Abstract: A tilt lift bathing system includes a central support having a chair mounted thereon for pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis between a lowered upright position adjacent one side of the central support and a raised recumbent position above the central support. The chair is rotatable about a vertical axis in its raised recumbent position so that upon mounting of the central support adjacent one wall of a bathtub, the chair is pivotable upwardly by a powered device to the raised recumbent position rotatable over the tub wall and pivotable downwardly to the lowered upright position in the tub for bathing an occupant of the chair.

Abstract: A portable shower includes a rectilinear framework of a generally parallelepiped construction, having a flexible shower curtain securable thereabout, as well as an underlying floor shield and floor plate structure. The shower apparatus includes a heating assembly arranged to include a reservoir having a heating source effecting heating of fluid within the reservoir and an electric pump to direct fluid through the rectilinear framework to an overlying shower head.

Abstract: A control system for water faucets comprises an on-off control switch located at a sink and actuated by pressure applied and released by the body of the user. When the body of the user pushes forward towards the sink, the switch will be depressed and the water faucets will turn on. When the user backs away from the sink, the switch will be released and close off the flow of water. An overflow reservoir is provided to collect cold water run off prior to the time when hot water makes its way through the water pipes, and a temperature sensor switch and/or alarm controls either an automatic or manual change over from hot to cold water. In addition, a microprocessor and key board control various water delivery functions such as volume and temperature. The control system reduces leakage and saves water which would otherwise be lost due to running the hot water until it becomes heated to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A sleeping bag carrying and storage enclosure (10) is disclosed and has as its two main components a sleeping bag cover (11) and automatic closure system (21). Sleeping bag cover (11) is configured to receive a standard rectangular sleeping bag (1) in its unrolled position and the automatic closure system (21) configured to latch automatically in response to the sleeping bag being rolled up into its normal storage position. The automatic closure system has strategically placed fabric hook and latch fasteners (22) and (23), more commonly known by its brand name VELCRO.TM.. Here, a pair of first portions of fabric hook and closure fastener (22) are fixed at points on the upper sky facing surface (16) of head panel portion (15), each toward the marginal side edges of the head panel portion.

Abstract: A mattress has a layer of generally straight levers embedded therein in at least one layer. As a heavy portion of the body pushes down on one end of levers, the opposite end pushes up to support an adjacent portion of the body. The levers may be spring material to render the reaction less severe. The ends of the levers are preferably connected together in groups by flexible strands. The strands maintain the organization within a layer, but allow movement in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sleeping surface of the mattress. More than one layer of levers can be used when desired.

Abstract: Each of a color-coordinated fitted bed sheet and its overling flat bed sheet are composed of a flannel material and of a cotton-polyester blend material joined into two halves running along their respective lengths. The flannel-half sheets are preferable for use by those desiring warmth during the colder months of the year, while the cotton-polyester blend-half sheets are preferable for use by their bed partner desiring a cooler feeling.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet or mattress pad with elasticized head and foot panels comprising a first panel including a top portion and first and second side portions for covering the top and sides of the mattress. Elasticized head and foot panels are secured to the head and foot ends of the top portion with the head and foot panels defining a trapezoidal shape. The head and foot panels are comprised of a highly elasticized material with the design of the panels being such that it permits the bed clothing to accommodate various sizes of conventional innerspring mattresses or waterbed mattresses for any given size classification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an auxiliary hand table which is removably mounted to a main surgical table. The hand table is mounted, via first and second mounting devices, to the rails provided on each side of the main surgical table. The first mounting device includes upper and lower jaws, the upper jaw being provided with a fastener to positively attach the device to the rail. The second mounting device includes a pair of interconnected hook-shaped members which are hooked over the opposite rail. The second mounting device further includes a series of mounting studs which facilitate attachment of a hand table support structure, thereby supporting the hand table. The vertical position of the hand table relative to the main table is adjusted by altering the mounting position of the support structure to the second mounting device. A tensioning bar interconnects the mounting devices, one end of the bar being received by an elongated bore provided by the first mounting device.

