Abstract: A loop surface fastener in which numerous looped engaging elements formed from loop yarns inserted in parallel to ground warp yarns are provided upright on one side of a base fabric formed from ground warp yarns and ground weft yarns satisfies all the following requirements 1) to 3). 1) The loop yarn is a multi-filament yarn formed by bundling 5 to 9 filaments of 30 to 45 decitex. 2) The density of the looped engaging elements is in a range of 100 to 200/cm2. 3) Loop surfaces of the looped engaging elements are substantially facing in the same direction and the loop surface facing direction is a ground weft yarn direction.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are disclosed to provide controlled inter-mode cross-talk in multimode optical waveguides. The structure of a bent multimode optical waveguide can be designed or configured in a way that either substantially minimizes inter-mode cross talk or achieves a desired inter-mode cross-talk. Specific examples based on the disclosed waveguide designs are provided for semiconductor integrated waveguide devices.

Abstract: A method for making a well-logging tool for positioning in a wellbore of a geologic formation includes forming a radiation detector by securing a scintillator window and a scintillator housing together and joining together opposing ends of a photomultiplier housing and a scintillator housing. The method further includes securing the scintillator window to the scintillator housing with a brazed joint. The radiation detector is positioned within a well-logging housing.

Abstract: A method for making a rotary electric machine comprises the steps of: preparing a core (18) having a plurality of pole expansions and a plurality of windings (100, 200, 300) made of electrically conductive material on the pole expansions, where at least a part of the windings (100, 200, 300) is made from a conductor wire having a free end (14) that can be connected electrically to a mains power supply; stably coupling to each other at least two free ends (14) of different windings (100, 200, 300) so as to connect them to a single power supply terminal; twisting the coupled ends (14) together to form a single electrical termination (5, 6, 7) twisted along a principal line of extension of the electrical termination (5, 6, 7).

Abstract: By supplying power from the power-supplying resonator to the power-receiving resonator by means of resonance, an electromagnetic space having a relatively low magnetic field strength is formed between the power-supplying resonator and the power-receiving resonator. In so doing, the position where the electromagnetic space is formed is changed by setting the frequency of the AC power supplied from an AC power source to the power-supplying module to an antiphase resonance mode or an inphase resonance mode, and the size of the electromagnetic space is changed by changing the distance between the power-supplying coil and the power-supplying resonator and the distance between the power-receiving resonator and the power-receiving coil.

Abstract: A cover for a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacked configuration includes a non-conductive main body having a plurality of spaced apart recessed regions formed therein and a plurality of electrically conductive connectors, each of the connectors disposed in one of the recessed regions and coupled to the main body.

Abstract: A method for the production of a battery includes at least production, against a substrate made of a material able to form an electrode, of at least one solid electrolyte layer, production of a first electrode in contact with the electrolyte, and thinning the substrate such that at least a remaining proportion of the substrate, in contact with the solid electrolyte layer, forms a second electrode.

Abstract: According to the method for manufacturing electrode sheets, in a first cutting step, an original sheet, including a belt-shaped metal foil and an electrode material coated thereon in a lengthwise direction to form a plurality of coated portions spaced at a predetermined gap, is cut at a location between the coated portions. In a pressing step, the original sheet strips having been cut in the first cutting step are pressed. In this case, the original sheet strips that are pressed by the rolling device are independent from each other. Therefore, the effect produced in rolling of the coated portions remains within each of the original sheet strips. In addition, distortions occurring in the original sheet strips can be prevented from affecting each other and the occurrence of wrinkles can be inhibited.

Abstract: An insulating glass unit (IGU) assembly line capable of interleaving double and triple pane IGUs in accordance with an IGU production schedule. Visual indicators or prompts instruct operators at the assembly line in configuring a sequence of IGUs. Triple pane IGUs are assembled with minimal contamination of a center glass lite. A non-contact Bernoulli pad is used to lift a glass lite off from a horizontal or vertical support that conveys it from a glass washer to an assembly station. Each of multiple pads has a capacity to lift approximately seven to ten pounds. Use of multiple pads per glass sheet or lite allows lites having dimensions up to 70 by 100 inches (assuming glass thickness of one quarter inch) to be assembled.

Abstract: A system for removing a plurality of connectors from a circuit board includes two clamp plates. The system includes a divider plate coupled between the two clamp plates. The divider plate is configured to be positioned between adjacent rows of the plurality of connectors. The system further includes a tightening mechanism to tighten the clamp plates and the plurality of pin plates around the plurality of connectors. The system also includes an ejector coupled to the divider plate. The ejector includes a slot that corresponds to a projection on the divider plate, and the divider plate is configured to slide relative to the ejector.

