Abstract: A fault recovery system of a ring network based on a synchronous transport module transmission system, having a fault data writing unit for writing, when an input fault is detected by a node, fault data in a predetermined user byte in an overhead of a frame flowing through both a working line and a protection line running in opposite directions to each other. By detecting the fault data in a supervision node or a node just before the fault position, the supervision node or the node just before the fault position executes a loopback operation.

Abstract: A portable lightweight cooling apparatus for cooling a human body is disclosed, having a channeled sheet which absorbs sweat and/or evaporative liquid, a layer of highly conductive fibers adjacent the channeled sheet; and, an air-moving device for moving air through the channeled sheet, wherein the layer of fibers redistributes heat uniformly across the object being cooled, while the air moving within the channeled sheet evaporates sweat and/or other evaporative liquid, absorbs evaporated moisture and the uniformly distributed heat generated by the human body, and discharges them into the environment.

Abstract: Headgear for advertisements, public relations and cheering as well as shading is disclosed. A head insertion hole and a sign part are defined on the center portion of a plate by a circumferential cut line and a front folding line. A plurality of linear cut lines, which are extended radially outwardly from the circumferential cut line, are formed on the portion of the plate outside of the sign part while being spaced apart from each other, thereby forming head holding portions between every two linear cut lines. In another embodiment, auxiliary traverse cut lines are formed to pass through the ends of the alternate linear cut lines, respectively, so that a resilient action of the head holding is easily performed.

Abstract: An upland pack vest for hunting has a rear game pouch and an adjustable belting/strapping system designed to evenly distribute the weight of game loaded in the game pouch. The pack vest includes a pair of shoulder staps connected to the top of the game pouch and a hip belt connected to the inside of the game pouch. The shoulder straps are hung over the shoulders of the hunter and the hip belt is buckled around the waist of the hunter. A pair of adjustable diagonal straps connect the respective shoulder straps to the game pouch. A sternum strap connects the shoulder straps to prevent the shoulder straps from spreading as the adjustable diagonal straps redistribute weight from the game pouch onto the front portion of the shoulder straps. The length of the diagonal straps are adjustable in order to allow the hunter to adjust the fit of the vest.

Abstract: Underpants having a protective structure are provided with a front piece and a corresponding rear piece which are joined and form underpants. The underpants are further provided with a pocket piece attached to the rear piece so that a pocket space is formed to connect with an opening formed between the front piece and the rear piece. Thus, the wearer's scrotum is received through the opening. A cover piece is attached to the pocket piece by one end and detachably affixed to the front piece by the other end such that the wearer's phallus, passing through the opening, can be held in position between the cover piece and the front piece, thereby preventing discomfort or skin disease due to perspiration from occurring.

Abstract: A helmet sock for protecting a helmet wearer from cold weather conditions while snowmobiling, motorcycling, skiing and other like activies. The helmet sock attaches to the outside lower perimeter of a helmet by a strip of hook and loop material such as Velcro-type material. A strip of Velcro-type material is secured to the outside lower perimeter of the helmet by pressure sensitive adhesive and a corresponding strip is attached to the upper inside circumference of the sock. The sock comprises an adjustable flap at the rear of the helmet for making a secure airtight fit on the helmet. The sock prevents outside air from penetrating and retains the body heat of the wearer in addition to stopping snow and wind from entering the bottom of the helmet. When the weather temperature rises, the sock may be rolled up and stretched around the bottom of the helmet or simply pulled off the perimeter of the helmet.

Abstract: The helmet of the present invention comprises an outer and inner shell having a top, a front, a rear, and left and right sides corresponding to wearer's crown, face, rear and left and right sides, respectively. The front of the helmet has an enlarged view window that exposes at least a portion of the wearer's face. The view window has an upper rim, lower rim, right rim, and left rim. The lower rim extends from the front of the helmet to about the auditory canal. The upper rim is separated from the lower rim and loosely tracks the path of the lower rim. The upper rim is connected to the lower rim on both the left and right sides by left and right rims, respectively. A step is formed in the lower rim as it proceeds towards the back of the view window. This increases the wearer's view of the road. The upper rim is connected to the lower rim on both the right and left sides by the right and left side rims, respectively. The side rims have a straight slant that extends backwards from bottom to top.

