Abstract: A system and method for self cleaning an air idler are provided. An air idler non-contactingly guides printable media using a flow of fluid through a porous surface portion. Rotation of the air idler results in rubbing contact with one or more wipers, during which debris is removed from the porous surface portion. A cleaning solution is used to remove ink and/or paper residue from the porous surface portion. The cleaning solution can wet one or more of the wipers. The cleaning solution can circulate through a reservoir disposed in contact with a portion of the air idler.

Abstract: A wringer for mops and the like comprising a united structure made of plastic material with two rocking bodies 1 separated by “V”-shaped channeling 2 and which are joined at the bottom by middle fins 3, the rocking bodies 1 having elastic hinge elements 14 and end portions 9 of elastic structure through which the wringer is anchored to the mouth of the mop bucket 10, the end portions 9 having spring elements 15 for recovering the rocking bodies 1. In addition the wringer 4 can have middle indentations 22 for allowing placement of a device for filtering cleaning water, which comprises a tray support 5. This device for filtering cleaning water is placed under the wringer 4. When water passes through the filtering device that is under the wringer 4, reaches the bucket already filtered with fewer dirt particles.

Abstract: A drive provides rotational movement and linear movement to an output. A first gear is operatively connected to the output, such as a roller. A drive assembly comprises a first cam surface, a second cam surface and a second gear. The first cam surface engages a first follower where the first follower is operatively connected to the output such that linear movement of the first cam follower results in linear movement of the output. The second cam surface engages a stationary follower. The second gear engages the first gear. The drive assembly rotates over a range of motion such that for a first portion of the range of motion the drive assembly causes the rotational and linear movement of the output and rotation of the drive assembly for a second portion of the range of motion causes only the rotational movement of the output.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning surfaces, particularly solid surfaces, includes an outer housing and an inner housing configured to substantially encapsulate a surface being cleaned, a vacuum source traversing the outer housing, a rotating coupler, an impeller, at least one fluid jet coupled to the impeller, and at least one air induction port. The vacuum source is configured to induce air through the air induction ports past the impeller blades causing the impeller to rotate, which causes the rotating coupler and the fluid jets to rotate. Because the rotation of the fluid jets is due to induced air, the fluid jets can be positioned at any angle desired, including a negative angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, comprising a first lid (3), which closes a first compartment (4), and a second lid (5), which closes a second compartment (6). The lids are combined such that the first lid is part of and the first compartment is accommodated inside the second lid. The first and the second lids (3, 5) are separately openable by means of one common actuator (9) of a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus comprising a dirt collection container which has a suction inlet and is fluidly connected to at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one suction channel is provided. The suction cleaning apparatus further has at least one external air inlet which opens out into the suction channel downstream of the at least one filter and which is selectively closable and openable by means of a closing body. In order to reduce the installation space of the closing body required for proper filter cleaning, the suction channel has an external air inlet wall with at least one external air inlet. The closing body, sliding along the outer side of the external air inlet wall, is reciprocatingly movable between a closed position closing the at least one external air inlet and an open position opening the at least one external air inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum box in fluid communication with a tractor that removes coatings from surfaces. The vacuum box includes a vacuum inlet in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure and a debris inlet in fluid communication with the tractor so that debris is drawn into and collected within a hollow interior of the vacuum box. A water outlet provides a drain for water that collects within the vacuum box. A sloped false bottom wall is disposed within the hollow interior so that debris collects atop it. The vacuum box is emptied by draining water from it, followed by opening a door formed in the vacuum box at the lower end of the sloped false bottom wall so that the collected debris slides down the false bottom wall and out the door into a debris receptacle.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a cleaner body formed with a mounting space; a vacuum motor mounted in the cleaner body to produce suction force; a brush assembly connected to the cleaner body; a dust collection device mounted in the mounting space and having a dust collection bin; and a lifting/lowering unit for lifting or lowering the dust collection bin in relation to the cleaner body, so that the dust collection bin is anchored in the mounting space or removed from the mounting space, wherein the cyclone cylinder has a locking handle and a handle connection part is formed on a corresponding part of the cleaner body so that the locking handle can be removably connected to the handle connection part.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cyclone and at least one dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber has a removeably mounted door.

Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation.

