Abstract: Methods are disclosed for mounting an undercounter sink provided with a flange by means of a removable metal collar, which is used: to precisely locate and position the sink beneath a laminated countertop: and to finish cut at the installation site the countertop aperture and the top impervious surface of the countertop to form a flush, watertight seal.

Abstract: A sink assembly includes a sink top, a sink base being one or the other of at least two different styles, such as a central pedestal or a pair of front corner legs, and an arrangement of mounting elements defined on the different sink bases and at different locations on an underside of the sink top providing interchangeability of one for the other of the different styles of bases with the one sink top. The sink top has a basin, underside and pair of front corners. A first of the mounting elements in the arrangement thereof includes a convex-shaped bottom portion on the underside of the sink top at the basin thereof for receiving and supporting a first of the different sink bases in the form of a central pedestal at the location of the bottom portion of the basin.

Abstract: A bi-fold futon frame includes force spreading mortise plates positioned at a junction between various wooden members. The mortise plates and the wooden memebers are held together by fasteners such as screws. The wooden members form the frame of the futon.

Abstract: A unitary base member for supporting a wire spring assembly of a bed foundation. The base member includes a lattice formed of a plurality of lateral members and a plurality of longitudinal members. The lattice has a lower surface and an upper surface for mounting a wire spring assembly thereon. The lateral members are oriented substantially parallel to each other, and the longitudinal members are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of lateral members are positioned above said plurality of longitudinal members. Significantly, the lateral and longitudinal members of the lattice are integrally and inseparably formed together with each other as a single piece of substantially rigid plastic for preventing movement of the members with respect to each other.

Abstract: A camping mat in which the upper surface has a plurality of air insulating chambers to provide a reduction in body heat loss of the user. The mat may be configured as either a sleeping mat or a camping chair, or combination thereof, and may be of the self-inflating type with open-cell foam inside a waterproof and airtight envelope. Two pads of flexible foam are in the envelope and the upper pad has a plurality of pad cavities or pad apertures which, upon the assembly of the mat, cause the formation of the air insulating chambers.

Abstract: Bed clothes for a mattress include a fitted bottom sheet and an attached top sheet. The bottom sheet may form head and foot end pockets which envelop, respectively, the head and foot ends of the mattress, wherein the head end pocket extends along the bottom surface of the mattress from the head end for a length less than or equal to the thickness of the mattress (as measured between the top surface and the bottom surface of the mattress) and the foot end pocket extends along the bottom surface from the foot end for a length at least as great as one and one half times this thickness. The top sheet is attached to the foot end pocket of the bottom sheet so that a user's feet may extend past the foot end of the mattress without substantially displacing the top sheet in a direction generally from the head end to the foot end of the mattress.

Abstract: Systems for securing bed clothes such as a flat or fitted sheet in place on a mattress and fasteners which can be used in those systems and for other purposes. In addition to fasteners, the bed clothes securing system includes a flexible lead displaceably affixed to the fasteners for drawing the corners of the bed sheet together.

Abstract: A therapeutic hospital bed (1) comprises a patient support platform (2) rotatably and pivotally secured within a main bed frame (3). The main bed frame (3) is supported on a base frame (5). An end board on the patient support platform (2) has an arcuate track (14) engaged by a drive belt (15) which is connected to a drive motor for oscillating the patient support platform (2) relative to the main bed frame (3). Opposite ends of the drive belt (15) are connected to disengagement arms (18, 25) which are pivotally interconnected to form a scissors mechanism. The arms (18, 25) are operable to tension or release the belt (15) to engage or disengage drive to the patient support platform (2). A spring (27) extends between the arms (18, 25) to bias the arms (18, 25) into a belt tensioning position. To disengage the drive for turning the patient support platform (2) manually, the arms (18, 25) are movable against spring bias to a disengaged position.

