Abstract: A carrier disassembling apparatus 1, which disassembles a carrier for test 60, comprises a holding head 11 that holds a cover member 80, a holding table 20 that holds a base member 70, and a first carrier arm 16 that causes the holding head 11 to depart relatively from the holding table 20 to separate the cover member 80 and the base member 70 from each other, the holding head 11 has a first closing member 12 that forms a first closed space 13 between the holding head 11 and the cover member 80, the holding table 20 has a second closing member 21 that forms a second closed space 24 between the holding table 20 and the base member 70, and the carrier disassembling apparatus 1 further comprises a vacuum pump 90 that reduces pressure within the closed spaces 13 and 24.

Abstract: An integrated snap and handling apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be capable of being assembled with and disassembled from a mating component without damage. The apparatus may include a pair of features that provide an intuitive and easy user interface for removal, handling and installation. The pair of features may allow a user to use a pinching motion to engage and disengage the apparatus from the mating component without the use of a tool. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may provide for low removal forces when the user interface is properly actuated while resisting high separation forces when the user interface is not properly actuated. The integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a wide variety of assemblies and devices. For example, the integrated snap and handling apparatus may be incorporated into a cooling duct for the control of airflow around an electronic component.

Abstract: Maintenance steps on helicopters (10) comprising a casing (1), integrated into a lateral shell of a fuselage of a helicopter (11) for access from outside and a step (2) being pivotably mounted in the casing (1). The invention relates as well to methods for mounting and dismounting of such maintenance steps.

Abstract: A fuel cell system according to the present invention includes: a hydrogen generator (12) including a burner (4) which is detachably accommodated in the hydrogen generator (12) in a manner to allow the burner (4) to be detached from and attached to the hydrogen generator (12) through the top of the hydrogen generator (12); a stack (5) configured to generate power by causing hydrogen generated by the hydrogen generator (12) and an oxidizing gas to react with each other; and a main body package (1) which includes at least a top plate (2) and within which the hydrogen generator (12) and the stack (5) are disposed. Detachable piping (31), which is detachably configured, is provided above the hydrogen generator (12). Space that is formed above the burner (4) when the detachable piping (31) is removed from the main body package (1) has a size larger than or equal to the size of the burner.

Abstract: There is provided a film peeling device (100) for peeling a film (3) stuck onto a first portion (121) containing a peripheral portion of a wafer (20) and also stuck onto a second portion (122) located inward with respect to the first portion, comprising: a moving means (61, 62) for relatively moving the first portion and/or second portion so that the film of the first portion of the wafer can be located at a position higher than the film of the second portion; a tape drawing means (142) for drawing out a peeling tape (103) onto the film stuck onto the first and the second portion; and a peeling means (146) for peeling the film from the first and the second portion of the wafer when the peeling tape drawn out from the tape drawing means is pressed against only the first portion film and moved along the first portion. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to prevent the wafer from being damaged at the time of peeling the front surface protection film.

Abstract: A gyratory crusher has an outer shell, which is attachable in a frame having a frustoconical supporting surface, which is facing obliquely downwards and inwards. The outer shell has on the outer surface a collar, which has outer lugs, which are movable, from below, past the supporting surface and between inner lugs of a ring. The inner and outer lugs have mutually corresponding contact surfaces, which are adapted, by relative rotation of the ring and the outer shell, to be positioned opposite each other and, upon lifting of the ring, to lift also the outer shell so that a lower portion of the outer shell abuts the supporting surface of the frame. The contact surfaces of the inner and outer lugs are arranged such that lifting of the ring causes the outer lugs to be lifted by means of the inner lugs and brings the inner and outer lugs into radial abutment against each other.

