Abstract: An FPCB and a method of manufacturing the same, in which an electrical signal-conductive portion of the FPCB is subjected to little stress so as not to be broken by fatigue in spite of repeated bending of the FPCB, thereby increasing the lifetime of the FPCB.

Abstract: An L.E.D. lamp assembly (20) includes an electrically insulative coating (24) disposed on a thermally conductive substrate (22). A plurality of light emitting diodes (26) are secured to the coating (24) and a circuit (40) is adhesively secured to the coating (24) in predetermined spaced lengths (42) along the coating (24) to establish discrete and electrically conductive spaced lengths (42) with the light emitting diodes (26) disposed between the spaced lengths (42). LED electrical leads (32) are secured to the spaced lengths (42) of the circuit (40) to electrically interconnect the light emitting diodes (26). The circuit (40) includes a foil tape (46) having an electrically conductive tape portion (48) and a coupling portion (50) disposed on the tape portion (48) for securing the foil tape (46) to the insulated substrate (22).

Abstract: An electronic component embedded printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic component embedded printed circuit board in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can include a first substrate, which has a cavity formed therein, a first electronic component, which is embedded in the cavity in a face-down manner, a second electronic component, which is stacked on an upper side of the first electronic component and embedded in the cavity in a face-up manner, and a second substrate, which is stacked on upper and lower surfaces of the first substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a metal interconnection line on a flexible substrate, wherein the method includes: coating a hard mask layer on at least one surface of the flexible substrate, followed by performing photolithography thereon to form a predetermined hard mask pattern; etching a portion of the flexible substrate by using the hard mask pattern as a mask to form a trench; plasma treating the inside of the trench by using a treatment gas for pre-treating the flexible substrate; coating a seed layer inside the trench; removing the hard mask pattern; and filling the inside of the trench coated with the seed layer with metal. A metal interconnection line formed by using the method may have a strong adhesion force with respect to the flexible substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flex-rigid wiring board includes positioning a flexible board and a non-flexible substrate adjacent to each other, forming a metal layer over the flexible board such that the metal layer is formed to stop laser irradiation from reaching into the flexible board, forming an insulating layer such that the insulating layer covers the metal layer, the flexible board and the non-flexible substrate, irradiating laser upon the insulating layer such that a portion of the insulating layer covering the metal layer is cut; and removing the portion of the insulating layer covering the metal layer from the flexible board such that at least a portion of the flexible board is exposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for establishing a sealed connection between two electric conductors, in particular a strand of a carbon brush and a connecting conductor of a supplementary electric component, wherein contact sections (17, 18) of the conductors are exposed by menus of removing a protective sheathing (13, 27) covering the electric conductors, subsequently an electrically conductive connection of the contact sections is generated for forming a connecting site (14), subsequently a slip collar (19) made of shrinkable plastic material is positioned on the connecting site, said slip collar being provided with at least one axial slip opening (26), and subsequently a protective sheathing of the connecting site is formed from the slip collar using a forming process by supplying thermal energy to the slip collar.

Abstract: 2N (where N=1, 2, 3, . . . ) rod-shaped terminals, having overall lengths that vary in sequence, are formed out of a single metal plate by press punching. In the metal plate, rod bodies bridging between a first carrier and a second carrier are arranged so that the lengthwise direction of the rod bodies is perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the metal plate, the 2N terminals are divided such that the first N in descending order of length are in a first group, and the remaining N are in a second group, the n-th shortest terminal and the n-th longest terminal are selected from the terminals of the first and second groups and combined one by one, and each combined pair of terminals is disposed in series over one rod body.