Abstract: A mechanized foldable bed is disclosed. The foldable bed has a front frame assembly and a rear frame assembly pivotal with respect to the front frame assembly. The foldable bed has a motor securely mounted under the bed, a driving rod driven by the motor, a first connecting rod pivotally connected with the driving rod, a second connecting rod pivotally connected with the first connecting rod and a third connecting rod connected with the second connecting rod. A tube securely mounted under the bed is for receiving the second connecting rod therethrough. Furthermore, due to a first connector being securely connected with the front frame assembly and pivotally connected with the driving rod and a second connector pivotally between the rear frame assembly and the third connecting rod, the torso and legs of a patient are supported simultaneously or only the torso.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient includes a frame, a patient support deck coupled to the frame and configured to support the patient, and a head rest coupled to the patient-support deck and having longitudinally-extending, transversely spaced-apart sides. The head rest includes a pair of longitudinally-extending, transversely spaced-apart socket tubes adjacent to respective head rest sides. The head rest also includes a bottom plate extending transversely between the socket tubes and a side plate angling upwardly from each of the socket tubes so that a head cushion-receiving space is defined between the side plates. Each of the socket tubes has an interior region adapted to receive portions of a wrist rest assembly configured to be coupled to the head rest.

Abstract: A leg support system for use with a medical examination table in gynecological examinations has compressible thigh supports with five degrees of freedom. Four of the degrees of freedom adjust automatically and the fifth degree of freedom is manually adjustable. The system has foot rests that are in a fixed position. The system is more comfortable for users then previous systems and can accommodate users of various different sizes.

Abstract: A vehicular seat assembly includes a flexible sensor apparatus mounted to a seat cushion. The flexible sensor apparatus includes a plurality of variable resistant flexible sensors attached to nonconductive flexible ribbons. Each flexible sensor generates a signal dependent on the degree of bending exhibited by a given flexible sensor for controlling the deployment of an air bag. An installation mat for installing the flexible sensor apparatus includes a carrier means attached to the flexible sensor apparatus. The carrier means includes locating means for locating the flexible sensor apparatus to the seat cushion. An installation device for installing the flexible sensor apparatus includes a lid having a mounting means for detachably attaching the installation mat to the lid. The installation device also includes a locating means for locating the flexible sensor apparatus to the seat cushion.

Abstract: There is provided an air bed including (a) a plurality of air chambers arranged adjacent to one another and composed of air-impermeable sheet, (b) an air pump for introducing air to said air chambers, (c) a plurality of on/off valves each of which is located between each of said air chambers and said air pump, (d) a plurality of pressure sensors each of which senses a pressure in each of said air chambers and emits a signal accordingly, and (e) a controller receiving said signal from each of said pressure sensors and controlling on/off of each of said of/off valves in accordance with said signal. In accordance with the above-mentioned air bed, since the air pump is connected to each one of the air chambers, it is possible to control an internal pressure of each of the air chambers.

Abstract: A sleeper sofa incorporating an air mattress including a telescoping mattress frame for supporting a mattress support subassembly consisting of hinge panels. The hinges used to connect the panels limit the angular range of motion of adjacent panels to plus or minus 90.degree. from a coplanar arrangement. The "panel" that defines the seating surface on which seat cushions rest when the sofa is in the seating position may be supported in the seating position by a pair of side rails that lack significant structure in the seating plane. This "panel" may also include a set of sinuous springs clad in padding similar to the seat-cushion support surface of a conventional non-sleeper sofa. The air mattress used in the sleeper sofa can be a multi-chamber design in which the outer edges of the mattress are inflated to a higher pressure to prevent the user from rolling off the edge of the mattress.

Abstract: A tool includes one or more tool members each having two tool elements pivotally coupled together. One or two handles each includes one end pivotally coupled to the block at a pivot pin and each includes a latch device for securing the handle to one end extension of the tool elements. The extensions of the tool elements each has a spring-biased projection for positioning the extension of the tool elements to the block. The blocks each has a shoulder for limiting the rotational movement of the handle relative to the block.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for the wheels of a car used in a semiconductor manufacturing plant has a pair of endless belts that carry a dust trapping material on their outer surfaces. The belts turn against a wheel and thereby remove the dust.

