Abstract: This invention provides a garment for a person to wear that will more efficiently remove heat from the person's upper body physical activities. The garment of this invention comprises a shirt member made of a fabric that can retrieve water from the surface of the body, the skin, such that the any amount of the heat contained in the removed water does not flow back into the body. The design of the garment of this invention has sides that have a curved, contoured or tapered shape that resembles the normal shape of a person's upper body. The contoured design enables the water removing fabric of the shirt to be in constant contact with the person's body. The invention has vented areas under both arm locations. These armpit areas retain the most heat and therefore require additional means to efficiently reduce the body temperature in those locations.

Abstract: A golf glove is provided and incorporates padding or the like to assist in proper gripping of a golf club shaft. At least one of the pads is operably attached to a palmar side of the glove below the little finger portion of the glove. This pad mimics the meaty portion or ball of the golfer's palm by virtue of its configuration and location. The glove also preferably has a plurality of finger pads disposed on the palmar side of the glove in positions which correspond to the areas between the selected finger joints of a user's hand inserted into the glove. These finger pads serve as a locating aid and also aid in retaining the golf club shaft in the proper gripped position.

Abstract: A pressure flush system for use within a toilet tank includes a pressure flush tank having an inlet port and a discharge port, an air inlet, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a generally cylindrical housing, a water inlet in fluid communication with the pressure flush tank, a water outlet in fluid communication with the discharge port, a normally closed valve which allows fluid communication between the water inlet and water outlet when the valve is opened, a piston axially spaced from the valve, and a flexible tube positioned within the housing which is carried between the valve and the piston and in fluid communication therebetween. Relative to the valve, the piston is movable into and out sealing engagement with the discharge port to permit the discharge of water under pressure contained within the pressure flush tank. The flexible tube is movable in response to movement of the piston.

Abstract: A device for controlling the supply of fluids, such as water and/or air, particularly for whirlpool baths and shower cubicles, which comprises a unit for processing the signal that arrives from an audio system, which can be activated selectively by the user, and is suitable to control and adjust the operation of supply devices for the whirlpool bath and/or shower cubicle.

Abstract: Furniture pieces designed to span time and style of a user from post-crib to adulthood by use of interchangeable panels. Furniture is comprised of a frame with interchangeable panels and backing panel that are connected by means of an attachment system. Frames may consist of wood, metal or other material; the interchangeable panels may be any material or panel structure suitable to a variety of finishes such as paint, wallcovering, upholstery, veneer, laminate or other.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is mounted on a rail supported above a floor by two legs to support one end of a sofa/bed. A like hinge assembly is mounted the same way at the other end of the sofa/bed. The hinge assemblies include side rails supporting front and rear sofa frame members. Each hinge assembly combines front and rear pivot arms supporting a seat bracket, a backrest bracket and an intermediate hinge plate. A latch arm is pivoted to the seat bracket and received through a loop fastened on the intermediate hinge plate and on which a stop is provided. The latch arm is spring biased against the stop and includes a notch receivable in the stop to latch the arm. A latch dog is provided in the arm and which can be toggled between a position enabling latching of the arm against the stop, and a position enabling release of the arm from the stop.

Abstract: A movement system for moving a person, the movement system including, in at least certain aspects, power apparatus, primary line apparatus connected to the power apparatus, the power apparatus for selectively moving or playing out and taking in the primary line apparatus, one or a plurality of secondary lines connected to the primary line apparatus, the secondary lines, if there are a plurality of them diverging from each other and each extending to a corresponding movement station in a structure, the or each secondary line having a distal end extending into its corresponding movement station for connection to personal support apparatus around a person, and the or each secondary line movable by the power apparatus for moving a person to whose personal support apparatus the or each secondary line is attached.

Abstract: A playard including a frame and a hub. The frame includes first and second legs configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The hub includes a hub body, at least one locking arm operably coupled to the hub body, and a user interface. Each locking arm includes a socket and is configured to releasably couple to a leg when in the deployed position. An end of the leg extends through a passage in the hub body so that an outer surface of the end of the leg is captured within the socket. The legs are coupled to the hub body by a ring that is captured by at least one retention member in a snap fit engagement. The user interface is configured to release the locking arms and includes a strap with a pleat to prohibit the strap from passing through the aperture.

