Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a suit for use to be worn by a person when immersed in water or in contact with water and may be provided, for example, as a wetsuit construction or a dry suit construction. The suit includes an outer layer typically of a rubber foam construction and in accordance with the invention there is provided on the inner side of said layer, at least one portion of the suit, a layer of wool (8) or wool blended with other material. This inner wool (8) containing layer typically lies in contact with the wearer. In one embodiment the wool used is that obtained from Merino sheep which is found to be particularly well suited.

Abstract: A winter weather garment, such as an undergarment or a middle layer of winter wear, which has mittens with an extended forearm section permanently attached to the end of the sleeves so that the elements of winter never come into contact with the wearer's forearm or wrist area. The garment typically precludes the wearer, such as a child, from removing the mitten end without the assistance of an adult. The garment typically has a torso portion for substantially covering the torso of the wearer, a left distal portion, and a right distal portion, with each distal portion being permanently attached to the torso portion and protecting the respective left or right hand, wrist and forearm of the wearer from the outside elements.

Abstract: A multi-purpose protective garment that comprises a jacket and a pair of pants. Both the jacket and the pair of pants comprise an inner module and an outer module. The inner module is suitable for being worn both separately, and in combination with the outer module. The inner module forms a first protective garment compliant with the NFPA 1999 Standard on Protective Clothing for Emergency Medical Operations and the NFPA 1951 Standard on Protective Ensemble for USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Operations.

Abstract: An invertible glove includes a hand portion having at least two digit portions configured to cover at least two digits of a hand of a wearer of the glove and a palm portion configured to cover a palm of the hand of the wearer of the glove. The hand portion includes an exterior surface for handling an object and an interior surface for abutting the hand of the wearer of the glove. The hand portion further includes a grasping element that extends from the interior surface of at least one of the digit portions and is configured to be grasped by a digit of the hand of the wearer of the glove for facilitating inversion of the glove when the hand is removed from the glove. A glove is inverted by pulling on the grasping element as the hand is removed from the glove.

Abstract: A hand covering configured to enclose a human hand, fingers and thumb, having a dorsal side and a palm side. The hand covering includes a wrist portion and a hand portion. The hand portion includes at least one digit receptacle and a thumb receptacle. An opening is formed in the dorsal side of the hand covering, and extends from a location rearward of the thumb receptacle, across the dorsal side, to a side of the hand covering opposite the thumb receptacle. The opening is configured to allow the digit receptacle and the thumb receptacle to be removed from the digits and thumb of the wearer, while the wrist portion remains attached to the wearer and covers a dorsal side of the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A hat has a head-covering part; a forward extension extending forwardly from said head-covering part; and an additional element extending substantially downwardly from said extension so as to at least reduce falling of light radiation onto user's eyes.

Abstract: A sock includes a slipping-down prevention part which is provided at an inner side surface of a neck part of a sock and is made of a smooth material such as a silicon resin or a rubber resin known as a non-harmful material to a human body. The slipping-down prevention part is formed of a coating part or a slim band, which are provided at an inner side surface of the neck part of the sock, with the coating part being formed of a smooth material, and with the slim band being formed of stripe patterns.

Abstract: A T-Shirt is disclosed having rolled sleeves. In one embodiment, the rolled sleeves may be secured in place. In another embodiment, the rolled sleeves may include a snugging member to assist in contouring the sleeve to the wearer's arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides pads and padding systems for use in protective helmets, and particularly ballistic helmets. Generally, the pad includes a first, outer layer which provides substantial impact resistance and a second, inner layer which provides cushioning and comfort. The pad does not require the use of a moisture-proof, non-perforated, encapsulating layer since both layers provide little resistance to fluid flow. The pad may also include a cover made of moisture-wicking material.

