Abstract: A fluent material containing and dispensing apparatus including a hopper having four sidewalls. A tube mounts to one of the sidewalls, and an auger extends from one end of the tube to the opposite end of the hopper, driving material in the hopper through the tube when the auger is rotated. A flexible hose is mounted to the underside of the tube and material in the tube pours into the hose, which can be kinked to slow or stop flow of material. A gap is formed between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall. A radially inwardly extending flange can be mounted to the tube wall to slow the flow of material through the gap. Alternatively, a compressible sleeve can be mounted in the gap between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall extending a substantial length of the tube.

Abstract: A variable-length encoder using a code table having a symbol/code-word re-association feature, which includes a first storing portion for storing previously generated code table information, a first re-associating portion for generating re-associated code table information and re-association information indicative of the relation between a symbol and a corresponding code word from a previously generated code table information stored in the first storing portion, based on the frequency of occurrence of externally applied symbols during a predetermined time period, a delay for delaying and outputting the same symbols as those input to the first re-associating portion during the predetermined time period, a re-association information storing portion for storing the re-associated code table information and re-association information and sequentially outputting the re-association information, a variable-length encoder for receiving the symbols stored in the delay and generating and sequentially outputting code wor

Abstract: A projection exposure apparatus carries out scan exposure with illumination flux of slit(s) by moving a mask and a substrate in a direction of one-dimension at synchronized speeds with each other. The mask is inclined with a predetermined angle relative to the substrate in the direction of one-dimensional movement. The substrate is also moved in a direction of optical axis of projection optical system when moved in the direction of one-dimensional, such that a central part of transfer area on the substrate is located on a best focal plane of projection optical system upon scan exposure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a full body swimsuit for enhancing a swimmer's performance in the water. Swimming performance is enhanced by optimizing swimming efficiency, which include influencing the swimmer's physiological responses, improving the accuracy of the swimmer's movements, and optimizing the direction of the resultant propellant forces by modifying the propellant areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for lessening the force exerted by the current as water flows past the legs of a user who is standing perpendicular with respect to the current. A V-shaped portion is disposed upstream and, preferably, a second V-shaped portion is disposed downstream over the lower portion of each of the legs. A detachable rigid strap-on version is described along with a flexible permanently attached version that is attached to each leg of a pair of waders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed rear gown for a patient to wear in the hospital that provides for modesty and for convenient access to the patient's body by the medical and nursing staff for patient care. The gown is provided with a front opening and closing by the patient and for opening and closing the sleeves at the top of the shoulder to provide for access to the shoulder, arms and back of the patient by the medical and nursing staff. A telemetry pocket may also be provided.

Abstract: A magnet support apparatus or cover that attaches to the adjustment band found in many baseball caps or similar headgear that includes a band that extends across the back of the head. In an example of the device, the invention includes a body having a pair of panels, namely a first panel and a second panel. The two panels are joined along an upper edge, and the second panel includes an attachment mechanism that cooperates with the first panel to support the device from the adjustment band.

Abstract: An inexpensive multi-modality utility hat of non/gender-specific design, having advantageous features providing its user with the novel convenience of readily transforming into several different types of hats in one. For example, the brim portion can be quickly and easily detatched from its central cap portion via a zipper, enabling user to wear only either the cap or the brim separately if desired; -and, if the cap portion only is selected to be worn for a time, the brim twist/tripple-folds into a compact member which concealably stows within an integral-pocket portion of the cap. The cap portion includes an adjustable-cord compliance feature enabling one size to fit all, and may be optionally fitted with a broad or a narrow brim of circular, triangular, or squared motif: -and brim-width may be altered at front or sides via a simple gathering provision. Alternately, my light-weight compact hat can be carried fiat within a backpack.

Abstract: A diving mask, in particular to fit optical glasses, including a face of elastomeric material, provided with at least one opening, and a stiff body having at least one seat to house a glass or lens. Watertight elements are provided between the lens or glass and the seat, and a framework holds the lens or glass in the seat. Along a substantial part of the peripheral edge of the stiff body, on a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the lens or glass, guiding means are formed for the insertion of the framework into the seat.

