Abstract: A method of preparing fibre treatment resin is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, at step 100, the method comprises dispersing ethyl acetic acid copolymers in water to form a mixture at predetermined temperature and at step 102, ammonia is introduced as a flocculent into the mixture to form a suspension; and at step 104, the suspension is cooled to form the fibre treatment resin. Fibres treated with the fibre treatment resin exhibits improved tenacity and enable the fibres to be stretched and absorb the energy of incidental pressure such as those from a projectile.

Abstract: An eye protector (16) is provided for use in connection with a protective helmet (10) worn by a firefighter or other emergency worker. The protective helmet (10) has a crown (12) and a brim (14) which projects forwardly and laterally from a lower edge of the crown (12). The eye protector (16) includes a pair of transparent, shatter-resistant eye shields (18) that are mounted to the underside of the brim (14) for movement between a storage position and a usage position. Each of the eye shields (18) may have a width W of at least 5.147 inches, may be manufactured from a coated polycarbonate sheet material, and may include an edge enhancement (29) to limit heat related deformation of the eye shield.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for automatic adjustment of sensitivity threshold settings in an auto-darkening lens. For example, a user may initiate an automatic sensitivity setting process by activating a user interface (e.g., a button, a switch, a slider, etc.). The automatic sensitivity setting process may proceed to gradually increase the sensitivity threshold voltage until it exceeds an optical voltage based on the ambient light. The process may then be terminated. In some embodiments, a hysteresis may be added to the sensitivity threshold voltage to prevent lens flicker. The automatic sensitivity setting process may be implemented in a digital or analog system. These automatic sensitivity setting processes and systems may save time and provide for more precise sensitivity adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus including an inner face, an outer face coupled to the inner face, an opening for receiving a hand of a wearer, and means for separating the pocket created by the coupling of the inner and outer face such that the apparatus fits securely around the wearer hand. A thumb covering is connected to the apparatus in order to allow the wearer to fully use an opposable thumb.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparel comprising a logotype and a tracking device. The logotype uniquely identifies an entity and is displayed on the apparel. The tracking device is configured in the logotype. The tracking device provides location information of a person wearing the apparel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for adjusting the appearance of the cut of a garment, e.g., a bikini-type swimsuit. A garment system provides a garment; a first set of adjustment devices, e.g., snaps or clips, configured to adjust the appearance of the garment; and a container that includes a second set of adjustment devices. The second set may have a different color, pattern or material from the first set and may also be configured to adjust the appearance of the garment.

Abstract: An article of clothing for supporting a personal electronic listening device comprised of: at least one pocket on the clothing, each pocket having at least one pocket aperture to allow an earpiece cord of the personal electronic listening device to pass from inside the pocket to outside of the clothing, and at least one clothing aperture on the clothing, each clothing aperture allowing the earpiece cord to pass from outside to inside the clothing and to on or near the wearer's head. The pocket can further include a cover flap to temporarily close the opening and the cover flap can further include a fastening member to temporarily secure the cover flap to the body of the pocket.

Abstract: A protective garment (10) for a firefighter or other emergency worker includes an outer shell (20), at least one of a moisture barrier layer or a thermal insulative layer (22 or 24) and a liner (26) that includes 85% to 95% by weight hydrophobic fibers and 15% to 10% by weight hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: A body form-fitting rainwear is provided. In the rainwear a first waterproof layer comprises a polymer material treated with an oleophobic composition to form an air permeable polymer material. The first waterproof layer couples to a first fabric layer. The first fabric layer faces the body and couples to a first side of the first waterproof layer. A second fabric layer couples to a second side of the first waterproof layer. A stretch knit couples to the second fabric layer, the stretch knit being constructed to pull the rainwear to the body. The first waterproof layer, first fabric layer, second fabric layer and stretch knit are formable about a human body and are constructed to accommodate one or more human appendages. The rainwear may for example form a shirt, pant, underwear, long underwear, hat hood or one piece body suit.

Abstract: A padded hooded sweatshirt connected by a two way zipper allowing the hood to be unzipped to either side or to the middle, forming a pillow like surface.

