Abstract: A roof assembly for a vehicle is disclosed and includes a display device supported at the roof assembly. The display device is selectively movable between a use position and a stowed position. The roof assembly also includes a user interface associated with the display device, a light source supported at the roof assembly that is configured to illuminate the user interface and a switch for activating the light source when the display device is selectively moved from the stowed position. Another roof assembly for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a vehicle component that is at least partially supported at a transparent roof panel. A method of manufacturing a perimeter trim member for a vehicle is disclosed and includes designing the perimeter trim member as a plurality of sections and molding the plurality of sections as a single sheet of material.

Abstract: A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits.

Abstract: Disclosed are a vacuum insulation member, a refrigerator having the vacuum insulation member, and a method for fabricating the vacuum insulation member. The vacuum insulation member includes: a core having a certain shape and having a decompressed space therein; and a gas barrier layer formed by coating a certain material on a surface of the core to have impermeability. Accordingly, the use of an envelope (film) can be avoided to obtain reliability, and the use of a glass fiber core which must undergo a preprocessing process for which much equipment and time are required can be avoided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an allograft intervertebral implant sized and configured for insertion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a spinal fusion surgery. The implant is preferably manufactured from two or more pieces of allograft bone joined together by a joint, more preferably a dovetail joint. The dovetail joint being sized and configured to substantially follow the exterior shape or surface of the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates a modular respiratory system to which different parts can be added in a convenient way enabling such upgraded respiratory system to deliver the most comfortable respiratory conditions at an acceptable cost of ownership.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dental material comprises a container for containing the material and an outlet which is closed by a closure. A breakable seal is arranged between the closure and the container. The device further is operable between a storage position in which the outlet is closed and an operational position in which the outlet is open. An initial operation toward the operational position causes the seal to break, whereby the closure is captured in the device. The device may provide a relatively long shelf life for the material, and may facilitate preparation of the material for use.

Abstract: A table includes a table top and a pair of support pedestals. A first pivotal support brace can be attached to the first support pedestal. A second pivotal support can be attached to the second support pedestal. The distal ends of the first and second pivotal support braces can be pivotally attached to a retaining assembly, which may include a cross-brace member. Alternatively, a second retaining assembly including a cross-brace member may be mounted in relation to the table top. In addition, the first and second support pedestals may comprise at least one support leg, wherein each support leg of the first and second support pedestals are laterally offset from each other so as to permit an offset displacement of the support legs when the support pedestals are disposed in a collapsed position.

Abstract: A member for a push button switch that has a small thickness, high durability, and excellent click feeling and can be manufactured at low cost. The member for the push button switch includes one or more key tops, a metal sheet including at least holes that correspond to positions of the key tops, and an elastic sheet that is provided on the metal sheet so as to be positioned on the same side as or opposite side to the key tops. The elastic sheet is fitted into the holes and comes in contact with the key tops at positions of the holes. The elastic sheet includes a urethane film or polycarbonate, and a silicone rubber, which are laminated in a thickness direction of the metal sheet.

Abstract: Device (100) for touch-sensitive characterisation of surface texture comprising at least one three-axis force sensor (104) at least partially covered by a coating structure (108) comprising at least one first part (110) placed against the sensor and at least a second part (112) placed against the first part such that the first part is arranged between the sensor and the second part, the second part comprising at least one protrusion arranged on a side opposite the first part and a shoulder arranged against a first face of the first part of the coating structure, located on the side opposite a second face of the first part placed against the sensor, the hardness of the material of the first part being lower than the hardness of the material of the second part.

Abstract: A system for supporting a portable electronic device atop a surface includes a planar back side having a top and a bottom for resting on the surface in use, a front side having an upper edge connected to the top of the planar back side, forming an angle between the planar back side and the front side, and a bottom edge, and a cupped bottom connected to the bottom edge, the cupped bottom extending from the front side opposite the angle, and the cupped bottom for resting on the surface in use. The portable electronic device, in use with the system, rests on the cupped bottom and against the front side. An opening formed in the front side and an opening formed in the back side accommodate a cord of the portable electronic device. The back side includes a retainer for the cord.

