Abstract: An inflatable multi-layer body support cushion, adapted to buffer or dampen the fluid reaction to forces applied to the upper surface of the cushion, includes a plurality of adjacent cells of generally hourglass configuration defined by vertically stacked upper and lower chamber portions and medial neck portion. The laterally adjacent chambers are interconnected for the intralayer fluid flow therebetween. The vertically adjacent chambers are interconnected in the neck portion of the cells by orifices which control the interlayer fluid communication between the upper and lower chambers.

Abstract: A multifunctional instrument includes a plurality of holder units which are detachably mounted in series and connecting members which may be either mounted between and interconnecting two adjacent holder units or mounted to a distal end of interconnected holder units, each interconnecting member including engaging arrangement at two ends thereof for detachably engaging with two ends of the holder units, and different kinds of tool tips being formed on two ends of the interconnecting member.

Abstract: A golf ball washer includes a housing having interior walls defining an interior cavity and a cylindrical lip defining an access opening. The cylindrical lip has exterior threads. Abrasive ball cleaning medium lines the interior walls of the interior cavity. A plunger is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing. The plunger has a first end and a second end. The plunger is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position the first end of the plunger telescopically extends from the access opening of the housing. In the retracted position the plunger is confined within the housing. The plunger has a golf ball receiving aperture extending therethrough. The golf ball receiving aperture protrudes from the access opening when the plunger is in the extended position, such that a golf ball can be inserted in the golf ball receiving aperture. A top cap is rotatably mounted to the first end of the plunger. The top cap has a depending annular skirt with interior threads.

Abstract: In a small brush, in particular an interdental brush, comprising a plurality of fibers or bristles (5) which are secured so as to protrude radially between two wire-type segments (1, 2) by twisting the latter, it is provided, with a view to improve the properties of handling and dental care, that the wire-type segments (1, 2) comprise at least one plastic fiber (3).

Abstract: A polysurfacial mop head suitable for use with a mop handle, including an array of strand elements secured by securement members to form a unitary mop head body of generally flat character when reposed on a planar supporting surface The mop head body is securable on a mounting assembly of the mop handle in at least two differing deployment orientations with the active mopping surface presented to said planar supporting surface comprising differing surface portions of the mop head body in the different deployment orientations of the mop head body. Also disclosed is a mop head assembly having an extended support structure which is "breakable" at a medial part thereof, so that the outer extremities of the structure pivotally distend to a relaxed condition, in which the mop head body secured to the support structure may be readily wrung out, or otherwise prepared for reuse (e.g., in dry mopping or applicator uses).

