Abstract: An adjustable tensioning strap is mounted in a glove worn on the bowling hand and connecting the glove finger tip and an anchor point proximate the wrist or palm. The tensioning strap, from the finger tip to the anchor point, is held adjacent the glove lining so when placed on the hand and with tension applied to the tensioning strap, the tensioning strap is held or forced by the glove toward and substantially adjacent the bowler's finger and palm.

Abstract: A composite structure for a protective garment, such as a pair of bunker pants for a firefighter, a bunker coat for a firefighter, or a glove for a firefighter, has a moisture absorber, a moisture barrier covering the moisture absorber, and an outer shell covering the moisture barrier. The moisture absorber has a fibrous matrix incorporating a superabsorbent polymer, as particles or as fibers, and is disposed between an inner cover pervious to moisture and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers may be quilted so as to segregate discrete regions of the fibrous matrix. In one contemplated embodiment, the moisture barrier is affixed to the outer shell so as to have surface-to-surface adhesion between an outer surface of the moisture barrier and an inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: A protective helmet (1) has an outer shell (2) and an inner shell (3), the outer shell being displaceable relative to the inner shell by means of at last one sliding layer (4) arranged between the the outer shell and the inner shell. In the edge region of the helmet, the outer shell and the inner shell are interconnected by means of members (5), for absorbing energy on displacement of the outer shell on the inner shell. In this way, impact energy from an oblique impact against the helmet can be absorbed during displacement between the outer shell and the inner shell.

Abstract: A hinge of toilet bowl seat and toilet bowl cover, including a subplate and a sleeve disposed on the subplate. The subplate is integrally formed with an upright column. A top end of the column is formed with an inner thread section. The sleeve has an axial through hole corresponding to the column, whereby the sleeve can be fitted around the column. The sleeve is fixed on the subplate by a bolt corresponding to the inner thread section of the column. An outer diameter of the head section is larger than an inner diameter of the through hole. The bolt is downward fitted into the sleeve and screwed into the inner thread section of the column. The head section of the bolt is stopped at the top edge of the sleeve to fix the sleeve.

Abstract: A modular outflow valve assembly for a toilet tank is disclosed. The modular outflow valve assembly includes a lower outflow tube section configured to be mounted to a toilet tank to pass water out of the toilet tank, wherein the lower outflow tube section has a high-volume flush valve configured to flush a first, higher volume of water when opened; an upper outflow tube section having a low-volume flush valve configured to flush a second, lower volume of water out of the toilet tank when opened, wherein the lower outflow tube section is configured to receive attachment of the upper outflow tube section to form a dual flush-volume configuration; and an overflow tube section, wherein the lower outflow tube section is configured to receive attachment of the overflow tube section in place of the upper outflow tube section to form a single flush-volume configuration.

Abstract: A drain assembly for a pool cover which includes a drain fitting positioned in a hole formed in the pool cover; a screen connected to the pool cover and positioned above the drain fitting to minimize the amount of debris entering the drain fitting; a buoyant barrier assembly connected to the pool cover adjacent to a perimeter of the screen to maintain a predetermined volume of water on the pool cover; and a flexible conduit connected at a first end to an outlet end of the drain fitting. A second end of the conduit is connected to an opening formed in a side of the pool. The barrier assembly includes a tubular shaped buoyant material housed within a pocket formed by two sections of material. The self-draining pool cover can also include floats for preventing portions of large pool covers from sagging into the water.

Abstract: The pipes associated with an in-ground swimming pool can be supported by a support that includes a base and two telescopingly engaged tubular sections. A U-shaped element is located on one end of the tubular sections and has a pad on which the pipe rests. A lock connects the two tubular sections together once the height of the support is selected.

