Abstract: An impact sensor system includes at least one impact sensor including at least a first conductive layer, at least a second conductive layer, and at least one insulating layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The insulating layer maintains the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer in spaced, non-contacting relation. The first conducting layer and the insulating layer are deformable upon an impact to the first conducting layer such that separation between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer decreases upon an impact of a predefined nature. The impact sensor system also includes circuitry in connection with the impact sensor to measure a change in at least one electrical property of the impact sensor resulting from the decrease in the separation between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to protective body armor to be worn while engaging in sports activities for protecting against injury due to impact. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide flexible protective armor able to mitigate impacts from both small and large hard objects without deforming, while also providing adequate ventilation to the wearer. Specifically, provided is a flexible protective armor system comprised of a network of beams and spring elements for distribution and dissipation of the force from impact, and protection for the wearer from damage.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an article of clothing for protecting the foot, ankle and lower leg of a cyclist from cold or inclement weather when riding a bicycle. The article of clothing, sometimes referred to as a ‘bootie’ or ‘leg warmer’, covers the shoe yet has openings therethrough to permit the cleat of the shoe and the heel of the shoe to extend therethrough. The article of clothing extends up the leg to a height that is sufficient to permit the top of the article of clothing to be tucked under the bottommost portion of the cyclist's shorts to prevent the article of clothing from falling down. A fastening mechanism is present along the back of the article of clothing to permit the cyclist to easily slip their shoe through the article of clothing when not fastened, and then fasten the article of clothing to provide a snug fit.

Abstract: A set of a first apparatus and a second apparatus that are secured to a garment, each of which includes an electrical signal processor unit connected to a first terminal and to a second terminal. At least the second terminal faces an inside surface of the garment, the processor units and the terminals being arranged to perform data transmission between the two apparatuses by establishing at least one wireless connection between the first terminals of the two apparatuses.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed toward a glove having a hand receiving opening and a sealing mechanism that substantially seals the hand receiving opening. Where the sealing mechanism has an abrasive surface, such as when hook and loop fasteners are engaged, a non-abrasive material could be utilized that covers the abrasive surface during use.

Abstract: A glove includes a pocket configuration or strip of material that allows a mouth guard or other items to be held in the pocket. The pocket includes a bottom section on the palm side of the glove and a top pocket section that is lifted to accommodate the mouth guard. A pocket binding opening is lifted by a pocket tab to open the pocket. The pocket also includes a banding strip positioned to maximize area on the back side of the glove without compromising flexibility.

Abstract: In some sports it is difficult for a coach to instruct his player during a game or match. For example, the coach may be out of earshot from the player. In tennis, the rules for elite amateur and professional matches prohibit a coach from instructing a player during a match. This is problematic because a player, especially a young player, can be easily distracted from his or her game or strategy. It would be desirable to be able to remind the player of certain desired aspects of his game or to provide words of encouragement when needed in real time during the match to direct the player back to a game-winning strategy.

Abstract: A felt-hat that does not fly off in the wind having vents in the brim camouflaged by a porous or solid material is disclosed.

Abstract: A vapor-permeable waterproof sock includes a cylindrical main body including a cloth having vapor permeability and that is waterproof. The vapor-permeable waterproof sock covers a range from a foot tip portion to a crus portion. The cylindrical main body includes a plurality of cloth areas, each of which expands and contacts more easily in one direction as compared with other directions. The plurality of cloth areas are joined together, and include a crus cloth area expanding and contracting more easily in a circumferential direction of the crus portion as compared with in a longitudinal direction of the crus portion, the crus cloth area covering the crus portion; and a planta portion cloth area expanding and contacting more easily in a longitudinal direction of the planta portion as compared with a width direction of the planta portion.

Abstract: One example of the invention describes a belt that is to be used by uniformed professional field personnel (e.g. law enforcement, fire, park department, search and rescue, private security, utilities personnel, military, etc.). Some examples of the invention introduce many new features which allow for improved access, comfort, reliability, ruggedness and cosmetics. In one embodiment, the description describes a metal rail on a belt, to which accessories attach. The other items of the inventions are the details of the buckle and its various designs. Other attachments and accessories, plus various setups and arrangements for the belts and buckles, are also presented here.

