Abstract: A circuit that compensates for delays induced by clock generation logic and distributed clock drivers in phase lock loop applications is disclosed. The circuit is a phase lock loop (PLL) which contains a clock synchronization circuit that operates to synchronize a transition edge of a signal generated by a frequency divider against a distributed clock signal generated by a clock output driver of the circuit. The synchronization occurs unless the clock synchronization circuit is disabled.

Abstract: DTH-Effector cells are printed with carbohydrate antigens and used to enhance the cellular immune response. Tumors have been inhibited by DTH-Effector cells primed with epiglycanin and with synthetic T and Tn antigens. Either the DTH-Effector cells, or these tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens directly, may be used for tumor prophylaxis and therapy.

Abstract: Soil microorganisms are obtained that produce a hemicellulase which is particularly useful in increasing the available energy content of hemicellulosic foodstuffs. These microorganisms can be cultured per se or can be used as sources of genetic information with which to engineer other microorganisms to produce the enzyme. Thus, commercially useful quantities of native or recombinant hemicellulase can be produced with cultures consisting essentially of microorganisms that produce the enzyme. The hemicellulase can then be employed in a feed composition containing complex carbohydrates which the enzyme degrades, enhancing the nutritional value of the composition.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic recording medium which comprises a substrate, a magnetic layer on one surface of a substrate and a backcoating layer on the other surface of the substrate, wherein the magnetic layer contains a magnetic metal powder having a major axis of not larger than 0.2 &mgr;m and an inorganic powder having a Mohs' hardness of at least 5, and the backcoating layer contains an inorganic powder having a particle size smaller than the size of the major axis of the magnetic metal powder and which has sufficiently reduced noise at high density recording and high output required in, for example, a small size video tape with high picture quality, the magnetic recording medium in the form of a magnetic tape having a total thickness of not larger than 14 &mgr;m inclusive of the substrate, the magnetic layer and the backcoating layer, and reliably maintained not to increase the noise after long term storage.

Abstract: An existing stacked capacitor fabrication process is modified to construct a three-dimensional stacked container capacitor. The present invention develops the container capacitor by etching an opening (or contact opening) into a low etch rate oxide. The contact opening is used as a form for deposited polysilicon that conforms to the sides of the opening walls. Within the thin poly lining of the oxide container a high etch-rate oxide, such as ozone TEOS, is deposited over the entire structure thereby bridging across the top of the oxide container. The high etch-rate oxide is planarized back to the thin poly and the resulting exposed poly is then removed to separate neighboring containers. The two oxides, having different etch rates, are then etched thereby leaving a free-standing poly container cell with 100% (or all) of the higher etch rate oxide removed and a pre-determined oxide surrounding the container still intact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polycarbonate comprising a plurality of aromatic polycarbonate main chains, wherein the aromatic polycarbonate main chains collectively contain specific heterounits in a specific amount in the polycarbonate main chains. The polycarbonate of the present invention can be obtained by controlling the temperature of and the residence time of the polymerizable material in the reaction zones of the reaction system so as to satisfy the specific requirements. The polycarbonate of the present invention is advantageous in that not only does it have high transparency and colorlessness as well as high mechanical strength, but also it can exhibit high non-Newtonian flow properties, so that it exhibits high molding melt fluidity. Therefore, the polycarbonate of the present invention is extremely advantageous from a commercial point of view.

Abstract: The combination of a headnet and a jacket consisting of open mesh material to protect a wearer from insects. The headnet has a head receiving compartment with an open bottom. The headnet has a lower skirt portion normally extending downwardly from the head of the wearer. A jacket has a body portion, two arm portions, and a closable neck portion normally having a horizontal cross section slightly greater than the neck of a wearer, but less than a horizontal cross section of the skirt portion, whereupon when the closable neck portion is closed around and over the skirt portion in overlapping condition, the skirt portion will be compressed towards the neck of the wearer to inhibit the passage of insects between the overlapping condition of the headnet and the neck portion of the jacket.

