Abstract: The invention relates to a visored helmet assembly (e.g. fireman's helmet) of a kind where the visor can be articulated or pivoted between either a raised (retracted) or lowered (operational) condition. The visor is biased to move to either its raised or lowered condition, and has a locking mechanism that can hold the visor captive in one condition (i.e. raised or lowered) when moved in that direction yet can be caused to release the visor from this captive state by the visor being moved further in that same direction. Preferably the visor is biased to the raised condition and the visor is captured in its raised condition yet can be released from such captive state, to then move under the action of the bias, by being pushed upwards.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apron or bib, and in particular, to a pocket-forming device that bends to form a pocket in an apron for catching and holding material. The pocket-forming device comprises an elongated base with a plurality of elongated members extending away therefrom. The elongated members have ends connected to the base at different positions along the base's length, and at least one of the elongated members can be configured to be bent to cause the portion of the apron to form a pocket for catching debris.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is a flame resistant, durable, pill resistant undergarment. The undergarments are formed of a first knitted portion. The first knit portion is a well knit structure formed from air-jet spun yarns formed from an intimate blend of about 72 percent to about 80 percent modacrylic fibers and about 20 percent to about 28 percent cotton fibers. The linear density of the air-jet yarns are between about 30/1 cc and about 36/1 cc.

Abstract: A medical gown (100) is configured for quick donning and removal. A neck closure includes an insertion strap (109) and a fastening strap (110). The insertion strap (109) can be preconfigured with at least a portion thereof inserted into a fastening head (111) of the fastening strap (110). A wearer (700) passes the head through a neck opening (105) and cinches the neck closure by pulling the insertion strap (109) through the fastening head (111). A coupling tab (108), where provided, can then be wrapped about the wearer's torso and adhesively affixed to the medical gown (100). The medical gown (100) can be made from a non-woven material that is configured to be easily tearable by the wearer (700). Accordingly, the wearer (700) can remove the medical gown (100) by tearing the non-woven material.

Abstract: A ritual fringe garment according to Jewish law and custom, being a shirt, both sides of which have cuts that can extend up to the opening for the wearer's arms, wherein in order to enable closing the cuts of the ritual fringes for a garment, the hem of each cut, along its entire length or part of it, has a coupling means, such as a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A splash guard for protecting a person's eyes, nose and ears from soap and other hairdressing preparations, such as shampoo, applied to a person's hair is provided having a body encircling a part of a person's head above the person's eyes, nose and ears. A sealing member preferably prevents the flow of water or hairdressing preparations between the splash guard and the head of the person. A gripping element is preferably provided to facilitate positioning and maintaining the splash guard in position. A securing mechanism can also be provided to help retain the splash guard in position.

Abstract: An apparel or material which may be placed anywhere or worn about the neck or other parts of the body of a human. The apparel/material has a structure that, when repositioned from about the wearer, will retain a position about a mouth and nose of the human, as by elasticity or taughtness of a wrapping about the face. The apparel is sufficiently porous as to allow a human to breath comfortably through the fabric when placed over the mouth and nose of the human. The fabric has as a coating is created with on at least the outer surface and through at least 25% of the thickness of the fabric a moisture-sensitive antimicrobial composition, wherein the antimicrobial moisture-sensitive composition comprises an antimicrobially active compound and a carrier, the carrier by hydrophilic and able to absorb sufficient moisture from exhaled breath from the human as to maintain a wet surface on the carrier to which viral particles will adhere more strongly than to a dry surface of the same carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for manufacturing a thermoelectric generator, comprising the steps of replicating a structure into a flexible substrate (4) for providing a set of cavities (4a); providing an initiator (2a) in the cavities for growing respective piles (6, 7) of thermoelectric materials; growing the respective piles of thermoelectric materials from said initiator; providing electrical connection between the respective piles of thermoelectric materials for forming thermocouples of the thermoelectric generator. The invention further relates to a wearable thermoelectric generator and a garment comprising the same.

Abstract: Belt with two handgrips provides grips for hands to grasp to straighten arms for upper body extension. Patient who is suffering from backache secondary to pinched nerve can wear this device and grasps handgrips with hands to straighten his/her arms to extent upper body and vertebral space to decompress the pinched spinal nerve to relieve backache. It is especially helpful for patients who have to sit in a car or airplane for a long trip.

