Abstract: A self-propelled swimming pool cleaner which randomly covers the bottom of the pool. Water pumped from the bottom of the unit filters dirt carried thereby, then uses the pumped water to propel the device either forward or backward. A pivoted front axle causes the path of the unit to vary when changing from forward to backward so that the unit randomly covers the entire pool bottom. Spring loaded doors may be provided to allow water to exit when the unit is lifted out of the pool. A sealed motor unit has a metal portion to transfer heat from the motor.

Abstract: An electrostatic dust wand has a handle, a triboelectric charge generator, and a fibrous material. The triboelectric charge generator is coupled to the handle, and generates an electrostatic charge to attract dust particles to the cleaning implement. The fibrous material at least partially covers the triboelectric charge generator, to collect and to retain dust particles. The triboelectric charge generator has at least one movable member having a first triboelectric property, and an actuator for driving the at least one movable member. The electrostatic charge may be generated by movement of he at least one movable member against the fibrous material. Alternatively, or in addition, the electrostatic charge may be generated by relative movement of two members of the triboelectric charge generator against one another.

Abstract: A floor maintenance machine is provided. The machine can be used to clean hard or soft floors. A cleaning fluid is dispensed by a dispensing system containing at least two reservoirs, one for a diluting bulk fluid and another for cleaner concentrate. The dispensing system effects both a controlled ratio of bulk fluid to cleaner concentrate and the rate of cleaning solution dispensed for cleaning.

Abstract: A glass sheet washing machine comprising a conveyor for moving a glass sheet along a path of travel at a controlled linear speed and a brush rotatable at a controlled rotational speed positioned along said path of travel such that said brush contacts the glass sheet moves along said path of travel wherein the linear speed of the conveyor and the rotational speed of the brush are variable and one of the linear speed and the rotational speed is dependent on any other of the linear speed and the rotational speed.

Abstract: A glove for use in cleaning is disclosed. The glove is comprised of a glove body with fingers. The cleaning glove is further comprised of knuckle scrubbers, finger scrubbers and a palm scrubber. The cleaning glove is further comprised of at least one cleaning solution disposed within selected areas of the outside portion of the glove.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a storage unit having an input, a memory for storing audio signals received via the input. The unit can have an output for transmitting or playing the stored audio signals. A variety of different constructions of storage unit and toothbrush configurations are described, each creating an environment that makes tooth brushing enjoyable.

Abstract: The chemical-fiber-made brush is capable of providing sufficient amounts of coating material picked up and released to improve the working efficiency of the coating operation. The brush is provided with bristles 1 made up of a bundle of chemical-fiber monofilaments including wavy monofilaments. By mixing wavy monofilaments and non-wavy monofilaments, the amount picked up can be increased as compared with the case of bristles made up of non-wavy monofilaments, and the spreading out of the leading ends of the bristles can be prevented as compared with bristles made up of wavy monofilaments alone.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A visual indicator for the cleaning effectiveness and end of useful life of a cleaning implement, e.g., a fabric sweeper, for removing dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris present on a fabric surface. The implement comprises a housing and a pair of fabric-covered rollers. During a cleaning operation, the implement is swept over the surface to be cleaned. Debris is retained by the fabric on the rollers and transported to a collection chamber by the opposing roller. The fabric covering the rollers is a unidirectional fabric such as velour with a light color such as light blue. The light color provides an indication of cleaning effectiveness since the hair and debris loaded on the rollers contrasts with the light color and therefore can easily be quantified. The light color further aids in determining when the rollers have become too dirty such that the implement should be disposed and a new implement used.

Abstract: A panel wiper including a wiping member including a baseboard section and a cleaning plate connected under a bottom of the baseboard section. The cleaning plate has at least one acute wiping corner for extending into the respective corners of the panel to reciprocally wipe and clean up the panel. The panel wiper further includes a holder having a bed section and an annular wall section swelling from a circumference of the bed section. The annular wall section is formed with several receptacles adapted to a profile of the baseboard section of the wiping member. The wiping member can be seated in the receptacles and stably rested on the bed section. Multiple supporting stands are arranged under a bottom of the bed section and the bed section is formed with multiple vents.

Abstract: A dispenser configured to house multiple discrete stain removing compositions, wherein each composition is directed towards a particular type of stain. A first wand-type dispenser includes interchangeably and mutually attachable reservoirs. A second wand-type dispenser includes multiple reservoirs and a moveable applicator for selection between the reservoirs. A multi-position dispenser includes multiple reservoirs and applicators oriented such that orientation of the dispenser facilitates selection of the stain remover to be dispensed.

