Abstract: There is provided a fabric conditioner that reduces wrinkle formation in laundered garments. There is further provided a method for reducing the occurrence of wrinkles in laundered garments.

Abstract: A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus configured to supply steam and/or heated air to an accommodating space accommodating laundry therein, the control method includes a water supplying/heating step supplying water to a water supplying device configured to supply steam and heating the water, a re-supplying step re-supplying water to the water supplying device, a steam supplying step heating the water inside the water supplying device and supplying steam to the accommodating space, with the laundry kept still, a cooling step cooling the accommodating space, and a drying step supplying heated air having a predetermined temperature to the accommodating space.

Abstract: Rejuvenation compositions including a reactive dye are disclosed for the one-shot rejuvenation of the color for dark-colored textile fabrics and garments formed therefrom. The rejuvenation compositions return faded black or dark colored garments to a like-new look. Methods of rejuvenating the faded color of garments by using the dye compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Agent for lightening keratin fibers, particularly human hair. The agent for lightening keratin fibers contains at least one cationic phthalimide of formula (I) in addition to an oxidant in a cosmetic carrier.

Abstract: A dyed fibrous material comprising a plurality of textile fibers, particularly cotton fibers, and a polymer bonded to the fibers and to a disperse dye material to affix the dye material to the fibrous material.

Abstract: A dye composition which contains a blue colored dye mixture which contains from 71 to about 90 wt % with respect to the total pigment fraction of a blue pigment which is represented by structural formula [1] wherein one of X1 and X2 represents NO2 and the other represents OH, from about 10 to about 30 wt % with respect to the total pigment fraction of two different blue pigments which are different and are represented by structural formula [2] wherein R1 represents —C3H6OCH3, —C3H6OC2H5 or —C3H6OC2H4OCH3.

Abstract: The shoe tongue centralizer assembly includes a binding post and a centralizer band which, together prevent the tongue of any type of laced shoe, boot or other footwear from significant movement either laterally or longitudinally in the footwear.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a drive assembly comprising a DC motor (12) driven by a battery (15) with a rotating drive shaft (16) extending from one end of the DC motor, on which is mounted an eccentric member (20) which rotates with the drive shaft. A spring assembly (24) includes a hub member (26) at a proximal end, a mount member (28) at a distal end and a V-spring member (41) mounted to and extending therebetween. The DC motor is fixed to a rear surface of the hub member, the motor and the hub member being free to move in unison in operation of the toothbrush. The mount member is fixed in position in the toothbrush. A brushhead shaft (38) is mounted to and extends between the hub member and the mount member and extends distally from the mount member. The brushhead shaft member is offset laterally from the axis of rotation of the motor drive shaft. A brushhead assembly (42), including a set of bristles (44), is removably mounted on the brushhead shaft.

Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a handle (12) and a brushhead (18) having a conductive electrode sensing element (25) therein. The toothbrush includes a driver assembly (14) for the brushhead and a sensor system (28) for measuring the capacitance between the sensing element on/in the brushhead and an electronics ground (27) in the handle of the toothbrush. A microprocessor/controller (26) is programmed to determine whether the measured capacitance is above a threshold value, which indicates that the toothbrush is near or within the mouth of the user. The microprocessor actuates the driver assembly for operation of the toothbrush when the capacitance value is above the threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning facades including glass surfaces of high rise buildings. The apparatus includes a machine having a frame for attaching components and equipments of a main unit; a thrust provider for generating force to keep the main unit in contact with the facade; a hoist to enable lifting and lowering of the main unit; a laundry unit comprising a fabric sheet to clean the facade; a roller attached to end of extended arms of the main unit; and a control unit installing electrical controls on the main unit. The machine provides a number of novel elements and safety features by applying simple design concept that is practicable to wide range of buildings of glass or flat façades.

Abstract: A floor treatment device having a handle assembly having a pair of handles at one end and a rotational engagement to a frame at the other. A head assembly, having a motor and flywheel and offset drive for a pad, is rotationally engaged to the frame to allow all the components to tilt over uneven surfaces. The handles are positioned vertically to provide an ergonomic grip for users. Enhanced orbital operation of the cleaning or other pad is yielded by system of paired weights on the flywheel. A spray system is also engageable to the device.

