Abstract: Disclosed is a necktie. The necktie has two strips, and a knotting part and a neck surrounding part formed with the two strips. A detachable part, having a hook part and a pile part of Velcro respectively attached to opposite ends of the neck surrounding part, is used for setting the necktie around one's neck. A shape retaining piece, formed with a piece of plastic, is set into the knotting part, for allowing the knotting part to have a convex surface. The tie also has a hanging portion having a leading end and a trailing end of a triangular shape, and representing a trapezoid in shape tapered from the leading end to the trailing end. A length adjusting unit is set into the knotting part, capable of adjusting the length of a hanging portion, including a main body supporting the hanging portion. Two insert parts are formed on terminals of the adjusting unit, for being inserted into the knotting part.

Abstract: An article of neckwear, the article comprising at least one separable region. The separable region separates the neckwear into at least two portions when a force that exceeds a threshold is applied across the separable region. Also, a method of making an article of neckwear comprising the step of treating at least one region such that it has a reduced fabric strength than other regions of the neckwear.

Abstract: A wrap for conditioning the interface between a part of an article and a user's body and a method of making and using the wrap. The wrap provides a flexible, resiliently compressible, elastic pad that is flexed into a tubular configuration for tightly wrapping around the part being wrapped so that the inside surface of the end segment at one end of the pad overlaps the outside surface of the end segment at the other end of the pad; an adjustable fastening strip interposed the overlapping ends that allows the pad to be wrapped about parts of various perimeters and provides stability at the interface being conditioned; and attaching members on the opposed surfaces of the pad and the fastening strip that releasably engage each other and tightly hold the pad in wrapped condition around the part being wrapped.

Abstract: A label for a product including an electronic display such as a liquid crystal display for displaying label information. The label information may include a company name or logo that identifies the source of the product, product information such as the material content of the product or care instructions, and manufacturer information. The label information can be contained in multiple screen images which can be stepped through by pressing a button or touch-sensitive area of the display. The display can also be programmed to display a series of related images in sequence to produce an animated logo.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pocket for portable telephone in clothes. The pocket is provided in cloth such as front body cloth or sleeve cloth in a jacket, and front body cloth or back body cloth in slacks. The pocket comprises a lower section provided horizontally in cloth with the width of 6 cm ˜11 cm, and an upper section provided horizontally to the lower section with the same width thereof. A bottom bag made of stretchy cloth with the comparatively shallow depth is sewed to the lower section to be suspended behind the cloth. A head bag with the height of 2 cm ˜4 cm is sewed to the upper section to oppose upward to the bottom bag The number of the upper section is not limited to one, but the upper section with the width of 2 cm ˜3 cm can be provided above both sides of the lower section.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for obtaining a stool specimen. The apparatus comprises a housing, a collection bag, a slider to close the collection bag and a draw string to move the slider. A user places the apparatus on a toilet, deposits a first stool into the collection bag, then pulls the draw string to move the slider to close the collection bag thereby allowing the user to urinate or further defecate.

Abstract: A flush valve is adapted to be mounted in the tank of a toilet and includes a selector assembly and a flush valve. The selector assembly is accessible from outside the toilet and provides for initiation of the flushing operation and an alternative choice between a larger flush water volume and a smaller flush water volume. A support structure provides for both axial and radial movement of the selector assembly relative to the flush valve in order to facilitate mounting and aligning of the flush valve assembly. A slide mechanism provides for variation of at least the smaller flush water volume.

Abstract: A pool drain safety cover system and method. The system includes a base defining at least one primary fluid aperture and a plurality of secondary fluid apertures. The cover also includes a grating extending across at least the primary fluid aperture for permitting the passage of drain water therethrough. The grating has at least an upper and a lower layer. The upper and lower layers are adjacent, and each is comprised of a plurality of spaced ribs for permitting the passage of fluid in a clearance space between the ribs.

Abstract: A cover means (2) is provided for an end of a conduit (9). The cover means comprises a front face (4) covering the conduit end and a back face (6) having attachment means (8) for attachment to the conduit (9). A plurality of apertures (10, 12, 14) pass between the front face (4) and back face (6) to allow the flow of a liquid to and/or from the conduit (9). The edges of the front face defining the entrances to the apertures (10, 12, 14) are non-planar. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the apertures (10, 12, 14) are formed such that the flow of liquid between the front and back faces is deflected so that the liquid follows at least two directions in passing between the front and back faces.