Abstract: A trowel comprises a handle, which is combined with a tongue that is further combined with a blade. Said handle and tongue are connected through a pivot structure such that the handle can pivot thereon and be positioned at a desired position. Further, a blade-fixing structure allows said tongue and blade to be combined or separated with each other.

Abstract: A novel blade assembly for windshield wipers is provided herein. The blade assembly mainly contains a number of tubular segments cascaded in series by a number of connectors. At least a flexible strip is threaded through the series-connected tubular segments to provide even distribution of pressure against the windshield. Each connector has a body for sticking into the two neighboring tubular segments so as to cascade the two tubular segments together. The body of the connectors has at least a through channel for the flexible strip's passing through. The aperture of the through channel decreases from the two ends towards the center of the body, making the blade assembly easier to bend and more conforming to the windshield's curvature.

Abstract: An adaptor and coupling structure of a vehicular wiper arm are provided. The adaptor has an altered pin coupling structure that is capable of coupling to a variety of wiper arms without using rivets, is easily coupled without manipulating the pin of a wiper arm, is coupled to pivot centrally around a wiper frame, and increases the pivoting supporting strength of a wiper. The pin coupling structure includes a pivoting portion pivotably inserted in a mounting bracket of the wiper frame. The pivoting portion forms a hollow part that guides and couples with the pin of the wiper arm. The wiper frame forms a guide notch for guiding and coupling with the pivoting portion.

Abstract: Device (10) for swinging a wiper arm of a windshield wiper device away from and against a motor vehicle window, wherein the device (10) comprising at least two spring elements (11), which retain the wiper arm in a stable position away from the vehicle window and press the wiper arm against said vehicle window during the operation of the wipers, wherein at least one of the at least two spring elements (11) comprises at least one compressed region (13).

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viuses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A self-propulsion hovering vacuum cleaner for domestic or industrial application has air outlets predisposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the underside of the casing for directing more air to the front and back directions of the vacuum cleaner to achieve even distribution of air underneath the vacuum cleaner, thereby reducing juddering or rocking effects. The underside of the casing has a curved surface predisposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the underside of the casing for better retention of air to enhance the hovering effect. In another embodiment of the present invention, air distribution channels are predisposed symmetrically on both sides of the underside of the casing along the longitudinal axis. The air distribution channels are in communication with the air outlets for directing more air to the front and back of the vacuum cleaner. The improved hovering vacuum machine also has self-propulsion features and self-cooling features.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is a convex polyhedron-shaped doorstop.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided including a first section having at least one key; and a second section pivotally connected to the first section by a movable connection, the second section having a display on a first side of the second section. The movable connection comprises a pivotal connection and a swivel connection. The pivotal connection comprises a first fold axis, wherein the first section and the second section are adapted to rotate relative to each other about the first fold axis. The swivel connection comprises a second offset swivel axis which is offset from a centerline of the second section, wherein the first section and the second section are adapted to rotate relative to each other about the second offset swivel axis.

Abstract: A spring hinge for spectacles is described having a hinge part (1) guided displaceably in a bow-side housing (2) in the bow longitudinal direction and having a U-shaped sliding part (4), which projects from the hinge part (1) in the displacement direction and engages in a housing recess (3), and which receives a coiled spring (14) between its two legs (6), whose hinge-side end is supported on a buttress (13) belonging to the housing (2) and whose diametrically opposite end is supported on the web (5) connecting the two legs (6) of the U-shaped sliding part (4), the hinge part (1) having the sliding part (4) comprising a passage opening (16) running in the longitudinal direction of the coiled spring (14). In order to achieve advantageous construction conditions, it is suggested that the buttress (13) be screwed through the passage opening (16) of the hinge part (1) running coaxially to the coiled spring (14) into a female thread (11) of the housing (2) which is coaxial to the coiled spring (14).

Abstract: A cover module comprises a panel formed with a space on one side thereof, at least one hinge assembly, and a cover. The hinge assembly is demountably positioned in the space, and the cover is demountably engaged with the hinge assembly. With the hinge assembly, the cover can be demounted from and mounted to the computer case without disassembling the whole computer case. Furthermore, the users can replace the cover according to their needs whenever they wish.

