Abstract: A method for forming a membrane includes a step of dissolving a lithium salt in a solution including an ionomer that includes protogenic groups to form a modified solution. A membrane is formed from the solution containing the lithium salt and the ionomer that includes protogenic groups. The membrane is dried and then contacted with water to form a plurality of pores therein.

Abstract: A inverting head 20 that inverts a component 4 picked up by a nozzle 20a upside down includes a flat-plate-like base 31 provided on a vertically-movable transfer base 21d; a nozzle holder support member 33 that is swayable within a horizontal plane the base as a result of arcuate peripheries 41 being supported by a plurality of bearings 32 provided on the base 31; and a nozzle holder 34 that is supported so as to be turnable around a horizontal axis CX by the nozzle holder support member 33 and that holds on its side surface the nozzle 20a.

Abstract: A disassembled battery and methods for disassembling the battery are provided. Holes are formed in an enclosure of the battery and a fluid is injected into the battery to inactivate an electrolyte inside the battery. The enclosure of the battery is then cut to define strips in the enclosure that can be peeled back to expose a core inside the battery. The core can be extracted and recycled.

Abstract: A bonding device electrically bonds metallic surfaces through serrated metal teeth which embed into each metal surface as a fastener is tightened. A sealing material circumferentially outward and inward from the teeth create an air-tight and water-tight seal around the teeth, protecting the bonding location. The device can have an extended central collar extending axially from the through-hole in the center of the device, which will allow it to be installed in holes, or on a stud without the use of adhesives or other retaining methods.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a vibratory structure gyroscope is provided herein. An annular cavity is formed in a first surface of a substrate, the annular cavity defining an anchor post located in a central portion of the annular cavity. A bubble layer is formed over the first surface of the substrate and over the annular cavity. The substrate and the bubble layer are heated to form a hemitoroidal bubble in the bubble layer over the annular cavity. A sacrificial layer is deposited over the hemitoroidal bubble of the bubble layer and an aperture is formed in the sacrificial layer, the aperture disposed over the anchor post in the annular cavity. A resonator layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer and the sacrificial layer between the bubble layer and the resonator layer is removed.

Abstract: An inductor is integrated into a multilevel wiring network of a semiconductor integrated circuit. The inductor includes a planar magnetic core and a conductive winding. The conductive winding turns around in generally spiral manner on the outside of the planar magnetic core. The conductive winding is piecewise constructed of wire segments and of VIAs. The wire segments pertain to at least two wiring planes and the VIAs are interconnecting the at least two wiring planes. Methods for such integration, and for fabricating laminated planar magnetic cores are also presented.

Abstract: Frames for plug connectors capable of being a reduced size may include features to support contacts, house circuitry for coupling with the contacts, facilitate the flow of molten material during the molding of the frame, and allow for ease of insertion and removal of the plug connector to and from a corresponding receptacle connector. For example, a frame may include ledges, interlocks, and rounded and tapered openings. Methods for manufacturing the frame are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an implantable medical lead is disclosed herein. The method may include: providing a lead body including a proximal end, a distal end, and an electrode near the distal end; provide a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends; providing a crimp including a ribbon-like member and extending the ribbon-like member around the conductor; and mechanically and electrically connecting the ribbon-like member to the electrode.

Abstract: A method for making an implantable lead is related. A pipe is provided. The pipe includes a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a middle portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. A flexible conductive layer is formed on the middle portion of the pipe. At least one contactor is applied on the first end portion of the pipe. At least one connector is applied on the second end portion of the pipe. At least one wire is placed in the pipe to electrically connect the at least one contactor and the at least one connector.

Abstract: A therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. A braided structure surrounds the conductor assembly. A distal end of the braided structure is attached to an electrode assembly and a free floating proximal end is located near a connector assembly. An outer tubing surrounds the braided structure. The outer tubing includes a proximal end attached to the connector assembly and a distal end attached to the braided structure near the electrode assembly. A proximal tension force applied to the connector assembly acts substantially on the outer tubing and the conductor assembly and a proximal tension force applied to the free floating proximal end acts substantially on the braided structure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a single-piece part for a turbine engine by diffusion bonding, the method including making a blank for the part around a mandrel, the blank including a plurality of coaxial and superposed annular layers of independent rings of metal wire that are stacked on one another around the mandrel, and subjecting the blank to hot isostatic pressing to obtain a single-piece part, and optionally machining the part.