Abstract: A man's underwear having a first fabric layer connecting a first leg receiving portion, a second leg portion, and a waist receiving portion such that the waist portion can be located above the first and second leg receiving portion and the first and second leg receiving portions are laterally spaced apart. The first fabric layer having an internal facing surface and an externally facing surface. The first fabric layer further having and a frontal region and a dorsal region. A barrier layer connecting a first genital receiving portion to the internal surface of the frontal region of the first fabric layer. The barrier layer forming a substantial boundary between the user's genitalia and their surrounding anatomy while the user's genitalia remains in a substantially natural position.

Abstract: A motor motorcycle rider safety harness that is suitable to be worn by a motorcycle rider. The safety harness is shaped to position and has positioned on it multiple air-bags that correspond to specific locations of a human body joints that would bear the impact of a falling motorcycle rider in an accidental separation of the rider from the motorcycle. The airbag inflation means may be on the harness on the rider body or it may be on the motorcycle. The inflation control module has (i) sensor means to sense the onset of an accident; (ii) logic means to compute the time for activation of the airbag inflation, and (ii) compressed air storage means, for inflating the air-bags on the onset of the accident. The control module may be on the body of the rider near the stomach area or on the motorcycle itself.

Abstract: An improved an impact force-dissipating device which can be used as part of a hip protection system is provided. The impact force-dissipating devices may be incorporated into a garment, worn comfortably, and significantly reduce the risk of hip or other bone fracture in the event of a fall or other trauma to the hip or trochanteric region.

Abstract: A drain closure device is provided that allows a user to selectively open or close the drain closure device to permit or restrict the flow of water therethrough. The drain closure is comprised of a strainer body which houses an insert. The insert has a plurality of openings. A cap is mounted to the insert that has a plurality of openings, which upon rotation of the cap relative to the insert selectively align with the openings on the insert to allow fluid flow from a tub or sink.

Abstract: The device has a line arrangement (2), which possesses an inlet (3) connectable to a supply line and an outlet (4) connectable to a shower arm (5). A heating element (6) serves for the provision of warm water. An energy store (7, 8) is provided, with which the power range for the provision of shower water can be extended. The heating element (6) for the provision of warm water is, in particular, a continuous-flow heater. The energy store (7, 8) is, in particular, a thermal, electrical, electrochemical or chemical energy store. During the shower process, the energy store is available as an additional energy source for the preparation of shower water.

Abstract: This application describes a device to convert an existing pool skimmer assembly into a pressurizable pool skimmer assembly which allows the existing pool skimmer assembly to act with this existing pool pump in emergency situations, such as assisting firefighters with pool water for extinguishing local wildfires or house fires. This method utilizes a removable plug cap and o-rings to allow the pool pump to draw the pool water from the poolmaid drain using the existing pool skimmer. This device can also be used to drain the pool for cleaning the pool or for winterizing the pool, with out the need for an electrical sump pump.

Abstract: An adjustable plumbing fitting has a piston rotatably and telescopically engaged in a housing, with one end of the housing adapted to be connected to a first plumbing part, and a cylindrical extension on the piston projecting from an opposite end of the housing and adapted to be connected to a second plumbing part. In one embodiment, two housings and associated pistons are integrally joined together to form a T-fitting for connecting the overflow and drain of a bathtub. In another embodiment, the housing is integrally formed with a J-shaped drain trap, and in another embodiment the housing and/or piston is integrally formed with a water closet flange.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a rest arrangement is provided, comprising a first support element and a lying-down facility. The lying-down facility comprises a first fastening region which in turn comprises a first fastening element and a second fastening element. The lying-down facility is affixed to the support element with the use of the first and the second fastening elements. The lying-down facility is slidable or pivotable between a first state in which the lying-down facility is arranged so as to be essentially horizontal, and a second state, wherein the transition between the first state and the second state takes place as a combined rotational movement and translational movement.