Abstract: A tool for scraping material from a bullnose installed on a corner joint of a drywall installation includes an elongated device having a handle portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a size adapted for holding in one hand. The first end portion has a first convexly shaped edge that matches a concavely shaped portion of the bullnose. It enables a user to scrape the material from the bullnose by moving the convexly shaped edge along the concavely shaped portion of the bullnose. Preferably, the first concavely shaped edge is shaped in a 75-degree arc of 0.875 inch radius to match a convexly shaped portion of the bullnose when the bullnose is installed on a 90-degree corner joint, and the second end portion of the elongated device includes a second convexly shaped edge that is shaped in a 50-degree arc of 1.125 inch radius to match the concavely shaped portion of the bullnose when the bullnose is installed on a 135-degree corner joint. One embodiment takes the form of a 6.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning used bulk or cargo bags enables a worker to vacuum clean the entire outside of the bag without climbing up and down. An air supply/fill clamp assembly attaches to the fill opening. It inflates and supports the bag. An air exhaust discharge clamp attaches to the discharge opening to carry away interior residue. A power elevation mechanism raises and lowers the air supply/fill clamp assembly under operator control to thereby position the bag at whatever level is most useful to the operator as the outside is being vacuum cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: The broom comprises a handle in the form of an elongated stick, a broom body fixed below to the handle, cleaning means born by the broom body and designed to collect dirt on a floor after dragging of the broom body on said floor. It is characterized in that it comprises a vacuum cleaner unit housed in the broom body provided with a suction mouth open at the bottom in a position adjacent to the cleaning means.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner is provided in which various electrical functions of the vacuum cleaner may be controlled by the user with controls on the hose handle, whether the hose is attached to the suction port or the blowport. The primary exhaust port is located substantially toward the front of the vacuum cleaner body. During normal operation, air is directed from the hose through the suction port and the motor, toward the back of the vacuum cleaner, and then redirected to the front of the vacuum cleaner, where it exits from the primary exhaust port. The vacuum cleaner is also provided with a reduced wheelbase, for greater maneuverability. Two wheels are mounted on the underside of the vacuum cleaner body, near the vacuum cleaner's center of gravity, and a caster is mounted near the front of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A convertible leaf blower and vacuum apparatus includes a fan and baffle supported on one end of a cylindrical member for insertion into a collar defining an air inlet of the fan for narrowing the diameter of the air inlet when the apparatus is being connected to the collar. A vacuum tube replaces the cylindrical member when the apparatus is in a vacuum. The vacuum tube is connected to the collar in the same manner as the cylindrical member. A cover for overlaying the air inlet is attached on one side to the fan housing by a hinge and the other side by a releasable fastener.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an electric motor which drives a suction fan to draw air and debris into the cleaner via an inlet. The air and debris pass along a passageway and creates a suction at a bleed way to draw air through the motor and out of a compartment. Air enters the compartment through vents (not shown) in a side of an outer housing. The arrangement enhances the cooling of the motor and uses air uncontaminated with debris.

Abstract: A door knob lever is described, for use primarily by disabled persons, as including a rotatable hook at one end thereof for hooking around the base of a common door knob. A right angle or arcuate shaped bracket is also included, with the rotation of the hook taking place with respect to the bracket. The other end of the lever provides a handle for enabling the gripping of the lever, so that the user grips the handle of the lever, swings it to cause the hook to encircle the door knob at its base, rotates the bracket to engage the door knob gripping surface and then rotates the lever to cause the door knob to rotate.

Abstract: A multi-piece jack handle having selectively assembled and disassembled elongated rod sections is provided with a novel molded retainer sleeve having integral prong elements in one elongated rod section that are selectively engaged and disengaged from co-operation with an integral retention collar in another co-operating rod section.

Abstract: A hinge for an article of furniture comprising a hinge arm and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is to be mounted on a side wall of said article of furniture and abuts a side face of the side wall with a mounting plane. The hinge arm is connected by means of a hinge axle to a hinge part adapted to be mounted on a furniture door. The hinge arm is fastened to the mounting plate by at least one locking member which is acted upon by a spring and is held on the mounting plate solely by means of the locking member. The mounting plate is provided with pegs extending perpendicularly to the mounting plane. The hinge arm comprising two arms defining an L. A first arm is aligned parallel to a front face of the side wall and a second arm is aligned parallel to the side face of said side wall.

Abstract: A friction tilt mechanism is specially configured to provide precisely controllable tilt angles to devices requiring smooth and stable angular adjustability, by virtue of employing one or more unique frictional tilt devices. Each friction tilt device includes a pair of bronze bearing blocks, one responsive to precisely applied compressive forces to produce user controllable amounts of static and rotational friction to the tilt axis. When a pair of the friction tilt devices are arranged on a support adapted to carry a flat panel display, smooth and precise viewing angle adjustments are readily accomplished and stabily retained for a wide range of display weights.

Abstract: Worsted grade all-wool of fair quality can be spun on cotton spinning system. Wool top is processed at first passage of cotton drawing frame instead of gill, with cutting and drafting with suitable distance between front and third rollers. Second and back top rollers are removed so that wool sliver which is more uniform and which has a shorter staple length distribution can be processed with roller drafting only. The second to last passage is processed with the same distance between the front and third roller as the first passage and also has the second and back top rollers removed. The sliver is fed through three (3) pairs of the rollers and one pair of aprons of a cotton roving frame, the draft is the same distance as the first passage of drawing process between front and back rollers and uses an engraved middle top roller. Yarn is spun on a cotton ring frame by drafting the fed roving through three pairs of rollers and one pair of aprons.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for quickly and easily attaching a balloon to an anchoring object such as a name card holder, a flag, or a garment. The preferred embodiment is comprised of a specially manufactured ribbon which is made with an attachment mechanism on one end so that the balloon can be secured to an anchoring object without complicated pins, adhesive tape or knots.