Abstract: A joint for a molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Mating wall surfaces are formed on both wall portions which extend generally parallel to the wall portions. An outer generally trapezoidal pair of surfaces are formed laterally spaced from the joint to engage a pair of parallel engagement surfaces substantially perpendicular to said first and second wall portions, and an angled engagement surface between said parallel engagement surfaces. One or more clips are received on the trapezoidal surfaces to further urge the surfaces into contact. The clip biases the two wall portions into contact such that there is a water tight seal at the joint.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating/preventing positional plagiocephaly.

Abstract: A soft elastic cushion for use in conjunction with an orthopedic aid has a textile composite comprising at least two layers arranged on the soft elastic cushion. It is possible in this way to secure a textile cover on a soft elastic substrate such as silicone.

Abstract: A fill for cushions that includes a quantity of resilient beads and a quantity of gelatinous particles. The resilient beads are deformable and have shape memory. The gelatinous particles are elongatable and deformable. The gelatinous particles are tacky and tend to hold the resilient beads together in a maintainable yet deformable shape of the user's choosing.

Abstract: A travel pillow device for providing an armrest for an occupant of an automobile. The device includes a door engagement member, a cushion support member, and a cushion. The door engagement member is sized and configured to slide into a window slot of an automobile to thereby secure the device on the door. The cushion support member extends from an upper end of the door engagement member. The cushion is disposed on an upper surface of the cushion support member, and is positioned to provide support and comfort to the arm of the occupant when the door engagement member is secured on the door.

Abstract: The application relates to fasteners for use in securing two objects together with a fastening element and to an inflatable device incorporating such fasteners. In one embodiment, a fastener for use with a fastening element includes a housing sized and adapted to mate with a fastening element and a latch positioned relative to the housing to retain the fastening element within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removal of excess dye from newly manufactured printed or dyed fabric or yarn, comprising treatment with a rinse liquor comprising at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of enzymes exhibiting peroxidase activity or laccase activity, an oxidation agent, and at least one mediator selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, cyclo-aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic compounds containing the moiety >N—OH, in particular 1-hydroxybenzotriazole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair dye fixative comprising a complex nucleus capable of forming a complex with an acid dye, a hair dye using said hair dye fixative and a hair dyeing method having an extremely low skin irritating effect, high hair dyeing performance without giving any damage on a hair. By addition of xyloglucan, silicone and an acid in said hair dye fixative and said hair dye, high stability and handling performance, smooth touch of hair after applied and much improvement of dyeing ability and color-sustaining ability are obtained.

Abstract: A coupling particularly suited for brushes for tube cleaning operations includes interfitted shaft and brush coupling members retained by a locking mechanism in axial alignment for rotation in tube cleaning operations. The shaft and brush coupling interfit and the locking mechanism are suited for rapid mounting and replacement of the brush coupling. In a preferred form the locking mechanism comprises a sleeve and spring in nested relation to each other mounted axially of the coupling. A brush coupling adapter may form part of the coupling for receiving a standard brush element.

Abstract: A holder is provided for securing a mop at the end of a handle, a plurality of relatively moveable, absorbent strips made of a textile material being affixed as a result of being clamped between a headpiece and a plate, essentially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A hand held utensil having a head portion connected to a handle, wherein the handle includes structure for encouraging a user of the utensil to present the head portion to an article at a preferred angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced cleaning toothbrush bristle pattern, wherein two rows of taller bristle tufts transversely divide the toothbrush head into three sections, the bristle tufts within each section having a trim pattern which in profile is convex in relation to the toothbrush face; wherein the two rows of taller bristle tufts penetrate between teeth, while the curved trim profile of each section provides for good conformity to the curved tooth surfaces and for an improved sweeping action.

Abstract: A silicone paint brush artist's tool includes a handle and a novel painting tip. The painting tip is made of a resilient silicone having a generally three-dimensional paint contacting working surface that has a maximum cross-sectional diameter no larger than a maximum cross-sectional diameter of the handle. The tip is preferably attached to the handle using a ferrule and expansively locking the tip into a cavity of the ferrule by insertion of an insert. The insert may be a common screw or a barbed, fluted extension of the handle. The tips may include an insert cavity and have various shapes and hardnesses and may be optionally color coded. A formation method for the tool is disclosed with simultaneous insert insertion and joining of ferrules to handles. The ferrules also may be reversibly attached to the handle, in which case a kit comprising multiple interchangeable painting tips may be provided.