Abstract: An electronic helmet is provided that includes a helmet body and an integrated electronic system disposed in the helmet body, providing a number of convenient functions. The helmet body has a hard outer shell and a hard inner shell mounted to the outer shell such that a cavity is defined between the outer and the inner shells. The inner shell can include suitable material to provide the wearer effective RF shielding from the electronic system, such as, nickel-plated carbon fiber to provide RF shielding. The helmet body further includes a shock-absorbent structure disposed between the inner shell and the head of a wearer.

Abstract: An embodiment of a safety helmet for protecting the human head against repetitive impacts, moderate impacts and severe impacts so as to significantly reduce the likelihood of both translational and rotational brain injury and concussions includes a outer shell, an outer liner disposed within and coupled to the outer shell, and an inner liner disposed within and coupled in spaced opposition to the outer liner by a plurality of isolation dampers for omnidirectional movement of the inner liner relative to the outer liner and the outer shell

Abstract: A protective pad for a sports helmet having a shell for covering at least part of the head of a wearer, the pad including a first resilient shock absorbing member of plastic such as thermoplastic polyurethane, the first member having a sheet portion with a plurality of hollow protrusions, tapering side walls of the protrusions extending substantially to an inside surface of the side area of the shell and being compressible for absorbing shocks applied to the shell. The pad includes a second resilient shock absorbing member of a monolithic block of foam fixed to the sheet portion of the first member for engaging the wearer's head. A plastic cover covers the second shock absorbing member and a plurality of fasteners removably connects the pad at to the shell by at least some of the protrusions.

Abstract: A protective pad system may comprise a vest, at least one right shoulder pad and at least one left shoulder pad. The vest may comprise a back region, a left shoulder region, a right shoulder region, and a chest region. The at least one left shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the left shoulder region of the vest, and at least one left front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one left shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest. Likewise, the at least one right shoulder pad may be hinged relative to the right shoulder region of the vest, and at least one right front motion restraint device may be positioned and configured to transfer impact force from the at least one right shoulder pad to the chest region of the vest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cushion having damping properties for use in bicycle pants. The cushion comprises an outer shell (2) and a core (3) and at least one layer (4) arranged between the outer shell (2) and the core (3). The core (3) and the layers (4) are formed by at least one filler material having different degrees of firmness. The damping properties of the core (3) and/or the layers (4) can be changed by means of inflation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a more hygienic way of lifting one or both lids of a toilet seat. This is achieved through the use of a system of magnets to couple the two lids consisting of one magnet installed in both the top and bottom lid with the magnet in the top lid securely attached to a handle that is mounted on the topmost surface of the top lid where it can be manipulated by the user in order to disengage the magnets when lifting only the top lid is desired, or by simply pulling on when lifting both lids is necessary.

Abstract: A toilet bowl provides maximum flexibility in installation and use. Substantially, the bellows-like closing and opening (foldability) of the bowl allows the mounting in very restricted settings, even if the bowl preferably has a standard size. The use of simple, manual or automatic systems in order to pass from open to closed positions, and vice versa, allows an easy use that does not nullify the advantages in terms of bulk. The advantages are also increased by the possibility to use a suction pump, since in such a manner not only will there be the benefits regarding bulk but also those due to the possibility of using a minimal quantity of water during discharge; of course, it is still possible to equip the pump with the normal “siphon” discharge system. The bowl is perfectly watertight, since between the strips of the “bellows”, there are suitable, perfectly cleanable gaskets with self-cleaning function.

Abstract: A siphonic, gravity-powered toilet bowl assembly having a toilet bowl, which includes a bowl inlet in fluid communication with a source of fluid; a rim around an upper perimeter of the bowl defining a rim channel, having an inlet port in fluid communication with the bowl inlet and at least one outlet port; a bowl outlet in fluid communication with a sewage outlet; a direct-fed jet having an inlet port in fluid communication with the bowl inlet for receiving fluid and the bowl outlet for discharging fluid; and a control unit arranged in communication with the bowl inlet for controlling flow from the source of fluid passing through the bowl inlet into the inlet ports of the rim channel and the direct-fed jet, having a first extending rear portion and a second rim channel end portion, wherein the rear portion may extend at least partially into the bowl inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bath and/or shower device, comprising a tub (2) with a lowered entry region (3) that can be closed in a watertight manner by a moveable door. In order to render possible a simple and material-saving production with sufficient stability, one of the sidewalls (2a) of the tub (2) is provided with a recess (2b) extending essentially over the entire length and depth of the sidewall (2a), the moveable door (4) essentially covers half of this recess (2b) and the other half of the recess (2b) is closed in a watertight manner by a further separate and fixedly mounted component (6).