Abstract: A head and neck restraint system includes a headpiece, a saddle, and tensioners connecting the headpiece to the saddle. The headpiece resides on top of a crew member's head and the saddle includes a saddle strap residing under the crew member's buttocks. The tensioners are pneumatic muscles which contract when a flow of gas is provided by gas generators. The gas generators are triggered by a G-sensor or by the initiation of a predetermined event. Triggering signals pass through a manifold from an ejection seat, aircraft, or vehicle. Contraction of the pneumatic muscles pulls the headpiece toward the saddle, thereby restraining the head, neck, and spine. The system is worn as an undergarment or incorporated into a garment. A manual adjustment provides head support during flight.

Abstract: A seat for a lavatory pan, which includes within its thickness at least one cavity for a deodorising filter and at least one cavity in the seat or the filter for an electrically powered fan. Air inlet openings are provided in the seat through which air can pass into the filter cavity. The openings are situated around the inside edge of the opening in the seat or in a region of the underside of the seat which does not make sealing contact with the rim of the pan when the seat is lowered and in use and is subject to the weight of a person seated thereon. An air outlet by which odour-free air can exit after being drawn through the filter by operation of the fan, is situated in the rear edge of the seat.

Abstract: A toilet seat (1) has a pair of fittings (2, 3) for fixing the toilet seat (1) to a toilet pan (8) without the need for a nut. Each fitting has a post (7) for insertion into an aperture (9) in the toilet pan (8). The posts (7) have a central rod (13) and a plurality of annular engagement members (14) which protrude sideways relative to the direction of insertion A into the aperture (9) and are resiliently deflectable rearwardly so as to frictionally engage the inner circumferential surface (15) of the aperture (9). The engagement members (14) provide the greater frictional force in the direction opposite to the direction of insertion A than against movement in the direction of insertion A. The post (7) protrude from a head (6) which engages the toilet pan (8) around the aperture (9).

Abstract: This invention provides a simple means to protect a bathroom from being ruined by waste material. This system enables a typical user to have a clean, sanitized toilet bowl after a person deposits wastes into a toilet bowl. Based on the collapsible protection system a user can effectively prevent a person from misdirecting waste material from being deposited outside of a toilet bowl onto a bathroom.

Abstract: A potting training device for preventing a potty-training child's urine stream from passing through the opening formed between the toilet seat and the toilet bowl. The device is made of a flexible, water-resistant, preferably non-porous sheet material, having a folding seam separating a urine-deflecting surface and a plurality of attachment tabs. An adhesive material is layered on the surface of each attachment tab and attaches the attachment tabs to the underside of the toilet seat. The sheet material, in its unattached flat configuration, is manipulated into a curved configuration that matches the curvature of the toilet seat, and is attached thereto. The potty training device is also not visible to the observer unless the toilet seat is lifted up, in a vertical position or viewed from a position to the rear of the attachment point when the toilet seat is down.

Abstract: A drain cover is provided having an anti-splash device and an enclosure for containing the deodorant block. The enclosure projects upwardly from a drain cover. The anti-splash device projects upwardly from the enclosure so that the anti-splash device is disposed above the top surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: A jet-type toilet that includes a toilet bowl, a plenum chamber and a discharge trap in fluid communication with the toilet bowl and plenum chamber, wherein the discharge trap includes a rising first portion extending in an upwardly direction away from a bottom portion of the bowl, a forward sloping second portion extending from the first portion back toward the bottom portion of the bowl and a horizontal extending third portion extending from a lower end of the second portion and having an outlet at an end thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum relief safety valve includes a housing defining an inner chamber and attached to the suction-side of the swimming pool or spa pump. An air inlet aperture is formed in the housing so as to be open to ambient air. A sealing element is disposed within the housing and biased against the air inlet aperture by a spring so as to effectively seal the inner chamber of the housing from ambient air. When a maximum allowed vacuum level within the pump is exceeded, such as when a swimming pool drain is obstructed, the sealing element moves into the inner chamber and opens the air inlet aperture causing the pump to rapidly lose its prime and enabling removal of the entrapment. Simultaneously, the movement of the sealing element provides electricity to a control circuit which shuts off power to the pump.

