Abstract: This invention relates to a novel design of dry-suit. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel dry-suit design which has a smooth captive shell and concealed pleats for improved dry-suit functionality. A dry-suit comprising: (a) a hollow element-proof fabric formed in the shape of a human body including two arms, two legs and a torso; (b) first and second inwardly extending pleats formed in each of the two legs; and (c) first and second elastic element-proof fabric panels covering the respective first and second pleats and sealed around the periphery with the surrounding adjacent regions of the element-proof fabric of the dry-suit.

Abstract: A novel article of thermal clothing for covering the underlying area at the gap between a coat sleeve and a glove. The article of clothing comprises a tube having a distal portion terminating in a distal end, a proximal portion terminating in a proximal end, and side opening formed in the distal portion adjacent to but spaced from the distal end. The tube is sized so that it can be snugly fit over the wearer's hand and forearm so that the distal end of the tube is positioned near the midpalm area of the hand, the proximal end of the tube is positioned at the forearm area, and the wearer's thumb extends out through the tube's side opening. The tube is formed out of a flexible, somewhat stretchable material capable of providing good thermal insulation.

Abstract: A knee pad adapted to cover the knee of a user is made from a single sheet of durable, pliable sheet material, or from a plurality of separate segments made of such sheet material. It comprises a body having an open side, an elbow section and a leg section, said elbow section and a leg section joined to form a corner. A strap member is attached to extends between opposed sides of the leg section that enables the user to secure the knee pad to the user's knee with the knee placed into the to open side and seated against the corner. Outer edges of the leg and elbow section are each inwardly contoured forming a concave indentation respectively in each of these outer edges.

Abstract: A garment design permits a light source to be retained in a desired position in which it emits light across a layer portion of the garment or material carried thereon. The transmission of light can either be by virtue of a sufficient sheerness of garment material or other material carried thereon at least in the region of transmission or a cutout which permits passage of light from one side of the material in contact with the light source to other side facing the outside. The light source is conveniently a chemiluminescent light stick which can be received and retained in a suitably shaped and sized pocket provided interior or exterior of the garment.

Abstract: A helmet restraint and head and neck support system is provided for a driver of a racecar which restrains the forward, downward and lateral movement of the driver's head when subjected to large deceleration or other impact forces. The system includes a helmet for receiving the driver's head and a racing suit adapted to be worn by the body of the driver having left, right and rear straps for easily connecting and disconnecting the helmet to the racing suit. The rear strap is anatomically positioned in parallel with the driver's spine, and includes straps encircling both the arms and the legs of the driver. The protective helmet restraint and head and neck support system restrains the movement of a helmeted driver upon impact, stabilizes the posture of the head and neck of the operator during high speed maneuvers, and yet is simple and economical to fabricate and use.

Abstract: A portable back support device for providing vertebrae decompression support and therapeutic heating and/or cooling while preventing pressure against an incision or injured portion of the back. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different size persons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the production of elastomeric articles, such as elastomeric gloves, which can be easily stripped from forming molds, provide good tactile and gripping characteristics, and can be powder free with no halogenation or surface treatments. In general, the elastomeric articles of the invention include an ultra-thin outer layer formed of an acrylic-based polymer and a base polymer layer coagulated onto the surface of the outer layer which forms the primary matrix of the elastomeric article. The ultra-thin outer layer of the articles can be between about 0.25 microns and about 8.0 microns thick.

Abstract: A method of making a disposable pant having an inward fin crotch seam includes providing first and second panels, each panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, a panel waist edge, a panel leg edge, and two side regions. The panels are positioned such that their respective outer surfaces are in a facing relationship. The panels are bonded together to form a crotch seam. The panels are repositioning such that the inner surfaces are in a facing relationship. The side regions of the first panel are bonded to the side regions of the second panel to create two side seams to define a waist opening and two leg openings. The crotch seam may be inset toward the panel waist edges, and may include one or more slits. The disposable pant may include an absorbent.

