Abstract: The combination tooth brush and tongue cleaner includes an elongated tubular handle portion having a first end which is closed and a second end opposite the first end which is open. A tooth brush portion extends linearly outwardly form the first end and has a plurality of upstanding bristles. A tongue cleaner takes form of an elongated, linear, flexible strip disposed in a cavity of the tubular handle portion. The strip has a proximal end attached to a movable retainer and a distal end connected to a finger puller which normally closed the open end of the handle portion whereby a finger puller is used to pull out the strip from the handle portion for tongue cleaning and push back the strip into the handle portion when tongue cleaning is complete.

Abstract: A cleaning device is disclosed having a body and plurality of bristles that are attached to the body. The bristles have different lengths and are attached to the body in such a way so as to provide a V-Shaped or U-Shaped cleaning head for the cleaning device.

Abstract: A sustained-release matrix for dental application includes either an anti-microbial agent or a colorant that is released from the matrix when the matrix contacts water. The preferred matrices include a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble support resin.

Abstract: The invention starts with a wiper blade (20) comprised of a wiper strip support (22) and a wiper strip (24) that is guided laterally by a device (28) with a connecting rod (32, 74) vis-a-vis a wiper arm (10), whereby one end of the connecting rod (32, 74) is fixed so that it can pivot on an articulated part (12) of the wiper arm (10) approx. vertically to the windshield (26), and the connecting rod (32, 74) having lateral guide surfaces is adjacent to a part of the wiper blade (20). It is proposed that a pivot bearing (86, 88) be arranged on both ends of the connecting rod (32, 74), one of which permits a movement in the longitudinal direction of the wiper arm (10) or the wiper blade (20).

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for cleaning a windshield and a method for assembling the windshield wipe assembly is disclosed. The windshield wiper assembly includes at least a plurality of wiper blades, a windshield wiper arm, and a locking clip. The plurality of wiper blades contact the windshield and move reciprocatingly across the windshield. The windshield wiper arm is provided for supporting the plurality of wiper blades. The locking clip is attached at a first clip end to the windshield wiper arm and at a second clip end to one of the plurality of wiper blades for positioning the plurality of wiper blades proximate to each other.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner assembly in a vehicle has a suction nozzle and controls for the vacuum all located within a reach zone of the driver sitting the driver's seat. The suction nozzle is mounted to the vehicle, either as part of the central vacuum system or on a portable vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum cleaner for cleaning several floor types. The vacuum cleaner includes a rotational brush roll for interfacing with the several floor types, a multi-speed motor for driving the brush roll, a speed control mechanism for controlling the speed of the multi-speed motor, and an input mechanism whereby a user selects a speed of the multi-speed motor. Further, the input mechanism is associated with at least three different speed settings.

Abstract: An improved floor cleaning device having a base assembly for movement along a cleaning surface is provided. The base assembly comprises a brush assembly for engaging the surface of the floor being cleaned removably mounted to a base part. A nozzle assembly is removably mounted to the base part such that the nozzle assembly is positioned adjacent to the brush assembly to prevent the brush assembly from disengaging from the base part.

Abstract: A cleaning device (10, 300, 380, 390, 400, 500) includes a handle assembly (14). A cleaning head (12, 312, 512) is pivotally mounted to the handle assembly (14). The cleaning head selectively holds a cleaning pad (70, 70′) for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned. A suction nozzle (18, 338, 408, 518) is carried by the cleaning head. A dirt collecting receptacle (208, 336, 410) is mounted to the housing and is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and a suction fan and motor assembly (30). At least one spray nozzle (22, 24, 332, 406, 560) is disposed on one of the suction nozzle and the cleaning head. A liquid delivery system (90) delivers a cleaning fluid to the at least one spray nozzle. At least a portion of the liquid delivery system is mounted on the handle assembly.

