Abstract: A door hinge includes two hinge parts that are connected to each other in articulating fashion. One of the hinge parts has a base plate for attachment to a door frame or door leaf and at least one insert that is adjustable in two directions (x, y, z) relative to the base plate. An intermediate piece is situated between the insert and the base plate that is movable relative to the base plate along a first linear guide in a first direction (x). The insert is movable relative to the intermediate piece along a second linear guide in a second direction (z). A fixing means for providing a clamping locking action extends through a front section of the base plate, the intermediate piece and the insert.

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosed needle bearing hinge mechanism having externally rotatable race surfaces, internal needle bearings, an internal pathway for introducing grease into the assembly for improved lubrication, reduced wear and a construction adapted to support large door or latch loads. The assembly comprises a housing having at least one needle bearing in contact with an outer rotating race, stationary or counter-rotating interior races, a central pin shaft and an internal pathway for lubrication to be communicated from a topmost grease fitting to the contact interface between the needle bearing and outer rotating race. One or plurality of needle bearing assemblies and counter-rotating outer races may be present within the assembly, each with an independent grease pathway branch. The pathway comprises a hollow internal conduit that allows lubricant to contact each needle bearing in the assembly, reducing friction and improving longevity of the hinge bearing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sliding mechanism including a first board, a second board, a first fixed piece, a frame, a first elastic element and a first sliding element. The second board includes a first slot. The first fixed piece passes through the first slot to be disposed on the first board. The first elastic element is disposed in the frame. When the second board slides a first distance relative to the first board, the first sliding element slides along a first direction to press the first elastic element, so as to make the first elastic element generate a first elastic force. When the second board slides a second distance relative to the first board, the first sliding element slides along a second direction and makes the first elastic element release the first elastic force. It makes the second board slide automatically relative to the first board.

Abstract: A door hinge is provided for a hidden placement between a door leaf and door frame. The door hinge has two recess elements that are insertable into recesses in the door frame and in the narrow side of the door leaf and two hinge brackets that are connected in articulating fashion. Each of the recess elements also has two guide elements that accommodate the ends of the hinge brackets. The guide elements each have a guide section with two sliding guides and two rotary seats. An end of a hinge bracket is secured in only one respective sliding guide and rotary seat, where the other sliding guide and the other rotary seat remain correspondingly unoccupied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for fastening a functional unit (12) in a furniture body (11), wherein the functional unit (12) is pre-installed on a support (3) and wherein two retaining elements (1, 2) are installed on the furniture body (11), wherein the retaining elements (1, 2) retain the preferably elongated support (3) at the ends, wherein one retaining element (1) is designed as a hinge (6) and wherein the support (3) is pivotably connected to the retaining element (1) installed on the furniture body (11).

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for fastening a flexible element to a rigid element is provided. The fastening arrangement comprising a first closure element and a second closure element, which each consist of a plug part, a housing part and a catch. Each closure element is closed in that the plug part is put together with the housing part in a closing direction until snapping into place in a closed position, so that the plug part and the housing part are held at each other against the closing direction. Each housing part is formed such that by means of a relative movement of the housing part relative to the plug part in an opening direction, which differs from the closing direction, the plug part is pushed out of the catch and the closure element hence can be opened.

Abstract: A rifle sling retainer comprising an elongated curved base plate for bearing a flexible gun sling strap and having a body and first and second end portions where the first end portion is bent at an angle to the base plate for preventing the flexible strap from moving laterally in the direction of the said first end portion. The retainer can be attached to clothing or constructed in the form of a clip to be attached to the shoulder strap of a back pack.

Abstract: Apparatus used to create storage space on the outside of a backpack and method for using such apparatus are described. The storage apparatus comprises a restraining device configured to store items on the outside of a backpack and an assembly for connecting the restraining device to a backpack. This assembly contains a grasping device and a connection device removably attached to the grasping device so that the fabric of the backpack is retained between the grasping device and the connection device. Items can then be stored on the outside of the backpack under the restraining device or the items can be attached to the restraining device itself. Using the connection assembly, the restraining device can be quickly attached to a wide variety of locations on the backpack and can be used with a wide variety of types, sizes, and shapes of backpacks. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A wedge-type rope fastening device for an elevator includes: a socket including a through hole formed therethrough, the through hole including a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface inclined with respect to the first inner wall surface; and a wedge around which a rope is looped, the wedge including a first outer wall surface and a second outer wall surface inclined with respect to the first outer wall surface, the rope being sandwiched between the first inner wall surface and the first outer wall surface and between the second inner wall surface and the second outer wall surface. An inclination angle of the second outer wall surface relative to the first outer wall surface is larger than an inclination angle of the second inner wall surface relative to the first inner wall surface.