Abstract: A headmount apparatus for mounting vision enhancement equipment thereon which is comprised of a mounting shell having at least one pad and having at least one mounting surface to which the vision enhancing equipment is mounted, where at least one pad is configured to contact the user's head. The headmount apparatus is also comprised of at least one elastic strap which is attached to the mounting shell for securing the mounting shell to the user's head. The headmount apparatus for mounting vision enhancement equipment thereon could alternatively be comprised of at least one mounting frame for attaching vision enhancement equipment, at least one hardware mounting surface for accepting the mounting frame, and a hood configured to fit over a user's head where the hood is made at least in part from an elastic material and which contains the hardware mounting surface.

Abstract: A headmount apparatus for mounting vision enhancement equipment thereon which is comprised of a mounting shell having at least one pad, and having at least one mounting surface to which the vision enhancing equipment is mounted, where the pad is configured to contact the subject's head. The headmount apparatus also contains at least one strap attached to the mounting shell for securing the mounting shell to the subject's head, and contains an occipital assembly which is positioned at the occiput of the subject's head, where the occipital assembly is attached by the strap to the mounting shell and is used to adjust the tension in the strap.

Abstract: A system and method of securing apparel to protective equipment is provided. In particular, the system includes an apparel attachment member defining a first side having an adhesive coating that secures the apparel attachment member to the protective equipment, and a second side having a plurality of hooks that removeably engage a plurality of loops located on the apparel.

Abstract: To enable a low profile for a toilet, and provide more universal toilet installation.

Abstract: A method for removing pharmaceutical agents from human wastes. Such pharmaceuticals may include their metabolized byproducts, either or both of which may be harmful as a toxin or a carcinogen. The method generally includes the use of a portable human waste containment unit which is configured to serve as a toilet for an individual who has been treated with a pharmaceutical agent. The waste containment unit is preferably configured as a self-contained unit with a separate removable reservoir or plastic reservoir liner, such that it is capable of being sealed for transporting to a facility where human wastes contained within the waste containment unit or its separate reservoir or liner can be appropriately processed. An outer, upper surface of the waste containment unit forms a seat equipped with a cover for sealing the waste containment unit.

Abstract: A pool structure includes multiple composing members detachably connected one by one to form an enclosure. A water-proof liner is disposed among and retained by the composing members. Therefore, water can be added into and stored in the pool structure to form a water pool for different kinds of purposes. The pool structure can be quickly and easily assembled, and, moreover, the pool structure can also be disassembled in a similar manner as in the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sliding rail consisting of two standards reciprocally defining a slotting wherein there is housed a shower support, into which there is obtained a recess intended to partly house a block forming a sliding guide for the support on the slotting, said sliding being allowed by the horizontal pivoting of the support relative to the block and by the consequent insertion or removal of the teeth provided on the support.

Abstract: A toilet bowl protector for preventing soiling of a toilet bowl includes a rim having an opening, the rim being adapted to be received around a rim of a toilet bowl, and a shell portion, the shell portion extending from the rim, the shell portion being adapted to be disposed within a bowl of the toilet bowl to prevent soiling of the bowl.

Abstract: A collapsible apparatus is provided that includes a frame configured to form a closed loop, the frame being moveable between a coiled configuration and an uncoiled configuration. A sleeve is configured to receive the frame and to define an opening within at least a portion of the closed loop. An attachment mechanism is coupled substantially about the periphery of the sleeve. A fabric member is removably coupled to the sleeve such that it is easily removed. A method of making mats according to an embodiment of the invention includes cutting fabric members from a first sheet of material, cutting body membranes from a second sheet of material such that the amount of excess material from the second sheet of material between adjacent body membranes is minimized, and attaching one of the body membranes to one of the fabric members.

Abstract: A shape-retaining bag having a front and a back connected to each other to define a chamber between for housing and retaining a fill material within a plurality of cells within the chamber which are made of a plurality of walls and one or more flow diverters adjacent to the cells and on the ends of the walls. A passageway is on a fill-side with a second passageway on an opposing side, each passageway extending approximately from one end side to another end side of the bag. As fill material is introduced into the chamber, it passes through the cells and the passageways in a fashion dictated by the cells and by the flow diverters until the bag is filled. The configuration of the various cells and flow diverters permit the bag to retain its shape notwithstanding the fill material within.

Abstract: The invention preferably includes a platform for attaching to patient carrying devices such as litters. The platform preferably is capable of attaching to accessory clips connected to medical instruments that are useful for carrying for a patient.

