Abstract: An improved ball capturing sports glove incorporating a web attachment between the thumb and forefinger is disclosed. The web preferably consists of a unitary relatively thin sheet of material forming an extension of the palm portion of the glove and may be comprised of a variety of materials that facilitate the capturing and holding of a thrown ball including rough surfaced and tacktified leather.

Abstract: A user-configurable garment has a base design and a plurality of complementary attachable components for completing the base design to form several different completed designs on the garment. The base design is an anamorphic creature with background elements, and the complementary components are attachable as extremities of the anamorphic creature and objects for completing a scene with the base design. The components include both articles of clothing and non-clothing objects. A method for creating multiple designs using the garment and attachable components is provided as well.

Abstract: A cycling head support includes a helmet (43) a tower (44) a helmet fastening system (39,40), a pair of leg loops (37), and a system of straps extending along a cyclist's back between the helmet fastening system at one end and the leg loops at the other end. The system of straps includes a neck strap (21A) that detachably connects to the helmet using the helmet fastening system. The neck strap connects at the lower end to a ladder lock buckle (19A). The ladder lock buckle conects to a back strap (17A) which is attached to a triangular O-ring (35) by means of a slider buckle (33). A pair of hip straps (15A) is attached to the triangular O-ring. A leg loop is attached to the lower end of each hip strap.

Abstract: A urine collector is comprised of a container with an electric suction pump. A hose extending from the pump is connected to a funnel for collecting urine. The funnel is comprised of an interchangeable female or male funnel. The female funnel is comprised of a cup with an elongated and curved opening for closely fitting under and against a vulva. The male funnel is comprised of a penis-shaped tube with a resilient sealing ring around an open end for sealing around an inserted penis. The funnel can be positioned against the body through a fly in the pants, through a loosened waistband, or under a dress. Urine deposited in the funnel is rapidly drawn into the container by the pump even when the funnel and the top end of the tube are angled up and define an initially uphill path for the urine, such as when the user is seated.

Abstract: A device (1) for dispensing a volatile substance and simultaneously or sequentially dispensing a soluble substance comprising a structure (2, 3, 4) floatable on a liquid (L). The structure includes a first chamber (5) adapted to receive a filling of a first ingredient (A) adapted to release and diffuse a volatile substance, such as a fragrance, as a result of being contacted with the liquid on which the structure is floated. The structure (1) further includes a second chamber (6) adapted to receive a second ingredient, such as a spa product to be dissolved into the liquid. Floating the device (1) on a liquid such as bath water causes the liquid to contact the first (A) and second (B) ingredients, whereby the volatile substance is released from the first ingredient (A) preferably in the form of a vapour or steam, while the second ingredient (B) is dissolved into the liquid. A preferred application is as a bathing implement or a product for toilet hygiene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing active substance fluid into the flushing liquid inside a toilet bowl. The dispensing device comprises a holder (1) that can be suspended-on the edge of the toilet bowl and comprises at least two reservoirs (2, 3), which are separate from one another, are provided inside the holder (1), and which each accommodate an active substance fluid. Each reservoir (2, 3) has its own discharge opening (4) via which the respective active substance fluid can be dispensed into the flushing liquid. The inventive dispensing device is characterized in that flushing liquid is not permitted to enter the interior of the reservoirs (2, 3), and the discharge openings (4) of the reservoirs (2, 3) are arranged so that only active substance fluid is discharged and a partial quantity of the active substance fluid is dispensed from each of the reservoirs (2,3) into the flushing liquid during each flushing.

Abstract: An adjustable toilet flange assembly is disclosed for connecting a toilet with a waste pipe and to facilitate location of the flange on the upper surface of the floor even though the height of the floor surface above the waste pipe varies with different installations. The toilet flange assembly has an adapter pipe which is connected by a cemented joint with the waste pipe and has a hub with a female thread at its upper end. A flange member has a straight pipe section with an O-ring seal for making a telescopic connection inside the adapter member and having an annular flange on its upper end. A male thread on the pipe section adjacent the flange mates with the female thread of the adapter member and provides both height and angular adjustment of the flange.

