Abstract: System and method for cleaning rows of solar panels. Each solar row has an upper edge elevated above ground level and a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly cleans the solar panel surfaces. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables upward and downward motion in the width and length directions of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled so as to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during upward movement. During downward movement, the cleaning assembly removes dirt, debris and dust from the surface of the solar panels and generates an air stream to blow off the dirt, debris, and dust. The system further includes a guide system for moving the cleaning assembly to align with successive solar panel rows.

Abstract: A wiper connector for a vehicle. The wiper connector includes: a body which is connected to the wiper arm by receiving a catching protrusion of the wiper arm through use of at least one coupling part formed on both sides thereof; and a cover part restricting forward and backward or upward and downward movement of the wiper arm coupled to the body, wherein the body includes a fitting part which is provided on the bottom surface thereof and is fitted and coupled to a fitting recess formed in a central portion of the wiper blade.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade adaptor device, in particular for a wiper blade (14), with a wiper blade adaptor (10) and a coupling element (12) for coupling the wiper blade adaptor (10) to a wiper blade (14). It is proposed that the wiper blade adaptor (10) be releasably connected to the coupling element (12).

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating wiper arm, as well as a spoiler, a special feature of which is that the spoiler as a separate constructional element is detachably connected to the wiper blade.

Abstract: A wiper blade. In one aspect, the wiper blade includes a wiper strip which directly wipes a wiping surface; a lever assembly which supports the wiper strip; and a cover which receives the lever assembly, wherein the lever assembly supports six points of the wiper strip by means of a pair of first levers, each of which supports two points of the wiper strip, and a pair of second levers, each of which is hinge-coupled to the first lever, is coupled to the cover and supports one point of the wiper strip.

Abstract: A wiper blade. The wiper blade includes a wiper strip which directly wipes a wiping surface; a lever assembly which supports the wiper strip; and a cover which receives the lever assembly, wherein the cover includes a fixing cover and at least one moving cover which is pivotable on the fixing cover, and wherein a gap between the fixing cover and the moving cover is minimized.

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: A maintenance system and a cleaning system having the same, the maintenance system including a maintenance station provided at indoors to mount a robot cleaner having a first dust container thereon, a suction port to suck dust of the first dust container, and a dust removing apparatus connected to the suction port while being disposed at outdoors, so that the cleaning performance is maintained regardless of existence of dust in the dust container of the robot cleaner while enhancing the spatial efficiency at indoors.

Abstract: A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body having a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet and a primary separating apparatus arranged in the air flow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet. The primary separating apparatus comprises at least one cyclone, and the main body further includes a secondary separating apparatus in the airflow path downstream of the primary separating apparatus. The secondary separating apparatus comprises a container for holding dirt and debris which has an air inlet and a filter element, wherein the container is arranged in the air flow such that air flows into the container through the air inlet and out of the container through the filter element. The secondary separating apparatus is removable.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body comprising a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path extending between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, a separating apparatus arranged in the airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, and an airflow generator for generating an airflow along the airflow path from the dirty air inlet to the clean air outlet. The airflow generator has a discharge portion which discharges airflow into a chamber formed in the main body, the chamber including an opening that is closable by a removable panel, wherein a power source is receivable within the chamber formed in the main body and is removable from the chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A cylinder vacuum cleaner comprising a main body which is fluidly connected to a suction hose used to pull the main body forwards along a floor, and a rear swivel castor for supporting the main body on the floor, the rear castor having a negatively-raked swivel axis which is offset from a wheel axis of the castor to provide a positive castor trail.

Abstract: A push handle for a transport cart that is movable by hand has a fastening element for fastening the push handle to a handle support arm of the transport cart. The fastening element defines an at least substantially transversely extending fastening axis for a grip part. The longitudinal axis of the grip part is arranged substantially perpendicular to the fastening shaft. The grip part is rotatably mounted about the fastening axis, and the grip part is fixable in at least one position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a furniture hinge comprising a base plate, which is designed to be fastened to a furniture body, and a hinge arm that is mounted so as to be movable by an adjustment device in a controlled manner relative to the base plate within a predetermined adjustment range, wherein the adjustment device prevents the hinge arm from falling from the base plate by displacement. The furniture hinge has a fall guard for the hinge arm which prevents the hinge arm from falling relative to the base plate upon uncontrolled displacement of the hinge arm caused by failure of the adjustment device, and the hinge arm is mounted so as to be movable relative to the base plate within the predetermined adjustment range despite the fall guard.

