Abstract: The utility model relates to the technical field of driving structure, and provides a linear reciprocatingly movement-type driving structure and a cleaning tool. The linear reciprocatingly movement-type driving structure comprises of: a driving gear and a crown gear engaged with said driving gear; an eccentric cam that is set eccentrically on the crown gear, a first connecting shaft is set on said eccentric cam, a crankshaft is sleeved on the said first connecting shaft, while the crankshaft is connected to an output shaft. In the utility model, the driving method of the motor 16 could be changed from a 360-degree rotation into a linear reciprocating motion through the driving gear, the crown gear, the eccentric cam, the first connecting shaft, the crankshaft and the output shaft. Therefore the wear and tear is reduced and the service life is prolonged.

Abstract: Floor cleaning machine 1, comprising a cleaning system 2, 3, 4, at least one front wheel 5; 5?; 5a, 5b as well as two rear wheels 6a, 6b; 6a?, 6b? and a drive mechanism 7; 7a, 7b, wherein the drive mechanism is an electric mono wheel drive and wherein the operator 8 is placed on the machine, characterized in that the operator is standing on a platform 9 which is located above the geometrical axis Z between the two rear wheels, wherein the maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 mm. The front wheel can be a castor wheel 5 and the rear wheels 6a, 6b can be independently driven by drive motors 7a, 7b—instead of one castor wheel, two independent castor wheels 5a, 5b can be provided. The front wheel can also be a steered wheel 5? which is powered by a drive 7 and the rear wheels 6a?, 6b? can be independently suspended and not driven.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush assembly (100) includes an outer housing (102, 104), a brush head (106) and a fluid nozzle (138) adjacent the brush head (106), an inner housing (122) disposed within the outer housing (102,104) and having a motor (130) which is in operative engagement with the brush head (106) to impart motion to the brush head (106) and a pump mechanism (134) disposed within the inner housing (122). The outer housing (102,104) and the inner housing (122) define a chamber (142) therebetween for accommodating a fluid.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes bristles, a bristle driving unit, an orientation detection sensor, and an electrode-based contact detection unit for detecting contact with a body. The contact detection unit includes a first detection unit for detecting contact with or proximity to a rear surface side of a brush portion. The electric toothbrush detects orientation information based on an output from the orientation detection sensor, and estimates a brushing area based on at least the orientation information. In the area estimation, in the case where the brushing area determined based on the orientation information is a dentition surface on a right buccal side or a left lingual side or a dentition surface on a left buccal side or a right lingual side, it is determined whether the brushing area corresponds to the buccal side or the lingual side based on an electric signal obtained from the first detection unit.

Abstract: A penetrating electric toothbrush is disclosed, including a handle, a replaceable brush head, a head unit base, an engaging device, a selection device, and an actuator. The replaceable brush head comprises a head body, a plurality of bristles fixed to the head body, and a detachable fastener. The head unit base has a head receptacle portion, a actuator receiving recess, and a bar guiding portion. The reciprocating bar is protruded from the handle and received in the actuator receiving recess, and the actuator receiving recess is configured to engage the reciprocating bar in either penetration mode or polishing mode. The engaging device is disposed at an end of the reciprocating bar and engaging the head unit base with the reciprocating bar. The selection device places the engaging device either in the penetration mode or the polishing mode.

Abstract: A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has a squeegee blade or other member to apply pressure to the target surface. A sheet movably covers the blade, to present a fresh covering to the target surface with each use. The fresh surface provides for improved removal of the liquid from, or improved treatment of the liquid on, the target surface. Additionally a sheet may comprise a prewetted substrate to apply the liquid to the target surface. One or both of the sheets may be disposed in a cartridge insertable to and removable from the device.

Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric polishing element defining an elevated dentifrice retaining recess spaced above the toothbrush head for holding dentifrice. In one embodiment, the recess may be configured as an annular groove. Preferred embodiments of the recess include a partially or completely closed bottom portion to support and minimize loss of dentifrice during brushing. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be collectively formed from a plurality of Y-shaped polishing members.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a wiper motor and having at least one wiper bearing in which a wiper shaft is mounted, it being possible to drive said wiper shaft by means of the wiper motor in order to operate a wiper arm which is connected to the wiper shaft, wherein the wiper bearing has a bearing pin (4) for holding a tubular support (1), it being possible for said bearing pin to be fixed to the tubular support (1) by means of a crimp, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) has an outer contour (5) which is already formed, at least in a region of overlap with the crimp, so as to correspond to an inner contour (3) of the crimped tubular support (1), before the crimp is introduced, and also to a method for producing said windscreen wiper apparatus.