Abstract: A system for removing connector pins from a circuit board includes two clamp plates. The system further includes a plurality of pin plates coupled between the clamp plates. The plurality of pin plates are configured to be positioned between adjacent rows of the connector pins. The system also includes an attachment block coupled between the clamp plates. The attachment block is configured with an inset that corresponds with a notch on each of the plurality of pin plates for linking vertical movement of the plurality of pin plates and the attachment block. The system includes a tightening mechanism to tighten the clamp plates and the plurality of pin plates around the connector pins.

Abstract: A ground connection structure is a structure for collectively connecting, to a body of a vehicle, a plurality of grounding wires which are connected to respective electrical components installed in the vehicle. The ground connection structure includes: a connection box to which the plurality of grounding wires are connected; a grounding terminal part connected to the vehicle in an electrically conducting state; and an electrically conducting connection part having one end connected to the connection box and the other end connected to the grounding terminal part, the electrically conducting connection part connecting the connection box and the grounding terminal part in an electrically conducting manner. The electrically conducting connection part is made of a low-inductance material having low inductance.

Abstract: A crankshaft including narrow flat shoulders that are located next to a bearing pin at adjacent cheeks of the crankshaft. The narrow flat shoulders are machined by turning a rotary tool. In the process, the crankshaft that is clamped in a fixed manner and rotates about a rotation and clamping axis in which also the centric longitudinal axis formed by centric bearing pins of the crank shaft is located. As a result, the bearing pins rotate with a geometric axis thereof on a circular path about the rotation and clamping axis. The rotary tool tracks the moving bearing pins with regard to the vertical and lateral movement thereof in two movement directions that are perpendicular to each other. As a result, the rotary tool is in consistent lateral engagement with the flat shoulder of the bearing pin.

Abstract: An engine having DME pilot ignition is disclosed. DME Pilot ignition creates far more energy than a conventional spark plug, thus minimizes the possibility of misfire in the engine map. DME injection can be used in a number of ways. In one embodiment, DME injection replaces the conventional spark plug in an Otto cycle engine. In another embodiment, DME injection is used in addition to spark ignition to minimize the use of DME. In this embodiment, DME injection is only used during those portions of the engine map where misfire may occur, or during those times when a misfire sensor detects misfire. DME injection can also be used in conjunction with alcohol boosting in other embodiments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder liner for an engine is provided. The method includes forming a semi-finished cylinder liner having an inner surface and an outer surface; rough machining the inner surface and the outer surface of the semi-finished cylinder liner; precision machining the inner surface and outer surface of the rough machined cylinder liner; and machining the inner surface of the precision machined cylinder liner by a roll skiving operation and a roll burnishing operation.

Abstract: A method of reshaping a turbine engine blade including at least one deformed zone, the method including peening the deformed zone to be able to restore a shape of the at least one deformed zone.

Abstract: The apparatus and method allows multiple components to be simultaneously bonded to a central shaft or tube using linear friction welding in a single welding process. The method involves simultaneously pressing the work pieces radially against the central shaft or tube at the desired locations while the shaft is vibrated axially. The weld is facilitated by the use of a linear friction welding machine, which includes a number of fixtures and press assemblies to hold and press the various work pieces against the central shaft or tube and a vibrating assembly for vibrating the central shaft or tube.

Abstract: Reactor installation tools and methods for installing reactor components in a reactor tube are described herein. A reactor installation tool can include a releasable attachment assembly for securing the tool to a reactor or support for holding reactor components. The tool can include a movable cylinder that can be actuated to engage and push on a reactor component in an interior region of the reactor for positioning the contents of the reactor in a desired location. The tool can further include means for supply blasts of compressed gas to an interior region of the reactor to aid in the expansion and positioning of the reactor contents. A skirt seal can be used to ensure that the blasts of compressed gas are contained in the interior region of the reactor.

Abstract: A zone-control unit for use in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the zone-control unit includes a heat exchanger, an inlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for supplying fluid to the heat exchanger, an outlet piping assembly coupled with the heat exchanger for receiving fluid from the heat exchanger, a bracket that maintains the inlet piping assembly and the outlet piping assembly in positional relationship, and an ancillary component coupled with the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an inner collar associated with a bearing incorporates a base member with a first member extending substantially perpendicular from the base member and a second member also extending substantially perpendicular from the base member, substantially parallel with said first member with a defined distance between the first and second member. The first member and the second member form opposing sides defined by a semi-circular contour formed therein such that the first member and the second member are operable to engage an inner collar of a bearing in a snap-fit engagement on opposite sides of the bearing such that the inner collar is maintained in a substantially orthogonal orientation with respect to walls of a structure in which the bearing has been mounted.