Abstract: Electrical household appliance comprising a base (1) for the generation of steam, having a liquid tank (6) mounted removably on a receiving socket (10) and having a steam generator located outside of said tank (6), the steam generator being supplied by gravity by a supply line from the tank (6) and having a steam outlet through which the steam can escape towards a work tool, such as a crease-removing brush, said supply line comprising an inlet orifice located on the receiving socket (10), and said tank (6) comprising a closed enclosure (61) having only one outlet orifice (52) which connects the said inlet orifice when the tank is placed on the receiving socket (10), which appliance is characterized in that said tank (6) connects leaktightly onto said receiving socket (10) and in that said appliance has a vent line admitting air to the outlet orifice (52) of the tank, said vent line having one end connected to the exterior which is higher than the outlet orifice (52) of the tank.

Abstract: A portable air blower is selectively removably secured to the upper end of a length adjustable extension pole to blow twigs, leaves or other debris from a rain gutter or other elevated structures or surfaces.

Abstract: A hinge, for automatically-closing a door which opens in both directions, includes a cylinder (2); an operating rod (3) to be rotatable and restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction; two substantially V-shaped grooves (33) provided on an outer periphery of the operating rod (3) in the cylinder (2) to oppose to each other; two spheres (55) provided engage the substantially V-shaped grooves (33); an upper piston (5) engaged with the spheres (55); a compression coil spring (4) disposed between the upper piston (5) and an upper end portion of the cylinder (2) and configured to urge the upper piston (5) to the other end side of the cylinder (2), and a fluid pressure shock absorbing mechanism configured to absorb a shock caused by the movement of the upper piston 5 to the other end side with a liquid pressure.

Abstract: A self-closing device is for sliding doors of the type including at least one sliding leaf (2) which is hung from an upper profile (3). The device (1) includes a drive belt (10) configured to be joined to the sliding leaf (2); a closing pulley (20), provided with an elastic device (30), which is arranged on a first rotation axis (4) integral to the upper profile (3) and which engages with a first end (11) of the drive belt (10); and a brake pulley (40), provided with a stop (50), which is arranged on a second rotation axis (5) integral to the upper profile (3) and which engages with a second end (12) of the drive belt (10) opposite to the first end (11). The rotation movement of both pulleys (20, 40) is connected by the drive belt (10).

Abstract: A door hinge unit in a refrigerator which pivots a door on a refrigerator body, and holds the door to maintain an opened state or a maximum opened state at a predetermined position for preventing the door from hitting an external object and a hinge shaft from breaking, and minimizes a friction surface between a male member and a female member of the hinge for making movement of the hinge smooth and preventing the hinge from causing noise.

Abstract: A checker-equipped door hinge device for use in a vehicle includes a check force generating mechanism having a central shaft fixed to a female bracket, a cylinder block fixed to a male bracket and having a cylinder portion, a piston slidably fitted into the cylinder portion, a detent roller supported by the piston, a check spring for urging the piston, and a detent groove provided on an outer peripheral face of the central shaft and with which the detent roller is engaged by urging force of the check spring. The male bracket includes male arm portions for sandwiching the cylinder block inside female arm portions, and a male base portion connected to the male arm portions. The male arm portion is fixedly secured to the cylinder block, and opposite end parts of the central shaft extending through the male arm portion are fixedly secured to the female arm portion.

Abstract: A pull assembly has a knob and a detachable fascia. An insert is located inside the knob, and the fascia attaches to the insert. The insert has a keyed hole, into which a tab extending from a non-decorative face of the fascia is inserted. The fascia may be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the fascia is rotated into the unlocked position, the fascia can be detached, and when the fascia is in the locked position, the fascia cannot be detached.

Abstract: A device to connect a fabric headgear to a mini stick flag or to a mini stick banner. Functioning as a clip and a retainer as well, it applies a strong enough hold on any spot at the bottom circular thin edge of a fabric headgear and provides a cavity for a common mini stick flag or for a mini stick banner to stand straight in a nearly vertical position to let the flag or banner float above the head of the bearer.

