Abstract: An improved housing for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The improved housing provides two symmetrically positioned gripping members which assist the user in grasping the toothbrush particularly during brushing. Each of the gripping members includes a recessed gripping region having particular dimensional characteristics. The two gripping members are symmetrically arranged on the rearward sides of the toothbrush so that the brush may be used by both left-handed and right-handed individuals. A third gripping member may also be provided along the housing of the toothbrush.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed having a flexible neck. Particular degrees of lateral, rearward, and forward flexibility of a brush head with respect to the handle of the toothbrush are achieved by utilizing polymer blends.

Abstract: A linear oscillator and an electric toothbrush capable of emitting a low noise and of being assembled compact are provided. The linear oscillator, which reciprocates a shaft in an axial direction thereof, includes a plunger movable together with the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft, an elastic member for applying an axially acting resilient force to the plunger, an electromagnetic driving unit operable to reciprocate the plunger in the axial direction of the shaft at a resonant frequency when an alternating current is supplied thereto, and a fixing member restricting rotation of the plunger about an axis thereof within a predetermined angle. The electric toothbrush includes the linear oscillator and a brush head attached to the shaft for use in brushing teeth.

Abstract: A cleaning implement specifically adapted for stringed instruments such as guitars, includes a T-shaped body having a distal cross member, a bowed main body intermediate member and a proximal enlarged handle. The cross member has a soft cleaning surface on an underside thereof and the handle has projecting bristles on an undersurface thereof. The bowed intermediate body member is resiliently flexible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a twist mop having a shaft, an operating member a rotatable with respect to the shaft, a mop element, and a device for releasably restricting relative rotation of the shaft and the operating member to one direction during the wringing operation. The device comprises an indexing surface disposed on the shaft at least over a portion of the shaft and at least one indexing arm which projects radially inwardly from the operating member to engage the indexing surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a toothbrush head supported by an elongated handle which defines an axis. A number of brush elements mounted on the toothbrush head, each including at least one tuft of bristles, have a dimension parallel to the axis being no more than about 5 mm. Each brush element assumes a released state projecting upright from the toothbrush head, and can be deflected in a given direction defined by a motion delineating configuration. The direction of deflection is at an angle of between about 15° and about 75° to the axis and perpendicular to a bristle extension direction.

Abstract: A produce cleaning device provides a simple, thorough system for cleaning produce. A container, preferably bag-shaped, is made from a porous, durable material. The container includes an opening through which produce is inserted. At least the internal surface of the container is abrasive. Produce is placed inside the container and the abrasive surface cleans the outer surface of the produce.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning pad which can be used with various cleaning implement. The cleaning pad has an absorbent layer, attachment wings which can be attached to grippers located on the top surface of the mop head of a first cleaning implement and loop fasteners which can be attached to hook fasteners located on the bottom surface of the mop head of a second implement.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm apparatus for slapping a windshield wiper blade against a windshield to remove ice or snow therefrom has a solenoid and an activating push-pull rod with its free end attached to the underside of the wiper blade base to lift the wiper blade off the windshield and slap it against the windshield.

Abstract: A burnishing apparatus having at least one burnishing disc engageable with a floor includes a shroud surrounding the burnishing disc. The shroud defines a vacuum zone in fluid communication with a filtration system. The filtration system has an inlet, wherein the vacuum zone is in fluid communication with the inlet. In one embodiment, a vacuum source is in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein the vacuum source draws dust from the vacuum zone into the filtration system through the inlet, and at least some of the dust is collected by the filtration system. In another embodiment of the invention, an agitation device regenerates at least one filter element forming part of the filtration system.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a cyclonic separator (116) for separating dirt and dust from an incoming airflow. A tool (300) and a suction conduit (114) connect the tool (300) to the separator (116). The tool (300) comprises a main air inlet aperture for engaging with a surface to be cleaned and a bleed air inlet (310) for allowing air to bleed into the suction path. The bleed air inlet (310) is located such that it is separate from the main inlet. The cross-sectional area of the bleed air inlet (310) is sufficiently large that, in use, the bleed air inlet (310) admits a sufficient quantity of air to maintain adequate separation efficiency in the separator of the cleaner even when the main air inlet is fully blocked.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided including a housing, a nozzle inlet, a suction generator carried on the housing and a dirt cup. The dirt cup includes a dirt collection chamber, a chamber inlet, a filter cavity and a chamber outlet. A filter element is received in the filter cavity. Air is axially directed into an interior chamber of the filter element and then radially discharged from that chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first dirt separation unit and a second dirt separation unit. The first dirt separation unit has a first inlet port through which a suction air stream including dirt particles is introduced thereinto, and the second dirt separation unit has a second inlet port through which the air stream introduced into the first dirt separation unit is introduced into the second dirt separation. The first and the second inlet port are disposed such that they are not registered with each other. Accordingly, the dirt particles suctioned are separated in two stages, thereby decreasing the possibility of occlusion of a filter and rapid deterioration of a suction force.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes an upper casing housing an electric motor having an output shaft and a suction fan mounted upon the output shaft. A cylindrical cyclone chamber is situated beneath the suction fan and has an inlet port, a longitudinal axis of the cyclone chamber being co-linear with the output shaft. There is a cylindrical dust receptacle situated beneath the cyclone chamber, a longitudinal axis of the dust receptacle being co-linear with the output shaft. A funnel delimits the cyclone chamber from the dust receptacle and a pickup head is situated beneath the dust receptacle and communicates with the inlet port via a duct.

