Abstract: A pivotable toilet flush valve member (10) is provided, of the type that includes a float (40) with a pair of holes (44, 52) that allow the float to fill with water during a flushing to close early, and where the float can be turned to vary the amount of water used during a flushing, wherein the float is constructed for easy and loose mounting on a frame (12) and for low friction rotation about a primarily vertical axis (60), and where the flush valve member has a simple detent mechanism to hold the float at any rotational position to which it is turned. The frame has an aperture (74) lying along the primarily vertical axis, and the float has a small diameter upwardly extending projection (70) that projects upwardly through the frame aperture and that is held by the walls of the aperture, for low friction turning. The detent mechanism includes an upstanding wall (100) with an upwardly-open vertical groove (102) that has a plurality of teeth on at least one side of the groove.

Abstract: A chair for washing disabled individuals has wheels as well as a pair of handles for guiding the chair. The wheels are provided with locking mechanisms, and shields which prevent dirt and scum from depositing on the wheels. The chair is equipped with a rotatable seat which allows a caregiver to swivel a disabled individual, and with a retractable seat belt for restraining a disabled individual. The seat can be locked in any of a multiplicity of positions. The chair is further equipped with two armrests and a footrest which can be pivoted out of the way of a caregiver.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful portable hair washing apparatus. The apparatus comprises, in combination, a basin defined by a front wall, opposite facing side walls, a rear wall and a floor. The basin has neck support means and head support means, as well as drainage openings. There is also provided a flexible drainage hose releasably connectable to the drainage openings and a receptacle for receiving waste water and other debris from the hose. There is further provided cover means releasably securable to the basin and, when in position secured thereto, the cover means and basin constitute a carrying case.

Abstract: A baby bath including a tub and a showerhead. The baby bath also includes a hose capable of connecting to a water source allowing for a flow of water. The hose may be located in a circumference of the tub or connected to the showerhead.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling plumbing fixtures includes an electronic control board having a microprocessor that accepts four inputs and produces four outputs. Inputs at other than the microprocessor's operating voltage are converted thereto. Outputs having different voltages are controlled by latching relays. The control board can be used with a sink that requires a sequenced hand washing. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility.

Abstract: A sliding device for transporting patients from a first location to a second location, with an endless band which is wrapped around a substantially board-form body. The cross-sectional circumference of the board-form body corresponds substantially to the cross-sectional circumference of the endless band. In addition, the board-form body is hollow and filled with a fluid and at least large area sides of the board-form body are flexible.

Abstract: A custom fit, inflatable air mattress, having a unitary, or one piece structure, that can be used in a variety situations such as in the flatbed of a pickup truck, station wagon, van or the like, and is designed to accurately and snugly conform around the protruding wheel well compartments.

Abstract: A new convertible sleeping bag for allowing extra insulation to be added for providing added warmth and comfort. The inventive device includes an enclosure comprising a front panel and a rear panel. The front panel and the rear panel are affixed together along a first side edge and a bottom edge and a lower segment of a second side thereof with an upper segment of the second side edge and a top edge of the panels coupled together by a zipper. An interior pocket is secured to an interior surface of the rear panel of the enclosure. The interior pocket has an open upper end for receiving insulating material therein.

Abstract: A stay put towel/blanket comprising one or more essentially rectangular towel/blankets fabricated of a fabric with a length, a rectangular periphery, the towel/blanket having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface having strips of a pile-type fastener secured thereto from a location at the periphery to a region inwardly therefrom and an essentially rectangular backing sheet fabricated of a plastic material with a length greater than the length of one or more towel/blanket and a width greater than the width of one or more towel/blanket forming a rectangular periphery, the periphery being formed with a hem created by the folding of the backing sheet at its periphery at a location extending outwardly of the periphery of one or more towel/blankets, the hem having a weight means therein for weighting purposes, the sheet also having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface including strips of a pile-type fastener secured there around at a location inwardly of the periphery and hem an