Abstract: A continuous protective garment provides a matrix of cells each containing a cube-like protective element. Continuous layers of fabric bonded along intersecting lines provides an individual cell for each of plural protective elements sandwiched between the fabric layers. An outer rigid protective surface of each protective element absorbs externally applied forces, while a middle cushioning layer provides dispersion and buffering of such externally applied forces. An innermost layer of a fluid-resistant material helps prevent perspiration from being absorbed, while a ventilation hole through the center of each protective element provides air circulation without compromising protective qualities. A substantially continuous array of cells containing the protective elements provides comprehensive surface coverage over the torso and arms of the wearer.

Abstract: A protective guard worn to protect the surface of the shoulders from the pressure caused by straps and load of a bag. The protective guard has a shell made of a durable rigid material, shaped and configured for attaching to the upper and rear surfaces of the shoulders and the lower rear neck surface of the wearer. The shell has an inner surface making contact with the surfaces of the wearer and an outer surface making contact with the bag. A pad means is attached to the inner surface at predetermined regions corresponding to the upper and rear surfaces of the shoulders of the wearer. Located on the outer surface of the shell is a means to prevent slippage of the shoulder straps when placed on the shell. There are several means to prevent slippage of the shoulder straps on the shell. One means is a channel defined by a pair of ridges formed on the outer surface of the shell. In the alternative, the means can be a patch of rubbery material attached at predetermined regions.

Abstract: A toilet venting apparatus includes an upper insert mountable between a toilet tank and a toilet bowl, and a lower insert mountable between the bowl and a floor sewer pipe. The upper insert cooperates with the toilet bowl for removal of gases in the bowl through apertures in the bowl rim. A motor driven fan extracts the gases through the upper insert and forces the gases along the lower insert into the sewer. The fan is remotely activated. Flushing the toilet disables the fan until reactuated following flushing.

Abstract: A unit for injecting a disinfectant, deodorant or the like into the inlet stream of flushing water as it is pumped into the bowl of a tankless marine toilet. The injection unit is preferably constructed of commercially-available plastic plumbing components. The main body of the unit provides an additive reservoir which surrounds the flush water inlet pipe and is formed from a conventional plastic sanitary tee jointed fitted at each end with plastic size-reduction bushings. The two bushings connect the injection unit to the flush water inlet tubing and also support an interior flow pipe. Holes drilled at angles in the flow pipe divert a portion of the flush water through the additive reservoir where it mixes with and dissolves the additive (normally a water soluble disk of the type typically placed in the tank of a household toilet).

Abstract: The system comprises a disposable pad having a plurality of layers, and means for retaining the disposable pad either upon the upper surface of a permanent base or directly onto the floor. The permanent base is positioned upon the floor and the base has an upper surface that is generally horizontal. The disposable pad includes a layer of absorbent material, and a coating layer of waterproof material. The pad is flame retardant and biodegradable. The system is useful for keeping the floor dry and in a sanitary condition. The undersurface of the disposable pad includes two bores for cooperative engagement with two projections extending upwardly and affixed to the floor.

Abstract: An assembly useful in directing a narrow water stream against an obstruction inside drain plumbing includes an exteriortubular housing within which a spray wand may be telescopically received. A resilient seal is engaged to the free end of the wand, for capture between the tubular housing and the surface around the drain plumbing openings. The other end of the wand is connected across a valve to a source of water at pressure to be ejected through an axial drilling in the free end towards the obstruction. The lateral edge of the tubular housing may include cut-outs to allow manipulation of the valve handle once the valve is secured to the housing.

