Abstract: An air ventilated protection suit includes an air input port, and a flat air duct connected to an inner end of the air input port. The flat air duct has hoses provided therein to separately extend in directions along which air is delivered to a whole interior of the protection suit. The hoses keep the flat air duct in an always unimpeded state, and respectively include an axially extended spiral cut, such that air supplied into the hosts pushes open the spiral cuts to flow from the hosts into the flat air duct via the push-opened spiral cuts. The protection suit also includes an inspection port to allow an air-tightness inspection of the protection suit before a wearer entering into a working environment; and an air-guiding case fitted around each pressure relief valve provided on the protection suit to provide a space for air released from the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A transfer seat to be used in conjunction with a toilet improves access to sanitary facilities by the disabled. The transfer seat may be used as one element of a modular system for improving bathroom fixtures designed for use by the handicapped. This modular system includes a transfer seat to be used in conjunction with a toilet; a hand rail assembly designed for use with the transfer seat; and a shower distribution system designed for use with the hand rail assembly. The components of this modular system may be used separately or together.

Abstract: A flush toilet is configured to permit user control of a flush cycle time and corresponding water usage. The toilet includes a bowl and a tank in fluid communication with the bowl. A flush handle assembly may be carried by the tank and may have a flush handle and a lever arm coupled thereto. In addition, there may be a flapper valve in the tank, and a rigid, adjustable-length, flapper control rod coupled between the lever arm and the flapper valve. Operation of the flush handle in a first direction may open the flapper valve, and operation of the flush handle in a second direction may close the flapper valve. This permits user control of the flush cycle time and corresponding water usage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting biological waste from a human person are disclosed. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems can have a bedpan with a receptacle base and a floor, a side wall extending from the floor, and a substantially open top. In various embodiments, disclosed systems can have a lid engagable to cover the substantially open top, the lid being provided with an aperture therethrough. Some embodiments of the present systems can have a disposable bag having dimensions so as to allow the disposable bag to cover the bedpan, and to line the interior. Some embodiments of the present invention can have a disposable bag dispenser configured to store and dispense a disposable bag prior to use by the human person. Various embodiments of the present systems can have an elongate, substantially planar spatula to facilitate use of the disclosed systems. Methods for using the disclosed systems are further disclosed.

Abstract: A shower curtain rod assembly includes a suction disk, an engaging member, a positioning member, a cover and a rod unit. The shower curtain rod assembly is able to be installed between two walls with different inclinations and different distances.

Abstract: A surround for use in a bath or a shower has a back and a side. The side has a protrusion extending therefrom. An open shelf attaches to either the back or the side. The protrusion at least partially restricts a view of the shelf.

Abstract: An adjustable toilet seat lift adapted to selectively raise and lower a toilet to meet the needs and desires of the user. The lift includes an actuator which adjusts a top plate relative to a bottom plate, and is powered by an external power source, or, in the alternative, manually activated.

Abstract: An improved docking assembly for faucets having a pull-down sprayhead extendable from a spout. The docking assembly generally comprises a receptacle fitted into the spout which is formed with chamfered interior walls. A spring-loaded flexible collet is contained within the receptacle with a degree of sliding freedom for spring-biased travel along the chamfered interior walls of the receptacle, from a first position that allows generous radial expansion of the collet to a second position in which radial expansion is restricted. A quick-connect fitting attached to the pull-down sprayhead moves the collet into its first position allowing radial expansion of the collet. Removal of the quick-connect fitting moves the collet to its second position which restricts radial expansion, inhibiting said removal. Consequently, the pulldown sprayhead may be docked to the spout with considerably less insertion force than the opposite removal force needed to undock the pulldown sprayhead from the spout.

Abstract: A transfer belt for assisting in moving patients includes a transfer belt, a mechanism to retract the belt into a compact unit and a mechanism to fix the belt in a fixed loop around a patient at the size desired.

Abstract: A pull down bed with automatic locking device has a movable framework, which constitutes a mattress frame, and is hinged to a container body, which constitutes a piece of furniture, so as to define a closed position, in which said mattress frame is substantially inside the piece of furniture, and an open position, for use as a bed, in which the mattress frame is in a horizontal position and rests on the ground by means of two feet. The mattress frame is hinged to the piece of furniture at one end and has its feet at the other end. The pull down bed includes a device for locking said mattress frame in the closed or horizontal position, which is actuated by an actuation device, which includes the feet.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: Bed cover holders having first sections that slide under and between a mattress and a box spring and second sections including upturned ends that are slidably secured to the first sections permitting the holder to telescope between extended and retracted positions are described. The upturned ends of the holders are positioned flush against the end of the mattress when retracted. The holders can be extended to form a shelf where bedding including pillows can be placed when the bed is in use. In at least one variation, the first and second sections comprise nesting tubular structures to facilitate the telescoping arrangement.