Abstract: Clocking of downstream turbine airfoils can provide significant thermal and other performance benefits. The benefit from clocking the downstream airfoils is improved by skewing the airfoil wakes in the upstream turbine airfoils so that an increase in the amount of the radial spans of the clocked, downstream airfoils are impacted by the upstream wakes. This is achieved by skewing the upstream wakes using vortexing and restacking of the upstream airfoils so that the upstream wakes impact a mid-span portion of one clocked, downstream airfoil and two outer span portions of an adjacent clocked, downstream airfoil.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an airfoil includes casting the airfoil around a core and creating a hole through a surface of the airfoil with a water jet. The method further includes striking at least a portion of the core inside the airfoil with the water jet and removing the core from inside the airfoil.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a liquid ejection head having an ejection orifice forming member in which an ejection orifice for ejecting a liquid has been formed, and a substrate having an energy-generating element for generating energy for ejecting a liquid from the ejection orifice on the side of a front surface thereof, the process includes the steps of providing a film having a support, a first layer and a second layer in this order, arranging the film on the substrate in such a manner that the second layer faces the front surface, detaching the support from the film arranged, forming the ejection orifice in the second layer, and removing at least a part of the first layer from the second layer.

Abstract: A radiating fin and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The radiating fin includes a main body having a first side and an opposite second side, and being provided with at least one through hole to extend between the first and the second side for a heat pipe to extend therethrough; and at least one extension being formed on at least one of the first and the second side of the main body to locate around the at least one through hole and axially project from the main body. The extension is crimped to form a plurality of circumferentially alternate ridge portions and valley portions for tightly pressing against an outer surface of the heat pipe, so as to firmly bind the radiating fin to the heat pipe. A thermal module can be formed by sequentially binding a plurality of the radiating fins to the heat pipe.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a vapor condenser is provided which includes a three-dimensional folded structure which defines, at least in part, a set of coolant-carrying channels and a set of vapor condensing channels, with the coolant-carrying channels being interleaved with and extending parallel to the vapor condensing channels. The folded structure includes a thermally conductive sheet with multiple folds in the sheet. One side of the sheet is a vapor condensing surface, and the opposite side of the sheet is a coolant-cooled surface, with at least a portion of the coolant-cooled surface defining the coolant-carrying channels, and being in contact with coolant within the coolant-carrying channels. The vapor condenser further includes, in one embodiment, a top plate, and first and second end manifolds which are coupled to opposite ends of the folded structure and in fluid communication with the coolant-carrying channels to facilitate flow of coolant through the coolant-carrying channels.

Abstract: Thermoelectric-enhanced air and liquid cooling of an electronic system is facilitated by providing a cooling apparatus which includes a liquid-cooled structure in thermal communication with an electronic component(s), and liquid-to-liquid and air-to-liquid heat exchangers coupled in series fluid communication via a coolant loop, which includes first and second loop portions coupled in parallel. The liquid-cooled structure is supplied coolant via the first loop portion, and a thermoelectric array is disposed with the first and second loop portions in thermal contact with first and second sides of the array. The thermoelectric array operates to transfer heat from coolant passing through the first loop portion to coolant passing through the second loop portion, and cools coolant passing through the first loop portion before the coolant passes through the liquid-cooled structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling non-occluding earbuds are disclosed. The earbud includes a non-occluding housing having a directional sound port offset with respect to a center axis of the earbud. The housing can have an asymmetric shape amenable to in-the-ear retention. Additionally, the housing can have a seamless or nearly seamless construction even though two or more parts are joined together to form the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow structural frame rail includes rotating a tube relative to a tool to reduce an outside diameter of the tube at predetermined positions along the length of the tube. An elastomeric insert is positioned within the tube. The tube is bent at a location containing the insert. The bent tube is hydroformed to define a finished shape of the frame rail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing fire resistance of high-strength concrete by mixing a spalling reducer (fiber cocktail) into the concrete to control spalling and performing shear reinforcement of main steel bars using shear stiffeners based on a wire rope and spacers.

Abstract: A method for producing a bearing ring (20, 29), in particular a tapered roller bearing ring, including the following steps: making available an annular disc (8; 9), and forming the disc (8; 9) to provide a substantially cylindrical bearing ring and producing a raceway (19; 28) of the bearing ring in a single operation by extrusion. According to the invention, the method achieves the object of providing a simple method for producing bearing rings, in particular for tapered roller bearings, which delivers high unit numbers and in which it is possible to dispense with a finishing operation.

Abstract: A multi-headed razor device may be used to shave a surface area not covered by an individual razor. The device may include a handle body having a first end, a plurality of handle arms having a first end and a second end attached to the handle body, a plurality of razor heads attached to the first end of the handle body and the first end of the plurality of handle arms. A plurality of release buttons may be attached to the first end of the handle body and the first end of the plurality of handle arms to release the plurality of razor heads. A plurality of buttons may be attached to a top portion of the handle body to release the plurality of handle arms.

