Abstract: A modular shower arm assembly for use in removably attaching a shower fixture to the unthreaded end of a pipe extending outwardly from a shower stall wall without affecting connection of the pipe to a water supply system behind the shower wall uses an adapter sleeve closely fitting over the pipe and located within a chamber in the shower arm water passage. There is a threaded fastener which extends from the top or upper surface of the shower arm, where it is normally unseen, to mount the sleeve and the shower arm to the pipe.

Abstract: A water recycling device, wherein gray water from a bathroom sink is reused to flush a toilet. The device includes a gray water reservoir, means for sensing the level of water in the toilet tank, a pump to transfer water from the gray water reservoir to the toilet tank, and a mechanical means to stop the normal potable water supply from filling the toilet water tank as long as sufficient water is being supplied from the gray water reservoir. The mechanical means physically holds the float valve of the fresh water line closed by holding the float in the up position, unless there is no flow of gray water into the toilet's tank, in which case the float is released, allowing the normal potable water supply to fill the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving an airline passenger whereby a Tyvek® sling having handles attached thereto is buckled about an airline passenger and then the passenger is lifted and transferred, by two or more persons grasping the handles, from a wheelchair on the aircraft into an adjacent seat.

Abstract: A personal lift aid for lifting and lowering ambulatory patients and other individuals by unassisted and assisted means. The invention device comprises of a stanchion assembly having a palm grip to an upper end thereof; three adjustable hand grips located below said palm grip; and a (step-on) anchor pad located at the lower end of the device to anchor the personal lift aid to the floor or ground during lifting and lowering of individuals.

Abstract: A hammock includes two parts each have a post and two connecting tubes extending radially outward from each post. Each post has two collapsible legs pivotally connected to one of two ends thereof and a tube connected to the other end of each post. Two beams composed of two sections are connected between the two pairs of the connecting tubes. A sun-shade is detachably connected between the two tubes of the posts. Each post has a hook so that a bed is connected between the two hooks.

Abstract: A bed skirt having a downwardly extending ruffle and panel sections that are tucked between an upper and lower mattress to maintain such bed skirt in a proper position and alignment with respect to the lower mattress. The panel sections are discontinuous or partially discontinuous and are equipped with adjustable fasteners that are used to secure the positioning of the panel sections with respect to each other. The panel sections are designed to be incrementally inserted between an upper and lower mattress, and the fasteners allow a user to secure the panel sections in proper alignment with respect to each other and with respect to the lower mattress once inserted and positioned between the mattresses.

Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device is provided for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations.

Abstract: An adjustable bed which includes a first frame and a second slide frame upon and relative to the first frame. The first frame includes side guides along which roll rollers carried by slide rails of the slide frame. The slide frame includes a backrest frame, a seat frame and a thigh/leg frame. The backrest frame is defined by opposite pairs of head arms and back arms transversely connected by crossbars between the head arm and between the back arms. A pair of extendable/retractable members are connected one to each of the crossbars. The extendable/retractable members are relatively extended in a first position in which the backrest frame, seat frame and thigh/leg frames are disposed in a substantially horizontal plane and a second position in which the backrest frame is raised and the seat frame is closer to a head end of the frame.

Abstract: A surgical table apparatus includes a base and an upper support frame coupled to the base to support a person. The surgical table apparatus also includes a head support coupled to the upper support frame to support the person's head.

Abstract: A multi-purpose beverage can top cleaner and tab lifter device comprises a circular sponge insert for cleaning the can top rim and an inclined semicircular wedge for raising a lift-tab to open the drinking port simultaneously in one circular motion.

