Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of therapeutically conditioned air to a patient may include a hollow flexible tube and at least one clamp attached to the tube. A shape retention wire may be engaged with the tube. The apparatus may be configured to direct the therapeutically conditioned air to a region near the patient's nose and mouth without being attached to the patient.

Abstract: A sleeve has a female thread, which is formed in an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve. An adjust screw adjusts a spring load of a spring, which is placed in an inside of the sleeve. The adjust screw has a male thread, which is formed in an outer peripheral surface of the adjust screw and is threadably engaged with the female thread. The sleeve has at least one protrusion that is formed integrally with the rest of the sleeve and is urged against the adjust screw toward the spring in an axial direction to urge the male thread against the female thread and thereby to provide a predetermined degree of sealing between the male thread and the female thread.

Abstract: A ferrule for use with a nut with an internal locking mechanism includes a first tubular portion with a first end and a first outer diameter for connecting to a first object; a second tubular portion with a second end and a second outer diameter for connecting to a second object; a transition portion connecting the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion; and a plurality of pockets spaced circumferentially around the second portion to engage the internal locking mechanism of the nut.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment the present invention contemplates a system for selectively coupling a shooting target to a target mount device. This system includes a target mount device having a T-shaped mount body. The mount body has three mount holes defined on an underside of the mount body and each mount hole terminates at a solid wall portion provided by an underside of a top surface of the mount body. Three legs selectively attach to the mount body, one leg at each corresponding mount hole. At least one leg includes an adjustment mechanism for extending the length of the leg. A conventional target attaches to the mount device by a mechanism for suspending the target from the mount block coupled to the mount block.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a duct includes a bending apparatus and a support apparatus. The bending apparatus includes a table, a cut off beam, and a leaf hinged to a forward edge of the table. The cut off beam is movable toward and away from the table to clamp or release a metal web being fed forward across the table and the leaf. The cut off beam repeatedly clamps the metal web to the table while the leaf pivots toward the cut off beam to form a duct section. The support apparatus includes a cross rod movable along pivoting support arms. As the metal web is bent to form the duct section, the support arms and the cross rod are moved to internally support the duct section.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: A fiber optic illumination device suitable for use in medical procedures and other application requiring the delivery of light to limited access locations is disclosed. The illumination device defines a proximal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than the diameter of the optical fiber and a distal terminal structure derived from the optical fiber having a greater surface area than diameter of the optical fiber. An integral light communication path is defined between the proximal terminal structure and the distal terminal structure. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic illumination device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A core is formed by laminating a plurality of core plates. Each of the core plates includes a joint portion for joining the core plates together in the laminated state. Each of the joint portions includes a fixing piece, a passage hole, a receiving portion, and an opening. Each of the fixing pieces is raised in the direction in which the core plates are laminated. Each of the passage holes receives the fixing piece of the corresponding adjacent one of the core plates. The fixing piece in the passage hole is bent to join the receiving portion to the adjacent core plate. Each of the openings receives the corresponding one of the fixing pieces to avoid interference with the fixing piece bent onto the receiving portion of another core plate.

Abstract: A press-fit device includes a base plate, a jig base and a robot mounted on the base plate, a press-fit unit mounted at a portion of the robot, a supporting plate mounted on the jig base, and a supporting block mounted to a side portion of the connecting frame. The supporting plate and block can support repulsive force that can be generated when the press-fit component is press-fitted to the press-fit object.

Abstract: An apparatus can comprise a body with a receptacle, and a multi-density weight. The multi-density weight can comprise a first weight component with a first density, an inner portion and a periphery around the inner portion, and a second weight component with a second density and secured to the inner portion of the first weight component. The body, and the first and second weight components can comprise materials different from each other. The receptacle can have a receptacle base and a receptacle wall. The second weight component can comprise a material having a weld-averse trait with respect to the body. The surface of the body can be proximate to at least one of a hosel region, an upper toe region, a lower toe region, a heel region, a backside region, an upper-half region, or a lower-half region of the body. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The crimping system for a device having a spherical element to be crimped comprising a stem mounted in a sleeve and ended at one end with the spherical element, comprises: an anvil intended to bear on a bearing flange of the sleeve, means of traction comprising a system of jaws configured to enclose the spherical element.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club weight attachment mechanisms are described herein. Other examples and related methods are also described herein.

