Abstract: An automatic toilet seat lowering mechanism, generally composed of a water pressure sensor connected with the water supply to the toilet, a seat closure unit for effecting automatic closure of the toilet seat with a regulated rate of descent, and mechanical linkage between the water pressure sensor and the seat closure unit for automatically actuating closure of the toilet seat when the water pressure sensor detects a drop in line pressure occasioned by commencement of flushing of the toilet. The aforesaid components are easily retrofitted to an existing conventional tank-type or non-tank-type toilet with very little effort and essentially no modification. A manual over-ride in the mechanical linkage permits manual lowering of the toilet seat at any time.

Abstract: A sink strainer having a hollow strainer body with an open upper end with an outlet member at the lower end thereof on which is formed an annular valve seat. A basket strainer is operatively mounted in the strainer body and it is movable between an open and closed position. The basket strainer includes a valve stem which is movable relative to the basket strainer and which carries a valve provided with a detachable peripheral elastomeric seal for seating engagement on the valve seat on the outlet member.

Abstract: A automatic weight-activated toilet flushing apparatus, includes an automatic bounding device, a lifting/lowering device and a control box, wherein the bounding device is connected under a rear portion of a pad of a toilet bowl and connected to the lifting/lowering device so that when a user sits on the pad, the same is pressed down through a certain distance and the lifting/lowering device is simultaneously moved down, causing a slide block thereof to move downward. Meanwhile, a one-way control member is moved upward and biased by a pressing rod of the control box. When the user stands up, the slide block is moved back upward, making the one-way control member move downward to press down the pressing rod. When the pressing rod moves downward, a control rod of the control box is urged to move upward and open a valve of a water tank so as to discharge the water contained therein.

Abstract: A toilet seat box device to be mounted on the rear part of the top of a toilet contains a nozzle for spraying washing water onto the buttocks of the person using the toilet and a water flow adjustment valve for adjusting the flow of water supplied to the nozzle. The toilet box device has a projecting part on one side which projects toward the front of the toilet. A washing strength dial for operating the water flow adjustment valve is located on the side of the projecting part, and an axle rotated by the dial is mechanically connected to the water flow adjustment valve by gears.

Abstract: A multi-lavatory system is preassembled to facilitate efficient installation with a minimum of connection points. The multi-lavatory system is connected to a single fluid supply line and a single drainage line. A fluid supply network conducts water from the single fluid supply line to a plurality of lavatory stations. Similarly, a drainage network conducts waste water from the plurality of lavatory stations to the single drainage line. Additionally, the multi-lavatory system includes a unitary lavatory subassembly having interconnected but spaced sink regions. Each sink region is disposed in one of the lavatory stations and is bounded at a frontal area by an upstanding contoured wall that creates an independent washing zone. This facilitates efficient production of the unitary lavatory subassembly and overall multi-lavatory system while providing each user of the system with a sense of privacy in their own independent washing zone.

Abstract: A system for retaining a toilet seat and seat cover in a verticle position against a toilet water tank that comprises an elastic band that encircles the water tank. The seat and seat cover may be selectively held under the elastic band against the tank.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a potty seat configured with a hinged platform ring upon which a toilet training child is to sit, a collecting basin able to fit within a substantially hollow base of said potty seat, a pair of laterally disposed arms and a simulative tank connecting between the arms toward the rear. A first pair of lights is recessed within the arms of the potty seat. A second light or pair of lights is recessed within the tank portion. A pair of serially connected switches are mounted respectively beneath the platform ring and beneath the collecting basin so as to be closed when a weight is pressed down on each switch and thus electrically connected to activate the first pair of lights. Another switch is connected to a simulated flush handle and, when pivoted by the user, to activate the second light or lights. Thus, the lighting acts to positively respond to the child user carrying on the desired acts and learning proper toilet use.

Abstract: An invalid hoist comprises a mast, a shaft angularly movable relative to the mast about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, a lifting member secured to the shaft so as to pivot relative to the mast in response to angular movement of the shaft, a torque arm secured to the shaft at a position which is spaced axially along the shaft from the lifting member and an electrically powered actuator pivotally connected at one end to the torque arm at a position remote from said shaft and pivotally connected at its opposite end with respect to the mast so that operation of the actuator will displace the torque arm to angularly displace the shaft and pivot the lifting member relative to the mast. A novel chassis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bent wire spring unit having a spaced pair of foot portions and a spring member extending upwardly from each foot portion. Each spring member is formed of a series of torsion bars and connector bars interconnected by bends in the spring wire. The spring members are connected at their upper ends by a locking member or portion having first and second pairs of bends in the spring wire and two locking bars extending from the second pair of bends. The locking bars are linear segments of wire angled downwardly such that they converge into a connecting bend. The locking bars and the connecting bend lie in a single plane and the distal ends of the locking bars and the connecting bend extend significantly below an uppermost torsion member of each spring member. A spring assembly is disclosed which includes the bent wire spring unit attached to a wire grid at its upper end and a base frame at its lower end.

