Abstract: A urinal or toilet ventilation system for removing unpleasant odors from the vicinity of the urinal or toilet, both during usage and for a short period of time following usage. The ventilation system has a series of flexible water ducts extending throughout the device and leading to the outside. Additionally, the device has a series of air ducts extending throughout the device and attaching to a motor which in turns pushes the air through another series of ducts leading to the outside. In a further embodiment the urinal or toilet has a sensor to detect the presence of a user for actuating the motor and begins the air extraction system. Upon the user leaving the vicinity of the urinal or toilet, the sensor has a built in delay, and continues to extract any unpleasant odors for a short duration.

Abstract: A water regulation device for toilet flush system which can be mechanically inserted in a flush system to variably control by an adjustable valve member the amount of water that enters a flush operation, which operation is controlled by a cam member in operative mechanical communication with gearing and turbine member, the inlet water flow is initiated by a front arm setting of the cam to a high point to set an inlet valve to an open position to establish a water inlet regulation through turbine rotation and an adjustable valve in the outlet and simultaneously setting an outlet valve through the movement of a rear arm and both arms fall away thereby preventing the replenishment of water to a leaking tank and water for a flush-between-flush cycle.

Abstract: An improved seat structure for assisting physically impaired individuals to bathe, including rectangular base which supports a seat. The seat is attached to a swivel which slides on tracks providing linear and rotary moveability. The base is affixed to adjoining walls of an existing bathtub enclosure by channels and fasteners.

Abstract: A modular portable shower with an impermeable liner and a modular frame that permits to shower a bedridden person while lying on bed. This level of comfort is provided to bedridden persons with the aid of an impermeable liner that can be extended and removed as one would extend or remove a bed sheet. The impermeable liner is held by the modular frame in a position that prevents overspraying and affords the bedridden person being showered some privacy. The modular portable shower can be disassembled to be compactly stored.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture having a housing, which at least partially surrounds an interior space, and having at least one front side, which is mounted such that it can pivot around a horizontal pivot axis. The piece of furniture also having a lying surface which is arranged on a surface pointing towards the interior space and which can be swung out. The piece of furniture also has a further pivot axis which is arranged parallel to the first pivot axis. The piece of furniture also has a hinge connection which holds a housing upper part in a manner such that it can swing out towards the front side around the second pivot axis and which forms a writing support.

Abstract: A crib dropside assembly is provided which includes a pair of end fittings that eliminate the gaps which ordinarily are found between the top rail of the crib dropside and the corner posts of the crib. Each end fitting includes a base portion which is secured to the bottom side of the top rail of the crib dropside and a shield which is coupled to the base portion. The shield engages the inner surface of a corner post in such a manner that there is substantially no gap between the end fitting and the corner post. The shield also defines an enclosure which contains all or part of a track engagement member. The track engagement member is coupled to a track located on the corner post. By eliminating the gaps between the top rail and corner posts as described above, the possibility of clothing or bedding materials being caught between these elements is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A bed linen is provided for positioning on a mattress that serves as a sheet, pillow cover, blanket and bedspread all at the same time. A bottom fabric sheet is provided that has a width much greater than that of a mattress on which it will be disposed so that it drapes over the sides of the mattress like a bedspread. A top fabric sheet is either connected to a central section of the width of the bottom sheet, the top fabric sheet having a width approximately equal (or less) to that of the mattress and connected to the bottom sheet by stitching along all of one side edge, the bottom edge, and the bottom half or more of the second side edge, and unconnected at the top; or the top sheet has a width substantially equal to that of the bottom sheet. A readily releasable connection, preferably a zipper, is provided between the top and bottom sheets to allow access to a sleeping volume between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slatted base, in particular for a bed, having a frame and having a plurality of elements which are connected to one another in an articulated manner, at least one element being pivotable in relation to the or every other element. In order to ensure with minimum outlay that, when an element is pivoted, the relative position of a person resting on the slatted base, for example in relation to a bedside cabinet or the like, does not change, the elements are designed to be horizontally displaceable in relation to the frame. An element to be pivoted is furthermore connected to the frame via at least one coupling member. When the element is pivoted, a free end thereof can be moved upwards and downwards in the vertical direction and cannot be displaced in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: The present embodiment is a pillow designed to support various portions of the body either in the prone or sitting position. The current embodiment primarily comprises a singular hollow flexible tube filled with a malleable substance allowing flexibility at all points along the tube and having sufficient firmness to provide support for the desired portion of the body.

