Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of mounting a saddlebag using an adjustable bracket assembly. The bracket assembly comprises an integral planar attachment portion, at least one integral mounting portion separate from the planar attachment portion, at least one integral locking portion separate from the attachment portion and at least one integral keeper. The integral planar attachment portion includes a reception portion, wherein at least one of the planar attachment portion and reception portion include at least one slot. The at least one integral attachment mounting portion includes an engaging portion and a mating portion that engages the reception portion, wherein at least the engaging portion is substantially parallel to the planar attachment portion when engaged.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing “T” shaped stringers (1) with an angle different from 90° between the web (2) and the foot (3) whereby the “T” shaped stringers have a stringer web and a stringer foot. The method comprises, after placing together two hot-formed “L” shaped semi-stringers to form a “T” shaped stringer, placing the “T” shaped stringer inside an invar alloy angle leaving a gap between the stringer web and the invar alloy angle. Afterwards, a heating device (7) is moved over the stringer feet (3) surface and a roller (8) slides over said stringer feet (3) surface to adapt the geometry of the stringer feet to the geometry of the invar alloy angle. The resulting “T” shaped stringer is co-bonded on a cured skin with an adhesive line between the stringer and the cured skin, and finally the obtained “T” shaped stringer is cured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a mobile mounting device (11) for the automated mounting of modules (16) on receiving devices (17), in particular of solar modules on stands, in which method a module (16) is gripped by a mounting tool (24), wherein, before transferring the module (16) to the mounting position (36), the handling device (21) is transferred to a measuring position (35) above the mounting position (36), the location of mounting points (37) in the mounting position (36) is determined, the module (16) is transferred to the mounting position (36) starting from the measuring position (35), and the assembly movement is carried out automatically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting connecting elements (16), such as screws or blind rivets, which are self-drilling without chip formation, in one or more plates, wherein the plate(s) are heated by electrical energy shortly before the start of the setting process, wherein the heating is accomplished by means of an induction coil (26), which is arranged near a point on the plate(s) at which the connecting element (16) is set. The invention further relates to a device (10) for setting a connecting element (16), which is self-drilling without chip formation, in one or more plates, comprising an induction coil (26), which at least before and/or during the setting process is arranged near a point on the plate(s), at which the connecting element (16) is set.

Abstract: A drive pin mechanical fastener is disclosed and has an elongate body extending from a head. A frustoconical indicator shroud is disposed about the elongate body and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the indicator shroud is arranged about the elongate body proximate the head and the second end extends away from the head. The indicator shroud is movable from a first position, where the indicator shroud is frustoconical, to a second position, where the indicator shroud is flattened and exposed and thereby provides an indicator to an installer that the drive pin is properly installed.

Abstract: A locking device that connects to a grooved end of a dragline pin includes a lock block and a lock pin. The lock block has a through opening sized to receive the end of the pin. There is a bore formed in the lock block and transversely intersecting the through opening which is dimensioned to receive the lock pin. The lock pin is configured to pass through a portion of the grooved end of a received dragline pin received in the through opening to lock the dragline pin and any attached dragline component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface fastener with a plurality of male engaging elements installed on the surface of a plastic substrate. Specifically disclosed is a molded surface fastener wherein the male engaging elements have a stem that rises from the plastic substrate and protrusions for engaging that protrude from the stem to the side. The ratio (D/H) between the height (H) of the engaging elements from the substrate and the length (D) from the peak of the engaging elements to the lower end section of the protrusions is 0.35-0.75 and the rate of substrate coverage by the engaging elements is 25%-45%. The disclosed male molded surface fastener is an improvement on surface fasteners, particularly male molded surface fasteners, that engage when simply overlapped which makes positioning extremely difficult. The disclosed male molded surface fastener almost never engages when positioning and has a high engaging force after final fastening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microfluid mixer includes pouring a ceramic precursor into a first mold, a second mold and a third mold. The first mold forms a base plate, the second mold forms a top plate, and the third mold forms a first plate. The ceramic precursors are gelled in the first mold, the second mold and the third mold to form a green base plate, a green top plate and a green first plate. The plates are removed from the respective molds. The green base plate, the green top plate, and the green first plate are co-fired to form a ceramic base plate, a ceramic top plate and a ceramic first plate. The ceramic base plate is interlocked with the ceramic top plate and the ceramic first plate, and a diaphragm is disposed upon one of the first plate and the top plate.