Abstract: A dust ruffle assembly for forming dust ruffles using dust ruffle components on one, two, or three sides of a bed while allowing adjustments for height, fullness, bed size, and number of dust ruffle layers. The dust ruffle assembly is positioned between the mattress and box springs of a bed. Dust ruffle components are attached to strips, and the strips are fastened to support members. The device permits adjustment of the dust ruffle height to accommodate bed frames and foundations of different heights. The fullness of a dust ruffle layer is quickly adjusted by adding additional dust ruffle components. The strips and support members accommodate a range of mattress sizes, and the dust ruffle components are interchangeable on beds of different sizes. The support members accommodate multiple strips for forming more than one dust ruffle layer on one, two, or three sides of a bed.

Abstract: A mattress cover is configured such that it is made differently at the top and bottom in that under a top side material is an allergen-proof barrier layer and the bottom material is made only mite-proof in order, on the one hand, to create an effective protection against allergens, but on the other hand, to provide long wear along with sufficient air and water vapor permeability as well as good laundering qualities.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to permit upgrading of a hospital room from a general care room to a critical care room and to facilitate transport of a critical care patient on a hospital bed.

Abstract: A new pneumatic mattress for providing a lightweight inflatable resting surface. The inventive device includes a tubular perimeter member having a pair of end portions and a pair of side portions extending between the end portions of the tubular perimeter member. A number of tubular cross members are extended between the side portions of the tubular perimeter member. The lumens of the tubular cross members are in fluid communication with the lumen of the tubular perimeter member.

Abstract: An air mattress includes a plurality of inflatable sacs juxtapositionally connected together in a mattress envelope; an air pump for inflating or deflating the sacs for cushioning a patient ridden thereon; a leg bending device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs transversely juxtapositioned at a leg section of the mattress envelope and formed as arcuate shape when inflated for cushioning a patient's bending leg; a body turning device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs longitudinally juxtapositioned at a right and left side of a torso section and a head section of the mattress envelope, and alternatively inflated and deflated at the right and left sides for turning the patient's body leftwardly and rightwardly; and a head lifting device consisting of a plurality of inflatable sacs gradually decreasing in height from a head portion to a patient's shoulder or neck portion for cushioning the patient's head, thereby forming an air mattress for ergonomically cushioning different body portions of

Abstract: A surface pad system for a surgical table includes a cover having an upwardly-facing patient-support surface defining an interior region of the surface pad system, and a vacuum bead bag received in the interior region. The vacuum bead bag includes a flexible cover defining an interior region containing compressible beads including a lower layer of compressible beads and an upper layer of compressible bead separated from the lower layer of compressible beads by a membrane made from a flexible material. The system also includes a bladder received in the interior region of the cover and positioned to lie beneath the vacuum bead bag. The bladder defines an interior region and is inflatable when pressurized fluid is received in the interior region of the bladder so that the vacuum bead bag conformingly engages the patient on the patient-support surface when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: The roll beam girder system for bridges has beams constructed from two end sections and a keystone center section. The two end sections have a top rolled steel beam welded to a bottom rolled steel beam, the top beam comprising about two-thirds of the total height of the section, the top beam being shorter than the bottom beam at the end joining the keystone section, the projecting end of the bottom beam having a slight camber. The keystone section has a top girder and triangular bottom key sections. The end sections and the keystone section have mating 45.degree. ends, with the ends of the top beam of the keystone section resting on the top of the projecting end of the bottom beam of the end section, a compression splice being formed by a row of nine bolts through the flanges on either side of the web of the mating end section and keystone section beams.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is used for cleaning a thin disk-shaped workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer, a liquid crystal display or the like. The cleaning apparatus comprises a support mechanism for supporting a workpiece and rotating the workpiece about its own axis, and a cleaning member for being in sliding contact with at least one of opposite surfaces of the workpiece. The support mechanism comprises a plurality of spindles, and a plurality of rotatable holding portions provided on upper ends of the spindles and having respective circumferential edges engageable with a circumferential edge of the workpiece. The plurality of spindles are clustered into groups around the workpiece, and two adjacent groups of the spindles are positioned to form a wide spacing between two adjacent groups of the spindles, and a path along which the workpiece is supplied to and removed from the support mechanism is positioned in the wide spacing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus preferably includes a brush holder that may include a base and a connection stud extending from the base. The base preferably includes a first plurality of openings and a receiving lip for receiving a brush that is disposed on its lower surface. The openings preferably serve to pass a cleaning solution to the brush during cleaning of a semiconductor wafer. The brush preferably includes a substantially flexible material and a plurality of protrusions for contacting a semiconductor wafer. A backing plate preferably is attached to one side of the brush for connecting the brush to the brush holder. The backing plate preferably includes a plurality of openings arranged to match the first plurality of openings on the base of the brush holder.

