Abstract: A multi-functional article easily attachable to and adjustable along a strap, without having to either disassemble or modify the strap in any fashion. The attachment article includes a base configured with an interior cutout profile defining a pair of inwardly projecting tabs with contoured opposing edges configured to receive a strap in manipulated engaging fashion in order to mount the article to the strap. An integrally defined end portion extends from an edge of the base, typically in a reverse angled fashion, and defines a catch operable in multiple variants to either prevent abrading of a rifle sling, backpack strap, or the like as well as being operable in a further variant to provide a vertical load supporting article.

Abstract: A clip used in connection with a tube having sections arranged to form a coil, the clip comprising a first section and a second section joined at one end by a hinge and at an opposite end by a clasp to define a channel between the first and second sections, and a first pair of ridges where each ridge is an opposing relationship with the other and extends inwardly from a respective first and second section partially into the channel defining a gap therebetween and dividing the channel into channel sections, whereby the sections of the tube are received in the channel sections and extend toward contact with each other in the gap formed between the ridges.

Abstract: A device for holding two handles of a purse or handbag together includes an inner retaining strap and outer retaining strap. The straps are made of thin flexible material. The straps are attached at or near their respective longitudinal centers providing free movement of the longitudinal ends. A closure such as a hook and loop material is at the ends of straps allow the formation of the straps into closable and releasable loops. The outer strap is longer than the inner retaining strap. The outer retaining strap has a weight that can be in the form of a decorative element on the outside face at one longitudinal end, or can be incorporated into or on the end, or comprise the closure, and facilitates closing and opening the device. Alternatively, the closure of at least the outer strap can be a mechanical snap, magnetic, or other suitable construction.

Abstract: An easy access tab integrated into a hook closure forming a portion of overlapping hook and loop engaging surfaces of m adjustable garment An edge extending tab is reverse Folded over and against a forward and central most subset area of the hook surface and is subsequently sonically heat bonded to create a crushed or otherwise smoothed subset surface area maintaining a low profile and without any significant weight addition. The crushed area enables a user to insert one or more digits between the opposing hook and loop configured surfaces of the closure elements to facilitate easier opening and without damaging the closure elements. A corresponding method is also disclosed for sonically heat bonding the reverse, folded tab applied against the hook surface utilizing the above structure.

Abstract: A panel support clamp consisting of: at least a pair of mutually cooperating jaws (1,2) and both carrying, on one side, fastening and tightening elements; said fastening and tightening elements providing, on a first one of said jaws, a parallelepiped body (6) with at least one screw-in seat and, on a second one of said jaws, a tightening screw, as well as guiding elements for the housing of said parallelepiped body, consisting of a pair of retaining arms (9a, 9b) and of a cavity obtained on the inner surface thereof; on each of the lateral walls of said parallelepiped body a guiding groove (13), for the housing and sliding of a pair of articulating pins (14a, 14b), protruding inwards from the ends of said retaining arms; within said parallelepiped body recesses (7) for the introduction of fastening elements to a support base, and control means maintaining secure the parallelism between the opposite surfaces of the two jaws (1,2) and the respective panel walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clip device and system for securing ornamental lights, wires, and wired or wireless devices to a rain gutter downspout without damaging the downspout. The retaining device is comprised of a plastic or metal clip. The clip is molded or formed to fit the surface of the rain gutter downspout and securely supports a wires and/or devices on the surface of the downspout.

Abstract: Easily-manufacturable connector capable of prevention of accidental opening of mouth of hook caused by movement of opening-closing rod in opening direction. Connector main body has paired retaining holes on both sides of hook base part. Misoperation-preventive member has its opposite ends formed into paired inwardly-bent engagement portions engageable in paired retaining holes, and has its midway part configured to be movable from front end of hook toward opening-operation body and vice versa in in-contact/out-of-contact relation. Paired engagement portions (paired retaining holes) are axially staggered so that midway part of misoperation-preventive member is urged from front end of hook toward opening-operation body. Connector main body has stopper for bringing midway part of misoperation-preventive member to stop in a position close to opening-operation body against urgence on misoperation-preventive member.

