Abstract: Annotation techniques are provided. In one aspect, a method for processing a computer-based material is provided. The method comprises the following steps. The computer-based material is presented. One or more portions of the computer-based material are determined to be of interest to a user. The one or more portions are annotated to permit return to the one or more portions at a later time. In another aspect, a user interface is provided. The user interface comprises a computer-based material; a viewing focal area encompassing a portion of the computer-based material; and one or more indicia associated with and annotating the portion of the computer-based material.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of an extruder screw by affixing tiles of wear-resistant material along the crest of the extruder screw flighting threads, and optionally grinding the hardened material to remove any sharp edges. In another configuration of the present invention, plates of wear-resistant material are secured to the leading edges of the extruder screw threads to further prolong the life of the extruder screw.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reliable neighbor discovery in wireless ad hoc networks are provided herein. In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for analyzing the quality of a communication link. In embodiments, several factors affecting link quality may be incorporated in the analysis, and basic and/or complex statistical and/or probabilistic analysis may be used. In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for neighbor node discovery that adapt to network and/or node operating conditions and that dynamically maintain a neighbor node set at a given node according to these conditions. In a further aspect, embodiments of the present invention extend the utility of neighbor node discovery beyond the customary role of data routing support into the problem of deploying an ad hoc network by providing a display module for displaying node connectivity information.

Abstract: An equal gain composite beamforming technique which includes the constraint that the power of the signal output by each antenna is the same, and is equal to the total power of the transmit signal divided by the number N of transmit antennas from which the signal is to be transmitted. By reducing output power requirements for each power amplifier, the silicon area of the power amplifiers are reduced by as much as N times (where N is equal to the number of transmit antennas) relative to a non-equal gain composite beamforming technique.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for binding together human or animal tissue using one-way sutures having barbs on their exterior surfaces, allowing passage of a needle-drawn suture in one direction through tissue, but not in the opposite direction. In closing a wound, the sutures are passed through tissue at each of the opposed sides of the wound, forming suture pairs in which trailing ends of the sutures are juxtaposed in the wound. The number of suture pairs is selected in accordance with the size of the wound. The wound is closed and ends of the sutures of each suture pair are secured together, which may be by heat bonding or surgical knots. In a variation of this procedure double-armed sutures are used. In another variation detachable needles are used to leave the barbed sutures below the skin. The invention avoids loop stitching, minimizing scarring.

Abstract: A cut resistant sweater is provided including a chest portion, sleeves, collar, and closure extending from the top edge of the collar through at least part of the chest portion. The closure includes an opening extending from the top of the collar through at least part of the chest portion, and a strip having a first part of a hook and loop fastener thereon. A second part of the hook and loop fastener is disposed on the sweater in at least two pieces, a piece adjacent to a first side of the opening and a piece adjacent to a second side of the opening. The closure is stiff relative to the collar to support the collar. A method for manufacturing the sweater includes providing a cut resistant yarn, and knitting it into a sweater in the order of cuff of first sleeve, first sleeve, body and collar, second sleeve, and cuff of the second sleeve.

Abstract: A pant-type wearing article configured so as to facilitate fastener members attached to inelastic regions defined in lateral zones of the wearing article to be handled. The pant-type wearing article includes front fastener members attached to transversely opposite lateral zones of a front waist region that are detachably engaged with rear fastener members attached to transversely opposite lateral zones of a rear waist region so as to form a pant-shaped wearing article. In the lateral zones, elastic members extending under tension in a circumferential direction across the waist regions are cut at a plurality of locations so as to form first front inelastic regions and first rear inelastic regions. The front fastener members and the rear fastener members are respectively attached to the first front inelastic regions and the first rear inelastic regions, respectively.

Abstract: A system for providing a secure fit between feet and/or ankles of an individual and boot sections of wader pants may include wader pants including boot sections, and wader support pants configured to be positioned underneath or over the wader pants. The wader support pants may include inflatable membranes configured to be disposed within or on the boot sections of the wader pants, and a pump in fluid communication with the inflatable membranes. The pump is operable to inflate the membranes to provide a secure fit between the boot sections of the wader pants and the feet and/or ankles of the individual.

