Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device including electric connections extending along at least two different directions, said connections being essentially formed by means of bundles of carbon nanotubes (CNT) (8), Where at least two CNT bundles comprise a portion (8a) having its axis directed along a first direction and a portion (8b) having its axis redirected along a second direction, the connections between CNT bundles being achieved by overlapping of the portions (8b) of said at least two bundles to form a connection line (4).

Abstract: A method for insulating an aluminum backboard of a photovoltaic module comprises the following steps: shearing the aluminum backboard such that the dimensions of the aluminum backboard are 4-5 mm smaller those of the glass; forming a square aperture at the position of the electrode lead of the aluminum backboard; insulating the square aperture by cushioning a small insulating material or wrapping the edges with an insulation film when arraying and laying the modules; laminating and trimming the superimposed module components; wrapping the trimmed laminated piece around the edge with the 0.5-1 mm insulation tape; finally, framing up the laminated piece by using a frame filled with silica gel, and installing the terminal box. The invention is convenient to operate and low in investment and has a wide application prospect.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing includes printing a first plurality of patterned ink seed layers on a first side of a substrate. A second plurality of patterned ink seed layers are printed on a second side of the substrate. The first plurality of patterned ink seed layers and the second plurality of patterned ink seed layers are electroless plated with a first conductive material. A coating is printed over the first side of the substrate. A graphic design is printed on the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a metal printed circuit board, the method including: printing a circuit pattern on a release film; applying a heat conductive insulating layer on the circuit pattern; laminating a heat conductive base layer on the heat conductive insulating layer and hot pressing the laminated heat conductive base layer and the heat conductive insulating layer; and removing the release film therefrom.

Abstract: A method of balancing a set of retaining and locking plates used to retain a row of gas turbine engine aerofoil blades in attachment to a rotor disc, includes: (i) providing a weighing plate having a circular track; (ii) providing a non-rotating, static balancing apparatus capable of detecting unbalance in the weighing plate; (iii) positioning the weighing plate on the static balancing apparatus, and positioning the set of retaining and locking plates on the track in an arrangement corresponding to a possible arrangement for the set of plates in use in the engine; and (iv) repositioning the retaining and locking plates on the track to arrive at a balanced arrangement for the set of plates.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device and a manufacturing method thereof. The heat dissipation device includes a first chamber defining a first cavity, a second chamber defining a second cavity, and multiple connection members each defining a passageway. First and second ends of the connection members are respectively connected with the first and second chambers in communication with the first and second cavities through the passageways. A working fluid is contained in the first cavity. When the working fluid is heated, the working fluid is evaporated into vapor. The vapor passes through the passageways into the second cavity. After reaching the second cavity, the vapor is condensed into liquid state. Then, the liquid goes back into the first cavity through the passageways to complete a working cycle and achieve heat dissipation effect.

Abstract: An optical fiber stripper includes handles, two stripping blades and an optical fiber positioning reference block (hereinafter referred to as reference block), on which optical fiber jacket stripping sub-channel, covered wire/cable jacket stripping sub-channel, and bare fiber coating stripping sub-channel are disposed in parallel, and the stripping blade, respectively, contains optical fiber jacket stripping port, first port, and sharp-angle port. The optical fiber jacket stripping port, the first port, and the sharp-angle port correspond to the optical fiber jacket stripping sub-channel, the covered wire/cable jacket stripping sub-channel, and the bare fiber coating stripping sub-channel, respectively. Reference block contains baffle grooves, and baffles can be inserted into different baffle grooves on the reference block to position optical fiber coating with different lengths.

Abstract: A collapsible fingerguard tool is disclosed. In some embodiments, a tool with a handle includes an open channel within the handle to receive a second tool with a collapsible fingerguard, a flared section at an entry of the channel, and a second tool having a collapsible fingerguard, wherein the collapsible fingerguard is pivotably attached to the second tool at a pivot pin, the collapsible fingerguard also having a spring to open the fingerguard, wherein the fingerguard collapses adjacent to a handle of the second tool when the second tool is inserted into the open channel in the handle.