Abstract: Universal nozzle to be used in connection with general known vacuum cleaners and the like, with or without washing devices, to clean floors with different floorings, including carpets, textiles and the like. The nozzle is provided with one or more cylindrical rollers, (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), so suspended and so designed, by means of free wheeling bearings, so the rollers freely can revolve around their own axis, when the nozzle (14) is moved in one direction, but where the rollers are blocked, when moved in the opposite direction. Hair, thread and other foreign materials are thereby assembled in an oblong cylindrical cushion, easy to evacuate. The rollers can be provided with outside linings of different kind, for instance as a rubber roller, (FIG. 1), or as a brush roller, (FIG. 2). The rollers can be suspended in an activation device (7) and (10), making it possible to activate one or more of the rollers.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a cyclone type dust collector removably disposed therein. The cyclone type dust collector separates by centrifugal force and collects various contaminants from the air that is drawn into the cleaner body. The cyclone type dust collector includes an upper cover, inner and outer cyclone receptacles, and a lower cover. The air, along with minute dust and large particle contaminants, is drawn into the dust collector and induced into a vortex, whereby the dust and contaminants are separated by centrifugal force and collected. The clear air is discharged to an outside atmosphere through an outlet pipe in the upper cover. The dust collector may be removed from the cleaner body and the lower cover opened to dispose of contaminants collected therein.

Abstract: A gutter cleaner having a head and a handle. The head is tubular and has a bend and a nozzle. The bend curves in two perpendicular directions, through one angle of 135° to 195° and another angle of 15° to 60°. The nozzle has an egress with one dimension being narrower than the other. The head and handle slidably fitting together and are secured to fix their relative positions. The lower end of the handle is adapted to attach to a vacuum source. The handle has a textured surface for gripping and eyelets for removably attaching a shoulder strap. Optionally, the handle has two sections that are slidably fitted together and that can be secured relative to each other.

Abstract: A brush head of a vacuum cleaner can pivot in a horizontal direction as well as a vertical direction with respect to a suction pipe, so as to easily clean an area narrower than the width of the brush head. The brush head of a vacuum cleaner includes a body which is detachably coupled to a suction pipe and is formed with a suction hole for sucking dust. A hollow cylindrical pivoting part is integrally formed with the body at a rear central portion of the body and is formed with a roller receiving cut along a periphery of the lower surface of the pivoting part. A cylindrical pivot supporting member is inserted into the pivoting part to support a horizontal pivoting movement of the pivoting part. The pivot supporting member is formed with a communicating space at its peripheral wall which communicates with the suction hole and the suction pipe, and is provided with a roller at its rear bottom surface.

Abstract: A bracket for a furniture unit including an upper mounting plate and a lower mounting plate, one of the upper and lower mounting plates providing a mount for a caster, the other of the upper and lower mounting plates providing a mount for a leveler. A bracket for a furniture unit including a substantially horizontal mounting plate provided with a substantially vertical aperture through which a leveler extends, the leveler having means for adjusting the leveler from a location above the bracket. A bracket for a furniture unit including an upper mounting plate and at least one sidewall depending therefrom which define a chamber open from below in which a caster is disposed.

Abstract: Production method for granulated materials with a desirable particle size distribution, comprises sampling step of sampling diffracted and/or scattered light data obtained by applying beam light on the growing particles under granulation as the measured data at fixed time intervals, analyzing step of analyzing particle size distribution data of the growing particles by performing a particular arithmetic operation on the measured data, and controlling step of controlling a particle growing factor so as to conform the analyzed particle size distribution data to the corresponding objective particle size distribution data which are previously prepared in time series order according to the granulation procedure to be executed each time of comparison of the particle size distribution data analyzed from the measured data with the corresponding objective particle size distribution data.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery electrode plate is manufactured by consecutively supplying a lead or lead alloy sheet; leaving a part in the vicinity of the center of the sheet as a non-expansion portion and expanding both sides like mesh to form a grid body; filling active material paste into the grid body; and cutting the grid body to predetermined dimensions. In the lead-acid battery electrode plate, the non-expansion portion forms a current collector part of the electrode plate along an expansion portion in an up and down direction of the electrode plate. One or more openings are made in a part of the non-expansion portion. A part of the non-expansion portion is projected above the position of an upper margin of the cut expansion portion as a current collector lug part. When the current collector lug part is placed upside, the expansion direction is the width direction of the electrode plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple-element acoustic probe comprising piezoelectric transducers (Tij) and an array of interconnections connecting the acoustic transducers to an electronic signal processing and control device. This probe further comprises a continuous ground electrode (P) integrated between the transducers and acoustic matching elements, facing the piezoelectrical transducers, the acoustic matching elements being totally uncoupled from one another mechanically.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode film using a vacuum deposition apparatus, includes the steps of depositing a refractory metal on a substrate after reaching a back pressure in a deposition chamber at a pressure that is within a range of about 1×10−4 Pa to about 5′10−3 Pa, and annealing the substrate on which the metal is deposited to decrease the electrical resistivity of the electrode film.