Abstract: A replaceable helmet protective skin, which is adapted for covering an outer surface of a helmet, includes a skin body configured to attach and detach while in use fittingly cover the outer surface of the helmet as if part of the outer surface thereof in an edge-to-edge manner, wherein the skin body is formed a receiving cavity therewithin for fittingly receiving the helmet to cover the outer surface thereof. At least one adjustable fastener is preferably provided along an elongated opening of the skin body, so that the size of the receiving cavity of the skin body is able to be increased via opening the adjustable fastener for conveniently attaching and detaching when covering or removing the replaceable helmet protective skin. The adjustable fastener is able to be adjustably closed for securely fitting the skin body on the outer surface of the helmet.

Abstract: A multi-function garment includes an article of clothing and pockets disposed thereon. Each pocket includes an opening, a lining, and a two-sided engaging unit. The lining of one pocket includes a storage body of a ring-like configuration. The storage body has an open external vacancy interrupting the ring-like configuration of the storage body and an inner vacancy having one end closed and the other end communicating with the external vacancy. A dimension of the external vacancy is smaller than a dimension of the inner vacancy, and a protecting layer is disposed on an inner surface of the lining. Besides a wearing function of sheltering users' skin, the interior of the lining can be reversed outward to allow the article of clothing to be stuffed into the storage body, which is then converted into a neck pillow configuration for achieving the multiple function of using. The structure of the garment is also compact and easy to carry.

Abstract: A protective headgear device including a fabric cap (102) into which a hard shell (120) of reinforced fibers is inserted. A foam liner 140 or foam inserts (1500) are secured to the hard outer shell 120 and serve a shock absorbing function. The foam liner (14) and/or foam inserts (120) include or form grooves and/or channels used to direct hot air towards the top center of the headgear assembly where the hot air can be vented through holes which extend through the cap (102) and hard outer shell (120). The holes may pass through the foam liner 140 or meet up with holes on channels in or between the foam inserts through which air can pass. The hard outer shell maybe thinnest on top and thicker on the left and right sides. The center front and rear may be the same thickness as the top of the hard shell.

Abstract: A pair of swim goggles include a connecting frame being assembled with a left lens frame and a right lens frame and a head strap, characterized in that the left and the right lens frames respectively have a lens and a frame body, an upper side and a lower side of the frame body respectively provided with a track thereon, the connecting frame including a first rib and a second rib spaced apart from each other and respectively defining a connection part thereon for being detachably coupled with the respective track, whereby the left and the right lens frames are detachably and separately assembled with the respective first rib and second rib and therefore are slidable with respect to the first and the second ribs though the track.

Abstract: A hazardous materials protective garment may use a two-stage evaporative cooling process to ease heat strain on the wearer of the garment. The garment may include an impermeable inner layer and a wicking outer layer. One or more reservoirs may be disposed interior to the inner layer for collecting condensed and/or unevaporated sweat. One or more pumps may move the sweat to the exterior of the impermeable layer for distribution in the wicking layer and evaporation from the garment.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing a pedestal of a toilet to a trap. The mounting assembly including a clamping member pivotally coupled to the trap, the clamping member having an opening extending therethrough, and an adjusting member extending through an opening in the pedestal and through the opening in the clamping member. The adjusting member is configured to pivot the clamping member between a first position in which a portion of the clamping member contacts the adjusting member to secure the pedestal to the trap and a second position in which the portion of the clamping member does not contact the adjusting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an existing Western-style toilet having a toilet bowl facilitates use of a squatting posture thereon. The apparatus includes a platform assembly including: a mounting flange that is connectable to the toilet bowl, and a support platform that is pivotally connected to the mounting flange. The support platform defines first and second spaced-apart foot support surfaces to support a person's feet and a gap through which the person's waste products can pass.

Abstract: A plumbing fixture, such as a bidet or toilet, includes a frontal basin and a supply of water for cleaning the basin. The plumbing fixture includes a modular housing mountable behind the basin and at least one control positioned in the modular housing to control operation of the plumbing fixture. The control may be light controls, bidet wand position controls, bidet wand heated air supply controls, bidet wand water supply controls, lid position movement controls, seat position movement controls, deodorizer controls, audio device controls and ultra violet sanitizer controls.