Abstract: A tying article which is formed into one piece used for tying objects, where the tying article has at least two sets of all-in-one ratchet sets at its surface, which are distributed along two sides separated by boundary pieces and each side has at least one bar-like bodies, where the ratchet set of each bar-like bodies is made up of at least two ratchets. When binding an article, the tying article can be divided into two parts. The first part is the enclosing part that loops the tied article, and the second part is the extending part that protrudes from the enclosing part. The extending part is again divided into two branches, where the seizing face of a corresponding ratchet of each branch is clenched by the enclosing part served as a detent. Once the binding works, the extending part tends to shrink back, but the seizing face of the ratchet is clenched by the enclosing part served as the detent, which enables a tight binding between the two and an adjustable binding as well.

Abstract: A two-piece cable tie for bundling a plurality of objects, such as cables or wires, includes a front portion that is insert-molded onto a connective segment of a flexible strap, the front portion being constructed out of a higher tensile strength plastic than the strap to maximize the load rating of the tie without significantly increasing material costs. In one embodiment, the connective segment of the strap is shaped to include a pair of opposing semi-circular cutouts in its side rails to enhance the strength of mechanical bonding achieved by the front portion around the strap. In addition, the connective segment is shaped to include a circular hole that is offset longitudinally from the opposing cutouts, the diameter of the circular opening not exceeding 40% of the maximum width of the strap to ensure the integrity and strength of the strap along the entirety of its length.

Abstract: The goal of this buckle and belt assembly is to honor those individuals who have served, or are serving, in the military of their respective country. Accordingly, this disclosure describes a belt buckle structured and used in such a way as to safely display a dog tag of the honored military individual in a clear and safe manner.

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

Abstract: A 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: A hydroengorged spunmelt nonwoven formed of thermoplastic continuous fibers and a pattern of fusion bonds. The nonwoven has either a percentage bond area of less than 10 percent, or a percentage bond area of at least 10% wherein the pattern of fusion bonds is anisotropic.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a screen material includes a main body having a tube disposed therethrough, the tube adapted to receive a spline material, a leg having a rotatably attached insertion wheel coupled to the main body, and an alignment wheel rotatably coupled to the body in alignment with the insertion wheel.

Abstract: A reconfigurable fixture device system, including: a base member; a reconfigurable pad disposed on the base member, wherein the reconfigurable pad comprises a shape memory material configured to selectively conform to a surface contour of a workpiece; an activation device in operative communication with the shape memory material; a controller in operable communication with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the activation device, and the base member; a plurality of sensors for sensing a parameter associated with at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece, wherein the plurality of sensors is in operable communication with the controller; and an actuator in operable communication with the controller and the at least one of the reconfigurable pad, the base member, the fixture device, and the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing a hollow fan blade. In one aspect the blade includes a hollow portion having a plug disposed therein, wherein the plug is smaller than the opening. During processing the blade is located under a vacuum box and the gap is sealed between the plug and the opening using a fiber laser.

Abstract: A method of repairing a stator assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a worn surface of the stator assembly to provide a revealed area, and securing additional material to the stator assembly utilizing gas metal arc welding.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf club head having improved aerodynamic characteristics. The method comprises a largest tangent circle method utilizing a cartesian coordinate system. The method results in the highest point of the crown surface located within a crown apex zone, wherein this location aids in the improved aerodynamic properties of the golf club head.

Abstract: A stainless steel wrap assembly and method of decorating a monument using the same. When fabricated the stainless steel wrap assembly to have a predetermined decorative design and predetermined size that compliments the size and shaped of a preexisting monument. The wrap is then placed over the monument and attached thereto such that the wrap incorporates features of the preexisting to provide one single view for an observer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an indexer for providing rotation of a part from a first index position to a second index position. The indexer comprises an indexer frame and a part for rotation. The indexer frame has at least one index feature, and the part has at least one index feature, wherein the at least one index feature on the indexer frame is co-operable with the at least one index feature on the part so as to provide two or more index positions of the part with respect to the indexer frame. In use the part locates with the indexer frame so as to form an axis about which the part is able to rotate relative to the indexer frame, the axis being kinematically located.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of shield type motor includes the following steps: a): providing an iron core; b): providing a plastic shell and having the exterior face of the plastic shell press against the interior face of the iron core; c): providing a plurality of connected enamel-covered coils for being wound around the bobbin; d): providing a wire fastener for bundling the first material of plastics and the second material of plastics; e): providing a protecting jacket to be connected to the plastic shell and for containing the plurality of enamel-covered coils; f): providing a mold to let the iron core place in the mold and having the first material of plastics teem into the mold; g): having the second material of plastics teem into the mold; and h): removing the mold to expose a main body.

