Abstract: A poppet seat for air regulating devices, such as underwater diving equipment, includes a metal or plastic substrate around and through which synthetic or rubber seat material is molded. In its preferred form, this seat material surrounds the sides of the substrate and fills holes therein as well as an annular v-groove formed in the periphery of the substrate to further enhance the mechanical bond between the substrate and seat material.

Abstract: A feedback control system for enhancing the feedback loop characteristics of a vertical axis control in a scanning tunneling microscope or the like, including a tip member for positioning relative to a surface for measuring the topography of the surface. A horizontal control coupled to the tip for providing a plurality of adjacent horizontal scans across the surface. A vertical control coupled to the tip for providing a vertical control of the tip during the plurality of adjacent horizontal scans. A local error signal produced in accordance with the vertical position of the tip relative to the surface in real time during the plurality of adjacent horizontal scans.

Abstract: A support member preferably made of a metal such as cold rolled steel is disposed in a looped configuration and is provided with a gap. A transducer member preferably made of a piezoelectric material such as a ceramic is disposed within the support member. The transducer member is provided with a gap at a position corresponding to the gap in the support member. A closure member made from a suitable springlike material such as an alloy steel is attached to the opposite ends of the support member at the position of the gap as by welding. The closure member extends in a U-shaped configuration into the looped configuration (in section) defined by the support member and the ceramic member. The axial length of the closure member defines the bandwidth of the frequency vibrations generated by the transducer member.

Abstract: A silver halide color photographic material comprising a support having thereon a yellow color forming silver halide emulsion layer, a magenta color forming silver halide emulsion layer and a cyan color forming silver halide emulsion layer. The yellow color forming emulsion layer contains a silver halide emulsion having a silver chloride content of not less than 90 mol %, a yellow coupler and a bisphenol compound and optionally a difficultly water-soluble epoxy compound. One or more layers of the light-sensitive material may contain an ultraviolet light absorber.

Abstract: This invention relates to glycosyltransferase, genes encoding glycosyltransferase, recombinant vectors having such a gene, host cells transformed with such a recombinant vector, and uses thereof. This invention makes it possible to glycosylate indolopyrrolocarbazole derivatives conveniently and economically.

Abstract: A chemical warfare agent decontamination solution made up of about 20% of a quaternary ammonium complex containing benzyltrimethylammoniumchloride and benzyltriethylammonium chloride and about 20% by weight of an oxidizer, dissolved in a solvent, such as water or glycol, is provided. This solution is a noncorrosive, nontoxic, nonflammable decontaminant, which may also be used to neutralize organophosphorus agricultural chemicals.

Abstract: The novel metallocenes of the formula I in which, preferably, M1 is Zr or Hf, R1 and R2 are alkyl or halogen, R3 and R4 are hydrogen, R5 and R6 are alkyl or haloalkyl, —(CR8R9)m—R7—(CR8R9)n— is a single- or multi-membered chain in which R7 may also be a (substituted) hetero atom, m+n is zero or 1, and R10 is hydrogen, form, together with aluminoxanes as cocatalysts, a very effective catalyst system for the preparation of polyolefins or high stereospecificity and high melting point. Polyolefins with unique or improved properties are obtained by polymerizing an olefin in the presence of a metallocene combined with a cocatalyst, wherein the metallocene is preferably a zirconocene or a hafnocene, and the Zr or Hf central atom is coordinated with two ligands which are derivatives of 2-substituted indenyl nuclei and which are substituted with at least one and up to four groups (e.g. aliphatic or aromatic groups) on the six-member rings of the indenyl nuclei.

Abstract: An extension deceleration orthotic fulcrum for knee and elbow braces, which simulates performance of the function of those ligaments that control joint motion and provide provides anteroposterior joint stability, comprising a lightweight, external spring assembly, upper and lower elongated arms, and a centric or polycentric fulcrum, which is adjustable for its range of motion, adaptable for use on many different style orthoses, and whose strength can be varied to suit corrective, preventive, anthropomorphic, environmental, and usage requirements, including means both for mechanically dampening the limb's angular velocity on extension to prevent hyperextension and for accelerating the limb's angular velocity on flexion to enable quicker, smoother, less stressful motion.

Abstract: A ballistic resistant protective garment with a ballistic resistant pad having at least two panels and a plurality of overlying layered sheets within the panels which are secured together by a plurality of rows of vertical panel securement stitches forming the ballistic resistant pad and in which the sheets are constructed of woven lyotropic liquid crystal polymer fiber.

