Abstract: Goggles for protecting the eyes of a wearer in ultra-hazardous conditions. The goggles comprise a frame that seals to the face of the wearer so that the wearer's eyes are enveloped. An adjustable strap is attached to the goggles and goes around the head of the wearer in order to secure the goggles over the wearer's face. Indirect ventilation is utilized to eliminate fogging, and drains are used in the frame to evacuate trapped moisture. A curvilinear lens with multiple optical zones is secured within the frame of the goggles and angled for increased lower peripheral vision. The materials with which the goggles are constructed are capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 550.degree. F. for a minimum of five minutes without oozing or dripping or otherwise deforming.

Abstract: Sanitary cleansing apparatus 20 is provided with attachment state sensor 180 for detecting the state of attachment to toilet bowl 21. When OFF signal is output from attachment state sensor 180, first closing valve 137a is closed at step S82 and power supply to cleansing water heater 129 is stopped at step S84; shower nozzle 24 is finally stored in standby position. Therefore, troubles are fairly prevented since shower nozzle 24 is stored in standby position with inhibition of water spouting function when sanitary cleansing apparatus 20 is detached from toilet bowl 21.

Abstract: A toilet/bidet device connected to a seat of a toilet for cleaning a users genitals and posterior side. The toilet/bidet device including a water supply pipe connected to a main water line supplying water to the toilet, a valve positioned on an underside of the seat of the toilet and being connected to an end of the water supply pipe opposite the connection to the main water line and a water conduit wand positioned on the underside of the seat and having a first end connected to extend from the valve and a second end having a recess extending therethrough. The water conduit wand is pivotal within the valve. A handle is positioned on a side of the seat and connected to the water conduit wand for pivoting the water conduit wand between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A height adjustable false bottom for multi-purpose pools. The apparatus has a device for adjusting the height of the false bottom, where a plurality of supporting legs, which are pivotable and have a variable length, are used for the height adjustment. The supporting legs are preferably formed as rotatable spindle drives.

Abstract: An adjustable, spa massager mounting assembly for use in hydrotherapy hot tubs or whirlpool baths. The mounting assembly includes a first member secured to a hot tub and a second member joined to a spa massaging unit. The first member has a track portion along which a slider portion of the second member captively and matingly slides. The first and second members are capable of releasably securing to each other at a desired relative position by means of a slide-lock component on one of the members. The slide-lock component has an engaging portion which is adapted to releasably engage at least one indentation of a plurality of indentations on the other one of the members. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment a cantilever arm of the slide-lock component maintains the engaging portion in resilient contact with the plurality of indentations during movement of the first and second members relative to each other and when a desired position is reached.

Abstract: A transfer bench facilitates assembly and allows for ease of reversibility. Particularly, a seat has a seat portion secured to a frame assembly. A seat back is removably connected to the seat and frame assembly depending on whether the bathtub is a right-hand or left-hand tub. A preferred arrangement is to use a pair of L-shaped members, one leg of which receives the seat back and the second leg of which extends through openings in the seat portion. Spring biased snap buttons snap fit in place and removably secure the seat back to the remainder of the transfer bench.

Abstract: A body-holding device in which a combination comprised of: a main body base suspension fitting, a pair of side-holding arms which hold both sides of a person, a pair of shoulder-holding arms which hold both shoulders of the person, a crotch supporter which supports the person's crotch, a transmission mechanism which links the movement of the suspension fitting, respective holding arms and the crotch supporter, and locking elements which constrain and release the respective holding arms and crotch supporter, is installed on a main body base of the device. The device eliminates heavy labor performed by a person assisting disabled persons such as handicapped persons, persons suffering from illness and elderly persons, etc.; and in addition, the device eliminates heavy labor by assisting the body functions of able-bodied persons, and it also has a body-holding function as a shock-absorbing device or a life-saving device.

