Abstract: A protective device adapted particularly for use by a soccer player includes a front and rear panel connected to each other by elastic straps. The front panel includes a protective portion primarily adapted to protect only the stomach area beneath the rib cage and the rear panel is adapted to provide protection primarily to the kidney areas. The rear panel rests at the waist of the individual keeping it in proper position. This can provide significant protection to the soccer player without being so obtrusive as to be not worn by the soccer player.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly comprising a seat for permitting a user to sit over a toilet bowl of a toilet apparatus and a hinge pivotally attaching the seat to the toilet apparatus so that the user can manually pivot the seat relative to the toilet bowl between a vertical-upright position and a horizontal-down position. The hinge has a lock which automatically engages when the seat is manually pivoted into the vertical-upright position to prevent the seat from inadvertently pivoting back to the horizontal-down position. The toilet seat assembly can be further provided with a lid for selectively covering the toilet seat. The hinge lock can be adapted to automatically engage when the lid is manually pivoted into the vertical-upright position to prevent the lid from inadvertently pivoting back to the horizontal-down position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a flush valve mounted holder having a closed bottom and an open top, the closed bottom configured to replace the cover of a flush valve having a flush valve cover in a commercial sanitary fixture such as a urinal or toilet, the holder comprising a base positioned to form the closed bottom of the holder, the base having threads positioned thereon for connecting to the flush valve, to thereby mount the holder on the flush valve in place of the flush valve cover, and a body connected to the base and positioned to form the open top of the flush valve mounted holder, the body having a shape suitable for holding at least one item for a person.

Abstract: A water displacement device for water storage vessels such as toilet tanks, the device comprising a perforated plastics bag including a super-absorbent polymer in granular form which, when wetted, expands to up to two hundred times its pre-absorption volume. The bag may be weighted and may be placed in a toilet tank where it expands to displace between two and five litres of water within a toilet tank otherwise containing at least nine litres of water, thereby reducing wasteful water consumption.

Abstract: A sewer system includes a disposal system under atmospheric pressure, a sanitary unit provided with a water trap, and a branch sewer pipe connecting the sanitary unit to the disposal system. A vacuum generator is connected to the branch sewer pipe for generating underpressure in the branch sewer pipe. The vacuum generator is connected to the branch sewer pipe in a manner that allows waste to pass through the branch sewer pipe to the disposal system without obstruction by a temporary closure element.

Abstract: A hair washer comprising a cistern into which the head part of a person under hair washing can be inserted, the hair washer including a plurality of washing nozzles for spouting out washing water provided at each side wall surface, rear wall surface, and front part of the bottom wall of the cistern. A drain outlet is provided for draining out washing water spouted out from the washing nozzles, the drain outlet being provided at the rear part of the bottom wall of the cistern. At least one groove extends toward the drain outlet, the groove being provided at gaps between the plurality of washing nozzles located at the front part of the bottom wall of the cistern, wherein washing water spouted out from the washing nozzles is exhausted out from the drain outlet and passes through the groove provided at the bottom wall of the cistern.

Abstract: The whirlpool tub includes a rigid tub shell inserted into the opening of a surrounding podium. The tub is to be filled with hot water. A first insulation membrane is installed spacedly around the tub inside the podium, defining a first closed air pocket between the tub and this first insulation membrane. A second insulation membrane is installed spacedly around the first insulation membrane, also inside the podium, defining a second closed air pocket between the first and the second membranes. The first membrane is punctured and hangs loosely from the podium structure, thus allowing limited air circulation between the first and second air pockets. Consequently, positive condensation control is accomplished, preventing same from occurring, in addition to providing thermal and acoustic insulation to the tub. The first membrane comprises an inner reflective metallic foil fixedly mounted on a synthetic felt backing. The second membrane is a mineral wool blanket.

Abstract: A bathtub includes an integrally formed rectangular body with a recess having an appropriate depth. The four corners of the body are formed with four cylindrical holes. The bathtub is provided with positioning indents on the surface of the recess for fastening a shaped pad therein. The shaped pad, which is molded according to the shape of a baby, can be used to prop up a baby for washing. When the pad is removed, the bathtub can be used to wash a bigger baby. The space inside the bathtub can also be used as a parcel barrel. The cylindrical holes on the four corners can be inserted with legs of different length in order to lift up the bathtub for the ease of an adult to wash a baby. Alternatively, the legs can be inserted in the opposite direction and the bathtub can be upside down so that the construction can be used as an end table or a study desk, etc.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing with an input for unheated water and an output for delivering unheated water to a toilet tank and a supplemental input for cooled and hot water in. The valve has a thermally responsive component to open and close the supplemental input.