Abstract: A debris collection device comprising: a graduated columnar member having, a first open end located in a top rim, a second open end located in a bottom rim, an inner surface, and an outer surface. First open end and second open end of the graduated columnar member oppose each other to form a through-hole between the top rim and the bottom rim defined by the inner surface having an inner volume of the graduated columnar member (creating a funnel profile.) The outer surface may comprise a flat portion such that the debris collection device can be laid in a debris collection orientation on a ground surface (parallel to) suitable to convey refuse from the ground surface into the top rim, though the graduated columnar member, and into a flexible bag removably-coupled to the bag holding periphery of the bottom rim to storably-contain said refuse for transport to another location.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are provided for prevention of tampering with cables and associated systems. In one aspect, an anti-tamper adapter is provided that can inhibit or prohibit cable tampering for existing cables. The provided embodiments can economically and flexibly facilitate cable tamper prevention in a wide array of cable technologies.

Abstract: There is provided a container loadable with at least one object. The container comprises a pallet with a loadable upper side and first protruding fastening means arranged apart from the edges of the pallet. The container also comprises a closable sidewall with second fastening means suitable to fit into the first fastening means of the pallet comprising at least a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. The fourth side is configured to be opened to load the container. The sidewall and the pallet may be fastened together with the first and second fastening means defining a loadable volume which is able to be collapsed in case of no loaded objects by moving the sidewall towards the upper side of the pallet, for of at least two of the first to fourth sides along the first fastening means. The sidewall may be detachable from the pallet. The sides of the sidewalls may be detachable from each other to enable a separate replacement of the sides without replacing the complete sidewall.

Abstract: A cassette for providing power source for use with a portable electronic device. The cassette comprises a retaining member for holding a power source, such as one or more batteries. The retaining member includes one or more latching members, such as a pair of resilient fingers protruding from one end operable with a cover having a latching mechanism. When the retaining member is matably engaged with the cover, the fingers engage one or more second latching members. When one or more latches are actuated (e.g. contemporaneously), the fingers disengage the one or more second latching members. After disengagement the retaining member may be removed from the cover the batteries may be installed, removed, or replaced.

Abstract: A clutching jig used to disassemble a lens socket and a lens component which has a lens base glued on a printed circuit board (PCB) and is fixed in the lens socket by a plurality of buckling pieces of the lens socket abutting on the lens component has a substantially rectangular base. The base defines two opposite first lateral surfaces, a bottom surface, and a slot passing through the first lateral surfaces and the bottom surface to divide the base into a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The bottom surface has a receiving recess communicating with the slot. When the receiving recess receives the lens component, a plurality of resisting slices attached to a periphery of the base inserts into a gap between the lens component and the lens socket for pressing the buckling pieces away from the lens component.

Abstract: In combination with a crank assembly, the improvement comprising an apparatus for improving operation of the crank assembly. The apparatus includes an elongated extension member having each of a predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and formed of a first predetermined material, such predetermined shape includes a projection on one end thereof for engagement with one end of the crank assembly. A rotatable handle member is disposed around at least a portion of the elongated extension member, such rotatable handle member having a second predetermined length and formed of a second predetermined material. There is a means for securing the rotatable handle member to the elongated handle member.

Abstract: A rack has a frame and at least one shelf. The frame has a first rear support member and a second rear support member, with each support member having a left side and a right side, with the right side of the first rear support member pivotably connected to the left side of the second rear support member. The frame further includes a left support that is pivotably connected to the left side of the first rear support member and a right support that is pivotably connected to the right side of the second rear support member. The shelf has a left side and a right side, with a first hooked connector provided on the left side of the shelf and a second hooked connector provided on the right side of the shelf. The first hooked connector removably connects the left side of the shelf to a horizontal bar on the left support, and the second hooked connector removably connects the right side of the shelf to a horizontal bar on the right support.