Abstract: A brush having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth. The antimicrobial agents, compounds or chemicals are embedded in either the body or bristles or both of the brush. Further, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a brush having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth. An antimicrobial additive is incorporated in resin concentrate form into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polymer from which brush handles are injection molded, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the brush handle. The antimicrobial additive in the body of the brush, incorporated in the manner above, results in substantive controlled migration from the body to the bristles, until a point of equilibrium is reached. The invention is suitable for any brush in which bristles are embedded in plastic, including toothbrushes, hair brushes, scrub brushes, toilet bowl brushes, cosmetic brushes, lip-color brushes, etc.

Abstract: A mop having a self-contained wringer includes a handle, a sleeve frictionally movably disposed on the handle such that the sleeve is self supporting along a number of positions of the mop handle, a retainer member connected to an end of the handle and having a retaining surface, a mop head material having one end connected to the retaining surface of the retainer member, a relatively flexible housing portion having a first end connected to the sleeve and a second end extending outwardly therefrom creating a mop head receiving surface area between a portion of the handle and an inner surface of the housing. The housing is further characterized to be generally hemibulbous and include a slit extending from the second end toward the first end such that the housing may movably overlap over itself and to change the receiving surface area. Also, provided is a retrofit self-contained mop wringer housing of the type described for connection to a wet mop of the type described.

Abstract: A toothbrush in accordance with the invention includes a plastic brush body having a head, a neck and a handle, as well as bristle bundles fixed to the head, the free ends of the bristles of at least part of the bundles are located on an approximately conical envelope surface with a cone angle .alpha. of 30 to 90.degree. and the neck of the brush body in the case of an application force K between 500 to 1200 grams acting on the bristles resiliently to give way with the cone angle .alpha. and the application force K being approximately inversely proportional.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition whitening teeth, using a bleaching compound and a catalytic activator, where the catalytic activator catalyzes the reaction of a significant portion of the bleaching compound within in a short period of time. A method for whitening teeth by providing a bleaching compound, providing a catalytic agent, and combining the bleaching agent with the catalytic agent so that a reaction of a significant portion of the bleaching agent occurs in a short period of time is also disclosed. A device for whitening teeth, consisting of a toothbrush where at least one of the bristles contains a catalytic activator is also provided. The handle of this device has a reservoir for a bleaching compound and a means for dispensing the bleaching compound. Another device for whitening teeth, consisting of a toothbrush with a catalytic activator capable of catalyzing the reaction of a bleaching compound applied to the head of the device, is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: A comprehensive oral hygiene device preferably having a multi-headed oral care brush disposed at one end of an elongated handle and a manufacturing process therefor. The oral care brush of the present invention has at least one head and preferably two heads which are disposed in angular, generally opposing coactive relationship to each other. Each of the opposing heads is integrally formed on an independently manufactured flexible arm and each arm is subsequently attached to the elongated handle. The attachment of the arms to the handle involves a secondary process called overmolding. Overmolding in this case involves the placement of the arms in a secondary mold in operative position against the end of the handle. Then, a soft, preferably rubber-like material is injected into the secondary mold and surrounds elongated portions of the arms and the handle. When cured and removed from the secondary mold, the rubber-like material secures the arms in operative position against the handle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner beater brush for lifting dirt from carpeted surfaces without damaging the carpet's fibers. The vacuum cleaner beater brush includes an elongate roller with a pair of opposite ends, and an outer side surface. Each of the ends of the roller has a mounting stud outwardly extending from the respective end of the roller. The outer side surface of the roller is divided into a pair of generally equal sized regions. The roller has a plurality of resiliently deflectable elongate prongs outwardly extending from a first of the regions of the outer side surface of the roller. The roller has a plurality of resilient bristles outwardly extending from a second of the regions of the outer side surface of the roller.