Abstract: A cable tie is revealed. The cable tie includes a slot base with an insertion hole, a belt and at least one fastener. At least one surface of the insertion hole is a slanted surface. Locking teeth is arranged at a surface of the belt. The fastener is mounted into the insertion hole of the slot base correspondingly. The fastener includes a slanted surface corresponding to the slanted surface of the slot base, and projecting teeth corresponding to the locking teeth of the belt. When the belt is inserted through the insertion hole of the slot base to bind objects tightly, the fastener is mounted into the insertion hole so that the projecting teeth of the fastener are engaged with the locking teeth of the belt so as to lock and fix the belt. The cable tie can be used again once the belt is released from the fastener.

Abstract: A hose clamp includes a first grip piece (6) on one end of a body (2) and a second grip piece (7) on the other end. A locking portion (L1) extends from the first grip piece (6) toward the second grip piece (7), and a restricting portion (R1) is projected from the root of the second grip piece (7). When the grip pieces (6, 7) are moved closer to each other to transfer the body (2) from a closed-diameter state to an opened-diameter state, the locking portion (L1) abuts with the top of the restricting portion (R1), and the upward movement of the second grip piece (7) in association with the operation of the grip pieces is restricted. During the operation, the locking portion (L1) is in slide-contact with a guide surface (15) formed on the top of the restricting portion (R1) and, accordingly, the locking portion (L1) is guided to a receiving portion (A1) of the second grip piece (7). Thus, the engagement operation between the locking portion (L1) and the receiving portion (A1) is guided.

Abstract: A kit comprises one or more modular strap segments. Strap segments each comprise one or more end connectors and one or more strap lengths attached to each other with one or more loop connectors. Each end connector comprises a gate sized to accommodate attaching the connector to other items and strap lengths. Preferably, the gate is a spring loaded pivoting door, and the outer perimeter of the end connector is substantially smooth. Each strap length comprises strap material of any length or width and optional embellishments. Loop connectors can be integral with the material or can be attached to the material such that strap material has a loop at one end or at each end. Directly or with additional intermediary connectors, strap segments can be connected with other strap segments in series or parallel to create a modular strap of any length, configuration, or arrangement desired.

Abstract: A separating mechanism for releasing an equipment bag. The mechanism includes a base assembly, a removable soft loop assembly, an attachment ring, and a retention member. The base assembly includes a base member, an aperture, and one or more base assembly rings. The soft loop assembly includes a soft loop base and a soft loop. The soft loop is inserted through the aperture and a first of the base assembly rings. The soft loop base is configured to not be pulled through the aperture. A last of the base assembly rings is inserted through the attachment ring. The retention member is inserted through the soft loop to restrain the first base assembly ring. The base assembly rings are sequentially engaged to couple the attachment ring with the base member. The retention member is pulled out of the soft loop to release the base assembly rings thereby releasing the attachment ring.

Abstract: A slider is structured such that a tab attaching rod is integrally formed in a cantilevered state in an upper blade of a slider body, and a blocking member blocking an insertion gap which is formed between the upper blade and a free end portion of the tab attaching rod is engaged with a mounting portion of the slider body so as to be immovably fixed, and is provided with an occlusion retaining structure which retains a blocked state of the insertion gap at a time of fixing the blocking member and can prevent the other member from intruding into the insertion gap. Accordingly, the slider can easily attach a tab afterward to the tab attaching rod. Further, it is possible to securely prevent the other member from intruding between the upper blade and the free end portion of the tab attaching rod.

Abstract: A zipper head structure includes a slider body, a pull-tab, and a locking hook. The slider body has an assembling surface for disposing an extension and a ridge. The pull-tab has a holding portion on one end with an opening formed on an opposite end. A hinge portion is defined between the opening and the corresponding end of the pull-tab, with the hinge portion being opposite of the holding portion. The pull-tab is disposed onto the assembling surface of the slider body. The extension of the slider body is received by the opening of the pull-tab. The hinge portion is disposed in between the ridge and the extension. The locking hook is secured to the assembling surface of the slider body. By restricting the movement of the hinge portion, the pull-tab is prevented from separating with the slider body when pulling the zipper.