Abstract: An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The coupler may include an inner flexible bellows member and an outer braid cover surrounding the bellows member. The braid cover may be formed into a predetermined shape prior to assembly with the coupler. The braid member can include a generally cylindrical body section and two end sections each forming necks having diameters that are smaller than the diameter of the body section. The body section of the braid cover is self-supporting and is positioned an appreciable distance from the bellows member in order to avoid any friction and to create a thermally insulating air gap therebetween. The braid cover may be constructed of braided wire filaments that are formed into shape with forming dies. The braid cover may be pressed between two forming dies in order to create its desired shape.

Abstract: A trench drain system and method of installation thereof on a level floor surface. An elongate channel member is placed on the floor surface. A preformed elongate sloping member having a thick end tapering to a thin end in inserted into the channel with its thin end closest to the channel drain opening, thereby forming an inclined sloping surface. A grate extends over the channel inlet. The area adjacent the channel is filled to the height of the channel, whereby water thereon flows through the grate into the channel, along the inclined surface and out through the drain opening. The channel can be placed adjacent a vertical wall whereby wall tile may be installed over a channel top edge. The floor area adjacent the channel is filled with preformed sloping sheet members or with plastically formable material positioned at an incline using a floor height setting post.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is made by machining or molding a prosthetic foot profile to have a plurality of slots in and along the length of the forefoot region of the foot shape to achieve the appropriate roll-over shape during walking, and slotting the heel region of the machined foot shape to provide shock absorption in early stance phase of walking.

Abstract: A seal comprises an annular portion (14) having a static seal surface (15) in contact with a first element (100) and made of an elastomeric material. An annular lip (11) exerts a dynamic seal in relation to a second element (101). A garter spring (12) and a leaf spring (13) cooperate to maintain the annular lip (11) in an operating configuration abutting on a sliding surface (101a) of the second element (101), whilst an annular locking element (16) holds in position the leaf spring (13).

Abstract: Implantable medical devices may be utilized to locally delivery one or more drugs or therapeutic agents to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the treatment of the biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the implantable medical device. These therapeutic agents may be released under controlled and directional conditions from a stent having reservoirs so that the one or more therapeutic agents reach the correct target area, for example, the surrounding tissue. Features may be incorporated into the walls and bases of these reservoirs to improve securement of the drug construct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a hollow coil comprising: a process of winding an enameled wire around a flexible cylindrical piece to form a coil; a process of bending the cylindrical piece along with the enameled wire; a process of curing or gluing the enameled wire wound around the cylindrical piece to maintain the shape of the coil; and a process of removing the cylindrical piece from the coil to form a hollow coil.

Abstract: A tube, for example for mascara, has a container equipped with a receptacle, a chamber and a wiping ring, and an applicator including a brush, a cap and an axial rod connecting the brush to the cap, in which the rod ensures closure of the wiping ring, and the ring has an internal diameter adapted to the specifications of the brush. According to the invention, the rod has an annular closure surface with a non-zero radial dimension, and the closure of the wiping ring by the rod is performed by applying the annular closure surface on the ring in an area of mutual contact having a non-zero radial dimension.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disc-shaped device for storing and dispensing perfume which has a plurality of compartments for storing different perfumes by molding a unitary piece of plastics material to form at least one wall of a compartment, resilient bands, a sealing stem flange and an actuating stem.

Abstract: A captive panel fastener is manufactured by first overmolding a plastic cap around the head of a screw, the cap having a cylindrical plastic skirt extending downwardly beyond the base of the screw head and formed with a circular opening at the bottom. After a compression spring is placed around the shank of the screw, the screw is pressed against a top surface of a ferrule to a point where the capped-skirt extends downwardly below a ferrule flange. At that point, heat and pressure are applied radially inwardly around the periphery of the plastic skirt along its bottom edge until it is permanently deformed to a point where the bottom of the skirt is smaller in diameter than the ferrule flange. The screw is thereby captivated to the ferrule between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A torque tube includes a composite body and an end fitting. The composite tube includes a body having a body interior diameter, wall thickness, an end having an edge, and a set of grooves. Each groove of the set of grooves passes through the wall thickness. Each groove of the set of grooves begins at the edge and ends in the body. The end fitting includes a sleeve configured to mate with the body interior diameter and a set of ribs configured to mate with the set of grooves.