Abstract: A tool coupler/knife combination includes a sleeve and a casing slidably mounted in the sleeve and having a blade mounted therein. The blade is slidable relative to the casing to a positioning in which an end of the blade is exposed for cutting. A tool coupler is mounted to the sleeve for releasably engaging with a tool bit. The casing includes a receptacle for receiving a telescopic rod with a magnetic end for attracting screws. Longitudinal position of the casing relative to the sleeve may be adjusted to thereby change the arm of force for cutting objects or driving fasteners.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a soiled carpet by first prespraying the carpet with a preselected liquid chemical sprayed through a nozzle at a preselected specific pressure/flow rate to obtain an optimized spray droplet size which penetrates deep into the carpet while utilizing only a minimum volume of chemical solution and preventing overwetting of the carpet. After the prespray chemical has had sufficient time to chemically react with soil in the carpet, then the carpet is rinsed with pure water. The final step in the process is the extracting, by use of a vacuum, the prespray chemical and pure water from the carpet.

Abstract: A dock leveler including a deck pivotally mounted relative to a loading dock, and a lip pivotally connected to the deck at the front end for pivotal movement between a pendant position and an extended position wherein the lip may engage the vehicle, at least one leg member pivotally connected to the front end of the deck for movement between a supporting position and a nonsupporting position, and a leg control member pivotally attached to the front end of the deck and adapted to engage the bed of the vehicle along with the lip, and to maintain the leg member in a nonsupporting position so long as the leg control member is carried on the bed of the vehicle, the leg control member losing contact with a departing vehicle before the lip loses contact with the vehicle, allowing the leg member to return to a supporting position, such that downward movement of the deck will be arrested in the event the vehicle continues departing and the lip loses contact with the bed of the vehicle with a load present on the deck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device 10 for scraping the inner walls of a pipeline. The device has (i) a flexible shaft 16 of elastomeric material, (ii) a plurality of groups of flexible radial scraping bars 14 which are spaced apart and offset angularly so that the bars are able to scrape substantially the entire inner surface of the pipeline, and (iii) a flexible covering 12 which coats the entire assembly formed by the said flexible shaft and by the bars, with the exception of the outer ends of the bars.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and system for cleaning the interior of conduits, gun barrels, or pipes, including drain pipes. The pipe cleaning device of the present invention is capable of (a) penetrating and removing restrictions that block flow, (b) scouring the interior wall of conduits or pipes to remove the buildup of undesirable solids that result in flow restriction, and (c) coating the wall of the pipe with a suitable substance. The present invention comprises a connecting member housed within a bendable or flexible conduit, a retraction handle attached to one end of the connecting member, and elastic or flexible strands attached to the opposite end of said connecting member. The strands are outwardly expandable in a radial dimension when said connecting member is retracted.

Abstract: Toothbrush body having a handle, a head, and a neck section joining the neck to the handle. This body is made of at least two materials, separated from each other for strength and aesthetics.

Abstract: In making a toothbrush of the type having a shaft-like handle (3), a neck section (4) joining the handle and a head (5) for holding a plurality of toothbrush bristles (6), the body is made of a first plastic material through an injection molding step. In order to provide the body with two or more portions (20, 21, 22) made of a second material, e.g., elastic and/or non-slip material such as rubber-like material, or a material having a color different from that of the first material, the toothbrush body is provided with recess sections (17, 18, 19). The second material is supplied through a plurality of channels (29, 30, 31, 32) into injection nozzle means (33, 34, 35) to provide injection of the second material in a single step, multi-point injection process into the recesses on the body to form the portions (20, 21, 22), the recesses (17, 18, 19) and the portions (20, 21, 22) thus being physically isolated from each other by the first material.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a plurality of peripheral bristle tufts and a plurality of adjacent bristle bars located internally within the head thereto, which bristle bars provide support for the peripheral bristle tufts during brushing, such that the stiffness and associated cleaning ability of the peripheral bristle tufts is enhanced.

Abstract: A backscrubber assembly adapted to hold a washing element with a cord. The backscrubber assembly comprises a handle, and a bowl permanently attached to the handle, the bowl being sized and shaped to cradle the removable washing element. The backscrubber uses the cord to attach and detach the washing element. When attached, the cord holds the washing element firmly in the bowl. When the cord is detached, the washing element is separate and free from the backscrubber assembly. In one embodiment, the backscrubber assembly has a slit in the bowl. The slit has a first pressure point and a second pressure point. The first pressure point and the second pressure point are directed towards each other so that when the cord of the washing element in placed in the slit, the first and second pressure points squeeze the cord between them, thus securing the cord by friction.

