Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the separate application of solder material deposits (11), in particular solder balls, comprising a conveying device (19) for separately conveying the solder material deposits from a solder material reservoir (12) toward an application device (33), the conveying device having transport holders that are formed as passage holes and that can each be moved from a receiving position, in which a solder material deposit is received from the solder material reservoir, into a transfer position P2, in which the solder material deposit is exposed to a pressure gas and from which the solder material deposit is transferred to an application opening (37) of an application nozzle (36) of the application device into an application position P3, wherein a first detector device (69) for triggering a treatment of the solder material deposit arranged in the application position P3 with laser radiation emitted by a laser device and a second detector device (80) for locating the solder mat

Abstract: A device for soldering electrical or electronic components on a printed circuit board includes a soldering nozzle arrangement arranged above a solder crucible. The nozzle arrangement includes at least one carrier, on which at least one soldering nozzle is arranged. Molten solder is conveyed, using a conveyor unit, out of the solder crucible through the soldering nozzle to the components to be soldered. At least one discharge unit is arranged between a tip of the soldering nozzle and the carrier for any excess solder that has left the soldering nozzle. The discharge unit includes at least one baffle plate substantially surrounding the soldering nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is a backfire preventing gas cutting apparatus for cutting a workpiece by heating the workpiece using a preheating flame and injecting cutting oxygen and comprises: a nozzle bundle which is coupled with a valve bundle wherein the nozzle bundle comprises: a tip having a flame outlets formed at the front end thereof; and a head frame coupled with the tip. An injecting unit is formed on the inside of the head frame for enabling the laminar flow of the fuel gas through the injecting flow path by increasing a flow rate of the preheating oxygen introduced into the injecting flow path.

Abstract: In an arc spot welded joint manufacturing method in which two steel sheets configured by high strength steel having a component carbon content of 0.07% by mass or greater are overlapped, and the sheets are lap welded together in a spot pattern. The method includes a first welding pass in which a second steel sheet on the lower side is melted up to a back face side, and first weld metal is formed including a first reinforcement portion, and a second welding pass in which a second weld metal including a second reinforcement portion is formed over the first weld metal, such that the heights of the first reinforcement portion or the second reinforcement portion is formed at t/5 or greater with respect to the sheet thickness t of the steel sheets, and the average weld bead diameter is formed at from 3t to 10t.

Abstract: A welding torch has a torch handle. A wire drive assembly is disposed in the torch handle and includes a drive motor and a drive roller. The wire drive assembly contacts the welding wire and is configured to drive the welding wire from a wire feeder to a welding operation. In addition, the welding torch has a trigger and a wire feed speed adjustment assembly. The trigger is disposed near a rear end of the torch handle and is configured to be depressed by an operator for initiating feed of the welding wire. The adjustment assembly is positioned near the rear end of the handle adjacent to the trigger and on the same side of the handle as the trigger. The adjustment assembly allows operator adjustment of a feed speed of the welding wire.

Abstract: In a spot welded joint according to an aspect of the present invention, with respect to a rectangular planar region of 100 ?m×100 ?m which is perpendicular to a sheet surface of the plurality of the steel sheets and which centers around an inner point spaced away by 100 ?m in a direction parallel with the sheet surface from an edge of a nugget, in a case of measuring a P concentration at a pitch of 1 ?m to obtain measured values of the P concentration at 100×100 of measurement points, and in a case of repetitively calculating an average value of the measured values of the P concentration at 20 of the measurement points which are adjacent to each other and which are arranged in a row in the direction parallel with the sheet surface among the 100×100 of the measurement points while shifting each one point to obtain 81×100 of the average values, the number of the average values which are more than two times an average P concentration is 0 to 100.

Abstract: A resistance spot welding device that joins predetermined parts to be welded includes: a storage configured to store a time variation of an instantaneous amount of heat generated per unit volume and a cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume in test welding that precedes actual welding; and an adaptive controller and an electrode force controller configured to, in the case where the time variation of the instantaneous amount of heat generated per unit volume in the actual welding differs from a time variation curve stored as the target value, respectively control the current or a voltage during current passage and the electrode force to the parts to be welded to compensate for the difference within a remaining welding time so that the cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume in the actual welding matches the cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume stored in the storage.