Abstract: A clip- or sheath-type holder includes a partial plug-in part and a snap-on part for housing a combination of small parts or individual accessories for the vacuum cleaner. The holder is permanently fixed to the bow of a tubular handle such that the user has all the accessories at hand and can easily interchange the accessories. The combination of accessories is inserted into the housing body on one side and is snapped into place by a pivoting motion such that it is fixed on all sides.

Abstract: A self-propelled appliance comprises a base, electric motor mounting the base, a handle moveably depending from the base and a drive wheel mounted in the base and operatively connected to the motor. The control circuits comprising an enable switch and a base switch control the communication of power from the power supply to the motor relative to a gripping of the handle by a user of the appliance and a selective positioning of the handle relative to the base.

Abstract: A clutchless, direct drive, self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a suction inlet and a housing pivotally mounted on the nozzle base. A suction source is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing. A filter chamber is located in one of the nozzle base and the housing. A drive motor is mounted to one of the nozzle base and the housing, the drive motor having an output shaft. A transmission is directly coupled to the output shaft of the motor. A driven wheel is directly coupled to the transmission. Also disclosed is a height adjustment mechanism for the vacuum cleaner, the height adjustment mechanism employing the drive assembly of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A self-propelled vacuum cleaner includes a base having a suction inlet. An upright housing is pivotally mounted to the base. A suction source is disposed in one of the base and the upright housing to generate an airflow at the suction inlet. A dust collection chamber is mounted to one of the base and the upright housing and communicates with the suction inlet and the suction source. A drive motor is mounted to the base. A driven wheel is operatively connected to the drive motor. A handle assembly is mounted to the upright housing, wherein the handle assembly includes an upper handle, a handle grip assembly slidably mounted to the upper handle, and a neutral return spring fastened to the upper handle and engaging the handle grip assembly to urge the handle grip assembly to a neutral position.

Abstract: A sweeper includes a sweeper body mounted on at least one pair of wheels. At least one brush is coupled to a forward end of the sweeper body for sweeping garbage from a ground surface and a suction device is coupled to the sweeper body. The suction device communicates with the forward end of the sweeper body. A garbage container assembly is mounted inside the sweeper body, for receiving garbage drawn into the sweeper by the suction device. A basket is movable into and out of the garbage container assembly and a lift mechanism is coupled to an underside of the basket. The lift mechanism is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the extended position, the basket is tiltable to dump garbage contained in the basket.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle base having a main suction opening formed in an underside thereof. A housing is hingedly connected to the nozzle base. The housing includes a dirt separation chamber and a dirt receptacle for receiving dirt and dust separated by the dirt separation chamber. A conduit connects the nozzle base to the housing. A suction source is located in one of the housing and the nozzle base. The suction source is in fluid communication with the dirt separation chamber. A generally conically shaped filter extends into the dirt separation chamber along a longitudinal axis of the dirt separation chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention concerns novel end effectors that may incorporate hexagonal drive shafting and are particularly well suited to be used as scrubbing/abrasive or wiping elements for the cleaning of surfaces. Another embodiment of the present invention is a tool that can wipe and scrub a surface to be cleaned and dry the same surface. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a tool or a kit of tools that can be adapted to either wipe or scrub a surface or the tool may be adapted to accomplish other tasks such as acting as a power screw driver, power nut-driver, power hand drill, power sander, etc. And yet another embodiment is a novel powered device that serves as a duster.

Abstract: A fluid recirculating cleaning device includes an exhaust port defining an exhaust port longitudinal axis, a fluid source end and an exhaust end defining a first cross-sectional area. A suction port includes a suction port longitudinal axis, a fluid exit end and a fluid entrance end defining a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The suction port includes a second outer surface that extends from the entrance end toward the fluid exit end. A vacuum blower motor sucks fluid in through the suction port to create fluid flow away from the vacuum motor and toward the exhaust port exhaust end. The exhaust port exhaust end is recessed from the suction port fluid entrance end and the two ports are located with respect to one another so that fluid flow from the exhaust port will be effectively drawn into the suction port.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a suction nozzle, a housing connected to the suction nozzle and a suction fan and motor assembly mounted to the housing. A dirt collecting receptacle is mounted to the housing and is in communication with the suction nozzle and suction fan and motor assembly. A support plate is pivotally mounted to the housing and selectively holds a cleaning sheet for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a handle and a bottom part, the handle being swivel-mounted to the bottom part via an articulated joint. The bottom part includes at least one bottom-side suction opening, a dust chamber bounded by dust chamber walls, a fan unit, and an additional suction opening for a suction hose. A first flow path through the bottom-side suction opening and a separate parallel flow path through the additional suction opening are guided into the dust chamber via a common inlet opening formed in one of the dust chamber walls. The two flow paths are arranged in the bottom part and are guided into the inlet opening together approximately parallel to each other by a flow-guide element located between the two flow paths.