Abstract: A rubber broom having a broom body with a set of bristles arranged on its underside, the set of bristles being integrally formed in one piece and made of an elastic polymer material. The broom body is a molded part produced separately from the set of bristles and has an underside which is raised in the direction of the rim at at least one area. The set of bristles is a component of a deformable supporting layer that provides close-fitting contact against the underside of the broom body along at least the circumferential rim of the broom body.

Abstract: A hand towel adapted for attachment to users's body, as by attachment to a belt worn about the waist, or to a stanchion, railing, pipe, or other support as is commonly found on fishing boats. The towel is made from two layers of terry cloth cut into the shape of a fish, the edge of each layer being doubled over and the edge of one layer being joined to the edge of the other layer by sewing a seam about the border of the fish. The towel has loop made from an elastic strap or band. The loop has two free ends which may be releasably fastened together in order to attach the towel to a belt of other support. The loop preferably has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the diameter of the loop. In a first embodiment, the loop has an end sewn into the border of the towel. In a second embodiment, the towel has a grommet defining an eye of the fish, the loop being inserted through the grommet. In the second embodiment, a metal ring having a resilient, flexible tang may be substituted for the elastic loop.

Abstract: A molded pad driver for use with floor maintenance machines including structure that defines a circular disc-like body, the body defining a driving surface that is abuttably engageable with a driven surface of a floor maintenance pad to which it is attached. The driving surface is at least partially defined by a plurality of sets of protrusions with each set of protrusions preferably consisting of a plurality of protruding members arranged in a circular patterns, such that each protruding member of a set is at a slightly different orientation with respect to all of the members of a set, as viewed from a plane parallel to a plane of the pad driver. Each protruding member preferably consists of an arrowhead member including a stanchion that extends axially from a base surface on the pad driver and terminates in an arcuate crossbar that extends generally laterally with respect to the rotational axis of the pad driver.

Abstract: An improved windshield wiper assembly for a motor vehicle which includes a connecting member connected to a wiper arm of the motor vehicle. A frame of the windshield wiper assembly is sealed by a rubber sheet disposed under the connecting member, and a bridge member is fixed between the connecting member and the rubber sheet. The bridge member includes a pair of flexible, elongated vanes which extend downwardly and at an angle from a front surface thereof, and a plurality of pairs of holes disposed on the top surface of the bridge member. The vanes direct the flow of air through the holes in the bridge member, thereby increasing air pressure on the wiper blade and improving the performance of the windshield wiper assembly.

Abstract: A floor mounted sweeping suction inlet is provided with a door that carries a user-activated portion by which the door may be opened by contact from a foot. This makes it unnecessary for the householder to bend over to activate the vacuum-operated waste collection system. The vacuum source can be turned-on automatically by opening the door by the presence of a door-activated electrical switch. An adapter converts the floor-mounted vacuum opening to a standard circular opening for receiving a vacuum hose and wand.

Abstract: A squeegee for use with a mobile surface scrubber to collect used liquid on a surface after being cleaned by the scrubber. The scrubber includes a mobile frame, a cleaning solution dispensing system mounted on the frame for wetting the surface with liquid, and at least one scrub brush attached to the frame for scrubbing the surface when wetted with liquid. In addition, the scrubber includes a vacuum system connected to the frame for removing liquid from the surface. The squeegee includes an elongate squeegee blade of flexible material having a lower edge engageable with the surface to collect the liquid on the surface for removal by the vacuum system. The squeegee also includes a series of openings through the squeegee blade extending up from the lower edge at intervals along the blade.