Abstract: A beam processor for processing a work surface of a workpiece W by irradiating the work surface with a beam, includes: an output source for outputting the beam, a beam moving device for moving the beam output from the output source; and a plurality of reflectors disposed on an optical path of the beam between the beam moving device and the work surface for reflecting the beam moved by the beam moving device and conducting the beam to the work surface, wherein the plurality of reflectors is inclined a predetermined angle corresponding to an incident direction of the beam so that the beam moved by the beam moving device is conducted nearly vertically to a different position of the work surface.

Abstract: A wafer is produced from an ingot having an end surface. The method includes an end surface measuring step of measuring undulation present on the end surface, and a separation plane forming step of setting the focal point of a laser beam inside the ingot at a predetermined depth from the end surface, which depth corresponds to the thickness of the wafer to be produced, and next applying the laser beam to the end surface to thereby form a separation plane containing a modified layer and cracks extending from the modified layer. The height of an objective lens for forming the focal point of the laser beam is controlled so that the focal point is set in the same plane to form the separation plane, according to the numerical aperture NA of the lens, the refractive index N of the ingot, and the undulation present on the end surface.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a device for heating to generate a uniform molten pool, including: a source unit for generating an energy beam; a beam expanding/reducing unit positioned in an energy path of the energy beam for adjusting the diameter of the energy beam; a flat-top conical lens set positioned in the energy path and including at least two flat-top axicons, with the beam expanding/reducing unit positioned between the source unit and the flat-top conical lens set; and a focusing lens positioned in the energy path, with the flat-top conical lens set between the beam expanding/reducing unit and the focusing lens, and the energy beam being focused by the focusing lens. This disclosure generates a uniform molten pool to prevent vaporization splash due to overheating of the material during melting.

Abstract: A first source of radiation generates a first radiation to remove a coating from a component. An amount of the first radiation generated by the first source of radiation depends on an amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation. A controller receives feedback regarding removal of the coating from the component by the first radiation and regarding the amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation, and adjusts the amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation based on the feedback. A second source of radiation generates a second radiation capable of detecting whether the coating is encountered again. The controller restarts the first source of radiation to generate the first radiation in response to the coating being detected by the second radiation, and sets the amount of power supplied to the first source of radiation based on the feedback.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an operation status of a confined laser cutting tool includes emitting light in the form of laser beams from a laser source. The method includes using a nozzle to form a confining column composed of a liquid. The method further includes forming a confined laser beam, the confined laser beam defined by the confluence of the laser beams and the confining column. The method also includes sensing a characteristic of the confined laser beam with a sensor. The method further includes determining the operation status of the confined laser cutting tool based on the sensed characteristic of the confined laser beam. The method also includes deactivating the laser source when the sensed characteristic of the confined laser beam reaches a predetermined threshold. The method may also include providing an operator notification after deactivating the laser source.

Abstract: A welding assembly includes a tip dress unit for dressing an electrode tip and a tip cleaning unit having a brush rotating during a cleaning operation. The tip cleaning unit is used to clean the electrode tip prior to the electrode tip being moved to the tip dress unit. The brush may be a wire brush. The brush may clean multiple electrode tips simultaneously. The brush may remove debris, such as sealer, oil, or particles from the electrode tip. The tip cleaning unit may include a shield at least partially surrounding the brush.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular member for an automotive application that includes providing a flat workpiece of a material; forming at least one lance in the flat workpiece; roll-forming the flat workpiece into a tubular configuration; induction welding a seam of the tubular workpiece after the roll-forming; and trimming the tubular workpiece through the lance after welding the seam.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a protective sheath for a fan blade leading edge is described. The method may comprise generating a preform plate from a stock plate wherein the preform plate has a flattened surface and an inclined surface having a spike flanked by a first side and a second side. The method may further comprise bending the first side and the second side away from the spike to generate a sheath intermediate followed by generating the protective sheath from the sheath intermediate by shaping an outer surface and an inner surface of the sheath intermediate to match the contour of the fan blade leading edge.

