Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named ‘Venus’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely clumping growth habit; durable and large dark green leaves that are broadly ovate in shape; numerous spathes that are positioned upright and beyond the foliage on strong and erect scapes; large, durable, glossy dark pink spathes; year-round continuous flowering; good flowering performance under low light conditions; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Anthurium plant named ‘Mars’, characterized by its upright plant habit; freely clumping growth habit; large, durable dark green leaves that are ovate in shape; large and numerous spathes that are positioned upright and beyond the foliage on strong and erect scapes; durable, glossy dark red spathes; year-round continuous flowering; good flowering under low light conditions; and good post-production longevity.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Agastache plant named ‘Red Fortune’, characterized by its upright plant habit; dark green leaf color; purple red flower color; freely flowering with numerous flowers per spike; and resistance to pathogens common to Agastache mexicana.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Empire Riviera’, characterized by its uniformly mounded and relatively compact plant habit; uniform flowering; daisy-type inflorescences that are about 4.1 cm in diameter; attractive rose pink ray florets and bright yellow disc florets; and numerous inflorescences per plant.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Yobeth’, characterized by its uniformly mounded plant habit; decorative-type inflorescences that are about 3.6 cm in diameter; attractive reddish purple-colored ray florets and; numerous inflorescences per plant.

Abstract: A process of producing high octane hydrocarbons includes the steps of preparing a mixture of substantially ethanol and butane or natural gasoline, or low octane gasoline, the mixture having room temperature and atmospheric pressure, adjusting the pressure of the mixture to a magnitude within the range of 10 to 50 pounds per square inch, adjusting the temperature of the mixture to a magnitude within the range of 100 to 460 degrees Fahrenheit, adjusting the pressure of the mixture to a pressure within the range of 500 to 1000 hydrocarbons pounds per square inch, catalyzing the mixture with a platinum catalyst, lowering the temperature of the mixture to a magnitude within a range of 90 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, and separating out liquid product and gas from the mixture.

Abstract: A check valve which is positioned in the vacuum air line of an internal combustion engine. The check valve includes a single-piece valve body having an outlet port and two or more inlet ports, with one outlet port located substantially in line with the inlet port and connected by a venturi tube. The second inlet port is separated from the main air flow line by the valve stem and a diaphragm which allows communication there between and prevents back pressure. The second inlet port communicates with the outlet port through the valve stem and a second venturi tube which provides a vacuum boost to a device, usually vehicle brakes, connected to the inlet.

Abstract: A motion compensated prediction interframe coding system which first measures characteristics regarding the fineness of a pattern or texture of a picture, which is represented by an input television signal and is divided into a group of continuous blocks each quantized by using a quantization step size, and changes the quantization step size into a smaller one if quantizes a block having a picture pattern or texture finer than patterns of the other blocks. Thereby, an amount of generated codes can be limited but a motion compensated prediction frame coding operation can be performed without degrading the fineness of the texture of the original input picture.

Abstract: A guide plate on the head of the flashlight provides an alignment feature which aligns a pair of flashlight charging contacts with a pair of terminals in charging unit for releasably holding the flashlight in its charging receptacle. The flashlight is held within the charging receptacle in a consistent orientation, so that the flashlight switch may be easily found when the flashlight is grasped. The charging receptacle grips the head portion of the flashlight with a pair of spring-loaded jaws. A battery assembly is provided which presents both positive and negative terminals at the forward end of the battery unit. Connections are made from the forward end of the battery to an interconnection module within the flashlight head assembly.