Abstract: A medical device control system and related method for simultaneously controlling operation of first and second patient supports.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a first patient support configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The first patient support illustratively includes an inflatable bladder. A backboard may be removably coupled to the patient support apparatus and is configured to facilitate transport of a patient to and from the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: An illustrative patient support apparatus includes a first section adapted to support a first portion of a patient, a second section adapted to support a second portion of the patient and pivotably movable relative to the first section about a first pivot axis, a third section adapted to support a third portion of the patient and pivotably movable relative to the second section about a second pivot axis that is parallel with the first pivot axis, a first locking mechanism that, when locked, prevents the second section from pivoting relative to the first section, a first lever that is movable to unlock the first locking mechanism to allow the second section to pivot relative to the first section, a second locking mechanism that, when locked, prevents the third section from pivoting relative to the second section, and a second lever that is movable to unlock the second locking mechanism to allow the third section to pivot relative to the second section.

Abstract: A bag/bed assembly comprising a first layer, which first layer receives and stores a second layer, and a third layer housed entirely within the second layer. Said first layer, when storing said second layer, serves as a seating apparatus. When you remove the second layer from the first layer, the second layer, is spaced out in a fully open position, having a substantially rectangular configuration that serves as a portably bed.

Abstract: A combination tool with a driving implement and a pick-up implement comprises a tool handle from which extend a driving implement in one direction and a telescopic pick-up implement in the opposite direction. The two implements are constructed and function totally independently from each other.

Abstract: Collagen membranes are formed from porcine rinds (i.e., pig skins) for us in a variety of applications and, most preferably, for wrapping food products, such as hams and the like. First, after removing skins from the porcine, the skins are promptly frozen. In later processing, the rinds are thawed and then enzymatically defatted. Then, a quick alkalinic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. Then, an acidic hydrolyzation is performed on the rinds. The rinds are then ground into a gel-like fluid mass. Finally, the fluid mass is extruded, sheeted and dried into a collagen membrane. The collagen membrane produced can be, in preferred embodiments, used for wrapping food products, such as hams.

Abstract: A textile having excellent water- and oil-repellency can be obtained by a method of preparing a treated textile, having steps of: (1) preparing a treatment liquid comprising a water- and oil-repellent agent, (2) adjusting pH of the treatment liquid to at most 7, preferably at most 3, (3) applying the treatment liquid to a textile, (4) treating the textile with steam, and (5) washing the textile with water and dehydrating the textile, wherein the water- and oil-repellent agent is at least one fluorine-containing compound selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing polymer and a fluorine-containing low molecular weight compound, and the water- and oil-repellent agent or the treatment liquid contains an organic salt.

Abstract: Process for waterproofing a semimanufactured product (1) of shoes, clothing items and accessories, said semimanufactured product (1) having a three-dimensional conformation, at least one inner surface (2) and one outer surface, characterized in that it comprises the following operative steps:

Abstract: Methods and compositions to treat fabrics with lipophilic fluid and a rebuild agent are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A plurality of washing machines each include a washing tub and a chemical tank therein. Each of the chemical tanks is linked by an equalizing conduit at the lower end thereof so as to maintain the same level of fluid within each of the tanks.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a programmable appliance having a dryer and a control system operatively connected to the dryer, the control system adapted to create a dryer instruction based on the washing mode selection and to apply the dryer instruction to the dryer. According to a method of the present invention, a dryer is programmed by receiving a washing mode selection associated with a washer, automatically creating a dryer mode selection from the washing mode selection, and applying the dryer mode selection to the dryer.

Abstract: 1,4-Diamino-2-(thiazol-2-yl)benzene derivatives of general formula (I) and the physiologically tolerated, water-soluble salts thereof 1

Abstract: Diaminopyrazole derivatives of the general Formula (I) or their physiological tolerated, water-soluble salts with inorganic or organic acids, 1

Abstract: A process for permanently reshaping keratin fibres, comprising the application to the keratin fibres, before reducing and/or after fixing , of a pre-treatment and/or post-treatment cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one aminosilicone comprising at least one aminoethylimino(C4-C8)alkyl group.

Abstract: A hair relaxer comprised of an activator that includes guanidine hydrochloride in place of guanidine carbonate as the activator mixed in a calcium hydroxide based relaxer.

