Abstract: A multi-layered support structure of an open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, configured to provide high permeability to a magnetic flux from a source of a magnetic field, includes a first multi-layered support structure, a second multi-layered support structure and at least one third support structure, connecting the first multi-layered support structure and the second multi-layered structure.

Abstract: An absorbent article of pants shape including an elastic waist portion, an absorbent element (5), and a liquid-impermeable outer layer (3) which is intended to enclose the absorbent element on at least that side thereof which faces away from the wearer during use of the article. Elastic members are arranged along the edges of a second piece, along at least the crotch portion for the forming of leg elastics.

Abstract: A system for securing photovoltaic panel modules to a support structure includes a first elongate member securable to the support structure. The first elongate member includes a plurality of first mounting sites positionally fixed thereon. A second elongate member is securable to the support structure. The second elongate member includes a plurality of second mounting sites positionally fixed thereon. The second elongate member is spaced from the first elongate member and aligned therewith in a generally parallel orientation. The position of the first and second elongate members is adjustable to align the first and second fixed mounting sites in a predetermined configuration. When the first and second elongate members are aligned in the predetermined configuration, the plurality of first mounting sites and second mounting sites are brought into alignment with each other to permit mounting of a plurality of panel modules to the first and second elongate members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheeting goods installation support. The present invention includes a system and techniques using a sheeting goods installation support for both overhead ceiling and vertical wall applications. A solo worker can install sheeting goods using the inventive sheeting goods installation support system. The inventive sheeting goods installation support can be operated by attaching an end articulation bracket to a support member with the end articulation bracket connected to a first elongated beam and placing sheeting goods upon the first elongated beam. Next, a worker can position the sheeting goods proximate to the end articulation bracket and temporarily secure the sheeting goods with a second elongated beam. Next, a worker can adjust the sheeting goods in a final position proximate to the support member, secure the sheeting goods to the support member, and remove the sheeting goods installation support from the support member.

Abstract: A method of assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the method includes receiving and positioning at least two composite structure subassemblies on a structure assembly table by operation of at least one first device and at least one second device and compacting the at least two composite structure subassemblies into a composite structure by operation of a third device.

Abstract: A method of using a rail clip assembly to connect a horizontal fence rail to a vertical fence post. The rail clip assembly includes a housing that is slidably engaged with at least one mounting spacer and a first leg of an L-shaped mounting bracket until a second leg of the bracket abuts the underside of the housing. A first fastener is screwed through the first leg and mounting spacer and into the side wall of the fence post. An end of the rail is inserted into the housing and a second fastener is screwed through the second leg, the housing and the end of the rail. The rail clip assembly aids in preventing the rail from disengaging from the housing when a lateral force is applied to the rail.

Abstract: Replaceable refiner fillings used for refining of lignocellulosic and other natural and synthetic fibrous materials in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, and fiberboard products. The refiner fillings include a pattern of blades and spacers defined by a bar cluster, with the bar cluster being the basis of formation of the filling. A method of manufacture provides bar cluster patterns based on factors including pumping angle, plurality of segments in a refiner filling, and the number of clusters in a segment. A bar set cluster is established for uniform fabrication of bar clusters for the refiner fillings.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing frame-type composite panels to a desired length comprises forming an elongate core-frame composite in which frame members have been received in slots on a slab of core material. The composite is cut to the desired length and the frame is finished by application of end members. The method described herein allows composite frame panels to be formed without restriction on the length typically due to the length of the mold in which the core is formed. A drum for use in a system for creating composite panels is disclosed having protruding rings concentric to the drum. A slab of core material is passed between two such drums which form slots in the slab for receiving frame members when they contact the slabs.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting pipes, having a seal, flanges, a threaded portion and a nut, where the end portion of the pipe is equipped with a concentric press surface located immediately proximal to the periphery of the pipe and designed to be able to take an axial pressure from a preloading tool, which pressure is distributed evenly or point-by-point about the periphery of the pipe. The preloading tool has two end sections connected to two or more rods, each rod being equipped with a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached externally to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line. A method of constructing an actuator control system includes the steps of: assembling a modular controller, the modular controller including a control valve therein for controlling operation of an actuator via a hydraulic line; testing the modular controller, including functionally testing the control valve; and then attaching the modular controller to a housing assembly having the line formed therein. Another actuator control system includes a housing assembly having at least one line therein for controlling operation of an actuator, and a modular controller attached separately to the housing assembly and interconnected to the line via a manifold of the modular controller, the manifold including a concave interface surface which receives the housing assembly therein.