Abstract: The internal combustion engine ignition timing tool (10) installs removably atop the distributor housing (D) after removal of the distributor cap (C), and enables the mechanic to set timing accurately without need of additional equipment. In one embodiment, the tool has a single collar (12), while the other embodiment has an inner collar adjustably rotating within an outer collar. Each has a rotor tip clearance notch (22). The engine is turned to align the conventional external timing marks, and the distributor (D) is turned opposite the normal rotational direction of the engine to push the leading face (24) of the clearance notch (22) against the rotor tip, thus removing all gear lash and slack from the system.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of an impeller for a fluid transmitting device, multiple guide grooves aligned in a peripheral direction to allow communication between adjacent ones of multiple positioning holes are provided in a concave inner surface of a core in advance; and in a step of melting a brazing material and causing the molten brazing material to penetrate into gaps between coupling pieces and positioning holes that are fitted to each other and further into gaps between the core and the blades, the molten brazing material is guided to the positioning holes through the multiple guide grooves. Accordingly, the step allows the molten brazing material to be efficiently guided to the gaps between the coupling pieces and positioning holes, thereby improving the yield of the brazing material and preventing an influence of a residual brazing material over the rotational balance of the impeller.

Abstract: A process for producing an ink jet recording head which includes a substrate having a first and a second surface opposing to each other, a common liquid chamber formed by machining the substrate from the second surface so as to reduce the thickness of a part of the substrate and a plurality of independent ink supply ports that communicate with the common liquid chamber and are through-holes extending through the substrate, and a nozzle structure that is formed on the first surface and has an ink flow path communicating with the independent ink supply ports and an ink ejection orifice communicating with the ink flow path. The process includes patterning a resist applied to the substrate using a photomask for forming the independent ink supply ports, wherein infrared alignment is conducted at a depression of the substrate upon alignment between the photomask and the substrate using an alignment mark.

Abstract: The apparatus, for re-machining safety valves in situ on high pressure/high temperature plant and pipework, comprises a first gearbox and a second gearbox. The first gearbox has a first centre of rotation associated therewith and is configured to receive a driving torque. The second gearbox has a second centre of rotation associated therewith, is coupled to and is configured to be driven by the first gearbox. Coupling means is provided for transferring the drive torque from the first gearbox to the second gearbox. The coupling means is configured to define the location of the second centre of rotation relative to the first centre of rotation. A removable accessory assembly is provided and is coupled to the second gearbox, for carrying out a cutting, grinding or lapping operation to recondition a surface of a safety valve.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel is suggested in which the vehicle wheel can provide function and effect of preventing molding defects during molding of an outer rim portion and/or an inner rim portion having sound absorbing spaces 25 and of reducing acoustic cavity noise that occurs in a tire-internal space by use of the sound absorbing spaces. After a separation groove having a curved shape groove bottom surface 55a is formed between a ring-shaped wall portion and partition wall portions, the ring-shaped wall portion is bent toward a flange portion, and the ring-shaped wall portion and the flange portion are welded together. The sound absorbing spaces which communicate with each other via communication gaps defined according to the separation groove are thereby formed in the outer rim portion and/or the inner rim portion.

Abstract: Dental prostheses may be manufactured based on electronic models of the prostheses. Manufacturing aids may be used to check manufacturing quality of the dental prosthesis and components thereof. For example, a jig may be used during and after the manufacture of the dental prostheses and systems and methods for using the same. A customized tooth die may be designed and fabricated to fit a dental prosthesis or components thereof in a jig for inspection. A customized jig may be designed and fabricated for inspecting a dental prosthesis or components thereof throughout the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a composite elongate member, a channel, and a number of composite structures. The composite elongate member has a side configured for attachment to a structure. The channel is on the side of the composite elongate member and extends along a length of the composite elongate member. The number of composite structures is configured for placement in the channel and to attach a portion of the side of the composite elongate member to the structure. The number of composite structures is configured to increase a capacity of the composite elongate member to withstand forces that pull the composite elongate member away from the structure.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced concrete beam which greatly increases the effectiveness of stirrups in contributing to shear resistance. The method for fabricating a reinforced concrete beam generally includes the steps of positioning a plurality of rebars parallel with respect to each other to form the internal reinforced frame of the beam. A plurality of stirrups may then be extended around the plurality of rebars to provide additional support. An equivalent spacing value is computed in terms of transverse spacing (sw), longitudinal spacing (sL) and effective depth (d) and efficiency is then maximized in light of practical considerations by varying the transverse spacing (sw), In a preferred embodiment, after calculating the longitudinal spacing (sL) of the stirrups and the effective depth (d) of the rebars, the stirrups are positioned within the rebars using a transverse spacing (sw) calculated by the following equation: s w = ( s L d ) 0.5 ? d .