Abstract: A hand protection system for use by individuals involved in de-mining operations to locate and identify buried anti-personnel mines is designed to provide a degree of protection to the hands of the operative while still enabling the hands to perform necessary operations such as manipulating a probe rod, clearing soil by use of the fingers, etc. In one form the hand protector is a trough-shaped shield which tapers to a rounded forward end and is adapted to fit over the back of the hand of the user, the shield being open on its underside so that the user's fingers can be manipulated. In another form the hand protecting shield is of conical shape having a hole through its narrow end through which a probe can be extended and manipulated by a hand received within the protector. The protector includes laminated layers of aramid fibers together with other tough blast resistant materials such as polycabonate.

Abstract: A collar former (10) for use in finishing garment collars (24) as a part of laundering of the garments (22). The collar former (10) includes a split-cone section (12), base section (14), and a control mechanism (16). The split-cone section (12) includes two partially conical support members (18, 20) that are pivotally connected together at their smaller axial ends to form an axially-split conical support structure (42). The support members are outwardly biased from each other by a spring (28). Heating pads (38, 40) are mounted on the inside surfaces of the support members (18, 20), respectively, to supply heat to their outer surfaces. The control mechanism (16) includes a foot pedal (68), lever (70), pulley (74), and cable (76). Downward actuation of the foot pedal (68) is transferred via the cable (76) to the first support member (18) to move it toward the other support member (20) against the outward bias provided by spring (28).

Abstract: A swimsuit is provided with a plurality of loop members and hook and loop fasteners for interchangeable attachment of straps, linked chains, and other accessories in a manner which alters the style and appearance of the swimsuit. The straps, linked chains, or the like are selectively attachable to the loops on a woman's swimsuit top to achieve various angles of lift so that the breasts are either moved closer together or separated, as desired by the wearer. The straps or linked chains are also attachable to loops on the swimsuit top and bottom to adjustably fit and secure the swimsuit top and bottom on the wearer. One or more closeable band wraps can be wrapped about the swimsuit top and/or bottom to achieve different swimsuit styles including a conventional style, a Brazilian cut or a thong.

Abstract: Disposable infant wear garments that are made of soft pliable non-woven fabric in styles with hand and foot coverings, and the option of cutting these coverings off if they are not needed. Garments are designed with the body of each garment in one main piece for minimal seams. The garments have closures for adjustment for proper fit and added warmth. Each garment has openings for the infant's head, arms, and legs. There are openings for closures at the neck area for the purpose of putting the garment on the infant. The closures can then be fastened up to the neck for added warmth.

Abstract: A novel shawl type garment is fabricate to simulate a sweater worn as a shawl or mantle and includes a main body panel and a pair of ties that simulate sweater arms. The garment may be made of woven or knitted fabric and may be either single or double layered. The garment is cut to minimize cupping at the bottom edge and can include trim buttons and button holes to simulate a cardigan sweater in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: An article of apparel comprising a first segment and a second segment of substantially similar shape, each having at least two side margins parallel to a central line and at least one margin at an angle to the central line. One segment has flap extensions along selected margins for folded securement to the other segment thus forming a garment with folded external seams. In a three segment embodiment, one panel is constructed from two similarly shaped half width segments that are overlapped to form an openable panel with resealable closure means. In another two panel embodiment, both half width panels are partially overlapped to form a central 2-ply area, portions of which are bonded together in a region that becomes the rear panel. After rear portions of the bonded segments are folded in half over and around a transverse fold line, front and rear panels are connected with side flaps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a garment for use in the game of Rugby Union. It is primarily to be worn by a member of the tight five. The garment has handles positioned on the garment, oriented in locations so as to be gripped by another member of the forwards in scrummage play, to aid in the support of the scrummage formation.

Abstract: A conveniently deployable arm-shield safety-pad uniquely configured to protect a professional waiter's arm-surface from injurious heat-exposure to hot dinner-plates during routine arm-borne restaurant serving procedures. The fixed inward-end of the elongated arm-shield is secured to one's forearm via a hook-&-loop fastening-strap; -the opposite outward-end having convenient finger-tip and thump retention-pockets, facilitating quick and easy roll-out deployment of the normally rolled-up protective pad material. Also set forth is a preferred flexile-laminate material employing at least one layer of reflective Mylar-film material; and including an outwardly exposed layer of high-coefficient of friction surfacing material,—serving to reduce slippage of the balanced dinner-plates.