Abstract: A latch arrangement for a foldable playard has a top rail comprised of first and second tubular members, a bracket to which the first and second tubular members are pivotally supported, and a latch mechanism operatively interconnecting opposed ends of the first and second tubular members. The latch mechanism includes first and second pivotal pawls. which are pivotally supported on the bracket. The pawls can have cam followers that extend inwardly toward each other, as well as engagement end portions which engage end portions of the first and second tubular members. The latch mechanism also includes a cam supported on the bracket so as to be displaceable in a direction essentially parallel with axes about which the pawls pivot. The latch mechanism further includes a spring biasing the pawls in contra-rotating directions to cause the cam followers to engage the cam. In such a latch, a button can be formed integral with the cam, and a layer of fabric can overlay the bracket.

Abstract: An improved stadium blanket construction (10) including a generally rectangular blanket member (20) having a hand warmer member (30) formed on one face (21) and a pair of foot warming members (40) (40′) formed on the opposed faces of the blanket member (20) whereby the user may place the hand warmer member (30) on either side of the blanket member (20) while one of the foot warming members (40) will be positioned to receive the user's feet and the other foot warming member (40′) will be available to store other sport viewing related paraphernalia.

Abstract: A medical accessory clamping system includes a table and an accessory clamp. The table has an upper surface and a lower surface, a first ridge positioned on the upper surface and a second ridge positioned on the lower surface of the table. The accessory clamp has a first clamping member and a second clamping member coupled to but separate from the first clamping member wherein the clamping members define a cavity for receiving a portion of the table. The first and second clamping members have recesses for receiving said first and second ridges of the table, respectively. A uniquely styled clamp and a table are also disclosed.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame. The apparatus also includes a coupler for coupling a power pack to one of the base, the frame and the mattress. The power pack is pivotable between a first area substantially underneath the frame and a second area substantially outside the first area.

Abstract: A spatially-adjustable patient positioning surface (1) of an operating table, for example, is connected to at least two hydraulic cylinders (2, 3, 3′, 24) which are separately controllable by two control elements. The control elements are combined in at least one rotary distributor (26, 27) that is adjustable by means of one common adjustment arrangement (25).

Abstract: A wheelchair cushion having a solid gel patient interface, a matrix or honeycomb panel and a foam base. The gel layer is mold around and over the honeycomb panel to produce a composite panel with patient interface characteristics of a gel layer, but with reduced weight. The matrix panel cells are open on the lower ends which are bonded to a soft foam base. The matrix panel interacts with the foam base to spread forces and provide pressure reduction and positioning better than solid gel, but with less weight. The foam base may include several layers of differing density and contouring elements. The composite panel conforms to the base contours to provide a contoured patient interface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a barrier coupled to a frame. The barrier includes an interior region containing a fluid supply. A related method is provided for converting a patient support apparatus to include a fluid filled patient support surface.

Abstract: An emergency tool for automobiles includes an elongate body, a rear cap resiliently and pivotally connected to a rear end of the elongate body, an upper cover closing on an open upper portion of the body, a knife device combined with a front end portion of the body for cutting a seat belt in case of emergency, and a hammer combined sidewise with an projection formed in the front end portion of the body for breaking open a window glass. Two different screwdrivers and a connect rod of a screwdriver set are deposited inside the body, possible to be taken out for use in case of an accident by opening the rear cap and the upper cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the processing of animal skins to create leather and results in improved leather quality, in terms of softness, and markedly increased area yield. According to the present invention there is provided a process for improving area yield and/or softness of leather which comprises treating chromium (III) or aldehyde tanned skins with an enzyme composition which is a mixture of at least one protease and at least one elastase. The invention applies particularly, although not exclusively, to clothing leather and upholstery leather production.

Abstract: Couplers for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): 1

Abstract: Hair-colorant compositions containing (a) from 0.2 to 25% by weight of an alkoxylated carboxylic acid ester; (b) from 0.5 to 25% by weight of a fatty acid partial glyceride; and (c) from 0.1 to 15% by weight of a hair dye; wherein all percentages by weight are based on the total composition, are disclosed. Methods of reducing cloudiness in hair-colorant compositions by combining a hair dye and a mixture of an alkoxylated carboxylic acid ester and a fatty acid partial glyceride are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of dyeing a textile product to achieve a desired appearance effect including the steps of applying an aqueous pretreatment composition of epoxy ammonium salt, caustic and wetting agent to a textile product in a selected manner to achieve a desired coverage of the pretreatment composition to the textile product, drying the textile product, dyeing the textile product to achieve an appearance effect corresponding to the selected manner of application of the pretreatment composition to the textile product. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of applying the pretreatment composition to the product is selected from the group of application methods which includes padding, spraying, brushing, dripping, writing and roller printing.

