Abstract: Murine monoclonal antibodies directed against a novel outer membrane protein (OMP) of Haemophilus influenzae have been isolated and characterized. The gene encoding of the outer membrane protein has also been isolated and characterized. Portions of the DNA sequence of the 15 kD OMP gene are useful as probes to diagnose the presence of Haemophilus influenzae in samples. These DNA's also make available polypeptide sequences of immunoreactive epitopes encoded within the gene, thus permitting the production of polypeptides which are useful as standards or reagents in diagnostic tests and/or as components of vaccines. Monoclonal antibodies directed against epitopes of the 15 kD OMP are also useful for diagnostic tests and as therapeutic agents for passive immunization.

Abstract: A contact structure provides electrical contact between two polycrystalline silicon interconnect layers. The lower layer has a silicide layer on its upper surface. The upper polycrystalline silicon layer can be doped with a different conductivity type, and makes an ohmic contact with the silicided region of the lower polycrystalline silicon layer.

Abstract: Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of compounds that are either activators of the farnesoid X receptor, activators of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor &agr;, and oxysterol activators of the LXR&agr; receptor. The same compounds are also effective in treating disorders of epidermal differentiation and proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for purifying the cinnamoyl-C-glycoside, 8-C-&bgr;-D-[2-O-(E)-cinnamoyl]glycopyranosyl-2- [(R)-2-hydroxy]propyl-7-methoxy-5-methyl-chromone. 8-C-&bgr;-D-[2′-O- (E)-cinnamoyl]glycopyranosyl-2-[(S) -2-hydroxy]propyl-7-methoxy-5-methylchromone, referred to herein as the “540 compound.” In one embodiment of the present invention the 540 compound is purified by extraction from a decolorizing agent with an organic solvent. The extracted product can be purified by high pressure liquid chromatography. In a second embodiment crude 540 compound, which has not been treated with a decolorizing agent, is purified by passage over neutral alumina or sephadex.

Abstract: An endoscope for insertion into a patient's inner body cavity has a shell with lumens for (1) illuminating a lens and (2) passing light from an imaging (or objective) lens, each lens being disposed on the distal face of the shell. The shell also has a lumen, preferably off-round, for receiving a resilient disposable core. The resilient core has passageways for introducing a pressurized fluid (e.g. air or water) to selective ones of the lenses to clean the lenses. The core may also have another passageway for removing material from the patient's inner body cavity for analysis. This passageway may communicate with two (2) conduits for removing specimens from the body cavity (1) as by a vacuum or (2) as by an instrument. The second conduit may be closed except when the instrument is to be inserted into a patient's inner body cavity. The core may be drawn through the shell lumen to position the core in the lumen.

Abstract: A adjustable length garment for selectively extending the length and design of a garment. The adjustable length garment includes a main covering having a bottom edge. Each of a plurality of panels is generally tubular shaped and has a first edge and a second edge. Each of a plurality of connectors selectively connects each of the first edges to the bottom edge or the second edge. A first of the panels is coupled to the bottom edge of the main covering and a plurality of panels is coupled to each other and to the first panel to extend a length of the garment.

Abstract: A garment that can be donned while the wearer is seated, such as in a child car seat, has an upper portion that wraps around the wearer's torso from the front. There are fasteners along the edges that can be fastened behind the wearer. A pair of sleeves are attached to the front of the upper portion. Cuffs that fold over to form mitten-like hand coverings are attached to the ends of the sleeves. There is a neck opening having fasteners to secure behind the wearer's neck. A detachable bib panel attaches to the front of the upper portion. A lower portion extends downward and encloses the wearer's feet and legs. The lower portion is configured as a single pouch for enclosing both of the wearer's legs. Alternately, the lower portion is configured with two separate leg coverings. The leg coverings may be open, closed or have cuffs that fold over to form foot coverings.

Abstract: A laminate of thermoplastic over foam is well suited for making plates to be used in a protective paint-ball vest. The vest is constructed of many such plates mounted to fabric to provide good ventilation and freedom of movement with adequate protection levels against commonly encountered hazards. The vest can be made reversible to facilitate team games and is highly suitable for use in paint ball games.

Abstract: A protective animal skinning glove having a gripping member protruding from at least one of the fingers of the glove for gripping the skin of an animal. The gripping member is positioned along the length of the finger to reduce strain on the flexor retinaculum while gripping the skin of the animal thereby reducing pressure on the carpal tunnel.