Abstract: A cervical neck support for children having a substantially rectangular shape and constructed of a semi-rigid molded foam material. A semi-circular recess is cut-out of a longitudinal side of the foam support for receiving the neck of a child when in a car-seat. The support insures a firm but comfortable hold to prevent jerky movement of the head of a child while riding in an automobile. It also maintains the natural curvature of a child's spine, and attaches to a car seat with use of fasteners. The fasteners are strips attached to the back of the support which detachably engages with the napped fabric of a car-seat for convenience. Second strips of adhesive fasteners are alternatively used for car-seat covers with plastic surfaces.

Abstract: A versatile pillow having a container and fluid pouch combination for both supporting a user's head and dispensing fluids therefrom. Fluids may be dispensed from the fluid pouch while the container supports the neck and head of the user. The container further includes one or more thermal barriers to thereby insulate the fluids contained within the fluid pouch.

Abstract: A hingeable inner spring mattress adapted for the marine environment comprises a pair of inner spring base sections with each base section having a top and bottom surfaces and a peripheral side wall. The peripheral side walls of the base sections define corresponding hingeable side walls. A fabric shell encloses the bottoms and side walls of the base sections and forms a hinge along a hinge axis between the hingeable side walls and adjacent the top surfaces of the base sections so that one base section may be pivoted from a normal position wherein the top surfaces of the base sections are coplanar to a retracted position to provide access to an area below the pivoted base section. A hinge line cover sheet of nonstretchable fabric is secured at both ends to the top surfaces of the base sections with a central segment thereof which extends over the hinge axis in tension when the base sections are coplanar. A cover in the form of a quilted fabric, pillow top, etc.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a mattress jacket having an accessible and expandable compartment therein. The jacket consists of a side wall closely following the contour of the mattress on which it is placed. The bottom of the side wall is tucked under the mattress and secured there under. The compartment includes a bottom sheet that is resting on top of the upper surface of the mattress. The side wall includes a fold that captures a side edge of the of the bottom sheet. There is a further fold in an upper section of the side wall of the jacket that is secured to itself and represents an accordion fold that may expand or collapse as the compartment includes more or less of a cushioning material. There is a third fold secured by seaming in a further upper section of the side wall forming a planar surface confronting the bottom of a cover that may be separably affixed to the same.

Abstract: A mattress assembly comprising an innerspring, a top mattress cover over the upper surface of the innerspring, a bottom mattress cover over the lower surface of the innerspring, layers of insulating and cushioning material sandwiched between the mattress covers and innerspring, and a peripherally extending border strip around the entire periphery of the mattress assembly between the peripheral edges of the top and bottom mattress covers which is releasably secured in place, whereby the border strip can be readily unfastened and removed for access to inner portions of the mattress assembly for inspection and repair. When in place, the releasable border strip of this invention appears to be permanently connected to the peripheral edges of the top and bottom mattress covers and an extension thereof.

Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.

Abstract: A tool includes a body with implements rotatably deployed from the body. The implements have notches in their bases corresponding to open and closed positions, which are engagable by a locking plate of the body. A locking lever rotatably mounted on the body includes a lock actuator plate which does not engage the locking plate when the locking lever is rotated to an unlocked position but does engage the locking plate when the locking lever is rotated to a locked position. The engagement of the locking plate causes it to contact the notches of the implement base, thereby locking the implement either open or closed. The body may be inserted into a handle, such as the handle of a combination tool, so that the operation of the locking lever also locks the body into the handle.

