Abstract: A disinfecting mat that enables better cleaning of shoes of a person through multi-functional capabilities. The mat has three discrete sections, with each section carrying out a different function in cleaning the shoes. A first section has a laterally extending bristle brush for cleaning material from the shoes while the second section includes a reservoir containing a liquid disinfectant that is transferred to the shoe of the user by an endless belt that dips into the reservoir and carries the disinfectant to the upper surface of the belt to be transferred to the shoes. Finally, in a third section there is a stationary wiping mat to enable the user to brush the shoes across the mat to rid the shoe of remaining material as well as dry the shoe from the liquid disinfectant. All of the sections are convenient to the user and housed within a unitary molded base.

Abstract: A toothbrush allows the lips to be exfoliated and cleaned while brushing the teeth. The toothbrush has a device that serves to exfoliate the lips while brushing the teeth and gums, eliminating the need for the user to complete both activities separately. The device for exfoliating the lips is connected to the handle of a toothbrush such that when an individual is brushing the teeth and gums, the device contacts the individual's lips. The lip exfoliating device can be bristles, a fabric pad, sponge or other means for exfoliating the skin and can be detachable.

Abstract: A mop fixture for mounting a mop head to a mop handle comprises an elongate upper clamp base body with a boss for connection to a mop handle end. A lower swing arm is swingably attached for a clamping relationship with the clamp base body and retains the mop head between the clamp base body and the lower swing arm. A latch end on the swing arm is selectively connectable to the clamp base body at a latch connection. A latch release mechanism in the clamp base body is provided for ease of disconnection of the swing arm latch end from the latch connection for removal and replacement of the mop head.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning window surfaces in the narrow space between a truck cab and canopy, for example. The device has a cylindrical shaped brush head and an elongated rod with an offset hand grip, and functions by either rotating the rod on its axis or by the forward and backward motion of the rod. The cylindrical brush head is of a circumference adapted to the narrow space between the truck cab and its associated canopy. A cleaning mitt may be provided, and covers the brush head to provide a non-abrasive cleaning surface.

Abstract: The hairbrush includes an elongated member having a handle segment and a bristle substrate segment. The bristle substrate defines an hourglass shaped core having a central region that is either cylindrically shaped or has a substantially similar elliptical cross-sections bounded on either side by dimensionally larger end regions. A plurality of hairbrush bristles are attached over the bristle substrate. The hairbrush bristles can have substantially equal lengths such that the outer peripheral portions of the plurality of hairbrush bristles defines an hourglass shape. Alternatively, the hairbrush bristles can have varying lengths such that the bristle ends form a planar surface or substantially cylindrical surface. Rectangular and oval shaped bristle substrates are also disclosed.

Abstract: Having a Clean Swipe on your automobile or recreational vehicle will allow you to check your oil level like never before. Not only is its operation cleaner but also faster and with less hassle. The Clean Swipe will forever change the way we check our oil levels.

Abstract: A cloth comprises a carrier web (10) carrying a multiplicity of loops (12) of yarn, the carrier web being formed at least in part from yarn which exhibits an anti-bacterial and/or anti-fungal property. The loops are preferably sub-divided into a multiplicity of filaments or microfibres.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system and method which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A MACHINE FOR CLEANING VEHICLE WINDOWS of the type which includes a swivelling cross-member which supports a tube terminating in a cleaning nozzle or wiper through which a cleaning fluid is expelled, which machine comprises a main body (1) in which are located all receptacles, pumps, electrical-current connections, water inlets and outlets, and control means of the machine as a whole, means for supporting a cleaning wiper (4) in a raised arrangement relative to the main body (1), a cleaning wiper (4) which receives, via a flexible tube (3), a duct (16) for the expulsion of cleaning fluid and a duct (17) for the suction of impurities and dirty water, means for the preparation and expulsion of the cleaning fluid through the cleaning wiper (4), means for retaining the cleaning fluid in the central area of the cleaning wiper (4), means for drawing in and evacuating the cleaning fluid, once it has been used, together with the residues resulting from the cleaning performed, means, based on a microprocessor or a set

