Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process involving the use of at least one unsaturated fatty substance of formula (I) as defined herein as an agent for protecting color with respect to the washing of artificially dyed keratin fibers such as artificially dyed hair. Also disclosed herein is a process for protecting the color of artificially dyed keratin fibers with respect to washing, comprising applying to the fibers, before or after dyeing, at least one composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one unsaturated fatty substance of formula (I). Further disclosed herein is a process for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising applying to the keratin fibers a direct or oxidation dye composition (A) for a time that is sufficient to develop the color, and following or preceding this application, applying a composition (B) comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one unsaturated fatty substance of formula (I).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibers comprising at least one electrophilic monomer, at least one soluble fluorescent compound and at least one liquid organic solvent. The composition in accordance with the present disclosure makes it possible to improve the visibility of the coloring on dark keratinous fibers while exhibiting an improved resistance to external agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous substances, including keratinous fibers such as the hair, comprising at least one electrophilic monomer, at least one hydrophilic dye and at least one liquid organic solvent. The present disclosure also relates to a process for dyeing keratinous substances and to the use of the composition in dyeing keratinous substances. The composition of the present disclosure improves the resistance of the coloring of keratinous substances to external assaults while exhibiting a broad range of hues and without denaturing the keratinous substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hair colouring and hair bleaching compositions comprising a source of carbonate ions, at least one oxidizing agent and a specified amide surfactant. The compositions surprisingly provide improved hair colourant and bleaching compositions which deliver improved lift, lightening and colour delivery whilst minimizing damage which are easy to manufacture and have long shelf life stability.

Abstract: Concentrated aqueous dye solutions comprising one or more cationizable dyes, an organic acid and water and their use for dyeing and/or printing organic substrates and for producing inkjet printing inks.

Abstract: The invention provides a floor slab bridge structure capable of enhancing that strength, with which bridge girders and concrete bridge piers are rigidly joined, effectively suppressing expansion and contraction, deflection, and distortion of the bridge girders, and synergistically enhancing the strength of connection concrete itself against the expansion and contraction, distortion, etc., and being very effective as measures for prevention of collapse of bridge against a large earthquake.

Abstract: The invention relates to am immersed surface cleaning device comprising a filtering chamber (6) provided, through a lower rigid wall (8), with at least one liquid inlet (9a, 9b) which has a non-return unit at least one filter (7) remote from each liquid inlet (9a, 9b) in such a way that a solid impurities retaining area (12) is defined and with a hydraulic circuit for forming a liquid flow by pumping means (4). At least one non-return unit comprises an anti-return conduit (20) which extends through the retaining area (12) away from the liquid inlet and whose free end (21) enters said retaining area (12), wherein the conduit is used for preventing at least the passage of impurities in an opposite direction from the retaining area through the liquid inlet at least when said pumping means is unused.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a body having an interior hollow region for retaining one or more motors, batteries, and drive mechanisms. The toothbrush includes multiple bristle carriers. Each of the bristle carriers undergoes some type of movement and is driven by the one or more motors and drive mechanisms. Various combinations of movement of the bristle carriers are described. And, numerous drive train mechanisms are disclosed for achieving the noted motions.

Abstract: The electric toothbrush with separate toothpaste and battery compartments is a device having an electric toothbrush with a removable neck, independently removable rotary brush, and a housing defining a handle. The electric toothbrush has separate toothpaste and battery compartments in the handle. A forward compartment houses a plurality of batteries provided for powering a DC motor disposed in front of the forward compartment. Aft of the battery compartment is a toothpaste compartment having space to store a tube of toothpaste. Each compartment has a separate hinged door with a snap lock for secure compartment closure. The removable neck includes a drive shaft, housing engagement member and gear assembly to provide torque to the rotary brush head when the neck is attached to the handle body. When not in use, the toothbrush is shielded from germs by a brush head cap with pocket clip for attachment to a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A cleaning device. The cleaning device, for cleaning a brush of a wafer scrubber, includes a cup and a dummy pad. The dummy pad is disposed in the cup. The brush rubs against the dummy pad. A method of cleaning a brush of a wafer scrubber, comprising providing a cup with a dummy pad disposed in the cup, and rubbing the brush against the dummy pad.

Abstract: A remote surface preparation device for preparing a remote surface, such as cleaning the inside surface of an aquarium tank from the outside is provided. The device includes a remotely actuated surface preparation assembly having a body with at least one magnetic element for coupling it for remote actuation to complimentary magnetic elements in a moving drive head disposed at some distance therefrom. The device includes an adjustment mechanism which can vary the magnitude of the magnetic forces coupling the remote surface preparation assembly to the device, even during device operation.

