Abstract: A front center opening can be opened and closed by a zip fastener. A hook assembly joins upper ends of the front center opening in a separable way and adjusts a waist size of pants within a fixed range. An adjusting cloth is sewed between one of fastener tapes of the zip fastener and an outer cloth of the front center opening. The adjusting cloth has an overlap to provide an extra length on the waist size of the pants. The hook assembly adjusts the waist size of the pants so as to fit a waist size of a user. The overlap of the adjusting cloth is extended in a specified manner so as to adjust a size of the pants corresponding to a portion lower than the waist of the user.

Abstract: Diving mask, in particular proper to fit optical glasses, including a face of elastomeric material, provided with at least one opening, a stiff body having at least one seat to house a glass or lens. Watertight means are provided between said lens or glass and said seat, and means means are provided for holding said lens or glass in said seat. Along a substantial part of the perimetric edge of said stiff body, on a plane substantially parallel to the lying one of the lens or glass, guiding means are formed for the insertion of the holding means of the lens or glass into said housing.

Abstract: This invention is intended to propose a buffing cell that can provide very high damping effect while having a small weight per a unit volume, and that can be divided into a plurality of pieces without deteriorating the damping effect. The buffing cell 10 comprises a pneumatic chamber 14 defined by a flexible nonwoven fabric 11 and a vinyl film 13 airtightly attached to the fabric 11, and a mass of sponge 12 housed in the pneumatic chamber 14. A sponge layer 12a attached to an outer face of the pneumatic chamber 14 may be used instead of the mass of sponge 12 housed in the pneumatic chamber 14. A sports protector can be made from a plurality of the buffing cells 10.

Abstract: A seal for a toilet outlet is described, where the toilet outlet comprises a waste outlet from a toilet bowl. A connection device, such as a flange, for connecting the waste outlet to a waste removal system, is also described. The seal is adapted to provide a seal between the waste outlet and the connection device, where the direction of travel of the waste from the waste outlet to the connection device is substantially vertical. The seal is formed from a resilient material.

Abstract: An apparatus for retracting a pool cover from over a pool, or extending a pool cover over a pool, includes a pool cover collecting drum supported for rotation on its ends, and a drive gear connected to the drum. A power gear for engaging the drive gear is operably connected to a portable, battery operated electric drill by a power shaft. When the drill is activated, the drive gear rotates the pool cover collecting drum to collect and retract the pool cover from over the pool. The pool cover is placed back over the pool by operation of a complementary apparatus on the opposite side of the pool, such as a rope spool collecting apparatus having an engageable drive gear. The gear-driven spool pulls on a rope attached to a rigid end or carrier of the pool cover. As the pool cover is extended and retracted it slides in a track, allowing the cover to serve as a safety cover. The gears may be located in a sealed housing filled with lubricant.

Abstract: A moveable support platform incorporates a base plate 1 mounted on front castor wheels 2 and rear castor wheels 3. Side struts 7 extend up from the base plate 1 and between these is mounted a gripping and pushing bar 8. At a central location of the base plate 1 a guide cover 11 supports the spindle of a larger wheel 12. A patient standing on the base plate 1 can support himself by gripping the bar 10 and can be moved around on the base plate 1 by a helper. When it is necessary to move the construction around a corner or to rotate into the reverse direction, pushing or pulling on the bar 8 will tend to rotate the whole support platform construction generally about the central wheel 12, with the various pulley wheels rotating around the axis of the wheel 12.

Abstract: A method for assembling a modular siderail for attachment to a bed comprises forming a first end section to include a first connector joint, forming a second end section to include a second connector joint, and coupling the first connector joint and the second connector joint to form a skeletal structure.