Abstract: A ball joint includes, a ball stud with a shaft portion and a ball portion, a ball seat accommodated in a housing and including a recessed spherical surface into which the ball portion is inserted, a projecting portion having an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the ball portion, and a slope portion formed at a hole portion through which the shaft portion is inserted, the slope portion being shaped to have an inner diameter increasing from the projecting portion toward an opening, and a caulking portion including an edge formed at an end wall of the opening in the housing and folded toward an end surface of the ball seat, the edge being arranged so as to overlap the end surface of the ball seat and extending toward the projecting portion and opposite the slope portion.

Abstract: A pipe coupling for coupling adjacent ends of a pair of pipes includes a sleeve, a split-ring gland positioned around one of the ends of the sleeve, and at least one annular gasket positioned within the split-ring gland and configured to be compressed by the split-ring gland for sealing one pipe end to the sleeve. The split-ring gland includes two partially circular gland members with spaced ends defining a gap. The pipe coupling includes an armor positioned to span the gap between the spaced ends to provide a generally closed annular periphery about the gasket. The armor includes a corrugated portion having a plurality of corrugations engaging the split-ring gland and the gasket during compression of the gasket. The armor is cold formed to improve structural strength and durability.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a metal base formed of a plurality of interfitted elements and fins formed in part from recompressed expanded graphite, wherein the fins are securely connected to the base by placing a deformable edge portion of each fin between each pair of interfitting elements and thereafter compressing the interfitting elements toward one another to deformably retain the edge portions of each fin there between.

Abstract: A protective module for use as a water shielding part of a barrier, said barrier being adapted to be positioned between a body of water and an area of land to be protected. The protective module has a main plane and a first, second, third and fourth side, which sides define a main surface of the protective module, in the main plane of the protective module, the first and second sides being arranged opposite each other. A method of manufacturing a protective module according to the invention, concerning a barrier made up of interconnected protective modules and a barrier system including two or more protective modules, the protective modules being adapted to be joined together in such a manner as to form a barrier.

Abstract: Device for connecting a tube to a circuit element, including a cartridge type tubular body (1) provided externally with a washer (3) for anchoring the body in a well (2) of the circuit element and provided internally with means (4) for retaining the tube, characterized in that the anchor washer (3) is mounted on an end portion (8) of the tubular body (1) designed to lie at the level of the opening (16) of the well when the connecting device is in use, the end portion (8) being elastically deformable between a deformed state enabling the washer (3) to be placed on the body and a rest state for retaining the washer (3) on the body.

Abstract: A blade set for paper shredders is disclosed. In one embodiment, a notched blade having at least two notches in proximity to a central hole is brought into contact with a mating blade also having a central hole. Force is applied to the mating blade in such a fashion as to displace some of the body of the mating blade into the notches. This acts to substantially secure the blades together. In another embodiment, the notches are disposed on the edge of the blade and through the periphery. In yet another embodiment, one blade can have holes and not notches.

Abstract: A camera module includes a camera unit, a board, and a driving unit mounted on the board and configured to drive the camera unit. The camera module also includes an elastic camera-side connecting part configured to connect a terminal of the camera unit with wiring on a first surface of the board.

Abstract: An interconnection retaining a radome upon a periphery of a reflector dish has a plurality of curved channel portions, each of the channel portions provided with an open periphery slot and an open retention slot. The periphery slot dimensioned to receive the peripheries of the radome and reflector dish. The channel portions are arranged end-to-end adjacent to one another, encircling the peripheries of the radome and reflector dish seated within the periphery slot. A gap may be provided between one or more of the channel portions. A link member is seated within the retention slot at an end of each adjacent channel portion. The retention slot at the end of each of the adjacent channel portions is crimped upon the link member. The link member may be, for example, a portion of threaded rod or a molded portion of polymer material.

Abstract: A grooved incisor blade set for paper shredders is disclosed. A blade includes a crown, a groove juxtaposed with the crown, and a center hole for a cutting arbor, where the crown and the groove define a relief channel. A stair-shaped, U-shaped or V-shaped blade assembly is described. In one embodiment, a notched grooved incisor blade having notches proximate to the central hole comes in contact with a mating grooved incisor blade also having a central hole. Force is applied to the mating blade to displace some of the body of the mating blade into the notches, affixing the blades together. A method for forming shredder cutting blades includes providing a strip of metal, forming a crown in the strip of metal, forming a relief groove juxtaposed to the crown in the strip of metal, thereby forming a relief channel, and trimming the grooved incisor blade of excess metal.

