Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composite girder for bridge construction. More preferably, a girder is formed in a rectangular shape that is horizontally long and opened at the top portion thereof, wherein the girder is convexly curved in the center so as to be formed in the shape of an arch. The girder has a compression section, a web and a tension section, which are integrally composed together, and is filled with concrete inside the girder so as to increase the sectional strength of the girder. Simultaneously, a stopper is formed on the inside surface of the compression section to prevent the separation of the steel materials and the concrete.

Abstract: Example dock levelers at a truck-loading platform include a stationary curved transition plate extending between a rear edge of the leveler's pivotal deck and a rear edge of a pit at which the leveler is installed. The transition plate has a curved portion that extends underneath the deck's rear edge. The plate provides a smooth transition for forklifts traveling between the platform and the deck, thus reducing and/or minimizing the jarring of the forklift and its driver. To prevent debris and obstructions from getting trapped within the deck's rear hinge, the rear edge of the deck rises up and over the transition plate as the deck pivots upward, thereby providing a self-cleaning effect. With the rear edge of an inclined deck being above the transition plate, water runoff from the deck drains onto the transition plate rather than through the hinge gap to a generally inaccessible area underneath the deck.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement comprising having a handle, head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is described. The head has a plurality of cleaning elements and/or massaging elements attached to the head. The oral hygiene implement also has a force sensor and an output source. The output source provides a plurality of output signals which correspond to a plurality of conditions to a user.

Abstract: An oral care implement (100), comprising an oral care region (124,127) attached to a body (125), a portion (126) of the body being configured for gripping by a user; a memory configured to store a plurality of audio signals from an external signal source; at least one measurement component configured to measure a parameter of use of the oral care region (124,128); and a processor configured to change output of a first audio signal of the plurality of audio signals to a second audio signal of the plurality of audio signals based on the measured parameter from the at least one measurement component.

Abstract: A mopping device includes a mopping head having at least one of a mopping cloth, a mopping cover, a mopping bundle, and a mopping pad. The mopping device further includes a handle and a multi-turn actuator.

Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats, yacht and small marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and at least one of a cap and plug having a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the orifice, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.

Abstract: A towel for cleaning and drying a surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a pocket formed in the first portion. The first portion includes an underlying layer of material and two outer layers of material. The second portion is formed primarily of a material different from the outer layer of the first portion. The pocket is formed in the first portion between the underlying layer and the outer layer for receiving a user's hand or foot.

Abstract: An automobile windshield wiper blade has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible resilient support element, on the lower belt surface which faces the windshield and has an elastic rubber wiper strip extending along the windshield parallel to the longitudinal axis. A wind deflection strip on the upper belt surface has an incident surface facing the direction of driving wind. The deflection strip extends longitudinally, and has two sides that diverge from a common base point as seen in cross section, such that the incident surface is located at one exterior side and the wind deflection strip has a constant cross section along its entire length. The support element has outer edges, and the sides of the wind deflection strip have respective free ends that have respective claw-like extensions that grip the outer edges of the support element, wherein the wind deflection strip can be snapped or slid longitudinally onto the outer edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat windscreen-wiper blade 100 in particular for a windscreen-wiper system of a motor vehicle, comprising a wiping strip 110 on which a linking support 120 is mounted, which is intended to connect said flat windscreen-wiper blade 100. The invention is noteworthy in that the linking support 120 can be solidly and rigidly attached in a removable manner to a connector 130, 140, 150 which is, itself, capable of being coupled in a removable manner with a drive arm 160, 170, 180.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device, particularly for automobiles, includes an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped. The windscreen wiper device includes a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected with its first end to the connecting device and with its second end to a mounting head on a drive shaft, and wherein the oscillating arm is provided with a longitudinally extending base and two spaced-apart sidewalls extending outwardly along opposite sides of the base to form a tube having an open face. The oscillating arm is produced integrally form a single sheet material, wherein outboard edges of the sidewalls are folded inwardly towards each other to partially close the open face of the tube.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade structure includes a support strip, a wiper strip disposed below the support strip, two flexible strips set on two sides of the wiper strip, a set of clamping elements downward extended through holes formed on the support strip to clamp the support strip, the flexible strips and the wiper strip together, two wind deflector strips disposed on a top of the support strip, two elastic locking elements each including two elastic arms separately fitted near two opposite ends of the support strip, and two end caps detachably connected to the two ends of the support strip and each internally provided with two notches engaged with the elastic arms. By compressing the elastic arms toward each other to disengage them from the notches, the end caps can be removed from the support strip to allow replacement of the wiper strip with a new one.

