Abstract: A diver's suit, survival suit, or a suit worn to protect a worker from hazardous materials is provided with releasable water-tight seals around the wrists, ankles and/or neck. Each releasable water-tight seal includes first and second complementary shaped annular interlocking seal members preferably extruded from a first polymeric material. Gaskets made of a second softer polymeric material may be co-extruded with the first polymeric material and are compressed when the seal members are mated in order to enhance the impermeability of the resulting seal to liquids or gases.

Abstract: A finger guard including a head, a body, and a securing device to protect a user's finger from cuts and nicks during hair cutting and to guide a hair cutting tool during cutting.

Abstract: A wearing apparel for the upper part of the body that permits articles of daily use and other items required on travels to be stowed away, in a manner such that it can be clearly overseen and is theft-proof and permits quick access to such articles and items at any time. The wearing apparel comprises two front components that can be connected with each other, and an object of use that is preferably carried together the wearing apparel. A slide-in aperture extends from the hem up into the armhole and is arranged offset sideways on the front or back component in the area connecting the front components of the wearing apparel with the back component, on one or both sides of the wearing apparel or in said area of the wearing apparel. The object of use carried together with the wearing apparel is equipped with a shoulder strap to be worn on the body.

Abstract: A body protection device in the form of an inflatable vest includes an inflation mechanism that is actuated upon separation or removal of the wearer from a vehicle. A compressed gas cartridge is held in an interior pocket of the vest and attached to an inflatable bladder. The compressed gas cartridge communicates with the interior of the bladder through a cartridge actuation mechanism and an inflation tube. The cartridge actuation mechanism includes a triggering device that operates an actuation lever to open the cartridge. The actuation lever is actuated in response to a pulling force of predetermined magnitude that detaches the triggering mechanism from the actuation mechanism. The actuation lever is connected to the vehicle by a lanyard, which lanyard, when a wearer of the vest is forcibly separated from the vehicle, actuates the triggering device before detaching from the actuation mechanism, thereby opening the cartridge to inflate the vest.

Abstract: A method for displaying a shrunk article of clothing includes the steps of providing a shrunk article of clothing entirely reduced in size obtained by subjecting an article of clothing having a single large size to a tying process and/or a shrinking process, the shrunk article of clothing having an entirely reduced size fixed with a tying string for performing the tying/shrinking process, and displaying the shrunk article of clothing with the tying string in a state that the shrunk article of clothing with the tying string is held in a predetermined shape without subjecting the shrunk article of clothing to a finishing process of removing the tying string from the shrunk article of clothing. Thus, a user can selectively subject the shrunk article of clothing to the finishing process to obtain a shrunk article of clothing with elasticity due to the tying process and/or the shrinking process as a final product capable of fitting a wearer of any size.

Abstract: A high-breathability hand glove for use over a bicycle handlebar by a cyclist, said glove including an exposed perforated palm area (12) and a few cushioning pads (16, 18) surrounding said palm area, said cushioning pads (16, 18) being closedly spaced from one another so as to define at least a few air channels being formed radially therebetween, said air channels for evacuating bodily moisture escaping from said perforated palm area, each one of said air channels (20, 22) destined to be narrower than the diameter of the bicycle handlebar so that the bicycle handlebar cannot close said air channels upon the hand globe hand engaging the biclycle handlebar.

Abstract: A suspender system is disclosed that has a pocket for receiving items integrated with a shoulder pad used in the suspender system. The integrated pocket is constructed so as to enable the wearer to place items within the pocket without looking and to avoid placing an item between the pocket and a strap to which the shoulder pad is attached. Further disclosed is a display system to secure the clips on the suspender so that they do not become entangled with other items when the suspenders are displayed for sale.