Abstract: An athletic garment and equipment system according to the present invention includes an athletic garment having at least one section of knitted elastomeric raised loop fabric of a preferred design. The system also includes an athletic pad, pad assembly or other athletic equipment including at least one male hook substrate piece. The section of elastomeric raised loop fabric may be stretched and fixed to the male hood substrate piece to secure the garment to the athletic pad.

Abstract: An air plunger is described. The air plunger comprises an upper barrel and a lower barrel slidably received by the upper barrel. An air seal is fixed to the lower barrel and slidably engages with the upper barrel. A nozzle is attached to the lower barrel opposite to the upper barrel. A stop mechanism prohibits the upper barrel from disassociating with the lower barrel.

Abstract: A dual flush-volume outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is provided. The outflow valve assembly comprises a base having an opening configured to pass water out of the toilet tank, a lower outflow tube section extending upwardly from the base, and an upper outflow tube section adjustably coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower outflow tube section. The lower outflow tube has a hollow interior and includes a high-volume flush valve positioned to pass a first, larger volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. The upper outflow tube section has a hollow interior and includes a low-volume flush valve positioned to pass a second, smaller volume of water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl when opened. In some embodiments, the hollow interiors of the upper outflow tube section and the lower outflow tube section are positioned over and in line with the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for improved toilet hygiene. One aspect of the present invention provides an improved toilet seat cover having an affinity for a toilet seat. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for rendering a toilet seat cover in a state wherein the cover possesses an affinity for a toilet seat. Such affinity can be established in a variety of ways, including by way of disparate surface charges (e.g., by triboelectric charging).

Abstract: A stopper for selectively blocking a drain to the passage of water. The drain has an inlet, an outlet and a substantially cylindrical throat between the inlet and outlet. A control means is provided for selectively feeding control fluid under hydraulic pressure to the cylindrical throat whereupon an expandable bladder located within the cylindrical throat selectively expands in fluid communication with the control fluid to block the drain and thus act as a stopper.

Abstract: A combined faucet and drain system can be installed primarily from above the basin. The faucet includes a quick-connect fastening assembly with a threaded sleeve bolt that also doubles as a life rod guide. A spring-biased toggle fastener threads onto the sleeve bolt and collapses when inserted through an installation opening from above the basin. It then automatically unfolds and engages an undersurface when the sleeve bolt is turned. The drain assembly is mounted in a drain opening of the basin and includes a movable stopper guide that can be used during installation to align the drain flange to the drain body from above the sink. A method of installing a combined faucet and drain assembly to a plumbing fixture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow conduit having a threaded end and an overflow cap threaded at one end extending through the overflow opening in the bathtub into threaded engagement with the threaded end of the conduit. The other end of the overflow cap has a test cap portion removably connected thereto for closing off an overflow passage through the overflow cap during pressure testing of the system. The test cap portion is removable from the other end of the overflow cap upon completion of the system pressure test to open up the overflow passage through the overflow cap.

Abstract: A patient transfer system is provided for quick, easy and comfortable movement of a patient between horizontal and vertical positions and between lateral locations for medical procedures. The system includes a gurney with a patient positioning board pivotally mounted thereon for movement between horizontal and upright positions. The board is adapted to receive a patient mold. A footrest is provided at the lower end of the board such that a patient can step onto the footrest when the board is in the upright position and lean against the board. The board is then lowered to a horizontal position on the gurney. The gurney can be wheeled into position adjacent a treatment table in a treatment room, such as for radiation therapy, and docked to the table.