Abstract: Process for preparing compounds of the formula (I) 1

Abstract: The invention relates to new thioxanthone compounds having utility as fluorescent dyes and processes for their manufacture.

Abstract: A composite girder comprises an elongate member of concrete having a substantially u-shaped or c-shaped cross-section. The girder has a pair of spaced legs connected together by a bridging portion. The legs have substantially flat elongate end faces and exterior reinforcing, such as a steel plate, extends along at least one of said end faces. A method of constructing a bridge using the girder is also provided.

Abstract: Our invention, THE SHOE SHIMMER, is intended to consolidate in a neat and organized fashion the task of shoe shining. Whereas this task is not beloved because of the dirt and mess it leaves behind, we have eliminated the mess and have returned shoe shining to be a part of the morning routine in the home.

Abstract: An assembly for washing a golf cart includes an enclosure having two openings and a floor. A conveyor system has a belt that attaches to the golf cart and extends along the floor. The conveyor system directs the golf cart through the enclosure. A connection to a water source is in fluid communication with a plurality of outlets positioned in an interior of the enclosure and positioned to direct water onto the golf cart as it passes through the enclosure. A drying means may be provided to remove excess water from the golf cart.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of rollers adapted to support a substrate in a vertical orientation, a scrubber brush adapted to contact a substrate supported by the plurality of rollers, and a sonic nozzle positioned at an elevation below the elevation of the scrubber brush and adapted so as to output a sonicated fluid spray that contacts a beveled edge or a major surface of the substrate such that fluid having sufficient sonic energy to harm the scrubber brush will not contact the scrubber brush.

Abstract: A backwash brush having a telescoping handle to make it convenient to carry the brush in a kit also forming a part of this development. A variety of brushes are available for use with the device and the kit is housed in a pouch of small size sufficient to house the collapsed brush handle and brush for convenient storage during travel.

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: A paint roller tray includes a paint roller reservoir adjacent one end and a roll off area sloping upwardly away from the paint roller reservoir. The slope of the roll off area is maintained by a support member longitudinally spaced from the paint roller reservoir. The support member is comprised of one or more compartments each having a closed bottom and open top, and an inner wall extending above the upper end of the roll off area to separate each compartment from the roll off area.

Abstract: A bushing assembly having a self-alignment function includes inner bushings mounted in outer bushings. A center adjustment unit is mounted between the outer bushing and the inner bushing, and includes convex arcuate faces mating with concave arcuate faces. Thus, the inner bushing may micro-adjust an assembly angle automatically, to maintain at the same axis with other inner bushing, thereby facilitating passage and mounting of a shaft. In addition, the outer bushing or the inner bushing is formed with a slit, or the outer bushing may be made detachable, so that the outer bushing and the inner bushing may be combined easily.

Abstract: A locking claw (23a) to be locked to a through-hole (H) projects outwardly from a peripheral wall (21) of a resinous inner member (20). At least one pair of locking holes (24) is formed on a locking flange part (22) projecting from the peripheral wall (21). An annular concavity (12a) (13a), on which the locking flange part (22) fits, is formed on an inner peripheral surface of a large-diameter cylindrical part (12, 13). Locking projections (12a-1, 13a-1) project from a leading end of a side wall of the annular concavity (12a, 13a). The locking projections (12a-1, 13a-1) are inserted into and locked with the locking holes (24). Locking claws (123a-126a) project from the resinous inner member (120) and are locked to a through-hole (H1) of the body panel (P1).

Abstract: A heavy-duty caster of relatively concise configuration wherein a vertical kingpin interconnects the basic components, and the kingpin is vertically adjustable relative to its supporting structure to permit the vertical height of the caster to be readily varied.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cabinet hinge with a side adjusting device that connects directly or indirectly on a cabinet-side, has a single- or multi-part baseplate (1) holding a hinge arm that is connected jointed or linked or hinged with a door-side stop component so that by means of the side adjusting device, the hinge arm's position can be changed perpendicular to the baseplate, and, at the same time, results in a correction of the depth adjustment of the hinge arm. This correction of the depth adjustment, which can also be described as a gap or reveal equalization, is accomplished by a corresponding side adjusting screw; that is, correspondingly by operating or turning the side adjusting screw. The adjusting element achieves restrained and controlled guidance of the hinge arm during the adjustment.