Abstract: A new and improved head support apparatus includes a base member and a nonrigid chin rest member, a nonrigid forehead rest member, and a number of peripheral guide members supported by the base member. The chin rest member and the forehead rest member project from the base member a first vertical distance which is longer than a nose of the person when the chin of the person is resting on the chin rest member and the forehead of the person is resting on the forehead rest member. The forehead rest member is spaced from the chin rest member by a horizontal distance which is greater than a height of the nose of the person.

Abstract: An inflatable bladder is formed of translucent material and includes a plurality of longitudinally extending tubes seamed one to the other in side-by-side generally parallel relation. End tubes extend at right angles to the longitudinally extending tubes, with all of the tubes being in fluid communication one with the other. The longitudinally extending tubes and the end tubes are sized and/or connected one to the other such that, upon inflation, the inflated bladder is supported by the inflated end tubes, with the underside of the longitudinally extending tubes elevated above the surface supporting the end tubes sufficiently to define a recess for receiving an X-ray plate or cassette. Manual movement of the patient is entirely avoided.

Abstract: The invention provides wind flow dissipating units mountable in close relation to one another along the sidewalls of the roadway of a suspension bridge and providing pivotable plates hanging from the units in opposed parallel relation to the sidewalls, the plates being adapted to interfere with and dissipate the force of steady wind blowing toward the sidewalls so as to avoid undesirable resonance swaying of the bridge by the wind.

Abstract: A ramp for loading a pick-up truck that is collapsable so that it can be transported and stored in a minimum space. The ramp is removably mounted to the rear tail gate of a pick up truck. The ramp includes three contiguously hingedly connected rectangular flat members that open or distend with their planes at predetermined angles with respect to each other. This is accomplished by sharing the load placed on said flat members between the shear on the hinge assemblies and the angled abutting edges compression load. The shaft of one of the hinge assemblies extends and a handle member is mounted thereon for prompt manipulation of the ramp.

Abstract: A lightweight folding portable ramp for use with an electric scooter or a wheelchair which may be positioned by the user without dismounting from the means of conveyance. The ramp is comprised of two ramp members and may include a rectangular connecting means, all of which are hinged together. Handles for lifting are provided on the ramp members.

Abstract: A cleaning device for floors or walls, in which water or similar cleaning fluid is continuously applied to the work surface as the device moves along that surface. A power-driven rotary brush is located to exert a scrubbing action on the applied water film so as to assimilate dirt particles into the water film. The dirt-laden water is removed from the work surface by two power-driven rotary sponges located directly behind the rotary brush. A sponge compression structure is engaged with an upper surface of each sponge to continuously water absorbed by the sponges.

Abstract: An adhering substance peeling apparatus provided with a vertically reciprocating scraping blade at the lower end of an operating rod of a proper length so that chewing gum, dirt and other adhering substances adhering to the ground surface or the like may be peeled off while the worker is standing upright.

Abstract: A floor treatment machine includes a frame, handle mounted to the frame, wheels mounted to the frame, and a rotatable floor treatment pad mounted to the frame for treating a floor surface. The floor treatment machine further includes a device for adjusting the angle of the floor treatment pad with respect to the floor surface. The handle may be mounted to the frame with an attachment that includes a first part that is attached to the frame so as to enable the first part to rotate with respect to the frame about a first axis and second part that is pivotably attached to the first part so as to enable the second part to pivot with respect to the first part about a second axis, and an element for mounting the handle to the second part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel finger toothbrush. More particularly, this invention pertains to a unique toothbrush which can fit on a finger of a user for brushing the teeth of the user or the teeth of another human being or animal. The invention comprises a base portion with a plurality of bristles secured in and protruding from the base. A first curved finger gripping device extends from a first side of the base away from the bristles with a second curved finger gripping device extending from a second side of the base away from the bristles. Friction enhancing device are formed in the interior facing surfaces of the first and second finger gripping device.

