Abstract: A friction stir spot welding tool and a self-piercing riveting tool are disclosed for joining parts. The parts are clamped between a head and anvil support of the friction stir spot welding tool or the self-piercing riveting tool. A plurality of clamping and heating modules are attached to an attachment fixture on the head and the anvil support that heats the area around the pin of the friction stir spot welding tool or self-piercing riveting tool prior to and during the joining operation.

Abstract: Provided is a miniature pin extracting device for extracting a miniature pin inserted into a part. The miniature pin extracting device includes a coupling having a polygonal pillar shape, the coupling having a lower end coupled to the locating pin, a retainer mounted outside the coupling, and a screw part supported by the retainer, the screw part being coupled to an upper end of the coupling. Thus, a rotation force of the screw part may be converted into a vertical axial motion through the retainer to safely extract the locating pin without lateral force and rotation, thereby minimizing damage of the part.

Abstract: A method for adjusting positions of LEDs of an LED light bar includes following steps: providing a circuit board with a plurality of LEDs arranged thereon; measuring offsets X0 between the LEDs and a base line; providing a first flat plate and a second flat plate paralleled to the base line and contacted with two opposite sides of the circuit board; and measuring a distance X1 between the first flat plate and the base line, and a distance X2 between the second flat plate and the base line. Therefore, offsets A between the LEDs and a central axis of a space between the first and second flat plates can be obtained by the following equation: A=X0?(X1?X2)/2. The offsets A are used to adjust the positions of the LEDs to be actually mounted on the circuit board.

Abstract: A method for making a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes the steps of: forming an insulative carrier from an insulative material; coupling at least one conductive component to the carrier by inserting a pre-formed tab of the conductive component through the carrier, from a first side thereof to a second side thereof, so that the conductive component is secured to the carrier with the tab extending along a surface of the second side of the carrier and an inward facing surface of an electrode portion of the conductive component being disposed against a surface of the first side of the carrier; coupling an elongate flexible conductor to the tab of the component; and forming an insulative layer over the second side of the carrier, the tab and the conductor electrically coupled to the tab.

Abstract: A resinous blade-supporting rotator is prepared to rotate around a rotational axis. The blade-supporting rotator has rotator weld parts including rotator weld surfaces formed on one side surface in the axial direction. A plurality of resinous blades are disposed annularly around the axis. The plurality of resinous blades have hollow spaces formed in the blade interiors, and blade weld parts with blade weld surfaces. The blade weld surfaces and the rotator weld surfaces are inclined with respect to each other when facing each other in the axial direction. An axial pressure load is applied to opposite axial ends of the blade-supporting rotator so as to compress the blades in the axial direction such that the blade weld surfaces and the rotator weld surfaces are no longer inclined with respect to each other. The blade weld surfaces are fixed to the rotator weld surfaces by laser welding.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system includes a plurality of solar panel support structures which can be formed from solid concrete in adjacent rows with mounting surfaces that are tilted towards the equator. The solar panels can have an adhesive backing which can be used to secure the solar panels directly to the mounting surfaces. The support structures can be made of concrete and formed with a slip form machine. This construction can reduce the time and materials required for the solar panel installation. The solar panel mounting system can also occupy significantly less ground space than conventional solar panel installations.

Abstract: Method of producing a heat exchanger comprising a number of thin plates (8) of aluminum by processing at least a portion of the edges (16), at least the ends, into a thickness allowing, and joining the edges (16) of said plates (8) to provide channels between each pair of said plates, whereafter manifolds for delivering liquid to and from the channels are secured to the processed portions of the edges (16) by welding. As a result there is obtained a heat exchanger, which is more flexible and cheaper in production than previously known.

Abstract: A method for changing a vehicle wheel held to the vehicle by nuts and retainer cleats comprising: using a mobile robot for removal and replacement of the wheel nuts and retainer cleats in combination with the use of a mobile mechanical wheel handler to grip and remove the wheel and to bring a replacement wheel into position before replacement of the wheel nuts and cleats by the robot.

