Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for fabricating a heat pipe, and an instrument of the method. The method for fabricating a heat pipe includes providing a hollow tube, wherein the hollow tube has an open end and a closed end; disposing a mandril into the hollow tube from the open end, wherein the inside wall of the hollow tube is separated from the mandril by a space, and wherein the mandril comprises a first portion and a second portion and the first portion has a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the second portion; filling up the space between the mandril and the hollow tube with a powder; performing a sintering process to the hollow tube, forming a first agglomeration region and a second agglomeration region; removing the mandril; injecting a working fluid into the hollow tube; and sealing the open end of the hollow tube.

Abstract: Apparatuses and method for manufacturing coil members (230, 250) for insertion in slots of a core of an electric dynamo machine, wherein the coil members (230, 250) are formed by bending portions of an electric conductor (10). Portions of conductor of a predetermined length are fed through an aperture (80), where at least one engagement member (51) can move to engage and bend the conductor (10) so as to form the configuration of the coil member (230, 250).

Abstract: Systems and methods (1200, 1300) for attaching/detaching a battery assembly (106) from an electronic device. The battery assembly comprises top and bottom covers (112, 304) coupled together. First latches (206a, 206b) protrude out and away from a first end edge portion of the top cover. The first latches rotate into latching engagement with first latch surfaces (402) of the electronic device (100). Second latches (302a, 302b) protrude out and away from a second end edge portion of the bottom cover which is opposed from the first end edge portion of the top cover. The second latches snap into latching engagement with second latch surfaces (308a, 308b) of the electronic device. Dual-action buttons (110a, 110b) facilitate the latching engagement/disengagement of the second latches to/from the electronic device. The first and second latches facilitate a deflection of the battery assembly towards the electronic device when the battery assembly is attached thereto.

Abstract: A conductor receiver is described herein for engaging a conductor. The conductor receiver can include a stationary portion for receiving and securing a bottom portion of the conductor. The conductor receiver can also include a movable portion that is coupled to the stationary portion and has an open position and a closed position. When the movable portion is in the closed position, the movable portion secures a top portion of the conductor. The conductor receiver can also have a channel with a number of rows positioned width-wise within the channel. Each row has at least one member made of conductive material, where each member has a normal position and a retracted position. When the conductor is positioned within the channel, each member is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing devices built on flexible substrates employs an in-situ, fold-assisting device frame. The fold-assisting frame conforms to a portion of the interior volume within the package, such that one or more pivoting members of the frame may be used as an in-situ, bending jig, in place of conventional bending equipment, to support and fold the planar flexible substrate into a desired three-dimensional configuration. The frame may accommodate placement of an unfolded or partially folded flexible circuit board so that a fold-assisting feature, such as a hinge, incorporated into the frame attaches to the flexible circuit board and closes around a pivot point to gently bend the circuit board into place, thus creating a three-dimensional folded circuit. Such a fixture and method facilitate packaging electronic devices in a compact form, with application to a wide range of mobile consumer electronics, including, for example, implantable medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a setup method for deciding component feeding apparatuses to be attached to each of mounting machines in a component mounting system. The setup method includes a first step of deciding component feeding apparatuses to be attached to each of the mounting machines based on substrate data defining components to be mounted by each of the mounting machines; a second step of determining whether or not there is within the components included in the substrate data a sole mounted component to be mounted by only one mounting machine among the multiple mounting machines; and a third step of deciding, when the determination is made that the sole mounted component exists, to attach component feeding apparatuses feeding the sole mounted component or an alternative component capable of replacing the sole mounted component onto at least one mounting machine other than the only one mounting machine.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, there is provided a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, the method including the steps of preparing a first carrier including a first pattern formed on one side thereof, preparing a second carrier including a first solder resist layer and a second pattern sequentially formed on one side thereof, pressing the first carrier and the second carrier such that the first pattern is embedded in one side of an insulation layer and the second pattern is embedded in the other side of the insulation layer and then removing the first carrier and the second carrier to fabricate two substrates, attaching the two substrates to each other using an adhesion layer such that the first solder resist layers face each other, and forming a via for connecting the first pattern with the second pattern in the insulation layer, forming a second solder resist on the insulation layer provided with the first pattern, and then removing the adhesion layer.