Abstract: A helmet device incorporating both increased peripheral vision characteristics as well as retaining sufficient rigidity and durability. A three dimensionally shaped and interiorly hollowed helmet shell is adapted to being placed upon a head of a wearer and includes an extending forward surface defining a forward facial opening. First and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces define first and second peripheral openings. The pairs of side surfaces communicate with specified locations of the forward surface and each extends along the sides of the helmet shell in a direction substantially towards a rear of the shell. A face guard includes elongate extending structural members securing along both the forward surface as well as the pairs of spaced apart side surfaces. The guard extends in a forward direction from the forward facial opening and protects a face of the wearer as well as providing reinforcing support to the shell.

Abstract: A goggle comprising a lens, a frame and a vent cover including an attachment component and a retention component, wherein the vent cover can be selectively moved relative to the frame to at least two different positions defining substantially different levels of airflow through frame vents, and retained at each position. In certain embodiments, one position is defined by substantially all of the peripheral-contact surface of the vent cover contacting the frame wherein a first level of airflow can be either substantially non-zero or substantially zero. Other positions are defined by substantially all of the peripheral-contact surface not contacting the frame wherein outside air is allowed to flow across the inside surface of the lens.

Abstract: A method of and system for dispensing material from a dispenser into an area of interest, wherein an interrogation step takes place prior to the dispensing of the material for the satisfaction of at least one criterion relating to the presence/absence of one or more objects, and upon the failure to satisfy the at least one criterion, inhibiting the dispensing of the material to be dispensed until the one or more criterions are satisfied.

Abstract: A therapeutic shower enclosure is comprised of a bottom wall, sidewalls a top wall and a door assembly in the sidewalls for access to the enclosure. An air blower is mounted above the top wall in communication with one or more air return orifices in the top wall. An air distribution channel is in communication with the air blower and at least one air injecting orifice is provided in the top wall and communicates with the enclosure. A heater is provided in the air distribution channel for heating convected air therein to a temperature of up to about 75° C. to provide a stream of hot dry air circulating in the enclosure about a person's body standing therein whereby to cause the person's body to transpire and provide a therapeutic effect of shedding toxins through the skin. In combination with the hot dry air treatment there is available a chromotherapeutic and luminotherapeutic light treatment and an ion and ozone generator to inject ions and ozone in the hot dry air stream.

Abstract: A bathing enclosure wall panel and framing therefor are disclosed. In one embodiment there is a frosted, translucent, colored acrylic that is backed by a mirroring metal such as aluminum. There can also be a waterproofing paint layer behind the reflective material, as well as a cellulosic backing layer to reduce flexing. The material reflects light but does not present a risqué appearance.

Abstract: A lavatory system configured to accommodate a first person and a second person having different physical abilities than the first person is disclosed. The lavatory system includes a first station having a first upper surface and a second station having a second upper surface. The first upper surface is laterally and vertically offset from the second upper surface so that the first station is configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the first person and the second station is configured to accommodate the physical abilities of the second person.

Abstract: A faucet with pull-out dispenser comprising a tubular body that is adapted to accommodate a flexible element to which the dispenser is fixed at one end, the tubular body comprising snap-acting elements that are adapted to retain detachably, by elastic deformation, the dispenser in the position in which the flexible element is fully retracted into the body.

Abstract: A sleeping bag has a shell constructed by a flexible panel that is folded in half to form first and second panel portions. Adjacent edges of the first and second panel portions having complementary components of a fastener thereon to close the sleeping bag except for an opening at a head end thereof. A duct, secured to the first panel portion, has an opening between the first and second panel portions, and another opening outside the head end at which to connect to hair dryer. Heated air from the hair dryer is distributed throughout the sleeping bag prior to or during use by a camper.

Abstract: A sleeping or resting device designed to prevent improper sleeping and/or resting that leads to the damage of facial tissues, wrinkles and premature aging. The pillow's design adjusts the sleeper's body position to prevent the face from supporting the weight of the sleeper's head by supporting the user's head primarily behind the temple. The novel design prevents wrinkling of the face that occurs during the sleeping process caused by a traditional pillow. The novel design can be generally described as an elongated foam box, having an upper concavity, an integrated coaxial cylindrical member at the leading edge, with laterally tapering triangular ends of various design.