Abstract: A system for connecting sheet material to a pole extending between a first surface and a second surface comprises a foot member a foot member comprising a first attraction member and a second attraction member. The foot member is detachably attached to a first end of the pole. A second end of the pole is in contact with the first surface. The first and second attraction members are magnetically attracted to each other such that a first portion of the sheet material is detachably attached to the foot member. The foot member engages the second surface to hold the sheet material in a desired configuration relative to the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: There is provided an assembling method of a bearing unit which has a bearing having an outer ring and a retainer plate having a retainer hole for holding the outer ring. The assembling method has pressing a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction of a circumferential edge of an inner circumferential portion of the retainer hole of the retainer plate in an axial direction so as to form engagement pawls and moving the engagement pawls of the retainer plate from one axial end of the outer ring to a engagement groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer ring so as to engage the engagement pawls of the retainer plate with the engagement groove of outer ring.

Abstract: A method for crimping a medical implant includes at least one foldable and/or unfoldable structure on or around or over a portion or outer surface of a catheter or of a catheter tip. No pressure beyond a predetermined pressure is exerted on the structure during and/or after crimping of the implant.

Abstract: A swage or coupling tool is provided for use in coupling a fluid line to a compression fitting, a fluid coupler, or the like. The swage tool provides multiple degrees of freedom and/or multiple pivots or pivot joints to facilitate and maintain alignment of the jaws with the compression fitting during use of the swage tool to facilitate properly-aligned assembly of the compression fitting, and to limit bending or kinking of the fluid line when the fitting is being attached. The swage tool includes a pair of movable jaws, which may have stepped or rounded engagement surfaces, which may be forced against corresponding engagement surfaces of the compression fitting to securely assemble the fitting to the fluid line. The shape of the engagement surfaces facilitates properly-aligned assembly of the compression fitting, and limits bending or kinking of the fluid line when the fitting is being attached.

Abstract: A household appliance including a lower rack system, the lower rack system including a lower rack movable into and out of the household appliance along first and second tracks extending from a tub of the household appliance to an interior portion of a door of the household appliance. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower rack includes a rack stop structured to limit ingress and egress of the lower rack from the tub along the first and second tracks.

Abstract: A bushing assembly includes a washer that includes an opening defined therethrough. A cylindrical body includes a first end that is sized to be inserted within the washer opening and an opposite second end. The cylindrical body is fabricated from a smart material that is configured to selectively expand when at least a portion of the body is positioned within the washer opening.

Abstract: A method of forming a bendable slotted liner with multiple circumferentially overlapping non-axial keystone slots comprising: transversely profiling a rod to form a profiled rod, having bending members outwardly profiled wider than intermediate and inward widths, interspersed with bases profiled to bondably mate with axially adjacent bases on a neighboring winding; forming the profiled rod into alternating port and starboard bending members and base pairs, by one of, bonding transverse spacers to the rod, transversely corrugating the rod, and forming the rod with one of transverse outdents and indents; winding the profiled rod to the outer diameter; and bonding axially paired bases together; wherein configuring the non-axial slot circumferential length greater than the circumferential base length on adjacent rod windings, forming non-axial keystone slots between bending members providing axial strain relief, with outer slot widths within a prescribed slot range and axial strain relief capacity greater than 0.

Abstract: A method for producing a single-clad or multiple-clad product includes providing a welded assembly comprising a cladding material disposed on a substrate material. Both the substrate material and the cladding material are individually selected alloys. At least a first edge of the cladding material of the welded assembly does not extend to a first edge of the substrate material and thereby provides a margin between the first edges. A material that is an alloy having hot strength greater than the cladding material is within the margin and adjacent the first edge of the cladding material. The welded assembly is hot rolled to provide a hot rolled band, and the material within the margin inhibits the cladding material from spreading beyond the edge of the substrate material during the hot rolling. In certain embodiments of the methods, the substrate material is stainless steel and the cladding material is nickel or a nickel alloy.

Abstract: A body panel assembly and a method for manufacturing a body panel assembly are disclosed herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the body panel assembly includes, but is not limited to, an inner panel having a lower portion. The body panel assembly further includes an outer panel that is connected to the inner panel. The outer panel has a main portion, a transitional portion, and a bent portion. The main portion and the bent portion are positioned on opposite sides of the lower portion. The main portion, the transitional portion, and the bent portion are arranged to form a cavity having an elongated configuration below the inner panel. The bent portion defines an opening extending therethrough. The opening is positioned at least partially below the lower portion of the inner panel. The opening provides ventilation to the cavity.

