Abstract: A child's bib for use concurrent with a dummy so as to inhibit the dummy from falling out of the child's mouth or to retain the dummy adjacent the child's head. The bib can include a case of flexible material, such as cloth, and an inelastically deformable material encased within the case such that the bib may be deformed to form a stop structure to retain the dummy or to catch the dummy should it fall out. The bib can also include a bib element including an inelastically deformable material that is attachable to a surface of a conventional bib, such as via hook-and-loop tape. The bib can also be deformed to form a catch structure to catch material, such as food, that may exit the child's mouth.

Abstract: A wheelchair blanket/jacket/slicker garment that provides those who are elderly, disabled or other adaptive persons with warmth, protection and convenience. A full sleeve, full front portion with a contoured wing-back portion design that lends freedom of mobility while maintaining objectives without sacrifice to comfort and style.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interactive infant or child blanket with a tactile apparatus for removably attaching small toys such as pacifiers, teethers, rattles, and developmental toys. The invention also includes an apparatus for removably attaching the blanket itself to other objects such as a highchairs, baby bouncers, infant swings, car seats, strollers, or shopping carts, for play control and stability. The novel attachment system allows a child to play on the go without the hassle of dropping or soiling play objects, thereby minimizing the chance of loss or exposure to germs. The blanket preferably comes packaged in a matching bag that can also carry toy attachments and perhaps a bottle and/or diapers, providing parents with a small “baby to-go” bag for quick errands and trips. In another embodiment, the retention blanket includes a blanket adapted to engage a wheelchair as required by elderly and handicap persons.

Abstract: A utility vest enabling attachment of an at least one tool pouch having a generic tool belt type attachment means and method for employing same is disclosed. The utility vest comprises a vest portion having a back and two front side portions defining two armholes, a neck opening and a reinforced bottom edge along which are spaced a plurality of apertures and, one or more adapter portions comprising a rectangular staking plate on which are mounted two or more attachment means for securing the adapter portions to the reinforced bottom edge of the vest portion by inserting the attachment means into the apertures at a location selected by a user. The staking plate is sized in width to enable a tool pouch having a generic tool belt type attachment means to be fitted thereon prior to attachment of the adapter portion to the vest portion. Tool belt type tool pouches may be thereby attached to the vest at locations to distribute their weight properly so as to minimize strain to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a garment while breastfeeding. A first step involves providing a strap with means for securing the strap to itself. A second step involves raising a garment of a mother to a raised position with a breast of the mother exposed. A third step involves maintaining the garment in the raised position by extending the strap through a neck of the garment and around the lower hem of the garment to form a loop and securing the strap to itself. It is preferred that the strap have an indicator which identifies whether the mother should be breastfeeding from her left breast or her right breast.

Abstract: A shirt collar closure situated about one inch below the customary shirt collar button.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to ear muffs and in particular to an earmuff that are to be used in conjunction with headphones for portable radios, cassette players and the like. The outer surface of the earmuff is a solid shape resembling a standard earmuff while the inner side that faces the ear breaks apart into 2 C-shape donut halves to accommodate the placement of the headphone speaker. This design allows the earmuff to be positioned around the headphone speaker by means of the 2 C-shape donut halves and reconnect together around the headphone speaker in order to stabilize against the headphone and allow space for the headphone band and speaker wire between the connected respective halves of the donut. The earmuff makes use of the unique donut design to accommodate various styles of portable headphones while providing maximum insulation to the ear. The earmuffs are detachable and can be exchanged.

Abstract: A disclosed belt loop cover device provides a housing that can removably receive a belt loop of a pair of pants. The device includes a hollow shell or cap generally having the shape and size of a belt loop, which has a face that can be suitably ornamented. The shell further includes a pair of side walls, which are raised in a direction opposite the face, and a flat plate. The plate has one edge that is hingedly coupled to one of the side walls and an opposite edge that is releasably couplable to the other side wall.