Abstract: A patch having a notch therein and a tie coupled thereto is used to provide a closure for a garment, such as a gown. The notch is formed along an edge of the patch, and the tie is coupled to the patch such that it is positioned to extend across and beyond the notch. The notch acts to disperse tension on the patch when tension is applied to the tie. A gown having a notched patch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrist glove is used to assist a user to restrict a wrist from turning, moving and bending to maintain a certain stance during sports. The wrist glove includes a glove portion, a wrist-guard portion, a first accommodating portion, a second accommodating portion, a third accommodating portion, and at least one supporting member. The glove portion includes a finger portion and a palm portion. The wrist-guard portion is connected to the other side of the palm portion opposite to the finger portion. The first accommodating portion, the second accommodating portion, and the third accommodating portion are disposed on the wrist-guard portion and a palm portion respectively. The supporting member is randomly accommodated in at least one of the first, second, and third accommodating portions selectively.

Abstract: A fabric article comprised of: a limp flexible fabric having at least one simulated vehicle tire track disposed thereon, in which the fabric article is used to make a clothing or a clothing accessory. In one embodiment, the clothing or clothing accessory further includes a company logo positioned thereon and the simulated vehicle tire track(s) coordinate with the company logo.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a drain vent is provided to direct the pressure exerted by a plunger to the face of a drain clog rather than escaping through the drain vent. The seal assembly of the invention comprises a tubular body having a first closed end and a second open end to define a substantially rigid a cup-like structure or cavity. A sealing member concentric with a longitudinal axis of the tubular body is attached to the second open end of the tubular body to form a seal against a surface containing the drain vent. A handle is attached to the closed end of the cup-like structure and extends away from the closed first end of the tubular body to provide a mechanism for the user to hold the sealing member against the surface containing the drain vent during the plunging process.

Abstract: A folding commode, having two front legs and two back legs. Each front leg is connected to a respective one of the back legs by an arm so that one front leg, one back leg and one arm form a U-shaped side member. A front cross bar is removably connected between the front legs. The front legs pivot relative to the back legs. A rear cross bar is connected between the back legs. A back bar extends between and is removably attached to the back legs. A seat bracket is fixed to the front crossbar and is pivotably connected to the rear crossbar. A seat is releasably attached to the seat bracket. The front legs and the front crossbar are movable between a storage position and a use position.

Abstract: Lighting systems and apparatus for a swimming pool, having a sidewall sized and shaped to define a perimeter of the swimming pool, a liner for covering the sidewall and a bottom of the swimming pool so as to create a watertight cavity for receiving water, the liner including a light-transmitting portion, and a backlighting apparatus for mounting to a generally continuous surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall and configured to transmit light through the light-transmitting portion of the liner to illuminate the swimming pool. In some embodiments, the backlighting apparatus includes a housing configured for mounting on the surface of the sidewall between the liner and the sidewall, the housing having a light-transmitting front cover configured to align with the light-transmitting portion of the liner, and at least one light source sized and shaped to fit within the housing for emitting light through the front cover to illuminate the pool.

Abstract: The tub has a disposable plastic liner configured to the shape of the tub. A pump assembly, having a housing and an electric motor within the housing, drives a drive element. The liner has an opening aligned with the pump assembly, and that opening is sealed around its periphery against the impeller housing of an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly in turn attaches to the pump assembly, preferably in a readily releasable manner such as by the use of magnets. The impeller housing contains an impeller, having a drive shaft which extends through a seal in the rear of the housing and is has a coupling which is engaged by the drive element to rotate the impeller. A cover plate having impeller inlets and outlets attaches to the impeller housing on the tub side of the liner. The entire tub liner and impeller assembly may be removed and disposed of after use.

Abstract: A jet for use in a whirlpool tub or spa according to a first aspect of the invention includes a motor assembly including an electric motor disposed inside a motor housing, which motor housing includes a frontwardly facing, water-tight recess. Suitable means are provided for mounting the motor assembly in a hole in a tub wall. A centrifugal pump assembly used in the jet includes a rotor-impeller having a rear, magnetically attractable rotor disposable in the recess of the motor assembly and a front set of blades. A cover having water inlet and outlet openings is removably securable over the rotor-impeller. A sensor system is provided which can be connected to the motor to shut off the motor when the cover is removed from the centrifugal pump assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes a retrofittable apparatus adapted for retrofit installation in an existing shower arrangement having walls, a single shower head, and plumbing providing water to the single shower head. The apparatus includes wall mounts for mounting to opposing walls, and a tube defining an inner passageway for communicating water. The tube includes ends that telescopingly slidably engage the wall mounts for adjustably supporting the tube. The tube ends each include a laterally-extending pipe nipple, one connected to a water source, and the other connected to a second shower head. The mounts include a notch receiving the nipples, thus creating an adjustable but aesthetic arrangement. The apparatus provide flexibility in installation, such that it can be installed along a side wall of the shower as a grab handle, or along a raised position, such as over an open side or along a ceiling of the shower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass or glass-ceramic washbasin. The inventive washbasin is characterized in that it essentially comprises at least one part (1) which forms a water receptacle and which is made from glass or glass-ceramic and at least one part (2) which prevents the water from flowing from the first part (1). In addition, the assembly is provided with a water drain hole (3). The aforementioned first part (1) is equipped with a groove (2?) for receiving the lower edge of the second part (2) and said two parts (1 and 2) are assembled by means of a glue that is injected into the base of the groove (2?) prior to assembly. The invention is particularly suitable for household equipment, such as washbasins that are made from glass or glass-ceramic.

