Abstract: A compliant foil fluid film thrust bearing including a thrust disk rotor, fluid foils, spring foils, a thrust plate, and a housing thrust surface The non-rotating but compliant fluid foils, mounted on the thrust plate and/or housing thrust surface and positioned adjacent to the thrust disk, have open faced channels that induce regenerative vortex flow patterns in the process fluid. The multiple spring foils together provide a tilting pad support for the fluid foils but allow them to follow the axial and overturning motion of the thrust disk. The interaction of the tilting pad underspring supports and the circumferential fluid pressure gradients in the process fluid between the fluid foils and the thrust disk rotor assure that the fluid foils will assume hydrodynamically efficient convex shapes on the surfaces adjacent to the rotor regardless of the load applied to the thrust bearing.

Abstract: A method of training a recursive filter comprises updating recursive parameters of the filter with delta values computed from sampling of an error signal and obtaining derivative terms of the output signal with respect to the parameters. Adaptation using derivatives for FIR filters is known, but this technique was not available for IIR filters because of the unavailability of the derivative values. However, when it is realized that the derivative itself is recursive, a parameter derivative function is obtained which will produce derivative terms for updating the filter parameters with acceptable filter performance.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting authorized programs within a data processing system. The present invention creates a validation structure for validating a program. The validation structure is embedded in the program and in response to an initiation of the program, a determination is made as to whether the program is an authorized program. The determination is made using the validation structure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of selectively delivering programming to a viewer station (e.g., a home) on an interactive television or televideo (IT) system. The method includes delivering a message to a selected viewer station having a selected video display set. The message may be delivered while the selected viewer station receives virtually any programming over the interactive televideo system, including selected programming that is chosen by a viewer at the selected viewer station and is carried on a selected programming channel. With reference to a preferred embodiment, the IT system transmits a message signal to the selected viewer station on a communication channel different from the channels carrying the programming, including the selected programming channel. The interactive station controller receives the message signal and generates from it a viewer message.

Abstract: A conventional baseball (softball) first baseman's mitt includes two layers of protective padding in the areas above and below the center axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joint of the index finger. One layer of padding is a slow release foam material and the other layer of padding is a foam rubber, neoprene, or other foamed elastomeric material. Additional protective padding may extend to the areas above and below the center axis of rotation of other joints of the index and long fingers.

Abstract: A wearable garment for selectively retaining one or more separable and/or replaceable electrodes or sensors. The wearable garment having a flexible body with an inner surface for positioning the sensors relative to the skin of a wearer, one or more first flexible electrically conductive fasteners affixed to the inner surface, and one or more flexible electrical conductors also affixed to the inner surface so as to electrically cooperate with the one or more first flexible electrically conductive fasteners. The one or more separable and/or replaceable flexible sensors each having a second flexible electrically conductive fastener for separably fastening to the one or more first flexible electrically conductive fasteners to facilitate a complementary electrical connection between the one or more selectively separable and/or flexible sensors and the one or more flexible electrical conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a camouflage garment which utilizes multiple heights of three dimensional materials in strategic panels or points to provide a user with the full benefit of an all-inclusive three-dimensional camouflage fabric garment while still allowing a user friendly or low hindrance design that allows the user quietness, stealth and the like.

Abstract: A baby garment for allowing the umbilical portion of a baby to be exposed to facilitate the healing thereof. The baby garment includes also including limb portions, and further having longitudinal edges extending lengthwise thereof and being fastenable to one another to close the piece of material upon a front side of a baby; and also includes fasteners including garment-closing fasteners being spacedly attached along the longitudinal edges of the piece of material, and also including umbilical-exposing fasteners being attached to the midsection of the torso portion.

Abstract: A waders and jacket combination in which the waders and jacket are attached to each other. Because the waders and the jacket are attached to each other, the elements cannot get in between the waders and the jacket, i.e. above the waders and below the jacket. Further, the combination will prevent the separation of the waders and the jacket and the inconvenience which may occur (i.e. by misplacing one) from their separation. The instant invention insures that the waders and the jacket are always together. The attachment will preferably be made by heat sealing the waders and the jacket together. However, it is noted that any manner which accomplishes the attachment of the waders and the jacket is contemplated by this invention.