Abstract: A portion of a mask or helmet covering a user's ear has an aperture covered by a sound-collecting and sound-transmissive protector swivelingly mounted thereon. The protector has a substantially parabolic reflector surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the protector's axis of rotation which magnifies sounds arriving from a particular angular direction and directs the sound through a plurality of holes axially penetrating through the protector from an outer to an inner surface. A user manipulable actuator nib extends axially outwardly from a peripheral portion of the outer surface of the protector allowing user control of swiveling movement.

Abstract: A method of graft polymerization in order to covalently bond groups that are antimicrobial or can be made antimicrobial by subsequent chemical modification. These groups are bonded to fabrics, which can be used in a variety of applications without impairing the physical properties of the fabric. Additionally, the treatment may be made renewable by exposing the fabric to specific chemical reagents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a toilet seat assembly that can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools by aligning various components of the assembly at a predetermined angle with respect to one another. Another aspect of the invention includes a system composed of a plurality of toilet seat assemblies that communicate information onto and receive information from a computer network that can include the Internet in one embodiment. Another aspect of the invention includes a kit for servicing the assembly of the invention that includes a plurality of rolls of plastic sleeves.

Abstract: A no hands toilet lid and seat opening and closing mechanism consisting of a saddle like mounting bracket having pivot arms, secured by existing lid and seat hinge bolts through rearward holes at end of typical existing toilet bowl rim having a seat or lid and seat. Two ends at the rear of the foot levers are pivotally coupled to the pivot arms, one on each side of mounting bracket, this allows the lid foot lever and the seat foot lever to swing downward, pulling on four connecting rods, two on each side, with two ends, the bottom end of the rods fastens to the two foot levers, the top end of the rods fastens to the lid and seat brackets. The downward movement of the rods fastened at the rear of the lid and seat brackets which are bonded rearward to underside of existing toilet lid and seat in front of and parallel to lid/seat hinge assembly, to pivot on existing toilet lid and seat hinges thus raising lid and seat together by pushing the seat foot lever or separate by pushing the lid foot lever.

Abstract: A water closet fitting including an annular flange, a cylindrical sleeve attached and extending outward of the flange, and a removable seal for temporarily sealing the closet fitting during construction and volumetric pressure testing of a drainage system to which the closet fitting is connected. The closet fitting prevents material during construction of the drainage system from falling into the drainage system and obstructing it.

Abstract: A bolt-keeper toilet flange has a predeterminedly arcuate plate (1) with one or more bolt-head brackets (2, 9) for holding a toilet-bolt head (15) in order to position it upright in a predetermined place for attachment of a toilet bowl. On opposite sides of the bolt-head bracket are floor-bolt apertures (7, 21) through which floor bolts (8) can be inserted downwardly with heads of the floor bolts being retained upwardly by the floor-bolt apertures for bolting the arcuate plate to a floor selectively about a toilet drain aperture. Optionally, for a repair embodiment, the arcuate plate can be a connector plate (11) for bridging between sections of an existing toilet-bowl ring. For an original-installation embodiment, the arcuate plate can a base circumferential plate (13).

Abstract: A shut off valve is provided for use in an aircraft lavatory system during maintenance sanitizing operations. The shut off valve includes an inlet passage in intermittent fluid communication with an outlet passage and a magnetic flapper body movable between a rest position and a seal position between said inlet passage and said outlet passage. The flapper body is moved by a magnetic actuator whereby upon placing said magnetic actuator within the proximity of the flapper body, the flapper body is moved from the rest position and, with the assistance of fluid flow within the valve, into the seal position, thus, preventing fluid communication between the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

Abstract: A bidet assembly includes a valving member collectively engageable to a water faucet of a sink. The valve assembly is manipulatable to permit water to pass through the valve assembly into the bowl of the sink or, alternatively, manipulatable to another position to permit fluid flow in one direction through the valve assembly into a flexible conduit and to a selectively positionable spray assembly of the bidet positioned within the bowl of a toilet around a top surface . The bidet assembly is secured on the top surface of the bowl of the toilet by means of a securing flap. The spray assembly may be oriented or aligned with the area of application of the spray onto the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a liner that may be readily utilized in a toilet receptacle such as a child's potty or bedpan. The liner comprises flexible sheets fabricated from biodegradable material. The central portion of the sheets is adapted to assume a bag-like configuration so as to conform with the inner receptacle surfaces of a standard potty chair or bedpan. Unique attachment tabs are disposed on the perimeter of the liner so that the liner may be adhesively secured in an efficient manner to the surfaces of the potty or bedpan. The tabs are utilized to seal the liner after use.

