Abstract: A table for supporting a patient during medical procedures comprises a preferably radiolucent patient support framework mountable between upright head and foot posts. The patient support framework includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the head post and supports patient support means such as a radiolucent table top for supine positioning, a head board and inflatable chest pads for prone positioning, and inflatable V-shaped lateral support pads for lateral positioning. The second portion is connected between the first portion and the foot post and at least partially surrounds a surgeon's working space which is located between the first portion of the patient support framework and the foot post. An opening in the second portion of the frame permits lateral entry by the surgeon or other medical personnel into the working space.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base and a deck having a head end and a foot end. A first scissors lift linkage is coupled between the base and the deck adjacent the head end of the deck. The first scissors lift linkage is movable from an extended position to a retracted position to raise and lower, respectively, the head end of the deck relative to the base. A second scissors lift linkage is coupled between the base and the deck adjacent the foot end of the deck. The second scissors lift linkage is movable from an extended position to a retracted position to raise and lower, respectively, the foot end of the deck relative to the base. A controller is provided for selectively and independently moving the first and second scissors lift linkages between the extended positions and the retracted positions.

Abstract: An adjustable seat cushion system which is particularly suited for wheelchair applications is disclosed (e.g., used over a conventional wheelchair seat). The system generally includes a central cushion assembly which includes a base with a pad positioned thereon. One generally elongated side cushion is disposed on each of the two sides of the central cushion assembly and is movably interconnected with the central cushion assembly. The position of each of the side cushions may be adjusted relative to the central cushion assembly and be substantially retained within the adjusted position. Changing the position of the side cushions may be utilized to adapt the seat cushion system to the anatomical characteristics of a variety of different users and/or to provide different support objectives.

Abstract: A modular cushion comprising a shaped base which has a flat rear portion having a substantially flat center area and a raised front portion with angularly directed valleys on each side, a removable pommel releasably secured to the flat center portion, a resilient pad positioned on the flat portion of the base to relieve pressure on the ischial and trochanters and a cover having a non-skid undersurface and two-way stretchable material covering a portion of the top. The resilient pad preferably has an array of upstanding interconnected inflatable cells. The base is of porous cellular material and has a water impervious separate integral skin adhered over the top surface for strength and protection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a brush for cleaning the teeth, the brush being suitable for use in a toothbrush having a handle member and a brush member and comprising a bristle supporting structure and bristles fixedly secured thereto. The bristle supporting structure is configured as a rod-shaped stem having a first and a second end portion and carrying no bristles in the region of the second end portion. The bristles extend radially relative to the stem in the region of the first end portion and are arranged in a circumferentially distributed pattern. The length of the bristles decreases starting from the first end portion of the stem in the direction of the second end portion of the stem. This brush allows effective and gentle cleaning of the teeth, in particular the interproximal spaces thereof.

Abstract: An electric oscillating tool, having particular but not necessarily exclusive utility as an electric toothbrush, for driving a brush head assembly or end effector with a resonant mechanism at high frequencies. The electric toothbrush includes handle housing, an electromagnetic motor mounted in the housing, and a mechanical oscillator acted upon by the motor. One end of the mechanical oscillator extends outwardly through an opening in the handle housing while the other end is attached to the housing inside the chamber. The end effector/brush head assembly attaches to the extending end of the mechanical oscillator. A power source supplies an alternating current drive signal to the motor, in turn causing the armature and the mechanical oscillator to oscillate and drive the brush head assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle surface treating implement, such as is used in a carwash, having an improved suspension and position control system. The surface treatment implement, such as a rotary brush, is carried at the free end of one or more secondary support arms which are in turn pivotally connected to one or more spaced apart primary support arms, said primary support arms being driven in rotation about an axis in accordance with signals as determined by the orientation of the secondary arms relative to a fixed reference which is in turn a function of the contact pressure between the brush and the vehicle surface being treated. Vehicles to be treated approach from the free ends of the primary arms, which rotate about the axis as necessary to maintain the brush in contact with the surface of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the axis is horizontal and is well below the maximum height of vehicles to be treated.