Abstract: A seamless front flap assembly for a garment having a first front panel and a second front panel in a side-by-side configuration, the assembly comprising: a top storm flap including: an upper fabric; a lower fabric stitched to the upper fabric of the top storm flap; and a thermally meltable compound; a bottom storm flap including: an upper fabric; a lower fabric stitched to the upper fabric of the bottom storm flap; and a thermally meltable compound; a first zipper anchoring flap including: an upper fabric stitched to the lower fabric of the top storm flap; and a lower fabric stitched to the upper fabric of the first zipper anchoring flap; a second zipper anchoring flap including: an upper fabric stitched to the lower fabric of the bottom storm flap; and a lower fabric stitched to the upper fabric of the second zipper anchoring flap; and a zipper.

Abstract: An adjustable insulation apparatus attaches to a garment to manage the body heat of the user. The apparatus includes a lining that may be extended to substantially the width of the garment worn by the user or retracted to reduce the area surrounding the user. The apparatus includes controllers for moving the lining between the extended position and the retracted position, which include extension cords and retraction cords connected to the lining. The extension cord is connected between a proximal end of the lining and an extension grip. The retraction cord is connected between the proximal end of the lining and a retraction grip. In the extended position, the lining surrounds a substantial portion of the user. When the retraction grips are drawn, the proximal end of the lining will be moved toward the distal end of the lining. To return the lining to the extended position, the user will pull the extension grips and the proximal end of the lining will move away from the distal end of the lining.

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 sock with reinforced toe and heel areas, and a tread area located between these areas. The tread area is reinforced between the toe and heel areas. A sock comprising: a reinforced toe region; a reinforced heel region; and a reinforced sole region between the toe and heel regions, wherein the reinforced sole region substantially corresponds to a degree of reinforcement of the toe and heel regions, and wherein the reinforced sole region is of a contour corresponding to a foot sole surface.

Abstract: A retractable and disposable urinal which can be retracted, can be directed and can be joined with a plastic conveyer to the male or female organ and comprises: a plastic retractable tube formed by a plurality of convolutions, having at its bottom a closed convolution and at its top a hollowed neck closed at its bottom side where an absorber polymer is put, the conveyer entering the neck opens the protection film and the membrane of the neck allowing the polymer to fall down the tube, this polymer when is in contact with the urine absorbs it and transforms it in gel.

Abstract: A vacuum toilet comprises a toilet bowl (1) and a vacuum pipeline (3) which opens out into said toilet bowl. In the region of the opening (2), the vacuum line (3) has a cross-sectional narrowing in the form of a foreign-body barrier (5) which projects radially into the line interior. Alternatively provided is an insert pipe part (6) which can be inserted into the vacuum pipeline (3) in the region of the opening (2) and has an above-described foreign-body barrier (5).

Abstract: A debris recovery device for drainage systems that includes a shaft with a peripheral wall. A basket made out of a meshed material has a spring loaded hingedly mounted bottom wall that is partially opened when it carries a load of a predetermined weight. A peripheral flange rests on the shoulder of the peripheral wall. An oil trap assembly can be optionally added to catch oil spills before reading the drainage system. The oil trap includes a sheet of a porous oil-absorbing material.

Abstract: A water-saving toilet is disclosed. The water-saving toilet comprises: a toilet main body having an inlet orifice for introducing water from a water supply tube disposed at the outside of the main body, a toilet bowl for containing outside waste material and water supplied from the inlet orifice, and an outlet orifice for discharging the waster material and water in the toilet bowl; a discharge tube, one end of which is connected to the outlet orifice of the main body and the other end of which is connected to an outside outlet to serve as a discharge passage of waste material and water, including a curved portion which is movable up and down; means for moving the curved portion of the discharge tube up and down. With the water saving toilet, the waste material can be removed out of the toilet bowl with a minimum amount of water by the movement of the discharge tube. In addition, silent flushing operation is possible since open/close operation according to a siphon principle is not employed.

Abstract: An enclosure for a portable toilet comprises at least two sections, one of which has a door opening and a door mounted thereon. The enclosure door is moveable between a closed position and an opened position. Each enclosure section includes a first end and a second end. A tab having a hole extends from the first and a hole is formed in the second end of each enclosure section. When assembled, the first end of one section abuts the second end of the adjacent section. To ensure a substantially smooth seam or junction between the two sections, the tab extends from the inner surface of one section, across the junction between the two sections, to lie against the inner surface of the adjacent section. The tabs are aligned with the holes, and are sized such that the tab holes align with the section holes. A fastener is passed through the section hole and the tab hole to secure the two sections together. Mounting tabs are also provided at the bottom of the enclosure to secure the enclosure to the base.

Abstract: A height adjustable water spout mounting assembly includes a sleeve having an external threaded surface for deck mounting the sleeve and an internal threaded surface. There is a spout interface formed and adapted to extend above the spout deck with an outer surface which is at least in part threaded and sized to extend within and have its exterior threads interact with the interior threads on the sleeve for relative height adjustment of the spout interface with the spout mounting deck. There is further a height adjustable diverter lift rod associated with the sleeve and spout interface.