Abstract: A handle includes an upper portion, a lower portion secured to the upper portion and formed with hardness less than that of the upper portion and at least one aperture defined therein. The at least one aperture is located between the upper and lower portions. The at least one aperture is defined via an upper face and a lower face. The upper face of the at least one aperture is part of a lower face of the upper portion. The lower face of the at least one aperture is part of an upper face of the lower portion. The upper face of the at least one aperture is arc-shaped. The lower face of the at least one aperture is arc-shaped. The handle includes one, two or three apertures. The upper portion includes a plurality of ribs formed thereon. The upper portion includes two ends to be attached to a case. The first and second portions are formed together via injection molding.

Abstract: A hinge is connected between the door frame and the door and includes a mounting assembly fixed received in the door. The mounting assembly includes a casing and a piece is movably received in the casing. The door leaf is retained in a space defined in the piece. An adjustment screw extends through an opening defining through a side of the casing and a collar is threadedly mounted to threads of the adjustment screw. The collar is rotatably engaged with the door leaf so as to apply a force to the door leaf when rotating the adjustment screw. The force makes the door to be moved in horizontal direction relative to the door frame.

Abstract: A hinge bracket has a pad immovable relative to the leg of the frame and has extensions protruding out from a surface of the pad. A positioning disk is pivotable relative to the pad and has two pairs of notches to alternately receive the extensions such that the frame which is adapted to support an LCD screen is able to be supported at an upright position or in parallel relative to the base.

Abstract: A tool extension assembly including an extension pole connected to a connecting device and a tool assembly having a handle with an insert secured therein. A transversely-extending pin is movably mounted to the connecting device and is biased by a spring. The insert has a cylindrical side wall with an interior surface that defines an interior bore and interior edges that define a pair of opposing slots. The slots extend axially and circumferentially along the side wall. The connecting device is receivable in the bore of the insert such that when end portions of the pin are disposed in the slots and the handle is rotated in a first direction, the interior edges of the insert move the pin against the bias of the spring until the pin reaches end portions of the slots, at which point the pin exerts a force against the interior edges of the insert that pulls the tool assembly and the extension pole assembly together.

Abstract: A non-conductive substantially buoyant-in-water hand tool comprising an elongated handle portion formed of non-corrosive, non-conductive material having a density greater than water and an elongated working tool connected to and extending axially from a proximal end of said handle portion. The handle portion has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portion. An elongated tubular sheath formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses and forms one or more airtight cavities whereby the effective density of the hand tool is less than that of water.

Abstract: A hand grip attachment for the handle end of a hand-operated member has a cylindrical member of a pliable and resilient material to establish the firmness for the hand grip attachment. The cylindrical member has an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a handle receiving space to enable the hand grip attachment to be mounted about the handle end of the hand-operated member, a wall between the exterior surface and the interior surface has at least one longitudinally extending groove and at least one longitudinally extending ridge member forming at least one sized and shaped air space having a predetermined volume, and elongated ridges with engagement members on the interior to form the handle receiving space, and the volume of air in the at least one air space in combination with the pliable and resilient cylinder member to establish the feel of the hand grip attachment.

Abstract: In a device on a spinning preparation machine, especially a carding machine, cleaner or the like, having a machinery housing, the machine and/or fibber feed and fibber discharge devices are arranged in the interior of the machinery housing.

