Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter bucket and a mop bucket movable between an upstanding use position and a drain position where, when the mop bucket is in the drain position, water in the mop bucket drains into the filter bucket. A fluid flow path connecting the filter bucket to the mop bucket such that water in the filter bucket will flow through the fluid flow path from the filter bucket to the mop bucket. A filter located in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: A broom comprises a handle and a head supported by the handle. The head comprises a first head section pivotably connected to a second head section such that the head sections may rotate relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position. An actuator is movably mounted on the handle between a first position and a second position. A first connecting member connects the actuator to the first head section and a second connecting member connects the actuator to the second head section such that movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position moves the head sections relative to one another between the folded position and the unfolded position. A method of operating the broom is also provided.

Abstract: A voice enhancement device including an earpiece configured to be positioned in an ear canal of a user. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the earpiece. The microcontroller is configured to selectively provide at least multitalker babble. An accelerometer is located within the earpiece and operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer is configured to detect speech by the user and communicate with the microcontroller to provide the multitalker babble to the earpiece during the detected speech by the user. A method of making the voice enhancement device, and a method for increasing vocal loudness in a patient using the voice enhancement device are also disclosed.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: A filter bucket and a mop bucket movable between an upstanding use position and a drain position where, when the mop bucket is in the drain position, water in the mop bucket drains into the filter bucket. A fluid flow path connecting the filter bucket to the mop bucket such that water in the filter bucket will flow through the fluid flow path from the filter bucket to the mop bucket. A filter located in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The liquid dispenser comprises a ratchet assembly, a rotor assembly, a reservoir assembly, and a drive mechanism. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a reservoir tube; and the rotor assembly includes a drive gear and at least one compression element. The ratchet assembly includes a pawl configured to engage the drive gear when the drive mechanism is actuated. Optionally, the liquid dispenser includes a venting assembly and/or a dose control assembly. The venting assembly automatically vents the reservoir when the reservoir is mounted in the liquid dispenser. The dose control assembly allows the user to control the distance the drive mechanism may be actuated and thereby control the amount of liquid that is dispensed. The liquid dispenser of the invention provides accurate control over the amount of liquid that is dispensed as well as ease in replacing the reservoir.

Abstract: A broom comprises a head supporting bristles. A handle is connected to the head at a swivel joint where the swivel joint allows the handle to feely rotate relative to the head. A lock is movable to a locked position to fix the position of the handle relative to the head when the head is in a first position relative to the handle and an unlocked position where the head is free to rotate relative to the handle. A method of operating a broom comprises providing a head supporting bristles connected to a handle at a lockable swivel joint; locking the lockable swivel joint to fix the position of the handle relative to the head in a first position; and unlocking the lockable swivel joint to allow the handle to rotate relative to the head.

Abstract: One example embodiment of the present disclosure includes method and system to improve communication comprising an assembly fixedly positioned during use in close proximity to a user's ear. The assembly includes an accelerometer to detect the initiation and duration of the user's speech and an output presentation system. The output presentation system comprises a non-occlusive ear fitting that presents unintelligible noise that is unrelated to the sound-frequency or intonation of the user's current speech. The unintelligible noise is presented to the patient at a level less than 85 dB. The system further comprises a control arrangement to maintain presentation of the noise substantially throughout the detected duration of the user's speech, but substantially not at other times.

Abstract: The liquid dispenser comprises a ratchet assembly, a rotor assembly, a reservoir assembly, and a drive mechanism. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a reservoir tube; and the rotor assembly includes a drive gear and at least one compression element. The ratchet assembly includes a pawl configured to engage the drive gear when the drive mechanism is actuated. Optionally, the liquid dispenser includes a venting assembly and/or a dose control assembly. The venting assembly automatically vents the reservoir when the reservoir is mounted in the liquid dispenser. The dose control assembly allows the user to control the distance the drive mechanism may be actuated and thereby control the amount of liquid that is dispensed. The liquid dispenser of the invention provides accurate control over the amount of liquid that is dispensed as well as ease in replacing the reservoir.

Abstract: A broom comprises a handle and a head supported by the handle. The head comprises a first head section pivotably connected to a second head section such that the head sections may rotate relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position. An actuator is movably mounted on the handle between a first position and a second position. A first connecting member connects the actuator to the first head section and a second connecting member connects the actuator to the second head section such that movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position moves the head sections relative to one another between the folded position and the unfolded position. A method of operating the broom is also provided.