Abstract: A hammer with accessories having a head, a handle, and a measuring tape. The head has a poll, a striking surface, and a claw to remove old nails and other embedded objects. The head also has a flattened top so that it may be used with a level embedded in the head parallel to the top of the head, the level being used and read by placing the top of the hammer head along a horizontal surface to be leveled. The handle is formed so that most of its volume is used for one or more storage compartments which are accessible via a slot in each of the compartment walls, the slot being opened or closed by moving an interior part of the compartment so that a matching slot is in or out or registration with the access slot. The measuring tape, which can be several feet in length is attached or incorporated into the bottom of the handle so that it unrolls perpendicular to the length of the handle.

Abstract: A wash tank adapted for use with a carbon dioxide cleaning medium has a body member having a front opening formed therein, the body member having side walls and a back wall opposite the front opening. The side walls terminate in a front body member edge portion that defines the front opening. The edge portion serves in the sealing mechanism, as discussed below. A substantially cylindrical basket is disposed within the body member for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The basket has a front opening formed therein, and has a side wall and a back wall opposite the front opening. The basket side wall terminates in a front basket edge portion defining the basket front opening. The said basket edge portion is spaced forward from the body member edge portion when the basket is positioned in the body member, serving to prevent loose garments or materials placed within the basket from becoming caught in the seal and interfering with seal integrity.

Abstract: A car wash assembly includes a building and a conveyor which advances a vehicle along a vehicle path within the building. The car wash assembly also includes a washing system located within the building which is operable to wash the vehicle during advancement of the vehicle along the vehicle path. Moreover, the car wash assembly includes an animated figure having an actuated mode of operation during which the animated figure is operated in an active manner, and a non-actuated mode of operation during which the animated figure is passive. Yet further, the car wash assembly includes a detector for detecting presence of the vehicle and generating a control signal in response thereto. The animated figure is placed in the actuated mode of operation in response to generation of the control signal. A method for washing a vehicle within a building is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The modular construction allows wings to be attached to the main housing to increase the length of the broom and, if desired, the sweep angle. The broom has uniquely configured brushes that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brushes with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The versatile mounting system includes mounting brackets fixed to the housing which receive various mounting packages for mounting to different vehicles.

Abstract: This device is a cleaning tool for cleaning the inside of gun barrels. The device consists of a metal brush which is enclosed within a tubular sheath of material, typically a woven fabric. The bristles of the brush extend through the wall of the woven sheath of fabric. The tubular sheath is pulled through a gun barrel and the bristles of the brush clean the inside of the gun barrel. Also enclosed within the tubular sheath are one or more foam inserts, or one or more cleaning regions formed by folding the cord within itself, either of which creates a bulge in the tubular sheath and cleans debris from the gun barrel, spreads gun cleaning solvent in the gun barrel, absorbs solvent and combustion and bullet residues, and spreads a layer of gun oil in the gun barrel.

Abstract: The combined mop and brush assembly comprises: an elongate mop and brush handle; a mop strand holder, with mop strands mounted therein, mounted on a lower end portion of the mop and brush handle; and a generally cylindrical brush mounted to the lower distal end of the mop and brush assembly handle with the axis of the cylinder being generally coaxial with the mop and brush handle or a generally spherical brush mounted to the lower distal end the mop and brush holder beneath the mop strand holder. If desired, a mop strand squeegee assembly can be mounted on the mop and brush handle.