Abstract: A method of working a piezoelectric substance, which comprises the steps of, forming, on one surface of a piezoelectric block, an etching mask having an aperture which defines a boundary region between a first piezoelectric segment to be removed, and a second piezoelectric segment to be left remained, forming, on the opposite surface of the piezoelectric block, a sacrificial layer which corresponds to the first piezoelectric segment to be removed and the boundary region, etching the piezoelectric block in the boundary region to reach the sacrificial layer, and eliminating the sacrificial layer to remove the first piezoelectric segment.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes sheet dispensing mechanisms (34, 36, 38, 40). Each sheet dispensing mechanism includes a picking member (72). The picking member rotates, with each rotation generally causing one sheet to be picked from a stack (42) of sheets. The picking member includes movable engaging portions supported on arcuate segments (128, 144). The engaging portions move radially outward to apply additional moving force to an end note bound in the stack responsive to movement of the picking member exceeding the movement of the end note. Sheets are carried in the machine by a transport (54) including a plurality of belt flights (174, 176, 178). Sheets are carried between the belt flights and projecting member portions (180, 182). At least one of the belt flights includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced projections (194, 200, 204, 207) on a sheet engaging surface thereof.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: A method of removing and installing two blades and their mounting spindles from the deck of a lawn mower including holding the spindle heads simultaneously against rotation with a wrench have two operative ends and an adjustable connection connecting the operative ends.

Abstract: Form-transmitting clamping of a tool with a shaft in an opening of the tool receptacle by shrinking with heating and cooling and adjustment of an axial insertion depth of a shaft in an opening of the tool receptacle, the method includes placing a movable contact piece on a free end of a tool for positioning the tool coaxially to the tool receptacle, clamping the tool between the contact piece on the one hand and a counterforce which acts opposite on the tool and oppositely to an insertion of the tool in the opening of the tool receptacle on the other hand before starting a heating, retaining the shaft clamped during the heating, and stopping the heating after reaching a predetermined nominal value during insertion of the shaft in the opening of the tool receptacle.

Abstract: A method and bobbin holder for manufacturing a fishing fly includes a check member for elastically and frictionally engaging the line to provide tension in the line and prevent slackening or loosening of the line when the line is drawn from the bobbin or cut. The bobbin holder is formed from a v-shaped holder having a guide rod extending from the apex of the v-shape and the check member is located between the bobbin and the guide rod. The frictional engagement of the line is a slit formed in an elastic material forming the check member. The slit can be formed by a diametrical cut in a tubular member or be the interface between two layers of the material. A fastener supports the check member between the tube and the bobbin and may also provide a compression to the layers.

Abstract: For the production of a laminated tube of metal with an outside diameter ranging from 2 to 10 mm, in a first step a metal strip coated on one side (preferably with gold) is placed in a drawing die of a drawing apparatus with fixed internal mandrel, clamped at one end in a movable drawing carriage, and by movement of the drawing carriage is rolled to a tubular insert with a virtually closed gap along the tube axis, the width of the strip corresponding at least approximately to the average circumference of the tubular insert. In a second step the semifinished product shaped as a tubular insert is inserted into an external seamless tube. In a third step the tubes inserted one into the other are clamped each by one end in the drawing carriage of the drawing apparatus and pulled by means of a drawing die with fixed internal mandrel to final dimension (with reduced diameter, the outer tube and the tubular insert being bonded together in a press fit by radial compression.

Abstract: An air bag gas generator, which ensures that a lead wire has a sufficient length when installing the generator in a module, is provided even when a connector in the air bag gas generator has a predetermined length. The air bag gas generator includes, in a housing having gas discharge ports and igniting means storage opening: igniting means activated by an impact; gas generating means ignited by the igniting means and burns and generates a combustion gas; and a filter means, which cools the combustion gas and/or collects combustion residues. Also, the igniting means includes an initiator, which is activated by an electrical signal, and an enhancer, which is ignited by the activation of the initiator and burns. The initiator is positioned and then installed in the housing.

Abstract: A method for cutting a rare earth alloy according to the present invention includes the steps of: a) supplying slurry containing abrasive grains onto a wire; and b) machining the rare earth alloy with the abrasive grains, interposed between the wire and the rare earth alloy, by running and pressing the wire against the rare earth alloy. The slurry contains, as a main component, oil in which the abrasive grains are dispersed, and the viscosity of the slurry at 25° C. is in the range from 92 to 175 mPa·sec.

