Abstract: A lightweight face shield which protects the face of the wearer from debris and/or hazardous materials, such as biological materials, and is particularly well suited for medical and dental applications. The face shield utilizes a two-piece tiered structure with a preferably canted retention frame joined through an inclined structure member to a shield frame member below which is retained a transparent shield, and above which a minishield. The shield frame member is retained forward of the retention frame member so as to retain the peripheral portions of the shield separated from the face of the user, providing improved ventilation and reduced fogging of the transparent shield. A trampoline style support arm is described that provides solid retention, compliant comfort, and reduced material requirements. Optional locking hinge assemblies for the support arms and a nose bridge are also described.

Abstract: A method for stiffening a headgear utilizes knitted thermo polyester linings made of threads consisting of fine and soft filaments extracted from thermo polyester pellets to sew with ready-cut fabrics to form a headgear. Subsequently, the headgear is heated by a mold such that the fiber of the linings will be appropriately stiffened, thereby shaping an upstanding and neat headgear as desired.

Abstract: A mechanism that enables rapid release and access to contents stored at inconveniently located garment or storage receptacles is disclosed. The mechanism allows two sides of a receptacle storing contents to be opened simultaneously and rapidly with a one-handed operation, thus revealing the receptacle's interior, and releasing the contents thereof for immediate access to user.

Abstract: Slow recovery viscoelastic polyurethane foam with a surface impregnation of silicone, coupled with a rigid helmet shell, is used for athletic headgear. The helmet shell should have a rigid construct to provide dispersion of impact energy, absorbing at least thirty percent of the impact energy delivered to the helmet shell. The slow recovery viscoelastic polyurethane foam has unique characteristics making it suitable for use as an energy absorbing liner for athletic headgear. The energy absorbing liner can be made with varying thickness and size, so retail establishments can custom fit a helmet to a particular customer.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture includes a receptacle for receiving waste, a tank for storing water, and an electrically operated pump that conveys water from the tank into the receptacle to flush the waste through a drain. The duration that the pump in operated to flush the waste is altered in response to variation of the electrical voltage supplied to the plumbing fixture. The pump is operated to decrease the amount of water in the tank when that amount is sensed to be excessive. Further operation of the pump is inhibited for a given interval to avoid overheating when the pump has been operating too frequently. The pump is cycled on and off in predefined patterns to indicate different malfunctions to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for foot actuating a toilet by providing a foot pedal having an enhoused cable extending there from. The cable is attached inside the toilet tank to a flushing means within the tank. Upon a user stepping down on the pedal, dual components of the pedal provide for the amount of cable within the foot pedal to be increased by a factor of two relative to the pedal travel distance. This in turn provides for the cable inside of the tank to be decreased by such amount for lifting a weight and actuating the internal flushing means within the toilet tank. Upon removing the user's foot from the foot pedal, the foot pedal, cable and weight are automatically reset to a starting position allowing the toilet to be reset to its original position for reuse.

Abstract: A vacuum relief valve releases vacuum force at a pool suction cover when the suction cover is obstructed. A valve plunger rests against a valve seat within a valve body under normal pool operating conditions. A biasing member maintains the valve plunger against the valve seat. The biasing member compresses and moves the valve plunger to a position away from the valve seat when the suction cover is obstructed. Once the obstruction is removed, the valve plunger is automatically returned to its resting position against the valve seat. The valve body is attached to fluid conduit that carries a source of air to the pump when the valve plunger is moved away from the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a water feature in a spa/pool/hot-tub (“spa”) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flume developer having internal dimensions that generate a water pressure from a water flow received from a water source associated with the spa. The flume developer further includes a head assembly having one or more apertures through which the water feature is produced based on the water pressure. The flume developer further includes a flange configured to abut against an outer surface of the spa. The flume developer is interchangeable in a water feature device body connected to the water source. A light source can be provided to illuminate the water feature.

