Abstract: A penetration resistant garment that may be comfortably worn by a user while offering protection against injury from a penetrating object, such as a water jet for example, includes a plurality of light-weight, rigid, discrete penetration resistant sections cooperating with and arranged relative to one another to provide a flexible garment. The sections may be layered in an overlapping manner to provide substantially complete coverage extending over an area of desired coverage. Also, a length of the garment may be less than a sum of the lengths of the individual sections.

Abstract: An ear covering for protecting the ear against fluids entering the ear canal, chemical bums from hair treatment products, cuts or nicks from scissors or razors used by hair stylists, and bums from curling irons or hot air from overhead type hair dryers, can have a membrane shaped to enclose a human ear and an entirely elasticized opening on one side which can be expanded to insert the membrane over the ear to retain the membrane thereon. The membrane can also include a portion near the tragus of the ear having an adhesive disposed thereon for sealing the protective covering against the ear. The membrane can be larger than the ear to provide insulating space between the membrane and the skin. The membrane can be made from a generally flexible and water resistant material and can be generally permeable to sound.

Abstract: Goggles include a goggle flame, a goggle lens to be detachably fitted in a groove formed on the inner peripheral portion of the goggle flame. The goggles are provided with a plurality of vent holes above the goggle lens. The vent holes located on the both sides are made larger than those in the center.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a foldable commode which includes: a platform having a pair of slotted members depending from the bottom, each slotted member defining a race extending from front to rear; a first U-shaped leg member having a pair of legs connected by a bight portion slidably disposed in the races; a second U-shaped leg member having a pair of legs connected by a bight portion, the top portions being pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the rear end of the platform, wherein the middle portion of each of the legs of the second U-shaped leg member is pivotally attached to the middle portion of a respective one of the legs of the first U-shaped leg member; a receptacle support member disposed intermediate the front and rear ends of the platform; and a receptacle which depends from the receptacle support member.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the temperature of a swimming pool having a filter system and a waterfall, comprising running the filter system at times of the day such that heat transfer with ambient air is optimized by the action of swimming pool water falling through the ambient air, and further comprising positioning and substantially fixing the position of a movable surface below the water fall to help maximize the heat transfer with the ambient air. For pools without waterfalls, it is further disclosed to utilize a conduit from a submerged water return opening to the movable surface which could be a raft.

Abstract: A pool cover system including a pool cover collecting drum supported for rotation on its ends and a drive gear connected to the drum by a drive shaft. A power gear is operably connected to a portable electric drill by a power shaft, engaging the drive gear. Upon activation of the drill, the collecting drum rotates retracting the pool cover. A complementary apparatus on the same side of the pool, such as a rope reel collecting apparatus having an engageable drive gear and a drive shaft connected to a reel, extends the pool cover over the pool by pulling on a rope attached to a rigid end of the pool cover. The pool cover is extended and retracted with the sides sliding in one channel of a dual channel track, allowing the cover to serve as a safety cover.

Abstract: A carriage, such as an invalid hoist or shopping trolley, is mounted on castors. Each castor is swivellable about a first axis. At least one of the castors is supported by a support element which is angularly displaceable about a second axis parallel to the intended direction of fore and aft movement of the carriage. The first axis is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the second axis. Means are provided for angularly displacing the support element about the second axis to encourage the castor supported thereby to swivel one way or the other according to the direction in which the support element is angularly displaced and to steer the carriage when the latter is propelled along the ground.

Abstract: A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.

Abstract: In a multifunctional bed in which a variable bed that can be changed into a wheelchair form is fitted in a U-shaped fixed bed, when a seat back portion of the variable bed is laid or raised, the variable bed may assume an unstable position, thus hindering a smooth form change. The present invention provides a multifunctional bed comprising a variable bed 3 that can be changed into a wheelchair form and a fixed bed 2 in which the variable bed 3 can be removably fitted, wherein a holding member is provided between the fixed bed 2 and the variable bed 3, for holding a vertical position of the variable bed 3 relative to the fixed bed 2, and the holding member comprises a vertical pair of guide rails 141, 143 disposed on a left and right inner side surfaces of a notched recess portion 20a of the fixed bed 2 formed so as to appear substantially U-shaped, and guide rollers 131, 133 disposed on both sides of a seat back portion 34 of the variable bed 3.

