particularly useful in systems that measure very low velocities and very short distances as well as to provide an operating range of hundreds of meters. The transceiver uses closely spaced waveguides placed near the focal point of a single objective to form input and detector apertures.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel tank filler neck associated with a fuel tank. The fuel tank filler neck includes a fill tube for receiving a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle and a fuel conductor interconnecting an interior region of the fuel tank and a passageway formed in the fill tube.

Abstract: In a razor having a handle and a blade cartridge containing one or more blades, a system is provided for selectively heating the blades to a controlled temperature range. The blade heating system includes an electric circuit with a battery power source for controlled direction of current flow through the blades in order to heat the blades. The electric circuit includes an automatic on/off switch, such as a proximity switch or a tilt switch with a timer for opening the circuit after an elapsed period for preserving battery life, a visual indicator for indicating on/off status, and a heat controller for selectively adjusting the temperature of the blades. With the exception of the blades, the components of the electric circuit are carried in the razor's handle and an inductive coupling is provided at the connection of the handle and blade cartridge for electrically connecting the blades to the electric circuit.

Abstract: A shaving head unit (3) comprises at least two shaving elements (6), each being provided with:-a separate base portion (9) comprising at least a separate space (13) for receiving cut-off hairs,-a movably arranged cutter member (10) for cutting off hair,-a drive shaft (30) accommodated in the base portion for driving the cutter member,-a pivot pin (29) connected to the cutter member, which pivot pin is detachably coupled to the drive shaft, a cap (7) with a plurality of openings for letting through hairs to be cut off by the cutting member and to be received in the space. The cap is movable independently of the cap of another shaving element with respect to the base portion between a closed position and an opened position in which cut off hairs can be removed from the space. Each shaving element comprises a separate support device (21) being movably attached to the cap of the shaving element.

Abstract: The invention discloses a utility knife, including at least a utility knife body, which has a first end part and a second end part; the first end part is arranged with a first mounting bracket, and the second end part is arranged with a second mounting bracket. A first blade is arranged detachably on the first mounting bracket; a second blade is arranged detachably on the second mounting bracket. Users can select appropriate blades to work during operation, or alternatively use different blades to operate without replacing blades. When a blade on one end becomes non-serviceable, users can immediately switch to use the blade on the other end to continue operation, which prolongs the time of continuous work and enhances the efficiency.

Abstract: A folding knife having a handle, a blade pivotably coupled to the handle, and a liner includes a liner lock and a first pivot member that is a post, pin, rod, or other structure having a shape adapted to be slidably received in the second arcuate opening of the blade. The liner further includes a first arcuate opening that has an enlarged end portion and an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle adapted for slidably receiving the second pivot member of the blade. A tang of the blade includes the second pivot member, and the second arcuate opening that has an enlarged end portion and an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. An extended tang portion, or flipper, extends downward from the tang. The handle also includes an opposing liner arranged alongside the liner in the handle with the blade positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a stationary part, a movable part moveably supported by the stationary part, and at least one elastic member disposed between the movable part and the stationary part. The stationary part includes a stator core with a pair of teeth extending inwardly there from, and a winding wound on each of the teeth. The movable part disposed between the teeth includes two pairs of permanent magnetic poles respectively facing the teeth and an output shaft projecting in a first direction. When the windings are electrified, the stationary part generates a magnetic field which interacts with the permanent magnetic poles to reciprocate the movable part relative to the stationary part in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A bush cutter is provided with a cutting blade and a protective cover configured to partly cover the cutting blade. The protective cover includes a main body and an expansion part configured to be detachably attached to the main body. One of the main body and the expansion part of the protective cover is provided with a click portion and the other is provided with an engaging hole configured to accept engagement of the click portion from an inner side and expose the engaging click portion to an outer side. The engaging hole has an aperture geometry that allows entry of a tool but prevents entry of a fingertip. Accordingly, no tool is required when attaching the expansion part, but at least one tool is required when detaching the expansion part.