Abstract: A hinge for use with an insulated door of a walk-in freezer, refrigerator or cooler including a hinge base adapted to be attached to the frame of said freezer, refrigerator or cooler, a hinge blade pivotally coupled to the hinge base and a wall that extends across the hinge base which has a U shaped clearance opening. Fastening screws located in clearance openings in the hinge blade and threadedly coupled to a door mounting plate adapted to be securely attached to the insulated door for slidably or securely coupling the hinge blade to the door mounting plate, and a micro adjust screw having a threaded shaft located in the U shaped clearance opening and threadedly coupled to the door mounting plate, wherein turning the micro adjust screw slides the door mounting plate horizontally along the hinge blade to provide door lift or rotation to compensate for frame or mounting misalignment.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a sliding member, a pivoting member and a wedging member. The sliding member is disposed on a first casing in a slidable manner and includes a first bearing portion. The pivoting member is pivoted to the first casing and the second casing and includes a first pivotal portion and a second pivotal portion. The first pivotal portion is installed in first bearing portion and for driving the sliding member to slide to a first position in a first direction. The second pivot portion is installed in a second hinge of the first casing when the sliding member slides to a second position in a second position. The wedging member is disposed on the first casing in a slidable manner for wedging the sliding member when the sliding member slides to the second position.

Abstract: An improved door pull assembly for glass doors having inner and outer horizontal pull members, as well as a vertical pull member is presented. The door pull members have a cross-sectional shape in the form a “D,” wherein the curved portion of the D faces inwardly towards the door glass. The D-shaped cross-section better fits the human hand and therefore a user is less likely to lose his grip on the pull when opening a glass door.

Abstract: A collar strap attachment mechanism. One embodiment of collar strap attachment mechanism utilizes a rotatable clasping system with a locking mechanism. The collar strap attachment mechanism is compatible with collars of various widths and thickness. This collar strap attachment mechanism does not require the strap to be looped through any openings so removing the clasp of the strap is unnecessary. The collar strap attachment mechanism includes a rotatable clasp with a plurality of fingers configured to close around the collar strap. The user places the collar strap attachment mechanism on the strap and rotates the two parts until the strap is captured. Once closed around the collar strap, a lock prevents the collar strap attachment mechanism from rotating back to the open position unless unlocked.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement is intended for a flexible package. The sealing arrangement includes a circumferential sealing device which may be disposed about an opening in the package. An openable access device is provided for insertion in the opening of the package. The sealing device is disposed about the access device for urging the package against the access device.

Abstract: A device (1) for avoiding an unintentional adjustment of a belt (4) guided around at least one belt guide bar (2) of a buckle component (3), wherein the device (1) includes a main body (5) having a first contact surface (6) and additionally at least one elastic body (7), preferably at least one spring tongue, having at least one further contact surface (8). The elastic body (7) preferably with a region (9) of the elastic body (7) spaced from the further contact surface (8), is held directly or indirectly against the main body (55) and the belt (4) can be clamped between the first contact surface (56) and the further contact surface (8).

Abstract: An athletic gear support device, including an elongate structure, a first fastener mechanically linked to a first portion of the elongate structure, and a second fastener mechanically linked to a second portion of the elongate structure, the second portion substantially distant from the first portion, relative to a total length of the elongate structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a collapsible cord management device (1) and method, said device (1) comprising a plurality of hollow elongated members; (10) each of said elongated members (10) having an opening extending along its length sufficiently sized to insert the cord (2) into the elongated member (10) and retained therein; wherein the plurality of hollow elongated members (10) are positioned in a manner such that there is a gap in between them (10) for providing flexibility so as to be collapsible for storage of the cord (2). Each of the elongated members may include magnetic materials or formed from ferromagnetic compound or compositions.

Abstract: A tablecloth retainer includes an elastic band having at least a primary thickness, a width, and a predesigned boundary, wherein the elastic band is stretched around the perimeter edge of a table top to retain a tablecloth, the predesigned boundary being smaller than a range of table top perimeters accommodating the band by virtue of elasticity of the band.

Abstract: A panel fastener and panel comprising a panel fastener that includes a support member having a magnet receiving space in which is mounted a single or multi-pole permanent magnet component presenting an exposed surface having at least one magnetic pole. The permanent magnet component may have a minimum ratio of surface area of the exposed surface to the volume of the magnet. The exposed surface of the permanent magnet component may include two or more polar surfaces of opposite magnetic domain that are located adjacent each other, and may have a polar intersection line that is at least one fourth of the length of the periphery of one of the polar surfaces.