Abstract: An athletic glove having consistent gripping ability in various moisture conditions includes front and back joined together to fit the human hand. The front part is made of a thin, soft and supple fabric such as polyurethane-impregnated artificial leather or synthetic fabric. The front is printed with a pattern of silicone sealant. The pattern is preferably achieved by silk printing on contact areas in the front with a two-part silicone sealant in repeated patterns of fine lines of a narrow width. The printing is done such that the sealant penetrates into and bonds firmly with the fiber thereof when cured. A majority of the front surface is made of the fabric and does not bear the silicone. This allows the fabric to absorb and remove the moisture on the silicone surface by capillary action. The removal of the water from the silicone surface eliminates the effect of the thin film of water, which causes loss of grip.

Abstract: A visor structure for hats and sun visors in which a visor material of a soft or rigid material is partially cut from the upper and lower ends at predetermined intervals to allow the cut visor to maintain its curved shape when bent along the cut lines so that when a cap or sun visor with a visor of this structure is turned inside out, the visor maintains its curved shape. By attaching a different letter or figure of a mark, emblem or logo on the inner and outer portions respectively of the main body, and by using different colored or textured fabric, a single hat or sun visor structure can display effectively two different hats or sun visors in one to satisfy the diversified preferences of the wearer.

Abstract: An elastic (1) belt with a buckle (2) and having an adjustment slide (3) for waist size adjustment and snap race identification number attachment System” to secure the identification number to the elastic (1). Which consists of 2 snap caps 4A and 4B and two snap sockets 8A and 8B that are spaced as to accept a variety of different size race identification numbers. And two mating snap studs 5A and 5B. The number is held in place by peeling off the two center mating snap studs 5A and 5B, placing the identification number in the desired position over the two center snap sockets 8A and 8B, make an imprint of the snap sockets 8A and 8B on the number material with your thumb and by pressing down to replace the two mating snap studs 5A and 5B.

Abstract: A panty leg attachment device, a panty garment combined with the device, and a panty/combination leg covering garment utilizing the device enables the securement of the open end of a tubular leg covering garment to a leg opening of a panty garment. The device in one embodiment is formed from a panty inner band with first and second sides, the first inner band side affixed to the panty garment inner side and the second inner band side having securing means in the form of tape segments positioned thereon. A panty outer band having first and second sides has its second side secured to the panty garment outer side and carries a scalloped decorative edge along its perimeter.

Abstract: A pair of protective undershorts for absorbing shock and protecting the hips of the wearer against the shock is disclosed. The undershorts include a pair of large pockets on the inside over the hips, and protective pads in the pockets. Each of the pads extends round approximately ⅓ of the circumference of the wearer. The pads are of a rounded shape, with the upper edge slightly concave, and extend vertically from the hip-bone to below the enarthrodial joint of the hip. The pads are ⅛″ thick, and comprise closed-cell foam material with a density of 10.0 to 13.0 lbs/cu. ft., a compression resistance of 9.0 to 13.0 psi, and a tensile strength of at least 150 psi.

Abstract: A urine deflector is designed to be detachably interconnected with a toilet seat of the type having an upper surface designed to support a user and a hole defined through the seat. The deflector includes a stream deflection member designed to deflect a stream of urine into the toilet bowl. The deflection member has a concave deflection surface. A support member is provided that has a generally planar body designed to be supported on the upper surface of the toilet seat. The generally planar body supports the deflection member such that when the generally planar body is placed on the upper surface of the toilet seat, the deflection member projects into the hole in the seat and the concave deflection surface faces a user seated on the seat. The support member also includes an attachment for releasably retaining the generally planar body in engagement with the upper surface of the seat.

Abstract: A toilet system controller including a toilet bowl having at the bottom a discharge opening. A treating chamber has an intake opening connected to the discharge opening of the bowl. A macerator and discharge pump are located in the treating chamber, with the discharge pump discharging treated effluent to a waste pipe. A motor is operably connected to the macerator and discharge pump for effecting simultaneous operation of the macerator and discharge pump. A valve connects the toilet bowl to a source of water in order to admit water to the bowl to flush the bowl. A timer regulates operation of the motor and the valve during a flushing cycle. The flushing cycle is initiated by operation of the motor starting at time zero and continues for five seconds, followed by opening of the valve starting at time zero plus one and one half seconds and continuing for six and one half seconds.