Abstract: A cake cutting spool is provided for a user to dispense lengths of cutting thread therefrom and for cutting a cake in straight segments. The spool comprises a circular housing having a central spindle, an outer sidewall, and a securable door for retrieving and separating lengths of cutting thread. The cutting thread comprises a series of thread segments removably connected to one another and wound around the spindle, wherein each segment includes a first handled end and a second free end. The handled end includes a pull tab, which allows a user to grasp the thread segment and pull the free end thereof through the cake after a cutting procedure without lifting the thread through the cut line. This allows for straight line cutting and no sticking of the cake batter or icing to the tool after the cut is made, whereafter the utilized cutting thread is disposable.

Abstract: A tool for dislodging grout from a joint between two adjacent planar surfaces, or for removing a strip of material from a masonry surface including, a generally elongate body having a lower portion dimensioned to fit at least partially within a channel created by a first cutting tip of a first blade or edge, the first cutting tip forwardly facing for impinging upon and dislodging material, a guide forward of said first blade or edge for controlling the depth to which said first blade or edge penetrates said grout or said masonry surface, and a front portion of said tool being curved upwardly, said front portion including a second blade or edge having a leading secondary cutting tip, whereby the rear of the tool may be pivoted upward about the leading edge of said tool to utilise said secondary cutting tip to dislodge said material without being inhibited or obstructed by said guide.

Abstract: A utility knife employing a blade having multiple cutting edges, and a means for quickly and simply swapping out one cutting edge for another. In a preferred embodiment, a six-cutting-edge featured blade is employed. Each point of the six-cutting-edge featured blade features two distinct cutting edges, for a total of six cutting edges located on a single blade. The blade can be rotated about a central axis to expose new cutting edges as old edges wear and dull. In another embodiment, a single-edged blade featuring two cutting faces is housed in a knife handle. The blade can be flipped when the first edge is dull or worn to expose a second cutting face. The handle may optionally include a storage space for storing additional blades.

Abstract: An oscillating multi-tool for cutting, scraping, sanding, or grinding of material. The oscillating multi-tool includes a body, a drive system and a gear arrangement. The drive system and the gear arrangement are designed to cause first and second tool attachments to partially or fully oscillate in opposite directions. The gear arrangement is connected or interconnected to first and second tool connectors. The first tool attachment is connected to the first tool connector and the second tool attachment is connected to the second tool connector. The gear arrangement causes the first and second tool connectors to move when the drive system is activated to thereby cause the first and second tool attachments to partially or fully oscillate in opposite directions relative to one another.

Abstract: A safety razor has a handle including an arm moveable relative to the handle and terminating in handle connecting structure engageable with cartridge connecting structure of a razor cartridge. The safety razor has a flexible spring finger having an end portion. The spring finger is integrally formed with one of a housing of the razor cartridge and the arm, and the other of the housing and the arm includes blocking structure having a blocking surface. The end portion of the spring finger is closely spaced from the blocking surface to prevent movement of the arm relative to the housing sufficient to disengage the handle pivoting connecting structure from the cartridge pivoting connecting structure thereby preventing accidental release of the razor cartridge from the handle.

Abstract: The cylindrical ruler is an elongated, hollow, cylindrical tube of known diameter having an axial slit extending the length of the tube. Indicia defining a circumferential scale are disposed around one end of the tube for measuring the length of an arc. Indicia defining a ruled scale extend lengthwise down the tube adjacent the slit for measuring length and width. Since the tube has a known diameter, it may be used to measure the inner or outer diameter of a pipe, the outer diameter or radius of curvature of a cylindrical lens, etc. The tube may also be used as a drawing tool to draw arcs, circles, or rectilinear lines on a cylindrical object. Preferably, the cylindrical ruler is furnished as a plurality of cylindrical tubes of progressively increasing diameter that can telescope within each other for storage and transport in a protective case.

Abstract: The invention encompasses archery bow sights that comprise at least one lens configured to eliminate parallax. In one aspect of the invention, the site includes at least one plus power ribbon accommodating lens supported by a support means. A reference means is forwardly mounted in front of the lens so as to be located along the archer's line of sight between the lens and a target when the archer is shooting the bow. The optical lens of the sight eliminates parallax so that the archer's eye does not need to realign his line of sight between an archery peep, the reference means, and the target when the archer changes elevation of the bow.