Abstract: An articulated connection of at least two elements of a folding top mechanism of a convertible vehicle is provided, with a pivot pin, on which at least two elements are mounted next to one another rotationally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin, wherein at least one bushing is located on the pivot pin on which a first element is mounted on its hollow cylindrical section, and for which an elastically formed collar extending in the radial direction is formed with an undulating profile in the axial direction, which is designed to compensate for axial and/or radial play between the first element and a second element. The collar has at least one recess forming a material lug extending from the outer edge to the hollow cylindrical section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sheath type hinge, comprising a movable part with one end disposed with a jointing portion and the other end extending to form an axle; a fixed part with one end disposed with a connecting portion and a sleeve on the other end manufactured to form an axial bore; and two arch-shape springs formed by stamping metal slices and disposed face to face, which are slantingly bended on both ends to form a contact face, respectively, to be abutted against each other with their edges and are socketingly inserted into the axial bore for positioning; the axle is socketingly inserted into the polygonal space encompassed by the two arch-shape springs and their respective bend portion expends to press against the inner wall of the axial bore and thus absorb the deformation energy such that a friction torque is generated between the respective contact faces and the axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hygienic, turning control element which is used to actuate a mechanism, such as a door opener. More specifically, the invention relates to a hygienic turning handle (12) which is intended to be fitted to a door and which is used to control the actuation of a mechanism, such as a lock. The invention is of the type that consists of a hub (18), a main body (20) and a left-hand form actuation segment (26) comprising an essentially C-shaped inner concave surface which extends from the plane of the door. The invention is characterized in that, in the handle (12) rest position, the concavity of the actuation segment (26) is essentially oriented upwards and can receive part of the arm, the wrist or the back of the hand of a user.

Abstract: A handle device for a modularized casing is composed of a rectangular inner casing; a handle; a shaft pin which is flexibly connected to the pivoting hole of casing and the pivoting hole of handle being rotated against the shaft pin; and an outer casing, the front sliding wall/rear sliding wall can be frictionally sliding and be exerting a force on a circumferential surface of the pillar. The handle can be moved into or out of an emplacing space, so as to prevent the inner casing from being dropped on a ground surface due to an excessive exertion of force upon pulling out the inner casing from the emplacement sink. In addition, a large vibration force will not be created, such that the handle can be tightly locked and positioned on the inner casing, after inserting the inner casing into the emplacement sink.

Abstract: A system for processing fibers includes a dryer configured to remove moisture from at least a portion of the fibers, and a cleaner configured to remove at least one of dirt, sticks, and seeds from the portion of the fibers. The system further includes a conduit for transferring the portion of the fibers between the dryer and the cleaner, and a treatment system configured to apply chemical to the portion of the fibers. The system for processing fibers is configured to alter at least one of a color characteristic, moisture content, and a texture characteristic of the portion of the fibers via application of chemical to the portion of the fibers.

Abstract: An attachment device for retaining pant legs in proper position while traveling on a wheeled vehicle such as, but not limited to a motorcycle. The device preferably includes a front attachment assembly having one or more clips and a rear or back attachment assembly having one or more clips. Decorative elements can be secured to the clips to improve the aesthetic nature of the device. Several embodiments for the front and back assemblies are disclosed. Given its aesthetic characteristics, the device can also be worn as a decorative item or jewelry.

Abstract: A problem of damage, breakage or dirt of parts, resulting from attachment of the parts is solved by eliminating press-fitting and bonding for attachment of a clip ornament to a clip piece. The clip ornament is intended to be attached to the clip piece easily, thereby saving labor and reducing manufacturing cost. A clip ornament includes an ornament main body 11 to be inserted into an attachment hole 22 of a clip piece 2 and grip portions provided at upper and lower portions of the ornament main body 11 so as to grip the clip piece 2 therebetween. An attachment jig 4 is moved along the lower surface of the clip piece 2, the leading end of the attachment jig is inserted between the upper and lower grip portions, a gap between the upper and lower grip portions is widened while the clip ornament 1 is moved for attachment, and the lip of the attachment hole of the clip piece 2 is inserted between the upper and lower grip portions.

Abstract: A fastener for a plastic bag includes first and second mutually engageable track portions and a slider for engaging and disengaging the track portions. In a preferred embodiment, the slider includes a core portion and an end portion. The core portion is made of a first material having a first preselected material property. The end portion is made of a second material having a second preselected material property and is arranged at opposing ends of the slider.