Abstract: A pipe cleaning device has a handle, a center rod, a center rod sealing plate, and a scraper assembly. The center rod has a central hollow space having one end connected to the handle and the scraper assembly mounted on the other end. The center rod sealing plate is a three-plate structure for sealing off the pipe opening. The center rod sealing plate has a central hole for the insertion of the center rod. The three-plate structure of the center rod sealing plate serves to increase the ease of disassembling and maintenance. The scraper assembly includes an upper scraper and a lower scraper, wherein the lower scraper has additional scraping knives on its blades to facilitate the scraping of blocking material inside the pipe. Moreover, the scrapers do not block off gas flow inside the pipe completely, so the pump can still pump exhaust gases out even when the scraper assembly is in use.

Abstract: Adjustable tube-cleaning device (10) has a scraper sub-assembly (16) which includes a substantially annular sleeve (32) on a circumferential outer surface (30) of an elastic core (14) which, in turn, is mounted on a central shaft (12). The sleeve (32) contracts toward a pre-formed, non-loaded configuration in which it has a smaller internal diameter than a diameter of the outer surface of the elastic core. The scraper assembly further includes a plurality of scrapping vanes (32) held by the sleeve to the elastic core and extending radially outwardly from the elastic core. Each of the scraping vanes has a scraping edge (54) directed radially away from the elastic core. The elastic core is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the central shaft between anchor (18) and adjustable compression member (26). The scraping vanes in one row of vanes can be placed on an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to an axis of the central shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative toothbrush, which will encourage children to brush their teeth more frequently. The brush includes a brush component and handle component. The handle component, in the preferred embodiment, is constructed from a transparent, plastic material. A decorative fluid is placed within the hollow interior of the handle component.A variety of decorative fluids are disclosed for use within the handle. One such fluid contains a plurality of phosphorescent characters, which are suspended within a glycerin-water mixture.In an alternative embodiment, the brush and handle components are releasably interconnected. The two-component nature of the alternative embodiment allows multiple handles to be used with the same brush component. In this way, a user can collect various handle components featuring different characters.

Abstract: A slicer blade cleaning tool including a handle having a grasping area at a first end of a length and breadth to be easily held by the fingers and palm of one hand, and also having a downwardly extending prolongation and attached scraper at an opposite end, with the prolongation and scraper being constructed of a heavy plastic able to withstand forces downwardly and upwardly applied to the prolongation and to the scraper as the scraper is held against a rotating slicing blade in cleaning cheese and/or meat residue remaining after a slicing or cutting action is completed.

Abstract: A sweeping device such as a head for a broom. The device has a first portion (22), including a socket (18) formed as an integral moulding of a relative hard polymeric material. A bristle portion (24) formed from a relatively soft polymeric material is molded to partially envelop the first portion and to engage positively with a groove (32) and undercut (34) formed in the first portion in order to attach the bristle portion to the first portion. The bristle portion is formed with a plurality of integral bristles (20) some of which may have a different cross section from that of the remainder of the bristles.