Abstract: A nape and a head pillow with a neck supporting part and a pillow part comprises two or more chambers and a set of inserts of differing hardnesses for these chambers. The pillow allows a simple and reproducible adjustment of the softness of the nape-supporting part.

Abstract: A bath towel device and method for picking up, holding and drying infants and small children, wherein the bath towel includes a strap for hanging the towel from an adults neck, a lower end that wraps around the infant/child, a surface area that covers a substantial portion of an adults torso and lap and means for holding the lower end near the upper end when wrapped around an infant or small child.

Abstract: A posturized foam topper pad (12) for use in a bedding or seating product (10) has at least one section (28) which includes latex, and at least one section (26) which is free of latex, thereby providing the foam topper pad (12) with different degrees of firmness.

Abstract: A hammerhead with handle used for straightening various types of nails and other types of fasteners. The hammerhead with handle provides sufficient leverage to quickly grip and straighten a nail. The hammerhead includes a head member with a front portion and a rear portion. A pair of claws extend outwardly from the rear portion of the head member. A nose extension extends outwardly from the front portion of the head member. A nose is attached to the nose extension. The nose includes a nail striking face for hitting a head of the nail. When the claws are held upwardly and the nose facing downwardly, the hammerhead includes a vertical “Y” axis. The “Y” axis is disposed along a length, in a range of 5 to 6 inches, of the hammerhead from the end of the claws, through the head member to the nail striking face.

Abstract: There is described a setting tool for setting anchors into holes formed in masonry comprising; a bit including a cutting portion for penetrating the masonry, a stem for gripping by a drill and an enlarged diameter collar portion between the cutting portion and the stem, and a hollow sleeve portion open at one end adapted to fit over the cutting portion of the bit so that the cutting portion is freely rotatable in the sleeve, the open end of the sleeve being adapted to abut against the collar portion for transmitting an impacting vibration from the drill to the sleeve portion; and an anchor setting portion extending axially from the end of the sleeve opposite to the open end thereof, the setting portion being adapted to engage temporarily an anchor to be set in the hole.

Abstract: A multi-function pool cue tool is shown. The tool has a three sided open channel design. One side of the tool has an abrasive material attached for flattening tips. The center piece has two different sized indentations for contouring different sized tips on cues. The center piece also has a contour gauge associated with each of the indentations for checking the roundness of the tips after dressing of the tip in the indentations. The second side of the tool has a knurled surface for knurling the surface of the flat tip. A pair of wheels interconnect the first and second sides of the tool and have a diameter that varies to a minimum midway between the sides, the wheels for knurling the rounded tips on cues.

Abstract: A hair bleaching composition comprising:

Abstract: Provided is a dye composition for keratinous fibers, which comprises (A) a hydrolyzate of a lower alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride copolymer partially crosslinked with a terminal unsaturated diene compound, or a monoalkyl ester of the hydrolyzate; and (B) a dye.

Abstract: The invention pertains to thermo-resistant and light-resistant dichroic polarizers based on thin films of dichroic matters, in particular organic dyestuffs, in which molecules are ordered in a crystalline structure and applied on the surface of the substrate. The dichroic polarizer is characterized by the fact that it contains at least one anisotropically absorbing film comprised of oriented molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush, in particular a toothbrush, comprising a brush body carrying cleaning elements and a perforated plate through which the cleaning elements are projecting. A brush which is improved in terms of hygiene is created by the present invention in that the cleaning elements are arranged on a bristle carrier which is in threaded engagement with the brush body, and that the perforated plate is rotatably held on the brush body. Furthermore, the present invention suggests a bristle insert as a replacement part for said brush.

