Abstract: Floor panel of the type comprising a hard top layer forming a decorative surface, from which, together with other identical or similar floor panels, a floor covering can be formed, wherein this floor panel includes at least one sound-absorbing layer which is integrated into the floor panel and is located between other layers of this floor panel.

Abstract: A replaceable bottle cap assembly includes a body that conforms to the top of a threaded beverage container, the assembly including an internally threaded portion that mates with the threaded neck of the beverage container. A set of adapters are releasably and interchangeably used in connection with the body, each adapter being releasably attached to the body and having a threaded portion for engaging the threaded neck portion of a beverage container. A hinged cap of the assembly provides selective access to the contents of the attached beverage container wherein the assembly is sealingly and releasably attached to the container.

Abstract: A flange connector and gasket assembly for connecting and sealing duct sections includes a tubular member having an inner end incrementally smaller than its outer end, a gasket-seating trough adjacent to the inner end for receiving a sealing gasket, and an annular flange, extending radially outward from the outer end of the tubular member. The outer perimeter of the annular flange has a rolled edge rolled back toward the inner end of the tubular member, and a sealing gasket secured to the gasket-seating trough of the tubular member for sealing the duct section to be connected. The sealing gasket includes a substantially flat base portion, preferably of J-shaped or L-shaped cross-section, and a flexible, preferably hollow sealing portion of substantially circular cross-sectional shape affixed to and extending radially outward from the base portion for engagement with an outer end of the duct section to be connected and sealed.

Abstract: A button replacement and reinforcement system which provides a quick and simple alternative to sewing a button into place. This system is versatile in that it can be used on buttons with one or up to four holes. It provides a secure attachment or reinforcement to button placement, and is also able to add buttons as an embellishment to a variety of materials, including materials. It is quick and simple to use, and hold buttons securely in place without the need for a needle or thread.

Abstract: A blind rivet for fastening two members each member having a plurality of fastening holes arranged in corresponding positions. The inner diameter of the holes in the second member are greater than the inner diameter of the holes in the first member to compensate for positioning errors that may occur during machining. The blind rivet comprises a rivet body having a sleeve, a rivet head, and a through hole; a mandrel having an elongated stem and a head; and a washer. The washer is arranged around the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve in the rivet body and adjacent to the rivet head. The members to be fastened are fastened between the enlarged end of the sleeve and the washer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a setting device for connecting at least two components and comprises the following features: A first lever arm having a first working end, and a second lever arm having a second working end, that are pivotably connected to each other like pliers, a first linear drive connected to the first and the second lever arm so that, by changing of the length of the linear drive, the first and second working ends can move relative to each other, and a punch arranged at a first working end that is connected to a supply module for joining elements, and/or a hold-down module.

Abstract: Sintering device comprising a laser source, the light power of which is capable of selectively melting successive layers of metal powders, and a reference plate on which the first metal powder layer is deposited and which serves as a base for the construction of an object, characterized in that the said plate comprises one or more recesses, the shape of which is determined so as to make the said recesses capable of receiving inserts of a given shape.

Abstract: A method of deriving a scattered wave includes the steps of calculating a first scattered wave from a scatterer at a predetermined position by using a predetermined electromagnetic wave entering the scatterer, calculating a second scattered wave from a spherical nanoparticle cluster at the predetermined position by using T-matrix method when the predetermined electromagnetic wave enters the spherical nanoparticle cluster in a state where the spherical nanoparticle cluster containing a plurality of spherical nanoparticles is arranged inside a region that has the same shape and size as those of the scatterer, determining a condition of the plurality of spherical nanoparticles so that the first scattered wave is equal to the second scattered wave, and obtaining the scattered wave from the scatterer at an arbitrary position when an arbitrary electromagnetic wave enters the scatterer, based on the determined condition of the spherical nanoparticle.

Abstract: Method and system for making an invention are disclosed. Invention spaces are provided to support one to make pioneer-type or improvement inventions. An imaginary invention space is formed based on two circles disposed at both ends of an axis respectively. Each of the circles is determined by the number of indispensable constituent elements of inventions relating to a product. The method according to the invention comprises step for determining a first construction of a product having a plurality of indispensable elements, step for determining a second construction of a product having at least one element of the plurality of the indispensable elements, and step for determining a third construction of a product having the at least one element of the indispensable elements for the second construction and at least one new element not included in the plurality of indispensable elements.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in an electric transformer uses a rigid fastening member during transportation which is uncoupled during its operation, leaving the live part of the transformer coupled to a tank through damper elements reducing vibration transmission from the live part to the tank, reducing the noise emitted by the transformer.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a method is provided for fabricating magnetic structures using post-deposition tilting. A thin film magnetic transducer structure is formed on a substantially planar portion of a substrate such that a plane of deposition of the thin film transducer structure is substantially parallel to a plane of the substrate. Additionally, the thin film transducer structure is caused to tilt at an angle relative to the plane of the substrate. The thin film transducer is fixed at the angle after being tilted.