Abstract: A spring counterbalanced folding wall bed having a vertically disposed shell including side walls spaced from each other and a bed frame pivotally mounted to the shell for movement between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the bed frame is substantially horizontal; in the closed position the bed frame is substantially vertical and between the side walls. A spring is mounted between a head end of the bed frame and one of the side walls and is biased to retain the bed in the closed position. One end of the spring is secured to the head end by a first pivotal connection and the other end of the spring is secured to the side wall by a second pivotal connection. At least one of the first and second pivotal connections are movable so that the length of the spring can be adjusted, whereby the spring force can be adjusted.

Abstract: A reversible multilayer decorative trim strip for comforters, quilts, and the like includes one or more decorative non-linearly patterned edges. The trim strip is removably fastened to the underside of the comforter and folded over the comforter's edge so that a decorative portion of the trim strip overlies the top side of the comforter. In a bedding arrangement, the comforter has an edge portion which substantially overlies an edge of the top surface of a bed, and the trim strip substantially completely covers the edge portion of the comforter. In an alternative configuration, the trim strip is connected directly to a top portion of the comforter either permanently or in a removable fashion.

Abstract: Motorized adjustment of the configuration of a bed in its support of a user in an automatic "sleep" mode is controlled to establish the bed in state A (FIG. 3) pre-selected for sleeping on the side, or state B (FIG. 2) pre-selected for sleeping on the back, in dependence upon whether the user's shoulder as sensed by a pressure pad (26) is within a recess (27) of the mattress (1). A motor unit (8) adjusts the bed-configuration by inclining bed-base sections (4,5) under commands from a controller (15 FIG. 4) that for the "sleep" mode operates in conjunction with an auxiliary unit (16 FIG. 4) coupled to the pad (26). Delays for changeovers between states A and B and the changeover threshold are set by controls (31, 33 and 34) of the auxiliary unit (16).

Abstract: A nap-sac carrying pouch and child sleeping system including a base blanket in a generally rectangular configuration having a length and a width. A cover blanket is in a generally rectangular configuration and has a length and width essentially equal to that of the base blanket. A carrying pouch is formed of two rectangular sections. One of the rectangular sections is coextensive with the upper central section of the base blanket. The carrying pouch is adapted to receive the base and cover blankets when folded in equal sections along its length and is adapted to receive the base blanket and cover blanket when its lateral sides are folded over. The two rectangular sections of the carrying pouch are coupled along a bottom edge and two parallel side edges. An open top edge receives the folded base blanket and cover blanket. The bottom edge and side edge of the carrying pouch are coupled to a central extent of the upper edge of the base blanket.

Abstract: A foldable multi-purpose tool includes a pair of jaws and a pair of folding handles and is capable of accepting removable cartridges. In the extended position, the handles operate the jaws. Each removable cartridge contains a number of relatively small tool blades that are preferably selected by functional categories. Various cartridge hold-down and removal mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: A driving tool includes an elongate hollow handle formed with a longitudinally extending receiving chamber and an open rear end, a tubular shank mounted securely on a front end of the handle and confining an axial bore communicated with the receiving chamber, a telescopic retriever disposed in the receiving chamber, a rear cap mounted removably on the rear end of the handle, and a spring-loaded retaining unit mounted on the shank. The axial bore has a cross-section smaller than that of the receiving chamber. The shank has an open drive end adapted for receiving removably a tool bit. The telescopic retriever has a front end extendible into the axial bore to reach the drive and, and provided with a magnet member. The front end of the telescopic retriever is extendible forwardly to project from the drive end. The retaining unit is extendible radially into the axial bore so as to be adapted to retain removably the tool bit at the drive end.

Abstract: A toothbrush with scraping bristles has a plural number of bristle clusters crisscrossly mounted on a block head. The tip of the bristle clusters has a contour mating with dental area. In the block head, there are provided with a scraping bristle stem which has a plural number of movable scraping bristles normally extendable out of the block head for moving to and fro in the gingiva sulcus to scrape off tartars formed on teeth surface. A plural number of spaced and triangle scraping flakes may be disposed on each scraping bristle to enhance the effect of scraping tartars and dental plaque formed in the inter-gingiva-sulcus. The toothbrush may be used manually or be driven electrically.