Abstract: An assembly comprising firstly an overmolded element having hooks, designed to be overmolded in a molded article, the overmolded element forming an open internal space defined by two end side walls and a bottom, from which hooks stemming from the element project; and secondly a mold having its internal walls defining an internal volume that is the same shape as the article to be formed by molding in the mold, at least one pedestal projecting into the internal volume from said inside wall(s), the overmolded element being in contact with the pedestal while the molding foam is being cast, the pedestal including a rail-shaped portion having two opposite outer side faces, and, while the foam is being cast, the respective end side walls of the overmolded element are in contact with the respective opposite outer side faces, without hooks being interposed between them.

Abstract: An optical sensor holding device adapted to be integrated with a flexible bag, said device comprising a bag attachment part made from a material that can be welded to the flexible bag; a sensor attachment part made from a material to which an optical sensor spot can be attached, wherein the sensor attachment part is forced into an opening in the bag attachment part that is slightly smaller than the sensor attachment part such that the sensor attachment part is kept firmly in place and leakage is minimized.

Abstract: A tongue comprises a housing case in a substantially box form for housing a tongue plate and inclusive of a through hole formed at a position facing an insertion hole of the tongue plate so as to allow insertion of a webbing, and a stopper bar, with a folded portion of the webbing hung therearound, which is arranged striding over the insertion hole of the tongue plate, allowed to slide back and forth with reference to the tongue plate and urged rearward by a urging unit in contact with a pair of front end surfaces on a pair of engagement parts provided at longitudinal ends of the stopper bar. The housing case includes a plurality of ribs arranged upright on an inner surface thereof along a front-rear direction so as to press the webbing which is arranged to face the inner surface and hung around the stopper bar meets. The plurality of ribs are arranged in parallel to one another in a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the stopper bar.

Abstract: A clip includes a first member engaging a first attached member, and a second member supported in the first member and engaging a second attached member. The clip connects both attached members, and when a load acts in a direction separating both attached members, the clip allows a separation of both attached members only for a predetermined distance. The first member includes a base portion engaging the first attached member, a protruding piece portion in the base portion, and an expanded head portion wider than the protruding piece portion formed in an end portion of the protruding piece portion. The second member includes a through hole through which the protruding piece portion loosely passes, and a cylinder portion supported in the protruding piece portion to be displaced in a protruding direction thereof, and also retained in the protruding piece portion by the base portion and the expanded head portion.

Abstract: For each capture mechanism of a plurality of three capture mechanisms, a necked coupling element received by a corresponding socket slides therealong and engages a corresponding latch lever biased in an open position and rotates the latch lever to a closed position as the necked coupling element is slid within the socket towards a bottom thereof. A latch locked biased against the latch lever engages a notch in the latch lever when the latch lever is closed so as to latch the latch lever in the closed position and thereby capture the necked coupling element within the socket. The latch lever is unlatched by releasing the latch lock from engagement with the latch. Different latch levers incorporate different shaped surfaces that engage different corresponding necked coupling elements captured thereby so as to provide for respectively constraining in one, two and three degrees-of-freedom, respectively.

Abstract: A device for locking strands of laces, including a hollow body demarcating a cavity, the cavity defining at least one passageway for passage of the lace strands, the locking device including a locking member, the locking member being movable between a locking position and a release position, the locking device operating via cooperation of the locking member with each passageway to lock each lace strand by a wedging effect, an elastic mechanism biasing the locking member towards the locking position. The locking device acts for at least three lace strands, and at least one passageway is adapted to receive two superposed lace strands.

Abstract: A shower curtain hook includes a generally S-shaped member including a top portion configured to slideably engage a rod having a first diameter, and a bottom portion; the top portion including a curved section and a straight section extending from one end of the curved section; and a ball attached to an end of the straight section, wherein a distance between the ball and the bottom portion is smaller the first diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to mounting of a stack of Belleville springs about a shaft. The individual springs of the stack are first positioned over the shaft. A jig is then placed over the shaft and the springs and has at least one axially extending pressure bar that is radially inwardly biased to urge the inner circumferences of all the springs into contact with axially aligned points on the surface of the shaft. The springs are then compressed using a compression element while they are still urged by the pressure bar against the shaft. Finally, to retain the springs on the shaft and maintain the springs in compression, a split retaining clip is pressed onto to the shaft until it engages in a groove.