Abstract: A drain fitting for inflatable structures having thin flexible exterior walls defining fluid-containing interior spaces; the filling includes an elongate drain tube with an outer downstream end and an inner upstream end, a coupling port at the outer end of the tube; a closure part releasably engaged with the coupling part; an elongate fluid-conducting support with an outer downstream end and an inner upstream end, a control flow passage and radial openings; a mounting part between and connecting the inner end of the tube and outer end of the support in fluid-conducting relationship, the fitting is to be related to an inflatable structure with its mounting part affixed to a wall thereof, its tube at the exterior thereof and its support in the interior thereof to maintain adjacent portions of walls of the structure spaced apart.

Abstract: A reversible mattress for use by a pregnant woman. The mattress includes a planar first face having a cavity therein for accommodating the abdomen of the pregnant woman when the mattress is positioned with the first face facing upward and the pregnant woman lies prone upon the first face; and a planar second face having a cavity therein for accommodating the abdomen of the pregnant woman when the mattress is positioned with the second face facing upward and the pregnant woman lies prone upon the second face.

Abstract: A surgical table is provided which includes a patient support portion for receiving a patient and a base member connected to and supporting the patient support portion. The patient support portion includes a seat portion and a leg support portion wherein the leg support portion is mounted for movement to a plurality of positions including a first position in which the leg support portion is coplanar with the seat portion, and a second position wherein the leg support portion is located underneath and in overlapping relationship with the seat portion.

Abstract: A bottom structure of a bed having a bottom formed so as to be bendable by a series of parallel strips mutually sequentially connected such that the strips are shorter in width on the side away from the sequentially connected side. In this way the bottom structure of the bed allows a portion of a bed bottom to be bent in a large curvature, thus is provided a bed which is comfortable and highly adaptable for patients of various body sizes.

Abstract: A medical stirrup supporting and positioning apparatus which provides three dimensional adjustment. The stirrup features a single locking member which simultaneously locks the stirrup into two of three non parallel planes. It also includes a free-floating boot which together with the locking device allows the stirrup to be locked in a horizontal plane and also locked in the adduction or abduction position, but the boot is still free to tilt forward and backwards between safety stop positions.

Abstract: An integral inflatable cushion comprises a flexible bottom wall and a plurality of upstanding air cells having flexible generally vertical side walls, said air cells being substantially pyramidal in shape and having a substantially rectangular flexible lower section defined by the vertical side walls and sealed to the bottom wall, and a flexible domed tapered top area connected to the vertical side walls, the side walls of adjacent cells being separated and spaced apart to define lateral and longitudinal paths and being independently upstanding when inflated, and tubing connected to the air cells through the bottom wall to adjust and monitor the air pressure in the cells from beneath the cushion.

Abstract: A seating system for a wheelchair including a base member and fluid pad. The base member has forward and rearward sections respectively supporting the user's thighs and buttocks. The rearward section supporting the user's buttocks includes a depressed, seating well with front and rear upper surfaces. The fluid pad has a front-to-rear, center seal and a transverse seal dividing the pad into four pouches. The transverse seal crosses the center seal substantially closer to the rear of the pad than to the front and substantially midway across the seating well. In use, the pad is positioned on the base member wherein the user's thighs and front of the user's buttocks are supported on the forward pouches which, in turn, are positioned over the forward section of the base member and the front portion of the seating well of the base member. The remaining, rear portion of the user's buttocks is supported on the rear pouches over the rear portion of the base member.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing shoe soles consists in cutting by half a tire and separating its flancs, reducing the interior portion of said flancs down to the cotton weaving, smoothing both faces of said flancs in order to homogenize the surface and to obtain an appropriate average thickness, punching the sole with its definitive form and fixing said form in a press. The shoe is fabricated by pressing a leather sole in a microporous inner sole, adhering said elements to each other by application of pressure, sewing to said elements the shoe upper, adhering a steel reinforcement to the microporous inner sole, adhering a microporous wedge to a tire outer sole by application of temperature and pressure, assembling together by sizing the leather upper, the leather sole, the microporous inner sole and the steel reinforcement with the assembly formed by the wedge and the tire outer sole, and trimming the contour of the outer sole. The invention applies to the fabrication of leisure and sport shoes.

