A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region.

A button-fastening upper die includes a die body, a button-holding member and a cylindrical elastic member arranged between the die body and the button-holding member. By providing the elastic member with an annular recess recessed radially outward from the inner surface e.g. at the middle of the surface, the elastic member is sectioned into a thin-walled section located radially outward from the recess and two or more thick-walled sections remaining above and below the recess and the thin-walled section.

A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.

A method of manufacturing a toothbrush includes steps of providing a carrier having at least a first through hole extending from a front side to a backside of the carrier and at least a first wall element integral with the carrier and extending from the back side in a vicinity of the through hole; introducing a first cleaning element into the first through hole such that an end portion of the first cleaning element is exposed on the backside of the carrier; treating the end portion of the first cleaning element such that it deforms and becomes wider than the first through hole; and deforming the first wall element until it at least partially extends over the deformed end portion of the first cleaning element such that the first cleaning element is effectively retained in its axial position. A brush having structural features resulting from the manufacturing method.

A method is used for manufacturing a shell assembly which includes a metallic shell, a plastic inner layer, and at least one plastic ornamental piece. The at least one plastic ornamental piece and the plastic inner layer are embedded into and stuck to the metallic shell, and are combined together, so that the metallic shell, the plastic inner layer and the at least one plastic ornamental piece are combined integrally.

An apparatus and method for operating a staking assembly includes a housing defining a machining passage having a longitudinal axis, an actuator rod disposed for axial movement along the longitudinal axis in the machining passage, having a first end configured to connect to a linear-reciprocating source of movement and a second end having a tool configured to deform a boss, and an air source configured to selectively provide a source of heated air.

A novel heat staking device particularly configured for use in impulse staking, resulting in faster achievement of required temperatures at a forming dome.

Method for stake-fastening an accessory (4) into a plastic fuel tank, whereby: the accessory (4) is equipped with at least one orifice (5) which passes right through the accessory (4); at least some of the plastic of which the wall of the tank (1) is made is melted; and some of the molten plastic is forced through the orifice (5) of the accessory without becoming detached from the remainder of the molten plastic; the protruding molten plastic is given an appropriate shape (8) to obtain a self-formed plastic rivet, and is left to solidify;
the size and shape of the orifice (5) and/or of the solidified plastic (8) being such that the accessory (4) is mechanically fastened to the tank by at least some of the solidified plastic (8), the stake-fastening of the accessory (4) occurring at the time of manufacture of the tank (1) through the moulding of a split or at least two-part parison.

A method for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank including: a) inserting a plastic parison including two distinct parts into an open two-cavity mold; b) inserting a core, bearing at least part of a reinforcing element configured to create a link between the two parison parts, inside the parison; c) pressing the parison firmly against the mold cavities, for example by blowing through the core and/or creating suction behind the cavities; d) fixing the part of the reinforcing element to at least one of the parison parts using the core; e) withdrawing the core; f) closing the mold, bringing its two cavities together to grip the two parison parts around their periphery to weld them together; g) injecting a pressurized fluid into the mold and/or creating a vacuum behind the mold cavities to press the parison firmly against the mold cavities; and h) opening the mold and extracting the tank.

An improved meter base assembly supports the various meter forms used in modern electrical energy distribution systems. The disclosed assembly combines a customized design for each meter form with a universal base used in a plurality of meter forms to create a meter base assembly that is optimized for best performance while maintaining a reduced part cost. In addition, the concept allows the meter terminals to be attached to the meter base assembly without any hardware, may reduce assembly errors, allows for simplified assembly that may be automated, and speeds up the creation of future meter designs.