Abstract: A flexible attachment apparatus for use with dust mops or the like and including a clamping mechanism which is integrally connected or mechanically attached to a flexible unitary molded body with the capability of automatically rebounding back the cleaning head after striking obstacles during use. The unitary molded body has a connecting section for attaching to the clamping mechanism and a retaining section for attaching to a handle of the dust mop.

Abstract: An electric cleaner provided with a main body comprised of a cleaner housing (20) equipped with wheels (27) for mobility on a floor surface. Both side surfaces of the main body extend outwardly beyond rim portions (35) of the respective wheels (27) that stay in contact with the floor surface, and a center of gravity G (40) of the main body is placed in such a position that the main body rolls toward a direction where the wheels (27) stand on the floor surface so as to return itself into an original posture when the main body tilts in a way that one of the side surfaces lies in contact to the floor.

Abstract: A vacuum unit used to vacuum lawn debris includes a vacuum unit body having at least first and second inlet openings and at least one flap that can be adjusted to selectively cover and open the second opening. The vacuum unit body includes a flap adjustment member that is located within the second opening and that includes a contact surface that contacts the flap. Preferably, the flap adjustment member has one end that is adapted to receive a vacuum hose. The flap adjustment member can be placed into a first position where it causes the flap to open the second opening and a second position where it permits the flap to cover the second opening. The vacuum hose has a handle that can be attached to the vacuum unit handle permitting the vacuum hose to remain permanently attached to the vacuum unit even when the vacuum hose is not being used.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly that accommodates swiveling movement of a caster wheel providing a locking releasable wheel. The apparatus is applied to front wheel swivel caster assemblies permitting a high degree of reliability in linear motion for the supported article, along with a quick release of the front wheel. The precision linear motion for the supported article is achieved by a zero play locking mechanism that includes: a one bolt alignment adjustment, a reversible locking pin, and a integrated radius locking device. The design of the locking swivel caster wheel assembly is highly efficient in that the quick release of the front wheel provides fast and simple replacement, as well as incorporating the usage of multiple wheel types such as a wide profile wheel.

Abstract: Vehicle door check device comprising:

Abstract: The present invention includes an inventive pigtail fastener and the associated method of attaching line thereto. The pigtail fastener is comprised of an elongated shaft at the proximal end of the device and a tightly coiled portion of the shaft at the distal end of the device. The pigtail fastener is constructed and arranged in such a manner so as to provide an amount of tension sufficient to pinch and thereby secure a quantity of line between the coiled portion and the shaft. The tension being provided as a result of the narrow confines of the space between the shaft and the coiled portion or alternatively as a result of the coiled portion being biased against a portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A fishing line securing device comprises a structure having a notched groove defined in a top portion thereof. The groove is shaped as two diagonally opposing slits dug into the top portion of the device. A pair of corresponding overhanging shoulders project toward each other above the slits to retain a fishing line. A raised central ridge also keeps the fishing line secured in the slit of the groove. The device comprises an adhesive bottom surface adapted to adhere to an outer flange of a fishing reel or any other component of a fishing rod. The securing device may also be used in a variety of other applications.

