Abstract: An asymmetrical necktie formed from an elongated fabric having a display end portion, an opposite tying end portion and an intermediate portion, these portions being contiguous and forming a single necktie, each of these portions having a longitudinal central axis, the display end portion being elongated and having opposite side edges along the length of this portion, one of the side edges being geometrically different from the other of the side edges such that the display end portion is asymmetrical about the longitudinal axis therethrough.

Abstract: A pants-like garment is provided. The garment comprises a left leg, a right leg, an inseam, and a torso region joining the left leg and the right leg. The torso region has a left and right outer edges and a rear seat panel. The rear seat panel comprises a bottom center edge, a left bottom edge, and a right bottom edge. The bottom center edge has left and right ends and is connected to the inseam along its length. The left bottom edge has a first end that joins the left end of the bottom center edge and a second end that joins the left outer edge, the second end being closer to the top of the garment than the first end. The left bottom edge is connected to the left leg portion. The right bottom edge has a first end that joins the right end of the bottom center edge and a second end that joins the right outer edge, the second end being closer to the top of the garment than the first end. The right bottom edge is connected to the right leg portion.

Abstract: A reinforced undergarment at least including underpants and, in certain embodiments, a pair of hose or stockings permanently or removably secured to the underpants so as to define a pair of pantyhose, wherein the undergarment, and particularly the underpants are formed from a flexible material including a plurality of interconnected portions disposed and configured to overly predetermined areas of the wearer's body so as to exert a supporting and/or retaining force thereon and thereby shape the wearer's body, or at least certain portions thereof, into a desired configuration. The interconnected portions of the undergarment are at least partially formed from an elastic material of varying densities such that different support and/or retaining force are exerted on predetermined portions of the wearer's body.

Abstract: An adjustable helmet, particularly a cyclist's helmet having at least one longitudinal spar which is intended to be positioned above the parting, two end pieces one of which is intended to be positioned above the forehead and the other one above the back of the head. Guides between the end pieces and the longitudinal spar which are aligned approximately in parallel with the parting. Two lateral elements which are intended to be positioned above the temples, guides between the end pieces and the lateral elements which are aligned obliquely to the parting, and an adjusting and/or locating device for the relative position of the longitudinal spar, end pieces, and lateral elements.

Abstract: A shock absorbing pad comprises a shock resistant layer 10 and a shock absorbing layer 11 which is softer or more flexible than the shock resistant layer and arranged on the inner surface of the shock resistant layer. The shock resistant layer 10 has a convex outer surface and the shock absorbing layer 11 has a concave inner surface to define a hollow space 26 faced to the human body portion in use. The hollow space 26 allows the heat of the human body to dissipate or radiate and sweat to evaporate thereinto. The air in the hollow space 26 is expelled to outside and the outside air is introduced into the hollow space 26 by the movements of the wearer.

Abstract: Image sensors, processors, and control systems facilitate automatic sensor operated bathroom fixtures, systems for controlling bathroom fixtures, and methods of bathroom fixture design, control, and management, as well as the control and management of hygiene and water resources. The networked plumbing systems also help facility managers and law enforcement personnel monitor the operation of various bathrooms in a facility or at remote facilities. Image sensors are used for controlling several showers, faucets, urinals, or water closets in large bathroom complexes. Image based intelligent bathroom fixtures and systems help enhance the privacy of users by ensuring that law abiding users need not be disturbed by police foot patrols into the restroom areas, or by security guards entering simply to make inspections. An aquionics bathroom control system of the invention maintains the cleanliness, safety, security, and privacy of the occupants in a smart bathroom environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair washer which changes spouting angles of the respective washing nozzles in accordance with a figure, a hair style, and dirt levels of hair of a person under hair washing, thereby washing securely parts where a washing needs to be performed. An engage part 3a of a nozzle holding means 3 is engaged with an end part of a coupler 2 with respective approximately spherical-shaped base parts 1b and 4b of a mist nozzle 1 or a shower nozzle 4 being placed on a hemispherical-shaped nozzle receiving part 2a, whereby the respective base parts 1b and 4b of the mist nozzle 1 and the shower nozzle 4 touch an O-ring 3c disposed in a nozzle holding means 3. Therefore, the respective base parts 1b and 4b enables to move slidably along a face of a nozzle receiving part 2a of the coupler 2, to change directions of the respective spouting orifices 1a and 4a of the mist nozzle 1 and the shower nozzle 4.