Abstract: A baby safe trimming tool has a first blade and a second blade being curved as to accommodate the curved nature of human nails. The first blade is connected to a first handle opposite a first spring. The second blade is connected to a second handle opposite a second spring, and is pivotally connected to the first blade, wherein a first cutting edge of the first blade is scissionably aligned with a second cutting edge of the second blade. The first spring engages the second spring to provide a restoring force when the first handle and the second handle are squeezed together. The first handle and the second handle can be outfitted in multiple grip configurations in order to provide enhanced comfort and grip for a user, wherein a grooved grip area or a loop may be provided for either the first handle or the second handle.

Abstract: A utility knife comprises a body with a knife blade storable within the body and one or more magnets coupled to the knife body. The magnets are able to be embedded within the body or embedded with an adapter that is configured to removably couple with the utility knife. In some embodiments, the knife blade folds out from a side of the body and into an operable position. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the knife blade slides out of a top of the body and into the operable position. The utility knife is able to magnetically couple with a base comprising a magnetically attractable surface. The utility knife is securable to the base in a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A hair trimming device has a first knife, a second knife, a first protective cover, a pair of movable plates, an elastic element and a second protective cover. The first protective cover covers the first knife and has a first comb installed at a front end of the first knife, and the pair of movable plates are linked with both external sides of the second knife and the first knife, and the second protective cover is installed at a front end of the pair of movable plates, and a second comb is disposed between the first comb and the cutting blade, such that the movable plate is linked to the second comb. When use, hairs of different lengths are bent and fixed and then cut to achieve layered hair styling without any discomfort caused by tearing the hair.

Abstract: A device for cutting balls from foodstuff and comprising: a cutting ring; a bracket rotatably holding the cutting ring and arranged for being pushed into foodstuff with the cutting ring; and a shaft to which the cutting ring is attached and carrying a handle.

Abstract: A spool accessory for a rotatable cutting head of a vegetation cutting device comprises: a spool configured to receive a cutting line wound thereon; and a spool sleeve mounted to the spool, the sleeve comprising a gripping arm moveable between a gripping position wherein the gripping arm grips the cutting line wound on the spool and a release position wherein the gripping arm does not engage the cutting line wound on the spool, wherein the gripping arm is configured to move from the gripping position to the release position when the cutting head rotates.

Abstract: A rotatable cutting head for a vegetation cutting device comprises: a rotatable spool having a cutting line wound thereon, a free end of the cutting line being arranged to exit the cutting head via an opening. A cap comprises a feeding mechanism, the feeding mechanism comprising a peg for engaging with the spool and configured to allow the spool to rotate relative to the cutting head and feed cutting line from the spool when the free end is short than a predetermined length. A moveable locking mechanism is configured to move between a locking position in which the locking mechanism engages the cutting line feeding mechanism and limits relative movement between the cutting head and the spool land a release position in which the locking mechanism does not engage the cutting line feeding mechanism; The cutting head comprises a spool comprising: a central portion for receiving the cutting line wound thereon; a flange connected at one end of the central portion.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting device comprises: a rotating cutting head and having a cutting line, the cutting line arranged to define a swath for cutting vegetation. A cutting line feeding mechanism comprises a counterweight for balancing a free end of the cutting line protruding from the cutting head, the counterweight being configured to actuate the cutting line feeding mechanism and feed more cutting line when the length of free end the cutting line is shorter than or equal to a feed length. A guide wheel is mounted on the vegetation cutting device and has an outer surface for engaging the ground. The guide wheel is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein when the guide wheel is in the retracted position, the feed length is substantially equal to a distance between the outer surface of the guide wheel engaging the ground and the cutting head.

Abstract: A power tool has a cutting element driven by a motor assembly for performing a cut on a workpiece, the motor assembly further driving a fan for flowing air over the motor assembly. The power tool further includes a foot plate configured to be supported on a workpiece, the foot plate defining an opening through which the cutting element extends to perform the cut, and at least one alignment opening arranged relative to the cutting element opening to allow the operator to visualize the cut line of the cut created by the cutting element therethrough. A motor housing is provided that supports the motor assembly on the foot plate, in which the motor housing defines a cavity substantially enclosing the motor assembly and arranged to receive airflow from the fan. A nozzle is defined in the motor housing that is configured to direct airflow from the cavity of the motor housing in an airflow line of action intersecting the at least one alignment opening.

Abstract: A hand tool machine includes a tool receiving device configured to receive an application tool. The tool receiving device is allocated a mechanically actuated locking element in order to lock the application tool in the tool receiving device. The hand tool machine also includes an electric actuator system configured to mechanically actuate the locking element.