Abstract: The invention includes a hand tool that may be used for applying a design to a jewelry line, The tool may include at least one three-dimensional object having a slot spanning at least the distance of one side of the object. The slot may be receptive to a jewelry line, such as a wire or string. The tool may include at least a first object connected to another object so the objects may abut one another or be spaced an adjustable distance apart and at least two of the slots are in-line. Further, the hand tool may be used in a method of applying a design or designs to the jewelry line by placing the line in the slot(s) and applying a stop to the line.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a panel including a core having a truss structure between upper and lower face sheets. The manufacturing method includes disposing the upper and lower face sheets in parallel to each other at a predetermined distance, repeatedly performing, several times, a process in which a plurality of flexible wires vertically pass through the upper and lower face sheets to reciprocation-connect the upper and lower face sheets to each other, thereby sewing the upper and lower face sheets after the upper and lower face sheets horizontally move in parallel to each other, and maximally spacing both face sheets in a vertical direction while being maintained in a parallel to each other after a relative displacement of the upper and lower face sheets is solved, and fixing the face sheets and the wires to each other.

Abstract: A method for reinforcing, baffling or sealing a vehicle structure, comprising the steps of providing one or more materials having a horizontal axis, at least one terminating edge, and an initial length, forming openings in the one or more materials, and applying the one or more materials to location requiring reinforcement, baffling, sealing or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and structures for a composite truss structure are provided. The structure includes a web formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member, a lower chord member, and a plurality of web members extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.

Abstract: A safety razor with a thin profile that can be easily transported on a person, without risk of injury or damage to the razor blades.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a handle and a pivotably connected blade retainer for retaining a blade. An external, symmetrically toothed gear is fixed relative to one of the handle or the blade retainer, and a locking mechanism is associated with the other. The locking mechanism cooperates with the gear to lock the blade retainer in one of a plurality of fixed positions and includes pawls located in channels having converging ends. A manually actuable release mechanism is associated with the locking mechanism for unlocking the blade retainer to permit pivotal movement. Furthermore, a manually actuable blade release mechanism is associated with a blade locking mechanism contained in the blade retainer, for locking and releasing the blade when exchanging a dull blade for a replacement blade.

Abstract: A cutting tool has a cutting head, a motor and a transmission means drivable by the motor. The cutting head comprises first and second cutting members, wherein the first cutting member is pivotably moveable with respect to the second cutting member. At least the first cutting member is drivable by the transmission means between a first angular position with respect to the second cutting member and a second angular position with respect to the second cutting member, in which a space between the respective cutting blades is closed. The transmission means is a bevel gear on the output shaft of a gearbox which conveys drive power from the motor to the drive gear. The bevel gear directly engages a bevel wheel member connected to the first cutting member and which swivels with the first cutting member about the same swivel point. A controller comprises main, first and second switches which control the motor to move the first cutting member (movable blade).

Abstract: A work apparatus includes a drive motor, a tool head including a tool frame, a bearing, a tool shaft and a rotary tool, a frame tube with the proximal end connected to the drive motor and the distal end connected to the tool head, and a drive shaft rotatably inserted through the frame tube for transmitting the rotation of the drive motor to the rotary tool. The rotary tool is accommodated within the tool frame and is rotatable on the tool shaft, when driven by the drive shaft. The tool shaft is journaled by the bearing which is elastically supported by a flexible elastic member disposed coaxially around the bearing and interposed between the bearing and the connection of the tool frame or the frame tube. Undesirable vibrations caused by the rotation of the rotary tool will be effectively hindered from being transmitted to the frame tube.

Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site, and a method of using the layout equipment, contemplate a laser target rod having an elongated rod body and including retroreflective material on the rod body. The retroreflective material extends substantially the entire length of the rod body, and has scale markings visible thereon. A self-leveling laser transmitter at a known position projects a beam of laser light horizontally, and receives laser light reflected from the laser target rod. A remote control device signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at a selected one of the plurality of positions. The layout equipment may also be used to determine relative locations in a previously built structure.

Abstract: A plumbing path guide apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnectable elements, said elements interconnectable by means of female and male connectors configured to slidingly mate with each other, wherein a perceived plumbing path is erectable between at least two extant points whereby measurements of extant pipe required to plumb said plumbing path are ascertained as the apparatus is erected.

Abstract: A measurement system is described for determining the varus and/or valgus angles of a pronating and/or supinating foot, especially when the subtalar joint of the foot is placed and/or maintained in a neutral position. When the user's foot is maintained in the subtalar joint neutral position, it causes a platform member to rotate relative to a correspondingly shaped depression formed in a base portion such that a top surface of the platform member is no longer in a substantially coplanar relationship with a top surface of the base portion. When this occurs, a bottom surface of the platform member is exposed. As a result, indicia are exposed which correspond to degree markings disposed on the bottom surface of the platform member. The degree markings indicate the angle that corresponds to the varus and/or valgus angles, and thus the amount of pronation and/or supination, of the user's foot.