Abstract: An open-back hat (10) is provided which includes an adjustable sweatband (12), a forwardly extending bill (16), and a crown extending upwardly from the sweatband and bill in order to cover the forehead and sides of a wearer's head, while leaving a large rear open area (20). The area (20) allows pull-through of long hair and/or special hairstyles. In this manner, women or men with long hair may wear a baseball-type hat without fear of hairstyle damage.

Abstract: A safety hood for use in toxic ambient atmospheres, wherein the hood has a head portion and is formed in an economic manner and is entirely fabricated of a polymeric material and thus, is wholly disposable, and wherein an air passageway is integral with the head portion of the hood, and contains an air-permeable member throughout the substantial length thereof in order to prevent the collapse of the air passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus for interchangeably displaying on an apparel or a cap, a generally planar item containing informational material imprinted thereon, or otherwise graphical, comprising in combination, a fabric of a cap or of an apparel, a frame assembly, an opening, a generally transparent material, a cell, and a means for inserting a planar item into the cell. The frame assembly is attached to the fabric and includes an opening therein. The transparent layer encompasses the opening and forms the cell between the fabric and the transparent layer. The frame assembly includes a member that borders the cell. The inserting means is in communication with the cell and allows for the insertion and removal of the display item into the cell for display through the opening.

Abstract: A three dimensional disposable panty for holding a sanitary pad. The panty may have elasticized leg and waist openings and be stretchable about the hip and stomach regions of a user. The panty provides backup leakage protection to the sanitary pad. The panty includes an absorbent barrier composite positioned in the crotch area and extending into the body of the disposable panty front and back and over the leg elastics to trap pad leakage inside the pant and prevent liquid strike through onto outer clothing and bed linen.

Abstract: A protective hat is designed to protect the head of an infant and is formed of a shell and a jacket fitted over the shell. The shell has a projecting front brim, two projecting side brims corresponding in location to the ears of an infant, and a number of ventilation holes. The jacket is formed of an inner layer, an outer layer, and a space located between the inner layer and the outer layer for receiving the shell. The jacket is provided with a chin strap and a zipper to facilitate the fitting of the jacket over the shell and the removing of the jacket from the shell.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet liner for a protective helmet is disclosed. The adjustable helmet liner comprises at least one liner wall having a peripheral surface adapted to substantially conform to, and fit within, the protective helmet for engagement with the head of a wearer of the protective helmet. The at least one liner wall includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface is adapted to be disposed adjacent the interior surface of the helmet and the inner surface is adapted to be spaced from the interior surface of the helmet whereby the liner may be inserted into the protective helmet and adjusts to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet. The adjustable helmet liner further includes at least one expandable band disposed along a portion of the outer surface of the liner wall, whereby the at least one expandable band provides for the adjustment of the liner to the head of the wearer of the protective helmet. A protective helmet having an adjustable helmet liner is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus for sanitizing water in the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus includes a toilet bowl sanitizing apparatus for mounting in a toilet. The toilet has a tank with an interior for selectively holding flushing water and a fill valve for controlling water flow from a water supply to the tank. A lever coupled to a float controls the fill valve. An upstanding overflow container is mounted in the tank and empties into a tank outlet. A trickle conduit is in communication with the fill valve for squirting water into the overflow container. The tank outlet is in fluid connection with a toilet bowl. The apparatus comprises a container which has a first end, a second end and a substantially hollow peripheral extending wall therebetween. The first end of the container has an opening therein and the second end is closed. A cap is adapted for mounting over the opening in the container. An intake pipe brings water into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing detergent into a toilet cistern includes a container, a membrane, a floating body, and a casing. The membrane has two sides that face an entrance of the container and are connected with the floating body, respectively. The floating body is surrounded by the casing, which in turn is connected to the entrance of the container. The floating body is movable up and down within the casing and moves according to a buoyant force due to the water level in the cistern resulting in a variation of the pressure difference inside and outside the container. Thus a well-defined quantity of cleaning liquid is released from the container, as determined by the movement of the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically raising a toilet seat when the toilet is flushed includes a toilet tank pivotally mounted on the bowl and a spring connected between the toilet tank and seat. A weight is attached to the spring. When the toilet seat is manually lowered, the spring flips to the upward position and holds the seat down. When the toilet is flushed, the decreasing water level in the tank changes the center of gravity of the tank and causes it to pivot, thereby flexing the spring in the opposite direction, with the aid of an attached counterweight, and raising the seat.