Abstract: A portable toilet has a bowl, a seat, and legs. The legs are telescopically extensible to allow positioning of the height of the bowl and wheels are mounted to the lower ends of the legs. The legs are spaced apart for fitting on opposite sides of a conventional building toilet and placing the bowl above the conventional toilet. The bowl has an open lower end which is enclosed by a slide door which is moved to open the lower end of the bowl and allow the contents of the bowl to spill therefrom into the conventional toilet. The contents of the bowl fall through the open lower end of the bowl and into the conventional building toilet. Preferably, pneumatic spring assist or an electric linear actuator are provided to aid in lifting and lowering the bowl after use. Water is provided for sweeping waste from within the bowl.

Abstract: A water jet having a housing with a first attachment means having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner side, and an outer side; an entrance slot accessible from the inner side and extending along the inner side a distance between the first side and the second side; a retaining path extending along at least one-quarter of the circumference of the first attachment means from the entrance slot, the retaining path for retaining a second attachment means; and a retainer located at a juncture between the entrance slot and the retaining path for removably retaining the second attachment means within the retaining path, wherein the retainer is movable from a locked or retaining position to an unlocked or releasing position and back; and a sleeve rotatably mounted within the housing, the sleeve having the second attachment means, the second attachment means being a protrusion extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve, wherein when the retainer is in the locked or retaini

Abstract: The invention is directed to a shower assembly having an electronically controlled shower head that is controlled by a computerized control unit. The assembly can automatically bathe a user by following a program that dictates time of bathing, shower head position and motion, and the dispensing of bathing agents such as body wash or shampoo.

Abstract: An adjustable, collapsible mattress support for a box spring has cross bars with slidably connected sections. A first section of each cross bar is fixedly attached to a band that folds around the second section and slides along the second section. A bolt that passes through holes in the second section slides into a slot in the band. By aligning the slot over one of the holes through which the bolt passes, the length of the cross bars can be adjusted to accommodate the widths of different sized box springs and mattresses. The first section is fixedly attached to a hinge plate. First and second bars are pivotally attached to the plate. The first and second bars pivot about parallel axes that pass through the plate at separate fixed locations and that are orthogonal to the plate. The mattress support accommodates full, Queen, California King and Eastern King sized mattresses.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a bed having an integrated, hidden pet ramp. The bedframe may include a headboard, a footboard, a first side rail, and a second side rail, the bedframe configured to support a mattress. A ramp support/attachment rail may extend along a length of the footboard and may support a ramp configured to support an animal. The ramp may include a ramp landing and a ramp side extending from an upward facing surface of the ramp to the floor, wherein the ramp side may abut the mattress. In embodiments, the first side rail may be shorter than the second side rail to accommodate a ramp entry, and the ramp may extend from the ramp entry upwardly to the ramp landing. Additionally, the footboard may extend upwardly past the upper surface of the ramp to hide the ramp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric arrangement and pillow designed to prevent skin lines and wrinkle formation while improving sleep using combinations of fabrics, cooling technologies and scents. The present invention is designed with a specific fabric and materials combination that create a surface in which the shear stresses causing skin lines and wrinkles are eliminated. Multiple layers make up the fabric arrangement include a top layer comprising a stretchable material and a second layer comprising a low friction material relative to the first layer. Supporting the first two layer is a support layer such as foam. Lower layers may comprise a cooling material, an antimicrobial or anti-allergenic material and a scent layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides at least in part a bed cover comprising a plurality of heat insulating chambers having a first surface and a second surface and at least two sidewalls connecting the first surface and the second surface, the width of said first surface being greater than the width of said second surface; a plurality of heat conduits between the sidewalls of the heat insulating chambers, said heat conduits having an open and a closed position; wherein each heat insulating chamber is hingeably connected to at least one adjacent heat insulating chamber, such that the heat conduits may open and close as adjacent heat insulating chambers flex towards or away from each other.