Abstract: A toilet tank with a sediment removal assembly comprises a flexible tube connected to the upper discharge spout of the intake standpipe in the toilet tank cavity, and a configured length of copper tubing connected to the flexible tube for water to flow therethrough when the float valve is open to flow water into the tank during a flushing operation. The copper tubing has a longitudinal section which extends downwardly and vertically from its connection to the flexible tube, an integrally joined first lateral or horizontal section curved or bent to lie on the bottom wall of the tank adjacent to the rear wall, and an integrally joined second lateral or horizontal section curved or bent to extend substantially normal to the first lateral section and lie on the bottom wall of the tank adjacent to the then facing end wall of the tank.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve for installation on a sing pool or spa main drain. The automatic shut-off valve has a soft gasket, ball, and ball spring between a grate and a housing. The grate is free to reciprocate up and down relative to the housing. Downward reciprocation of the grate urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing. During operation, a swimmer covers sufficient grate apertures so that the grate is moved downwards as urged by the main drain suction, towards a swimming pool or spa main drain over which the automatic shut-off valve is mounted. The downward motion of the grate urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing, where it is securely held by the main drain suction. In this fashion, the ball is entrapped instead of the swimmer, thus avoiding possible disembowelment and/or drowning on the part of the swimmer.

Abstract: A spa water delivery system comprising a reciprocating pumping structure to pump water for reception in a spa zone; and driver structure, including a solenoid body element and a solenoid plunger element, the elements being relatively movable; at least one of the elements containing passage structure to receive water in communication with water to be pumped to the zone.

Abstract: Pressurized portable solar heated shower having a flexible shower bag with first and second closed chambers on opposite sides of a flexible membrane enclosed within a flexible outer bag. Water is introduced into the first chamber, and a foot operated pump is connected to the second chamber for pressurizing the second chamber with air to expel the water from the first chamber through a flexible hose and shower head. When not in use, the shower bag is emptied, and the entire device can be folded into a relatively small package which is easily carried by campers, backpackers, boaters, and the like.

Abstract: A tub waste overflow assembly that is attachable to a tub wall by means of a threaded retaining body insertable through an overflow drain aperture in a tub wall to engage a cooperatively threaded pipe fitting on the opposite side of the tub wall. The retaining body is provided with an annular flange larger than the aperture, a plurality of lugs circumferentially spaced around the tubular bore and extending forwardly of the flange, opposite the male threaded end, and a selectively removable test plug molded in place across the tubular bore at the flange end.

Abstract: A sink drain extension for allowing the use of the drain or for a connected disposal to disperse water or other liquids and solid waste material when the sink within which the disposal and drain are disposed is filled with a usable quantity of water or other liquid without commingling the waste material with the usable water or other liquid. The extension is formed from an upstanding hollow member having one end engaging the sink drain and a second free end. A stabilizing member connects with the drain engaging end of the hollow member to secure that end and the hollow member in a substantially fixed position with the drain and prevent relative movement between the hollow member and the sink drain. Appropriate supporting elements are used to seal the drain opening with respect to the extension and to further restrain the tubular member from movement. A strainer may be employed with the extension, and an alternative location for the extension may be utilized along the sink periphery.

Abstract: The posture of a patient on a nursing bed can be changed by separating a bed tray that is in a base of the nursing bed from leg-side lifts and hand-side lifts. Leg-side and head-side nets are fully stretched, and the body of the patient is supported on the leg-side net and the head-side net above the bed plate using the leg-side lifts and head-side lifts while the patient faces upwards. An elongate cushion is then placed lengthwise on the bed plate. The body of the patient is then lowered until the body comes into contact with the elongate cushion. Winding drums are then rotated to pull on the nets on the side toward which it is decide to turn the patient so as to loosen the leg-side and head-side nets, so that the body of the patient rolls on the elongate cushion toward that side, and so that the body of the patient is supported by the bed plate. The elongate cushion is then subsequently removed from the bed plate.