Abstract: An endoscope pre-cleaning kit has a sealed, flexible pouch having front and back sidewall panels and a bottom gusset panel. The sidewall panels are superimposed over one another and sealed together proximate to their top and side peripheral edges to define a top seal and two opposing side seals. The sidewall panels are sealed to the bottom gusset panel proximate to their bottom peripheral edges to define a gusseted bottom portion such that the pouch is adapted to stand upright. The kit also includes a pre-diluted detergent contained within the pouch, and an absorbent pad adapted to absorb a portion of the detergent. The pouch includes a portion adapted to be opened in order to access the detergent.

Abstract: A cleaning bullet for use in a pipe or track includes a compressible body. In one embodiment, a sheet draped over the body is engageable with interior walls of the pipe or track to clean small contaminants. In another embodiment, the body is formed from an absorbent material that absorbs a fluid, such as a cleaning solution, that can clean and/or disinfect the interior walls of the pipe or track. In yet another embodiment, an alignment key extends radially from a body axis for guiding the cleaning bullet in an air conveyor track.

Abstract: An endoscope washer-disinfector cleans and disinfects an endoscope with a duct. A brush cassette is detachably loaded to a loading part of the washer-disinfector and comprises a brush element and a shaft holding the brush element. Inside the cassette, first and second members are formed to hold the shaft tight therebetween for making the shaft advance and retreat to and from the duct. A lock device separates the second member from the first member so that the second member is located at a first position. The lock device locks the separated second member, when the brush is not loaded on the loading part. When the cassette is loaded to the loading part, the lock device also unlocks the locked second member responsively to an operating force and allows the second member to be moved to a second position where the first and second members hold tight the shaft.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. The at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. A process for producing such a toothbrush is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-adjustable paint applicator assembly including an elongated handle with a first adjustment assembly that provides angular movement of an upper handle portion with respect to a lower handle portion. A base is rotatably connected to the handle by a second adjustment assembly that provides rotational movement of the base with respect to the handle. The base also has an upper portion with a receiver that slidingly engages a projection extending from a paint applicator. The paint applicator may be a paint brush, roller or pad with an applicator surface. The first and second adjustment assemblies each include a fastener and an arrangement of mating members that intermesh with another arrangement of mating members, wherein the fastener provides tension between the arrangements to releasably secure the angular or rotational position.

Abstract: A paint roller frame with holding ring for a roller cover includes an axle shaft, a cylindrical roller, and a holding ring. The axle shaft has a terminating end and a connecting end. The cylindrical roller is provided around the axle shaft. And the holding ring is provided close to the connecting end of the axle shaft and fixed to the cylindrical roller. The holding ring holds the roller cover against a predetermined magnitude of lateral force, wherein the holding ring releases the roller cover when a lateral force larger than the predetermined magnitude is applied sideways toward the terminating end of the axle shaft. The holding ring includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and two side walls.

Abstract: A windshield wiper device (10) is proposed, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least: one wiper shaft (28) that is provided with a recess (46); a means (32) for partially accommodating the wiper shaft (28), a free end (40) of which protrudes from the accommodating means (32); an essentially annular locking element (48) that is provided with an interruption (54) along the circumference thereof, is arranged in the recess (46), and is used for at least partially locking the wiper shaft (28) in an axial direction inside the accommodating means (32); wherein the locking element (48) has essentially a rectangular structure in cross section; and the recess (46) encompasses at least one slope (56) in the axial direction of the wiper shaft (28), along which the locking element (48) can glide when a predetermined, essentially axial force (F) is applied to the wiper shaft (28).

