Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective shielding of fabric antennas incorporates the fabric antenna into the body of wearable garments and provides protection for wearers of the garment while allowing wearers to displace a portion of the garment body selectively, so as to render the antenna active or inactive. To protect wearers of the garment from the RF field that may be generated when an antenna is in use, a metallic fabric shielding layer is positioned in the body of the garment between the antenna and the body of a wearer. Another layer of metallic shielding fabric mounted to a layer of protective fabric formed as a displaceable layer of the garment body. The disclosed embodiments of the invention show displaceable layers in the form of foldable cuffs on sleeves, epaulets, decorative pocket-like flaps, and faux seams.

Abstract: A personal protective suit for a wearer includes a hood portion located generally above the wearer's neck and at least partially enveloping the wearer's nose and mouth, a body portion located generally below the wearer's neck and at least partially enveloping the wearer's torso, an air delivery system that can deliver air to the hood portion, a vent that can permit gasses to escape from the body portion, and a partial flow restriction between the hood portion and body portion of the suit. The partial flow restriction permits gasses to pass from the hood portion to the body portion while reducing carbon dioxide levels in front of the wearer's mouth. The suit can be fabricated without requiring a face piece.

Abstract: A protective glove system is disclosed wherein each glove has an articulated thumb skeleton disposed in the thumb member. The thumb skeleton comprises a plurality of sections pivotably joined together to enable the thumb to articulate between open and closed positions. A locking mechanism is provided for preventing the thumb skeleton sections from bending backwards, thereby preventing hyperextension of the wearer's thumb.

Abstract: A glove includes two planar members having a peripheral portion sealed together with a water tight sealed peripheral rim, for forming a chamber between the planar members and for receiving the hands of the users. Either or both of the planar members may each include a number of flaps extended outward from the peripheral portion for engaging into slots of objects, and for easily cleaning the dust in the slots of the objects. The planar members each includes a weldable inner layer, and a water absorbable outer layer for absorbing the water or the other fluids.

Abstract: Athletic Shorts are a tight fitted running shorts that improve the performance of running or walking by utilizing gravity as a source of energy. The shorts have elastic straps attached from the waist and extend across the front side of the leg to the bottom near the leg opening of the shorts. When standing straight up the elastic is elongated by the weight of the leg. The elongated elastic provides a pulling energy for the leg by contracting when moving up in a step of a walk or stride of a run. When the step or stride is lowered back to the ground the elastic is again elongated by the weight of the leg. The repeated action of the contraction and elongation of the elastic straps provide increased performance when walking or running. Leg Adjustment Straps around the bottom of the shorts are used to draw the shorts tight to the leg. Athletic Shorts increase performance when gauging time over a fixed distance utilizing gravity of the leg as a source of energy in the physical walking or running action.

Abstract: Articles of apparel and the method of making the same which include a uniquely constructed fleece liner and an elastomeric polyurethane film that will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article, but will prevent water from external sources from reaching the wearer's extremities. The fleece liner component is constructed using a novel adhesive bonding process that produces a virtually seamless liner component that provides substantial warmth and comfort to the user.

Abstract: A sealing system for sealing a garment around an appendage formed by an annular tube surrounding a passage (cuff) through which appendage is intended to protrude and a pull cord extending through said tube for a length to completely encircle said passage over more than 360°. At least one end of the pull cord passes out through a wall of the tube to provide an accessible end for adjusting the length of said cord around said passage and thereby tighten or loosening pressure of tube toward said appendage and form a seal between the tube and the appendage.

Abstract: A garment reinforcement constituted of a thermoplastic film provided with a heat sealing surface and is capable of being applied under heat and pressure. The film of the reinforcement preferably has a thickness between 25 and 250 microns and is made from at least one of the following polymers: polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, polyolefine (polyethylene and polypropylene), polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A unitary helmet liner suspension structure which is designed for easy and quick and correct fitment into differently sized helmet shells whose specific sizes reside within a known and defined range of such sizes.