Abstract: The toilet discharge system includes a valve with a body (1) and a shutter member (2), and an unblocking apparatus for the shutter member which acts to displace the shutter between the closing position and an auxiliary position and to return it subsequently to the closing position. Advantageously, the shutter member is a rotating element, and its displacement takes place along the direction of its rotation axis; the unblocking apparatus can include a pneumatic system which injects air into two chambers (6, 7) defined between the valve body (1) and the shutter member (2), on two opposite sides of the latter. The method of operation consists in submitting the shutter member of the valve to a cycle which includes a displacement between the closing position and an auxiliary position, and subsequent return to the closing position. The shutter member is thereby prevented from becoming blocked, by avoiding formation of scale of lime and the like, and lubrication and cleanliness of the valve are improved.

Abstract: A portable toilet having a frame defining a collection space for waste product, an opening in the frame, and a seating surface for supporting a user in a seated position to allow waste product from a user in the seated position to be discharged through the opening into the collection space. A removable cover is provided on the frame for selectively blocking and exposing the frame opening.

Abstract: A bathtub mountable chair seat for the transfer of a physically challenged bather from the exterior of a typical bathtub to the interior of the bathtub for bathing. The chair seat allows wheelchair accessibility in confined spaces and mechanical maneuverability in transferring the bather. The chair seat provides support for the legs or the any portion or member of the legs of the bather during transfer and/or while bathing. The chair seat has a back attached thereto suitable for supporting the bather in a sitting position. The chair seat has a leg extension housing mounted thereto in such a way as to allow selectable extension of a portion thereof that supports the bather's legs. The chair seat along with the leg extension housing is rotatably affixed to a rectangular member that is slidably insertable into a rack adapted to rest on the longitudinal edges of the bathtub. The chair seat has an arcuately shaped telescoping frame canopy mounted thereto to aid the bather in standing while bathing.

Abstract: A showerbath base plate having an annular gutter in the form of a ring according to the contour of the showerbath is disclosed. The gutter has an inclined bottom the lowest portion of which is connected to a drainage conduit. Inner and outer walls of the gutter have at their respective upper edges flanges extending horizontally away from the gutter. A flat sheet is supported on the inner wall flanges with an elastic joint therebetween. The flat sheet extends over the gutter to near the flanges of the outer gutter walls with an aperture between the flat sheet and the outer wall flanges.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage for supporting a patient in a substantially horizontal position, which wheeled carriage has thereon a patient support having head and foot regions and a pair of lateral side regions and a wheeled base supported at least by three floor surface engaging and castered wheels spaced from one another at locations defining corners of a theoretical polygon. An auxiliary wheel and a support structure therefor are suspendedly mounting the auxiliary wheel to the wheeled base. The auxiliary wheel is oriented inside a boundary of the theoretical polygon and includes an axle about which the wheel rotates. A control structure includes a first manually manipulatable member at at least one of the pair of lateral side regions and a second manually manipulatable member at at least one of the head end and the foot end so that an attendant can operate a selected one of the manually manipulatable members to effect a movement of the auxiliary wheel and the support structure therefor.

Abstract: A modular siderail for attachment to a bed includes a first end section having a first end and a second end. The second end includes a connector joint. The modular siderail also includes a second end section substantially identical to the first end section. A connector joint of the second end section and the connector joint of the first end section are configured to mate and together to form a skeletal structure.

Abstract: A support structure serves to elevate bedding from the feet of a patient or sleeper. A base of the support is of U-shape as is a positionable member of the support. Pairs of brackets pivotally support the positionable member which includes a lock for retention in the upright position. A retainer sheet on the base of the support is for insertion beneath a mattress to prevent shifting of the base member. Attachment of the retainer sheet to the base is in a removable manner to permit convenient separation and removal of the support from a bed.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus that comprises a base, a patient-support deck having a longitudinal length and a transverse width, and a deck-positioning assembly coupling the patient-support deck to the base. The patient-support deck is supported with respect to the deck-positioning assembly for longitudinal movement. The deck-positioning assembly includes an actuator having a first portion and a second portion that moves transversely relative to the first portion. The deck-positioning assembly includes a transmission assembly configured to convert transverse movement of the second portion relative to the first portion into longitudinal movement of the patient-support deck relative to the base.