Abstract: The telescopic sight ring mounts alignment tool is an elongate, rigid, unitary, monolithic, solid bar having an outside diameter fitting closely within the mounting rings for a telescopic sight on a firearm. The tool may be used to secure dovetail mount-type scope rings to the firearm by securing the tool within each ring separately, and torqueing the tool to secure each ring in sequence. Alignment of rings of any mounting configuration with the barrel bore is checked by securing the tool within both rings and checking alignment of the beveled conical rear and the tapered front tip of the tool, respectively, with the receiver tang and the barrel of the firearm. The tool may be manufactured with an outside diameter dimensioned and configured to fit different inside diameter rings. Alternatively, different diameter sleeves may be provided to adapt a single tool for use with different inside diameter rings.

Abstract: A micrometer includes: a frame; an anvil; a spindle; an encoder; a display; a strain gauge that detects a deformation of the frame; a storage that stores a change amount of the detection value (a displacement of the spindle detected by the encoder) per a unit deformation detected by the strain gauge, as a compensation factor; and a compensator that compensates the detection value based on a difference between a zeroset-time deformation that is detected by the strain gauge when a command for zeroset is given and a measurement-time deformation that is detected by the strain gauge in measurement, and based on the compensation factor stored in the storage.

Abstract: A hand held appliance, such as a hairdryer, includes a body, a duct, a fluid flow path extending through the duct from a first fluid inlet of the appliance to a first fluid outlet of the appliance. A primary fluid flow path extends from a second fluid inlet through which a primary fluid flow enters the appliance to a second fluid outlet. A fan unit is located in the primary fluid flow path for drawing fluid through the second fluid inlet. A filter is located in the primary fluid flow path. Fluid is drawn through the fluid flow path by fluid emitted from the second fluid outlet. A heater is provided in the body and extends at least partially along and around the duct.

Abstract: A hand held appliance, such as a hairdryer, includes a body, a fluid flow path extending through the body from a fluid inlet through which a fluid flow enters the appliance to a fluid outlet for emitting the fluid flow from the appliance, a primary fluid flow path extending at least partially through the body from a second fluid inlet through which a primary fluid flow enters the appliance to a second fluid outlet, and a heater located in the body for heating fluid passing through the primary fluid flow path, wherein the heater is inaccessible from the fluid inlet. The heater may be inaccessible from the second fluid inlet. The second fluid inlet may be located in the body. The fluid inlet may be spaced from the second fluid inlet.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance treats a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation. A rotatable drum defines a treating chamber and includes an open face through which access is provided to the treating chamber. An air system supplies air to and exhausts air from the treating chamber and includes an airflow portal adjacent the open face and in fluid communication with the treating chamber. A door includes a panel with a flat surface, the door selectively movable to prevent access through the open face, and the flat surface facing the treating chamber when the door closes the open face. A deflector extends away from the flat surface and at least partially overlies the airflow portal when the door closes the open face. The deflector deflects items in the laundry load away from the airflow portal when the door is closed.

Abstract: A drying rack and contact lens storage case assembly consists of a contact lens storage case assembly that includes a base formed with externally threaded receptacles having inner diameters, and internally threaded caps having inner diameters and which relate to the respective receptacles. A drying frame is formed with patterns of protuberances relating to inner diameters of the receptacles formed in the base and the caps, respectively. The receptacles are concurrently positionable on and over an opposed pair of the patterns of protuberances, and the caps are concurrently positionable on and over another opposed pair of the patterns of protuberances. There is at least one ventilation opening formed in the drying frame within each of the patterns of protuberances to provide drying ventilation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting the cycle termination of a household tumble dryer having sensors for measuring at least two different parameters related to the drying process. In a an example method for detecting the cycle termination of a household tumble dryer having sensors for measuring at least two different parameters related to a drying process, signals from the sensors are combined according to a predetermined algorithm in order to improve the accuracy of said detection.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing water-absorbing polymer beads, comprising the drying of a polymer gel on a forced-air belt dryer, the water content of the polymer gel being used to control the forced-air belt dryer during or after the drying.

Abstract: A method for drying clothes in a household dryer having a drying chamber, a temperature sensor for monitoring temperature an air exhaust temperature from the chamber, and a control system for maintaining a temperature in the drying chamber close to a set point temperature by selecting the set point temperature on the basis of at least said based on the air exhaust temperature.