Abstract: A magnetic head having optimum recording/reproducing characteristics and a method for producing the magnetic head. A pair of magnetic core halves 2, 3, each having a substrate 4 and a thin magnetic metal film 6 formed obliquely on it, are bonded together via a non-magnetic material C for defining a magnetic gap. A portion of the substrate faces a junction surface 8 of the magnetic core halves 2, 3. The substrate portion is arranged for facing an end face of the magnetic meta film 6 of the opposite side magnetic core half facing the junction surface 8.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved support structure for the components of a removable hard disk drive system, particularly for use in recording and archiving of digital video and other data. The invention generally makes use of a base formed by stamping sheet metal. This stamping process can be used to define cartridge engaging surfaces within the base, as well as mounting pads for the data transfer head support structure, spindle drive structure, a head load ramp, and the like.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide thin-film magnetic heads that meet specifications required by the customer in a short time and to improve yields of thin-film magnetic heads. In a thin-film magnetic head sub-structure of the invention, a bottom shield layer and a first portion of a top shield layer are placed in one plane, being insulated from each other. Portions of conductive layers to be connected to an MR element are placed in grooves formed between the bottom shield layer and the first portion of the top shield layer, being insulated by an insulating film from the bottom shield layer and the first portion. A thin-film coil is placed on a first portion of the top shield layer, an insulating layer being placed between the coil and the first portion. A thin-film magnetic head is completed by adding the MR element, a second portion of the top shield layer placed on top of the MR element, a recording gap layer, a top pole layer and so on.

Abstract: A nozzle rotating apparatus of a module head of a surface mounting device is capable of correcting an error occurring when a nozzle picks an electronic component and places it on a printed circuit board. The nozzle rotating apparatus of a module head of a surface mounting device for picking up an electronic component and placing it at a predetermined position, includes: a head movable in a predetermined direction along an upper portion of a substrate and having at least one shaft; a driving means for driving the head; a nozzle mounted at a lower predetermined portion of the head to pick up and place the electronic component; pinions installed at the outer periphery of the shaft installed at a predetermined portion of the head; a rack engaged with the pinions; and a driving force transmitting means for moving the rack to a predetermined direction.

Abstract: In a thin-film structure, since a flat face of a bump, which is exposed at the surface of an insulating layer and is to be in contact with an electrode layer, is an exposed surface of a nickel layer, an oxide layer on the flat face can be reliably removed by using ion-milling or sputter etching.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for handling packaged integrated circuits (IC's), particularly for inserting packaged IC's in and removing packaged IC's from low-insertion-force (LIF) sockets. The apparatus includes a precisor having a chip precisor feature for receiving an IC package and a socket precisor feature for receiving a socket in a predetermined alignment relative to the chip precisor feature. One or more releasable chip retainers are provided, such as a vacuum nozzle for pulling the packaged IC into a seated position within the chip precisor feature and a pair of gripper fingers for holding the packaged IC within the chip precisor feature during extraction from a LIF socket.

Abstract: A flexible fixture system and method wherein a single fixture system can accommodate and hold a plurality of different workpieces, i.e. the various workpieces comprising the different flight surfaces of a wing. The flexible fixture system comprises a plurality of posts each including a plurality of different contoured formers, one former for each of the different workpieces to be accommodated and held by the flexible fixture system. Depending upon which workpiece is to be held by the fixture system, the required former on each post is selected automatically and moved into position for operative association with the workpiece. The contoured formers include powered clamps for holding details to be fastened to the workpiece. Each post of the flexible fixture system also includes a plurality of holding devices, such as suction cup type devices, which are moved into position to hold the workpiece and maintain its curvature.

Abstract: A method and tool are provided for manufacturing an outer race for constant velocity joints by plastic deformation of a preform having a cavity open on one side to produce axial ball tracks and cage guide surfaces. the preform is inserted within an outer tool. An inner tool is inserted within the preform. the preform is wobble pressed with the inner tool.

Abstract: An electrical shaver particularly useful for wet shaving includes a manually-grippable housing, and a cutter head removably attachable thereto along the outer edge of the cutter head. The cutter head includes at least one relatively sharp scraper edge located between the outer side of at least one cutter unit and the outer edge of the cutter head, but does not extend to the inner side of the cutter unit facing an adjacent cutter unit, such that the scraper edge is pressable into the skin, forwardly of the respective cutter unit, to erect hairs in the skin and to tauten the skin in advance of the respective cutter unit, with minimal irritation of the skin, as the cutter head is moved across the skin in the direction from the outer side towards the inner side of the respective cutter unit.