Abstract: A gasket for a spa shell includes a body formed of an at least partially translucent material. The gasket includes a top ring configured to abut a top surface of the spa shell and a bottom ring configured to abut a bottom surface of the spa shell. In one embodiment, the gasket includes an indentation configured to receive light from a light source for transmission through the body. The gasket may be formed with an elastomer.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for removing moisture from behind an illuminated panel on a spa. In one exemplary implementation, a panel is attached to a sidewall of a spa seating area. A light source is used to illuminate the panel, in which the light source can be attached to the panel. An air vent is connected to the spa to allow moisture to evaporate from behind the panel, in which one end of the air vent may be connected to the atmosphere outside of the spa. The panel can be flush mounted inside of the sidewall, and the panel can be located within a recess area of the sidewall. The panel can be formed of a translucent material, and the panel can be located at a waterline area to indicate a recommended level to fill the spa with water. The panel can include a logo, a design, or an inscription.

Abstract: An advertising placard unit (36) for use within a toilet tank (20) is provided. The unit (36) includes an advertising information-bearing placard (40, 40a) and connection structure (42, 50, 56) allowing secure coupling of the unit (36) onto an overflow tube (30) forming a part of the tank flush valve assembly (22). Preferably, the placard (40, 40a) is supported in an upstanding, oblique orientation above the tube (30) in such a manner as to not interfere with valve operation or placement of a lid (24) on the tank (20).

Abstract: A bed base and bed base kit includes four side members, each being symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The side members are assembled into a rectangular structure with the members positioned to stand vertically upright on their edges. Opposed side members are of the same length and are connected at adjacent ends by a two-component connector. A first component of the connector is attached to the opposed ends of each one of a first pair of opposing side members and a second component is attached to the opposed ends of each one a second pair of opposing side members. The second components are offset from the longitudinal axis of the one side member to which they re attached. Thus, when the side members are assembled to form the rectangular structure, the respective edges of the side members are substantially flush with each other.

Abstract: A transportable play design assembly with an open operative position, an alternative closed position and which may be folded to enclose play items therebetween when play time is concluded. The open operative position is utilized as a play surface. The alternative closed position is utilized as a transporting and storage device for play items. The alternative closed position further has a closing mechanism to prevent the play items from falling out of the assembly during transportation.

Abstract: A removable moisture-wicking pillow case covering for a pillow for absorbing moisture and for maintaining the loft of the pillow upon which a person's places his or her sweat or perspiration on the head, neck and hair when in bed, or when laying down to rest, comprising a rectangularly-shaped sack having a volume which is slightly smaller than the volume of the pillow inserted and housed therein, the sack having four corners thereof rounded to eliminate the formation of sharp corners on the outside of the sack and for providing a means for registration of the pillow therein, the sack being made of a cloth base having a plurality of threads anchored therein and extending outwardly therefrom from about 3/16 to ? of an inch and continuing through to the opposite side of the cloth base to form a plurality of relatively short loops extending therefrom, and having a pair of oppositely disposed openings into the sack along the seams thereof, one of the oppositely disposed openings being smaller than the other one, t

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a litter frame having a head end and a foot end and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails. A seat section which includes a seat frame is secured to the support rails. A first head section which includes a first frame is movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the first frame is elevated above a foot end of the first frame. The foot end of the first head section is always oriented on the litter frame immediately adjacent a head end of the seat frame. A second head section is provided on the litter frame and is separate from the first head section. The second head section includes a second frame movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the second frame is elevated above a foot end of the second frame.

Abstract: This disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments of a patient support having a plurality of vertically-oriented on substantially can-shaped inflatable bladders. In one embodiment, the patient support includes a plurality of pressure sensors positioned underneath the bladders. In another embodiment, the patient support includes a support layer positioned above the vertical bladders. In still another embodiment, the patient support includes one or more filler portions that are selectable so that the patient support may conform to bed frames having different deck configurations.

Abstract: The mattress with chest aperture is a cushion designed for use on a flat surface, such as a massage table. The mattress with chest aperture has at least a body support pad and may also include a chest support pad. The chest support pad is disposed under the body pad. The body pad has a selectively closable chest aperture extending through the pad that is closed by a chest insert pad. The chest insert pad is removed from the selectively closable chest aperture to form a chest cavity for massaging a person lying in a prone position. The top surface of the body pad, the chest insert pad, and the chest support pad may be an egg crate-like surface.

