Abstract: Methods and apparatus for joining a chip with a substrate. The chip is moved by with a pick-and-place machine from a first location to a second location proximate to the substrate over a first time. In response to moving the chip in a motion path from the first location to the second location, a plurality of solder bumps carried on the chip are liquefied over a second time that is less than the first time. While the solder bumps are liquefied, the chip is placed by the pick-and-place machine onto the substrate.

Abstract: A semiconductor device substrate includes a front section and back section that are laminated cores disposed on a front- and back surfaces of a first core. The first core has a cylindrical plated through hole that has been metal plated and filled with air-core material. The front- and back sections have laser-drilled tapered vias that are filled with conductive material and that are coupled to the plated through hole. The back section includes an integral inductor coil that communicates to the front section. The first core and the laminated-cores form a hybrid-core semiconductor device substrate with an integral inductor coil.

Abstract: A docking station for a removable printer mechanism is provided, together with methods for providing a removable printer mechanism. The docking station may have a base with parallel side arms adapted to be fixed to an interior of a printer housing. Side walls may extend from each of the parallel side arms. The side walls may be adapted to guide the printer mechanism into a docked position in the printer and to removably fix the printer mechanism in the docked position. A bridge element may extend between the parallel side arms at a rear of the base. A clamping element may be fixed to the bridge element and be adapted to hold a printer-side cable connector in position to accept a corresponding cable connector of the printer mechanism. The printer mechanism may easily be slid into and out of the docking station for repair or replacement.

Abstract: Turbomachines having close-coupling flow guides (CCFGs) that are designed and configured to closely-couple flow fields of adjacent bladed elements. In some embodiments, the CCFGs may be located in regions extending between the adjacent bladed elements, described herein as coupling avoidance zones, where conventional turbomachine design would suggest no structure should be added. In yet other embodiments, CCFGs are located upstream and/or downstream of rows of blades coupled to the bladed elements, including overlapping one of more of the rows of blades, to improve flow coupling and machine performance. Methods of designing turbomachines to incorporate CCFGs are also provided.

Abstract: A method of engineering a turbomachine airfoil may include providing a master airfoil configuration having a preset outer and inner radius relative to an axis of rotation thereof. The master airfoil configuration may be radially scaled to a custom-sized turbomachine airfoil having an outer radius different than the preset outer radius of the master airfoil configuration, and/or an inner radius different than the preset inner radius of the master airfoil configuration. Tuning a frequency of the custom-sized turbomachine airfoil by changing a parameter of at least one of a part span shroud and a tip shroud may then be performed. Axial scaling may also be performed. The custom-sized turbomachine airfoil may be employed in the turbomachine without performing wheel box testing, and may exhibit substantially similar operational characteristics as the master airfoil configuration.

Abstract: Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.

Abstract: Jewelry and the method of making jewelry which includes the steps of cutting a piece of material from an existing article of clothing, most preferably a pair of denim pants, attaching a fastener to said piece of material, and adapting said fastener to be capable of removably attaching said jewelry to a portion of a person's body.

Abstract: The stringing kit is used for stringing a decorative jewellery element and comprises a casing that in turn has a main body and sockets in its main body. A number of pins can be releasably installed in the casing by nesting them in the sockets. At least one string can be interlaced through the pins. Pin retaining members provided in the casing main body releasably retain the pins in the sockets.

Abstract: Hydroforming into a hollow structural component by pressing a joined plate member outwardly. A largest width is set to an area of a blank portion of the joined plate member extending to between outer peripheral portions of the recessed spaces from a longest constant portion of an internal space formed by the recessed spaces, the longest constant portion being constant in its inner circumferential length and extending the longest in the internal space. A width of an area of the blank portion extending to between the outer peripheral portions from a portion shorter than the longest constant portion is set such that the smaller the length of the portion which is shorter than the longest constant portion is compared to the longest constant portion. The smaller the width of the area extending from the shorter portion is compared to the width of the area extending from the longest constant portion.

Abstract: A shaver includes an improved locking mechanism for securing a shaving head to the shaver while allowing for simple and convenient removal thereof. The shaver further includes an adjustable shaver head that effectively follows the contours of the face or body. The shaver can be extended to use with a backshaver that has a first handle portion connected to a second handle portion by a joint assembly that allows the handle portions to be adjusted to varying angles and locked at a desired angle.

