Abstract: The present invention relates to a finger toothbrush 10 wherein the bristles 16 adjacent the tip 18 of the toothbrush 10 are the shortest in height to enhance the ability of the toothbrush to fit into the narrow space between the cheek and the facial surfaces of the rear molars to provide for the maneuverability necessary to achieve the desired cleaning of the rear molars.

Abstract: A bathing handle, which detachably fastens a bathing ball with a fastening device thereon to be a bathing brush, comprises a bearing portion having a predetermined length, width and height, a connection portion provided on the bearing portion to fasten the bathing ball on the bearing portion and restrict the bathing ball from moving along a height orientation of the bearing portion, and a positioning portion having an annular flange on the bearing portion and a plurality of protrusions projected from a top of the flange to restrict the bathing ball from moving along a length orientation and a width orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a paint roller support for rotatably supporting a conventional paint roller cover are disclosed. In one embodiment, a paint roller support comprises a frame having an elongated shaft and at least one hub rotatably coupled to the shaft for supporting a conventional roller cover. A locking spring exerts a retaining force against an inner surface of the roller cover for frictionally retaining the roller cover on the hub while the paint roller support is used to deliver paint to a surface. Embodiments of a method for manufacturing a paint roller support also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper blade for wiping a windshield of a motor vehicle, and more particularly, to a so-called flat blade wiper which can be connected to a wiper arm without a primary and a secondary yokes. The wiper blade assembly comprises a flexible elongated wiper strip that includes opposite longitudinal grooves and comes into close contact with a windshield of the vehicle; a rail spring including rail portions disposed in the opposite grooves of the wiper strip; an elastic support member that extends along a longitudinal direction of the wiper strip and includes a plurality of openings; and a connection member which includes an inserting portion inserted in the opening of the elastic support member for connection with the elastic support member and a claw for holding both the wiper strip and the rail spring.

Abstract: A vacuum selector is provided. The vacuum selector includes a housing having first and second faces, the first face including first and second openings, the second face including a primary opening that communicates with the first and second openings along a flow path through the housing. The vacuum selector further includes a slider member movably provided in the housing and traversing the flow path, the slider member including a selector opening therethrough, the slider member being movable transversely to the flow path such that the selector opening changes the flow path to adjust flow communication between the primary opening and the first and second openings.

Abstract: In the cleaning using the self-propelled cleaning device, firstly the cleaning device moves alongside the wall surface and then a reference direction is set. Next, the cleaning device advances alongside the wall surface by a prescribed distance, makes a right-angle turn, and travels in the reference direction. When the cleaning device reaches the surface of the opposing wall, it moves in a spiraling manner. At that time, the orientation angle of the cleaning device estimated using a gyro sensor is checked and corrected. If an obstacle is encountered while traveling, the cleaning device travels on a path that avoids the obstacle or travels in a spiral manner in a region in front of the obstacle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a housing and a housing cover with a cable-pull opening in the housing cover. An electric cable has a plug on one end which can be pulled through a cut-out which is larger than the plug. During assembly the plug is pulled through the cut-out and then into a cable run area formed on one side of the cut-out and connected by a slit large enough for the cable but too small to accommodate the plug.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly connected to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an inlet. A suction generator is carried on one of the nozzle assembly and canister assembly. A cyclonic separation chamber is carried on one of the nozzle assembly or the canister assembly. The cyclonic separation chamber includes an inlet and first and second outlets. A dirt collection vessel has a dirty air inlet in fluid communication with the first outlet of the cyclonic separation chamber and a discharge outlet in fluid communication with the suction generator.

Abstract: A rug positioning apparatus for securing a floor covering on a carpet surface. The apparatus comprises a central base member that is adapted to be placed between the floor covering and the carpet. A plurality of spikes extend vertically upward from the central base member and are adapted to engage the floor covering and penetrate the floor covering when stepped upon. A plurality of spikes also extend vertically downward from the central base member and are adapted to engage the carpet.