Abstract: A skimmer door assembly for use with a skimmer having an opening therein, having a face plate for matingly engaging the skimmer around the opening of the skimmer. The face plate has an opening therein which communicates with the opening of the skimmer. A raised rib portion extends around a periphery of the opening of the face plate. A cover has a first, planar wall which closes the opening of the face plate. The cover has a groove formed on the planar wall which engages the rib of the face plate for sealing the face plate to prevent water from entering the opening of the face plate.

Abstract: A portable water heating system for use with a spa. The heating system circulates water from a spa, heats the water and returns the heated water to the spa. The portable heating system includes a housing that encloses a heater and a pump; a water intake hose; a water outlet hose; and a thermostat. The heating system may also include temperature-setting dials and flow and pressure regulating switches. A thermostat is also disposed within the portable spa heating system and is attached to the heater. The thermostat may be set to a predetermined temperature so that the heater, and therefore water temperature, may be controlled.

Abstract: A barrel-type steam and hot-air bath appliance includes a pottery barrel serving as a steam or hot-air room, a heating device, and a delivery pipe line. The pottery barrel has a volume sufficient for a user to sit therein, and has a layer of powdered minerals applied on an inner wall and bottom surface to release anions when a predetermined temperature is reached. The heating device may heat water or air to produce steam or hot air, which is delivered into the pottery barrel via the delivery pipe line. Therefore, a user may enjoy a steam or hot-air bath with a large quantity of health-beneficial anions in the pottery barrel.

Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall. The spa pool assembly also has a plurality of jet nozzle assemblies, with each jet nozzle assembly removably coupled to the interior of the pool. Each jet nozzle assembly is separate and independent from, and is not fluidly coupled to, any of the other jet nozzle assemblies.

Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base having a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by at least one air passage. The spa pool assembly also has a plurality of jet nozzle assemblies, with each jet nozzle assembly removably coupled to the interior surface of the wall. A hose delivers air from outside the pool to the air passage. In addition, each jet nozzle assembly can be separate and independent from any of the other jet nozzle assemblies.

Abstract: A hanger for shower curtains is molded unitarily from a resin material. The hanger includes a base configured for support on a shower curtain rod. Inner and outer arms extend from inner and outer ends of the base. A hook is formed on the free end of the inner arm and curves away from the outer arm. A hook is formed on an inner surface of the outer arm and curves towards the inner arm. The outer arm is longer than the inner arm, but the outer hook is at a position on the outer arms substantially opposed to the hook on the inner arm. A decorative shower curtain can be suspended from the outer hook and a shower liner can be suspended from the inner hook.

Abstract: A chair including a seat support pivotally attached to a back support and a leg support, wherein the back support, the seat support and the leg support are adjustable relative to one another such that the chair is adjustable between reclining, sitting and standing positions, wherein in the standing position the back support, the seat support and the leg support are all generally vertical. The supports may be formed with liquid conduits for passing a bathing liquid therethrough, and may further include massage elements adapted for applying a massaging motion to a person.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for tempering the temperature of a liquid in a fluid conducting system. More particularly, the invention relates to tempering the temperature of water supplied to a fixture from a water heater in a fluid conducting system.

Abstract: A mack washer includes an internal surface with a helical seal that engages the threads on a pop-up body, and a beveled extension depending from the bottom surface. The helical seal follows the shape of the threads on the pop-up body and assumes the shape of the threads, extending generally to the minor diameter of the threads, thereby eliminating seepage. The helical seal can be interrupted to facilitate engagement. A lock nut for use with the mack washer includes a beveled seat configured to engage the beveled extension and urge the beveled extension into further contact with the pop-up body, thereby increasing the sealing effect of the mack washer.