Abstract: A coupling system for securing a sink to a drain pipe includes a flange connector having a drainage channel and a peripheral flange. A support member for supporting the sink has a drainage channel. Engagement structure secures the flange connector to the support member such that the drainage channel of the flange connector communicates with the drainage channel of the support member. A sink system and method for installing a sink are also provided.

Abstract: A handle for controlling water temperature and/or water flow is mounted on the side of a bathtub and shaped such that the handle may be controlled by a bather's foot. The vanes of the handle are shaped to accommodate the shape of the foot and are spaced apart from each other to allow easy operation of the handle.

Abstract: A handle for controlling water temperature and/or water flow is mounted on the side of a bathtub and shaped such that the handle may be controlled by a bather's foot. The vanes of the handle are shaped to accommodate the shape of the foot and are spaced apart from each other to allow easy operation of the handle. An invertible port plate in the valve is provided for mounting the handle in both right sidewall and left sidewall versions.

Abstract: A shower drain having a tapered body and arcuate keepers circumferentially disposed around the body and capable of being drawn up the tapered body from a lower position to a higher position to engage the underside of a shower drain floor and hold the drain in place. When the keepers are in the lower position the drain readily fits through the floor drain opening. The keepers are drawn up the body by turning bolts extending through openings in the drain flange. The keepers extend substantially the full circumference of the drain body to provide maximum seating area against the underside of a shower floor.

Abstract: A pneumatic support and transfer system particularly useful for transferring morbidly obese patients from one location such as a hospital bed to another location such as a stretcher includes a specially constructed air mattress having a soft yet stable cradle formed by a peripheral air chamber which is in continuous communication with open ended passages formed by separate fluid impervious surface panels which maintain the top and bottom surfaces of the mattress out of contact with one another when the mattress is pressurized.

Abstract: The present invention describes a new mattress cover sheet with barrier effect against bacteria and parasites, consisting of a spunlace fibre based fabric. The spunlace fabric mattress cover can be produced in a structure with one or more layers, and can contain antibacterial substances. The sheet subject of the invention provides an effective barrier between the person and the mattress, in particular avoiding the transfer of pollutants from the mattress to the person and at the same time protecting the hygiene of the mattress itself.

Abstract: A storage locker for a sleeping cot (L) comprises a rigid container (90) of predetermined height, length, width, and cross-sectional shape, with a top (91), a bottom (92), a front (93), a back (94), a right end (95), a left end (116) and a recessed handle assembly (104). Vertical partitions (117, 119, and 120), and horizontal partitions (124, 126, and 128) within container (90) bound drawers (106), open-face compartments (108), and closed-face compartments (118 and 121) fronted by access doors (110). Drawers (106) and doors (110) are locked closed by conventional cam locks (114). Container end apertures (96) facilitate optional attachment of prior-art foldable beverage container holder(s) (172) using various conventional fasteners including variable depth push fasteners (180). And apertures (100 and 101) in top 91 of container 90 facilitate its demountable attachment to a variety of sleeping cots (C) using conventional u-bolt assemblies (160).

Abstract: A wheeled carriage having a patient support deck elevatable by a pair of hydraulic jacks controlled by a foot pedal arrangement. Brakes are provided for the wheels on the wheeled carriage activatable by additional foot pedals.

Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending therefrom and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions.

Abstract: The support of this critical design yields preventative measures for the relief of pain from the impact of stress caused by bodily distortions when sleeping while sitting up.