Abstract: A windshield wiper apparatus for a vehicle includes a rotatably supported main shaft to which a wiper arm is secured, a main lever secured to the main shaft, a cam member arranged eccentrically about the main shaft, a plate turnably supported on the main lever, a subordinate lever having one end arranged about the cam member and another end connected to the plate, an arm turnably supported on the plate and having a joint to which a wiper drive mechanism is connected, and a turnover spring arranged between the plate and the arm for holding the arm at a predetermined position. If the wiper arm is moved by wind force during operation at high vehicle velocity, this motion is compensated for by adjusting the oscillation sweep of the arm in such a manner that the wiper arm will reverse direction at its normal upper reversal point. The wiper arm is thus prevented from striking the vehicle pillar, without reducing visibility through the windshield.

Abstract: A waste collecting/removal apparatus having a bin with a forward waste outlet opening, a rearward air flow inlet, a plurality of adjustable inclined louvres spaced from the bottom of the bin and an air flow plenum below the louvres to cause air flow between the louvres to move the waste material in the bin upwardly and forwardly toward the outlet opening.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor has a tank assembly including an outer tank and a coaxial inner tank. The inner tank has an open top which is reversibly closed by a cover assembly which includes a vacuum source and a liquid pump. The cover assembly also includes a hose connection in communication with said inner tank and said vacuum source enabling said inner tank to receive either wet or dry materials. The outer tank is substantially closed having an input port closed by a closure member configured in the form of a measuring cup. The outer tank is used for containing a cleaning material which can be accessed through a hose which passes through an aperture in the outer wall of the tank. The hose has an external connector for supplying cleaning material to the liquid pump in the cover assembly which, in turn, supplies the cleaning material to a cleaning tool. The unit is supported by casters which are recessed into the bottom of the tank assembly.

Abstract: An independent unit heat exchanger is provided downstream of a machine for cleaning upholstery and/or carpets so that unheated detergent water from the cleaning machine passes through a hose and then through the heat exchanger where it is heated to an elevated temperature, and then to the cleaning nozzle where it is discharged. The heat exchanger is provided with an electric heating core about which pipe carrying the detergent water is coiled.

Abstract: A mobile, self-contained, environmentally safe, cleaning apparatus, including a supply of recycleable cleaning fluids and devices for heating, filtering and pressurizing such fluids for removing, capturing and packaging for safe disposal oils, dyes, fibers, lead paint and contaminated hazardous wastes, with the apparatus equipped with a water tank, a liquid ring pump adapted to create a wet vacuum recovery system, a water heater, a waste particle/liquid separator, a demister filter, and a retractable combined fluid supply and vacuum recovery umbilical cord for attachment to external remote cleaning devices.

Abstract: A wet vacuum/extractor having a first cleaning solution line which extends from a cleaning solution tank to a non-self-priming pump and a second cleaning solution line which extends from the pump to a normally closed fluid flow control valve which controls the flow of liquid on to the cleaning head. The vacuum priming system of the present invention opens the second cleaning solution line to the vacuum generated between the cleaning head and the vacuum fan. This vacuum beyond the output of the pump draws solution from the solution tank into the operating pump. Once the pump is thus primed, the second cleaning solution line is closed to the vacuum and the pump now pumps the solution past the closed fluid flow control valve to the cleaning head.

Abstract: An improved machine convertible for brush-aided cleaning or vacuuming includes a pair of powered brushes counter-revolving for stroking solvent-dampened carpet cleaning particles through the carpet and along carpet fibers during initial cleaning. A separately-powered pod is detachable from the machine during brush-aided carpet cleaning and attached to a machine-mounted vacuum nozzle for carpet vacuuming to pick up the dirt-laden particles. The pod has first and second media selected to remove particles of differing sizes from air flowing through the pod. During initial carpet cleaning when vacuum is not needed, the pod may be detached and used in another area for hand-vacuuming carpeted stairs and other "small-area" places.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly includes a motor and drive shaft extending therefrom adapted for driving an elastomeric belt which, in turn, is used to rotate a revolving brush supported in a cleaner housing. A composite belt drive member is affixed in axial alignment to an end of the motor shaft and has a relatively rigid member and electrically insulating annular oversheath. The sheath is tapered to provide a nest portion for retaining the belt on the drive member during shaft rotation. The sheath is a plastic material which provides the desired electrical insulation function.