Abstract: A cleaner comprises a driving unit which moves the cleaner, a cleaner unit which cleans an object to be cleaned, a sensor by which a degree of dirt on the object is detected, and a driving controller which controls the driving unit on the basis of the detected degree of dirt. The cleaner unit further comprises a controller which compares the degrees of dirt detected by the sensor before and after a cleaning operation.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the surface of the tongue comprising an elongated handle having a brushhead attached to one end thereof which extends from the brush head at an angle of at least 15.degree.. The brush head has a flat surface with a plurality of bristle cells extending therefrom at least 4-6 mm with the opposite side of the brush head being rounded.

Abstract: A cleaning cloth for stretching onto a wiper frame intended for such a cleaning cloth, with pockets for receiving the opposite stretching bow ends (S), and is distinguished by a bead or stiff edge (18) which extends along the longitudinal sides of the cleaning cloth and lies to the outside relative to a seam (16) parallel to the cloth, and by a bead (20) which lies to the inside relative to the seam (16), said seam (16) forming a sort of tilting articulation for the stiffening (18; 20) consisting of the two beads.

Abstract: The invention is a paint roller corner cover consisting of a cap made out of any suitable material having a circumference equivalent to that of a paint roller cover and having a narrow circular annular base with a holding mechanism consisting of lugs which are evenly spaced around the outside of the end cover cap to serve as a holding mechanism. The outside surface of the end cap is matted with a napped material Which is to be similar or identical to the nap material on the paint roller. This device provides a paint roller corner cover which effectively paints a 90 degree corner and which results in a smooth final surface area. In addition, the invention provides an end cap which can easily be attached and detached, the holding mechanism of which does not interfere with the circumference of the paint roller. In addition, the invention is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, assemble and use.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly for applying paint to surfaces, having a sealed chamber interior to a replaceable paint roller to prevent paint infiltration into the moving parts of the roller. The paint roller assembly is further provided with an articulated bayonet quick mount connector to permit the paint roller apparatus to be quickly mounted on extension handles thereby permitting the operator of the paint roller to extend the reach of the paint roller to high walls and overhead surfaces such as pipes and ducts without requiring a ladder or scaffolding.

Abstract: A winter windshield wiper for use in a motor vehicle includes a connecting member, a rubber sheet sealed windshield wiper frame having a wiper blade, disposed under the connecting member, and a horizontally elongated vane member having at least one wing for effectively cleaning and wiping the convex surface of the windshield glass, and extending the operation life of the windshield wiper.

Abstract: The wiper arm of a windshield wiper system for passenger vehicles is oscillatingly driven across the windshield and the contact pressure of the wiper blade is varied during the oscillatory motion. A driven basic body is pivoted on a pivot bearing mounted on the passenger vehicle. The wiper arm includes a wiper arm member attached to the basic body and it is resiliently biased towards the windshield. A control cam is formed at the pivot bearing and a cam follower, which is operatively associated with the wiper arm, follows the cam surface during the oscillation of the wiper arm across the windshield. The contact pressure of the wiper arm and the wiper blade onto the windshield are thus varied. The wiper arm member is formed as a leaf spring which is rigidly connected to the basic body and which is operatively associated with the cam follower.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm for a vehicle windshield includes a block; a blade supporting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the blade supporting arm connected to the block so as to permit oscillation in a direction orthogonal to the windshield; the second end including a device for attaching the blade supporting arm to a windshield wiper; a device for imparting an elastic load between the block and the blade supporting arm so as to urge the windshield wiper against the windshield; the block including a cavity therein for receiving the first end of the blade supporting arm; and the imparting device arranged to impart the load on the first end of the blade.

Abstract: In a recirculating type cleaner, a jet nozzle is provided within a dust collecting head formed in the bottom face of the housing, the after-flow air from the suction fan is supplied through a recirculating tube to the jet nozzle. In the after-flow of the fan is provided a branch valve which is controlled by a controller to set the air recircuration ratio at a desired value suitable for any cleaning mode.

Abstract: A motorless floor washing machine comprising a frame carrying a suction pump, wheels carried by the frame for moving of the machine and actuation of the pump to suck up a liquid, a handle for moving the frame and elements carried thereby, thereby to move the wheels and actuate the pump, a recovery tank fed by the pump, and a dispenser carried by the frame for discharging a cleaning liquid in front of the pump, whereby upon manual movement of the machine and discharge of a cleaning liquid carried thereby onto a floor, the cleaning liquid cleans the floor and is thereafter sucked up by the pump.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a steam generator and a source of water under pressure has a suction hose connecting the suction head with the turbine and a dirt collector. Steam and pressurized water lines extend along the hose and the steam line runs to an orifice strip in a sole plate of the head while the spray nozzles are provided in a slot between a pair of brushes. The suction nozzle opens at a slot in the sole plate and sealing strips are provided along the longitudinal sides of the suction nozzle and the steam nozzle strip.