Abstract: A belt buckle (2) has a frame-shaped buckle body (4) and a swiveling pin (24) that can be pushed through one of usually several longitudinally centered holes in the belt and locked, with the pin compressed by spring loading against a first transverse spar (10) of buckle body (4). The belt buckle is characterized in that the spring loading derives from a continuous elastomer band (28), which extends from a second transverse spar (12) of buckle body (4) at a small distance from the point of attachment of pin (24) around the pin. Such a buckle can be manufactured more easily, and thus profitably. It is functionally safer, and additionally has less danger of causing injury than a buckle equipped with a wire spring.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave apparatus including the steps of forming a first conductive film, depositing a first resist on the first conductive film and patterning the first resist, dry-etching the first conductive film using the patterned first resist to form IDT electrodes, a short-circuit wiring electrode for establishing electrical connection between IDT electrodes, and a second conductive film provided where the second surface acoustic wave device is constructed, removing the second conductive film, depositing a second resist and heating the second resist, patterning the second resist on the electrodes, forming a second conductive film having a thickness which is different from the first conductive film, removing the second resist to form the electrodes of the second surface acoustic wave device and to expose the electrodes of the first surface acoustic wave device, and disconnecting the short-circuit wiring electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator, which has high production efficiency and is available to miniaturize the piezoelectric actuator. Also, piezoelectric actuators are packed simply and a quality examination before shipment is performed easily. In this manufacturing method, various part sheets except for piezoelectric bodies of the piezoelectric actuators are joined to a piezoelectric material sheet having a size that a plurality of piezoelectric actuators can be formed, so as to from the plurality of piezoelectric actuators, and the piezoelectric material sheet is formed with a predetermined poling structure. Then, the piezoelectric material sheet is divided to manufacture the plurality of piezoelectric actuators. Also, dividing of the piezoelectric material sheet may be performed in a place where the piezoelectric actuator is to be used.

Abstract: A method of producing a surface acoustic wave device by use of a flip chip process, includes the steps of forming on a piezoelectric substrate at least one interdigital transducer and a plurality of electrode pads electrically connected to the interdigital transducer, forming bumps on the respective electrode pads, and providing an insulating film at a region other than a region where the bumps are formed.

Abstract: A fastening system including a two piece swage type fastener with a pin and collar with pin having a shank with relatively wide lock grooves having a generally smooth root contour with the collar having a shank with a wall thickness of excess volume of material before swage greater than the volume of the lock grooves and with the clearance between the inside diameter of the collar shank and diameter of lock groove crests being a minimum to reduce the compressive force for swaging the collar shank into the lock grooves with the excess volume providing partial fill of the lock grooves upon swage and with pin shank having a pull portion being a bore with helical grooves and an installation tool having a threaded mandrel to engage the pull grooves while moving into the collar shank to facilitate larger gap pull up between workpieces being secured.

Abstract: A method for repairing worn brake assembly holes on a highway trailer axle assembly including a cam shaft hole, and first and second anchor pin holes and including an axle stub extending from an end thereof, comprising the steps of aligning a boring tool, having a tool axis, with each brake assembly hole axis by aligning the tool axis parallel with the stub axis; positioning the tool axis at a distance from the stub axis equal to the distance of the brake assembly hole axis from the stub axis; and positioning the tool axis at an angular position relative to the brake assembly hole axis that is equal to the angular position of the brake assembly hole axis relative to the axis of another of the brake assembly holes. The aligned boring tool is then driven to bore an oversize hole through the worn brake assembly hole such that the worn brake assembly hole, including any worn extremities thereof, is consumed by the oversize hole, leaving a substantially cylindrical oversize hole.

Abstract: A precision assembly table and method includes a plurality of rigid bars connected to adjustable support members which can individually adjust the position of the rigid bars above a surface and a frame to create a desired contour. The structure to be assembled, such as a magnetic levitation guideway, is positioned and held in place on top of the rigid bars which have been positioned so as to define a desired contour of the structure and to which the structure will mechanically conform. The position of the rigid bars is monitored and adjusted by a computer to maintain the desired contour while the structure resting on the rigid bars is being assembled.

Abstract: A precision assembly table and method includes a plurality of rigid bars connected to adjustable support members which can individually adjust the position of the rigid bars above a surface and a frame to create a desired contour. The structure to be assembled, such as a magnetic levitation guideway, is positioned and held in place on top of the rigid bars which have been positioned so as to define a desired contour of the structure and to which the structure will mechanically conform. The position of the rigid bars is monitored and adjusted by a computer to maintain the desired contour while the structure resting on the rigid bars is being assembled.