Abstract: A low-cost crimping tool is provided for crimping non-metallic tubing such as PEX tubing connections. The tool includes two primary pieces which fit together forming an integral pivot without being pinned together about which the tool may be closed with pliers to form a secure tubing connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is provided, including a plug removal shield. The plug removal shield further includes a tube configured to surround a plug retaining a fluid volume, and a mount configured to hold the tube relative to the plug. The tube includes a port configured to pass a plug removal tool into proximity with the plug.

Abstract: An antenna assembly fixture used to assemble a securing frame to an antenna includes a base body, a first mounting structure, a sliding structure, and a second mounting structure. The first mounting structure located on the base body defines a first mounting slot for holding the antenna. The sliding structure includes two positioning plates located on the base body, guiding post at the positioning plates, and a sliding portion located between the positioning plates. The second mounting structure located on the sliding portion defines a second mounting slot. The second mounting slot is aligned with the first mounting slot and holds the securing frame, the sliding portion moves along the guiding post and enables the securing frame to move towards the antenna, and the securing frame and the antenna are assembled together.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hot-rolled products in a combined casting-rolling installation when there is a planned or unplanned interruption to production. This can bridge an interruption in production downstream of the cutting-up and delivering device (6): a) cutting off a strand portion (21) of the continuously produced preliminary material (3) by means of a first shears (9); b) raising the tail part of the strand portion (21) from the roller table (4) by means of a raising device (11); c) breaking up the preliminary material (3) passing the first shears (9) into pieces of scrap (19) by means of the first shears (9)into pieces of scrap (19) by means of the first shears (9), delivering the pieces of scrap (19) and removing the strand portion (21) unit the operational readiness of the combined casting-rolling installation is restored.

Abstract: An interface system for hook and loop engagement structures comprises a first interface patch and a second interface patch. The first interface patch has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface thereof. Hook engagement structures extend from the first major surface of the first interface patch. A first magnetic element is embedded within the first interface patch between said first and second major surfaces thereof. The second interface patch has a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface thereof. Loop engagement structures extend from the first major surface of the second interface patch. A second magnetic element is embedded within the second interface patch between said first and second major surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A method for mounting or removing a power supply container of a drive motor of a motor vehicle that is secured to the motor vehicle using a bolt acted on by a piston. The method includes: acting on the piston to move the pistons relative to the bolt so as to disengage the bolt; and rotating the bolt such as to lock or unlock the bolt and lock or unlock the battery.

Abstract: An electronic device for use in a health care setting has a rigid enclosure assembly formed by a rigid shell and a rigid printed circuit board carrying circuitry for operating the device. A switch dome layer and an overlay are independently attached to the device but not to each other, whereby the overlay may be removed without disturbing the dome layer and a better tactile response is achieved.

Abstract: The invention is a clamping plate used to stiffen and hold a large, thin workpiece having low inherent stiffness. The clamping plate has a back layer, an intermediate layer and a contact layer. A plurality of grooves, which serve as air channels, is provided in the contact layer and the intermediate layer impart flexibility to the clamping plate. The clamping plate has sufficient flexibility to adapt to the specified contour of the workpiece. The contact layer is placed against the workpiece and vacuum apparatus provides suction through the air channels, which are in flow communication with each other between the two layers, to hold the workpiece against the clamping plate. One or more seals defines a holding area on the contact layer and prevent loss of suction.

Abstract: In an induction heater, preheated, pressurized air is further heated in the heating cabinet and also drawn into the coil tube via a suction fan. The simultaneous pulling and pushing of the twice-heated air through the tube provides superior air flow to pick up more moisture from the can ends being dried. The tube ends rest on upwardly concave collars and are held in place by gravity, with a single screw acting as a stop above to prevent upward movement. Removal requires only removing the single screw at each end then lifting the tube straight up out of the cabinet, which is facilitated by providing a hinged cover on the cabinet.

Abstract: Certain processes for manufacturing an electrochemical sensor module include assembly first and second housing portions of sensor modules; dispensing a sensor fiber across multiple first housing portions; joining the first and second housing portions; and separating the sensor modules by cutting the sensor fiber.