Abstract: A disc drive disc stack assembly and a method for forming the disc stack assembly to reduce servo pattern runout. The disc stack assembly includes a number of prewritten discs having a servo pattern and a disc alignment mark. The first step is to place a first disc about a spindle motor hub of the disc drive. The second step is to align a disc alignment mark of the first disc in relation to a direction of a biasing force. The third step is to apply the biasing force to the first disc to engage the first disc against the spindle motor hub. The fourth step is to repeat the first three steps for each remaining disc in the disc stack assembly. The final step is to clamp the prewritten discs with a disc clamp to secure the position of each prewritten disc relative to the spindle motor hub.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a conductor assembly. The assembly is of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or in which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced. In an example embodiment one or more first coil rows are formed. The assembly has multiple coil rows about an axis with outer coil rows formed about inner coil rows. A determination is made of deviations from specifications associated with the formed one or more first coil rows. One or more deviations correspond to a magnitude of a multipole field component which departs from a field specification. Based on the deviations, one or more wiring patterns are generated for one or more second coil rows to be formed about the one or more first coil rows. The one or more second coil rows are formed in the assembly. The magnitude of each multipole field component that departs from the field specification is offset.

Abstract: Provided is a field pole magnet to be installed in a rotor or a stator of a permanent magnet rotary machine, the field pole magnet including: multiple magnet pieces (31 to 34) formed by breaking and dividing a single permanent magnet; and at least one magnet-piece holding member (40) configured to hold these magnet pieces (31 to 34).

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing a flexible electronic product, the method comprising the steps of—providing (S1) a flexible foil (10; 110) with a first and a second, mutually opposite main side (11, 12; 111, 112),—placing (S2) a component (30; 130) at the first foil at the first main side (11; 111), the component having at least one electrical terminal (31; 131) facing towards the second main side (12; 112)—estimating (S3) a position of the at least one electrical terminal (131),—adaptively forming (S4) a conductive path (40A, 40B, 40C) to the at least one electrical terminal, based on said estimated position.

Abstract: A method for producing an assembly of electronic components and assemblies in accord with this, wherein the electronic components have component terminals. A conductive firmament having a first side and a second side is provided. Then the component terminals are connected to the first side of the firmament with an anisotropic conductor. A pattern is applied to the second side of said firmament. And portions of the firmament are removed based on the pattern, such that remaining portions of said firmament form the electrical circuit interconnecting the component terminals.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of package carrier is provided. A first copper foil layer, a second copper foil layer on the first foil layer, a third copper foil layer and a fourth foil layer on the third foil layer are provided. The second copper foil layer is partially bonded the fourth copper foil layer by an adhesive gel so as to form a substrate of which the peripheral region is glued and the effective region is not glued. Therefore, the thinner substrate can be used in the following steps, such as patterning process or plating process. In addition, the substrate can be extended be the package carrier structure with odd-numbered layer or even-numbered layer.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a component mounting apparatus which includes a plurality of substrate conveying lanes and which efficiently controls the order of carrying in of substrates, thereby capable of improving productivity, and also is to provide a substrate conveyance method in the component mounting apparatus. In a configuration which includes: component supplying units (20A, 20B) positioned lateral to conveyor lines including conveyors (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D) arranged in parallel; and a substrate distributing unit (M3B) configured to distribute substrates (13) delivered from an upstream apparatus, in the case where a substrate request signal (R) is output from conveyors (10B, 10C) which are farther from the component supplying units (20A, 20B), when the substrate request signal R is output for a conveyor (10D) which is closer to the component supplying unit (20b) prior to start of a transferring work of the new substrate (13), the new substrate (13) is carried into the conveyor (10D).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for assembling a camera module. The method includes putting plural conductive bumps on a conductive contact of a substrate such that a large conductive bump is formed, and pressing the substrate and an image chip together such that the conductive contact contacts with a pad formed on the image chip through the large conductive bump to combine the conductive contact and the pad. Since there is no contact between the substrate and the image chip but the large conductive bump, the method decreases the probability for fracture between the substrate and the image chip and improves the quality of the camera module.