Abstract: A knife sheath is disclosed. In some embodiments, a knife sheath includes a knife opening to receive a knife having a light source, and an internal cavity to sheath a blade of the knife, and at least one light channel near the knife opening to align with the light source when the knife having a light source is sheathed in the knife opening, the at least one light channel configured to allow light from the light source to pass through the knife sheath while the knife is placed in the knife sheath.

Abstract: A knife opening mechanism is disclosed. In some embodiments, a knife includes a handle having a pivot pin to pivotably attach a blade to the handle, the handle having a cavity to receive the blade in a closed position, a blade pivotably connected to the handle by the pivot pin, the blade having a front tang portion and a rear blade portion, wherein the rear tang portion receives an engagement surface from a lockback bar to lock the blade in an open position and wherein the front tang portion is contoured to engage the lockback bar engagement surface to resist rotation of the blade, and a locking foot safety to lock the lockback bar when the knife is in a closed position, wherein the locking foot safety engages the foot of the lockback bar on the end of the lockback bar near the pivot pin.

Abstract: A hair trimmer has a base housing and a blade set having a stationary blade and a reciprocating blade. The base housing has a blade set support at one end. The support has a pair of spaced blade set support projections. A cam follower has spaced spring retainers near a bottom of the cam follower, and spaced spring end catches near an upper edge of the cam follower. A spring has elongated legs and a tension arm. The elongated legs extend under the spring retainers and into the spring end catches in the cam follower. A spring tensioner is secured in the base housing by a latch that engages a tensioner catch. The spring tensioner secures the tension arm so that the spring is under tension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hand-operated scissors and shears having an ergonomic design in which one of the blade members is slide operated so as to better conform to the configuration of the operator's hand and the desired cutting orientation of the device. The system includes a first blade having a shank and at least one finger ring. A second blade is provided with a pivot to cross the first blade. The second blade having a guide channel in the proximal end thereof. A slide assembly cooperates with a track formed into the shank of the first blade and a thumb ring is secured to the slide assembly. In operation, the users causes the blades to open and close with respect to each other by reciprocating the slide assembly along the track, thereby eliminating the opening and closing motion required in the scissors of the prior art.

Abstract: Clipper for lemons and other fruits. The clipper can have a pair of operating arms, a pivot assembly for the operating arms, a lower central open-position abutment mechanism, hand grips with adjustable and alternative left and right-hand strap mounting, and an out-of-the-way abutment arrangement to define a clipper open position. The pivot assembly can include a dust-free rotation structure and an out-of-the-way torsion spring. Gripping handles for clippers and the like are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glider assembly for a handheld trimmer includes a glider shaft coupleable at one end with a rotating head of the handheld trimmer, and a glider plate connected to an opposite end of the glider shaft. The glider plate is part-spherical or saucer shaped and includes a concave side and a convex side. A bearing acts between the glider plate and the glider shaft. The assembly enables an operator to rest the weight of the trimmer on the ground during use while controlling a cutting height.

Abstract: A craft punch with a replaceable cutting tool includes a main body having an upper part and a lower part which are spaced up and down. The upper part has a passage, and the lower part has a receiving part to movably receive a lower cutting mold holder. An upper cutting mold holder receiving component could be installed in the passage movably up and down, the upper side of the receiving component bulges to form a tubular part, and one side of the receiving component back to the tubular part is provided with a receiving part which could movably receive an upper cutting mold; a cover plate covers the upper end of the passage and is provided with a through hole allowing the tubular part to pass through an upper bulge, and an upper cover covers the upper side of the cover plate, and is connected with the tubular part.

Abstract: An angular-position measuring device includes a shaft rotatable relative to a body about an axis extending in a z-direction. A measuring standard having an end face is fastened on the shaft in rotatably fixed manner. The body includes a scanning device for scanning the measuring standard. Both the roller bearing and a sealing unit are provided on the side of the measuring standard facing the end face relative to the z-direction, The sealing unit includes rings that are rotatable relative to each other and are separated from each other by a gap, the gap being filled at least partially with a fluid.