Abstract: A quick to connect and quick to disconnect fluid coupling has a clip, a male portion having an annular groove adapted to receive the clip, a female portion, and a sealing element. The female portion has a dual function frustoconical portion adapted to compress the sealing element during joinder of the male portion with the female portion as well as to compress the clip into the annular groove in preparation of separating the male portion from the female portion. Further, a sleeve with a shoulder is slideably placed about the male portion which has a debris barrier and adapted to capture the clip compressed within the annular groove sleeve by wedging the shoulder apart from said debris barrier.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for a firearm includes a trigger and a trigger spring. The trigger assembly is mounted and retained in a frame of the firearm and, more specifically, in an elongated recess defined by the frame. The frame further defines lateral annular grooves and retaining lips near an opening of the elongated recess. The trigger includes an upper trigger piece and a lower trigger piece that are connected to each other. The upper trigger piece is mounted to the lateral annular grooves and retained by the retaining lips. The lower trigger piece is configured to fit in the opening and protrude from the frame. The trigger assembly also includes a trigger spring, mounted in a spring recess defined in the upper trigger piece, that spring biases the trigger into a resting position by abutting and engaging a trigger bar of the firearm under a torsional compression.

Abstract: An assembly for avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld and methods of using the assembly. A device in the shape of a wishbone, limited to having only first and second bodies. Each of the first and second bodies have first and second ends. The first ends of the first and second bodies are releasably coupled at a union of the first ends of the first and second bodies. The device is open between the second ends of the first and second bodies when the first ends of the first and second bodies are releasably coupled at the union of the first ends of the first and second bodies. The method for avoiding breaking a weak design characteristic or a weld comprises providing the device and separating the releasably coupled first ends of the first and second bodies of the device.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus that is installed in an inner recess defined by a lower muzzle portion of a frame of a firearm. The light emitting apparatus is accessible through pass-through holes or openings formed in the lower muzzle portion of the frame. For instance, the light emitting apparatus includes a laser aiming device that emits light through a first opening defined below a barrel of the firearm; activation switches accessible through second openings defined in each side of the frame. The laser aiming device is retained in the inner recess by a hold down screw inserted through a bore therein and into a threaded insert disposed in the bottom surface of the inner recess.

Abstract: A system and method for a table that is convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration. The convertible table generally includes a base and a top comprising a plurality of panels. The panels interact to form the top of the table in both configurations. In the first configuration, the panels are combined to produce a lesser surface area than the panel configuration once expanded. This may be accomplished by any number of combination techniques such as by variations of stacking, staggered, or in any other manner that generally provides for a top with less surface area than the top of the second configuration. In the second configuration, at least two of the panels may be positioned adjacent to each other to form a substantially uniform surface. The surface area of the expanded top is generally larger than the surface area of the top in the first configuration.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has an intermediate body which permits the dispenser head to rotate freely on its container, until the intermediate body is hand-blocked from rotating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an installation (10) that includes a floating top structure (20) and a fully submerged bottom structure (22). The top structure is mobile between a production position and an evacuation position. The installation (10) retains the top structure (20) in its production position which includes at least one rigid rod (90) carried by the top structure (20), at least one rod abutment (92) carried by the rigid rod (90) in the vicinity of its lower end and at least one complementary abutment (94) secured to a base (60) of the bottom structure (22). Each rod abutment (92) and each complementary abutment (94) are mobile in rotation relative to one another between an engaged configuration in which urging of the rigid rod (90) towards its top position (20) retains the top structure in its production position, and a disengaged configuration releasing the top structure (20) from the bottom structure (22).

Abstract: A device includes multiple components that are independent from one another but are configured to be detachably coupled with one another so as to form a cartridge. One of the components is a clamp that is configured to hold the other components such that they are coupled together. The cartridge has one or more reservoirs, one or more functional chambers, and one or more channels configured to transport a liquid stored in at least one of the one or more reservoirs into the one or more functional chambers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an electronic device assembly, a method for disassembling an electronic device, and a protecting apparatus. The electronic device assembly includes an electronic device and a protecting portion. The electronic device includes a main body and a cover panel. The main body includes a bottom panel and a side panel extending from the bottom panel. The cover panel is mounted to the two side panels. The cover panel includes an elastic securing piece elastically abutting an inner surface of the side panel. The protecting portion contacts an outer surface of the side panel to prevent the elastic securing piece from scratching the outer surface when the elastic securing piece moves out of the main body.