Abstract: The invention is a grill cleaning brush to aid in the cleaning of table top grill surfaces. Resembling a foam type paint brush, it allows the user to quickly and easily swipe clean the grilling surface on table top type grilling machines. The foam rubber sponge section is provided with cut in grooves or valleys with embedded scouring tips that align with and match the upper contact points or tips of the grill surface.

Abstract: An expiated bath sponge is described including a combination of a tubular element of elastic plastic mesh coupled with a smooth/abrasive sponge which has an abrasive surface on the outside and a smooth surface on the inside. A seam extends around the circumference of the sponge and forms ties at two diametrically opposed points on the seam. The sponge is fixed to the tubular element with the ties. Once the tubular element and the sponge are joined together there is a space between the tubular element and the smooth inside face of the sponge into which a hand may be inserted to manipulate the sponge as desired.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly suitable for attaching a door to a structural member such that the relative position of the door to the structural member can be adjusted. A door hinge assembly includes a mounting plate for attaching the door hinge assembly to a frame, a pin holder for holding a hinge pin, and an arm that connects the pin holder to the mounting plate. The hinge pin includes both a mating body for mating with a receptacle mounted to a door and a flattened body that fits into an elongated opening that passes through the pin holder. The flattened body includes a threaded aperture that aligns with an opening through the pin holder. A captured screw threads through the threaded aperture and across the elongated opening. The captured screw includes an adjustment that is accessible through the pin holder opening.

Abstract: A hinge (20) an an aircraft (24) has a first plurality of rigid tangs (22) attached to the aircraft (24). A second plurality of rigid tangs (26) are attached to a door (28) and a flexible cover (34) has a cover tang (44). A hinge pin (32) runs inside the first plurality of rigid tangs (22), the second plurality of rigid tangs (26) and the cover tang (44).

Abstract: The present invention provides an ambulatory assistance device such as a grab bar or the like which pivots between a non-in-use and an in-use position. The pivoting of the device is assisted by a torsion member acting between the base member and the body. The torsion device is selected so as to retain the body in its non-in-use position when placed in that position. The weight of the pivoting body of the present invention overcomes the force generated by the torsion member when the body is placed in the in-use position so as to retain that orientation. Moreover, the torsion member acts to assist the user of the device in counteracting the weight of the pivoting body member when the body member is moved between the non-in-used position and the in-use position.

Abstract: A system for forming a non-woven fabric with high resilience and high loft in a continuous process comprising first and second carding systems arranged in parallel carding fibers from a first and second fiber supply, a doffer associated with each carding system for removing the carded fibers, a transport associated with each doffer for transporting the carded and doffed fibers to a pair of independent blending and feed chutes. A housing associated with the blending and feed chutes receiving the carded and blended fibers for further blending, and a feed roll within the housing and adjacent discharge end of each blending and feed chute for withdrawing the fibers delivering them into the housing for further opening and blending. A beater roll removing the further opened and blended fibers from the housing into a chute for forming non-woven fabrics. Here the fibers are compacted into a non-woven fabric having high loft and resilience.

Abstract: A plurality of neck straps are cut from a sheet of vinyl, with each strap having locking ends formed integral with the main body of the strap. The strap has a thin, flat configuration with vinyl surfaces which provide a cloth-like feel.

Abstract: A retractable sleeve for a push pin or compass is provided creating a safety mechanism for the device on which it is used. The sleeve preferably incorporates a spring such that the sleeve is maintained in a position to encase a point of the device and safely prevent accidental sticking from the pointed end. The sleeve may also incorporate a groove for alignment purposes and ease of use. The groove may also have a perpendicularly extending portion in which a button from the device on which the sleeve is used may engage to maintain the same in a tense position. The sleeve may be incorporated, for example, for use with a push button or a compass or other like mechanism for which safety issues are a concern.