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ball joint assembly including providing an internal centerpiece substantially in the shape of a hollow truncated sphere, placing the centerpiece within a metal hollow sleeve and deforming the sleeve by forcing the sleeve against an outer surface of the centerpiece to shape the sleeve to complement the outer surface of the centerpiece, forming at least one groove in an exterior surface of the sleeve and there after molding a plastic matrix composite material over the exterior surface of the sleeve to form an external body over the sleeve.

Abstract: A blade cartridge for a shaving razor contains a series of parallel blades, and at least two wire conductors of an electric circuit connected to the blades at spaced intervals to provide an electric current flow through the blades in a manner that provides more efficient heat distribution across the length of the blades. The ends of the blades may be held in place by staples that are insulated from the electric circuit. A thin conductive film may be fitted to be in contact with the ends of the blades to insure conductivity throughout the entire length of each blade. A radiator effect of the heated blades causes the blades to become warmer when the blades are placed against the skin surface and air is unable to circulate between the blades. The blades become less hot when removed from the skin and air circulates between the blades.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a shaving device includes a hollow flexible body having an open first end constructed to receive a free end of the shaving device that is opposite a razor blade and a closed second end. The closed second end has an arcuate shape. The accessory also includes a plurality of micro-blades disposed at the closed second end along an arcuate-shaped exterior surface thereof for trimming hair located in difficult to reach rounded facial areas.

Abstract: A disposable combination open top razor cap with razor head having an aerosol dispenser as the handle. The shaving cream can be dispensed by simply depressing the nozzle that is open on the cap and comes out through an extended dispenser opening. When the open top cap with the razor blade is attached the dispenser it is used as part of the handle. Also the razor cap does not need to be removed to spray out the shaving cream. Also the open top razor cap is removable so it could put on a full aerosol dispenser if the one it is on is empty. If the razor is worn it can be replaced with a newer open top razor on the dispenser. Additionally the razor itself can be replaced by itself on the open top razor cap.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a folding knife capable of preventing automatic folding, which includes a handle having first, second and third plates, and a blade pivotally connected between the first and second plates by a pivot. The second plate is provided with a resilient stopper having a first end fixed to the second plate and a second end extending toward the first plate in a slanting manner. The third plate has one side corresponding in position to the second plate and concavely provided with an engaging hole. When the blade is fully rotated out of the handle, the second end of the resilient stopper presses against one end of the blade and thereby keeps the blade fully rotated out of the handle. Thus, when a force applied to the blade is excessively large, the resilient stopper will not be shifted away from the position against the blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding knife having a blade pivotally connected to a handle and a positioning device including a resilient plate and a positioning element, wherein the positioning element has a middle section pivotally connected in the handle, and the resilient plate has a first end fixed in the handle and a second end movably pressing against a first end of the positioning element and thereby causing a second end of the positioning element to press against the blade. A safety switch has a first end jutting out of the handle and a second end movably located in the handle and corresponding to the resilient plate. When the safety switch is moved toward the blade, the second end of the safety switch is inserted between the positioning element and the resilient plate to prevent the positioning element from swinging about an axis defined by its middle section.

Abstract: An open-close work implement is provided which an operator does not need to operate carefully while adjusting closing force applied to an open-close operation part by delicately increasing or reducing the closing force, wherein an object can be easily held without being damaged by an extremely simple operation of merely gripping or squeezing the open-close operation part (5) with the fingertips. In the open-close work implement, a first half member (1) and a second half member (2) are intersected and pivotally fitted together, an open-close working part (4) is provided to the distal end, and an open-close operation part (5) is provided to the proximal end. The open-close work implement is configured so that when increasing closing force is applied to the open-close operation part (5), the open-close operation part 5 flexes and a contact part (7) and a receiving part (6) come in contact.