Abstract: A cremation urn display has a floor, a top, and a perimeter sidewall. A viewable portion on the top or sidewall includes fasteners upon which a memorial display is surface mounted. The display includes a mounted butterfly fixed in a container having a viewable display panel. No recess need be formed in the top or sidewall to accommodate mounting of the display. The display is removable from the urn, and contains a sealable capsule for retaining a portion of cremated remains.

Abstract: An apparatus including a mounting platform, wherein the mounting platform includes a substantially planar mounting surface; a clamping mechanism on the mounting surface; a memorial item retained by the clamping mechanism; and an arrangement of handles on a side of the mounting platform, wherein the side is substantially normal to the plane of the mounting surface.

Abstract: An industrial fabric such as an endless belt or sleeve for use in the production of nonwovens, and a method of making thereof are disclosed. The industrial fabric is produced by spirally winding strips of polymeric material, such as an industrial strapping or ribbon material, and joining the adjoining sides of the strips of material using ultrasonic welding or laser welding techniques. The fabric may then be perforated using a suitable technique to make it permeable to air and/or water.

Abstract: A tool for removing a ferrule and tube from a pneumatic hose fitting comprising first and second jaws each having two upstanding members separated by a U shaped opening for receiving a pneumatic tube fitting of a specific diameter, wherein the upstanding members each have a blunt wedge shaped gripper running around the inside of the U shaped opening extending inward along the side facing the opposite jaw, wherein the first and second jaws are adapted to be coupled to a MAC Tools HCP500 Large Hose Clamp Vise or equivalent for movement toward and away from each other for removing a ferrule and tube from a pneumatic hose fitting made by the PARKER Corp. when positioned to engage the gap between the ferrule and body of the fitting.

Abstract: A joining apparatus for joining together structural components of an aircraft, includes positioning means for holding the structural components to be joined in a defined desired position, in which the structural components can be fixedly joined together by means of a joining device that can be moved relative to the structural components by way of guiding means, wherein the positioning means encompass a formative frame structure that is detachably secured to the structural components to be connected along the joining edges outside in the edge area, and serves as a guiding means for the joining device movably secured hereupon.

Abstract: A method for repairing a component is provided, where the component has a substrate comprising an outer surface and an inner surface and defining one or more grooves. Each groove extends at least partially along the outer surface of the substrate. The component further includes a structural coating, a bond coating, and a thermal bather coating. The groove(s) and the structural coating define one or more channels for cooling the component. The repair method includes removing the thermal barrier and bond coatings, removing at least a portion of the structural coating in a vicinity of a damaged portion of the component, performing a repair operation on the damaged portion of the component, applying a structural coating at least in a vicinity of the repaired portion of the component, and applying a bond coating and a thermal barrier coating. Additional repair methods are also provided.

Abstract: Hybrid repair plugs include an alloy core and a sintered preform shell at least partially surrounding the alloy core, wherein the sintered preform shell includes a mixture comprising a base alloy comprising about 30 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of the mixture and a second alloy including a sufficient amount of a melting point depressant to have a lower melting temperature than the base alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for detecting flag velocity during a eutectic process for bonding two wafers. The apparatus includes a plurality of sensors for detecting a time and/or velocity of a plurality of flags within a flag-out mechanism. The apparatus also includes one or more displays displaying time durations associated with the movement of the flags during the bonding process. Also disclosed is a method of aligning wafers in a eutectic bonding process. The method includes determining one or more time durations associated with the movement of the flags in the plurality of flags. The method also includes determining if a misalignment has occurred based on the one or more time durations associated with the movement of the flags.

Abstract: A substrate plating processor has a vessel on a support structure and a head support fixed in place relative to the support structure. A head having a rotor is attached to the head support. A lifter associated with the head support moves the head into and out of engagement with the vessel. An alignment assembly attachable to the rotor has at least one sensor adapted to detect a position of an inside surface of the vessel when the head is engaged with the vessel. The sensor may be a physical contact sensor positioned to contact the inside surface of the vessel.

Abstract: A template tool that is adapted to quickly and easily define standard cabinet front edge position, whether for base or wall cabinet, and whether from stud or drywall wall.