Abstract: An ambulatory assist apparatus is configured to be mounted to a frame of a bed. The ambulatory assist apparatus includes an ambulatory assist arm having a first end portion and a second end portion configured to provide a handle, a mounting plate configured to be coupled to the frame of the bed, and a pivot pin for pivotably coupling the ambulatory assist arm to the mounting plate. The mounting plate includes a plurality of spaced-apart apertures. The apparatus also includes a locking pin coupled to the first end portion of the assist arm. The locking pin is configured to engage a selected one of the plurality of apertures in the mounting plate to secure the ambulatory assist arm at different orientations relative to the mounting plate. The apparatus further includes an actuator to release the locking pin from the selected aperture to permit pivotable movement of the ambulatory assist arm relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A mattress assembly comprises an inflatable central support portion having a head end, a foot end, a first side and a second side, and first and second side bolsters coupled to the first and second sides, respectively, of the inflatable central support portion. The first and second side bolsters each have at least two chambers extending along a longitudinal axis of the first and second side bolsters. At least one of the chambers is a manifold in fluid communication with the central support portion. The manifold is configured to be coupled to an air supply to supply air to the central support portion and the other chambers.

Abstract: Wastewater from a commercial laundry is treated by adding coagulant directly to the wastewater from each load of items washed. The amount of coagulant is administered using a controller. The controller in turn is programmed with an amount of coagulant which should be added based on the type of item being washed. The same controller can be used to inject the detergent into the washing apparatus. Thus the operator of the laundry simply enters the type of item being washed into the controller. This will automatically control both the amount of detergent added to the laundry as well as the amount of coagulant added to the wastewater discharged from the washing apparatus.

Abstract: An unbalance detecting method of a washing machine, wherein an unbalanced mass of a washing machine is accurately detected and classified according to input voltage variation when the unbalance is detected utilizing a ripple width of a current by a current sensor, thereby preventing errors from occurring in spin-dry process, the method comprising the steps of increasing the speed of the motor to a predetermined revolution per minute (rpm); detecting a variation of an AC input voltage according to input voltage detecting means; detecting a ripple current of an AC input current according to input current detecting means; obtaining a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of a ripple current detected by the input current detecting step to thereby determine whether a ripple width of the current is larger than a predetermined value; calculating an unbalanced mass according to the input voltage value detected at the input voltage detecting step when it is determined that the ripple width of the curr

Abstract: An edge-of-dock leveler includes a deck plate hingedly interconnected to a dock, a lip plate hingedly interconnected to the deck plate, an air pan mounted on the face of the dock to allow the air pan to rotate with respect to the dock, and a blower mounted on the air pan. The blower inflates an air bag that causes the air pan to rotate away from the dock face. A deck plate bearing is provided between the air pan and the deck plate, and causes the deck plate to rotate with the air pan. A locking arm hangs pendant from the lip plate until the deck plate has raised to a fully raised position, at which time the locking arm engages a bearing. The blower is turned off, allowing the air to escape the air bag, and the lip plate to extend as the air bag deflates.

Abstract: A brush core and the method for making a brush core for use in substrate scrubbing are provided. The substrate can be any substrate that may need to undergo a scrubbing operation to complete a cleaning operation, etching operation, or other preparation. For instance, the substrate can be a semiconductor wafer, a disk, or any other type of work piece that will benefit from a brush core that can deliver uniform controlled amounts of fluid through the brush along an entire length of the brush core. The brush core is defined by a tubular core having a length that extends between a first end and a second end. The first end has an opening into a bore that is defined through a middle of the tubular core and extends along an inner length of the tubular core. A first plurality of holes are oriented along a plurality of first lines that extend in the direction of the length of the tubular core, and each of the first plurality of holes define paths to the bore of the tubular core.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mop having an elongate shaft, a mop element, and an operating member that is axially movable along a portion of the shaft between a range of mopping positions and a latch position. One end portion of the mop element is retained in a fixed position at one end of the shaft, the other end portion of the mop element is retained at one end of the operating member with an intermediate mopping portion formed into a bight. In accordance with the invention, the mop includes a latch mechanism for axially retaining the operating member in the latch position. The latch mechanism includes a detent portion and a shoulder portion. One portion is fixedly mounted to the shaft and the other is mounted on the operating member. Preferably, the mop is a twist mop wherein the operating member is relatively rotatable with respect to the shaft. More preferably, the mop includes a ratchet mechanism for releasably restricting relative rotation of the operating member and shaft to one direction of rotation.