Abstract: A system of base blocks and attachment blocks used to securely elevate the head of various bed frames, including bed legs and straight back bed frames. Both the base blocks and the attachment blocks have a well disposed within their top surface, which allows for support of a bed leg. The wells of each of the base block and attachment block have removable first and second side pieces, which allow for a straight back bed frame to be securely elevated. The remaining front and rear walls of the well provide a support mechanism for the straight back bed frame, thus providing stability to the elevated bed. The wells on the attachment blocks have a retaining side wall formed therearound, extending past the bottom surface of the attachment block. The retaining side wall of the well is of a size and shape to match the well of the base block or another attachment block, providing a stable nesting feature, thus allowing for the elevation of a bed to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A process for producing a cushioning article, which comprises: providing an injection molding apparatus having plural injection orifices, said orifices each having a discharge angle from 5° to 45° inclining from the vertical direction; injecting a thermoplastic polymer material in the form of strand from said plural orifices into a mold; and cooling said mold followed by demolding. The discharge angles of said orifices as projected into a horizontal plane each preferably has a phase difference of from 5° to 120° relative to those of adjacent orifices. Also disclosed is a cushioning article molded by the production process.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.

Abstract: A check valve adapted for use between first and second fluid chambers. The check valve is configured to prevent fluid flow from the second fluid chamber into the first fluid chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus comprising a drum for containing and agitating an article, wherein the drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions in rotatable connection with one another, a rotator member in connection with each rotatable drum portion for rotating the drum portion about an axis. The apparatus is preferably a washing machine, and the method of operating the apparatus comprises inserting at least one article, preferably a plurality of articles, into the drum; and rotating each rotatable drum portion independently of one another to agitate the article or articles.

Abstract: Compositions for oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers such as hair, comprising, in a dyeing medium, at least one oxidation dye, at least one thickening polymer comprising at least one fatty chain and at least one fatty alcohol chosen from monoglycerolated and polyglycerolated fatty alcohols. Processes comprising such oxidation dyeing compositions.

Abstract: Compositions for oxidation dyeing keratin fibers, such as human keratin fibers like hair, comprising, in a dyeing medium, (1) at least one oxidation dye, (2) at least one thickening polymer comprising at least one fatty chain, and (3) at least one fatty alcohol comprising more than twenty carbon atoms. Processes comprising such oxidation dyeing compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brush head, particularly a toothbrush head, and to a method of manufacturing such a brush head. The brush head includes a bristle carrier and bristles fixedly secured thereto, said bristle carrier having a slot-type recess in which a multiplicity of bristles is received forming an elongated tuft with a closed, smooth outer contour corresponding essentially to the contour of the slot-type recess. According to the invention the brush head is characterized in that the slot-type recess is divided by means of at least one transverse wall into several segments, a separate tuft is inserted and secured in each of the segments, and the at least one transverse wall is constructed so that the separate tufts converge, forming in combination the elongated tuft with a closed, smooth outer contour.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner has a main body 1 incorporating an electric blower 2, a nozzle unit 6 having a nozzle, and a first and a second connection pipe 7 and 8 fitted between the main body 1 and the nozzle unit 6 so as to serve as part of the passage for a dust suction air flow generated by driving the electric blower 2. The first and second connection pipes 7 and 8 are rotatable, and support the main body 1 in a standing position.

Abstract: A method for movably connecting two members. The method comprises the steps of molding a first member in a first mold portion and placing the first member within a second mold portion. The method also includes inserting molten material into the second mold portion to form a second member. The method further includes limiting contact between the first member and the material to prevent bonding between the first member and to permit relative motion between the members. The method also includes cooling the molten material into a solid form, whereby an assembly is formed from the first and the second member. The method further includes removing the members from the second mold assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable hinge that connects two furniture/cabinet components (door and cabinet body) together by means of a cabinet hinge and baseplate. On the cabinet hinge is a spring snap mechanism and connected on it, a hinge arm. This is connected by an adjustment plate with the baseplate and between the hinge arm and adjustment plate, an adjustment screw is located to adjust the both (bilateral) distances. The adjustment screw is screwed through an enclosed elongated hole in the adjustment plate in a thread borehole in the hinge arm. According to the invention, the adjustment screw is designed as a set screw (thread pin), which has on its one end a device for a releasable coupling with a tool and on the other end has a plate with a larger diameter. The bottom surface side of the plate, thus, rests on the baseplate and on the plate's upper surface, the edge of the adjustment plate's elongated hole.