Abstract: An accessory crevice cleaning tool adapted for use with a water extraction cleaning machine has a solution spray nozzle integrated therewith and a tapered, rectangular nozzle opening which does not exceed the diameter of the hose and grip tube. The spray nozzle can be adapted to provide a pinpoint spray pattern immediately adjacent the nozzle opening, a fan-shaped spray pattern which is parallel to and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the nozzle opening or a fan-shaped spray pattern which is transverse to and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the nozzle opening. Preferably, the accessory crevice cleaning tool is removably mounted to the end of the flexible hose.

Abstract: A retractable handle assembly including a mounting base fixed to a suitcase, two sleeves fixed to the mounting base, two retracting tubes inserted into the sleeves, each retracting tube having a first pin hole and a second pin hole, two locking devices mounted in an opening on the mounting base, each locking device having an outward pin for insertion into the first pin hole of second pin hole of one retracting tube to lock the retracting tubes in the retracted or extended position, a control button, and spring-supported link means connected between the control button and the locking devices, whereby when the control button is moved forwards, the locking devices are pulled inwards by the spring-supported link means to disconnect the respective pins from the first or second pin holes of the retracting tubes for permitting the retracting tubes to be moved between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: A hand grip for looped metal handles of cookware which become hot during stove top or oven use which can be quickly and easily assembled to and disassembled from such cookware handles by modest hand generated forces, and which is easily washable, together with such a handgrip in combination with a cookware vessel, is disclosed.

Abstract: An adjusting knob assembly includes a knob member having a knob and an axially extending shaft. A support bracket has an aperture defined in part by a gapped ring section formed by a pair confronting arcuate fingers. The shaft and the aperture have complimentary, longitudinally extending, circumferentially distributed flat surfaces, which provide discrete angular positions for the shaft when the complimentary flat surfaces are in register. Preferably, the gap between the confronting fingers is sized, and the arcuate fingers have a compliance sufficient that the shaft may be passed laterally through the gap and snapped into the aperture. Any one of a plurality of interchangeable cam members can be press fit on to the end of the shaft.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a glass door hinge system for attachment of a glass door to a frame, the system including: an upper hinge member having an upper clamping member for attachment to an upper horizontal edge of the glass door and having an upper base member for attachment to the frame, the upper clamping member being rotatably attachable to the upper base member; and a lower hinge member having a lower clamping member for attachment to a lower horizontal edge of the glass door and having an lower base member for attachment to the frame, the lower clamping member being rotatably attachable to the lower base member.

Abstract: A hinge for supporting a window sash relative to a window frame including a track (12) connected to the window frame, a support arm (16) pivotally secured to the track, a shoe (22) slidably received in the track (12) and a sash arm connected to the window sash and pivotally supported relative to both the shoe and the support arm (14). The shoe includes a first side (38) which lies adjacent the track (12) when the shoe is received in the track. The shoe further includes a recess (40) in the first side (38) and a pad (42) integrally formed with the shoe body (22). The pad is received in a recess when the shoe is received in the track.

Abstract: A fiber processing machine includes an opening roll; a feed roller positioned at a first clearance from the opening roll and a feed tray positioned at a second clearance from the opening roll. The feed tray defines a nip with the feed roller for clamping and advancing fiber material in the nip to the opening roll. A setting arrangement is provided for adjusting at least one of the first and second clearances.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from raw cotton traveling in an airstream includes a drum which is rotatably driven and mounted to a frame with the drum having a plurality of openings through, and further includes an assembly for directing the raw cotton against the drum, a first suction assembly for drawing contaminants from the cotton which is retained on the cotton collecting surface in a cotton impingement zone, a second suction arrangement for drawing cleaned raw cotton away from the cotton collection surface and including a cotton retention zone wherein the second suction airstream is opposed to the first suction airstream and a cotton release zone wherein the second suction airstream is assisted by atmospheric air in removing clean cotton from the cotton collection surface of the rotatable drum and delivering it to a clean cotton reservoir.