Abstract: A kingpin-free caster in which a plate is assembled onto a yoke with ball bearings therebetween and the plate is deformed in place upon the yoke to capture the ball bearings between the yoke and plate and couple the yoke and plate together against removal.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a handle grip of a tool comprises the steps of: 1. to position a mandrel of a manufacturing machine and to inject plastic material to form an inner layer; 2. to release the positioning to leave positioning holes on the shaped inner layer, the inner layer then is processed by second time injection to completely envelop the inner layer with plastic and shape a middle layer; and 3. the middle layer being processed by third time injection to partially envelop the middle layer with plastic to thereby form an external layer with the middle layer partially exposed, and the handle grip of the tool with two colors in firm combining state being completed. On the handle grip made by these steps, the holes formed after taking off the mandrel of the manufacturing machine are holes for combining the stem of the tool; hence the holes made are not subjected to twisting and deformation, and is convenient for combining with the stem.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a swinging door with an extendible hinge disposed along an inner edge of the door. The extendible hinge allows the door to pivot through a range of pivotal positions and, when necessary, allows the door to move through a range of extended positions. The pivotal positions allow the door to open and close normally across a doorway, while the extended positions help protect the door assembly from damage in the event the door is forced to swing beyond its pivotal positions. In some embodiments, the door includes a spring-tensioned chain that draws the inner edge of the door against an anchor attached to a side edge of the doorway. The flexibility of the chain allows the door to pivot, while the compliance of the chain's spring allows the door to shift away from its normal pivot point and move to various extended positions.

Abstract: A magnetic hinge defining a hinge axis includes first and second hinge plates of non-magnetic material and first and second magnets disposed therein, respectively, for movement therewith. The plates are generally parallel and independently pivotable about the hinge axis between a closed orientation, wherein the plates are essentially superposed, and an open orientation, wherein the plates are essentially not superposed. The first and second magnets are essentially superposed, generally coaxial with the hinge axis, and in the same magnetic orientation.

Abstract: A hinge device of a portable intelligence terminal, which connects a first member having a keyboard and a second member composed of a comparatively massive display device in an openable and closable manner as well as possible includes a cam mechanism and a friction mechanism coaxially on a shaft.

Abstract: A securing device includes a body adapted to securely connect to the primary plate and two arms vertically extending out from two opposite ends of the body. Each of the arms has an assembly hole to adapt to align with opposite ends of a tubular connector of the primary plate so that when the shaft extends into the tubular tube, the two arms are secured to the shaft. When a radial force is acting on the shaft, the force is compromised by the two arms of the securing device such that damping of the screen is minimized.

Abstract: A friction hinge assembly for an imaging mirror of a display unit includes a mounting base coupled to a housing of the display unit. The mounting base comprises a longitudinal pin portion. The assembly includes a hinge member coupled to the imaging mirror. The hinge member is positioned substantially around the pin portion, and the hinge member comprises a support portion. The pin portion is configured to apply a friction caused by contact of the pin portion with the support portion of the hinge member. The hinge member is configured to rotate about the pin portion from a first position to a second position without the friction, and the hinge member is configured to rotate about the pin portion from the second position to a third position with the friction.