Abstract: A decorative pillow with all the individual proportions of the flower represented by the pillow. Each pillow consists of a center (a), individual petals that are fashioned in the shape of the petals of the flower being duplicated (b), leaves which correspond with each flower (c), a potpourri pouch (d), in which to add potpourri, and a bottom (e).

Abstract: A pillow includes a first body portion and a continuous second body portion that extends from the first body portion. The first body portion includes a top edge and a bottom edge connected by a first side edge and a second side edge. The second body portion extends continuously from the top edge to the bottom edge, and continuously between the first and second side edges. The first body portion is substantially rectangular-shaped. The second body portion defines at least one recess, wherein the recess is bordered by a continuous sidewall formed by the second body portion. The recess sidewall extends arcuately from at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge. The pillow also includes an axis of symmetry that extends from the top edge to the pillow bottom edge.

Abstract: There is provided a bedrest including an inflatable bladder, which is in general a triangular shaped structure when inflated and a microprocessor based hand controller for inflating and deflating the bladder. The bladder contains an interior baffle which extend for primarily the length of the bladder fixed to interior walls of the bladder to form an inverse triangle inverse to the triangle formation of the bladder when inflated. The interior baffle therefore enables the structure to form more precisely into the desired triangular shape in order to perform a more effective position when inserted under the mattress in the head location of the bed. The microprocessor based hand controller enables an individual to inflate or deflate the bladder to any desired amount with a simple control. In addition, the hand controlled microprocessor permits computer programming so that the mattress can be automatically raised and lowered to different levels during different periods of time.

Abstract: There is provided a bedrest including an inflatable bladder, a compressor assembly and a microprocessor based controller for inflating and deflating the bladder. The compressor assembly has several stages reducing the volume of air. The compressor assembly includes a housing having an air intake, a motor and a centrifugal blower for passing air into a valve assembly. When inflating, the air passes under pressure through the centrifugal blower, past the motor and through a check valve into the valve assembly and through air outlet that is connected to an air supply tube. In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is equipped with a solenoid relief valve for use when deflating the bladder. The microprocessor based controller enables an individual to inflate or deflate the bladder to any desired amount with a simple control.

Abstract: An inflatable support system having an upper chamber attached to a lower chamber and in fluid communication therewith which may be inflated with a single pump and deflated with a first valve, the upper chamber having a pillow top appearance when inflated.

Abstract: An inner tub of a washing machine is rapidly braked during a portion of a deceleration phase following an extraction phase of an overall spin cycle. A controller establishes the braking operation over a critical speed band or resonant frequency zone during which excessive vibrations would be developed. The critical speed band is preferably determined based on one or more signals received from speed, load, and/or out-of-balance sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition containing a direct dye (1): 1

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition containing a direct dye (1) or (2): 1

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxidation dyeing process for human keratin fibres, which comprises applying to the fibres a dye composition (A) containing, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye precursor and optionally one or more couplers; developing the colour in alkaline, neutral or acidic medium using an oxidizing composition (B) containing an oxidizing agent, at least one of the compositions (A) and (B) also containing an effective amount of at least one cationic amphiphilic polymer chosen from quaternized celluloses modified with groups containing at least one fatty chain, chosen from alkyl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups containing at least 8 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof, and quaternized hydroxyethylcelluloses modified with groups containing at least one fatty chain, chosen from alkyl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups containing at least 8 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof; the compositions (A) and (B) being mixed together immediately before use or applied one after the ot

Abstract: A process for shading white paper characterized in that a mixture comprising at least one direct dye or pigment and at least one optical brightener is used, is claimed as well as the mixture and the paper dyed with this method.

Abstract: A roller cage assembly consisting of a primary and secondary hub. Each hub has an inner and outer surface. The inner surface of the primary hub and the inner surface of the secondary hub provides a compression fitting so that a longitudinal tube pressed into the said compression fitting on the primary inner hub and pressed into the said compression fitting on the secondary inner hub joins primary inner hub to secondary inner hub by said longitudinal tube and results in one complete unit. The circumference of the outer primary hub and the circumference of the secondary outer hub provided by a glue joint results in a seal to prevent liquids from entering the inner cavity of the roller cage assembly. These parts joined forms a unit, and represents the said roller cage assembly. This roller cage assembly provides the framework support for the paint roller sleeve. Together, the primary and secondary hub assembly joins the roller sleeve and together forms a fixed and immovable unit, the roller cage assembly.