Abstract: A transfer device has a carriage supported on a base, movable between a home position and an extended position. A table assembly includes a lower table fixed to the carriage and an upper table coupled to the lower table, movable between a downward position in forcible contact with the lower table and an upward position having no contact with the lower table. The table assembly moves toward the extended position with the tables in forcible contact to place the table assembly underneath the object to be transferred while keeping the base stationary. The plates are separated to lift the object on the upper table while the lower table remains resting upon the support surface. The table assembly returns to the home position while supporting the object on the upper table and keeping the upper and lower tables separated. The device may operate in a bidirectional manner.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a base having a plurality of wheels, and a patient support coupled to the base, wherein at least a part of the patient support is for supporting a head of a patient, and at least one of the wheels has a plurality of secondary wheels. A patient support system includes a patient support, a transportation mechanism for transporting the patient support, a positioner for moving the patient support relative to the transportation mechanism, and a positioning system for determining an actual position associated with the patient support with respect to a multi-dimensional coordinate system, wherein one of the transportation mechanism and the positioner is for coarse positioning of the patient support, and another one of the transportation mechanism and the positioner is for fine positioning of the patient support.

Abstract: The anti-balloon household linen item provides an adjustable, impermeable and transpirable surface together with one or more fabric patches that allow the air to easily go out, therefore ensuring a comfortable surface.

Abstract: A hip abduction pillow is used to prevent to post operative hip dislocation of a patient that received a hip prosthesis. The hip abduction pillow may be integrally formed rigid foam or other suitable material and enables a single person to rotate the patient from side to side with virtually no risk of post operative hip dislocation while minimizing pressure on a patient's heels to virtually eliminate heel pressure sores. The hip abduction pillow includes a base portion; a support portion; and a spacer portion. The hip abduction pillow is self-supporting and can support the patient in two stable alternative rotated positions without the need for a pillow or other support material to maintain a patient in a rotated position.

Abstract: A pillow includes a compressible fill material and a flexible shell covering the fill material. A track is at least partially embedded in the flexible shell, and a clip is slidingly engaged with the track. The clip defines an opening for attaching an item to the pillow. Various kinds of items may be attached. In another variation, a slipcover includes a flexible shell configured to conform to an outer shape of a particular pillow, and also includes a track at least partially embedded in the flexible shell. A clip is slidingly engaged with the track and defines an opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infant lap support comprising an infant support panel having a first edge and a second edge, a leg attachment member having two or more attachment points, wherein a first attachment point is attached to the first edge of the infant support panel and wherein a second attachment point is attached to a first fastener, and a second fastener attached to a second edge of the infant support panel, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are configured to be selectively fastened to each other around the legs of a user.

Abstract: A pad including first and second air impervious chambers adhered to one another is provided. The first air impervious chamber is provided by a plurality of fluidly interconnected air tubes. Each tube is formed between a first and a second thermo-plastic sheet. The first and second thermo-plastic sheets are affixed together at seams on opposite sides of the tubes. A first length between the pair of seams along the first thermo-plastic sheet is different than a second length between the pair of seams along the second thermo-plastic sheet. The second air impervious chamber is coupled to the first air impervious chamber. The second air impervious chamber including a core therein to provide self-inflating features to the second air impervious chamber. Methods of forming the same are provided.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a transparent or translucent padding material and a transparent or translucent covering surrounding the core.

Abstract: A mattress constructed with multiple foam layers joined together provides reclining support with pressure redistribution for heavy weight persons, particularly those weighing over 350 pounds. The mattress includes: a core layer having a substantially planar top surface and at least two spaced apart regions in a bottom surface from which foam material has been extracted to leave cavities separated by an interconnected network of foam walls, a top layer of viscoelastic foam with an air permeability above 60 ft3/ft2/min, and a bottom layer of stiffer supporting foam. The open cavities of the core layer are directed away from the body supporting top surface of the mattress and contain one or more gels.

Abstract: An improved tire repair tool having a pair of pliers, with integrated cutters, a rasp for cleaning a tire puncture, a tool for inserting a cylindrical tire plug, and a means to store tire plugs within the assembly. The nominally channel shaped handles of the pliers have first and second ends. The first end of the handles are pivotally mounted to a pair of plier jaws which can be used to remove debris from a tire. The rasp and the means for inserting tire plugs are pivotally mounted to to the second end of one of the handles and can be moved between a stowed position and open position. The rasp and tool for inserting tire plugs are lockable in the stowed and open position in such a way to allow the rasp and insertion tool to rotate into a deployed position where they can be used. The second handle contains a means to store tire plugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to hand-operated pliers for piercing an irrigation pipe and fitting such an irrigation pipe with a drip emitter, these pliers comprising two jaws and a means for piercing the pipe as these two jaws are brought closer together. These pliers are characterized in that they further comprise a means for fitting a drip emitter onto the pierced pipe, and for doing so under the effect of the two jaws being brought closer together and with a view to fitting such a pipe with such a drip emitter.