Abstract: A paint supply and finishing system includes a tray and a paint roller. The tray includes a floor, a plurality of upstanding walls extending from the floor to form a basin and a partitioning wall configured for being removably positioned within the basin to create first and second pans within the basin configured for receiving roller covers. The pans preferably include at least one paint metering medium. The paint roller includes a handle, a continuous elongate shaft coupled to the handle, a first roller cover rotatably supported about the shaft and a second roller cover rotatably supported about the shaft. The first and second roller covers are axially spaced from one another so as to independently rotate relative to one another and so as to be simultaneously positionable within the first and second pans.

Abstract: This H.V.A.C. duct cleaning system comprises an air compressor connected to a manifold wherein at least one line is coupled to an air gun with a quick connect device while another line is connected to the duct cleaning system providing a pressurized exhaust to remove debris from the ducts. Fixed lengths of plastic tubing are connected to the air gun and one another by quick connects with the end tubing having an air head to dislodge dirt and other contaminants within the ducts. The duct cleaning system includes a series of filter and blower modules controlled by a variable frequency drive to convert and control power to the various blowers. A primary filter module is connected to the ducts, a main filter module connected to the outlet of the primary filter module or blower and a blower which preferably is a tube axial blower or can be a backwardly inclined centrifugal blower is connected o the outlet of either the primary or main filter module to provide a pressurized exhaust.

Abstract: A hand-held vacuum cleaner comprises first and second portions which can be pivotally separated in order to allow the filter mechanism to be cleared of debris. The two portions are pivotally connected via a hinge such that on separation, the portion moves to a position below the other portion and provides a chute for guidance of the debris which is then emptied from the filter.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating suction and a pump impeller which draws liquid material through an inlet tube from the bottom of the tank and expels it from the tank. A removable plenum having openings separates the tank from the air impeller. A baffle is movable by a user to cover the openings to create a low pressure area above the plenum with respect to the pressure in the tank. The pump is located above the plenum and has an aperture in the pump housing. When the baffle covers the openings in the plenum, the air pressure differential drives the liquid material through the inlet tube into the pump housing thereby priming the pump.

Abstract: A hinge device is disclosed for interconnecting a first member with a second member for relative rotational movement, the hinge device comprising: a rod means connected with the first member; a sleeve member for receiving the rod means for relative rotation therewithin, the sleeve member being connected with the second member and having an interior surface extending longitudinally therethrough, the interior surface being in contact with the outer surface of the shaft means in order to provide a friction force between the shaft means and the sleeve member, the interior surface including a plurality of contact regions for exerting different friction forces on the shaft means.

Abstract: A three point pivoting 360.degree. articulable pinchless hinge connects two members which may pivot 360.degree. with respect to each other. The hinge has two opposing couplers, each having a toothed semicircular portion meshed with the opposing coupler toothed semicircular portion. Each coupler is adapted to be connected to one of the members to be pivoted with respect to each other. A pin is in each coupler extending along an axis of the semicircular portion thereof. A link connects each pin to maintain the meshed engagement of the couplers through 360.degree. of coupler pivotal rotation with respect to each other. The link has a sufficient width substantially that of the width of the coupler body as to block and prevent the meshed semicircular portions from pinching an individual's finger or object.

Abstract: A door hinge featuring a first plate, a second plate and a position mechanism. The first plate and the second plate are interlocked to form multiple tubular members along a longitudinal side of the plates. These tubular members are adapted for insertion of a removable hinge pin therethrough. At least one of the tubular members includes an aperture to receive the position mechanism which applies additional frictional forces along the hinge pin to maintain a door in a stationary position.

Abstract: A base plate for fixing a hinge arm on furniture is constituted by a support plate (2) which can be fixed to a support wall, a covering plate (3) at least partially covering the support plate and transversely guided thereon and having fixing devices for attaching the hinge arm. Pre-mounted fixing screws (23,23') are partially screwed in the holes (20,21) of the support plate (2) and go through oblong holes (15,16) provided in the covering plate (3). In order to let the covering plate be transversely moved, easily and by economical means, and in order to prevent the support plate from separating from the covering plate before the mounting of the base plate, one hole (20) of the support plate (2) is at least partially surrounded by guide sockets (24) that go through the corresponding oblong hole (15) of the covering plate and slightly protrude from its upper edge.