Abstract: A solenoid valve and timing module for use with a floor treating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a cleaning solution, a flow control valve, a head assembly adapted to carry a floor treating device, a fluid flow line for delivering the liquid supply to a supply point adjacent to the floor treating device, an operator control, and a timing module for continuously opening and closing the flow control valve in response to the operator control.

Abstract: An apparatus for scrubbing and mopping a surface, comprising in combination, a supporting carrier, including a block and scrubbing media carried by the carrier, to project toward the surface for scrubbing that surface; first structure for attaching an elongated handle to the carrier to extend in a first direction from the carrier; and second manually manipulable structure for attaching a mop to the carrier, with mop strands extending in generally parallel relation with that surface and in mopping contact therewith, as the scrubbing media simultaneously engages that surface, for simultaneous mopping and scrubbing of that surface, as the handle extends at an angle to the surface to displace the carrier, bristles and mop parallel to the surface, and to transmit downward force to the scrubbing means; structure including a transversely lengthwise extending bar, about which a portion of the mop extends; and there being at least one projection on the carrier for engaging the mop to block bodily movement of said mop

Abstract: A cleaning implement such as a mop or broom having an elongated tubular handle with several independently rotatable portions for minimizing the strain on a user's wrist or forearm. The handle may be interchangeably connected to either a mop or broom head using a quick type connector at a distal end thereof. The connector relates to a pair of diametrically opposing pins which are slidably received within L-shaped slots on a body portion protruding from the mop and broom heads. Alternatively, the handle may be secured to a cylindrical adaptor likewise having a pair of L-shaped slots thereon. The adaptor has an externally threaded portion at a distal end for threadedly engaging internally threaded bores on certain conventional mop and broom heads.

Abstract: A coffee basket brush for cleaning a coffee basket that holds filters for brewing is comprised of an elongated handle having a length of 11.27 mm wherein the brush head bends at an angle to the handle. The length of the brush head from the end of the brush head to the bend is 3.08 mm. The brush head is filled with multiple soft bristles wherein the brush head has 34 holes to be filled with these multiple soft bristles. The handle is shaped for easy gripping for usage.

Abstract: A pumpkin-shaped bath scrubber comprises an elastic tubular net, two lashing members, and a ring. The elastic tubular net has a periphery which is continuously folded along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular net such that the tubular net is transformed into a round cylindrical object having a wavy periphery. The two lashing members are fastened with two radial ends of the tubular net. The ring is located between one radial end of the tubular net and the lashing members. The tubular net has an unlashed portion which expands to form an expansion portion similar in form to a pumpkin. The ring is attached to one end of the expansion portion.

Abstract: A buffing pad assembly is provided for buffing, polishing or otherwise finishing a painted surface. The buffing pad assembly includes a rigid backing mount, a back-up pad affixed to the backing mount, and a buffing pad removably attached to the back-up pad by way of fastening material provided on the back-up pad and the buffing pad. The buffing pad has a number of channels extending completely through the pad to facilitate dissipation of heat generated by friction during use of the buffing pad. The back-up pad and the fastening material are designed to accommodate the heat dissipation channels in the buffing pad so that the channels are substantially unobstructed. Additionally, a centering system is provided on the buffing pad assembly to facilitate alignment of the buffing pad during use.

Abstract: An improved blower wheel blade cleaner, which is hand held, and includes a first handle portion for grasping the apparatus, and a second cleaning portion. The cleaning portion comprises a double row of elongated teeth extending outward from the handle portion with the first row terminating in a single plane along the outward edge of the cleaning teeth, and the second row extending adjacent the first row forming a concave V-shape at the end of the first row. There is further provided that the first row of teeth has a slight bend at the end portion of the row, and likewise, the inner row of teeth forming the V-shape likewise having a slight bend in their configuration for use of the tool. There is further provided the fact that the two rows of teeth are secured to the handle portion via soldering or the like, and there may be included a movable tensioner band movable along the lengths of the teeth as the case may be.

