Abstract: A buckling device for fastening a belt is provided. The buckling device comprises a first portion, a second portion and an elastic portion. The elastic portion is made of a material with a shore hardness substantially between A10 and A95. The elastic portion contacts the first portion and the second portion, so that the second portion engages with the belt and the belt is fastened.

Abstract: Fastening devices for fastening at least two strap portions. The fastening device may be, for example, a buckle, and the device may fasten respective ends of a single strap, such as a belt. The fastening device contains no moving parts, and may comprise a unitary, one-piece structure. In embodiments, the fastening device is configured to enable either the first strap portion and the second strap portion to be removed from the fastening device without requiring the other strap portion to be removed.

Abstract: An improved seat belt buckle assembly (10) for use with a tongue (2) of a seat belt during use, locking the latch (20) and control lever (40) in the unlatched position, but when the buckle is latched and exposed to a rapid deceleration a mass (60) slides compressing a lower spring (52) into the frame (12) moving the mass (60) to occupy the space directly under stop surfaces (45) of control lever arms (42, 43) of a control lever (40) blocking downward movement and preventing a locking bar (18) from leaving a horizontal portion of L-shaped slots (9) preventing movement of the latch (20) into the unlatched position. The mass (60) is preferably attached to an ejector (30), the ejector (30) fits into a slot (62) in the mass (60) and extends into a pair of horizontal slots (31) on the frame, one horizontal slot (31) being on each vertical side (6, 7) of the frame (12). The ejector (30) secures the mass (60) in the frame (12) limiting the mass (60) to horizontal forward and rearward sliding movements.

Abstract: In an exemplary method a piezoelectric wafer is prepared on which multiple piezoelectric frames are formed. Each frame has a piezoelectric vibrating piece including excitation electrodes, and a frame portion surrounds the vibrating piece. A lid wafer is prepared on which multiple respective lids are formed, each sized substantially similarly to the respective frames. A base wafer is prepared on which multiple of bases are formed, each sized substantially similarly to the respective frames. Each base has through-holes. Stripes of a first bonding film are formed on both major surfaces of the piezoelectric wafer around the periphery of each frame. Stripes of a second bonding film are formed on the inner major surface of the lid wafer, corresponding to respective stripes of the first bonding film. Stripes of a third bonding film are formed on the inner major surface of the base wafer, corresponding to respective stripes of the first bonding film.

Abstract: A trailer and method for servicing an extendable boom loading apparatus. The trailer includes an end, a support structure, and a plurality of tools. The end opens and receives the extendable boom loading apparatus when extended. The support structure is coupled to the trailer and supports at least a part of the extendable boom loading apparatus at a convenient working height for a technician in the trailer. The tools are coupled to the trailer and are operable to service the extendable boom loading apparatus.

Abstract: A keyless arbor device for securing a tool, such as a drill bit, to a driver. At least one drive key is pivotally combined with the arbor. A threaded member and an outer sleeve are combined with an arbor. Rotation of the outer sleeve in a first direction causes the threaded member to move in a first direction and rotation of the outer sleeve in a second direction causes the threaded member to move in a second direction. The drive key is positioned so that as the threaded member is moved in its second direction, the threaded member makes contact with the drive key which forces the drive key to pivot from its first position to its second position thereby engaging the shank of the tool to secure the tool with the arbor.

Abstract: HVAC ductwork is sealed along its joints in order to reduce air leakage. The ductwork can be sealed by the combination of a gasket and mechanical locking mechanism. Transverse mechanical locking joints are provided.