Abstract: A method for improving the monitoring of the fill state of a sliver can (5) at a spinning station of a textile machine processing sliver wherein a defined portion (24 or 124) of a can bottom (22) is initially kept free from sliver (6) while a predetermined amount of sliver (6) is deposited on an adjoining portion (25 or 125) of the can bottom (22) and only after the adjoining portion (25 or 125) is covered with sliver, is the defined portion (24 or 124) covered with sliver (6). The method includes monitoring the defined (24 or 124) portion while the sliver is being drawn out and detecting when the defined portion of the can bottom (22) is uncovered to trigger a signal for exchanging an empty can for a filled sliver can. In one preferred embodiment, a sensor (27) for monitoring the defined portion (24 or 124) and detecting an uncovered can bottom is mounted on a service unit (16) which passes over the spinning stations.

Abstract: A dual spacing clamp tie includes a locking head and two flexible straps extending outwardly in opposite directions from the locking head. The straps are insertable through the locking head to form two, spaced loops that can be used to secure items in spaced, parallel relationship to each other. A pair of releasable pawls in the locking head secure the straps around the items to be secured. An aperture through the locking head is provided for securing the dual spacing clamp tie to a mounting structure such as a threaded stud. Preferably, the aperture is smooth-walled and slightly undersized to hold the clamp tie in place through frictional engagement with the stud. If desired, a nut or other fastener can be applied. Alternatively, an additional pawl mechanism can be provided within the aperture to secure the clamp tie to the mounting stud. Again, if desired, a nut or other fastener can be used to further secure the clamp tie to the mounting stud.

Abstract: A fastener used for mounting a mounting object having an insertion rib onto a support body having a mounting aperture. The fastener is previously fitted to the insertion rib of the mounting object and then inserted into the mounting aperture of the support body by pressing the insertion rib thereinto, thereby removably mounting the mounting object on the support body. The fastener includes a fastener body having a shoulder portion. The shoulder portion is adapted to elastically engage an inner edge of the mounting aperture of the support body when the fastener is inserted into the mounting aperture with the insertion rib. The fastener further includes a gripper portion provided on the fastener body and having at least one gripper surface and at least one engagement projection formed thereon. The gripper surface is adapted to contact the insertion rib of the mounting object when the fastener is fitted to the insertion rib.

Abstract: A clasp-like device for securing sunglasses or other articles to sunvisors or other acceptable surfaces. This is accomplished by installing the sunglass temples between one of the device jaws and the sunvisor. The device is opened by applying pressure to a lever that is located near the intersection of the device jaws. On the inner surface of a device jaw nubs can be placed, if required, to aid in the securing of sunglasses or other articles in position. The device can also be held in position by a device retainer which can be mounted where there are unacceptable surfaces by using two-faced adhesive or a screw. The device is made of injection molded glass reinforced nylon or similar material for holding tension.

Abstract: A Hall effect device (60) is exposed to a magnetic field having flux lines extending in a first direction relative to the Hall effect device (60) if a seat belt tongue (16) is not locked in a seat belt buckle (12). The Hall effect device (60) is exposed to a magnetic field having flux lines extending in a second, opposite direction relative to the Hall effect device if the tongue (16) is locked in the buckle (12). The output of the Hall effect device (60) indicates whether or not the tongue (16) is locked in the buckle (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting soft hand to a fabric in web form, especially printed knits and non-wovens, by mechanically introducing localized tension in the web. The web is preferably advanced in continuous rubbing engagement with one or more contact members that can be pairs of nip rollers and/or breaker bars. Nip roller pairs include one knobbed roller deformably engaging a soft roller with the web passing therebetween. Breaker bars can have straight, serrated or curvilinear edges and the web can be passed over or under the breaker bars. Various combinations of nip roller pairs and breaker bars are provided for and a variable drive is employed.