Abstract: A connector of a cable (e.g., a 30-pin connector) can be used to facilitate various security-related and other functionalities. For example, a connector can include security locking mechanisms for engaging or locking the connector to a portable electronic device. A connector can additionally support the transmission of security signals, data signals, power, and/or the like. An unlocking tool can be used to disengage a connector locked to the portable electronic device. More specifically, the unlocking tool can be applied to a connector and cause the locking mechanisms of the connector to release such that the connector can be freely disconnected from a connected portable electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for carrying an electronic device on a hand includes a base plate; a palm strap coupled to the base plate to secure the base plate to the hand; and a moveable plate coupled to the base plate through at least a horizontal hinge and a vertical hinge to position the mobile device in a horizontal landscape mode or a vertical portrait mode.

Abstract: A method of using a fascia valance system as signage, wherein the aluminum fascia valance is designed to accommodate a fabric insert. The fabric insert may be printed upon with wording or an image, such as a company trademark, logo, or tagline, or an advertisement. The user of the fascia valance system may remove and replace the inserts to accommodate the user's signage needs.

Abstract: A process for preparing a package of nested refuse bags includes the steps of (a) providing a continuous roll of connected bags, each bag having opposed open and closed ends when separated from the continuous roll of bags; (b) separating a first bag from the continuous roll of bags; (c) separating a next bag from the continuous roll; (d) opening the next bag's open end to present an opening larger than the closed end of an immediately proceeding bag; (e) moving the next bag open end over the immediately previously separated bag closed end until the next bag open end is substantially adjacent the immediately previously separated bag open end and the immediately previously separated bag is substantially nested in the next bag; and (f) returning to the step of separating a next bag until a predetermined number of bags have been separated from the continuous roll of bags.

Abstract: A modular light emitting diode (LED) mounting configuration is provided including a light source module having a plurality of pre-packaged LEDs arranged in a serial array. The module includes a heat conductive body portion adapted to conduct heat generated by the LEDs to an adjacent heat sink. As a result, the LEDs are able to be operated with a higher current than normally allowed. Thus, brightness and performance of the LEDs is increased without decreasing the life expectancy of the LEDs. The LED modules can be used in a variety of illumination applications employing one or more modules.

Abstract: Described is a preamp flex cable for use in a hard drive. The flex cable incorporates a stiffener layer operable to provide a mechanical support, an insulating layer provided over the stiffener layer and having at least one via provided therein to expose the stiffener layer, and at least one conductive layer provided over the insulating layer. The at least one conductive layer forms an electrical circuit and at least one heat removing element that extends through the via and establishes a contact with the stiffener layer. In one implementation, the heat removing element includes a rectangular plate having a recessed center portion and an edge portion. The recessed center portion protrudes through the at least one via in the insulating layer to mechanically couple with the stiffener. In another implementation, the heat removing element includes first portion and second rectangular portions.

Abstract: A hanging storage system is presented with an improved support beam splicing method that allows the use of short metal beams to carry the load of a long beam. The support beams are three-sided angle iron product with a C-shaped cross section designed to permit a system assembled from such products to carry increased weight of stored items.

Abstract: A first and a second object are joined with the aid of a joining element including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes facing each other are provided in the two objects and the joining element is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap between the two objects. This assembly is then positioned between a support and a sonotrode. The sonotrode and the support are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores.

Abstract: A method for assembling rotors which is applicable to a large axial gap type permanent magnet rotating machine. A permanent magnet rotating machine comprising: a rotating shaft; at least two rotors comprising a table-like structure and permanent magnets attached thereto, the table-like structures being connected to the rotating shaft and being disposed in an axial direction of the rotating shaft; and a stator comprising a table-like structure and stator coils around which a copper wire is wound, said stator being disposed in a gap formed by the rotors so that the stator being separated from the rotating shaft, is manufactured by the following steps of assembling the two rotors such that a predetermined gap is formed therebetween; and mounting the magnets on the table-like structures by inserting the magnet from the radially outer side of the table-like structures towards the center of the rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a nitrogen silylated compound as additive in a nonaqueous electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution is suitable for use in electrochemical cells such as lithium and lithium ion batteries. Batteries using this electrolytic solution have long cycle life and high capacity retention.