Abstract: A sliver processing machine includes a plurality of roll pairs between which a running sliver passes. Each roll pair is composed of a driving roll and a pressure roll. A separate pressing device is connected with each pressure roll for urging each pressure roll against its driving roll. Each pressing device has a shiftable element displaced by the pressure roll upon radial displacement of the pressure roll in response to winding of sliver on either the pressure roll or the associated driving roll. A common actuating element is connected to each shiftable element of each pressing device for displacing the common actuating element upon displacement of any one of the shiftable elements. A switching device is connected to the common actuating element. The switching device has an idle state and a signal-generating state.

Abstract: A band made from a material normally elastically non-stretchable in its longitudinal direction to which elastic stretchability is imparted by one or more sections which include lateral non-rectilinear band portions on both sides of the central longitudinal band plane which are concavely shaped as viewed from the central longitudinal plane to form a central window which at least approximately resembles an hourglass. The lateral non-rectilinear band portions are thereby made by cut-outs in the band along its longitudinal sides and in the center area. In one embodiment, the cut-outs along the sides are segmentally shaped while the window in the central area is made of a shape resembling an hourglass. Adjacent sections are connected with each other by transversely extending web portions delimited in the longitudinal direction by end surfaces of the central cut-outs.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus (20) for engaging or sealing flexible material (22) comprises an elongated locking or roller member (30) and a channel-forming member or frame (40). The frame (40) has opposing cantilevered panels (42, 44) between which a channel (50) is formed, the cantilevered panels (42, 44) being resilient panels which accommodate insertion of the roller (30) into the channel (50) and withdrawal of at least a portion of the roller from the channel, whereby the flexible material (22) is engaged between the roller (30) and the frame (40) when the roller is inserted into the frame. The roller (30) is pivotally connected to the frame (40), and has a handle end (32) which protrudes past the frame (40) to facilitate withdrawal therefrom. An external surface of frame (40) has a recess which accommodates a magnet (80) fitted therein to facilitate attachment of the sealing apparatus to metallic surfaces.

Abstract: A shoelace and closure mechanism for lacing a shoe which includes a shoelace featuring a number of closure members near its ends. The outer directed portion of each of the closure members is connected to the lace while the other end is free of the shoelace. The shoe is equipped with a lace retaining member which is formed with a cutout dimensioned to allow passage an end of the shoelace when the shoelace is moved in one direction while causing one of the closure members to open and engage the cutout and thereby immobilize the shoelace when an attempt is made to move the shoelace in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Tenter frame apparatus includes an endless chain for carrying tenter clips (A) on one side of a monorail (B) for positioning a web (W) for transport on a single pair of longitudinally aligned bearings (C) carried in horizontal alignment with the web (W), and for guidance on a stationary track (D) by a wear strip (E), first opposed wear pads (F) opposite the bearings, and second opposed wear pads (G) at the top of the monorail.

Abstract: The process includes the sequential steps of supplying in a separated side-by-side parallel relationship to a yarn drawing apparatus first multifilament feed yarn and second multifilament feed yarn which are differently colored or colorable with respect to each other; drawing the first feed yarn and the second feed yarn in the yarn drawing apparatus while keeping the first feed yarn and the second feed yarn in a relatively parallel relationship and separate from each other; making a bundle from the first drawn feed yarn and the second drawn feed yarn by simultaneously imparting false twist to the drawn first feed yarn and the drawn second feed yarn without commingling the first and second drawn feed yarns; and texturing the bundle without commingling to make a nontwisted, noncommingled singles yarn displaying two distinct unblended colors.

Abstract: A wire cleaning apparatus in which three motor driven rotary wire brushes are mounted on a frame for rotation about axes generally radially of a wire pass line with the axes of the brushes being angularly and axially spaced apart relative to the pass line, and with the rotary brushes each having a bristle end face transverse to the axis of rotation and disposed adjacent the pass line so that the bristles of each brush move crosswise of the wire and in relatively opposite directions during each revolution of the brush. A wire guide shoe is associated with each of the wire brushes for guidably engaging and supporting the wire at a side of the pass line opposite the end face of the associated wire brush to control the position of the wire and the depth of penetrating the wire as it passes the end face of the associated brush.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming strings of springs enclosed within pockets having flat overlapping side seams avoiding problems with false loft in mattress construction.