Abstract: A saw blade includes a blade base with an arcuate cutting edge. The cutting edge is curved to a lesser extent than a circular arc with a radius that corresponds to the distance between the axis of rotation of the saw blade and the cutting edge.

Abstract: In a surveying prism comprising a prism housing (12) for accommodating a prism element, which prism housing is pivotably mounted in a bracket about an axis that is oriented parallel to the light ingress surface of the prism element, the bracket is formed as a base comprising a base plate (16) which forms a support surface for the surveying prism (10), and two bearing flanges oriented perpendicular to said base plate, between which bearing flanges the prism housing (12) is pivotably mounted.

Abstract: Rail cant measurement tools and associated methods enable users to measure rail cant. The measurement tools comprise a reference assembly, and a cant angle measurement assembly. The reference assembly comprises a track plane reference bar, a rail centerline reference head, and a measurement gauge for measuring rail cant.

Abstract: A parameter related to the Earth's magnetic field can be used to determine accuracy of a magnetometer of a mobile device. In one aspect, a first instance of a parameter related to Earth's magnetic field is determined using data generated by the magnetometer. The magnetometer data can be based in part on a position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. A second instance of the parameter can be determined using data generated by a model of Earth's magnetic field. The model data can also be based in part on the position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. The first instance of the parameter can be compared with the second instance of the parameter. An accuracy metric for the magnetometer can be determined based on a result of the comparison. An indication of the accuracy metric can be presented by the mobile device.

Abstract: A tissue caliper is provided. The tissue caliper includes a housing assembly including a tubular body, an activation assembly operably received within the housing assembly, and a caliper assembly operably connected to the activation assembly. The activation assembly includes a magnetic spring for effecting the opening and closing of the caliper assembly. Also provided is a kit for measuring tissue thickness.

Abstract: An electrical box layout tool includes a first pointed end, a first cylindrical section, a stopper, a second cylindrical section, and a second pointed end. The first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section are concentrically connected with the stopper in such a way that the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section are oppositely positioned from each other. The first pointed end is concentrically connected with the first cylindrical section while the second pointed end is concentrically connected with the second cylindrical section. The electrical box layout tool is used to create an opening within a drywall or paneling so that the drywall or paneling is able to accommodate an electrical box that is mounted on a framing stud.

Abstract: An oil inspection device for a work vehicle includes a conduit pipe, a projecting pipe, and an oil inspection tube. A dipstick is used to check the lubricating oil level in the oil inspection device. The conduit pipe has an oil inspection component where oil is checked and conducts the lubricating oil from a reservoir space to the oil inspection component, the reservoir space holding the lubricating oil. The projecting pipe is provided to the conduit pipe and faces upward from the oil inspection component. The oil inspection tube has a connector with a hexagonal prism shape. The connector is removably connected to the projecting pipe and disposed on an outside of the projecting pipe. The oil inspection tube is configured to have the dipstick inserted.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to testing dryers of crops and, more specifically, to a pilot dryer for ear corn, sunflowers and other field crops that is scalable to adjust to a wide range of desired throughputs and flexible to accommodate drying of a wide range of crops. The apparatus is for drying plant material comprising: an air preconditioning system for producing a processed air supply, a drying bin having first and second end and a bin chamber to operably receive the plant material, said bin forming a part of an airflow pathway; data sensors proximate the bin; air controls; and an airflow pathway operative to transport processed air supply through the plant material within the drying bin in either an up airflow or down airflow direction through the bin, wherein drying the plant material with said processed airflow.

Abstract: A hairpiece article drying apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be a chamber configured for placement on a support surface. The chamber may be configured to hold a hairpiece article for drying. The chamber may include an airflow duct between interior and exterior panels. A suspension element may be coupled to an interior surface of the chamber interior to hold the hairpiece article suspended above the support surface in the chamber interior within the airflow.

Abstract: A novel collapsible aeration system is retrofitted into a grain bin with a discharge opening in the bottom. This grain bin may have a sloped or conical hopper or a flat bottom. The aeration system is formed from a set of connected (e.g. hinged) duct sections that define a round or multi-sided duct having a minimum of three sides or faces. The sides may be flat, curved or corrugated. The collapsible aeration system is folded (collapsed), inserted into the bin via a hole, and then unfolded inside the bin. An air duct is connected to the aeration system to enable the aeration system to dry the grain in the grain bin. This technology enables existing grain bins to be retrofitted with a dryer in an easy and efficient manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for heating an object 9 that includes an absorbed medium. A method embodiment comprises: placing the object 9 including the medium into an enclosure 16; initiating a heating process by subjecting the object 9 and medium to a capacitive AC electrical field generated by an RF power source 2 at a single low frequency; controlling the heating process by taking real time measurements; and making real time adjustments to the RF power source 2 in response to the real time measurements. The object 9 substantially absorbs the medium in a first “cool” state, and therefore has a maximum weight in the first “cool” state. The object 9 is substantially free from the medium in a second “heated” state, due to substantial release of the medium from the object 9. The released medium is evaporated during the heating process. The heating process is completed when the object 9 is substantially transitioned into the second “heated” state.