Abstract: An article of clothing with embedded optical fibers is provided, such as one that includes a display formed by the light emitting ends of the optical fibers. A strobing unit connected to the display provides strobed light to the display through the optical fibers, so that emergency workers can be readily identified by an observer even in darkness, rain, smoke, fog, or other conditions where visibility is limited.

Abstract: A toilet bowl ventilation apparatus for treating air from a toilet having an intake duct proximal to the toilet bowl, a hose for connecting the intake duct to a means for generating a vacuum, wherein the means for creating a vacuum creates a vacuum through the intake duct and the hose so as to draw air from the toilet bowl region into the intake duct and then through the hose, means for treating air that receives the air drawn from the toilet bowl by the means for creating a vacuum; and means for activating the apparatus. The toilet bowl ventilation apparatus can have a proximity sensor that can detect the presence of a person proximal to the toilet.

Abstract: A portable toilet has a support stem which may be inserted into a trailer hitch. A base ring is coupled to the support stem. An attachment device is coupled to the base ring. The attachment device is used for removably coupling a waste collection bag to the portable toilet. A toilet seat assembly is coupled to the support stem and rests on the base ring. A multi positional toilet paper holder is coupled to the support stem.

Abstract: The water in the average spa is heated to temperatures in the area of about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Air temperatures are usually much cooler. If blower 100 injects the much cooler ambient air into the spa it will naturally cause the water in the spa to cool off, thus causing the water heater to be in use far more frequently than would be necessary with the use of this invention. Due to the injection of superheated air into the spa the water maintains a more consistent temperature, thereby causing the water heater to use less energy.

Abstract: A plumbing fitting attachable to a wall that defines an opening, comprising a tubular part sized to project through an opening, there being grooving associated with the part; a cover extending in registration with the grooving; and a retainer caused by the cover and projecting to locally engage the grooving, thereby to position the cover in relation to the grooving.

Abstract: A tub and shower valve assembly including a valve having a housing with an outwardly opening cup-like socket. A removable cartridge having an outwardly extending operating stem installed in the cup-like socket. A plaster ground is provided for mounting the valve on a supporting wall structure. An escutcheon assembly is positioned over the valve housing and is removably attached to the plaster ground and to the valve housing. The escutcheon assembly is removable to permit access to the valve housing and cartridge for removal and replacement of the cartridge. A transparent overlay is applied to the escutcheon with graphics and operating indicia applied to the underside of the overlay.

Abstract: A rise assist apparatus comprising a handrail in the form of a convoluted section attached to a vertical pole, and stabilized by a bed frame attachment member and a floor contacting base frame. Alternatively, the rise assist apparatus may be wall mounted, being stabilized by a system of mounted wall brackets. The rise assist apparatus further includes an upper curved, horizontal leveraging handle, which extends from the pole-like support structure. Specifically, the rise assist apparatus allows the user to build momentum by pushing off the upper hand grip, and allows the user to control the momentum by regaining balance, and readjusting posture, by gripping the lower handrail member. Additionally, the user can use the curved grip with one hand, while simultaneously reaching for the handrail during the rising movement thereby allowing the user to support himself or herself as they rise out of bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one piece sling for lifting and transferring a patient. In hooking ‘this’ sling to a lifting device, better support is provided to patients by being lifted at the shoulders and upper thighs in a sturdy sitting position. The maneuvering of the patient in this sitting position reduces the risk of strain on both the attendant and patient.

Abstract: A portable infant cushion (10) includes a base (12) having a top surface (14) for engaging the body of an infant placed onto the top surface and for transferring the weight of the infant. The top surface (14) includes a head support portion (20) non-releasably attached to the base (12) and having a head engaging surface elevated relative to the base for supporting the head of the infant. The top surface (14) includes a body support portion (18) connected to the base (12) which is longitudinally spaced from the head support (20) and is for supporting the body of an infant. A side wall (24) extends peripherally around the base (12) and having an elevated surface elevated higher than the head support (20). The cushion (10) includes a blanket (32) for covering the infant adapted to be placed on the top surface (14). The blanket (32) has at least a portion secured to the side wall (24). The blanket (32) is extensible over the top surface (14) without extending over the head support portion (20).