Abstract: A fire retardant lap protection cloth (10) to be placed across the lap of the driver or passenger of a vehicle to protect clothing and vehicle seats from tobacco burns or soiling includes a fire retardant material dimensioned to substantially cover the lap to interrupt debris dropping thereon. A binding material (20) placed on top of the cloth and stitched around the edges, giving it a bordered of framed look. A backing material (35) made of 100% cotton muslin, sewn so as to attach all components of the fire protection cloth together, to form a single piece of material. A layer of foam material (30) ¼ inch thick, placed between the cloth material (10) and the backing material (35). A torso flap (50) designed to rest against the lower torso or stomach of the user. Two end flaps (55) to ensure proper placement and fit of the protection cloth.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame and positioned to lie above the frame to support a patient. The mattress has at least one bladder configured to receive a medium. The apparatus also includes a power pack pivotably coupled to and supported by one of the base, the frame and the mattress and configured to supply the medium to the at least one bladder of the mattress.

Abstract: A pillow apparatus includes a pillow unit which includes a first pillow end and a second pillow end which are situated along a longitudinal pillow axis. The pillow unit also includes a front pillow face and a rear pillow face. A first strap is connected to the first pillow end, and a second strap is connected to the second pillow end. The pillow unit can include a pillow housing and a pillow cushion retained in the pillow housing. A pocket assembly is connected to the pillow unit. The pocket assembly includes a zipper or Velcro fastener. The pocket assembly is connected to the rear pillow face. Each of the first strap and the second strap includes a respective strap length first connector and a strap length second connector. The first strap and the second strap are connected to the respective pillow ends by respective strap-mounted connectors.

Abstract: An ergonomic pillow for individuals who sleep on their sides. A characterizing feature of the invention is a recess along a lower front portion of the pillow which provides a protective space for a side, sleeper's arms. The pillow is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion which is set back from the upper portion to form the recess. Between the upper and lower portions is a flat planar member which distributes the loads of the side sleeper over the area of the lower pillow portion. In a first aspect of the invention, the protective recess extends across the front portion of the pillow. In further aspects, protective recesses are provided for the shoulders and arms of the side sleeper. A rear portion of the pillow is lowered for sleeping without a recess.

Abstract: A multipurpose pillow assembly (10) for supporting lamaze partners, including a coach (C) and a pregnant woman (W), during lamaze exercises and for supporting a newborn (N) while a care-giver (G) is feeding the newborn (N) is disclosed. The pillow assembly (10) includes a body pillow (12), an attachable seat pillow (14) removably coupled to the body pillow (12), and a normally unattached seat pillow (16). The attachable seat pillow (14) is removably coupled to the body pillow (12) by a pair of stretchable straps (28),(30).

Abstract: An innerspring unit for a mattress is manufactured by inserting a resilient element into the passage between each two adjacent rows of springs of the innerspring unit. The height dimension of the resilient element is greater than the distance between the upper and lower spring retainer structures of the innerspring unit, whereby the resilient element remains partially compressed heightwise between the spring retainer structures.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base having a generally rectangular frame and a plurality of internal rails, a wire grid spaced above the base and a plurality of plastic modules connecting the wire frame and the base. Each of the plastic modules has four arms extending upwardly from a bottom portion and terminating in end portions. Each end portion has a pair of perpendicular grooves adapted to receive intersecting wires of the wire grid. The modules are nestably stackable to save space during shipping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mattress core made from foamed material, latex, or plastic being provided with a series of hollow spaces (2) running perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. According to the invention, it is provided that coil springs (3) are positioned in a lying fashion in the hollow spaces (2) running perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the foam core (1). Preferably, the coil springs (3) are produced from a tape material and a fibrous composition material and foamed in.

Abstract: A consolidated pastry forming apparatus is provided that incorporates a separatable roller tool and a finishing tool. The roller tool includes a handle, a first pair of fork arms at one handle end, and a second pair of fork arms at the other handle end. A first cylindrical dough roller is mounted to the first pair of fork arms and a second convex dough roller is mounted to the second pair of fork arms. The finishing tool is removably attachable to the handle. The finishing tool is unitarily formed and somewhat elongated, and includes at one end thereof a plurality of tines suitable for puncturing a pastry crust, and at the other end thereof a protrusion suitable for crimping a pastry crust.