Abstract: A toilet assembly in combination with a urinal incorporating a commode including a bowl being supported by a base and being in communication with a water tank having a flushing mechanism thereon. The base has a peripheral wall which houses a passageway located therein. A nipple is projected through the wall of the base and connects the urinal to the commode utilizing a valve connection. A guard shield is interiorly attached to the wall of the base and is in communication with the nipple in order to allow fluids to flow through the passageway.

Abstract: A decorative vase and toilet cover. The decorative vase and toilet cover is made up of a toilet cover with a raised aperture and a perforated basket being attached underneath the raised aperture. The perforated basket and raised aperture form a decorative vase, which can be easily broken down for removal and cleaning. The perforated basket is made of flexible thermoplastic material that is attached to the ceramic toilet cover by a pair of invertedly positioned ceramic buttons and slots. The holes on the perforated basket are approximately 20 mms. in diameter and are macroscopically designed to hold a set of flowers while allowing water to enter through the exterior of the perforated basket.

Abstract: A bidet apparatus for cleaning and sanitation purposes. The bidet apparatus includes an elongated pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to a water supply pipe. The second end is positioned in a bowl portion of a toilet bowl such that the second end is directed relatively upwardly out of the bowl portion. A nozzle is attached to the second end of the elongated pipe. An actuator valve selectively opens and closes water flow to the elongated pipe. The actuator is attached to a water supply pipe and comprises a valve.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve for installation on a swimming pool or spa main drain. The automatic shut-off valve has a ball and ball spring between a diaphragm and a housing. The diaphragm is made of resilient material. Downward force on the diaphragm urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing. During operation, a swimmer covers sufficient diaphragm base apertures so that the diaphragm center is moved downwards as urged by the main drain suction, towards a swimming pool or spa main drain over which the automatic shut-off valve is mounted. The downward motion of the diaphragm urges the ball into sealable engagement with a valve seat in the housing, where it is securely held by the main drain suction. In this fashion, the ball is entrapped instead of the swimmer, thus avoiding possible disembowelment and/or drowning on the part of the swimmer. Back-up shut-off function is provided by a cap spring-loaded into a closed position whence it migrates should the ball become dislodged.

Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool assembly includes an inflatable swimming pool with a surrounding wall which confines an accommodation space and which terminates at an upper surrounding edge portion to define an opening. A flexible cover has an upper major wall to rest on the upper surrounding edge portion to cover the opening, and a flap portion to be pulled over to be disposed beyond, and outwardly and downwardly of the upper surrounding edge portion when the flexible cover is stretched. A flexible sheet member has a peripheral edge portion which is in sealing attachment to the upper major wall to confine an inflatable space therebetween to be inflated to stretch the flexible cover. An inflating valve is disposed to inflate or deflate the inflatable space.

Abstract: A folding wading pool has in an unfolded condition a floor encompassed by an annular sidewall. The floor has a plurality of lower creases diverging outwardly from a central location toward the sidewall. The sidewall has a spaced plurality of upright creases. The lower and the upright creases can be folded to: (a) contract said sidewall by folding said upright creases, and (b) collapse said floor by (i) articulating said lower creases about said central location, and (ii) swinging said sidewall toward said floor.

Abstract: An automatic hair washer which performs hair washing by supplying wash water in a hot water storing tank to washing nozzles. The automatic hair washer includes a temperature gauge for measuring the temperature of the wash water. The temperature gauge is placed within the hot water storing tank. A heater for heating the wash water is placed within the hot water storing tank, and a heater control is also included for controlling the heater to operate and heat the wash water in the hot water storing tank to a predetermined temperature when the temperature of the wash water is below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A swivel tub and shower chair system comprising a base assembly having a pedestal in a hollow cylindrical configuration with an upper and lower end and with a plurality of radially positioned stabilizing legs having interior ends rigidly coupled to the lower end of the pedestal; and a chair assembly having a seat with an access aperture and with an imperforate floor there beneath, and with a pair of vertical side extensions coupling the floor and the seat thereby forming a front opening and a rear opening, the floor further having a lower post extending downwardly therefrom and being adapted to be received in the upper end of the pedestal of the base assembly, the chair being offset forwardly from the center of the base assembly.

