Abstract: A hand held wand for connecting an electrically powered cleaning device to a source of vacuum and electricity has inner and outer concentrically mounted tubular members which form an intervening passage therebetween. An electrical conductor extends through the passage and terminates in a pair of electrical connectors mounted on a pair of end connector sleeves. The inner and outer tubular members terminate in the end connector sleeves. One of the end connector sleeves is adapted to be connected to the cleaning device and the other connector sleeve is connected to a flexible hose which is connected to the source of vacuum. The electrical connectors are connected to complementary electrical connectors mounted on the cleaning device and on the flexible hose to provide electric power to the cleaning device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a key using a housing having a support that allows light to pass therethrough adjacent the key, a light source for emitting light through at least a portion of the support so as to form a first image of at least a portion of the profile of the key, a substantially planar light beam directed at the key so as to form a second image as the light beam interfaces with the side of the key, and a receiving means for receiving the first image of the profile of the key and receiving the second image so that the non-planar portion of the side of the key forms a non-linear segment across the width of the key. The present invention then can digitize the first and second images and create key information from the digitized images, in which the information is compared to stored information about a plurality of reference keys.

Abstract: A dispenser for fluid materials in which at least two replaceable cartridges having collapsible tubes for conducting the material to nozzles on the distal ends of the tubes. The dispenser includes a movable carriage which releasably holds the tubes and carries a platen against which the tubes may be collapsed to expel the material. The dispenser cover carries an operating handle bearing a compression pad. The carriage is movable to bring one or the other of the tubes into alignment with the compression pad so that the selected tube can be collapsed against the platen upon actuation of the operating handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of counting dispensing events or washes in a fluid dispenser in which an activator is moved from a starting position to a dispensing position and back to dispense material includes a counter which is indexable to record a dispensing event only after dispensing pressure is totally relieved from the activator for a predetermined period of time. The counter is activated by a resilient member which is compressed by the activator but delays its full return to its starting state until compression is totally removed for the predetermined period of time. Only after elapse of this period of time is the counter activated.

Abstract: A balloon inflator utilizes a bypass motor such that the inflation or working air is separate from the motor cooling air. The intake for the motor cooling and inflation air is separated from exhaust vents to limit any recirculation of the air, assuring that the inflation air be maintained as cool as possible. An impaler is maintained in an involute to achieve the requisiting inflation pressure. A free floating inflation nozzle is maintained within a collar and is adapted for engagement with an output of the involute when inflation activity is desired; otherwise the nozzle is disengaged from the involute allowing the air from the involute to otherwise be exhausted. The motor driving the impaler is selectively interconnected with a half wave rectifier for speed selectability.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable water treatment device of the type including a vessel with an opened upper end and a replaceable filter cartridge adapted to be contained therein. A lid assembly is adapted to be attached to the opened upper end of the vessel above the replaceable filter cartridge and operable to monitor the number of times the water treatment device is used. The lid assembly includes a housing having a central aperture therethrough communicating with the filter cartridge. A gate member is reciprocally movable between a position closing the aperture in the housing and a position opening the aperture in the housing. In the opened position, water to be treated may be poured into the filter cartridge through the aperture. Indicator means are provided and are movable incrementally in response to movement of the gate member. The indicator means move one increment during a cyclic movement of the gate member from the closed position to the opened position and back to the closed position.

Abstract: An improved switch assembly for an electrical appliance is provided which is easily manipulated when the appliance assumes a variety of operating modes. The switch assembly includes a slidably mounted control unit for opening and closing a switch, the latter being concealed within a housing for the appliance and disposed within an electric circuit for the appliance. The control unit is provided with a plurality of exposed, finger-engageable surfaces to effect selective movement of the unit.

Abstract: An improved switch assembly for an electrical appliance is provided which is easily manipulated when the appliance assumes a variety of operating modes. The switch assembly includes a slidably mounted control unit for opening and closing a switch, the latter being concealed within a housing for the appliance and disposed within an electric circuit for the appliance. The control unit is provided with a plurality of exposed, finger-engageable surfaces to effect selective movement of the unit.