Abstract: A storable bed assembly primarily for recreational vehicles permits the lowering and raising of the bed using a pair of rear guides fixed to a wall of the recreational vehicle, and a pair of swing arm guides at the front corners of the bed frame. Linkages are provided to couple the corners of the bed frame to the guides. Counterbalancing springs in the form of compressed gas cylinders are provided to assist in raising the bed assembly to the stored position.

Abstract: An infection resistant mat having individual segments containing foam padding and a contiguous cover of impervious material. The cover is constructed by radio frequency (RF) sealing of the seams which eliminates portals of entry of infectious organisms, vermin or fluid. Air channels within the cover communicate between the segments to allow air pressure equalization among the several segments during use. The contiguous cover creates hinges between the segments that allow the mat to be folded for storage. The mat also can be constructed with only one padded section.

Abstract: A hand surgery table has a top for supporting a patient's arm during hand surgery. A concave end of the hand surgery-table accommodates the attending surgeon's torso so that the attending surgeon may sit comfortably. A tongue-shaped end portion extends from the end opposite the concave end for securing the hand surgery table to a conventional operating table where the patient may lie and rest his or her forearm on the hand surgery table top. Elbow support structures are attached to respective sides of the hand surgery table and have convex peripheries for the attending surgeon and the nurse assistant to rest their elbows and forearms. The elbow support structures are retractable to the underside of the table and are moveable longitudinally along the hand surgery table.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable, inflatable surface comfort device to be used with shaped body support devices. The surface comfort device comprises an inflatable bladder having a shape and size to substantially cover at least one support surface of a shaped body support device so as to conform to and provide a comfort layer to the body support device. According to one embodiment, a self-sealing valve is coupled to a port of the inflatable bladder, and is constructed and arranged to enable all of inflation, deflation, and comfort control of the surface comfort device.

Abstract: An improved spring support system is disclosed for use in seating or bedding. The invention includes an outer frame having opposed top edges. A plurality of vertically resilient members having top ends and lower ends are fixedly disposed within the outer frame in a plurality of rows and columns. An elastic top sheet is stretched between the opposed top edges of the frame and over the top ends of the vertically resilient members. The resilient top sheet and vertically resilient members cooperate to provide a resilient support surface for supporting a person seated or reclined on the support surface.

Abstract: A valve for use with an inflatable cushion having individual inflation zones including a slide housing positioned between two outer casing halves. Each casing half has a plurality of nipple connector seats. Each nipple connector seat has at least one external detent. The slide housing has a series of nipple connectors along its length that are inserted into air conduits in the peripheral edge of the cushion, which, in turn, are connected to the individual inflation zones. Each nipple connector has at least one retainer groove in the surface. The casing half detents engage the cushion edge and the retainer grooves to retain the nipple in the air conduits. There is a movable slide inside the slide seat bore. The slide has a longitudinal inner bore and a number of openings along its length that communicate with the inner bore.

Abstract: Supporting device, notably mattress, mattress support or supporting device for seats, comprising several elements comprising flexible fluid-holding chambers aligned vertically and assembled in a network so as to form a structure enabling a body to rest. The pressure in each fluid-holding chamber is transmitted insider first conduits (4) coming out of said chamber. The first conduits communicate this pressure to the fluid-holding chambers of the neighboring elements.

Abstract: Air bed assembly having a knockdown foundation made up of preassembled boxes which are used as shipping containers for the other elements of the bed, mattresses having interposed sets of isolated chambers for improved pressure distribution, contoured foam rails surrounding the mattresses and a visco-elastic foam pad overlying them, a cover with a removable pillow top enclosing the mattresses and foam, a blower assembly mounted inside one of the rails with control valves for supplying air to and removing air from the mattresses, and individual controls for returning the pressure in the mattresses to a desired level upon command and for preventing a drop in mattress pressure as the blower is turned on to increase that pressure.