Abstract: A tool device, in particular a jigsaw device, includes at least one guide unit for at least partially guiding at least one machine body and/or a workpiece processing motion. The tool device further includes at least one alignment detection unit for detecting an alignment of the guide unit relative to a motor housing and/or relative to a tool receiving unit.

Abstract: A cutting tool for cutting out a thin-walled wall section from a container and for receiving the cut-out wall section in the cutting tool. The cutting tool can be used to cut thin-walled container walls of sheet metal or polymer.

Abstract: A digital solar compass has a planar image sensor (5) for capturing an image of a gnomon (1) perpendicular to the plane of the image sensor. A cover (12) protects the gnomon and image sensor. A signal processor (14) is arranged to determine the angle of a shadow cast by the sun and the gnomon from the image captured by the planar image sensor. The gnomon (1) may be mounted directly on the planar image sensor (5) or the shadow may be formed on a diffuser sheet (3) and projected onto the image sensor (5) using a lens (4).

Abstract: An acceleration detector includes a base portion, a plate-like movable portion connected to the base portion via a joint portion, an acceleration detecting element laid over the base portion and the movable portion, and a supporting portion having a part extending along the movable portion from the base portion, as viewed in a plan view. A mass portion partly overlapping the supporting portion, as viewed in a plan view, is arranged on at least one of two main surfaces of the movable portion. The movable portion is displaceable about the joint portion as a fulcrum in a direction intersecting the main surface according to an acceleration applied in the direction intersecting the main surface. A space is provided between the mass portion and the supporting portion in an area where the mass portion and the supporting portion overlap each other.

Abstract: A template for forming an opening in a surface includes a substrate having parallel first and second planar surface. The first planar surface includes parallel first and second lengthwise edges. The first planar surface also includes parallel first and second widthwise edges, where the second widthwise edge is perpendicular to the first and second lengthwise edges. First matching measurement index markings are located on the first planar surface along the first and second lengthwise edges. Second matching measurement index markings are located on the first planar surface along the first and second widthwise edges. A lengthwise slot is formed in the substrate parallel to the first and second lengthwise edges. Lengthwise measurement index markings are located on the first planar surface adjacent to a lengthwise edge of the lengthwise slot. A widthwise slot is formed in the substrate parallel to the first and second widthwise edges.

Abstract: A dual path kiln is provided that includes a kiln having one or more chambers and at least two lumber charge paths adapted to convey lumber through the kiln in opposite directions by means of a track having two rails in which a pusher device pushes the lumber through the kiln and comprises a variable output electric motor to effect a high degree of accurate control of the movement speed of the pusher device and the lumber it's pushing and wherein the pusher device includes a faceplate having two side walls extending from said faceplate to engage the side of the lumber in order to greatly enhance stability of the lumber while it is being transported and minimize the risk of spillage.

Abstract: A method for producing a fog of ice nuclei by introducing a cryogenic fluid and a humid gas stream into a freeze dryer. The cryogenic fluid and humid gas stream will form ice nuclei having a preferred size for introduction into vials contained in the freeze dryer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for use in tough to dry areas, such as the gasket of a front loading washing machine, to remove excess moisture built up in such areas, and prevent mold growth. In one embodiment, an excess moisture drying apparatus comprises a handle portion having a base and a protruding handle extending therefrom, and a sponge affixed to the handle portion via an attachment means, the sponge having an inner core having a substantially rigid or formable material, and an outer core comprising a chamois cloth or a woven fabric cloth, and the sponge having a gross water absorption property of at least 5.0%, defined as the volume of the weight of the liquid absorbed to the weight of the dry material, per volume, wherein the drying portion is sized to form fit within a water-sealing gasket of a front loading washing machine.