Abstract: A portable compact extractor having permanent solution and recovery tanks integrally formed in a single main tank portion, with a removable power head attached to the top of the main tank. A fill port passes through the powerhead into the cleaning solution tank and a pour spout is formed in the recovery tank. With this construction, the cleaning solution tank may be filled with water and, if desired, detergent, by pouring the water and detergent into the fill port in the power head, and the recovery tank may be emptied as desired simply by tipping the unit and pouring the contents of the recovery tank out the pour spout and down the drain, without ever having to remove any tanks, bottles or the power head from the unit, or disconnect and reconnect any tubes. A carry handle is located on the powerhead to facilitate transportation of the unit, removal of the power head from the main tank for cleaning the tanks when desired, and to facilitate pouring the contents of the recovery tank out of the pour spout.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction motor and a filter chamber. A floor nozzle is connected to the housing. A hose, which communicates with the filter chamber, includes a first end, an intermediate portion and a second end. A wand, which has a first end and a second end, is selectively mounted on the housing. At least a part of the hose intermediate portion extends longitudinally through the wand from the first end to the second end. The hose first end is secured to the wand first end. A connector assembly is secured on the hose second end. When the wand is selectively mounted on the housing, a section of the hose intermediate portion is stowed in the wand. When the wand is spaced from the housing, the section of the hose intermediate portion is pulled out of the wand.

Abstract: A self propelled upright vacuum cleaner is provided that has at least one drive wheel, a transmission for selectively driving the drive wheel in forward and reverse and propelling the cleaner in forward and reverse over a floor. A bag housing pivotally connected to the floor engaging portion. An electric power switch located adjacent to a top of the bag housing. A control link extending from the transmission and up the bag housing, with a top end of the control link being located adjacent to the top of the bag housing. An upper handle assembly having a hand grip reciprocally mounted thereon and a power switch button mounted thereon. The lower end of the upper handle assembly is adapted for connection to the top of the bag housing, such that the upper end of the control link and the hand grip are automatically interconnected when the upper handle assembly is attached to the bag housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with dual blowing/suction function includes a main housing having at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet; at least one fan mounted in the main housing and having a suction side adjacent to the air inlet and a blowing the adjacent to the air outlet; a motor disposed in the main body for driving the fan; a tubular member having a first open end connected to the air inlet and a second open end; a blowing duct extending inside the tubular member and having a spout adjacent the second open end; a blowing pipe having an inner end connected to the air outlet and an outer end connected in fluid communication with the blowing duct; and a dust collecting member and a filter member disposed between and connected to the tubular member and the air inlet of the main housing.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly including a motor housing, a motor and fan assembly mounted in the motor housing, and a dirt containment chamber having an air intake at one end. An apertured wall is provided at one end of the motor housing so that the fan is closely adjacent the aperture. A planar filter is provided within the containment chamber and extends from a distal end to a proximal end of the chamber to separate the chamber into an air flow chamber and a dirt chamber. The aperture is separated from air flow communication with said intake opening by the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld blower/vacuum apparatus having a housing and a blower scroll formed in the housing. An impeller is provided in the blower scroll. Air is supplied to the blower scroll via an air inlet and air is directed away from the blower scroll via an air outlet. An air-conducting connecting tube is mounted on the air outlet via a housing-fixed connecting stub. A bayonet connection is provided in the overlap region between the connecting tube and the connecting stub. The bayonet connection includes a guide path lying in the overlap region. The guide path includes an axial segment and a peripheral segment connected thereto in which a radial cam of the other part engages. The cam is secured form tight by a latch connection in the peripheral segment of the guide path to ensure a reliable, mechanically loadable attachment of the connecting tube in the connecting stub.

Abstract: A resilient detent mechanism for selectively maintaining a vehicle door in the open position is provided. The detent mechanism including a hinge pin receptacle adapted to allow insertive mounting with a door hinge by engagement with a hinge pin of the door hinge. The detent mechanism also includes a planar side surface to contact both the stationary and pivotal components of the door hinge. The detent also includes a working corner portion that contacts a portion of the door hinge and tends to maintain the vehicle door in the open position. The contact between the working corner portion and the stationary component of the door hinge can be overcome by a sufficient door closing effort.