Abstract: A single-pin hinge for furniture comprises a base (11) and a fastening bowl (12). Pivotally mounted on the bowl (12) is the end (14) of a pivoting arm (15) the opposite end of which (16) is rectilinear and slidably mounted to an extremity of an L-shaped element (17). The other extremity of the element (17) is slidably mounted to the base (11). Disposed between one extremity (18) of the L-shaped element and the base (11) is first means (20) for adjustment of the mutual position of same in their sliding direction (21) whereas between the other extremity (19) of the L-shaped element and the rectilinear end (16) of the pivoting arm is second means (23) for adjustment of the mutual position of same in their sliding direction (22).

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an electronic apparatus capable of holding a panel unit at a desired tilt angle &thgr; and smoothly angularly displacing the panel unit irrespective of the weight of the panel unit. An attachment portion protruding while facing the panel unit is provided on a lower cabinet, a frictional member made of silicone rubber having flexibility and elasticity is detachably attached to the attachment portion, and sliding members that slide on the frictional member are provided on the rear surface of the panel unit which rear surface faces the attachment portion, whereby a tilt holding force optimum for the weight of the panel unit is caused.

Abstract: A faucet handle includes a hub, handle body and end cap. The handle body includes a first end with external threads and a second end with internal threads and a central bore extending between the first and second ends. The end cap includes a shank with a bore configured to receive a driver, such as a hex wrench, and threads to engage the internal threads of the second end. In use, a consumer inserts a driver through the central bore to engage the bore of the end cap and screw the end cap into the second end of the handle body. The handle body is then screwed into the hub.

Abstract: So as to produce a condensed nonwoven, at least one first nonwoven is produced with the aid of a carding machine (1), said first nonwoven issued from the carding machine is directed to a rotating transfer element (20) by means of one first transport surface (S1), and said first nonwoven is transferred onto a second transport surface (S2) by means of said transfer element (20), the second transport surface (S2) being driven at a linear speed (V2) slower than the circumferential speed of the transfer element (20).

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: A binder clip for holding sheets of paper or other items comprises a clamp including a flexible hinge and gripping surfaces on the inside of the clamp which hold the paper sheets when the clamp is closed, and a spring which slides over the front and back surfaces of the clamp from the location of the hinge to force the clamp closed and push the gripping surfaces toward each other for binding the items together.

Abstract: A jewelry clasp is provided with two bodies, each having a surface magnetically attracted to the other. The clasp has a safety catch that includes an arm hinged to one of the bodies. The arm may be swung about the hinge between an open position and a closed position. A further magnetic attraction keeps the arm in the closed position until opened with a fingernail. A retaining wall may extend generally perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the arm to block a path that the other of the bodies could travel if the bodies were to separate from each other while the safety catch is in the closed position. If desired, a male connector may be inserted into a female connector to prevent separation of the bodies from each other. The male connector and female connector are usable in tandem with the retaining wall, or in lieu thereof.

Abstract: A test tube retention system for facilitating an efficient and sterile lumbar puncture procedure. The test tube retention system includes a retainer structure having a first clip member, a second clip member, a third clip member and a fourth clip member connected to one another in a straight manner. Each clip member has a front opening formed for receiving and releasing a test tube. A plurality of upper cross members 50 and a plurality of lower cross members preferably extending between each of the clip members. A flange member preferably extends about the outer portion of the clip members for increasing the rigidity of the clip members with respect to one another. The flange member includes four front angled openings that correspond to each of the front openings within the clip members. The clip members preferably each have a tubular structure formed for snugly receiving the test tubes in a parallel manner to one another.

Abstract: A separable zipper head comprising a first zipper head, and a second zipper head; the first zipper head including a first zipper plate; the first zipper plate being installed with a post projecting downwards; the post having a through hole; the second zipper head including a second zipper plate; the second zipper head having a post at a position with respect to the post of the first zipper plate; the post having a threaded hole; and a locking device for locking through hole and threaded hole of the posts of the first zipper head, and second zipper head. Therefore, the first zipper head and second zipper head are designed separately. The maintenance, updating and assembly of the first zipper head can be made rapidly.