Abstract: A hinge that has a first mounting base for attachment to a first hinged object. The hinge also has first and second hinge members pivotally connected together. The first hinge member and the first base are configured and dimensioned for cooperatively positioning and aligning the first hinge member in a plurality of mounted positions along the base length. At least one first locking member is associated with the first hinge member and the first base for locking the first hinge member to the first base in one of the mounted positions. The hinge may also be segmented. A positioning tool may be connected to at least the first base with an attachment portion and configured for positioning the first base and attachment portion on a first hinged object at a predetermined distance from the second hinge member.

Abstract: A container includes a container body which includes a base and a plurality of side walls peripherally and upwardly extended from the base to define a storage cavity, a container cover adapted to selectively cover the storage cavity, and one or more wide angled hinges. Each of the wide angled hinges includes a primary jointing frame and a secondary jointing frame to enable the container cover being moved between an opened position and a closed position. In the opened position, the primary jointing frame and the secondary jointing frame are pivotally moved and extended to open pivotally move the container cover away from the container body to form a wide opening angle with respect to horizontal. In the closed position, the primary joint frame and the secondary jointing frame are pivotally moved to receive in the storage cavity through the sliding slot so as to pivotally move the container cover to close the storage cavity.

Abstract: A pivotal device for a hinged cover comprises a securing plate, a driven plate, a plurality of urging elements and a rotating shaft characterized in that a plate face formed from stacking the securing plate and the driven plate is provided with a cam block at the center thereof, the center of the plate face is provided with shaft hole allowing the insertion of the rotating shaft so as to mount the plate center of the securing plate and the driven plate, the external surrounding of the plate face is evenly mounted with a plurality of vertically extended urging elements having a thickness thinner than that of the cam block, the two lateral wall of a container having pivotal points are provided with an engaging hole for engaging with the cam block of the securing plate and the container having a lifting cover provided with two lateral wall corresponding to the urging element are provided with a mounting hole, and the pivot point at the two lateral wall of the lifting cover are provided with an engaging hole for

Abstract: A magnetic hinge defining a hinge axis includes first and second hinge plates of non-magnetic material and first and second magnets disposed therein, respectively, for movement therewith. The plates are generally parallel and independently pivotable about the hinge axis between a closed orientation, wherein the plates are essentially superposed, and an open orientation, wherein the plates are essentially not superposed. The first and second magnets are essentially superposed, generally coaxial with the hinge axis, and in the same magnetic orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for fibre processing, in particular, for opening and drafting fibres. The apparatus includes a device (2) having a series of pins (7) coupled to a drive mechanism (8) and arranged for sequential insertion in a feed path (6) along which the fibres are passed, the mechanism being arranged to increase the relative speed between the pins after insertion, to open and draft the fibres.

Abstract: A one-piece clip or web end to join the cord ends of a lanyard is disclosed. The clip folds together and snap fits onto the cord ends to secure the ends together. The clip includes numerous pins extending outwardly from the clip body that mate with numerous pin pockets formed in the clip body to secure the cord ends together. The clip further includes mating locking tabs, and stabilizing ribs and recesses to facilitate the easy snap fit of the clip onto the cord ends of the lanyard without the use of special tools.

Abstract: A decorative retainer for a golf glove that employs, e.g., a hook and loop fastener, system on the glove closure for securing the glove to the golfer or clothing includes a mounting panel having a front portion provided with a cooperative fastener section of hook and loop fastening material that is adapted to securely, but retain a corresponding section of the fastener on the glove, the front portion also provided with a decorative indicia. An attachment device is joined to the mounting panel so that the retainer can be easily affixed to the golfer's clothing or to a golf bag during play.

Abstract: An open-type clamp in which the clamping band end portions are intended to form overlapping inner and outer band portions that are connected by a connection, in which the plastically deformable tightening device for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened requires an initial plastic deformation for proper operation and in which a guide arrangement is provided in the end area of the inner clamping band portion to guide the relative movement between overlapping band portions during plastic deformation of the ear, whereby the connection includes a lost-motion arrangement permitting initial plastic deformation of the tightening device substantially without change in radial dimension to avoid the installation of an undersized clamp.