Abstract: A tool formed of a cable stripper and an associated cutting assembly is used for stripping a cable. Differently sized cutting assemblies can be easily and quickly mounted to and disassembled from the cable stripper. The cable stripper includes a depth stop assembly for setting the amount of cable seated within the cable stripper so that the cutting assembly is positioned in the desired position. The cable stripper include a one-way bearing which only allows the user to use the cable stripper in the intended direction.

Abstract: A cutting tool with first and second pivoted shearing blades has a guide member mounted to the first blade for transverse movement relative to the first blade and toward and away from the second blade. The guide member has a transverse restraining surface that confronts a transverse guided surface of the second blade during cutting of a workpiece to resist axial separation of the cutting edges away from the cutting plane. A yieldable, resettable mechanism enables release of an uncut cable captured by the guide member in the event the planned cut is in error or must be postponed. Examples include a ball detent, a magnet, an over-center extension spring arrangement and a torsion spring.

Abstract: An insulation cutting tool configured to cut fiber based insulation that is coupled to an underlying vapor barrier such as a vinyl web, transverse to the vinyl web without adversely damaging the vinyl web. The tool includes a body, an upper guide, a lower guide and a cutting assembly. A guide can also be coupled to the body to provide an outside guide to assist with the cut. Finally, a wall utilizing insulation cut by the insulation cutting tool is disclosed.

Abstract: A saw blade for an electric saw tool with a drive shaft making a reciprocating arcuate swing motion, the saw blade comprising a saw plate which has centrally a coupling part for connecting and fixing the saw plate to the drive shaft of the saw tool and has an appearance as being elliptic, and has cutting teeth on the outer periphery. Also, a saw blade for an electric saw tool with a drive shaft making a reciprocating arcuate swing motion, the saw blade having at one end a coupling part for connecting and fixing the saw blade to the drive shaft of the saw tool and having at the other end cutting teeth of the saw blade, and height of the cutting teeth being smaller in the order from near to at both ends of a line of the teeth.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus with a fluid pressure-operated implement mounted at a distal end of a boom includes a connection apparatus for selectively rotating the implement about an actuator axis at the distal end of the boom. The connection apparatus includes a rotary actuator and a pressurized fluid circuit for delivery of pressurized fluid through the rotary actuator to the implement. The pressurized fluid circuit includes channels establishing a fluidic connection axially through the rotating shaft of the rotary actuator. The pressurized fluid circuit facilitates passage of pressurized fluid through an internal, protected environment to the implement.

Abstract: Method and an arrangement within a motor saw, having a guide bar, a drive motor unit including with its chassis a drive motor, whose rotatable shaft supports a drive disc, around which a portion of an endless saw chain runs, the saw chain also being adapted with its remaining portions to run along and form the guide bar arrangement with its guide bar and along tracks allotted to side edges directed away from each other. An anchored support plate, a displaceable clamping plate and with an interrelated arrangement in an inactivated position, the end area of the guide bar within a first mode displaces the end area in a direction perpendicular from the plane and from the support plate, and within a second mode displacing the end area and its guide bar in a direction along the plane allotted to the guide bar and out of the inactivated interrelated arrangement.

Abstract: A pole system for holding a tool includes a manually activated mechanism, an extendable pole apparatus, and a clamp mechanism. The clamp mechanism includes a receiver with a locked configuration to retain a tool and a released configuration to release the tool. The pole apparatus operably couples the actuator mechanism to the clamp mechanism such that manual operation of the actuator mechanism causes operation of the tool.

Abstract: Some embodiments may include a personal grooming device. Such a device may include a head portion. The head portion may include a means for mounting at least one razor. An embodiment may also include a means for rotating the razor clockwise and/or counterclockwise by a predefined number of degrees less than one full turn.