Abstract: An automatic flushing actuator that mounts to an overflow pipe in a tank style toilet includes a proximity sensor, a housing enclosing a motor mount and gear assembly, and a rotatably mounted lever on top of the housing. A clamp is adapted to be affixed to the side of the housing and secure the actuator to the overflow pipe. When installing the actuator, the clamp is affixed to the overflow pipe before the housing is mounted onto the clamp. The clamp allows the housing to be removably mounted or locked in position on the clamp. The lever coupled to the top of the housing is rotated to a desired position, and a chain is connected to a handle of the toilet opens the flush valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tankless toilet which can realize the reduction of the manufacturing cost without deteriorating the washing ability of water in the inside of a rim channel. The western-style toilet body includes the rim channel which is formed in the inside of a rim and is capable of washing a toilet bowl with water, and a rim water guide passage which is concealed in a rear wall face of the western-style toilet body and is connected to the rim channel from behind. Further, a through hole which is communicated with the rim water guide passage is formed in the rear wall face of the western-style toilet body. A spud is engaged in the inside of the through hole. The rim conduit is communicated with the rim channel by a water supply passage of the spud without passing the rim water guide passage, while an atmosphere communication hole of a water supply device is communicated with the rim water guide passage by means of a water discharge passage of the spud through a tube.

Abstract: A combination spa and electronic entertainment system is disclosed. The spa includes a tub with an upper edge from which horizontal surfaces extend. The surfaces have apertures through which water-tight housings may be raised and lowered. The housings hold components of the entertainment system and have tops larger in size than the apertures to form sealing areas engageable with the horizontal surfaces surrounding the apertures for sealing the apertures and the water-tight housings. A moving mechanism is provided to raise and lower the housings. The mechanism has a platform supported on a carriage movable vertically along a support column. A motor raises and lowers the platforms through a cable and pulley system. A motion limiting device having a pivoting arm which engages sensors communicating with the motor through a control system shuts the motor off in response to predetermined upper and lower limits of cable tension.

Abstract: A combination spa and electronic entertainment system is disclosed. The spa includes a tub with an upper edge from which horizontal surfaces extend. The surfaces have apertures through which water-tight housings may be raised and lowered. The housings hold components of the entertainment system and have tops larger in size than the apertures to form sealing areas engageable with the horizontal surfaces surrounding the apertures for sealing the apertures and the water-tight housings. A moving mechanism is provided to raise and lower the housings. The mechanism has a platform supported on a carriage movable vertically along a support column. A motor raises and lowers the platforms through a cable and pulley system. A motion limiting device having a pivoting arm which engages sensors communicating with the motor through a control system shuts the motor off in response to predetermined upper and lower limits of cable tension.

Abstract: A baby bathtub supporter for supporting a baby bathtub above a basin having an inner surface and an upper lip, the baby bathtub supporter comprising a board with a top surface and a bottom surface and an outer edge, and a stopper extending from the bottom surface and which contacts the inner surface of the basin.

Abstract: A shower-bath booth structure (1) comprising up right elements arranged to define a booth and formed with at least one clear portion, a base element (2) provided with a water drain outlet (9), and a sprinkling device (5) connected to the water supply is described. Advantageously according to the present invention, the shower-bath booth structure (1) further comprises tanning lamps (7) oriented to illuminate the interior of said booth through the clear portion.

Abstract: The invention of the Professional Water Bath is engineered towards the safe use of the culinary technique known as ‘water bathing’ and is directed specifically towards pastry chefs, commercial and private alike, that regularly employ this technique. The concept of the Professional Water Bath is that it limits the risk of transporting oven-hot containers with boiling water and fragile culinary products after baking time is completed. The risk involved with current equipment is that the pans (being horizontal in design and rather shallow) are not stable when filled with water. The improvements with the Professional Water Bath are a liquid release valve that allows water to be drained from the reservoir before removal from the oven and thicker gauge metal to provide stability when transporting culinary products.

Abstract: The inventor discloses a multi-bay sink assembly to replace the military standard 32 gallon garbage cans with immersion heaters for cleaning eating and cooking utensils in a field kitchen environment. The sinks, when in use, can be continually refreshed with clean water. Waste water is removed through a waste manifold. immersion heaters are completely eliminated. The multi-bay sink can be assembled and disassembled into individual sinks with no tools. The sinks are made to nest within themselves leaving a small footprint for storage. Assembly time of sinks from packing crate to operational is less than 30 minutes. The full sink assembly can be appended to a separate waste handling and removal system to completely modernize field mess sanitation.