Abstract: A personal lifting device includes a housing that carries first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms. First, second, third and fourth lift lines are connected to the respective lifting mechanisms. Further, the device includes a controller for selectively operating the first, second, third and fourth lifting mechanisms whereby the first, second, third and fourth lifting lines are independently extended and retracted as desired to lower and lift a person.

Abstract: A patient support may, among other things, support a person in a laying-down or a seated position. A mobile lift may assist a person with the process of moving from a seated or laying-down position to a standing position, or moving from one type of patient support to another (e.g. from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa). A docking apparatus may secure the position of the mobile lift relative to the patient support. The docking apparatus may include an electrical connection between the mobile lift and the patient support. The docking apparatus may permit control of the mobile lift by the patient support, and/or permit control of the patient support by the mobile lift.

Abstract: An infant support structure assembly includes a frame having an infant receiving portion configured to receive an infant therein and an electronic device. The infant receiving portion includes a support component extending along part of the infant receiving portion. The support component includes an electrical connector coupled thereto. The electrical connector is connected to a power source. The electronic device includes a mounting portion removably mountable to the support component of the frame. Power is supplied from the power source to the electronic device when the electronic device is mounted to the frame and engages the electrical connector of the support component.

Abstract: A footboard includes a main body and first and second shelves coupled to the main body. The first shelf is pivotable relative to the main body about a substantially horizontal first axis through a first angle of about 270° between a first storage position and a first use position. The second shelf is pivotable relative to the main body about a substantially horizontal second axis through a second angle of about 90° between a second storage position and a second use position. The main body of the footboard has a recess in which the first and second shelves are situated when the respective storage positions.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel. On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.

Abstract: A bed skirt support (10) is disclosed comprising a relatively flat, central portion or decking (14) having at least on side support section (16, 18, 20) removably or fixedly attached thereto. Said bed skirt support has fully separated corners and multiple layers, each of which does not have to be lofted at the same gathering ratio as its adjacent layers.

Abstract: Multilayered protective and stimulating pad for mattresses is made of multiple layers including layers of textile treated by aromatherapeutic essential oils, layers of flysch, a layer of textile with carbon fibers, a layer of textile with silver fibers in a form of small squares creating a net, a layer of fractal stake made of crystals and minerals, and a layer of highly elastic memory latex foam. Carbon fiber eliminates electrostatic charge; silver fiber eliminates electromagnetic radiation; crystal fractal stake has a crystalotherapeutic impact; textile treated by aromatherapeutic essential oils has aromatherapeutic impact; highly elastic memory latex foam ensures comfort and clarity; whilst flysch provides the mildness of the pad. The multilayered pad burns the greater part of the voltage oscillations of the earth's radiation. It also provides with the energetic revitalization and is also used as an antibacterial and antistress program system for relaxation and undisturbed sleep.

Abstract: Accessory for beds, characterised by the inclusion of an articulated support, anchored to the bed head that presents an axis of rotation which is approximately vertical with respect to the bed head, and operatively capable of lateral displacement of the telescopic arm and which is associated to a primary telescopic arm by means of a folding action, at the free end of this primary telescopic arm is a secondary laterally revolving, arm carrying folding support rods, which allow its arrangement in an approximate upright position to hold a book or similar, an approximate horizontal position, which enables the support of a tray or similar and a position of withdrawal on the revolving arm for its complete withdrawal on the telescopic arm next to the bed head. It includes a reading lam which is joined to the articulated support by means of a flexible neck.

Abstract: A patient support is configured to support a person in at least a horizontal position. A propulsion device may be coupled to the patient support to facilitate movement of the patient support from one location to another. The propulsion device includes at least one wheel. A deployment mechanism moves the wheel between a storage position and a use position relative to the patient support. The deployment mechanism is motorized. The deployment mechanism uses a toggle force to initiate movement of the wheel from the storage position to the use position.

Abstract: A surgical table for supporting a patient, the surgical table including: a base assembly (3); a table top (1) for supporting a patient thereon, the table top (1) being moveable with respect to the base assembly (3); at least one actuator (13) for controlling the position of the table top (1) with respect to the base assembly (3); and an overload detection means for detecting when the surgical table is overloaded, the overload detection means including a sensor (25) for sensing a parameter of the surgical table such as hydraulic fluid pressure in the actuator (13), wherein the overload detection means emits a signal if the parameter sensed exceeds a predetermined value, due to the weight and/or position of the patient on the table top (1).