Abstract: A cleaning implement such as a broom which has a head divided into multiple sections which are hinged together with a hinge that will remain in an open position. It also has a handle which is made in multiple sections, and which are hinged together.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises a plurality of tufts each including a plurality of bristles embedded respectively in a plurality of bored holes formed in a head portion. The tufts each comprise a plurality of first bristles tapered towards distal ends thereof, and a plurality of second bristles likewise tapered towards the distal ends and each having a ball-like portion on each of the distal ends thereof. The distal ends of the first bristles are located in a higher position than the distal ends of the second bristles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush having bristles mounted on a flexibly resilient lattice network, such that the bristles deflect during brushing to conform to the various arcuate surfaces of the teeth for more effective cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Cleaning equipment according to this invention comprises a pile layer provided on a mount base portion composed of a hard plate body with a handle, a blockish grip portion having flexibility and elasticity, an engaged layer for engagement with a polisher, or the like. The pile layer comprises a multiplicity of monofilaments which are planted one by one while kept upright. Also, according to another concept of the invention, an end face of a free end portion of the pile layer is in the form of a substantially isogonal trapezoid or the like. With such arrangement, it is possible to easily, positively and very cleanly clean a surface being cleaned irrespective of roughness and degree of soiling of the surface being cleaned. Further, according to another concept, the surface being cleaned can be similarly cleaned even when the surface has corner portions and, therefor, obstacles are constituted around the surface.

Abstract: In order to improve on a known wiper blade with a wind-directing device, which is manufactured as an integral component of the main support in one piece with this main support, especially with regard to a still greater amplification of the down-force of the wiper blade against the windshield to be wiped, the effective area of the wind-directing device is enlarged as follows: the wind-directing device on its opposite ends has cantilevered, wing-like elongations which protrude beyond the main support in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having a body in which the body cover assembly is hollow and serves as the recovery solution reservoir; while the lower body assembly, which is also hollow, serves as the cleaning solution tank or reservoir. In addition, the lower body has a recessed area proportioned to receive and secure the batteries required for driving the motors involved in the floor cleaning machine. A trans-axle drive supports the lower body and has a drive wheel at each end powered by a motor differential engaging the axles coupled to the wheels. Together the body and trans-axle drive comprise a modular power unit. Mounting means are provided on the forward portion of the lower body of the power unit for lift arms to be secured to various power floor scrubbers for use on hard floors or a carpet extractor for cleaning carpeted floors. The linkage for the floor scrubber mode and carpet cleaning mode is the same.

Abstract: A grommet including a cylindrical wire fitting portion for fitting on and holding a wire harness passing therethrough, and a panel fitting portion of a substantially oval tubular shape for being elastically deformed to be fitted in a through-hole of an oval shape formed through a panel. Straight portions of an abutment flange portion of the panel fitting portion are convex to be larger in thickness than arcuate portions of the abutment flange portion.

Abstract: A grommet is provided with an elastic grommet body, a mounting groove, a seal material and a cover portion. The grommet body has a first cylindrical portion disposed at one side, a second cylindrical portion disposed at the other end and a third cylindrical portion disposed within the first cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion has a maximum inner diameter larger than a maximum inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion. The third cylindrical portion projects to the one side from an inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion. The inner peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion and the inner peripheral surface of the third cylindrical portion defines a harness insertion portion in which a wire harness is inserted from one side to the other side. The inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the third cylindrical portion defines an annular space for allowing the first cylindrical portion to elastically deform.

Abstract: A grommet for sealing the interface between two vertically stacked building entrance protector and for protecting wires and/or cables traversing through openings of one building entrance protector to another. The grommet comprises a tubular body defining an axial passageway therebetween wherein cables and/or wires traverse. The tubular body has a diameter the same or smaller than the openings on the sidewall of the upper building entrance protector such that the tubular body fits within the opening. At one end of tubular body is an integral annular base having a diameter larger than the opening on the sidewall of the lower building entrance protector. Radially extending from the mid section of the tubular body towards annular base is an integral flange having a diameter larger than the annular base and having at least one circular ridge.