Abstract: A bedsheet device (10) configured to overlay a mattress (12), the bedsheet device (10) comprising: a slide sheet (14, 16) being constructed of a pliable material and having a lower surface (14) which is of a relatively low friction material designed to slide relative to an upper surface of the mattress (12) under the weight of a patient; and reinforcing means (20) affixed to the slide sheet (14, 16) to provide sufficient reinforcement to permit suspension and/or turning of the patient upon the slide sheet (14, 16), said reinforcing means (20) being capable of being manipulated independent of the slide sheet (14, 16) to effect said suspension and/or turning of the patient.

Abstract: A system for replacing furniture panels which includes a frame secured to a piece of furniture and a panel which may be inserted or otherwise slid into the frame and secured therein is disclosed. The panel has front and rear surfaces having different appearances and either surface can be exposed. This allows the decor of the furniture to be easily and quickly changed at will.

Abstract: An article adapted to be releasably attached to a bed railing, the article having a housing defining an opening for slidingly receiving a portion of the railing, when the housing is mounted on the railing. The article also has a first pawl movably connected to the housing and arranged to be moved from a retaining position, in which the pawl is adapted to block the opening to prevent removal of the railing from the opening, to a release position to enable removal of the article from the railing member. Further, the article has a spring connected to the housing and bearing against the pawl to bias the pawl towards its retaining position with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a lightweight, portable guard to separate two people sleeping in a common area. The invention serves to block a great deal of the noise attendant to snoring, and to shield to some degree the transmission of airborne spray emanating from the mouth of a sleeper, and optionally to shield light reaching the sleeper. The device is portable, inflatable with air or a similar innocuous fluid, and easily deflatable for compact storage after use.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck, a mattress, a pair of head end siderails, and a pair of foot end siderails. The bed further includes a controller configured to be coupled to the head and foot end siderails.

Abstract: A nursing pillow has a flexible, positionable spine that allows the pillow to be deformed into a number of stable shapes. The spine is enclosed within a resilient body forming a medial region and first and second cantilever arms extending from opposite ends of the medial region to define a central opening between the arms in an unloaded, nominal shape. The spine is of sufficient stiffness to keep the pillow from returning from an adjusted shape to its nominal shape when unloaded. The spine may be formed of articulating links, or a malleable rod.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprising a base and a topper located above the base, the base and topper being surrounded in an upholstered covering. In one embodiment, the topper comprises a plurality of parallel continuous bands of springs, each of said bands being made of one piece of wire. In another embodiment, the topper is posturized with coil spring segments and filler segments. The segments may extend from side to side or be arranged in numerous other configurations.

Abstract: A posturized foam topper pad (12) for use in a bedding or seating product (10) has at least one section (28) which includes latex, and at least one section (26) which is free of latex, thereby providing the foam topper pad (12) with different degrees of firmness.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a building works structure comprising an assembly of solid wires. The wires are mutually parallel to form a bundle and the reinforcement comprises a sheath made of plastic material enclosing the bundle and providing it with cohesion.

Abstract: A lift is coupled to the outer cab of a telescoping bridge. The lift has a carriage that can be moved by a cable and a motor upward or downward and which includes a platform that has sensing means for controlling the motor for stopping downward movement of the carriage when it engages the ground. An electrically operated safety catch is provided to prevent the carriage from falling in the event the cable breaks. A safety system is provided which prevents the bridge from moving if the carriage is not in the up position and its door is not closed.

Abstract: A toothbrush design which more effectively permits bristle penetration into the spaces between tooth and gum for removal of plaque and food debris lodged within these spaces. The toothbrush design incorporates a rotatable brush disc having a plurality of radially outward extending bristles but where the width of the bristle disc and number of bristles are preferably limited so that the bristle tips can penetrate into the space between tooth and gum and preferably be of sufficient length to penetrate to the bottom of the space.