Abstract: An electronic assembly comprises a housing, a cover for the housing, a printed circuit board receivable in the housing, and a compliant pin header assembly. The compliant pin header assembly is mountable in the housing by inter-engaging features on the header assembly and the housing. The compliant pin header assembly has compliant pins for engaging corresponding features on the printed circuit board to connect the compliant pin header assembly electrically to the printed circuit board. The cover, when the electronic assembly is assembled, engages the housing and also engages the printed circuit board at a location spaced from an outer periphery of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to refurbish a fuel injector to original manufacturing operational tolerances.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a print head includes forming a jet stack having an array of jets, arranging an array of transducers on the jet stack such that each transducer in the array of transducers corresponds to each jet in the array of jets, embossing a flexible circuit substrate having contact pads such that the contact pads extend out of a plane of the flexible circuit substrate, and arranging the flexible circuit substrate such that the contact pads electrically connect to at least some of the transducers in the array of transducers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, methods therefor and a nuclear fission reactor system. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger body defining an exit plenum chamber therein shaped for uniform flow of a hot primary heat transfer fluid through the chamber. A plurality of adjacent heat transfer members are connected to the heat exchanger body and spaced apart by a predetermined distance for defining a plurality of flow passages between the heat transfer members. The flow passages open into the exit plenum chamber. Spacing of the heat transfer members by the predetermined distance evenly distributes flow of the primary heat transfer fluid through the flow passages, across the surfaces of the heat transfer members and into the exit plenum chamber. Each heat transfer member defines a flow channel therethrough for flow of a cooler secondary heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A multi-position valve assembly including a valve housing, a stator element and a rotor element rotatably mounted about a rotational axis. The valve assembly further includes a pressure adjustment assembly movable between a release position and a stop position, hard stopped relative to the valve housing. The pressure adjustment assembly includes a pressure adjuster device configured to movably cooperate between the rotor element and the valve housing to adjustably generate an axial compression pressure at the rotor-stator interface at a calibrated operating pressure, PC. When the pressure adjustment assembly is oriented in the release position, the axial compression pressure is substantially removed from the rotor-stator interface. In contrast, when the pressure adjustment assembly is oriented in the stop position, the axial compression pressure is substantially reproduced at the calibrated operating pressure, PC.

Abstract: A method of making a lubrication spray orifice for a valve actuating mechanism includes the steps of forming a dome socket for a finger follower of a valve actuating mechanism of an engine, forming a pocket in the dome socket and thinning out material of the pocket, and forming an elongated slit opening by expanding the pocket in a single lancing operation to lance a surface of the pocket to create a lubrication spray metering orifice.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to automate the assembly of a wing panel, such as utilized by commercial aircraft. In the context of a system, a tacking cell is provided that is configured to tack one or more stringers to a skin plank. The system also includes a riveting cell configured to receive a tacked plank from the tacking cell and to rivet the one or more stringers to the skin plank. The system also includes a splicing cell configured to receive a plurality of riveted planks from the riveting cell and to attach one or more splice stringers to the plurality of riveted planks. Further, the system includes a side of body cell configured to receive a spliced panel from the splicing cell and to attach a side of body chord thereto to produce a wing panel.

Abstract: A tool for use in installing panels, especially for laying floor panels, is provided. The tool includes an elongate body portion having a projecting edge portion configured to be inserted along a side of a panel to retain a sealing member along the side of the panel from interfering with laying of an adjacent panel, A length of the projecting edge portion is selectively adjustable to suit a variety of panel dimensions.

Abstract: A skin engaging shaving aid member suitable for use in a shaving device, said skin engaging shaving aid member comprising a thermally resilient sensate such as N-substituted menthanecarboxamide.

Abstract: A skin engaging member suitable for use in a hair removal device, said skin engaging member comprising a thermally resilient sensate such as a menthane carboxylic acid-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-amide.

Abstract: A pole saw includes a long handle with cast end adapter, a cast saw-holding component pivoted to the end adapter for movement between an extended use position and a handle-adjacent storage position, and a saw blade pivoted to the holding component for movement between a blade-use position and a blade-protected position. The end adapter and holding component are cast aluminum for strength and light weight, and are pivoted together about an offset axis so that the blade and blade-holding component are positioned adjacent the handle in a partially protected position that is very compact; thus, no disassembly or separate tools are required. A folding lock mechanism includes a hook and pressure pad that cooperate for secure locking in the extended use position. An adjustable set screw eliminates blade looseness when in the use position.