Abstract: This invention is an inflatable product that includes a plurality of chambers at least two of which are adjoining, with at least one unidirectional valve connecting any pair of adjoining chambers, an inlet port, and an exhaust port.

Abstract: An overlay mattress has a plurality of internal elevating means, such as inflatable bladders, for raising selected portions of the mattress to achieve a wide range of patient positions. A fluid such as air may be supplied from a conventional surgical room air supply, a compressed canister, or a compressor to inflate the bladders. A fluid distribution system controls the flow of fluid to desired bladders. The overlay mattress may be used in conjunction with conventional surgical tables and mattresses. A thermal control means is also included in the overlay mattress to regulate a patient's body temperature. A pressure shifting means is also included to reduce the risk of bedsore formation.

Abstract: The invention provides bayonet or survival knife 100 that insulates the user from electric shock. With the insulated bayonet or knife, the user can safely cut a wire regardless of whether the wire is electrified or not. As a further improvement, the invention provides the soldier with an indicator to warn the soldier or user that the wire that is being cut is also electrified. In one of its embodiments the invention provides a voltage indicator circuit that includes, in series, blade 102 and hand guard 104 of bayonet or knife 100, resistor 106, light bulb 108 such as a neon bulb, and electrical thumb terminal 110 embedded in insulating handle 112. Metal blade 102 and metal butt or bayonet latch 114 on the end of handle 112 are electrically isolated from each other by insulating extension rod 116.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oxidation dyeing composition for keratinous fibres, and in particular human keratinous fibres such as hair comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least an oxidation base selected among certain substituted para-phenylenediamine derivatives and their addition salts with an acid, and at least a synthetic direct dyeing agent selected among the azo, quinoid, triarylmethane, indoamino, azine dyes and/or a natural dye. The invention also concerns a dyeing method using said composition.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an agent for the oxidative dyeing keratin fibers, wherein it contains (a) at least one 4,5-diaminopyrazole derivative of Formulas (I), (II) or (III) or its salt with organic or inorganic acids 1

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a housing to be moved along a surface to be cleaned. Within the housing, a cleaning ribbon is disposed between a supply reel and a take-up reel. A portion of the cleaning ribbon is held parallel to, and in substantial contact with, the surface to be cleaned, for attracting and retaining smaller debris. Another portion of the cleaning ribbon is configured to create a particle trap. A rotatable brush, also disposed within the housing, sweeps larger debris into the particle trap. The supply reel, the take-up reel, the cleaning ribbon, and/or the rotatable brush are alternatively included in a cartridge which is detachably secured within the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush having a handle (2) and a head part (1), on which bristle filaments (3) and at least one flexible cleaning element (6) are arranged. According to the invention, the at least one flexible cleaning element (6) is arranged on a carrier element (5) which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part (1). The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: The present invention is an activated carpet cleaning brush, more particularly an activated hairbrush structure including a hair holder and a plurality of U-shape brush hairs. The U-shape brush hairs densely spread over the hair holder and are hard enough to loosen the surface of a carpet that is flattened by stamping and remove the dust and fluff hidden deeply inside the carpet. The smooth tip of the U-shape brush hairs doesn't damage carpet or form a cross resistance against the carpet to hinder the cleaning work. Moreover, the U-shape brush hairs are capable to brush up the fiber of the carpet, and restore the elasticity and softness thereof and produce an overall reactivated effect on the carpet.

Abstract: A cleaning device composed of a rigid or semi-rigid plate and a substantially flat cleaning pad removably fixed to the plate. The cleaning pad is composed of: a first layer made of light non-woven material, forming the outer face of the pad and having a first permeability to an aqueous liquid, a first thickness, a first capacity of absorption of the aqueous liquid, and abrasive properties; a second layer made of a blotting material, adjacent to the first layer and having a second permeability lower than the first permeability, a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and a second capacity of absorption; a third layer made of a dense hydrophilic material, adjacent to the second layer and having a third permeability, a third thickness, and a third capacity of absorption higher than the second capacity of absorption; and a fourth layer made of a liquid impermeable film.