Abstract: A high-pressure fuel pump is provided for an internal combustion engine having an intake system and an exhaust system installed to the front and back of the engine, respectively. The fuel pump is located adjacent to a front upper part of the engine so as to be driven by a camshaft, but is positioned in an inclined position relative to the engine instead of a vertical position. This arrangement shifts the fuel pump backward in installing position with an effect of eliminating mechanical interference of the fuel pump with an engine compartment hood, and provides a long distance between the fuel pump and a dash panel behind the fuel pump with an effect of lowing energy of an impact applied to the fuel pump from the dash panel when the engine moves rearward due to a front-end collision.

Abstract: A movable ramp is disclosed having a base having a channel therealong, and an upright member extending upwardly from the base. The upright member has a plurality of hooks at differing elevations above the base. A plurality of protrusions extend from a first end of a runway and rest on a hook of the upright member to elevate the first end of the runway above the base. Another protrusion extends outwardly from the runway and slides within the channel of the base to facilitate movement of the first end of the runway relative to the base. In another embodiment, a base has a first end; a frame is fixed to the first end and extends upwardly therefrom. A runway is fixed at its trailing edge to the base. A winch is fixed between the frame and the leading edge of the runway for moving the runway.

Abstract: A retractable access ramp for improving the accessibility of a variety of commercial and other related structures. The retractable access ramp includes a housing that has a plurality of walls that define an interior space. The housing has an aperture through the housing. The aperture is for providing access to the interior space. The housing is adapted for being coupled to the steps such that a top wall of the housing is flush with a top surface of the steps. A base assembly is coupled in the interior space of the housing. The base assembly is selectively extendable from the housing. A ramp assembly is coupled to the base assembly. The ramp assembly is selectively extendable from the base assembly when the base assembly is extended from the housing. The ramp assembly is adapted for providing a smooth surface over the steps for wheeled vehicles.

Abstract: A brush for a voice prosthesis containing a reduced diameter hard cartridge disposed in the distal section of a soft outer body. The brush includes a reduced diameter distal brush section mounted in a rod having a distal end face larger than the diameter of the cartridge such that the extension of the end of the brush into the opposed esophageal wall is prevented.

Abstract: A cleaning implement, such as a floor mop, is provided. The cleaning implement includes a handle and a cleaning head attached to the handle. The cleaning head has at least one attachment structure for receiving and retaining a sheet about the cleaning head. The attachment structure includes a base triangle and a plurality of substantially pie-shaped sections whose apexes meet at a substantially common point adjacent the base triangle. Two sides of the base triangle and two sides of each of the pie-shaped sections are defined by slits passing through the flexible material forming the attachment structure such that the base triangle and each of the pie-shaped sections can be deflected to receive the sheet.

Abstract: A steam cleaner has a housing, a steam generator, a pump, a reservoir, a cap and a filter. The steam generator is mounted in the housing. The pump is mounted in the housing and communicates with the steam generator. The reservoir is detachably attached to a base on the housing. The cap is detachably attached to the reservoir and communicates with the steam generator. The filter is detachably attached to the cap and extends into the reservoir. Accordingly, the water in the reservoir is filtered by the filter before the water is transported to the steam generator. The structure of the housing and the mold to form the housing are simplified. The cost for manufacturing the steam cleaner is reduced. Furthermore, to install and to change the filter is easier.

Abstract: Vacuum devices having integrated cord storage and pivotable tool holders are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vacuum device includes a housing, an airflow propulsion device, and a power cord. The housing includes an outer surface having a recess disposed therein, the recess being sized to receive a plurality of loops of the power cord. First and second cord retainers are disposed within the recess and project outwardly from the housing, the first and second cord retainers being sized to retain the plurality of loops of the power cord. The outer surface may be a bottom surface of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the housing includes a cord mount disposed within the recess, the fixed end of the power cord being connected to the cord mount such that a localized portion of the power cord proximate the cord mount is directed approximately toward the first cord retainer. Alternately, the localized portion of the power cord may be inclined with respect to the base surface, or parallel with the base surface.