Abstract: An arrangement of a windscreen wiper system with an associated windscreen washer system on a motor vehicle is provided. The windscreen washer system includes a washer fluid supply line to which are connected, downstream of a branch point, at least two distribution lines leading to respective outlets. The outlets can be moved together with a corresponding wiper arm of the windscreen wiper system. A distributing device can control an emergence of washer fluid from at least one of the outlets. The distributing device can be located in an engine compartment or stowage space of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (160) for a drive unit (120) of a vehicle windshield wiper system (100) comprising at least one wiper arm (140). The control device (160) is designed to determine a load quantity (L) of the drive unit (120) and to set the wiping frequency (WH) of the wiper arm (140) on the basis of the ratio of the load quantity (L) to at least one load threshold value (LS). Furthermore, the control device (160) is designed to set the wiping frequency (WH) depending on the current speed (v) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade cover and a wiper blade having same. The windshield wiper blade cover being capable of being disposed on the top side of a beam of a wiper blade, and comprising two longitudinal sides, two outer ends and a top surface, where the top surface of the cover has a base portion having a height and a raised portion having a height, the height of the raised portion is greater than the height of the base portion, and the height of the raised portion gradually decreases as the raised portion approaches the outer ends of the cover. The wiper blade comprising a cover as described above, a beam having two ends, two longitudinal sides, a top side and a bottom side, a central bridge disposed on the top side of the beam, a wiper strip disposed on the bottom side of the beam, and the cover disposed on the top side of the beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device in a vehicle, comprising a wiper arm supported by means of a joint, wherein the joint comprises a bushing for receiving a bearing shaft. The bushing can be inserted in a recess in a fastening part and is made of plastic, wherein at least one deformation element for adapting the outer diameter is adapted to the bushing wall.

Abstract: A new drum vacuum cleaner has a 0.02 to 0.035 inch thick stainless steel wall that that substantially surrounds a molded inner tank that extends downwardly from a tank collar. The lower end of the wall is positioned between an inward-facing edge of a recess on a wheeled base and an outward-facing edge on the molded inner tank, and is supported on a supporting face on the base that also supports the tank. The upper end of the wall is positioned within a downward-opening slot in the tank collar. When the molded inner tank is connected to the base, the metal wall is trapped in place between the tank collar and the base, providing an exposed stainless steel section that is at least three inches in height and can extend to within less than 1? of the vacuum cleaner head.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1, 21, 31) comprises an air inlet opening (3), an air outlet opening (6) and a rotatable separator (9) for separating air and airborne particles. The separator (9) comprises at least one air entrance opening (109) located between the air inlet opening (3) and the air outlet opening (6). The vacuum cleaner (1, 21, 31) is provided with air-guide means (15, 22, 37) for guiding at least part of the air towards the separator (9). In use, the air-guide means (15, 22, 37) provides an at least partially closed boundary in axial direction for a column of rotating air (17) around the separator (9). The minimum distance (Rag) of an edge (115, 122) of the air-guide means (15, 22, 37) to the rotating axis (11) of the separator (9) is larger than a distance (Rs) of the air entrance opening (109) of the separator (9) to the rotating axis (11) of the separator (9).

Abstract: A compressible module having an axial groove for localisation of a cable or pipe having at least two module sections or submodules having differing physical properties.

Abstract: A universal faucet handle structure has: a handle body having an assembling portion with a through aperture, the through aperture having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, the through aperture providing a combining member; the assembling portion having an assembling slot adjacent to the through aperture, the assembling slot having a non-circular cross-sectional shape; and a joint sleeve having two connecting ends, both of the connecting ends capable of being connected to the assembling slot of the handle body; each connecting end having an engaging slot; the engaging slot having a non-circular cross-sectional shape; the engaging slot having an axial hole, and each connecting end further having an engaging groove. With the above-mentioned embodiment, following benefit can be obtained: since the assembling slot of the handle body is connected to the joint sleeve, the handle can be assembled onto different types of the faucet shafts.

