Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus includes a movable support such as a rotary brush hub having a cleaning element attached thereto. The cleaning element includes a base component having a plurality of spaced slots formed there in and a plurality of cleaning strips extending through the slots to attach the strips to the base component. The slots are formed in a plurality of first and second alternating pairs of slots, with the first pairs of slots being positioned closer to a first edge and the second pairs of slots being positioned closer to an opposite edge of the base component so that when the cleaning strips are inserted through the slots they are mounted in overlapping relationship. A method is also provided for manufacturing the cleaning element.

Abstract: A floor working machine includes a body frame (1), an electric drive unit (29), a pad unit including a first pad (21) and a second pad (21) having polishing surfaces (21a) for contacting a floor surface, the first pad and second pad being opposed to each other, and a pad control mechanism (50) for controlling the pad unit by using drive of the electric drive unit. The pad control mechanism (50) controls the first pad (21) and second pad (21) such that the first pad and second pad reciprocate, with the respective polishing surfaces (21a) contacting the floor surface, in a first direction (A) in which the first pad and second pad approach each other and in a second direction (B) in which the first pad and second pad move away from each other. A guiding device (23, 25) guides the first pad and second pad in reciprocating movement such that the first direction and second direction are linear and parallel to the floor surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel tool for cleaning the exterior and interior ends of tubes. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel all-purpose tool for cleaning the interior and exterior cut ends of tubes such as copper piping in preparation for subsequent tasks to be performed on the tubes. A tube end preparation tool comprising: (a) a crank; (b) a socket which is associated with the crank and has a tube exterior cleaning member disposed in the interior of the socket; and (c) a brush which is associated with the crank and is suitable for cleaning the interior of a tube.

Abstract: For stimulating acupuncture points in the oral cavity, a toothbrush has, on the brush head (1), a negative end magnetic pole (5), lateral magnetic poles (6a,b) of opposite polarities and upper magnetic poles (7a-c) which have alternately opposite polarities, that of the foremost magnetic pole (7a) differing from that of the end magnetic pole (5). The field strength at the surface of the toothbrush is between 600 and 1500 Gauss in the vicinity of a magnetic pole. The magnetic poles (5, 6a,b, 7a-c) are produced by magnetic plates (4a-f) integrally cast close to the surface. Instead of being let directly into the brush head, the magnetic plates can also be let into an attachment which can be pushed onto a conventional toothbrush. Toothbrush or attachment may also have certain colours for achieving an additional chromotherapeutic effect.

Abstract: A oral care brush device is described for use primarily for massaging and stimulation of sensitive gums and teeth. The brush head is hollow but closed at one end, and is made of a shape-retaining but soft and resilient material. One end of the brush handle is inserted into the hollow handle and is configured to substantially seal the open end of the head and trap air inside, the trapped air providing an air cushion effect. The air cushion effect and the soft head allow use of the device for effective and thorough cleaning, massage and stimulation of the gums and teeth notwithstanding the user's tooth or gum sensitivity.

Abstract: An improved street sweeping broom brush comprising a single piece metal mounting flange having a plurality of brush pack assemblies mechanically affixed longitudinally to peripheral angular edge of single piece metal mounting flange. Peripheral angular edge of single piece metal mounting flange sets pitch of brush pack assemblies at an increased inclination for improved sweep characteristic and sweep life. Brush pack assembly materials inclusive of various types of and dimensions of wire and wire rope (cable). A hand brush is formed when brush pack assemblies are configured. Wire rope (cable) in conjunction with other types of wire and wire dimensions increase broom life and aggressive sweep characteristics for difficult sweeping environments. Broom brush mounting fastener system so designed as to allow mounting fasteners to protrude upwardly through vehicle broom brush mounting plate with securing nuts on top of vehicle broom brush mounting plate.