Abstract: A method for controlling a laundry machine is provided, including an air supply cycle in which heated or unheated air is supplied to items received in a holding space. The air supply cycle may include initiating operation of a fan for circulating the air in the holding space, the fan being provided in a duct that forms a flow passage for circulating the air in the holding space, and spraying cleaning water onto a filter for removing foreign matter from the filter, the filter being positioned under the fan for removing foreign matter from air being introduced into the duct from the holding space. Spraying cleaning water onto the filter for removing foreign matter from the filter is not performed at the same time as initiating operation of the fan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall-mountable hand dryer of the type which uses an air-knife to wipe the water from a user's hand. In accordance with the invention, the hand dryer is configured to have a maximum depth, front-to-back, of less than 150 mm when it is surface-mounted on—rather than recessed within—the wall. The dryer has a projecting part which projects outwardly either from the wall or from a rear part of the dryer, and the air-knife is directed downwardly onto the user's hand as it is passed lengthwise underneath the projecting part of the dryer. The air knife is discharged through one or more discharge apertures, and these discharge apertures are positioned towards the front of the projecting part so that they are spaced at least 75 mm from the wall or, as the case may be, the rear part of the dryer.

Abstract: A bladder assembly for an article of footwear includes a main body. The main body defines a first chamber and a second chamber, and the second chamber includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface. The bladder assembly also includes a viscous fluid contained in the first or second chamber and a gas contained in the other of the first or second chamber. Furthermore, the bladder assembly includes a fabric member that is fixed to both the first and second inner surfaces. The fabric member limits movement of the first and second inner surfaces away from each other.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear, such as a sock, sandal, shoe or boot, contains built-in cushions or spacers to correct or protect the toes, or to provide the wearer better comfort. The cushions or spacers may be retained between the toes in a tube, formed integrally with the sock, which is everted to a position between adjacent toes. The footwear may have an integral toe-correcting strap built in to provide outward tension on the big toe.

Abstract: An adjustable shoe has an expansion mechanism which enables the front portion of the shoe to be expanded. A flexible strap member fixedly attached at the toe area extends in a lengthwise direction between the toe area at the front of the shoe and an interior rim, the flexible strap member extending out of a cavity opening adjacent the interior rim. A pulling force on the flexible member in the lengthwise direction causes compression of the top section, the sole, and the sidewalls of the shoe, causing wrinkling, gathering, and creasing in the top section, and causing a portion of the sole at the front of the shoe to move toward the interior rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to parts having a foamed polymeric material attached to a fabric, and systems and methods for forming same. An example method of attaching foamed polymeric material to a fabric layer includes providing a mold having at least one cavity and at least one material injection channel in fluid communication with the cavity, disposing a fabric over the at least one cavity, closing the mold, injecting unfoamed polymeric material into the at least one cavity through the material injection channel, wherein the unfoamed polymeric material penetrates at least a portion of the fabric proximate the at least one cavity to attach the polymeric material to the fabric layer, and foaming the unfoamed polymeric material.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having one or more maze units each comprising a base mounted to the upper of the footwear, a transparent cover secured about the periphery of the base defining a hollow enclosure and an array of partitions located within the enclosure forming channels along which one or more objects are movable.

Abstract: The invention includes a snow plow blade made of a composite material. The invention also includes a snow plow system that incorporates a snow plow blade made of a composite material and that further includes a mounting area for a lift mechanism and threadable metal inserts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations.

Abstract: The memorial display is a retainer and display for funereal and memorial related items, such as obituary pages, sympathy cards, funeral flowers and the like. The memorial display includes a page retainer for receiving a display page, such as an obituary page. A transparent holder is provided for receiving the page retainer and securing the display page therein. A face plate, such as a memorial placard, is secured to a front face of the transparent holder. A framing mat, having opposed front and rear faces and a central cutout portion formed therethrough, is positioned against the transparent front face of the transparent holder for bordering the face plate. A frame member receives the page retainer, the transparent holder, the face plate and the framing mat such that the face plate is displayed through the front end of the frame member and the display page is displayed through the rear end.

Abstract: A tire tag for identifying mounting locations of a tire. The tire tag includes a base plate and at least one attachment portion extending outwardly from the base plate. The base plate has an upper surface, and markings showing a mounting location of the tire are provided on the upper surface of the base plate. The attachment portion is configured for removable attachment to an air valve of the tire.