Abstract: An apparatus, for securing a floor covering on an underlying substrate, includes a button-like central base member that is adapted for placement between the floor covering and the carpet. The central base member includes an upper surface for engaging the floor covering and a lower surface for attachment to the substrate. The upper surface of the base member includes an adhesive, or a plurality of upwardly extending spikes, or a plurality of hooks engaging with a mating plurality of downwardly extending hooks of an anchor tab, for engaging the lower surface of the floor covering. The lower surface of the base member includes an adhesive, or one or more downwardly extending spikes for engaging or attaching the apparatus to the underlying substrate. One or more of the downwardly extending spikes may include barbs or a screw thread for engaging a lower side of a backing of a substrate having a pile layer extending upward from the backing.

Abstract: An adjustable eccentric axle caster assembly for a pallet truck is provided. The adjustable caster assembly includes an eccentric axle, a caster wheel mounted on the eccentric axle, and a fastener for securing the eccentric axle to provide a desired caster wheel position. Additionally, a method of adjusting the eccentric axle caster assembly is provided.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that is used to hold a gate in an open position, once it has been opened. When the apparatus is mounted to the frame of a gate, and placed in the downward position, the gate stop device ensures the gate will remain in this open position. The gate stop device while in use, and the gate is in the open position eliminates the unwanted closure of the gate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptor for a braking deceleration device for doors or movable furniture parts, which essentially comprises a plunger which can be pushed into a housing against a braking force, with an adaptor body. According to the invention, in the adaptor body at least one accommodation recess for accommodating the housing of the braking deceleration device is made. The adaptor body comprises at least one smooth external surface by way of which it can be fixed to the frame or furniture carcass by means of a suitable adhesive.

Abstract: A collapsible tool includes at least one handle having first and second handle portions and hinge that allows the tool to benefit from the leverage and mechanical advantage of a full-size tool, yet is easily and quickly collapsible and extendable. In one embodiment, the first handle portion includes one or more spring-biased detents that contact engagement portions (preferably semi-circular surfaces) disposed on the second handle portion and secure the handle in the extended position. A pivot is disposed through the handle portions in the direction of the force moment produced during use. Alternatively, the first handle portion includes a base having three supports, a cavity, and a biased tab disposed within the cavity. The second end includes a bevel region and a notch region. In the extended position, the biased tab engages the notch region and secures the second handle portion between the biased tab and the supports.

Abstract: A retractable handle of luggage comprises a T-shaped member having a top central opening, an intermediate hollow neck, and a lower hollow enlargement secured to two sliding tubes of two adjacent pulling rods, a spring depressible push button disposed in the opening of the T-shaped member, a revised Y-shaped actuated member disposed within enlargement, being operatively secured to the push button, and two connecting rods each having top end disposed in the enlargement and the bottom end coupled to a locking device. Pressing the push button will push down the actuated member to contact and push down the connecting rods for unlocking the locking devices.

Abstract: A retractable handle of wheeled luggage is provided. For the case of single pulling rod, pressing a push button will tighten a connecting rod to move a lower sliding block to a one direction so that an upright rod is pressed to lower a locking member and an upright member to clear the locking member from a toothed member, thereby unlocking both the swivel handle grip and the pulling rod. For the case of two pulling rods, there is further provided another transmission mechanism so that pressing the push button will further unlock locking devices in the pulling rods via coupling rods.

Abstract: A ball-shaped caster assembly includes a wheel seat, and a wheel body rotatably mounted on the wheel seat. The wheel body includes a roller having two opposite sides, and two covers each mounted on a respective one of the two opposite sides of the roller. The roller and each of the two covers have an outer surface formed with a thin shell wall. Thus, the wheel body will not be deformed and can maintain its circularity during fabrication, so that the wheel body can be rolled smoothly and conveniently without incurring jump.

Abstract: A hinge for a notebook computer in accordance with the present invention comprises a stationary leaf, a rotating leaf and a sleeve. The stationary leaf and the rotating leaf each have an extension, a pintle and a protrusion. The two extensions are adapted to attach to the notebook computer. The two pintles are mounted in the sleeve from opposite ends of the sleeve, and the sleeve is pivoted relative to only one pintle and the another pintle pivots with the sleeve. The pivoting pintle has a longitudinally keyed surface, and the sleeve has a planar key to abut the keyed surface when the monitor is closed against the body. The hinge has simple structure and is conveniently positioned and assembled.