Abstract: A lower frame structure of a foldable playyard comprises a hub being operable to lock the lower frame structure at an erected state and to unlock the lower frame structure to allow it to collapse to a collapsed state; four hub legs, one end portion of each of the hub legs being pivotally coupled to the hub such that the hub legs is capable of pivotal in a longitudinal direction of the hub between a erected position and a collapsed position; and a first L-shaped auxiliary supporting tube pivotally coupled to a first hub leg at a coupling end thereof and a second auxiliary supporting tube pivotally coupled to a third hub leg at a coupling end thereof and arranged such that the auxiliary supporting tubes may pivot in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the hub leg, whereby as the lower frame structure is extended to an erected state the hub legs and the first and second auxiliary supporting tubes form a substantially horizontal co-planar spread-out configuration with a leg portion of each of the auxil

Abstract: A beach chair has a frame, a plurality of leg assemblies, a main frame cover, an auxiliary cover, fasteners for the main frame cover and the auxiliary cover, and two openings within the main frame cover (one for receiving a person's face, the other for receiving a person's abdomen). The frame includes an upper rectangular shaped support main frame having each corner connected to a leg assembly. In use, the beach chair is unfold by pivoting the legs downward from the main frame into locking positions. The main frame cover is also divided into three unseparated sections which equally conform to the three sections of the main frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a folding and telescopic structure that consists of two parallelograms (1) (2), which can be flattened in opposite directions, located on the same plane and joined articulately by two springs (17) from its front (3) and back (4) jambs. These jambs (3) (4), which are “U” shaped and hollow, allow the end (5) and intermediate (6) crossbars to lodge inside to totally occupy the space available inside the hollow jambs. The end crossbar (5) has a groove (8) in which to slide a first shaft (9) of the back jamb (4) at the same time that a it can turn counter-clockwise upon a second shaft (10) of the front jamb (3) . The intermediate crossbar (6) 15 moves in a similar way, but the hinge (13) that receives the second shaft (12) is not fixed on the intermediate crossbar (6), but can be slid across it. FIG. 1.

Abstract: A bed covering retention apparatus comprising a planar anchor plate having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an upper surface and a lower surface, a first and a second anchor point at the proximal end of the anchor plate to which first and second elastic bands are removably connected. The first and second elastic bands have a proximal end and distal end and extend from the anchor points along the bottom surface of the anchor plate until each emerges upwardly through respective apertures to the top surface of the anchor plate. The bands further include releasable jaws having an adjustable opening and adjustable tension so that the jaws will clamp securely to sheets and covers of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: An articulated surgical table configured to alternatively receive an orthopedic attachment and a scanning table attachment. The orthopedic attachment is provided with a frame having a plurality of mounting points for mounting two detachable spar members. Either or both of the spar members may be mounted to the frame to provide the desired level of patient support and operator access. In addition, a pelvic support plate is supported on top of the frame and is formed with an asymmetrical construction. The pelvic support plate includes a cutout area on a front corner thereof for permitting additional access to the affected or broken leg of a patient. The plate may be flipped over to position the cutout area on the opposite side of the patient, depending on the location of the affected leg.

Abstract: A removable foot support provides vertical stability for trauma victims carried on spine boards. The foot support is a unitary L-shaped structure having a vertical section, and a horizontal section at right angles to the vertical section. The vertical section is provided with two or more pins, which mate with sleeves inserted into the spine board. The mating sleeves and pins are provided with locking means comprised of detent means or cotter pins. In use the trauma victim is first placed on the board, and the foot rest is then attached. A tether chain or cable may be used to loosely affix the foot rest to the board.

Abstract: A method of assembling strings of pocketed coil springs into an innerspring core which may be used as the core of a mattress, cushion or similar body support foundation uses a reinforcing material, preferably having an adhesive component, between rows of pocketed coil springs. The reinforcing, adhesive material serves to bond the rows of springs to each other and to reinforce the pockets to prevent wear between coils in frictional relation.

Abstract: A foldable springless mattress for a sleeper sofa has a hard but bendable bottom insulator pad, a first flexible foam layer adhered on top of the insulator pad, an all-natural latex rubber layer adhered on top of the first flexible foam layer, and a composite panel adhered on top of the rubber layer. The composite panel includes an intermediate layer of antimicrobial-treated fibers quilted together with a second flexible foam layer and a moisture-resistant damask fabric. This damask fabric covers all surfaces of the mattress. A process of making the foldable springless mattress includes the steps of providing the insulator pad, adhering the first flexible foam layer on top of the pad, adhering the rubber layer on top of the first flexible foam layer, and adhering the composite panel on top of the rubber layer. The composite panel is formed preliminarily by quilting the layer of antimicrobial-treated fibers together with the second flexible foam layer and the damask fabric.