Abstract: A puller tool for removing bearings and like items from a blind hole comprises a plurality of fingers mounted within channels on a circular guide member for radially directed motion. The fingers include an outer wedge portion for insertion between an annular face of the item and a seat surface of the hole, and a radially inner cam surface arranged for engagement by an elongated actuating member to which the guide member is threadably mounted for forcing the fingers in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A process is described which serves to assemble a synchronizer for a gear change box, which synchronizer comprises a hub provided with a slidable sleeve and at least one cone coupling comprising a double-conical ring, which is freely rotatable relative to the hub and is adapted to be non-positively gripped between an inner friction ring, which is connected to the hub, and a synchronizing outer ring, which is axially displaceable relative to the friction ring by the slidable sleeve, wherein the clutch in an engaged position is moved to engage the synchronizing outer ring with a locating abutment to ensure an axial lost motion between the synchronizing ring and the hub, and the friction ring is subsequently axially fixed to the hub and thereafter the locating abutment is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for attaching a gear tooth sensor to an object, such as an engine block of an automobile. A clamping bar and a deformable conical washer are associated with a tubular portion of the sensor in such a way that rigid attachment of the clamping bar to the engine block, such as through the use of a threaded bolt, deforms the conical washer into a generally flat shape and, in the process, causes a distal end of the tubular portion of the sensor to move away from a target by a predetermined distance. Prior to deforming the deformable washer between the clamping bar and the engine block, the sensor is moved into contact with a rotatable target, such as a gear.

Abstract: A bottle having a sterility seal and a method for producing same are disclosed. The bottle, which can be configured to retain a medicament in powder or tablet form, features a protective cap configured to engage a transfer assembly associated with the bottle. The cap includes one or more raised ridges on an interior surface engageable with a portion of the transfer assembly. A band or layer configuration of a sealing material such as silicone is applied to the transfer assembly prior to insertion of the cap thereover. As the cap comes into surface contact with the sealing material, the ridges cause the material to "roll up" into a toroidal O-ring configuration, thereby forming a seal between the cap and the bottle adapted to the dimensional variations of those components.

Abstract: A disk drive that is the product of modifying a standard computer disk drive to read and write data in parallel with all of its transducer heads at once, rather than serially with only one head at a time. A method and apparatus are disclosed for protecting the disk drive's platters from damage and contamination while working on the interior of the disk drive case. The apparatus includes a hinged cover that replaces a conventional disk drive cover while work is being performed on circuitry within the disk drive case. The hinged cover seals off the platters and the inside of the disk drive case except for the circuitry being worked on.

Abstract: A thin-film head has patterned pole tips and a smooth interface surface topography which eliminates the accumulation of foreign material around the pole tips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a gas sensor having multiple quadrupoles formed in an array by positioning a plurality of rods in an array of quadrupoles, forming a glass bead on the rods, positioning a source of electrons proximate to one end of the rods to ionize gas molecules, positioning an electrical lens proximate to the source of electrons to induce ionized gas molecules, positioning a collector proximate to the rods and displaced from the lens to receive the ionized gas molecules, providing electrical connections through the glass bead to the source of electrons, to the lens, to the collector and to the rods, and heating the glass beads formed on a plurality of rods positioned in the array of quadrupoles to grip and hold the rods in a cantilevered position to thereby seal the electrical connections.

Abstract: A semiconductor device having an interconnecting circuit board includes an island formed in a predetermined plane, a semiconductor chip disposed on the island and having a plurality of electrically connecting electrode pads, an interconnecting circuit board disposed on the semiconductor chip and having an electrically conductive pattern, a plurality of inner leads disposed around the island, a first electrically connecting wire connecting the electrically conductive pattern and one of the plurality of electrically connecting electrode pads, and a second electrically connecting wire connecting the electrically conductive pattern and one of the inner leads.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the fabrication of wiring layers in integrated circuit devices, the conductive path interconnections between areas of conduction on three layers, the three layers being separated by insulating layers, of the integrated circuit are fabricated during the same sequence of operations. The regions of conduction can be associated with the surface of a semiconductor substrate along with associated components fabricated thereon and two wiring layers, or the regions of conduction can be associated with three wiring layers. After the second insulating layer is formed, but before the formation of the final conductive layer, holes are created, a portion of the holes extending through the second insulating region to the prior wiring layer and a portion of the holes extending through the second insulting layer and through the first insulating layer to a semiconductor substrate or to an initial wiring layer.