Abstract: An optical disk drive unit comprising: a sealing enclosure which encloses from exterior the disk cartridge and an access mechanism for the recording medium in the disk cartridge; an input device for inputting an eject command signal; a pin for moving and arranging a cartridge eject device to a state for starting its function; a cam which is disengaged from the pin when the cartridge is unloaded and which is contacted from the pin to start the ejecting function when the cartridge is loaded so that by rotating the cam, the ejecting function can be conducted; a cam drive disposed outside of the enclosure; a linkage for connecting a shaft of the cam drive to the cam through a hole formed in the enclosure; and a controller for controlling the cam in such a way that upon receipt of the eject command signal from the input device, the cam drive is driven to rotate the cam until the cartridge is ejected, wherein through a hole 15 of the chassis 1 is inserted a shaft 81 of the cam 80, and a worm wheel 79 is connected t

Abstract: Compounds of formula in which R1 represents H, an alkyl or a substituted alkyl, R2 represents H or alkyl and R3 represents an optionally substituted cycloalkyl or an optionally substituted aromatic group, which can be a phenyl or a heterocyclic group comprising one or more hetero-atoms chosen from O, S and N, or R2 and R3 considered together represent the group which is optionally substituted on the phenyl ring, and Z represents a heterocycle comprising one or more heteroatoms chosen from O, S and N, fused with an aromatic ring which can comprise a hetero-atom and can be substituted, the said heterocycle being optionally substituted on N, when it comprises such an atom, by an alkyl or a substituted alkyl group, and the salts of these compounds with acids or bases. Use of these compounds as medicaments. No figure.

Abstract: A thermosetting foam, preferably polyisocyanurate or polyurethane foam, is prepared in an extruder which permits the incorporation of high levels of filler particles. The method includes introducing polyol, isocyanate and filler particles to an extruder screw for mixing. In conjunction with extruding, a catalyst is added. The catalyst may be added either in a last extruder barrel or with the extruder head. Foam with filler particle content in excess of 12% made be readily made. Filler particles, such as aluminum trihydrate, perlite, carbon black, diatomaceous earth, polyiso powders, ammonium phosphate, fly ash, barium sulfate, calcium silicate, and calcium carbonate, may be used. The process described is preferably used for making foam boards or bunstock.

Abstract: An athletic wrist support for teaching proper throwing techniques includes an inner body member, preferably made from a soft, flexible material such as Neoprene, which has hook and loop fastening straps to secure the wrist support to the arm. A substantially rigid plate member is attached on an outer portion of the inner body member in such a way that it fits on the upper forearm of a wearer and extends from just below the knuckles on the back of the hand down below the wrist, to prevent pronation motion of the wrist. In a preferred embodiment, the plate member is made from a strong, lightweight plastic, which is substantially rigid, but which will bend under extreme pressure. An outer body member, also preferably made from Neoprene, is attached to an upper portion of the plate member. The outer body member also has hook and loop fasteners that are used to secure the outer body member about the plate member and the inner body member.

Abstract: A glove or a mitt comprising a first outer skin corresponding to a palm side, a second outer skin corresponding to a back side of a hand and joined to the first outer skin, a forefinger of the hand being able to be placed on an outside of the second outer skin, and a forefinger support body provided to the second outer skin for positioning and supporting the forefinger on the outside of the second outer skin, a position of the forefinger support body being able to be adjusted in a direction corresponding to a width of the hand.

Abstract: A garment comprising an outer layer, which has an outer surface and an inner surface, and an inner layer, which is attached to the outer layer, has a slit defined by two opposite margins. The garment comprises a fastener, such as a zipper or a hook-and-loop fastener, which is manipulatable to unfasten the opposite margins from each other and to refasten the opposite margins to each other. The slit provides access to the inner surface of the outer layer, when the opposite margins are unfastened from each other, so that a decoration can be stitched onto the outer surface of the outer layer, through the inner surface of the outer layer, without stitching through the inner layer.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand, wrist and forearm supporter useful for prevention of injuries caused by repetitive motions while handling implements has a flexible glove body. The palm portion and back portion of the glove body are joined together so as to define a first opening for receiving a forefinger, a second opening for receiving a little finger, and a generally central third opening for simultaneously receiving the middle and index fingers, as well as a fourth opening for receiving a thumb. The palm portion includes a protective padded overlay secured over an area corresponding to a palm's heel area. A plurality of durable protective stays substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart a predetermined distance are transversely secured to the palm portion generally between the palm's heel area and the distal end of the glove body. The stays are capable of flexing for accommodating a hand grabbing an implement.