Abstract: A pressing device for attaching a touch panel to a casing is disclosed. The pressing device includes a main body, a pressing mechanism, a mounting base for mounting and positioning the casing, a plurality of guiding poles, and a carrier for carrying the touch panel. The guiding poles pass through the pressing mechanism for guiding the pressing mechanism to move in a perpendicular direction corresponding to the mounting base. The pressing mechanism has a protruding portion for pressing the casing, and the protruding portion is formed corresponding to the outline of the casing, such that the pressing force applied on the casing is even and the casing would not sway. The main body has a plurality of tracks, so as to have a carrier with a large area moving thereon. Thus, the carrier has sufficient area for carrying a touch panel.

Abstract: A carrier and a pressing device for attaching a panel to a casing are disclosed. The carrier includes a carrier main body; a carrier plate; a plurality elastic components; and a supporting component. The carrier plate is configured to carry the panel. The supporting component is connected to the carrier main body and the carrier plate to be a pivot for the carrier plate to rotate around the carrier main body. Each of the elastic components is connected to the carrier plate and the carrier main body, such that the carrier plate may restore upon having force applied thereon and tilt, so as to be adapted to the different sizes of the panel and the casing. Therefore, the panel is completely attached to the casing, and the attachment of the panel and the casing is thus effectively improved.

Abstract: In a joint apparatus, a transfer region and a processing region are formed. In the transfer region, a transfer mechanism transferring a first substrate, a second substrate, or a superposed substrate, a position adjusting mechanism adjusting an orientation in a horizontal direction of the first substrate or the second substrate, and a reversing mechanism reversing front and rear surfaces of the second substrate are provided. In the processing region, a first holding member mounting and holding the first substrate on an upper surface thereof, a second holding member holding the second substrate on a lower surface thereof, and a pressing and moving member bringing one end portion of the first substrate and one end portion of the second substrate into abutment with each other and pressing the one end portions when joining the first substrate and the second substrate together are provided.

Abstract: An auxiliary tool, for assembling a number of voice coil motors, includes a number of trays, a rod member, and two limiting members. Each of the trays includes a main portion and a plurality of support arms extending away from the main portion. The main portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The support arms and the main portion cooperatively define two receiving spaces respectively on the top surface and the bottom surface. Each voice coil motor is received in two receiving spaces of two neighboring trays and clamped by the two neighboring trays. The rod member passes through trays and the voice coil motors. The two limiting members are sleeved over the rod member at two ends of the rod member. The trays and the voice coil motors are limited between the two limiting members.

Abstract: An LED lamp that couples a heatsink with LEDs mounted on it to a glass envelope with a surface area equivalent to approximately that of a conventional light bulb, and by using a coolant vapor within the glass envelop, the lamp can be made much lighter and more cheaply. The heat generated by the LEDs is dissipated by the glass surface and not conducted into the heatsink. The heatsink can thus be mostly for the power supply. This allows for a reduced operating temperature for the power supply components that allows for a longer expected life for the power supply. In addition, the LED light bulb of the present invention can have nearly the same shape and appearance as a standard incandescent bulb. The invention can also have an advanced flyback power supply.

Abstract: A plurality of ceramic green sheets having printed strip inner electrodes patterns, each including a thick portion at a width-direction center and thin portions at respective width-direction sides of the thick portion, are laminated so that the thin portions overlap and the thick portions do not overlap to form an unfired mother laminated body. This unfired mother laminated body is cut along predetermined cut lines that are vertical to each other to obtain a plurality of unfired ceramic element assemblies. By applying ceramic paste to cover exposed portions of inner electrode patterns exposed to lateral surfaces, side gap areas are formed between a first inner electrode pattern and first and second lateral surfaces of the unfired ceramic element assembly and between a second inner electrode pattern and the first and second lateral surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of electrical conductors, such as wires. A connector is provided including a plurality of bores or channels formed into a preferably unitary connector body, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the bores or channels intersects at least a portion of another of the bores or channels. The bores or channels are preferably formed along bore axes, which may be coplanar. A method according to the present invention includes inserting an insulated electrical conductor into a connector body and rotating a conductive rotational member threaded into a bore or channel formed in a connector body so as to electrically contact the conductive portion of the insulated conductor and at least one other electrically conductive surface.