Abstract: A tool for applying a bending or impact load to one or more conductors in a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The tool includes an elongate, substantially tubular handle having an opening at a first end, a second end opposed to the first end, and the handle has a handle axis. A head is connected to the second end of the handle, and includes a striking surface for applying impact loads, and an interchangeable tool socket located opposite to the striking surface. The head has a head axis oriented orthogonal to the handle axis. The interchangeable tool socket can accept one of a plurality of tool inserts and the tool inserts may be rotated generally around the head axis and locked in at least one position within the interchangeable tool socket so that the angle of each tool insert can be adjusted to user preferences.

Abstract: Provided are a washing method and washing machine. In the washing method, an eco-rinsing process where a drum rotates in a state where at least a portion of laundry is pressed against the inner wall of the drum and wash water is sprayed into the drum is performed. A spinning process where the spraying of the wash water is stopped and the wash water is removed from the laundry by accelerating the drum is performed. Here, at least a portion of the laundry remains pressed against the wall of the drum in the eco-rinsing process and the spinning process.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing a polyol oxidase in micoroorganisms, and the use of polyol oxidases in cleaning compositions. The invention includes cleaning compositions that contain combinations of two or more POx oxidases, and cleaning compositions that contain combinations of two or more POx oxidases and a perhydrolase. In particular, the invention provides methods for expressing polyol oxidases in bacterial hosts for use in detergent applications for cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.

Abstract: A process for aftertreating dyed and/or printed textiles to remove excess portions of colorants comprises utilizing an aqueous formulation comprising at least one graft copolymer having a hydrophilic main chain and also surfactants.

Abstract: Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a mat formed of at least one randomly dispersed extruded tubular member, each tubular member being hollow in an in-use condition in which the mat provides support for a user's foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid, comprising a hollow body, guiding and driving members, a filtration chamber in the hollow body, at least one liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet out of the hollow body, at least one axial pumping propeller, a single reversible electric motor whose drive shaft, in order to move it, is simultaneously mechanically connected to at least one motorized member and to each pumping propeller. In a first rotation direction of the drive shaft, each motorized member is driven in a forward direction, and each pumping propeller generates the flow of liquid in the normal direction ensuring the cleaning of the immersed surface. In a second rotation direction of the drive shaft, each motorized member is driven in a backward direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid comprising a hollow body, guiding members defining at least one axle, a filtration chamber, at least one electric drive motor, a control unit which is configured to control each drive motor in at least one direction at a speed selected from: at least a first speed at which the apparatus is in a first movement position in accordance with a first predetermined trajectory, at least a second more rapid speed at which the apparatus is in a second nosed-up movement position in accordance with a second predetermined trajectory which is different from said first trajectory.

Abstract: A filter cleaning device which automatically cleans a filter. The filter cleaning device includes a brush unit to collect foreign substances filtered out by a filter member, a processing unit to process the foreign substances collected by the brush unit, and a storage unit to store the foreign substances processed by the processing unit.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment is provided that allows a dust cup in the removable compartment to be emptied while minimizing handling by the user. The removable compartment is removably secured within the surface cleaning apparatus. The removable compartment can be removed by activating a first trigger device. The dust cup can be emptied by activating a second trigger device.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning appliance including a housing, a dirt container disposed in the housing, a brushroll disposed in the housing and configured to move dirt into the dirt container, a brush motor disposed in the housing for driving the brushroll, and a power drive assembly mounted in the housing for propelling the appliance. The power drive assembly including a first drive assembly disposed on a first side of the housing, a first drive motor operatively connected to the first drive assembly, a second drive assembly disposed on a second side of the housing (the second side being opposite the first side), and a second drive motor operatively connected to the second drive assembly. A floor sensor system is coupled to the housing for detecting a loss of floor condition and an off edge condition.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus for cleaning a thin disk is provided. The apparatus includes a support roller for supporting a rotating wafer within a wafer cleaner. The support roller comprises a guide portion, for receiving an edge of a wafer, having an inclined surface comprising a low-friction material and adapted to allow the wafer edge to slide thereagainst; and an edge-trap portion for retaining the edge of the wafer and having a transverse surface comprising a high-friction material and adapted, when in communication with the edge of the wafer, to resist sliding thereagainst. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a coagulator has a housing defining an interior chamber with a prong extending along a central axis to receive a coagulator bore. An insertion guide with an opening along the central axis guides insertion of the tip of the coagulator onto the prong. Pliable wipers extend inward from the sidewalls of the chamber toward the prong, so that the wipers deform by contact to wipe against the coagulator in operation. The wipers can be formed as part of a pliable tubular member that is inserted into the chamber in the housing and held in place by an end cap that incorporates the insertion guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning system that does not require the use of electrical energy to power electrical motor or pump and the like to clean condenser fins but instead uses differential in pressure between two separated chambers and magnets.