Abstract: A glide attachment plate for supporting a glide with respect to the end of a furniture leg has a perimeter portion and an interior portion. The perimeter portion extends inboard from the exterior edge of the attachment plate to an interior edge which is spaced from the exterior edge by a short distance. The perimeter portion has a shape corresponding to the solid portion of a cross section of a hollow tube forming the furniture leg. The interior portion of the attachment plate extends inboard from the interior edge of the perimeter portion. Multiple tabs project upwardly from the interior portion. These tabs each have a gripping face which is directed toward the perimeter portion. The gripping faces are vertically aligned with the interior edge of the perimeter portion and are configured to engage the inner wall of the hollow tube forming the furniture leg.

Abstract: A deck lid bumper having a stud with a head and a shaft, the head adapted to bump against the deck upon closure of the deck against the bumper, the receptacle adapted to receive the shaft of the stud, the receptacle having means to secure the receptacle in a frame. A frictional surface is provided between the shaft of the stud and the receptacle sufficient to support the stud in a desired position within the receptacle and a lock is provided to lock the shaft portion of the stud into the receptacle by rotating the head of the stud with respect to the receptacle.

Abstract: A hinge has a hinge arm (5, 15) which is mounted on a mounting plate (10, 16) directly, or indirectly by way of an intermediate plate (8), and is rotatably connected by way of at least one hinge pivot to a hinge cup (4) securable to a door (3) of an article of furniture. The hinge arm (5, 15) is fixed on the mounting plate (16) or intermediate plate (8) by a spring-loaded locking member. The locking member is formed by two shackle parts (6) which are displaceably held in the hinge arm (5, 15) and, in the locked position, hook in behind projections (23, 23') arranged on lateral webs (21, 21') of the mounting plate (16) or of the intermediate plate (8). The shackle parts (6) each have a C-shaped portion (7) which embraces one of the lateral webs (21, 21') of the mounting plate (16) or of the intermediate plate (8).

Abstract: A sliding shoe portion of a awning window hinge includes a cantilevered rail fitting within a channel of a track on which the shoe slides. A wedge screw placed between the fulcrum of the cantilevered portion and its open end deforms the rail to control the clearance between the rail and channel. The wedge screw may be displaced toward one longitudinal end of the shoe allowing its access when the awning hinge is assembled to a window and window frame with attached operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating foreign matter from fiber tufts includes an air duct in which fiber tufts are pneumatically conveyed into the system via a high speed air stream. The air duct provides an air stream that conveys the fiber tufts with trash on to a revolving cleaning cylinder having teeth to engage the fiber tufts at a velocity that is sufficient to prevent agglomeration of the fiber tufts on a cylinder. The fiber tufts and trash thereby engage a separating means without agglomeration of the fiber tufts. The fiber tufts and trash further engage a streamer plate and grid bars to separate the trash from the fiber tufts such that the clean fiber tufts are distributed to a lint flue. The apparatus may further include a perforated cylinder in close proximity with the revolving cleaning cylinder that allows air to flow there-through, but that prevents penetration of the perforated cylinder surface by the desired fiber tufts.

Abstract: A regulated drawing unit for drawing fiber material includes an inlet through which the fiber material passes before being drafted; an outlet through which the fiber material passes after being drafted; a first arrangement defining a drawing field including drawing roll pairs spaced from one another in a direction of advance of fiber material; a drive system operatively connected to at least one of the drawing roll pairs for setting an extent of draft of the drawing field; a programmable control system having a memory and being connected to the drive system; a sensor for determining the mass of the fiber material running through a location and for applying signals to the memory; and a second arrangement for deriving information from data stored in the memory for adjusting the roll pair. The second arrangement includes a third arrangement for forming, from the information, a spectrogram of the fiber material and for evaluating properties of the spectrogram to use such properties in adjusting the roll pair.