Abstract: A soaking basin is provided having a base unit, a disposable liner, and a frame nested therebetween to enable removal of the liner from the base unit, even when filled with liquid. In this manner, a user can remove the liner filled with liquid to pour out the liquid and discard the liner, after a treatment has been completed. Thus, the user need not lift the entire soaking basin to pour out liquid. In addition, the user can use the frame to support the new liner while filling it with liquid, and to transport the filled liner to the base unit to service clients.

Abstract: Automatic water faucet in accordance with the present invention comprises main body is formed with outlet and hot and cold water inlets; hot and cold water flow control valve is built in the upper part of main body and selects and controls hot and cold water flow rate; control handle for adjustment of hot and cold water flow control valve; object detector device is installed in front of main body and comprises light generator and receiver, operation indicator lamp, circuit board; electronic valve is installed and connected to the bottom of hot and cold water flow control valve automatically opens or closes outlet in accordance with the detector signal of object detector part; battery power supply supplies power to object detector part and electronic valve; and manual emergency lever is installed on the bottom of main body to be able to be rotated to enforce operation of electronic valve manually.

Abstract: This new product provides an intuitive approach on how to improve the care, maintenance and look of your kitchen and bathroom. A few of the improvements this product provides are: It reduces the amount of time and frequency of cleaning the kitchen or bathroom by limiting the amount of area exposed to dirty water, soap, toothpaste, etc. For example when you brush your teeth the toothpaste and water splashes on the walls, mirrors, faucet and counter. This product eliminates the splashing of fluids by confining the area that is exposed. This product eases cooking by providing additional electrical outlets for additional appliances, therefore eliminating the need to unplug appliances already plugged utilizing the outlets in the kitchen. It also provides additional lighting which makes washing vegetables, dishes. The lighting also eliminates the need to use the overhead lights in the kitchen and provide a direct source of light to the work area.

Abstract: A body transfer system, includes a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support a body and having a substantially planar bottom portion; a bottom translation mechanism disposed at the bottom portion and configured to translate the system across a first surface upon which a body rests; and a top translation mechanism disposed at the top portion and configured to burrow the system between the first surface and the body as the bottom translation mechanism translates the first surface. A method of transferring a body is also included.

Abstract: The object is to provide a mattress that can be used as a stretcher when a disaster occurs and can also be used as an ordinary mattress when it is not used as a stretcher. This invention proposes a mattress 1 formed by covering a padding with a covering material, characterized in that the covering material 3 has grip portions 4 fixed to the longitudinal edges near the corners of the mattress, that the ends on one side of multiple fastening belts 6 are fixed to both the longitudinal edges, that stowing portions 7 for stowing the fastening belts are provided, and that fastening members 9 are fixed at the ends on the other side of the fastening belts.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support surface supported by a patient support framework that adjusts vertices along the perimeter of the patient support surface. Through adjustments that raise and contract the perimeter of the patient support surface on either side of the lower torso and/or hip-area of the patient, the framework is operable to cradle a patient's waist and hips. This mechanism not only distributes the patient's weight across a larger surface area, reducing the need for lateral rotation, but also helps to maintain a patient in place when the patient is rotated from side to side.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises separately articulatable and rotatable sections. These sections are operable to be articulated and rotated to facilitate a patient's entrance or exit to or from the bed. To facilitate entrance or exit, the torso section is articulated to a substantially upright or chair-like position. Next, the torso section is tilted, either to the right or to the left, to facilitate patient entry or exit. During the first part of this tilting motion, the lower thorax support region of the torso section is extended more than the shoulder support region to help rotate the patient into an exiting position. During the second part of this tilting motion, the shoulder support region is then hyperextended to help drive the patient off of the bed. A separately rotatable lower leg section may also be tilted in the same direction to further facilitate patient entry or exit.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.

Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame movable relative to a stationary base. An actuator assembly, including a motor driven actuator operatively coupled by snap-fit connectors to the frame, inclines at least one of the deck boards.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pillow is constructed of a pillow body having a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion has a curved end and two curved sides that are generally parallel to each other. The middle portion is generally cylindrical in geometry. The bottom portion includes an enlarged section that flares outward from the middle portion. The bottom portion may also include a curved central section and narrow end section having a curved end.

Abstract: A pillow device which supports a head portion of a user during sleep includes a pillow main body, a microphone, which is provided in the pillow main body and detects a snore of the user, a vibrator, which operates in response to the snore detected by the microphone and moves the pillow main body, a pressure detecting switch, which is provided in the pillow main body and detects a change in pressure exerted on the pillow main body when the user moves the head portion, and a gate circuit, which inhibits the vibrator from operating for a predetermined period of time, when the pressure detecting switch detects a change in pressure exerted on the pillow main body.

Abstract: A portable recorder or other sound device is insertable into a pocket of a plurality of different pillows. A “play” switch is connected to the sound device by a length of separable electrical cord to enable location remotely from the sound device that is identified on the pillow surface by an appliqué or other decorative marking. The sound device is easily removable for recording a message or loading a tape or CD, and can easily be transferred between pillows to enable use in a travel pillow in a conveyance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially c-shaped pillow that offers support to a woman's breast, particularly during breastfeeding. The breast pillow wraps around the breast offering support to the entire breast and assisting in proper placement of the breast during breastfeeding, freeing the woman from having to use her hand to hold her breast in place.

Abstract: The Elevat-Um is a mechanical lifting setup used for raising and lowering the mattress of an infant's crib. The fact that the mattress will be raised to a more accessible level will help prevent back strain and injury from lowering a baby into a crib. The mattress frame will be fastened to four hydraulic lifters and controlled by a simple set of buttons (up and down) that will be mounted to the crib, or a remote control that will be included in the upgraded version. The lifters will be connected to the corners of the mattress frame and to a support rail that will sit on the floor. The power source will be placed under the crib and be plugged into any standard wall outlet.

Abstract: A foam core article such as a mattress or pillow is covered on a surface with a flexible heat-resistant knitted fabric. Preferably a further sacrificial fabric also is used to allow passage of CPSC 16 CFR 1633 with a peak heat release of no more than 200 kilowatts in a 30 minute time period following ignition.

Abstract: A mattress, mattress foundation, upholstered furniture article and/or filled furnishing article for use in residential and institutional occupancies includes outer removable cover that incorporates a mechanism to visually communicate that the outer removable cover has been opened and the internal components of the mattress, mattress foundation, upholstered furniture article or filling furnishing article has been potentially tampered with. Also disclosed are covers having resealable closing system and a tamper evident seal, and methods for providing an outer removable cover assembly for an article of furniture.

Abstract: A tooling device configured to manipulate an electrical connector is disclosed. The tooling device has a body and a first pair of prongs pivotally mounted to the body. Each of the prongs of the first pair of prongs is spaced apart. The prongs pivot independent of each other and have an identical configuration.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to firefighting tools, including multi-purpose firefighting tools that may incorporate the capabilities of axes, Halligan bars, K-tools, spike poles, flashlights, etc. The multi-purpose tool may include a removably securable inner shaft and an outer shaft configured to slidably receive the inner shaft. The tool may also include a housing and a locking mechanism. The inner and outer shafts may include various implements. The housing may be disposed on one of the ends of the outer shaft and may include a recess.

Abstract: An epichlorohydrinamine polymer has a ratio of amine units to epichlorohydrin units of from 0.8:1.2 to 1.0:1.0, dimethylaminopropylamine and benzylamine preferably being used as amine and/or ammonium units. The novel epichlorohydrinamine polymer is used, for example, for the surface treatment of semifinished leather products and textile materials.

Abstract: There is provided a reliable method for sensing a laundry amount and a method for controlling a washing machine, in which a method for sensing a laundry amount is performed appropriately according to the laundry amount. According to the method of the present invention, the reliability in the sensed laundry amount is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is the operation method for a towel-washing course in a washing machine, in which the towel is dehydrated at the spin speed of 900 rpm and 1100 rpm, which is greater than the spin speed (800 rpm) of the drum in the main dehydration process for general laundry, a water level of 22 kHz or 23 kHz, higher than a water level (23.2 kHz) for the general laundry, is supplied to the towel, the towel has a rinse time of 8 or 12 minutes, which is longer than that of 4 minutes for the general laundry, and rinse temperature for the towel is in the range of 50° C.˜60° C., relatively higher than that of 40° C. used to rinse the general laundry. Further, the rinse process having the remaining water removal process is performed between the main dehydration and the water supply, thereby removing detergent solution with a certain concentration from the inside of the washing machine after completing the main dehydration process.