Abstract: A camouflage device (10) for disguising the silhouette of a hunter's head and shoulders wherein the device includes: an elongated support bar member (20) having outer ends (21), (22) which towards the ends of a hunter's shoulders wherein the support bar member (20) is adapted to be supported by the hunter's head; and, a camouflage panel unit (30) including a pair of panel segments (34), (35) suspended from the support bar member (20) and defining an enlarged opening (32) that is dimensioned to surround the hunter's head in the same general vertical plane.

Abstract: A modified cap construction utilizes the natural stretch of fabrics to acquire a multi-axial flexibility capable of comfortably fitting wearers having a range of head sizes. The same theory may be applied to any article of manufacture that is designed to be worn on or around the head. The unique sweatband portion is fashioned with a soft, absorbent and non-oppressive multi-axially stretchable fabric that is attached along its lower edge to the interior surface of the material of the hat. The structure and multiple size capability of the free size fitted cap offers the aesthetic appeal of the fixed size style cap together with the feel of its custom fit and the lasting shape of its fabric.

Abstract: A plastics molding includes an elongate flexible strip 3 and a plurality of substantially flat wall sections 5 disposed in an end-to-end, mutually spaced relationship, lying substantially on a smooth curve which meets the strip at opposite ends. The wall sections 5 are connected to the flexible strip at their opposite ends by means of webs 8, 9 such as to form trapezoidal ventilation passages 10 between the wall sections and the flexible strip. The webs may contain ventilation apertures. In different embodiments the molding may be curved such that the flexible wall lies on the inside or the outside. The inside wall is covered with a porous sweat band 12 and contains apertures 7 so that air flowing through the ventilation passages 10 keeps the sweat band dry by a wick effect. The outside wall is provided with a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive for attaching the device to the inside of the headgear.

Abstract: A fly closure includes two overlapping flaps which form a shield in a garment, such as shorts or pants. The shield lies flat behind the fly when the fly is closed and provides privacy for the wearer through a mid-section of the fly. When the fly is in an open position, the shield opens to allow the wearer to pull the garment on or off. A flow-through passage at the bottom of the shield enables unrestricted flow of water, sand, etc. through the shield during water play activities of the wearer.

Abstract: A sock with pocket for storing items. The sock with pocket includes a foot portion and a leg portion extending from the foot portion. A pocket flap is coupled to the leg portion and forms a pocket between the flap and the leg portion. A cover flap is coupled to the leg portion and folds over an upper edge of the pocket flap for closing the pocket. The cover flap is detachably couplable to the pocket flap.

Abstract: A protective leg sock suitable for use when operating a flexible line weed trimmer. The sock includes a tubular leg enclosing portion that has an upper open end that pulls up to just above the knee, and a lower open end that flares out to cover the front top portion and the rear heel portion of the user's shoe. An elastic ring encircles the tube above the lower open end to engage the ankle area and prevent material from entering from the bottom. A cord and spring biased barrel closure secures the tube to the leg just above the knee, and grommets on each side of the tube below the upper end provide ventilation. The sock is preferably made from four mil, diamond embossed, tubular plastic film stock.

Abstract: This invention is an accessory for a garment. It is designed to decorate the garment. The invention also has a practical use in that it is a pouch for glasses. The invention is a decoration for a garment on which a pouch that is of sufficient size to hold a pair a glasses is attached to the back of the decoration. The decoration fully covers the glasses so that the glasses do not detract from the decor of the garment. The glasses can not be seen by an individual viewing the invention from the front. On the back of the pouch are four methods to attach the invention to the garment. One method to attach the invention to the garment is a magnetic strip on the back of the pouch. This magnetic strip on the pouch is placed against the garment and on the underside of the garment another magnetic strip is placed against the magnetic strip on the back of the invention with the garment in between. This will hold the invention to the garment without placing an opening in the garment.