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including an electric blower for generating suction air, a collecting unit for collecting dust contained in the suction air, a dust removing unit for removing dust adhered to the collecting unit, and a dust removing stop unit for stopping an operation of the dust removing unit. The dust removing stop unit stops the operation of the dust removing unit in response to a user's selection or an operation mode of the vacuum cleaner, thereby saving a power consumption of the dust removing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner for sucking air containing foreign substances. The suction nozzle of the present invention comprises a main body 100 with an inlet for sucking the air containing the foreign substances; a connection portion 110 formed at a rear surface of the main body of the suction nozzle for guiding the sucked air to a main body of the vacuum cleaner; an accessory tool 200 that is formed to be smaller than the main body of the suction nozzle and has an inlet for sucking the air containing the foreign substances; and a connection hose for allowing the accessory tool 200 to communicate with the interior of the main body of the suction nozzle. The main body 100 of the suction nozzle performs cleaning of relatively wide floors and the accessory tool 200 performs cleaning of narrow places such as corners of stairs.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a nozzle inlet, a suction generator carried on the housing and a dirt collection assembly carried on the housing. The dirt collection assembly includes (a) a dirt vessel having an outer sidewall, an inner sidewall, a bottom wall, an inlet and an open end and (b) a filter assembly including a base that covers the open end of the dirt vessel, a manifold housing, a filter chamber and a filter element held in the filter chamber.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a nozzle opening in the housing and a dust collector carried on the housing. A suction fan is also carried on the housing. The suction fan draws air, dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned through the nozzle opening to the dust collector. The upright vacuum cleaner also includes a first rotary agitator and a second rotary agitator, both carried on the housing. A drive motor carried on the housing drives the first rotary agitator through the belt and pulley assembly. A gear drive assembly drivingly connects the first rotary agitator to the second rotary agitator.

Abstract: A wand for a domestic appliance (e.g. vacuum cleaner) comprises a plurality of tubes (10, 20, 30, 40) which are dimensioned to telescope inside one another. Each tube (10, 20, 30, 40) is associated with a securing mechanism (15, 25, 35) for securing the tube in an extended position with respect to another of the tubes. Adjacent securing mechanisms (15, 25, 35) are positioned on their respective tubes such that, when the tubes are retracted, one securing mechanism presses against another to release the other securing mechanism. Thus, a user does not need to separately operate each securing mechanism (15, 25, 35) when extending the wand. Also, the tubes automatically secure themselves in an extended position with respect to one another. A hook (550) on the widest tube (10′) cooperates with a collar (610) on the narrowest tube (40′) to retain the tubes in a stored position.

Abstract: A grommet for sealing a cable to a panel opening includes a hard plastic part formed with curved locking prongs projecting at an angle from the perimeter of a main piece is molded to a soft elastomeric second part having a boot portion to receive the cable and a perimeter flange. The prongs lock to the panel upon being fully inserted into the panel opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: A device for closing a sliding screen door is disclosed. The inventive device includes a chassis mountable proximal to a sliding screen door. A retractable cable extends from the chassis, which is attached to a weighted housing with the sliding screen door to effect closing of the door subsequent to opening thereof.

Abstract: A living hinge comprising a spring portion having a first end and a second end and a first arm portion and a second arm portion coextruded with the spring portion is disclosed. The first arm portion extends from the first end and the second arm portion extends from the second end. A component having the living hinge is also disclosed. Methods of making the component having the living hinge are also discloses.

Abstract: A high strength easily assembled hinge assembly for supporting an access door upon a modular section of an air handling system. The assembly includes a pair of spaced apart mounting flanges that are connected by an arm. One end of the arm is pivotably mounted in a first end flange and integrally mounted on the second flange. The first mounting flange is locked to the framework of the modular section using a special clamp that acts in conjunction with a locating frame that registers the assembly in a home position. The second mounting flange is secured to the door using a pair of mounting screws.

Abstract: A door jig assembly for a vehicle, the vehicle having a door and an inner door jamb forming a part of a vehicle door frame. An arcuate bracket portion is fixedly secured to the inner door jamb. A coil spring member surrounds an intermediate extending location of the bracket portion, a first tab end of the coil spring biasingly engaging a location along the bracket portion and a second extending stem and passing through an aperture defined in the vehicle door. A collar secures to a further location of the bracket portion and exhibits a cam surface in abutting contact with an arcuate extending surface of the coil spring member. The coil spring member influences the door to remain in a first closed position, subsequent rotation of the door causing the spring to rotate about the cam surface to influence the door in an opposite and door open position.