Abstract: An adjustable bed system includes a first frame having four actuators coupled thereto and disposed between the head and foot ends thereof. The actuators define a generally-rectangular configuration wherein first and third actuators are diagonally-opposed and wherein second and fourth actuators are diagonally-opposed. A second frame coupled to the first frame includes a first section secured to the first frame, a second section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the head end of the first frame, and a third section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the foot end of the first frame. The first and third actuators arc coupled to the second and third sections, respectively, for articulating the second and third sections, respectively. First and second leg assemblies are coupled to the second and fourth actuators, respectively, for selectively raising and lowering the first frame.

Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.

Abstract: A mattress assembly having a composite encasement surrounding a coil spring unit in which the composite encasement comprises alternating layers of canvas and foam, and in which a side border assembly of quilted material is attached to the exterior walls of the composite encasement by means of multiple, spaced, lines of stitching extending through the alternating layers of canvas and foam to firmly affix the side border assembly to the encasement.

Abstract: A commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is configured to use steam instead of dry-cleaning chemicals or water as a primary cleaning agent for garments rotating in a drum of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a steam injector at least partially exposed to an inner surface of the drum is configured to provide a MCU-controlled fresh steam injection into the drum during a cleaning cycle of the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine. The fresh steam into the commercial steam-cleaning laundry machine is from an outtake of a standalone boiler system which is typically used for a variety of fabric treatment machines in a commercial laundry operation. A debris and clean steam/air separation chamber periodically or continuously separates and/or filters debris, chemicals, and/or other undesirable elements from the drum and evacuates clean or cleaned-up air and moistures to au air-out duct.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to a method for determining at least one characteristic of a physical resource for use in a physical resource consuming apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a shoe (1), especially of a sport shoe, with a shoe upper (2) and a midsole (3) which is arranged at the shoe upper. To obtain improved ergonomics of the shoe without disturbance of its appearance the method comprises the steps: a) Production of a shoe upper (2) of the shoe (1), wherein a receiving pocket (4) is arranged at the bottom side of the shoe upper (2), which receiving pocket (4) forms a receiving space (5) for the material of the midsole (3) which receiving space (5) is at least substantially closed; b) Placement of the shoe upper (2) including the receiving pocket (4) in a molding tool (6, 7, 8); c) Pouring or injecting of flowable plastic material into the receiving space (5) of the receiving pocket (4) to form the midsole (3); d) Letting solidify of the poured or injected plastic material; e) Demolding of the shoe upper (2) including receiving pocket (4) and poured or injected midsole (3) from the molding tool (6, 7, 8).

Abstract: An example dock leveler disclosed herein includes a deck and a lip structure translatable relative to the deck. A frame is disposed within a pit underneath the deck and includes a deck-supporting surface. A deck-supporting foot extends from the lip structure to engage the deck-supporting surface. A weather shield has a lower end and an upper end, the lower end of the weather shield coupled to at least one of the frame and a wall of the pit, the upper end of the weather shield is carried by the lip structure, the lower end of the weather shield is positioned forward of the deck-supporting foot when the deck is in a cross-traffic position while the lip structure is in a retracted position, and the deck-supporting foot is positioned forward of the lower end of the weather shield when the lip structure is in an extended position.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp system has multiple configurations. The simplest embodiment provides a ramp which can move between a retracted configuration and an extended “step in” configuration in which an outboard end of the ramp is closer to the ground than in the retracted configuration, so that the outboard end of the ramp functions as a lowered step. A preferred embodiment provides a fully retracted configuration, a partially extended “step in” configuration, a partially extended “curb ramp” configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a curb or sidewalk, and a fully extended configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a road surface of the road on which the vehicle carrying the ramp is supported.