Abstract: What is described is a bathroom unit, in particular in the form of a shower unit (2), comprising a shower tub (12) and a shower unit wall provided with a door (18). A heating device (26), for instance in the form of a rung radiator (28), extends over at least a partial section of the shower unit wall. The shower unit wall may comprise in the region of the heating device (26) an additional door (20) which opens to the interior of the shower unit. The doors (18, 20) preferably are sliding doors.

Abstract: A shower curtain splash accessory having an elongated edge member and hangar means, for hanging the splash accessory from a curtain rod, having a depending rod for supporting the elongated edge member in a generally upright position below the curtain rod. The edge member has a hub mounted on the depending rod, a wide radial flap on the hub and means for attaching a leading edge section of curtain to the flap. The edge member can be vertically and angularly positioned on the depending rod to vertically and angularly position the flap so that it extends, forwardly and inwardly, at an angle preferably between 30 to 90 degrees from the vertical plane of the curtain rod.

Abstract: A toilet bowl equipped with far infrared lamps, by which users can bathe the genital organs and the anus region while sitting down on a toilet bowl seat for movement of bowel or urination at need without taking additional time. The toilet bowl comprises: front and rear holes formed on a toilet bowl body; first and second far infrared lamps respectively inserted into the front and rear holes for emitting far infrared rays, wherein the front and rear holes are formed in appropriate positions for making the far infrared lamps emit the far infrared rays to the genital organs and the anus region of women and men; first and second transparent heatproof lenses, each of which is disposed between the hole and the far infrared lamp; a first sensing means to be mounted on a ceiling, the first sensing means making the far infrared lamps turn on or off when a user sits on the toilet bowl seat; and ON and OFF switches for operating the far infrared lamps manually.

Abstract: A device for collecting unused water is placed underneath all kinds of taps and collects the pure unused water which escapes during the intermediate intervals of use of the tap. The device comprises two spherical sections connected to each other for collecting clean water and preventing the entry of used water into the head of the collector. The device has a flexible pipe which drives the water outside the place of use to a drain which leads it to a storage area. The collection of the water is achieved by taking advantage of the concentrated energy of the column of the water at one point, such as the moment the tap is turned on and the water is not yet being used. The opposite prevents the entry of the used water. The device may be used both household uses (kitchen, bathroom) and places of personal hygiene for the personnel of factories and the like.

Abstract: A blanket or mat assembly includes a panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a sheet material substantially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the sheet material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The assembly further includes a covering having a top portion, a peripheral edge, an opening defined by the peripheral edge, and an interior, with the panel retained inside the interior and accessing the interior of the covering via the opening. The covering assumes the configuration of the panel when the panel is retained inside the interior of the covering. The covering and the panel can be twisted and folded to the folded orientation of the frame member to reduce the overall size of the covering and the panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multipurpose device that can be alternately configured to form a blanket, a cushion, a hooded poncho, a hooded poncho with a fastening shawl, and a tote bag. The multipurpose device includes a pliable sheet that can be configured for use as a blanket. The pliable sheet is lengthwise dividable into three sections, a first one-third section, a second one-third section having a middle and a third one-third section. The multipurpose device also contains a first attachment. The first attachment includes at least a bi-layer of material that form a first and second pocket and is attached to the pliable sheet near a first edge of the second one third section. The pliable sheet can be folded, preferably with the assistance of specifically placed securing devices, into the second pocket to form the cushion configuration.

Abstract: A baby play mat with protective enclosure comprising a mat and one or more bumpers circumscribing the perimeter of the mat. The bumpers comprise fastening means on the top and bottom surfaces. The perimeter of the mat also comprises fastening means. The bumpers are securely and removably attached to the perimeter of the play mat to form a protective tier defining an interior cavity. Additional layers of bumpers can be fastened to the top of the first protective tier to increase the height of the enclosure. Additional mats can be joined together to increase the width of the play area.

Abstract: A birthing bed includes a patient support having a central opening into which a removable foot section is inserted. A foot section attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the foot section to the patient support such that the foot section is not aligned with the patient support until the foot section is fully inserted into the patient support and latched to the patient support, and such that the foot section is aligned with the patient support only when the foot section is fully inserted into the patient support and latched to the patient support.