Abstract: A mattress is provided that is configured to be located on a bed frame. The mattress includes a support surface having a head end, a foot end, and spaced apart first and second side portions. The mattress further includes an air bladder coupled to and extending along the first side of the support surface. The air bladder is inflatable and deflatable to adjust the width of the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress has a main sleep area surrounded by a perimeter trim. Both the main sleep area and the perimeter trim are formed from wire springs contained within pockets of soft material. The wire springs in the sleep area are arranged in honeycomb nested rows. The wire springs of the perimeter trim, which are of different wire construction with different flex characteristic from the wire springs in the main sleep area, are arranged in side by side rows which are not honeycomb nested. In addition, the wire springs of the perimeter trim are pivotally linked directly to one another across the perimeter trim, both widthwise and lengthwise of the mattress which produces an essentially non-feelable flex transition between the perimeter trim and the main sleep area of the mattress.

Abstract: An improved method for defect detectability for the inspection of liquid filled pipes using magnetostrictive sensors. The improved method comprises first recognizing the liquid-induced changes in the dispersion properties of the second longitudinal wave mode, L(0,2). These liquid-induced changes include a severe dispersion at periodic branching frequencies that result in a pulse-like characteristic in the extended received signal. A trailing portion of a received signal component associated with a geometric irregularity, is shown to comprise the branching frequency components. The trailing portion of the extended signal may therefore be removed in order to improve defect detection. The removal process comprises one of three alternative methods.

Abstract: The process for making an automatic balancing unit outbalance an unbalance condition in a rotating system, particularly a clothes washing machine with an outer casing an a suspended oscillating washing assembly comprising a wash tub, a cylindrically-shaped perforated drum housed in said tub and capable of rotating in the interior thereof about the axis of the cylinder during washing and spin-extraction, a motor capable of rotatably driving said drum at various speeds and provided with accessory means that are firmly associated with said tub, said drum being connected to said automatic balancing unit formed by at least one annular hollow body, forming a sealed closed-loop configuration and being mounted integrally with said cylindrical drum with their axis coinciding with the rotational axis of said perforated drum, and a plurality of moving masses capable of freely moving in a liquid filled in said hollow body, and which process incorporates that before at least a spin-extraction phase, the drum is driven to

Abstract: A method of making footwear. The method is suited generally to making skate boots and, more specifically, to making ice skates and in-line roller skates. The method comprises the steps of: (a) positioning a skin assembly over a structural inner shell component; (b) adhesively affixing the skin assembly to the structural inner shell component by applying pressure on the entire surface of the skin assembly; (c) perforating lace eyelets through the structural inner shell and the skin assembly; and (d) mounting a toe box and a tongue to the front portion of the structural inner shell component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and optionally treating metabolically unstable or active atherosclerotic plaque is provided. The patient is given an I.V. solution containing a radioactive tracer which specifically accumulates in these plaques. A miniaturized radiation detector for local radioactivity imaging and detection is applied directly within the arterial lumen. The radiation detector identifies and differentiates the active, unstable plaque from the inactive, stable plaque. Treatment may optionally be provided through any of three forms, including opening the vessel by mechanical expansion, removing the plaque by mechanical ablation, or delivering a metabolism-altering agent to the affected site.

Abstract: A rotary brush cleaning device with interchangeable brush attachments including a power unit adapted for being held in a hand of a user. The power unit comprises a housing adapted for being gripped in the hand of a user, and the housing has an interior. A motor is mounted in the interior of the housing. An attachment mounting member is located in the interior of the housing, and a power source is located in the housing. At least one interchangeable brush attachment is provided for removably coupling to the power unit. The brush attachment includes a brush portion and an attachment base portion for removably mounting to the attachment mounting member of the power unit. The attachment mounting member has a mounting groove formed by an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface spaced from the inner wall surface. The mounting groove is substantially annular and peg members are located at diametrically opposite locations on the annular mounting groove.