Abstract: An ignitor assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention has an upper inductor subassembly coupled to a lower firing end subassembly for relative pivot movement between the subassemblies. The upper inductor subassembly includes a tubular housing with inductor windings received therein with an upper electrical connector adjacent an upper end of the housing and a lower electrical connector adjacent a lower end of the housing. The lower firing end subassembly includes a ceramic insulator and a metal housing surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. The ceramic insulator has an electrical terminal extending from a terminal end and an electrode extending from a firing end. A flexible tube couples the upper inductor subassembly to the lower firing end subassembly and maintains the electrical terminal of the lower firing end subassembly in electrical contact with the lower electrical connector of the upper at a pivot joint.

Abstract: A cylindrical wound wire filter with an inner bore, suitable for use with an airbag inflator, has at least two different outer diameters and/or at least two different inner diameters. Wires in adjacent layers can be bonded together by adhesive or brazing, or have a sheet-like material therebetween, such as a ceramic filter paper.

Abstract: A pipe unit and a method for assembling a pipe conduit using the same are provided. The pipe unit comprises a pipe body, a first flange, a second flange, and an adjusting structure. The pipe body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first flange and the second flange are respectively disposed on the first end and the second end. The adjusted structure is disposed between the first flange and the second flange and is for adjusting the length of the pipe unit.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine is provided. The method includes coupling a support flange to an inner surface of a tower, and positioning a yaw bearing on the support flange. The yaw bearing includes a plurality of horizontally oriented rollers. A base of a nacelle assembly is positioned on the yaw bearing such that the base is rotatable with respect to the tower.

Abstract: A system-to-reservoir connector is disclosed in which a system-side-sub-connector and a reservoir-side-sub-connector provide for a fluid connection that is resilient to external forces, is substantially leak-proof upon insertion and retraction, and is orientation independent.

Abstract: A prisoner seat security device includes a retractable strap which hooks or clasps onto a prisoner, preferably by a restraint device on the prisoner, such as hand-cuffs. As the prison seats in the seat, the strap retracts. The officer can then lock the retraction mechanism so that the strap will not extend and the prisoner is held in place. When it is desired for the prisoner to get out of the chair, the lock is released, allowing the prisoner to stand the strap to be disconnected.

Abstract: A modular dashboard assembly for a vehicle, such as a tactical vehicle, is described. In some cases, the dashboard assembly includes a smart back plane and removably attachable front modules. The back plane may facilitate communications between components within the front modules and systems with the vehicle, or between components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designing and fabricating a pantomesh. The pantomesh includes a plurality of pantomesh elements each including a pairs of links connected to one another by a revolute joint at points between their ends. Each of a plurality of the pantomesh elements is connected using spherical joints to a plurality of neighboring pantomesh elements, wherein a first line that extends along one side of a first pantomesh element forms a first variable angle with a second line that extends along an opposite side of the first pantomesh element. In some embodiments, at least some of the pantomesh elements of the pantomesh are not isosceles trapezoidal elements. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is used to compress breast tissue during an MRI procedure. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is connected to one or more actuators that facilitate remote control of the amount of compression provided.

Abstract: A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.

Abstract: An insulated double-walled well completion tubing system comprising having an inner tubing, an outer tubing for insertion into a well casing; the inner tubing located within the outer tubing, with the bottom ends of the inner and outer tubings sealed together, an insulation layer in the annular volume between the inner and outer tubings, a wellhead connected to the top end of the outer tubing, a source of heated fluid connected to the wellhead, at least one sealing spacer in the annular space above the insulation layer and below the upper end of the inner tubing, for preventing fluid from passing downward through the annular volume and reaching the insulation, the wellhead enclosing a space of sufficient dimensions to accommodate the upper end of the inner tubing at any temperature thereof. In another embodiment the insulated double-walled tubing string may be a continuous, flexible string installed continuously into a well casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a mesh reflector that may be used to produce a shaped reflector is provided. The mesh reflector may be an umbrella-style deployable mesh reflector capable of approximating both parabolic and arbitrarily shaped reflecting surfaces, including those with regions of reversed curvature. The reflecting surface may be provided by a soft mesh attached to a highly pre-tensioned net composed of two sets of substantially parallel chords forming a plurality of parallelogram-shaped facets. The net/mesh may be made to conform to the desired shape by pulling and/or pushing on it at each of its facet corners via a set of finely adjustable tension ties and/or compression rods, the distal ends of which react against a set of pre-tensioned catenary-shaped chords disposed on the aft side of the mesh.