Abstract: A wiping radius of a wiper arm having a wiper blade connected to its top end is changed by a four-link linkage so that the wiper blade can clean a far corner of a windshield. The four-link linkage is constituted by two links pivotally connected to the wiper arm and to both axes fixed to a stationary frame, the wiper arm, and a stationary link formed between both axes. The wiper arm with the four-link linkage is driven by a drive mechanism including a motor and swings between upper and bottom positions. A passive biasing member is connected to the four-link linkage, so that the upward movement of the wiper arm from the bottom position is assisted and the downward movement toward the bottom position is resisted by the biasing member, thereby making driving load imposed on the motor substantially equal in both movements.

Abstract: A can cleaning device having a main body and front edge, and a wall depending from the main body along the front edge for use with a disposable moist towelette to clean and sanitize a top surface and a tight circumferential groove on the top of a pop top beverage can. The can cleaning device is guided into place on top of the moist towelette, forcing a portion of the moist towelette into the tight groove on the top of the can, rotating the can cleaning device relative to the can effects cleaning and sanitizing or disinfecting of the top surface and groove on the can. The can cleaning device may be attached to a counter top, vending machine, vending cart, store counter, cooler, refrigeration unit, serving cart or similar place for storing or dispensing pop top beverage cans.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device is formed of a housing having an opening to put a shoe to be cleaned, and a low pressure chamber communicating with the opening; an air sucking and compressing device disposed in the housing and communicating with the low pressure chamber for sucking air; a heating chamber disposed in the housing and communicating with an outlet of the air sucking and compressing device; and a nozzle portion disposed outside the housing and having a flow path communicating with the heating chamber to eject compressed air passing through the air sucking and compression device. A liquid valve is attached to the flow path to provide moisture to air passing through the flow path, and a controller connected to the air sucking and compressing device, the heater and the liquid valve for controlling the same. Materials attached to the shoe can be blown out by compressed air ejected from the nozzle and collected through the opening.

Abstract: An intelligent suction device, particularly for vacuum cleaners and the like, includes a fuzzy-logic controller for controlling the motor of a fan or turbine. The suction pressure is detected by at least one pressure sensor which feeds back its measurement, in a closed loop, to the controller.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine for wet cleaning of a floor surface is provided, the machine having:a frame (1);at least one cleaning member (3), particularly a brush or pad, arranged rotatably on the frame;a first conduit system (6) for feeding a first treatment solution to the floor surface in the region of the cleaning member for carrying out a first cleaning step;a first suction unit (4) having a squeegee;a second conduit system (9) for feeding a second treatment solution to the floor surface located behind the first suction unit as seen in the direction of normal forward movement of the machine, for carrying out a second cleaning step;a second suction unit (5) having a squeegee;tanks for fresh respectively used cleaning solution,whereby both suction units are connected to the used cleaning solution tank.Such machines were found to provide good cleaning performance and favorable hygienic result.

Abstract: A jet cleaning device for connection to one or more liquid pumps which includes a telescoping ram having a pivotally mounted cleaning head. The telescoping ram may be mounted on a manlift or a self propelled cart and has extension compensators which maintain a constant distance between the cleaning head and the surface to be cleaned. The jetting head or heads inside the cleaning head are adjustable so as to control the standoff distance and the jetting pattern. The perimeter of the base of the cleaning head shroud is also fitted with a brush which reduces the amount of misting produced by the operation of the device.

Abstract: A power working machine has a noise level display device which enables the noise level of the machine to be easily recognized with the naked eyes. When compressed air that is pressurized and delivered by a blower fan is delivered to an air-ejecting pipe, a noise level proportional to the magnitude of the force of the ejected air flow is indicated by the noise level display device, which is mounted on the air-ejecting pipe.