Abstract: An automatic corner lift-off apparatus for a polarizer of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel is disclosed, which is suitable for use in a process of removing a polarizer during manufacturing of an LCD panel and comprises: a front clip, comprising a long arm and a short arm which intersect with each other to substantially form an “L” shape; a back clip, spaced apart from the front clip and being capable of cooperating with the front clip to perform a clipping action; and at least one sensor disposed on the front clip or the back clip, being configured to sense whether the polarizer has been successfully lifted off. Thereby, the present disclosure allows for fully automatic polarizer removing operations and can reduce work-related injuries and improve the success ratio of and efficiency of removing the polarizer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a boundary acoustic wave device includes the steps of forming an electrode on a first medium layer, forming a second medium layer so as to cover the electrode on the first medium layer, and forming a sound absorbing layer on an external surface of the second medium layer. The sound absorbing layer has an acoustic velocity of transverse waves that is lower than an acoustic velocity of transverse waves of the second medium layer.

Abstract: Regenerative braking and regenerative suspension in hybrid electric or all electric vehicles provides for an increased range by exploiting the energy previously provided to propel the vehicle to regenerate electricity to recharge the battery (or batteries) of the vehicle. Whilst suited to city and urban environments where vehicles are braking frequently there is no regeneration during prolonged propulsion of the vehicle. According to embodiments of the invention electricity generation is provided for the electricity storage during normal propulsion of the vehicle or whenever the engine/motor is on. Embodiments are presented that may be localized or distributed within the vehicle and associated with elements of the vehicle that provide rotary motion during propulsion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A parallel optical communications module is equipped with an EMI waveguide (WG) device having a tube-like structure that surrounds portions of one or more optical fiber ribbon cables that pass through the tube-like structure and connect to the module. The EMI WG device attenuates EMI to acceptable levels to provide the module with effective EMI shielding capability.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fabricating a bond pad for electrically connecting a laser diode to a slider and a TAR head in a HDD. The bond pad is deposited on a surface of the head that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface (ABS). The head is diced and lapped to expose the bond pad on a top surface of the head and mounted on a slider. The laser diode and a sub-mount may be coupled to the top surface of the slider—i.e., the surface opposite the ABS—by connecting to the bond pads. Specifically, both the laser diode and the sub-mount have electrodes thereon that are perpendicular to the bond pads. Conductive bonding material is used to bond the laser diode and the sub-mount to the bond pads.

Abstract: A process for producing zinc oxide varistor is disclosed to allow that one step of having zinc oxide grains doped with non-equivalent ions and sufficiently semiconductorized and the other one step of preparing sintered powders having property of high-impedance are prepared by two separate procedures respectively, resulted in that the zinc oxide varistor produced by the process features both a high potential gradient and a high non-linearity coefficient; and more particularly the disclosed process is suited for producing a specific zinc oxide varistor whose potential gradient ranges from 2,000 to 9000 V/mm as well as non-linearity coefficient (?) ranges from 21.5 to 55.