Abstract: A method of attaching and detaching a preform to and from a support body, the preform being used to manufacture an optical fiber, the method including: inserting a connection pin through a penetration hole provided in the preform and a penetration hole provided in the support body; attaching the preform to the support body by hanging the preform on the connection pin inserted through the penetration holes; and detaching the preform from the support body by taking out the connection pin from the penetration holes after the connection pin is rotated about an insertion axis due to an action of a moment based on gravity when the hung state of the preform hung on the connection pin is released.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing facility and method of construction includes a plurality of service and equipment modules which are readily sized and oriented to be packaged, shipped to a desired location, assembled and connected to local resources to form a fully operational assembly or build facility substantially or wholly independent of any resident building structure at the selected site.

Abstract: Disconnectable connector assemblies, sets including the assemblies, and methods of using the assemblies, are disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor oven and method with enhanced serviceability. The conveyor oven has a top portion that is pivotally affixed to a base portion so that the top portion can be titled rearwardly during servicing, thereby exposing the conveyor oven's components for service. Also, a hinged crumb tray assists in maintaining the integrity of the oven and avoiding fire, smoke or undesirable smells during operation of the oven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the lowest workpiece from a stack of a plurality of substantially similar workpieces. A horizontal shuttle has a lip on its edge, and is driven in one direction to remove the lip from a void beneath the stack, thereby permitting the stack to fall. The lowest workpiece drops into the void, and the next higher workpiece rests on the upper surface of the shuttle lip. The shuttle is subsequently reversed to drive the workpiece into a slot in a vertical clamp body. The clamp body is driven downwardly, thereby driving the workpiece downwardly, to be acted upon by a secondary device, such as a conventional degating apparatus.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for parts of a plasma chamber. The fastener assembly includes a bolt with a tool engaging socket and a spring-loaded pin which fits in a through hole of the bolt. When installed, the spring-loaded pin substantially fills the space in the socket and thus prevents parasitic plasma from forming in spaces between opposed surfaces of the pin and bolt. When a tool such as a hex key is inserted into the socket, the spring-loaded pin retracts and the tool rotates the bolt to attach an upper part to a lower part by engaging threads of the bolt with a threaded hole in the lower part.

Abstract: Inflation valve (230; 330) comprising a tube (33) and designed for use in an assembly consisting of a tire (10) and a wheel (20), the valve comprising: (i) snap-in means (35, 36) that enable the valve to be fixed in a cylindrical hole of circular cross-section formed in a rim (21) of the wheel; (ii) means suitable for receiving a torque intended to rotate the valve in the hole; (iii) an attachment piece (237; 337) provided with means for attaching the valve to a unit (40) designed to be fitted inside the tire; the means enabling the valve to be attached to the unit being such that the attachment piece is separated from the unit when the valve is rotated in the hole in a predetermined rotation direction.

Abstract: A comestible product sheeter is configured to provide enhanced access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly. The one or more frame members of the roller assembly are configured to support the rollers at different vertical locations. Enhanced access is provided to both the rear and front rollers of the roller assembly by supporting one of the rollers in a cantilever configuration. The roller assembly may also be provided with a pivotally mounted cutting roller support arm to further improve access to the rollers and other components of the roller assembly.

Abstract: An arrowhead removal device and a method of use thereof for removing an arrowhead comprising: a housing, wherein said housing includes openings that extend the length of the housing. A plurality of equally spaced slots is provided on the housing. The removal device further includes an attachment shaft, wherein said attachment shaft includes a threaded surface. The attachment shaft includes a first opening with a first diameter and a second opening with a second diameter where the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, the first opening extending along a portion of the length of the shaft and abuts the second opening where the second opening extends further along the length of the shaft. The removal device also includes a means to move the shaft through the openings of the housing.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed herein for lifting thrusters on vessels enabling for on vessel maintenance at sea. The method can include engaging a thruster mounting flange with a thruster well bottom flange; installing alignment guide plates to provide a rough alignment; positioning a seal to provide a connection; installing fasteners to secure the flanges; actuating clamps to secure the flanges while compressing the seal; raising the thruster out of the thruster well; transporting the thruster to a deck of the floating vessel; actuating clamps to hold the flanges; removing the fasteners; flowing water into the thruster well; disengaging the clamps; and lifting the thruster with the lifting means.