Abstract: A lift mechanism is mounted to a support for raising and lowering a bed. The lift mechanism is attached to a side of the bed and includes at least one chain, at least one bed bracket connected to the chain, and a drive mechanism for controllably moving the chain to move the bed bracket and the bed between a respective raised position and lowered position. The bed bracket includes a chain connector for connecting to the chain, a chain guide member receiving the chain and attached to the chain connector, and a bed support member attaching to the chain guide member and to the bed. At least a portion of the bed support member is inserted through the chain guide member. The bed bracket is compact and easy to manufacture and provides a secure connection between the lift mechanism and the bed.

Abstract: A tension mechanism for use with existing conventional bed platforms in the well known Murphy bed system in which the bed platform may be connected to the tension mechanism when the tension is at a low level by only a single installer, and the tension thereafter increased in infinite increments to any desired level by a remotely operated tool, a combination of said tension mechanism and a bed platform, and a combination desk and bed in which the bed is operated by the tension mechanism.

Abstract: A portable rollup pack for organizing, storing, and transporting personal articles including a sleeping bag for an extended stay is provided in an elongated bag body having a central carrying section and laterally positioned flexible wing wraps with the body having a compartmentalized interior surface region and an exterior surface with fasteners and carrying handles such that the bag body may receive personal articles in the compartmentalized region and then be wrapped about a cylindrically shaped sleeping bag and transported as an integral unit.

Abstract: A tightly rolled sleeping bag. The tightly rolled sleeping bag is rolled using conventional equipment, but pressure is applied to an end of the sleeping bag so as to cause the sleeping bag to be more tightly rolled than previous sleeping bags. Rolling tines for a rolling machine for rolling the sleeping bag are tapered so as to aid in removal of the tightly rolled sleeping bag. A storage sack is provided for holding the sleeping bag. The storage sack is configurable between a first arrangement where the storage sack holds the sleeping bag in the tight configuration, and a second arrangement where the storage sack may be released and expands to hold the sleeping bag in a less tightly rolled configuration. To provide such a function, an expansion section is provided on the storage sack. A closure is provided on the expansion section.

Abstract: I have invented a casket pillow display comprising inspirational and spiritual images, artwork, or lyrics to comfort the bereaved. These images are displayed either on a casket pillow casing or directly on the casket pillow fabric. The preferred embodiment of the casket pillow display comprises a front panel displaying a digitally printed or screen printed inspirational image, and a back portion comprising two crisscrossing strips of material. In the preferred embodiment, the crisscrossing strips are of an elastic material and are fastened at each of the four corners of the back side of the front panel. The preferred embodiment further comprises a pocket or pouch to receive memorabilia attached to a back portion of the casket pillow or casket pillow casing.

Abstract: The present invention is a storage organizer unit for storing items. The storage organizer has a first pocket having an interior therein and a second pocket having an interior therein, the sides of the pockets being coupled to one another and the pockets being generally stacked upon one another, and a plurality of exterior pockets coupled to the exterior of the second pocket. The first pocket and second pocket may include one or more partitions to divide the pocket into smaller sections, and the pockets may also include fastening means at their openings. The exterior pockets may be varied in size, shape and scope to store a variety of articles, and the exterior pockets may include a fastening means.

Abstract: A medical imaging system with increased scan productivity or throughput. The invention allows hospitals and other medical facilities to ameliorate the high cost of imaging devices such as CT or MRI scanners while improving patient care and lowering per-patient costs. A single imaging device is arranged so that pre- or post-imaging processing of one or more patients and patient tables/tabletops can be performed simultaneously with imaging of another patient. The imaging device can be stationary, while patient tables/tabletops are movably guided by tracks on both sides of the imaging device. The imaging device can also be movable relative to the patient tables/tabletops. An overhead or floor track system can be used such as a circuit, or multiple track branches that merge at a junction. Or, the imaging device can be located at the center, or outside, of a carousel on which the patient tables are loaded and unloaded.