Abstract: A releasable squeegee assembly for coupling to a surface maintenance machine and including a compliant bushing and an over-center lever attached to a pull rod and compliant spring. The compliant bushing is compressed via said over-center lever with said compliant spring providing a spring force. A bushing sleeve is provided to limit the degree of compression of said compliant bushing by the over-center lever. A method of coupling a squeegee assembly to a surface maintenance machine is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cleaning cart system of the invention includes a reservoir assembly, an upwardly extending handle releasably connectable to the reservoir assembly, and at least two modular cleaning bins. The reservoir assembly includes a liquid reservoir and an integral wheeled chassis. The liquid reservoir includes a circumferential sidewall and an integral top wall, with the top wall including a plurality of openings. The two modular cleaning bins may be: positioned within the liquid reservoir; positioned on the liquid reservoir top wall with a leg of one bin positioned in one of the top-wall openings, and with a leg of the other bin positioned in another of the top-wall plurality of openings; and alternatively releasably interconnected to one another in a side-by-side orientation, with one of the bins supported on the upwardly extending handle by one or more of a plurality of handle brackets.

Abstract: The dust container is disposed in the dust collector, so as to receive dirt drawn by the dust collector. The dust container includes a fastening device. The dust container can be taken out from the dust collector by operating the fastening device in one operation, and then installed back into the dust collector after the dirt is cleared away, thereby completing actions of disassembling, assembling and clearing the dust container quickly and cleanly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied.

Abstract: Provided is a dust separation apparatus of a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus includes a dust-collecting body defining a dust-storing part, a compressing member configured to compress dust stored in the dust-collecting body, and a lower cover on a lower side of the dust-collecting body, the lower cover opening and closing the dust-storing part.

Abstract: A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels, bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt. To enable the surface treating head to be used to treat both carpeted floor surfaces and hard floor surfaces, the surface treating head may be provided with a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper, including a device for projecting-onto a surface through an opening, and a scraping body with a resilient scraping element including a ridge capable of scraping a smooth surface. The body includes, towards a surface of the scraping element, a device for collecting liquid on a substrate absorbing residual liquid connected to a conduit. The device for collecting has an end surface-capable of entering into contact with said surface. The invention also relates to a household appliance incorporating such a scraper.

Abstract: A grommet includes two semicircular closing plate sections that protrude from inner peripheries of a larger diameter end of an enlarging diameter tubular section provided with a vehicle body latch recess. Two half ring sections protrude from peripheral edges of central circular cut-outs at opposed ends of the semicircular closing plate sections. Adhesive tape is wound around the half ring sections. The semicircular closing plate sections are thinner than the enlarging diameter tubular section and have bellows-like configurations with projections and depressions. The half ring sections deform in accordance with an outer diameter of the wire harness and a bending direction of the wire harness. Deformation of the semicircular closing plate sections is absorbed by the bellows-like configurations, and the vehicle body latch recess of the enlarging diameter tubular section coupled to an outer periphery of the semicircular closing plate sections.

Abstract: A traverse rod system for manipulating one or more hanging objects is provided. The traverse rod system includes a hollow longitudinally extending tube having an opening that extends along an upper length of the tube as well as a number of rings that at least partially encircle the tube and that are directly or indirectly coupled with one or more hanging objects. A cord is suspended within the tube and secured by one or more cord carriers, each having a top portion that attaches to one of the rings and a bottom portion that is freely suspended through the opening and into the hollow tube such that other than the cord and the cord carriers, an interior of the hollow tube remains substantially free of structure relating to the traverse rod system. Movement of the cord causes the cord carriers to traverse an interior of the tube while the attached rings traverse an exterior of the tube. As a result, the hanging object(s) move in connection with the cord and the cord carriers in a desired direction or directions.

Abstract: A gate stabilizer for reducing sag-inducing stress on a gate comprising a support member and a stabilizer assembly, said stabilizer assembly including a rotating member having a first end portion adapted to engage said support member and a fixed member. The present invention further relates to a fence system incorporating said gate stabilizer.