Abstract: A portable grouting-cleaning machine for clad vertical walls includes a frame, an upperly open water container of essentially vertical extension supported by the frame, an endless sponge band stretched between deviation rollers positioned such to form a straight vertical sponge portion to rest against the wall to be treated, the deviation rollers having at least one motorized roller and at least one roller housed in the container, to form a loop of the band therein, two handgrips positioned side by side on the portable frame, and grippable by the operator during the machine operation, and at least one pushbutton, fixed on the frame of machine, connected into the power circuit of an electric motor which drives the motorized roller and is driven by the operator who grips the handles.

Abstract: A head for cleaning a target surface, such as a toilet bowl. The head has a longitudinal axis and comprises a starch based material. The material may be provided as a sheet, and formed to make a generally round head or a head of laminae. The head may optionally contain granules, which optionally define a core and improve the stiffness of the head. The starch based material may be extruded to have a machine direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A personal care article can include a composition and a substrate. The article can be compliant to a surface.

Abstract: A home care article can include a composition and a substrate. The article can be compliant to a surface.

Abstract: A head for cleaning a target surface, such as a toilet bowl. The head has a longitudinal axis and comprises a starch based material. The material may be provided as a sheet, and formed to make a generally round head or a head of laminae. The head may optionally contain granules, which optionally define a core and improve the stiffness of the head. The starch based material may be extruded to have a machine direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A head for cleaning a target surface, such as a toilet bowl. The head has a longitudinal axis and comprises a starch based material. The material may be provided as a sheet, and formed to make a generally round head or a head of laminae. The head may optionally contain granules, which optionally define a core and improve the stiffness of the head. The starch based material may be extruded to have a machine direction oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A painting tool system having a reusable handle, the handle having first and second ends and a body interposed between the two ends. The first end includes an opening adapted to receive a shaft, with the handle body to be gripped in a user's hand. The system includes a painting tool attachment couplable to the handle. The attachment having a first end for performing a function of the painting tool and a second end including a protruding shaft receivable within the opening in the handle. The system also includes a handle lock mounted within the handle, the lock positioned and configured to secure the attachment to the handle at the shaft. The lock may be removable and formed from a cam lock inserted into a borehole in the handle body. The attachment first end may provide the function of a paintbrush, roller, scraper, putty knife or blade.

Abstract: A shaving brush assembly includes a plurality of bristles, a base with a first side coupled to and supporting the plurality of bristles, a second side opposite the first side, and defining a passageway from the first side to the second side, the passageway dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a nozzle of a shaving cream container. The assembly also includes a sleeve coupled to and extending from the second side of the base, with the sleeve having an inner diameter less than an outer diameter of a standard-sized container of shaving cream.

Abstract: Provided is a core/sheath composite filament for toothbrushes which exhibits excellent hardness, durability and feeling of use when used in toothbrushes, is less prone to falling out when tufted into the tufting plate, and makes it possible to improve stain-removal properties. Also provided is a toothbrush using said core/sheath composite filament. A toothbrush is configured using bundles of bristles configured from core/sheath composite filaments that have a quadrangular cross section in the plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction and comprise a core (2), which is formed from a synthetic resin fiber, and a sheath (3), which integrally covers the core (2) and is formed from an elastomer that is compatible with the synthetic resin constituting the core (2). Tufts configured from a plurality of the core/sheath composite filaments (1) are tufted in the center portion of a tufting plate.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion (12 or 55) and a brushhead portion (14 or 57) with a bristle set (20 or 53) at one end of the brushhead. At least one sensor (16 or 56 is located either on the handle of the toothbrush or on the bristle set back plate (54) of the toothbrush. When the sensor is located on the handle of the toothbrush, the position of the brushhead is determined by a processor (44 or 58) relative to the inside or outside surfaces of the teeth on the basis of the temperature detected by the sensor, either the outside environmental temperature or the skin temperature of the user. When the sensor is located on the bristle set back plate, the determination is made on the basis of the position of the bristle set relative to the cheek of the user.

Abstract: A wiper blade for cleaning vehicle windows is disclosed. The wiper blade includes a wiper blade body extending in a wiper blade longitudinal axis, with a wiper rubber and a wiper blade adapter on the wiper blade body. The wiper blade adapter forms a mechanical connection, constructed as detent connection, of the wiper blade to a wiper arm adapter arranged on a wiper arm. The wiper blade adapter and the wiper arm adapter are connected to or released from one another at least substantially in a direction which extends perpendicularly to the wiper blade longitudinal axis. Spring are provided on the wiper blade adapter and/or on the wiper arm adapter, which provide an initial spring tension when the wiper blade is mounted on the wiper arm, and bring about a releasing force between the wiper arm adapter and the wiper blade adapter when the detent connection is released.