Abstract: A twisting sleeve or collar which is cylindrical and has an elongated guide or channel fluidly connecting the outer annular wall with the inner annular wall of the sleeve is disclosed. A connector having at least one open end and an elongated slot with a floor and a pin guide through the floor is further disclosed. The pin guide is open to the inside of the connector. Between the sleeve and the slot is a pin, having a pin head visible through the elongated guide, and two opposing spring arms of a size and shape to fit in said slot, and a pin body which movably fits inside pin guide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for aligning at least two cylinders in a parallel manner relative to each other. In a first step, one cylinder is rotated and moved in a parallel manner towards the other cylinder in order to align a first end of the cylinder, and in a second step, the second end of the cylinder is rotated and moved towards the other cylinder in order to align the second end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A tool changer includes a holding member having a tool change arm, a rotating mechanism for rotating the holding member, a forward/backward moving mechanism for moving the holding member forward and backward, and a controller controlling the mechanisms. A zero return controller determines whether the tool change arm is holding tools. When it is not holding tools, the tool change arm is rotated to a predetermined non-interference angle, the tool change arm is translated to a forward/backward movement zero point, and the tool change arm is rotated to a rotation zero point. When it is holding tools, the tool change arm is translated to a forward end, the tool change arm is rotated to position it on an expected path, and the tool change arm is moved along the expected path, thereby moving the tool change arm to the rotation zero point and the forward/backward movement zero point.

Abstract: A nozzle body wherein replacement with cutting tool is easy and oscillation is small, and machine tool to which nozzle body can be attached, machine tool being equipped with turret having simple construction. Nozzle body includes: a body; a shank that is attached to a main spindle of machine tool: shaft body that is provided in a protruding manner on shank and rotatably supported by the body; annular path that is provided on outer circumference of shaft body; a discharge orifice that is provided at the leading end of shaft body; a first path that is provided inside shaft body and provides communication between discharge orifice and annular path; detent that is provided to the body; and a second path that is provided to the body and opens into the detent, the second path communicating with the annular path.

Abstract: A main spindle failure detection device for a machine tool includes a rotation speed detection unit, a reach time estimation unit, and a determining unit. The reach time estimation unit is configured to estimate a reach time in which the rotation speed of the main spindle reaches a predetermined rotation speed threshold using a non-linear model based on a rotation speed of the main spindle detected at a start of an inertia operation and a rotation speed of the main spindle detected after an elapse of preset measurement time from the start of the inertia operation. The determining unit is configured to compare the reach time estimated by the reach time estimation unit with a preset reach time in which the rotation speed reaches the rotation speed threshold, so as to determine a failure in the main spindle based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the multi-stage grinding of workpieces (20) made of hard mineral materials using a robot (10). To this end, the workpiece (20) is moved into a processing region (21) and measured and/or oriented there by the robot (10). The robot (10) comprises a grinding head (11) by way of which it then takes up a first abrasive (14) preferably from a storage container (30) and starts a first grinding process. After the first grinding process is complete, the robot (10) releases the first abrasive (14) again and then takes up a second abrasive (14), preferably from the same or some other storage container (30). Then the robot (10) starts a second grinding process, and after the latter is complete, releases the second abrasive (14) again. One or more further grinding processes may be provided, but the grinding method can also be finished after the second grinding process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an upper electrode of a plasma processing device includes forming a covering layer having plasma resistance on a surface of a main body portion constituting the upper electrode at a side of the processing space; polishing a surface of the covering layer exposed to the processing space; and after the polishing, blasting the surface of the covering layer polished at the polishing.

Abstract: A nozzle, a device, and a method for high-speed generation of uniform nanoparticles allow a particle generation gas formed of carbon dioxide to pass through the nozzle, thereby forming uniform nanoparticles at high speed. An orifice that adjusts an opening and closing cross-sectional area of a throat of the nozzle is provided to cause uniform nuclei generation without an additional cooling device, a dilating portion that has a cross-sectional area and a dilation angle increasing toward an outlet side of the nozzle is provided to grow the nuclei through a first dilation portion (having a relatively gradual dilation angle) and thus cause particle generation, and the generated particles are accelerated through a second dilating portion that has a steeper dilation angle than the first dilating portion.

Abstract: An irrigation tool is described that may be used to unloosen a sprinkler head of an underground water irrigation system without the need to expose the entire sprinkler head assembly. The device allows for sufficient torque to be applied to the sprinkler head without the need for a wide unobstructed wrench turning radius about the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A linear ratchet drive mechanism operable single handedly for pivotally actuating one or more plier jaws in a diverging or converging direction for gripping objects under extreme pressure. A drive rod is received in a handle body for axial movement with one end of the drive rod pivotally linked to the jaw or jaws in order to actuate the jaws. An actuating lever is pivotally connected at one end to the handle body and extends from the handle body for single hand actuation by squeezing the lever against spring biased towards the handle body. The actuating lever is provided with a leverage arm that extends from the pivoting end of the actuating lever and is pivotally connected to a drive grip lever having an aperture surrounding the drive rod for binding against the drive rod for thereby driving the drive rod in one direction when the drive grip lever is canted and moved by squeezing the actuating lever.