Abstract: A clamp in which the clamping band end portions are intended to form overlapping inner and outer band portions in the installed condition and are connected by a connection, in which a tightening device for tightening the clamping band about an object to be fastened and an arrangement assuring gap-free and stepless internal clamping surfaces of the clamping band including a male member near the end of the inner band portion are provided whereby the male member is adapted to cooperate with a female member in the outer band portion; a guide arrangement is further formed by a bent-up tab-like member on each side of the male member and adapted to engage in two guide slots of the outer band portion to guide relative movements of the inner and outer band portions during tightening of the tightening device; the connection may also include a lost-motion arrangement permitting initial plastic deformation of the tightening device substantially without change in radial dimension.

Abstract: In a medicine supply apparatus for filling medicines into containers using a plurality of reception compartments into which medicines can be voluntarily fed, an object is to improve usability of the apparatus and prevent supply of wrong medicines. The medicine supply apparatus includes a plurality of reception compartments into which medicines can be respectively put arbitrarily, discharge means for discharging the medicines in the reception compartments, respectively, and filling means for filling the medicines discharged from the reception compartments into containers such as bags or vials. The medicine supply apparatus is provided with LED lamps for identifiably showing the plurality of reception compartments, respectively, and control means for controlling the discharge means, the LED lamps, and the filling means.

Abstract: A buckle formed of a male buckle member and a female buckle member for joining the ends of a cord member to form a hair binder is disclosed. Each buckle member has an internally threaded rear stub tube and a mounting ring suspended in the rear stub tube for the mounting of any of a variety of cord members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a touch-and-close fastener element (16) comprising a multitude of hook means (26), which are provided with a support as one piece and in the shape of stems (28) with hook heads (30) located at the ends thereof. Each of the hook heads (30) is provided, at least in part, with an additional head part (36) made of an additional material. A touch-and-close fastener system is created in which the respective head part (36) is made from the duroplastic molding compound serving as the additional material. One the one hand, the touch-and-close fastener system can withstand high temperature and mechanical stresses and, on the other hand, leads to improved adhesion values and peel strength values in a corresponding embodiment.

Abstract: A seatbelt assembly with a buckle has male and female mating parts, in which the male part includes features to prevent disengagement operation by a child. The child resistant features include added ribs, webbing in the form of flanges or struts, or barbs or prongs that increase the difficulty for disengaging the buckle. The female part can have an arcuate outer surface to increase the overall durability of the buckle and resist damaging external forces or damaging misuse. The female part can also be provided with lateral shoulders to make the female part harder to withdraw and thus more child resistant. The seatbelt assembly with the child resistant buckle can be operated easily by an adult, while remaining secure from disengagement by a typical child.

Abstract: A tenter system designed to be used for simultaneously treatment of two base fabrics for felts for paper machines, or similar products, an upper fabric (3) and a lower fabric (4), comprising a pair of tenter frames (6) for the upper fabric and a pair of tenter frames (7) for the lower fabric being adapted to grip respectively the upper and lower fabric along both edges of the fabrics through the heat treatment zone (5), and to maintain specified stretch in the direction transversally to the direction of fabric movement by allowing the two pairs of tenter frames (6, 7) to move in the said transversal direction independently of each other, thereby allowing independent change of width of the two fabrics in said transversal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced durable three-dimensional image, permitting use of the fabric in secondary carpet backing of carpet backing systems so as to reduce deformation under normal use (walking) and provide better coverage in carpet system applications. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising a spunbond and/or cast scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on an imaging surface, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of piezoelectric multilayer actors in which thin layers of a piezoceramic material, called “green leaves” on which at least one internal electrode is applied, are stacked to form a block such that the internal electrodes are guided in alternation to oppositely lying surfaces of the actor, where they become bound together by an external electrode, the actor compact being sintered and subjected to abrasive shaping, and then the base metallization is applied for the external electrode.