Abstract: An improved top pin assembly is provided for a traffic door which is side-mountable to the door without the necessity of integrated the top pin assembly within the interior of the door panel.

Abstract: A pivoting detent joint with selective positional engagement for a vehicle mirror assembly. The detent joint includes an arm detent ring defined by a continuous circular arrangement of a combination of arm locking teeth and alignment teeth. A base detent ring has a complementary arrangement to the arm detent ring and is defined by a continuous circular arrangement of a combination of base locking teeth and alignment channels. The arm locking teeth of the arm detent ring engage the base locking teeth of the base detent ring in a releasable interlocking engagement only when all of the alignment teeth are received into a complementary alignment channel so that positioning of a support arm relative to a carrier base is limited to specifically define orientations.

Abstract: A rotating mechanism for a printing apparatus includes a fixing member and a rotating member fixed on the fixing member. The fixing member includes a rotating pole and a stop portion on one side of the rotating pole. The rotating member includes a rotating portion and a resisting portion extended from a bottom of the rotating portion. The rotating portion is fixed between the rotating pole and the stop portion and abuts the rotating pole to fix the rotating member on the fixing member. The rotating portion rotates along a first direction relative to the rotating pole between an original position and a first position. Wherein in the first direction to a first position, the rotating portion is parallel to the stop portion and the resisting portion abuts the stop portion to prevent the rotating portion rotating along the first direction relative to the rotating pole.

Abstract: A lockable snap-clip fastener with two spring-biased jaw members and a slidable locking bar. The locking bar is held in position by the same spring that biases the jaws. As the bar is held in either the locked or unlocked position, it must be positively actuated in order to transition from one configuration to the other.

Abstract: A clamp assembly selectively grips material. The clamp assembly is connectable to an object, and includes a housing and a gripping assembly. The housing has a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions cooperate to define a material receiving slot. The first portion of the housing has an angular disposed channel and an angular disposed recessed portion. The second portion of the housing has a gripping surface. The gripping assembly is slidably disposed within the channel such that the recessed portion cooperates with the channel to define a travel path so that the gripping assembly can be selectively movable between a biased first position and a second position. In the biased first position, the gripping assembly extends into the material receiving slot. In the second position the gripping assembly is withdrawn from the material receiving slot.

Abstract: A safety hook includes a main body defining an inner space and an opening, a latch unit pivoted to the main body, an operable unit pivoted to the main body, and a safety lock unit. The latch unit is normally at a closed position for blocking the opening. When the operable unit is pressed, the safety lock unit is co-rotatable with the operable unit with respect to the main body from a locked position, where the safety lock unit abuts against the latch unit to retain the latch unit at the closed position, to an unlocked position, where the safety lock unit is removed from the latch unit to allow the latch unit to rotate from the closed position to an opened position allowing access into the inner space through the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a fabric having first and second transport faces for gripping a fabric therebetween and to displace the fabric along its length, in which at least one of the transport faces has an irregular surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a liquid transport apparatus includes forming a recess, on a surface of a vibration plate on a side not facing the pressure chamber, in one of areas which are defined by dividing an area overlapping with a pressure chamber in a predetermined direction; forming a piezoelectric layer by depositing particles of a piezoelectric material on the surface of the vibration plate on which the recess is formed so that a thickness of a portion of the piezoelectric layer corresponding to the area formed with the recess is thinner than a thickness of a portion corresponding to an area not formed with the recess; and forming a first electrode, on a surface of the piezoelectric layer on a side not facing the vibration plate, in an area overlapping with the pressure chamber and corresponding to the area of the vibration plate not formed with the recess.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system.

Abstract: A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations. At least one of the plurality of stations having two conveyors each having a tiltable platform such that each of the two conveyors can be used to receive and return containers.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defines a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. A control unit is electronically programmed to control the mechanical components. A method of calibrating the control unit includes inserting a quill of known diameter into the iris and reducing the diameter of the iris onto the quill.