Abstract: An electronic light detection circuit for detecting an intensity modulated light signal on a photosensitive element under backlight condition. The circuit comprises the photosensitive element, in particular as a light position detector for detecting a striking position of the light signal spot within a detection window, an amplifier with high input resistance connected to an output of the photosensitive element and a backlight suppression circuitry. The backlight suppression circuitry is connected to the output of the photosensitive element in parallel to the amplifier and comprises an electronic active resonator structure. The active resonator, structure is designed in such a way to provide a load impedance to an output of the photosensitive element with a low load impedance for low frequencies for suppression of natural and artificial backlight-saturation of the photosensitive element and a high load impedance at the frequency of the intensity modulated light signal.

Abstract: Layout equipment for locating a plurality of positions at a construction site is provided. The layout equipment includes a laser target rod, a self-leveling laser transmitter, and a remote control device. The rod has an elongated rod body including retroreflective material extending substantially the entire length of the body. The laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light, and receives laser light reflected from the rod. The laser transmitter includes a first wireless communication unit, and a transmitter control. The transmitter control is responsive to the first wireless communication unit. The remote control device includes a second wireless communication unit that communicates wirelessly with to the laser transmitter to cause the laser transmitter to project the beam of laser light toward a position at the construction site, and signals the user of the layout equipment when the rod has been placed at the position.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning the saddle of a bicycle that includes a measuring pole and an adaptor positioned at an end of the measuring pole for coupling the end to the pedal crankshaft of the bicycle. The positioning device also includes a positioning assembly with a base that is configured to be supported on the saddle. An articulation assembly couples the base with the measuring pole. The base is slideable along the measuring pole and has a main plate that is capable of being supported on the saddle. The base includes a front stop adapted for abutting a front end of the saddle. The positioning device being adapted for incorporating an angle of inclination measuring device for measuring the angle of inclination of the measuring pole.

Abstract: Provided is a scale holding device including a scale and an attachment plate holding the scale. The scale holding device includes the attachment plate configured to have a first surface abutting on a first lateral side of the scale and a second surface facing a rear side of the scale, a first adhesive material configured to removably adhere the second surface of the attachment plate and the rear side of the scale to each other, and a second adhesive material configured to adhere the scale and the attachment plate to each other on a second lateral side of the scale.

Abstract: A dent measurement apparatus is presented. The dent measurement apparatus may be used in conjunction with documenting damage in objects, such as vehicles. Such damage may include dents, and the documentation process may include images or videos. To convey detail, it may be desirable to focus the images or videos closely on a damaged region and, in such cases, the dent measurement apparatus may help provide context for the size and depth of the damage. In particular, the dent measurement apparatus may removably attach to and extend from the damaged area such that the depth of damage may be determined relative to one or more markings on the body of the dent measurement apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of layered materials used to facilitate the removal of sweat and toxins which a person may experience during a physical workout. It is useful for sanitarily wicking away sweat and various other functions which may be specific to a person's needs such as carrying important items.

Abstract: Hairdryer discharge nozzles are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, hairdryer discharge nozzles can include a nozzle main body having a nozzle flow pathway extending from a nozzle inlet port to a nozzle discharge port. The nozzle inlet port can be releasably attached to an air-supplying port of a hairdryer. The hairdryer discharge nozzle can include a plurality of pin bodies protruding from the nozzle discharge port and directed in an air discharge direction such that tips of the pin bodies are configured to contact a user's scalp. The hairdryer discharge nozzle can be configured to reliably blow air from the hairdryer to dry hair, while also performing various other operations, such as teasing hair using the pin bodies, adjusting the drape of the hair, and/or massaging a user's scalp with the pin bodies.