Abstract: A carding machine includes a main carding cylinder and a traveling flats assembly including flat bars circulating in a path and cooperating with the main carding cylinder. The carding machine further includes an apparatus for cleaning the flat bars. The apparatus includes a stationary track extending adjacent and transversely to the travel path of the flat bars; a carriage mounted on the track for back-and-forth travel thereon between opposite track ends; a blow nozzle mounted on the carriage and oriented at an oblique angle to the flat bar clothing of a flat bar situated in an effective range of the blow nozzle; and an arrangement for supplying pressurized air to the blow nozzle for causing it to eject an air jet for impinging on the flat bar clothing and for propelling the carriage along the track.

Abstract: Improvements in hydroenhancement efficiency are obtained by operating a manifold in relative movement to fabric transported under the manifold so as to deliver a low energy to the fabric per pass in multiple passes on the fabric. For example, a low energy per pass of {fraction (1/10)} to {fraction (1/48)} the total energy delivered in 10 passes or more can obtain good enhancement results as compared to conventional hydroenhancing at higher total energy levels delivered in fewer passes. This results in greater enhancement efficiency and reduction in wasted energy, and also improves fabric coverage and reduces fabric shrinkage. The low-energy-per-pass, multiple-pass approach can be implemented with improved hydroenhancing equipment of reduced equipment size and cost which simulate multiple passes on the fabric. In one embodiment, a jigging hydroenhancing equipment transports the fabric back and forth under a stationary manifold between a pair of unwind/windup reels to simulate multiple passes on the fabric.

Abstract: Load-canceling devices are disclosed that cancel axial compressive forces acting on a pass-through flexible conduit interconnecting neighboring vacuum chambers. The load-canceling devices also prevent vibrations occurring in one vacuum chamber from being transmitted to the other vacuum chamber. The load-canceling devices can be configured with any of various configurations such as air springs or any of various vacuum-bellows mechanisms. The load-canceling devices desirably are situated on opposite sides of the pass-through flexible conduit, thereby providing counter-forces, to the axial compressive force, having directions parallel to the direction of the axial compressive force. The load-canceling devices can be sized such that the cumulative counter-force generated by them is equal but exactly opposite in direction to the axial compressive force, thereby eliminating the axial compressive force.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical fluid ejector that is easily fabricated in a standard polysilicon surface micromachining process is disclosed, which can be batch fabricated at low cost using existing external foundry capabilities. In addition, the surface micromachining process has proven to be compatible with integrated microelectronics, allowing for the monolithic integration of the actuator with addressing electronics. A voltage drive mode and a charge drive mode for the power source actuating a deformable membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: 9A tool for removal of star-washers from a bore includes a handle; and a tool secured to the handle, the tool component having a distal end with an elongated slot extending from the distal end rearwardly toward the handle, and a plurality of hooks circumferentially equally spaced about the distal end.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of coupling two component parts (10) for a power tool when the first component part (42) has a mounting spigot (90) with a channel (239) therein and the second component part (10) has a spigot receiving portion (54) with a rib (101) co-operable with the channel. The first component part includes a cylindrical projection with a chamfered edge (250) and a second component part including a detent such that the alignment of the channel in the mounting spigot with the co-operable rib on the spigot receiving portion is the first step of coupling two components. Subsequent steps include engaging the further rib of the spigot receiving portion with a channel on a side wall and finally urging the chamfered edge past the detent.