Abstract: A method of mounting a hand-held portable telephone or other normally hand-held portable device, wherein the method includes: mounting a body of a portable device holder on a mounting surface external of the portable device holder with a base surface thereof facing substantially away from the mounting surface; rotating opposing arms apart around a central post interior of the body, whereby substantially upright opposing fingers adjacent to ends of the arms are rotated apart; inserting a portable device between the rotated apart opposing fingers; and resiliently urging together the rotated apart opposing arms, whereby opposing fingers are urged into compressive contact with the portable device.

Abstract: An implantable tissue marker incorporates a contrast agent sealed within a chamber in a container formed from a solid material. The contrast agent is selected to produce a change, such as an increase, in signal intensity under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An additional contrast agent may also be sealed within the chamber to provide visibility under another imaging modality, such as computed tomographic (CT) imaging or ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A robot is placed on a first surface of a panel. The robot includes a body and first and second feet connected to the body via joints. A flux conducting device is positioned on an opposing second surface of the panel, opposite the robot, so that each foot of the robot is magnetically coupled to the flux conducting device. The flux conducting device is moved along the exterior surface to pull the robot along the interior surface until an obstacle on the first surface is encountered. The robot decouples one of the feet from the flux conducting device, lifts the decoupled foot above the obstacle, and moves the decoupled foot past the obstacle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head stack assembly cartridge is provided. The head stack assembly cartridge includes a base plate having a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting a head stack assembly and a base voice coil motor magnet attached to an inner surface of the base plate. The base voice coil motor magnet is arranged on the inner surface of the base plate to be adjacent to a coil of the head stack assembly pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft. The head stack assembly cartridge further includes a cover removably attached to the base plate and a pivot clamp removably attached to the cover and configured to secure the head stack assembly pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A method of aligning electronic components comprising providing a positioning member 110 having at least one formation 120 for receiving an electronic component; said at least one formation having lateral boundaries 35, 36 for constraining movement of an electronic component; placing a first electronic component 10a in said at least one formation; and providing a force for actively aligning said first electronic component with a lateral boundary of said at least one formation. The force may, for example, be provided by tilting the positioning member, by providing suction or by using an actuator. An apparatus for aligning electronic components and a 3D system of stacked electronic components is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical terminal applicator system includes a die connected to a press. A one-piece member includes a stock guide portion homogeneously connected to a tool receiving portion. The one-piece member is releasably secured to the die using only a single fastener. A male member extends from either one of the one-piece member or the die, and a female slot is created in the other one of the one-piece member or the die slidably receiving the male member to permit the one-piece member to be horizontally positioned on the die prior to securing the one-piece member using the single fastener.

Abstract: There is disclosed a collective mounting method of electronic components in which a plurality of electronic components can uniformly be pressed to an insulating layer in a short time in a case where the electronic components and a resin layer are fixed. To manufacture a semiconductor-embedded substrate 200 in which a plurality of semiconductor devices 220 are embedded, after disposing the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 on an unhardened resin layer 212, this is stored in a container 31 of a pressurizing and heating unit 3, the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 are simultaneously, collectively and isotropically pressurized by use of an internal gas in the container 31 as a pressure medium to simultaneously press the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 to the unhardened resin layer 212, and the resin layer 212 is heated and hardened.

Abstract: It is an objective to provide a part-mounting method that, even when parts are extremely small, makes it possible to mount the parts at a repair-requiring location without fail, to thus enhance a percentage of a non-defective substrate. In a part-mounting method, inspection is made as to whether or not a parts-missing location exists on a substrate Pb reloaded between a solder printer 2 and a first part-mounting machine 4A after having undergone manual repair by an operator OP, or the like, in connection with a repair-requiring location found through inspection performed after mounting of parts Pt, by use of an inspection camera 15A of a first part-mounting machine 4A. When a parts-missing location on the substrate Pb is found, the parts-missing location is identified. Subsequently, a mounting head 14A of the first part-mounting machine 4A and a mounting head 14B of a second part-mounting machine 4B mount a part Pt at the parts-missing location on the thus-identified substrate Pb.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a through-hole electrode substrate includes forming a plurality of through-holes in a substrate, forming a plurality of through-hole electrodes by filling a conductive material into the plurality of through-holes, forming a first insulation layer on one surface of the substrate, forming a plurality of first openings which expose the plurality of through-hole electrodes corresponding to each of the plurality of through-hole electrodes, on the first insulation layer and correcting a position of the plurality of first openings using the relationship between a misalignment amount of a measured distance value of an open position of a leaning through-hole among the plurality of through-holes and of a design distance value of the open position of the leaning through-hole among the plurality of through-holes with respect to a center position of the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a percutaneous stimulation lead for applying electrically stimulation pulses to tissue of the patient comprises: a plurality of electrode assemblies electrically coupled to a plurality of terminals through a plurality of conductors of the stimulation lead, wherein each electrode assembly is disposed in an annular manner around the lead body and each electrode assembly comprises (i) an electrode adapted to deliver electrical stimulation to tissue of a patient, (ii) an interior conductive layer, and (iii) a dielectric layer disposed between the electrode and the interior conductive layer; the electrode and interior conductive layer being capacitively coupled, the dielectric layer further comprising an inductor, the inductor being electrically connected to one of the plurality of conductors through the interior conductive layer, and the inductor being electrically coupled to the electrode.