Abstract: A torque regulator device comprises a hinge assembly and a torque generator structure. The hinge assembly comprises a pivotal axle and two rotating elements oppositely connected to the pivotal axle. The rotating elements are further connected to an external structure. When the rotating elements rotate, the torque generator structure generates and regulates by varying the produced torque in accordance with the rotation angle of the rotating elements of the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly is thereby assisted in supporting the external structure that, when folded or unfolded, causes a torque variation, the torque needed by the hinge assembly is thereby reduced, and the service life of the hinge assembly is increased.

Abstract: A hardware piece applied to cabinetry or furniture to facilitate manipulation of doors and drawers or simply to add a decorative touch. The hardware piece has a removable fascia which allows the fascia member to be exchanged for a fascia of different color or design. The hardware piece includes a recess adapted to receive the fascia. A magnetic plate is used to maintain the fascia member within the recess. The magnetic attraction may be overcome in order to replace the fascia member.

Abstract: An assortment of decorative gate handle pulling devices which include a right-angled bracket attached to a gate post, a string or cable having one end attached to a gate latch and which extends out the horizontal arm of the bracket, the opposite end of the string being suspended from the end of the horizontal arm and having a decorative gate pull attached thereto. The gate is opened by grasping the decorative pull and pulling on the string to unlatch the gate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a design method and apparatus for a handle providing a shape and structure that fills various regions of the hand except a region in an area over the underlying carpal tunnel. Such design method and apparatus provides for various handles for use by a hand. In particular, the apparatus includes a generally Y-shaped configuration, such as for a forceps/tweezers handle with a working end. The handle can include a radial section, an ulnar section and middle section. The handle also can have a radial arm, an ulnar arm and distal leg, with an ulnar end and a radial end for engaging a portion of the hand.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a power tool 1 comprises a housing 2 defining a handle 4 and housing a motor for actuating an output member of the tool, such as a drill bit or jigsaw blade. The handle assembly comprises at least one flexible sheet 8 adapted to be mounted to a surface of the handle of the power tool and having a series of protrusions 10 adapted to be engaged by a hand of a user of the tool. The protrusions 10 retain one or more blister packs (not shown) containing at least one vibration damping gel material between the flexible sheet 8 and the surface of the handle 4.

Abstract: A stopper portion has a minute protrusion on part of an outer peripheral face except a side face in the length direction of a fastener tape. This protrusion is a rib-like protrusion extended linearly in the length direction of the fastener tape formed on a vertex of the surface of a bent portion, a protrusion extended so as to be expanded in a curved shape in the length direction of the fastener tape or a rib-like protrusion protruded along a boundary portion between the bent portion of the stopper portion and a bottom face thereof. Existence of this protrusion not only reduces a sliding resistance when the slider is started but also eliminates prickly feeling and feeling of disharmony originating from a shape of an upper stopper which is a kind of the conventional stopper portion.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes first and second pouch walls having male and female closure elements disposed on and separate from the first and second pouch walls, respectively. The female profile element includes a female profile member and first and second flanges integral with and disposed on either side of the female profile. Each of the first and second flanges includes a first portion of substantially uniform thickness and a second portion having a thickness less than the first portion and where the second portion is disposed between and contiguous with the first portion and the female profile member.

Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes first and second pouch walls having male and female closure elements disposed on and separate from the first and second pouch walls, respectively. The female closure element includes a female profile member and first and second flanges disposed on either side of and spaced apart from the female profile member.

Abstract: A plastic bag which is made by fusing a material film to have an upper opening portion. A zipper is provided on an inner surface of the opening portion, and the zipper has a groove formed on a base tape and a ridge formed on another base tape, the groove and the ridge being capable of engaging with and disengaging from each other. At least the base tapes are colored differently. The base tapes respectively have parts which serve as flaps, and the flap parts are of different widths. Thereby, the opening portion of the plastic bag has a step.

Abstract: A slider (10) to be positioned in straddling relationship on a reclosable fastener means for a bag formed by a pair of plastic sheets having separable fastener means extending along an opening for the bag and including reclosable interlocking rib and groove profiles along the plastic sheets at said opening of the bag. The slider includes a support member (11), in use, overlying the opening to the bag and straddling the fastening means, and also carrying a separating finger (12) adapted, in use, to engage within and adapted to separate the fastening means when the slider is moved in one direction, and a pair of legs (13) depending therefrom to force the fastener means into interlocking relationship when the slider is moved in the opposite direction along the fastening means.