Abstract: A bungee cord with hookless ends includes an elastic body, a first attachment end, and a second attachment end. In a first preferred embodiment, the first and second attachment ends are spade attachment ends. Each spade attachment end includes a lock body, spade end and a lock slot. The spade end must be twisted to be inserted into the lock slot. The spade end is then twisted back to its original orientation to lock thereof in the lock slot. In a second embodiment, the first attachment end is a spade attachment end and the second attachment end is a tongue attachment end. The tongue attachment end includes a tongue body, a tongue hole, and a tongue extension. To lock the tongue attachment end, the tongue extension is inserted through a hole in an item until the spade contoured portion prevents further insertion. The tongue extension is then inserted through the tongue hole. In a third preferred embodiment, the first attachment end is a tongue attachment end and the second end is a strap attachment end.

Abstract: An article (10), has a first article portion (12), a second article portion (14), and a fastener (36). The fastener secures the first article portion to the second article portion and includes at least one first fastener component (70), which is attached to the first portion of the article. A cooperating, second fastener component (72) is mechanically interengageable with the first fastener component (70) and is attached to the second portion of the article (14). The first fastener component (70) includes a plurality of engagement members (56) having a first quantity of engageable stalk members (94).

Abstract: A security tag holder and fastener assembly by which a security tag can be attached to a product to be tagged. The security tag holder comprises a housing adapted to receive and support the security tag. The tag-containing housing is attachable to a product and is maintained in attached condition by at least one fastener member. The security tag and housing can be removed from the product only by destruction of the at least one fastener member. The security tag and housing are reusable.

Abstract: A slat wall death care merchandise display unit comprising a back wall with a plurality of slats attached such that a plurality of parallel, uniform slots are created. A category delineator can be inserted to divide and organize the display of death care related merchandise. Additionally, a cornice can be inserted into at least one slot to provide a display location for category headers. Moreover, an illumination source can be hidden under the cornice to provide additional lighting in the viewing of the death care related merchandise.

Abstract: The tool-changing device comprises a tool carrier rotatably mounted in a basic housing by means of a hollow shaft. This tool carrier is driven via a ring motor, the rotor of which is directly connected to the hollow shaft. A servomotor for the drive of tools is provided in the interior of the hollow shaft. Furthermore, the cavity of the hollow shaft also accommodates supply lines for the tools.

Abstract: A bushing and seal driver 10 for motorcycle fork tubes that includes opposing bushing and seal ends 18 and 20 configured and longitudinally dimensioned to insert a corresponding bushing 30 or seal 38 into a motorcycle fork tube 16 a predetermined distance by an individual causing one forceful “strike” from the bushing or seal ends 18 and 20 of the driver 10 against the bushing 30 or seal 38 thereby eliminating the visual gauging of the bushing 30 or seal 38 positions inside the fork tube 16, as is required when employing multiple strikes against the bushing 30 or seal 38.

Abstract: A riveting tool for setting blind rivets and/or bolts with lock washers has a mouthpiece to receive blind rivets and/or bolts, a pneumatic device to carry away broken-off rivet pins from the riveting tool, a pressable device arranged on the riveting tool that releases a course of functions relating to a riveting process, a valve device for supplying air to the pneumatic device to carry away broken-off rivet pins from the riveting tool, and a handle to hold the riveting tool. The valve device includes an actuating device that controls the air supplied to the pneumatic device to carry away broken-off rivet pins, the actuating device being arranged on the handle.

Abstract: Pincher vises move towards each other for gripping a plug of an IC package container such that the IC package container may be pulled away from the plug. A first pincher vise is at a gripping position when the first pincher vise is gripping the plug and is at a freeing position when the first pincher vise is not gripping the plug. A second pincher vise is at a gripping position when the second pincher vise is gripping the plug and is at a freeing position when the second pincher vise is not gripping the plug. A pushing rod is coupled to the first pincher vise and the second pincher vise, and a motion translation mechanism moves the first pincher vise and the second pincher vise to the gripping position when the pushing rod is pushed down, and moves the first pincher vise and the second pincher vise to the freeing position when the pushing rod is no longer pushed down after the IC package container has been pulled away from the plug.