Abstract: A shaft connection assembly for the transfer of torque between two shafts is disclosed. The assembly includes a hub and an elongated annular collar. The hub includes a flange portion and a sleeve portion, the sleeve portion having a plurality of sleeve segments formed by longitudinal cuts along the length of the sleeve portion such that when the collar is forced linearly, axially away from the flange portion, the sleeve segments exert a clamping force on each of two shafts disposed within a passageway formed by the hub. The clamping force prevents relative movement of the first shaft with respect to the second when the shafts are rotated about a common axis. A method for joining two shafts for the transfer of torque using the shaft connection assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A picket or panel railing and method of fabrication of the railing from a kit of parts includes U-shaped channels having inserts fixed in the channels, with holes pre-formed in the insert for insertion of pickets. Vertical pickets interconnect the upper channel and a lower channel and opposite ends of the pickets fit through the holes formed in the inserts.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a product, such as an animatronic character, with artificial skin. The method includes providing a mold assembly with an exterior mold and a core. In the mold assembly, a cavity is formed between inner surfaces of the exterior mold and exterior surfaces of the core that defines the skin system. The mold assembly includes a seam-forming wall extending between the inner and exterior surfaces. The method includes inserting an elongate, tubular guide through holes in the seam-forming wall and pouring an elastomeric material into the mold to occupy the cavity between the exterior mold and the interior core. The method includes, after the material has hardened to form the skin system, cutting a seam in the skin system by cutting the material along the seam-forming wall. The tubular guide is separated into guide segments and a staggered joint is formed at the cut seam.

Abstract: An aluminum-plastic composite structure includes an aluminum portion and a plastic portion. The aluminum portion defines a plurality of micro grooves by ultraviolet lithography. The plastic portion is integrally formed on the aluminum portion and substantially filling in the micro grooves. A width of each micro groove is in a range from 0.02 millimeters to 0.05 millimeters. A depth of each micro groove is in a range from 0.2 millimeters to 0.25 millimeters.

Abstract: A method for fabricating electrostatic transducers and arrays electrically separates the substrate segments of the transducer elements from each other using a technique involving two cutting steps, in which the first step forms a patterned opening in the substrate to make a partial separation of substrate segments, and the second step completes the separation after the substrate segments have been secured to prevent instability of the substrate segments upon completion of the second step. The securing of the substrate segments may be accomplished by filling a nonconductive material in the partial separation or securing the transducer array on a support substrate. When the substrate is conductive, the separated substrate segments serve as separate bottom electrodes that can be individually addressed. The method is especially useful for fabricating ID transducer arrays.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mirror device is presented. The method includes forming a mirror from a first substrate and forming a hinge/support structure from a second substrate. The hinge/support structure is formed with a recessed region and a torsional hinge region. The mirror is attached to the hinge/support structure at the recessed region. Further, a driver system is employed to cause the mirror to pivot about the torsional hinge region.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a rotor for a dynamoelectric machine. The rotor includes a rotating shaft, a rotor core fixed on the rotating shaft, and a cooling fan fixed to an axial end face of the rotor core. The method includes the step of fixing the cooling fan to the axial end face of the rotor core by resistance welding. The method is characterized in that in the resistance welding, both a positive electrode and a negative electrode are first brought into contact with the cooling fan to have the cooling fan held between the axial end face of the rotor core and both the positive and negative electrodes, and then weld current is supplied to flow from the positive electrode to the negative electrode.

Abstract: A tandem press system includes a plurality of presses disposed in a workpiece transfer direction, a workpiece transfer device that transfers a workpiece from an upstream press to a downstream press using a tool mounted on the workpiece transfer device via a crossbar, and a tool replacement device that replaces the tool mounted on the workpiece transfer device. The tool replacement device can be transferred from an inter-press space between the upstream press and the downstream press to an external space in a tool replacement direction independently of transfer of a bolster provided with a die to an external space in a die replacement direction.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an ultrafine wire including a conductor formed from a plurality of wire, the method comprising: twisting three wires into a twisted wires; and forming the conductor by compressing the twisted wires through a compressing hole of a compressing die after the twisting. A ratio of a cross section of the conductor after compressing to an area of the compressing hole is 80% to 83%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical device that is electrically and mechanically connectable to another electrical device is presented. The electrical device includes a face equipped with contact pads. The method includes applying an adhesive layer on the face equipped with contact pads. The adhesive layer is composed of a substance with adhesive properties. The method further includes creating a plurality of openings through the adhesive layer over each contact pad, and growing, electrolessly or electrochemically, small metal sticks in the areas where the openings have been created to form a plurality of conductive paths over each contact pad, the volume of which is defined by the openings.