Abstract: A rail (22?, 22?) for the vertebra of the blade rubber (10) of a windscreen wiper has over its entire length a substantially constant cross-section deviating from a rectangular cross-section. The rail (22?, 22?) has a moment of inertia I, has a particular width and has a particular surface area. The moment of inertia I is larger than the moment of inertia of a rectangular wire with a same width and a same surface area. The cross-section has a circumference exhibiting both convex and concave portions. The rail is made of a drawn or rolled steel wire. The typical cross-section of the rail allows to have a stiffer structure without increasing the weight.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and inspecting stud bolt holes, and managing damage histories of the stud bolt holes is disclosed. The system allows an operator to clean stud bolt holes to inspect the stud bolt holes with the naked eye, and manage damage histories of the stud bolt holes. The stud bolt holes fix a nuclear reactor, a nuclear reactor coolant pump head and a pressure vessel main body thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure for connecting a dust collecting hose of a cental vacuum cleaning system, which is capable of connecting a dust collecting hose and a collecting pipe, without opening a closed plate by hand. The structure for connecting a dust collecting hose of a central vacuum cleaning system has a base plate. The base plate comprises a dust collecting pipe and a closed pipe. The dust collecting pipe is connected to a vacuum cleaning system. The closed plate is connected to one end of the dust collecting pipe at its rear end. An installation groove pivotally is formed at the front surface of the closed plate. The closed plate is rotationally installation at the installed in the base plate disposed groove in order to open the dust collecting pipe. A connecting plate is connected to a dust collecting hose at its rear end.

Abstract: A rotary cleaning head that may have a main disc, a cover, and vacuum heads. The cover may define an axially aligned central vacuum opening; and the main disc and cover may define therebetween a vacuum distribution hub and vacuum channels for distributing vacuum from the cover's central vacuum opening to the vacuum slots in the vacuum heads. A dual purpose seal may provide a seal between the cover and the main disc, and may also define at least part of the vacuum hub and vacuum channels. The vacuum heads may have vacuum notches or ridges that may help to collect and direct the cleaning fluid on at least part of the vacuum heads' outer surfaces into vacuum heads' vacuum slots. The rotary cleaning head may be modified to clean either hard surfaces or soft surfaces.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust container detachably mounted in a body of the vacuum cleaner and configured to perform vacuum cleaning via air suction even in a detached state. The vacuum cleaner includes the body having a hose attaching part and an accommodation recess, the dust container separably inserted into the accommodation recess, and including a hose mounting port, a filter, a knob, and a coupling part formed near the filter on an outer surface of the dust container, a main motor received near the filter of the dust container in the body and driven to suck air, a power supply device to supply power to drive the main motor, and an assistant driving unit separably inserted into the accommodation recess, and including a fastening part releasably coupled to the coupling part and an assistant motor received in the assistant driving unit to suck air.

Abstract: The disclosed disposable vacuum cleaner has a disposable bag with a collar at the bottom, rather than on the sides. Dirty air enters the bag vertically, rather than horizontally, through a duct that is positioned near the floor, separate from the handle on the vacuum cleaner. An elongated, light-weight tube is disposed within the bag, and has a lower end that is connected to the collar. The tube is made of a thin, lightweight, lay-flat tubing with opposed creases, and is flexible and collapsible. It has a length that is greater than half the height of the sides of the bag. The collar has a seal that is trapped between two pieces of mounting material and extends around the periphery of the duct, providing an elastic seal. The bag has a top that is reinforced with a cardboard support. Extending flanges on the support can be used to suspend the bag from arms in the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner is provided having a dirt collecting system with a downwardly pivoting lid for disposing of the collected dirt. The dirt collecting system has a latching arrangement for securing the pivoting lid into the closed position. A release member on the sidewall of the dirt collecting container is in operative engagement with a latching arrangement for releasing the pivoting lid from the closed position when the dirt collecting container is removed from the cleaner housing. The latching arrangement utilizes a slide member that traverses the underside of the pivoting lid. The slide member is biased into the latched position by a pair of resilient members. A pair of torsional springs are disposed in the hinges pivotally connecting the pivoting lid to the sidewall of the dirt collecting container to bias the pivoting lid into the open position when the release member is depressed.

Abstract: A door closer is used for energizing a door in the direction closing the door, and the door closer has a door-closer main body installed on the door. The door-closer main body includes a hydraulic cylinder. A piston is placed within the hydraulic cylinder for being energized by an elastic body and which has a gear portion formed around its periphery. A gear body is pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder and which engages the gear portion of the piston to cause the piston to slide. A restricting mechanism temporarily restricts the rotation of the gear body when the door is opened.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic damper installed to furniture, such as a sink or wardrobe, for buffering a door. In a buffer for absorbing shock created when a furniture door is closed, the buffer including a cylinder 10 having a cylinder chamber, and a piston 30 inserted in the cylinder chamber, supported by a rod 70 penetrating a packing 60 and a sealing housing 65, and urged by a first resilient spring 40 built in the housing, the buffer includes a pressing bracket 50, mounted to an end of the rod 70, for moving oil in the piston; an oil flow blocking housing 45 mounted to a boss 52 forming an end of the pressing bracket 50 and connected to the first resilient spring 40; and a second resilient spring 55, interposed between the oil flow blocking housing 45 and the pressing bracket 50, for providing the oil flow blocking housing 45 with a return force.