Abstract: The stud replacement kit of the present invention operates by supplying force to the inside portion of a damaged stud and pushing that stud forward and out of the wheel. The kit of the present invention comprises a pressure tool that supplies force to a stud. This pressure tool fit around the wheel and damaged stud; and a spacer that fit between the front of the wheel and the pressure tool. This spacer serves primarily to catch the stud once removed. In operation, the broken or damaged stud is removed by placing the placing the pressure tool and spacer around the stud to be replaced. A stud screw mechanism in the pressure tool is rotated to cause the tool to apply force to the stud primarily on the backside of the wheel. This force is increased until it overcomes the force that holds the stud in the wheel. At this point, the force of the pressure tool on the stud causes the stud to move in the desired direction for removal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for fabricating a needle assembly which includes a blunt in a cannula of a needle. In one example of a method, at least one blunt is collected in a cutout of a blade from a set of blunts and a fluid is passed across said cutout. Any further blunts around the cutout are dislodged by the fluid, leaving only one blunt on the blade. In another example of a method, a blade is moved to a first position to collect at least one blunt from a set of blunts, and the blade is moved to a second position to singulate the one blunt from the set of blunts; the blade has a tip end which is designed to capture securely only one blunt, wherein any further blunts are not securely maintained in the tip end. An exemplary apparatus includes a container for holding a set of blunts, a motor, and a blade coupled to the motor and disposed at least partially within a slot of said container. The blade includes a tip end which is designed to capture securely only one blunt.

Abstract: A garment loader for a screen printing machine includes a carriage 37 which reciprocates between an extended position where a garment is fed into the jaws of grippers 42 attached to the carriage 37. The grippers are raised above the pallet 22 and the carriage retracts to the other end of the pallet 22 where the grippers 42 are lowered and release the garment which is now fitted on the pallet. While the pallet is rotated to the first print station the carriage is extended and the grippers lowered to be ready for loading the next garment.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly (10) for an integral shifter cable interlock is provided. The assembly includes (10) a cable assembly (11) having a conduit (12) defining an axis and a core element (14) disposed within the conduit (12) movable along the axis. A terminal assembly (15) is secured to a portion of the core element (14) and has an aperture (37). An interlock housing (24) is supported by the cable assembly (11) with the terminal assembly at least partially disposed within the interlock housing (24). An interlock device (46) is disposed within the interlock housing (24) and has an armature pin (48) transverse to the aperture (37) for coacting with the aperture (37) and preventing axial movement of the core element (14). The adjustment assembly (10) is characterized by a removable clip (50) interposed between the interlock housing (24) and the terminal assembly (15) for locating the aperture (37) relative to the armature pin (48).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a low-oxygen copper wire is provided, in which a dehydrogenating treatment can be performed without requiring a long moving distance of molten copper, and the generation of holes in solidification is suppressed, whereby high quality low-oxygen copper wire can be obtained having superior surface quality.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.

Abstract: A semi-automated method for forming armature coils comprising a plurality of transposed wire pairs includes joining a plurality of pairs of wires having offset segments along their lengths, insulating each of the transposed pairs of wires, assembling the plurality of the insulated transposed pairs of wires with the transpositions being staggered to create a pack, and forming the pack into an armature coil in an automated coil forming machine by bending the pack in two planes. The joining of the plurality of pairs of wires having the offset segments along their lengths is effectuated at a transposition point. Each pair of wires has a transposition at a unique point relative to others of the plurality of the pairs of wires forming the coils.

Abstract: A lamination ceramic chip inductor includes at least one pair of insulation layers; and at least one conductive pattern which is interposed between the at least one pair of insulation layers and forming a conductive coil. At least one conductive pattern includes a conductive pattern formed as a result of electroforming.

Abstract: A lug brushing assembly (10) that brushes the lugs of battery plates in an in-line manner so as to eliminate extra battery plate handling procedures. The lug brushing assembly (10) more effectively cleans the lugs of battery plates without causing excessive wearing of the brushes or abrasion on the lugs.