Abstract: A rod (7) is initially straight. However, the segments (3,32,34,36,38,40 and 42) are able to be moved such that there is a cross over at two locations. Segments (14) can start off with an initial straight shape and can be brought into a curved configuration. The segments are hollow and a camera (54) can be manipulated to extend out through opposed elongate openings (48) in each segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of dunnage cassettes adapted to cooperate with a plurality of containers, a fixture, and an assembly device to simultaneously assemble a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies together with a plurality of bipolar plates.

Abstract: A mounting method for a circuit board. The circuit board is formed with pilot holes that are placed onto pilot pins of a tool such that the pilot pins protrude through and beyond the circuit board. Then the tool is displaced toward a circuit board holder of the housing whereupon the pilot pins engage with a form fit in corresponding centering holes of the circuit board holder. After fixing the circuit board in the housing, the tool is withdrawn by detaching the pilot pins from the pilot holes, the circuit board remaining in the circuit board holder. The tool has an upper plate with associated pilot pins and a lower plate with a housing holder for positioning the housing. The circuit board, with the pilot pins engaging the pilot holes, is displaced by moving the upper plate toward the lower plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a capacitive transducer by applying a first etching mask on a layer. Applying a second etching mask to define the movable set of fingers, the fixed set of fingers, a body, and springs, and the body is connected to the movable set of fingers and the springs while the movable set of fingers are interdigitated with the fixed set of fingers. Etching the layer and the first etching mask using the second etching mask and removing the second etching mask. Etching the layer such that one of the movable set of fingers and the fixed set of fingers is shorter than the other of the movable set of fingers and the fixed set of fingers. Releasing the body, the springs, and the movable set of fingers using etching, such that, upon applying a force to the body, the body moves parallel to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rigid-flexible printed circuit board includes following steps. First, a flexible PCB is provided. The flexible PCB includes a base and an electrical trace layer on the base. The flexible PCB includes a first region and a second region connected to the first region. The first and second regions define a borderline. Second, a protective film and a peelable layer are sequentially formed on the electrical trace layer in the first region and part of the second region. Third, a copper coil, an adhesive tape and the flexible circuit board are laminated together. Fourth, the copper coil in the second region is etched to form an outer electrical trace layer. Last, the copper coil in the first region is removed and the peelable layer and the adhesive tape are peeled off, thereby obtaining an R-F PCB.

Abstract: A method for making the same is disclosed. First, a first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate includes a release film attached to a carrier. The second substrate includes a copper film covered with a solder mask. Second, the solder masked is patterned. Next, the release film and the patterned solder mask are pressed together so that the first substrate is attached to the second substrate. Then, the copper film is patterned to form a first pattern and a second pattern. The first pattern is in direct contact with the release film and the second pattern is in direct contact with the patterned solder mask. Later, a passivation is formed to cover the first pattern and the second pattern to form a circuit board structure. Afterwards, a package is formed on the carrier to form a packaging structure.

Abstract: A universal offset connecting rod and method of manufacture of a universal offset connecting rod comprised of an offset connecting rod having an offset longitudinal axis, a first circular aperture used for pivotally attaching the offset connecting rod to a wrist pin, and a second circular aperture used to pivotally attach said offset connecting rod to a crankshaft, and a force transfer area creating an angle of offset which directs the line of action to a point away from the center of said second circular aperture. The force transfer area is a triangular area free from any solid material and defined by the normal line of action on one side and the offset connecting rod on the remaining two sides. The connecting rod is therefore discontinuous along the traditional line of action, resulting in a completely offset of transferred force.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing the slider of a linear sliding rail includes employing a forged one-piece billet of the slider, providing an inner forming mold inwardly made into the actual shape of the slider to be molded, utilizing metal rigidity and extensibility of the billet, placing the billet onto the inner forming mold, employing a punching machine to axially drive the billet into the inner mold with the actual shape of the slider, subjecting the billet in the inner forming mold to a powerful press, extending and molding the billet according to the lines and the rail shapes of the slider, further providing an inner shaping mold located in a shaping mold, whose shape is the same as that of the above molded slider but whose size is slightly smaller than that of the molded slider, then driving the molded slider into the inner shaping mold by the punching machine and ejected it from the lower end of the inner shaping mold to complete a finished slider with a completely smooth surface, in order to ach