Abstract: The combination of a lawn mower assembly and a clamp assembly. The lawn mower assembly has a housing defining a cutting chamber, a shaft journalled for rotation in the housing around an axis, and a cutting blade that is selectively a) releasably attached to the shaft to rotate with the shaft in a predetermined path around the shaft axis and b) separable from the shaft as to facilitate reconditioning or replacement of the cutting blade. The clamp assembly includes a first jaw having a first surface and a second jaw having a second surface. The second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between i) a first relative position wherein the first and second surfaces are spaced from each other a first distance and ii) a second relative position wherein the first and second surfaces are spaced from each other a second distance that is less than the first distance.

Abstract: An element, for example an element with a hollow body or a bolt element, in particular a nut element, for attachment to a plate-like component, has a ring-shaped recess or annular groove present at an end face of the element facing the component within a raised ring-shaped contact surface. At least one undercut is preferably provided in a side wall of the recess, and also features radial recesses and noses which extend into the ring recess providing security against rotation. A cylindrical punch section or pilot concentric to the central longitudinal axis of the element projects at the said end face within the ring-shaped recess and the outer boundary wall of the cylindrical punch section preferably has ring-shaped undercut.

Abstract: A method for coupling a first computer component, such as a printed circuit board, to a second computer component, such as a chassis, with an engaging member. The method may comprise fastening a first portion of the engaging member to the first computer component and biasing a second portion of the engaging member toward the chassis to clamp a bracket of the printed circuit board against the chassis. The method may further comprise inserting a protrusion of the second portion of the engaging member through an aperture of the bracket and into a corresponding aperture of the chassis.

Abstract: A method of connecting the free end of an elastomeric cord to the hook of a connector, that is attached to a loop on the other end of the cord, to form an endless drive belt to connect a pair of rotary drive members, which utilizes a novel tool. The tool has a retainer segment and a contact segment comprising a pair of curved contact arms flanking a finger and forming an opening, and a handle. The tool contact segments are placed on one of the rollers with the finger in the roller drive groove and the handle resting on an adjacent roller. The connector and attached cord end loop are placed in a retainer pocket on the finger. The cord free end is then grasped and pulled around both rollers, which clamps the tool to the roller, and onto the hook to form the endless belt. The handle is grasped to raise the tool, pivot it around the roller to unclamp the tool, and slide the tool to disengage it from the drive belt.

Abstract: A clutch retaining device for use in a clutch collar and clutch assembly. The clutch retaining device includes multiple cover clips which extend downwardly from the cover and have a substantial L-shape. The clutch collar has corresponding cover clip notches which correspond to the cover clips of the clutch collar cover. The clutch collar assembly includes a first and second clutch collar cover. The entire assembly includes a series of drive springs and drive pins which are compressed in place by the first and second clutch collar covers. A method for assembling the clutch collar assembly is also included. The method includes the steps of inserting drive pins into drive springs into drive pin receptors, aligning cover clips of a clutch cover with cover clip notches on a clutch collar, and connecting the clutch cover to the clutch collar and thereby depressing the drive pins and the drive springs.

Abstract: A forge/swage formed three dimensional multilayer metal foil shield having areas therein where the layers are in a spaced apart relationship, areas therein where the layers are tensioned or stretched, and areas therein where the layers are compressed and interlocked together by folding, rolling, wrinkling, curling, coiling, crimping and the like. The multilayer metal foil shield is formed by forge/swage shaping in an appropriate mold apparatus a preform of a stack of metal foil layers having gaps between the layers. The gaps are provided by embossments in the layers or by spacers between the layers. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields have utility as heat shields and acoustic shields, particularly on vehicles. The forge formed multilayer metal foil shields are mounted on automobile underbody areas, such as the bottom of the floor pan of the passenger compartment, to provide heat and sound insulation. Other automotive uses include fire wall, exhaust tunnel, motor mount and exhaust down pipe.