Abstract: A radio hairbrush generally comprises a body, having a plurality of bristles dependently secured thereto; a handle; a radio receiver integral with the body; and an audio output device. The radio receiver is contained within a cavity internal to the body and all controls for the radio receiver are sealed to prevent the ingress of fluids to the cavity. The controls may include an ON-OFF control for the radio receiver and a volume control for controlling the level of sound generated by the audio output device. A plurality of orifices through the body are positioned adjacent to the audio output device for allowing the emanation through the body of sound waves emitted from the audio output device. A flexible membrane, such as a thin, plastic sheet, is interposed between the audio output device and the orifices to prevent the ingress of fluids through the orifices to the cavity.

Abstract: A device and system is disclosed for cleaning surfaces and/or applying materials to surfaces. A device, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprises one or more squeegees and bristle for contacting a surface while cleaning the surface or applying a materials to the surface. Preferably, a device comprises a continuous squeegee that encircles or surrounds a portion of the bristles. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, the one or more squeegees and bristles are coupled to a motorized handle and can be configured for cleaning teeth and gums.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for use between a broom handle and its broom head and has other applications in which it is deemed desirable to obtain a quick and secure connection between threaded components. The male component of the connector consists of two adjacent sections of male threads, the first section having a smaller width or diameter than the second section. The first section forms the end of the male component. In the case of a broom handle, this is the end of the handle. The female component of the connector consists of an opening or cavity with female, receiving threads. In the case of a broom head, this is the opening within the head. The female component also has two opening sections of varying widths or diameters. The sections of the female component are each configured to threadably engage the respective threaded sections of the male component.

Abstract: A connecting piece for connecting a wiper arm to a wiper blade is proposed, which includes yielding regions, so that wiper arms of the most various sizes can be received.

Abstract: In a wiper arm, a head cover detachably attached to an arm head has a stopper wall that protrudes inward from an end thereof and is inserted into a gap between the arm head and an arm member. When the arm member is rotated by a certain angle to the arm head in the direction away from the windshield glass, the stopper wall comes in contact with the arm member so that further rotation of the arm member is suppressed. Accordingly, a possible damage of the wiper arm due to a car washer, which accidentally turns the arm member to the lock back state, is avoided. On the other hand, if a user detaches the head cover from the arm head, the arm member can be manually rotated to the lock back state so that a blade rubber replacement operation for a maintenance purpose is easy.

Abstract: An upright deep cleaner including a base housing pivotally connected to an upright handle, the upright handle carrying a liquid supply tank and the base housing including a recovery tank. The liquid supply tank includes an internal siphon tube for ensuring liquid flow to a feed valve when the upright handle is in the inclined position. The base housing includes a suction nozzle adjacent a spray bar, and removable floating brush for contacting a surface being cleaned, the brush being interchangeable with a bare floor tool including a sponge, brush, and squeegee. The recovery tank includes an internal baffle for preventing foaming of solution and a tank vent housing including a sponge-type filter to prevent spray from exiting the recovery tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held extraction cleaner including a cleaning fluid supply system for supplying a cleaning fluid to a surface, a dirt recovery system including a source of suction fluidly connected to the surface through a cleaning fluid recovery tank assembly, and a rotary agitation brush for agitating the surface to be cleaned. The brush is driven by air-powered turbine assembly fluidly connected between ambient air and the suction source.

Abstract: A hinge member includes a rotatable cam element with a first cam face and a slidable cam element with a second cam face associated with the first cam face in such a manner that the second cam face moves away from the first cam face when the slidable cam element is cammed by the rotatable cam element due to an applied external force. A biasing member is connected to the slidable cam element so as to accumulate a returning force when the second cam face moves away from the first cam face and so as to urge the second cam face to move toward the first cam face when the external force ceases to be applied on the rotatable cam element.

Abstract: A door securing device for securing screen door in an open position once it has been opened. The door securing device includes a housing comprising a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall defines an interior space of the housing. The housing is designed for being slidably positioned on a door rod of the screen door opposite a door cylinder of the screen door. A cable assembly is positioned in the interior space of the housing. The cable assembly is designed for being coupled to the screen door opposite the housing. The cable assembly is designed for drawing the housing towards the door cylinder whereby the housing engages the door cylinder and the door rod to maintain the door cylinder in position on the door rod for inhibiting closing of the screen door.