Abstract: In a slide fastener according to the invention, each fastener element includes an upper half element portion disposed at a first surface side of a fastener tape and a lower half element portion disposed at a second surface side of the fastener tape. The upper half element portion includes a first tape-sandwiching portion, a first head portion of a tapered form, and a thin walled portion which has a downward inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the forefront of the first head portion from the thin walled start portion set on the upper half element portion to the first head portion side. Thereby, the fastener element can be formed lightweight and can make coupling breaking difficult to occur.

Abstract: There are provided arc a fastener chain with a separable bottom end stop capable of increasing the reinforcement force of a portion to which the separable bottom end stop is attached—without using a reinforcing tape and keeping aesthetic appearance, and a method for producing the fastener chain. The fastener chain includes reinforced portions into which a curing adhesive has penetrated and cured, and has a misalignment-free strength of 100 N or more at the reinforced portion. The method for producing a fastener chain includes preparing a fastener chain including a plurality of element intermittent portions, attaching separable bottom end stop to each of the element intermittent portions, impregnating each of the element intermittent portions with a curable curing adhesive having a viscosity of 100 to 2,000 mPa S and a curing the curing adhesive which has penetrated into the element intermittent portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a one piece multi-rib fastener including at least two groups of ribs, each rib with one or more hooks, wherein the groups are separated by a space less than the width of the maximum number of ribs within one of the groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding together a stack of sheets which has a good binding quality, is simple, intuitive and quick to attach, offers multiple functionalities, uses sustainable materials and can be used safely. Because of the simple construction the invention can be manufactured cheaply and quickly and offers a good solution for the business market, wherein speed of attachment, good binding quality and a sustainable appearance together with the combined functionalities (joining paper, promotional expression by means of printed logos on the clip, marking possibilities) offers added value in comparison with existing solutions. For the retail market the invention also offers a good alternative to existing solutions. Certain embodiments of the invention are cheap, sustainable, function well and offer numerous possibilities for applications.

Abstract: A collapsible plaque for holding floral objects and methods of production and use thereof are disclosed. The collapsible plaque may be used with a casket and/or headstone for display of a floral object thereon.

Abstract: A torque assembly includes a spindle, a cap mounted on the spindle for rotation about the spindle, and a work-hardened, plastic sleeve inserted between the cap and the spindle for constant rotation of the sleeve and cap with respect to the spindle. The torque assembly may be installed onto a hinged object and fixed object with movement along a single axis. The torque assembly may be formed by: (a) providing a spindle having a base and a rod extending from the base; (b) providing a cap member with an annular section defining an inner diameter; (c) providing an annular plastic sleeve having an inner diameter and an outer diameter; and (d) work-hardening the sleeve for a predetermined time period by compressing the sleeve between the cap and the spindle.

Abstract: Provided is a gang socket with which capacitor elements can be manufactured without contaminating chemical conversion treatment liquids or semiconductor layer forming liquids even when the chemical conversion treatment liquids and semiconductor layer forming liquids are corrosive and with which heat treatment can be carried out without obstacles even when heat treatment is carried out during the manufacture of the capacitor elements. This gang socket (1) is provided with a plurality of conductive socket main units (2) provided with insertion openings (37) and an insulator part (5) forming a plurality of receiving parts (6) that can accommodate at least part of the socket main units (2) and provided with a plurality of small openings (7) connecting to the bottom surface of the receiving parts (6) on a bottom surface (5b). The insulator part (5) is constituted of a material having heat resistance and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A fluidostatic rolling device (25) for surface treatment, with at least one rolling element (14), at least one fluidostatic mounting (15) by means of which the rolling element (14) is mounted, and at least one pressurised fluid supply (26) which is designed to feed a pressurised fluid to the mounting (15), wherein the mounting (15) is designed such that the rolling element (14) can be pressed against a workpiece surface (22) to be processed by means of the pressurised fluid. According to the invention, the pressurised fluid is a pressurised gas.