Abstract: Patient support apparatus including a middle body support pivotally attached to an upper body support and a leg support by articulated joints therebetween, the leg support including a calf support member and a foot-sole support member, and a linkage device that connects the middle body support, the upper body support and the leg support to a frame, the linkage device being adapted to raise, lower and adjust spatial orientations of the middle body support, the upper body support and the leg support with respect to one another, such that the patient support apparatus is adjustable between reclining, sitting and standing positions, wherein in the standing position the upper body support, the middle body support and the leg support are all generally vertical.

Abstract: An adjustable bed including a stationary frame is supported above a floor. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is spaced above the frame with connectors. The connectors include generally inverted U-shaped tubes pivotally secured to the frame and secured to the deck boards. A gas spring is operatively coupled to the head deck board and pivotally secured to the frame. Activation of the gas spring in cooperation with the operator moves the deck boards.

Abstract: A massage table for supporting a person above a surface during a massage includes a leg assembly and a table top assembly. The leg assembly engages the surface. The table top assembly supports the person and is supported above the surface with the leg assembly. The table top assembly includes a first table top having a frame base and a border flange. The frame base includes a generally rigid base support and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures that extend through the base support. With this design, in certain embodiments, the massage table is relatively light weight while maintaining the desired strength characteristics.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus comprising a wireless control system is provided. The wireless control system includes a device for sending a wireless signal, a receiver for receiving the wireless signal, and circuitry for processing the wireless signal. The circuitry may have a learn mode in which a device is associated with the control signal to the exclusion of commands from other devices not associated with the circuitry. Also, the device may transmit a wireless signal redundantly over a plurality of frequencies. The control system may choose a signal frequency and receiver combination to maintain a quality signal. The device may be limited provide commands to operate a function of the patient support apparatus only when the function has been enabled through a sequence of input activations. The wireless control system is capable of controlling any of a number of functions associated with the patient support apparatus. Illustratively, the control system operates a patient repositioning apparatus.

Abstract: An anti-snoring pillow having a top pillow, a bottom pillow, and a covering is provided. The bottom pillow has a top surface angled with respect to a bottom surface. The top surface of the bottom pillow has a head-receiving cavity defined therein. The covering has a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section. The top pillow is in the top section and the bottom pillow is in the bottom section. The middle section maintains the top pillow centered over the head-receiving cavity during use.

Abstract: In an insert part for foaming into foam cushion parts, preferably of vehicle or aircraft seats, having at least one line-shaped fixing element (11) which, partially fixed in the foam material and partially kept clear of it, is used for the application of anchoring elements for securing the position of covering materials, the fixing element (11) consists of a plastic material (13, 17) which has ferromagnetic properties or which contains ferromagnetic portions, or the fixing element (11) has an inner core (15) with ferromagnetic properties which is at least partially surrounded by a plastic jacket (13).

Abstract: A support pillow assembly that has particular utility for nursing mothers includes a support platform that is adapted to bear against and conform to a user's anterior torso, a back support member that is adapted to bear against and conform to a user's posterior torso and releasable securing structure for firmly securing the support platform and the back support member about the user's torso. A washable pillow is removably secured to an upper surface of the support platform by attachment structure such as a zipper. The pillow may be used to support an infant either when it is attached to the support platform or on its own when it is disattached from the support platform. Both the support platform and the back support member are preferably constructed so as to be well-ventilated for the comfort of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sleeping device, such as a mattress, quilt or pillow, wherein the sleeping device is adapted to be used by a person during rest and comprises a core element, wherein said core element is covered by a first layer of a material having temperature regulating properties by absorbing and releasing heat and a second layer of down. By using a material with temperature regulating properties together with a layer of down filling, very good properties of minimizing temperature variations are obtained.

Abstract: A customizable mattress topper system includes a first mattress topper of viscoelastic foam with a shaped top surface and a second foam mattress topper. The viscoelastic foam topper has a higher density than the second topper. The first mattress topper and second mattress topper are packaged and sold together as a system. The first mattress topper may be placed over the second mattress topper, or vice versa, and in various orientations over a bedding mattress as desired by a consumer to customize the level of cushioning support.