Abstract: A latch mechanism (10) for burial or cremation caskets (12) includes a stud (22) which is press-fit in the lower edge (18) of the casket lid (16), and a latch plate (24) which resides within a transverse recess (40) in an upstanding wall (20) of the casket shell (14). The latch plate includes an elongated keyhole-shaped slot (44) which is accessible to the stud via a vertical hole (46) in the upper edge (21) of the shell wall. The slot has a wide portion (48) which allows the stud to pass through the latch plate, and a narrow portion (50) which is narrower than the distal end (52) of the stud. The stud includes a necked-down portion (54) which is narrower than the narrow portion of the slot. The latch plate is slidable within the recess from a first position in which the stud resides within the wide portion of the slot to a second position in which the necked-down portion of the stud resides within the narrow portion of the slot.

Abstract: A process for producing a probe-driving mechanism. A laminate of a first and second insulating layer is placed on a support. Electrode layers and piezoelectric layers are successively laminated on the second insulating layer. Part of the support and second insulating layer is removed to form a cantilever.

Abstract: A spring vice (56) for tensioning coil springs, which have a spindle drive (59, 61), which has approximately wedge-shaped radial fingers (64, 65, 66) at one of its ends and a support cylinder (60) with a contact element at its other end. Two pressure plates (57, 58) with a passage opening (77, 87), through which the spindle drive (59, 61) can be passed, are used to tension a coil spring. In the mounted state, the radial fingers (64, 65, 66) of the spindle drive (59, 61) can be brought into a nonrotatable pulling connection with locking recesses (81, 82, 83) of the first pressure plate (57), while the second pressure plate (58) without locking recesses is supported axially at the contact element of the support cylinder (60) of the spindle drive (59, 61) for tensioning the coil spring. To increase the safety of operation, provisions are made for the contact element of the support cylinder to have support fingers (72, 73, 74), whose number corresponds to the number of the radial fingers (64, 65, 66).

Abstract: A corrugated plastic service pipe 20 is inserted together with a flexible guide assembly 22 through an accessible end 11 of a steel service pipe 14, 10, which extends from the end 11 to a main 18. The flexible guide assembly 22 comprises a flexible guide element 24 and a flexible spring guide 26. The element 24 extends through a nose-piece 32 having an outer part secured to the pipe 20 and an inner part 36. The spring guide 26 carries a sensor 60 at its tip which emits a signal when the sensor enters the main 18. When the pipe 20 is correctly positioned fluid sealant 70 is injected into the space between the pipe 20 and the pipe 14, 10. When the sealant has solidified sufficiently, the guide assembly 22 is withdrawn through the pipe 20, the inner part 36 being separated from the outer part 34 to allow withdrawal of the spring guide 26.

Abstract: A tool for separating mutually connected parts which has a head part and at least two spreading elements which are movably connected to the head part in such a way that a force or a pulse applied to the head part is converted in the spreading elements into a force component which is in the same direction and into a force component which is perpendicular thereto and which is operable to move the parts to be separated away from each other.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for connecting two adjacent panels includes a releasable connection for quickly releasing forming rollers of the sealing apparatus. The apparatus includes drive shafts for driving the seaming rollers. At least one of the drive shafts has a spline portion and an engagement portion proximate a distal end thereof. A hub member has a complimentary spline portion engagable with the spline portion of the drive shaft, with a seaming roller fixedly connected to the hub member. And, a spring biased hub clip has an engagement portion that is releasably engagable with the engagement portion of the drive shaft to releasably hold the drive shaft to the hub member.