Abstract: A reciprocating power tool and drive mechanism with a drive shaft mounted for reciprocating movement relative to a housing along a center longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. The drive shaft has a front end adapted to attach to an external shaft or tool attachment, a rear end, and a slot oriented perpendicular to the center longitudinal axis of the drive shaft between the front and rear ends. A motor driven shaft imparts rotary movement to a pinion gear, which meshes with a crown gear to impart rotary motion to the crown gear about its center axis. A drive pin connected to the crown gear has an eccentric pin eccentrically offset relative to the center axis of the crown gear for engagement in the slot of the drive shaft so as to impart the reciprocating movement to the drive shaft on rotation of the crown gear.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a razor has a handle, a razor cartridge, and an engaging mechanism having a first engaging member secured to the handle and a second engaging member secured to the razor cartridge. Each of the first and second engaging members has a surface and a structural pattern formed thereon. The structural pattern on the surface of the first engaging member is substantially complementary to the structural pattern on the surface of the second engaging member. As assembled, the surface of the first engaging member is in substantial contact with the surface of the second engaging member such that the structural pattern on the surface of the first engaging member and the structural pattern on the surface of the second engaging member are complementarily and mutually engaged so as to lock the first engaging member to the second engaging member, and the razor cartridge is aligned with the handle in an angle, ?.

Abstract: A bow sighting improvement device employing fiber optic elements and using an electro-mechanical control to illuminate one pin only and to provide a leveling control function to the optic system. The device is secured to the archery bow and fiber optic bow sight. It is comprised of a revolver device with a power source, light source and a control system with features; a means to attach the revolver to an optical bow sight that sight having at least two fiber optic sight tips powered each by a fiber strand; a means to attach the revolver device to an archery bow wherein the control system may singularly power one fiber optic strand and light one sight tip and wherein the intensity of the lighting of the tip may be controlled; a tilt/torque switch assembly; and a means for connecting the tilt switch assembly to the revolver control system.

Abstract: A portable coordinate measuring machine (PCMM) can have one or more rotatable grip assemblies to provide a location for an operator to grasp the PCMM. A rotatable grip assembly can include a rotatable sleeve, a grip portion disposed over the sleeve, and one or more retaining rings to prevent the rotatable grip from axially sliding along one or more members of an articulated arm PCMM. A PCMM can include two rotatable grips to allow an operator to grasp the PCMM with both hands for positioning and repositioning operations. One rotatable grip can be positioned on an arm member most distant the PCMM base, and another rotatable grip can be positioned on a housing at least partially encasing an articulating joint assembly coupled to the arm member most distant the PCMM base. Other numbers of and locations of rotatable grip assemblies can be used in PCMMs.

Abstract: Devices and methods to facilitate proper installation of a power takeoff on a transmission are disclosed. Embodiments include gauges and methods that enable users to properly select the thickness of the gasket between the power takeoff and the transmission housing to minimize gear backlash and gear interference while installing a power takeoff on a transmission. In one embodiment, the gauge is of unitary construction with at least one surface adapted to contact the transmission housing and another surface adapted to avoid contact with the transmission gear by at least 2/1000 inches and at most 3/100 inches when the gasket thickness is proper for minimizing gear backlash and interference. Alternate embodiments include cutouts that aid in aligning the gauge within the transmission housing and can assist in determining the appropriate gasket thickness.

Abstract: A sheet length measuring device includes a rotating body configured to rotate with a movement of a sheet in a conveying direction; a position detecting unit configured to detect leading and trailing ends of the sheet passing through a position of the rotating body; a measuring unit configured to measure a rotation amount of the rotating body and output an origin signal per one revolution of the rotating body; a storage unit configured to store changes of a sheet conveying amount with respect to respective rotation angles in one revolution of the rotating body; and a calculating unit configured to calculate a corrected length of the sheet from a value obtained from a rotation angle of the rotating body when the leading end of the sheet is detected and a value obtained from a rotation angle of the rotating body when the trailing end of the sheet is detected.