Abstract: A sleeping apparatus includes a sleeping bag and a pad. The sleeping bag has front and back sides and is selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad is operatively attached to the back side of the sleeping bag and is also selectively convertible between an unfolded sleeping configuration and a folded backpack configuration. The pad serves as padding for the sleeping bag when both are in the sleeping configuration. The pad also serves as a backpack shell for holding the sleeping bag and any other contents within when both are in the backpack configuration. Thus, the pad provides structural strength to the backpack. To convert the sleeping apparatus from the sleeping configuration to the backpack configuration, the sleeping bag is folded into the backpack configuration. Next, the pad is folded into the backpack configuration around the folded sleeping bag.

Abstract: A portable water cooled mattress for use with infants or the like comprising an air bladder lower level constructed of an air proof material and including an inflation and deflation opening valve. A water bladder layer is positioned on a top surface of the air bladder and includes a fill and empty spout valve while a pocket is formed between the water bladder and air bladder suitable for inserting either heating and/or cooling packs as desired. An insulating upper layer covers the water bladder preventing the child from becoming dampened from condensation.

Abstract: A side bolster system is provided for use with a mattress having a first side and a second side. The side bolster system of the present invention includes a first side bolster configured to be positioned along the first side of the mattress, a second side bolster configured to be positioned along the second side of the mattress, and a transverse tether having a first end coupled to the first side bolster and a second end coupled to the second side bolster.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, mattress/hook and loop cover (70) has side panels (72) and (74), and end panels (76) and (78) which correspond and removably attach to crib mattress (44) side panels (46) and (48), and end panels (50) and (52). Crib sheet (22) has side panels (24) and (26), and end panels (28) and (30) which contain loop fasteners (40). Loop fasteners (40) are sized and positioned to removably attach to corresponding mating hook fasteners (96) along the side panels (72) and (74), and along the end panels (76) and (78) of mattress/hook and loop cover (70). Mattress pad (62) has single panel (64) which contains loop fasteners (68). Loop fasteners (68) are sized and positioned to mate with hook fasteners (96) in coordination with loop fasteners (40) of crib sheet (22).

Abstract: An adjustable-warmth bed covering adopted for use inside a duvet cover, either alone or with a comforter that is also inside the duvet cover, and a method for making such a bed covering. Specifically, the bed covering is formed from a base sheet to which are attached fabric strips bounding a plurality of pockets. Each pocket has a closable opening that overlaps the pocket adjacent to it and closer to the head end of the base sheet. Insulator pads may be inserted in the pockets to increase the warmth retention capability of the adjustable-warmth bed covering in the area covered by the pocket. The method involves attaching overlapping fabric strips sequentially to the base sheet and sewing seams parallel to the left and right sides of the base sheet to form pockets.

Abstract: An automatic therapeutic bed for inversely suspending/standing a human body includes an intermediate member of the therapeutic bed, a backrest of the therapeutic bed rotatably connected to an end of the intermediate member for accommodating an upper body of the patient, a footrest of the therapeutic bed rotatably connected to another end of the intermediate member for accommodating a lower body of the patient, a plurality of frames provided under the intermediate member, the backrest and the footrest and forming a bed angle adjustment mechanism, a drive means for driving the bed angle adjustment mechanism formed of the frames to change the angles and positions of the intermediate member, the backrest and the footrest of the therapeutic bed, shoulder pads provided at an end of the backrest for supporting shoulders of the patient, and a fastening means provided at an end of the footrest for fastening ankles of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a mattress having a centrally located cut-out portion that has an insert that fits therein. The combination of the mattress and insert provides a flat surface on which a bed ridden person can lie. The insert is removable from the cut-out portion so that a bed pan may be placed therein. The cut-out portion is designed to support the bed pan, so that the bed pan is within the boundaries of the mattress. Once the bed pan is in position, the bed ridden person may comfortably perform their excretory functions while maintaining a certain degree of discreteness and dignity. Once these functions have been performed, the bed pan is removed and the insert is repositioned. The present invention also comprises a first fitted sheet and a second fitted sheet. The first fitted sheet surround the mattress and extends within the cut-out portion, while the second fitted sheet surrounds the insert.