Abstract: A temporary closure for a bathtub overflow port, comprising placing in the outer end of an internally threaded drain pipe extending through the overflow port a solid cap externally threaded on the inner end.

Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.

Abstract: A fitted cornerless bedclothing item such as a sheet, mattress pad, anti-allergy cover, blanket or coverlet includes a top portion, side portions and end portions, and elastic segments stitched to edges of respective side and end portions. One or more elastic bindings are provided at lower edges of the side and end portions to cause the tops of the elastic segments to be positioned below the respective upper corners of the mattress on which the bedclothing item is mounted, such that no ears or pockets are formed when the bedclothing item is mounted on mattresses of at least two different sizes and/or thicknesses. The elastic segments are made of knitted or woven elastic filaments, such as SPANDEX® fabric, and can be shaped to have a straight lower edge and a curved upper edge, the curved upper edge advantageously approximating an end of an ellipse.

Abstract: A bedding article comprises a first quilted panel attached to a second panel so as to enclose an interior. Fill material is disposed in the quilted panel and in the interior.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting or/and lowering persons has two interconnected X-frames each with two pivotally connected members arranged in an upright position in spaced parallel relationship, a support supported by the members, and one of two inflatable bags surrounding the pivotal connections so that portions of the bags lie between members, whereby inflation and deflation of the bags, opens the X-frames in scissors-fashion and allows the frames to close in a similar fashion thereby raising and lowering the support.

Abstract: A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined.

Abstract: A foot section is provided for use with a patient support. The foot section includes a body and at least one support coupled to the body.

Abstract: A system for restoring the natural lordosis of the cervical spine is provided. The system comprises at least a base pillow having areas of varying thickness, and including a protuberance. A central portion of the base pillow preferably includes a depression for receiving a patient's head. A thicker edge portion provides support for the patient's neck, while the protuberance provides support for the patients thoracic vertebrae. A second pillow is positionable adjacent the base pillow to provide further elevation for the patient's head. The system may include yet another pillow having a size greater than the second pillow to provide still further elevation for the patient's head. The system may also include additional pillows having shapes smaller than, larger than, or in between the size of the other pillows. A method of using the pillows to treat a cervical spinal disorder is also provided.

Abstract: A versatile support member constructed of a metallic mesh is provided in a bedding product. The support member is placed on top of the mattress core (whether foam or spring coil) before the mattress cover is attached. The support member may be constructed of titanium wire in a woven or welded mesh grid or web configuration, although other metals (such as, but not limited to, vanadium, chromium, platinum, molybdenum, nickel, iron, zinc), alloys thereof, or fiber composites (such as, but not limited to, carbon or graphite) may be used. The support member may be directly attached to the core or may be secured to the upper or lower border rods by hog rings, stitching, lacing, or other conventional means.

Abstract: An equalizing pressure control system for connection to at least two pressure zones of a body support. The equalizing pressure control system ensures that an object will be slowly and safely lowered to a static position in the event of a sudden failure of an external pump or a supply pressure to the at least two pressure zones.

Abstract: Methods for providing elastic fabric comprising synthetic elastic fibers and natural fibers with improved dimensional stability or improved durable press while maintaining stretch recovery properties comprise treating the fabric with a treatment composition comprising formaldehyde and a catalyst for crosslinking the formaldehyde with natural fibers in the fabric, and processing the treated fabric to effect crosslinking of the formaldehyde and to maintain stretch performance properties. Fabrics comprising synthetic elastic fibers and natural fibers exhibiting improved dimensional stability and/or durable press properties in combination with additional advantageous properties are produced.

Abstract: A hydrolizable polymer-containing textile article and method for producing the same is provided that has been chemically modified by treating the article with certain branched chain amines to reduce the strength of the fibers contained therein, thus rendering the article less prone to the formation of objectionable pill balls, thereby increasing wearer comfort and retaining the desired appearance of the article, and thereby extending the useful life of the article.