Abstract: An air drying apparatus includes a main body, a work cabinet, a first air blower and a second blower. The work cabinet includes a plurality of air knives. The first air blower and the second air blower are connected to the work cabinet through a number of pipes, and the power of the first air blower is higher than the second air blower.

Abstract: “DEVICE FOR DRYING HAIR WITH PROVISION OF AIR FLOW WITH AIR JETS DRIVEN BY COUPLING AN ELECTRIC HAIR DRYER AND HAIR DRYER WITH PROVISION OF AIR FLOW WITH DRIVEN AIR JETS”, wherein said device for drying hair is indicated by referral number (1) and is set as a basically hollow structure (5), which is provided in its upper portion with a nozzle (6) which is oriented to receive, by simply fitting, the nozzle of a manual hair dryer of conventional type (7); the structure (5) of the device for drying (1) which comprises a posterior projection (9), from which a coupling terminal is developed (10), wherein, by fitting, both upper end of the vertical stand (2) and short and curve tube (11) integrating the support (8) can be introduced; the inferior face of the structure (5) of the hair dryer (1), which is defined by a hollow central portion (12), derive, in a substantially radial way, equally hollow tentacle structures (13).

Abstract: A drum for a household appliance, and a household appliance having a drum, wherein the drum includes a cylindrical shell, a front sheet on a front of the cylindrical shell, and a rear sheet on a rear of the cylindrical shell, wherein a portion of the cylindrical shell includes a noise-dampening coating.

Abstract: A hand dryer comprising a plurality of hand dryer nozzles—one or more for each of a user's hands. The left hand dryer nozzle(s) are arranged to extend across the width of the user's left hand when it is held palm-open in front of the left-hand nozzle(s), and the right-hand dryer nozzle(s) are likewise arranged to extend across the width of the user's right hand when it is held palm-open in front of the right-hand nozzle(s). The left-hand nozzle(s) extend axially along the wall of a first air supply duct, and the right hand nozzle(s) similarly extend axially along the wall of a second air supply duct. Each air supply duct communicates at its inlet end—being the end nearer the user's respective thumb in use—with a motor driven-fan for driving an axial airflow through duct.

Abstract: A method for heating an object having a variable weight that includes a medium is provided. The method comprises: (A) placing the object having the variable weight including medium into an enclosure; (B) initiating a heating process by subjecting medium including the object having the variable weight to a variable AC electrical field; and (C) controlling the heating process. The object has substantially absorbed medium in a first “cool” state and therefore includes a maximum weight in the first “cool” state due to absorption of medium. The object is substantially free from medium in a second “heated” state due to substantial release of medium from the object, wherein the released medium is evaporated during the heating process. The heating process is completed when the object is substantially transitioned into the second “heated” state. The method further comprises using an air flow having an ambient temperature inside the enclosure to carry away the evaporated medium from the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus 20 for microwave vacuum-drying organic materials such as foods and bioactives has a plurality of microwave generators 50 actuated so as to cause interference between their respective microwave streams and evenly distribute the microwave energy across the vacuum chamber 34. The microwave-transparent window 36 in the chamber is arranged so the organic material to be dried is moved across it on a conveyor belt 60 and the microwave energy passing into the chamber 34 immediately encounters the organic materials, thus attenuating the energy and reducing arcing.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to the production of dried co-products from stillage produced by an ethanol production facility.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a part of a vehicle, the liquid removal device including an intake (11) for receiving matter containing gaseous component and non-gaseous components, a separator (14) for separating the gaseous and non gaseous components of matter entering the inlet (11), and an outlet (9, 10) for directing a gaseous component of the matter leaving the separator (14) towards the part of the vehicle from which liquid is to be removed, so as to remove liquid therefrom.