Abstract: Engaging grooves are provided in a stopper in addition to engaging grooves engaging with a key portion of an actuator, so that a receiver portion can be stopped on the way that the receiver portion is fully opened. Also, a twisting coil spring applies a twisting force to a sub-cam and the actuator, and urges a button in a direction where an engagement state between the key portions and the engaging grooves is released. As a result, when the button portion is pressed for a long time, the receiver portion is fully opened at once. Therefore, it is convenient that the receiver portion can be opened up to approximately 90° by pushing the button portion just once, and, at the same time, can be held at the position of approximately 90°.

Abstract: A metal locking pin of locking device for a wheeled luggage provides a projected plastic contact member at a front most end thereof for both increasing structural strength and eliminating the noise when the locking pin is in a position of compression and being retracted to disengage from the aperture for being adapted to extend or retract the handle assembly with the plastic contact member in sliding contact with an inner surface of the support tube. Thus the invention can achieve a smooth retracting or extending operation of the handle without noise.

Abstract: A accessory mounting mechanism for securing an accessory to the frame of a vehicle as herein disclosed. The accessory mounting mechanism generally comprises an upper grommet into which is inserted an end of the accessory, a lower grommet to which the upper grommet is secured, and a cap which covers both the upper and lower grommets. The lower grommet is provided with a retaining structure that engages a bore formed through the frame of the vehicle, so as to secure the accessory mounting mechanism thereto. The structure of the accessory mounting mechanism enables a simplified methodology for installing an accessory within a vehicle that involves the steps of pre-assembling the accessory mounting mechanism and then addressing the retaining structure of the accessory mounting mechanism to a bore formed through the frame of the vehicle so as to secure the accessory thereto.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a handle that engages a wide variety of elongated-shape tools to provide an ergonomic grip. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the ergonomic handle includes a grip, a tightening/locking arrangement, and a coupler. The handle is easily adjustable and reliably positioned to accommodate different gripping styles, different positioning patterns and right- or left-handed use. Additionally, the handle accommodates are variety of hand sizes.

Abstract: A method of strengthening a conveyable fiber lap in an endlessly circulating conveying device is provided. The method includes conveying the fiber lap using first and second converging rollers, each roller having an outer surface, at least the first roller being provided with profile elements on its outer surface, the profile elements being non-continuous in an axial direction of the first roller; subjecting the fiber lap to a pressure when the fiber lap passes through a gap between the first and second rollers; and strengthening the fiber lap by exerting the pressure by the converging rollers and the profile elements.

Abstract: A strapping device includes a main frame and a lever pivotally mounted to each other by an axle. The main frame has a first stop plate slidably mounted to selectively engage to ratchet that is mounted on the axle and the lever has a second stop plate mounted to drive the ratchet. A groove is defined in the main frame and has one side formed with a limiting side. The strain of the strap can reverse the axle to release the strap when the second stop plate is received in the groove. A stopper radially extends from the main frame and has a protrusion extending therefrom. The protrusion of the stopper prevents the lever from being backward moved to the original position due to the strain of the tightened strap.

Abstract: A composite restraint system composed of a composite restraint strap, a patch and a tensioning tool for restraining freight during transportation. The composite restraint strap includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a plurality of strands of yarn having a specified percentage of elongation before breaking and a specified creep. The second layer includes a nonwoven fabric. The composite restraint strap is capable of being attached to a floor or a wall of a transportation device in order to restrain the freight from movement. The composite restraint strap is typically tightened across the freight using the tensioning tool and held in place during transportation with the patch having a permanent-type adhesive for preventing the taut composite restraint strap from losing tension. The patch may be pre-attached to a strap prior to installation around freight.

Abstract: A fastening device for anchorage to a receiving seat is described. The device comprises a body with a threaded or non-threaded, blind or through hole, or with a threaded or non-threaded pin, with projecting side walls and a piano-wire cage extending around the body in a resilient manner.