Abstract: A mattress includes a bag in which an amount of fluid is sealed. A portion of the bag is provided with an adjuster which adjust an inner volume of the bag. Adjusting the inner volume changes a pressure of the fluid in the bag which is regarded as a softness or hardness of the mattress. Such an adjustment is established without a supply or a drain of the fluid in and to the bag, respectively.

Abstract: A one-sided mattress assembly includes a core of pocketed coil springs having a layer of resiliently compressible material covering the upper surface thereof and having a bottom surface constructed of a substantially rigid material without a compressible layer. The core of coil springs is preferably attached to the bottom surface only around its periphery. By such a construction the amount of compressible padding is reduced by one-half and consequently the mattress is capable of exhibiting a substantial reduction in the amount of permanent deflection in use. Maintenance of the mattress such as by rotating or turning the mattress over is also avoided.

Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.

Abstract: A tool handle device includes a handle having a base and a cover pivotally secured to the base for enclosing the interior of the base. The cover includes one or more retainers for securing tool members to the handle. The base includes one or more spaces for receiving the tool members and a tool, such as a plier device, particularly a foldably plier device. The handle includes two end pieces, the base is secured between the end pieces. An opening is formed between the end pieces for receiving the cover. A block is secured to a driving stem for receiving tool bits.

Abstract: A print material removing apparatus for removing a print material from a printed record medium, the apparatus comprising: a treating bath 3 filled with a treating liquid 2, the treating bath 3 removing the print material from the printed record medium 1 immersed into the treating liquid 2; a feed path 22 for feeding the treating liquid 2 to the treating bath 3; a discharge path 30 for discharging the treating liquid 2 from the treating bath 3; a feed cartridge 31 to be detachably connected to the feed path 22; and a discharge cartridge 32 to be detachably connected to the discharge path 30. Thus, the apparatus enhances the handling-ability of the sheet 1 and eliminates the user's uncomfortable feeling at the jam treatment.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, cleaning a web of photo film during the manufacture is disclosed wherein the web of photo film is transported in its lengthwise direction, and a cleaning tape made of felt is pressed onto an entire area or a side portion of a surface of the photo film or a side edge of the photo film, while the photo film and the cleaning tape are transported in opposite directions.

Abstract: The inner end of a snake or drain cleaning cable coiled in a rotatable cable storage drum of drain cleaning apparatus is provided with a torque arm which frictionally engages the outer wall of the drum to restrain sliding of the cable relative thereto during a drain cleaning operation. The drain cleaning apparatus is motor driven, and a cable feed device for axially displacing the cable relative to the storage drum is provided on the outer end of a flexible guide tube detachably mounted on the apparatus to facilitate an operator guiding the outer end of the table into a drain to be cleaned and advancing or retracting the cable relative to the apparatus without having to physically contact the cable.

Abstract: A combination ice scraper and snow removal assembly which has multiple blades in contact with the working/windshield surface to more efficiently remove ice and snow therefrom and reduce the amount of energy expended by the user to scrape and remove snow from the working surface. This combination ice scraper and snow removal assembly includes a main body portion having two ends thereof. A scraping assembly is provided at one end of the main body for scraping a frozen water material from a working surface. The scraping assembly includes at least three scraping blades with at least one of the scraping blades having a continuous blade edge and at least two of the scraping blades having toothed cutting edges. As a result, in a single swiping or scraping action of the user, ice or snow can be dislodged from the working windshield/surface by the scraping blade assembly and then cleared and/or removed from that dislodged location by the cleaning blade removal assembly in a limited path of travel.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a cleaning member having a plurality of bristles extending from an upper surface thereof for cleaning a golf shoe. The cleaning device further includes a plate coupled to an end of the cleaning member and pivotal between a first open position laterally adjacent to the cleaning member and a second closed position covering the bristles. The bristles extend both upwardly and inwardly for simultaneously cleaning the sides, sole, and cleats of a golf shoe as the shoe is scraped across the cleaning member.

Abstract: A card is provided for cleaning a document track of a document handling system, and methods for making and using the same. The card includes a planar body formed of a resilient material, such as a fibrous or polymeric material. The body includes a plurality of tabs, with each one of the tabs being pivotable relative to the body between an extended position and a collapsed position. In the extended position, the tab projects angularly from the body, while in the collapsed position, the tab is substantially co-planar with the body. The tabs are biased to the extended position, such as by creasing the material forming the body. The biased tabs extend across the document track, and sweep debris along the document track.