Abstract: A cleaning device with a liquid absorbing member mounted on a handle, with two layers of netting over the sponge, each layer of netting having a node of netting internally situated and the two nodes of netting being located over one another at the center point of the end of the liquid absorbing member opposite from the handle, the netting being secured on the handle adjacent the liquid absorbing member, the nets and their nodes being able to move in relation to one another and to the liquid absorbing member.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, which can be removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and which employs the power supply and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a housing comprising a reservoir with an open upper side for holding water, and a steam jetting nozzle formed to be interconnected with the reservoir. A steam generating device is disposed in the reservoir, and when in operation, generates steam from the water in the reservoir. The apparatus has a cover assembly comprising an inner cover connected to the housing to cover an upper side of the reservoir and the nozzle for supporting the steam generating device. The cover assembly includes a cover connected in electrical and fluid communication with the inner cover.

Abstract: A wiper blade is proposed with which to clean windshields, in particular of automobiles. The wiper blade (10) has an elongated belt-shaped, flexible spring support element (12), with a separate first component designed as an elastic rubber wiper strip (14) that can be pressed against the windshield (20) located at the bottom belt surface (13) of the support element and with a separate second component located at the other upper belt surface (11) of the support element (12) that is designed as a wind deflection strip (24) that extends at least along a longitudinal section of the wiper blade (10). A particularly low-disruption wiper blade results if the two components (14, 24) are connected together at their sides facing one another.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a driving unit to generate a suction force, and a filth-collecting chamber to collect filth drawn by the suction of the driving unit; a suction brush unit disposed at a lower part of the cleaner body, the suction brush unit operating to draw the filth from a cleaning surface by the suction force of the driving unit; and an electrolytic liquid supplying apparatus disposed in the cleaner body to spray electrolytic liquid on the cleaning surface through a bottom of the suction brush unit.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner uses an electrolyzed solution instead of detergent, and includes a cleaner body comprising a driving portion for generating a suction force, and a contaminant collecting portion for collecting contaminants drawn in by the suction force of the driving force, a suction brush movably formed on a lower portion of the cleaner body to be moved along a surface to be cleaned for drawing in the contaminants on the surface to be cleaned by the suction force from the driving portion, and a multi-layered electrolyzing device for carrying out an electrolysis by a plurality of electrolytic cells, and for jetting an electrolyzed solution through the suction brush against the surface to be cleaned, the electrolyzed solution being used for removing contaminants on the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus performing multiple different cleaning operations for cleaning fabrics, floor coverings, and bare floor surfaces is disclosed. A device according to the present invention selectively utilizes soil transfer and solution extraction technology. In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed having a cleaning implement in selective wiping contact with a surface to be cleaned, a cleaning solution dispenser which selectively wets with a cleaning solution a portion of the cleaning implement or a portion of the surface or both, a first selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which when operating removes some of the dispensed cleaning solution and soil from the cleaning implement, and a second selectively controllable vacuum extractor tool which when operating removes soil and some of the cleaning solution directly from the surface intended to be cleaned. A method of use of such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A canister-type vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body having a driving portion for generating a suction force and a dust chamber for collecting contaminants that are drawn in by the suction force of the driving unit; a suction extension pipe connected to the cleaner body; a suction brush disposed at an end of the suction extension pipe to draw in the contaminants of a cleaning surface with the suction force that is transmitted via the suction extension pipe; and an electrolytic liquid supply device disposed at the suction extension pipe, for spraying an electrolytic liquid to the cleaning surface through a lower side of the suction brush.