Abstract: A clip includes an insertion member whose cross-sectional shape is in a T-shape, having a head portion and a shaft portion connected downwardly from the head portion; a latch member in a V-shape disposed on an outer side of the shaft portion; and a hinge member connecting the shaft portion and the latch member. Split flanges, mated in a flange-shape by surrounding the shaft portion when both side leg portions are closed, are provided to be continued from upper end portions of the both side leg portions. One side of an abutting surface of each split flange protrudes to form an L-shape in a plan view and abuts against a corresponding side portion of the shaft portion. A retaining protruding piece extending from a side portion opposite to a protruding portion and engaging with corresponding side portion of the shaft portion is formed on each both side leg portions.

Abstract: A device designed to simplify the breastfeeding process. The invention is particularly useful to a breastfeeding mother. The device holds the mother's shirt securely out of the way by hooking onto her bra and her shirt, thereby freeing her hands to hold her baby and making expensive maternity shirts unnecessary.

Abstract: A slide fastener with a separable bottom end stop enabling a reinforcement portion of the separable bottom end stop to be sewed securely and ribs at a sewing position not to be damaged by a sewing needle. The reinforcement portion formed integrally on a lower half portion of each of a box pin and an insert pin of the separable bottom end stop using synthetic resin is exposed on the fastener tape and constituted of an auxiliary member and ribs formed at a sewing position to be sewed to a sewing object. The rib is formed like its height is 0.5 to 0.85 mm and width 0.6 to 0.9 mm, expanded gradually from a vertex to a base portion. A gap portion, wider than the base portion of the rib, is formed between adjoining ribs, therefore the rib avoids strike of a sewing needle not to be damaged thereby and the gap portion ensures sewing of the fastener tape onto the sewing object.

Abstract: This invention relates to a slide fastener with a separable bottom end stop which scatters an external force applied to a reinforcement portion upon the opening/closing operation to reduce an applied load thereby preventing damages to the flexible reinforcement portion. Reinforcement portions are formed on a lower half of a box pin and an insert pin of a separable bottom end stop with synthetic resin symmetrically on front and rear surfaces of a fastener tape such that the reinforcement portions are extended on the fastener tape. Each reinforcement portion has an inside portion adjacent to the box or insert pin and an outside portion connected thereto. In the inside portion, plural ribs are disposed obliquely and a concave portion is formed among the ribs to supply flexibility. The outside portion is formed of thick ribs and connects with the inside portion.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home automation zone climate control system into an existing HVAC system. A respective air tube is pulled through each vent of the ductwork, directly or by an intermediate line, by a parachute which is sucked from the vent to the plenum by a blower attached to the plenum or to a primary trunk of the ductwork. The vent end of each air tube is coupled to a respective inflatable bladder which is disposed within the vent or its duct, and the plenum ends of the air tubes are coupled to a valve system located on or near the plenum. The valve system inflates the bladders to block airflow through their respective ducts, and deflates the bladders to permit airflow, thereby controlling which rooms receive conditioned air.

Abstract: A storage rack system includes a base detachably secured from the storage rack wherein the materials of construction for the base are a heavier gauge material than that of the storage rack for improved weight carrying capability and for resistance to abuse while minimizing the cost of the rack assembly. The base has offset front legs closest to the aisle to protect the front legs from accidentally being hit by a forklift truck.

Abstract: A process for reusing circuit boards includes determining a type of solder used on a populated circuit board. A bio-slurry designed to remove the type of solder is selected. The populated circuit board is separated into a number of components and a circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful device for reversibly locking vehicle lug nuts in a stationary position. One of the unique abilities of the present invention is the capacity to lock the lug nuts at roughly the exact degree of tension from the time the apparatus is installed until the apparatus is intentionally removed. A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for locking vehicle lug nuts in a stationary position so as to prevent premature loosening and dislocation during routine vehicle use. The apparatus can withstand extreme differentials in environmental conditions without compromising the degree of tension of the lug nuts. In the furtherance of this and other objectives, the apparatus is preferably designed with a removable cover that can withstand conditions such as wide temperature variances, various forms of moisture, road dirt and salt, metal fatigue and rust, and high heat transference from brakes.