Abstract: A removable brush-head for an ultrasonic toothbrush for daily dental hygiene purposes, including a plurality of bristle clusters, a substantially tubular body constructed of a flexible material and tensioning means securing the brush-head to the ultrasonic device, providing for the efficient transmission of ultrasonic frequency vibrations from the device via the brush-head to the teeth and gums and oral tissue of the user to loosen and remove soft plaque therefrom and to treat oral lesions.

Abstract: A mounting and stand system for a bucket brush sweeper that will allow the sweeper to be easily attached or removed from a bucket assembly. After the sweeper is detached from the bucket the brush may then stand alone on stands to allow the bucket to be used alone in a normal fashion unrestricted by the sweeper. The brush may later be easily reattached to the bucket and the stands may be stored for sweeping operations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chain for use in a street sweeper in conveying dirt swept from the street along an inclined surface to a hopper for later disposal. Flights for conveying the dirt along the inclined surface are easily attached to the chain. The chain is of an offset configuration and is run open end forward. The offset configuration run open end forward results in less chain and sprocket wear than prior art straight sidebar configurations. Chain components are carbonitrided for high hardness. The distance the flights can be pivoted from the surface they contact is limited by strategic location of flight attachment portions of sidebars. Assembly is simplified.

Abstract: A rotary air-driven brush device for cleaning air ducts comprises a reversible rotary air motor connected to a source of air under pressure and having a threaded output shaft. A brush head includes an inner mounting member secured to the output shaft and an outer housing spaced from the inner mounting member. A plurality of brush members are removably mounted in axially spaced apart openings extending through the brush head mounting member. The brush members include tubular bristle holder elements which are secured in the openings in the brush head by set screws. A plurality of support legs having rollers thereon support and guide the brush head within the duct during the duct cleaning operation.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly having a handle component and a brush component which in the storage mode of the assembly is housed within the handle component. In the brushing mode, the brush component is attached to the handle component and projects therefrom. The brush component is formed by a shank having a brush head anchored thereon, the shank terminating in a mounting plug. The handle component is formed by a hollow body having an elongated belly section in whose cavity the brush component is storable, the belly section flowing into an enlarged annular shoulder leading to a neck section adapted to socket the plug of the brush component. The handle body is contoured to define a concave fore depression at the junction of the shoulder and the neck section, and a concave aft depression at the junction of the shoulder and the belly section.

Abstract: A ceiling fan blade cleaner including a flexible, flat tubular, textile sleeve of sufficient length to completely encase a fan blade from tip to root, a flat spring member to cause said sleeve to conform to the blade surfaces and a pair of metal plates to releasably engage the root end of said sleeve and to withdraw said sleeve in wiping engagement with the surfaces of said blade to remove dirt therefrom and to trap such dirt as it is removed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a windshield wiper arrangement including a windshield wiper arm (2) the active length of which varies in the course of the sweeping movement, characterized in that it includes: motor means including a first motor shaft (26) given a first alternating rotation motion and a second motor shaft (34) given a second alternating rotation motion, the amplitude of the alternating rotation of the second shaft (34) being greater than that of the first shaft; a crank (24) coupled for rotation onto the second motor shaft on the one hand, and on the other hand articulated onto said arm (2); an arm support element (6) coupled for rotation onto the first motor shaft (26); and coupling means between the support element (6) and the arm (2) permitting a translation motion of the arm (2) on said support element (6) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the arm (2).

Abstract: An automatic floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having its frame divided into a truck (12) and an upper assembly (14) isolated from each other by a multiplicity of elastomeric isolator mounts (106) arranged in a nonlinear fashion. The wheels (18, 20), the drive motor (22), the squeegee system (26), and the brush scrub system (28) are mounted to the subframe (16) of the truck (12). The control handle (46), solution tanks (48, 50), and batteries (74) are mounted to the chassis (44) of the upper assembly (14). The mounts (106) include integral first and second portions (108, 110), with the first portion (108) sandwiched between the subframe (16) and the chassis (44) and the second portion (110) insertable into a mount aperture (118) and axially compressed into a mushroom shape by bolts (122) to capture the mount aperture (118). An acoustical tunnel (84) extends longitudinally in the chassis ( 44) intermediate the batteries (74) and defines a closed volume lined with foam sheets (88).