Abstract: A method of removing a component from an aircraft includes attaching a device comprising a guide member to the aircraft; attaching the component (such as an actuator) to the guide member; detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and moving the guide member so that the component follows a predefined path of removal of the component. A device for use in such a method is also described.

Abstract: A low-pressure process apparatus for processing a substrate comprises a base, a stage, a housing and at least one first roller set. The stage is disposed on the base for supporting the substrate. The housing is detachably disposed on the base moving between a first position and a second position, wherein when the housing is in a first position, the housing and the base form a chamber to receive the stage. When the housing is detached, the first roller set contacts and supports the housing to facilitate movement thereof in a first horizontal direction.

Abstract: An outer box connector (OBC) (100) and methods (200 and 250) are shown and described. The OBC (100) can include: a body (102) having an outer surface (104) and an inner surface (106); a first anchor (108) and a second anchor (110) extending inwardly from the inner surface (104); a lever (112) extending substantially outwardly from the outer surface (104), the lever (112) being connected to a distal portion (114) of the first anchor (108); and the first anchor (108) including an unlocked condition (116) adapted for allowing insertion in and removal from a corner fitting (120) and a locked condition (118) for locking the first anchor 108 with a corner fitting (12). Advantageously, the OBC (100) and methods allow simplified container handling and connection and disconnection, in transportation applications.

Abstract: A gas operating system for a firearm includes a gas block, a barrel nut that maintains the gas block at a predetermined axial position on a barrel of the firearm, a member that is movable with respect to the gas block axially with respect to the barrel in response to pressure exerted by expanding propellant gases conveyed thereto by the gas block and a mechanical linkage receiving a force form the member urging it in an axial direction of the barrel and coupled with a loading and ejection mechanism of the firearm to convey the force thereto for operating the loading and ejection mechanism. Various embodiments of gas block assemblies and operating rods for gas operating systems for firearms are provided.

Abstract: A barbell support safely assists with adding and removing weight plates between exercises. The barbell support provides leverage and stability for manipulating weight plates on the barbell. An embodiment of the barbell support has at least one cradle, a leverage handle, and at least one pivot foot. The cradle or cradles are capable of supporting and balancing a barbell. The cradles may be tilted forward using the leverage handle to lower the cradle below the height of the barbell comprising weight plates. The cradle is placed under the barbell and the leverage handle may then be pulled back to lift the barbell onto the pivot foot supported by the cradles. The weight plates are thus lifted off the floor and may be more easily removed from the barbell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for unmating an electrical connector assembly wherein the movement for unmating the first and second connectors is temporarily blocked after interlocking contacts are disconnected and before the power contacts are disconnected. The invention also relates to a connector system and a connector assembly offering such functions.

Abstract: A floor maintenance apparatus which allows an operator to ride in a standing position or walk behind the floor maintenance machine is described. The floor maintenance apparatus comprises a floor maintenance machine and a sulky. The sulky includes a first attaching portion. The sulky further includes an adjustable neck attached to the first attaching portion. The adjustable neck includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The sulky also includes a standing platform attached to the adjustable neck. The platform has a first portion and a second portion. At least one wheel is rotatably mounted to the first portion. Methods for storing the sulky are also provided.

Abstract: A deformable mirror for an adaptive optical system employs a thin membrane stretched over a plurality of electrostatic electrodes providing local controlled deformation to the membrane.

Abstract: A dual passageway fitting assembly 10 for connection to a hot water tank 2 in a solar hot water system 200 is disclosed. The fitting assembly 10 has a fitting assembly that internally forms two isolated water passageways P1 and P2, a water outflow passageway and a hot water inflow passageway. The fitting assembly 10 has a connection end fitting 40 to connect water tightly to a single access port 4 on the hot water tank 2. The fitting assembly 10 enables a method of converting an electric hot water tank 2 having dual heating elements 80 to a solar hot water tank. The method includes the steps of: removing one of the heating elements 80; exposing a threaded access port 4 on the tank 2; and installing a dual passageway fitting assembly 10 to the threaded access port 4 of the tank 2.