Abstract: A multipurpose hand tool with folding handles each including a central channel to receive pliers jaws or the like when the tool is folded, and including troughs holding outer blades alongside the central channel so that the outer blades can be opened without unfolding the tool. The troughs face opposite the direction of the central channels, and the bases of the outer troughs act as comfortable places to grip the handles when they are extended for use of the pliers. Blade locking mechanisms are incorporated in the walls of the central channels to lock each of the outer blades in an extended position.

Abstract: A nail pulling tool has a two-piece proximal handle pivotally joined with a two-piece distal jaw by a pivoting means. The distal jaw is operated like a standard hand tool with compression of the handle causing the jaw to close, and vise-versa. The distal jaw has an elliptical surface so that with the distal jaw resting on a work surface and closed about a nail protruding from the work surface, and with the handle laying adjacent the work surface, raising the handle away from the work surface in an arc, causes the nail to be pulled from the work surface at an ever increasing rate. Axially oriented jaw teeth provide improved gripping and a pair of tongue and groove opposing surfaces enable cutting and further improved gripping. A hammer surface enables driving of a nail into the work surface rather than pulling it out, and a claw element enables pulling a nail head up so as to be better gripped by the tool.

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition that includes at least one zeta potential modifier and a hydrophobic agent with a melting point or glass transition temperature below 100° C. that imparts fabric protection benefits, including improved stain resistance, oil repellency, water repellency, softness, wrinkle and damage resistance, and better handfeel to treated fabrics. Particularly preferred compositions include at least one zeta potential modifier in an amount sufficient to adjust the zeta potential of the composition to be positive and greater than zero millivolts. Particularly preferred compositions also include a fluoropolymer. The composition can be used as a pretreatment prior to washing, through soaking or direct spray application, or added to the wash or rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine, or used prior to or during the drying cycle of an automatic drying machine or refresher machine, or used prior to or in conjunction with an ironing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, and in particular human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one substituted para-aminophenol as oxidation base, and/or 1,3-bis(&bgr;-hydroxyethyl)amino-2-methylbenzene and/or at least one of the addition salts thereof with an acid, as coupler, as well as to the dyeing process using this composition.

Abstract: The object of the invention are (p-aminohydroxyphenyl)acrylamide derivatives of general formula (I) or the physiologically tolerated, water-soluble salts thereof 1

Abstract: An oxidative hair bleach or hair dye comprising a first pack with an alkalizing agent contained therein and a second pack with an oxidizing agent contained therein, wherein the oxidative hair bleach or hair dye comprises the following ingredients (A), (B), (C) and (D) in the following proportions in a whole composition after mixing the first pack and the second pack together, and has a pH of from 8 to 12:

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres, in particular of human keratin fibres and more particularly the hair, containing, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye, wherein it also contains at least one polyoxyalkylenated carboxylic acid ether or a salt thereof, at least one associative polymer and at least one fatty alcohol (C8-C30) comprising at least one unsaturation.

Abstract: A foam-type hair dye apparatus, has a container main body in which liquid hair dye containing a dye, surfactant, and thickener is stored; one, or a plurality of jetting orifices for jetting the liquid hair dye from the container main body; and a liquid reservoir member disposed opposite the jetting orifices. The jet flow of liquid hair dye jetted from the jetting orifices toward the liquid reservoir member is blended with air from outside the container and transformed into foam-type hair dye in the liquid reservoir member.

Abstract: Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled.