Abstract: A method of making a face mask including the steps of providing a plurality of lengths of Grade 2, commercially pure titanium wire, having a diameter of from about 0.21 to about 0.24 inches; forming each length at room temperature to a desired bend angle by bending the member at room temperature using rotary bending apparatus to a first bend angle that is from about 1.25 to about 1.35 times greater than the desired bend angle; and welding each of the thus formed lengths to at least one other of the lengths in an ambient, oxygen containing environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing work piece components in which a molten phase is produced by a local energy input from at least one of an electric arc, a jet of combustible gas, an electron plasma, and a laser beam. At least one transducer is included for imparting oscillations having a frequency above 15 kHz. The oscillations can be imparted to one or more of the components, the region of the molten phase, and/or to any filler material that is added to the region of the molten phase. The apparatus and methods can be used with known thermal soldering, welding and cutting methods to improve the quality of weld beads and cut edges that are formed, and to increase the processing rate.

Abstract: A sensor, such as a proximity sensor, having its components sealed within a case, has its sensitivity adjusted with a remotely settable digital potentiometer after assembly of the sensor. The adjustment connection is then destroyed.

Abstract: Multiple wire stator coils are formed by winding multiple wires simultaneously in a non-complicated manner without individual wires of the multiple wire coils twisting, overlapping, or entangling each other during the winding process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductor comprising a plurality of interconnected conductive segments interwoven with a substrate. The inductance of the inductor is increased through the use of coatings and films of ferromagnetic materials such as magnetic metals, alloys, and oxides. The inductor is compatible with integrated circuit manufacturing techniques and eliminates the need in many systems and circuits for large off chip inductors. A sense and measurement coil, which is fabricated on the same substrate as the inductor, provides the capability to measure the magnetic field or flux produced by the inductor. This on chip measurement capability supplies information that permits circuit engineers to design and fabricate on chip inductors to very tight tolerances.

Abstract: On a turntable are disposed a plurality of applicators and their respective terminal reels holding strings of terminals. A rail and a shank holder guide are provided between a press for operating one of the applicators and a waiting position on the turntable. One of the applicators alone moves between a set position in the press and the waiting position on the turntable.

Abstract: A producing method of a multilayer circuit board for ensuring that a circuit board, such as an interposer, is provided on the multilayer circuit board. The method includes the steps of forming the interposer on a support board; forming a multilayer circuit board separately from the interposer; joining the interposer formed on the support board to the multilayer circuit board; and then removing the support board. According to this method, even if the production of the interposer fails after the production of the multilayer circuit board, it is possible to scrape the interposer only and there is no need to scrap it together with the multilayer circuit board. Besides, although the interposer is so thin and limp, since it is formed on the support board, the interposer can surely and readily be joined to the multilayer circuit board.

Abstract: A package for mounting an integrated circuit chip includes a body having at least a first region and a second region. The first region has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and the second region has a second, different CTE. The first region approximately matches the CTE of the integrated circuit chip mounted on the package, and the second region approximates the CTE of the printed wiring board to which the package is mounted.

Abstract: So as to obtain a stable high-quality shape without being affected by the back tension in a bonding wire, after forming a pin-form wire by a wire bonding apparatus, a capillary of the bonding apparatus, with the formed pin-form wire inside the capillary, is moved along a curved path that has a shape of a bent wire to be formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board with a polymer thick-film (PTF) resistor whose dimensions can be defined with improved precision by providing a circuit board construction having a planar surface where the resistor is to be deposited. To achieve the desired board construction, the interconnect for the resistor is pattern plated using a permanent photodielectric layer as a plating mask instead of a sacrificial plating resist. The interconnect can be patterned before or after the PTF resistor ink is printed. The x and z dimensions (width and thickness, respectively) of the resistor are determined by the deposition process, while the y dimension (electrical length) is accurately determined by copper terminations.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a core assembly having a plurality of tubes connected by an array of fins, with ends of the tubes extending from the fin array on at least one side of the core assembly and resilient, polymeric grommets disposed around the tube ends. The heat exchanger includes a tank portion for receiving fluid entering or leaving the core assembly and a header portion having openings to receive the tube ends and grommets to create a sealed, fluid-tight tube-to-header joint. There is provided a reinforcing member across the opening of the tube ends extending from the tube end opening to the portion of the tube end around which the grommet is disposed without substantially extending into the fin array portion of the core assembly. The header portion comprises a substantially planar base having openings therein with side and end walls extending out of the plane of the base and connected by one or more fluid-tight welds to the tank portion.