Abstract: A rideable carpet cleaning system in which the assembly that is ridden is releasably attached to a power bonnet assembly to facilitate storage cleaning and repair. The system is battery operated and includes a forward mounted steering assembly. The bonnet assembly is mounted partially forward of the steering wheel and a link-pin feature allows the operator to lower or raise the assembly for engagement or storage purposes, as desired, with minimum effort.

Abstract: The present invention provides equipment for brushing the underside of a semiconductorwafer that is placed on a rotary wafer chuck. The equipment comprises a brush rod, a brush with a channel in it mounted at an end point of the brush rod, a nozzle for spraying water on the underside of the semiconductor wafer, and a driving device connected to the brush rod for driving the brush rod in a reciprocating motion. The wafer chuck rotates the semiconductor wafer and, simultaneously, water drives the blade and the brush to raise and rotate so as to spray water over the underside of the semiconductor wafer. The driving device drives the brush to brush the underside of the semiconductor wafer along a radial direction of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the cleaning of solubly marked laminated sheets. A laminated sheet is fed over a cleaning surface along which are disposed a plurality of solvent-carrying wipers. The solvent-carrying wipers will wipe the markings from the sheet and the sheet feeder will then deposit the wiped sheet at the other end of the apparatus. Drying means could wipe excess solvent from the sheet following its passage over the wipers. The device will be of particular assistance in the gaming industry, where reusable gaming cards might be substituted for disposable paper cards currently employed for substantial economic savings.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel internal ferrule which is used in a paint brush that has a removable bristle pack and one or more moveable bristle clamping panels which, when in a closed position, grip the bristle pack and prevent paint from migrating up the bristles to the base of the paint brush handle. The paint brush with the internal ferrule and the removable bristle pack is easy to use, and provides ready cleaning after use, by releasing the one or more panels and enabling the bristle pack to be removed and exposed to the cleaning solution. An internal ferrule for use with a paint brush handle and a removable bristle pack comprising: (a) a hollow girdle for encircling a first end of a bundle of parallel bristles, the girdle having interior and exterior faces; (b) a concave glue cavity formed in an interior face of the hollow girdle; and (c) a protrusion formed on an exterior face of the girdle for engaging with a corresponding cavity formed in the body of a paint brush handle.

Abstract: A toothbrush, comprising a body having a head portion, a neck portion connected to the head portion, and a handle portion connected to the neck portion, and further comprising a plurality of bristles attached to the head portion. The body comprises a thermoplastic elastomer that is sufficiently strong to be used in the normal, intended manner for dental hygiene purposes and is sufficiently flexible to resist being fashioned into and used as a weapon. In a preferred embodiment, the body comprises approximately 50% Kraton™ DRP6031 thermoplastic rubber and approximately 50% polypropylene.

Abstract: An assembly of buff or brush wheels with or without spacers is stacked, compressed, and held together as an integrated unit to form an assembly of such wheels having a specified face width which then may be mounted as a unit on a machine arbor or drive shaft. The assembly is held together in such a manner that the ganged stack is yieldable and may be further compressed when assembled on the machine arbor. The assembly may also be slightly expanded to obtain a better fit on the machine. The wheel assembly in one form is held at the desired face width by adjustable ties extending through paired holes in core plates in the wheels. In another embodiment carriage bolts extending through the core plates form adjustable screw clamps.

Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaner in the form of a reusable wand which may be mounted on a support when not in use. The support may include a reservoir for a disinfectant liquid. The lower end of the wand is a push fit into the core of a hollow cylindrical head of absorbent material. When any soiling matter has been removed from the bowl's surfaces by the head, the head is dislodged from the end of the wand by contact with the lip of the bowl to fall by gravity into the bowl, from where it is removed by flushing. An alternative head may be made from a rigid material for scraping hardened matter from the bowl's surface. A device for facilitating removal of the head from the wand is also provided.