Abstract: The invention discloses isostatic-pressing (IP) applied to polymer (e.g., PTFE) coated razor blade edges to produce thin, dense, and uniform blade edges which in turn exhibit low initial cutting forces correlating with a more comfortable shaves. The isostatic press utilized may be a hot isostatic press (HIP) or cold isostatic press (CIP) or any other isostatic press process. The HIP conditions may include an environment of elevated temperatures and pressures in an inert atmosphere. The HIP conditions may be applied to non-sintered coatings or sintered coatings or before or after a Flutec® process is applied to coatings. CIP conditions may include room temperature and elevated pressure. The polymeric material may be a fluoropolymer or a non-fluoropolymer material or any composite thereof. It may be deposited initially by any method, including but not limited to, dipping, spin coating, sputtering, or thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

Abstract: A hole closure device has a closing element for closing at least one functional opening of a container or body. The functional opening is introduced into a component which is separate from the container or body, the component is inserted into a receiving opening in the container or body. A positioning device is integrally formed on the hole closure device for insertion into the receiving opening in a custom-fit manner.

Abstract: A reticle piece for use in an optical sight includes a generally cylinder-shaped body having a front face and a back face opposed therefrom. The reticle piece includes a reticle pattern and a level indicating device positioned between the front face and the back face of the body. The level indicating device includes a moveable leveling indicator.

Abstract: Multi-angle levels and plumbing methods are described. In one aspect, a multi-angle level has a body made up of a base section and a rotating section rotatably secured to the base section. A leveling mechanism is disposed on the rotating section.

Abstract: An adjustable carpenter square for measuring and marking a work product is provided. The adjustable carpenter square includes a solid body frame, solid body frame base attached to solid body frame, an angle gauging arm pivotally attached to solid body frame, a base rod, a one or more spacing fingers pivotally connected at the base rod and thus allows pivotal movement of the spacing fingers and resting on the solid body frame. The adjustable carpenter square performs multiple functions such as squaring, gauging, gapping, and angle measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring concentricity between a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a fixture having a first spring element and a second spring element. The first spring element is configured to apply force in an orthogonal direction to the second spring element. A sensor is mounted to the fixture, and the sensor is configured to measure a distance to the second component. The fixture is configured to slide substantially inside a groove of the first component.

Abstract: An alignment tool for aligning torque tubes of the solar collection system can include a rigid body member and two laterally extending alignment arms. Optionally, the alignment arms can include releasable clamps that can engage and disengage without the use of tools. The tool can be designed to straddle a sun-tracking drive of a sun-tracking solar system. Thus, the tool can be used both during initial construction as well as after construction is complete for alignment purposes.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a laser rangefinder, a retractable tape measure and a connecting assembly. The laser rangefinder is configured to transmit a light pulse to a target and receive a reflected light pulse from the target for measuring the distance between the rangefinder and the target. The tape measure has a housing and a flexible measuring tape enclosed in the housing. The housing defines a tape outlet opening from which the measuring tape is movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The connecting assembly is disposed at the junction between the laser rangefinder and the tape measure to have the laser rangefinder and the tape measure be detachably mounted together.

Abstract: A heat pump laundry dryer has a casing (1) accommodating therein a heat pump system having a refrigerant fluid evaporating unit and a refrigerant fluid condensing unit for carrying out a drying treatment on laundry. The dryer further includes a basement (8) having a condensate draining path (21) for conveying moisture condensed from a drying air flow towards a reservoir (24). The condensing unit lays over a basement surface (14) which is provided with a condensate guide (26) for driving water condensed onto the condensing unit to the condensate draining path (21).

Abstract: “Hair Dryer with control switches underneath handle” (1) consisting of external body (2), provided of cable (2a), wire (3) and buttons/switches (4), and internally, engine (5), electrical resistance (6) and internal cabinet (7) that delimits heating air chamber (8), aforementioned cabinet (7) extending frontally out in short nozzle (7a), said hair dryer (1) incorporating digital hour counter (“hour meter”) (9associated with the appliance's engine (5), and presenting its buttons/switches (4) moved to the bottom (10) of the cable (2a), being provided cold air flow system, configured by spacing (11) and (12) that delimit cold air input and output, creating a cold air flow around and along the entire length of the outer surface of the internal cabinet (7), which isolates this latter of the inner surface of the body (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a dryer of a printing system. The system comprises a controller and a sensor. The controller is operable to determine a speed of a web of print media traveling through a dryer, and to apply power to a heating element of the dryer based on a power profile that models a non-linear relationship between power applied to the heating element and speed of the web. The controller is further able to determine a type of media for the web, and to select the power profile based on the type of media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drying device and method for drying a pumpable mixture. Such a mixture is for instance a manure or industrial effluent. The drying device according to the invention comprises: a supply holder for holding the mixture; a drivable endless carrier extending with an outer end into the supply holder during use, wherein drying medium flows during use through or along the mixture carried along by the carrier; and heating means for heating the ingoing mixture and/or the mixture in the supply holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a vertical drier which dries the asphalt road upper structural members like aggregate and like asphalt coating which is desired to be recycled (RAP) and which takes the humidity of said asphalt road upper structural members; and which has a vertical body having an end through which said members are discharged and having another end which is opened to an accumulation compartment; and where the hot air, heated by a heat source, is transferred inside said body. Said drier is characterized by comprising at least one drying box which has a chamber form where the poured members are accumulated in the inner part thereof and which extends orthogonally to the flow direction inside the body; in order to keep the members, which pour inside said body from an inlet part, for certain duration and in order to transfer said members from the outlet part to the accumulation compartment step by step.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores.