Abstract: A bedding apparatus including a first layer including a heat absorbing and releasing material, and a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer including a wicking material.

Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a fan and motor assembly for pumping air, a housing built into the inflatable body, and an air conduit disposed at least in part in the housing. The housing has an interior region. The air conduit is movable between a first position and a second position, the fan and motor inflating the inflatable body when the air conduit is in the first position, and deflating the inflatable body when the air conduit is in the second position. Air flows between the interior region of the housing and the inflatable body during inflation and deflation.

Abstract: An operational tools carrier, such as a pocketknife or a tool card, having a portion formed from a transparent or translucent material has been found to have various functional benefits in addition to the clear ornamental effects of transparency/translucenary. A pocketknife typically has a retaining body or frame in which tools can be stored. The frame has two side walls that lie opposite each other and that have been separated from each other by means of narrow side faces and front faces. A scale is provided on at least one of the side walls typically has retaining areas for removably holding operational tools, e.g., tools, knives, scissors. The side wall or scale forming the side wall is transparent in at least one partial area. A flat tool card formed from two plates coupled together to form a retaining are therebetween for strong flat tools thereon. At least a portion of at least one of the plates forming the tool card is transparent or translucent.

Abstract: Animal skins, pelts, and hides are protected from putrefaction, degradation or deterioration caused by metalloproteinases such as collagenase by applying at least one metalloproteinase inhibitor to a fluid in which the animal skin or hide is dipped or soaked, or applying at least one metalloproteinase inhibitor to a solid surface that directly or indirectly comes into contact with the animal skin or hide

Abstract: A process and formulation for pre-treating a cellulosic, or cellulosic blend with synthetic fiber, substrate, achieving sufficient clearness and appropriate absorbency prior to dyeing the substrate. The process having the steps of: providing a vessel; providing a cellulosic, or their blends with synthetic fiber, substrate; providing a water bath; adding an active amount of an activating compound selected from the group of: salts of organic acids, organic amine derivatives, transitional metals salts and complexes, pigments, and combinations thereof; adding an active amount of caustic soda; adding an active amount of hydrogen peroxide; achieving a pH from about 6.0 to about 9.0 at the end of the bleaching cycle; heating the water bath to a temperature in excess of 50 degrees centigrade for a pre-determined period of time; and dropping the bath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a spin-drying process in a washing machine, and more particularly, to a method for controlling a spin-drying process in a washing machine with a diagonal unbalance considered, in which the spin-drying is performed considering the diagonal unbalance occurred if laundry is distributed in a direction, for an example, from an upper side of a front of a drum to a lower side of a rear of the drum, in a spin-drying course.

Abstract: An operation method for a combination dryer is disclosed. The present invention relates to a combination type laundry device, and more particularly, to an operation method for a combination laundry device provided with a washing machine having a drying function and a cabinet dryer as one body using one drying heater and one fan, in which after identifying an selected operation cycle by a user the washing machine with a drying function and/or the cabinet dryer is/are controlled for performing the selected operation cycle.

Abstract: A drum washing machine and a method of controlling the same. The locked state of a door is released for a predetermined period of time without interrupting water supply or water drainage for a user to open the door, during supplying or draining of water, when a washing or dewatering operation of the drum washing machine is initiated or when the washing or dewatering operation of the drum washing machine is resumed after the washing or dewatering operation of the drum washing machine is interrupted. Consequently, additional laundry may be safely and conveniently put into a rotary tub or the laundry or foreign matter may be removed from the rotary tub with improved washing and dewatering efficiency.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for dyeing keratin materials with compositions comprising, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one ninhydrin derivative, which may optionally be combined with at least one compound comprising at least one labile hydrogen. Further disclosed herein are dying compositions, multi-component hair dye compositions, and a multi-compartment kits.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for dyeing keratin fibers, for example human keratin fibers such as hair, comprising applying to the keratin fibers a dye composition comprising, as a direct dye, at least one organosilane compound chosen from compounds of formula (I): Also disclosed herein are dye compositions for dyeing keratin fibers comprising at least one organosilane compound of formula (I) and at least one oxidation base.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing transcutaneous passage of an orthodiphenol oxidation dye by adding a catalytic system of Mn(II) or Zn(II) salt or oxide and at least one alkaline or alkaline earth hydrogenocarbonate to the orthodiphenol oxidation dye composition.