Abstract: There is provided a touch screen system including: a sensor module including a light emitting unit configured to generate a light signal and a photo detection sensor configured to receive the light signal; a display panel including the sensor module; a front case including a reflection area configured to reflect the light signal generated from the light emitting unit to the photo detection sensor; and a back case connected to the front case with the display panel positioned therebetween. The front case is fixed and connected to the back case and the reflection area is placed at a predetermined position on the display panel.

Abstract: Various methods of making an interactive keyboard in which a plurality of mechanically-depressible keys are situated over a display device, each of the mechanically-depressible keys being configured to permit through-key viewing of images produced by the display device, is provided. One example method includes providing a mold which defines a mold cavity. The method further includes introducing keycap material into the mold cavity. In such an example, the keycap material and the mold interact to produce a molded keycap having a viewing portion with one or more optical layers that are at least partially see-through and configured to provide one or more optical effects in connection with light that is incident upon the one or more optical layers.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for disc brake pads and a method of designing disc brake pads. The brake pads include a backing plate and a friction pad having a center section, an outer edge, an inner edge and a friction surface. The method includes the step of developing a finite element model of a precursor brake pad design using dimensional and material property information of the backing plate and friction pad to perform a normal mode analysis of the precursor brake pad design. The method proceeds with the step of performing the normal mode analysis using the finite element model to determine whether there is an area on the friction surface having an excitation amplitude that is greater than a threshold value of amplitude. If an area having an excitation amplitude greater than the threshold value is determined, the precursor brake pad design is modified to provide a brake pad design having a relieved portion in the area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a portable archery target. The portable archery target includes a main target body having a geometric shape. The geometric shape has a first side and a second side. The first side has a first target zone, while the second side has a second target zone that is separate and distinct from the first target zone. At least one of the first target zone and the second target zone has a first three-dimensional animal-simulating indicia. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing a portable archery target. The method includes adding a resin into a mold cavity that defines a geometric shape of the portable archery target. The mold cavity has a first surface that defines a first target zone and a second surface that defines a second target zone. At least the first surface has a contour that provides a three-dimensional animal-simulating target. The method also includes closing the mold cavity to form a foam body and removing the foam body from the mold cavity.

Abstract: A glass block panel assembled, framed and attached to a substrate such that it resists threats from forced entry, prisoner escape, bullets from guns, bomb blasts, and tornados.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling the positioning within the body of a patient of an elongated medical device optionally having a control handle, comprises a robotic system and a remote controller configured to control the robotic device. The robotic system comprises a handle controller; a sled member coupled to the handle controller, the sled member being configured to position the medical device within the body of the patient; and a sled base configured to advance the sled member towards the body of a patient, the sled bed being coupled to a sterile barrier effective to maintain sterility inside the sled base. A medical device introducer is effective to guide the elongated medical device into a patient's body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a friction element comprising a friction lining (1) made from sintered material, which is applied to a support (2), and at least two recesses (4) are provided in the support (2), each for accommodating a connecting element for fitting the support (2) with the friction lining (1) on a supporting element (3). A cut-out (A, A1, A2) is provided in the friction lining (1) which surrounds at least two regions (B1..B4) spaced apart from one another in which the at least two recesses (4) of the support (2) for accommodating the connecting elements are disposed. The invention further relates to the friction lining (1) itself.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a panel and a base. The base is configured to be attached to the panel via a resilient member. The bottom surface of the base defines a pair of cavities. The cavities are positioned substantially adjacent to a forward edge of the bottom surface. A pair of wheel assemblies is secured within respective cavities on the bottom surface. Each wheel assembly includes a housing that houses an axle and wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process of forming reinforcements, baffles and seals having malleable carriers. The process typically includes application of an activatable material to a malleable carrier and contouring of the activatable material the malleable carrier or both.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a composite light diffusing panel, comprising providing a first glass lite with a light transmissive fabric layer applied to surface thereof; applying a primary sealant to the surface of the first glass lite using an edge referencing method to meet horizontal dimensional requirements; mounting a spacer to the primary sealant on the surface of the first glass lite to form a first subassembly; applying a primary sealant to the surface of a second glass lite also using an edge referencing method to form a second subassembly; and topping the second subassembly atop the first subassembly to form an assembled composite light diffusing panel. Also disclosed is a flipping apparatus that can be used in the method.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a ceramic substrate for a probe card and a ceramic substrate for a probe card. The method includes preparing a ceramic substrate having a via electrode provided therein; filling a void formed between the ceramic substrate and the via electrode with a filling material including thermosetting resin; and curing the filling material. Since the void formed between the ceramic substrate and the via electrode is removed, fixation strength between the via electrode and a probe tip can be increased and a defect such as a hollow at the periphery of the via electrode can be prevented.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a linear actuator includes inserting a portion of a thrust member of the actuator into a casting portion of a molding apparatus. The casting portion includes a model screw member having a threaded portion. A molding material can be added into the cast portion to overmold a nut to the thrust member. Thus, the nut will include a threaded portion on an internal circumference mateable with the threaded portion of the model screw member. The overmolded nut and thrust tube member may be coupled to a screw shaft of the actuator, such that the threaded portion of the nut mates with a threaded portion of the screw shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: Method for fastening an accessory (2) at at least two points of a wall of a plastic fuel tank, this fastening taking place during the actual manufacture of the tank by molding. According to this method, the accessory (2) is provided, at least at one of its fastening points, with a fastening part (1, 1?) in such a way that the accessory (2) is fastened to the wall of the tank and can move relative to the corresponding fastening point on the wall of the tank (3).