Abstract: A method for controlling the dehydrating operation of a drum type washing machine includes a pre-acceleration step for accelerating a drum to a predetermined control starting speed, and a main accelerating step for accelerating the drum from the control starting speed to a target speed along a linear locus having a preset acceleration slope. A deviation of the center of gravity of the laundry and a pre-spinning time period are reduced in the aforementioned control method.

Abstract: A method for treating hair includes applying a first composition to the hair in a foam form and applying a second composition to the hair in foam form. The compositions are mixed on the hair. The first composition may include an oxidative dye. The second composition may include a oxidizing component such as hydrogen peroxide. An applicator for applying the compositions to the hair may take the form of a brush having a cavity thereon through which the foam compositions are delivered to the hair. A kit including the an aerosol container housing the oxidative dye, an aerosol container housing the oxidizing component, and a brush applicator may also be provided.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for using thickening agents with specific properties in connection with the automated pixel-wise patterning of textile substrates using liquid dyes.

Abstract: The invention relates to new methods of dyeing polymers. The methods include dispersing nanomaterials into the polymers to form polymer nanocomposites, and dyeing the polymer nanocomposites with a dye. The invention also relates to dyed polymers thus obtained and articles made from these dyed polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dyeing or printing manufactured natural polymer or synthetic hydrophobic fibre materials, characterized in that it comprises using dyes of the formula (I), where R1 is hydrogen, hydroxyl or a radical —NHCO—R6, where R6 is C1-C6alkyl or unsubstituted or C1-C4alkyl- or halogen-substituted phenyl, R2 is hydrogen, hydroxyl or a radical W—R7, where W is —NHCO— or —S— and R7 is C1C6alkyl or unsubstituted or C1-C4alkyl- or halogen-substituted phenyl, R3 is hydrogen, R4 is hydrogen or hydroxyl, R5 is hydrogen, halogen, methoxy, phenoxy or phenylthio, or R3 and R4 combine to form the radical of the formula (II), where the rings A and B may independently bear further substituents, to the use of these dyes for trichromatic dyeing of manufactured natural polymer or synthetic hydrophobic fibre materials and mass dyeing of plastics materials and to producing solid on-tone combinations of plastics material and manufactured natural polym

Abstract: This invention relates to a battery powered electric toothbrush whose toothbrush head can vibrate laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. The electric toothbrush comprises a handle containing a drive head eccentrically mounted to a motor shaft, a toothbrush head, and a sleeve intermediate the toothbrush head and the handle accommodating a swing arm. The swing arm has a head portion adjoining the toothbrush head pivotally attached in the forward end of the sleeve and has a tail portion provided with a transverse groove receiving the drive head. The head portion of the swing arm is bent to facilitate itself in contact within the forward end of the sleeve to minimize the impact on the motor power as a user presses the toothbrush head in a daily tooth cleaning. The toothbrush head is attachable, sealed, and secured to the drive portion with a flexible collar member.

Abstract: A complex type toothbrush includes a push handle, a base, a brush seat and a rotary brush part. The push handle provides a brush handle part joining a push stem with an elongated push groove at the push stem. The base is surrounded with a base edge to form an open top base chamber and is provides a base hole. The brush seat at both ends thereof has a hair seat respectively with each hair seat being attached with brush hairs and at the middle thereof has a circular seat recess with a central brush hole. The rotary brush part provides a rotary brush head with brush hairs at the seat recess and being joined to the push stem for being rotated in a right direction or a reversed direction about an axis of the base hole during the push stem being moved forward or backward.

Abstract: An orthodontic toothbrush cleans braces and teeth effectively, including braces which have brackets protruding from tooth surfaces, wherein the brackets are connected by a spanning archwire. The orthodontic toothbrush has a longitudinally extending handle for manual use, or an optional plastic electric battery operated body, attached to a toothbrush head. The bristle head includes rows of bristles, which contact and clean both the orthodontic appliances attached to the surfaces of the teeth and underlying teeth. The height of the shortest group of bristles in the middle of all the bristle rows, represents an average protrusive depth of a typical bracket or band protruding from a tooth's surface. An intermediate row of bristles, bilaterally, is used to assist in cleaning the incisal/occlusal (top) and gingival (bottom) portions of a tooth's crown and orthodontic bracket or band.