Abstract: A sawtooth wire for producing all-steel sawtooth clothing for the doffer and/or doffing cylinder of a carding machine with a plurality of teeth successively arranged in the longitudinal direction of the wire. Each tooth has a tooth breast beginning at the tooth bottom and extending in the direction toward the tooth tip and a tooth back that is connected with the tooth breast by two tooth flanks extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wire and that extends from the tooth tip in the direction of the following tooth bottom. At least one tooth flank has at least one profile segment that is located between the tooth tip and the tooth bottom and is provided with profiling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10/100) for polishing elongated cylindrical articles (300) such as tubular railings or the like wherein a coupling connector (10) including gently curved inner (20) and outer (30) plate members are adapted to releasably yet captively engage the opposed ends (101) (101) of a length of belt material (100) wherein the normal orientation of the belt (100) is reversed so that the inner surface (105) has an abrasive texture and the belt (100) is disposed in an encircling relationship relative to the cylindrical article (300) so that a belt drive roller (201) attached to a grinder or drill (200) to rotate the abrasive texture of the inner surface (105) of the belt (100) to polish the periphery of the tubular/cylindrical article (300).

Abstract: A webbing tie down assembly, comprising a clamping mechanism comprising: a first clamping member (309) having a first clamping surface (320), and a second clamping member.

Abstract: A ladder strap (150) is made by joining—for example, by co-molding—a first, relatively supple material, defining a lower strap portion (155) with a second, relatively hard material defining an upper strap portion (165). The teeth (167) of the ladder strap are comprises substantially of the harder, second material. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second materials are thermoplastic urethanes, and the co-molding is done using an injection molding process. The co-molding process may be accomplished with co-injection, wherein the two materials are injected at about the same time, or the first material may be injected into a first mold cavity and allowed to partially set, after which the cavity is modified to accommodate the second material.

Abstract: An article over which a moulding is to be made, aid moulded-over article comprising a base 2 having a top surface 6 and a bottom surface 4, hooks 3 extending from the bottom surface 4 of the base and metallic material fixed on the top surface of the base, the hooks 3 being disposed in a region in the form of a longitudinal strip, the base is flat in shape, the hook strip has a width less than 12 mm, preferably between 3 and 10 mm, and the flat base 2 is of a material such and of a thickness such that it can undergo deformation to follow the shapes of top edges of walls on which the article for moulding over is intended to be placed by its bottom surface

Abstract: A zipper tape is provided which can freely be used regardless of whether the zipper tape is made from a polypropylene-based resin or a polyethylene-based resin and also on which letters can be printed or any color can be given thereto. A method of producing the zipper tape with high productivity by means of extruding male strips and female strips in rows in a batch is provided. The zipper tape (2) with the mating section (3) (the male strip (3a) and the female strip (3b)) formed thereon has a three-layered structure comprising the heat-insulating film (6) as an intermediate layer, the thermally fused film (7) thermally fused and bonded to one side of the heat-insulating film (6) of the bag (5), and the thermally fused film (8) for formation of a mating section bonded to another side of the bag (5).

Abstract: A fastener strip is disclosed having a permanently sealed, airtight portion and a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed portion is generally planar and essentially impervious to air flow. The reclosable portion includes a ridge and a trough joined at their adjacent ends to a plug, which prevents air from leaking from the adjacent end of the reclosable portion. Additionally, a dam joins the plug to the first backing in an essentially airtight seal, and joins the plug to the second backing in an essentially airtight seal. A method and apparatus for sealing portions of a thermoplastic fastener strip are also disclosed. A method is additionally disclosed for vibrating and molding thermoplastic materials in which a flow of malleable thermoplastic material is initiated and molded with an effectively dimensioned vibrator that is unitary with a first matrix for guiding and molding the malleable polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleaning laminate, which comprises an abrasive side that facilitates loosening of particulates, such as dust and dirt, and an opposing, soft absorbent side. The laminate is formed by hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device.

Abstract: A non-woven weld blanket for protecting automobile exteriors and interiors and industrial equipment from weld spatter, comprising a needle punched webbing of pre-oxidized, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers. The fabric is assembled using these carbon precursor fibers that have been interlocked by a needle punch process to produce a non-woven and non-plush blanket. The weld blanket is lightweight and is successful at a cost-effective thickness and density. In use, the blanket can be taped to automobile components or industrial equipment to ensure the security and protection of equipment from molten metal spatter near welding locations.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing re-enforced sheet piling segments is disclosed. The method includes pulling the fibers of the sheet through a bath of a polyurethane-based material. Next, the fibers are woven into a matrix and formed into a sheet piling segment in a die. Finally, the sheet piling segment is cured to harden the material.

Abstract: There is described a process for producing a cover for a side airbag, which comprises first producing a polyester web, preconsolidating this web by needling and end-consolidating and fully shrinking the thus preconsolidated web by means of an embossing calender, making the thus consolidated and fully shrunk web up into a cover and providing the cover with a predetermined breaking site to tear open the cover in the event of a collision.