Abstract: A pool cleaning robot for cleaning a surface of a swimming pool, said robot may include: a main housing; main wheels being configured for propelling the robot and for rotating at a first angular velocity; at least one auxiliary brushwheel disposed between said main wheels; and at least one inlet being formed in a bottom panel of the housing between said main wheels and being configured for intake of water and debris; wherein said robot is configured for rotating said auxiliary brushwheel about an axis of rotation at a second angular velocity which is substantially greater than the first angular velocity; wherein said second angular velocity is at least substantially twice that of the first angular velocity.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of tooth cleaning devices, especially electrical toothbrushes. The invention further relates to the use of an air/water jet for the cleaning of teeth. A process for cleaning teeth that incorporates a water jet for cleaning teeth remains to be desired, especially a single device that can be employed to clean teeth and reliably deposit material onto teeth. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a process for cleaning teeth with an electrical toothbrush device providing improved cleaning by means of an externally mixed air-water jet wherein the water dosing is not influenced by the air pressure. Surprisingly it has been found that a tooth brush device, comprising an air/water jet, wherein the air and water are mixed outside the nozzle(s), provides improved cleaning of dental surfaces, including inter-proximal areas, with low usage of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, in particular to a cleaning apparatus, for carrying out a working movement moving to and fro, in particular a periodic working movement, in particular a cleaning movement, having a holding rod defining a longitudinal direction and a work unit which is coupled to the holding rod and which is movable relative to the holding rod for carrying out a working movement running parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein an external drive is provided for generating the working movement.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material positioned within the receiving cavity, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a base surface that is flush with the second face of the head and a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.

Abstract: A single trigger mechanism to release a disposable microfiber cloth or non-woven cloth from a flat mop. There are three major components of the present invention: (1) a top plate; (2) a mechanical plate; and (3) a push plate.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a handle and a head having a flexible support from which cleaning elements extend. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a flexible support attached to the head and having a face; a plurality of cleaning elements attached to the flexible support and projecting outwardly from the face, the cleaning elements including bristles and wall-like elements and being movable in the outward direction from the head; wherein the cleaning elements comprise a row of first cleaning elements substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the head and traversing a central region of the flexible support; and wherein some of the wall-like cleaning elements laterally radiate from the central region of the flexible support.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth of the invention includes: a first face including a first fold location and a second fold location that intersects and is generally perpendicular to the first fold location, the first and second fold locations dividing the entire first face into four quadrant cleaning areas of substantially equal size, each of the first and second fold locations having a length; and a set of four sequential indicators at the first face, with one of each of the set of four sequential indicators located at one of each of the four quadrant cleaning areas. The first face is free of marked lines that extend along the entire length of each of the first and second fold locations. In this fashion, a user may fold and unfold the cleaning cloth so as to expose and use one or more of the four quadrant cleaning areas in a particular sequence by reference to the sequential indicators, and whereby a user may know which of the four quadrant cleaning areas have been used by reference to the sequential indicators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper apparatus in which it is easy to replace a wiper blade without this leading to any erroneous operation. When a wiper operation has been stopped by a wiper driving apparatus 31, the wiper driving apparatus causes the wiper arms to first move to a housing position and then stops the wiper arms. When wiper blades are to be replaced, an IG switch 33 is turned off during a wiper operation. If the IG switch 33 is turned off while the wiper arms are within a first stopping range, then the wiper arms are stopped at that position and the blades are replaced. If the wiper arms are stopped outside the first stopping range, then they are first moved to a bottom inverted position or a housing position and are then stopped.

Abstract: A wiper blade having a lever assembly and a spoiler integrated in the lever assembly. The wiper blade has a wiper rubber and the lever assembly holding the wiper rubber and being coupled to a wiper arm. The lever assembly has a plurality of levers, adjacent levers of which are hinge-jointed to each other. The lever of the lever assembly includes a spoiler portion forming a section of a spoiler integrated in the lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper drive (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a windshield wiper drive (1), with a reverse-operating drive motor (3), for driving a wiper shaft (6) connected non-rotatably to a wiper arm (18), and with a fastening board (7) for attaching the windshield wiper drive (1) to a vehicle body or to a body-mounted component (29). The invention provides that a first end stop surface (22) for delimiting the rotary movement of the wiper shaft (6) in a first direction of rotation is provided on the fastening board (7) or on a component (29) affixed to the fastening board (7).