Abstract: The subject of the present application is a dyeing composition for dyeing keratinous fibres, in particular human keratinous fibres such as hair, comprising, in an appropriate dyeing medium, at least one cationic tertiary para-phenylenediamine containing a pyrrolidine ring, and at least one cationic direct dye comprising at least one heterocyclic group. The subject of the invention is also the dyeing method using this composition and the corresponding devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal care composition comprising: (a) at least a solid hydrophobic component; and (b) no more than 25% by weight of the composition of a soap component, and the composition having: (i) a needle penetration, as measured according to the ASTM Test Method D5, of from about 1 to about 40 at 25° C.; (ii) a yield stress of at least about 1500 Pa at 25° C.; and (iii) a viscosity of between about 1 mPas and about 10,000,000 mPas at 100° C.

Abstract: A dye composition, which comprising (A) at least one disazo dye selected from the formula (I) or (II), wherein R, R1, R2, D1 and D2 are defined the same as the specification; and (B) a diazo dye of the formula (III), wherein (R9)0-2, (R10)0-2, Q1 and Q2 are defined the same as the specification. These kinds of dye composition with high fixation and good build-up. They are distinguished also by high washing off and a low nylon stain and they are suitable for dyeing and printing of materials containing either cellulose fibers, such as cotton, artificial cotton, linen, and artificial linen, or polyamide fibers, such as wool, silk, and nylon etc. Dyed materials with excellent properties can be obtained, showing especially outstanding performance in of washing off, levelness, build-up, wet fastness and light fastness.

Abstract: A battery-operated toothbrush includes a drive unit, a housing defining an accommodation chamber configured to receive the drive unit, and a thermoplastic elastomer seal disposed on an outer surface of the housing. The housing includes a front end configured to receive a toothbrush head, an open end, opposite the front end, that provides access to the accommodation chamber, and a pass-through aperture, which extends from an outer surface of the housing to the accommodation chamber. The drive unit includes an engagement element configured to engage the pass-through aperture to retain the drive unit in the accommodation chamber. The thermoplastic elastomer seal extends into the pass-through aperture. A potion of the thermoplastic elastomer seal is elastically displaced by the engagement element when the engagement element engages the aperture.

Abstract: A stud cleaning device has tubular body for receiving a stud to be cleaned through an open end of the body. An opposing mounting end of the body is arranged to mount on the rotary output of a rotary tool for rotating the body in use. Radial bristles, supported on bristle members, extend radially inward from an interior wall of the tubular body. The bristle members are slidably removable from respective longitudinal mounting channels in the body. Discharge openings in the wall between the mounting channels allow removal of debris from the interior of the body. End bristles are supported about the open end of the body to extend longitudinally outward. A common retainer selectively retains the radial bristles and the end bristles on the body for readily replacing the bristles when they become worn.

Abstract: A pull tab is formed at a separable edge of each of a plurality of individually separable sheets of outwardly faced adhesive tape wound into a roll by a non-adhesive portion carried on the adhesive layer of the tape to facilitate gripping and removal of an outermost sheet from the tape roll to expose an underlying sheet. The separable edges extend at least partially through the tape roll dividing the tape into a plurality of separable sheets and across substantially all of the lateral extent of the roll. The separable edge can be two spaced separable edges disposed in registry with each non-adhesive portion to define opposite leading edges.