Abstract: A dust mop features a dust collector layer made of electrostatically charged nonwoven fabric. The electrostatic charge (a) enables the dust collector to be detachably mounted to the mop head by electrostatic cling; and (b) improves the dust collecting ability of the dust collector.

Abstract: To be able to easily and quickly remove adhering dirt, for example rendering mortar, from the pipes of the tubular frame of scaffolding both with the scaffold assembled and disassembled, a device is proposed which has scraper elements (2-5) which are attached to a frame (1) and which when used with a corresponding recess (6) encompasses a scaffold pipe to be cleaned over roughly half its periphery.

Abstract: A water-wiping blade for wiping water from surfaces having projecting regions from the surface is based on a flexible panel having an upper and a lower long edge, with a handle interface along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower long edge, the lip ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel. In a preferred embodiment a handle is attached by the handle interface along the upper long edge. By rotating the flexible panel around the handle length and urging the panel into a surface, the lip can be caused to wrap around regions projecting from the surface with the sharp line of the lip in contact with the surface. Translating the panel then is effective in wiping standing water from the surface even in the presence of such surface deformities, such as rivet heads and the like. In some embodiments handle extensions may be used to allow positioning the flexible panel in hard-to-reach places.

Abstract: A collection container (40) for matter picked up by a suction cleaner comprises a generally cylindrical body (45) into which an inlet tube (46) extends upwardly from the base (43) thereof. To enable the collection container to be adapted for the collection of either liquids or solids entrained in air flow induced through the inlet tube (46), two interchangeable separator units (60, 70) are provided. Separator unit (60), for use in the wet mode, comprises a tube (61) which forms an extension of the suction tube (46), with a baffle wall (64) over the open mouth thereof, and additionally an oblique annular baffle plate (66) may be provided in the vicinity of the junction between the two tubes (46, 61). The separator unit (70), for use in the dry mode, comprises a mounting ring (72) carrying a tubular filter element (71), the lower end of which is closed by a baffle plate (73) which registers with the open end of the inlet tube (46) in spaced relation thereto.

Abstract: In order to further develop a cleaning device comprising a cleaning liquid tank and a dirty liquid tank as well as a pump in flow communication with the cleaning liquid tank for spraying a surface to be cleaned and a suction unit for receiving the sprayed cleaning liquid and transferring it into the dirty liquid tank in such a manner that it is more service-friendly and less noisy it is suggested that the pump and the suction unit be held in a separate housing which can be introduced into a frame of the cleaning device in the form of an insert.

Abstract: A cleaning head for carpets, walls or upholstery, including a rigid, exterior, open-bottomed main body which defines the surface subjected to the cleaning process. Mounted within or adjacent to the main body portion coplanar with the bottom thereof is the fluid-applying device, which includes a slot at an acute angle to the plane of the bottom of the body located adjacent the plane of the bottom of the body, configured such that the fluid is applied in a thin sheet which flows out of the slot and into the upper portion of the surface to be cleaned and subsequently into the vacuum source for recovery.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner wherein a hose, a pipe and a suction nozzle, which are connected to a vacuum cleaner main body incorporating therein a motor fan, are formed with a suction air passage as well as an exhaust air passage for making air exhausted from the motor fan circumfluently flow. The pipe is composed of an inner cylindrical portion having a substantially circular section and forming the suction air passage, and an outer cylindrical portion a part of which is uniformly formed with the inner cylindrical portion and which covers the inner cylindrical portion to form the exhaust air passage. There can be achieved for a light-weighted and slim-sized arrangement of the pipe through which the suction air passage and the exhaust air passage extends without the fear of dust plugging, and a vacuum cleaner of exhaust circumfluently flowing type can be easily put into to practice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a flow of air and particulates through a vacuum cleaner. The apparatus can include an airflow propulsion device that draws the flow through an intake aperture and propels the flow through two upwardly-extending conduits toward a filter element housed in a filter housing. The conduits can have generally smooth internal walls and a combined flow area less than the flow area of the intake aperture to accelerate the flow upwardly toward the filter element.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head has a casing having a dirty air inlet and a brush mounted above the dirty air inlet and moveable with respect to the dirty air inlet. The brush is pivotally mounted to the casing by a pivot member at a position forward of the brush. The pivot member transmits force generated by the rotation of the brush to the casing thereby reducing the required offsetting upward biasing force and permitting effective floating of brush in the vacuum cleaner head.