Abstract: A combination of a belt fastener having upper and lower plates joined by arcuate hinge loops and staples preassembled in apertures formed in the upper plates is provided with the staples cooperating with the plates to capture an end of a belt between the plates. The edges of the apertures provide the staples with vertically spaced areas of interference fit with the combination of the preassembled staples and fasteners being effective to reduce the time required to install these plate-type fasteners on bell ends while also holding the staples in an upright, pre-set position against forces that would otherwise cause the staple to slide against the aperture edges until a sufficient driving force is applied for driving the legs through belt material to attach the fastener on a belt end.

Abstract: A paper clip consists of two elastic steel plates only, and each elastic steel plate has a connect member punched out of its upper portion, and an upper curved grip is formed therein after punching. The two connect members are bent inward and combined together by hooking their outer ends together, with lower ends of the two steel plates elastically and separably contacting with each other for gripping papers by pressing inward and then releasing the curved grips.

Abstract: An attachment and cable fastening device. The device has an elongate elastic cable folded over at least one of its ends to form an eyelet. An metallic ring is crimped around the elastic cable's folded over ends. A strong metal hook with a frontwardly lying generally U-shaped front hook portion and a bent end extremity is placed with its bent end extremity fitted into the eyelet. A plastic covering is formed around the folded over end of said elastic cable, the metallic ring and the strong metal hook.

Abstract: In a separable slide fastener, a separable bottom-end-stop assembly of synthetic resin is in the form of three-member structure composed of a first pin, a second pin and a box. The first pin has a locking portion. The box has first and second pin insertion bores separated by a central partition having a resilient locked portion engageable with the locking portion of the first pin. The box additionally has on the outer side of the first pin insertion bore a short side wall to be received in a cutout in a bottom end portion of one of opposite fastener stringers. Thus, the firm attachment of the box after sewing can be achieved.

Abstract: Packages being produced on a form, fill and seal machine as provided with transverse zippers inserted thereinto through a fin seal gap. Pairs of fin sealing bars are separated by a gap to produce the fin seal gap. The fin seal gap is opened, perhaps by vacuum means, and a zipper probe inserts a zipper having a web into the tube of plastic sheet material being formed into bags. The web of the zipper is sealed to the plastic sheet material, and the zipper probe withdrawn from the tube. Cross seal jaws seal both transverse ends of the package, a knife separates each package from that previously made, and a fin gap sealer seals the fin seal gap to complete the manufacture.

Abstract: A string zipper is provided for use in the manufacture of material for reclosable plastic bags. The string zipper includes a first profile and a complementary mating profile which, when interlocked and properly attached to the bag walls render the bag easy to open from the outside and hard to open from the inside. One of the profiles is formed of polyethylene material that includes an optical brightener to facilitate properly orienting the zipper on a sheet of plastic material. During manufacture of plastic bag material, the zipper is passed through a black light so that the profile containing the brightener can be detected and thus the profiles may readily be distinguished from one another and properly oriented on the sheet material to obtain the desired force differential feature on the final bag.

Abstract: A shoe closure mechanism having a rolling disk which lies on a bottom wall of a housing part, with the rolling disk being a flat, narrow ring whose inner face forms an inner gearing and whose outer face forms a rotatable guide path with the inner wall of a peripheral edge of the housing part. Furthermore, an eccentric driving disk lies on the bottom wall of the housing part within the rolling disk in the same plane with it. A cable pulley lies on the rolling disk and the eccentric driving disk, and it engages with drive pegs in circular openings of the eccentric driving disk and rotates on a section of an axle unit. The driving disk has a central hole which receives an eccentric driving peg that projects axially from the axle unit into a central opening of the driving disk.