Abstract: An electronic device may have electrical components mounted in alignment with an electronic device housing. A compass in the electronic device housing may potentially be misaligned with respect to the electrical components and the electronic device housing. Reference devices having compasses may be used to gather compass data while one or more electrical components in the reference devices are controlled to generate magnetic fields that are detected by the compasses. An electronic device may be calibrated in a factory or in the field using calibration data produced by comparing compass readings gathered from the compass in the device while controlling electrical components in the device to compass data from the reference devices. Calibration data may be applied to compass readings in real time to correct for misalignment between the compass and the electronic device housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breast measuring device (1) for determining bra size. The breast measuring device comprises a band size measuring tape (3, 43) and a cup size measuring tape (5, 7) mounted on and extending substantially perpendicular to the band size measuring tape. The band size measuring tape comprises a flexible tape having indicia (19) printed thereon representative of band sizes and the cup size measuring tape comprises a flexible tape having indicia (23) printed thereon indicative of cup sizes. The breast measuring device (1) has a buckle (53) mounted on one end of the band size measuring tape through which the other end of the band size measuring tape (3, 43) may be led and there is provided means (17, 29, 57) to releasably secure the band size measuring tape in a looped configuration. When the device is secured in a looped configuration, the cup size measuring tape (5, 7) can be used to measure the cup size and both the band size and the cup size will be visible simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for aligning concrete masonry units for a concrete structure is disclosed. In the present method a plurality of concrete masonry units are provided. Each concrete masonry unit includes six sides, including a top and a bottom and preferably two cores or vertical voids therein. The top and bottom of the concrete masonry unit each include two lateral grooves along the length of the block. The lateral grooves are designed to accept the spacers provided in the present method. Spacers consist of a planar member and at least one finger. Planar member is inserted into the lateral groove of a concrete masonry unit for use. Once inserted the fingers of the spacer sit within a joint between the concrete masonry units.

Abstract: A tape measure comprising a housing, a retractable measuring tape disposed in the housing, and a measurement base attached to the housing, running parallel to the direction of the tape, a method for employing said tape measure, and a method for reading measurement of said tape measure.

Abstract: A system for treating objects includes a device for tempering objects in which a tempering tunnel having at least one air outlet and at least one air inlet is arranged in a housing. At least one heating unit, in which a hot primary gas flow can be generated, is assigned to the tempering tunnel, wherein the hot primary gas can be guided into a circulating air heat exchanger, in which air from the tempering tunnel can be heated by hot primary gas as circulating air, which can be fed back to the tempering tunnel in a circuit via the at least one air inlet. The heating unit is coupled in the manner of a combined heating and power plant to an electric generator in such a way that electrical energy is produced during operation of the heating unit.

Abstract: A hand held appliance comprising a body and a handle connected to the body, wherein the body comprises a tubular inner wall, an outer wall extending about the inner wall, a fluid flow path extending between the inner wall and the outlet wall, and a barrier extending at least partially across the inner wall. The barrier may be located at one end of the inner wall and may be formed from transparent material. A space defined by the inner wall of the body may provide line of sight through the body. A fan unit may be located between the inner wall and the outer wall and may be supported by a bearing mounted on the inner wall. The barrier may be connected to the fan unit for rotation therewith. A motor for driving the fan unit and a heater may be located between the inner wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying textile material with a radio frequency (RF) applicator and a controller, the method includes energizing the RF applicator to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field), measuring a parameter related to the energization of the RF applicator, determining a drying cycle of operation in the controller based on the measured parameter, and controlling the energization of the RF applicator according to the determination of the drying cycle of operation, wherein the textile material is dried.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for treating or processing containers (2) that are used for storing substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications or contain the same, cylindrical containers open at least at one end are automatically led past or pass through processing stations for treatment or processing by means of a conveying device, while said containers are jointly held by a carrier (25; 134) in a regular two-dimensional arrangement. The carrier comprises a plurality of openings or receptacles (32; 39; 87; 120), which determine the regular arrangement. According to the invention, the treatment or processing of the containers is performed on or in at least one of the processing stations while the containers are supported by the carrier. This opens up new possibilities for treating or processing the containers, for example when crimping metal lids or during freeze-drying.

Abstract: A drying apparatus that dries a porous membrane that is carryable along a predetermined direction and a drying method, the drying apparatus including a housing; a plurality of air suppliers arranged in the housing along the predetermined direction so as to inject air toward the porous membrane; and a plurality of air exhausters arranged in the housing along the predetermined direction so as to exhaust air that has been injected from the air suppliers to an exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of air suppliers are symmetrically arranged with one another at opposite sides of the porous membrane to face each other with the porous membrane disposable therebetween.