Abstract: An extrusion-coated metal article is prepared by applying a mixture which comprises an organosilane composition to a metal surface, and then extruding a melt of a polyamide molding composition onto the coated surface thus treated and dried.

Abstract: An electric shaver comprises an inner case which retains an electronic part board 5 and an outer casing which retains a plug pin board which secures a plurality of plug pins. The inner case is fabricated of a plastic integral with a bottom wall. The electronic part board is disposed above the lower separating wall while the plug pin board is disposed under the lower separating wall. Metal pins penetrating the lower separating wall connects the electronic part board and the plug pin board. The bottom opening of the outer casing is closed with a bottom cover. The bottom cover has a pair of through holes through which extend outwardly a pair of plug pins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a razor cartridge with a solid polymeric shaving aid strip. The razor cartridge has a blade (one or more) and a skin-engaging portion in proximity to the blade. The skin-engaging portion includes a solid polymeric shaving aid strip having an upper exposed surface which contacts the skin during shaving. The shaving aid strip includes a first exposed lengthwise-extending portion containing a lubricious water-soluble polymer and an adjacent, second exposed lengthwise-extending portion containing a lubricious water-soluble polymer. The first portion contains a greater amount of the lubricious water-soluble polymer than the second portion, and the first portion is adapted to wear at a faster rate than the second portion during shaving. This construction enables the strip to release more of the lubricious water-soluble polymer for a longer time period (i.e., for more shaves) than conventional shaving aid strips.

Abstract: A pipe cutting apparatus comprises at least one work-holding fixture and a cutting device pivotable about the axis of the pipe to be cut and having a cutting tool and drive. The cutting device is movable manually and/or by means of at least one transmission gearing for the feed of the tool about the pipe to be cut. The transmission gearing has a spur gear interacting with a crown gear.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved folding knife having a handle with opposing first and second sides and a rotatable blade coupled with the handle and moveable between a locked position at which the blade extends from the handle and an unlocked position. A slot is defined in the blade. A locking bar is coupled with the first side of the handle and has a free end biased toward the blade. The free end of the locking bar is received within the slot when the blade is in the locked position. An actuator member is disposed within the slot and is moveable with respect to the sides of the handle when the blade is in the locked position. The free end of the locking bar is forced from the slot of the handle when the actuator member is moved toward the first side of the handle so that the blade is rotatable to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A string trimmer head is provided for receiving and retaining separate lengths of string supplied from outside the head. String lengths passing through openings in the periphery of the head are held by clamping members provided within the head. The clamping members are selectively opened by activation of respective slidable members provided on the upper surface of the head in order to release short lengths of previously supplied string and/or to permit the receipt of new string lengths. On release of the slidable members, the respective clamping members move towards one another for clamping purposes under the influence of springs.

Abstract: A conformance gauge is used as an inspection tool to check that component features lie within tolerance limits. When the component has been designed using CAD tools the CAD data file defining external surfaces of the component is used as the basis to create a second CAD data file defining the surfaces of the inspection to conform to the corresponding surfaces of the component. Viewing apertures or slots are then defined in the data file to the tolerance limits of features to be checked. The second CAD data file is then provided to a rapid prototyping system, eg a stereolithography machine to produce the final inspection gauge.

Abstract: An appliance for thermally processing granular material, especially for roasting food items such as coffee beans. The granular material lies on a perforated base through which gas flows upwardly to create a fluidized bed. The exhaust gas is fed to a cyclone separator for separation of entrained solid particles. Preferably, the base is located in an inner chamber which is at least partially enclosed in an outer chamber forming the cyclone separator. The exhaust gas is fed into a top opening of the outer chamber thereby providing a rotary gas flow. Alternatively, the base is located in an outer chamber in which at least the area above the base is designed as the cyclone separator. The outer chamber at least partially encloses an inner chamber through which gas is fed to create a rotary gas flow. In both cases, an extremely compact roaster design is realized.