Abstract: A modular, multi-articulated patient support system includes independently adjustable columns connected by an adjustable base and supporting a patient support structure. Each column includes rotation, angulation and separation adjustment structure. The patient support may be raised, lowered and rotated about a longitudinal axis in either horizontal or tilted orientation. The patient support includes a body support rotatably coupled with right and left leg supports disengageable at the outboard ends, that can be tilted, rotated and locked in place. An intermediate brace engages the base when the outboard ends of the leg supports are disengaged. The patient support structure may include two pairs of patient supports, each attached at the outboard end of a column and having a free inboard end. A coordinated drive system raises, lowers, tilts and rotates the patient supports, which may be positioned in overlapping relation.

Abstract: An examination table including an integrated scale with automatic taring, weight capture in the presence of patient motion, and automatic table height adjustment. The examination table includes a controller that periodically tares the integrated scale when a patient is not on the table so that the scale is ready to measure the weight of a patient without manual taring by the table operator. When a patient is on the table, the controller detects the presence of patient motion based on signals from load sensors, and captures weights for patients experiencing uncontrolled motion or tremors by averaging and comparing sampled weight values over predetermined periods of time. To insure that the patient is fully supported by the examination table before weighing the patient, the controller automatically adjusts the height of the examination table support surface so that the patient's feet are not touching the floor prior to weighing the patient.

Abstract: A bed frame includes a weight bearing framework 30, and a footboard 82 that cooperates with the framework to define an edge 90 of an occupant region 92 of the bed. The footboard 82 includes a footboard frame 100 and a pressurizable cushion 104. A mattress system 160 includes a main occupant support portion 162 with a support surface 168 and a cushion 170 located footwardly of the occupant support portion. The cushion has a deployed state in which it projects vertically higher than the support surface and a stored state in which it does not project vertically higher than the support surface.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises a plurality of parallel strings of springs, each string joined to an adjacent string, each string comprising first and second opposed plies of fabric and a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the string by transverse seams joining the first and second plies, and at least one spring positioned in each pocket. At least one said string has a single spring in one pocket and a pair of nested springs in an adjacent pocket in alternating fashion along the length of the string, the pair of nested springs having a taller spring and a shorter spring. A portion of each transverse seam forming the adjacent pockets of the at least one string is divided from an upper surface of the at least one string downwardly so as to partially separate the adjacent pockets.

Abstract: A patient moving station provides fluid bladders connected to a fluid transfer station. Fluid, preferably air, is provided to a first compartment to lift the buttocks of a patient to provide a gap to assist in changing diapers. Second and third compartments below shoulders are useful to inflate and deflate to turn the patient.

Abstract: A mattress pad or topper is provided. The mattress pad or topper includes a main body having a length, an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral surface. The main body includes a gusset portion having an arcuate profile at the upper surface defining a support portion, and at least one adjoining portion adjoined to the gusset portion. The upper surface at the arcuate profile projects beyond the upper surface at the adjoining portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-contained and wireless monitoring device (10) for use in a washing machine (1) to indicate shortage of detergent in said washing machine. The monitoring device comprises a sensor (13) arranged to monitor detergent concentration in washing liquid (5) of said washing machine and to provide an alarm signal (A) when said monitored detergent concentration is below a target value. The monitoring device is capable of floating in said washing liquid and comprises signalling means (11) for indicating said shortage of detergent in response to said alarm signal. The invention further relates to a package containing such a monitoring device and a method for indicating shortage of detergent.

Abstract: A debris removal device for electrostatically removing debris may include a sheet comprising a plurality of conductive traces and a driver circuit positioned in electrical communication with the conductive traces of the sheet. Each conductive trace may be spaced apart from adjacent conductive traces. Furthermore, the driver circuit may be configured to selectively energize subsets of the plurality of conductive trace. The driver circuit may be configured to energize the subsets of the plurality of conductive traces sequentially.

Abstract: A pool cleaner having a coarse filter and a fine filter. The coarse filter removes large pieces of debris. The fine filter removes fine particles from the water. In an embodiment, the fine filter is a filter bag made from a cloth material. In an embodiment, the coarse filter is a mesh grating with small holes. In an embodiment, the fine filter is supported by a rigid mesh placed downstream from the coarse filter.