Abstract: A door position detecting apparatus comprises a switch including a body having two electrical contacts and a through-channel. The through-channel of the switch receives a hinge pin inserted therethrough and further inserted into a door hinge. Two lever arms extend from the body. Each of the arms is attached to a respective one of the electrical contacts. The arms have a first position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically connected to each other, and a second position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically disconnected from each other. Biasing means biases the arms against a fixed door jamb and a rotatable door, respectively, such that one of the arms follows movement of the rotatable door from an open position of the door to a closed position of the door. Monitoring means monitors whether the contacts are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: An arrangement of a first component and a second component includes that the first component is manufactured by die casting to include a recess in which a section of the second component is adjustably guided. A side wall of the recess is provided with a mold release bevel. The side wall includes a region adjacent to the mold release bevel having a straight surface opposite the mold release bevel. The section of the second component is guided between the region and a straight mating surface.

Abstract: A curtain control device has a stroke setting device and a damper respectively assembled at both ends of a curtain spindle rod. A torsion element is further assembled on the curtain spindle rod. A curtain spindle sleeve is invaginated on the outside of the curtain spindle rod, the stroke setting device and the damper. The curtain spindle sleeve is assembled with the combination of the curtain spindle rod and the damper, and then a curtain fabric is assembled on the outside of the curtain spindle sleeve. In this manner, the opening range of the curtain fabric roll is controlled by the stoke setting device, and the roll-up speed of each part of the curtain fabric is slowed down by the damper so as to reduce effectively the noise produced by the quick actuation of each part and the defective rate.

Abstract: A retrofit system for tethering a hand tool includes a tool collar having a collar body, a first body end, a second body end, a skirt at the second body end having an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the collar body, and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, and a tethering tab having a first tab opening and a second tab opening transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tethering tab. The tool collar is made of a material having a Shore A hardness in the range of about 20 to about 50. The second tab opening of the tethering tab being spaced from the first tab opening and the first tab opening having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first tool portion providing for free rotation of the tethering tab around the first tool portion.

Abstract: A hole for inserting a binding band is arranged through a gutter shape electric wire passing guide. A widening width guide groove for guiding the binding band is arranged at an inner surface of the electric wire passing guide so as to expand its width gradually from the hole toward an opening end of one sidewall of the electric wire passing guide. In condition that a plurality of electric wires is inserted in the electric wire passing guide, a tip end of the binding band is inserted from the guide groove into the hole. One side surface of the guide groove is curved convexly toward the projecting top between the hole and the opening end. The one side surface of the guide groove is inclined toward the projecting top between a bottom surface of the guide groove and the inner surface of the electric wire passing guide.

Abstract: A window covering cord collection and coordination device of the invention involves two halves of an assembly which acts as an enclosure for collection of upper control lines, and as an attachment for a downwardly extending single actuation line which may be optionally employed. A key projection member fits within a complementary key slot member at a first or upper end of the window covering cord collection and coordination device and which is oriented and designed to disengage upon any significant downward separating force acting upon the series of upper controlled lines which the window covering cord collection and coordination device engages through an upper slot which enables upper controlled lines to exert a separating force against the first and second housing sections which make up the window covering cord collection and coordination device.

Abstract: Active material based fasteners that are reversible are provided. These fasteners can be in the form of, for example, cable ties and twist ties. In an embodiment, a fastener for securing an object comprises: a flexible elongated member capable of at least partially surrounding the object; and an adjustment mechanism in operable communication with the flexible elongated member, the adjustment mechanism comprising an active material capable of undergoing a change in a property upon exposure to an activation source, wherein the elongated member is configured to engage or release the object in response to the change in the property.

Abstract: A buckle includes a coupling block engaged with a body of swimming/diving goggles. A pressing block is mounted to an outer side of the coupling block. A pin is mounted to an inner side of the pressing block and has a spacing to a pressing edge of an insertion hole of the coupling block. The inner side of the pressing block includes first and second surfaces. A fulcrum is located between the first and second surfaces and abuts a pressing face on the outer side of the pressing block. A section of a head strap is received in the insertion hole and wound around the pin. The pressing block can be pivoted about the fulcrum to move the pin away from the pressing edge of the coupling block to increase the spacing between the pin and the pressing edge, allowing loosening of the head strap.