Abstract: A method for uniquely identifying an assembly of at least two components, comprising the steps of: reading a first identifier associated with a first component; reading a second identifier associated with a second component; joining the first component to the second component with a joinder process; associating the first identifier and the second identifier with the joint, yielding a joint identification, the joint identification being recalled upon the reading of either the first identifier or the second identifier; associating the first identifier and the second identifier with the assembly, yielding an assembly identification, the assembly identification being recalled upon the reading of either the first identifier or the second identifier; storing in a machine-accessible memory the joint identification, the assembly identification, and all associations.

Abstract: A fishing lure that includes an adjustable head member statically coupleable in a first and second position, about an axis of rotation, to a body member. The body member has a vertical centerline plane. The adjustable head comprises a steering bill member projecting therefrom in a first direction. When the adjustable head member is in the first position, the first direction of the steering bill member is directed away from a first side of the centerline plane to steer the fishing lure, when moved through water, in a first steering direction. When the adjustable head member is in the second position, the first direction is directed away from a second side of the vertical centerline plane opposite the first side of the vertical centerline plane to steer the fishing lure, when moved through water, in a second steering direction.

Abstract: A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.

Abstract: A technique is provided for manufacturing a support structure for a source of magnetic field in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The technique includes assembling a plurality of layers of a material permeable to magnetic field to form a first support structure, assembling a plurality of layers of a material permeable to magnetic field to form a second support structure, providing at least one of a plate and a post made of a material permeable to magnetic field to form a third support structure, and assembling the first support structure, the second support structure and the third support structure. The first support structure is associated with the second support structure through the third support structure.

Abstract: A chute control assembly and related methods for mounting a motor to a snowblower are disclosed, wherein the motor is capable of being operated to rotate the chute of the snowblower. The motor and a chute bottom holding bracket can be preassembled so that the assembly can then be slipped over the chute gear for final assembly. The motor can receive electrical impulses from the movement of a standard control handle mounted on the snowblower. The electrical impulses can cause the motor to rotate a worm gear or pinion in either direction depending on the movement of the handle. The worm gear or pinion can rotate a gear chute in an appropriate direction, thereby rotating the chute of the snowblower.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a power take-off shaft includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. The outer shaft includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery. The inner shaft includes an outer periphery and an inner periphery. A notch is configured around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the inner shaft, and a self-lubricating material is disposed on at least a portion of the notch.

Abstract: A one-piece barrel assembly cart includes a right assembly cart base connected with a left assembly cart base and at least three stabilizer rings that are attached to the assembly cart base. The one-piece barrel assembly cart may be used to stabilize a tapered cured composite barrel, for example the large fuselage barrel of the aft section of a large new generation aircraft, such as a 7E7 Boeing airplane. A modular assembly cart includes at least two identical modules. Each of these modules includes a cart base and a stabilizer ring. The diameter of the inner surface of the stabilizer ring may vary as needed. Other modules including a fuselage support may be added. By providing modular assembly carts any shape and size of a one-piece composite barrel may be stabilized after curing of the composite material.

Abstract: A case (12) for a computer monitor (10) having a tub (16) with a case aperture (38) therein adapted for receiving a subpanel (26). The subpanel (26) has a plurality of electrical connectors 28 which are user accessible thereby. A beveled flange (40) on the subpanel (26) is received within a receiving flange (44) on the case aperture (38). A structural grid (32) within the case (12) has a flexible portion (34) which includes an electronics enclosure (33) having a screw receiving aperture (42) therein such that a screw (30) is passed through a subpanel screw aperture (48) in the subpanel (26) and secured within the screw receiving aperture (42), thereby flexing the flexible portion (34) to hold the subpanel (26) firmly within the case aperture (38).

Abstract: Replaceable refiner fillings used for refining of lignocellulosic and other natural and synthetic fibrous materials in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, and fiberboard products. The refiner fillings include a pattern of blades and spacers defined by a bar cluster, with the bar cluster being the basis of formation of the filling. A method of manufacture provides bar cluster patterns based on factors including pumping angle, plurality of segments in a refiner filling, and the number of clusters in a segment. A bar set cluster is established for uniform fabrication of bar clusters for the refiner fillings.

Abstract: A frame element (10; 10?) for use in an aircraft component assembly system (46) is attachable to an aircraft structure (36) and comprises at least one fastening device for fastening at least one aircraft interior component (34) or at least one insulation pack (52) to the frame element (10; 10?). An aircraft component assembly system (46) comprises a plurality of such frame elements (10; 10?). In a method of fitting a component (34, 52) in an aircraft, a frame element (10; 10?) is provided. At least one interior component (34) or at least one insulation pack (52) is fastened to the frame element (10; 10?). Then the frame element (10; 10?) having the at least one interior component (34) or the at least one insulation pack (52) fastened thereto is attached to an aircraft structure (36).