Abstract: A convertible couch bed (100) for pet including a frame (101) with a first cushion (102) and optionally a second cushion (103). The first cushion (102) is capable of being removed and secured adjacent to the frame (101) to provide an enlarged sleeping area. The cushions (102 and 103) are contoured cushions of varying density and/or thickness, thereby allowing for several different configurations, and maximizing the comfort and therapeutic support to individual pets based on the pets' individual needs. The frame (101) and first cushion (102) are secured to each other when in the expanded sleeping area configuration. String ties (112 & 113) and hook-and-loop fastening strips (114 & 110) are examples of mechanisms for securing the frame (101) and the cushion (102) to each other.

Abstract: An article of furniture is provided which can be transformed easily from a bed to a futon or a chaise lounge. The article of furniture is formed of a stationary, generally U-shaped upright support having a head frame with opposing ends from which side frames extend in mutual parallel alignment. A base frame assembly is mounted upon wheels or other roller elements and is comprised of a plurality or articulated frames, including a seat bench frame located remote from the head frame of the stationary support, and at least an intermediate seat back frame hinged to the bench frame. Preferably, a proximal back frame is also provided which includes within its structure a backrest that may be raised or lowered when the unit is used as a chaise lounge. The article of furniture is provided with rollers on each side of the stationary support near the distal extremities thereof. Cam latches are provided on opposing sides of the seat frame in longitudinal alignment with the rollers.

Abstract: A turning mechanism for a patient confined to a bed includes two movable frames, and two adjusting members connected to respective frames for moving the frames between a horizontal position and a tilted position. A sheet is connected to elongated rods of the frames by an easily detachable device. Thus, a patient lying on the sheet can be turned between a back-rest position and left and right side rest positions. The adjusting members have transmission shafts, which have threaded sections having moving blocks movable along; Propping rods are pivoted to the moving blocks at first ends. The propping rods are pivoted to the frames at the other ends so that when power source is activated, the moving blocks move along threaded sections, and the propping rods are moved to raise the respective frames to a tilted position.

Abstract: A bed is provided for a vehicle with two adjacent seats separated from each other so that a gap is defined therebetween. The bed has a body that includes a first end disposed on one seat and a second disposed on the other seat. The bed bridges the gap between the seats. The width of the body is adjustable for fitting on the seats.

Abstract: A bed air bag deterrent apparatus for deterring a bed occupant from getting out of bed without assistance of a caregiver, including a deterrent device mounted on a bed frame and activated by a detection system to deter or delay the bed occupant from getting out of bed, a detection system having a detector for detecting when the bed occupant is attempting to get out of bed, and a control mechanism to for controlling the detection and deterrent systems. The deterrent device has an inflatable air bag mounted on the long side of a horizontally displaced rectangular support frame that is positioned on the horizontal surface of a bed frame. The detection system includes transmitters, sensors and pressure-sensitive bed occupancy pads for detecting the bed occupant. The control mechanism includes a bed occupancy monitor and audio system.

Abstract: A bolster system for a patient support surface is provided comprising two “L”-shaped inflatable bladders configured to be positioned along the head end and left and right sides of the patient support surface, stabilizing members such as foam extending downwardly from the inflatable bladders configured to be positioned between the patient support surface and the rails of the bed, a removable bolster sheath adapted to cover the inflatable bladders and stabilizing members, and a sheet configured to extend underneath the patient support surface and thereby anchor the bolster system in place. The bolster system is particularly adaptable to therapeutic patient support surfaces comprising alternately inflatable bladders that provide percussion, vibration, and/or rotational therapy to patients.

Abstract: An article of bedding with a hidden pocket for storing an item, including a fabric panel with an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a distal end, also, a double inwardly folded wide hem fabric piece defining a first end and a second end, and having a hem interior volume separated from an exterior and an interior environment. Also, a fabric pocket liner including an opening that is double outwardly folded defining a third end and a fourth end, the opening is adjacent to a portion of the first end, the second end, and the distal end, the liner is positioned within a portion of the hem interior volume, the liner is not visible from the exterior and interior environment. The distal end, first end, and third end, are attached. The distal end, first end, and second end are also attached, plus the second end and fourth end are attached.