Abstract: In a connecting member, a base member includes an installation portion, to which a hook of a wiper arm configured into a U-shape form is adapted to be installed after installation of the base member to a wiper blade. A lock member is rotatably connected to the base member and is adapted to be engaged with an arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook after installation of the hook to the installation portion. The lock member includes an engaging portion, which is adapted to be engaged with the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook to exert a resilient force against the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook. The resilient force of the engaging portion is exerted as a rotational force in a locking direction of the lock member against the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal groove on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connection piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to said connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in said oscillating arm, and wherein said resilient tongue is rotatable along an hinge axis between an outward position retaining the wiper blade onto the oscillating arm and an inward position rele

Abstract: A scoop and gatherer set for picking up small items and debris, such as for use by a child to scoop-up small toys. The scoop comprises a trapezoidal bottom, two triangular side walls, and a rectangular back wall. The back wall also comprises a rectangular hole of sufficient size to insert a user's palm to grasp and lift the scoop without extensive rotation of a user's wrist. The gatherer is of a slightly concave trapezoidal shape comprising a ledge on the top edge inner surface to assist in grasping it. The gatherer bottom edge may further comprise short bristles for brushing items into the scoop, or a smooth fabric to prevent scratching of the floor surface. The set may further comprise a means to quickly attach and detach the gatherer to the scoop for storage as one unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a self testing method thereof. The robot cleaner performs a self test when being initially operated or when required by a user. This may prevent malfunctions or breakdowns of the robot cleaner. Furthermore, the robot cleaner senses states of components and sensors mounted therein, and performs a self test based on characteristics, output values, etc. of the components and the sensors. This may prevent accidents or errors which may occur as the robot cleaner operates.

Abstract: The forwardly projecting wand of a conventional commercial carpet steam cleaner is propped up by a connected stabilization leg extension so as to reduce the weight imposed upon the operator by the cleaner during its operation. The stabilizing leg extension is provided the same cleaning capabilities the conventional cleaner has so that, modified in this way, the number of cleaning members is doubled and twice as much of the cleaning area is covered with each stroke of the wand. Handlebars are added to further ease the task and an attached stowage nest is incidentally included for a supplementary cleaning extension.

Abstract: An upright type cleaner in which a mounting structure of a suction device is improved is described. The cleaner includes a base provided with a suction port, a main body connected to the base, and a suction device including a flexible hose extended from the base or the main body, a pipe connected to the flexible hose, and a tool connected to the pipe. The suction device may be fixedly attached to the main body when the tool is mounted on the suction device.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone chamber in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may be comprise a cyclone chamber first end and a cyclone chamber second opposed end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a cyclone chamber wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt collection chamber first end, a dirt collection chamber second opposed end and an outer longitudinally extending sidewall. The outer longitudinally extending sidewall may have at least one recess provided therein.

Abstract: The electrical household appliance of the invention comprises a water filter suitable for use in a vacuum cleaner, said water filter comprises an inlet shaft perpendicular to the bottom surface of a water receptacle and in communication with a suction hose slot located at an emptied front part of said receptacle, said inlet shaft communicating with a top portion in the uppermost region of said water receptacle, said top portion extending parallel to the receptacle's bottom surface, said top portion further dividing into two separate tubes in the form of air exit posts at both sides of said inlet shaft, said air exit posts extending perpendicular to the receptacle's bottom surface.

Abstract: An agitator arrangement for a floor cleaning machine is disclosed including various multi-agitator configurations or one agitator configuration with a plurality of brushes with bristle bundles for rotation of the brushes about an approximate vertical axis with a plurality of stationary downwardly projecting, bristle bundles arranged in at least one row approximately side by side with or without an offset. In particular, agitator assemblies having multiple brushes that rotate in approximately a horizontal and approximately a vertical axis or that rotate at different speeds and torque. Other configurations may include multi-row multiple vertical axis agitators.

Abstract: A rotating cleaning element configured to be inserted in a cleaning head compartment of a robotic vacuum, the rotating cleaning element including: a drive end including a drive protrusion configured to engage a drive mechanism of the cleaning head compartment; a bearing end and a shroud configured to surround at least a portion of the bearing end to lessen an amount of hair and similar matter that reaches the bearing; and a central member extending between the bearing end and the drive end.

Abstract: A dust collector comprises a tank having an intake opening; a head unit mounted on the tank; a motor provided on the head unit and having a rotor, a stator and an output shaft; a fan provided on the head unit and rotating under power from the motor, for sucking air or liquids into the tank from the intake opening; and a filter housed in the tank, that separates dust from the air or liquid sucked into the tank. The rotor has a coil disc having multiple roughly annular coils arranged in a circumferential direction centered on the output shaft in the direction of the axial line of the output shaft. The stator has a magnetic flux generation mechanism that generates magnetic flux that passes through the coil disc in the direction of the axial line of the output shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed an anti-sag hinge (10) which includes a mounting flange assembly (12) pivotally coupled to a strap assembly (15). The strap assembly includes a strap (31) extending from a cylinder portion (32). The strap includes elongated mounting holes (69), an adjustment screw boss (70) having a passageway (71), and a moveable adjustment bracket (77) having an adjustment screw mounting flange (78) with a threaded screw hole (79) therein in which is threadably mounted an adjustment screw (80). The adjustment screw has a head (81), a bearing flange (82), a neck (83), and a threaded shaft (84). A removable spacer (86) has a U-shaped gripping portion (87) which is snap fitted onto a portion of the threaded shaft between the bearing flange and the adjustment bracket screw flange. The adjustment bracket includes four mounting holes (88) extending therethrough and generally in alignment with strap elongated mounting holes.