Abstract: This is a toner-dispensing unit using a blow-molded, one-piece toner bottle with integral tabs. The tabs are uniquely designed so that they can only be used with specific marking machines. The tabs fit into mating slots in a drive dog so that installation, while usually a blind installation of bottles, is easily accomplished. The one-piece, blow-molded bottle with integral tabs used with mating slots in a drive dog provides an improvement over prior used toner-dispensing units.

Abstract: A carriage sealing structure for refrigerator car is disclosed. The carriage is composed of core carriage plates provided with a heat preservation layer that is made of polyurethane. The carriage plates include a left side plate (5), a right side plate (6), a head plate (1), a soleplate (3), a front plate (4) and a backdoor plate (2). Notches are equipped at the jointed sites of the left side Plate, the right side plate, the head plate, the soleplate and the front plate, and an injection groove (7) is formed by the notches between mutually jointed carriage plates. High density polyurethane foam material is filled in the injection grooves in a high pressure so as to provide sealed connection between carriage plates. A working method for the carriage sealing structure is also disclosed. Assembled refrigerator car carriage is simple in structure and better in connection strength of the carriage plates.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is disclosed that can help isolate the sensor and/or sensor components from a media to be sensed and/or can help reduce sensor damage caused by harsh operating environments. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a substrate having a pressure sensing die mounted on a first side of the substrate, a first housing member defining a first cavity around the pressure sensing die, and a second housing member defining a second cavity on the second side of the substrate. A passivating agent, such as a gel, can be positioned in both the first cavity and the second cavity to transmit pressure from the media to a pressure sensing element (e.g. diaphragm) while isolating the pressure sensing element and other components from the media. In some cases, the first housing member and/or the second housing member may include an opening for exposing the passivating agent to the media.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing lazurite-made faucet and apparatus thereof makes use of injecting wax into a soft silicone mold to form a wax mold, coating gypsum on the wax mold to form a gypsum body, heating the gypsum body to melt and guide the wax mold thereout to form a hollow gypsum body. Alternatively, a stainless steel body can be coated by gypsum to be placed in a shaping cast, and a heating furnace filled for melting lazurite pellets into liquid lazurite and dripping them into the shaping cast to fill the vacant space between the bodies and the shaping cast. After cooling, the shaping cast is taken out to attain a preliminary lazurite-material faucet body. Lastly, the gypsum body is smashed to shape the lazurite-made faucet body; with a further surface processing procedure and assembling with other parts, a satisfied and worthy lazurite-made faucet is achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of molded components including (a) providing a carrier to a manufacturing assembly; (b) forming the molded components on the carrier, the molded components having a sacrificial portion secured to the carrier and being movable along the carrier, and a functional portion extending from the sacrificial portion, adjacent sacrificial portions are spaced from one another by a first distance; (c) winding the carrier in a forward direction onto the uptake device; and (d) unwinding the uptake device in a reverse direction such that the carrier and molded components move toward the source device, one of the molded components contacts the latch preventing the molded components from moving in the reverse direction such that adjacent sacrificial portions are moved closer together to a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: The present relates to an adjustable prosthetic limb socket system having a partial rigid support, a non-elastic, flexible support and adjustment means. The adjustable socket system of the present invention can be used for several types of amputations including transfemoral amputations, transtibial amputations, transhumeral amputations, transradial amputations, and other types of amputations. The present invention further includes kits having the adjustable prosthetic limb socket system, as well as methods of making the adjustable prosthetic limb socket system. Methods of using the socket system are further encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: The refrigerator cable ejection method is used to eject one end of a cable out of an outer liner through an ejection hole formed at the outer liner before a filling space is filled with a foam insulation material in a refrigerator constructed in a structure in which the outer liner is fitted outside an inner liner, the cable is distributed in the filling space defined between the inner liner and the outer liner, and the filling space is filled with a foam insulation material while the cable is distributed in the filling space. The method is performed to eject one end of the cable out of the outer liner through the ejection hole at the time of fitting the outer liner outside the inner liner using an ejector including a pass-through member mounted outside the inner liner corresponding to the ejection hole such that the cable passes through the member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spherical cage. The method includes providing a wire braid and inserting a spherical ball inside the wire braid. The wire braid and spherical ball are placed inside a mold. Excess wire braid is trimmed from the mold, creating trimmed ends of the braid. The mold is heat set with the spherical ball and wire braid. The spherical ball and wire braid are removed from the ball and the spherical ball is removed from the wire braid, resulting in a spherical wire cage.