Abstract: A screw bit body which allows for efficient torque force application onto a socket fastener. The screw bit body includes a plurality of laterally-bracing sidewalls, a first base, and a second base. The laterally-bracing sidewalls are radially distributed about a rotation axis of the screw bit body with each further including a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a bracing surface, and an engagement cavity. The engagement cavity creates an additional gripping point to prevent slippage in between the screw bit body and the socket fastener. The engagement cavity traverses normal and into the bracing surface. Additionally, the engagement cavity traverses into the screw bit body from the first base to the second base. The engagement cavity is specifically positioned offset from the first lateral edge by a first distance and positioned offset from the second lateral edge by a second distance.

Abstract: A tableware handle which comprising a handle body and a reinforcing rib, is provided. The handle body has a rod shape and comprises a first surface, and a second surface respectively connected at both side edges of the first surface. Two of the second surfaces form an opened opening. The handle body further comprises a third surface connected at a side edge of an opened end of the second surface. The second surface and the third surface are bent at a transition zone therebetween to form a trapezoidal stepped cross section of the handle body. The tableware handle is designed to have a superimposed trapezoidal shape, which facilitates the holding of the tableware during using, enhances the strength of the handle, and meanwhile makes it easy to stack the tableware when storing or packaging.

Abstract: A tool tethering method includes the steps of providing a tool with a longitudinal portion, installing a base layer on the longitudinal portion, providing an overwrap member, and providing a connector strap. The connector strap includes a length of webbing secured to a connector and defining a first catch and a second catch. The connector strap is positioned with the body portion axially aligned with the longitudinal portion of the tool, with the first catch and the second catch facing away from the longitudinal portion, and with the back surface in contact with the base layer. The overwrap member is installed over the body portion of the connector strap and the corresponding region of the longitudinal portion of the tool and base layer, thereby securing the connector strap to the tool.

Abstract: The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors is configured for use with a flatbed trailer. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors is configured for use with a webbing. The webbing is used to secure cargo to the flatbed trailer. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors attaches to the webbing. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors is used to position the webbing relative to the cargo such that the once the webbing is tightened the webbing to be tightened secures the cargo to the flatbed trailer. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors comprises a telescopic handle, a spatula, and a threaded connection. The threaded connection attaches the spatula to the telescopic handle.

Abstract: A robotic device includes a control system. The control system receives a first measurement indicative of a first distance between a center of mass of the machine and a first position in which a first leg of the machine last made initial contact with a surface. The control system also receives a second measurement indicative of a second distance between the center of mass of the machine and a second position in which the first leg of the machine was last raised from the surface. The control system further determines a third position in which to place a second leg of the machine based on the received first measurement and the received second measurement. Additionally, the control system provides instructions to move the second leg of the machine to the determined third position.

Abstract: A robot includes a first member, a second member which is provided on a first member and rotates around a rotation shaft, a driving unit which is provided in the second member, and an operation shaft which is driven by the driving unit and is provided in the second member, the first member includes a first portion and a second portion which has a smaller width than that of the first portion, when seen in a direction orthogonal to a plane including the rotation shaft and the operation shaft, and the second member is connected to the second portion.

Abstract: Provided is a robot arm including an upper arm, a forearm installed at the distal end of the upper arm, a wrist element installed at the distal end of the forearm to be rotatable around an axis line and having a hollow part through which the axis line penetrates, a motor installed in the forearm and rotating the element around the axis line, and a mechanism transmitting rotation of the motor to the element while reducing speed of rotation. The motor includes a rotation center axis extending obliquely downward on the opposite side of the upper arm. The mechanism includes a hypoid gear set including an output hypoid gear fixed to the element coaxially with the axis line and an input hypoid gear, and a gear set including a gear wheel fixed to the input hypoid gear and a pinion fixed to the motor.