Abstract: A method for the fluorescent whitening of cotton in a discontinuous process comprising contacting the cotton, I an aqueous bath having a pH value of 6 or less, with one or more compounds of the Formula (I) wherein R1 represents an —SO2R3, —SOR3, CO2M, —CO2R3, —CONR3R4, —CN or —NO2 substituent, R2 is —NH2, —NH(C1-C4alkyl), —N(C1-C4alkyl)2, —NH(C2-C4hydroxyalkyl), —N(C2-C4hydroxyalkyl)2, —NH(C1-C4alkoxy)(C1-C4alkyl), —N[(C1-C4alkoxy)(C1-C4alkyl)]2, NHC2—C4alkylsulphonic acid, morpholineo, piperidino pyrrolidino, an amino acid or amino acid amide residue from which a hydrogen atom on the amino group has been removed, —OC1-C4alkyl or —OC1-C4hydroxyalkyl, R3 and R4 each, independently, represent hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, C2-C4hydroxyalkyl or C1-C4alkoxyC1-C4alkyl and M, is H, Na, Li, K, Ca, Mg, ammonium, or ammonium that is mono-, di-, tri- or tetrasubsituted by C1-C4alkyl, C2-C4hydroxyalkyl or a mixture thereof,

Abstract: This relates to a dye represented by Formulae II and IIA below: 1

Abstract: A toothbrush head containing a first oscillating or rotating bristle bearing section in combination with a static bristle bearing section fixedly mounted to said head, wherein there are at least two bristles located on said static section which are oriented at different angles to the face thereof.

Abstract: A floor care method and machine are disclosed, wherein a replaceable floor care element (e.g., a cleaning pad, a brush, a polishing pad, etc.) is easily attached to and detached from the rest of the machine. For attaching the floor care element, an operator positions the machine (minus any floor care element) over the such an element so that components on the machine and/or the floor care element cause the floor care element to operationally align with the rotatable drive of the machine so that rotation of the drive in the direction used during floor care operations causes the floor care element to securely attach to the drive. Alternatively, to detach the floor care element, the direction of rotation can be reversed. The machine can then be tilted upwardly onto its rear wheels and rolled to a location where the floor care element is not underneath the rest of the machine.

Abstract: A scrub sponge includes a soft polyester foam sponge and a reticulated polyurethane foam scrub layer. The scrub layer is fused to the sponge entirely around their registered peripheries and at a plurality of locations between the peripheries. The fusing of the scrub layer to the sponge defines a pattern of recesses in the scrub layer. The recesses are effective for accumulating and trapping debris removed by the scrub layer. The debris then can be separated efficiently from the sponge by normal rinsing.

Abstract: A hand-held tool to produce bead-like profiles or joints in a single process without the necessity of separation agents. The avoidance of use of such separating agents results in improved durability of the joint produced with the tool, in particular with regard to the sealing function. Due to the chamfer on the peripheral sides formed in the corner areas with the recess, these peripheral sides form elastic tool or scraping edges, with which the surface is adjacent to the bead-like joint are cleaned or scraped off during forming of the joint mass. After forming of the bead-like joint, reworking of the adjacent sides is therefore not necessary.

Abstract: A vacuum nozzle assembly is configured to couple to a vacuum hose of a vacuum assembly. The vacuum nozzle assembly includes (i) a cleaning member, (ii) a motor assembly configured such that actuation of the motor assembly causes the cleaning member to move; and (iii) a nozzle having a cylindrical wall. The nozzle couples to the motor assembly and a hose of a vacuum assembly. The nozzle has at least one opening through the wall thereof such that particles contacted by the cleaning member can be suctioned into a hose of a vacuum assembly. The motor of the motor assembly may be a bidirectional motor, for example.

Abstract: A robot vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body having a wheel disposed at a lower portion and a suction port through which contaminants are drawn in from a cleaning surface; and an air circulating mechanism for filtering out contaminants from the contaminant-laden air drawn in through the suction port and then jetting the contaminant-free air to an air jet opening to help dislodge contaminants from the cleaning surface. The air jet opening is adjacent to the suction port; and the two elements are surrounded by a sealing member for sealing off a portion between the cleaning surface and the cleaner body to prevent dislodged contaminants from being dispersed outwardly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a caster assembly for supporting an object. The assembly includes a caster wheel, a support member rotatably supporting the wheel and first and second side support pieces mounted on the support member. The support member includes a base support surface for engaging and supporting a bottom surface of an object. The first side support piece includes a first support surface adapted to engage and support a first side surface of the object. The second side support piece includes a second support surface adapted to engage and support a second side surface of the object. At least one of the side support pieces is slidably mounted on the support member and is adapted to be moved relative to the other side support piece to permit adjustment of a distance between the between the first and second side support surfaces to accommodate objects of different widths.