Abstract: A tool (10) is provided for inserting a wire (12) into a wire-receiving slit (13) of an IDC (14) and for trimming the excess portion of the wire following insertion. The tool includes a prime mover (24) coupled to a guide member (36) having a wire-receiving notch (60) in one end, and a slot (64) coextensive with the notch. The guide member (36) has a blade (46) that is pivotally coupled to the guide member for movement across the wire-receiving notch (60). When the guide member (36) is positioned to partially envelop the IDC (14) in the slot (64), and the prime mover (24) is actuated, the guide member forces the wire (12) seated in the notch (62) into the slit (13) of the IDC. Simultaneously, the blade (46) pivots across the guide member (36) to sever any excess portion of the wire extending beyond the IDC (14).

Abstract: The method and apparatus is provided for sealing a splice in an electrical cable. A pair of spaced-apart sealing dams are formed about the electrical cable with the splice being located therebetween. A generally cylindrical splice enclosing shell, having a pair of opposed open ends is supported around the splice. The shell includes plural shell fingers extending from each end of the shell. The shell fingers are secured to each other at a location outwardly adjacent of the sealing dams to positionally confine the sealing dams, preventing outward migration thereof. The splice may be encapsulated with an encapsulant under pressure, which is retained by the splice enclosing shell.

Abstract: A fabricating method of one-piece refractory metal rocket engine chamber is described. Hollow liner sections of a platinum group metal or alloy are inserted into a chamber barrel portion to form the combustion chamber, connecting into a conical portion, a venturi throat and into a second conical portion, forming an expansion nozzle exit of the chamber. The hollow liner sections correspond to the interior shapes of the chamber portions. A refractory metal split mandrel and welded end caps complete an assembly which is press formed at high temperature and pressure, undergoing a cyclic hot isostatic pressing to firmly bond the liner sections to the chamber portions. Scarfed edges of the liner sections are also bonded. The end caps and split mandrel are then machined out of the chamber and residual molybdenum removed resulting in a lined rocket engine chamber.

Abstract: A utility knife/box cutter includes an ergonomically-shaped handle portion with exterior stippling to provide a good grasp upon the knife. Within the handle portion, a channel member is received in a forwardly extending cavity and movably receives a cutting blade carrier for longitudinal movement relative to the handle portion. A cutter blade carried in the blade carrier is moveable between a storage position entirely within the handle portion and successively further forward use and replacement positions. Also received into the handle portion is a spare blade holder member pivotal between a blade retaining position entirely within the handle portion and a blade releasing position in which a forward part of the spare blade holder member is pivoted out of the handle portion to present spare blades for removal and transfer to the cutting blade carrier.

Abstract: A tree pruner comprises a support rod and a cutting set. The support rod is provided at the top end thereof with a slide seat fastened thereto. The cutting set has a fastening piece fastened with a slide block capable of sliding on the slide seat. Fastened with the fastening piece is a pull rod which has a bottom end disposed pivotally in a slot of a rocking rod. The rocking rod is provided at one end thereof with a grip and is fastened pivotally at another end thereof with two connection rods which are fastened with the support rod. As the rocking rod is swung up and down, a saw which is fastened wiht the fastening piece is caused to move likewise so as to prune a twig off the tree.

Abstract: A device for measuring a waist of an individual. The inventive device includes a main body having a measuring loop coupled to a first end thereof. A portion of the measuring loop is biased into the main body by a spring for storage to preclude unintentional engagement with surrounding objects and includes an indicator projecting from the main body such that a waist of a child can be measured to select an appropriate diaper size within a store. The device can additionally be utilized for simply estimating a circumference of a portion or waist of a human body absent an actual positioning of the portion of the human body thereinto.

Abstract: An oil level gauge having a simple structure so as to be readily assembled, an accidental disconnection of a handle from a rod being prevented, favorable contact between a rubber packing and an inner wall of a gauge insertion pipe being assured, and a reliable water-proof arrangement being obtained to prevent water from entering into an oil tank. The oil level gauge includes a rod including an oil level indicator at its lower end, a handle provided at an upper portion of the rod, and a rubber packing fitted on the rod in the vicinity of the handle; and these components are tightly assembled each other via a pressing force provided by the rubber packing which is being compressed.