Abstract: Use of an extract of the plant Myrsine africana in oxidation dyeing for dyeing keratin fibres, a novel composition comprising this plant extract, a process for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres using this composition, as well as the coloured products obtained using the composition.

Abstract: It is the objective of the present invention to disclose a method of continuously dyeing durable nonwoven fabrics, and more specifically, nonwoven fabrics comprising a cellulosic fibrous material dyed with indigo dyestuffs. It is in accordance with the present invention, to utilize synthetic fibers in combination with natural or cellulosic fibers in the formation of a nonwoven web. The natural fibers, preferably cotton, make up at least 10% of the fibrous nonwoven fabric.

Abstract: A process for the continuous dyeing of plastic films, such as polyethylene terephthalate, is characterized by passing the film through a dye bath comprised of dye stuffs dissolved, suspended or dispersed in a liquid carrier comprised at least in part of a polymer, preferably a polyol, having at least one free hydroxyl group and a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 600. The hydrogen bonding provided by the hydroxyl group, together with the high molecular weight and high boiling point of the polyol, mitigate against migration of the dye stuff out of the film, i.e., fading of the film, and impart long lasting color fastness to the film. Rapid diffusion of the dye bath into the film is enhanced by thermal and ultrasonic energization of the bath.

Abstract: Polyurethane article black colorants which comprise a novel blue polymeric anthraquinone colorant, rather than the previous standard polymeric triphenylmethane blue-type colorants are provided. Such a novel blend of colorants to produce black colorations within the target polyurethane foams exhibits very low color degradation within polyurethane foams, primarily due to the stability and resiliency of the novel anthraquinone-based polymeric colorant in the presence of high isocyanate levels, as well as large amounts of reactive tertiary amines (from catalyst residue, for example). A black colorant comprising such a novel blue polymeric colorant, as well as polyurethane foams comprising such a novel black coloring agent and methods of producing such foams are all contemplated within this invention.

Abstract: A method for making footwear including forming an upper assembly; providing an outsole including a recessed region and a groove region formed around a periphery of the outsole; and attaching the upper assembly to the outsole. The upper assembly is formed by a fitted upper having a vamp to a socklining, the fitted upper then attached to a gasket. The present method provides the gasket which can readily receive a Opanka stitch series for joining the upper assembly and the outsole.

Abstract: A dock leveler has a support with a deck pivotally secured to the support at one end for movement between a stored position and an elevated position. A deck lip is pivotally connected to the deck assembly for movement between a pendant stored position and a bridging position projecting from said deck assembly. A lift mechanism acts on said deck assembly to lift it toward the elevated position and a lip operating mechanism operatively connected to the lip moves it from the pendant position to the bridging position. A latch holds the lip in the bridging position. The latch releases the lip upon relative movement between the lip and the deck assembly and has a yieldable connection to permit limited pivotal movement between said lip and said deck assembly upon application of a rearward force from a vehicle to allow the lip to move to an unlatched position.

Abstract: The vibrating toothbrush includes a first arm portion with a brushhead mounted at a free end and a second arm portion joined by a hinge-like portion. The first and second arm portions have first and second natural resonant frequencies. A spring member connects the second arm portion to the first arm portion, and a solenoid actuator is also connected between the first and second arm portions. A contact switch assembly is responsive to a DC battery voltage such that when the switch is closed, the first arm portion is drawn in one direction by the actuator, which results in compression of the spring and opening of the switch, with the compressed spring moving the first arm portion in the opposing direction until the switch again closes, so that the brushhead moves back and forth with the opening and closing of the switch. A pressure feedback arrangement makes use of the spring element and a nodal mount which extends from the spring at a selected point therealong to the handle of the toothbrush.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a brushhead portion having a bristle section in the vicinity of a distal end thereof. The toothbrush also includes a handle portion, with the brushhead portion being removable from the handle portion. The brushhead includes a memory element therein which contains identification information, in one embodiment, use information for the brushhead, while the handle portion includes a microcontroller which accumulates information concerning use of the brushhead. Electrical communication elements from the memory element and the microcontroller connect together when the brushhead is operatively in place on the handle, providing a data communication capability between the memory element and the microcontroller.