Abstract: A snow and ice remover having a scraper, and a device for passing a heated fluid along the scraper onto the ice.

Abstract: An improved swivel yoke assembly for use on shopping carts. The yoke assembly is of the type having a steel yolk with forks which support a wheel. The yolk is permitted to swivel because it is supported between an upper and a lower set of ball bearings. The improvement comprises a polymeric bearing race below the upper set of ball bearings and a second polymeric bearing race above the lower set of ball bearings. The upper ball bearing race has a compound curve. The metal bearing races do not have to be heat treated and, thus, can be more accurately dimensioned. The assembly is better able to withstand the loss of lubricant in shopping cart washing operations.

Abstract: A combination glide and pintle for furniture is provided which is integrally molded in one piece from a thermoplastic.

Abstract: A universal hinge is a hinge with the capability of performing stop and hold mechanisms without installing extra stop and/or catch components on an object abutted to the universal hinge. The universal hinge comprises a hinge body, a stop mechanism, and a hold mechanism. Both the stop mechanism and the hold mechanism of the universal hinge are provided by specially shaped hinge knuckles while no extra component is needed. An alternative improvement of the universal hinge is provided by adding a specially designed self-locking spring-bushing assembly which comprises a conical spring and a step-configured ring bushing. The self-locking spring-bushing assembly complying with the stop and hold mechanisms can serve the improved universal hinge with the adjustable stop angle capability.

Abstract: In addition to removing noil from a combing machine, the lap pieces which occur during a lap change operation are suctioned off and recycled into the combing process so as to reduce the amount of waste generated by the combing process. The noil and lap pieces can be removed from the combing heads through a common suction tube and conveyed separately via connecting pipes to separate points. The lap pieces which have been separated can be transported into a drum separator with the fiber material of the lap pieces being separated and recycled for the production of new laps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliver channel of a spinning plant preparation machine for the deposit of a fiber sliver in a container. The sliver channel is designed in form of a helix with changing gradient.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating foreign matter from a pneumatically conveyed stream of textile fibers has a pneumatic duct in which the textile fibers are conveyed by an air stream; a waste container; first and second coupling openings for maintaining communication between the waste container and the pneumatic duct; and a gate pivotally supported in the pneumatic duct. The gate has a first position maintaining open the pneumatic duct and obturating the first and second coupling openings for allowing the fiber material to be conveyed by the air stream through the duct by bypassing the waste container. The gate further has a second position obturating a direct passage through the pneumatic duct and maintaining open the first and second coupling openings for directing the fiber material and the air stream from the pneumatic duct into the waste container and for allowing conveying air to pass from the waste container back into the pneumatic duct.

Abstract: A method of controlling the opening of a fiber feed at an opening machine like a cleaning machine or a card, in which an opening element is moved past a fiber feed for loosening and taking over of fibers; simultaneously attenuating the fiber feed; determining an output signal corresponding to the opening degree of the fiber feed; comparing the output signal with a reference or set signal for adjusting at least one opening parameter selected from a group consisting of three variables; operating the opening machine following the adjustment; checking the adjustment with a subsequent output signal after adjustment in order to provide further adjustment in the same sense or further adjustment in the contrary sense or no further adjustment of the selected parameters. A device for carrying out this method is also set forth.

Abstract: A flexible elasticized tie comprising a central flexible core enclosed within an outer braided textile covering, and two pairs of thin rubber cords secured to the tie by the outer braided covering and positioned on either side of a line extending helically of the core for the full length of the tie, said rubber cords being secured to the braided covering while in an extended state so that the tie maintains a generally helical form in its relaxed state.