Abstract: A door hinge mounted container holder. A body portion is adapted to loosely receive a container such as a spray can of mace. The body portion is adapted for attachment to a door hinge, and preferably includes a pair of door stops to prevent the door from opening so far that a person cannot easily access the container.

Abstract: A magnetic glass door holder includes a position device fixed on a mobile door and a fix device fixed on a stationary door, and a sucking device respectively provided hidden in the position device and the fix device. Then the two sucking devices suck each other to keep the mobile door from receiving shocks to secure it in an opened or closed position. The magnetic glass door holder can be applied to a frameless tempered glass door consisting of a stationary one and a mobile door combined in an angle such as 90°, 135° or 180°.

Abstract: A handle structure includes a body extends through a passage defined in a base of an outer casing. The base has a recess defined in an outer periphery thereof and the passage communicates with the recess. A cap is engaged with the recess by engaging lugs on the cap with the notches in the base.

Abstract: A rotating shaft with open and shut function comprises a shaft part, a fixing part, a slide part, an extension part and/or a rotating part. When a lid on an article rotates, the rotating slants of the rotating projections on the rotating part move along the end projections of the slide part to allow the sliding juts on the slide part moving along the fixing juts on the fixing part so as to compress the extension part between the fixing part and the slide part. When the lid rotates an angle till the rotating projections contacting face to face with the end projections, the lid can be located in a state of standstill. When rotating slants move to the slant side of the respective end projection at the another side thereof, the extension part stretches to allow the slide part moving back axially so that the rotating slants can move along the end slants to form a state of engagement between the rotating slants and the end slants respectively and the lid can be fully opened automatically.

Abstract: A hinged-bezel system for use with electronic devices housed in equipment enclosures. The system, comprising a comb, a clamp plate, and a hinged bezel, extends the pivot of a hinge outward from the face of a equipment enclosure to allow full access to components within the equipment enclosure, through the front face of the equipment enclosure, without removing the hinged bezel. Additionally, the system allows the electronic device to be fully anchored to the equipment enclosure. The comb, mounted to the front face of the equipment enclosure, securely fastens to the clamp plate, which is attached to the front sidewall of the electronic device along with the hinged bezel.

Abstract: A detachable handle for securely holding and lifting a container, such as a paint can which has a lid-receiving channel at the top of the container, is formed as an integral unit of injection molded compliant material. It includes a grip, an upper heel contacting the container inside wall at an upper position, and a lower heel contacting the container outside wall at a lower position. The handle also includes a lift point contacting the lid-receiving channel underside, and a middle arm contacting the top of the lid-receiving channel above the lift point, providing vertical stability, and allows the user to hold or lift the container without risk of tipping or spilling. The handle is easily applied or removed by contacting the lower heel against the outside wall and rotating the handle into place.

Abstract: A writing implement holder includes a case having a bottom wall, upstanding front and back walls, and side walls, and defining an open top. A lid is pivotally mounted to the case for selective movement between open and closed configurations. A clip member is attached to the lid for selectively attaching the case to a planar surface such as a music stand. The lid includes longitudinally extending channels slidably coupled to guide pins mounted to respective case side walls. The guide pins provide an axis about which the lid is pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. The channels enable the lid to be slidably moved to a locked configuration.

Abstract: The cable tie strap, having elongate strap body and a locking head provides for receipt of the cable tie strap in the head in either direction. The cable tie strap includes a hollow locking head and an elongate strap having toothing on each side of the strap. A locking bar is positioned within the hollow head. The strap body may be inserted into the hollow head in either direction. The locking bar is lockingly engagable with the toothing on either side of the strap upon insertion of the strap into the head in either direction.