Abstract: An optical stack of laminated removable lens for affixing to a face shield is disclosed. The stack includes a plurality of superposed removable lens adhesively affixed to one another, wherein each of the removable lens is held to each successive lens with a clear uninterrupted adhesive layer interposed between each lens. Each of the lens has a removal tab portion on one end which does not have any adhesive layer on either side thereof. This allows the wearer of the face shield to quickly grasp the removal tab portion for removing the top lens and exposing a clean lens directly underneath. The bottom-most removable lens of the stack has a band of adhesive formed around the periphery thereof for attachment of the stack to the face shield. The band of adhesive forms a seal which eliminates any moisture from the interface between the bottom-most lens and the shield.

Abstract: A flexible baseball glove is provided. The glove comprises front and back shells which are joined together both along the periphery of the glove and selectively at internal portions of the glove, in such a manner as to form a finger portion, a heel portion and a thumb portion thereof. A web-type panel is disposed between the finger portion and thumb portion and at least two finger stalls and one thumb stall are formed within the glove, between the joined front and back shells. A first finger stall of the at least two finger stalls is closed, so that fingers of the users hand cannot be received into that stall. The glove also comprises first and second hinge assemblies located along the heel portion, wherein one of the hinge assemblies is closer in proximity to the thumb portion of the glove, while the other hinge assembly is closer in proximity to the finger portion of the glove.

Abstract: An infant holding garment comprises a back portion and a front portion. The back portion has front and back sides, a first opposing vertical edge which has an upper portion and a lower portion, a second opposing vertical edge which has an upper portion and a lower portion, a top edge, a bottom edge, and an attachment device. The attachment devices is substantially near the top edge. The front portion has front and back sides, a first opposing vertical edge which has an upper portion and a lower portion, a second opposing vertical edge which has an upper portion and a lower portion, a convex top edge, and a bottom edge. Accordingly, the front portion and the back portion are configurable to form a pouch.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an adjustable disposable garment protector is provided and includes a protector support adapted to support the garment protector from the neck of a user; a protector cover supported at its first end by the protector support in a position covering a front portion of the chest and stomach of the user; and, a pouch positioned on the second end of the protector cover, the pouch being formed to fold to one of a first closed position for storage and a second opened position having its top end opened and positioned to collect particulates and liquids moving downwardly along the front surface of the garment protector. The disposable garment protector may also be fabricated as a convertible food bag.

Abstract: Winged costume attachments provide for the quick and easy donning and removal of costume wings, as worn for various costume parties or gatherings, stage plays, etc. The attachments comprise left and right shoulder and wrist straps, with each strap preferably formed of an elastic material covered with a protective fabric sleeve. Reinforcements are provided at each wingtip for secure attachment of the wrist straps, and an additional central reinforcement panel is provided for secure attachment of the shoulder straps. The central reinforcement panel may comprise a specific panel provided only for reinforcement, or may comprise a portion of an additional panel extending from the wing panels to form a tail or other component. The present attachment strap configuration results in the neck and chest areas of the wearer remaining clear of any attachment straps, thereby providing a safer costume which is easily donned and removed by small children without assistance.

Abstract: A device to protect the wearer's wrist and hand between the wearer's thumb and index finger from the localized repetitive impact associated with operating a hand held power actuated gun is disclosed. The device comprises an adjustable glove for the hand, wrist, and lower forearm which provides a gap to allow adjustment to the wearer's lower forearm, wrist and hand. The glove is secured on the wearer's forearm, wrist, and hand by adjustable fasteners situated across the gap that runs along the back side of the glove. A pocket is provided on the palm side of the adjustable glove that engages a padded reinforcement member which extends from the forearm of the wearer to the mid-palm area of the wearer and across the palm toward the thumb, covering both the palm and side of the hand from the from the first joint of the index finger to the midpoint between the first and second joints of the thumb, between the index finger and thumb.

Abstract: A sock includes a foot covering section that covers a wearer's foot when the sock is worn and a tube section that extends over the wearer's ankle and part way up the wearer's calf when the sock is worn. The tube section has a top rim located near the wearer's calf. A sock supporting band of elastic material or the like is located in the tube section near the ankle of the wearer when the sock is worn. The sock supporting band is spaced apart from the top rim of the sock and is located to engage the ankle of the wearer whereby the sock is supported near the wearer's ankle rather than near the wearer's calf.

Abstract: A safety helmet in the form of a cycling helmet or similar. The helmet has an outer shell and an energy-absorbing liner within the outer shell. The energy-absorbing liner is provided by a cellular textile material combined with a matrix material to form a composite. The composite material retains some porosity from the original textile material to both improve breathing of the liner and also its capability for large deformations to improve energy absorption. The liner may also be provided with a linkage structure to link adjacent cells to improve the absorption of impact loads over a number of adjacent cells in the composite material.

Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a WC bowl, the apparatus allowing reflushing of the bowl soon after the first flushing without filling the water tank to the maximum volume determined by an electric sensor. The movement of a piston part (4) located in a chamber (5) communicating with the water distribution system is controlled by a control mechanism (2) operating under the dynamic pressure of supply water and by the force of gravity, this movement, in turn, controlling the movement of the discharge valve (15) and thus regulating the flushing step.

Abstract: A vacuum bowl assembly for use in a vacuum toilet positioned on a support surface and having a discharge valve. The vacuum bowl assembly comprises a frame having a bottom member adapted to engage the support surface, and a top member defining a shoulder. A removable bowl is provided having a flange extending about an upper edge sized to engage the shoulder, and an outlet adapted for fluid communication with the discharge valve.

Abstract: A modular vacuum toilet, and a method of servicing such a toilet, are disclosed. The toilet is used with a vacuum toilet system having a sewer line placeable under partial vacuum pressure and a source of rinse fluid. The modular vacuum toilet comprises a frame and a removable bowl engaging and supported be the frame, the bowl defining an outlet and having a rinse fluid dispenser associated therewith. The modular vacuum toilet also has a valve set module. The valve set module includes a discharge valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the bowl outlet, an outlet in fluid communication with the sewer line, and a movable discharge valve member disposed between the discharge valve inlet and outlet. A rinse fluid valve is also incorporated into the valve set module and has an inlet in fluid communication with the source of rinse fluid, an outlet in fluid communication with the rinse fluid dispenser, and a movable rinse fluid valve member disposed between the rinse fluid valve inlet and outlet.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: A bed top co-sleeping device designed to be a simple fabric absorbent pad (1) with a protective safety cushion/body pillow enclosure (2)on one side, containing a removeable body pillow (6). When the complete unit (body pillow is inside enclosure) is placed on top of the bed, the parent will be able to co-sleep comfortably next to the infant without worry of breast milk leaking to the sheets, diaper changing messes or, the child rolling off the bed. With the body pillow removed, the one-piece fabric pad and body pillow enclosure allows for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A headrest device for holding the neck and head of infants to assist the development of the shape of their skull. The device includes a base, the outside contour of which is concave for holding the head and designed according to the measurement of the average of different head shapes of normal newborn babies. A depressed segment of the base is used to support the infant's typically weak neck. A removable supplement and a direct-contact piece are included as well in this headrest device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the pumpless transfer of liquid carbon dioxide cleaning medium in a carbon dioxide dry cleaning apparatus having a wash vessel, a working vessel, a vapor vessel, and a compressor. The apparatus is preferably overpressurized with an overpressurization gas such as air.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and monitoring device for monitoring a wash process inside a washing apparatus, the method comprising the steps of introducing into the washing apparatus a monitoring device suitable for measuring physical and/or mechanical parameters of the wash process and recording the measured parameters within the monitoring device. A self-contained and wireless monitoring device is used.

Abstract: A method and system for separating oil form oil-absorbent materials for recycle of both the oil and the materials. The method comprises placing the oil absorbent material on a grid over a catch basin to drain, then centrifuging the material to remove additional excess oil. The excess oil is processed to separate water, grit, dirt, metal chips and shavings from it so that it can be sent to a refinery. After centrifuging to remove excess oils, the materials are dry cleaned in doubly distilled dry cleaning fluid to remove additional oil so that the materials can be reused.

Abstract: A detector equipped with force feedback for detecting detonatable devices such as land mines is disclosed. The detector includes a rod having a tip for placing beneath the surface of the ground and for contacting unknown objects. The tip ultrasonically provides an indication of the presence of a metal or plastic material. Means for providing a plurality of ultrasonic signals, each signal of a different frequency, to the unknown object via a single rod is used to compensate the device during use against unknown pressures applied to the rod beneath the surface of the ground.