Abstract: Signage is presented comprising an in-mold plastic plate portion having a slot. The signage has a flexible tongue having a neck portion that extends outwardly from the plate portion and has a locking tip extending from the neck portion and the locking tip is formed to be received by the slot. The plastic plate portion is made of a filler material and a detectable additive such that the signage is easily detected by a metal detecting machine.

Abstract: Device for simultaneous attachment and folding into a low flange of plate or sheet coverage of at least a part of an end portion of a connecting tongue of a bracket for roofing sheet to an underlay, said device comprises a hollow longitudinal housing (1), at a first end (2) of which is arranged a driving apparatus and at a second end (4) of which is arranged an elongated hollow means (5). A projecting end of the hollow means is provided with a folding device (10). When the folding device (10) is pressed against the underlay a first end (11a) of a folding arm (11) is given a radial motion, so that said first end (11a) of the folding arm (11) folds into the low flange at least a part of an end portion of the connecting tongue of the bracket mounted in the folding device while the bracket being attached to the underlay.

Abstract: A stylet-lead assembly including a therapy delivery element and a stylet. The therapy delivery element includes a proximal end with a plurality of electrical contacts adapted to electrically couple with an implantable pulse generator, a distal end with a plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the electrical contacts, and a lumen having a lumen length extending from the proximal end to almost the distal end. The stylet handle includes a locking insert has a first channel adapted to receive the proximal end of the stylet wire. The portion of the stylet wire extending beyond a proximal end of the locking insert includes at least one bend. A stylet handle has an opening at a distal end adapted to compressively engage the proximal end of the stylet wire to the locking insert, such that an exposed portion of the stylet wire measured from the distal end of the stylet wire to a distal end of the locking insert generally comprises the lumen length.

Abstract: A chain-like pressing device and a method of using same for press-joining a tubular or hose-shaped workpiece with a fitting and/or a ferrule is provided. The device at least two pressing members interacting over the circumference in the radial direction. The pressing members can move relative to each other in the circumferential direction at their interacting surfaces that transmit the pressing force. The interacting surfaces enclose an angle of less than 180° therebetween. The pressing device includes a plurality of pressing members forming a first linkage for enclosing the workpiece, at least one of the pressing members transmits pressing force only by pressure or tension application through a further first pressing member.

Abstract: An article of jewelry and method of manufacture, including a pliable strand; and a plurality of precious or semiprecious objects movably positioned along the pliable strand. Each of the plurality of objects including a magnetic insert extending between opposing surfaces, which itself is formed from two magnets separated by a magnetic stabilizer and aligned such that the opposing ends of the magnetic insert have the same polarity thereby creating repulsive forces between each of the plurality of objects along the strand.

Abstract: A method of crimping a load-bearing member and an end fitting together such that the load-bearing member lies displaced from a center of a cross-section of the end fitting. The method includes the steps of inserting the load-bearing member into an aperture in the end fitting and advancing at least one deformation tool relative to the end fitting to deform the wall of the aperture into gripping engagement with the load-bearing member. The extent of the resulting deformation of the wall over a predetermined length thereof varies in dependence on a distance along the length from the load-bearing member.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a leaf-spacer pair for use in a leaf seal which effects a seal between two components. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a leaf section which maintains, in the leaf seal, wiping contact with one of the components, and a root section from which the leaf section extends and which, in the leaf seal, is fixed relative to the other component, the leaf section and the root section being formed from a first sheet of material of substantially uniform thickness; (b) providing a spacer formed from a second sheet of material, the spacer being physically separate from the leaf section and the root section; and (c) fastening the spacer to the root section to form a leaf-spacer pair in which the spacer overlays the root section and remains fixed relative thereto on handling of the leaf-spacer pair.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a core structure. Firstly, a first core structure and a second core structure are fastened. The first core structure and the second core structure are positioned at a defined distance. A reinforcement element is introduced into a cavity between the first core structure layer and the second core structure layer. The reinforcement element, the first core structure layer, and the second core structure layer form a self-supporting core structure.

Abstract: A pretensioner (1) for a seat belt system (7) of an automobile includes a gas generator (2), a gas pipe (3), a piston (5) and a coupling mechanism (6). The gas generator is adapted to generate a high-pressure gas when a shock occurs in the automobile due to a collision, a sudden stop, etc. The gas pipe is formed to receive therein the gas generator. The gas pipe is adapted to guide the high-pressure gas released from the gas generator to the piston. The piston is adapted to be moved or displaced by the pressure of the high-pressure gas guided by the gas pipe. The coupling mechanism is connected to each of the piston and a buckle (8) of the seat belt system (7). The coupling mechanism is adapted to wind up or pull a seat belt (9) in accordance with the movement of the piston to increase a restraining force of the seat belt.