Abstract: U-bolt toggle latch clamp actuated by power cylinder having piston rod extending at right angles to toggle linkage reaching aligned relation upon U-bolt retraction to clamping position. The toggle linkage is pivotally connected at one end to a fixed reaction pin, at the other end to a U-bolt crosspin and at the center to the actuating piston rod.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a storage container for human remains which comprises a bottom portion, a plurality of walls each having a bottom edge coupled to the bottom means, a rim portion, a cover which fits into a recessed portion of the rim portion, a retainer portion which retains the cover within the recessed portion, fastener means to fasten the retainer portion to the cover wherein the container contains ashed human remains.

Abstract: To permit a change of the needle boards of an apparatus for needling nonwoven webs, a magazine is provided, which supports the needle boards in superposed slide tracks. The needling apparatus comprises an assembling track, which extends on both sides of vertically movable board carriers, which are arranged in a row and to which the needle boards are detachably secured. The assembling track serves to guide the needle boards, which are adapted to be interconnected by tension-resisting coupling means.

Abstract: The device serves to manipulate the healds or drop wires from their separation from a stack via the drawing-in of the warp threads up to the transfer to supporting members provided for arranging in a weaving machine and it contains holding devices for accepting the separated healds or drop wires and for positively transporting them to a drawing-in station and a transfer station, positioning elements arranged in the area of the drawing-in station, and transfer devices, arranged in the area of the transfer station, for transferring the healds or drop wires having a drawn-in warp thread to the supporting members.Consequently, only a single type of manipulating arrangement is required for manipulating the healds and drop wires from their separation up to the transfer to the supporting members. That results in a substantial reduction in potential sources of error and thus in the susceptibility to trouble.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating traveling textile material in a pressurized fluid, e.g., for heating synthetic filaments to a heat-set temperature in a saturated steam atmosphere is disclosed to comprise a housing defining at least one upstream sealing chamber, an intermediate treatment chamber pressurized with saturated steam, and at least one downstream sealing chamber, separated from one another by constricted strand passageways for traveling movement of the strand successively through the chambers. A pressurized fluid holding chamber is provided between the steam supply and the treatment chamber to reduce condensation within the treatment chamber and the sealing chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for finishing a surface of a commutator of a motor, in which a distance between a surface to be finished and a reference position is measured in advance prior to the surface-finishing, and thereafter, turning, cutting or buffing is performed. The data of distance measuring is utilized for the surface-finishing later. Opposite ends of a shaft of the commutator are supported and the supported ends are rotated at uniform speeds. The commutator during the turning is variably controlled in accordance with a turning position.

Abstract: A tape automated bonding feeder apparatus employs a vertical carrier extraction unit to successively supply electronic circuit components to an output station from which a component is seized for placement and attachment to a circuit board. The feeder apparatus, which may be mounted on a rollable cart, includes a generally rectilinear housing on a top plate of which one or more magazines are mounted. A magazine contains a stack of circuit component carriers. The bottom of the magazine has a carrier extraction unit which controllably allows an individual component carrier at the bottom of the stack to drop away onto an underlying carrier shuttle. The carrier shuttle is supported for movement between the magazine and a lead forming unit. The lead forming unit detaches a component from the carrier and forms the leads of the excised component for mounting the component to a circuit board.

Abstract: A syringe disposal system includes a frame body and a separation device which includes an upper cover that is mounted on the frame body and that is formed with a needle guiding port. A driving gear is rotatably mounted on the frame body below the cover. A driven gear is rotatably mounted on the frame body below the cover and is positioned parallel to the driving gear. The teeth on the driven gear mesh with the teeth on the driving gear. A container is disposed below the driving and driven gears. The syringe disposal system also includes a fragmentation device which includes an inclined cutting plate, which has an outer side that is fixed on the frame body and an inner side that extends downwardly and inwardly and that is formed with spaced cutting teeth. A cutting wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame body below the inclined cutting plate and has spaced rows of axially-aligned cutting teeth extending radially.