Abstract: Upper and lower mirror image die plates are resiliently supported and have predetermined displacement values for forming vortex generators and foldline crease channels without compressive deformation in a porous sintered metal fiber sheet material. Cutters and ridges coupled to the upper and lower die plates form the respective vortex generators and channels. The sheet of so formed material is then placed in an apparatus for bending the sheet at the foldline channels to corrugate the sheet without deformation of the sheet material between the corrugation bends. Fingers align with and engage the channels. The fingers are on plates that are ramped closer together simultaneously while the fingers on two mirror image coplanar sets of plates displace toward each other as the sheet material is folded. Pins on a pair of rotating levers engage each of the finger plates of the two sets for relatively horizontally displacing the plates and corresponding fingers as they are ramped together vertically.

Abstract: A molding method for bicycle metal frame, including the steps of: pouring a fixed amount of molten metal into a reservoir with the relatively light oxide membrane floating on the upper surface of the clean and pure molten metal, the male and female molds being mated to define a bicycle frame mold cavity which is vacuumized through a vacuum path, then by way of high pressure filling, the clean and pure molten metal being filled into the mold cavity through a mold flow way, then the molten metal quickly passing through the mold flow way to flow and distribute over the vacuumized bicycle frame mold cavity and spilling back flow tank defined by the mated male and female molds by way of drawing out the mold core, then, immediately the molten metal being abruptly cooled through several cooling pipelines defined by the mated male and female molds to pattern the molten metal into a bicycle frame with polished surface without pore; demolding the male and female molds to take out the bicycle frame which is blown by win

Abstract: A clamping device having a front member, a back member opposing the front member, a pair of opposing side members, a stop block and a clamping mechanism. The side members extend between and connect the front member and the back member. The work piece is supported by and between the side members. The stop block is interposed between the back member and the work piece. The clamping mechanism, which is operatively coupled between the front member and the work piece, exerts a clamping force against the work piece to press the work piece against the stop block. In this way, the work piece is clamped between the front member and the back member.

Abstract: A method of producing a Bi—Pb—Sr—Ca—Cu oxide superconductor by thermally treating raw material comprises steps of performing first plastic deformation on the raw material, performing first heat treatment on the material being subjected to the first plastic deformation, performing second plastic deformation on the material being subjected to the first heat treatment, and performing second heat treatment on the material being subjected to the second plastic deformation.

Abstract: A sensor, such as a proximity sensor, having its components sealed within a case, has its sensitivity adjusted with a remotely settable digital potentiometer after assembly of the sensor. The adjustment connection is then destroyed.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workpieces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: An electric-component transferring apparatus including a component holder which holds an electric component, a shaft member whose lower end portion supports the component holder, a movable member having a support hole which supports the shaft member such that the shaft member is rotatable about an axis line relative to the movable member and is movable relative to the movable member in an axial direction parallel to the axis line, a moving device which moves the movable member in a direction intersecting the axis line of the shaft member, a piston which is supported by the shaft member such that the piston is not movable relative to the shaft member in the axial direction of the shaft member, the support hole including a portion defining a cylinder bore which cooperates with the piston to provide an air-pressure-operated cylinder device, a driven wheel which is substantially integral with the shaft member, and a drive wheel which is supported by the movable member such that the drive wheel is meshed with the

Abstract: An applicator (10) for crimping a terminal (14) onto a conductor and inserting the crimped terminal into the housing (16) of a partially assembled connector (12) includes a seating sensor for assuring that the terminal is fully inserted into the housing. A backup member (56) which is arranged to engage side edges (184) of the electrical terminal for preventing axial movement additionally makes electrical contact therewith. The pusher member includes a projection (188) that makes electrical contact with the end of the terminal only when the housing and terminal are fully seated. Electrical leads (102, 146) are electrically connected to the backup member and the pusher member so that continuity can be verified after the connector housing is fully seated. In the event that continuity is not detected, an error signal is generated indicating a malfunction.

Abstract: A device for fixing and removing stud seats for boots. The seats are designed to be fitted from above the boot sole and receive the studs screwed from underneath the sole. The device includes a first portion forming a handle having a means for fixing the seats on a first surface and a second portion forming a handle having means for removing the seats from a first surface, the first surface of the first portion capable of being fitted into a second surface of the second portion, and the first surface of the second portion capable of being fitted into a second surface of the first portion.