Abstract: A gate-hinge bracket for fastening to a gate post has a J-bolt and a mounting plate. The J-bolt has an elongated threaded shank and a generally perpendicular pintle. The mounting plate has an internally-threaded socket for coupling with the threaded shank portion of the J-bolt. It further has a plurality of fastener openings for fastening it to the gate post by fasteners. Thus, the J-bolt can be twisted relative to the stationary mounting plate until the pintle portion is aligned on a chosen axis. Optionally there is a lock nut on the threaded shank between the pintle and the mounting plate in order to lock the pintle in a fixed position. Optionally the gate post is tree trunk or slice thereof bored with an enlarged clearance bore for the shank of the J-bolt, as well as with pilot holes for fasteners like lag screws.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes an inner cylindrical housing having a first slot formed therethough extending between distal ends of the inner cylindrical housing, and an outer cylindrical housing having a second slot formed therethough extending between distal ends of the outer cylindrical housing and being configured to engage with the inner cylindrical housing. The first slot and second slot form unique paths which prevent complete alignment of the first slot and the second slot during axial rotation of the hinge apparatus.

Abstract: A gripping system for a handle has a cylindrical handle with a handle exterior surface. The system has a flexible gripping wrap with a plurality of outwardly protruding ridges and a plurality of inwardly protruding channels located on a wrap bottom surface. The gripping wrap has a first recessed ledge located on an intersection of a wrap top surface and a wrap second edge and a second recessed ledge located at an intersection of the wrap bottom surface and a wrap fourth edge. The gripping wrap is located on, and flexibly covers at least a portion of the handle exterior surface. The second recessed ledge is adapted to overlay, interface with, and attach to the first recessed ledge.

Abstract: A rigid modular connector operable to attach to any type of standard male surgical feature that is suitable for large axial loads in both rotational and translational directions while providing accurate tactile feedback. The rigid modular connector includes a handle, a connector rigidly affixed to a proximal end of the handle, and a collar that may slide longitudinally about the connector. The collar may further include one or more leaf springs that are operable to pivot slightly away from or closer to the collar. When the collar slides towards the handle on the connector, the one or more leaf springs may pivot inwardly, locking the collar with the handle in an open position. When the collar slides or the collar slides towards a proximal end of the connector, the one or more leaf springs may pivot outwardly, locking the collar with the connector in a closed position.

Abstract: A module feeder system is disclosed. The module feeder system comprises a module feeder which has an unload bed, a feeder bed, a first side wall and a second side wall. A cutting device is attached to the feeder bed. At least one hydraulic cylinder is positioned on each of the first and second side walls. Each hydraulic cylinder is configured to project in a direction away from the sidewalls and over the feeder bed. A method used to unwrap a cotton module is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tie for example for use as a cable tie has a head, a locking member captively mounted inside the head, and an elongate flexible strap attached to the head. A free end of the flexible strap can be inserted into the head and secured, such that retraction from the head is inhibited by the locking member. The free end of the strap is provided with an approachment formation arranged to guide the free end of the strap to pass the locking member in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A hand puller for storing a band. The base of a body is provided with a winding axle. A ratchet is driven to rotate the winding axle. A long band goes from the other end of the hook tool through the winding axle and winds around the winding axle. The other end of the winding axle is connected with another hook tool. One end of the belt of a tying structure is fixed with a buckle. The other end of the belt winds around the connecting part and goes through the buckle, getting fixed by the buckle after the length thereof is adjusted.

Abstract: A magnetic locking device for closing preferably handbags and similar objects. includes connecting modules each provided with a guide piece having a tubular or trough-like cross section, wherein the guide pieces are formed so as to be fittable into one another, and permanent magnets are arranged at the bottoms thereof, wherein the permanent magnet in the first guide piece is fixedly arranged and the permanent magnet in the guide piece is movably arranged so that, when the device is closed, it is automatically adjusted to the other permanent magnet and brought into an attraction position.