Abstract: An improved portable electrically powered leaf blower is disclosed that can provide levels of air flow and velocity comparable to those of gasoline-powered blowers, yet that generates substantially reduced noise, eliminates exhaust emissions and emissions from spilled fuel, and is lightweight and convenient to operate. The leaf blower incorporates a sound-insulated duct that encloses an electric motor and fan assembly, and a handle projects above the duct's inlet end. Electrical power is provided by a battery pack carried in a backpack worn by the operator. Positioning the primary noise sources within a duct that in use is positioned close to the ground minimizes noise levels both at the operator's ears and at a distance.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle adapted for use on a working surface has a generally rectangular main body portion with a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer periphery, and a central aperture through the main body portion for connection to a vacuum hose connected to a vacuum source. The main body portion may be slightly concave or flat. Spacers on the bottom surface support the main body portion above a surface to be cleaned at a predetermined height. The size and shape of the bottom surface, and its height above the surface to be cleaned are designed to draw air between the surface to be cleaned and the bottom surface of the nozzle at a substantially uniform velocity which is proportional to the inflow velocity of the vacuum hose connected with the nozzle, and to maintain little or no difference in static pressure between the air under the nozzle and the static pressure of the air above the nozzle.

Abstract: A vehicle body door check (10) includes a scissors assembly (20) and a keeper (48) received between a pair of elongated check arms (22,24) of the scissors assembly and operable under the bias of a spring (46) to hold an associated vehicle door in an open position upon engagement with a check formation (36).

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a fabric cutting weight for holding a pattern and material to be cut in place upon a mat. The weight is provided with a first housing half. The weight is further provided with a second housing half formed to engage the first housing half. The housing halves are cooperatively formed to define a volume therebetween. The first housing half has integrally formed spikes protruding therefrom. The weight is further provided with a filler material disposed within the volume defined by the housing halves.

Abstract: A tie for use in pairing together two objects. The tie comprises a head having an elongated channel extending therethrough, a locking tang within the head, and a strap having a length of approximately 63.3 cm. The strap comprises a first end integrally formed onto the head and a second end. A projection is formed on the strap between the first end and the second end. The portion of the strap from the projection to the first end is in the form of an elongated, flexible filament having a length of approximately 59.5 cm. The elongated filament is narrow in thickness, narrow in width and has a generally uniform, rectangularly-shaped cross-section. In one embodiment, the portion of the strap from the projection to the second end is formed in a ladder structure having a plurality of rungs. The rungs of the strap are sequentially engaged by the locking tang when the strap is inserted into and through the elongated channel to form a closed loop.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding. Additional tabs are provided to hold the belt in place during winding.

Abstract: An adjustable muffler or radiator hose clamp is provided having a spring steel band and utilizes a pivoting lever and ratchet system to tighten the muffler or radiator hose clamp. A tongue closes through the lever; once the desired size is achieved, the clever is snapped shut and holds the pieces together. To remove the clamp, the lever is raised and pressure released.

Abstract: A first extension member has a head coupled to a first zipper head and a tail having a male connector and an elongated generally flat intermediate portion between the head and the male connector. A second extension member has a head coupled to a second zipper head and a body with a female connector that receives and locks the male connector and receives and permits free sliding movement of the elongated flat intermediate portion.The female connector prevents removal of the male connector therefrom to prevent opening the zipper beyond a predetermined position based on the length of the elongated intermediate portion. Because the male connector is positioned generally at the end of the tail and the elongated intermediate portion is generally flat, the tail may slide freely within the female connector between the head and the male connector so that the zipper is therefore not locked in any fixed position.

Abstract: A water resistant slide fastener, including a pair of stringer tapes each having first and second opposed surfaces and each having a series of gripper elements positioned along edges of said first surface; and a water resistant layer on said second surfaces, wherein said water resistant layer has an adhesion to said stringer tapes of at least about 6 lb/in.