Abstract: The invention discloses a utility knife preventing its blade from accidental detachment. Prior utility knives may lose constraint on the blade due to tilting of the retaining member when the blade receives external force from the blade holder pulling outward, causing the blade to detach accidentally from the blade holder. In the present invention, the line of the action force in the engagement area of blade and retaining member extends over the axis of axle pin where the retaining member is mounted, so that when the blade receives external force pulling it outward from the blade holder, a counterclockwise torque is formed to the retaining member to allow the retaining member constrain the blade more tightly and thus prevent the blade from accidental detachment.

Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that enable a user to remove meat from produce. The invention can provide users with a malleable wire that can be attached to a handle to remove the meat from an avocado, mango or kiwi.

Abstract: A collapsible multiblade throwing weapon incorporates a first blade having a shank from which a blade portion extends with a butt portion extending from the shank opposite the blade portion. The shank incorporates an aperture for a first axle and an eyelet extending from the butt portion for a second axle. Second and third blades each have an aperture which receives the first axle for rotation of the blade on the axle and each blade has a closed position engagement cutout and an open position engagement cutout. First and second pawls, associated with the second and third blades respectively, each have an eyelet receiving the second axle. The pawls rotate about the second axle for resiliently engaging the closed position engagement cutout with the associated blade in a closed position and the open position engagement cutout with the associated blade in an open position.

Abstract: A trimmer head for cutting vegetation is adaptable to operate in blade trimming mode and in monofilament trimming mode, and requires minimal time and effort to change between the two modes. The device comprises a bottom plate and a top plate. The top and bottom plate are urged together, thereby locking the blades in place. When the top and bottom plate are separated and rotated relative to one another, a blade may be inserted or removed from the blade posts by a gap formed between the top of the blade post and the top plate. The top plate includes a surface having a plurality of trimmer blade posts adaptable to pivotally mount at least one trimmer blade. The top plate further comprises a plurality of monofilament holes for receiving a monofilament line therethrough.

Abstract: A hand held device comprising a handle, said handle comprising a grip portion and a connection portion, said connection portion rotating with respect to said grip portion about a rotational axis, said connection portion forming a docking portion suitable for receiving an optional head unit, said docking portion being positioned opposite distally away from said grip portion, wherein rotation of the connection portion relative to the grip portion generates a specific amount of dynamic torsional resistance. The handle has a set amount of stiffness and damping and/or stiffness and momentum of inertia such that the device provides a controlled return during rotation about the rotational axis so the device can contour about the surface in a desirable manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is an angle sensor configured to compensate eccentricity of a main gear rotated by a rotating shaft, thus inhibiting abrasion of a gear and reduction in tooth strength and thereby improving operational reliability and durability, the angle sensor including a housing formed with a space for allowing a rotating shaft to pass, a coupling member disposed in the housing and coupled with the rotating shaft to rotate along with the rotating shaft, a ring-shaped main gear coupled to an outer circumference of the coupling member and rotated along with the coupling member, a subsidiary gear meshed with the main gear, an inner protrusion protruding inwards from an inner circumference of the main gear, and a groove formed in the coupling member, the inner protrusion being inserted into the groove to transmit a rotating force from the coupling member to the main gear.

Abstract: A chalk box includes a housing with an opening and a rotatable reel disposed within the housing. An elongated line is arranged to be wound on the reel. A reel winder is arranged to rotate the reel to wind the line on the reel. A movable cover is mounted to the housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover when open permits a powder or a fluid marker material to be placed into the housing through the opening in the housing. The movable cover includes an elastomeric material enabling the cover to seal with the housing when the cover is closed to prevent leakage of the marker material at an interface between the movable cover and the housing. A releasable lock is arranged to releasably lock the cover in the closed position, the releasable lock being manually manipulable by a user's fingers to release the lock to permit access into the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine for measuring the coordinates of an object in space is provided. The AACMM includes a base and a arm portion having an opposed first end and second end. The arm portion includes a plurality of connected arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. An electronic circuit is provided that receives the position signal from the at least one position transducer. A probe member is disposed is coupled to the first end. A noncontact three-dimensional measuring device is coupled to the probe member, the device having an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and is configured to determine a distance to an object based at least in part on the propagation time of the emitted and reflected light beams.