Abstract: A mobility assistance device for providing support to a user is disclosed. The mobility assistance device may include a handle having a plurality of rungs to be grasped by a user. The handle may be pivoted to various support positions as desired.

Abstract: A transport device comprises a replaceable telescoping handle. Replacement is achieved by including a release and retaining mechanism in a base to which the telescoping handle is installed. A user can obtain a replacement telescoping handle, release and remove a broken telescoping handle using the release and retaining mechanism, and then install the replacement telescoping handle.

Abstract: In a fuel flap, a first fastening element is attached to a hinge arm. The hinge arm has a second fastening element co-acting with the first fastening element in order to attach the fuel flap to the hinge arm at a predetermined position. The first fastening element includes at least two approximately parallel fastening ribs, at least one of the ribs having two spaced holes and the other has at least one hole, with the axes of the holes being parallel. The second fastening element includes at least three projections having a cross-section complementary to that of the holes. A resilient portion is formed to the hinge arm which upon engagement of the projection in holes is temporarily deformed and after the engagement of the projections in the holes is deformed back and cooperates with a locking portion of the fuel flap so that the fuel flap is secured.

Abstract: A first mounting member fastens to a lower unit such as an image reading apparatus, and a second mounting member fastens to an upper unit such as a document feeder; a rotary shaft (hinge pin) rotatably connects the first and second mounting members. The first mounting member is provided with a compression spring, and with a brake member having a cam surface that engages the spring. A shift mechanism vertically shifts the brake member, compression spring, and second mounting member unitarily. Alternatively, the shift mechanism adjusts the height-level position where a pressing engager provided on one end of the compression spring and the cam surface engage, and the axle-support position of the rotary shaft. A hinge open/closably connecting the upper unit and lower unit can by a simple structure be easily adjusted heightwise, enabling continually stable opening/closing operations without exerting changes to the spring or other hinge components.

Abstract: An example furniture hinge a door fitting including a recessed cup, a hinge pin, a carrier arm, and a hinge knuckle adjacent said hinge pin and pivotably attaching the carrier arm to an interior portion of said recessed cup. At least two spring legs extend from at least two spring coils and press against a cam on either side of the hinge knuckle. The spring legs have a first portion outside the recessed cup and a second portion supported by the recessed cup. A spring bow joins the spring legs and is positioned outside the recessed cup. A retaining pin extending from the recessed cup holds each of the spring legs, and a surface of said recessed cup supports the spring coils.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge, particularly for movable furniture parts (1), comprising: at least seven rotational pins; at least two stop parts (2, 3) for fastening to furniture parts (1) or the like, and; a linear damping device for damping an opening and/or closing movement of the hinge. This hinge is designed in such a manner that all components (8, 9) of the linear damping device (7) execute a motion relative to both stop parts (2, 3) during the opening and/or closing movement of the hinge.

Abstract: Provided is an umbrella handle comprising a tube, a hollow upper enlargement secured to one end of the tube and being in communication with a bore of the tube, a lower enlargement secured to and concealed the other end of the tube, and a flexible gripping member shaped to be easily gripped by hand and formed around the tube and between the upper and the lower enlargements such that a shank is adapted to have its lower portion inserted through the upper enlargement into the bore of the tube to engage the lower enlargement and secure thereto. The invention has advantages of increased gripping comfort, mass production, and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: By use of a 2-hole button and various craft material, I have created a new, unique and distinctive ornamental surface design concept of heads, faces and related facial ornamentation. The standard 2-hole button and craft materials used together have been arranged in a specific and original manner so as to culminate in a button appliqué which can be applied to enhance a variety of flat surfaces and other objects that have a use for surface ornamentation.

Abstract: A fastening component, a spacer element in particular, for structural components such as heat shields (25, 37) with a strip-like enclosing element (1) for application in certain sections on a heating element (3) to be shielded, has on the enclosing component (1) spring-loaded connecting components (21) by means of which the enclosing element (1) may be fastened on the heating element (3) so as to be stationary.