Abstract: A cord lock has a body and plunger in which a cord is secured, and an extension sleeve designed for insertion through an opening in an article or fabric to which the cord lock is attached. A back plate is engaged along the length of the extension sleeve, to pinch the fabric or article between the body and back plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exchangeable self-adjusting device for use in a belt, in which a strap is properly extended due to a slight abdominal motion, and a wearer can easily exchange the buckle to follow the fashion. The device includes a cover 10 being movable left and right, a slidable body 20 inserted into a bottom of the cover 10, and a bottom plate 30 hinged to one portion of a bottom of the body 20 by means of a hinge 32. The cover 10 includes a cover hook 12 formed at a front thereof and inserted into a buckle hook 51 provided at a rear of a buckle 50, and a leaf-spring hooking boss 11 with a hooked groove 11a formed at its center. The body 20 includes detachable bosses 21 protruded from both sides thereof, a roller fixing shaft 23 formed at a center of a bottom thereof for rotatably fixing a roller 70, and a hinge protruded from both sides of the rear thereof towards the bottom and having a hinge hole 22.

Abstract: The quick fastening device fastens cable lines and absorbs vibration, especially on abutments of automobiles. The device has a retainer ring with a spring, as well as a pendulum tube and cable components. A firm component in the interior of the quick fastening device integrates components of a cable on one side, and an intake slit with a pendulum tube on the other side. The firm component is surrounded by a ductile component on which a sliding ring is arranged. The sliding ring is under a retainer ring. A spring is arranged in the interior of the retainer ring with one side against the ductile component and one the other side against the retainer ring. The retainer ring and the ductile component form a groove into which the abutment fits. The retainer ring is pulled back against the resistance of the spring, enlarging the groove, so that the abutment may fit into the groove.

Abstract: The folding clasp for an interchangeable watch strap comprises at least two arms articulated together and foldable against each other, provided with a fixing device to hold the clasp in closed position. The free end of one (1) of the arms (1, 3) is provided with a securement device for the end of a strap tongue (11) comprising a guide (8) having in cross-section a general U shape, an axle (9) connecting the two lateral wings of the guide (8) and holding members (10) adapted to coact with the upper surface of the tongue (11) of the strap. The free end of the other arm (3) of the clasp is pivoted on a cover (14) with the help of a screw (12), this cover (14) having lateral portions (13) interconnected by an axle (15). The cover (14) of the clasp comprises retaining members (16) adapted to coact with the upper surface of a second tongue (17) of the strap.

Abstract: A right rail and a left rail are constituted of an entrance rail portion, an exit rail portion, and a rail connecting portion. The respective portions of the rails are moved in a film-width direction via a rail attachment and a positioning section. The positioning section is constituted of a lead screw rod and a positioning motor. The respective positioning motors are controlled by a controller. Upon inputting an entrance width and an exit width through a data input section, the controller moves positions of the respective rail attachments and performs orientation so as to decline an orientation axis.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shrink fabric, and a shrink fabric to be used for filtering. The method is used for manufacturing a shrink fabric (1, 1′) comprising a seam assembly (4) which is substantially diagonal with respect to the lateral direction of the shrink fabric (1, 1′). When arranged in place onto a drum filter, the seam assembly (4) of the shrink fabric (1, 1′) is substantially diagonal with respect to the lateral direction of the drum (2) of the drum filter.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an annular ring transducers for determining the velocity of a fluid flow. A novel and accurate flow measurement system is fabricated for measuring transit time of a fluid flow using chirp signals, and a pneumotachometer with annular ring transducers is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid insertion of hose fittings into the ends of hoses, having a hand-controlled fitting installation mechanism movable along a travel bar, the mechanism having a vertical paid used to push the hose fitting into the end of the hose; a separate attached hose mounting platform for holding the hose end above and parallel to the bar holding the hand-controlled mechanism; and a hose locking lever attached to the top of the hose mounting platform.