Abstract: A universal joint tool is provided for assembling and disassembling a universal joint including its cross and bearing cups relative to a drive shaft and/or transmission shaft yokes. The tool includes first and second relatively moveable members which are moved between two positions by a threaded screw which additionally creates a force transferred by flexible cables to the cross or to a force-applying bar which includes locating surfaces for accurately inserting a bearing assembly relative to a yoke arm opening. An annular sleeve receives a gauge insert for similarly accurately locating a bearing assembly relative to an associated yoke arm opening.

Abstract: Portable cylinder-powered tools and related power extraction methods for removing filter bags during baghouse filter servicing. The preferred tools comprise elongated, pneumatic cylinders provided with handles for easy grasping. Control valves emanating from a manifold activate the cylinder. A rigid extractor and a companion foot extend downwardly from the cylinder. The extractor terminates in a wedge-like prong that penetrates the tubesheet orifice and engages a baghouse filter. In a first embodiment the extractor is fixed and the foot is ram driven. A second tool directly controls the extractor with the cylinder ram, and the foot is fixed to the cylinder to brace the tool when the extractor is forcibly retracted. The extractor barb first deforms and then captivates the filter. The ram forces the extractor and the prong upwardly, and the bag filter is forcibly dragged out of the tubesheet orifice.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing split crucible pieces of a multiple-piece crucible comprising an integral assembly of two or more split crucible pieces and having a spherical bottom inner surface. The split crucible pieces are manufactured from a work mass graphite material by mechanical processing, comprising a step of forming a blind annular groove coaxial with the work by cutting the work from an end thereof toward the other end, a step of axially splitting the work into two or more pieces, constituting eventual split crucible pieces, and a step of cutting each split crucible piece from the side thereof opposite the sector-like or polygonal profile surface side by using a spherical acutting means, thereby forming a spherical inner bottom surface.

Abstract: A slide mount has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes an interior region, an edge, and a slot extending from the interior region to the edge. A cavity is formed between the first portion and the second portion, and extends to the first edge, with a film segment in the cavity extracted therefrom by a film extraction system. The film extraction system includes a piston for disengaging a latch mechanism from the film segment. An extractor arm enters the slot to engage a second perforation in the film segment, and slidably moves within the slot to move the film segment through and out of the cavity toward a roller.

Abstract: A handle for a mattress border is anchored with spaced grommets in the border against which anchors on the handle ends may bear. The anchors are designed to allow a leading end of the handle to be drawn through a grommet opening. A back strap between the grommet openings is shaped to allow clamping to move the grommet openings to aligned position. To allow the drawing of the anchors through the grommet openings, at least one of the anchors is provided with first coupling means. A puller rod is designed to be inserted through at least one of the grommet openings. The puller rod is provided with second coupling means, designed to cooperate with the first coupling means to achieve the pulling function.

Abstract: A damper for a loud speaker is produced by molding a substrate into a desired shape in which a fabric or knitted cloth composed of core-sheath type conjugate fibers composed of filaments having a core-sheath type structure is used as the substrate. A resin used for forming a core material in the core-sheath type structure functions as a matrix of the substrate. A sheath material having a lower melting point than that of the core material functions as an excipient, and is fused by a heat treatment and then solidified during the molding process, so as to bond together the intersections of fibers constituting the substrate and to cover the surface of the fibers. Thus, only a simple substrate production process is required and a damper for a loud speaker having excellent moldability, water-proofness, and durability is obtained.

Abstract: A long length product is conveyed by a conveyor to a propulsion mechanism into contact therewith. The product is gripped by a first conveyor line vise and cut at its tailing end side into a specified dimension. The product is advanced by the propulsion mechanism against the conveying force of the conveyor and then gripped by the first conveyor line vise and machined. A series of these operations are iterated. Finally, the product is advanced to a second conveyor line side, where it is gripped by a second conveyor line vise and subjected to final machining with the propulsion mechanism retreated. Instead of using a process of cutting to cut the leading end side of the product to a specified dimension, the leading end side of the product may be put into contact with the stopper and fed by referencing the leading end of the product.