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a receptacle having an outer wall and a suction socket. A cover for closing the receptacle is provided. The cover contains the drive motor and a suction fan that produces an air stream that is guided via the suction socket into the receptacle and removed from the receptacle. A suction chamber with a chamber wall is provided between the suction fan and the receptacle and extends substantially over the entire cross-section of the receptacle. The chamber wall of the suction chamber has a plurality of inlets in close proximity to the outer wall of the receptacle. The inlets open into the receptacle and are arranged next to one another in a circumferential direction of the receptacle such that the inlets form an annular air inlet. The suction socket has an inlet channel that is spaced at a distance relative to a central longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A stop mechanism for a door associated with a jamb utilizing an arresting element. The arresting element is capable of withstanding force asserted on an object normally positioned between the door and the jamb. In addition, the arresting element is sized to provide a gap between the door and the jamb when the door is swung toward a closed position. A tether is also employed in the present invention which is connected to the arresting element, and permits the arresting element to lie in a first position in the vicinity of the closed door and associated jamb and in a second position between the door and the jamb when the door is again motivated toward closing. The tether is supported to the vicinity of the door jamb at a selected level above the ground surface.

Abstract: A hinge, particularly for furniture doors, in which two fastening elements are connected via inner and outer link elements to form a linkage, the outer link element of which has a curved face and a vertex on which a longitudinally extending, active leg of a leg spring slides and holds the hinge both in its closed position and in its open position, when it presses on the vertex, but has no effect when it is seated against the curved face.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an external wrapper defining a refrigerated compartment. The external wrapper overlies a support frame, and at least one door is movable about a hinge point to obtain access to the refrigerated compartment. The door is supported by a molded plastic hinge which is integrally formed to include a hinge pin, cam and door stop. The molded plastic hinge is formed so as to eliminate the need for shims, wherein a relieved area on that portion of the hinge plate overlying the external wrapper compensates for the width of the sheet material forming the external wrapper.

Abstract: A gravity locking articulation for a briefcase comprises a first and second cam plates disposed between hingedly connected ends of support links of the briefcase, and a sphere rollingly disposed within a generally annular race defined between the cam plates. The cam plates are fixed to respective links so as to rotate in opposite directions during opening of the briefcase. When the briefcase is in a vertical position the sphere is intromitted into a receiving pocket defined by spaces in the respective cam plates when the spaces are brought into registry. Stop surfaces in the respective cam plates to either side of the receiving pocket come into abutment with the sphere to stop further outward rotation of the links, with the frame members of the briefcase being spread only partially. Inward closure of the frame members is unimpeded.

Abstract: The position of the gripper unit in a combing machine is monitored, and when the machine is to be halted its stoppage is controlled such that the machine halts always and only when the gripper unit is at its point of maximum opening or maximum closeness to the grabbing rollers. A position sensor (35) is associated for example with the rocker arm (18) which operates the gripper unit and provides pulses at each rocking movement of the arm (18). When the machine motor (27) is to be halted a braking action is produced by a brake (36) after a predetermined time or after measuring a certain number of pulses from the sensor (35) or on measuring a determined time interval between pulses, so as to effectively halt the machine with the gripper unit open.

Abstract: To fix the rectilinear combs (4) of a combing machine, a pneumatic system is provided comprising presser elements (16) acting on the section bars (5) of the combs (4) and operated by respective pistons (17) which move within chambers (18) provided in the supports (7) for the section bars (5) and connectable selectively to a compressed air source (22) or to discharge (28). During locking, the presser elements (16) press the section bars (5) of the combs (4) against the supports (7) via plates (20) removably fixed to the ends of the rods (19) of the pistons (17). Discharging the compressed air from the chambers (18) results in simultaneous release of the combs (4). The traditional operations of clamping and releasing the individual comb units (4) are hence eliminated, and the time required for cleaning or replacing the combs is considerably shortened.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted for attaching to an article, wherein the apparatus comprises a housing (500) having a molded locking feature (510) substantially adjacent to a guide (550). A clip is mounted on the main housing (500), wherein the clip (508) further comprises a pin (506) having first and second ends, and a holder (860) adapted for mounting on the housing (500) via the guide (550), and having first and second shoulders (542, 540), each shoulder having a boss for receiving the pin therethrough. A member (508) has a third shoulder (532) having a boss for receiving the pin therethrough and has a fourth shoulder (530) having a sealed boss for receiving the pin thereat.