Abstract: A transportable or hand carriable forced air dryer for boots, gloves and facepieces such as gas masks and other headpieces with attached drinking tubes. A pair of manifolds having spaced parallel tubes extend in opposite directions from a blower housing/plenum structure. Each manifold has plural spaced upstanding air discharge tubes. Each air discharge tube has attached thereto a form expander in looped form extending in spaced parallel arrangement and terminating beyond the air discharge to prevent air blockage by the article to be dried. One manifold is permanently connected and the other is quick connected and quick disconnected, without tools for field reassembly. For transport, the released manifold is inverted and nested on the permanently connected manifold for compact installation in a tote bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laundry dryer, in particular a domestic laundry dryer, which has a drum intended for laundry to be dried. The drum is provided with at least one air line for supplying air or discharging air. The laundry dryer is characterized in that the air line can be closed by means of a temperature-activated air-flow blocking unit, which contains an expansion material that expands at a temperature caused by a fire to such an extent that the air line is closed thereby.

Abstract: A coating device for coating a medical device with a drug-eluting material uses an in-process drying station between coats to improve a drug release profile. The drying station includes a heat nozzle configured for applying a uniform drying gas.

Abstract: A nail polish curing device comprises: a lower part having a top surface and a reflective lower recess-defining surface that extends downwardly from the top surface and that defines a lower recess; an upper part disposed above the lower part and having a top wall, a bottom surface, and a reflective upper recess-defining surface that extends upwardly from the bottom surface and that defines an upper recess, the top wall being formed with a plurality of through-holes; a circuit board mounted on the top wall of the upper part; and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on and electrically connected to the circuit board and extending respectively through the through-holes into the upper recess so as to emit light into the upper and lower recesses.

Abstract: A nail polish curing device comprises: a lower part defining a lower recess; an upper part pivoted to the lower part and defining an upper recess; a circuit board mounted on the upper part; and at least one light emitting element connected to the circuit board. The upper part is rotatable relative to the lower part between a first angular position, in which the upper and lower recesses overlap along a vertical direction and cooperate with each other to define an accommodating space for receiving a user's finger therein, and a second angular position, in which the upper and lower recesses do not overlap along the vertical direction, thereby facilitating insertion of a user's toe into an irradiating space between a bottom surface of the upper part and a reference surface.

Abstract: The improved method and arrangement are for cooling torrefied lignocellulosic material. By adding water in controlled amounts to the torrefied material in a grinder at exit from a roaster the entire volume of torrefied material could be cooled down to a temperature well below the critical temperature without increasing the water content of the final product.

Abstract: An appliance for drying laundry (100) comprising an appliance cabinet (110), a laundry treatment chamber (105) inside the cabinet, a drying air recirculation path (245) for causing recirculation of the drying air into/out from the laundry treatment chamber, the drying air recirculation path being at least partly external to the laundry treatment chamber, a drying air moisture condensing and heating system (215,220,225) located in the drying air recirculation path for dehydrating the moisture-laden drying air leaving the laundry treatment chamber and heating the dehydrated drying air before it re-enters into the laundry treatment chamber, wherein said drying air moisture condensing and heating system comprises a first heat exchanger (215) and a second heat exchanger (220) of a heat pump (215,220,225,210), and further comprising a drying air propeller (250) inside the drying air recirculation path and a Joule-effect drying air heater (255), downstream the second heat exchanger, energizable for contributing to t

Abstract: A controlling method of a laundry machine including a tub and a drum, the controlling method includes steps of: sensing selection of a tub drying step and performing the tub drying step.

Abstract: A footbed for supporting a person's foot is formed with one or more voids which removes support beneath either at least part of the heel which is lateral to the midline of the heel and which does not extend medially of the midline, or beneath the medial process of the tuber calcanei, or a combination of the two. Such voids stabilise those parts of the heel which functionally form an abutment to support the medial and lateral longitudinal arches of the foot, in order to prevent pronation.

Abstract: This application discloses shoe inserts which are configured such that a user may expose one or more adhesive layers while the cushioning shoe insert is maintained at an optimal location within a shoe, thereby securing the cushioning shoe inserts precisely at the optimal location. Moreover, this application discloses shoe inserts which are designed to distribute necessary support forces, e.g. through a foot chock, thereby mitigating or eliminating uncomfortable levels of localized pressure.