Abstract: An adjustable head rest for supporting the head of a patient during radiation therapy.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed to ensure that a beach towel or beach blanket will remain on the ground and will not be blown around by the wind. The present invention would comprise two major portions, which would include a stake portion and a clip portion. The clip would be affixed to the top of the stake portion of the present invention. The clip would normally be in a closed position, but could be opened by having a user depressing the handles of the clip portion together. A user would then placed an edge of the desired towel or blanket within the clip and then release the handles of the clip, effectively securing the towel or blanket to the present invention.

Abstract: A device for preparing pipe segments for joining with mechanical pipe fittings in a piping network is disclosed. The device has a fixed support with support surfaces engageable with the pipe segment, and a movable support, facing the fixed support, on which tools, such as grooving rolls, chamfering rolls, marking rolls and cutting blades are rotatably mounted. The tools engage the outer surface of the pipe to form a circumferential groove, a marking pattern, a chamfer or a cut through the pipe when the movable support is moved toward the fixed support. A collar or cup having a circumferential side wall sized to receive the pipe is mounted on the fixed support adjacent to the support surfaces and radially reinforces the pipe to prevent it from collapsing or going out of round during groove formation.

Abstract: A process and formulation for pre-treating a cellulosic, or cellulosic blend with synthetic fiber, substrate, achieving sufficient clearness and appropriate absorbency prior to dyeing the substrate. The process having the steps of: providing a vessel; providing a cellulosic, or their blends with synthetic fiber, substrate; providing a water bath; adding an active amount of an activating compound selected from the group of: salts of organic acids, organic amine derivatives, transitional metals salts and complexes, pigments, and combinations thereof; adding an active amount of caustic soda; adding an active amount of hydrogen peroxide; achieving a pH from about 6.0 to about 9.0 at the end of the bleaching cycle; heating the water bath to a temperature in excess of 50 degrees centigrade for a pre-determined period of time; and dropping the bath.

Abstract: A one step method for the treatment of a non-finished textile component is provided. The method comprises the combination of a bleaching and de-sizing treatment steps into a single step and comprises treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous treatment solution of a hydrophobic bleaching system and a de-sizing system. Preferred hydrophobic bleaching systems are combinations of hydrogen peroxide and a hydrophobic bleach activator or a hydrophobic peracid. Preferred bleach activators include the alkanoyloxybenzene sulfonates and in particular noanoyloxybenzene sulfonate. The method provides superior fiber protection and fabric strength benefits versus conventional processing as well as allows significant savings in both energy and time due to the elimination of multiple washing and/or drying stages and lower bleaching temperatures.

Abstract: Compositions including a cyclodextrin, a carboxylic acid and a cationic surfactant are useful for treating textile fabrics to impart a soft hand and controllable hydrophilic properties to the textiles.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the uptake of a cationic compound onto a polyester article starting material, comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a polyesterase enzyme; (b) contacting said polyesterase enzyme with said polyester article starting material under conditions and for a time suitable for said polyesterase to produce surface modification of said polyester article starting material and produce a surface modified polyester; (c) contacting said modified polyester article, subsequently or simultaneously with said step (b) with a cationic compound whereby adherence of said cationic compound to said modified polyester is increased compared to said polyester starting material. Also disclosed is a method for increasing the hydrophilicity of a polyester to improve fabric characteristics such as stain resistance, wettability and/or dyeability.

Abstract: Fabric article treatment in a domestic appliance having at least one detergency step, products therefor, and kits which combine treatment products for more effective results.

Abstract: A composition for dyeing keratinous fibers, in particular human keratinous fibers, such as human hair, containing, in a medium suitable for dyeing:

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye composition for keratin fibers, in particular for human keratin fibers such as the hair, having, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one cationic direct dye of given formula, and containing at least one specific cationic or amphoteric substantive polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, and in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, having, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation base and at least one specific cationic dye as direct dye, as well as to the dyeing process using this composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratinous fibres, especially human hair, which in a medium appropriate for dyeing comprises:

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for dyeing keratinous fibers, without significantly damaging the hair. According to the method of the present invention the fibers are treated in a dry state by contacting said fibers with at least one oxidoreductase and at least one dye precursor. In this way it is possible to dye, e.g. human hair, in a simple and efficient manner.

Abstract: A sweeping machine for picking up debris from a surface includes a frame and wheels attached to said frame to support the frame of the sweeping machine over the surface being swept. A cylindrical brush is rotatably attached to said frame. The cylindrical brush includes a tubular main body and tufts attached to said tube such that the tufts extend radially outward from said tube. The tube has regions devoid of tufts bounded by regions having tufts. The sweeping machine also includes a mechanism for rotating said cylindrical brush.