Abstract: An industrial long handled tool component system is provided having interchangeable tool heads, connectors, handles and grips. The novel connector system provides a polygonal locking bar concentric with a round outer reinforcing collar both engaged by a material connector insert and separated by plastic isolations seals. The novel connector promotes connection integrity and prevents joint movement. An alternate embodiment provides a connector system without the collar to save weight and manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in handling windscreens for example for installation in a vehicle, includes a windscreen anchor assembly comprising a windscreen anchor device and a support arm extending away from the windscreen anchor device. A mount assembly is provided for supporting the windscreen anchor assembly. The mount assembly includes a mount structure for engaging with the support arm such that the support arm can slide bodily in its longitudinal direction with respect to the mount structure.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a gas turbine engine in the field to drill a series of cooling holes in a turbine rotor disk made of a superalloy. A portable field repair system includes a stand configured to receive, support, and position a turbine rotor disk, a drill having a self-feeding spindle and configured to automatically drill a predetermined depth through a superalloy and to automatically stop upon completion, a drill guide configured to coordinate the drill with a plurality of radial axes associated with a precise hole pattern to be cut and a drill mount configured to mechanically couple the drill to the drill guide and to position the drill during the modification of the gas turbine engine turbine rotor disk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring surface dimensions of an object, comprising an elongate flexible material piece, which is supported on a roller in such a way that the material piece can be unwound and on the end of which a probe is provided, wherein the roller is connected to a base of the device in such a way that the roller can be rotated about a vertical axis, and wherein two sensors are provided, by means of which the unwound length of the material piece and the angle of the roller with respect to the base can be detected, wherein the base consists of a planar bottom plate and the roller is arranged on the side facing away from the contact surface of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A device with actuating assistance that can remove a wheel from a vehicle is presented and, in particular, an apparatus and method that can efficiently, reliably and safely remove a wheel rusted or otherwise semi-permanently attached to a vehicle. An additional aspect is to provide a device that may be a hand tool and that may engage a hydraulic actuating device. Further, the apparatus may be configured to engage other hard to remove components, such as rusted over sub-assemblies of industrial machinery.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching discrete segments together to form a continuous web include a first segment transfer device adapted to receive a first continuous web at a first pick-up location and to release a first discrete segment cut from the first web at an application location. The first segment transfer device has a first speed profile. A second segment transfer device is adapted to receive a second continuous web at a second pick-up location and to release a second discrete segment cut from the second web at the application location such that the second discrete segment is attached to the first discrete segment. The second segment transfer device has a second speed profile that is different than the first speed profile.

Abstract: A stent is mounted upon a tubular braid. A tapered mandrel is placed within the inner lumen of the braid to allow the stent to be expanded to a larger diameter. The tubular braid acts as a transport that reduces friction between the stent and the mandrel to help uniformly stretch the stent circumferentially. Uniquely shaped expansion mandrels limit the stresses applied to stent struts while the stent is expanded to a larger diameter. A plurality of longitudinally extending expansion blades cooperates to form a complete mandrel body. The expansion blades lie adjacent to one another and are capable of independently moving relative to each other in a longitudinal direction. Subsets of alternating expansion blades can be moved axially relative to the other subsets. The expandable mandrel may include numerous regions having progressively larger diameters than an adjacent region.

Abstract: An optical probe for emitting and/or receiving light within a body comprises an optical fiber that transmits and/or receives an optical signal, a silicon optical bench including a fiber groove running longitudinally that holds an optical fiber termination of the optical fiber and a reflecting surface that optically couples an endface of the optical fiber termination to a lateral side of the optical bench. The fiber groove is fabricated using silicon anisotropic etching techniques. Some examples use a housing around the optical bench that is fabricated using LIGA or other electroforming technology. A method for forming lens structure is also described that comprises forming a refractive lens in a first layer of a composite wafer material, such as SOI (silicon on insulator) wafers and forming an optical port through a backside of the composite wafer material along an optical axis of the refractive lens. The refractive lens is preferably formed using grey-scale lithography and dry etching the first layer.

Abstract: An air transport duct, and sections of such duct, capable of connection to a support by support members and attachment members formed from two mating members. Each section has two terminal open ends and a flange disposed around each open end for connection to a flange of an adjacent section. Each flange includes two relatively transverse receiving channels adjacent to a corner of the flange, and an insertable corner member positioned into the channels. The corner member is attached to the flange by a load-bearing connection, and can support a predetermined portion of a weight of the duct by connection of the corner member to a first mating member connectable to a second mating member secured to a corresponding support member. A method of connecting a duct to a support by forming a load-bearing connection between a corner member and a flange.