Abstract: A wiper blade for cleaning vehicle windows including a wiper blade body extending in a wiper blade longitudinal axis is disclosed. A wiper blade adapter allows for a mechanical detent connection, of the wiper blade with a wiper arm adapter arranged on a wiper arm. The wiper blade adapter has an elastically arranged detent tongue, which cooperates in a form-fitting manner with the wiper arm adapter to form the detent connection. The wiper arm is U-shaped in cross section and has legs on opposing sides of a base section, which embrace the wiper blade adapter laterally. The connecting or releasing between the wiper blade adapter and the wiper arm adapter takes place at least substantially in a direction perpendicular to the wiper blade longitudinal axis. The detent tongue has a mounting region, which embraces the holding section of the wiper arm adapter.

Abstract: A wiper blade to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible spring support element (12), with a separate first component designed as an elastic rubber wiper strip (14) that can be pressed against the windshield (20) located at the bottom belt surface (13) of the support element and with a separate second component located at the other upper belt surface (11) of the support element (12) that is designed as a wind deflection strip (24) that extends at least along a longitudinal section of the wiper blade (10). A particularly low-disruption wiper blade results if the two components (14, 24) are connected together at their sides facing one another.

Abstract: A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.

Abstract: Presented herein are various techniques for cooling a UV light source and keeping it within a predetermined temperature range. One embodiment is directed to using Venturi pump for the thermal control. Another embodiment employs a mechanical or electrical self-adjusting valve. Another embodiment is directed to using a forced air system to actively blow air across the light source. Examples of the device are an air cleaner, a vacuum cleaner, a mobile floor-sanitizer, and a hand-held sanitizer.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning and preparing pavement cracks for sealing are disclosed. An example device comprises a wire brush assembly for removal of mid and large-sized debris, an air blaster for removal of fine-grained particulate, a heat lance, and a vacuum for controlled removal of debris and particulates. The example device would also have means for attachment to an air compressor.

Abstract: A blower is provided for removing debris from the ground where an air stream generator connect to a frame discharges a high velocity air stream downward and away from the blower, toward the working surface, through a nozzle rotatable three hundred sixty degrees continuously. The air stream has a generator axis substantially perpendicular to a frame center line, and is operably connected to a power source mounted to the frame. An actuator mechanically rotates the nozzle. The blower is connectable to a vehicle at the rear of the frame and has wheels at the front of the frame for movement across the ground.

Abstract: A support system may include a holder having a peripheral surface and a slot, a mount having a stop boss adapted to communicate with the peripheral surface, and a shaft coupled with the mount and slot, thereby slideably and rotatably coupling the holder and mount. A method of moving an object coupled to a support system may include supporting the object in a first position by disposing the mount at a start point of a path so that a center of gravity of the holder can be disposed at a first location relative to a pivot, moving the mount toward an end point of the path, which can include allowing the holder to rotate about the pivot, disposing the mount at the end point, and supporting the object in a second position.

Abstract: The invention concerns an interference fit comprising a carrier and at least one stepped bushing seated with an interference fit on the carrier. The stepped bushing is made by shaping a sheet metal and is characterized by a special wall thickness configuration. Through this wall thickness configuration, it becomes possible to assure that the stepped bushing conforms to close shape tolerances in the pressed-in state in regions of functional relevance.

Abstract: A portal and method facilitate routing and holding at least one electrical cable having a plug end. The portal may include a body which fits into a hole in a mounting surface and has a cable opening therein. A closure member moves between a closed position and an open position relative to the cable opening. A retainer movably mounted to the closure member confines the cable in a desired position to inhibit the plug end from moving back toward the interior of the portal body and to permit the plug end to be pulled substantially freely away from the body.

Abstract: A castor wheel assembly, alone or in combination with a patient support platform or mobile support cart, is provided. The mobile support cart includes a stop mode in which the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The castor wheel assembly can incorporate a braking mechanism operated by a cable that extends through a mounting plate.

Abstract: A door stop for a sliding door includes rounded channel with a ball sliding into the rounded channel to hold a sliding door in place. The device of the present invention is smaller than conventional devices and, thus, minimize the hazard to horses getting lacerations from the larger sized conventional door holders. The device of the present invention is provided as a two-piece kit, the first piece fitting on the siding door and the second piece fitting on a wall, such that the first and second pieces fit together when the sliding door is closed, holding and/or stopping the door in place.