Abstract: A clip assembly comprises a body and a pair of separate fasteners. The body comprises a base for engaging with a heat sink, a pair of arms extending from opposite diagonal corners of the base, and a pair of end portions formed on free ends of the arms. An elliptical clearance hole is defined in each end portion for allowing movement of the fastener therein during engagement with a corresponding engaging hole of a printed circuit board. A pair of arcuate surfaces is formed proximate opposite transverse sides of each clearance hole. Each fastener comprises an intermediate main portion, and a head and an engaging portion formed on opposite ends of the main portion. The head has a transition section for engaging with the arcuate surfaces of the body to ensure vertical linear movement of the fastener during engagement with the corresponding engaging hole.

Abstract: The clamp assembly secures a tubular member to a support structure. A first embodiment of the clamp assembly includes a base for attachment to the support structure. A saddle, supported on the base, has an axial pocket extending laterally between a pair of spaced parallel sides for receiving the tubular member. A U-shaped clamp member having first and second legs straddles the saddle to clamp the tubular member in the pocket of the saddle. The assembly is characterized by a snap together connection for connecting the U-shaped clamp member and the saddle. A second embodiment of the clamp assembly includes a U-shaped clamp member having a first pair of spaced apart legs and a second pair of spaced apart legs forming an axial pocket therebetween for receiving a tubular member. A base is attached to the U-shaped clamp member with a living hinge for pivoting from an opened position to a closed position enclosing the pocket.

Abstract: A clamp for closing polymer bags. The clamp includes a pair of clamp members movable between a closed and an opened condition, each one of the clamp members having a jaw for engagement of a bag. Each clamp member has an inner and an outer surface. A hinge attaches the clamp members while biasing the clamp members into a closed configuration. Gripping means are disposed on the inner surface of each one of the clamp members. The gripping means include opposed striations on the inner surface of each clamp member. In addition, a blade having a blunted top surface is disposed on the inner surface of one of the clamp members and an anvil is disposed opposite the blade. When the clamp is in a closed, bag sealing configuration, the blunted blade surface abuts the anvil as the blade and anvil cooperate in securing the bag within the clamp. The blade includes a cutting edge for opening a bag when the clamp is moved across the bag surface.

Abstract: A fastener comprising first and second separable members, for engaging an elongate element. Each member includes first and second complementary shaped partial-cylindrical portions formed on a facing side thereof. The first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the first member have outside dimensions that are complementarily dimensioned with respect to the inside dimensions of the first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the second member, so that the first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the first member selectively engage and nest within the first and second partial-cylindrical portions of the second member when the facing side of the first and second members are positioned towards each other. The elongate element is engaged between the first and second members of the fastener by an engagement area formed when one of the first and second partial-cylindrical portions are nested.

Abstract: A buckle guard that is positionable over and around the buckle assembly of a vehicle seat belt shoulder harness to prevent a child from accessing and disconnecting the buckle assembly. The buckle guard includes a back guard section, an inner snap guard section and an outer snap guard section. The back guard section is integrally formed between the inner snap guard section and the outer snap guard section. The back guard section, the inner snap guard section and the outer snap guard section being constructed of a bendable plastic.

Abstract: A casket shell made of a corrugated paperboard. The shell is made of a triple-ply inner layer and a single-ply outer layer laminated over the inner layer. The corrugation in the side members of both layers are aligned vertically for maximum vertical tensile strength. The corrugation in the vertical corners in the inner layer are oriented horizontally for maximum stiffness and shape retention properties. The casket shell has a uniform thickness throughout the sides, ends and bottom thereof, and square corners to simulate the appearance of a wood structure. Each end has a vertical median slot therein for inserting the edges of a decorative covering fabric material. Both sides are prestressed to maintain a straight alignment.

Abstract: A casket top interior assembly includes at least one roll and a roll clamp. The casket top interior assembly is used in connection with a casket lid, the casket lid being generally concave and constructed of a rigid material. The at least one roll has a first elongated edge and a second elongated edge, the first elongated edge secured to the casket lid proximate a periphery of the casket lid, the second elongated edge secured to the casket lid by the roll clamp. To this end, the roll clamp includes an anchor surface and a stop member extending angularly from the anchor surface. The anchor surface is directly secured to the casket lid. The stop member engages the at least one roll proximate the second elongated edge in a trap fit, said trap fit in part securing the roll to the casket lid.