Abstract: A waterproof article for stopping water leakage from a bathroom tub or shower enclosure and the method of using the article, having a vertical and horizontal member adjoined at a right angle, of which a rib is projected perpendicularly from the longitudinal center line of both members in continuous contact along the entire length of the rib. The waterproof adhesive backing initially protected with a strip of film, is used to fix the article on the center line of where a shower door will install. A bore on the vertical member is utilized to secure the article on a bathtub flange or shower pan. All seams and crevices about the perimeter of the article are liberally caulked using silicon during installation to ensure addition protection.

Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.

Abstract: A polycrystalline abrasive composite cutter, including a tool body with a top cutting surface and a flank surface. The composite cutter, joined to a substrate, constitute a shear cutter for a PDC bit, roller-cone bit insert, or other tool that can be highly useful for petroleum drilling or other applications. The body of the polycrystalline abrasive composite cutter includes a plurality of polycrystalline abrasive layers (90) and a plurality of arresting layers (100). The polycrystalline abrasive layers (90) and the arresting layers (100) are arranged to alternate throughout the tool body in a direction normal to the top cutting surface (92) and in a direction normal to a flank surface (94).

Abstract: An oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid drop is disposed within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and including a chamber. The liquid drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid drop, and the liquid lens further includes a driver for oscillating the liquid drop within the channel.

Abstract: A cookware handle with a soft non-slip surface is formed by molding elastomeric composition around a core or elongated member that connects a flange portion and the terminal end or hanging portion of the handle. The core or elongated member has a relatively narrow cross-section to minimize heat transfer from the pot so that the gripping portion remains cool during cooking.

Abstract: An insert has a body which defines a cavity with a filler held in the cavity. Relative movement between the body and the filler helps dampen vibrations in a component when the insert is carried in the component and when the component is vibrated.

Abstract: An integrated refrigerator car carriage structure is disclosed. The carriage structure has a protection layer (8) and an insulating layer. The insulating layer is composed of a left side plate (1), a right side plate (4), a head plate (2), a sole plate (5), a fore sealing plate (3) and a back sealing plate (6), that are injection molded with polyurethane material. The protection layer is adhered on the insulating layer. The plates of the insulating layer are connected with each other in a seamless manner, so as to form a unitary structure. It discloses a mounting method of the integrated refrigerator car carriage structure also. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture with improved space utilization rate and heat insulation performance.

Abstract: An oral fluid delivery device is provided with a body having a base and a nipple extending from the base. At least one channel projects through the nipple. A fluid reservoir has a proximal end that is secured to the base to form an integrated unit, and a distal end with a vent hole formed therethrough for equalizing pressure within the fluid reservoir. A valve is disposed between the fluid reservoir and the channel for restricting fluid flow through the channel. A piston may be disposed within the fluid reservoir and adapted for translating relative to the base corresponding to the amount of fluid contained within the fluid reservoir.