Abstract: The wipe-down knife herein is assembled upon an elongate handle, one end of which is fitted with a generally cylindrical blade-supporting head. The head has a collar and lever arm on one end for securely engaging the handle shaft, and a pair of closely opposed pads and a pivot pin on its other end for engaging a blade-supporting plate. A bracket which grasps the blade at its base is affixed to the blade-supporting plate. The blade is wide and flexible, projecting from the blade support at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the knife's handle. The blade curves away from the blade-supporting bracket at a right angle, such that the plane of the blade's working edge is parallel with the handle's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A wiper blade (10) is proposed that serves to clean windows of motor vehicles. The wiper blade has an elongated, rubber-elastic wiper strip (14) which is provided on its two long sides with respective facing longitudinal grooves (38, 40), in each of which one spring rail (30, 32), protruding intermittently from the grooves by one longitudinal edge (42, 44), is disposed; the spring rails belong to an elongated, spring-elastic support element (12) for the wiper strip (14), on whose middle portion a connection device (16) for a wiper arm (18) guided on the vehicle body is disposed.

Abstract: A vapor cleaning device having a boiler installed in a case for boiling water. Water vapor is guided to a cleaning tool by a high temperature conduit having a holder. A variety of cleaning tools, and an extension piece may be attached to the holder. The extension piece includes ends that may be connected to another extension piece, the variety of cleaning tools and the holder. A strap attached to the case enables the cleaning device to be easily transported.

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuuming apparatus convertible between a backpack mode, a canister mode and an upright mode. Additionally, the present invention is convertible into a handheld mode and a blower mode. Each of these modes are accomplished through attachments which are able to be easily attached and detached together. The apparatus has a power unit having an electric motor and impeller; a base unit containing a filter; a backpack unit for use in the backpack mode; a canister unit for use in the canister mode; a blower unit for use in the blower mode; a handheld unit for use as a handheld vacuum cleaner in a hand held mode; and a work bench waste collection mode.

Abstract: An air compressor includes a housing having an air outlet for selectively supplying a pressurized air to an air device, and having a port for coupling to the air device and for drawing the air out of the air device, and having an air inlet for allowing the air to flow into the housing. One or more nozzles each may be selectively and detachably secured to either of the air outlet and the port of the housing for coupling to various kinds of air devices. The air inlet may be selectively blocked for facilitating the drawing of the air into the housing via the port.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for carrying a fluid flow having at least one fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, a plurality of alternative fluid flow paths therebetween and valve for selecting one of the said fluid flow paths to carry a fluid flow from the or a fluid inlet to the or a fluid outlet, wherein the said valve (14) and at least part of the said alternative fluid flow paths (26, 70) are housed within a removable portion (10) of the apparatus to facilitate maintenance. Preferably, seals (32) are provided between the removable portion (10) and the remainder of the apparatus, the seals (32) being either carried by the removable portion (10) or exposed for access by removal of the removable portion (10). This arrangement facilitates removal of blockages and replacement of seals.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of exterminating bacteria or bugs that exist in the air sucked into a dust collecting chamber thereof. An exterminating section includes: an operating switch for selecting hot air circulation for exterminating operation; an hot air circulating duct disposed on a rear surface of a front body, connecting an accommodating chamber with a dust collecting chamber of the body, for guiding the air in the accommodating chamber into the dust collecting chamber; and a shutter section for circulating the air of the dust collecting chamber within the body of the vacuum cleaner by closing a suction port so as to prevent the outside air from being sucked into the dust collecting chamber through the suction port when the exterminating function is selected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination vacuum cleaning apparatus. The apparatus includes, in combination, means for sealing an area to be cleaned against the passage of dirt therefrom, such as a skirt; a vacuum source for creating a high-pressure zone within the area enclosed by the skirt and a low-pressure zone within the area enclosed by the skirt; and an intake manifold positioned at the low-pressure zone and operationally connected to the vacuum source to conduct dirt away from the area to be cleaned.