Abstract: This invention relates to a clip with which sheets can be fastened without being pricked. A plurality of long-and-narrow rectangular plate-like clips to be used in a clipping apparatus are arranged to be spaced away from the neighboring clips in parallel. The plurality of plate-like clips are connected by connecting members, and the connected unit of the clips is wound into a roll so that the connecting members are positioned outside the roll.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp is provided, comprising a first hollow member having a base end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a first eyelet member fixedly inserted therein; a second hollow member having a base end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a second eyelet member fixedly inserted therein; and a third hollow member having a linking member fixedly inserted therethrough, wherein the linking member includes a first end matably engageable with the first eyelet member, and a second end matably engageable with the second eyelet member. In a preferred embodiment, at least one end of the linking member includes a hook member for removably engaging one of the eyelet members. Preferably, the hollow members are crimped so to avoid the use of adhesives. More preferably, the eyelet members are positioned on a cable or chain such that when the clasp is connected, the hook member will be directed away from the wearer.

Abstract: The device is a strap retainer having a generally arcuate retainer body 10 and a generally straight, cylindrical post 11. One end of retainer body 10 is integrally connected to one end of post 11. Two catch arms 12a&b are located on the free end of retainer body 10, and a post catch element 13 is located on the free end of post 11. Catch arms 12a&b and post catch element 13 correspond with one another, and adapt the free ends of retainer body 10 and post 11 for closure. To install the retainer, a strap loop is first placed over post 11. The object that will serve to anchor the strap, such as a post or a portion of a shopping cart frame, is passed between the open ends of retainer body 10 and post 11. The open end of post 11 is then urged toward the open end of retainer body 10 until post catch element 13 contacts catch arms 12a&b. Post catch element 13 urges catch arms 12a&b outward, and then post catch element 13 passes between and is retained by catch arms 12a&b.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping a hose fast on a pipe clamp that includes a clamp band and a spring ring that is fixed with a first portion thereof to the clamp band. The spring ring elastically clamps the hose when the clamp is initially fitted on the hose, but is not yet clamped fast to the hose At least a second portion of the spring ring is at least predominantly disposed within the clamp band. The spring ring is made of spring steel sheet so that the clamp can be made compact to save material. The spring ring provides a firmer locking of the initially fitted clamp on the hose and ensures that the clamping force of the clamp is more uniformly distributed over the periphery of the hose because the clamp can slide on the outer circumferential surface of the spring ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag having complementary closure strips (30, 40) actuated by cursor (50), the bag being characterized by the fact that it comprises means (60) adapted to ensure sealing between the inside walls of the bag when the bag is in its closed position, said means being in the zone of the bag underlying the strips (30, 40) at their end that receives the cursor (50) in the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separable bottom stop assembly which can be easily operated by children or people who are handicapped with one of their hands. A coupling member and a locking member respectively provided at lower ends of left and right fastener stringers are rotatably coupled together by fitting resilient leg portions of a coupling base portion of the coupling member into a hole portion of a coupling base portion of the locking member. Then, by pulling down a slider, a lower end portion of the slider urges a pivotal abutting portion of the coupling member to pivotally move a lateral-inserting fitting portion of the coupling member to a position where the slider can be pulled up. A locking projecting portion of the coupling member climbs over a projecting portion of the locking member to be locked so as to prevent separation of the coupling member in a horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily pull up the slider by a single hand to couple and close a slide fastener.

Abstract: A manually operable clip operable as a hemostasis valve for use with intravenously inserted catheters. The valve preferably comprises a unitary piece of wire formed to have first and second jaw portions defining front and back ends that preferably include transversely extending arms formed thereon. The valve is further formed such that a spring portion is provided interconnecting the first and second jaw portions that extends intermediate the front and back ends thereof and between said transversely extending arms which is operable to bias the front ends towards each other such that when positioned upon the catheter, such biasing force causes the lumen thereof to assume a closed state. The back ends of the first and second jaw portions may be manually actuated to release the clip from the catheter.

Abstract: A buckle for a vehicle safety restraint for use with a pretensioner has an actuating button for operating a latch for the tongue of the safety restraint. The button is connected via pulleys to a counterbalancing mass. When the pretensioner is operated and the buckle is retracted, the inertia of the mass counteracts the inertia of the button. Thus the button is prevented from moving in relation to the buckle in a direction which would tend to unlatch the tongue of the safety restraint.