Abstract: A bow sight that decouples the shooter's bow cant from elevation adjustments. A segmented support assembly includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is configured to attach to the bow. The distal portion is rotatably attached to the proximal portion and configured to rotate around a Y-axis relative to the proximal portion. A micro-adjust controls the rotational position around the Y-axis of the distal portion relative to the proximal portion. An elevation assembly is attached to the distal portion. A bezel assembly is attached to the elevation assembly. The elevation adjustment moves the bezel assembly along a substantially vertical axis while the bow is held at a bow cant greater than zero. The micro-adjust decouples the shooter's bow cant from operation of the elevation assembly. A windage assembly is optionally located between the elevation assembly and the distal portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the shape of a material includes: a width roller configured to roll a width of the material; a plurality of transfer rollers arranged in a rear side of the width roller to transfer the width rolled material; and a measurement unit disposed between the transfer rollers to contact the material moved over the transfer rollers to measure the shape of the material.

Abstract: There are provided a first (Y-axial direction) moving unit, a movement auxiliary unit for moving in substantially parallel with the first moving unit, and a second (X-axial direction) moving unit for moving substantially perpendicular to the first moving unit. Force generated for moving the second moving unit is received by the movement auxiliary unit to perform driving of the XY directions. Thus, when a measuring probe provided on the second moving unit is scanned in the XY directions, vibrations of the first moving unit can be suppressed without the first moving unit receiving a counteraction of force that acts in a direction substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the first moving unit.

Abstract: A housing has upper and lower walls. The upper wall has fixed and movable sections. The housing has a fixed end wail and a movable end wall. The housing has side walls. The side walls couple the fixed end wall, the fixed section of the upper wall, and a portion of the lower wall. A first hinge couples the movable end wall with the lower wall remote from the fixed end wall. A second hinge couples the movable end wall and the movable section of the upper wall. A baffle is provided parallel with and spaced from the fixed end wall. The baffle forms first and second zones. The first end zone is provided between the baffle and fixed end wall. The second end zone is provided between the baffle and the side of the baffle remote from the fixed end wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bottom-up hair dryer, especially around the user's neck under the hair in installed wind to go out towards the upper side and the hair dryer to dry the hair on the bottom is. In addition, the present invention according to the shape of the human head wind to go out evenly in all directions, and with the wind-infrared drying time offers adjustable height and direction is about bottom-up hair dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Yankee dryer (1) made of steel with a cylindrical steel shell (2) that is closed off at each end by a cylinder end cover (3, 4). According to the invention the Yankee dryer (1) has a one-piece central shaft (7) with a first and a second connecting flange (8, 9) to join the central shaft (7) to the end covers (3, 4), where the diameter of the first connecting flange (8) is smaller than the diameter of the opening (6) in the second end cover (4) so that the central shaft (7) can be pushed through this opening (6) into the Yankee cylinder (1). The invention also refers to a manufacturing process for a Yankee dryer (1).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are described herein. A vacuum multi-chamber deposition tool can include a degas chamber with both a heating mechanism and a variable frequency microwave source. A method for degassing a substrate can include positioning a substrate comprising a polymer or an epoxy within a processing chamber maintained between a degas temperature and a glass transition temperature, exposing the substrate to variable frequency microwave radiation, exposing the substrate to a plasma comprising an inert gas, removing oxygen containing compounds from the chamber, raising the pressure of inert gas in the chamber, and maintaining the pressure of inert gas while cooling the substrate to a temperature lower than the degas temperature.

Abstract: A process for reducing the cost associated with the transportation and disposal of waste material by extracting water ad other liquids from municipal solid waste, construction and demolition debris, and putrescible waste to thereby significantly reduce the weight of the material prior to transport. In one embodiment, the process involves waste product being turned through a heated auger system, wherein the waste material is indirectly heated by high temperature oil to remove the liquid (including water) and moisture content from the waste product. In another embodiment, the process involves manual or automated movement of the waste material through an environmentally contained area that houses heating devices (e.g., heat lamps) for simulating sunlight, fans, and a water purification and filtration system for drying the waste material and delivering the water content to the water filtration and purification system.

Abstract: A device for thermally treating a pourable plant product includes a receiving device configured to receive the pourable plant product and a gas supply channel configured to supply a heated gas to the receiving device. The gas supply channel is divided directly upstream of the receiving device, in a gas flow direction, into a first gas supply sub-channel and a second gas supply sub-channel which follow each other in a direction of gravity, and which are configured to supply the heated gas to the receiving device. A cross section of at least the first gas supply sub-channel is configured to be closed or reduced before the receiving device independently of the second gas supply sub-section so as to eliminate or reduce a volume of the heated gas to the receiving device via the first gas supply sub-channel.