Abstract: A roller cage assembly for use with a support rod is described. The roller cage assembly has a roller sleeve, a pair of end hub members, and a tube for use with a support rod. Each end hub member has an inner hub, an outer hub, a cavity, and a keeper. Each cavity receives and allows rotational movement of a corresponding keeper. Each cavity has a slightly reduced outer aperture defined by an annular tab to facilitate rotational movement of the keeper. Each keeper has a passage for receiving the support rod, an expandable gap for securing the support rod, and slip ridges to facilitate rotational movement of the keeper. Each keeper also typically has a joined slit membrane for maintaining a substantially constant degree of tension on the support rod. The tube is connected between the inner hub of each end hub member, and the roller sleeve is connected between the outer hub of each end hub member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a canister assembly and a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes both a main inlet and an edge cleaning inlet. A dirt container and a fan and motor assembly/suction generator are carried on either the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. An airflow system conveys a vacuum airstream from the nozzle assembly to the dirt container. The airflow system includes a control valve, a first conduit between the main inlet and the control valve, a second conduit between the edge cleaning inlet and the control valve and a third conduit between the control valve and the dirt container.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing adapted for movement on a subjacent surface and a nozzle defined in the housing, the nozzle having an opening. A brushroll tube, having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis, is rotatably mounted to the housing adjacent the nozzle opening. At least one cleaning element protrudes from the brushroll tube. A shaft is located in the brushroll tube and extends along the longitudinal axis thereof. A stator is rigidly mounted on the shaft. A cylinder surrounds the shaft and the stator and is spaced therefrom. The cylinder is rigidly connected to the brushroll tube. A permanent magnet rotor is fixedly mounted to an interior surface of the cylinder. The permanent magnet rotor overlies and is coaxial with the stator and is spaced therefrom. The rotor and stator form a motor for rotating the brushroll tube wherein the rotor is driven by changes in induced magnetic fields in the stator.

Abstract: A trash bag retainer for maintaining a trash bag within a receptacle having a wall which defines a top rim and inner and outer surfaces. The retainer comprises of an elongate band which defines an axis. Attached to the band is at least one engagement member which extends outwardly from the axis of the band. The engagement member defines at least one engagement surface, and is sized relative to the band such that a portion of the trash bag may be captured between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the wall when the band is extended about the receptacle, with a gap being defined between at least a portion of the band and the outer surface of the wall.

Abstract: A dual button and zipper assist device and a method for using the device for facilitating the processes of buttoning or zipping is described. In a preferred embodiment the button assist device is an independent element having a unitary body formed of preferably metal with a button hook and a connected open handle.

Abstract: A web adjuster is provided including a housing, an actuator movably coupled to the housing, and a pincher that releasably retains a web threaded through the housing. The actuator moves the pincher between a first position inhibiting movement of the web relative to the housing and a second position permitting movement of the web relative to the housing.

Abstract: A buckle device includes a body, a fastening element and a latch assembly. A first strap is secured to the body. The fastening element includes a rod formed thereon. The fastening element is mounted on the body so that it can be pivoted between a first position for allowing winding of a second strap around the rod and a second position for tensing up the second strap by means of the rod. The latch assembly can retain the fastening element in the second position. The body includes two side plates. The fastening element includes two side plates between which the rod is formed. A shaft is used to mount the fastening element on the body. The side plates of the body each define a hole for receiving the shaft. The side plates of the fastening element each define a hole for receiving the shaft. The latch assembly includes a latch mounted on the fastening element.