Abstract: Cleansing assembly comprising one or more cleansing elements and a grip with one or more attachment openings for attachment of a cleansing element, in which assembly the cleansing element consists of sheet material which, in the dry state, is substantially rigid and dimensionally stable, and comprises prefabricated, coupling components which, after the cleansing element has been attached to the grip, project into one or more attachment openings.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning apparatus is disclosed with a loop agitator. The loop agitator comprises a spindle with a plurality of flexible loops attached to the spindle. A blade is provided in close relative proximity to the agitator for severing hair and other fibers that become entangled on the agitator. A de-foaming device is included that automatically dispenses a de-foaming chemical. The de-foaming device comprises at least two electrodes that allow foam to complete a circuit to open a solenoid valve. Negative vacuum pressure is allowed to disburse the de-foaming chemical. The device also comprises a basket with a mesh bag for straining wastewater and removing debris. Wastewater drains into a wastewater tank where an electrode switch is provided for activating a wastewater pump.

Abstract: A riding floor scrubber (10) is disclosed having a relatively narrow cleaning width for passing through relatively narrow passages such as conventional doorways. The riding floor scrubber (10) includes a recovery tank (16) that is vertically and laterally arranged and removably attached to the back of a clean solution tank (14). The clean solution tank (14) includes spaced parallel side portions (26, 28) and the recovery tank (16) extends between the rear ends of the side portions (26, 28). The recovery tank (16) is secured by first and second brackets (42) that extend into recesses (44) on the clean solution tank (14), with the bottom of the recovery tank (16) including a lip portion (46) resting on a metal plate (20) of a chassis (18), with a battery pack (52) being supported on the plate (20) between the side portions (26, 28) of the clean solution tank (14).

Abstract: The hinge system for a portable computer for pivotably securing a top cover to a base unit includes a first base unit hinge member for mounting to the base unit. The first base unit hinge member has proximal and distal mounting portions which are angled relative to each other. The proximal and distal mounting portions are each securable to a surface of the base unit for distributing stress exerted on the base unit by the first base unit hinge member. A first pivoting top cover hinge assembly is secured to the first base unit hinge member. The first top cover hinge assembly mounts to the top cover.

Abstract: A lock for overlapping parallel sliding members has a hinge member having two leaves. The two leaves include a fixed leaf permanently secured to one of overlapping sliding members, and a pivotal leaf pivotally moveable between locked and unlocked positions, to permit sliding of said overlapping members in the unlocked position, and, when turned an about 90 degree angle to the locked position, to abut the face of one of said overlapping members to prevent displacement there between. A resistance mechanism is provided for lightly-resisting pivoting of said pivotal leaf against displacement or rotation in the locked position, said resistance mechanism being indestructible in normal operation without pre-manipulation of any portion of the lock prior to pivoting movement.

Abstract: A disposable handle for an article includes a connecting member connected to a surface of the article, and a handle member having a proximal connecting end connected to the connecting member and a distal handle end, the handle member comprising an air freshening scent, an antimicrobial agent, and a phosphorescent material producing a glow to help a user locate the handle member in the dark.

Abstract: The Cinch and Lock Device accomodates moderate-sized fabric-rope, cord, belt and bungee-cords. A feed-through cavity with an angled-ramp provide the base elements for the hand-actuated lever-arm to position an eccentric-motioned pressure-wheel. The lever-arm is spring-loaded to hold a closed pressure-lock position on a resident cord or belt. The lever-arm is hand-squeezed to allow non-obtsructed passage of a cord or belt through the cavity. With the desired cord or belt tension achieved, the spring-loaded lever-arm is released to the pressure hold condition. Typical applications of the Cinch and Lock device Include securing moderate-sized items such as office or home furniture items, including tarps.

Abstract: A fastener which consists of two tapes (1,2) each having a plurality of female fastener members (3,3A) attached thereto and a plurality of male fastener members (4,4A) attached thereto. Each of the female fastener members (3,3A) is provided on its attaching face with right and left bar-shaped members (31a,32a). Each of the male fastener members (4,4A) has on its attaching face a bar-shaped member which fits the female fastener member between the right and left bar-shaped members thereof (31,32).

Abstract: A elongate cylindrical body member has a longitudinal interior passageway formed therethrough for receiving folded, bundled cords such as electrical power cords and other wiring. The interior diameter of the passageway decreases gradually and smoothly radially inwardly from the opposite outer ends of the passageway toward its center. The folded cord is retained in the interior passageway through the body. The organizer may be used with cords that are in use with appliances and the like to keep the cords organized and out of the way, and may be used to efficiently store cords that are not being used.