Abstract: A secure fastener includes a fastening device and a security device. The fastening device includes a base, a handle pivotally installed on the base between a slackening position and a fastening position and a latch movably installed on the handle for engagement with the base in the fastening position. A first crossbar is installed on the base so that a first belt can be attached to the first crossbar. Second and third crossbars are installed on the handle so that a second belt can be directed past the third crossbar, wound around the second crossbar and directed past the third crossbar again. The security device is installed on the base for pushing the second belt against the third crossbar in the fastening position.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cable tying apparatus includes a band attachment part having an insertion part where a tie-band for tying cables is inserted, a lead-out part, and an opening that separates the insertion part and the lead-out part, and a tying part that is installed on the band attachment part. The insertion part has a first end that continues to the opening, while the lead-out part has a second end that continues to the opening, and the second end is offset from the first end in the direction of moving away from the tying part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a belt buckle formed of a molded plastic material and includes a decorative face. The belt buckle includes: a rigid frame member imbedded therein and a convex front face which is adapted to receive decorative elements. The frame member includes a loop extending from a lateral side of the belt buckle to receive one end of a belt. The frame member also includes a hook which protrudes from the inner or rear face of the buckle to permit the hook to be inserted into holes provided in a belt.

Abstract: A quick clamping, quick releasing, buckle is designed to directly engage a strap, belt, or web at any position along the strap, belt, or web without first threading the free front or rear end of the strap, belt, or web through the buckle. The buckle has a locking element for releasably locking the buckle to the strap, belt, or web at a desired position. The buckle is particularly useful for engaging a strap, belt, or web in the configuration of a closed loop without opening the loop, or for releasably joining together the free ends of different straps, belts, or webs. The buckle is arranged so that in its closed position, increasing tension on the web, strap or belt received in the buckle increases the friction on the web, strap or belt to prevent movement of the buckle relative to the web, strap or belt.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a pet lead or collar configuration at point of sale. The system comprises an arrangement for storing, in a disassembled configuration, a number of pet lead or collar components, sufficient and configurable to assemble a pet lead and/or collar. A pet lead and collar and an attachment means (15,16) for the pet lead or collar. A clip (7c) for a pet lead or collar is disclosed, the clip being configured in the shape of an animal, with a portion of the anatomy of the animal being mechanically associated with the operation of the clip.

Abstract: The present invention provides one-way safety locking buckles. The one-way safety locking buckle has a buckle portion and a snap fastener socket. A strap can be adjustably inserted into the buckle portion. The one-way safety locking buckle can be removably connected to a snap fastener stud by snap-fitting the snap fastener socket onto the snap fastener stud. The snap-fastener socket has an unsnap lock which prevents removal of the snap-fastener socket and the buckle from the snap-fastener stud in certain directions. The unsnap lock allows the one-way safety locking buckle to be removed from the snap-fastener stud in a particular direction.

Abstract: A one-piece connecting apparatus that allows an object to be quickly and detachably interconnected and is inexpensive and simple to manufacture. The one-piece connecting apparatus is formed entirely of a single piece of material such as formed metal and provides reliable construction. The one-piece female connector structure is adapted for cooperation with an associated male connector structure for interconnecting objects. The female structure is formed from a single material and includes a member folded into separate planes. A first planar wall is interconnected and substantially parallel with a second planar wall, such that the first wall and the second wall respectively cooperate to define a receptacle therebetween. The first wall has an aperture therein communicating with the receptacle and extending to a peripheral edge of the first wall, and the first wall has an entrance that opens at its peripheral edge.

Abstract: A seat belt system capable of reliably preventing inadvertent engagement even on occurrence of erroneous insertion of a tongue plate. The seat belt system includes first and second buckle units respectively including tongue plates and buckle bodies. The buckle bodies respectively include: frames; ejectors; hook members making engagement with engagement holes formed at the tongue plates; and release buttons. A distance from an insertion front end to the engagement hole of the first tongue plate is longer than a corresponding distance at the second tongue plate. A distance from an abutment part to a pushing part of the ejector of the first buckle body is shorter than a corresponding distance of the ejector of the second buckle body. The ejector of the first buckle body includes suppression-specific projections for preventing pivotal movement of the hook member in a direction for making engagement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous, high-speed production of strip having an array of high-tolerance closely-spaced holes forming a continuous grid structure having wires bent out of the plane of the grid. The strip can be produced by continuous casting, extruding or by rolling reduction methods and the holes can be formed such as by linear punching and rotary punching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a variable gauge metal sheet into a desired shape, said process comprising: providing a variable gauge metal sheet having a first surface and a second surface, the metal sheet having a thickness measured at any point on the metal sheet as the distance between the first surface and the second surface, the thickness of the metal sheet being different over a first portion of the sheet than over a second portion of the sheet, and forming said metal sheet into a first desired shape by bending the metal sheet about a first fold line, said first fold line extending through both the first portion and the second portion, to bring segments of the first surface of the metal sheet on either side of the first fold line into increased opposition with each other, wherein said bending of the metal sheet is effected by holding the metal sheet on a first clamped side of the first fold line secured between a first clamping die and a second clamping die while applying forces