Abstract: A snap hinge and method of manufacturing includes a plurality of articulated levers interposed between a first member and a second member and reciprocally angularly positionable between first and second end positions. An elastic member is interposed between the levers and at least one of the levers includes side portions and at least one interconnecting portion between side portions. At least one lever cooperates with the elastic member at hinge means that are only defined by one interconnecting portion. The components are punched from a metal stamp and bent with side portions at right angles to interconnecting portions to form hinge means integrally with the side portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge for preventing injuries due to crushing, especially in doors and windows, comprising a first hinge leaf (4) for connection to the door leaf (1) or the window leaf, a second hinge leaf (5) for connection with the door or window frame (2) and a swivel joint (6) which connects the first and second hinge leaves (4, 5) to one another. Either the first or the second hinge leaf (4, 5) is equipped with one or more fingers (7) projecting substantially at right angles from the plane of the hinge leaf (4, 5), and adapted for axial sliding movement in an opening or slot (11) arranged for the finger (7) or each finger (7) in the frame (2) or the door leaf (1). When the door leaf or window leaf is brought towards the closed position, the finger (7), if it meets with a foreign object, will slide axially out of the opening or slot (11) and create a distance between the door or window frame (2) and the door or window leaf (1).

Abstract: The hinge includes a first flange and a second flange which pivot and translate with respect to each other. The first flange includes a first laterally offset pivot axis. The second flange includes a second laterally offset pivot axis and a translational path. Additionally, a pivot plate is provided with first and second parallel passageways. The first laterally offset pivot axis of the first flange engages the first parallel passageway of the pivot plate and the translational path of the second flange. The second laterally offset pivot axis of the second flange engages the second parallel passageway of the pivot plate. Initially relative pivoting of the first flange and the second flange causes the first laterally offset pivot axis of the first flange and the first parallel passageway of the pivot plate to translate within the translational path. Subsequent relative pivoting of the first flange and the second flange causes the pivoting about the first laterally offset pivot axis.

Abstract: A clip assembly for a pacifier includes a fastener, a cover having one side fixedly engaged with the fastener and another side provided with a resilient projection, a circular container having radial outlet and an axle at a central portion thereof, a reel fitted within the circular container and having a center hole receiving the axle, the reel having a circular recess provided with a plurality of radial teeth on an inner circumference thereof and two positioning members adjacent to the radial teeth, a spiral spring fitted within the circular recess of the reel and having an inner end fixedly secured to the axle and an outer end fixedly connected to the positioning members, a circular plate mounted in the circular recess to prevent the spiral spring from getting out of the circular recess, a cord having an end fixedly secured to the circumferential groove, and a retainer fixedly connected to another end of the cord and having a fastening member and a linking chain having a plurality of ball-shaped elements en

Abstract: A reversibly attachable fastener has a generally figure-8 geometry when in the engaged state. The fastener is composed of two generally symmetric halves, each comprising arm portions, shoulder portions, and head portions, and the halves are connected by a spring loop. One half of the fastener contains a window feature that allows the opposing, singular half to extend through and be supported in a nested fashion. The half containing the window feature has crown protrusions on the head portions which are then spanned by a bridge structure. The opposing, singular half is provided with a crown protrusion which is notched, this crown protrusion catching on the bridge structure to maintain the fastener in the engaged state. The fastener can be used to easily and reversibly attach various objects, such as keys to keyrings or identification tags to luggage.

Abstract: Two brackets having butterfly configurations with openings therein adapted to permit each end of two conventional clothes hangers to be engaged in a parallel status, provide a completed storage facility for hoses, flexible tubes, ropes, chains, belts, electric cords, christmas light cords, and other similar items to be stored thereon. Each bracket has opposite concave arms connected to opposite flat arms completing a continuous periphery to form a closed exterior bracket with openings therein. The flat arms of the bracket form an angle with the concave arms of the bracket permitting frictional engagement with the flat and diagonal members of a conventional coat hanger which are located within the openings. Each bracket engages two coat hangers, forming a storage facility between the concave surfaces of each bracket and the two side-by-side clothing hangers.

Abstract: A reinforcing arrangement in the bridging portion of a plastically deformable ear which defines the outlines resembling a four-sided diamond.