Abstract: Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation, and many related purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a multi-trace via substrate is disclosed. A substrate at least having a first surface and a hole is provided, wherein the hole has a hole wall. A first conductive layer is formed on the entire surface of the substrate and the hole wall. A photoresist layer applied over the entire surface of the first conductive layer is selectively patterned to define a plurality of laterally separated regions on the first conductive layer. A patterned photoresist layer is used as a mask and a second conductive layer substantially thicker than the first conductive layer is electroplated on the laterally separated regions. The patterned photoresist layer is removed. The portion of the first conductive layer not covered by the second conductive layer is substantially removed to form a plurality of laterally separated traces extended on the first surface and through the hole.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards have circuit layers with one or more via filled holes with copper wraps and methods of manufacturing the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method to enhance the consistency of the wraparound plating of through-hole vias of printed circuit boards with (requiring) via filling to provide extra reliability to the printed circuit boards and enables the designers and/or manufacturers of printed circuit boards to design and manufacture boards with relatively fine features and/or tight geometries.

Abstract: An automotive engine component and method of producing the same. The method uses dynamic magnetic compaction to form components, such as camshaft lobes, with non-axisymmetric and related irregular shapes. A die is used that has an interior profile that is substantially similar to the non-axisymmetric exterior of the component to be formed such that first and second materials can be placed into the die prior to compaction. The first material is in powder form and can be placed in the die to make up a first portion of the component being formed, while a second material can be placed in the die to make up a second portion of the component. The second material, which may possess different tribological properties from those of the first material, can be arranged in the die so that upon formation, at least a portion of the component's non-axisymmetric exterior profile is shaped by or includes the second material.

Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing a frame configured to support a wind turbine generator. The method includes providing a frame support including a stand, tension member, and jack. The frame support includes a stand coupled to a first portion of the frame. The tension member is coupled to the stand and a second portion of the frame. The jack is configured to move the stand. The jack is actuated to move the stand and increase a tension in the tension member to move the second portion with respect to the first portion. The frame is repaired while the frame support is coupled to the frame. The jack is actuated to move the stand and decrease the tension in the tension member to move the second portion with respect to the first portion. The tension member is decoupled from the second portion. The stand is decoupled form the first portion.

Abstract: A method of assembling a heat exchanger in a gas turbine engine assembly is provided. The method includes providing a structural body including a wall having an elongated slot, providing a heat exchanger operably associated with a bracket, and providing a slip joint for coupling the bracket to the structural body. The slip joint includes a standoff, an elongated member, and a biasing member disposed about the elongated member. The standoff is inserted through the wall so that the biasing member imparts a predetermined biasing force between the bracket and the structural body. The slip joint allows relative sliding movement between the bracket and the structural body when a sliding force due to thermal expansion or contraction is greater than the biasing force.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making a rotor blade spar from composite material wherein a multi-component mandrel is used to form the composite spar. The mandrel is made using a number of components that are assembled and held in place using a roller assembly. The roller assembly is removed after pre-cure lay up and compaction of the composite material. Once the roller assembly is removed, the remaining mandrel components can be separated from each other and easily removed from the spar. The mandrel components, including the roller assembly, can then be re-assembled and re-used to form additional composite spars.

Abstract: A method includes joining an integral bulkhead and a blade shell to form a blade and separating the blade into two blade segments at a location including the integral bulkhead such that each blade segment comprises a portion of the integral bulkhead and a portion of the blade shell.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fluid feed slot in a print head substrate includes making a cut into a first surface of a substrate using a cutting disk having a generally planar surface oriented generally perpendicular to the first surface, and removing material from a second surface of the substrate. Making the cut and removing the material form, in combination, the fluid feed slot in the substrate at least a portion of which passes entirely through the substrate, with a full length of the fluid feed slot extending less than a full length of the substrate, and making the cut into the first surface includes providing a first completed portion of the fluid feed slot with curved surfaces at opposite end walls thereof converging from the first surface toward the second surface.

Abstract: A method of making a rear hub of a bicycle comprises: swaging a straight pipe into an hour-glass-shaped semi product, extruding the semi-product to form a hub flange, punching a plurality of holes in the hub flange of the semi-product, binding an edge of an end of the semi-product, necking down the edge-bound end of the semi-product, trimming the semi-product, and chamfering the holes of the semi-product to form a chamfer structure on an edge of the respective holes.