Abstract: In a mascara brush comprising a plurality of bristles held between two twisted wire segments, wherein the bristles have varying lengths created by trimming, provision is made for the brush to incorporate a first outer face of a predefined geometry created in a first trimming process after twisting, wherein this outer face is formed by the tips of a first number of longer bristles, wherein a portion of the bristles is trimmed by a second trimming process, so that a plurality of bristles of a shorter length is created, the tips of which form a second envelope of a predefined geometry, wherein the tips of the shorter bristles each lie on an orthogonal line relative to these twisted wire segments extending at a distance to the same.

Abstract: An applicator used to evenly apply liquid tire dressing to the entire outer sidewall of a tire. The applicator includes a pad that includes an elongated, concave, curved lower surface that is complementary in shape with a portion of the sidewall. The pad includes at least one beveled, concave lateral edge that enable the tire dressing to be applied evenly to the areas of the sidewall adjacent to the wheel hub and to the compressed shoulder area of the tire adjacent to the ground. The pad is attached to a rigid base that includes a rigid handle aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad and rigid base and that allows the user to easily hold the applicator perpendicular to the sidewall and move the applicator in long broad strokes in a circular pattern around the sidewall of a tire. An optional holding tray is also provided that temporarily stores the applicator and prevents the tire dressing from drying out.

Abstract: A sewer-cleaning tool includes a sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A sleeve is sized to have an inside diameter incrementally greater than the outside diameter of the pipe. A scoop, having a spoon shaped main body, is carried by a lower portion of the sleeve. A fence assembly includes left and right fence segments attached along their lower edges to the scoop and at an upper rear location to the sleeve. A reinforcement assembly includes left and right rods connected to an upper and forward location on the left and right fence segments, respectively, and to the sleeve. In operation, a water hose delivers water upstream of the cleaning tool, causing debris to be washed to the tool and evacuated, while the water moves through the fence assembly, increasing the ratio of debris to water collected.

Abstract: An improved shoe cleaning apparatus which includes a shoe cleaning station having a toe portion, a heel portion, two side portions, an upper surface platform; an air pipe in fluid communication with a source of compressed air; air control means for selectively allowing compressed air to flow through the air pipe; air outlet means in fluid communication with the air pipe for directing air along the sole of the shoe; and a debris catcher to capture and contain material blown from the shoe.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a steam broom with suction, comprising a steam production unit (14), sucking means and a water filtering unit (16), wherein said steam production unit, sucking means and filtering unit are enclosed into a base body (11), resting on rollers and wherein a handle (13) extends in height from said base body for handling, to which the motor (17) is attached.

Abstract: An electric blower employed in a vacuum cleaner for creating a suction air stream in order to collect dust particles reduces level of noise heard by the operator, by reducing flow resistance in the vacuum cleaner, facilitated by the limiting the volume thereof to about 20% of that of the main body of the vacuum cleaner. Moreover, by limiting the volume of the blower, dust storage capacity can be expanded without having to significantly change the dimensions of the main body used by a convention vacuum cleaner. Thus providing greater comfort and convenience to the operator.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner dusting attachment. An attachment member is connected to a vacuum cleaner hose at a first end of the attachment member. The second end of the attachment member is attached to a dusting member. The first end of the attachment member is aligned with the second end of the attachment member with respect to a longitudinal axis. The dusting member is maintained attached to the attachment member by a plurality of support members extending from the dusting member to the attachment member. The support members are configured to create a vortex for suctioning dust.

Abstract: A spring-loaded hinge (1) is suggested for eyeglasses with a center part and bows surrounding eyeglass lenses, with at least one spring element (41), at least one hinge element (9) having a hinge eye (11) and with a locking element (7). It is characterized in that the locking element (7) consists of elastically deformable flat material, especially of a strip of sheet metal, the locking element (7) has a locking tab (37), and the flat material has a hole (81) for holding a spring pin (15).