Abstract: In a guide channel structure, for instance for an energy transmission chain, designed for fastening on a substructure which, as on a crane with pivotable jib, for example, displays a stationary section and a section pivotable about a first axis of rotation (8), a stationary structural element (6) for fastening on the stationary section of the substructure and a movable structural element (7) for fastening on the pivotable section of the substructure are provided, as well as an intermediate structural element (9) located between the two structural elements (6, 7), which is connected to the movable structural element (7) in a manner permitting pivoting about a second axis of rotation (10), where the parts are coupled by a control device in such a way that, when pivoting the substructure, the movable structural element (7) and the intermediate structural element (9) move past each other.

Abstract: A folding portable ramp is provided that includes a first platform section having a first end and a second end, and a second platform section having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second section is pivotally coupled to the second end of the first platform section, and the second section is adapted to be pivoted relative to the first section. A leg support assembly is coupled to at least one of the first and the second platform sections. The support assembly is adapted to be pivoted between a first position wherein the support assembly is oriented generally parallel to the first and the second sections and a second position wherein the support assembly extends outwardly away from the first or second section.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonically driven nail cleaner, where the ultrasonic frequency both loosens hand and nail soil, as well as providing motion to at least a pair of brushes for removing the soil from the user's hands and nails. The moving force for the brushes and the ultrasonic loosening action are enabled by linkages providing straight line bilateral motion for both of the brushes. A rechargeable battery and a battery charger are provided for multiple uses for the structure provided, without the necessity of an AC outlet proximate the user.

Abstract: Discloses a bristle head oscillation mechanism for an electrically driven toothbrush. A toothbrush bristle head is rotatably disposed at an end of an elongate housing. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed in the elongate housing and has an offset end coupled to one end of a pivot arm. The other end of the pivot arm is coupled to the toothbrush bristle head. Rotation of the drive shaft pivots the pivot arm to effect oscillation of the bristle head with respect to the elongate housing.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted broom that has a modular construction, improved sweeping action and versatile mounting capabilities. The broom has brush strips and integral channels formed in a bottom side of the housings that reduce greatly or eliminate rocking of the brush strips with respect to the housing to which they are removably mounted. The main housing is extruded from aluminum.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring toothbrush technique are provided, for example a method including, while a toothbrush user is brushing his teeth, acquiring data indicative of motion of the toothbrush along its longitudinal axis, and, providing information about the data for display. Devices and systems for monitoring toothbrushing technique are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle wiper system is provided including a cross-vehicle shaft that drives a pair of actuation mechanisms for driving a pair of wiper assemblies. The actuation mechanisms each include a crank, a connecting rod and a lever arm, whereby the connecting rod operably interconnects the crank and lever arm. The lever arm is fixed for rotation with a wiper post, which is in turn fixed to the wiper assembly. The actuation mechanism drives reciprocal rotation of the wiper post, thereby driving reciprocal sweeping motion of the wiper assemblies. The cross-vehicle shaft is driven by a motor that is controlled by a controller.

Abstract: The invention is based on a windshield wiper system with a wiper motor (10), which is fastened to a vehicle body by means of a linkage housing (12) connected to the wiper motor and by means of a wiper support (48,50,52) with a hollow profile (86,88,90). The linkage housing (12) has at least one screw fitting (16,18), which is disposed spaced apart from a drive-side bearing dome (28) and extends in its direction. The hollow profile *86,88,90) of the wiper support is guided between the at least one screw fitting and the bearing dome and is supported against the circumference surfaces (30,32,34) of the at least one screw fitting and/or the bearing dome (28).

Abstract: A carpet extractor includes a base assembly 1 including a housing 10 which selectively receives a recovery tank 22 for collecting dirty cleaning fluid. A first supply tank 14 for concentrated cleaning fluid and a second supply tank 15 for clean water are mounted on an inverted Y-shaped handle assembly 12. The handle assembly includes a central member 334 with a hand grip 336 at its upper end and two splayed leg members 338, 342, 340, 344, which define a triangular shaped gap therebetween. The two tanks are removably mounted in the gap. The cleaning fluid tank is supported on a shelf 346, which spans the gap between the leg members. The water tank is pivotally mounted on two projections 374 on the leg members to allow for easy removal and replacement on the handle. The arrangement of tanks in the gap allows for large capacity tanks, a well-balanced handle, ease of removal of the recovery tank without the need for removing either of the two supply tanks, and ease of refill of the supply tanks.