Abstract: A door check link apparatus includes a check link formed by molding a synthetic resin on a surface of a core plate, and including a full open stopper including a projecting portion located at a tip end portion of the core plate, and having a width larger than a width of a detent surface, a bending piece formed at a first end portion of the projecting portion, and having a stopper surface confronting the stopper receiving surface, and a protruding portion formed on the projecting portion at a position farther apart from the stopper receiving surface relative to the stopper surface, and protruding in a direction substantially parallel to the stopper receiving surface, the full open stopper being formed by molding the synthetic resin on the tip end portion of the core plate including the projecting portion, the bending piece, and the protruding portion.

Abstract: The present application discloses means for vertically mounting curtains for easy traverse utilizing an easily mountable bendable track for providing an adjustable path for traverse and flexible carriers which are readily affixable to the bendable track at any point in its length and traverse the bendable track under the load of a supported curtain with a minimum of noise. It discloses a bendable track with both a top and a bottom rib, each of which has a horizontal ledge and a curved profile extending from each ledge away from the main body of the rail and a roller free carrier which can be elastically expanded to snap over the lower horizontal ledge of the track. It further discloses that the surface of the horizontal ledge as well as the ends of the carrier are made of materials having a low coefficient of sliding friction such as exhibited by ABS, nylon, PVC and polyacetal and that the ends of the carrier have a surface with an arcuate surface which is adapted to ride on the lower horizontal ledge.

Abstract: A hollow molded article is obtained by molding a thermoplastic polyester composition comprising a blend of reinforcing fiber glass, polybutylene terephthalate with a melting point of 210 to 230° C. and polyethylene terephthalate with a melting point of 240 to 260° C., wherein at least 10% of the outer surface of the article has a continuous glossy region with a gloss of at least 75 gloss units, as measured at 60 degrees in accordance with ASTM D523 and wherein the gloss varies from the average less than 10 gloss units in the glossy region. A gas-assisted injection molding process is also disclosed for making such hollow molded articles, which articles can have various uses, including handles for appliances or the like.

Abstract: A load-adaptive component includes at least one trapezoidal, elastically movable four-bar hinge incorporated integrally into the component to generate a shape change behavior that is anisotropically resilient-elastic and is directed counter to the direction of action of a force. The four-bar hinges have first recesses for forming hinge points that are produced by weak points in the material and embody elastic bending hinge, and second slot-like recesses connected to or joining the hinge points. A plurality of successive, mutually spaced four-bar hinges form a multi-hinge mechanism integrated into the component.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door hinge, having a pillar fitting able to be mounted on a vehicle body, and a door fitting able to be mounted on a motor vehicle door, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner a hinge pin connected to either the pillar fitting or the door fitting in a rotation-resistant manner and to the remaining one of the pillar fitting or the door fitting in an articulated manner, and an arresting unit having a detent body carrier connected to the hinge pin in a rotation-resistant manner and radially extending to the latter and having a detent body, and a detent element adjustable on the other one of the pillar fitting or the door fitting with respect to the detent body carrier, coaxially arranged with respect to the hinge pin axis and in engagement with the detent body and including at least one detent notch, and arranged within a housing surrounding the hinge pin and the detent body carrier.

Abstract: A hinge, comprising a cup having a rim and an arm pivotably connected to the cup, wherein the arm is permitted to pivot between a closed position and an open position, the open position defining a opening angle between the cup and arm. An adjustable stopper coupled to the arm is engagable with the rim whereby the opening angle is controlled by adjustment of the stopper.

Abstract: An adapter can be installed between the rotational stems of a vertical blinder head rail and the vertical blind slats. The adapter enables the head rail to be mounted horizontally to almost vertically. With the adapter installed, the vertical blinds can rotate freely and open and close properly without the binding that would occur without the adapter installed. The adapter is independent of the head rail design of vertical blind systems. The adapter can be easily installed between the stems and the slats and may be packaged with a vertical blind or may be sold separately at a low cost, enabling non-horizontal installation of the head rail.