Abstract: A lockable holder includes a body defining a cavity and a recess communicated with the cavity. A first magnet is embedded in the body. A clamping member is removably insertable into the cavity and has a bore. A locking member includes a second magnet movable between an unlocking position wherein the second magnet is received within the bore and a locking position wherein the second magnet is partly extracted from the bore, and the partly extracted portion of the second magnet is inserted into the recess. The body includes a clamping surface and opposite guide passages connected to the cavity. When the clamping member is urged against the clamping surface to clamp a strap, the second magnet is moved from the unlocking to locking position and magnetically attracted to the first magnet to lock the clamping member in position.

Abstract: An article with a slide fastener in which when a tearing force is applied to an article provided with a slide fastener and a slider makes contact with an end stop, a connecting member having flexibility and connecting between rear faces of right and left fastener stringers is disposed at a position on a side of a fastener element near the end stop, at which the force is not transmitted directly to the slider, a covering tape for covering at least the end stop and the connecting member is disposed on a rear face of the article, so that fastener elements and end stop are blocked from being damaged or the fastener elements are prevented from being dropped out of a fastener tape by a tearing force, and the connecting member is prevented from being hooked or caught by the slider so as to always realize a smooth slider operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding prevention device for a vehicle, which includes a plurality of spikes, each of which is formed with a supporting device having a triangular shaped contacting portion including a wide surface facing toward the outer peripheral edge of the dual wheels and both right and left legs contacting between the dual wheels so that it can be supported between the tires of the dual wheels, a braking plate engaged with the supporting device in the outer peripheral edge of the dual wheels to produce the breaking power by contacting with the dual wheels, and an engaging portion formed at an inward apex between the tires of the dual wheels; an interval maintaining device adapted to engage with engaging portion of the spike by inserting a wire and maintain the intervals between the plurality of spikes; and a locking portion including a ring shaped locking hook formed at one end of the wire in the interval maintaining device, an engaging lever having a length adjusting device and an el

Abstract: The apparatus for forming centrifugal fan impellers (1) comprises a main body (7) equipped with a first bed (8) and a first platform (9), a table (10) for mounting two half-moulds (11, 12), a second platform (17) and a second bed (18), the half-moulds (11, 12) being designed to house two elements (21, 22) for forming the blades (3) of the impeller (1).

Abstract: A multilayer chip capacitor, and a method for manufacturing the same are Provided. The capacitor comprises a capacitor body having a plurality of dielectric layers stacked therein, a plurality of first and second internal electrodes formed on the dielectric layers, each of the internal electrodes including a main electrode portion and a lead portion, chip-protecting side members formed on both sides of the capacitor body to contact both sides of the first and second internal electrodes, and a pair of external electrodes formed on the outer surface of the capacitor body. The width of the main electrode portion is the same as that of the dielectric layers, and the width of the lead portion is smaller than that of the dielectric layers.

Abstract: An assembly suited to the lathing of cylindrical workpieces, such as photoreceptor blanks, includes a first drive system which rotates an associated workpiece about an axis of rotation. A machining tool machines a circumference of the workpiece to generate a strip of material. A cutting apparatus cuts the strip of material into sections. The cutting apparatus includes first and second rotatably mounted members which define a nip therebetween. A first of the rotatable members carries a cutting member on a peripheral surface thereof. A second drive system rotates the first and second rotatable members. The second drive system may be adjustable whereby a circumferential speed of the rotatable members can be matched to a circumferential speed of the workpiece. A transverse speed of the cutting apparatus may be matched to that of the machining tool.

Abstract: An end mill chucking structure for chucking an end mill. The chucking structure includes an end mill holder; a shank receivable in an axial opening in the holder; a cone having an exterior cone shape adapted to be received in a drive spindle and an axial opening that is telescopically received on the shank; and a retention knob mounted on the cone and connected to the shank for axially pulling the shank toward a position in which an integral neck on the cone is received in an opening in the tool holder. The retention knob is rotated to pull the neck into a tapered structure on the shank to wedge the neck in the tool holder.

Abstract: The milling apparatus (10) is arranged in such a manner that the deep groove cutter (21) is attached to the milling cutter (20) and the rotational drive shaft (23a) is approximately orthogonal to a spine (16a) of a sheet bundle (16) by the mechanism for tilting the drive apparatus (24) when an EVA-based hot melt adhesive is used. The milling apparatus (10) is arranged in such a manner that the shallow cutter (22) is attached to the milling cutter (20) and the rotational drive shaft (23a) is tilted with respect to a conveying direction of the sheet bundle (16) by the mechanism for tilting the drive apparatus (24) when a PUR-based holt melt adhesive is used.