Abstract: A modular bone plating system in one embodiment is a bone plate kit including a plurality of bone plates, each of the plurality of bone plates including a male coupling portion, a female coupling portion and a shaft extending between the male coupling portion and the female coupling portion, wherein each of the male coupling portions of each of the plurality of bone plates is configured to couple with each of the female coupling portions of each of the other of the plurality of bone plates.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing a foot pedal assembly from moving away from a seat includes a mat having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The mat is shaped and dimensioned to receive the foot pedal assembly and to receive the seat. One of hook and loop material is disposed on the top surface of the mat, the one of hook and loop material positioned, shaped, and dimensioned to removably connect to the foot pedal assembly. The other of hook and loop material is disposable on the bottom surface of the foot pedal assembly, so that the foot pedal assembly can be removably connected to the mat.

Abstract: Apparatus to insert a spigot into a flexible tube comprises a support for holding and advancing a spigot, actuated by a motor, and a grip for holding a flexible tube, its opening and closing controlled by a motor. On operation of the apparatus, the support is advanced to urge the spigot into the flexible tube. To prevent catching or snagging of the tube on the spigot preventing insertion, after forward motion of the spigot, the jaws are opened, and the spigot is retreated a short distance, the jaws are to closed and the spigot is advanced again. This cycle is then repeated until the spigot is fully within the tube. The jaws have a front section and a separate back section, mounted against a resistance, to hold the tube. The front section will be urged back against the resistance on insertion of the spigot, which will not reach the back section.

Abstract: A mechanism for installing a spring in a vehicle decklid includes a bracket supported on the decklid to rotate about an axis, including a leg extending radially from the axis, a spring secured to the bracket, a stop, and an attachment engaged with the bracket for rotating the bracket about the axis and extending the spring to an installed position where a force applied by the spring to the leg forces the bracket into contact with the stop, said contact preventing rotation of the bracket in a direction that extends the spring.

Abstract: A patient lift connector for attaching and detaching a patient lifting bar to a load supporting member in a patient lifting system is described. The connector includes a connector body including a connecting block configured to be fixedly attached to the patient lifting bar. The connector also includes a pin holder coupled to the load supporting member and configured to be inserted through the connector body and into the connecting block, and an attachment latch secured to the connector body and configured to move between an open position and a closed position within the connector body. When the attachment latch moves from the closed position to the open position, the pin holder is allowed to be inserted into the connecting block and thereby allow the lifting bar to be attached to the load supporting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bundle of nails or screws whose pointed tips are secured in close proximity to each other by an adhesive or adhesive tape whereby each outer nail or screw from one end of the bundle can be manually separated from the bundle and subsequently readily driven or screwed into a work piece. Furthermore, any injurious effect to the carpenter or construction worker's hand is considerably reduced when obtaining the bundle of nails or screws from the hardware store or when handling and using the nails or screws at the work site.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A method for assembling a display system includes positioning and selectively engaging a plurality of modules together to form a first tier, lifting the first tier, positioning and selectively engaging a plurality of modules together to form a second tier, and attaching the second tier to the first tier.

Abstract: A method for assembling a powertrain includes installing transmission gearing and an input shaft in a housing, installing a bearing in a pump housing and securing the pump housing to a pump plate, piloting on the housing the pump plate into position, seating a stator shaft on the pump housing over the input shaft, and installing over the stator shaft a rotor shaft, a rotor hub engaging the bearing and a clutch hub.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes forming a lower shield of a shield structure; forming a portion of a magnetic yoke for each of at least two write transducers above the lower shield of the shield structure; and forming an upper shield of the shield structure above the portions of the yokes of each of two of the at least two write transducers, the shields being formed of a magnetically permeable material, wherein the upper and lower shields are magnetically connected.

Abstract: A method for forming an insulated conductor heater includes placing an insulation layer over at least part of an elongated, cylindrical inner electrical conductor. An elongated, cylindrical outer electrical conductor is placed over at least part of the insulation layer to form the insulated conductor heater. One or more cold working/heat treating steps are performed on the insulated conductor heater. The cold working/heat treating steps include: cold working the insulated conductor heater to reduce a cross-sectional area of the insulated conductor heater by at least about 30% and heat treating the insulated conductor heater at a temperature of at least about 870° C. The cross-sectional area of the insulated conductor heater is then reduced by an amount ranging between about 5% and about 20% to a final cross-sectional area.