Abstract: An electronic multi-component package is assembled by placing multiple electronic components within multiple openings of a package substrate, then depositing and curing adhesive filler in gaps between the components and the inner peripheries of the openings. Circuit features, including conductive interconnects, are formed by thin-film photolithography over both front and back surfaces of the package substrate. Preformed conductive vias through the package substrate provide electrical connection between circuit features on opposite substrate surfaces. Additional electronic components may be attached to conductive lands on at least one side of the package. The circuit features also include contact pads for external package connections, such as in a ball-grid-array or equivalent structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic substrate structure comprising a substrate, a glass layer, and a conductive layer. This method may include the steps of arranging the glass layer on the substrate, arranging the conductive layer that includes a precious metal particle on the glass layer while directly contacting the glass layer, and heating the glass layer together with the conductive layer at a temperature that is lower than a softening point of the glass layer so that the particle is put into the glass layer. The particle has a diameter of not less than 1 ?m and not more than 10 ?m.

Abstract: A stator ring for use in a compressor of a gas turbine engine and a method of assembling the stator ring are provided. The stator ring includes a first plurality of segments that includes a first segment including a first circumferential end formed with a first cut and a second circumferential end formed with a second cut that is complementary to the first cut, wherein the first plurality of segments are configured to be circumferentially-coupled together, and a second plurality of segments that includes a second segment including a first circumferential end with a third cut and a second circumferential end with a fourth cut that is complementary to the third cut, wherein the second plurality of segments are configured to be circumferentially-coupled together.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a single-piece blisk, including: using an abrasive water jet to cut a block of material, so as to create blade preforms extending radially outwards from a disk, while keeping material forming a connecting mechanism between at least two directly consecutive blade preforms; then milling on the blade preforms so as to obtain profiled blade blanks; then a finishing by milling of the blade blanks, so as to obtain blades with a final profile; then removing the connecting mechanism.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure provides an expansion rod holder for the assembly of fin and tube heat exchangers. The expansion rod holder includes a first plate having a first aperture therethrough and a ring located in the first aperture and that has a second aperture therethrough. The first and second apertures are configured to receive a tapered end of an expansion rod having an annular groove proximate the tapered end. A biasing member is located in the first aperture between the ring and a wall of the first aperture. The biasing member is configured to bias the ring in a first direction toward an opposite wall of the first aperture and into the annular groove. A method of manufacturing the expansion rod holder is also disclosed, as well as a tube expander system used to manufacture heat exchangers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving heat exchangers by implementing self-energizing seals. In one embodiment, a U-tube heat exchanger includes a shell enclosure, a tube sheet, a closure and a set of tubes welded to the tube sheet. The tube sheet separates first and second chambers from a third chamber in the shell enclosure. The closure seals the first and second chambers. Each tube extends from the first chamber, through the third chamber to the second chamber. The improvement comprises a seal between the shell enclosure and either the closure or the tube sheet. The seal includes conically tapered sealing surfaces on the shell enclosure and closure or tube sheet which form a wedge-shaped gap. A seal ring having surfaces complementary to the sealing surfaces of the shell enclosure and closure or tube sheet is positioned between the sealing surfaces to form a self-energized seal.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head, which includes providing a substrate on which a solid member is disposed to surround a region that becomes the flow path, and a metal layer made of a metal or a metal compound is disposed inside of the region, forming a mold made of a metal or a metal compound inside of the region, disposing a cover layer made of a resin to cover the solid member and the mold in contact with the solid member and the mold wherein the solid member and the metal are formed with a distance therebetween, and removing the mold to form the flow path.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit, a microfluidic device including the same, and a method of fabricating the valve unit.