Abstract: A quick release device for use with a helmet having a face mask comprising at least two generally U-shaped clips having an outer leg, an opposite inner leg and a transverse slot disposed between the outer and inner legs for retaining the face mask bars therein. A coupling mechanism having a female member structured to be secured to the helmet and a generally T-shaped male member structured for mating engagement with the female member releasably secures the clips to the helmet. The female member includes a lower, partially externally threaded portion structured for insertion through a mounting hole in the helmet and mating engagement with an internally threaded locking member, an opposite upper portion structured to extend outward from the outside surface of the helmet and into a mounting hole in the clip, and an outwardly extending flange disposed between the lower and upper portions.

Abstract: The portable elimination device is a portable container for receiving human waste products, in particular, urine and fecal matter. In a first embodiment for micturition by males, the device is a cylinder having an outside layer made from a pliable, liquid impermeable plastic and an inside layer made from a soft, absorbent material. The device includes a pair of foldable flaps at the open mouth of the cylinder and a bead and groove seal to close the mouth of the cylinder for disposal after use. In a second embodiment for micturition by females, the device is generally rectangular with rounded corners having an outside layer made from a pliable, liquid impermeable plastic and an inside layer made from a soft, absorbent material. A flap is attached to one end of the outside layer and flexible shroud is attached to an opposing end of the outside layer, so that, after use, the flap is used to fold the device in half and the shroud is pulled over the doubled up layers for disposal.

Abstract: A flush tank having a downwardly open outlet and a valve for filling the tank with a liquid has a flush valve having a tube fitted to the outlet and having an upper end vertically displaceable in the tank. A float fixed to the tube upper tube end has a buoyancy changeable between a high buoyancy capable of holding the tube upper end above a liquid level in the tank and a low buoyancy insufficient to hold the tube upper end above the liquid level. An actuator connected to the float can temporarily change the float from high buoyancy to low buoyancy and thereby sink the tube upper end below the liquid level and cause the is liquid in the tank to flow through the tube out of the outlet. The float has a lower part annularly surrounding the tube and an upper part formed as an upper space having a large upwardly open mouth level with the upper end of the tube and a small opening below its mouth opening into the tube.

Abstract: A combined toilet and waste holding tank is provided for mounting within a portable toilet cabana having side walls, a rear wall, and a front wall with a door and a floor. The tank extends along the rear wall and between the side walls and occupies roughly the rear half of the cabana floor space. The toilet includes a ring-like structure having a rear portion opening directly into the tank through a cover panel upon the upper surface of the tank, and also having a forward extending, bowl-like portion which is integral with and extends forwardly of the front wall of the tank. The cabana has a rear-to-front extending central axis which approximately bisects the cabana. The toilet structure is located substantially on one side of the cabana axis, so that it is closer to one side wall of the cabana and the toilet is acutely angled relative to the cabana axis.

Abstract: A device for securing a light to an above-ground pool is provided having a web for attachment to a lip of the pool and a sheath for retaining at least one light or an entire lighting strip along the periphery of the pool. In one embodiment, the device has a bezel portion including the web and the sheath, and a clip portion which attaches to the bezel portion and for securing the device to the lip of the pool. The bezel portion can be provided with a slot and the clip provided with a base which fits into the slot and can be snappingly retained within the slot.

Abstract: A cleaning system for hydromassage baths of the type that includes a tub having nozzles that introduce a water/air mixture into the tub with a suction opening through which water in the tub is removed for pressurization through a pump and reintroduction into the tub via the nozzles. The system includes water supply piping extending from the pump outlet to the nozzles on each side of the tub to define at least two water circuit portions. In a similar manner, air supply piping that connects to the various nozzles. During a cleaning mode, the water circuit portions are connected to a respective air circuit portion and the air circuit portions are connected to the inlet of the pump to create multiple water/air flow loop through which water and a cleaning agent are passed to effect the desired cleaning.