Abstract: Active material based fasteners that are reversible are provided. These fasteners can be in the form of, for example, cable ties and twist ties. In an embodiment, a fastener for securing an object comprises: a flexible elongated member capable of at least partially surrounding the object; and an adjustment mechanism in operable communication with the flexible elongated member, the adjustment mechanism comprising an active material capable of undergoing a change in a property upon exposure to an activation source, wherein the elongated member is configured to engage or release the object in response to the change in the property.

Abstract: Connectors for tie down devices and methods of use are provided herein. According to some embodiments, a connector device may include two hooks that each comprise a ring section and a hooked section, the two hooks being coupled together such that when the ring sections of two hooks are aligned the hooked sections of the two hooks are moved away from one another and disposed into a locked configuration.

Abstract: A molded area fastener product, such as a self-engaging fastener, has a strip-form base of resin with a broad surface from which an array of discrete fastener elements extends. The fastener elements each include a molded stem extending from the broad surface of the base to a curved head that extends toward a front side of the fastener element, forms a crook and ends in a distal tip. In some examples the curved head protrudes beyond the stem on the back side of the fastener element to form an overhang defined by an overhang surface of the head directed toward the base, and the crook is defined in part by an underside head surface that overhangs a lower portion of the stem. In some examples the fastener elements are arranged to provide a high distension overlap when mated with an identical fastener product.

Abstract: A straight threaded rod has three reference elements spaced apart from each other. A shoulder and a knob having a fourth reference element are screwed onto the rod. A spring is mounted on the rod between the knob and the shoulder. The rod is inserted through two axially aligned holes in two abutting pieces, with the shoulder bearing on a first surface of one of the two pieces. By adjusting the position of the shoulder and the knob along the rod it is possible to apply a calibrated clamping force to a pair of abutting pieces, regardless of the thickness of the pieces.

Abstract: A casket comprises a casket shell, a casket lid closeable on the shell, a mounting plate mounted to the shell, the plate including at least one keyhole groove therein, a medallion casket ornament having a rear side, the ornament including at least one magnet mounted on the rear side, and a magnetic adapter plate having a rear side, the adapter plate including at least one fastener with a head thereon mounted on the rear side, the adapter plate removably secured to the shell by inserting the head of the fastener in the keyhole groove in the mounting plate and seating the head of the fastener in the keyhole groove, the casket ornament removably secured to the shell by positioning the at least one magnet of the ornament on the adapter plate.

Abstract: An ornamental keepsake urn for storing and displaying the remains of a loved one or pet during the holidays, such as from a Christmas tree or year round. The ornamental urn generally includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper member and lower member are generally removably connected to each other to form a unitary structure for storing cremated remains. The combined ornamental urn will generally have an egg-shaped appearance. The upper member will generally include a mounting assembly such as an eyelet or other structure for suspending the present invention from an object such as a tree. Both the upper and lower members will each have hollowed-out cavities within which the cremated remains will be stored. The upper and lower members will each have threaded portions which engage with each other to combine the two members to form the unitary egg-shaped ornament structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal processing system and methods for uniformly heating and/or cooling a semiconductor wafer. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to provide a more uniform temperature profile when processing 300 mm and larger wafers having different curvature profiles that occur at the same and/or different points in a manufacturing cycle. Wafer curvature can be dependent on the number and thickness of the metal layers.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and an apparatus (12) for surface strengthening and/or smoothing of an integrally bladed rotor area (9) of a jet engine. The rotor area (9) can be connected to a device (13) and held by the latter inside the container (14) in a position equivalent to an at least approximately horizontal orientation of a rotary axis (15) of the rotor area (9). A space delimited by the container (14) and the rotor area (9) between a surface (17) of the rotor area (9) and that surface (18) of the container (14) facing the rotor area (9) is filled at least partially with strengthening and/or smoothing elements (19). A relative movement is generated between the surface (17) of the rotor area (9) and the strengthening and/or smoothing elements (19). The surface region (17) of the rotor area (9) to be strengthened and/or smoothed is at a distance from the surface (18) of the container (14) facing the rotor area (9).