Abstract: A method for establishing electrical communication between a control module and a motor/generator in a hybrid electromechanical transmission includes providing a preassembled terminal subassembly including a first plurality of wire terminals sufficiently interconnected for selective, substantially unitary movement with respect to a transmission housing, aligning the preassembled terminal subassembly with a second plurality of wire terminals affixed with respect to at least one electric motor/generator, and establishing electrical communication between each of said first plurality of wire terminals and a respective one of said second plurality of terminals.

Abstract: The present invention aims at the shortening of a main line which constitutes an assembly line. To achieve such an object, in the present invention, an assembly line is constituted of a main line and sub lines, and a first unit which is constituted by connecting a clutch part and a transmission part, a second unit which constitutes a prime mover part, a third unit to which a support body and parts such as a handle, pedals, a dashboard, a fuel tank and the like which are supported on the support body are assembled, a fourth unit to which a front support body and parts such as a battery and a radiator which are supported on the front support body are assembled, a fifth unit to which steps, fenders and the like are assembled, and a sixth unit which is a hood are preliminarily assembled on sub lines and, thereafter, the above-mentioned first to sixth units are assembled together on the main line.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing motor vehicles at a manufacturing location (S), from which ready-assembled motor vehicles are built in a planned number and order of output. First modules (MA) are delivered in a specific assembly stage discontinuously from a first production shop (PA) to the manufacturing location (S) and are fed continuously into a manufacturing line (F) in which the modules (MA) are manufactured into motor vehicles (A). Second modules (MB) be fed in a specific assembly stage from a second production shop (PB) into the joint manufacturing line (F) at a sequencing station (5) alternately with the modules (MA). Thus, vehicles of first and second model series can be manufactured on one and the same manufacturing line.

Abstract: A surgical jaw assembly having a top portion and a bottom portion hingedly attached. The top and bottom portion having a base, a seal plate and a cover, the seal plate and base being in direct contact and being electrically common. The bottom portion having a blade that is stationary relative to the base and the top portion having an insert configured to receive the blade when the top portion and bottom portion are in a predetermined position. The cover is overmolded onto the base, securing the seal plate to the base on both the top portion and bottom portion.

Abstract: A ratchet-driven mechanical winch that is adapted to measure the force applied to a cable, wire, or other tether through the operation of Hooke's Law. The device operates by compressing a pair of linear springs as increasing force is applied to the cable, wire, or other tether.

Abstract: A display unit includes; a display panel, and a receptacle including of a plurality of sidewalls configured to receive the display panel, the receptacle including at least one joining projection disposed on at least one of the sidewalls, at least one joining groove formed on at least one of the sidewalls, wherein the at least one joining projection and the at least one groove are disposed on opposing sidewalls of the receptacle in substantially symmetrical positions with respect to a center line of the receptacle.

Abstract: A decoration assembly is provided. The decoration assembly includes a tree and a support member coupled to the tree. The support member includes an interior surface and an opposite exterior surface. The interior surface defines a cavity within the support member. The support member further includes an electrical distribution system positioned within a portion of the cavity. The decoration assembly further includes a secondary support member including at least three legs. The secondary support member substantially circumscribes the support member. A method of assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A drive unit for an independent suspension includes a single reduction carrier with an offset pinion configuration. The single reduction carrier includes a pinion input gear defining a pinion gear axis of rotation. The pinion gear drives a ring gear, which is coupled to a differential. The differential is laterally positioned to be centered along a longitudinally extending vehicle centerline and the pinion gear axis of rotation is significantly offset from the longitudinally extending vehicle centerline in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A closure for a container comprises a spout (22) containing a plastics coated foil (40) that is welded via one face to an inside flange (30) of the spout (22) and by means of a depending portion (42) on its opposite face to a side wall (10) of the container so that forces on the weld between foil portion (42) and the container when the closure is opened are in sheer rather than in tension. The closure can be used with a PET bottle or with other types of plastics or plastics coated containers.