Abstract: Production apparatus and method for producing devices for storing electric energy are disclosed, wherein stacks of flat cathodes r and anodes that face one another alternately with the interposition of a separator are produced, and in which the separator is formed by a single continuous strip folded several times in a single folding direction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flat battery comprising a package formed by a cathode, an anode, and a separator layer sandwiched between the cathode and the anode, a sealing frame extending circumferentially around said package, a first current collector contacting the anode, and a second current collector contacting the cathode. The first and second current collectors each partly cover the sealing frame in a zone being adjacent to the package. According to the invention, the battery further comprises a first polymeric jacket layer being arranged on the first current collector and a second polymeric jacket layer being arranged on the second current collector, said first and second polymeric jacket layers extending circumferentially beyond the current collectors and beyond the sealing frame and being sealed together to form an outer jacket for the battery. Furthermore, the present invention also concerns a method to produce such a battery.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembling a lens tube in a support frame includes a main body and a top cover rotatably connected to the main body. The top cover includes a positioning plate and a fastening assembly rotatably connected to the positioning plate. The fastening assembly includes a fastening member and a restricting member connected to the fastening member, and the fastening member is threaded with the positioning plate. The support frame is positioned on the main body, and the lens tube is positioned on the support frame. The restricting member is capable of engaging with the lens tube, and thus the lens tube is rotated into the support frame by rotating the fastening member.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a positioning unit along a longitudinal axis includes: a linear guide arrangement for enabling a linearly guided motion parallel to the axis; a motor includes a moving motor member operatively connected to the linear guide arrangement and an elongated stationary motor member extending parallel to the axis; and a force transmission arrangement operatively connecting the moving motor member to the positioning unit, wherein the force transmission arrangement is arranged to provide a semi-rigid engagement between the positioning unit and the moving motor member, wherein the positioning unit and the moving motor member, respectively, are operatively connected to the linear guide arrangement by at least two guide engaging carriages, and wherein the positioning unit is attached to the guide engaging carriages by rigid or resilient positioning unit holders.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pick and place system with a bonding head, picking head and support table. The picking head and support table are mounted on a carriage. The apparatus can be operated in a direct mode and a parallel mode. In the direct mode the carriage is in a first position (parked). A control unit operates the pick and place system to cause the bonding head to move a series of semiconductor chips from the wafer table to the substrate. In the parallel mode, the carriage is in a second position. The control unit operates the picking head, support table and pick and place system to repeatedly cause the picking head to move a semiconductor chip from the wafer table to the support table and the bonding head to move said semiconductor chip from the support table to the substrate.

Abstract: A robot system according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a supply unit and a robot. The supply unit is fixedly provided at a predetermined position to supply a feed material that is used for processing a workpiece. The robot transfers the unprocessed workpiece handed from an operator at a predetermined transfer position to the vicinity of the supply unit to process the workpiece by using the feed material supplied from the supply unit and then transfers the processed workpiece to the transfer position.

Abstract: A stacked mounting structure and a method of manufacturing stacked mounting structure are provided. The stacked mounting structure includes a plurality of members provided with a mounting area which is necessary for installing and operating components to be mounted on at least one principal surface, and an area for connections for signal transfer for operating the components to be mounted, and an electroconductive member which is disposed on the area for connections between the mutually facing members, and a cross section of the electroconductive member is same as or smaller than the area for connections, and an end portion of the electroconductive member is extended from a principal surface of one member up to a principal surface of the other member, and a height of the electroconductive member regulates a distance of the mounting area.

Abstract: A storage apparatus including a circuit board, a control circuit element, a terminal module and a storage circuit element is provided. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface, a connect part, openings, metal contacts and metal units. The openings pass through the circuit board from the first surface to the second surface and the metal contacts are exposed on the first surface. The terminal module is disposed on the first surface and has elastic terminals and each of the elastic terminals has a first contact part and a second contact part. The first contact parts respectively contact with the metal contacts and the second contact parts respectively pass through the openings to protrude from the second surface. The metal units are disposed on the second surface and located between the openings and the connect part. Accordingly, the volume of the storage apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for assembling components on a circuit board includes driving the circuit board to an assembling position after the circuit board is moved in a first direction and then is blocked at a positioning point by a positioning rod, assembling a first component set on a first region of the circuit board when the circuit board is positioned in the assembling position, folding the positioning rod, driving the circuit board back to the positioning point after the first component set has been assembled on the first region of the circuit board, driving the circuit board in the first direction until the positioning rod moves to an end of a slot on the circuit board, driving the circuit board to the assembling position again, and assembling a second component set on a second region of the circuit board when the circuit board is positioned in the assembling position.

Abstract: The invention provides a surface mount technology process for an advanced quad flat no-lead package process and a stencil used therewith. The surface mount technology process for an advanced quad flat no-lead package includes providing a printed circuit board. A stencil with first openings is mounted over the printed circuit board. A solder paste is printed passing the first openings to form first solder paste patterns. The stencil is taken off. A component placement process is performed to place the advanced quad flat no-lead package comprising a die pad on the printed circuit board, wherein the first solder paste patterns contact a lower surface of the die pad, and an area ratio of the first openings to the lower surface of the die pad is between 1:2 and 1:10. A reflow process is performed to melt the first solder paste patterns to surround a sidewall of the die pad.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a turbine engine drum including at least two rotor disks, the method including: positioning the two disks on a common axis spaced apart from each other and in a predetermined angular position relative to each other; placing a wall forming a body of revolution between the two disks coaxially about their common axis; driving the wall in rotation about its axis; and moving the disks axially towards the wall so as to put the disks into contact with ends of the wall and thus welding the disks to the wall by inertial friction welding.