Abstract: A drying apparatus that is capable of effectively removing foreign substances, such as dead mite bodies and dust adhered to bedding, a washing machine having the drying apparatus, and a method of controlling the drying apparatus. When bedding having a large volume, such as a blanket or a cover, is washed, a bedding-dusting operation using rotation of a drum and high-temperature hot air is performed before and after a bedding washing course is performed, so that foreign substances, such as dead mite bodies or dust, are dusted off bedding and the effects of washing bedding can be improved. In addition, a section in which the bedding-dusting operation is to be performed, is automatically or manually selected as before bedding washing or after bedding washing so that various operations can be performed and the effects of washing bedding can be improved.

Abstract: A shoe sole and heel assembly includes a sole, an interchangeable heel removably connected with the sole, and at least one locking device for fixing the heel to the sole. The sole includes a wall extending from the heel area of the lower surface of the sole to define a cavity. The inner surface of the wall contains a channel. The heel includes a track extending from the side and rear portions of the heel. The heel is arranged adjacent to the sole with the heel track entering the sole channel. As the heel is displaced rearwardly, the track enters the channel of the sole and prevents vertical and lateral movement of the heel relative to the sole. A latch on the lower surface of the sole engages a notch on the upper surface of the heel to prevent longitudinal displacement of the heel. The sole and heel contain aligned threaded openings for receiving screws to secure the heel to the sole.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

Abstract: Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a fitting system with an upper member that is supported by the upper and a strand guide that is supported by the sole structure. The strand guide is flexible and flexes in concert with the sole structure. The strand guide has a guide surface. The fitting system further includes a tensioning system with a flexible strand that is configured to bias the upper member toward the strand guide. The flexible strand has a first section coupled to the upper member and a second section extending through the sole structure. The second section abuts the guide surface. The second section is configured to slide across the guide surface as a result of flexure of the strand guide. The first section and the upper member are configured to move relative to the sole structure as a result of sliding of the second section across the guide surface.

Abstract: A multi-function variable healthcare shoe is provided, including a foot pad having an air sack foot pad that obeys pumping principles, an intake valve disposed on an inner side of a rear bottom portion of the air sack, and an exhaust valve disposed on an inner side of a toe portion of the air sack. A plurality of non-slip protrusions are disposed in front of the air sack. A curved and protruded air guide turns to an external portion of a venting slot for guiding air to flow through a slot disposed on a bottom portion and a protection edge to a topline to form a ventilation system. Therefore, air keeps flowing through and ventilating in the multi-function variable healthcare shoe. The foot pad has a massage cover. The foot pad is full-sized or half-sized.

Abstract: Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

Abstract: An athletic shoe device for facilitates gripping of a sole on slippery surfaces encountered while playing paintball or other sports. The device includes a sole and an upper. The sole has a bottom surface, a lateral face, a toe, and a medial face. The bottom surface of the sole also has a rear section and a front section. The upper is coupled to and extends from the sole defining an interior space configured for receiving a foot. A plurality of ridges is coupled to and extends from the bottom surface of the sole. A length of the ridges coupled to and extending from the front section of the bottom surface is greater than a length of the ridges coupled to and extending from the rear section of the bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe further comprises a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion. Heel and toe outsole patches are respectively stitched onto the midsole. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. A spacing between the heel and toe outsole patches extends from the inner to the outer side and occupies a position intermediate the toe and heel ends thereby permitting the shoe to fold about an axis running through the spacing. The shoe folds between an extended state, in which the shoe is worn, and a folded state in which a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity.

Abstract: A skate boot comprising an outer shell and an inner liner made of a first material and comprising an outer surface mounted to the inner surface of the outer shell, an inner surface adapted to contact the player's foot or a sock covering the player's foot, an ankle portion comprising a medial upper inner region and a lateral upper inner region, and an overlay at least partially covering one of the medial and lateral upper inner regions of the ankle portion of the inner liner, the overlay being made of a second material having more abrasion resistance than the first material of the inner liner.

Abstract: A cleat member for an article of footwear is configured to associate with a raised base on a sole of the article of footwear. The raised base includes an angled face with a plurality of protruding portions extending outwards from the angled face. An underside of the cleat member has an indentation that corresponds to the angled face of the raised base. A plurality of recessed portions are disposed along the indentation on the underside of the cleat member and are configured to associate with the plurality of protruding portions on the angled face of the raised base. The plurality of recessed portions and the plurality of protruding portions have coincident shapes so that the protruding portions fit with the recessed portions. With this configuration, the cleat member and sole are configured with an interlocking arrangement that resists loosening when the article of footwear is used on a ground surface.