Abstract: A soft, expanded shoelace is extruded from a PTFE paste. Its ends are permanently hardened by laterally compressing the lace, and terminations are installed on the ends.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a tool for removing and replacing the operating nut on a subterranean gate at the bottom of a valve tile. The tool comprises an elongated shaft having a handle at its upper end and a bifurcated member affixed to its lower end. The bifurcated member is configured to fit easily underneath the operating nut for lifting the nut off of the valve stem. A tubular slide is mounted on the shaft and is adapted to impact against a slide stop located below the handle. A rest is provided on the shaft for holding the tubular slide in spaced apart relation from the slide stop. A nut retaining member is adjustable mounted to the lower end of the shaft for holding a new operating nut on top of the bifurcated member during the replacement operation.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel of lightweight alloy is provided with a replaceable beadseat protector which protects the beadseat area of the rim of the wheel from tire abrasion and chafing and subsequent corrosion. When formed of organic resin material, the beadseat protector also reduces transfer of heat through the beadseat area of the wheel and the associated tire. The beadseat protector can be removed and replaced periodically as required. The beadseat protector may be constructed form a variety of materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals and plastics. It is preferably prepared from fiber-reinforced organic resin which is premolded to the desired internal and external contours for the intended application. The wear protector is sealingly affixed to the beadseat area against rotation relative to the wheel rim, by bonding or by mechanical interference.

Abstract: A method of affixing a material on a substrate to the inner surface of a bore tube of magnets for a superconducting supercollider includes the steps of bonding a gas-absorbing material to a thin metallic substrate and forming the substrate and the material into a partly tubular configuration having an inner surface and an outer surface, the material being on the inner surface. The partly tubular configuration is shaped in a manner whereby the partly tubular configuration is expandable in diameter. The partly tubular configuration is inserted coaxially into the tube with the outer surface of the partly tubular configuration in proximity with the inner surface of the tube. Hoop compressor stress is applied to the inner surface of the partly tubular configuration, thereby forcing the partly tubular configuration against the inner surface of the tube. The bore tube is maintained at cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat-sealed neo-natal medical monitoring probe requires a pair of light sources and a light detector to be placed between two layers or conformable material used to implement the probe. The layers are designed to be self-aligning when placed in the assembly press for heat-sealing the perimeter of the probe. The heat-sealing process both protects the light sources and detector from fluids and also functions to precisely position and secure these devices.

Abstract: A multi-stage telescopic antenna for use in vehicles and a method for manufacturing such an antenna in which the antenna element, which comprises uppermost rod and conductive pipes, is free of any bending or breaking damage even if a large load is applied to the antenna element from a lateral direction, and there is no permanent deformation occurs even after the load is removed, so that the antenna element can always be maintained straight and smooth and stable extension and retraction can be executed.At least the conductive pipes 12 through 14 are formed from a high-elasticity material obtained by heat-treating SUS 631. In the heat treatment, the material is heated at a standard temperature of 480.degree. C..+-.5.degree. C. and then gradually cooled.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a gradient coil for an MR imaging system having an open magnet. The method includes forming a structure from thin conductive material such as copper, the structure generally comprising a section of a cylinder and a section of an annulus joined to an edge of the cylinder section as a flange. During a first cutting operation, a plurality of first groove segments are cut through the material, each of the first groove segments lying in one of a plurality of cutting zones selectively positioned around the structure, a strip of material positioned between two adjacent groove segments comprising a coil turn segment. The coil turn segments of a cutting zone are rigidly joined to one another and to a support frame comprising the outer edge of the structure by suitable means. Thereafter, a second cutting operation is performed, whereby a plurality of second groove segments are cut through the material to completely form the gradient coil.

Abstract: One or two, or more, additional conductive layers, separated from one another (if two or more) and separated from a patterned (signal) conductive layer are formed in a flexible substrate, for mounting a semiconductor die in a semiconductor device assembly. These additional layers are used as separate planes for carrying power and/or ground from outside the assembly to the die, on a separate plane from signals entering or exiting the die. Another aspect of the present invention provides a semiconductor device assembly including a first conductive layer with a plurality of traces formed on an insulating layer, a second conductive layer with an inner edge portion exposed within the central opening in the insulating layer, and a leadframe having a number of leads the inner end of one or more of the leads being electrically connected to an outer end of one or more of the traces.