Abstract: A tape measure holder device is provided, having the ability to be positioned on a belt of a user for easy access or replacement thereof. The device comprises a base plate, a horizontal attachment shelf, two guide mounts and a belt attachment means. The belt attachment means comprises two vertical clips, or alternatively a loop adapted to fit a user belt therethrough comprising a rigid loop or a larger, flexible loop for use with a carpenter's belt. A tape measure is secured using its attachment clip, which slides over the horizontal attachment shelf between the two opposing guide mounts, securing the clip between the shelf and the base plate. To remove the tape measure, a user slides the tape measure vertically from the horizontal shelf. An offset is provided by the attachment shelf that facilitates easy removal and replacement of the tape measure during operation.

Abstract: A tape rule includes a housing comprising a first material, a reel rotatable within the housing, an axle extending within the housing about which the reel is mounted, a measuring tape wound on the reel, and a reinforcement region comprising a portion of the housing. The reinforcement region is formed from a second material having a higher impact resistance material than the first material of the housing. The second material is disposed at least at a position at which the axle joins the housing.

Abstract: A hydraulic exsiccate device lessens the presence of or prevents water vapor from entering the fluid reservoir of hydraulic machines which helps to reduce or eliminate damage to hydraulic systems used in environments such as boating, utilities, construction, manufacturing, fishing, industrial, marine, agriculture, military, mining, and so on. The hydraulic exsiccate device eliminates hydraulic reservoir fill caps, and in their place, the hydraulic exsiccate device is used as a cover fitting for closing the fluid reservoir (configured to conduct hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic systems) which operates to lessen the presence of or prevent water vapor from entering the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A rotating air directing apparatus for a hair dryer is provided. The apparatus includes a tubular rotating member and a nozzle member disposed adjacent to an outlet opening of the tubular rotating member and adapted to rotate with the tubular rotating member. The nozzle member includes an angled tubular member having a nozzle opening disposed at an acute angle relative to the outlet opening. A plurality of curved vanes each have a fixed edge at a circumferential inner surface of the tubular rotating member, and an opposing free edge that defines a central open space of the tubular rotating member. Each of the plurality of curved vanes are spaced apart from each other, thereby defining a plurality of curved radial openings between adjacent curved vanes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for drying a surface of a substrate includes a proximity drying head having a head body that includes a process surface configured to be disposed opposite a surface of a substrate when present. The process surface includes a first region, a second region and a third region. The first region is defined at a leading edge of the head body and includes a cavity region that is recessed into the head body. The cavity region includes a plurality of inlet ports that are used to introduce a vapor fluid to the cavity region. The second region is disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate when present and is located beside the first region. The third region is disposed proximate to the surface of the substrate when present and is located beside the second region. A plurality of vacuum ports is defined at the interface of the second region and the third region. The third region includes a plurality of angled inlet ports that are directed toward the second region.

Abstract: A dryer comprising an enclosure and a transporter for transporting one or more components therethrough between a first and a second opening. The dryer includes one or more heating elements and a first and a second duct within the enclosure. The first and said second duct each include a plurality of openings configured for discharging heated air towards the one or more components. An exhaust stack in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure includes an exhaust blower for extracting fluid from within the enclosure, and one or more heating elements for oxidizing the vaporized compounds. The supply and the exhaust blowers cooperatively operate to induce infiltration of air through the first and the second opening. A method for operating the dryer is also provided.

Abstract: A contact lens case drying apparatus and kit are provided. The apparatus includes a plate-like structure having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface having at least one raised ridge that occupies a portion of a surface area of the upper surface of said plate-like structure, said ridge capable of supporting the contact lens case at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A washing machine including a drying function for drying laundry items received therein is provided. The washing machine may include an air circulating device that circulates air through a tub of the washing machine and heats air for re-supply to the tub, and an air discharge device that discharges a portion of moist air from the tub to an outside of the tub.

Abstract: A paint drying booth includes a stationary structure of sidewalls, and a pair of opposed end walls including an access door for egress and ingress. A turbo-compressor is disposed exteriorly of the booth and delivers through a duct heated turbine air thereinto. The duct is in fluid communication with a nozzle which, in turn, is in fluid communication with an air knife having a slit which delivers turbulent air into the interior of the booth. A pair of diametrically opposed panels are disposed at the junction of the corners of the booth upon which air from the air knife impinges thereon to create a vortex within the booth. Optimally, a five bladed turbo-compressor is used. A seven bladed turbo-compressor may be used and which also delivers heated air to a spray gun disposed within the booth by a diverter.