Abstract: An improvement is described for the processing of biological material in a continuous stream by the application of radiant energy taken from the wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet, and its absorption by a feedstock in a workspace of featuring controlled turbulence created by one or more counter-rotating disk impellers. The absorbed energy and the controlled turbulence patterns create a continuous process of productive change in a feed into the reactor, with separated light and heavy product output streams flowing both inward and outward from the axis in radial counterflow. The basic mechanism of processing can be applied to a wide range of feedstocks, from the promotion of the growth of algae to make biofuel or other forms of aquaculture, to a use in the controlled combustion of organic material to make biochar.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for removing surface moisture from granulated coal or other materials in particulate form, the system comprising a dryer, wherein the dryer has: an in-feed (1) for material particles; an in-feed (3) for entrainment gas (suitably air) to provide dilute phase gas entrainment of the particles; and turbulence—inducing means (5) configured to subject the flow of gas—entrained particles to turbulence to strip water from the surface of the entrained particles.

Abstract: System and method for lyophilization or freeze-drying is provided. During the freezing step, the material or solution to be frozen is initially brought to a temperature near or below its freezing temperature after which the pressure in the freeze-dryer chamber is reduced to induce nucleation of the material.

Abstract: A system for drying moist, particulate material includes a steam dryer having a container containing superheated steam. Upper and lower heat exchangers, with a channel extending through them, are located in the container. An impeller generates a flow of steam upward in the container outside the heat exchangers and downward through the channel. Guide plates around the heat exchangers guide the moist, particulate material from an inlet in the lower part of the container around the heat exchangers, subjecting the material to the flow of the steam, thereby drying the material. A steam conduit supplies a primary steam flow to the lower heat exchanger, which condenses the primary steam flow into a flow of hot water that is directed to a flow generator that generates a fluid flow from the hot water flow. A fluid conduit leads the fluid flow to the upper heat exchanger.

Abstract: A stabilizer and connecting member is provided for a cushioning device in an article of footwear, comprising a top platform with a diameter larger than a central portion, a corresponding bottom platform and a resilient central portion.

Abstract: Described are soles for a shoe having a midsole with a base body and a plurality of deformation elements, and an outsole with a first outsole region and a plurality of first outsole elements. Pressure load on one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements leads to a deformation of at least one of the plurality of deformation elements which are associated with the one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements.

Abstract: An insole having liquid therein may include a main body that has an enclosing layer covering an outer surface of the main body, and liquid is enclosed by the enclosing layer. In one embodiment, the liquid can be water or oil. The insole may also have at least one hole located at a predetermined position of enclosing layer to evenly distribute the pressure from the user's feet. A sealing edge is formed at an outer portion of the main body and a pressing portion is formed at a periphery of the holes.

Abstract: A lacing system for footwear of a type having a pair of spaced-apart flaps that are pulled together by tightening a lace includes a plurality of lace-receiving elements which are attachable to the flaps at multiple locations which allows the user to tailor the location of the lace-receiving elements to obtain a comfortable fit.

Abstract: A protective toe guard to be secured about toe straps of thongs or flip flop style sandals is provided. A Toe Buddie comprises an elliptically shaped tube, having a slotted opening at the outward point of the ellipse to fit over the toe strap of a sandal.

Abstract: An attachable shoe sole protector is provided as a means of increasing the longevity of a shoe's sole while providing increased structural stability and traction to the attached shoe. The attachable shoe sole protector contains utilizes a shoe mount, a toe assembly, and a heel assembly. The shoe mount is provided as the portion that peripherally attaches to the existing shoe. The toe assembly is a structural element that utilizes a rigid construction in order to reinforce the shoe mount's engagement proximal to the existing shoe's toe section. The heel assembly is a structural element that utilizes a rigid construction in order to reinforce the shoe mounts engagement proximal to the existing shoe's heel section. The toe assembly and the heel assembly additionally include treaded portions that improve the traction of the existing shoe, enabling the wearer to use various types of shoes for a plurality of unintended activities.