Abstract: A heel stabilization device includes a plurality of bumps formed on a shoe midsole or a shoe pad at predetermined locations corresponding to a foot heel in order to alter the contact forces at the locations when the foot heel is put into contact with the shoe pad or the shoe midsole. Thus, when a human body is standing or walking, a balance condition can be achieved to improve the discomfort of human body caused by long standing or walking.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-woven, transparent, foot membrane that helps provide comfort and support for the foot during high-heel shoe wear. The device comprises a self-supporting membrane that flexes, stretches and conforms to the shape of the foot, or the portion of the foot in contact with the membrane, when worn. The device has different thicknesses throughout its structure. Preferably, the parts of the invention at and around the major points of contact on a foot when in a high-heeled shoe, e.g., the mid-foot plantar surface, the toes (except the big toe) and the upper foot/ankle, are thicker than the other portions of the device. The device around the forefoot, the big toe, and the heel, is comprised of a plurality of layers of membrane material and gel-like material.

Abstract: A shoe insert liner or no-show sock configured to detachably adhere to an interior cavity of a shoe is provided. In one embodiment, the shoe insert liner includes a liner having an exterior surface and an adhesive bonded to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the liner. The liner includes a longitudinal portion, opposing first and second lateral portions extending in a first direction from opposite sides of the longitudinal portion, and opposing front and rear portions extending in the first direction from opposite ends of the longitudinal portion. Together, the longitudinal, lateral, front, and rear portions of the liner define an interior cavity and an opening configured to receive a user's foot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slip-on boot with fit features that enable snug fit while still allowing for convenient foot entry and exit. Related methods of using and manufacturing a slip-on boot are also provided.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a forefoot portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and one or more springs for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. A device for a shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are installable in a forefoot portion of the shoe, and an energy return member positioned between the first plate and the second plate. A method of using a shoe includes applying, with a foot, a force on at least one of two plates that is positioned in a forefoot portion of a shoe, so as to move the two plates together and increase a loading of a spring, and launching the foot due to the two plates being moved apart by the spring as the foot is being lifted.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a first member that is coupled to the upper and a second member that is moveably coupled to the first member. The first member moves relative to the second member in response to a first input load directed along a first vector, and the first member engages the second member in response to a second input load directed along a second vector.

Abstract: Snowblower chute control devices, systems, and methods are provided and can include a positioning rod having a first end pivotably connected to a machine handle and a second end connected to a snowblower chute such that rotation of the positioning rod about a longitudinal axis causes rotation of the snowblower chute. A control lever can be connected to the positioning rod such that the control lever is substantially fixed with respect to the positioning rod for rotation about the longitudinal axis but is pivotable with respect to the positioning rod about a pivot axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. The snowblower chute position control device can further include a positioning guide configured to retain the control lever at one or more selected angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis corresponding to one or more desired rotational positions of the snowblower chute.

Abstract: An assembly and method for using a flexible tensile member as part of the rigging for a dragline bucket. The tensile member includes a stranded core surrounded by one or more armoring layers or devices. The stranded core produces excellent strength in tension. The armor layer(s) provides a lower but still sufficient strength in compression. The compression strength is sufficient to eliminate plastic deformation of the core strands when the tensile member is bent around or dragged across an edge. The armor layer(s) also protects against battering, cutting, abrading, compression, and shearing forces. This resistance greatly reduces the likelihood of heavy items—such as the yoke, dump block, and spreader bar—damaging the tensile member when the bucket assembly is laid on the ground.

Abstract: Vehicles are equipped with communications devices and electronic controllers that store vehicle-related information and communicate the information with a plurality of extra-vehicular data sources, including traffic signal systems and remote data storage. The vehicle can be equipped with display devices that can be driven by the electronic controller to function as electronic license plates. The electronic license plates or other display devices are altered to indicate changes in vehicle status. Communicated information is used by a plurality of additional systems, for purposes including code enforcement, vehicle status monitoring, vehicle localization, and theft and fraud prevention.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for advertising (10), which device includes a post (12), which post (12) is configured to have attached thereto a plurality of slats (18) extending horizontally away from the post (12) and in a vertical plane along the post (12) with each slat (18) being pivotably dependable from a horizontal axis (20) to depend in the vertical plane when no wind is present and to be pivoted out of the plane by wind. One embodiment shows a support structure for slats (18) in the form of a frame (30). The device (10) further includes LED lighting strips (32) to illuminate the slats (18), in use, during the night. The device (10) further includes a platform (34) provided with solar panels (36) and chargeable electrical power storage means within the post (12).