Abstract: A terminal mounting apparatus inserts press-fit terminals into a terminal housing for constituting a joint connector. The terminal mounting apparatus has a terminal positioning unit, a transfer unit, a carrier cutting unit, a tab bending unit, a separator, and an insertion unit. The terminal positioning unit adjusts spaces between adjacent ones of the terminals such that each of the terminals can enter one of the terminal insertion channels. The transfer unit transfers the terminals. The carrier cutting unit removes a desired joint portion jointing the terminals. The tab bending unit brings a desired contact tab, which can connect an upper one to a lower one of the terminals, into a connection state. The separator adjusts spaces between the terminals to correspond to spaces between terminal insertion channels. The insertion unit presses the terminals all at once into the terminal insertion channels.

Abstract: A method of printing high-quality high-density circuit pattern in a production of a ceramic thick-film printed circuit board. The method comprises forming a resin layer for prevention of sagging on a substrate before printing the circuit pattern. The present invention provides conditions optimizing materials, thickness, surface roughness, printing conditions and firing conditions of the resin layer. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, a ceramic thick-film printed circuit board densely printed with a satisfactory printed pattern and free of problems such as film exfoliation, deformation of the pattern, pinholes and the like can readily be obtained.

Abstract: A printed-circuit board, especially a multilayer printed-circuit board, with projection electrodes integrated with via hole conductors. Each of the projection electrodes is highly adhesive to the via hole conductor and has high strength and thus the production method of the printed-circuit board is simplified. Projection electrodes formed of a cured conducting paste are formed in such a manner that it is integrated with via hole conductors consisting of a conducting paste embedded into the via hole formed in an insulating resin substrate to form a printed board. The method for producing a printed-circuit board includes making via holes that penetrate through a prepreg to whose surface a parting film is applied; filling the via hole with a conducting paste; compressing the prepreg under heat to cure the prepreg and the paste; and then peeling off the film.

Abstract: A silicon substrate on which a silicon dioxide film having a groove is formed is placed on a sample stage disposed in a vacuum chamber. Subsequently, a titanium film and a tungsten film are deposited sequentially on the silicon dioxide film. The surface of the tungsten film is nitrided by using a plasma under the pressure maintained at 10 Pa or higher inside the vacuum chamber, so as to form a tungsten nitride film. After a copper film is deposited on the tungsten nitride film, the portions of the titanium film, tungsten film, tungsten nitride film, and copper film located outside the groove are removed, thus forming a buried interconnecting wire made of copper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a blade/vane of a turbomachine, in particular a gas-turbine engine, said blade/vane consisting of a metallic enveloping structure and a supporting structure made of composite material provided inside of the enveloping structure and suitably joined to the enveloping structure. A metal-felt weave is welded or soldered/brazed to the sheet making up the enveloping structure, whereupon this sheet-weave-assembly is shaped by hydroforming or an internal high-pressure forming process to provide the enveloping structure of the blade/vane. Finally, the composite material making up the supporting structure is introduced into the cavity of the enveloping structure.

Abstract: A multi-bladed razor cartridge and assembly is provided. The razor cartridge includes a plurality of blades where wash-through holes are arranged between the cutting and rear edges of at least one of the blades.

Abstract: A cutlery device is provided having a blade with a sharpened edge and an opposite, unsharpened back. The cutlery device also includes a tang extending from the blade which is at least partially enclosed in a handle. The tang has a tapered thickness to produce a cutlery device that is balanced when grasped with some fingers on the handle and some fingers on the blade. The back of the blade is curved so that a finger may be comfortably pressed against the back. The handle is curved for comfort and pieces of the handle are secured on the tang with rivets of varying length to accommodate the shape of the handle. A sharpening aid is also provided for the cutlery device which has at least one angled wall for positioning a sharpening surface at a sharpening angle, permitting the cutlery device to be held with the blade positioned vertically during a sharpening operation.