Abstract: A grout scrubber for providing interchangeable scrubber heads having scrubbing pads sized to correspond to a width of a surface being scrubbed to facilitate cleaning of the surface includes a scrubber portion and a handle assembly. The scrubber portion is slidably couplable to the scrubber portion. The scrubber portion includes a slot having angled sides and a nipple for engaging the handle assembly. In an embodiment, a protrusion is positioned on the handle assembly to engage the nipple on the scrubber portion. The handle assembly provides a grip at a distal end of an elongated handle. In an embodiment, the elongated handle is separable into two sections threadingly engageable to each other. Alternately, the handle assembly provides an angled shortened handle having an offset grip for scrubbing surfaces at an elevated level within reach of an upright user.

Abstract: A handheld, durable, easy-maintenance, easy-hold, precision-contour drywall finishing tool substantially in the shape of a round disk presents both convex and concave, or bull-nose, peripheral regions repectively suitable for coving, and for cleaning, flowable building material within, respectively, concave wall joints >90° and <180° nominally 135°, and convex wall joints >180° and <270° nominally 225°. The disk is preferably about 12 cm. in diameter, with its otherwise circular peripheral edge relieved over about 45° of arc in the shape of a concave curve, or bull nose, of some 3.5 cm diameter. Preferably one major surface of the disk is flat while the opposing surface slopes radially symmetrically from a central region of greater thickness, about 0.75 cm., towards a lesser thickness, about 3 mm., at the edge of the disk. A feature, preferably a knob of about 0.75 cm height by 3 cm.

Abstract: A detailing brush device having a handle formed with a stem mounting a conically foam cleaner brush and an absorbent sock received removably over the brush.

Abstract: In a wiper device for openable window glass, a pivot shaft having a wiper arm and blade assembly is rotatably held by the window glass. An actuator is fixed to the vehicle body for driving the pivot shaft and is engageable and disengageable with the pivot shaft so as to transmit and interrupt the driving force of the actuator to the pivot shaft. A controller is connected in circuit with the actuator for controlling an operation of the actuator. A switch element is connected in circuit with the controller for generating a first signal when the window glass is opened and a second signal when the window glass is closed. With the wiper device mentioned above, the controller controls the actuator in such a manner that driving the pivot shaft is stopped immediately upon receiving the first signal and is started with a certain time delay after receiving the second signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implement comprising a removable dustpan (3) and a refuse can (2), fixed on a broom handle (1) wherein the refuse can (2) is detachably mounted at a predetermined height above the broom brush (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing coatings from all surfaces of a deck tiedown on a marine vessel (ships) using an ultra high pressure waterjetting and a vacuum attachment to contain the effluent water and debris. A rotating ultra high pressure nozzle designed to clean all areas of the tiedown by being manipulated in multiple directions and elevations is enclosed in a pressure receiver that seals to the deck surface. All removed coatings, paint, rust, and deposits are removed to a remote vacuum recovery system. This method cleans all areas of the tiedown with no damage to the substrate and provides a superior surface for the application of coatings with no detrimental effects to surrounding deck areas and eliminating foreign object damage to surrounding equipment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for particulate containment and collection are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a shroud attachable to the floor machine and having a skirt portion positionable proximate a work surface to define an at least partially enclosed chamber therebetween, an intake member attached to the shroud and positioned proximate the chamber, the intake member having an intake aperture positionable proximate the work surface and in fluid communication with the chamber; and a vacuum duct having a first end fluidly coupled to the intake member and a second end coupleable to a vacuum source. The containment chamber confines at least some of the particulates produced by the floor machine, thereby improving the effectiveness of the vacuum source. The shroud may be removably attachable to the floor machine.

Abstract: A grommet is provided for positively mounting a long member (e.g. a wire harness) in such a manner that the long member is passed through a mounting plate such as a panel of a vehicle body. A grommet for passing and holding a wire harness relative a mounting hole formed through a mounting plate includes a first cylindrical portion for passing the wire harness therethrough, a second cylindrical portion connected to the first cylindrical portion through a connection portion, a groove formed in an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion, and a flange portion formed on that portion of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion lying between the groove and the connection portion. A plurality of guide portions, extending radially from the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion, are brought into contact with an inner peripheral edge of the mounting hole in such a manner that the second cylindrical portion is disposed coaxially with the mounting hole.