Abstract: A drying system includes a desiccant wheel that dries incoming air. The dried air is heated using a heating element to promote drying of an article within the drying system. A portion of the heated air is diverted to a secondary air path that leads away from the drum holding the article. The diverted portion is used to regenerate an area of the desiccant wheel. A secondary heating element is used to promote regeneration and located in the secondary air path.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for temporary location within a damp or waterlogged room is disclosed. The apparatus includes sensors to sense the level of temperature and humidity within the room, a heater to provide heat for the room, an air circulation fan for selectively circulating heated air within the room or selectively exhausting warm and humid air from the room and for allowing outside ambient air into the room. The apparatus being adapted to cyclically continue until the sensed humidity reaches a required level, the apparatus thereafter indicating, directly or indirectly, the completion of the drying process. A method of drying a room using such apparatus is also disclosed which employs a technique whereby the rate of change of the temperature increase is used to determine when humid air should be exhausted from the room. A time limit can also be use to determine when said exhausting takes place.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a shoe-slipper combination. The shoe-slipper combination includes a shoe, wherein the shoe is configured to be worn by a wearer. The shoe-slipper combination also includes a slipper. The slipper is configured to fit on the foot of the wearer and fit at least partially within the shoe.

Abstract: A layered non-woven textile may be incorporated into various products, including apparel. The layered non-woven textile may be formed from a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is formed from a plurality of first filaments that include a first thermoplastic polymer material with a first melting temperature. The second layer is located adjacent to the first layer and secured to the first layer. The second layer is formed from plurality of second filaments that include a second thermoplastic polymer material with a second melting temperature. The first melting temperature is lower than the second melting temperature.

Abstract: Linked articles and a method for customizing the linked articles are disclosed. The linked articles comprise a first link matrix and a second link matrix comprising a first portion of the article and a second portion of the article, respectively. The first link matrix consists essentially of links of a first material and the second link matrix consists essentially of links of a second material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel platform section, a mid-foot section juxtaposed to the heel platform section, and a toe section juxtaposed to the mid-foot section. The mid-foot section and toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the mid-foot section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to the outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: Ski-boot comprising a rigid shell shaped to accommodate the foot, and a rigid cuff which is shaped to surround the ankle and is hinged on the shell so to be rotatable about a transversal reference axis; the shell being inferiorly provided with a front sole and with a substantially duckbill-shaped front appendix which protrudes from the tip of the shell to form an extension of the front sole, and is structured so as to engaged in the front jaw of a specific ski fastening device; the front appendix having, on each lateral side, a respective side groove which starts on the appendix upper face at a distance from the appendix tip ranging between 10 and 20 millimetres, and continues by flanking the shell tip while increasing its depth, so to form a descending slope above which a corresponding prong of the front jaw of the ski fastening device is arranged.

Abstract: A triathlon shoe for use in both the cycling and running segments of a race which includes an outer sole, a midsole, an upper, a cleat for attachment to a pedal of a bike and a rigid insert positioned above, and secured to, the cleat. The rigid insert is secured to the midsole which includes a cushioning material suitable for running. The midsole and outer sole are also configured to allow the cleat to protrude through the bottom of the shoe for attachment to the pedal of a bike. The midsole may also be recessed to provide sufficient space for the pedal of the bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat and to prevent the cleat from striking the ground while the wearer is running.

Abstract: A spinning shoe having an upper and sole member in which the sole member has a spinning assembly in the forefoot. The spinning assembly is placed within a recess in the forefoot region of the sole member. Thus, the user may walk about in the spinning shoe in a normal mode or spin about a vertical axis by placing the user's weight on the forefoot region and then spin about on the vertical axis.

Abstract: An item of footwear having an interchangeable sole system, midsoles for such an item of footwear, and related methods for making such midsoles, including a receptacle incorporated in the midsole wherein a portion of the receptacle is configured to complement an engageable element of a sole unit so that a bidirectional stop is provided that helps secure the sole unit to the midsole, and wherein a material property of the receptacle differs from a material property of the midsole so that the midsole provides cushioning to the item of footwear, and the receptacle allows for engagement and disengagement of the engageable element of the sole unit to the midsole without the need for an outsole frame.