Abstract: The pressing tool comprises a drive unit (70), a piston cylinder unit (5) with a fork-like receiver (55) and the actual clamping pincer (60). The clamping pincer (60) comprises a T-shaped mounting which is connected to a retaining bolt (54) and a retaining bolt receiver (61) with the fork-like receiver (55). A roller holder unit with a roller holder and two rollers (2) are located in the fork-like receiver (55). The fork-like receiver (55) is part of the piston cylinder unit (5). On actuation of the pressing tool, the piston-cylinder unit (5) is pulled back and by way of this the roller holder with the rollers is moved forwards relative to this towards the clamping pincer (60). The rollers (2) at the same time roll on the clamping jaws (62). The clamping is accomplished. At the same time the clamping pincer (60) is pressed together in that the clamping jaws (62) are pressed apart at the rear by the rollers (2).

Abstract: Machine tool furnished with: a table (20) free to swivel about a horizontal swivel center axis, and having a table body (22) for carrying a workpiece, and an axially rotatable rotary shaft (23) disposed with the axis of the rotary shaft (23) coinciding with the swivel center axis, with a first end of the rotary shaft affixed to the table body (22); a support structure (15) for supporting rotatably the rotary shaft (23) via a bearing (15b); a swivel drive mechanism (25) for axially rotating the rotary shaft (23); riding members (31) abutting on an outer-peripheral locus on a rotary shaft (23) second end, off a portion, supported by the bearing (15b), of the rotary shaft (23); and hold-down mechanisms (32) arranged on the support structure (15), for supporting the riding members (31) and thereby pressing on and apply a load to the rotary shaft (23) outer-peripheral locus from above.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for an adaptive machining and weld repair process useful for repairing airfoils, particularly damage to an airfoil leading edge and tip. The process first machines away damaged portions of the airfoil. Next, the actual profile of the airfoil subsequent to the removal of the damaged material is measured using a Coordinate Measuring Machine. The data is then used to generate a deformation profile. Filler material is then added to the machined area using the data of the deformation profile to produce an airfoil that approximates the ideal shape of a restored airfoil. At this point, the actual profile of the welded airfoil is measured using the Coordinate Measuring Machine. The data is then used to generate a deformation profile and the airfoil is machined using the date of the deformation profile to produce that shape. The adaptive technology minimizes the amount of stock on material that needs to be removed by hand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing a spatula blade is provided. The apparatus has a restraining element for engaging the blade to restrain the blade on a blade support surface. A restraining member is movable from a first position spaced from the blade support surface, and a second position for limiting movement of the blade while restrained by the restraining element at the blade support surface. To remove a blade from a spatula body, the restraining member is moved to the second position. In the second position, movement of the blade is limited to prevent disengagement from the restraining element. A force is applied to the spatula body to separate the body from the blade. To install a blade to a spatula body, the blade is restrained by the restraining element and the restraining member and the spatula body is advanced toward the blade to mount the blade to the body.

Abstract: The present invention attaches to the bottom of the used filter in a one-way locked fashion. It can be described as a concave surface, equipped with a plurality of one-way locking barbs, or locking means, that upon a quick insertion, or turning process into the normally provided center threaded channel of a spin-on oil filter, makes positive seal against the normally provided gasket in oil filters, transforming the filter into a sealed container or cylinder. The present invention is also equipped with a time-release oil-eating bacteria, or other suitable biological agent, to eventually render the filter residual oil inert to the environment if the filter is still illegally dumped. Therefore, the device prevents the oil filter from leaking shortly after it is removed and substantially hot drained, to facilitate transportation to a suitable recycling or collection center, thereby enabling the recovery and recycling of used oil filters.

Abstract: Sealing tools for use in a thermal sealing machine each have a plurality of ridges oriented to engage together on opposite sides of a plurality of thermally bondable foils with the tools at substantially different operating temperatures when engaged with the foils during a sealing operation. These tools are made by first manufacturing one of the tools to a predetermined ridge-to-ridge spacing and then ascertaining the ridge-to-ridge spacing of the one tool at the respective operating temperature. Then a difference between a ridge-to-ridge spacing of the other of the tools is calculated at a predetermined manufacturing temperature and the respective operating temperature. Finally the other tool is manufactured at the manufacturing temperature with a ridge-to-ridge spacing equal to the ridge-to-ridge spacing at the respective operating temperature minus the calculated difference.