Abstract: The combination of a bath/shower enclosure with an innovative curtain arrangement to eliminate splashing water from exiting the enclosure. The curtain arrangement includes at least one elongated, hook and pile type fastening strip positioned along each vertical edge of the curtain, and a complementary number of such fastening strips, angularly oriented to the curtain fasteners, on the enclosure walls, whereby the curtain may be adjustably and temporarily fastened to the enclosure walls.

Abstract: A bath lift comprising a U shaped frame (14) locatable on the bath. Each side limb (15) of the frame (14) mounts a respective roller (32) between which a flexible band (38) extends. The rollers (32) are interconnected to simultaneously feed the band (38) out or in whereby to raise or lower a person sitting thereon into a bath.

Abstract: A universal joint for a shower head includes a water tube with an end coupler secured to an end thereof, the end coupler including an annular groove in an outer periphery thereof. A fitting includes a stop flange on a first end of an inner periphery thereof and a threading defined in a second end of the inner periphery thereof. The fitting is mounted around the end coupler and the end of the water tube with the threading of the fitting engaged with an end of the shower head. An anti-leak washer is mounted in the annular groove of the end coupler and in sealing contact with the inner periphery of the fitting. A sleeve is mounted between the end of the water tube and the fitting and bears against the stop flange of the fitting.

Abstract: A height adjustable toilet seat including a frame member disposed on opposing sides of a toilet. The frame member has sliding plates slidably disposed thereon. The sliding plates have a toilet seat secured therebetween whereby the toilet seat is positioned over a toilet bowl of the toilet. A water supply conduit is provided that is coupled with a standard water supply line. The water supply conduit has a bifurcated outer portion for positioning with respect to the frame member. A pair of cylinders are positioned underneath the sliding plates. The pair of cylinders each have a water inlet in fluid communication with the bifurcated outer portion of the water supply conduit. The pair of cylinders each have a piston extending upwardly therefrom and securing to an underside of the sliding plates. Each of the cylinders has a water outlet. A water outlet conduit is provided that is comprised of a bifurcated portion coupling with the water outlets of the pair of cylinders.

Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible and foldable structure suitable for use by infants as a play area for both indoor and, in particular, outdoor use. The invention incorporates the use of flexible loops of material which may be deformed into a plurality of concentrated loops when in the collapsed state for easy transportation and storage. A sheet of material may be attached on which the infant may lie and includes a raised member extending over the sheet to which a further cover may be attached and/or used for hanging items for the child's amusement or entertainment.

Abstract: The Infant/toddler indoor—outdoor play/mat corral with locking handle 16 and clasp mechanism 18 has a top quilt base 10 and foam block walls 40 which follow the perimeter of the base. Fabric 14 is sewn together creating two “U” shape receiving channels which overlay foam block walls 40 and are sewn to top quilt base 10 and bottom water resistant base 28 from interior to exterior. A locking handle 16 and clasp mechanism 18 including a handle piece sewn into one exterior wall that is fitted into a clasp sewn into the opposite exterior wall forming a handle for securing and carrying purposes. When the corral is folded along its diameter 30 creating a single “U” shape, the foam block walls 40 collapse and meet by connecting VELCRO strips 32 sewn along the bottom water resistant base 28 thus keeping the wall portions secure with the locking handle 16 and clasp mechanism 18. A pocket 22 is sewn to exterior wall portion to store items when folded and unfolded.

Abstract: A fitted mattress cover has a fabric skirt warp-knit from bulked yarns and elastic yarns. The skirt is elastically stretchable in the longitudinal direction by at least 50%, inelastically stretchable in the transverse direction by at least 60%, and regains its transverse stretch characteristics when laundered and dried in a relaxed condition and possesses important advantages over known stretchable stitchbonded skirts in wash durability, stretch/conformability, and puncture resistance, as well as in economy of manufacture.