Abstract: A foot free pillow for use on a bed comprising a pillow with a body portion having a wedge shaped cross section, a tapered point formed at the apex of said triangular wedge shaped cross section, said tapered point conforming to the contours of the periphery of a mattress. Also a protrusion can be attached to the body portion at the vertex of the wedge shaped cross section, wherein said protrusion forms a notch allowing said protrusion to be secured against a sheet.

Abstract: A stretcher includes an elongated frame having an upper frame and a lower frame. A patient-support deck is supported by the upper frame and includes a patient-support surface. Casters are mounted to the lower frame and a pair of push bars are mounted to the upper frame. Each push bar includes a handle post that can be gripped by a caregiver to push the stretcher. Each push bar is mounted to the upper frame for movement between a push position having the handle post extending above the patient-support surface and a down-out-of-the-way position having a portion of the push bar located underneath the upper frame. The stretcher also includes a pair of latches coupled to the upper frame to pivot about respective axes between lock positions engaging the push bars to lock the push bars in the push positions and release positions allowing the push bars to move between respective push positions and down-out-of-the-way positions.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism or support structure for an imaging medical examination apparatus, particularly a magnetic resonance apparatus or a computer tomography apparatus, has a bearing plate for the patient and an endless conveyor band or belt for transporting the bearing plate through an opening in the examination apparatus. The conveyor band can move through the opening that serves for the acceptance of the patient and is moved therethrough by means of two end rollers arranged on mutually opposite sides of the examination apparatus.

Abstract: A device for maintaining the body, for use as a pillow, includes at least one surface (1) for supporting the head and a central clearance (2) defining two side surfaces (3a, 3b) extending the support surface. The pillow has a length (L) not less than the body measurements of an adult user from the lower ribs to the ear, thereby adjusting the pillow support surface on the body in all positions of use.

Abstract: A cushion having a plurality of inflatable and deflatable cells useful for periodically shifting the points of contact between the cushion and a body supported by the cushion in order to reduce or eliminate the development of pressure sores. The cushion includes one or more of (i) at least two encircling cells shaped so as to define a central concavity in the upper surface of each of the encircling cells, (ii) at least one repositionable cell, (iii) at least two cells having contoured upper surfaces which define a longitudinally extending laterally concave channel, and (iv) two groupings of independently inflatable and deflatable cells arranged asymmetrically about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A spring unit (2) for incorporation into a bed, divan bed, mattress, or other upholstery unit comprises a first spring (4) and a second spring located (6) within said first spring (4). The first spring (4) may be a pocketted spring, or the second spring may be a pocketted spring, or both of said springs may be pocketted springs, the pockets of said pocketted springs being composed of a woven material and/or a synthetic material.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a sun visor or canopy 20 attached by an extendable/flexible means 34 to a pillow 40 shaped to comfortably receive the head of a user 12. The pillow 40 comprises a main enclosure 36 having a protective cover 56 thereon for protection from the elements. The main enclosure houses a radio 46 having volume 42 and station selector 44 and a battery power source 54 for providing music to the user 12 as the user 12 uses the present invention 10. The extendable/flexible element 34 allows the canopy 20 to be adjustably moved about. Hooks 32 are provided on the present invention in order to attach it to the back 24 of a lawn chair 22.

Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.

Abstract: A futon mattress has a first support component formed from fabric batting, a second support component formed from convoluted foam and a separation layer interposed between the first support component and the second support component for preventing the migration of the fiber batting into the convoluted foam.

Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.

Abstract: A passenger bridge for facilitating passengers boarding and disembarking a ship includes a first gangway section adjustably suspended within and partly enclosed by a frame of the bridge and sets of wheels for supporting the frame body and to provide maneuverability of the bridge in all directions along the quay.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete panel for a bridge construction includes a first section having at least one tension member extending therethrough. A second section of the panel is spaced from the first section to form a gap therebetween. The tension member extends through the second section also and across the gap. The gap is adapted to be aligned above a support beam or girder. At least one compression member also extends between the first and second sections and across the gap in such a manner such that the gap is maintained against the tension forces of the tension member.

Abstract: A pool brush includes a hydrofoil moving on a hinge. The hydrofoil provides downforce on the surface being brushed regardless of the direction of the pool brush (pulled or pushed). Adjustable front and rear stops allow the amount of downforce to be adjusted and to compensate for larger and deeper pools. The hydrofoil also creates a method for laterally steering the pool brush by twisting the handle.