Abstract: Disclosed is the operation method of a washing machine, including: a washing step for washing laundry; a rinsing step for rinsing the laundry by supplying water after performing the washing step and including a remaining water removal process; and a final dehydrating step for dehydrating the laundry after performing the rinsing step. The detergent solution with a certain concentration remaining inside the washing machine can be removed through the remaining water removal process, thereby preventing the contamination of supplied clean water due to the detergent solution, thus to smooth the rinsing process of the laundry. In addition, a problem of detergent remnants in the laundry after the rinsing step can be solved.

Abstract: Compositions comprising one or more acid direct dyes and an organic solvent such as propylene carbonate are described. The compositions have an oil phase content of 5 percent by weight or less. The oil phase of the compositions can include a cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol. The compositions can be applied to hair that has been previously dyed with an oxidative hair dye composition to restore color to the hair. The compositions can also be applied to hair that has not been previously treated with an oxidative hair dye composition. Methods of applying these compositions to hair are also described. The methods involve applying the composition to wet hair, allowing the composition to remain on the hair, and subsequently rinsing the composition from the hair with water. The hair may be treated with a conditioner before applying the compositions to the hair.

Abstract: Compositions comprising one or more acid direct dyes and an organic solvent such as propylene carbonate are described. The compositions can be applied to untreated hair or to hair that has been previously dyed with an oxidative hair dye composition to restore color to the hair. The compositions for treating hair can have an oil phase content of 5 percent by weight or less. The oil phase of the compositions can include a cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol. Methods of applying these compositions to hair are also described. The methods involve applying the composition to wet hair, allowing the composition to remain on the hair, and subsequently rinsing the composition from the hair with water. The hair may be treated with a conditioner before applying the compositions to the hair. The compositions can also be applied to the skin with or without rinsing to darken the skin tone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for mass dyeing of polyacrylonitrile, wherein there is incorporated into a solution of acrylonitrile polymer or copolymer a pigment preparation which comprises 10 to 60% by weight of a pigment, 15 to 85% by weight of a glycol-based solvent, 5 to 25% by weight of a surfactant, and 0 to 10% by weight of customary additives, the percentages being based on the total weight of the pigment preparation.

Abstract: A submersible cleaning robot (1) cleaning a cleaning subject item by jetting high-pressure water from a cleaning nozzle unit (3) towards a submerged cleaning subject item surface while moving along this cleaning subject item surface. The cleaning nozzle unit is mounted on a rotary shaft (5) provided on a robot body (2) so as to be capable of rotating freely and is configured so as to rotate in unison with this rotary shaft due to a reaction force of the jetting of high-pressure water at the cleaning subject item surface, and a propeller (4) generating a propulsion force for urging the robot body towards the cleaning subject item surface by rotating pursuant to the rotation of the rotary shaft is provided on this rotary shaft. A front edge (43a) of each vane (43) of the propeller in the direction of rotation thereof is formed so as to have a sweep-back angle (?) preventing wrapping around of foreign matter. It is made difficult for foreign matter such as seaweed and algae, etc. to wrap around the propeller.

Abstract: A combination garbage disposal safety poker, scraper and deodorizer/sanitizer device is provided. The device comprises a cup-shaped strainer, a handle 14 mounted to the strainer, a hollow cylindrical stem extending downward from the strainer, and a replaceable rubber scraper connected to lower end of the hollow stem and used for scraping waste from dishes and sinks. The inside of the stem serves as a compartment for holding a deodorizer/sanitizer tablet. Holes in the strainer and in the stem expose the deodorizer/sanitizer tablet to water, thereby gradually dissolving the tablet and continually deodorizing the garbage disposal unit and drain.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining shoe cleats and cleaning the face of golf club heads that has an elongated brush mounted on a stem emanating from a first side of a brush unit and a plurality of bristles emanating from a second side of the brush unit. When not in use, the elongated brush stores in a storage cavity that is part of a separate cleat removal fixture. The cleat removal fixture and brush unit a held together by a friction fitting.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.