Abstract: A worm-driven hose clamp has a housing made of a band connected with interlocking cutout and projection to form an open butt joint. A clamping screw with a threaded shaft is arranged in the housing. The first and second ends of a clamping strip are overlappingly received in the housing. The first end has thread elements interacting with the threaded shaft. The second end is fastened to the housing bottom which has transverse edges extending transversely to the butt joint. The transverse edges have radially outwardly, circumferentially projecting tongues on opposite sides of the butt joint. The second end has openings on opposite sides of the butt joint for receiving the tongues. Depressions adjoin the openings. They project radially inwardly and extend longitudinally in a circumferential direction of the clamping strip away from the housing relative to the transverse edges. The tongues penetrate the openings and matchingly engage the depressions.

Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.

Abstract: Presented is a quick-engaging and quick-release device for securely supporting elongated objects in either a horizontal or vertical attitude on a vertical support structure or surface or overhead on an appropriate support surface. A base member has end and side walls that extend integrally from a bottom wall. Two opposed side walls are correspondingly notched. A resiliently deformable block of foam-like cushioning material may be removably inserted into the hollow shell so that the top surface of the deformable block is substantially flush with the top edges of the end and side walls. A hollow cap member is integrally pivotally attached to the base member and may selectively be pivoted away from the base member into open position wherein the deformable block is exposed to receive an elongated object. When the hollow cap member is pivoted into closed condition, the elongated object is releasably received by and between the base member and the cap member.

Abstract: A multi-point buckle including a buckle body, one or more attachment tongues and a floating latch, wherein during operation the buckle body is not subjected to tensile or compressive forces. Conventional straps can be attached to the body and the tongues. In a preferred embodiment, the tongues are inserted into the body, wherein locking prongs on the tongues attach to latch surfaces on the floating latch. When a pulling force is exerted on the tongues only a tensile force is transferred between the tongues and the floating latch. The buckle body is not subjected to any type of tensile or compressive forces. A preferred embodiment of the tongue includes a webbing lock. When used with a conventional strap, a webbing lock allows for ease of adjustment and also creates a wedging action on the strap when a pulling force is exerted. When placed under force the webbing lock provides a greater ability to hold the tongue in a substantially fixed position relative to the strap.

Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a fibrous matrix of staple length fibers and/or substantially continuous filaments. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Enhanced imaging is achieved by advancing the precursor web onto the movable imaging surface of the image transfer device at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the image surface moves relative to one or more associated hydroentangling manifolds. Treatment with a polymeric binder composition enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting it to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. Mechanical compaction of the imaged and patterned fabric, such as by sanforizing, enhances the desired physical properties.

Abstract: A gear burnishing system has a pre-checking station for determining an amount of burnishing processing needed by the gear to be burnished, and a gear burnishing station for performing the burnishing operation on the gear according to parameters set by the pre-checking station. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-checking station determines the condition of the gear within one of a plurality of pre-set ranges for the burnishing operation. In this manner, appropriate gear burnishing parameters can be applied depending on the actual condition of the gear.

Abstract: A setting apparatus 30 in which a mandrel of a blind rivet is inserted into a hole 47 of a nose at the front end of the setting apparatus, and wherein a rivet body of the rivet is projected from the nose into a mounting hole of a workpiece. The mandrel is pulled rearward of the nose with a force capable of breaking the mandrel and expanding a shank of the rivet body so that the rivet is set in the workpiece by the expanded shank and a flange of the rivet body, followed by discharging of the broken mandrel from the setting apparatus. The force for pulling the mandrel is obtained from hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic cylinder 34. The hydraulic pressure is produced by a piston 41 which moves in a pneumatic cylinder 39 adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder. The nose 31 is axially aligned with an apparatus body 33 including the hydraulic cylinder and the pneumatic cylinder 39 along the longitudinal direction of the setting apparatus 30 from the front end to the rear end thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extracting a fiber from connector. In accordance with our method the extraction does not compromise any failure evidence located within the ferrule of the fiber connector. The method comprises the steps of metallic etching, followed by adhesive etching, and a final step of heating and applying a load to the ferrule and/or fiber.