Abstract: A multipurpose holding device, mainly for holding matching garments together, in particular for treating pairs of garments, has a suitable fixing unit (1) for pressing the garments together, the fixing unit having a primary supporting formed piece (2) located on one side of the garments and a secondary supporting formed piece (3) located on the other side of the garments. The primary supporting formed piece (2) includes a limiting member (2a) and an opening (2d) at least partly framed by the limiting member (2a). The secondary supporting formed piece (3) has a free flange (3a) which extends into, and preferably through, the opening (2d) of the primary supporting formed piece (2). The primary supporting formed piece (2) and the secondary supporting formed piece (3) are interconnected by a connecting neck (4).

Abstract: A zip fastener for fastening two edges of material together, the fastener having a pair of stringers, each stringer comprising a plurality of coupling elements located on an edge of a tape, the fastener further comprising an alignment marks for matching the two edges of material together, wherein the alignment mark is a pair of open holes with an open hole being provided through the tape of each stringer, the pair of holes being located at the same level as one another along the length of the zip fastener.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slide fastener in which a normal engaging state of engaging elements can be maintained, even if right and left tensile loads are applied to the engaged elements having an engaging male portion and an engaging female portion which can be engaged with and disengaged from each other in upward and downward directions. The engaging element having the engaging male portion has a tape mounting portion at one end thereof an arc-shaped fitting face at an inner face of the tape mounting portion, and a projecting engaging tongue at an upper portion of the element, at a lower face of which a column is formed to have an engaging head is formed at a tip end thereof. A recessed groove is defined in the head, thereby providing resilience. The engaging element having the engaging female portion has a tape mounting portion at an end thereof, a vertical fitting face at an inner face of the tape mounting portion, a projecting engaging tongue at a lower portion of the element.

Abstract: A clip (10) is provided for securing an object such as a cable to a body (32) such as a wall of a supporting frame, which is of simple and rugged design and that allows one-hand operation. The clip includes first and second jaws (18, 20) with lower ends (60, 62) that are pivotally connected, upper ends (70, 72) that can grasp the object between them when the jaws are pivoted together, and middle parts (94). The body has a slot (22) that receives the middle parts of the jaws to hold the jaws together so the upper parts grasp the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joiner for attaching items together, said joiner including a ring-like member having first and second ends to be linked to one another, said first end having a tubular section for reception therein of said second end, and a latching means to lock said first and second ends together.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading a fabric having upper and lower sides, transversely spaced edges and longitudinally extending reenforcing cords spaced laterally across said fabric between said edges preparatory to treating the fabric in a calender, as the fabric moves in a given path to the calender. The spreader includes a mandrel having an outer generally cylindrical surface concentric with a rotational axis. The cylindrical surface has a helical groove having convolutions with a pitch generally equal to a desired cord distribution laterally of the fabric. The mandrel is rotatably mounted to a support structure such that the mandrel is positioned transverse to the fabric with the cylindrical surface of the mandrel aligned with the fabric path to be generally tangential to a side of the fabric as the fabric moves in the given path. A first motor positioned on the support structure rotates the mandrel about the axis at a given rotational speed.

Abstract: A method of making a one-piece, unitary lid for a casket comprises providing tooling configured to produce a casket lid having a crown, a pie, a rim and a header, providing settable material, preferably a mixture of wood chips and binder, from which to mold the lid, molding the settable material with the tooling and permitting the settable material to set. The tooling transmits a wood grain pattern into the settable material. The wood grain pattern of the lid is continuous when viewed rotated 180° about an axis perpendicular to the plane defined by the lid, located medially of the transverse extent of the lid and coinciding with the header end edge of the lid. Thus two such caps placed end-to-end have a continuous wood grain pattern extending from the head end of the casket to the foot end of the casket. Resin impregnated tissue paper is applied to the settable material prior to molding. The resin impregnated tissue paper conforms to the wood grain and conceals the wood chips.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an expanded grid includes the steps of: (a) supplying a thin plate of band form from the longitudinal direction, (b) forming a plurality of intermittent cuts parallel to the edge in a first region, excluding the central portion, of the thin plate of band form, (c) bending the central portion at a desired angle, and (d) expanding and developing the cuts in the width direction, while moving sequentially in the longitudinal direction the thin plate having the first region forming the plurality of cuts and the central portion not having the cuts, in which the first track distance of the outermost side portion of the first region having the cuts developed and formed is nearly the same distance as the track distance of the central portion. The plane distortion of the grid is eliminated, the width dimension of the grid is stable, and the quality of the electrode plate using such grid is enhanced. Further, local stress concentration of the grid is suppressed.