Abstract: A shaft, such as a camshaft for use in the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, in which the shaft includes a basic shaft body, a plurality of functional bodies, such as cams, mounted in axially spaced positions on the basic shaft body, and at least one balancing element mounted on the basic shaft body, in which the at least one balancing element is produced separately from the basic shaft body and from the functional bodies, and the functional bodies and the at least one balancing element are subsequently mounted on said basic shaft body, for example, by axial press fitting.

Abstract: A process for remanufacturing a cylinder head that includes a worn or damaged rocker arm stand adapted to receive a rocker shaft to which at least one rocker arm is mounted, the steps including machining a channel in a surface of the worn or damaged rocker arm stand, securing an insert into the channel, and machining the insert to form a remanufactured inner facing surface. The remanufactured cylinder head includes at least one rocker arm stand that has a machined channel with a remanufactured insert secured therein, the rocker shaft being disposed adjacent the inner facing surface, not the rocker arm stand.

Abstract: A method of modifying the oil cooling system of a diesel engine an engine oil supply outlet located in a horizontal plan includes the steps of removing the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and installing a manifold having an oil outlet port directed to a remote oil cooler and a bypass water passage providing an un-branched flow of water, whereby the flow of oil is directed to a remote oil cooler and the entirety of the flow of water in the bypass water passage is discharged back to the water cooling system of the engine without passing through an oil cooling or water cooling heat exchanger.

Abstract: An adjustable holding tool is provided for servicing a fan clutch assembly removably attached to a shaft of a water pump having a pulley associated therewith. A holding tool is comprised of a first plate holder including a first adjustment leg joined to a first attachment leg having a first longitudinal axis and a first attachment structure. A second plate holder includes a second adjustment leg joined to a second attachment leg having a second longitudinal axis and second attachment structure. The first and second plate holders are slidably connected together to provide a continuous variable spacing between the first and second adjustment legs while maintaining a parallel relationship between the first and second longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A fast and effective method for cleaning and repairing the shell-spar glue voids of a wind turbine blade, comprising the steps of detecting voids, raising the turbine blade at an incline, drilling holes into top and bottom ends of the void, injecting cleaning solution into the holes, and allowing the cleaning solution to drain out of the bottom holes and drain holes at the tip. The void is then inspected for oil by FTIR spectroscopy. If oil is detected, additional cleaning steps are performed comprising injection of a second cleaning solution into at least two holes of the void followed by a rest period, washing the holes with water via a pressure washer, and drying with compressed air. The blade is then inspected for oil and moisture, and when clean, adhesive is applied to the void through the holes.

Abstract: A method of making an ink cartridge by forming the ink cartridge with an ink chamber and an air accumulation chamber, forming a vent hole at a first end of the air accumulation chamber, and disposing a one way valve at the vent hole for preventing gas from entering the air accumulation chamber through the vent hole. A mass is placed within the air accumulation chamber, the mass having a dimension smaller than an interior dimension of the air accumulation chamber such that the mass is movable between the first end and a second end of the air accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A method for generating a microchannel heat pipe on a substrate surface includes co-extruding a primary material and a secondary material such that the primary material forms side walls that are spaced apart by the secondary material to form a composite structure. After the primary material hardens, the secondary material is removed, whereby the hardened primary material forms a pipe body structure having an elongated central channel defined between opposing end openings. A working fluid is then inserted into the elongated central channel, and sealing structures are then formed over both end openings to encapsulate the working fluid.