Abstract: A wall mounted back scrubbing and washing device that has a scrubbing element with bristle like projections is disclosed that is removably mounted to a wall so that a person can wash their back against the device when in a shower or bathtub. A supply of soap can be applied to the washing device from a separate soap container when desired. The soap may be applied to the washing device from a pressurized soap container, or by manually pumping the soap, or by gravity feed.

Abstract: A multilayer cleaning system utilizing the two sides of a nonmigratory partition 20a and 20b. The cleaning side of the nonmigratory partition 20a has an absorbent material containing a cleaning solution 22 suitable for cleansing the body. The duel compartment side of the nonmigratory partition 20b consists of two sections. Compartment one containing an absorbent material with desired application solution 26 and compartment two containing a dry absorbent material 28 that can be used for either drying or the application of another solution. Each of the compartments on the 20b side is sealed from leakage and air. Thus the multilayer cleaning system 36 allows for a more than sanitary application. The multilayer cleaning system 36 is folded in such a manner as to allow insertion within the package container 30 that requires pulling a string like device 32 embedded into the package itself and exposing the multilayer cleaning system 36.

Abstract: A paint roller apparatus with bar and brush facilitating the painting of a surface (70) that lies adjacent to another surface that is not to be painted contemporaneously. The apparatus comprises a roller cover (58), a bar (22), a brush (28), and a handle (20). Brush (28) is affixed to bar (22), and bar (22) is connected to a bar arm (34) that is rotatably mounted on handle (20). Bar arm (34) can rotate between a paint loading position and a paint application position. In the paint loading position, bar arm (34) is rotated away from roller cover (58) about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of roller cover (58). Said roller cover can then be immersed in paint without getting any paint on bar (22). When bar (22) is in the paint application position, substantially perpendicular and adjacent to the longitudinal axis of roller cover (58), said roller cover may be placed in contact with the surface to be painted (70) and painting may begin.

Abstract: A brush flatter is detachably attachable to a tip portion of a shaft of a drawing instrument having a brush member at the tip portion thereof. The brush flatter is provided with a casing having a space to allow the brush member of the drawing instrument to pass in an axial direction of the shaft, a shaft fitting portion formed at a proximal end portion of the casing, the shaft fitting portion having such a configuration as to fittingly seat on the tip portion of the shaft of the drawing instrument, and a brush pressing portion formed at a distal end portion of the casing, the brush pressing portion defining a slit-like opening through which a tip portion of the brush member pressedly passes so that an exposed tip portion of the brush member comes into a flat form when the shaft fitting portion of the casing fittingly seats on the tip portion of the shaft of the drawing instrument. A drawing instrument is attached with such brush flatter.

Abstract: A brush for massaging head skin including a body portion having an annular bristle mounting part at one side, and a handle at the other side, an annular bristle fixing part fixed on the bristle mounting part, and a plurality of bristles fixed on the bristle fixing part. Since the bristle mounting part of the body is annular-shaped and the supporting part and the bristle fixing part which are fixedly mounted on the bristle mounting part are annular-shaped, respectively, almost all bristles are brought into contact with a curved portion of the head, thereby increasing a contact efficiency between the bristles and the head skin. Therefore, the head skin can be effectively stimulated, thereby preventing alopecia and simultaneously promoting hair growth.

Abstract: An improved cleaning implement for hard surface cleaning is provided. This improved cleaning implement includes a handle, a mop head pivotably attached to said handle, and which has a pad forming a bottom surface, and at least one elevational element removably attached to the bottom surface of the pad. The elevational element provides the mop with the ability to pivot relative the surface to be cleaned. This improved cleaning implement is used in synergy with a disposable absorbent cleaning pad engaging the elevational element.

Abstract: A cleaning roller. The roller comprises a shaft, a sponge sleeve, and an inflatable chamber. The sponge sleeve encloses the shaft, and the inflatable chamber is disposed between the shaft and the sponge sleeve. A central portion of the inflatable chamber is thicker than the ends of the inflatable chamber. The inflatable chamber is of elastic materials. By introducing a working flow into the inflatable chamber, the thickness of the central portion of the inflatable chamber can be adjusted.