Abstract: A rain protective towel for use in association with sporting events, work endeavors, or general use is provided. Also presented are methods of manufacturing of such a towel. In general, the towel is formed of a terrycloth or other cotton water absorbent material, which is rendered waterproof or rain resistant by being subjected to a bath of a water-diluted water repellant fluoropolymer that is allowed to permeate the cloth. The edges of the towel are bound or otherwise finished, and the towel may have any of various desired aesthetic designs thereon. The towels may be formed from processing a web of terrycloth material through a bath of diluted water repellant fluoropolymer, thence through a wringer, various dryer stations, a station for printing, embroidering or embossing and subsequent stations for cutting and edge binding. Alternative processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A retainer apparatus for removably engaging a tablet computer to a user's leg, the retainer apparatus includes a pair of opposed clips each being removably engagable to an outer periphery of the tablet, via a detachable extension member that is disposed to span between the opposing pair of clips resulting in the clips being compressed as against the tablet outer periphery at an angle that creates a moment that in effect rotates each clip to rotatably bind the clip to the tablet outer periphery for improved frictional contact between the clip and the tablet outer periphery. Also included in the retainer apparatus is a disconnectable band element that is removably attached to the extension member and is adapted to extend around and removably engage the user's leg.

Abstract: A tubular shaped cap body for protecting a pen tip, which cap body includes an elastic member which is formed with an attachment hole in its side surface, and a clip member which is provided with a base part and a grip part which is provided at an outside surface of the base part. The clip member is provided with respect to the cap body so that the base part receives a front end of a writing instrument and the grip part extends through the attachment hole to the outside of the cap body.

Abstract: The button fastener comprises a fastener body and a cover member which is attached to the fastener body. The fastener body includes a disk-like base and a hollow, cylindrical post extending upward from a center area of the base concentrically. The post has a top opening at its upper end and a bottom opening in a center area of the base. The cover member covers the lower surface of the base including the bottom opening. The base includes a base bottom adjacent to the post and a base flange rising upward relative to the base bottom radially outward from the base bottom. The cover member includes a curved outer periphery curving from the lower surface side of the base and then rising upward beyond the base flange of the base.

Abstract: A hose clamp for forming an air tight seal between a hose and a connector projecting from a housing of an air cooler of a vehicle. The hose clamp including a band which encircles the hose at a location where the hose and the connector overlap and has an adjustable diameter. The hose clamp positioned by a wrap-around hose clamp positioner. The wrap-around hose clamp positioner including flat portions, which contact the outer surface of the hose, and a raised portion where the band passes through a space of the raised portion. The wrap-around hose clamp positioner further including a wrap-around portion and a crimp tab, the wrap-around portion extending over a lip edge of the hose such that the crimp tab pierces through at least the inner surface of the hose.

Abstract: A device for securing cargo, items or other objects, in particular a tie-down binding strap device including at least two different types of tightening mechanisms. The device is also provided in useful embodiments with interchangeable ends that can be secured to a variety of structures, even itself. The features of the device provide versatility and allow the device to secure cargo having different shapes.

Abstract: An attachment for a heavy bag to use while practicing power striking techniques in ground fighting. The attachment may be used on a bag that is hanging, resting on a free-standing base, or on a bag that has been removed from the hanger or base.

Abstract: A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object. The first and second objects are attached by virtue of the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In one embodiment, the code has certain autocorrelation properties. In further embodiments the specific type of code is specified. In a further embodiment, an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures. In a further embodiment, a magnetic attachment system may comprise one or more magnetic structures spaced from one another on a first support and configured for use with a complementary magnet system.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid-tight slide fastener capable of sufficiently ensuring waterproof property regardless of where fastener elements are formed and capable of sufficiently ensuring attachment strength of the fastener elements to fastener tapes provided with liquid-tight layers. There is also provided a manufacturing method for the liquid-tight slide fastener. The liquid-tight slide fastener includes a pair of fastener tapes that include a pair of tape members, core sections respectively provided on opposing tape edges of the pair of tape members, and liquid-tight layers formed on one side of the pair of tape members; a pair of fastener element rows; and a slider. The liquid-tight layers are formed with gaps to the core sections in a width direction of the fastener tapes. The fastener elements are attached to the core sections.

Abstract: A thin zipper includes two sets of coil zippers fastened to two base cloths. Each coil zipper includes a plurality of teeth and at least one core wire threading through the teeth and coupling the teeth in series. Each tooth includes a bracing section, two bent sections extended from two distal ends of the bracing section and a surface section. The bracing section has a bracing inner edge on an inner side to brace the core wire. Each bent section has a latch portion engaged with another latch portion of a different tooth. The surface section is located between the two bent sections and has a packing inner edge formed on an inner side to compress the core wire to generate deformation. The bracing inner edge and packing inner edge form an inner space between them at an interval smaller than the diameter of the core wire.