Abstract: An example system includes a transmission having a first plurality of gears and an extent of backlash. The system also includes a first motor connected to an input shaft of the transmission and a second motor connected to an output shaft of the transmission through a second plurality of gears. A first gear ratio of a first plurality of gears is greater than a second gear ratio of the second plurality of gears. The system may receive a command to change a direction of rotation of the output shaft from a first direction to a second direction. In response to the received command, the first motor may drive the transmission through a first portion of the extent of backlash deadband. The second motor may drive the transmission through a second portion of the extent of backlash deadband. The second portion may be greater than the first portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems to analyze wearable technology. A robot with snake assembly works in conjunction with a server in order to simulate the locomotive actions of appendages and to concomitantly determine the response of wearable technology devices, which are attached to the snake robot assembly, to the simulated locomotive actions.

Abstract: A method for determining a step path involves obtaining a reference step path for a robot with at least three feet. The reference step path includes a set of spatial points on a surface that define respective target touchdown locations for the at least three feet. The method also involves receiving a state of the robot. The method further involves generating a reference capture point trajectory based on the reference step path. Additionally, the method involves obtaining at least two potential step paths and a corresponding capture point trajectory. Further, the method involves selecting a particular step path of the at least two potential step paths based on a relationship between the at least two potential step paths, the potential capture point trajectory, the reference step path, and the reference capture point trajectory. The method additionally involves instructing the robot to begin stepping in accordance with the particular step path.

Abstract: A method for verifying the assignment of a drive to a control device of an industrial robot. A drive, comprising at least one actuator and a motion sensor, is assigned to one of the axles of the robot. The assignment is verified by outputting a suitable test signal from the control device to the drive, and comparing the output test signal with motion signals generated by the motion sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for specifying safety rules for robotic devices. A computing device can determine information about any actors present within a predetermined area of an environment. The computing device can determine a safety classification for the predetermined area based on the information. The safety classification can include: a low safety classification if the information indicates zero actors are present within the predetermined area, a medium safety classification if the information indicates any actors are present within the predetermined area all are of a predetermined first type, and a high safety classification if the information indicates at least one actor present within the predetermined area is of a predetermined second type. After determining the safety classification for the predetermined area, the computing device can provide a safety rule for operating within the predetermined area to a robotic device operating in the environment.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors entry of an object into a surrounding area of a robot. The monitoring system includes visible light irradiation section, a sensor section and a monitoring control unit. The visible light irradiation section irradiates visible light from a level higher than that of the robot toward at least an outer edge portion of at least one of an operating area, which is set up to enclose a movable range of the robot, and a predetermined area which is set up around the operating area. The sensor section monitors entry of a new object, which is not registered in advance, into the operating area. The monitoring control unit issues a request for stopping the robot to a robot control unit that controls the robot, when entry of a new object into the operating area is detected by the sensor section.

Abstract: A carrier system is provided with a wafer stage which holds a mounted wafer and is also movable along an XY plane, a chuck unit which holds the wafer from above in a non-contact manner above a predetermined position and is vertically movable, and a plurality of vertical movement pins, which can support from below the wafer held by the chuck unit on the wafer stage when the wafer stage is positioned at the predetermined position above and can also move vertically. Then, flatness of the wafer is measured by a Z position detection system, and based on the measurement results, the chuck unit and the vertical movement pins that hold (support) the wafer are independently driven.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing haptic feedback to a teach pendant including a teach pendant having a housing and a processor disposed therein. The processor is in signal communication with a robot controller and is configured to monitor and control a robot. At least one haptic device is disposed on the teach pendant. The haptic device is in signal communication with the processor and configured for providing haptic feedback through the teach pendant to a user upon the occurrence of a haptic event.

Abstract: A pipe gripping assembly to selectively engage and disengage a pipe segment includes first and second jaws configured to clamp together around the pipe segment, at least one splined shaft fixedly housed in each of the first and second jaws; and at least one self-aligning piston housed in each of the first and second jaws and configured to slide and to rotate along the splined shaft. The self-aligning pistons each include a piston body, a cam, and a roller assembly coupled to the piston body and to the splined shaft. Each one of the roller assembly is configured to rotate relative to one of the cams.