Abstract: A portable massage table including a planar padded base having a centrally located concave first notch in one end, and a planar padded extension that has an aligned second notch. The extension is slidably movable with respect to the base between a first position where the base and extension are aligned so that the first and second notches form a small face opening, and a second position where the base and extension are spaced apart and the first and second notches form a large face opening. One end of the base is supported by foldable legs that are telescopically adjustable in height, while the other end of the base is supported by a conventional bed.

Abstract: A stretcher for the non-traumatic transport and lifting of people including a frame with a pair of longitudinal beams that each have a toothed bars. Further, included is a plate positioned between the frame, the plate has a flexible sheet placed completely around the plate. The flexible sheet is retained around the plate by a piece that is fixed to a base that is positioned over the frame. Contained within the base is a driving axle that has dented wheels that correspond to the tooth bars of the frame. The rotation of the driving axle moves the dented wheels which will move the tooth bars and causes the base to move the inclined plate with the flexible sheet.

Abstract: An orthopedic pillow that comprises several components of varying densities, which in combination provide improved and more immediate comfortable support for the head and neck region, while enhancing the multi-alignment features for the spine, head, and neck of a user in back-lying and side-lying body positions, and do not require the user to endure a break-in period to allow the pillow to conform to the shape of the user's head. The pillow comprises a firm core comprising a first and second lengthwise edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a recess located on the top surface of the core; a layer of soft, viscoelastic foam located within the recess; a layer of soft, Dacron fiber located along a top surface of the layer of foam; and a soft, C-shaped layer of viscoelastic foam wrapped around the core, whereby the C-shaped layer of foam covers the first lengthwise edge of the core, the bottom surface of the core, and the second lengthwise edge of the core.

Abstract: A pillow that has an upper and a lower major surface and at least one hole for receiving a user's ear. The hole extends through the entire thickness of the pillow from the upper to the lower surface of the pillow. The pillow can be filled with conventional, resilient materials, or it can be an inflatable pillow filled with air. A pillowcase fits over the pillow with holes corresponding to the holes in the pillow. The pillowcase can also have a soft mesh material within the hole, or the entire pillowcase can be made of a soft mesh material.

Abstract: A bed construction having a one-sided mattress assembly supported on a rigid foundation. The one-sided mattress assembly includes a core of pocketed coil springs having a layer of resiliently compressible material covering the upper surface thereof and having a bottom surface constructed of a substantially rigid material without a compressible layer. The core of coil springs is attached to the bottom surface around its periphery. The foundation has a rigid inner construction and a noncompressible top layer. The bed construction reduces the amount of compressible padding in the mattress by one-half and consequently the mattress is capable of exhibiting a substantial reduction in the amount of permanent deflection in use.

Abstract: An improved maternity mattress has a recess formed therein which accommodates a woman's expanding abdomen as a pregnancy progresses. The recess may be filled in by a plurality of stackable pads with each pad having approximately the same thickness. A sliding cover sized to allow for selectively covering and uncovering the hole is preferably controlled by an electrically powered mechanism, and may also be used to vary the diameter of the opening to the cavity. A control panel having switches for operating the sliding cover is preferably made of an expandable, flexible electrically insulating material such as rubber. A locking mechanism is provided to insure that the sliding cover remains closed.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus and method that greatly increases the efficiency and flexibility in using ozone in the laundry process by permitting an operator to set the level of dissolved ozone concentration delivered to the washing machines, depending upon the amount and type of soil on the laundry. Furthermore, the present invention ensures that there is enough dissolved ozone available in the wash water to meet the demand of the washing apparatus. Lastly, the present invention monitors and maintains the desired amount of dissolved ozone to be delivered to the washers.

Abstract: A fixing tool for temporarily holding a midsole and a shoetree in shoe industry includes a screw base and a screw body. The screw base is formed as a hollow hob screw with both an inner thread and an outer thread. The screw body further includes a screw holder and a screw. The screw has a flat round top portion with periphery notches and is pivoted at a center thereof to allow the top portion able to make a 90° rotation. The screw base is used to be screwed into a proper position at the bottom of the shoetree. The screw of the screw body is then engaged with the respective screw base through the midsole for temporarily fixing the midsole and the shoetree. The screw holder of the screw body can be pushed aside to contact with the midsole. Unlike the conventional nail-fixing, the fixing tool of the present invention can hold the midsole and the shoetree by only screwing the screw of the screw body into the screw base.

Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush with a bristle head or accessory unit which compensates for the brushing pressure and associated bending of the holder unit as well as hand movements. The toothbrush is characterized in that an O-ring or elastic shoe that is made either detached from or connected to the adjacent components is provided between the replaceable or fixed bristle unit and the holder unit. The bristle unit and holder unit are joined via a ball joint.

Abstract: A paint brush includes a two component brush handle having a head portion made of a relatively rigid plastic material and a grip portion made of a relatively soft, flexible elastomeric material. The head portion has one end adapted to fit within the ferrule of a brush and an other end having an integral web portion protruding axially outwardly therefrom about which the grip portion is over molded to secure the grip portion to the head portion. One or more openings are provided in the web portion through which the material of the grip portion is caused to extend during the over molding step to provide a mechanical connection between the grip portion and head portion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning brush having a sliding cleaning element. The sliding cleaning element is received on the body of the brush such that when the brush becomes fouled with foreign material the cleaning element may slide along the length of the brush body and free any foreign material from the bristles of the brush.

Abstract: A toothbrush, having a handle (12) and at one end thereof a bristle-bearing head (11), wherein the head (11) is in the form of two or more segments (15) flexibly and/or resiliently linked to each other and/or to the handle (12), one or more of the segments (15) being bristle bearing.

Abstract: A toothbrush for cleansing the surfaces of the teeth and any orthodontic appliances positioned thereon. The toothbrush includes an elongate handle. A head is carried on one end of the handle and includes first and second intersecting head members carrying cleaning elements thereon. The first and second head members define at least three distinct and diverging head segments for providing an enlarged cleaning surface area sufficient to simultaneously engage the upper and lower teeth during brushing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a net to foam for washing the face, wherein a cylindrical integrally molded plastic net 100 to 280 mm in width, which has vertically and horizontally arranged fine meshes having a size on the order on several millimeters, is cut into a length of 100 to 280 mm, each of the opposite ends thereof is turned inside, gathered, and fixed, with a string or other sewing piece or by heat fusion, so that it may have an arcuate shape spread radially from the gathered end to be continuous to the cylindrical wall, and a ring through which one's finger is inserted is attached to one end thereof. According to the net to foam for washing the face, a soft and silky foam that is friendly to the skin can be easily obtained without applying a facial washing toiletry directly to the skin.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly includes an elongated shaft, an articulated paint application assembly disposed at one end of the shaft, and an actuator connected to the articulated paint application assembly and extending through the shaft to a handle at an opposite end of the shaft. A portion of the shaft adjacent to the articulated paint assembly is angled to facilitate wetting of the roller with paint. The articulated assembly includes a roller frame interconnected between a joint mechanism and a roller supporting cage. The actuator includes a rod interconnected between the handle and a joint mechanism of the articulated paint application assembly. The joint mechanism provides rotational movement of the roller frame. In one form of the invention, the joint mechanism includes a universal joint. In another form, the joint mechanism includes miter gears.

Abstract: Polishing disk with short fiber pile layer with strong binding in a holding layer. A burr adhesion layer is installed on the back side of the polishing disk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner (1) comprising a first casing (10) housing dust separation apparatus, a second casing (11) housing at least one filter (21, 23) or other component of the vacuum cleaner (1), a central spine (13) housing at least one conduit and forming part of an airflow path within the vacuum cleaner (1), the first and second casings (10, 11) lying generally parallel to one another and the central spine (13) lying at least partly between the first and second casings (10, 11). Such a construction provides a vacuum cleaner having a more compact profile which enables the vacuum cleaner to be used to clean areas where there is a height restriction, for example underneath furniture.

Abstract: A bracket for a furniture unit including an upper mounting plate and a lower mounting plate, one of the upper and lower mounting plates providing a mount for a caster, the other of the upper and lower mounting plates providing a mount for a leveler. A bracket for a furniture unit including a substantially horizontal mounting plate provided with a substantially vertical aperture through which a leveler extends, the leveler having means for adjusting the leveler from a location above the bracket. A bracket for a furniture unit including an upper mounting plate and at least one sidewall depending therefrom which define a chamber open from below in which a caster is disposed.