Abstract: A worm drive hose clip has a clamping strap with overlapping end sections, a clamping screw, and a housing. The radially outer end section has thread elements engaging the threaded screw shaft. The radially inner end section is connected to the housing bottom having a butt joint with interlocking undercuts. The bottom has a first transverse border with tongues arranged on opposite sides of the butt joint and projecting outwardly into an opening of the radially inner end section. A second straight transverse border of the bottom is supported on first grooves impressed radially inwardly in the clamping strap and opening toward the second transverse border. A second groove adjoins the opening and supports the bottom. The radially inner edges of the first and second circumferential grooves are aligned with an underside of the bottom and pass continuously into an inner side of the radially inner end section.

Abstract: A clip for holding cannula so as to alleviate ear discomfort by reducing the weight and tension created by the cannula. The present invention includes a clip and a cannula holder. The clip can comprise stiff arms that are opened by applying pressure to the arms. This enables the patient to attach the device to a fixed object such as clothing or bedding. The cannula holder securely retains the cannula. By retaining the cannula in the cannula holder according to the present invention, less tension and shearing force is transferred from the cannula to a patient's ears, face, neck, or skin. Thus, the subject invention provides a cannula clip that reduces skin discomfort and irritation.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device includes a shoe lace having first and second lace segments, two loop assemblies, and a clamp member sleeved slidably on the loop assemblies. The first lace segment forms a criss-cross pattern on the eyelet tabs. The second lace segment includes first and second lace sections, each of which has a lower end connected to the first lace segment. Each of the loop assemblies includes a distal lace segment, an inverted U-shaped lace segment having first and second ends connected respectively to the distal lace segment and the upper end of a respective one of the first and second lace sections, and a fastening unit for fastening together the distal lace segment and the ends of the inverted U-shaped lace segment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced durable three-dimensional image, permitting use of the fabric in floor underlayment of laminate floor systems so as to reduce acoustic feedback under normal use (walking) due to sound absorption and leveling of the floating laminate floor system applications. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, whereby when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image, an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion.

Abstract: A pile carpet after tufting or the like is usually provided on the back with a latex precoat for stabilization and then provided with a foam back or an additional jute fabric. This environmentally hazardous method and the problem of recycling the foam back as well as the latex layer can be avoided If a nonwoven is applied instead to the tufted back of the carpet by water needling. This is possible with water needling in that the solidification of the pile fibers in or on the primary carrier takes place but no nonwoven fibers reach the visible side of the carpet. The back layer to be needled can also be made thicker and mote voluminous. Instead of a carpet, any other pile goods can also be stabilized in this fashion.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting semiconductor chips comprises a loading station for the presentation of substrates, a first transport system and a second transport system. The first transport system removes one substrate after the other from the loading station and passes them on to the second transport system which transports the substrates in steps to a dispensing or soldering station and to a bonding station. A sensor with two coils arranged at a distance to one another is arranged in such a way that one end of the substrate transported by the first transport system travels through a gap formed between the two coils. The signal delivered by the sensor is used to determine a control signal which indicates whether or not the first transport system should pass the substrate on to the second transport system.

Abstract: A burnishing tool is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a first end, a second opposing end, and an elongated intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends. The intermediate portion of the burnishing tool is formed having a general arcuate configuration and includes a main body and a handle. The main body of the intermediate portion comprises a dimensional width greater than the dimensional width of the handle such that the burnishing tool fits comfortably and conveniently within the contour of a hand of a user.

Abstract: A first fixture of a transportable fixture apparatus incorporates a substantially porous first region adapted to receive one or more porous and/or non-porous first material layers, such as fuel cell layers, and to facilitate formation of a vacuum between the first fixture and the first material layers. A second fixture incorporates a substantially porous second region adapted to receive one or more porous and/or non-porous second material layers and to facilitate formation of a vacuum between the second fixture and the second material layers. A stop arrangement protrudes from one or both of the first and second fixtures, and is situated peripheral to the first and second material layers when the first and second fixtures are brought into contact. The stop arrangement defines a cavity adapted to effect compression of the first and second material layers when the first and second fixtures are brought into contact.