Abstract: A positioning method for a registration portion of an molded item capable of improving the accuracy of a product using the molded item at low cost. The positioning method for a registration portion of the molded item for positioning registration portions W2a, W3a and W4a of the molded item in order to improve the positioning accuracy of the molded item to another member, wherein the registration portions W2a, W3a and W4a are heat-deformed by ultrasonic vibration to thereby position the registration portions.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying snap fasteners on a support, such as a fabric, comprises a sensor for sensing the instantaneous value of the riveting pressure applied to the machine punch elements.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making fine metallic alloy fibers from a metallic alloy wire having plural alloy components and encompassed by a cladding material. Preferably, the cladding material is tightened about the metallic alloy wire in the presence of an inert atmosphere. The cladding is drawn for reducing the outer diameter thereof to provide a drawn cladding encompassing a fine metallic alloy fiber. The cladding material is removed for providing the fine metallic alloy fiber. A portion of the cladding material diffuses into the fine metallic alloy fiber. The cladding material may be selected for providing a fine metallic alloy fiber formed from a new alloy material and/or providing a fine metallic alloy fiber having surface properties in accordance with the properties of the selected cladding material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a press-fitted pipe connection comprising a press fitting with a stop and a smooth-ended pipe section pressable therewith, in which, after the pipe section is cut, its cut end is trimmed inside and outside and, if necessary, the protective cover of the pipe is removed, the processed pipe end is inserted into the press fitting to the stop and the press fitting is then pressed, by means of a pressing tool with individual pressing jaws that encompass the press fitting, after application of the pressing tool in a force-locking and positive-locking fashion, with the inserted pipe section to form a non-detachable tight pipe connection, whereby toward the end of the pressing the individual pressing jaws complete each other to form a closed pressing chamber. During pressing, in the contact area of at least one pressing jaw with the outer surface of the press fitting, a characteristic stamping is formed, the appearance of which depends on the quality of the pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting shell components to form a barrel-shaped structure such as an aircraft fuselage includes an outer part and an inner part that operate coordinated with each other under computer control. The outer apparatus part includes a riveting machine system movably carried on an annular machine guide that is supported on a stand that is movable in a lengthwise X-direction. The inner apparatus part includes a multi-axis riveting robot mounted on a mounting frame that is movable along the X-direction. Instead of moving the inner and outer apparatus parts in the X-direction, it is alternatively possible to move the fuselage while keeping the apparatus parts stationary. A computer control unit provides control signals to achieve a coordinated and concurrent positioning of the inner and outer apparatus parts, and to carry out a coordinated sequence of riveting steps.

Abstract: An accommodating base material and an attracting base material are coaxially arranged, and are resin-insert-molded, thereby forming a bobbin base material. Next, inner peripheries of the accommodating base material, attracting base material and bobbin base material are cut, so that the accommodating base material, attracting base material and bobbin base material have same inner diameters. As a result of the cut-forming process, an accommodating member, an attracting member and a bobbin are formed. After insert-molding, the accommodating base material, attracting base material and bobbin base material are cut to have the same inner diameters. Thus, the accommodating member and the attracting member are accurately coaxially formed.

Abstract: When etching an MR thin film, a resist layer is formed into a shape having an under cut or an inverse taper shape. Moreover, when forming an electrode layer, an incident angle of sputter particles is adjusted. This enables to successively form a pair of bias layers and a pair of electrode layers with a single lift-off.

Abstract: The invention allows a thin-film magnetic head that meets specifications required by the customer to be provided in a short period of time and manufacturing costs to be reduced. A slider of a magnetic head of the invention comprises two thin-film magnetic head element portions formed near an end face orthogonal to the direction of air flow. On the end face four pad-shaped electrodes are provided for electrically connecting the two head element portions to an external device. The electrodes are selectively connected to one of the head element portions through four conductors.

Abstract: A battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprises a vacuum indexing conveyor for vertically suspending an anode material web, wherein a die punch is used to form a discrete anode from the anode material web. A pick and place mechanism is operable with the die punch for positioning the discrete anode between first and second separator webs for subsequent lamination. A laminator vertically receives the separator webs suspended for longitudinally extending them a force of gravity for smoothing out web surfaces adjacent the discrete anode carried therebetween prior to lamination of the separator webs to the discrete anode. A cathode assembly section includes a vacuum conveyor for guiding cathode material webs and vertically suspending them for die punching discrete cathodes which are then placed onto exposed outside surfaces of the vertically suspended separator webs in alignment with the anode laminated therewith.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to manufacture sliders having excellent properties with accuracy and to improve the production efficiency and facilitate handling of intermediate products during slider manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A frame sheet comprises a core sheet, and oversheets. A recess is formed in the sheet frame. The oversheet is left in the recess in the sheet frame, and an IC carrier is mounted in the recess. The IC carrier is held, adhered to the oversheet left in the recess.

Abstract: A plate type heat pipe comprises: a plate type container which includes a heat absorbing side and a heat dissipating side to form a hermetically sealed hollow portion; at least one heat transfer block which is thermally connected to each of inner walls of the heat absorbing side and the heat dissipating side; a wick which is placed along a side wall of the heat transfer block through the inner wall of the heat dissipating side; and a working fluid enclosed in the hollow portion. A securing member to secure the wick and the heat transfer block in close contact may be further included.