Abstract: A wheeled scooper is provided. The wheeled scooper reduces the time and effort needed in collecting, transporting and dumping materials. The scooper provides an elongated handle that may be transversely and forwardly pivotably connected to a collector member. The collector member may provide a front opening to a collection space defined by a front edge. The scooper may provide a set of wheels rotatably mounted near a lower rear portion of the collector member so that a user can control the elongated handle to steer the scooper over a supporting surface and easily scoop, transport and dump material into its collection space by means of the positionable front edge.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom, a handle coupled to the boom, a dipper coupled to the handle, and a dipper door pivotally coupled to the dipper. The mining shovel also includes a dipper door trip assembly including a trip motor coupled to the boom, a trip drum coupled to the handle, a linkage assembly coupled to the dipper door, a first actuation element extending directly from the trip motor to the trip drum, and a second actuation element extending directly from the trip drum to the linkage assembly.

Abstract: A wear assembly with strain relief protects exposed surfaces of excavating equipment such as a bucket lip. Wear components may include a seat where loads are applied, welding flanges flanking the seat on opposite ends of the component welded to the equipment, and strain relief areas between each welding flange and the seat. The strain relief balances stresses from loading in the wear assembly across the weld flange to limit cracking from stress concentrations. Strain relief may include modification of material properties or modification of component configuration to reduce stiffness of the component between the weld flanges and the seat.

Abstract: A street sign fabricated from a composite material having at least on panel for displaying indicia such as street names. Electrical conductors may be embedded into the panel to permit attachment and electrical coupling of lights and other electrical devices thereto. A battery may be installed in a hollow post supporting the panel to provide power to the electrical devices. The battery can be recharged using a solar panel mounted proximate the top of the sign.

Abstract: A seat marker assembly including a raceway for receiving and mounting a central base component which includes a seat marker and an LED carrying circuit board positioned to illuminate the seat marker, the raceway further mounting first and second wire way covers on either side of the central base component, the assembly further including an end wire way assembly including a base, an end wire way slide with an integrally formed wire guide, and an end wire way cover, wherein the end wire way slide is configured to slidably mount into the wire way base and the end wire way cover is configured to engage the wire way slide so as to position the wire guide at a selected distance beyond the wire way base.

Abstract: A content display system is provided having a substrate configured to be temporarily affixed to a surface and a dimensional content component configured to be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the substrate. The substrate can be configured as a window decal, and a temporary adhesive is arranged on an adhesive surface of the substrate to affix the substrate to the surface. The dimensional content component is configured as a three-dimensional advertisement.

Abstract: An informative bracelet (10), comprising: a stripe (18); connecting means, connecting the ends of the stripe (18) to an annular form, thereby enabling wearing the annular form on a wrist of an individual (12); and an impression (22) of a telephone number of a guardian (14) of the individual (12); wherein the bracelet is adapted to prevent unintentional removal thereof by the individual (12), from his wrist; thereby, when the individual gets lost, allowing locating the guardian by calling the telephone number. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an informative bracelet, for use for contacting a guardian of a lost individual, the bracelet comprising: an impression (22) of a telephone number of a guardian (14) of the individual (12).

Abstract: An attachable display device that promotes brand awareness is provided. The device includes a display part having a display area to display an image and a securing portion and a mounting part having an upper portion disposed and secured inside the display part and a lower portion having at least one hole defined therein. The mounting part wraps around an object such that the securing portion engages the at least one hole to secure the display device to the object.

Abstract: An action lock for a Modern Sporting Rifle pump action firearm is pivotably mounted within the lower receiver of the rifle and has a stop surface that engages a contact surface on the bolt carrier when the bolt carrier is in battery. A cam on the hammer or the trigger engages a cam surface on the action lock when the hammer is released by a pull of the trigger. Cam action rotates the action lock out of engagement with the bolt carrier, unlocking it and allowing the fore end grip to be pumped to cycle the action and extract and eject the spent casing and strip and chamber a new round.