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame having a head end, a foot end longitudinally spaced from the head end, and first and second laterally spaced sides. A siderail is coupled to the frame adjacent one of the first and second laterally spaced sides. A footboard is coupled to the frame adjacent the foot end such that a gap is defined between the siderail and the footboard. A barrier pad is coupleable to the frame in a first position and in a second position. The barrier pad is situated in the gap and extends generally longitudinally when coupled to the frame in the first position. The barrier pad extends generally laterally in juxtaposition with the footboard when coupled to the frame in the second position. The barrier pad, therefore, serves as a gap filler when in the first position and serves as a footboard pad in the second position.

Abstract: A mattress retention system for adjustable beds employs a tension web attached to a top surface of an element of an articulating support structure. The tension web is inset from a longitudinal edge and lateral edges of the articulating support structure element and incorporates a first fastener moiety on an extending edge. A mating element is attached to the bottom surface of a mattress adjacent an edge to be restrained. The mating element incorporates a second fastener moiety for operable connection to the first fastener moiety and includes a web section having a first edge attached to the bottom surface of the mattress and a second edge carrying the second fastener moiety for flexibility in attaching the fastener moieties.

Abstract: A method and device for accurately positioning patients for imaging and radiotherapy is disclosed. The device includes a support platform (such as a bed, a table, a couch, a chair, etc.) connected to a fixed base by at least two and preferably four offset supporting arms. The support arms are journaled into the support platform at passive-rotatable pivot joints and are journaled into the base at active-rotatable pivot points. The base contains actuators (manual or powered by motors, pneumatics or hydraulics) for articulating the support arms. The relative lengths of the support arms may be varied to create a pre-defined trajectory of the support platform, between a starting spatial position and orientation to an ending spatial position and orientation, and through a continuous range there between. This makes it possible to position a patient within a range from a low, standing up position to a high, forwarding, prone or supine position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included. Primary and secondary elevators and a failsafe locking system are provided.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame movable to a plurality of vertical positions, a first deck section pivotable relative to the frame and a second deck section pivotable relative to the first deck section. The second deck section includes a base, a coupler movable relative to the base, and an extender movable relative to the coupler and the base. The base and extender cooperate to define a support surface when the second deck section is in a generally horizontal position. The extender is positionable to provide egress handles when the second deck section is in the generally vertical position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed (20) includes a base frame (30) and an occupant support system (32) operable in two or more modes of operation. A user control (90), which may be a rocker pedal (100) is capable of assuming at least two identities, each corresponding to one of the two or more modes of operation. A mode selector (122) allows a user to select an identity for the user control. Selection of the user control identity enables a user to use the user control to govern the mode of operation corresponding to the selected identity.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a removable deck section supported on a support structure that acts as a step for a patient as they egress from the patient support apparatus when the removable deck section is removed. The support structure is pivotable relative to a section of the patient support apparatus between a raised position supporting the removable deck section and a lowered position where the step is positioned for use during egress from the bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a bed frame, an adjustable foot section coupled to a foot end of the bed frame, and a deck moveably coupled to the adjustable foot section. The deck defines a foot support surface having a length dimension defined along a longitudinal axis of the bed frame and a width dimension defined transverse to the longitudinal axis. The length dimension is a first length and the width dimension is a first width when the adjustable foot section is in a first position, and the length dimension is a second length and the width dimension is a second width when the adjustable foot section is in a second position. The second length is less than the first length, and the second width is greater than the first width.

Abstract: A baby supporting device is provided which includes a frame. The frame includes a first portion for mounting onto a wall and a second portion pivotally coupled to the first portion and rotatable between a first position and a second position. A first stop member extends from the first portion, and a second stop member extends from the second portion, such that when the second stop member engages the first stop member it stops the second portion at the second position. A first surface covers at least a portion of the first portion, and a second surface covers at least a portion of the second portion.

Abstract: A patient helper apparatus for use with a patient support is disclosed. The patient helper apparatus includes a first L-shaped support tube coupled to the patient support, a shaft coupled to the first L-shaped support tube and extending over the patient support, and an egress handle coupled to the first L-shaped support tube. The egress handle moves between a stowed position and an assist position. In the stowed position, the egress handle is situated inside a footprint of the patient support. In the assist position, the egress handle extends outside the footprint of the patient support.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.