Abstract: A slider for slide fastener provided with an automatic stopper device which allows automatic assembly and manual assembly and holds a leaf spring in a stabilized condition, the slider comprising five members, that is, a body, a pull tag, a pawl member, a leaf spring and a cover. Mounting posts for attachment of the cover are provided on front and rear portions on a top face of the body. The top face of each of the mounting posts has a protrusion as a first holding portion for holding the leaf spring in which concave portions are formed in both ends. The cover to be mounted on the mounting posts has protrusions as second holding portions for holding the leaf spring at front and rear ends of the inner face of the top wall. Each of the concave portions in the leaf spring is engaged with the protrusions of the first holding portion and second holding portion with an allowance.

Abstract: A self-locking fixing loop with adjustment of an attachment strap comprises a base equipped with a clasp for hooking a retaining ring thereon, and an operating button movable between a closed position and an open position of the loop, respectively to hold and release said retaining ring. A spring locks the operating button in the closed position, and a ring adjusts the length of the strap, said ring being inserted between the button and the base opposite the clasp.

Abstract: The safety belt buckle, comprising interlocking receiving and inserted parts, the inserted part having the tongue including the opening at the tip of the tongue, the said tip of the tongue adapted to be received in the receiving part, the receiving part enclosed in the protective housing and comprising the U-shaped frame, the front part of which provides two symmetrically bent-inwards and facing each other portions of the flank walls of the frame, the said frame including the latch formed as a bent plate, the said latch having recesses in its side walls for supporting the blocking device, the front side of the said latch comprising the tooth arranged to interact with the opening in the tongue and with the opening in the base of the frame, the back side of the said latch providing laterally symmetrical longitudinal projections freely arranged in the slots located in the side walls of the frame, the blocking device for blocking the latch, the said blocking device moveable within oblong apertures in the directio

Abstract: The nozzle beam on a device for producing liquid jets in order to impinge said jets upon the fibres of a web of continuous material guided along the beam consists of a beam housing extending along the working width of the continuous web of fibre material, whereby two longitudinal bores placed on top of each other are accommodated in said housing and are separated from each other by means of an intermediate wall provided with continuous boreholes. The nozzle strip required to produce the liquid jets is mounted in a liquid-tight manner in the lower part of the housing and is cross-flown by pressurized water. In order to enable more needle water to reach the fabric than is usual with such a construction, two strips of nozzles are mounted in a housing and must be provided accordingly with pressurized water.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus having a main unit for processing a sample, a recorder for recording information of an operation in the main unit as predetermined data, which information includes a plurality of data corresponding to outputs of a plurality of sensors installed on the main unit, and a display unit for displaying each of the data corresponding to outputs of the sensors simultaneously.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool for facilitating the installation and removal of a hollow, elastically extensible handgrip on a tubular portion of a device such as, for example, the handlebar of a bicycle or motorcycle. The tool has a handle portion adapted to be comfortable gripped by the hand. A proximal end of the handle portion is adapted to provide a leak-proof connection to a source of compressed air. The distal (opposing) end of the handle portion has an extension portion extending distally therefrom with a relatively short insertion tip portion having an air injection port extending laterally from a distal end of the extension portion. An air-conducting conduit is coextensive with the handle, extension and insertion tip portions of the tool. The air injection port is in fluid communication with the source of compressed air via a valve such as a piston valve. The valve controls the flow of air through the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket for the ease of installing cables in or on a partition wall, wherein the bracket is comprised of a base member for mounting onto the frame of the partition wall, and for providing a means to support cables laid onto said bracket. The back portion of the base member is provided with partition wall mounting means (e.g, hooks), for mounting the bracket onto a partition wall frame. The front portion of the base member is provided for laying onto and supporting the cables that have been laid onto the bracket. A hinge portion is provided at one end of the base member to provide for pivotal movement with the base member. Preferred embodiments provide for either a separate member or integrally fabricated member which is pivotally connected to the base member at the hinge portion. Such separate or integral member may be adapted to engage a partition panel cover or as a bracket cover member.

Abstract: A symmetrical self-attaching female fastener including a body having a bore, and identical integral tubular barrel portions extending from opposed ends of the body coaxially aligned with the bore. The installation method includes driving either barrel portion through an opening in a panel, which may be formed by piercing the panel with the barrel portion, and simultaneously deforming both barrel portions radially outwardly and inwardly, wherein one barrel portion entraps the panel and the other exposed barrel portion is folded at an acute angle relative to the bore to reduce the overall length of the assembly.