Abstract: Handle assemblies for floor care devices, and methods for using the same, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a handle apparatus includes a main member partially surrounding a cord retaining space that is adapted to receive a plurality of portions of a power cord of the floor care device. A retaining member is moveably attached to the main member, and includes a retaining surface that is positionable proximate the cord retaining space. In a first or “retaining” position, the retaining surface retains the plurality of power cord portions within the cord retaining space, and in a second or “releasing” position, the retaining surface releases the plurality of power cord portions from the cord retaining space. In alternate embodiments, the retaining member may be rotatably, pivotably, or slidably attached to the main member, pivotably attached to the main member.

Abstract: A bagless canister vacuum cleaner having a chasse, an air blower and a dust extraction and collection unit is provided. The dust extraction and collection unit has an easily removable inlet chamber and an easily removable outlet chamber. The inlet chamber is substantially cylindrical, and the outlet chamber is disposed concentrically within the upper portion of the inlet chamber. Duct work within the chasse conducts air from the air inlet and into the inlet chamber in tangential fashion, such that air swirls about the inside walls of the inlet chamber. Air within the inlet chamber is then allowed to escape from the inlet chamber into the outlet chamber via a plurality of small holes disposed in the side walls of the outlet chamber. Air within the outlet chamber is exhausted to the blower via a top wall opening in the outlet chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided which includes a housing and a latch assembly disposed on the housing. The latch assembly includes a latch that is movable relative to the housing between a first state and a second state. The vacuum cleaner also includes a blower that is disposable on the housing and has a first state wherein the blower is detached from the housing and a second state wherein the blower is disposed on the housing. The blower includes a latching surface disposed adjacent the latch with the blower in the second state. The blower moves the latch between the first state and the second state as the blower is moved between the first state and the second state, and the latch engages the latching surface with the blower in the second state and the latch in the first state to secure the blower to the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique and novel air filtrating, self-propelled upright vacuum cleaner. The filtration system utilizes a HEPA-rated air filter as a final filtering element. The disclosed vacuum cleaner contains numerous other features including a self-propelled drive mechanism.

Abstract: A riding type sweeper with a rear-mounted engine and a driven sweeper roller located between the front axle and the rear axle, wherein the sweeper roller transports the dirt into a coarse dirt container disposed behind the sweeper roller, from which the fine dirt is suctioned off by a filter blower unit. The filter blower unit is arranged in the region before the rear-mounted engine in a vertically superpositioned arrangement, with the blower turbine together with the fine filter being arranged in a common box.

Abstract: An air circulation type vacuum cleaner having a casing with a suction port and an exhaust port, a suction blower placed to intake air with impurities through the suction port, a suction fan having a dust collecting filter placed on the outlet side of the suction blower to filter the impurities from the air. The vacuum cleaner also has at least one reflux pipe with an inlet portion placed on an outlet side of the suction fan in order to return the air discharged from the suction fan to an inlet side of the suction fan and at least one ejector installed on an outlet side of the reflux pipe. The suction force generated by the suction fan and the suction force generated by the vacuum pressure from the redirection of air in the reflux pipe are used together to improve the suction ability of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner containing an air passage system which is modified to increase the amount and speed of air drawn into the vacuum cleaner without increasing the capacity of the motor, whereby the performance of the vacuum cleaner is enhanced.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning tool has a housing with a brush chamber and a turbine chamber. A vacuum connector is connected to the housing remote from the brush chamber. A brush roller is arranged in the brush chamber and an air turbine is arranged in the turbine chamber for driving the brush roller. A vacuum airflow enters the brush chamber via a suction slot, flows from the brush chamber into the turbine chamber, flows within the turbine chamber through the air turbine, and exits from the turbine chamber into the vacuum connector. The turbine chamber has an intake cross-section transverse to a flow direction of the vacuum airflow that is greater than an outlet cross-section at the turbine chamber end facing the outlet window. Intermediate cross-sections of the interior of the turbine chamber decrease in a direction toward the turbine chamber end such that the turbine chamber tapers toward the outlet cross-section.