Abstract: A method for naturally adapting the outline of a footwear sole made of a deformable material is described. A sole with modified profile obtained according to the method and a basic kit for partially carrying out said method are also described.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems discussed herein relate to a high-heeled shoe; and more particularly, for providing improved comfort and/or to alleviate foot pain related to the wearing of a high-heeled shoe. For example, a high-heeled shoe may include an insole or a top outer layer and a bottom rigid structure. The bottom rigid structure may include a front portion, a mid portion, and an end portion. The front portion of the bottom rigid structure may include a cavity or cut-out portion for insertion of an encapsulated gel. When the shoe is worn, the encapsulated gel may expand laterally in response to an introduction of pressure on a top surface of the encapsulated gel thereby dispersing pressure on the balls of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to trenching devices, and more particularly to a trenching device optimized for basement water proofing and other application where it may be preferable to trench near and along a vertical surface. The trenching device has been designed for ease of portability and commercial shipping.

Abstract: A stretching system to stretch a canvas or material on a frame without the use of stretching pliers and staples. Special purpose corner clamps are used to secure the stretcher bars into an initial open miter frame to orient the double sided adhesive strip on the side of the stretchers towards the canvas or material while maintaining the adhesive strip from touching the canvas or material. After alignment, the stretching bars are pressed down and attached onto the canvas or material and the corners are released. The corner clamps are removed and canvas or material corners are cut and folded into the open miter ends which also have adhesive strips. By rotating the stretchers axially 90 degrees into the final frame, thus closing the miters, and upon inserting U-shaped fasteners into the grooves placed on the back of the stretcher, the canvas or material is stretched and ready to display.

Abstract: An automobile protection device having a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has an inner edge and an outer edge. A plurality of semi-circular tabs extend from the inner edge having circular holes. The outer edge of the first frame integrally couples the first frame with the second frame such that the first frame extends outwardly from the second frame. The inner edge of the first frame secures the license plate to the fender by aligning the circular holes of the first frame with the existing holes in a standard license plate and fender of an automobile and securing the device using screws. When in position, the device extends perpendicularly outwardly from the fender to prevent damage to the license plate and fender of an automobile.

Abstract: A magnetic license protection and tagging device includes a main body with at least one magnet. The main body has a first pocket for holding at least one of a license and a tag. The main body is foldable between an open position and a closed position. The at least one magnet is connected to the main body, and selectively militates against the main body moving from the closed position to the open position. The magnetic license protection and tagging device may be secured to a game animal by magnetic attraction. The magnetic license protection and tagging device is used to appropriately tag the game animal in compliance with hunting laws.

Abstract: A current-generated photo-luminescent hybrid sign is provided that includes one or more light emitting elements within a channel in the frame to evenly distribute light, while at the same time energizing a photo-luminescent glow material in case of power outage. A method of use of the sign is also provided.

Abstract: An upright display includes a display main body made of display sheets each having a display face, connected so that the sheets can be folded into flat and unfolded into a tubular shape. A retaining member is located in the display main body to retain the display main body in the unfolded state. The retaining member may be folded into flat and unfolded into a tubular shape. The retaining member is in contact with rear faces of the display sheets in such a state that at least one part of the retaining member is fixed to the rear faces of the display sheets. An elastic member urges the retaining member in such a direction that the retaining member can be folded into a tubular shape.

Abstract: A kit that readily enables a user create, decorate and exhibit a sign in order to display information or showcase a special occasion or event. The kit is comprised of, among other things, an easel, poster board or other media, a constructible frame, scissors, and decorative stickers, papers, charms and the like. The constructible frame further comprises mounting brackets for mounting the sign on a wall or other structure in conjunction with, or after, the special event or occasion.

Abstract: A user-configurable photo and planar media display device is provided with adjustable pockets to hold the photos, art, or media. A transparent front wall is removably engageable to a support surface to allow user configuration and redimensioning of the formed pockets, to match their photos or media for insertion therein.