Abstract: A fire retardant, transparent panel and method of making the panel, that is especially well suited for use on mobile platforms, and particularly on aircrafts. The panel is a composite of a transparent matrix and a plurality of fire-retardant nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have a diameter less than the visible spectrum of light, and in one form between about 0.1 nm to about 400 nm in diameter. The nanoparticles may be arranged randomly or in predetermined patterns within the matrix during manufacturing of the panel. The panel is lightweight, transparent and yet highly fire retardant.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus to cut a coating of an optical fiber includes a body having a hole formed therein to insert the fiber and a cutting device to cut the coating of the fiber. When the fiber is inserted in the hole, the cutting apparatus may be disposed around the fiber in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the apparatus is disposed rotatably around a longitudinal axis of the tight buffered fiber. In the second state, rotational movement of the apparatus around the longitudinal axis of fiber is blocked and the apparatus is disposed movably in a longitudinal direction to cut the coating of the fiber by the cutting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping insulated wires is provided. The wire stripping apparatus allows a user to remove an insulating outer cover from wires of different diameters so that an inner metal conductor is left exposed for recycling.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assisted opening folding knife, which includes a handle, a blade pivotally connected to the handle, a sliding key, and a first resilient element having one end positioned in the handle and an opposite end pressing against an end of the blade. The sliding key is provided adjacent to a front end of the handle, and has a sliding portion exposed from the handle and a pressing portion opposite to the sliding portion. When the blade is received in the handle and the sliding portion is driven to move the sliding key and release the blade, the pressing portion presses the blade to rotate a predetermined angle for enabling the first resilient element to pop the blade out of the handle. Thus, a user only has to slide the sliding key to release and pop the blade out of the handle automatically.

Abstract: A utensil of embodiments of the disclosed technology has a curvilinear neck having a top and bottom side, a handle extending from the curvilinear neck, a working end adapted for placement within a mouth (of a person), the handle connected to the curvilinear neck and having a bottom side extending downwards past the bottom side of the curvilinear neck, a handle extending from the neck, and a post. A top of the post is connected to the bottom of the neck, and a bottom of the post, opposite the top of the post, extends downwards past the entire bottom side of the working end, such that a line drawn from an end of the handle (the end opposite the curvilinear neck) to a bottom of the post passes below the entire bottom side of the working end.

Abstract: The invention consists of the addition of a post to eating utensils where the post raises the working end of the utensil above the surface on which the utensil is placed. This raising helps prevent the working end of the utensil from being contaminated by substances on a table or other planar surface.

Abstract: A trimmer head for a rotary trimmer machine includes a housing having a recess, a trimmer line spool removably mounted in the recess, at least one exit opening on the housing wherein trimmer line wound on the spool passes through from within the housing, and an eyelet disposed in the exit opening. The eyelet includes an open area leading into a slotted area, said open area being normally closed by a pivoting gate biased into the closed position, and movable to an open position allowing trimmer line to move through the open area past the gate into the slotted area. The trimmer line spool is reversible so that when installed in a first configuration, the trimmer head may be installed on a clockwise rotating trimmer machine, and when the trimmer line spool is installed in a second configuration, the trimmer head may be installed on a counter-clockwise rotating trimmer machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a diamond-containing blade, including: a blade body having at proximal end a connection part to be fitted into a gripper; and an edge longitudinally formed along one side of the blade body, wherein the blade is manufactured by a process in which a power mixture for constituting the edge, including 20 wt % or less of diamond particles coated with Ti and having a particle size of 20 ?m or less and residual Ti powder or Ti alloy powder, is charged in a space of a mold corresponding to the edge, Ti powder or Ti alloy powder for constituting the blade body is charged in another space of the mold corresponding to the blade body, the charged powders are pressed to obtain a molded product, the molded product is sintered to obtain a sintered body, and then an edge of the sintered body is sharpened.

Abstract: A power tool includes a motor housing having a motor configured to rotate an output shaft about a drive axis and a gear housing defining a gear compartment. A pinion gear is supported by the gear housing that is coupled to the output shaft for rotation about the drive axis. A bevel gear is supported by the gear housing for rotation about a bevel axis perpendicular to the drive axis, the bevel gear being meshingly engaged with the pinion gear. A crank pin extends from the bevel gear at a position offset from the bevel axis. An articulating housing is pivotably supported by the gear housing for pivotal movement about the bevel axis. A plunger member is supported by the articulating housing for reciprocating movement along a reciprocating axis. The plunger member includes a yoke end portion coupled to the crank pin. The reciprocating axis and the drive axis reside in the same plane throughout pivotal movement of the articulating housing with respect to the gear housing.