Abstract: To enable positioning a robot arm and a workpiece with high accuracy while reducing vibrations of a camera. According to the claimed invention for this purpose, a robot station 100 includes a pedestal 103 to which robot arms 101 and 102 are fixed, a camera 106 which images an area including a working area 209 of the pedestal 103, and a booth 104 to which the camera 106 is fixed. The pedestal 103 is fixed to a floor surface, and the booth 104 is fixed to the floor surface without contacting the pedestal 103. The booth 104 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a short side parallel to a workpiece conveying direction T and a long side perpendicular to the workpiece conveying direction T in a plan view.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembling a lens tube in a lens base includes a support base, a fastening unit, a first height sensor, and a second height sensor. The support base defines a positioning groove for receiving the lens base. The fastening unit includes a fastening pole and a torque meter connected to an end of the fastening pole. The fastening pole forms a plurality of connecting portions for engaging with the lens tube. The first height sensor is positioned on the support base to detect a height of the lens base. The second height sensor is positioned on the support base to detect a height of an optical lens formed by the lens tube and the lens base.

Abstract: A method of forming a tubular around one or more insulated conductors includes providing one or more insulated conductors and a strip of carbon steel to a tubular assembly location. The strip of carbon steel is formed into a tubular shape in the tubular assembly location. At least a portion of the insulated conductors are provided lengthwise inside the tubular shape as the strip of carbon steel is being formed into the tubular shape such that the tubular shape at least partially surrounds the one or more insulated conductors. The longitudinal edges of the strip of carbon steel together are welded to form a carbon steel tubular around the insulated conductors.

Abstract: A tray feeder includes tray supply mechanisms and arranged in parallel. Each of the tray supply mechanisms has a function of retrieving a tray from a tray housing portion by a tray retrieving unit, and transferring the pallet up to a component pickup position set in the vicinity of a height at the upper end of the tray housing portion. A lock state of a door by a door lock mechanism is released only in a state where the tray retrieving unit is located at the component pickup position and blocks an interior of the tray feeder from a head transfer space in which the mounting head transfers.

Abstract: A rotor disc, such as one made of a damage intolerant material or other material sensitive to stress concentrations, has at least one balancing assembly which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart sacrificial protrusions projecting between adjacent stress-relieving slots. Selective material removal is permitted from the rotor disc, while managing stress concentrations in the rotor disc created by such material removal, such that the rotor disc may be balanced without detrimentally affecting its service life.

Abstract: A method for stuffing a monolith wrapped with a mounting mat into a housing includes the steps of radially elastically clamping the housing during stuffing at several locations, and compensating for at least one of a housing tolerance and a housing rotation through an elastic deformation of the housing caused by the clamping.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of a tire sidewall to damage such as splitting or puncture is provided. More particularly, a method for determining the size and positioning of tread features along the sidewall of a tire so as to improve the protection of the sidewall against damage when contacting obstacles during operation of the tire is provided.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle, a blade assembly secured to the handle, a blade cover mechanically coupled to the handle facilitating manipulability of the blade cover to an extended position over the blade assembly, and a slider that is repositionable along the handle to release the blade cover from the extended position, the slider being pivotally coupled to the blade assembly.

Abstract: A hand held spoon apparatus including a spoon member configured with a recessed area for scooping and holding both the solid and liquid food items, integrally connected to a spoon member arm. Said spoon member arm is resiliently connected to a thumb member arm, that is integrally connected to a thumb member head. Said thumb member head is capable of being placed over the food item when the resilient member is squeezed to hold the food in place while transferring to a plate.

Abstract: A saw having a power unit with a drive component and a housing for the power unit with a frame. A bar on the housing guides movement of an operatively positioned cutting chain driven by the drive component in an endless path. The bar is movable guidingly in opposite directions in a predetermined path relative to the housing to thereby vary tension upon an operatively positioned cutting chain. A bar fixing assembly has a knob that is turnable around a first axis relative to the housing in: a) a first direction to a tightened state; and b) a second direction to a loosened state. A first assembly resiliently bears against the knob to at least one of: a) inhibit turning of the knob around the first axis; b) provide a sensory indication to a user grasping and turning the knob that the knob is moving around the first axis; and c) reduce play in the knob.