Abstract: A flexible fastener comprises a pair of opposed fastener strips each including a base plate; and a longitudinal marginal grip portion integrally formed along one longitudinal edge thereof. A pair of opposed female and male coupling portion are mounted on the inner sides on the base plates so as to project toward each other to coming into coupling engagement with each other, thereby releasably join the opposed fastener strips. Two pairs of elongated ridges are provided on the inner sides of the fastener strips, and a pair of elongated ridge are provided on the outer sides of fastener strips so as to provide increased friction between fingers and the fastener strips.

Abstract: An operating arm is engaged with ratchet gear of a strapping mechanism for operating the ratchet gear, the operating arm includes a pair of legs having one end engaged with the ratchet gear, a hand grip is formed integral with the other ends of the legs so as to increase the strength of the operating arm, the legs includes a number of projections for engaging with the ratchet gear so as to decrease frictional force between the ratchet gear and the legs.

Abstract: The present invention is a cable gripping unit having: a casing provided with a central circular shell bore having a tapered portion terminating in a cable receiving open end and inwardly projecting stop means spaced from the cable receiving end; a gripping member within the casing and movable longitudinally thereof comprised of jaw retaining means and jaw segments; spring means engaging the gripping member and the stop means yieldingly urging the gripping member towards the cable receiving end within the tapered portion of the shell; and the jaw retaining means being circular and concentric with the shell bore and provided with a plurality of retaining slots within each, of which a respective jaw segment is disposed with the jaw segments in circular arrangement defining a cylindrical jaw bore; and the jaw segments being radially movably disposed in the retaining means so that upon the spring means yieldingly urging the gripping member toward the cable receiving end the jaw members within tapered portion defi

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a pair of elongated upper and lower clamping members each having a pair of first and second transverse channels being spaced from one another and formed in confronting faces of the clamping members, a pair of gripping plates being disposed in the second channels of the clamping members, and a fastener releasably connect the upper and lower clamping members together at middle portions thereof extending between the first and second channels of the clamping members for providing simultaneously dual gripping of a portion of an awning between the gripping plates in the second channels of the clamping members and of an awning support brace portion between the clamping members in the first channels thereof.

Abstract: A clamp (1) serves for formwork panels (2) arranged in-plane, side by side, to be connected at the webs (3) running round their edges and has for this purpose two clamping jaws (4) which urge these edge webs (3) together and can be swivelled relative to each other and to a mount (8) with the aid of a wedge (7), the mount simultaneously constituting the abutment for the wedge (7). The clamping jaws have for this purpose points (6) of application for the wedge face (7c) averted from face (7b), which points of application (6) are spaced from the swivel bearings (5) of the clamping jaws (4) and are under a lever arm. These points of application (6) are suitably arranged at the inner end of an elongated and guiding slot (10) which is open towards the opposite side and also affords lateral guidance for the wedge as it moves.

Abstract: Mixed hook/loop separable fasteners comprise a base fabric provided on one surface thereof intermixedly with a multiplicity of hook-like fastening elements and a multiplicity of loop-like fastening elements. The hook-like fastening elements having a height of 1.3 to 3.8 mm and the loop-like fastening elements have a height of 1.5 to 4 mm and larger by 0.2 to 2.0 mm than the height of the hook-like fastening elements. The hook-like fastening elements and loop-like fastening elements being provided in a density of 40 to 120 pieces/cm.sup.2. Also provided is a process for producing the above separable fasteners, as well as their use.

Abstract: A hook-and-loop fastener comprising a base web, a multiplicity of hook elements and loop elements mounted on the base web in rows and vertical lines. In each row, each hook element adjoining a loop element on each side thereof. The distribution ratio of the hook elements to the total of the hook elements and loop elements is approximately 33 percent. Each loop element is 1 mm higher than each hook element. Each hook element is made of thermoplastic monofilament of 400 through 700 denier.

Abstract: A necklace clasp designed to permit the wearing of multiple necklaces or neck chains without them becoming entangled and having the overall appearance of a butterfly which comprises a two-part holding device with the edge of one part abutting the corresponding edge of the other part; each part having a central tubular core and planar wings extending from said central core; means in each of said wings to provide anchorage for the respective ends of a plurality of necklaces depending therefrom; and means to removeably engage the central tubular cores one from the other.

Abstract: It is object of the present invention to provide a buckle for a seat belt having an excellent double lock function that can surely lock the latching by a latching member even against impact in any directions without impairing normal operability.