Abstract: An anchor bolt locator is provided that is inexpensively manufactured on automatic die-press machines from sheet steel and a structural nut that does not require any welding, while also being easy to use and install with current, commonly-used building practices and anchor designs. The anchor bolt locator is made from a galvanized sheet metal chair and a structural nut attached to the chair by way of a friction fit.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.

Abstract: A tibia implant for tightening the patella tendons, has a vertical cross section which in mounted position tapers downward, an essentially vertically arranged base plate which carries a sponge structure, wherein the sponge structure on both sides rests against a respective vertical cut surface of a vertical knee proximal incision of the tibia.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elongate structure having a steerable end, the structure including a flexible longitudinal body associated with at least one actuator member having at least one shape memory alloy wire or “SMAW” extending along the body and anchored thereto at its ends, and associated with a mechanism for heating it in controlled manner. The method includes the following steps: inserting at least one of the ends of the SMAW in tubes; crimping the tubes onto the ends of the SMAW; and securing the tubes to the body in such a manner that the wire extends along the body.

Abstract: A method for repairing a crushing device or other device configured to comminute material includes the steps of removing at least one first insert from a portion of a crushing body such that at least one opening is formed in the portion of the crushing body, positioning at least one second insert in the at least one opening formed by the removing of the at least one first insert, positioning a force application mechanism adjacent to the at least one second insert and the portion of the crushing body, and actuating the force application mechanism to deform the portion of the crushing body to attach the at least one second insert to the portion of the crushing body. The one or more first inserts may be damaged and the one or more second inserts may be used to replace the one or more damaged first inserts. The force application mechanism is preferably explosive material. A method of forming a wearable surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of joining multiple components includes stacking the components vertically. Each component includes two opposite substantially planar surfaces that are arranged in a column when the components are stacked. The method also includes placing the stacked components in a clinch-crimping apparatus having a first punch, a second punch, and a crimping element. The method also includes displacing a section of the substantially planar surfaces of the stacked components by driving the first punch in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces. The method additionally includes retracting the first punch from the displaced section and crimping the displaced section by the crimping element to form a crush initiator. The method additionally includes disengaging the crimping element from the crimped, displaced section. Furthermore, the method includes clinching the crimped, displaced section by driving the second punch in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A stent crimping system and method for use in preparing a bifurcation catheter assembly for use in a patient. The catheter assembly includes main and side catheter branches and a stent. The stent includes a side branch aperture through which the side catheter branch extends. The stent is crimped onto the main and side catheter branches with a crimping mechanism in two crimping steps. In the first crimping step, only a distal end portion of the stent is crimped while the side catheter branch remains extending through the side branch opening of the stent and remains positioned outside of the crimping mechanism. In a second crimping step, the entire stent is crimped with the crimping mechanism.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement comprises a first fastening member connected to a first strap and a second fastening member connected to a second strap. The first fastening member includes a first surface comprising at least one first interlocking member. The second fastening member includes a channel positioned between a second surface and a biasing member. The channel is configured to receive the first fastening member with the first surface facing the second surface. The second surface includes at least one second interlocking member configured to engage the first interlocking member in a manner that blocks the first interlocking member from moving relative to the second interlocking member in at least one direction. The biasing member is configured to urge the first interlocking member into engagement with the second interlocking member when the first fastening member is inserted into the channel of the second fastening member.

Abstract: A vibrational catheter for disrupting obstructions in lumens such as blood vessels includes an elongate flexible catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, a vibrational transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a transition connector attached to the proximal end of the vibrational transmission member for coupling the transmission member with a vibrational energy source. The transition connector includes a bore into which the proximal end of the vibrational transmission member extends. The proximal end of the vibrational transmission member is attached within the bore of the transition connector with variable attachment forces such that the transition connector exerts a lowest amount of attachment force on an attached distal-most portion of the vibrational transmission member housed within the bore.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of superplastic forming and diffusion bonding and a gas inlet tube that facilitates the methods which produce structures that are substantially mark off free. Methods include disposing a sealed pack into a die having a patterned surface and an opposite surface; applying a first pressure within the die around an outside of the pack; applying a second pressure within the pack, the second pressure exceeding the first pressure; and forming the pack by superplastic deformation into a diffusion-bonded structure. Further, a gas inlet tube is provided having an inner tube and an outer tube, where the outer tube is weldable to the pack in a gas tight seal.