Abstract: The inventive device object of the present application is an innovative automatic toothbrush that fits like a mouth guard between the user's top and bottom teeth. Moving bristles will clean all around each tooth at the same time, so teeth can be cleaned well and in less time than using a conventional toothbrush. Omnibrush is a revolutionary new way to have enhanced dental care. It fits around the top and bottom teeth like a mouth guard. There are bristles for the outside, the inside and the tops and bottoms of each individual tooth. While positioned comfortably within the mouth, the bristles will work automatically to clean every tooth thoroughly. The unit is electrically powered, using a charger or rechargeable batteries. The cleaning bristles can be replaced when they become worn, eliminating the need to replace the whole cleaning unit. It will be available in a small size so children can use it as well.

Abstract: A floor care machine is provided that includes a replaceable floor care element that is quickly and easily attached and detached. To attach the floor care element, an operator positions the floor care element under a motor and lifts the element up to a motor interface. The motor interface aligns with a complementary interface of the floor care element.

Abstract: A mop structure is provided, which comprises a shaft body, a rotary disc and a coupling assembly. The rotary disc has a rotary disc hole. The coupling assembly is inserted through the rotary disc hole and connects the shaft body with the rotary disc. In addition, the rotary disc is formed with an extending part at two ends corresponding to the rotary disc hole respectively, and the extending parts are bendable with respect to the rotary disc. Thereby, bending the extending parts can make it further convenient to perform the dewatering operation to achieve the cleaning and dewatering efficacy.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a wiper blade assembly structure which has a space unit formed in a certain area of a support frame, to which a main arm of the wiper is coupled, and allows a replaceable adaptor to be detachably attached to the space unit to thereby enable various types of main arms to be coupled to a single support frame together with the replaceable adaptor.

Abstract: A spin mop includes a grip body casing. The grip body casing is an elongated member and hollow with an inside surface. The inside surface has a threaded panel assembly. The threaded panel assembly is formed in elongated shape and has threaded panel threads alternating with threaded panel fillets. A clutch shaft extends into the grip body casing. The clutch shaft is telescopically mounted to the grip body casing. A clutch assembly is formed on the clutch shaft. The clutch assembly extends into the grip body casing. The clutch assembly further includes a first clutch member and a second clutch member. The first clutch member is rotably mounted to the clutch shaft. The second clutch member is fixed to the clutch shaft. A helical tooth is formed on an external surface of the first clutch member.

Abstract: A mopping assembly includes a mop handle having a first telescoping piece, a second telescoping piece, and a rotating mechanism extending between the first and second telescoping pieces. The rotating mechanism engages the first telescoping piece and the second telescoping piece, and the rotating mechanism includes a spiral track disposed in the second telescoping piece, and an end of the first telescoping piece engages and transitions along the spiral track.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner to perform a plurality of cleaning functions includes a main body including a suction motor, a nozzle to suction air and foreign material by using a suction power generated by the suction motor, and a handle disposed between the nozzle and the main body to be gripped by a user. A communication unit receives power information from an external, and a power management unit receives the power information from the communication unit. The power management unit determines a number of cleaning functions available to the vacuum cleaner among the plurality of cleaning functions based on the received power information, and a display unit displays the number of the cleaning functions determined by the power management unit to be available to the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a body having at least one outer wall, a drive system disposed on the body and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, and a cleaning assembly carried by the body. The cleaning assembly includes first and second cleaning rollers rotatably coupled to the body, a suction assembly having a channel disposed adjacent at least one of the cleaning rollers, and a container in fluid communication with the channel. The container is configured to collect debris drawn into the channel. The suction assembly is configured to draw debris removed from the work surface by at least one of the cleaning rollers into the channel, and the container has a wall common with the at least one outer wall of the body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a main body, a dust separator selectively mounted on the main body, the dust separator including a dust separation device and a dust storage device having at least one compression member disposed therein, the at least one compression member being configured to be rotated to compress dust.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member, a suction motor and a filter housing. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a main body comprising a front end, a rear end and a central portion. The air treatment member may be removably mounted to the central portion. A pair of spaced apart main wheels may be mounted to the main body on either side of the central portion and may have an axis of rotation. The filter housing may be located in the central portion forward or rearward of the air treatment member.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a separation module includes an exhaust grill having openings through which air may pass, wherein the exhaust grill is positioned fluidly between a separator chamber and an air outlet. A plurality of debris catching tines prevent debris from wrapping around and blocking the openings of the exhaust grill.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a dirt cup of a vacuum cleaner. The latch mechanism can include a first sloped portion provided on a mounting structure for receiving a dirt cup and a filter housing in supporting relationship to the vacuum cleaner and a second sloped portion on the filter housing corresponding to the first sloped portion. Movement of the filter housing in a first direction relative to the mounting structure as the first and second sloped portions bear against each other results in the movement of the filter housing, and thus the dirt cup, in a second direction transverse to the first direction relative to the mounting structure.