Abstract: A side brush for mounting on a body of a sweeping machine for use as a brush rotatable about a rotation axis. A plurality of individual bristle segments are detachably mountable to a base. Bristles included in the bristle segments are integrated for a solid unit with a frame member. The base includes a substantially planar disc assembly that is integrally provided with a coupling system for coupling the bristle segments therewith. The coupling system includes elongated channels disposed in the base in a substantially radial direction and extending through the base. The channels open all the way to the edge of the base and enable coupling the bristle segments immovably to the engagement with body of a sweeping machine with the base with fasteners interconnecting the same.

Abstract: A paint applicator having a non-stick coating, such as a fluoropolymer polymer resin, applied thereto in order to improve the cleanability thereof.

Abstract: A wiper system and a drive unit for a wiper system for a windscreen of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, is proposed, comprising two simultaneously driven windscreen wipers and comprising a drive rod between a motor and a wiper bearing of a wiper shaft wherein the motor and the drive rod are arranged and designed in such a way that at least a driver-side crank can be provided for driving the wiper shaft which crank in each position is oriented in a direction towards the vehicle centre.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper device for windows of motor vehicles, comprised of a non-articulated wiper blade with a wiper strip, a wiper lip arranged thereon and a coupling part that can be connected to the wiper blade for a detachable connection with a swivelable wiper arm of the vehicle, wherein the wiper strip includes a profile with guide grooves to laterally accommodate two spring rails, which are each connected with one another as a single piece on their two ends. It is provided that the wiper strip (16) feature a locking device, which, in a locked setting, fixes the spring rails (20) in the wiper strip (16), and which, in an unlocked setting, enables a longitudinal displacement of the spring rails (20) in the guide grooves (24) of the wiper strip (16).

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade composition having low friction coefficient and capable of inhibiting UV light-induced degradation of the wiper blade, comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of carbon-based nanoparticles dispersed in an elastomer base material.

Abstract: An indoor/outdoor cleaning system includes a portable, pressurized housing for containing cleaning fluids (water, chemicals and mixtures thereof). Multiple hoses connect the interior of the housing with a cleaning wand. The wand includes a handle, a hollow trunk portion and a cleaning head. The multiple hoses have outlets adjacent the cleaning head for feeding water, cleaning chemicals, or surface treating fluids thereto. The outlets open adjacent a cleaning pad, which pad is attached to the cleaning head via a mechanism that allows the pad to vibrate at sonic frequency. A variety of cleaning pad accessories (brush, sponge, sanding pad, buffing pad, etc.) can be optionally attached to the cleaning pad based on the type of surface to be cleaned or treated. A suction conduit, disposed in the cleaning head, functions to draw used fluids away from the surface for safe disposal thereof.

Abstract: A roller/foot device (1) comprising a cylindrical outer sleeve (10), a guide sleeve (20) arranged inside the outer sleeve (10), locking sleeve (30) arranged inside the outer sleeve (10), a spring device where one end abuts against the outer sleeve's closed end (13) and the other end abuts against one end portion of the guide sleeve or the locking sleeve and a roller element (41) which is rotatably mounted abutting against the locking sleeve's (20) end portion which is located at the extreme end of the outer sleeve (10). The sleeves comprise ribs which can slide towards each other and cause the roller element (41) to assume different positions in the longitudinal direction of the outer sleeve (10) when the device (1) is subjected to forces. The device (1) can thereby be employed as a roller device with the roller element (41) in an outer position and as a foot device with the roller element (41) in an inner position.