Abstract: A dirt cup latching arrangement includes a cleaner housing portion and a dirt cup mounted on the housing portion to define a mounted position. A latch assembly is pivotally mounted to the housing portion. A catch frame is pivotally mounted to the housing portion in spaced relation to the latch assembly. The latch assembly and the catch frame cooperate to selectively secure the dirt cup to the housing portion. A tool storage arrangement can include a cap pivotally mounted to the housing with the cap having an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one indentation is located on the cap upper surface and is shaped for accommodating an associated cleaning tool of the vacuum cleaner.

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

Abstract: A conversion valve arrangement for converting a vacuum cleaner from floor use to off-the-floor use. A valve door located in the suction duct leading from the nozzle body shuts off the suction airstream to the nozzle body when the vacuum cleaner is moved into the upright stored position. A projection on the motor housing located beneath the handle engages a resilient member cooperating with a crank arm on the valve door to close the valve door when the handle is moved to the upright position. The resilient member is comprised of a front valve arm and a rear valve arm pivotally linked together. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in one direction by a stop. The motion of the rear valve arm is transmitted to the front valve arm in the opposite direction by the stiffness of a spring disposed between them.

Abstract: A waste recuperating electrical apparatus (13) composed of a suction device that includes in particular an electric motor (20) and a suction turbine (22), a suction aperture (16a), and a tubular filter (1) forming a waste receptacle. The apparatus (13) further has a housing (14) arranged between the suction aperture (16a) and the suction turbine (22) with both of which it communicates on either side through ducts (16b) and the tubular filter (1) is arranged in the housing (14) such that one of its end orifices (6) is sealed and the opposite end orifice (4) is directly connected to the suction nozzle duct (16b). The filter housing has elements maintaining (3) the filter spaced from the filter (1) housing (14) inner wall so as to increase the volume around the duct enclosing the filter periphery in the suction turbine direction.

Abstract: Suction nozzle (10, 110) for cleaning apparatuses such as vacuum cleaners, electric brushes or similar, comprising a central body (11, 111) provided with a suction chamber (30, 130), and at least two suction arms (12, 112) pivoting on the central body (11, 111) on opposite sides with respect to a median longitudinal axis (10a, 110a) of the central body (11, 111) itself, and each having a corresponding lower suction aperture (16, 116) with a determinate suction surface. Each suction arm (12, 112) can be directed with respect to the central body (11, 111) from an open position, of maximum transverse bulk, to at least a closed position of minimum transverse bulk. The overall suction surface, which comprises the sum of the suction surfaces of the suction arms (12, 112), remains unchanged for any position whatsoever of the suction arms (12, 112) with respect to the central body (11, 111).

Abstract: A wheel assembly adapted to travel along guide rails or tracks. The assembly includes a roller formed of porous sintered metal, a shaft attached to a supporting body and an adapter to which both the roller and shaft are connected. The adapter includes a cylindrical inner portion with an axial socket to receive the shaft and a cylindrical inner portion of a smaller diameter to define an annular inner shoulder. A spring retainer secures the roller to the adapter.

Abstract: A retractable handle, which is provided on a case, comprising two rail housings, provided substantial parallel on the lateral sides of the case. Between each of the rail housings and the case forming a slide rail respectively. A U shaped handle device, having two connecting means at the two ends of said handle device. The connecting means of said handle device are elastic belts, each of which slidedly engaged with said slide rails on the case respectively. Whereby said handle device can move between a collapsed position, in which said handle device moved toward the case and being against on the case, and a extended position, in which said handle device moved outward the case for a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A locking assembly mounted to a first rigid member by a hinge on one end of the member. The locking assembly can be locked to the first member to retain a second rigid member by an extending pin. The locking assembly is locked in place on the first member by an extendable locking pin whose end can engage a stop post in the first member when pivoted to a locked position.

Abstract: The door handle assembly includes a door handle which pivots about a pivot axis. A molded-in gear rack is formed on the door handle. The gears of the molded-in gear rack mesh with gears of a rotational damper so that the door handle pivots in concert with the rotation of the gears of the rotational damper. Furthermore, the rotational damper is generally cylindrical and further includes two pairs of radially outwardly extending wings. The rotational damper passes through an aperture in a damper support plate and the first pair of radially outwardly extending wings engage a first side of the damper support plate and engage or abut detent elements. The second pair of radially outwardly extending wings engage a second side of the damper support plate and limit the insertion of the damper through the damper support plate.