Abstract: Processes for forming embossed terry towels and the resulting towels are described herein. The towels have an uneven surface. Thus, the background can be at one height, and the design can be at another height, which is typically higher than the background. The process involves twisting the pile warp that will be used for the design on the towel with PVA filament yarn. The remaining pile warp, which is used to form the background, is 100% cotton. The pile warp is then woven with the ground warp and weft warp to form the towel. The towel is subject to a steaming process, which shrinks the PVA/cotton pile fibers, but does not affect the 100% cotton fibers. The PVA/cotton pile fibers shrink to at least about 50% of their original length under tension free conditions. The towel is then subjected to shearing to produce a velour texture. Due to the shrinkage of the PVA/cotton pile yarns, only the background (100% cotton) pile is cut, and the shrunk pile remains uncut.

Abstract: A computer controlled all-in-one reel mower sharpener and roller alignment system can be rolled under a mower to be conditioned. No removal of the cutting unit is needed. A linear voltage displacement transducer (LVDT 715 or a mechanical dial indicator 7155; alternatively a friction wheel 7150 with a rotary encoder 7151 may be used, or any combination of sensors 715, 7155, 7151) or equivalent instructs the machinist how to align the front and rear rollers in parallel. A laser scanner or probe determines the location for the cutter, and then the machining head sharpens each blade automatically. A separate cutter sharpens the bed knife. Most all mowers can be conditioned based on the laser or probe calibration of the blade size. The laser or probe measures the height of cut by sensing the blade location.

Abstract: A process for producing an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor in which an alcohol based solvent which is a forming aid agent added during preparation of an electrode forming sheet is contained in the electrode forming sheet, and the electrode forming sheet and the collector sheet are joined without removing the solvent. Furthermore, a process for producing an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor in which an alcohol based solvent is added to the electrode forming sheet just before the joining process of the electrode forming sheet and the collector sheet.

Abstract: A handheld assembly tool system is provided for assembling fluid transfer lines that include a fitting and a tube. In an embodiment of the invention, the assembly tool system includes a fitting fixture for holding the fitting. The fitting fixture includes a flange for supporting the fitting and a selectively adjustable retaining block for securing the fitting against the flange. The assembly tool system also includes a tube fixture for holding the tube and a press device selectively operable to engage and move the fitting fixture such that a portion of the end fitting is forced into the tube.

Abstract: A repair method and repair kit for repairing vehicle door skins by reorienting vehicle hem flange members from a closed orientation to an open orientation to allow removal of a damaged door skin from a door frame and replacing with a new door skin with an open orientation hem flange member that is reoriented to a closed orientation to integrate the door skin and door frame with an adhesive to provide a repaired integral vehicle door. The repair tool kit includes a first tool for lifting and opening the damaged door skin hem flange to allow removal of the damaged door skin and reuse of the door frame. The repair tool kit includes a second repair tool for reorientation and closing the new door skin replacement door skin hem flange on the reused door frame with an adhesive to provide a repaired vehicle door with the replacement skin and reused door frame integral as a vehicle door.

Abstract: The invention provides a machining method and a machining apparatus in which the machining productivity and the machining quality of the machining apparatus can be improved. Prior to machining, an NC control unit makes an X-axis drive unit move a table based on examination conditions specified in advance. Thus, the NC control unit obtains a stabilization time required from the command-reach time of a poisoning command and till the stabilization of position response of the table within a predetermined allowable range. Likewise, for means for moving a drill in a Y-axis direction, the NC control unit obtains a stabilization time required till the stabilization of position response within a predetermined allowable range. At the time of machining, the drill is moved in a Z-axis direction to cut into a printed wiring board as soon as the obtained stabilization time has passed.

Abstract: The method is dedicated to the fabrication of fillings that are utilized in refiners for the purpose of refining paper fiber stock. The filling manufactured in accordance with the method of the present invention includes a base body, an overlay template on the base body and processing elements. The processing elements are inserted into the overlay template that is equipped with corresponding openings. A solid connection is subsequently produced, for example, by way of high temperature welding. Advantages of the method include the selection of optimum materials for the processing elements; the fabrication process is flexible; and the method is especially economical, when measured by the quality of the produced fillings.

Abstract: A hand actuatable apparatus and method for crimping a stent or processing other articles by segmental radial compression. The apparatus includes a stationary base housing; a rotatable drive hub which is moveable in relation to the base housing; a crimping head communicatively coupled to the base housing and to the drive hub; and an actuator handle connected to the base housing and to the drive hub. The crimping head includes a plurality of segments oriented about a center aperture which receives a stent or article to be compressed. The segments each have a proximal end and an angled distal end with at least one angled side face terminating in an edge of a predetermined length and defining the center aperture. Actuation of the handle rotates the drive hub, which causes the segments to move and pivot, resulting in closure of the center aperture and compression of the stent or other article.