Abstract: A device for crimping synthetic thread bundles or strips has a machine frame, two rollers supported in a machine frame and forming between their jacket a narrow roller gap for delivering a thread bundle or strip, with the first roller provided on its face ends with edge disks which embrace the second roller with slight play and form there, between an annular channel, the edge disks having inside faces forming two opposed boundary faces, a compression chamber having a rectangular cross-section, enclosed by boundary faces, and located in the annular channel between the edge disks, an outer adapter contacting the second roller in scrapper like fashion, engaging the annular channel and having a wall face oriented toward the first roller and forming a third boundary face of the compression chamber, and drive mechanisms provided for the two rollers and having motors which are designed for a circumferential speed of the rollers of up to at least 1,000 m/min.

Abstract: A method of air jet texturing is described wherein the intensity of texturing is proposed to be increased in that an air flow exceeding Mach 2 is obtained by the design of the nozzle duct. The total opening angle of the nozzle duct (11) directly in front of the texturing zone is designed to be greater than the ideal Laval angle with an effective length which is preferably a multiple of the smallest diameter of the nozzle. This predominantly improves the quality of texturing, quite particularly at higher production rates. These can be increased into the range of 600 to 1000 m/min and higher. It has surprisingly been found that the novel nozzle core (10) can be designed so that it has all advantages of the novel invention and can be used as a substitute for prior art nozzle cores. The same applies to the complete texturing head as the novel invention can be used within the same geometric external dimensions, the same air pressure and the same quantity of air.

Abstract: A piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive film-type element comprises a zirconia substrate with a thin-walled diaphragm section provided integrally to cover and close a window to serve as a hollow space, and a film-shaped piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive operating section composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive layer, and an upper electrode which are successively provided in a layered configuration on an outer surface of the diaphragm section in accordance with a film-forming method, wherein at least a part of a peripheral edge portion of the piezoelectric and/or electrostrictive layer extends laterally beyond a corresponding peripheral edge portion of the lower electrode to construct an overhang section located opposingly over the diaphragm section, and the overhang section is in a state of incomplete connection with respect to a partial region of the diaphragm section located just under by the aid of particles of an alumina-magnesia compound such as spinel particles allowed

Abstract: An improved composite ultrasonic transducer, and elements therefor, which may be made autoclavable, and a method of making these elements. A number of planar precursors comprising strips of piezoelectric ceramic material separated from one another by a polymer material are stacked one above another with the ceramic strips aligned with one another, and with electrical conductors disposed between each of the planar precursors. These precursors are then bonded to one another, to form a bonded assembly. The bonded assembly is then slit along parallel lines perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the ceramic strips, subdividing the strips into individual ceramic members and also subdividing the planar conductors, forming ribbon-like conductors extending between opposite sides of the array. The saw kerfs are filled with a hardening polymer material. The ribbon-like conductors reaching the edges of the assembly are then connected electrically in parallel, reducing the capacitance of the individual emitters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a cold rolled, recrystallation annealed, stainless steel strip having lustrous surfaces without being hot band annealed and/or pickled prior to cold reduction. The process includes the sequential steps of tension leveling to crack the scale and flatten a hot processed metal strip, shot blasting the strip to ablatively remove the scale and to provide a surface roughness less than 3.6 micron Ra using at least two pairs of wire brushes positioned adjacent to both surfaces of the strip with these cleaning brushes being rotated in opposite directions relative to each other to mechanically remove any residual scale. The mechanically cleaned strip then is mechanically polished with another pair of brushes to reduce the roughness to less than 2.0 micron Ra, cold reduced to have a surface roughness less than 0.4 micron Ra and recrystallization annealed. The particulate shot has a size of 0.10-0.50 mm.