Abstract: An anti-rattle sleeve that includes a retention feature on a split end that extends radially from the body portion and a slot configured to allow the retention feature to be pressed through an opening. The sleeve also includes a flange portion opposite the split end that includes an inner bump configured to contact a surface of an object bracket and an outer bump configured to contact a surface of a mounting bracket. The inner bump and the outer bump are located relative to the slot such that the sleeve is deformed by the brackets in a manner effective to reduce relative motion between the object bracket and the mounting bracket when compressed between the brackets.

Abstract: A leg cap and caster mounting apparatus having a base with a leg-engaging top side and a bottom side, a center hole extending through said base from said bottom side to said top side, and a perimeter wall defining an open top and extending vertically and upwardly from said base and having an exterior side and a leg-engaging interior side, said open top sized to accept the end of a table or furniture leg. The top side includes a nut well shaped to accommodate a nut and to prevent said nut from turning when a threaded shank of a caster wheel assembly is threadably inserted into said nut. A method of capping a table or furniture leg and installing a caster wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge box, and a decklid attachment bracket rotatably attached to the hinge box. The decklid attachment bracket includes a contoured surface. A compressible member is positioned for engagement with the contoured surface as the decklid attachment bracket moves between an open position and a closed position. The contoured surface defines an outer region, a recessed region, and an inner region. The outer region compresses the compressible member as the decklid attachment bracket moves between the open and closed positions to absorb energy and dampen movement of the decklid attachment bracket. The recessed region cradles the compressible member without substantially compressing the compressible member when the decklid attachment bracket is in the open position to secure the position of the decklid attachment bracket. The inner region compresses the compressible member to absorb energy, and limit movement of the decklid attachment bracket beyond the open position.

Abstract: An elastic hinge element for a glasses frame includes a box (100) that includes a guiding cavity (101), a slide (200) that includes a body (201) moving in the guiding cavity (101), and at least one elastic piece (204) that works with the box to produce an elastic reaction that opposes the extraction of the slide from the guiding cavity (101), in which the slide body (201) includes an inside cavity that accommodates the elastic piece. The hinge element includes a holding clip for locking a proximal end of the elastic piece relative to the box (100), with the holding clip including flexible arms that extend in a distal direction and holding element (207a) that work with the box (100).

Abstract: The present invention relates a hinge safety cover and, more particularly, a hinge safety cover in which a hinge installed between a door frame and a door of furniture or a sink, a cabinet, etc. used in a kitchen, is prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing clothes/bedclothes or a hanger being caught in the hinge so that the clothes/bedclothes are not damaged or the hinge is not broken, or preventing an accident which may cause a part of the body of a person, such as a finger, etc., to be trapped and injured.

Abstract: A dual-shaft synchronous motion device includes a first shaft and a second shaft; a first rotor disposed on the first shaft and turned synchronously; a second rotor disposed on the second shaft and turned synchronously; and a tractive member disposed between the first rotor and the second rotor. When the first shaft drives the first rotor to turn, the tractive member brings the second rotor to turn reversely relative to the first rotor so that the first and second shafts are turned synchronously.