Abstract: A belt lacer for connectors of the type having a plurality of wire hooks arranged in a side-by-side relationship includes a base element, and a holding member supported on the base element, and configured to receive and retain therein the belt connectors. The belt lacer also includes a crimping jaw having a pair of crimping jaw members rotatably mounted on the base element for mutual rotational motion, and configured to abuttingly engage from opposite directions the belt connectors retained in the holding member. Means are provided for converging and diverging said crimping jaw members, and a mechanism positively couples the rotational motion of the crimping jaw members relative to the base member.

Abstract: An assembly tool for insertion of engine piston/rod assemblies into an engine cylinder includes a frame, a support arm pivotally carried on the frame, an insertion cylinder carried by the support arm and including an extendable insertion rod having an end adapted to engage a piston in position for insertion; a positioner for positioning the support arm in an insertion position with the rod end engaging a piston; and a control for actuating the insertion rod to insert a piston/rod assembly into the cylinder. Various additional features of an exemplary embodiment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for holding elements includes a first spring member and a second spring member. The first spring member has a rigid portion that applies the majority of force to the elements. The second spring member is attached to the first spring member. The second spring member is more flexible than the first spring member. The second spring member has a structure that accommodates dimensional variations in elements held by the clamping member.

Abstract: A method of producing an element of composite material, including the steps of forming a first distribution of first elements defining the matrix of the element of composite material; forming a second distribution of second elements defining the reinforcing structure of the element of composite material; and compacting the first and second elements to obtain a distribution of the reinforcing structure inside the matrix; the first elements being metal wires; and the step of forming the first distribution including the step of assigning each second element an orderly distribution of metal wires.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary tool for assembling a motor assembly to a wafer-deposition machine for supporting a wafer. The auxiliary tool facilitates easy and quick assembly of the motor assembly to the wafer-deposition machine. An aspect of the present invention is directed to an auxiliary tool for assembling a motor assembly to a wafer-deposition machine, wherein the motor assembly includes a plurality of first screw holes and the wafer-deposition machine includes a plurality of second screw holes corresponding to the first screw holes, respectively. The auxiliary tool comprises a plurality of locking members each having a substantially uniform dimension in a longitudinal direction and being configured to be inserted through one of the plurality of first screw holes of the motor assembly with a corresponding one of the plurality of second screw holes of the wafer-deposition machine to align the first screw hole with the corresponding second screw hole.

Abstract: Firstly, using a cutting tool 30, connecting ribs 13 are cut off from the end face of a duplex pipe 10 which is held with an outer pipe 11 chucked (rib cutting step). Next, the duplex pipe 10 is cut at and from the end face of the duplex pipe 10 up to the portion thereof corresponding to the exposed length of the inner pipe 12 to thereby form a slit 21 in the outer pipe 11 and connecting ribs 13 (slit forming step) The cutting tool 30 comprises a guide hole 31 into which the inner pipe 12 can be inserted while guiding the inner pipe outer peripheral surface 12a, a cutting device 32 for cutting the connecting ribs 13, and a guide pin 33 which is disposed in the guide hole 31 and can be inserted into the inner pipe 12 while guiding the inner pipe inner peripheral surface 12b.

Abstract: An apparatus which reduces the surface area with which a carrier film adheres to a die, including a plate member including laterally spaced supports preferably, the apparatus also includes a vacuum source operatively connected to the plate member Upon placement of a carrier film having an array of semiconductor diet adhered thereto onto the plate member, the dice are proximate the supports. The vacuum pulls air from the spaces between the supports, which partially releases the carrier film from the bottom surface of at Least sonic of the dice. The apparatus may also include a die removal mechanism such as a vacuum toilet type die pick-up mechanism, an extendable member die plunge-dip mechanism, or a combination thereof. The present invention also includes a method for reducing the surface area with which a carrier film adheres to a die to facilitate removal thereof.