Abstract: A process for forming a metallic tubular connector of the type having a cylindrical shell which extends circumferentially about a tubular body for joining said tubular connector to a conduit. The process involves using a first forming machine to form a first peripheral bead in a first end portion of a tubular metallic body, having a substantially uniform diameter and wall thickness, reduce the outside diameter of a second end portion, and slope an intermediate surface portion. Then, a second end forming machine tool, carrying a metallic socket, freely receives the tubular body second end portion, contacts the sloped intermediate surface portion, forms a second peripheral bead adjacent the first peripheral bead, while an annular end surface of the socket is compressed and locked between the first and second beads. Further, the tubular body is manufactured from a 5000 series aluminum alloy material.

Abstract: A method of securing at least two workpieces, which includes inserting a bolt shaft through a bore hole formed in each of the workpieces, and applying a sealant to the workpieces. Further, the method includes engaging a locking collar with the bolt shaft such that the locking collar is securely deformed in a locking manner thereby forcing the sealant to uniformly distribute and form a thin surface sealant layer on the bolt shaft.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a star-shaped ball head polygonal wrench includes step 1 to step 3. Step 1 is to obtain a cylindrical body. Step 2 is to cut the near end portion of the cylindrical body to form a neck portion. Step 3 is to roll the head and neck portion of the cylindrical body to form a ball head.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a core circuit board having passive components, such as resistors, capacitors and inductors, is disclosed, which can be used to construct a multilayer circuit board having embedded passive components. In making such as a core circuit board, a resistive film which is a continuous or non-continuous is first formed on one side of a conductive foil. Two such conductive foils are laminated onto a high dielectric layer. The electrodes for various passive components or spiral coils for the inductive components and electrical circuit pattern are finally made on the same conductive foils simultaneously. Finally, a core circuit board having passive components for further making a multilayer circuit board is thus constructed.

Abstract: There is described an electrochemical gas sensor comprising:

Abstract: A resin fixture that is inserted into a stator for an electric motor for a pump for the purpose of insulating the stator with resin. The resin fixture includes a rubber cover that is inflated. The fixture thereby prevents the stator bore from filling with resin.

Abstract: An integrated gasket and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell includes a first gasket having a first perimeter surface and an MEA having a first surface. A portion of the first surface is bonded to the first perimeter surface. Alternatively, the integrated gasket and MEA includes a first gasket having a first perimeter surface and a second gasket having a second perimeter surface. Portions of the first and second perimeter surfaces are bonded together. An MEA is disposed between the first gasket and the second gasket. Bonding is achieved by heat staking, friction welding or vibration welding.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell comprises a rolled-up electrode unit 2 composed of a positive electrode 23, a negative electrode 21 and a separator 22 interposed therebetween, and a negative electrode current collector plate 3 and a positive electrode current collector plate 30 joined to the respective ends of the electrode unit 2. The negative electrode collector plate 3 is joined to an edge of the negative electrode 21 projecting at one of the opposite ends of the electrode unit 2. The collector plate 3 has a two-layer structure comprising a copper layer 31 made of copper or an alloy consisting predominantly of copper, and a metal layer made of a metal not forming an intermetallic compound with lithium and having a lower laser beam reflectivity than copper or an alloy consisting predominantly of the metal. The collector plate 3 has its copper layer 31 contacted with the edge of the negative electrode 21 and welded thereto with a laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a component mounting apparatus including two board transfer devices for respectively transferring circuit boards in respective directions parallel to each other and a component placing device provided with at least one component placing head for mounting the components on the boards positioned at predetermined mounting positions on the board transfer devices. Where two component placing heads are provided, they pick up components from two component supply devices and mount the picked-up components respectively on the boards loaded by the two board transfer devices. In this way, the component placing device mounts components simultaneously or alternately on two boards loaded respectively by the two board transfer devices.

Abstract: A surface mounting device of the present invention has a printed circuit board carrier including a plurality of transfers installed at a predetermined portion of a base frame; and a plurality of conveyers movable in a predetermined direction. A surface mounting method of the present invention comprises the steps of: transferring a printed circuit board from a first transfer to one of a plurality of conveyers movable in a predetermined direction; perform the mounting of parts from a feeder on the printed circuit board; transferring the printed circuit board onto which parts have been mounted to the other one of the plurality of conveyers; and transferring the printed circuit board to a second transfer.