Abstract: A heated shoe includes a main body, a sole, a heat conducting layer and a heat generating module. The heat generating module includes a power generating unit, a rectifying circuit and a heat generating unit, which are electrically connected in series. The power generating unit and the rectifying circuit are located in the sole, and the heat generating unit is located at the heat conducting layer. The power generating unit provides and outputs induced current, the rectifying circuit receives, rectifies and processes the induced current from the power generating unit. The heat generating unit converts electric energy from the rectifying circuit into heat, and the heat conducting layer outputs the heat.

Abstract: A dance shoe (100) is provided which comprises an upper (102) and a sole (104) attached to the upper (102). Heel and tip portions (10, 40) formed from a moulded plastics material are attached to rear and front portions of the sole (104), respectively. A method of forming such a shoe is also provided. By forming the heel and tip portions from a moulded plastics material the shape, weight and sound created by the heel and tip portions will be consistent across different pairs of the dance shoe.

Abstract: Footwear sole comprising a top half with hollow vertical configurations and a bottom half, wherein said configurations are filled to at least half of their volume with a shock-absorbing plastic material to absorb as great a range of possible loads with a simple and easily adjustable configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion member and a shoe insole comprising the same. In particular, it relates to a cushion member which is inserted to an outside of heel of shoe insole wherein an end of the cushion member is shaped to be concave in order to wrap the convex portion between the rear sole of foot and ankle, and to a shoe insole comprising the same.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A lasting element is secured to the upper adjacent to the lower perimeter edge. The lasting element includes a barrier and a tensile member located within the barrier, the tensile member being secured to opposite sides of the barrier. In addition, a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to at least one of the upper and the lasting element.

Abstract: This invention discloses a shoe comprising a midsole having triple-hardness structures with different hardness to each other, a bridge formed from the midsole to upper of outsole, the bridge being formed onto the outsole and having one or more legs, an a mesh-type frame formed on the upper of shoe to support the subtalar articulation, wherein the bridge is formed only at the inside of shoe, and the triple-hardness structures comprises a low-hardbness layer, a middle-hardbness layer and a high-hardbness layer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness.

Abstract: Women's shoes with a detachable pouch or detachable lift-off top showcase for interchangeable designer inserts, where the detachable pouch or detachable showcase is in the form of a strip which is disposed directly above and is longitudinally aligned along a center of a sole of said shoe, and where an upper end of said strip is attached at a first attachment point on a strap which encircles a portion of a woman's ankle, and a lower end of said strip is attached at a second attachment point at a forefoot retaining band located at a forefoot portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A convertible shoe, having a sole defining a plurality of first attachment points and second attachment points, such as snap fasteners and pins. A heel connects to the sole, and a vamp detachably connects to the sole at the corresponding plurality of first and second attachment points.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe includes a main body, a sole located at one side of the main body, a vibration layer, and a power generating module. The vibration layer is located between the main body and the sole. The power generating module includes a power generating unit, a rectifying circuit and a vibration device, which are electrically connected in series. The power generating unit generates and induces induced current. The rectifying circuit receives, rectifies, amplifies and processes the induced current from the power generating unit. The vibration device is located at the vibration layer and receives the processed induced current from the rectifying circuit to vibrate according to a predetermined vibration frequency in the vibration layer.

Abstract: Footwear includes a translucent outsole that can be illuminated out the bottom and sides of the outsole. The illumination may be controlled by a selector switch with modes selected by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide adhering “upperless” footwear. Such footwear is provided with adhesive or another surface element to secure the footwear to a wearer's foot during use. The adhesive may be formulated to allow the footwear to be secured to the wearer's foot in a removable and repeatable fashion.

Abstract: A sports shoe includes an instep and a rigid outer sole, the sole having a front portion including a first plurality of studs, a central portion, and a rear portion including a second plurality of studs. The rear portion includes a thickened portion with a flat outer surface on which the second plurality of studs is located, the thickened portion raising the rear portion relative to the front portion; the central portion includes an inwardly curved outer profile.

Abstract: An outsole element may includes a first side configured for attachment to a midsole or other shoe component and an exposed second side opposite the first side. A plurality of recesses can be formed in the second side. Each of those recesses may include a concave region aligned with a corresponding raised region located on the first side and may further include a corresponding traction element.