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for folding a table leg against a table top includes a body that is attachable to the table top and that has a cavity formed therein, and a pivot having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being connectable to the table leg, the second portion being generally cylindrical and axially displaceable and rotatable between a first rotational position and a second rotational position in the cavity. The second portion of the pivot has a radially protruding first projection and a biasing element that applies a biasing force to urge the pivot in a first direction parallel to the axis of the second portion. Preferably, the cavity includes first and second recesses that receive the first projection when the second portion is displaced in the first direction in the first and second rotational positions, respectively.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for switching a closed position and an open position of two articles by engagement between a first hinge member which is disposed at one of the two articles such that the first hinge member is non-turnable and non-movable in the axial direction and a second hinge member which is disposed at the other article such that the second hinge member is non-turnable but movable in the axial direction, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of engagement members disposed between the first hinge member and the second hinge member in such a manner as to be away from each other in the circumferential direction, biasing means for pressing the engagement member against the first hinge member, a guide portion for connecting the engagement members, which are disposed at the first hinge member, such that the engagement members are movable only in the radial direction, and a locking portion, which is disposed at the second hinge member, being raised towards the first hinge member and varied in heig

Abstract: A flip phone having a hinge mechanism with an auto-lock function includes a main body, a flipper, a sleeve shaft, a torsion spring, a first bush and a second bush, a torsion spring, and a first chute and a second chute. The torsion spring having a first spring end and a second spring end is disposed between the first bush and the second bush. The first spring end connected to the first bush synchronously rotates with the first bush and the second spring end connected to the second bush synchronously rotates with the second bush. The first bush is rotatably coupled to the first chute, and the second bush is rotatably coupled to the torsion spring chamber so that the flipper is rotatable around the hinge mechanism longitudinal axis to be in an opened position or a closed position. When the rotating object remains in the closed position, the torsion spring stores energy for unfolding the rotating object.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion.

Abstract: A hinge device for use in an electric or electronic apparatus is provided, in which a pivoting portion moves with respect to a fixed portion around a hinge portion.

Abstract: An apparatus to cushion and dampen vibration and method for making such apparatus. The apparatus comprises a substrate member and an overmold disposed on the substrate member. The overmold is composed of a mixture of an elastrometric material and a foaming agent. The overmold comprises a first non-foam layer and a second non-foam layer, in conjunction, enveloping a micro-cellular foam layer.

Abstract: Provided is a buckle which comprises a buckle main body 11 and an engagement member 31. The buckle main body 11 comprises a base part 12, at least two insertion holes 18 and 19 provided on the base part 12 with a space in between, to which a belt 2 is inserted, and an upstanding piece 20 provided therebetween for bending the belt 2 in a direction away from the base part 12. The engagement member 31 can be moved to a first position where the buckle can be moved against the belt 2 and to a second position where the buckle can be fixed to the belt 2. Further, the engagement member 31 comprises a pressurizing part 33 for pressurizing the belt 2 in the second position so as to obtain a further bent state and an adjustor 35 capable of adjusting the length of the other belt 3.

Abstract: A shoulder strap repositioner for use in combination with a vehicle seat belt assembly having a lap belt and a diagonally-extending shoulder strap. The repositioner is generally “S” shaped in cross section and includes a generally flat panel-like intermediate portion, a generally flat panel-like upwardly extending rear tongue attached at the bottom by a lower connecting web to the intermediate portion so as to define a space for the lap belt, and a generally flat panel-like downwardly extending front tongue attached at the top by an upper connecting web to the intermediate portion so as to define a space for the shoulder strap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure (3) that comprises two interacting pairs of locking ribs (23, 33) that function in pairs. Said locking ribs (23, 33) are formed integrally with connecting strips (17, 21) in which guide ribs (27, 37) are configured which engage in a common glider (31). The closure (3) is opened by conical grooves (29, 39) inside the glider (31) which modify the distance between the two guide ribs (27, 37) by pushing apart and separating or reuniting and joining them.