Abstract: Devices for water needling consists of a nozzle beam that is located transversely above the fiber web to be compacted. The water emerges in fine streams at high pressure from a plurality of nozzles and tangles the fibers to compact them, to change the surface, and to braid the fibers of the tissue or the like. Since this web must be guided past the nozzle beam, a lengthwise striping develops. In order to influence this advantageously, according to the invention the nozzle beam is caused by a vibrator to perform quite specific transverse oscillations. The resultant zigzag movement, with the generated groove depressions being located with their edges adjacent, produces a completely smooth surface without significant plastic elevations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making thick fibrous structures. More particularly, the invention relates to a simplified needle-felting process wherein loose fiber is accreted into a thick fibrous structure by repeatedly driving a multitude of felting needles into the loose fiber, the felting needles penetrating all the way through the fibrous material at the beginning of the process, and penetrating only part way through the fibrous material at the end of the process. The processes according to the invention eliminate one or more intermediate steps of forming coherent fibrous layers that were previously thought necessary in the prior art in order to form a thick fibrous structure.

Abstract: Bulk yarns having improved elasticity and recovery and methods for their manufacture are described. A first embodiment of the invention involves providing a solution-dyed multifilament yarn of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and a multifilament yarn of a second thermoplastic polymer to an air jet texturizer such that the PBT component forms a core and the other yarn forms a plurality of loops and coils extending outwardly from the core. In addition to a high degree of elasticity and recovery, the composite yarn also has a low amount of shrinkage, which enables the yarns to be used in the production of woven fabrics without significant losses in fabric yield. Another embodiment of the invention involves false twisting a multifilament PBT yarn and a second multifilament yarn as individual threadlines to impart crimp thereto, then entangling the two components together using an air interlacing jet, to produce a bulk yarn having high elasticity and recovery.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a small, light, highly accurate and inexpensive thin film sensor element is disclosed. The thin film sensor element comprises a sensor holding substrate having an opening part and a multilayer film structure adhered thereon. The multilayer film structure comprises a first electrode film, a second electrode film, and a piezoelectric dielectric oxide film present between the first and second electrode films. The method of manufacturing the thin film sensor element comprises the steps of: forming the multilayer film structure by forming the first electrode film having a (100) plane orientation on a surface of an alkali halide substrate, forming the piezoelectric dielectric oxide thereon, and forming the second electrode film on the piezoelectric dielectric oxide; adhering the multilayer film structure on the surface of the sensor holding substrate having the opening part; and dissolving and removing the alkali halide substrate with water.

Abstract: A leadless ceramic chip carrier useful in surface mounting of SAW devices includes electrically conductive vias and metalization between input and output bond pads for improved crosstalk suppression between input and output device connections. A protrusion extending from a top layer of a multilayer ceramic carrier provides additional electrical contact to a package seal brazed thereto. The vias are positioned between input and output bond pads and connect the metalized protrusion to package ground pads through contact with multiple metalized layers of the package for enhancing the electrical connection between the package Kovar seal ring and customer accessed ground pads. For further suppression of crosstalk, bond pads within the package for connection to the SAW device are spaced at a greater distance from each other than their corresponding pads on the package bottom surface thus maintaining an optimum spacing for package connection to printed circuit board pads for minimizing thermal mismatch effects.

Abstract: The invention provides a machine and methods for automated manufacture of tapered adjustable ducts, and particularly tapered adjustable take offs. A tube of material is cut into gores of predetermined configuration, coupling beads are formed in the gores and the gores are adjustably interconnected to one another to form the finished take off duct in an automated fashion. The apparatus for forming an adjustable duct member may include a housing including at least one work station formed therein. A die associated with the work station is selectively positioned at a predetermined location relative to a work piece positioned in association with the work station. A cutting and forming assembly associated with the work station cooperates with the die to selectively cut the work piece to form first and second members and to form a coupling bead in the first and second members which cooperate to reconnect the first and second members together at a predetermined angle.