Abstract: A steam jet apparatus of a vacuum cleaner removably mounted to a handle of a vacuum cleaner body to supply a jet of steam to a cleaning surface, and employs the power supply terminal and switch for the vacuum's attachment accessories. The steam jet apparatus includes a body having a reservoir; a steam generation device in the reservoir; a steam jetting nozzle disposed at one end of the body; and a connection structure disposed at the other end of the body to removably attach the apparatus to the handle. The connection structure has a power terminal to connect to the power supply terminal of the handle and the steam generation device. The reservoir and steam jetting nozzle are interconnected by a steam pathway which can be a pipe or a plurality of opposingly placed barricades in the reservoir.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner for easy removal of contaminants from a grill assembly. The apparatus having a cyclone body connected to a suction port of the vacuum cleaner with an air inflow port and an air outflow port for forming a vortex of a contaminant-laden air drawn in through the air inflow port. A removable dust receptacle attached to the cyclone body. In the receptacle a grill assembly having a plurality of longitudinal slots is disposed at the air outflow port of the cyclone body. The grill assembly prevents a reverse flow of contaminants, and includes a contaminant removing member or sweeper movably mounted along the circumference of the grill body to remove contaminants collected on the grill. The movement of the sweeper is controlled by an external knob by a rack and pinion connection.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner for easy removal of contaminants from a grill assembly. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus has a cyclone body for forming a vortex flow of contaminant-laden air that is drawn in through the air inflow port. The cyclone body includes a first connection pipe connected to an extension pipe adjacent to a suction port of the vacuum cleaner, a second connection pipe connected to the extension pipe adjacent to a body of the vacuum cleaner. An air inflow port is interconnected with the first connection pipe, and an air outflow port is interconnected with the second connection pipe. A dust receptacle is removably connected to the cyclone body for receiving contaminants separated from the air by the vortex.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner for easy removal of contaminants from a grill assembly. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus has a cyclone body that has a first connection pipe connected to an extension pipe adjacent to a suction port of the vacuum cleaner, a second connection pipe connected to the extension pipe adjacent to a body of the vacuum cleaner and, an air inflow port interconnected with the first connection pipe. An air outflow port is interconnected with the second connection pipe. The cyclone body is adapted to form an air flow vortex of contaminant-laden air that is drawn in through the air inflow port. A dust receptacle is removably connected to the cyclone body for receiving contaminants separated from the air by the vortex.

Abstract: A grill assembly for a cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner has a grill member having an air passage hole extending through a lower portion; a dust blocking member removably mounted on the grill assembly through the air passage hole of the grill member; and a fixing unit for removably fixing the dust blocking member with respect to the grill member. The grill member has a grill supporting portion supported on the air outlet, a conical grill and a cylindrical grill portion, all of which are integrally formed with each other. The dust blocking member has a connection member inserted and connected through the air passage hole of the cylindrical grill portion, and has a plurality of holes partitioned by a rib and interconnected with the air passage hole; and a dust blocking plate integrally formed with the connection member at a lower portion of the connection member. The dust blocking plate is spaced from the connection member by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A grill assembly for a cyclone-type dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner reduces the amount of contaminants moving toward a body of the vacuum cleaner through a grill, and also allows easy removal of contaminants from the grill. The grill assembly includes a grill body having an open upper end; a plurality of blades formed along an outer circumference of the grill body at predetermined intervals from one another to define passages interconnected with the air outlet; and a fine contaminant blocking member mounted within the grill body at a position corresponding to the passage of the grill body to filter out fine contaminants that pass through the passage. The grill body includes a first body portion supported on the air outlet of the cyclone body and having a through hole, and a second body portion on which the plurality of blades are arranged, the second body portion being removably connected to the first body portion by connecting means.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a dowel assembly with recesses at its opposite ends defined by outwardly inclined walls. Each recess has inwardly facing radial vanes, and a shaft end for holding the inner ring of a bearing assembly. End caps extend over the ends of the dowel, and each has a collar for holding the outer ring of the bearing assembly and an outer longitudinal wall for providing a dust shield. The rotating vanes create an air barrier to preclude dust from moving towards each bearing assembly, and the inclined walls of each recess direct dust tossed outwardly by centrifugal force out of the agitator assembly. The end caps and the walls defining each recess further define a labyrinth seal to keep dust from traveling to each bearing assembly.