Abstract: A bottle identification topper is a flexible cap that can fit over the top of an existing bottle cap. The identification toppers may have different indicia, either imprinted thereupon, or attached thereto, to clearly identify a bottle, such as a beverage bottle, by its top. The bottle identification toppers may be provided in a box that may, for example, attach to the refrigerator and be readily available for users. The user can simply take one of the toppers, note the indicia it contains, attach the topper to the bottle cap, and they now know that this bottle belongs to them. The result is a simple, easy to use and fun bottle identification system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus for displaying sign on a vehicle, the apparatus having a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Further, the apparatus may include one or more first sleeve fasteners capable of being coupled to the first sleeve and one or more second sleeve fasteners capable of being coupled to the second sleeve. In addition, the apparatus may have a main housing capable of being fastened to the first sleeve and a receiving housing capable of being fastened to the second sleeve. Also, a winding mechanism may be coupled to the main housing and indirectly or direct coupled to the first sleeve. Moreover, such an apparatus may include a rollable vehicle sign capable of rolling and unrolling on the winding mechanism, a first end of the vehicle sign coupled to the winding mechanism and a second end coupled to the receiving housing.

Abstract: Hand guards for firearms and related methods are provided. In one example, a hand guard includes an elongated housing. The elongated housing comprises a lumen configured to substantially surround an intermediate portion of a barrel of a firearm, a lateral side wall, and a pair of inclined side walls respectively disposed on opposite sides of and inclined relative to the lateral side wall. Each of the inclined side walls comprises an elongated slot, wherein the elongated slots of the inclined side walls define a pair of angulated faces of a rail adapted to receive an accessory to be mounted thereon. For example, the rail may be a reduced-height Picatinny rail provided by the lateral side wall of the housing.

Abstract: A heatshield assembly for a metal barrel of a firearm includes a heatshield body provided with a rear end extending to a front end, and configured to overlie the barrel of the firearm. An insulating mounting arrangement is frictionally attached to and located within the heatshield body. The mounting arrangement is separate from the heatshield body for mounting the heatshield body to the barrel of a firearm in a continuous spaced relationship therefrom without damaging the barrel. With the heatshield body constructed of a metal material, the mounting arrangement is particularly constructed to prevent metal-to-metal contact between the heatshield body and the barrel.

Abstract: A firearms carrying device includes a receiver assembly including a base plate and a cover plate connected to the base plate; and a link arm linkable with the receiver assembly, the link arm mountable on a firearm.

Abstract: An embodiment of a hand guard for a firearm, such as a rifle, includes an elongated tubular housing comprising an upper part, a lower part, opposite open ends, and a lumen configured to receive an intermediate portion of a barrel of a firearm longitudinally therein. An expansion collar is disposed at one end of the housing. The expansion collar has an expansion mechanism configured to adjustably compress the expansion collar and the lower part of the housing longitudinally between a pair of surfaces respectively disposed at opposite ends of the intermediate portion of the barrel.

Abstract: Rifle scope turrets with spiral cam mechanisms include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, and a turret having a screw operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis in response to rotation of the screw. The turret has a spiral cam mechanism engaged thereto. The turret defines first and second stop surfaces positioned for engagement by the spiral cam to limit rotation of the turret. The first stop surface defines a zero position of the screw and the movable optical element. The second stop surface defines a maximum point of displacement of the screw and the moveable optical element. The stop surfaces may be defined by a spiral cam groove in the indexing portion of the turret. The groove may overlap itself at least partially. The turret may be an elevation turret or a windage turret.

Abstract: A weapon sight removably mountable on a weapon provides a plurality of weapon sight segments coupled in end to end linear relation including a front weapon sight segment configured to receive a front sight and a rear weapon sight segment configured to receive a rear sight which disposes the front sight at a fixed distance from the rear sight allowing alignment of the front sight with the rear sight to aim the weapon at a target.

Abstract: An improved artificial fishing lure is provided that comprises a lure body with a hook attached to the rear end, a plurality of discs disposed along the body of the lure, and a spoon portion disposed at the front end of the body. The plurality of discs may be the type of discs traditionally used in fastening jewelry pins. The plurality of discs and the spoon portion of the artificial lure provide random movement through the water, as well as light reflection, to catch the attention of fish in the area.

Abstract: A monomanual electric fishing rod and reel that includes a control module having a power button and a throttle button disposed thereon, said power and throttle buttons operationally communicating with a CPU disposed in a rear rod section, said CPU operationally communicating with a silent direct-drive electric gear motor disposed within a housing upon an electric reel, wherein the electric reel is alternatively activated and deactivated by a user, an extant cast line is reeled in at different speeds selectable by the user, and a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is disposed in an attachable handle for extended use capacity whereby one-handed operation of the device is enabled.