Abstract: A support having an inverted U-shape defining a top plenum for distributing air and extending along a top plenum axis and a pair of legs extending downwardly from the top plenum in a spaced and parallel relationship. The top plenum of the support defines an attachment opening at an attachment angle. A bag extends downwardly at the attachment angle from the top plenum to a distal end in an inflated position. A nozzle is disposed the distal end of the bag to define a nozzle opening extending along a nozzle plane. The bag includes a major length and a curved portion. The curved portion of the bag includes a minor length and a filler length. The filler length positions the nozzle to be slanted open at a first nozzle acute angle of 20° forwardly in the inflated position and at a second nozzle acute angle of 20° rearwardly in an up position.

Abstract: Footwear assemblies including reinforced insole portions and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes an upper coupled to an insole. The insole includes a first surface opposite a second surface. The first surface is configured to face a user's foot when inserted in the upper. The upper at least partially wraps around and is stitched directly to the second surface of the insole. The footwear assembly further includes a midsole adjacent to the second surface of the insole, and an outsole adjacent to the midsole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles with cavities capable of receiving objects as a result of extending an opening into a cavity capable of receiving the objects. For example, the opening in an article of footwear can be extended into the toe box to allow for the easier insertion and removal of a foot. The present invention also relates to systems that permit the article to be secured to the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and articles of wear may include one or more traction elements. Portions of the traction elements may be extendable and/or retractable. The traction elements have at least a two-plate construction that is designed to moderate a force that is applied to one of the plates. This construction may be used in articles of footwear having cleats or other traction elements. A force applied by a wearer's foot may be moderated by the two-plate construction.

Abstract: Couplers for attaching an accessory to an excavator arm of an excavator. Couplers having a first side for attaching the coupler to the excavator arm and a second side onto which the accessory will be coupled. The coupler includes a latch for selectively securing and releasing an attachment pin of the accessory in a jaw, groove, hook or slot in the second side of the coupler. The coupler is fully controllable from within the cab of the excavator and it allows improved security in the securement of the accessory to the coupler, i.e. preventing accidental decouplings, but while still allowing intentional decoupling operations to be carried out without undue burden.

Abstract: A self propelled snow remover machine with a computer control panel a camera, a funnel design snow brush. The computer control panel controls the snow remover machine through a downloaded application with cloud technology and is access through many different electronic devices.

Abstract: A spreader component for use with a dragline excavator. Two dumpblocks are connected to the component in a spaced apart manner. The spreader component may include an in-use upper coupling arrangement for enabling coupling of the component to a hoist link of the dragline, at least first and second spaced apart in-use anterior coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective dump block, and at least first and second spaced apart in-use lateral coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective lift chain for a bucket of the excavator. An elongate connector may connect each lift chain to a respective lateral coupling arrangement in use.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for material distribution, including a draw-bar to which is fixedly connected a bucket body. Wheels are attached to the drawbar on opposite sides of the bucket body between an open side and a gate thereof. A lower edge of the open side of the bucket body, which can receive material, is in the form of a cutting blade or teeth. The gate, which is disposed opposite from the open side, can be opened and closed. At least part of a top side of the bucket body forms a platform for an operator. At least one engine is provided and is drivingly connected to the wheels. A handlebar is connected to the bucket body, forward of the platform, for pivoting the bucket body about the wheels so that the cutting blade or teeth can be brought into or out of contact with a surface.

Abstract: A scraper that has a frame that supports wheels. The scraper includes a blade and a blade height and tilt assembly that are connected to the frame in order to both adjust the height of the blade and the angle at which the blade cuts soil.

Abstract: A checkout divider having an optically variable effect. The divider includes a sleeve including optically variable material that is disposed upon a face of the sleeve. The sleeve is formed to take on a three-dimensional structure. The divider includes a pair of end caps that are configured to fixedly receive each end of the sleeve. The divider also includes a curved bearing surface associated with the end caps. The curved bearing surface is disposable such that upon disturbance of an equilibrium of the checkout divider, the optically variable material exhibits a change in aspect.