Abstract: A customizable mattress topper system includes a first mattress topper of viscoelastic foam with a shaped top surface and a second foam mattress topper. The viscoelastic foam topper has a higher density than the second topper. The first mattress topper and second mattress topper are packaged and sold together as a system. The first mattress topper may be placed over the second mattress topper, or vice versa, and in various orientations over a bedding mattress as desired by a consumer to customize the level of cushioning support.

Abstract: The invention here provides a support, in particular a mattress or a part of a mattress, that preferably has a number of layers (11, 12) of elastic tubes (13). The tubes (13) of each layer (11 and 12) extend parallel to one another. The tubes (13) of different layers (11, 12), however, extend in a preferably crosswise manner to one another. Due to the elastic tubes (13), the inventive support or mattress provides a high degree of sitting and lying comfort with amazingly simple means.

Abstract: Three-dimensional unitized thermoplastic foam structures are made by thermoplastic welding of different foam components. The unitized foam structures may include a planar base to which other foam components are welded to project from the base and provide a flexible three-dimensional structure. The thermal bonding or welding of the thermoplastic foam components creates a unitized structure which is both flexible and load bearing. For mattress and seating applications, the welded foam structures may be combined with an innerspring, and certain of the foam components of the structure may mechanically engage parts of the innerspring. The preferred foam deck has first and second panels interconnected by one or more webs. One or more foam decks may be employed. Other foam components may be attached to the foam decks or other components. The unitized foam structures can be employed as single or double-sided mattresses, seating structures or other flexible support structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning and/or conditioning a fabric in a machine for producing and/or processing a material web, in particular a fibrous web such as a paper, board or tissue web, in which suitable meassures are carried out in order to set an intended state for specific properties of the fabric, the suitable measures being determined while taking account of the specific structure of the fabric to be cleaned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laundering including the steps of adding a wash liquor including an aqueous working fluid to a fabric load, processing the fabric load with the wash liquor to treat the fabric load, measuring the concentration of at least one non-aqueous fluid in the wash liquor, maintaining the concentration of the non-aqueous fluid below a predetermined acceptable level, and disposing of the wash liquor are disclosed as well as novel fluid plumbing for a laundering device using wash liquors including non-aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying a fabric load which has been wetted with a working fluid including the steps of flowing drying gas through a container holding the fabric load, sensing the non-aqueous working fluid concentration and the aqueous working fluid concentration in the wash liquor or in the headspace above the fabric within the container and controlling drying in response to the sensed working fluid concentration.

Abstract: A method for controlling a spinning stroke of a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a spinning stroke of a washing machine comprises steps of: judging a first value of the laundry amount based on a frequency of water re-supply counted in a rinsing stroke; measuring the time taken for a drum rotating before a spinning stroke to reach a preset speed once a rinsing stroke is completed; judging a second value of the laundry amount based on the measured time; determining a final value of the laundry amount based on the first and second value of the laundry amount; and starting a spinning stroke based on the spinning condition determined based on the final value of the laundry amount. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a spinning stroke of a washing machine, in which the laundry amount is sensed more accurately in a spinning stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying liquid mixtures on a mix-on-demand basis for consumptive use, and for maintaining the composition of such mixture on a highly accurate and stable basis. For wet-on-wet processing of fabrics, the processing solution is supplied at start-up on a mix-on-demand basis to precise specifications and is maintained at such precise specifications throughout fabric processing, which involves continuous additions of water by the incoming fabric and removal of solution by the exiting fabric. Recirculation of the solution at a high rate, together with rapid and repetitive measurements of the composition of the recirculating solution enables the solution to be precisely monitored and maintained. Periodic small additions of chemical are injected as necessary to maintain highly stable, accurately controlled process conditions. Extraordinary economies, both direct and indirect, can be realized with the new system.