Abstract: A motorized electric toothbrush in a display package includes a first switch to facilitate automatic motorized operation of the toothbrush. When the first switch is in one position, applying a force to a brush head portion of the toothbrush actuates a second switch and causes the motor to engage. A package body includes a flexible portion to allow an operator to apply a force to the brush head portion through the package body. The removable brush head portion is easily replaced when the bristles become worn, or to allow use of the toothbrush by another user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clearing a playing surface are provided. The apparatus preferably includes a chassis or frame, a sensor connected to the chassis to sense a location of a line on a playing surface that needs to be cleaned, and a drive connected to the chassis to drive the chassis in a selected direction of travel. The apparatus also preferably includes a controller connected to the chassis, in communication with the drive, and responsive to the sensor to control the drive to thereby direct the chassis to move along the line that needs to be cleaned in the selected direction of travel and a cleaning device connected to the chassis to clean the line with the chassis is being driven along the line. Associated software is provided as well.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a floor surface has a drive motor with a drive shaft rotatable on a rotation axis, and, a drive assembly drivingly connected to the drive shaft for conjoint rotation therewith. A floor surface treatment device is releasably connected to the drive assembly for conjoint rotation therewith about the rotation axis of the drive shaft. The floor surface treatment device is adapted for engagement with the floor surface to treat the floor surface upon rotation off the device relative to the floor surface. In a preferred embodiment, the drive assembly has a set of gear teeth and the floor surface treatment device has a corresponding set of gear teeth and is sized relative to the drive assembly to permit driving interengagement of the drive assembly gear teeth with the gear teeth of the floor surface treatment device.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning apparatus for cleaning wafers for manufacturing semiconductor devices is provided. The wafer cleaning apparatus includes a chuck for chucking a wafer to be cleaned, means for rotating the wafer chucked by the chuck, a cleaning solution spray nozzle for spraying a cleaning solution toward the top surface of the wafer rotated by the rotating means, at least two brushes installed to be moved horizontally above the wafer with a predetermined distance spaced apart from the top surface of the wafer in a contact state with the sprayed cleaning solution, and brush moving means for selectively moving the respective brushes horizontally above the wafer, wherein distances between the top surface of the wafer and lower ends of the respective brushes are different from each other when the respective brushes clean the wafer as horizontally moving above the wafer.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning the human tongue and methods for making such devices are disclosed. The tongue cleaner may include a tongue brush and a tongue scraper. The tongue cleaner may be of unitary injection molded construction. The tongue cleaner bristles may be tapered to a point for cleaning crevices of a human tongue, and the bristles may be angled or curved. The tongue scraper contains at least one blade for removal of undesirable material from the tongue by a scraping action. The tongue brush and tongue scraper may be combined into one unit or may be made and used separately.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement, preferably in the form of a roller mop, that includes a mop head, a shaft, and a wringer. The cleaning implement further includes a connecting link connected to the mop head and to the shaft or wringer. The mop head has a connecting side and a cleaning side thereby defining a mop axis, which axis is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The connecting link is positioned with respect to the mop head to permit the mop head to travel along a path substantially coextensive with the mop axis over at least a portion of the range of travel of the mop head.

Abstract: Bristle stiffness is varied by allowing a support beam that carries the bristles to undergo torsional movement in response to brushing action. Torsional movement is achieved by allowing the support beam to be disconnected to the brush head along at least portions of the length of the support beam. In particularly preferred embodiments, brushes employing the varying stiffness techniques are made with bristle sub-assemblies that have at least one row of bristles connected to a base string or similar structure that functions as a support beam. The base string can be connected across an opening in the brush, and is thus connected at its opposite ends, or it can be connected at any number of spaced intervals, the number and length of spacing being selected to achieve a desired degree of stiffness.

Abstract: Bristle stiffness is varied by allowing a support beam that carries the bristles to undergo torsional movement in response to brushing action. Torsional movement is achieved by allowing the support beam to be disconnected to the brush head along at least portions of the length of the support beam. In particularly preferred embodiments, brushes employing the varying stiffness techniques are made with bristle sub-assemblies that have at least one row of bristles connected to a base string or similar structure that functions as a support beam. The base string can be connected across an opening in the brush, and is thus connected at its opposite ends, or it can be connected at any number of spaced intervals, the number and length of spacing being selected to achieve a desired degree of stiffness.