Abstract: A gel pad for use in a sockliner designed to strategically support the weight of the wearer and to distribute underfoot pressure. The gel pad includes a base having a top face, a bottom face and a central floor portion associated with the bottom face, an outer flange positioned on the perimeter of the bottom face surrounding the central floor portion, and a plurality of spaced apart hollow pillars positioned across the surface of the central floor portion. The network of hollow pillars support the body weight of the wearer without bottoming out and the pillars are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow for expansion horizontally when the pillars are compressed vertically. Each of the pillars may be substantially octagonally shaped.

Abstract: A new self-contained energy transfer system for shoes, which absorbs stores and releases energy and can be adapted to any footwear; engineered to provide the correct biomechanical sequence of events during the gait cycle, eliminating the need for a flexible articulation of the shoe at the toe break. It is composed of two reactionary plates attached at the toe end and open at the heel end. Between the top reaction plate and the lower reaction plate is a series of lineally arched progressively resistant spring components. The toe end of the inner component functions as a fulcrum for the reaction plates as they are fastened together at the heel end which places the complete unit in tension. Tensioning the unit removes any play or slack within the components providing an efficient energy transfer system; the same principle as stringing an archer's bow.

Abstract: A shoe or footwear insert pad is configured to fit over at least part of the forward portion of the sole, extending under the toes and ball of a wearer's foot. The pad has an upper face, a lower face, a forward edge, a rear edge, and inner and outer edges, with the inner and outer edges conforming to the shape of corresponding inner and outer edges of the sole of the footwear. A foot stop bar or rib on the inner face of the pad extends in a selected, at least partially curved path from the inner edge to the outer edge configured to match the curve of the space at the base of a wearer's toes where the toes meet the remainder of the foot. In one example, the position of the foot stop bar on the pad is adjustable for wearers' having different foot sole topographies.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. The knitted component includes a knit element and an inlaid strand formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element. The inlaid strand extends through the knit element. A portion of the inlaid strand may extend into the heel region and may be external to the heel region. Pulling on the external portion may tension the inlaid strand.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having at least one elongated heel support member. The elongated heel support member may be angled and extend from a heel region to a midfoot region, in order to disperse forces applied by a wearer's heel during movement. The heel system may include two heel support members, each associated with a side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a series of ribs in the midfoot region, which may abut a front edge of the heel support members. Finally, the article of footwear may include asymmetric side flaps extending downward from an upper plate so as to overlap a midsole.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a footwear construction and method of constructing footwear that may include an outsole having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the outsole. The footwear construction may also include an upper coupled to the sidewall around the perimeter of the outsole, wherein the sidewall overlaps the upper by less than the critical distance for at least 60% of the perimeter of the outsole.

Abstract: An ice grip accessory for a shoe having a toe portion, a high heel and a sole has joined forward and rear portions. The forward portion has a toe box for engaging a toe portion of the shoe and a pad oriented upon a bottom surface of the shoe sole, the pad supporting a plurality of depending ice grip studs. The rear portion has a heel box for engaging at least a portion of the top lift of the shoe heel, the heel box supporting a heel pad oriented upon a bottom surface of the heel, the heel pad supporting a depending ice grip stud. The forward and rear portions are joined by a strap extending between and connecting the forward portion pad and the heel box, the strap including an upwardly extending portion surrounding an upper portion of the shoe counter. The straps may be length adjustable to allow the accessory to be accommodated of a variety of differently-sized shoes.

Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus is described that utilizes hydraulic actuation and creates a continuous, revolving motion of a chain of energy-producing elements within an energy-producing channel (the channel being in the form of a tube, for example). In particular, the arrangement of the present invention is based upon a specially-designed dual-loop channel topology that allows for efficient conversion of a unidirectional flow of a fluid entering the energy-producing channel into a smooth, continuous revolving motion of a chain of energy-producing elements within the channel.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: A wing plow post and method of manufacturing the post is disclosed. The post is intended for attaching a wing plow to vehicle for moving material, such as snow. The links of the post are parallel to the angle of the wing plow when the plow is in the plowing position to minimize stress on the post and frame of the vehicle. The post includes a float collar on the hydraulic lift cylinder to provide free floating of the toe end of the wing plow. It allows a wing plow to move over road surfaces and limit the stress on both the post itself and the frame of the vehicle to which the post is attached. Further, the present invention also allows power to be provided by a hydraulic cylinder in the downward direction to the toe end of the wing plow.

Abstract: A snow thrower comprises an auger housing and an auger flight assembly. The auger flight assembly comprises a helical auger flight blade and a helical pliable flight extending radially beyond the helical auger flight blade.