Abstract: Claimed and disclosed is a fastening device. More specifically, claimed and disclosed is a sound-emitting fastening device that engages a shower curtain to a curtain rod. The sound emitting fastening device comprises a sound-emitting member and a coupling member comprising a first end connected to said sound-emitting member, and a second end adapted to slidably and removably couple to a substantially fixed object.

Abstract: A device to facilitate injection/extraction of fluids from cadaver's body cavities and to plug the incisions made to effect such injections/extractions. The trocar button of the present invention has both an external manually operable drive surface and an internal drive surface engageable by a conventional insertion tool. Additionally, both the flange and the overall dimensions of the trocar button are increased to make it more user friendly.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for producing a shaped tampon. The method includes the following steps: providing a mold having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and an opening located in said second end; providing a tampon pledget; transferring said tampon pledget through said opening into said second end of said mold using a transfer member resulting in a tampon mold; self-sustaining said shaped tampon wherein said shaped tampon has an undercut; and removing said shaped tampon from said tampon mold.

Abstract: A method for making a blanket is provided. The blanket is made from a fabric that has a ground having wefts and warps, and piles inserted in spaces the wefts and warps of the ground. The method comprises the steps of weaving the fabric from the wefts, the warps, and the piles, coloring the fabric with a predetermined pattern, heating the fabric to bind the piles firmly, cutting the fabric to a predetermined size for the blanket, and surrounding the edges of the cut fabric with a cloth. The wefts and warps are made of a ground yarn, and the piles are made of an acrylic yarn. The weight percentage of the acrylic yarn in the fabric is in the range between approximately 80 and 95, and the weight percentage of the ground yarn in the fabric is the remainder.

Abstract: After yarns or tows (10) have been pre-spread and placed side by side substantially in a common plane, their surface is swept by at least one jet of air (22) displaced transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the yarns or tows so as to obtain a substantially unidirectional sheet (20) that is uniform.

Abstract: A single step method and apparatus for the production of expanded metal mesh from deformable metal strip such as lead or lead-alloy strip for use in lead-acid battery manufacture. The apparatus comprises a pair of opposed rolls each having a plurality of spaced discs having opposite side walls and circumferential, equally spaced, convexly shaped tool surfaces alternating with substantially flat surfaces, said discs having radial notches formed in the opposite sidewalls of alternate circumferential flat surfaces, whereby peripheral surfaces of opposing rolls are adapted to interact on deformable strip passing therebetween to concurrently slit and form convex wire segments and alternate nodes in said strip by intermeshing of said shaped tool surfaces.

Abstract: A chamber for transitioning a semiconductor substrate between modules operating at different pressures is provided. The chamber includes a base defining an outlet. The outlet permits removal of an atmosphere within the chamber to create a vacuum. A substrate support for supporting a semiconductor substrate within the chamber is included. A chamber top having an inlet is included. The inlet is configured to allow for the introduction of a gas into the chamber to displace moisture in a region defined above the substrate support. Sidewalls extending from the base to the chamber top are included. The sidewalls include access ports for entry and exit of a semiconductor substrate from the chamber. A method for conditioning an environment above a region of a semiconductor substrate within a pressure varying interface is also provided.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor including at least one pair of polarizable electrodes connected to current collectors, a separator made of ion-permeable but electron-insulating material interposed between the electrodes in each pair of electrodes, and a liquid electrolyte. According to the invention the electrodes include a layer of carbon particles having a narrow distribution of nanopores therein, the pore sizes of the nanopores being adapted to fit the ion sizes of the electrolyte. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a supercapacitor.

Abstract: An installation for machining work pieces (15) comprises at least a machine tool (36). It is provided with a supply and take-down equipment (41), which is disposed before the machine tool (36) on a side of the working area (14) that faces away from the work spindle (10).