Abstract: A portable dryer for in situ drying multiple pairs of relatively small articles of apparel having a blower and heater for forcing air into a pair of attached oppositely directed manifolds, each with discharge ports and adjacent support members for the articles to be dried. One of the manifolds is attached by a quick-release slotted connection for assembly and removal without tools. In preparation for transport, the user removes, inverts and stacks the one manifold on the opposite manifold reducing the volume of bag or enclosure required for one person transport.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a drying cycle of a laundry treating appliance by monitoring a temperature of the exhaust air flow.

Abstract: A replaceable structure for footwear includes an outsole, a plurality of replaceable footwear bodies and a heel. People can alternate different kinds of replaceable footwear bodies for different situations, such as high heels for work, sneakers for exercises and slippers for indoors. In addition, the zipper structure makes people more convenient to alternate different replaceable footwear bodies for different activities.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sole constructed for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section; an interchangeable upper, or several interchangeable uppers, having loops for securing the upper to the loops of the sole of the footwear; such uppers and soles attached by specialized clips adapted to facilitate a wide variety of advantages.

Abstract: A lacing system for an article of footwear may include a lateral series of lace-receiving elements and a medial series of lace-receiving elements. A first lace extends consecutively through a first lateral lace-receiving element, a second lateral lace-receiving element, a fourth medial lace-receiving element, a fifth lateral lace-receiving element, a third medial lace-receiving element, and again through the first lateral lace-receiving element. A second lace extends consecutively through a first medial lace-receiving element, a second medial lace-receiving element, a fourth lateral lace-receiving element, a fifth medial lace-receiving element, a third lateral lace-receiving element, and again through the first medial lace-receiving element.

Abstract: An automated tightening shoe with a single crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction.

Abstract: A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external puncture resistant boot and a dual-layered insert. The dual-layered insert comprises a thermal sock worn over the foot of a diver and a water-proof, non-stretch over-sized outer sock worn over the thermal sock. The outer sock is over-sized so that it accommodates a wide spectrum of diver foot sizes but fits comfortably within the volume of the external boot.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a boot, including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the boot extending lengthwise from a heel to a tip, widthwise between a lateral portion and a medial portion, and heightwise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the boot having an opening for inserting the foot, and including a reinforcement which is integral with the upper and is more rigid than the remainder of the upper, at least in the region of the instep, the reinforcement including a lateral and/or a medial edge extending over a reduced length of the boot at least plumb with the instep, the boot including a transverse linkage provided to tighten the instep zone, the linkage extending from the lateral portion to the medial portion. The linkage includes a first subdivision extending in the longitudinal direction of the boot, over a distance between 25% and 70% of the length thereof.

Abstract: A women's boot wallet with additional pockets, generally disposed of laterally and formed within the inner lining of the footwear. Designed for storing items such as, keys, credit cards, identification and/or other specialized inserts. These pockets eliminate the need to carry a handbag, limiting the risk of having these items lost or stolen. In one embodiment the object to be stored is placed directly into an open recess along the side of the shoe near the upper portion of the calf, such as a cell phone. In another embodiment, a series of recesses are created to form a wallet for inserting credit cards and the like. Attached to this wallet is a small pocket made of flexible material generally enclosed through the use of a zipper or Velcro™. This pocket system may be used as a permanent fixture to the boot or as a removable system of pockets.

Abstract: Footwear is disclosed. The footwear includes a sole. A strap is secured to the sole. The strap aids in retaining the footwear on an individual's foot. The footwear further includes an insect repellent. The insect repellent may be on a strip. The strip is retained on the strap. The strip can be removed from the strap and replaced with a different strip. One of the strap or insect repellent strip has at least one opening for disposition about a post contained on the other of the strap or the insect repellent strip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tread element and a tread configuration to be used with a shoe sole, the outer surface of a tire or the outer surface of a traction band.