Abstract: A method for terminating a fiber optic cable includes removing an end portion of an outer jacket of a fiber optic cable to expose a strength member and at least one optical fiber. A binder material of the strength member of the fiber optic cable is heated using a heat source to expose strength elements of the strength member. The strength elements are secured to a fiber optic connector assembly using an adhesive.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus, for a crimping machine (1), which comprises a crimping tool head (2) with an end wall (9), in a cable feed direction, a crimping tool base body (3) with an anvil (4) and a front knife (21), an insulation stripping apparatus (5); a contact element feed apparatus (6); and a coupling part (7) for coupling the crimping machine (1) to the crimping tool head (2). The clamping apparatus (10) clamping the electric cable (8) to be processed both during the insulation stripping and crimping processes. The clamping apparatus (10) is connected to the crimping tool head (2) via its end wall (9) and is movable vertically with the crimping tool head (2). At least one of the clamping apparatus (10) and the crimping tool head (2) is arranged centrally in a longitudinal direction of the cable path (8?) above the anvil (4) and the front knife (21).

Abstract: A turbine nozzle may be repaired by severing the inner band from the vanes and outer band, which may then be discarded. A replacement nozzle is cast to include replacement vanes extending between a replacement outer band and an inner web, with the replacement outer band and vanes conforming with the original outer band and vanes. The new web is configured differently than the old inner band and includes a tie bar. The inner band is machined to form vane seats. The web is machined to form plinths atop the tie bar at each of the replacement vanes. The plinths and tie bar are assembled through the vane seats and bonded to the machined inner band to collectively form the repaired turbine nozzle.

Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a case including first and second portions, the first portion including a first surface interrupted by recesses, the second portion including a second surface interrupted by second recesses, contacting the first surface, and secured to the first portion, a pin extending though the recesses, and a ring gear secured to the portions and overlapping the surfaces and the pin.

Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing hand guards, utilizing this method multiple sheets can be stacked and then clamped to a XY cutting table to cut multiple patterns therein, subsequently a forming tool or die is used to form complex 3 dimensional shapes in any XY, XZ, YZ or XYZ planes in a single operation.

Abstract: A panel assembly, in which the liaison between two adjacent panels is sealed by a sealing joint, where the sealing joint comprises a central part, housed in an interstice between the two panels, and an external part, facing the exterior of the panel assembly, and capable of covering at least partially the external face of the two longitudinal edges of the panels surrounding the interstice. Also, a method for mounting a panel assembly, in which two adjacent panels are fixed to one another.

Abstract: A shaving blade unit comprising a shaving cartridge having a rearwardly secured shaving blade member wherein the cartridge comprises a) a housing having a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls extending between the front and rear walls; b) a shaving blade member disposed within said walls of the housing and wherein the blade member has a cutting edge that faces a front surface of said housing; c) a resilient member disposed rearward of the shaving blade member and that is secured by a shaving blade member retainer; and wherein the resilient member provides a forward biasing force to the shaving blade member and wherein the shaving blade member exhibits a springing motion during a shaving stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus that chops off a weed at or below ground level and applies a small shot of herbicide to the freshly cut weed base. More particularly the present invention is a rechargeable, battery operated, solenoid driven, and hand held device with a herbicide reservoir on the handle and a reciprocating cutter blade with a directed herbicide spray nozzle at the base.