Abstract: A robotic hand includes a servo housing, a printed circuit board (PCB), a motor, a planetary gear transmission assembly and a plurality of claws rotatably connected to the servo housing. The motor is electrically connected to the PCB. An input end of the planetary gear transmission assembly is connected to an output shaft of the motor. An output end of the planetary gear transmission assembly includes a cam having a number of protruding portions in a circumferential direction thereof. Each two adjacent protruding portions are spaced apart from each other by a space, thereby forming a curved circumferential surface. One end of each of the claws stays in contact with the curved circumferential surface, enabling the claws to be rotatable toward or away from one another when driven by the cam.

Abstract: A knife includes a knife body having two liners and a blade positioned between the two liners. The knife further includes two scales, each scale being removably coupled to one of the two liners. Each scale is configured for use as a tool separate from the knife body when removed from the knife body. A bottle opener may be formed in the knife body.

Abstract: A grooming-assisting device that replaceably attaches around the neck of a user, replaceably attaches to a mirror used by the user, and captures facial hair clipped from the user for disposal. The grooming-assisting device includes a substrate, a first attaching apparatus, and a second attaching apparatus. The substrate captures the facial hair clipped from the user for disposal. The first attaching apparatus extends from the substrate, and replaceably attaches the substrate around the neck of the user. The second attaching apparatus extends from the substrate, and replaceably attaches the substrate to the mirror used by the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hair cutting appliance (10), a blade set (20) for a hair cutting appliance (10), and to a stationary blade (22) for said blade set (20).

Abstract: A bread slicer includes an input compartment for a loaf of bread to be sliced and an output compartment for the sliced loaf. Blades for slicing the loaf are arranged substantially parallel to one another between the compartments. A thrust means extends at least on the side of the input compartment and permits exertion of a push force on the loaf while the latter is moving through the set of blades by clamping the loaf between the thrust means and the base of the input compartment. The base and the thrust means define a passage in the input compartment for the loaf. The thrust means presents a guiding plate with parallel recesses extending next to each other over the width of the passage. A mobile pusher device allows exertion of a pushing force on the loaf to move the loaf along the passage and through the set of blades.

Abstract: A saw has a system for sensing the torque on a cutting blade to signal when the blade begins to cut material. The saw has a drive belt extending between a driven wheel and a drive wheel and a belt tensioner that engages a side of the belt and maintains tension in the belt. The belt tensioner is movable to maintain the tension in the belt. A control system calculates the movement of the belt tensioner. The saw has a system for determining the size of the sacrificial blade. A through beam photoelectric emitter and receiver pair are positioned on opposite sides of the blade such that a largest cutting blade is moved above the beam regardless of a horizontal position of the cutting blade and sensor senses a vertical position of the axis of the blade. The sensor senses the vertical position of the blade axis when the blade is moved above the beam.

Abstract: A handle having improved ergonomics and relatively compact low cost design is provided. In particular, the handle may include two hand grip areas which may be integral with one another. The two hand grips may be approximately perpendicular to one another. Further, one or both of the grip areas may include grip alignment mechanisms that improve the ergonomic alignment of a persons hand on the hand grip area of the handle. In another aspect the hand grip(s) may have smooth rounded grasping surfaces to provide comfort when grasped by a hand. The alignment mechanism(s) may be placed at an optimal location on the hand grip(s) area and result in improved control and comfort during use. In addition, one of the alignment mechanisms may serve a dual purpose of hand alignment and as a stop that prevents a person's hand from slipping off of the grip area during use.

Abstract: A fence assembly for miter saw includes a mounting base defining a first abutting surface, and a fence unit mounted at the mounting base in one of first, second and third positions in such a manner that the second abutting surface of the fence unit is disposed co-planar with the first abutting surface of the mounting base when the fence unit is set in the first position; the third abutting surface of the fence unit is disposed in a non-coplanar relationship with the first abutting surface of the mounting base to face toward the same direction when the fence unit is set in the second position; the fourth abutting surface of the fence unit is disposed in a non-coplanar relationship with the first abutting surface of the mounting base to face toward the same direction when the fence unit is set in the third position.

Abstract: A method of making an indexed prepreg composite sheet is disclosed. The method comprises forming discrete regions in a resin film layer. The discrete regions are arranged in an indexing pattern. The method also includes forming a precursor prepreg composite sheet by impregnating a fiber reinforcement with the resin film layer having a viscosity. The discrete regions of the resin film layer form non-impregnated regions of the precursor prepreg composite sheet. The method additionally includes replacing the non-impregnated regions of the precursor prepreg composite sheet with indexing openings.