Abstract: A method for producing a fabricated vehicle wheel comprising the steps of: (a) providing a rim blank; (b) providing a first tooling fixture for subjecting the rim blank to a preforming operation wherein the cylindrical shape is reshaped to produce a rim preform; (c) providing a second tooling fixture defining a sealed internal chamber and having a tooling member having a predetermined inner surface contour, the sealed internal chamber in fluid communication with a source of high pressurize hydraulic fluid; (d) positioning the rim preform in the internal chamber with an outer surface thereof adjacent the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (e) supplying the high pressure hydraulic fluid to the internal chamber whereby the rim preform is pressed against the adjacent inner surface contour of the tooling member so as to produce a wheel rim having a contour which matches that of the inner surface contour of the tooling member; (f) removing the wheel rim from the second tooling fixture; and (g) securing th

Abstract: In a state in which a first ball 103 is assembled in between a first inner peripheral raceway surface of an outer ring 105 and an outer peripheral raceway surface of a shaft 101, and a second ball 104 is placed in between a second inner peripheral raceway surface of the outer ring 105 and an outer peripheral surface of the shaft 101, a first distance “a” from a plane “q” generally perpendicular to a central axis “p” of the shaft 101 to the second ball 104 and a second distance “b” from the plane “q” to a stepped portion 107 of the shaft 101 are measured. Then, the size in the axial direction of the inner ring 102 is adjusted on the basis of a difference between the first distance “a” and the second distance “b”.

Abstract: Insulated panels and methods of forming insulated panels are provided. According to the method, mold bulkhead and a sealing strip including a first anchor extension, a second anchor extension, and a panel cap are provided. The method also includes removably attaching the exterior face of the sealing strip to the interior mold surface on at least one of the plurality of mold sides, wherein the first anchor extension and the second anchor extension project into the interior mold volume, and wherein the sealing strip defines a sealed insulation zone. A curable building material is introduced into the interior mold volume to form a first slab. The first slab at least partially surrounds the first anchor extension. The method also includes inserting an insulation material layer into the interior mold volume, wherein the insulation material layer is at least partially within the sealed insulation zone.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is provided having a resilient handle, a guide on one end of the handle and a cutter body on the opposite end. The guide includes two spaced members forming an outwardly facing slot with a stop formed therein. The handle is flexed into an assembled position to form a close loop, with the cutter body positioned within the guide slot and in contact with the stop. A cutting edge is movable along with cutter body to an activated position, with the cutting edge extending outwardly of the slot and the guide. The movement of the cutter body is caused by an activation force applied to the closed loop of the resilient handle member.

Abstract: A shaving cartridge has a housing with at least one blade having a blade edge. A first guard is in front of the blade. The first guard has a plurality of projections defining a plurality of open slots extending generally transverse to the blade edge. Each slot has a leading end portion for receiving hairs and a trailing end portion for feeding the hairs to the blade. The projections are stepped with a height of the projections that define the leading end portion of the slots that is less than a height of the projections that define the trailing end portion of the slots.

Abstract: A battery powered microprocessor-controlled fondue fork has a thermal sensor, a timer, a color LED display for indicating degree of doneness, and a control switch for selecting a predefined cooking time. When the fondue fork is placed into a heated liquid for cooking, the thermal sensor activates the microprocessor-controlled timer which then illuminates the LED display. The LED displays flashing green to indicate the food is cooking, yellow to indicate the food is cooked rare, steady green to indicate the food is cooked medium, red to indicate the food is well-done, and flashing red to indicate an overdone stage of cooking.

Abstract: An articulated arm can include a plurality of articulated arm members, a probe, a receiving portion at a distal end comprising a threaded portion, and a base at a proximal end. A base plate can kinematically mount on the receiving portion and have a hole positioned such that the probe passes through the hole. The base plate can also couple to a laser and an optical sensor located on opposite sides of the hole. A nut can threadably mount to the threaded portion of the receiving portion. Further, a wave spring can mount on the receiving portion between the nut and the base plate. Thus, movement of the nut along the receiving portion can cause the wave spring to urge the base plate against the articulated arm to secure the kinematic mount. The wave spring can then mechanically isolate the base plate from the articulated arm.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a base body, and a measuring head which is movable between a rest position and a measuring position. The measuring device also includes an apparatus for moving the measuring head from the rest position into the measuring position, and a stop for limiting the motion of the measuring head from the rest position into the measuring position. A motorized drive unit for adjusting the position of the stop is operatively associated with the stop in such a way that the measuring position is adjustable, and a control unit is provided for activating the drive unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape measure with a self-regulating speed control mechanism. In the present invention, when a bobbin rotates, a rubber roller rotatably provided on a movable mounting plate alternately comes into contact with an inner surface of a support ring and a rubber acceleration prevention member provided on the inner surface of the support ring, so that the speed of the bobbin can be smoothly and reliably reduced.