Abstract: A machining unit for a program-controlled milling and drilling machine. A head support movable in several coordinate axes has an axis of rotation pointing forward and downward at a 45° angle. A swivel head arranged on a front side of the head support is rotatable about the axis of rotation. A spindle nose is fixedly mounted on the swivel head and has a working spindle with an axis extending at an angle of 45° relative to the axis of rotation. A spindle motor is aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation and a bevel gear arranged in the swivel head for the motor shaft. The swivel head has a cylindrical hollow housing member coaxial with the axis of rotation and in which the spindle motor is mounted. The head support has a housing neck in which the housing member of the swivel head is rotatably supported.

Abstract: A thread milling or cutting tool (1) comprises a carrier piece (2) rotatable around an axis of rotation (D), at least one cutting element (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″) releasably attachable or attached on the carrier piece (2), and at least one fastening element (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″) releasably attachable or attached on the carrier piece (2), wherein at least one cutting element (3, 3′, 3″, 3′″) has no hole for attachment by means of a fastening screw, but is positively and/or non-positively attachable or attached between the carrier piece (2) and at least one fastening element (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″) and/or between at least two fastening elements.

Abstract: A tool for spreading brake pads and for compressing the piston of a disc brake assembly of the type including a disc brake caliper housing for the pads and piston. The tool includes manually operated handles which drive a rod attached to a plunger that engages one of the disc brake pads. The housing for the tool includes a backing plate which is engaged against the second pad. The backing plate and plunger are driven in a manner which causes them to become spaced from one another. A mechanical advantage is achieved by utilization of handles with a lever arm extension associated with a pivotal handle.

Abstract: A device (1) is provided for pressing out a component pressed into a bearing bore of a bearing eye of an axle component. The device includes a support bell (2) being supported at the bearing eye in the area around the bearing bore and a pressure piece (20), which can be pushed axially through the bearing bore together with the component. The pressing device can be operatively positioned or mounted to the support bell (2) and to the pressure piece (20) for the pressing-out operation. To make it possible to carry out the pressing-out operation simply and reliably, provisions are made for arranging a clamping plate (12), which can be detachably connected to the support bell (2) and via which the support bell (2) is held at the bearing eye (24) in a firmly seated manner, at the bearing eye (12) axially opposite the support bell (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit and method for package-to-package conversion of a pick and place handler. An input arm assembly is provided with interchangeable vacuum leads such that package-to-package conversion only requires replacing the vacuum lead with a different size vacuum lead. An input/output shuttle plate is provided comprising a block and base plate. The block has a plurality of pocket groupings and a two or more alignment hole groupings. The base plate has two or more alignment pins. Package-to-package conversion is achieved by changing which alignment hole in each alignment hole grouping is set on the alignment pins, thereby selecting the pocket in each pocket grouping corresponding to the alignment hole used. A soak plate is provided having an array of pocket groupings, wherein each pocket grouping has the same pattern of different size/shape pockets to accommodate different packages.

Abstract: A method for setting a clearance (G) between a sliding member (36) and a guide member (30) may includes the steps of determining the clearance (G), changing the clearance by utilizing a working means, and stopping the working means when the determined clearance (G) reaches a predetermined target clearance (Gt).

Abstract: A method of forming inner flanges in a bushing comprises steps of (a) extruding a bushing into an extruding die, (b) cutting an initial upward flange in the bushing, (c) shaping the initial upward flange into a final inner flange, and (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) to form additional inner flanges.

Abstract: A shaft extractor for removing a golf club head from a golf club shaft without causing side-loading to occur comprising: a central body piece having two split screw portions threaded in opposite directions, at opposite sides of a split central hex nut section. The threaded screw portions receive a pair of end split hex nuts, each threaded to fit on one of the oppositely-threaded screw sections of the central body, such that when the central nut is rotated with the end nuts held against rotation, the end nuts move outward or inward together. The split in the central body piece of the shaft extractor forms a central cavity for receiving the golf club shaft. An extractor wrench is used to hold the end nuts against rotation.