Abstract: There are provided a shoe upper and a method of manufacturing the shoe upper, in which a mesh part is not manufactured separately from the upper when the shoe upper is made, but the mesh part is formed simultaneously with the upper when fabric for the upper is woven, so that an additional operation of sewing or gluing the mesh part on or to the upper is not required. The mesh part may be formed simultaneously with the base part when the shoe upper is manufactured, so that an additional operation of attaching the base part to the mesh part by sewing or adhesion is not required, thus being capable of enhancing productivity, keeping quality consistent, and improving marketability.

Abstract: A system for securing shoes to the feet utilizing a one or two pull fit adjustment set of straps. The embodiments utilize a number of straps, some variable in length, positioned at select points across and around the top and sides of the shoe. At least one strap in the system provides an adjustable length whereby all straps may be drawn together to tighten the shoe, preferably in both a horizontal and a vertical direction across the profile of the shoe. The system utilizes a variety of strong, lightweight, nylon buckles, strips, anchor loops, permitting attachment and motion of the adjustment straps over the top and sides of the shoe. Included are three-point attachment embodiments, as well as two-point attachment embodiments, most with a one pull adjustment structure. Most embodiments are on the medial side of the shoe although some may be implemented on the lateral side.

Abstract: A shoe liner adapted to selectively couple to a vertical, rear, interior wall of a shoe includes a natural fabric body that is an elongated ovoid shape having a foot side and an opposite shoe side. The shoe side includes an adhesive back adapted to selectively adhere to the vertical backwall interior side of the shoe. The shoe liner further includes an interior chamber defined between the foot side and shoe side layers. The interior chamber is adapted to hold a volume of cotton batting filler material. The exterior surfaces of the shoe liner are made from a natural material and are available in a myriad of colors, textures, and patterns.

Abstract: Provided is an automated shoe closure including a sole and a plurality of motors disposed in the sole. The motors are configured to expand or contract one or more shoe panels. The shoe panels each include one or more connectors configured to connect the shoe panels to each other when the shoe panels are in an expanded state. A plurality of slits are disposed in the sole. Each of the slits is configured to expand and contract a corresponding shoe panel therethrough. An expansion button is disposed in the sole. A retraction button is disposed in a side of the sole, and a charging port is disposed in the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The upper includes a lower edge that is disposed adjacent to the sole structure. The upper further includes a collar defining an opening to a void within the upper. The collar defines an upper edge of the upper that is spaced away from the lower edge. The upper includes a forward portion and a heel portion. The heel portion includes a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component at least partially defines the upper edge and the lower edge of the upper. The knitted component includes a first side edge that is attached to the forward portion along a first side. The knitted component also includes a second side edge that is attached to the forward portion along a second side.

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.

Abstract: A cover for an orthotic device is provided. More specifically, a cover for an orthotic device is provided that provides one or more useful benefits to a wearer's skin. Such cover may also provide one or more aesthetic and/or functional benefits to a wearer when used.

Abstract: A shoe sole having a bottom surface with a plurality of stud clusters extending therefrom is provided, each stud cluster comprising at least two studs connected via one or more connection elements, wherein, to optimise the manner in which the stud clusters deal with forces applied to them during ground contact, each stud cluster is oriented in accordance with a predetermined direction of gross shear motion of the stud cluster and each stud cluster is dimensioned in accordance with the distribution of forces applied to the sole during ground contact.

Abstract: Embodiments relating to a lightweight sole structure are disclosed. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a lobed member having a protruding portion associated with a cleat member. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a chambered member located in an indention in an intermediate member. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a cleat member having an outer layer, an intermediate layer, and an inner layer. In some embodiments, a method of making a sole structure may include injecting a chambered member in between an upper member and an intermediate member. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include a plurality of zones having varying degrees of flexibility. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include cleat members having penetrating portions for penetrating into the ground surface.