Abstract: A coating device for coating a medical device with a drug-eluting material uses an in-process drying station between coats to improve a drug release profile. The drying station includes a heat nozzle configured for applying a uniform drying gas. A coating process using the dryer includes a closed-loop control for the gas between drying steps and an improved nozzle for producing more consistent spray patterns.

Abstract: A process and a device for utilization of waste heat from a high-temperature hood in the dryer section of a paper machine. The waste heat from the high-temperature hood is applied to the waste steam and the condensate, respectively, from a steam system by means of a heat exchanger, thus improving utilization of the energy contained in the exhaust air from a high temperature hood.

Abstract: A restriction sensor system for identifying the existence of blockages in exhaust conduits of clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may be used as a retrofit system that is capable of being installed on existing clothes dryers. The restriction sensor system may include a fitting configured to be coupled to an exhaust conduit of a clothes dryer and a blockage indicator housing positioned remote from a clothes dryer. The pressure sensing device may be capable of determining changes in air pressure in the exhaust conduit. Once the air pressure present in the exhaust conduit exceeds a threshold air pressure, the pressure sensing device may send a signal to an indicator to generate an alarm, which may be a visual alarm or audible alarm, or both.

Abstract: In a gas wiping apparatus which blows gas through a wiping nozzle onto front and rear surfaces of a steel plate going out from a molten metal coating pot and running upward and which thereby controls a deposit mass, the wiping nozzle is separated into upper and lower lips, blocking faces partially closing a gas supply channel are formed in the upper and lower lips at vertically different positions on the opposite sides from each other in a gas outlet width direction, and the upper and lower lips are provided in such a manner as to be movable in a width direction of the steel plate.

Abstract: A bonded mesh composite panel of an upper includes a substrate layer formed from a substrate material, a mesh material layer and one or more skin material layers. The mesh composite can be fabricated by first arranging panels of substrate, mesh and skin layer material into an assembly corresponding to the locations of those panels in a completed upper. The assembly may include separate layers of hot melt bonding material interposed between the substrate, mesh and skin layers. The assembly is pressed at an elevated temperature so as to melt the bonding material and the skin layers and bond the elements together. Before the pressed assembly completely cools, it is then pressed a second time in an unheated press. A heat-conductive compressible pad can be used in the pressing process to create a surface effect in the skin layers that reveals a patterns of an underlying mesh layer.

Abstract: A collapsible athletic shoe featuring an athletic shoe having a foot portion with an inner cavity, the foot portion can move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first strap extending out of a first side of the sole area of the athletic shoe and a second strap extending out of a second side of the sole area of the athletic shoe, wherein the first and second straps function to secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position, the first and second straps can be temporarily secured together via a first attachment means; and a heel strap disposed on the heel portion of the shoe, the heel strap functions to further secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A boot accessory for limiting how far a user can push his/her boot into a stirrup comprises an arch for hugging a front edge of the boot; a first hook disposed on the first end of the arch and a second hook disposed on the second end of the arch. The first hook curves outwardly from the first end of the arch and further a first end of the first hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. The second hook curves outwardly from the second end of the arch and further a first end of the second hook curves back toward the front edge of the boot. A gap exists between the first end of the first hook and the arch and between the first end of the second hook and the arch, wherein the gaps are for engaging sides of the stirrup.