Abstract: A control method of a laundry machine is disclosed. A control method of a laundry machine comprising a spinning cycle includes a sensing step configured to sense a rotation speed (rpm) of a motor while increasing a pulse duty of the motor during the spinning cycle and a determining step configured to determine bubble generation inside a tub based on the sensed pulse duty and rotation speed.

Abstract: Overdyed carpets, as well as other textiles, and methods of producing the same are provided. Overdyeing can be performed on predyed and/or undyed fibers to produce an overdyed carpet with a predominant hue throughout. Predyed fibers can differ in hue, saturation, or value, or any combination thereof from each other and/or from the overdye. The overdyed carpet can include at least one auxiliary chemical. A single auxiliary chemical or a combination of auxiliary chemicals can provide stain resistance, color fastness, and/or bleach resistance, or any combination thereof. These carpets and methods provide aesthetic, financial, and environmental benefits by allowing for utilization of waste fiber, yarn, carpet, and other textiles that would otherwise require resale at substantial discount or landfill disposal.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing snow and ice from the roof top of a truck, trailer, bus or similar vehicle is mounted atop a converted flatbed trailer for ease of relocation from one site to another for use. The addition of a height adjustable scraper or plow blade that is operator controlled to remain in contact with the roof of the vehicle being cleaned is provided with a self-contained front-to-back and side-to-side stabilization mechanism to prevent damage to the tops of vehicles by gouging or tearing the roof top.

Abstract: A downhole brush tool (10) includes a tool body (12) having a brush supporting portion (11, 13) on the tool body between upper and lower stops (20, 24, 26, 28). A split sleeve (32, 34) has a plurality of throughports (30) therein, and a plurality of brush elements (42) including a base member (44) and a plurality of bristles (46) extend from the base member. The base member is positioned within a cavity in the brush supporting portion of the tool body, and a stop surface (45) supported on the split sleeve engages a base member to prevent the brush element from passing radially outward.

Abstract: A telescoping containment cleanout device for attachment to a cleanout pipe comprising: an inner riser portion and an outer housing, where the inner riser portion and outer housing create a channel; a telescoping portion, where the telescoping portion extends vertically through the channel; a cap at the top of the device, where the cap includes a removable sealing portion for access and cleaning of the sewer line; and stops within the channel and along the telescoping portion, where the stops provide a means to lock the telescoping portion in a vertically elevated position. The telescoping containment cleanout device may further include a plurality of o-rings within the channel, where the o-rings assist in guiding the telescoping portion through the channel. The telescoping containment cleanout device may further include a twisting sealing portion that seals the telescoping portion in a closed position.

Abstract: A combination brush and jag comprising a stem, a set of short bristles having first longitudinal length and a first transverse diameter; a set of long bristles having a second longitudinal length and a second transverse diameter; the set of short bristles and long bristles positioned adjacent to each other and secured in between the stem, wherein the first transverse diameter is smaller than the second transverse diameter and a bore diameter and the first longitudinal length is approximately the same as or shorter than the second longitudinal length.

Abstract: An insert for an oral hygiene handle having a cavity is described. The insert has a load member capable of pivoting with respect to the housing and an output source disposed in electromagnetic communication with the load member, a power source in electrical communication with the output source having first and second contact areas, and an indication element forming an outer facing surface. When the load member pivots a predetermined amount, a first contact arm makes contact with a first contact area and/or a second contact arm makes contact with the second contact area thereby causing the power source to deliver power to the output source, wherein the output source provides electromagnetic energy to the load member, wherein the load member transmits the electromagnetic energy from the output source to the indication element, and wherein load member, the indication element, and the engagement section are integral with one another.

Abstract: A dental care system has a base, an oral hygiene instrument removably couplable to the base, and a hygiene pad. The hygiene pad has a top layer formed of a liquid absorbing material, a bottom layer configured to contact a surface on or adjacent the dental care system, and an inner layer adhered between the top and the bottom layers and containing a disinfectant. The hygiene pad is positionable and shaped so as to collect and absorb liquid residue dripping from an oral hygiene instrument.

Abstract: In one particular embodiment, a basting device incorporates a handle body, having a handle portion and a working portion, and a bristle cartridge removably coupled to the working portion of the handle body. The bristle cartridge has a set of first bristles projecting outwardly from the cartridge in a first direction and a set of second bristles projecting outwardly from the cartridge in a second direction different from the first direction. At least one of the first and second bristles has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being attached to the bristle cartridge and the distal end having a slit therein extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The slit has a width sized to cause fluid to be drawn into the slit through capillary action when the distal end of the bristle is submerged in the fluid.