Abstract: The present invention, also known as the equalizer, is a novelty device offering a challenging and entertaining environment when played. This particular novelty toy is designed and configured for use by a singular person. This novelty device comprises a substrate having a first end, a second end, an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is flat and the upper surface includes a plateau area. From the plateau area the upper surfaces incline downward to the first end. The first end constitutes the holding area when utilizing the present invention. The object of the novelty device of the present invention is to balance an object, such as a belt, large paper clip, substantially flat pencils, or bookmarkers one the plateau area while holding the first end and maintaining the lower surface to be parallel to the ground.

Abstract: A tamper-proof tie includes a head and an attached strap. The head is shaped to define an elongated interior channel having a strap entry end and a strap exit end. The head includes an articulating locking tang disposed to project into the interior channel. The strap includes a first end formed onto the head, a second end and an anti-tampering device integrally formed onto the second end, the anti-tampering device including a plug and a finger. In use, the strap is inserted into the interior channel so the tie forms a closed loop. As the strap is inserted into the head, the locking tang engages the anti-tampering device to prevent withdrawal of the strap from the head. With the tie formed into a closed loop, the plug is sized and shaped to substantially enclose the entry end and the finger is sized and shaped to substantially enclose the exit end.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a closing clip for Tetrapak® and similar packages used for the distribution of food items, with a pouring spout obtained by tearing a pre-established section near the two welded end tabs of a package. It is composed of a plastic body with a slit sized to encompass the terminal tabs. The slit is delimited by rough parallel surfaces that diverge near at least one corner of the body in order to insert the spout and, more preferably, along all the open sides of the slit.

Abstract: A zipper closure system is disclosed comprising one or more slider bodies with a reinforced bracing integrated with a lock eyelet, a closed bail, slider body top and bottom platforms and a slider body diamond. A releasing pull tab assembly comprised of a pull tab channeled to receive a pull tab connector attaches to the slider body. The connector's head portion encompasses the slider body's bail and the connector's lower portion is mated with the pull tab securely attaching connector to the pull tab. At a predetermined force, the connector will release from the pull tab, releasing the slider body with no loss of functionality. The other components are designed to withstand a force in excess of the predetermined force. This release prevents damage to other components. The predetermined release force ranges from 25 to 200 pounds in alternate embodiments. A consumer can easily repair the unit by mating the original or replacement connector piece with the pull tab.

Abstract: An adjustable fastener includes a male part and a female part, both of which are made of soft pliable, sewable plastic. The female fastener part has three spaced apart openings. Each opening has a broad portion and a narrow portion. The male fastener part has a base with an upstanding riser with a flange at the end of the riser. The flange is dimensioned to fit into the broad portion of each opening in the female fastener part and the riser is dimensioned to fit snugly into the narrow portion of each opening in the female fastener part. The narrow portion of each opening in the female fastener part is rectilinear in shape and the riser is also rectilinear in section. Thus, when the riser is in the narrow portion of an opening in the female fastener part, rotation of the male fastener part relative to the female fastener part is prevented. The back side of the male fastener part is provided with parallel grooves which enhance gripping when releasing the fastener.

Abstract: A double-bow shoe lace device for a shoe includes six lace sections, a clamp member, and a decorative knot. The lower ends of the first to fourth lace sections are anchored on the eyelet tabs. The upper ends of the first and second lace sections and those of the fifth and sixth lace sections are interconnected to form first and second loops, respectively. The clamp member is sleeved slidably on medial portions of the first and second lace sections. The upper end of at least one of the third and fourth lace sections and the lower ends of the fifth and sixth lace sections are anchored on the clamp member. The decorative knot is secured on and is disposed externally of the clamp member between the first and second loops, and has a knot portion and two distal portions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously unwinding a yarn from a yarn package which may be associated with a method and apparatus for texturing the withdrawn yarn. The yarn is withdrawn from a feed yarn package supported in a creel, and the trailing yarn end of the feed yarn package connects to a leading yarn end of a second feed yarn package (reserve package) by a knot-type piecing to achieve a continuous advance of the yarn for its treatment or processing. A sensor is provided which detects and signals the yarn change from the feed yarn package to the reserve package after the feed yarn package is unwound, and the signal may be used to control the texturing process.