Abstract: A multi-layer flexible circuit board has multiple thicker regions to which components are mounted and thinner, more flexible regions with fewer wiring layers through which the board can be bent about a line without bending thicker regions. Surface mount components such as QFP's and flip-chips are mounted on the front side, and surface mount and pin-in-hole components are mounted on the back side of the circuit board at the thick regions. Heat spreaders are laminated to the back sides of thicker regions. The thicker regions have windows in which wire bond chips are mounted on the heat spreader and wire bonded to the front side of the board. A thermally conductive adhesive or grease connects between the tops of the back side components and the bottoms of the cavities. The heat sinks are bolted together and/or to an enclosure frame to improve thermal performance.

Abstract: A process for producing a wiring board involves laminating a metal foil on both sides of an insulating substrate not completely cured, followed by pressing with heating; drilling holes in the resulting laminate for connecting circuits therein; removing portions of the metal foils in narrow areas around the holes to form hollow portions in the metal foils; and filling a flowable electroconductive substance in the holes and the hollow portions.

Abstract: Thermal isolation mesas 36 comprising a porous material 64 are used to thermally insulate sensing integrated circuitry 44 from pixels 34 of an uncooled IR detector hybrid system 30. The porous material 64 is preferably a silicon-dioxide xerogel. The mesas 36 may also comprise a protective film 66.

Abstract: A high efficiency pump having relatively-moving parts constituted of a light weight material and a coating on at least one of the parts to effect essentially zero clearance between the parts where they merge together. The coating is comprised of solid lubricants in a polymer resin matrix stable up to 700.degree. F.

Abstract: An improved shaver includes a plate having a substantially flat spreading surface for spreading shaving cream or gel onto an area to be shaved to form a thin substantially uniform layer of shaving cream or gel. The substantially flat spreading surface is preferably as wide as the shaving head and long enough to avoid the shaving cream foam flowing over the bottom of the plate. The shaver preferably includes a chamber for storing the shaving cream and a mechanism for dispensing it onto the substantially flat spreading surface at a preselected rate. The substantially flat surface can include flat parallel projections that are spaced apart from each other. These projections facilitate spreading of the cream or gel. The substantially flat spreading surface can be subdivided into a plurality of articulated panels which can be folded over the shaving head to protect the razor blade.

Abstract: A cable severance tool (10) having approximately flat cutting edges (40). An opening (41) formed by the edges (40) as the severance heads move together is preferably approximately elliptical, oval or hexagonal-shaped. The flat severance edge (40) and the elongated opening (41) formed, allows hardened steel strands (4) of wire cable (1) to be gathered and severed rather than cut.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wrappage cutter including a holder and a cutting element disposed below and received in the holder. The cutting element includes a blade inclinedly fixed at an angle between 15 degrees and 35 degrees relative to the holder, such that when the holder is pushed forward against a paper to be cut, the paper can be easily and straight cut in a quick and safe manner.

Abstract: A variety of sighting device embodiments for use on projectile type weapons including a scope type sight for archery and barrel supporting sights for guns. Some sights utilize a predetermined length of a light gathering flourescent fiber having a distal end at which gathered light is focused. The fiber or fibers are arranged in various configurations and/or pairs in predetermined relations for exposing the ends in a sighting plane visible to the user of the weapon.

Abstract: A quilting-aid device and method for use in making "two-color" squares for use in quilts, in which the quilter makes four of such squares from each larger square of two superimposed sheets of different material. The quilting-aid device, which saves the quilter from having to perform difficult calculations in the measuring and stitching and cutting of such squares, has two scales inscribed on a ruler-type base; a first scale on which to locate the desired size of two-color square and a second scale on which the corresponding position gives the size of the larger square with which to begin.