Abstract: A high-pressure plug valve is refurbished by replacing a valve plug, a valve plug cage, and flow path inserts that line a flow path through the plug valve. The valve plug cage has first and second opposed flat side surfaces, each side surface has a port for receiving one of the replaceable flow-path inserts in a fluid-tight seal. In one embodiment, refurbishing the plug valve includes replacing at least one inset seal for sealing at least one of the ports when the plug is in a closed position to inhibit leakage through the valve at low fluid pressures.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved process control systems and methods for sheet metal forming processes. Embodiments of the present invention utilize machine vision systems to monitor features of a product created by a sheet metal forming process and alter process parameters based at least in part on the failure of a monitored feature to satisfy a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a complexly-shaped tubular structure such as a tapered pillar or other structure for a vehicle body. A sheet metal blank having a longitudinal axis is rolled about the longitudinal axis to form a tubular shape and the side edges of the blank are then welded together to form a tube. The tube is then enclosed in a hydroforming die and pressurized to conform the tube to the shape of the die and thereby form the desired complex shape. The sheet metal blank may be formed by the end-to-end welding together of a plurality of separate sheet metal blanks that differ from one another in characteristic including material thickness, material alloy composition, and/or coating. One or more of the blanks can have side edges that are non-parallel so that the tube will taper in diameter along its length.

Abstract: A method of installing a rotor assembly in a generator stator including a central bore is provided. The method includes coupling at least one of a first rotor section and a second rotor section of the rotor assembly to a conveyor such that at least a portion of the rotor assembly is supported by the conveyor. The method also includes moving the rotor assembly into position within the stator bore using the conveyor.

Abstract: Addressed are couplings for transferring rotational motion from one shaft to another. The couplings may include flexible components and may be designed to accommodate angular, axial, and parallel misalignments. Included as components of the couplings may be hub portions, each having dowel pins and clearance holes, and a center member positioned intermediate the hub portions.

Abstract: An automobile run channel fitting device for fitting a run channel into an automobile door sash comprising a pair of robot arms 1 and 2 which act in harmony and a run channel fitting jig 3 attached to each robot arm, wherein the run channel fitting jig 3 comprises an upper roller unit 12 adapted to push the run channel to fit it into an upper sash, a rotatable lower roller 14 adapted to push the run channel to fit it into a lower sash, and a lower roller supporting means 15 adapted to support the lower roller 14 and insert the lower roller 14 into a gap formed between an inner panel and an outer panel. The lower roller supporting means 15 comprises a sliding mechanism 17, a bending section 18 and a roller supporting section 19.

Abstract: A bolt-ring pipe connector system for connecting thermoplastic (HDPE) stub end pipe is shown. The bolt-ring has an outer vertical rim portion, an inner vertical rim portion and an interconnecting web portion provided with spaced bolt holes. The top side of the bolt-ring has a beveled and angular top surface. The bottom side of the bolt-ring has a contoured recess that provides a variable cross sectional diameter. The application of bolt torque within a predetermined range compensates for visco-elastic cold flow of HDPE over time, and maintains a minimum threshold sealing stress.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of processing titanium alloys wherein the alloys are subjected to deformation above the beta transus temperature (T?) of the alloys. For example, one non-limiting embodiment provides a method of processing an alpha+beta or a near-beta titanium alloy comprising deforming a body of the alloy at a first temperature (T1) that is above the T? of the alloy; recrystallizing at least a portion of the alloy by deforming and/or holding the body at a second temperature (T2) that is greater than T1; and deforming the body at a third temperature (T3), wherein T1?T3>T?; wherein essentially no deformation of the body occurs at a temperature below T? during the method of processing the titanium alloy.

Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Abstract: In order to offer the technology which can form the pattern of the antenna of the inlet for electronic tags accurately and cheaply, the resist layer at the time of forming the pattern of an antenna by chemical etching is formed using a photogravure printing machine. Let the extending direction of region 16C which has the minimum width in the height of the front surface of a gravure plate be an opposite direction to the direction of rotation of a gravure plate (a doctor's relative direction of movement seen from the gravure plate). The radius of curvature of an inner circumference of the curved part in region 16B is made larger than the radius of curvature of a periphery. The outer edge of region 16D is formed so that it may become forward tapered shape-like toward position D, so that the width of region 16D may become larger than the width of region 16C in position D which the end of height attains.