Abstract: A folding mechanism is provided in which a rotor substantially tubelike is arranged between the stationary body and movable body; cams with given gaps are arranged at both ends of the rotor and on the facing surfaces of the stationary body and movable body; and a lubricating layer is formed between the outer circumference of the stationary shaft and the inner circumference of the rotor. The simple makeup implements a folding mechanism with a low impact when opening and reliable opening/closing operation.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100), for joining a flip cover section (110) to a body section (120) of a foldable electronic device (102), includes a shaft (1), at least one pin (2), a spring (3) and a sleeve (4). The shaft includes a body portion (11) and a resisting portion (14). The resisting portion is disposed at one end of the body portion, and the body portion has at least one pin hole therein. Each pin is engaged with a respective pin hole of the shaft. The spring is placed around the resisting portion of the shaft. The sleeve includes a first portion (42) and a second portion (43). The second portion defines at least one sliding slot (44). Each pin protrudes out from a corresponding sliding slot. The hinge assembly is configured to permit a maximum angle (˜160 degrees) between the cover section and the body section.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a can (10), a fixed cam (20), a sliding cam (40), a compression spring (50), a fixing member (60), and a shaft (30). The can has a center cavity (1031) and a board (103) provided at one end thereof. The fixed cam has a central hole (204) and a groove. The fixed cam is partly received in the can and the board of the can is engaged in the groove. The sliding cam abuts the fixed cam. The sliding cam has a center cavity (403). The compression spring is interposed between the sliding cam and the fixing member. A first end of the shaft is engaged with the fixed cam, and extends the hole of the fixed cam, the cavity of the can, the cavity of the sliding cam and the compression spring. The fixing member is fixed to an second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A cover restricting mechanism is adapted for use in a foldable electronic device. The cover (10) has a first barrel portion (13) at one end thereof. The cover restricting mechanism includes a blocking element and a cushion device (20). The blocking element is secured to and protrudes out of the first barrel portion of the cover. The cushion device includes a sleeve (21) and an elastic element (22). The sleeve includes an extending portion (216) extending axially thereof. One end of the elastic element is secured on the sleeve. The other end of the elastic element protrudes out of the extending portion of the sleeve and abuts the blocking element.

Abstract: A dual-axes hinge part (106) defines a lower hinge (132) and an upper hinge (130) of an electronic device (100). The upper hinge (130) permits a component, such as a display member (102) to pivot with respect to the hinge part (106) in a portrait mode. The lower hinge (132) permits both the display member (102) and the hinge part (106) to pivot with respect to a base (104) in a landscape mode. The axes of the hinges (130, 132) cross one another and lie in different planes. The hinge part (106) conforms to the shapes of the housing of the display member (102) and the housing of the base (104) and has no parts that project substantially beyond the boundaries of the display member (102) and the base (104). Thus, the hinge part (106) provides dual-axes functionality while not detracting from the aesthetics of the electronic device (100).

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a door hinge housing configured to be mounted to a door, a body hinge housing configured to be mounted to a stationary object, and a check assembly including a spring. The body hinge housing is pivotally secured to the door hinge housing. The check assembly is covered by at least one of the door hinge housing and the body hinge housing.

Abstract: An ergonomic appliance handle is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The appliance handle includes a base adapted to be affixed to a handle portion of an appliance, a handle grip, and a pivot device for pivotally attaching the handle grip to the base. The pivot device is positioned at a first location on the base. The pivot device allows the handle grip to pivot on the base between at least two pivoting positions. The appliance handle further includes a pivot restraint device for removably latching the handle grip in a closed position of the at least two pivoting positions. The pivot restraint device is positioned at a second location on the base that is spaced-apart from the first location.

Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed which consists of a first portion that may be made as an integral part of an object such as small electronic devices, tools or cup holders and other items, or may be separately fastened thereto; and a second portion that may be made as an integral part of some apparel of a user, a supporting structure such as a wall, dash board of a vehicle, a pole, or other surface, or it may fastened thereto. The first portion has a generally keyhole shaped slot having a narrow slot with parallel sides, a flared entrance at one end of the slot, an enlarged hole at the other end of the narrow slot and channel behind the slot and hole. The second portion has a mushroom shape with a stem and a flat, button shaped top. The stem is attached perpendicularly to one side of the top, has a generally circular cross section and has one flat side along the length of the stem.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a pair of fastener tapes (1a, 1b) and two rows of individual magnetic elements (2a, 2b) mounted on the opposed inner longitudinal edges (7a, 7b) of the two fastener tapes (1a, 1b) at a predetermined interval. Each magnetic element (2a) mounted on one fastener tape (1a) is adapted to be fit between and cling to two mating magnetic elements (2b) mounted on the other fastener tape (1b).