Abstract: A broom comprises a head supporting bristles. A handle is connected to the head at a swivel joint where the swivel joint allows the handle to feely rotate relative to the head. A lock is movable to a locked position to fix the position of the handle relative to the head when the head is in a first position relative to the handle and an unlocked position where the head is free to rotate relative to the handle. A method of operating a broom comprises providing a head supporting bristles connected to a handle at a lockable swivel joint; locking the lockable swivel joint to fix the position of the handle relative to the head in a first position; and unlocking the lockable swivel joint to allow the handle to rotate relative to the head.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminate material includes the steps of providing a first flexible sheet material; providing a second flexible sheet material having a first surface and a second surface, and also having a first width of 1×; stretching the second flexible sheet material in a cross-machine direction to a second width of between about 1.2× and 3× when in a flattened state; necking the second flexible sheet material to produce an accordion shape, thereby reducing the second width of the sheet material to a third width, less than the width of the first width, such that the third width is between 0.65× to 0.975× when in an accordion shape; applying adhesive to the first surface of the second flexible sheet material with a slot coat adhesive process; and joining the first flexible sheet material to the first surface of the second flexible sheet material.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs suitable for use in a variety of applications requiring strong fabric layers are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of crimpable, e.g., side by side or eccentric sheath/core (A/B) configuration which are unheated prior to collection. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the Z-direction and produce a web of lofted material of greater uniformity than attained with comparable material whose fibers are drawn by a heated process. The resultant nonwoven material can then be pattern bonded or laminated for additional strength without interfering with the desired loft of the low density nonwoven. The additionally strengthened nonwoven may then be further processed such as by lamination or the like to further increase its utility.

Abstract: A method of producing a laminate material includes the steps of providing a first flexible sheet material; providing a second flexible sheet material having a first surface and a second surface, and also having a first width of 1X; stretching the second flexible sheet material in a cross-machine direction to a second width of between about 1.2X and 3 X when in a flattened state; necking the second flexible sheet material to produce an accordion shape, thereby reducing the second width of the sheet material to a third width, less than the width of the first width, such that the third width is between 0.65 X to 0.975 X when in an accordion shape; applying adhesive to the first surface of the second flexible sheet material with a slot coat adhesive process; and joining the first flexible sheet material to the first surface of the second flexible sheet material.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs suitable for use in a variety of applications requiring strong fabric layers are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of crimpable, e.g., side by side or eccentric sheath/core (A/B) configuration which are unheated prior to collection. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the Z-direction and produce a web of lofted material of greater uniformity than attained with comparable material whose fibers are drawn by a heated process. The resultant nonwoven material can then be pattern bonded or laminated for additional strength without interfering with the desired loft of the low density nonwoven. The additionally strengthened nonwoven may then be further processed such as by lamination or the like to further increase its utility.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs of increased uniformity are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of A/B side by side morphology in an unheated fiber draw unit. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the z-direction and produce a web of lofted material. The resultant material is particularly suitable for use as an insulator. Particulates may be added to the webs if desired.

Abstract: A treatment composition and a method for treating substrates that includes contacting at least a portion of the substrate with an aqueous treatment that includes from about 50 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of water; and at least about 5 weight percent of a mixture of additives that includes from about 4 parts to about 8 parts of a first additive that is a blend of ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oil and sorbitan monooleate; from about 1 to about 3 parts of a second additive that is an alkyl polyglycoside or a derivative of an alkyl polyglycoside; and from about 1 to about 3 parts of a third additive that is an ethoxylated polyalkyl siloxane.

Abstract: There is provided a surge material for personal care products comprising a layered structure of at least one relatively high permeability layer on a top side toward a wearer and at least one relatively low permeability layer where the structure has a capillary tension range between about 1 and 5 cm with a differential capillary tension of at least about 1 cm from top to bottom. The surge material should have a high permeability layer with a permeability of at least 1000 Darcys and a low permeability layer with a permeability of less than 1000 Darcys. The surge material should also have a said high permeability layer which has a permeability of at least 250 Darcys greater than the low permeability layer. Such a layered structure should have a first insult run-off value of at most 30 ml from a 100 ml insult delivered at 20 ml/second. Such a surge material is useful in personal care products like diapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and the like.