Abstract: A puller (10) for removing a compression sleeve from a pipe (38) generally comprised of a cylindrical body (24) containing on one end an internal cavity (28) to receive the pipe (38) and an external double thread (30) to engage a compression nut (34) and on the opposite end a threaded through screw (14) entering the cavity (28). A disk (22) attached at one end of the screw (14) bears on the end of the pipe (38) and a torque handle (12) at the other end is used to supply increasing pressure against the end of the pipe (38). The puller (10) is threadably attached to the compression nut (34) placing the pipe (38) into the internal cavity (28) against the disk (22) while the compression sleeve (36) is contained between the compression nut (34) and the puller (10). Turning the torque handle (12) urges the compression nut (34) and the compression sleeve (36) toward the end of the pipe (38) until the compression nut (34) and compression sleeve (36) are freed from the pipe (38).

Abstract: A Guard Rail Tool for installing guard rails along a road or a highway. A fixed claw and a rotatable claw are mounted on opposite sides of a fixed handle which presses against the guard rails when a rotatable handle is closed against the fixed handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling a fan grill to a shroud of a fan housing. The apparatus includes a support structure having a moveable carriage disposed in a horizontal plane. The moveable carriage is adapted to align and carry the fan grill and shroud combination. A clamping structure is moveably attached to the support structure and has clamps adapted to clamp the fan grill and shroud combination in a fixed position. A plurality of automatic drivers attached to the clamping structure are moveable in a direction transverse to the horizontal plane of the carriage. The automatic drivers drive a plurality of fasteners into the fan grill and shroud combination. The moveable carriage may be adapted to carry more than one fan grill and shroud combination to allow an operator to load a second fan grill and shroud combination onto the carriage while a first fan grill and shroud combination is engaged by the drivers.

Abstract: Stacking porous and non-porous material layers involves applying vacuum to a first porous layer to stabilize same relative to a support structure. The support structure and/or a non-porous layer are moved to establish contact between the non-porous layer and the first porous layer. The first porous and non-porous layers define a sub-assembly. While applying vacuum to the sub-assembly, one or both of the support structure and a second layer are moved to establish contact between the second layer and the non-porous layer. Vacuum applied to the sub-assembly maintains positional stability of the sub-assembly layers relative to the support structure while the second layer is moved into contact with the non-porous layer. Vacuum is subsequently removed to facilitate transporting of the material layer stack. Material layers of a fuel cell, including first and second fluid transport layers and a membrane, are well suited for automated stacking.

Abstract: A method for assembling a motor shaft with a bearing, a motor housing, and an impeller is disclosed. A motor shaft extension is used to retain the impeller axially on the motor shaft and allows the motor shaft to drive an additional component, such as an impeller, located a distance from the motor. The motor shaft extension may be fabricated from aluminum or hardened steel. Additionally, the motor shaft extension may be embodied in a tube extending past the end of the motor shaft and a shaft extension pressed into the end of the tube.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus incorporating the method for making a long, continuous laminate. A plurality of layers of materials are simultaneously wound around a metal hub. Strips of refractory material, perforated metal, metal foil, metal mesh, and random fiber media, are employed in the layers of materials. The hub, once completed, is placed into a furnace for diffusion bonding and later cooled to room temperature. The cooled laminate coil may be cut into various lengths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying assemblies, e.g. of surveillance equipment, wherein a single remotely-operated carriage is used to position each assembly, in turn, on a respective upright pole.

Abstract: A system for fabricating muntin bars from sheet material. Sheet material in the form of thin ribbon stock is fed to a first forming station including a punching mechanism that punches the ribbon stock at a precisely predetermined location. The ribbon stock is delivered from the first forming station to a second forming station in the form of a rolling mill. The stock passes through a succession of forming rolls to produce a tube having a desired cross-sectional shape. The tube is delivered from the second forming station to a third forming station including a severing apparatus that severs the tube at a precisely predetermined location to produce a muntin bar. After severing, the muntin bar is engaged by a conveyor and moved to a desired location.