Abstract: To solve problems in a conventional electric can opening apparatus wherein it is impractical to drain the unwanted liquid from the inside of the can after opening the container and disposing of the top lid or top without touching it. The composite can opener includes a body with a gripping member gripping a can while an opening member cuts the top of the can open and a piston that selectively pushes the top into and out of the can after it has been cut.

Abstract: A pivotal measuring wheel includes a handle set, a handle rod, a pivotal rod, a wheel seat, a wheel and a cable. The handle rod has a hollow handle seat and an arc-contoured first pivotal body. The first pivotal body has a first space and a first semicircular hole communicating with the first space. The pivotal rod has a hollow joint seat and an arc-contoured second pivotal body for connecting to the first pivotal body. The second pivotal body has a second space and a second semicircular hole communicating with the second space. The second space selectively communicates with the first space. The second semicircular hole selectively aligns and communicates with the first semicircular hole. The handle seat is freely pivotable relative to the joint seat without disturbing the cable.

Abstract: A bow sight automatically corrects and compensates for various dynamically changing aiming, shooting, and/or environmental conditions. The bow sight can perform situation-specific aim evaluations and corrections to correct or compensate for situation-specific shooting and environmental factors, at a given time and on a per-shot basis. The bow sight includes integrated sensor-type devices, such as a range finder, an inclinometer, and an anemometer, which detects values of situation-specific shooting and environmental factors and communicates such detected values with a processor or other control device. The processor uses the situational specific data, as well as bow and arrow performance data, and data from shot calibrations, to calculate precise vertical and horizontal aim compensations required to accurately hit the desired target point.

Abstract: A measuring staff (10) has a upper section (11) including a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser leveling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.

Abstract: A tape measure has a finger recess in a housing, with at least a portion of the underside of a tape blade exposed in the finger recess. Pressing a finger against the underside of the tape allows the user to create a drag brake that acts against the retraction spring to slow and/or stop the retraction of the tape blade. The finger recess is located upstream (i.e. closer to the coiled portion of the retracted tape blade) than the point at which the tape measure's lock engages the tape blade. This arrangement results in a compact yet versatile overall tape measure with good tactile feedback during finger-braking.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing.

Abstract: A measuring wheel includes a handle set, a first rod, a second rod, a wheel seat and a wheel. The first rod is mounted on the handle set and has a first seat mounted on the first rod. The first seat includes a first body, a first pivotal portion and a buckling unit. The first body has an assembling groove and a supporting recess. The second rod is pivotally connected with the first rod and has a second seat assembled with the first seat. The second seat includes a second body and a second pivotal portion. The second body has a supporting block and a buckling groove defined in the supporting block. The buckling unit has an end aligning with an outer periphery of the supporting recess in the bottom surface of the first body to prevent from hitting.

Abstract: A hair dryer including a main body having a handle and a housing. The hair dryer includes a first module and a second module, both selectably coupleable and thereby functionally coupleable to the main body. The first module and the second module each include a hair dryer component selected from the group of hair dryer components consisting of a heater module and a blower module. The first module is a blower module including a motor. The second module is a heater module including a heating element. The first module includes an identification device configured to identify a characteristic of the first module and wherein the housing includes a communication module configured to read an identification device and communicate a read characteristic to a control module. The hair dryer includes a plurality of interchangeable first modules that include varying operational characteristics.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a drying apparatus, for drying flexible objects such as bags or gloves, comprise a first suspension couplable to an external support, and a second suspension magnetically couplable to the first suspension. An object is supported between the first and second suspensions through the magnetic coupling. In a first embodiment, the second suspension comprises a magnetic hub and one or more spreaders, which may be fixed, removable, or moveably attached to the magnetic hub, and which may be repositionable between open and closed positions. The spreaders may be flexible, articulated, rigid, repositionable, collapsible, extendable, jointed, forked, hinged, slideable, continuous, or merged, and further may have substantially puncture-resistant terminations. The first suspension also comprises a magnetic member and a suspending member, such as an open hook or a clamp suspending member, for supporting the apparatus with the secured object from or by many types of external supports.