Abstract: A spoke flag made of weather-resistant and tear-resistant material may be wrapped around a single spoke such as a bicycle spoke. The spoke flag may wrap around the spoke on one end of the spoke flag and may be secured thereto by means of a single strip of double-sided tape which sticks to both the spoke and spoke flag, or by a clip or clamps. The length of the flag may be sufficient to flutter when in motion. The spoke flag may include various artistic designs and may include advertising.

Abstract: An improved bolt and bolt carrier with integral gas key having an extension nozzle threadedly secured and pinned to the gas key for use with a direct gas operated firearm is provided. The extension nozzle is designed to receive a portion of the host firearms gas operating system. The firing pin retaining pin is oriented so as to expose its widest profile to the firing pins annular flange, increasing its service life. The bolt has a plurality of lugs extending from its forward end and an extractor recess. The extractor recess is constructed to accommodate an enlarged extractor claw while not undercutting the bolt lugs adjacent thereto. The extractor engages approximately 57% more of a seated ammunition cartridges rim as compared to some prior art AR15/M16 type extractors used with automatic firearms chambered in 6.8 SPC. The result is an improved bolt and bolt carrier which provides for increased operational reliability.

Abstract: Muzzleloader systems include a pre-packaged propellant charge and primer for providing efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader. The breech end accepts the propellant and means are provided to prevent breech loading of the projectile. A propellant cartridge conforms to a constriction portion to minimize ullage. A projectile is inserted in the muzzle end seats on the constriction portion. The propellant cartridge may be received in a removable breech plug. The constriction portion may be part of the breech plug or a separate component secured in the barrel by way of the breech plug. The cartridge may have a primer mechanism integrated into a proximal end. Projectiles have sliding components that have an axial elongate position and an axial shortened position and may be loaded with a ramrod having an engagement portion for each of the two pieces whereby the projectile doesn't prematurely collapse.

Abstract: A muzzle-loader bullet system includes a pre-packaged propellant charge and primer for providing efficient loading and unloading of the muzzleloader. The muzzleloader accepts in the breech end the propellant containment vessel that abuts against a constriction portion with a reduced diameter portion. The propellant containment vessel having an end portion with a tapered surface that conforms to the constriction portion surface. A projectile is inserted in the muzzle end and seats against the constriction portion. The propellant containment vessel may be received in a removable breech plug. The constriction portion may be part of the breech plug or a separate component secured in the barrel by way of the breech plug. The containment vessel further comprises a primer mechanism that may be integrated into the proximal end of the containment vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide spacers and mounts for firearm accessories, as well as methods for mounting firearm accessories. In some embodiments, a spacer is provided. The spacer has a lower surface configured as a concave profile of a M-16 base mounting structure and an upper surface configured as a convex profile of a M-16 base mounting structure. The spacer is configured that when attached to a M150 Rifle Combat Optic, or the like, a substantial portion of the base of the optic extends past an end of the spacer. In some embodiments, a mount that is configured to be detachably secured to a rail is provided. The mount has the spacer incorporated therein.

Abstract: A fish strike indicator and retrieval apparatus comprising an upper unit with a fishing reel holder, a battery holder, a line guide, a light flag, a printed circuit board enclosure, and a handle and a lower unit with a pair of slide rails and a detachable sliding mount that pivotally connects the upper unit to the lower unit. The invention incorporates a set of magnets and a Hall-effect sensor that activates and deactivates visual and audible alarm signals to signify a strike on the fishing line.

Abstract: A low-clearance remote control fishing robot is disclosed. A domed device casing is mounted between a pair of floats. The top of the device is fitted with a lightweight probe mounted on a spring. Each float has installed within its rear end a pivotal air jet. The air jets are powered by an onboard compressor. Beneath the device casing is a reel of fishing line. An electric motor drives the reel. Sensors are provided to gauge line length and depth and line tension. Onboard depth-finding and fish-finding sonar are provided, as well as other sensing systems, and an above-surface or below surface camera. Two way data communication occurs wirelessly with a remote control unit. A water-impervious carry case is provided to store the device and remote control. A positioning apparatus may be installed for fishing from a fixed position against a boat, pier, or ice hole.