Abstract: A method for recycling thin-film solar cell modules which are which are composed of a substrate layer with a superimposed structure of functional layers, a plastic layer that encapsulates the functional layers, and a cover layer. The substrate layer is transparent to a working laser beam, and the first functional layer, an electrode layer, is able to absorb this working laser beam. The free surface of the substrate layer is scanned with the working laser beam so that the first electrode layer, due to having absorbed the working laser beam, is at least partially vaporized and the superimposed structure of the functional layers is thus detached from the substrate layer. The substrate layer, separately from the functional layers that are attached to the plastic layer and the cover layer, is subsequently available for separate further processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a passenger seat with a seat frame having at least one coupling projection and a seat pan assembly having at least one coupling retainer. The coupling retainer is configured to releasably engage the coupling projection via at least one locking device. The seat pan assembly is disengaged from the passenger seat by removing the locking device, disengaging the coupling retainer, and rotating the seat pan assembly to an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tap (8) for fluids, in particular carbonated liquids, such as beer or soft drink, comprising a tap body (14), a valve (9) removably accommodated in the tap body (14), and a handle (20) for opening and closing the tap (8). The valve (9) comprises a first part (22) coupled or to be coupled to the tap body (14) and a second part (27) connected to the first part (22) and operatively coupled or to be coupled to the handle (20), the first and second parts (22, 27) being rotatable and/or translatable relative to each other between at least an open position and a closed position. A protective cap (34) prevents the valve (9) from being closed. The cap (34) is removable only after installation of the valve (9) in the tap body (14).

Abstract: A coupling system for receiving a push rod includes a housing defining an internal channel having a sloped wall, and a piston received within the internal channel. The piston includes at least one flexible member arranged within the channel to be acted upon by the sloped wall to engage the push rod. The only external force required to couple the push rod is an axial force on the piston in a direction. The only external force required to de-couple the push rod is an axial force on the piston in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is directed to recycling a battery that includes a plurality of lithium cells removable from one another. The battery is tested to measure internal resistance of the lithium cells to determine if the lithium cells present a predetermined level of operational capability. The lithium cells having the operational level less than the predetermined level of operational capability are replaced with new lithium cells as the battery is re-assembled. The removed lithium cells are recycled.

Abstract: A lift frame for engaging and transporting a slatted vehicle grill. Two U-bolts extend from a rectangular frame with a crane lift point and a securing fastener. The U-bolts slideably slot between a pair vehicle grill slats while a fastener bolt clamps the U-bolts and slats together. Two locking clamps attach the lower frame rail to a second set of slats, securing the entire assembly against the vehicle grill for removal and transport. The frame provides a tool that improves safety and reduces effort required to lift a large vehicle radiator grill when access to the internal engine compartment is necessary for maintenance and repairs.

Abstract: A nacelle for a wind turbine includes a cover defining an internal volume. The cover has longitudinal sides and opposite end walls. A bedplate is within the cover with the power generation and wind turbine control components mounted on the bedplate. The cover has a widest width dimension along the longitudinal sides intermediate of the end walls that exceeds a pre-defined maximum width for rail transport of the nacelle. Removable caps are configured on the longitudinal sides of the cover at the widest dimension, with the caps having a configuration such that upon removal of the caps, the widest width dimension is less than the predefined maximum width for rail transport.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in coupling a pair of bar clamps. In one aspect, a coupling member for connecting a first clamp to a second clamp is provided. The coupling member includes a first member and a second member having an end pivotally attached to the first member. The coupling member further includes a connection member for attaching an end of each clamp to the coupling member. In another aspect, a connection member for coupling a pair of bar clamps is provided. In another aspect, a method of connecting a first bar clamp to a second bar clamp is provided.