Abstract: A snow shovel blade is provided. The snow shovel blade is a stamped metal body with a generally planar portion, a curved portion, and two opposed lateral, depending sidewalls. The sidewalls are supporting sidewalls.

Abstract: An underwater trenching apparatus comprises at least one trenching tool; a lifting attachment point configured for attachment of a lifting means for lowering the trenching apparatus to, or raising the trenching apparatus from, its location of operation; at least two steerable endless track units for transmitting tractive effort to move the underwater trenching apparatus in use; and for each steerable endless track unit, a first mounting arrangement permitting rotation of the track unit about a vertical axis, and a first actuator configured to move the track unit about the vertical axis, and control means configured to control the action of the actuator. In alternative forms, in addition to, or alternative to the steerable endless track units, the apparatus includes height adjustment means for adjusting the vertical spacing between the main body portion and the respective endless tracks; and control means configured to control the action of the height adjustment means.

Abstract: Apparatus for extended-reach remediation of a pond by removal of pumpable materials such as deposited sediment has a base and a rotatable multi-articulated boom to which a pump is connected at the distal end. The boom has a reach which exceeds the reach of conventional remediation apparatus and may be as long as 50 m or greater for reaching over obstacles between the base and the pond. The base can be stationary or it can be mobile or self-propelled for repositioning the apparatus about the perimeter of the water body or to platforms which are built within the pond and accessible by accessways when the pond is filled with water. The pump is lightweight so as not to affect the overall apparatus stability when the boom is fully extended. Geo-locating apparatus assists with mapping the remediation operation.

Abstract: A system for the removal of material from a roadbed includes a movable vehicle equipped with a cutting plate having a cutting edge for scraping material from the roadbed to thereby form debris material. A first conveyor system for conveying the debris material away from the cutting edge is placed above the cutting plate and delivers the debris material to a second conveyor system which deposits the debris material laterally from a distal end of the second conveyor to a location remote from the movable vehicle.

Abstract: An excavator includes a dipper assembly configured to receive a dipper load, the dipper assembly having an actuated position for emptying the dipper load, a sensor assembly configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of the excavator, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive signals from the sensor assembly, determine a height of the dipper assembly relative to a surface, and inhibit movement of the dipper assembly to the actuated position.

Abstract: Methods for providing personalized social expression items such as a greeting card, a note card and a photo card, allow consumers to mix and match a visual artwork with an appropriate message that is suitable for a particular occasion, and provide consumers with the freedom to affix the selected message on any desired location on the visual artwork. The methods provide consumers with options to choose the type of social expression item, choose the visual artwork to be incorporated into the social expression item and choose the appropriate message to be included in the social expression item. The message is imprinted on a self-adhesive label instead of on the social expression item. The consumers can then place the label containing the desired message on any desired location on the visual artwork and mail the social expression item to the intended recipient.

Abstract: An illuminated electronic display sign suitable for a transit vehicle comprises a support frame with a mounting surface, a plurality of lighting elements disposed on or attached to the mounting surface, and electronic circuitry configured to provide commands to selectively illuminate the lighting elements so as to create text or other information thereon. The lighting elements each comprise a semiconductor-based light source and an optical cap, each having a transparent layer portion and a diffusion layer portion. The optical caps may be generally rectangular in shape, aligned in a two-dimensional grid having rows and columns and are substantially adjacent to one another, with narrow gaps therebetween for increased display area. The optical caps may be asymmetrical, with a flat upper portion and a gradually tapering top surface to help reduce glare. A control system including wireless circuitry may be used to control multiple electronic display signs.

Abstract: An emergency guidance and alerting system comprising an organizer located in a room having a door, wherein the organizer is capable of holding a slip sign and a window placard. The slip sign is capable of being placed under a door so that the slip sign can be viewed outside of the room, alerting rescue personnel that an occupant is in the room. The window placard is capable of being attached to a window alerting rescue personnel outside of the room that the occupant is in the room.