Abstract: Improvements in centrifugal pellet dryers and more particularly to improvements in the rotor structure which includes a shaft, pellet lifter assemblies and supporting spiders which support the pellet lifter assemblies from the shaft. Each spider is made of a one-piece plate laser cut for strength, balance and simplicity. Mounting of the pellet lifter assemblies on the spider, and the spider on the shaft, are configured for easy assembly and maintenance.

Abstract: A roasting apparatus for coffee beans and other food includes a removable drum on the housing rotatable about a horizontal axis and drive means on the housing for supporting and rotating the drum. The drum has a plurality of internal vanes arranged such that i) as the drum is rotated in one direction the beans are stirred and retained by the vanes within the drum, and ii) as the drum is rotated in the opposite direction the beans are moved by the vanes toward the drum opening for dispensing from the roasting apparatus. A removable cover includes a safety interlock which, when activated, prevents opening of the cover when the drum is at bean roasting temperature and which automatically deactivates upon cooling of the drum to permit opening of the cover to remove the drum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of use for an air-moving appliance for personal use, in particular a hair dryer or a hot-air curling brush, comprising a body (10) and a two-dimensional air discharge means (12) which includes a series of air exit apertures (14) and carries a series of hair pickup elements (16) arranged adjacent to each other. Downward ends (18) of the hair pickup elements (16) lie on a substantially concave surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to drying and heating processes and to an apparatus incorporating a pulse combustion device that can be used in a drying system or in a heating system. In general, the apparatus includes a pulse combustion device for the combustion of a fuel to produce a pulsating flow of combustion products and an acoustic pressure wave. The pulse combustion device has a combustion chamber connected to at least one resonance tube. A resonance chamber surrounds at least a portion of the pulse combustion device and includes a nozzle downstream from the resonance tube. The nozzle accelerates the combustion products flowing therethrough and creates a pulsating velocity head. In a drying system, the nozzle exits into a drying chamber where the combustion products contact a feed stream.

Abstract: In the case of a heat setting chamber for the continuous heat setting of yarns, entry and exit openings are provided, through which transport belts are fed and onto which transport belts the yarns are placed in loops. In the area of the entry and exit openings, ventilation seals are provided, on which the heat setting medium flows against the loops from underneath. The mouths of extractor vents are arranged vertically over the ventilation seals. The heat setting medium can thus penetrate the yarn loops in the area of the entry and exit openings simultaneously from above and below.

Abstract: A drying section for a paper making machine includes a larger number of dryer sections, fewer dryers in each dryer section, and provisions for driving many of the dryers individually. The average number of dryers per dryer section is less than five and preferably less than four. By providing a small number of dryers per dryer section and driving many of the dryers individually, it is possible to more precisely compensate for stretching of the paper web in the initial stages of the drying process and to more precisely compensate for shrinkage of the paper web during the latter stages of the drying process.

Abstract: An improved impact absorbing system for footwear including a compartment having a radiator structure attached to the footwear in fluid communication with an impact absorbing pad in the footwear for cooling the pad fluid heated by repeated compression, as the fluid circulates.

Abstract: A weighted insole with a pair of flat weights encapsulated inside a flexible material which is formed into an insole for placement in a shoe. A first weight is encapsulated in front, and a second weight is encapsulated behind, the ball-of-the-foot area. The second weight additionally has cutouts at the arch and heel areas of the foot. These unweighted areas throughout their thickness include insole material which provides extra comfort and cushioning where the user typically places more weight on the foot. The front and back weighted construction additionally allows for flexibility of the insole at the ball area. A pattern of nodes is projected from the bottom of the insole to frictionally hold the insole in place in the shoe.

Abstract: The shoe protector and floor aid is a slip on device having a sole with a toe guard and a heel guard. The toe guard has a tongue attached by a flexible joint. The tongue is then attached by straps to a right side guard and a left side guard which guards are attached to wings on the sole. The shoe protector is slipped over the users regular shoe and attached by retainer straps and buckles. The shoe protector is made of non-marring material to prevent damage to surfaces when used in construction and installing flooring. The material protects the wearers normal shoes when working and when kicking carpeting to position it for installation.