Abstract: An axlebox retainer key (50) is disclosed for fitting to a pedestal leg (24) of a sideframe of a rail wagon bogie. The key (50) comprises a body which has a basal projection (52) which extends in use into a cavity or hole (42) which is formed in the pedestal leg (24). The key (50) also has an upper surface recess (60) which is arranged to receive a locking pin (66) which can be axially inserted to maintain the key (50) at the pedestal leg (24). The locking pin (66) is also inserted via the pedestal leg side wall (30) which incorporates a through-hole (82) through which the locking pin (66) is passed. To install the key (50), an operator first positions the basal projection (52) of the key (50) in the cavity or a hole (42) that is formed in the pedestal leg (24), and then moves the locking pin 66 across the key (50) via the through-hole (82) in the side wall (30) so as to secure the key (50) to the pedestal (24).

Abstract: A load-bearing chassis for a motor vehicle includes a three-dimensional structure formed by a sheet of material including a plurality of bend lines. Each bend line has adjacent strap-defining structures defining a bending strap with a longitudinal strap axis oriented and positioned to extend across the bend line. Preferably the bend lines are configured and positioned to form a load-bearing chassis member when the sheet of material is bent along the bend lines. The bend lines defining geometrical features of the chassis. A method of forming the chassis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming brush seal segments includes mounting a pair of full form plates having opposite arcuate edges in back-to-back relation and wrapping wire about the form plates in multiple passes to form wire runs at angles, e.g., 35-45° relative to radii of the arcuate edges. Half form plates are assembled to opposite sides of the full form plates adjacent one edge of the subassembly. The wire wrap adjacent the one edge of the full form plates is removed. Welds are applied between each adjacent half and full form plates. The inner edges of the wrapped wire and inner frame members of the full form plates are removed. The assembly is then separated to form a pair of arcuate brush seal segments.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a vehicle body structure. The system includes first and second end effectors for positioning first and second body structure components. The second end effector engages the first end effector to position the second body structure component relative to the first body structure component.

Abstract: The present invention includes a shopping cart frame with mounting bracket units connecting caster wheels and having a plate secured underneath the base with a caster pin receiving hole and spaced-apart flanges flanking the hole and abutting on the base; a shopping cart with a support bar between side uprights for forwardly propping up a primary basket and rearwardly hanging a secondary basket; a cart with a plastic basket having rear structural tubes sheathing the frame's side uprights and being secured thereto; a modular method of making different cart models by providing multiple sets of components with cooperating mounting surfaces for interconnection; a modular plastic basket with a hooked-on suspended tray and a channel-shaped overlay detachably snapped over the edge and tray; a one-piece molded plastic basket with independent branching tubular sections with different thicknesses; and an independent gas-assisted injection method for molding a one-piece plastic basket.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility and method for assembling a railway car having a composite box structure mounted on a railway car underframe are provided. The composite box structure may be defined in part by exterior metal sheets, side stakes attached to the exterior metal sheets, insulating materials disposed between the side stakes and the exterior metal sheets and at least one layer of fiber reinforced material. The composite box structure preferably includes a pair of endwalls, a pair of sidewalls, a floor assembly and a roof assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a variety of injection molding hot runner system components using two materials. Blanks for portions of the components are formed of each material and fused, preferably by electron beam welding, then the component having the two portions is machined to its final configuration. Components made with this process include nozzle tip components such as tips, tip retainers, and tip inserts, as well as manifold bushings, valve stems and nozzle housings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internally mounting a fuel manifold within a surrounding casing in a gas turbine engine which involves inserting the fuel manifold into the casing with support elements positioned in a retracted position, displacing the support elements into an extended position, and fastening said support elements to mount the manifold to an inner surface of said casing.

Abstract: The present invention principally relates to a thermal insulation element (200) of cylindrical shape for a fluid transport pipe comprising an envelope (204) of longitudinal axis (X), a thermal insulation arranged in said envelope (204), the envelope (204) comprising a deformable annular zone, comprising a first (212.6) and a second (212.12) cylindrical surface that overlap and are able to slide against each other in the case of movement imposed by thermal loads applied to said pipe insulation element (200). The present invention also relates to a method of fabricating pipes for transporting fluids at high temperature, particularly hot gases, from elements according to the present invention by fitting a male connector of one element into a female connector of the other element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reinforced plastic foam cup including providing a plastic foam cup, positioning a reinforcing member along a first line, moving the cup and the reinforcing member toward an attachment position, at the attachment position, attaching the reinforcing member to the side wall of the cup along the central vertical axis of the reinforcing member, wherein the inner surface of the body of the reinforcing member engages the side wall of the cup at an angle which corresponds with an angle of the side wall of the cup, rotating the cup and the attached reinforcing member in a first direction to attach a trailing portion of the reinforcing member to the side wall of the cup, and rotating the cup and the attached reinforcing member in a second opposite direction to attach a leading portion of the reinforcing member to the side wall of the cup.