Abstract: A work station for assisting a worker in applying the trim components to a partially assembled seating unit consisting of a seat frame and both seat and backrest cushions. The work station comprises a pedestal for receiving and supporting the seating unit in an inverted position. A vertical compressor is operable to compress the seat bottom cushion while, at the same time, permitting rotation of the compressor and the pedestal about a common vertical axis. This facilitates final installation of the seat bottom cushion trim. In addition, a second essentially horizontal compressor and a pair of manually operable seat back rest trim cover stretchers are provided for assisting the worker in the final assembly of the seat back rest trim to the seating unit. All power assist mechanisms are preferably pneumatically operated.

Abstract: An anvil positioning device for an automatic machine tool which performs a rivet operation on a rivet comprises a chuck (3) movably connected to the machine tool (2). A block (17) is slidably mounted axially inside of the chuck. An interchangeable anvil (12) is engageable with the chuck and has a rod (20) which is slidably mounted within the anvil for pressing a rivet. A control unit (40) is used to control the movement of the chuck and a pressing unit (30) is used to press the block against the rod of the anvil.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to an overhead crane for removing the bearing assembly from a vertical centrifugal pump system without removing the motor. The apparatus includes a rigid C-shaped frame which is attached by a pulley to an overhead crane and also includes a pivotal attachment on the opposite end of the frame which is removably connected to the bearing assembly. Intermediate and vertically aligned with the ends of the frame is a horizontal displacement control member which is removably connected to the bearing assembly at a point vertically above the pivotal attachment. Horizontal displacement of the horizontal displacement control member will cause a rotating of the bearing assembly about the pivotal attachment allowing clearance and lateral removal of the bearing assembly from the vertical pump system.

Abstract: This device relates to a pneumatic control system and more particularly to an annular slit restrictor in connection therewith and a method for precisely centering an annular plug within an accurately formed annular hole in a flow control body in a shrink fit operation to cause the plug and hole to be co-axial.

Abstract: A method of attaching a decorative skirt about a banquet tablecloth using spring clips with Velcro patches in which initially the spring clips in spaced apart relation are engaged to extend radially from the tablecloth but are then pivoted, as allowed by the flexibility of the cloth, into a vertical plane in which the Velcro patches thereon face outwardly of the table and are readily attached to a cooperating Velcro strip on the decorative skirt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a connection between a hollow shaft and design elements slid on to the shaft and having an aperture which corresponds to the outer diameter of the hollow shaft, especially for producing assembled camshafts, crankshafts or transmission shafts by hydraulically expanding the hollow shaft, a process which results in plastic deformation and permanent elastic pretension in the surface layer of the aperture of the slid-on design elements and in the case of which the compressive force in the connected region between the hollow shaft and the aperture is very much higher during the hydraulic expansion process than the remaining compressive force after completion of the expansion process. As a result, there occurs a material-locking connection between the material of the surface layer of the aperture of the design element and the material of the plastically deformed hollow shaft.

Abstract: A work mounting apparatus or component mounting apparatus according to the present invention comprises a lower drum of a rotating drum, a head unit arranged on the outer periphery of the lower drum, a circular work head or component head attached to the head unit, and a suction nozzle protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the work head toward a workbench. While the lower drum is rotating, the suction nozzle of the work head repeats cycloid motion along the workbench with its posture kept fixed with respect to the workbench. While repeating the cycloid motion, the nozzle receives a work or component, such as an electronic component from a work feeder of the workbench by suction, and mounts the work on a printed board on the workbench.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and extracting an integrated circuit package (IC) of the type having pins from terminals of a socket installed on a circuit board. The apparatus includes a package support member positioned between the package and socket, a cover attached over the package, and a socket support member between the socket and the circuit board to support the socket. The package support member has thru-holes to permit the package pins to extend through the member and engage terminals installed in the socket. The apparatus further includes an insertion/extraction member coupled to the package support member.