Abstract: A lid for a cup is described where the lid acts to hold a can upside down inside the cup. The lid including a rim attachment mechanism allowing the lid to be attached to the cup and a dome connected to the rim attachment mechanism and having an aperture therein. The lid also includes a can receptacle extending from the top into the interior of the dome through the aperture in the dome, wherein the can receptacle is formed to accept a can and to hold the can in a fixed position relative to the lid, and a bottle receptacle extending from a bottom of the can receptacle, wherein the bottle receptacle is formed to accept a neck of the bottle and to hold the bottle in a fixed position relative to the lid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a heat sink/filter positioned between a pressure vessel and a diffuser in an air bag inflator. The pressure vessel is constructed so that upon activation of the inflator of the area of gas exiting the pressure vessel is smaller than the area of gas exiting the diffuser to create pressures in the pressure vessel that are higher than the pressures in the diffuser. This results in deformation of the pressure vessel that is equal to or greater than the deformation of the diffuser to maintain compression of the heat sink/filter between the pressure vessel and the diffuser during activation of the inflator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mechanically coupling multiple components using captured threaded connectors are provided. The attachment points between components are aligned along a common central axis about which the channels are aligned. Threaded connectors are provided and contained within a pocket within each component, prior to assembly of the system. As a result, components of the system can be detached without disassembly of other components, or without the use of special thread patterns to allow clearance for the driver for the head of each. Threaded connectors are kept from falling out and are also allowed to float along their axis within the channel so that components can be aligned first, and then anchored together. Drivers used to couple components have a diameter smaller than the channel.

Abstract: Rotatable support system for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules and method thereof. The system includes a stiffener configured to be attached to the one or more photovoltaic modules, a column connected to the stiffener through at least a rotatable component, and a foot connected to the column. The column is configured to rotate from a folded position towards an unfolded position, and stop at the unfolded position separated from the folded position by an angle difference. The angle difference represents the maximum range of rotation for the column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a probe comprising a cantilever with a conduit. According to the invention, an etchant window is provided in a layer covering an elongated sacrificial conduit core that is to form the conduit. This allows for an etching process where the elongated sacrificial conduit core is etched away before all material of a substrate is etched away, the remaining material of the substrate material making the probe stronger without being in the way during use of the probe.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of fabricating transduction devices on flexible electronics that allows a complete mechatronic system to be incorporated into one system. The method uses the interconnects and pads in flexible electronics substrates to make coils, windings and electrodes for electromagnetic and electrostatic transduction. By building these systems directly into the substrate it is possible to make a complete sensing and actuating system that can be fitted onto machinery that requires power and control. The end result is a flexible, 3-dimensional structure that contains transduction, power, and control interconnections, and is customized for complex mechatronic structures and applications. This gives designers of electromechanical control systems the ability to produce a complete feedback system with sensors, actuators, connectors and electronics; all made out of one component.

Abstract: A method of vertically assembling a generator of a wind turbine is provided. The method includes A rotor part is arranged on a horizontal assembly which supports components of the generator such that a rotational axis of a component is essentially vertical during assembly, and the assembly support is configured to allow access to an interior of a generator component during the assembly procedure; a stator part is arranged in the rotor part; and the stator part is joined to the rotor part. An assembly arrangement for a vertical assembly of a generator of a wind turbine is provided. The assembly arrangement includes a horizontal assembly support for supporting components of the generator such that a rotational axis of a component is essentially vertical during assembly, and the assembly support is configured to allow access to an interior of a generator component during the assembly procedure.

Abstract: An improved field emission system and method is provided that involves field emission structures having electric or magnetic field sources. The magnitudes, polarities, and positions of the magnetic or electric field sources are configured to have desirable correlation properties, which may be in accordance with a code. The correlation properties correspond to a desired spatial force function where spatial forces between field emission structures correspond to relative alignment, separation distance, and the spatial force function.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a disk drive device, a cleaning process and an assembly process are performed in succession in a clean room having a predetermined cleanness level. The cleaning process includes an alkali cleaning process, a first purified water cleaning process, a second purified water cleaning process, a spray cleaning process, a draining process and a drying process. In the first purified water cleaning process, purified water ultrasonic wave cleaning is sequentially performed on the base member of the disk drive device to be cleaned by using ultrasonic waves of frequencies of 40 kHz, 68 kHz and 132 kHz in purified water filled in a first purified water cleaning tank. The cleaned base member and other components having a predetermined cleanness level are assembled in the assembly process continuous from the cleaning process.