Abstract: The Moon Trowel is a tool of convenience. Because of the unique design and shape of the blade, anyone who uses it will not want to be without it. Its convex shaped blade matches perfectly with the inside contour of a five gallon bucket enabling the user to efficiently retrieve all materials, whatever they may be, from the inside of a bucket with little waste or effort. The idea is simple, match the shape of the trowel blade to the inside shape of a five gallon bucket which comes out to be a curve of 5&⅝ inch radius. A perfect fit means no manipulation of the tool to get it to work properly. Tools should not have to be manipulated to work . . . they should just work. The Moon Trowel works extremely well.

Abstract: A porous material for insertion cleaning of instruments is provided, such porous material including an at least partially open-cell foam body and a surface configured to enable an instrument having contaminants to be inserted into the body. The body may be configured to substantially grip the instrument to remove a substantial portion of the contaminants from the instrument.

Abstract: A wiper assembly wipes precipitation and debris of a windshield of a motor vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a drive motor fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The wiper assembly also includes a wiper arm secured to the drive motor. The drive motor pivots the wiper arm across the windshield to clean the windshield. The wiper arm extends between a motor end and a distal end. The wiper arm also includes a separator extending along the wiper arm. The separator lifts the wiper arm away from the windshield allowing for the removal of debris from the windshield and the wiper arm.

Abstract: A fixture for easy assembly of a spoiler to a windshield wiper comprised of a spoiler, and a pair of locking pieces, each in an inverted U-shape and extending backward from the back of the spoiler; a long protrusion at the center of a recessed surface of the locking piece; a hook each protruding from the inner edge of each of both vertical portions of the locking piece; both hooks locking onto an articulation of a wiper; and both protrusions being inserted into slot in the articulation to secure the spoiler in position.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper arm (10) for a windshield wiper, having a fastening part (12) and a joint member (18) that are connected to one another via a swing-down joint (54), and a tension spring (26) is suspended by one end (28) from a suspension device (24) of the joint member (18) and by its other end (30) via a C-shaped bracket (32) in a suspension device (16) of the fastening part (12) and in an operating position presses a wiper blade (34), via a wiper rod (22), against a windshield and in a swing-down position presses a contact face of the joint member (18) or of the C-shaped bracket (32) against a limiting stop of the fastening part (12). It is proposed that between the operating position and the swing-down position, a detent position is provided, up to which the wiper blade (34) can be raised from the windshield in a parking position, without touching a hood over the engine.

Abstract: Personal care apparatus is disclosed and basically is comprised of cleansing liquid and rinsing liquid reservoirs, a pair of pumps that deliver liquid from the reservoirs to a pair of valved liquid delivery lines, a source of low-pressure air suction, a suction hose connected to the source of low pressure air suction, and a hand-held applicator element that is co-operably connected to the suction hose and to the pair of valved liquid delivery lines. The hand-held applicator element has a contact surface adapted to contact human skin surfaces without causing injury.

Abstract: A vacuum sweeper is cantilevered to a hinged bracket mounted to the front of a conventional automatic floor scrubber. The sweeper includes a vacuum head, an overlying debris ramp, and two vertically rotating, conical brushes having their base ends in contact with the floor. The base end of the conical brushes sweep a path at the edge of the vacuum sweeper in excess of the width of the scrubber. The entire vacuum sweeper apparatus is mounted for vertical excursion relative to the cantilevered mount to the hinge bracket to enable up and down excursion of the sweeper and vacuum responsive to either scrubber motion or inevitable floor irregularities encountered during floor scrubbing. Where vacuuming is not required in advance of scrubbing, such as during double scrubbing or floor stripping cycles, provision is made to hinge the vacuum sweeper upwardly away from floor engagement. A ramp is used in conjunction with the vacuum for collecting large debris.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly comprising a body, a motor disposed within the body and having an output shaft for rotating about axis, a fan coupled to the output shaft for generating a vacuum airflow through an air intake port in the body, and a separator coupled to the output shaft. The separator includes a cup shaped body and a flange extending radially from the open top to an outer periphery. The separator includes a spider, integrated therewithin, having a hub portion surrounding the shaft, and a plurality of helical blades integral with and extending radially from the hub portion to the vanes and integral with the wall. The separator is one piece molded component that may provide for better turbulence characteristics during suction of the air, increase the centrifugal forces to separate the dust and debris from the air flow.