Abstract: In one embodiment, an extraction apparatus used to pull a golf shaft out of a club head comprises a hosel engagement member, an annular cylinder bore and piston assembly, and a shaft clamping device. The assembly is positioned on the shaft by passing the shaft through an axial hole in the assembly and the hosel engagement member is placed next to the head's hosel. The shaft is clamped in the clamping device so that the hosel, the hosel engagement member, and the cylinder and piston assembly are held tightly against the clamping device. The cylinder is then pressurized, thereby applying a force to the piston and an extraction force to the head which is essentially symmetrical with the shaft. The hosel is then heated to weaken its adhesive bond to the shaft so the piston is able to move and push the head away from the shaft.

Abstract: A tool for spreading disc brake pads and compressing pistons of a disc brake caliper assembly includes a manually operated handle to drive a rod attached to a pusher plate. An arm assembly also connects the back end of the drive rod to the pusher plate. The plates thus extend in cantilever fashion from the drive rod and may be maintained in alignment by the arm assembly which also serves to reinforce the cantilever arrangement of the plates.

Abstract: The vehicle wheel assembler of the present invention consists of two directive sticks (1) with similar design and shape which each stick consists of an inner dredge (2) on one end of the tip. On the other end of the stick a hanginge hole (3) is provided to be hooked with a wire belt (5) in order to connect these two directive sticks. A tighter (6) is posed near the hanging hole to adjust the length of the belt. A handle (7) is posed on the middle of the belt which is a hollow-pipe shaped cartridge. The handle (7) is penetrated by said belt (5) so that it slides along said belt easily. To provide present invention to another system, an adaptor (8) with outer dredge on both tip is used.

Abstract: A repair kit for molded plastic ice chests uses flexible foldable polyamide webbing band as a replacement hinge and loop handles. A set of attachment screws secures the band and the loop handles to the ice chest. Front closure members can be formed from the same polyamide webbing band and secured using screws to the front edge of the lid and the main part of the ice chest. Patches with matching hook-and-loop fasteners are secured to the overlapping front closure members.

Abstract: The control of the operational states of a battery or the electrochemical cells thereof is implemented on the basis of an evaluation of said operational states. Said evaluation is obtained by means of approximation functions with which the evaluation of second operational states are obtained by interpolating measuring data of first operational states.

Abstract: A coupler for coupling implements having a first connecting pin and a second connecting pin, to a vehicle, for example, to the arm of an excavator. The coupler has a body component that is connectable to the vehicle, and which includes a forward recess for receiving the first connecting pin. The coupler also includes a movable component which is supported by the body component and which has an aft jaw or recess for receiving the second connecting pin and is movable through a range of travel relative to the body component. The movable component includes a rear locking member which is movable between an extended position in which the rear locking member can prevent the second connecting pin from exiting the aft recess and a retracted position in which the rear locking member can allow the second connecting pin to exit the aft recess.

Abstract: The embodiment relates to a cover strip machine and process for removing a golf ball cover for recycling purposes. The cover strip machine may comprise four or more rotating gears. The process comprises heating a golf ball, distorting a golf ball, placing a golf ball in a cover strip machine to remove the cover, and separating gear pairs with a driver to remove the golf ball core.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for preventing flex circuits of optical transceiver modules from being damaged during the process of manufacturing and assembling the optical transceiver modules. Preventing the flex circuits from being damaged during the manufacture and assembly processes increases yield and decreases costs. In addition, the methods and apparatuses that are used to prevent the flex circuits from being damaged also allow the processes of forming the mechanical bends and inserting the modules into their respective housings to be automated. Automating these processes further increases yield and decreases costs.

Abstract: A method of installing a replacement built-in oven into a cut-out defined in a kitchen includes identifying a used built-in oven positioned in the cut-out of the kitchen, positioning a height adjuster of the replacement built-in oven into one of a number of predetermined positions based on the identity of the used built-in oven, and installing the replacement built-in oven in the cut-out of the kitchen.