Abstract: Bicycle shoe sole (1) comprising a pedal plate (3)adapted to a bicycle pedal comprising fixing means, the line (QA2) of the pedal plate corresponding to the position of a pedal axis of the bicycle pedal being dislocated rearwards relative to the point (GG) on the bicycle shoe sole corresponding to the center of the fetlock joint by 20 to 60 mm, preferably by 35 to 45 mm.

Abstract: A snowplow apparatus as adapted to attach to a vehicle having a ball hitch assembly. The snowplow apparatus has a blade assembly connected to an elongated drawbar. A frictionally activated elevating mechanism is operatively connected to the drawbar and moves between a vertical and non-vertical orientation depending upon whether elevation of the blade or contact with the blade and the ground is desired, respectively. A further aspect relates to a lateral stabilization device associated with the opposite end of the drawbar, such stabilization device coming into contact with static members operatively associated with a hitch ball such that lateral movement of the drawbar is substantially precluded due to the contact between the stabilization members and the static elements.

Abstract: A liquid-filled ornament includes a body having a transparent casing having an opening and filled with liquid, a display object in the liquid, and a sealing wall extending across and sealing the opening. The ornament includes a driving mechanism having rotatable magnets and located on an outer side of the sealing wall, and a driven mechanism having rotatable magnets and located on an inner side of the sealing wall and immersed in the liquid. The magnets of the driven mechanism are rotated by the magnets of the driving mechanism through magnetic interaction. The driven mechanism includes a first stationary disc on which the display object is mounted and a second disc supported on the first disc and rotated by the magnetic interaction. A ball bearing is disposed between the two discs. The second disc includes paddles that stir bits of a solid material, resembling snow, dispersing the bits throughout the liquid.

Abstract: A scheduling sign system includes a main sign, at least one entity indicator, and at least one alternative indicator. The main sign displays an array of units of time. The entity indicator, which is separate from the main sign, displays information identifying an entity, e.g., a person. The alternative indicator, which is separate from the main sign and the entity indicator, displays information identifying a location, reminder, appointment, or activity, e.g., a scheduled doctor's appointment. The entity indicator indicates (e.g., points to) either a particular time on the main sign, e.g., the time of the doctor's appointment, or a particular alternative indicator. The alternative indicator indicates (e.g., points to) a particular time on the main sign or a particular entity indicator.

Abstract: A changeable frame for supporting flat surfaced items such as pictures, posters, placards or the like, is provided, which includes a plurality of frame border strips which collectively form the border of the changeable frame. Each frame border strip includes a base profile member and a cover member movable between a closed item retaining position in which an item is retained by the changeable frame and the cover member partially extends over and exerts a resilient biasing force against the item and an open position. Each frame border strip also includes a pivot arrangement for pivotally mounting the base profile member and the cover member to one another. The pivot arrangement includes a fulcrum formed on the base profile member which is contacted by a counter stop surface formed on the cover member to prevent an overpivot movement of the cover member beyond its predetermined pivot travel.

Abstract: A fishing lure is disclosed having a body with two sections that move relative to one another. An aft section is connected via a shaft to a fore section and is slidable toward and away from the aft section along the shaft as the lure is pulled through the water. A contact post mounted on a rear end of the fore section or a fore end of the rear section impacts the other section as the lure is pulled through the water producing a clicking or popping sound which attracts fish.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fishing artificial bait and a fishing terminal tackle such that the silhouette of the artificial bait body is not visually obtrusive to the fish and the artificial bait body comes up on the surface of the water when the line is cut off due to a snag. The artificial bait of the present invention includes an artificial bait body and a through hole pierced through the artificial bait body so as to extend in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction thereof. The artificial bait is a plug, and the artificial bait body is made of a material whose specific gravity is smaller (or greater in some cases) than that of water. The artificial bait body has a spindle shape, e.g., a fish shape, and is colored so as to resemble the pattern of a fish body. A hole for receiving and stopping a shank of the hook is provided in a rear portion of the through hole of the artificial bait body.