Abstract: An excavator implement attachment system can include a tooth having a pocket formed therein, an insert received in a recess formed in an adaptor nose and a threaded fastener which releasably secures the tooth on the nose, the fastener having a helical thread formed thereon which is eccentric relative to a fastener body. A tooth can include a pocket with at least one side wall which has an insert-receiving recess and generally planar insert-engaging interface surfaces formed therein, with one interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth about a longitudinal axis in one direction, and another interface surface resisting rotation of the tooth about the longitudinal axis in an opposite direction. An excavator tooth can include a pocket bounded by opposing side walls, with at least one of the side walls having an insert-receiving recess internally formed thereon, whereby the recess receives an insert installed in an adaptor nose.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a single-use beverage container assembly having a beverage container which includes an inner surface defining a chamber capable of receiving a liquid, an opening configured to provide access to the chamber and an outer surface comprising a receiving cavity. In certain embodiments, the beverage container further includes an informational attachment including promotional information. The receiving cavity can be configured to receive the informational attachment such that the informational attachment can be stowed in the receiving cavity. The beverage container assembly can also be configured to permit the informational attachment to be at least partially removed from the receiving cavity such that the informational attachment can be separated from the beverage container.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a medallion in the form of a motorcycle engine timing cover with an integral recess for receiving and retaining the medallion for display on the motorcycle includes a plurality of screw holes arrayed around the periphery of the timing cover to correspond to the original screw holes in the engine. A center aperture in the timing cover member enables access to a medallion retained in the cover from the back side of the cover, when the cover is not installed on the motorcycle. The integral recess in the cover preferably comprises a shallow counterbore in the center of the front surface of the timing cover, coaxial with the center aperture. The recess may be defined by a circumferential ridge on the front surface of the cover, or as a counterbore into the front surface of the cover.

Abstract: A portable and solar powered traffic safety system functioning like a decoy police car. The system features a display panel with a picture of a police car and a light component with red and blue lights. The display panel is mounted on a solar panel frame atop a base and is held in place by a securing means. The base features legs each with a ballast to help support the base and prevent the system from tipping due to high winds. The system of the present invention can be used in a variety of locations, for example in rural or urban settings, residential areas, hospitals, schools, and construction zones.

Abstract: A labeling device that can be attached to an article and subsequently modified by separating at least a portion of the device to be located within the article to provide information regarding the contents of an article.

Abstract: A grip is disclosed. The grip comprises a base portion; a grip portion pivotably connected to the base portion for arrangement in one of: a deployed orientation, a stowed orientation and an intermediate orientation, wherein the grip portion includes a first, inner body, and a second, outer body, wherein the second, outer body is movably- and telescopingly-connected to the first, inner body; and a locking assembly arranged within and at least partially contained by the grip portion, wherein a portion of the locking assembly is selectively-extendable in one of an orientation within the grip portion and beyond an outer surface of the grip portion for selective coupling of the portion of the locking assembly with the base portion. A method for operating a grip is also disclosed. An assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular firearm is disclosed. The firearm that can be configured to operate using ammunition of different calibers via interchangeability of only a few parts. The firearm includes a foldable butt stock assembly for quickly and easily converting the firearm from an extended operating configuration to a compact transport configuration, and vice-versa. Additionally, the firearm includes a modular hand guard assembly having multiple mounting platforms for accommodating a variety of different accessories.

Abstract: A modular integrated rail system for a firearm includes a dampening device for absorbing shock waves and dissipating harmonic vibration generated by a firearm. The modular integrated rail system includes an upper hand guard, a clamping assembly configured to releasably clamp the hand guard to the firearm, and a dampening structure disposed within a cavity formed in the hand guard. The cavity has opposing fixed end walls, and the dampening structure is captivated between the opposing fixed end walls of the cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for improved cleaning of a firearm barrel are provided. Generally, a system according to the present invention includes a cleaning head having a cleaning implement coupled to a shank, which provides at least one radial engagement surface and at least one longitudinal engagement surface. The system may further include a cleaning rod adapted to engage the cleaning head in an at least partially overlapping or surrounding engagement. A method according to the present invention includes the steps of inserting a cleaning head into the breech end of a firearm barrel, engaging the head with a cleaning rod, pushing the head through the barrel and retracting the cleaning rod from the barrel, wherein during the retracting step, the head is disengaged from the rod.