Abstract: An emergency care blanket may be assembled into a plurality of desired arrangements to protect an individual from prevailing environmental conditions while providing access to the patients. Broadly the blanket includes a first flexible covering, a second flexible covering and a plurality of fasteners associated with the first and second coverings. Each of the fasteners includes two fastening structures, preferably male and female snaps, which project from opposite respective ones of the upper and lower surfaces of their associated first and second coverings. Thus, cooperative fastening structures can matably engage so that the first and second coverings may be releasably secured thereby to assemble the emergency care blanket into a fastened state characterized by one of the plurality of desired arrangements.

Abstract: An elongated patient support table [22] with a horizontal patient support surface has a contoured radiolucent table extension assembly [26, 126] connected thereto in cantilever fashion for supporting the head and upper torso of a patient [27]. An outer end of the extension assembly [26, 126] has a reduced width compared to the support table [22] to enable extendable movement of the radiolucent extension assembly [26, 126] into a scanning zone defined by a central opening [112] of a diagnostic unit such as a CT scanner [20]. The table extension assembly [26, 126] supports the patient [27] via an inboard radiolucent horseshoe headrest [32, 132] and an outer tool support [54, 122] for holding an outer stabilization device [66, 166] such as a radiolucent skull clamp [74, 174].

Abstract: A mattress structure that provides a relatively soft resilient surface under the weight of a recumbent infant or small child and also provides a degree of air flow, by means of bumps, depressions and ridges at the points of contact with the infant or child thereby providing a comfortable sleeping surface for the infant or small child. One version of the mattress structure is comprised of a combination of a base layer of relatively firm, resilient plastic foam having two major surfaces that are substantially flat and a relatively soft, convoluted foam cover layer, that covers at least one major surface of the base layer leaving the convoluted surface of the cover layer exposed. The combination of base layer and cover layer form a mattress filling that is contained in a mattress ticking.

Abstract: A mattress cover for use with air inflated mattresses that includes an integral hand check tunnel formed as part of the cover. The cover includes a top, a bottom, and sides extending between the top and bottom. Openings are formed along the longitudinal sides of the cover and permit access to an enclosed tunnel that extends between the sides of the mattress cover. Flaps are attached to the sides of the mattress cover over the openings along with devices for selectively opening and closing the openings. A caregiver can verify proper inflation of an air mattress placed within the cover by opening the flaps and extending a hand into the tunnel. The cover can be used with a single air inflated air mattress with the tunnel overlying the mattress, in a dual configuration where one air mattress is placed over the other with the tunnel being placed between the mattresses, or with an air mattress placed upon a foam base with the tunnel being placed between the mattress and foam base.

Abstract: A vehicle service ramp including a ramp member having an inclined rear wall and a horizontal top wall. A slot extends along the rear wall and the top wall through which an arcuate chocking member protrudes slightly. The chocking member pivots as a vehicle tire ascends the rear wall and engages the front or rear ends of the chocking member. A rotatable shaft is mounted within the ramp member and includes a bent portion for engaging a fork on the chocking member allowing a user to manually pivot the chocking member. The shaft further includes a locking device for locking the chocking member about a vehicle's tire. An alarm also alerts a user whenever the chocking member pivots such as when the vehicle is descending or ascending the ramp member.

Abstract: An underwater vacuum including a housing having an opening which is positioned adjacent the surface to be cleaned. The housing also supports a rotatable brush powered by a turbine energized by water flow through the vacuum. The housing has a water outlet which communicates with a pump at the surface of the water. The inlet to the turbine has a trap which collects large debris that could damage the turbine blades. The vacuum has two rear wheels that are adjustably attached to the interior of the housing, and two front wheels that are adjustably attached to the exterior of the housing. The underwater vacuum can remove sediment from a water storage reservoir without causing turbidity in the water column. A second handheld embodiment is used for cleaning sloping berms, and has rear wheels that are also powered by the turbine.