Abstract: Systems and Methods for extracting concrete blocks or other materials cut from a surface is disclosed. An extraction apparatus typically includes a leveraging device connected to a vacuum cup and vacuum pump. The vacuum cup is placed on the material to be removed. A vacuum is pulled on the vacuum cup. The leveraging device is maneuvered to lift the material. The vacuum can be removed when the material is moved to the desired location.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing fuel tanks by blast shaping of steel is described, preferably stainless steel and occasionally, another type of carbon steel, especially for the type of fuel tanks to be assembled in automobiles, with any simple or complex, reinforced shape and with a wall thicknesses permitting up to a 50% weight reduction with regard to conventional tanks. The process comprises the preparation of flat or not flat metallic pre-forms, with identical or different dimensions, able to be eventually subjected to pre-heating, in order to then be placed into a mold which has the impression which is desired to be transferred, and to be subjected to a blast shaping operation with the use of a suitable fluid (liquid, gas or mixture of both), with the eventual application of intermediate heating operations where applicable.

Abstract: A method which, in attaching a stiffening ring (3b), a lock ring (11), and a stop ring (15) to the outer surfaces of steel pipes, corrects peaking which occurs in the pipe joint and these rings; a method which, in attaching a joint ring (2) to the inner surface of a steel pipe, correct speaking which occurs in the joint ring (2), a method of producing a stiffening ring (3a) utilized in the above-mentioned joint; a construction for a packing (6) used in the joint; a method of laying steel pipes having the joint; and a seal surface construction for the joint. According to the pipe joint thus produced, manufacture of pipe joints in a factory can be unmanned and the field operation can be simplified.

Abstract: A conductor torquing system is provided for large diameter threaded conductor casing which comprises a lower chain vise adapted to grip a first joint of conductor casing, a plurality of movable arms operable to apply a retaining force to a second joint of conductor casing to maintain the latter in rotational contact with a spinning means. The spinning means is operable to rotationally make-up the second joint of conductor casing to the first joint of conductor casing to an initial make-up torque value. The apparatus also includes an upper chain vise for gripping the second joint of conductor casing and applying a final make-up torque to the threaded connection. The apparatus will allow a conductor connection to be made-up in a safe and efficient manner and generally assist in reaching the final torque stage more rapidly.

Abstract: A device for applying a scale element to a first body, in relation to which a second body can be moved in a measuring direction, the device includes an alignment element displaceable on a scale element in a measuring direction, and applied transversely thereto in a defined position, and includes a reference surface, which is adapted for interaction with a second reference surface on a second body and otherwise is loose in relation to the second body.

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

Abstract: A core board forming apparatus includes a feeding apparatus for sensing and dispensing tubular cores at predetermined dispensing positions. A compression apparatus receives and detects the tubular cores and flattens and secure at least two flattened tubular cores together. A controller unit controls the operation of the feeding apparatus and the compression apparatus. The presence of first tubular core is detected after the step of dispensing. In response to detecting the first tubular core is substantially flattened. A core board product includes at least two substantially flattened paper cores fastened together by integral fastening members having two fastening portions extending directly through the flattened cores.

Abstract: A processing line for liquid crystal display fabrication. The process line reduces unnecessary processing steps by removing known defective (NG) individual liquid crystal panels before subsequent processing, with the knowledge about defects depending on stored information.