Abstract: An armrest elevator device has an armrest seat, an elevator plate, a movable block, a cover plate, a control button, a spring, and a pair of cylinder shafts. The elevator plate has a plurality of pairs of click grooves. The movable block has a top head having a round blind hole to receive the spring. The control button has a center recess. The armrest seat has a pair of rail sets, an oblong hole, an elongated groove, a pair of oblong apertures, and an oblong recess. The elevator plate is inserted in the armrest seat. The movable block is inserted in the elongated groove of the armrest seat. Each cylinder shaft is inserted in the corresponding oblong aperture of the armrest seat. The cover plate engages with the oblong hole of the armrest seat. The top head of the movable block is inserted through the cover plate and inserted in the center recess of the control button.

Abstract: A sash window counterbalance spring mounting arrangement for fitment into a channel section within a window jamb. The arrangement comprises at least two coiled ribbon springs, a spring support mounting comprising support means for each of said at least two coiled ribbon springs to support and locate said coiled ribbon springs to the spring support mounting, and locating means adapted, in use, to locate the spring support mounting within and to said channel section. The spring support mounting comprises a single integral component from which the support means depend and from which the at least two springs are located and supported. The support means may comprises sets of pairs of triangular cross section integral projections which extend from the rear surface of the main body portion. An end portion of the main body portion of the support mounting is curved. Wing projections may extend from the front surface of the main body of the spring support mounting.

Abstract: A hinge that has a first mounting base for attachment to a first hinged object. The hinge also has first and second hinge members pivotally connected together. The first hinge member and the first base are configured and dimensioned for cooperatively positioning and aligning the first hinge member in a plurality of mounted positions along the base length. At least one first locking member is associated with the first hinge member and the first base for locking the first hinge member to the first base in one of the mounted positions. The hinge may also be segmented. A positioning tool may be connected to at least the first base with an attachment portion and configured for positioning the first base and attachment portion on a first hinged object at a predetermined distance from the second hinge member.

Abstract: A tamper-proof tie includes a head and an attached strap. The head includes a strap accepting channel and a blind cavity. The strap accepting channel includes a strap entry end and a strap exit end. The blind cavity includes an open end. The head includes a flexible locking member comprising first and second ends which are fixed in place within the head. The strap includes an anti-tampering device which comprises a finger and a projection. In use, the strap is inserted into the strap accepting channel so the tie forms a closed loop. As the strap is inserted into the head, the locking member engages the anti-tampering device to prevent withdrawal of the strap from the head. With the tie formed into a closed loop, the anti-tampering device substantially encloses the entry end and the exit end of the strap accepting channel and the open end of the blind cavity.

Abstract: In a Y bar for forming coupling elements, an opening angle of a pair of right and left leg parts is narrower than that of the ordinary ones. Plural bent portions, which are bent inward, are formed successively in an extending direction of the leg parts in a range from a crotch part toward pawl parts at front ends of the leg parts. The gap between the pawl parts are narrowed gradually from proximal ends to front ends thereof. Bulging portions are provided on outer side surfaces of the crotch part. Thus, the stabilization of the posture of a metallic coupling element, which is obtained by cutting the Y bar, at the time of mounting, strength of the coupling element and stabilization of the mounting posture of the coupling element to the fastener tape can be improved.

Abstract: An integral zipper slide and guard. The integral slide and guard is formed as a single unit, thus alleviating previous problems of attachment of zipper guards to zipper slides. Moreover, the unitary structure of the zipper slide and guard permits a one-step molding operation, thus providing inexpensive manufacture.