Abstract: A handling device for a power working machine provided rotatably with a rear handle portion, wherein the handling device is constructed such that the rotation of the rear handle portion is always locked whenever the throttle lever for actuating control member of the prime mover is manipulated, and such that, when the rotation of the rear handle portion is once engaged and fixed, a locking mechanism is actuated to lock the rotation of the rear handle portion. The handling device comprises a throttle lever, attached rotatably to the device and designed to actuate a control member of the prime mover, and a handle-engaging member, designed to be engaged with a mount base of the handling device so as to lock the rotational position of the handling device relative to the mount base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning hinge for use in a portable computer or an electronic dictionary having a main unit and an LCD display, the hinge comprising a pivotal member for mounting the hinge to the main unit; a substantially disk-shaped cam block non-rotatably provided around the pivotal member; a pivotal base rotatably for mounting the hinge to the LCD display. By biasing against the cam block, this invention allows the LCD display of a portable computer to pivot with respect to the main unit so as to adjust the orientation of the LCD display e. This invention can be simply assembled, includes a low number of components, and is of a relatively compact size.

Abstract: A toothbrush has an elongated handle with bristles disposed at one end extending outwardly from one surface of the handle. The handle is formed of a semi-rigid plastic material having a pair of flanges disposed on the surface opposite that of the bristles for controlling the flexure at various points along the handle length and a softer material is formed onto that portion of the handle containing the flanges to provide a soft grip for the user.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a handle member, a number of blocks attached to the handle member, and a cover sleeve engaged on the handle member and having a number of orifices for receiving the blocks and for retaining the blocks in place. The handle member includes a number of cavities, and the blocks each includes one or more projections engaged into the cavities of the handle member for attaching onto the handle member and for allowing the user to adjust the blocks into various kinds of shapes and patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus in connectible to a steering wheel for aiding disabled drivers. The apparatus includes a base having a first part and a second part for moving with a respect to one another. The base defines a steering-wheel-receiving aperture between the first and second parts for allowing the base to substantially sheath a portion of the steering wheel. A hinge connection is formed between the first and second parts of the base allowing pivotal movement with respect to one another. The hinge connection is formed along a common edge portion of the first and second parts for allowing placement of the base with respect to the steering wheel. A latch releasibly retains the first and second parts of the base with respect to one another. The latch is connected to the first and second parts opposite from the hinge axis. A knob is connected to the base for gripping by the driver with one hand for controlling movement of the steering wheel when the base is attached to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A rotary rib cotton gin includes a plurality of gin saw blades axially spaced and rotatably mounted in a gin stand. A ginning breast is pivotally mounted on the gin stand and includes a plurality of stationary ribs having a lower end fixed to the ginning breast, and an upper free end disposed between each adjacent gin saw blade when the ginning breast is in the operating position. The ginning breast further includes a rotary rib rotatably mounted in the ginning breast above the free end of the stationary ribs. The rotary rib includes a plurality of axially spaced rotary discs fixably mounted on a rotatable shaft, wherein an end portion of each rotary disc is disposed between each adjacent gin saw blade when the ginning breast is in the operating position.

Abstract: A condensing zone is arranged downstream of the front roller pair of a drafting arrangement of a spinning machine, in which condensing zone a drafted roving or a sliver is condensed. The condensing zone has a suction device which has a closed hollow profile and which serves as a sliding surface for a circulating sieve belt. The sieve belt transports the drafted fiber strand to a nipping roller, which presses the fiber strand and the sieve belt against the sliding surface at a nipping point. The fiber strand travels over an essentially in transport direction extending suction slit located in the condensing zone, which suction slit extends to the nipping point.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for attaching an award to a ribbon having a stitched ribbon end loop for securely receiving and holding a ribbon anchor bar, and an improved fastener having a ribbon anchor bar and a fastening clip. The improved fastener is made of a bendable single piece of resilient, thin wire having a preformed memory. The fastening clip has an opening which is formed by two free ends. One free end is twisted and positioned underneath and against the other free end for creating tension in said lower free end against the upper free end. The other free end is above and against the first free end for creating tension in the lower free end against the upper free end. An open position is obtained by pressuring the first free end down to insert an award therein. By releasing the pressure, first free end resumes its initial closed position to hold the award in place. Alternatively, the improved ribbon has a anchor member having a hole for receiving an opposite end of a fastening member.