Abstract: The stacked core assembly apparatus, which can perform assembly at a high speed while keeping strength of an angle indexing apparatus, comprises a press machine 1, a non-synchronous transmitting apparatus 10 and an angle indexing apparatus 7. The non-synchronous transmitting apparatus 10 transforms a constant revolution of the press machine 1 into a variable revolution. The angle indexing apparatus 7 is connected to the non-synchronous transmitting apparatus 10 via a coupling device 20, and is connected to a rotatably stacking cavity device 51 of a press die 5. An accelerated rotational speed period of an output shaft 13 of the non-synchronous transmitting apparatus 10 is set during a Feeding-Phase period of time of the press machine 1, and thereby, a rotational state completion of a driving shaft 33 of the angle indexing apparatus 7 completes earlier than the Feeding-Phase period of time completion of the press machined 1 so that a non-rotating period of time can be provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for adjusting flying characteristics of magnetic recording media, e.g., sealed disk drives. Adjustment may be made by changing at least one environmental condition within the drive enclosure of the disk drive prior to sealing. Alternatively, adjustment may be made by changing the speed of the disk drive, i.e., the speed at which the disk spins. Methods are also provided for error correction within sealed disk drives.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a magnetic head is capable of correctly setting a raw bar, which includes small sliders, on to a supporting jig, machining the raw bars precisely and improving yield of manufacturing sliders. The method comprises the steps of forming a magnetizable layer, on a surface of a substrate whose thickness is greater than a length of said slider; and cutting said wafer into a raw bar after forming the layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a chip resistor using a material substrate for which are set a plurality of first cutting lines extending in a first direction and a plurality of second cutting lines extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method includes an upper electrode forming step A for forming a thick upper conductor layer on the upper surface of the substrate by printing and baking a metal organic paste, a lower electrode forming step B for forming a thick lower conductor layer on the lower surface of the substrate by printing and baking metal organic paste, and a resistor element forming step C for forming a thin resistor layer by depositing a resistor material on the upper surface of the substrate. Preferably, the upper and the lower surfaces of the material substrate are flat.

Abstract: A device for the insertion and extraction of a plug-in module into a module frame which has at least one front module bar, contains a swivel-mounted lever which is located in the front area of the plug-in module and whose short lever arm has at least one lever cam and a push-off nose and a pressure piece which is fastened to the module bar. The pressure piece absorbs the forces transferred from the lever, whereby the pressure piece has at least one recess, in which the lever cam of the lever reaches into during the insertion of the plug-in module. Furthermore the pressure piece has at least one push-off shoulder against which the push-off nose of the lever pushes off during the extraction of the plug-in module.

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

Abstract: An interconnect structure having an increased chip connector pad and plated through hole density is provided. In particular, the interconnect structure includes a substrate having at least one plated through hole therein, and a first conductive layer sealing the at least one plated through hole. The substrate includes a layer of dielectric material thereon. The dielectric layer includes at least one aperture selectively positioned directly over the at least one plated through hole. The substrate further includes a metal layer, at least a pair of conductive layers that can carry signals, and at least another pair of conductive layers that can carry power, wherein the pair of conductive layers are shielded by the metal layer and the other pair of conductive layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method of a printed circuit board having a circuit pattern with a little variation in the thickness at a low cost without a special step for removal of a dummy pattern. The present invention is characterized in that an insulating layer 2 is formed in a given pattern on one surface of a supporting substrate 1, a circuit pattern 6 is formed on the insulating layer 2 while forming a dummy pattern 7 in an area free of the insulating layer 2 on the one surface of the supporting substrate 1, and an unnecessary part of the supporting substrate 1, which is free of the insulating layer 2 and the circuit pattern 6, is removed by dissolution together with the dummy pattern 7.

Abstract: An automated method for trimming a circuit element disposed on a substrate includes transmitting a first signal to move a substrate, having a circuit element disposed thereon, to a trimming location. A second signal is transmitted to emit a light beam, with the substrate at the trimming location, to trim the circuit element.

Abstract: A method of integrating a plurality of cables (12) used for interconnecting electrical devices. In a preferred embodiment, firstly, a precursor cable is prepared and cut into a plurality of cables as required for a particular application. Secondly, the cables are put into a sleeve (14). First ends (16) and opposite second ends (18) of the cables protrude out suitable predetermined distances from opposite ends of the sleeve respectively. Thirdly, the cables are fixed in the sleeve. Finally, the first and second ends are precision cut as required for the particular application, and respectively joined to corresponding connectors as required for the particular application. A cable module (10) is thus formed. An alternative embodiment of the method is also disclosed.