Abstract: A scuff mark removal tool for removing scuff marks from tile floors with little effort. The scuff mark removal tool includes a flexible ball member having a wall and being adapted to remove scuff marks from a tile floor; and also includes an elongate handle member being removably and securely engaged to the flexible ball member.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a handle including a gripping zone and a connecting zone, and with a bristle portion following the connecting zone, wherein the handle has a stop part spaced from the bristle portion and extending at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush so as to limit an introduction of the toothbrush in the buccal cavity.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a resiliently flexible composite region between its head and handle which comprises one or members of generally triangular shape in section either made of a resilient elastomeric material different to the hard plastic material of the toothbrush head and handle, or made of a hard plastic material.

Abstract: A hand float for forming a concrete slab. The hand float comprises a substantially rectangular float member, a handle member, first and second screw members that attach the handle member to the float member, and a leveling device attached to the handle member. he user of the hand float grasps the handle member to work the concrete slab before the slab is cured. The user of the hand float views the leveling device while working the concrete slab to ensure that the portion of the slab being worked is substantially flat and substantially at a desired level.

Abstract: A squeegee implement for attachment to a conventional squeegee including a squeegee handle and a wiping blade. The implement includes an absorbing component for absorbing a portion of the liquid having been wiped from a surface by the wiping blade. The implement also includes an attachment structure for attaching the absorbing component to the squeegee adjacent the wiping blade so as to allow the absorbing component to absorb liquid emanating from the wiping blade. The squeegee implement further includes a guiding structure in fluid communication with both the wiping blade and the absorbing component for guiding the liquid from the wiping blade to the absorbing component. Guiding and absorbing components prevent liquid wiped with the blade from falling back on the wiped surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) for motor vehicle windows. The wiper blade includes a rubber-elastic wiper strip (20) stretched out long in the manner of a band that can be placed against the window with a wiper lip, the two side walls of which each include a longitudinal groove (28, 30) which is situated in a plane that is basically parallel to the window (14) and has clearance from the window, so that a bridge (34) remains between the two grooves, and a spring (36 and/or 38) is accommodated in each longitudinal groove-that belongs to a spring-elastic carrier element (12) stretched out long in the manner of a band. Retention of the required flexibility of the wiper blade even with problematic window configurations is ensured when the distance (44) between the facing longitudinal edges (40, 42) of the two springs (36, 38) is greater than the width (46) of the bridge (34).

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning a surface is provided comprising a main body and a brush assembly for engaging the surface being cleaned. An engaging member on the main body or brush assembly and a retaining portion on the other main body or brush assembly. The engaging member and retaining portion are releasably connected to each other such that the engaging member or retaining portion is accessible for engagement by a user to disengage the engaging member from the retaining portion.

Abstract: A motor brush dust removing filter for use in a vacuum cleaner in which the vacuum cleaner includes a cylinder-shaped canister, a supporting portion having wheels and attached to a lower portion of the canister, an air outlet formed in a cover so as to discharge air at an upper portion of the cylindrical canister, and a vacuum generating unit for sucking air into the cylindrical canister. The cover has at a center thereof a circular aperture, a circular protrusion or shelf along the aperture, a filter, and a brush dust removing filter having a connection portion. The connection portion of the filter is fastened to a case of a motor brush assembly so that brush dust discharged via an air vent in an upper surface of the brush assembly case is filtered by the filter of the filter unit from air exhausted to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A device used to safely secure a vehicle's trunk or hood lid, hereafter called lid or lids, in an open position is disclosed. The preferred device comprises a ␣ formed fork, which is housed in a vehicle's existing lid support arms, with two ends; two force distribution boots, two friction fittings and a damping-extension block. Upon manual engagement of the fork assembly the two force distribution boots contact the damping-extension block and keep a vehicle's lid from closing. Most vehicles have spring tension assemblies mounted in their lids that operate to keep the lids open by way of stored energy in the spring assemblies. As such, lids equipped with these spring assemblies are subject to unintentional closing by unexpected forces, such as winds, parking a vehicle on a grade or often accidents related to children. In the present invention, the device's flawless operation is entirely independent and void of these actions owing to its design, stability, and simplicity of operation.

Abstract: A luggage pull rod control device comprises a locating member in one end of a drive rod and an extension rod. The locating member is formed of a main body, a locating body, and a driven member.

Abstract: A handle assembly and method of assembling a grip handle to a vehicle. The handle assembly includes two base unit and each include a primary and auxiliary projection that are press fit into an opening formed in a structural part of a vehicle. Detents are provided on the projection and configured to be assembled to a vehicle with a minimum force and require a removal force that is substantially greater then the force of insertion. A method of assembling the assist grip handle to a vehicle can be accomplished by inserting molded projections into holes formed in a structural vehicle body panel. The projections include detents that are compressed as the projections are inserted into the holes and are expanded after the projections are fully inserted into the holes.