Abstract: A method to horizontally support ladder (3) with box (4) against vertical surface (17), with ladder footed (5) on horizontal ground (6). Box substantially has front side (32) open, facing ladder. Ladder top end (2) supports against box uppermost portions (36), ladder lower upper portion (94) supports against box bottom wall front portions (13), and box back side (11b) supports substantially flat against the vertical surface. Box top wall (10) and bottom wall (12) are both substantially perpendicular to the box back side. Ladder leans at a substantial angle, substantially at 4-up-to-to-1-out angle (U to O angle). Box on ladder can: provide two platforms to place supplies laddertop; distant ladder from the vertical surface; and improve ladder utility and user safety.

Abstract: A product display unit for a displaying a plurality of products thereon is disclosed. The product display unit comprises a bottom member, a first rib, a second rib and a top member. The bottom member is configured to be positioned on a first product-supporting shelf. The first rib projects upwardly from the product-supporting surface and extends longitudinally along the bottom member. The second rib projects upwardly from the product-supporting surface and extends longitudinally along the bottom member, such that a distance is defined between the first rib and the second rib. The top member is disposed in juxtaposed relation with the bottom member and is configured for suspension from a second product-supporting shelf. The distance between the first rib and the second rib is dimensioned to be less than the widest portion of a product configured to be supported by the bottom member.

Abstract: Latches, latch arrangements and related methods for temporarily associating two objects, each having one part of a magnetic catch retention arrangement. Latches according to various embodiments of the invention have matable first and second housings wherein the first housing defines a primary recess and the second includes a primary protrusion that is receivable by the primary recess. A biased, displaceable catch of one housing selectively retains the other housing when the two housings are in a mated condition. The magnetic catch retention arrangement becomes functional after sufficient user displacement of the catch; upon sufficient differential movement of the housings, the magnetic catch retention arrangement no longer has sufficient effect to overcome the catch bias.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a component having at least one element configured in the component, in particular at least one conduit, conduit unit, or supporting element configured within an aerodynamic rib, the component having an element leadthrough for leading through the at least one element, the method including the following step: building up in layers of the component including the element leadthrough, together with the at least one element in a generative production process.

Abstract: Weatherstrips (13, 15) having opposed pile sealing elements (226) are installed in opposed slots in a frame member (14) so that the piles may engage opposite sides of a panel, shutter or screen (203), by insertion apparatus having laterally-movable slotted guides (60, 62). The weatherstrips are driven through the slots in the guides by a drive wheel (42). A laterally reciprocating cutter (48) has openings (107, 109), through which the weatherstrips are driven, and shearing edges (98) for cutting ends of the weatherstrips to facilitate entry of the weatherstrips from the slots in the guide into the slots in the frame member. Metering wheel (44) engages at least one of the weatherstrips moving through the guides, and provides for actuation of the cutter, when the desired length of the weatherstrips is driven through the guides; the length corresponding to the length of the frame member which receives the weatherstrips.

Abstract: A wedge installation and seating tool and associated method of operation that permits a worker to single handedly and expeditiously install and seat wedges in an anchor assembly of a post tensioned concrete member, thereby improving worker safety and productivity. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is an elongated member comprised of two body portions hingedly attached to one another for substantially surrounding the circumference of a reinforcing cable used in an anchor assembly of a post tensioned concrete member, and a wedge retention means for temporarily attaching the wedges to the tool. The tool and method of the present invention effectively eliminates the need for a separate seating tool, and the tool is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and is easy to use.

Abstract: A first link and a second link are articulated relative to each other via a joint coupled between the first and second links. A shape-sensing optical fiber is used to sense a position of the first link and the second link relative to each other. The fiber passes through a channel having an opening defining a lip and extending from the first link toward the joint. The lip has a curved surface that begins substantially tangent to a wall of the channel, and during bending of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is positioned tangent to the curved surface of the lip.

Abstract: A method for producing a securing object, particularly in the form of a heat-resistant adhesive closure, includes providing metal securing elements (9) having a hooked head (13) and a foot part in the form of a tang (11), providing a support structure (1) having a securing surface (3), introducing perforations (7) into the securing surface (3) for forming seats for receiving the tangs (11) of the securing elements (9), and inserting the tangs (11) of the securing elements (9) into the preformed perforations (7) of the securing surface (3).