Abstract: A paint color card having a substrate with a surface coated with a layer of a colored coating composition formulated to have a dried color that is substantially similar to the dried color of a commercially-available paint composition. The paint color card has a plurality of perforations at least partially defining a chip section that may be detached or folded over to form a window.

Abstract: Techniques are described for making one-piece tubes for surgical instruments in which an inner tube that carries a cutting implement is disposed for movement within an outer tube having a cutting window that exposes the cutting implement to tissue. Swaging is performed to close an end of a tubular member that is to serve as either the inner tube or the outer tube. Other processing steps are also performed. For example, a selected amount of a protrusion formed by the swaging is cut away, the tube material is fused together at a seam formed by the swaging, and the closed distal end of the tubular member is formed into a selected shape. For example, the selected shape is rounded so that the distal end defines convex (e.g., substantially hemispherical) interior and exterior distal surfaces. This renders the tube suitable for use in full-radius surgical instruments. Alternatively, the selected shape is flattened so that the distal end defines flattened interior and exterior distal surfaces.

Abstract: A method for providing a cutting tool (20) is disclosed. Multiple cutting blades (56) are fabricated from a wafer (130). This wafer (130) is disposed on a blade handle mounting fixture (224) such that a blade handle (24) may be mounted on each of the individual blades (56). A cutting edge (80) of each blade (56) is maintained in spaced relation to the fixture (224) as these blade handles (24) are being mounted. Thereafter, the wafer (130) is transferred to a blade separation fixture (300). Each blade 56 is suspended above the fixture (300). An appropriate force is transmitted to the individual blades (56) to separate the same from the wafer (130). Separation preferably occurs before the blade (56) contacts the fixture (300). Thereafter, the blade (56) in effect pivots into an inclined position where its cutting edge (80) project at least generally upwardly.

Abstract: A blade handle mounting fixture (224) is disclosed. A wafer (130) is positioned on the fixture (224). This wafer (130) includes a plurality of cutting blades (56). Blade handles (24) may be mounted on each of the various cutting blades (56) while the wafer (130) is positioned on the fixture (224). Thereafter, the wafer (130) may be removed and transferred to a blade separation fixture (300). Here the blades (56), with handles (24) having been previously mounted thereon, are separated from the wafer (130).

Abstract: A method for installing an automated material handling system in a semiconductor fabrication facility capable of accommodating a predetermined number of fabrication bays. The handling system has a set of elements including material storage, interbay transport, and intrabay transport elements corresponding to the predetermined number of fabrication bays. The method comprises arranging at least some of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements into handling system subsets, and installing one or more of the subsets into the fabrication facility. Each subset has at least one or more corresponding ones of the material storage, interbay transport and intrabay transport elements so that when installed each subset forms a transport circuit allowing substantially unrestricted bi-directional travel of semiconductor device holders between the material storage and at least one of the fabrication bays.