Abstract: Methods for forming a support frame for flexible leaflet heart valves from a starting blank include converting a two-dimensional starting blank into the three-dimensional support frame. The material may be superelastic, such as NITINOL, and the method may include bending the 2-D blank into the 3-D form and shape setting it. A merely elastic material such as ELGILOY may be used and plastically deformed in stages, possibly accompanied by annealing, to obtain the 3-D shape. Alternatively, a tubular blank could be formed to define a non-tubular shape, typically conical. A method for calculating the precise 2-D blank shape is also disclosed. A mandrel assembly includes a mandrel and ring elements for pressing the blank against the external surface of the mandrel prior to shape setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling in an automated manner a sealing profile on an inner door for refrigerators. The method comprises the stages of: a) providing said profile (1) in the form of a frame welded at the corners, b) stably resting said frame on a support (10), c) gripping said section (4) along all the sides of said frame using engaging means (12) so as to perform said elastic splaying, d) retaining said sections (4) in the splayed position, e) positioning said inner door (31) on said sections (2) of said profile base, f) releasing said sections (4) so as to allow the elastic return of the profile base onto the edge of the inner door, g) extracting inner door and profile thus assembled from said support.

Abstract: Device for forming of at least one groove (92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98) in a friction layer (91) of a covered disk (90) for a force transmission aggregate, in particular for a disk clutch, with a rolling device (1, 11, 21, 31) with at least one roller flange (7, 17, 27a . . . 27f, 37a . . . 37c) for rolling in the at least one groove (92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98).

Abstract: A stent compression method for particular use in pre-surgical securing and conforming of a vascular stent upon an angioplasty balloon. One variation of the stent compression method comprises inflating an agioplasty balloon inside a vascular stent in order to secure the vascular stent upon the balloon; applying uniform compression pressure around the balloon/stent unit; and adjusting the internal balloon pressure and the compression pressure so that the balloon/stent unit is compressed. A pressure chamber with an elastic cylindrical membrane mounted inside the chamber may be used to provide the compression pressure. The inflated balloon provides the balancing pressure from inside the stent. The maintenance of internal balloon pressure during the stent compression process may provide uniform distribution of pressure along the stent and even radial compression rate around the circumferential surface of the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for providing reconnection to a ferrule to a service line from within the bore of a lined host pipe adapted to carry a fluid, comprising lining the host pipe with a liner, locating the ferrule from within the lined host pipe, forming a passage for fluid through the liner to the ferrule, and forming a seal of the liner with the system whereby to obviate leakage of fluid between the liner and host pipe.

Abstract: A golf club head has a face portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, a side portion and a hosel portion. Each portion is made of titanium or a titanium alloy. The side portion is formed integrally entirely from its toe side to its back side and its heel side. The side portion and the hosel portion are cast integrally. The face portion, the crown portion and the sole portion are molded separately from one another. The face portion, the crown portion, the sole portion and the side portion are welded integrally so as to form a golf club head. The Young's modulus of the crown portion is lower than any Young's modulus of the face portion, the sole portion, the side portion and the hosel portion.

Abstract: A duplex pipe (10) is cut with a cutting tool (30), for cutting connecting ribs (13) from the end face of the duplex pipe (10) which is held with an outer pipe (11) chucked (rib cutting step). The duplex pipe (10) is cut 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) has 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 can be inserted into the inner pipe (12) while guiding the inner pipe inner peripheral surface (12b).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing wireless communication devices for use in tracking or identifying other items comprises a number of cutting techniques that allow the size of the antenna for the wireless communication device. Further, the chip for the wireless communication device is nested so as to be flush with the surface of the substrate of the wireless communication device. Rollers cut the tabs that form the antenna elements. In a first embodiment, a plurality of rollers are used, each on effecting a different cut whose position may be phased so as to shorten or lengthen the antenna element. In a second embodiment, the rollers are independently positionable to shorten or lengthen the antenna element.

Abstract: A head suspension or head suspension component for supporting a head slider over a rigid disk in a dynamic storage device and a method of manufacturing. The head suspension includes a head suspension component and a compliant locating feature formed within the head suspension component. The compliant locating feature includes a plurality of spring beam tabs defined by an aperture and positioned to extend toward an opening. The compliant feature is preferably configured to receive a tapered cylindrical pin through the opening for precisely locating the head suspension component relative to a desired reference while the spring beam tabs are engaged by the tapered pin. The head suspension component may include two or more compliant locating features, and the head suspension may include two or more components that each include one or more compliant locating features.