Abstract: A nozzle attachment for a vacuum cleaner. In one embodiment, the nozzle attachment includes a plurality of open-ended tubes, where the tubes are parallel to one another axially and each of the tubes is in contact with at least one other tube side by side so as to form an array of the tubes. The nozzle attachment also has a plurality of bristle members forming a brush, and an adapter having a first end and a second end, an interior chamber extending between the first end and the second end, and a mouth at the second end, the first end connectable to a vacuum source of the vacuum cleaner so as to provide suction and the second end being adapted to receive therein the array of the tubes and the brush through the mouth. The array of the tubes and the brush are positioned in a fixed side by side relationship and the tubes are in flow communication with the vacuum source of the vacuum cleaner through the interior chamber of the adapter.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for establishing a seal between a barrier material and a conduit that extends there through. The mechanism includes a specially configured opening formed in the barrier material and a grommet component that is inserted into the opening and locked in place by a slight rotation thereof.

Abstract: A spring-loaded caster with an indicator to indicate the load applied to the caster.

Abstract: An end cap for engaging a raceway having an end wall portion and a gripping wall portion extending from the inner surface of the end wall portion at a first end of said gripping wall portion. A plurality of barbs extend from opposing surfaces of the gripping wall portion which engage the inner channel surface of the raceway to form a friction fit therewith. In a second embodiment, the plurality of barbs are progressively wider from the distal end of the gripping wall portion to its first end, allowing the end cap to be employed with various sized raceways.

Abstract: A handle for a drill- and/or chisel hammer has a mount which can be fixed to the hammer. A radial grip is fixed to said mount, the grip axis of said radial grip crossing a tool axis which is defined by the position of a tool received by the hammer. A tangential grip is also fixed to the mount. Said tangential grip has a first grip section whose grip axis is tangential to the tool axis and a second grip section whose grip axis is tangential to the tool axis and essentially perpendicular to the grip axis of the first grip section.

Abstract: A handle assembly for wheeled luggage comprises a handle grip with a push button, a pair of identical outer tubes, a pair of identical inner tubes slidingly engaged with the outer tubes, and a pair of locking mechanisms each having a locking pin connected to an end of an inner tube wherein the disengagement of locking pins from the corresponding slots in a stowed-away position, partially extended position, or fully extended position is carried out by pressing the push button to cause a flexible steel cable in either inner tube connected between the locking pin and the push button to move the locking pin completely within the corresponding slot.

Abstract: An adjustable two piece hinge having a first hinge member for attachment to a wall surface and a second hinge member attachable to a door. The device is adjustable by rotating the hinge pin which communicates thorough two off-center cooperating apertures communicating axially through two body bushings located inside the second hinge member. Rotating the hinge pin rotates the circular body bushings inside the second hinge member thereby translating the second hinge member around the center axis of said first hinge member and toward and away from the first hinge member due to the eccentric formed by the off center apertures inside of a circular bushing. The device can optionally be supplied with a kit featuring a plurality of different body bushings having the off center apertures a different distance off center.

Abstract: A lifting assembly for a chassis having structural members wherein the lifting assembly comprises a first lift handle sub-assembly and a second lift handle sub-assembly. Each lift handle sub-assembly includes a first lifting bracket slidably mounted to a first chassis structural member and a second lifting bracket slidably mounted to a second chassis structural member positioned from the first lifting bracket. A lift handle is attached at each end thereof to one end of the first and second lifting brackets. Attached to a second end of the first and second lifting brackets is a lower stop bar sliding within the chassis structural-members. Attached to the chassis structural members in the path of movement of the lower stop bar is a slide stop bar that establishes the limit of movement of the lift handle to a gripping position.

Abstract: A visor clip of unitary construction is presented along with a method for manufacture. The visor clip includes an engagement portion that frictionally engages with an engagement target, which may be a sun visor in an automobile. A payload portion is designed to receive and frictionally couple to a payload, where the payload may include a number of small objects such as toothpicks. The payload portion includes a number of extended portions on one or more of the surfaces that define the payload portion. The inclusion of the extended portions provides a number of force application points that enhance the frictional engagement of the payload.