Abstract: A feed rate of a single-point cutting tool, which is an axial relative moving distance of the cutting tool along an outer peripheral surface of an unfinished commutator product per revolution of the unfinished commutator product, is reduced in an end part of a cutting region of the outer peripheral surface of the unfinished commutator product, which is adjacent to a commutator riser of each commutator segment provided in the outer peripheral surface of the unfinished commutator product.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a plane commutator in which it is easy to integrally form carbon and segment, connecting strength between the carbon and mold resin is enhanced, and conductivity is enhanced. To achieve the object, there is provided a plane carbon commutator comprising a plurality of metal segments 5 fixed to a commutator body 3 made of resin, engaging projections 17P provided on a carbon 7 which was previously burnt at a high temperature, the engaging projections 17P being engaged with engaging holes 5H provided in the segments 5 and integrally formed as one unit, wherein tip ends of cut-rising pieces 5T functioning to allow insertion of the engaging projections 17P into the engaging holes 5H but prevent the engaging holes 5H from being pulled out from the engaging holes 5H are projected from peripheral edges of the engaging holes 5H, and the cut-rising pieces 5T are brought into contact under pressure with peripheral faces of the engaging projections 17P.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for manufacturing a hard disk drive suspension flexure and for preventing damage due to electrical arcing between traces and between a trace and a grounding structure. In one embodiment, one or more portions of the suspension flexure is etched and laminated with an insulative coating.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for supporting a read/write device in an information storage device having an actuator arm having at least one tower protruding from a first surface of the actuator arm, a loadbeam having at least one tower receiving means for receiving the at least one tower, wherein the at least one tower is shaped to extend into the at least one tower receiving means when the loadbeam is joined with the actuator arm, and wherein the tower and tower receiving means are configured such that deforming the at least one tower when within the at least one tower receiving means provides a deformation interference between the at least one tower and the at least one tower receiving means that reduces movement of the tower receiving means relative to the tower.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-piece head suspension for a rigid disk drive. The method includes providing a first layer including a mounting region with an integral boss tower attached to a stiffener by one or more positioning tabs; attaching a second layer including a spring region to an interface between the mounting region and the stiffener; attaching a flexure to the stiffener; and removing the positioning tabs. The flexure can optionally be a portion of the second layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cable preparation, comprising two coupled devices (1, 2) for cable preparation, for example a cable preparation machine (1a) and a coiling device (2a). It furthermore relates to a device for carrying out the method and a system comprising a cable feed device, a cable insulation stripping device and a coiling device, all of which employ a novel program control (3, 4) in order to optimize the preparation procedure, for example the coiling, with regard to the feed values of the cable preparation machine (1a), so that a lower cable loading results without it being necessary to measure cable tension values.

Abstract: A press apparatus for pressing connector plates into opposing surfaces of structural members which are to be secured together to form a structure such as a roof truss. The apparatus includes a frame particularly constructed to reduce stress concentrations and failure. Forces applied to the frame are transmitted in a loadpath which is smooth and free from discontinuity to inhibit concentration of stress and thereby strengthen the frame against fatigue damage. The frame includes ribs spanning and connecting an inner rim and outer rim for strengthening the frame. A powered actuator has a body which is removably attachable to the frame, and a timer control operates the press to make sure the connector plates are fully embedded.

Abstract: A self-diagnosing pierce nut installation apparatus including an installation head attached to an upper die member of a die press having a reciprocating plunger driving a pierce nut against a panel, piercing a slug from the panel upon closing of the press and a rod telescopically received in the plunger resiliently biased through the nut bore if a slug is pierced from the panel or against the panel if not pierced, and a sensor sensing axial movement of the rod, stopping the press if the rod engages the panel. A die located in the lower die member includes a slug sensor confirming receipt of the panel slug through the die member.

Abstract: Clean accommodation and carrying of semiconductor devices are to be attained. A stack type tray is used which comprises a base portion 1d with plural pockets formed therein in a matrix shape and side walls formed along peripheral edges of the base portion. In the tray is buried an electronic tag which is constituted by a mu-chip having memory with non-contact recognizable information stored therein. Information pieces such as ID, manufacturer's name and product number of the tray, as well as product name, quantity and lot number of an object to be accommodated, are stored in the mu-chip of the electronic tag, and by accommodating a to-be-accommodated object in the tray equipped with the mu-chip and carrying it, the generation of dust can be prevented because paper label is not used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an optical fiber having a decreased transmission loss and air holes extending in the axial direction of the fiber. The method of the present invention includes a first step of preparing an optical fiber preform having through holes for forming the air holes, a second step of drawing the optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace to form an optical fiber having the air holes, and a third step of heating the optical fiber at a temperature in the range of 900° C. to 1300° C. in an additional heating furnace provided downstream of the drawing furnace.

Abstract: The conductor board has at least one layer of a dielectric provided areally on two mutually opposed faces with at least one metalization on each. There is at least one through contacting in the region of an aperture. The metalizations are applied to cover at least one aperture and are electrically connected to each other through the aperture.