Abstract: A car headlight cleaning device has a container and a threaded cap. The container has a body adapted to store liquid therein, and includes a threaded neck, and a grid located proximal to said threaded neck. The threaded cap includes threads adapted to removably connect with the threaded neck of the container, and a sponge member therein, such that when the threaded cap is screwed upon the container the sponge member is pressed against the grid and the liquid can be wrung out therefrom.

Abstract: A tool for working on a repaired underground pipe that has a working end, a driving end, and a plurality of flexible shaft capable of transmitting a rotary force from the driving end to the cutting end.

Abstract: The Mouthpiece Tooth Brush is made of pliable silicone or plastic with spinning bristles located in the top and bottom of the mouthpiece. This is run with a small lithium battery located in the top and bottom of the mouthpiece, inconspicuous to the human eye, and is rechargeable. The small spinning bristles are activated when you bit into the mouthpiece to brush the teeth. There is also an optional tongue and roof brush. This device is comes in different sizes to accommodate everyone. This is a hands free device that can be used by the elderly, someone with physical disabilities or for someone “on the go”. This will be great for hospitals and nursing homes.

Abstract: A brush that may be used as a vacuum brush in a vacuum cleaner may comprise a housing having a plurality of openings, a plurality of bristles, and a mechanism that is moveable to a first position and a second position for controlling the plurality of bristles. If the mechanism is moved to the first position, the plurality of bristles may extend out of the housing through the plurality of openings on the housing. If the mechanism is moved to the second position, at least a portion of the plurality of bristles may retract into the housing.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator brush is provided comprising a brush stem and a plurality of fibre arrays extending from the brush stem. The plurality of fibre arrays comprises at least a first zone defining at least a first pitch between adjacent fibre arrays located within the first zone, and at least a second zone defining at least a second pitch between adjacent fibre arrays located within the second zone, with the at least first pitch being different to the at least second pitch.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning sheet that is excellent in capturing dust and dirt. The cleaning sheet according to the invention includes a base material sheet (2) and a cleaning surface forming sheet (3) that is bonded to the base material sheet (2). A slacked section (5) is formed in the cleaning surface forming sheet (2) between the bonding sections (6, 6) where the base material sheet (2) and the cleaning surface forming sheet (3) are bonded to each other, and a plurality of cuts (7) for capturing dust and dirt are formed at the slacked section (5).

Abstract: An optical connector cleaning device which cleans a connecting terminal surface of a to-be-cleaned object protruding from an optical connector with a cleaning body, and includes: a main body; an extending part which extends from the main body; and a guiding part attached to a tip portion of the extending part, wherein the extending part includes an extending tube body and a tip extending part; the guiding part includes a fitting part and a tube-shaped guiding body, which is flexible and extends from the fitting part towards an extending direction; an insertion hole is formed; and the to-be-cleaned object is cleaned by inserting the to-be-cleaned object into the insertion hole, and by pressing the cleaning body against the connecting terminal surface of the to-be-cleaned object.

Abstract: The invention discloses a disposable dust collector for precision device, including handle and dust collecting terminal, wherein the handle is divided into the left and the right interconnection piece, and then the left and the right interconnection piece are separately connecting with the left and the right dust collecting terminal and are able to fold up along with the interconnecting piece of the dust collecting terminal, in this way of coordination that composed of the dust collector. The invention could be unfolded and then packed, when we need to use it, we could replicate and fix the dust collector, then we could process the dust cleaning for digital camera lens, sensor and so on, after cleaning it could be discarded. The main features are the simple structure and low cost.