Abstract: An automatic machine is designed for cleaning a compact disc and is formed of a housing, a motor, a transmission mechanism, a disc carrying seat, an application device, a drying device, a first lifting mechanism, a second lifting mechanism, and a control device. The motor is housed in the housing and controlled by the control device. The power of the motor is transmitted by the transmission mechanism to drive the disc carrying seat on which a compact disc to be cleaned is rotatably located. The application device is driven by the power of the motor via the transmission mechanism to rotate. The first lifting mechanism is disposed in the housing and is located between the transmission mechanism and the application device to drive the application device to move toward or away from the disc carrying seat. The second lifting mechanism is located between the transmission mechanism and the drying device for driving the drying device to move toward or away from the disc carrying seat.

Abstract: A toothbrush system that includes an audible reminder mechanism for reminding individuals to brush their teeth. The audible reminder mechanism is triggered by sound recognition circuit that in the exemplary embodiment is programmed to recognize the sound of running water. The toothbrush system also includes a user insertable electronic music chip insertable through a chip insertion opening formed through a side of an elongated gripping portion of the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A brush, which includes a casing having a top chamber and a bottom chamber, a sponge mounted in the top chamber in the casing, a piece of cover cloth covered on the sponge, a rectangular open frame covered on the casing around the sponge to hold down the piece of cover cloth and the sponge, two sliding locking plates respectively coupled to two sliding rails at two opposite lateral side walls of the casing and moved between a locking position where the rectangular open frame is closed, and an unlocking position where the rectangular open frame is allowed to be removed from the casing, and a wiper pivoted to the casing and turned in and out of the bottom chamber in the casing.

Abstract: A bathtub brush having a lower bristled surface with a flat central portion, upwardly angled, flat end portions, and convex curved surfaces between the central and end portions. The curved portions are configured to conform to the rounded corner between the bottom and sides of a bathtub, thereby allowing simultaneous, effective cleaning of the bottom, sides, and rounded corner therebetween. The brush includes an elongated handle to allow the user to stand while cleaning the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush with uniform diameter bristles containing a polishing agent with a particle size of from about 0.01 &mgr;m to about 100 &mgr;m, wherein cleaning of the teeth is improved without any of the adverse side effects associated with over aggressive abrasion. An embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one tuft securely affixed in or attached to the head, said tuft including a plurality of filaments comprised of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.1 &mgr;m to about 10 &mgr;m. Particles less than 0.1 &mgr;m can be used if aggregation occurs such that the aggregate size on bristle is described.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a screen plate used in a screen printing is disclosed. The cleaning device comprises a base structure which can be placed just below the screen plate. A press member, such as a cleaning blade or cleaning roller is carried on the base structure. The press member has a contact portion which contacts a lower surface of the screen plate to scrape off any foreign things from the lower surface when the base structure is moved in a direction parallel with a major surface of the screen plate. In some embodiments, a cleaning paper wet with a solvent is intimately put between the contact portion of the press member and the lower surface of the screen plate to promote the cleaning effect.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner for cleaning floors or carpets, having a suction mouth (6), a base plate (5), which encloses the suction mouth (6), and a suction line, electrostatic charging of parts of the vacuum cleaner being provided in order to assist the dust uptake. In order advantageously to provide the vacuum cleaner with the dust uptake being assisted by electrostatic charging, the base plate (5) is electrostatically charged, and the electrostatic charging is carried out by a separate generator (8) provided in the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A multi-component handle for use with an implement such that various handle sections can be connected together through various connectors in a multitude of different ways to obtain a handle configuration desired by the user for a particular application. As shown in the application, the grip portions of the handle may be configured in a plurality of positions allowing the handle to be used for a variety of different implements. Further, the handle includes a center section which may be added to conventional shaft handles to add variable grip portions in a simple and efficient manner.