Abstract: A reclosable closure consists of two longitudinally continuous strips and which, when facially engaged, are held together by hook and loop fastening principles. The inner side of one strip has two fields of hook-engageable loops, separated by a female seal profile portion. The inner side of the other strip has two fields of molded hook elements arranged to engage the loops to hold the closure in its closed condition, and a central male seal profile portion for engaging the female seal profile portion to form a seal when the closure is closed. Another reclosable closure is held together by hook and loop fastening principles and includes a resilient bead that is compressed between opposing sides of the closure, or between spaced rails of an opposing side of the closure, when the hooks and loops of the closure are engaged. The closure is useful, for example, as a bag closure.

Abstract: A compact and thin piezo-electric resonator is provided having a high air-tightness and available at a low cost, in which a piezo-electric resonator element is provided in a housing having a structure which permits adjustment of the frequency after sealing the housing. Further, a surface-mounting type piezo-electric resonator is provided, in which a piezo-electric resonator element is provided in a housing, having a structure which permits frequency adjustment through an opening provided in a base or a lid forming the housing.

Abstract: A method of processing a ceramic capacitor includes a first step of applying a DC voltage to a ceramic capacitor by a first DC voltage source, and a second step of applying a DC voltage by a second DC voltage source to generate in the ceramic capacitor a polarization in a direction opposite to a direction of a polarization generated by the application of the DC voltage in the first step, thereby reducing electric charge remaining in the ceramic capacitor.

Abstract: A pair of pincers for assembling and disassembling the spring of the brake shoes in a drum brake includes a position lever and a hook lever preset in its form, having respective grip at a lower portion and pivotally combined together. The hook lever has a hook formed on a top end and the position lever is fitted with a position member capable to rotate freely therein and the position member has ratchet teeth provided around on an upper end. Thus, the ratchet teeth of the position member are forced to firmly hold the outer wall of the brake shoes, and the hook of the hook lever hooks the spring of the brake shoes and then hold close two grips to disassemble it with quickness.

Abstract: The present invention discloses method for packaging and assembly of electronic units comprising a multi-planar board system in which each single planar board provides electrical contacts and/or signal drive to its successive planar board via a flexible cable forming the only connection between successive planar boards. In its packaged position the planar boards are laid upon one another without affixing them with each other or affixing them with the housing of the electronic unit, wherein the packaging of the planar boards preferably forming a daisy chain. Positioning and adjusting of the planar boards to each other is mainly achieved by the cover element being wrapped around all surfaces of the planar boards during the packaging process, positioning and clamping of the packaging of the planar boards within the housing is mainly achieved by the self-adapting suspension during the assembly process of the electronic unit into the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which wooden railroad ties are pre-plated prior to use in constructing and/or repairing railroad lines. Methodology disclosed comprises placing two plates on top of each of a succession of wooden ties, temporarily positioning disclosed one of the two plates on each tie with a distance or spacer template temporarily clamping the two plates accurately to the tie using a jig, starting a field spike and a gauge spike (usually with one or more sledge hammers) into each wooden tie through the selected apertures in each plate, and further driving the started spikes into the associated tie (usually using a jackhammer). Typically, the field spike is located outside the field flange of the plate and is driven until the head of the spike is contiguous with the plate. Typically, the gauge spike is displaced through an aperture in the gauge flange of the plate until the head is about 1½ inches above the plate.

Abstract: A system and method for accomplishing localized feature forming in a sheet of material and/or the localized joining of multiple sheets of material. The system and method may also be used to attach a secondary component to a sheet of material. The system and method of the present invention employs a die having a shaped cavity for receiving a portion of the sheet material. A projectile is propelled from a projectile firing device to impact the sheet or sheets of material in the area overlying the subjacent die cavity. The projectile forces a portion of the sheet material into the die cavity, imparting a shape thereto. The kinetic energy transferred from the projectile to the sheet material may be used to form a metallurgical bond between multiple sheets of material. The metallurgical bond can be used alone to join the sheets, or may be used in conjunction with an interlocking shape to provide extra strength.

Abstract: A work pallet for processing optical fiber. The work pallet may be configured to manage lengths of optical fiber for an automated manufacturing process. In this regard, the pallet may be configured to organize and maintain individual fibers in one or more desired positions to facilitate a manufacturing process. For example, the pallet may be employed for an automated fusion splicing process in which pairs of optical fibers are spliced to each other to establish an optical circuit. The pallet presents a platform on which corresponding fibers of an optical fiber module or other device may be arranged in an organized fashion for fiber preparation, fusion splicing, fiber recoating, post-processing storage and the like. The pallet may employ a cross-lacing arrangement in which the fibers extend in opposite directions across the pallet to control fiber slack associated with subsequent fusion splicing or other processing of the fiber pairs.