Abstract: A marine fastener is disclosed using a base plate, a retainer nut, the Jaw button, and a spring made of thermoplastic, with the inner back opening of the spring cooperating with a ridge on the outer opening of the jaw button in order to selectively bias the jaw button in respect to the base plate.

Abstract: A telephone headset uses extruded thermoplastic with a pair of embedded steel wires to make the headband and microphone boom. The extrusion is formed by feeding the two wires through the extruding die along with the hot plastic. The two wires serve to stiffen the extrusion and also as electrical conductors. The material is cut to length and joined to earphones, microphones and telephone cable to make the headset; the two wires conduct the sound signals to the earphone distal the telephone cable attachment. The extrusion material retains a twist, which allows for angular adjustment of the earphones. A hinge and spring cant the headphone inward at the bottom for greater comfort, and to adjust the angle to the user's head. In a second embodiment, one of the wires is removed after extrusion to leave a tunnel through the extruded material. Small electrical leads can be passed through the tunnel, and the remaining wire remains as a stiffener.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprising at least one layer of textile fibers or net of polymeric filaments and at least one web of melt blown microfibers, bonded together by hydroentangling. The nonwoven fabric may be apertured by hydroentangling or may have areas of higher density and areas of lower density. The fabric has a favorable combination of softness, dryness, tensile strength and hand. Several processes are provided for producing the nonwoven fabric of the invention.

Abstract: An improved method of making (100% heat-resisting) chemical or synthetic fiber knitted towelling which includes a step of primary shearing to cut the pile yarn of a knitted fabric, obtained after napping of the fabric; a step of brushing the knitted fabric, after the step of primary shearing by means of the application of two reversed card-wire raising fillets, permitting the knitted fabric to be fed at a speed of 3-4 meters per minute; a step of steam damping at about 100.degree. C. and a step of steam heat drying respectively performed in a dryer; the above steps taking place before the fabric is shaped by a step of setting of the knitted fabric in a heat-setting oven. Further shearing of the pile yarn is employed when needed.

Abstract: Method making it possible to control the temperature prevailing inside a high-temperature oven employed for the treatment of a synthetic yarn, especially during an operation of texturing by false twisting, said method consisting, in the case of a given substance (count and chemical composition), in modifying the temperature inside the oven as a function not only of the speed of travel of said yarn, but also of its count.It is characterized in that said temperature .THETA. in .degree.C. is determined from the general formula:.THETA.=aV+bin which:- V is the speed of travel of the yarn inside the oven in meters per minute (m/min);- a denotes a linear variation coefficient (or slope), itself a function of the count expressed in decitex (dtex);- b denotes a correction factor which is a constant whose value is also determined as a function of the count of the yarn in decitex (dtex).

Abstract: Denim fabric suitable for use as apparel is made from 40-100% fibers produced from denim waste (pre-consumer and/or post-consumer). The denim waste is collected, starch and size are removed, and it is subjected to garnetting to produce denim fibers, the vast majority of fiber lengths greater than about 0.4 inches, and an average length greater than 0.5 inches. The denim fibers are then opened, and subjected to low-tension carding, as by using a Rieter C-4 card with conveyor belt. The carded denim fibers are spun into filling yarn having a yarn count between about 4.0/1 to 16.0/1, and/or a warp or knitting yarn having a yarn count between about 4.0/1 to 16.0/1. The warp or knitting yarn may be plied with like reclaimed warp yarn, or with virgin fiber warp yarn.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is essentially composed of a piezoelectric transducer and a light transmitting protector. The protector is made of heat resisting glass, heat resisting acrylic, transparent ceramics or the like. By exposing the piezoelectric device to a laser beam and thereby causing it to penetrate through the protector to the piezoelectric transducer and to partly cut the surface of the piezoelectric transducer, or to change the intensity of polarization, mechanical coupling coefficient or dielectric constant of the piezoelectric transducer, its vibration frequency and resonance characteristic can be adjusted. If an ultraviolet-ray setting agent is used as adhesive, it can be hardened by exposing the piezoelectric device to ultraviolet rays to thereby cause it penetrate through the protector.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm puller includes a tubular insert externally threaded for threaded engagement in an internally threaded portion of a bore in a crank arm, the other portion of the bore receiving an axle end in press-fitted engagement. The insert has an enlarged, radially outwardly extending, trilobular handle. A drive screw is threadedly engaged through the tubular insert and has a part-spherical bearing end engageable with the axle end. A square drive socket on the outer end of the drive screw receives the drive lug of an associated lever member.