Abstract: A lockable strap divider comprising a strap receiving portion having side walls and a transverse bar mounted at a central point between the side walls, and a clamping portion pivotally connected to the rear end of the strap receiving portion. There is a clamping device on the two portions for releasably locking the clamping portion over the strap receiving portion. Unlocking the clamping device from the strap receiving portion allows straps threaded through the transverse bar on the strap receiving portion to be adjusted. Locking the clamping portion over the strap receiving portion locks the straps in place. The locking and unlocking of the clamping portion can easily be done while the helmet is still on the wearer's head, so that adjustments can be made without removing the helmet. The adjustments can also usually be done with one hand.

Abstract: A watchband or decorative wristband is structured with a concealed money-retaining compartment which allows the wearer to store money on the wearer's person without having to remove articles of clothing or otherwise partially disrobe in an effort to retrieve the money, as is typically required with known devices for carrying concealed money on one's person. The watchband of the present invention is adaptable to any variety of watch type or style.

Abstract: A tension fastener for securing elongated implements to a backpack or other device. The fastener comprises a base that has a bar for attaching it to a strap, a hook disposed on the top surface of the base near one of its ends, and two parallel channels for adjustably receiving and securing a cord. The fastener also comprises a cover having a bar mounted across one end and an aperture extending through its sides on the other end. There is a cord threaded through the aperture in the cover and secured in the receiving and securing means in the base to connect the cover to the base. An implement is secured to the fastener by placing the implement on the top surface of the base, placing the cover over the implement, sliding the bar of the cover over the hook on the base, and tightening the cord until the desired tension is achieved. This fastener is easily operated using only one hand and securely keeps the implement attached to the backpack.

Abstract: A wire connection system that includes an arcuate wire and a pair of tube ends; or two or more wires, at least one wire being arcuate, and two or more pairs of tube ends. Each wire has a first wire end that fits into a first tube end and has a second wire end that fits into a second tube end, where two tube ends in a connected pair are either rigidly attached to each other or are partly free to rotate relative to each other. One or both tube ends in a connected pair has an interior including an annular region of easily compressible material, with an annular region aperture having an aperture diameter that is less than the diameter of the wire end accepted by the tube end. Alternatively, friction between at least one tube end and a temporarily deformed wire end received by the tube end holds the wire end in place. The system can serve as a pendant, an earring, a neckpiece, a bracelet or other decorative item for jewelry, beads, cards, placards or other appendages.

Abstract: Resilient battery separator media, especially adapted for use as battery separators for starved electrolyte batteries, are formed from air laid, fibrous mats of randomly oriented, entangled microfibers which may be needled to further entangle the fibers. The fibrous mats may be essentially uniform in density throughout their thickness or may include one or two relatively high density, high tensile strength fibrous surface layer(s) and a relatively low density, more resilient fibrous layer integral with and, in one embodiment, intermediate the two surface layers wherein the fibers in the surface layer(s) of the mats are more entangled than the fibers in the resilient layer. The fibrous mats, with one or two surface layers, are formed from the air laid fibrous mats by further entangling the fibers at and adjacent one or both surfaces of the mats, e.g. through hydroentanglement, relative to the entanglement of the fibers in the resilient fibrous layer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive film element which includes a ceramic substrate having at least one window and a diaphragm portion for closing each window, and a film-like piezoelectric/electrostrictive unit formed on the diaphragm portion. The diaphragm portion has a convex shape and protrudes outwards, in a direction away from the corresponding window. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive unit includes a lower electrode, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer and an upper electrode, which are formed in lamination in the order of description on a convex outer surface of the diaphragm portion by a film-forming method. A method of producing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive film element as described above.