Abstract: A rotating or oscillating brush is brought up against an underwater surface to be cleaned. The surface may be the hull of a boat or inside walls of an aquarium. While the brush moves, the apparatus is held against the surface by suction. There is a suction pump which pumps water from the apparatus to above ground or elsewhere. The suction creates force of the apparatus against the surface for good cleaning. It is ordinarily difficult to get good force against the surface since the water may be deep and there is nothing for the operator or the apparatus to push against. Debris from cleaning is drawn away from the cleaning area. Wheels or pads or a rubber skirt are used to avoid damaging the surface from too much force. A flexible skirt minimizes water leakage past the apparatus and allows conformation to rounded shapes such as boat hull. The motor to drive the brush may be electric, or may be hydraulic, or may use the suction pressure as a source of energy.

Abstract: An adjustable toothbrush having a plurality of interchangeable bristle mount settings that facilitate more direct contact with the various teeth geometries. The adjustable toothbrush preferably has at least three selectable surface variations or configurations comprising a flat surface, an inverted/concave surface, and a radial/convex surface. The adjustable toothbrush comprises a brushing surface defined by a plurality of bristles, a bristle mount, at least one adjustment key, hollow brush casing and adjustment mechanism wherein the bristles are secured to the mount and the mount engages the adjustment mechanism. The bristle mount is flexible to accommodate manipulation of its shape by the adjustment mechanism. Depending on the setting, the adjustment mechanism raises the mount to create the radial version, lowers the mount to create the inverted version or leaves the mount stationary for the flat version. The three configurations are selected and engaged by a tactile control.

Abstract: Washing apparatus for cleaning shipping containers or similar constructions. A rotating sprayer or brush unit is provided along with at least two other sprayer units so as to enable a container to be cleaned on all faces including the twist-lock cavities.

Abstract: An adhesive roller having an elongated strip with a backing layer and an adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of one side of the backing layer. The strip has a first end, a second end, and two spaced apart sides. The strip is wound from its first end and to its second end into a tubular cylindrical roll in which multiple layers of the strip overlap each other. An elongated perforation is formed transversely across the strip at spaced intervals therealong. This perforation, furthermore, includes an outwardly protruding tab at a position intermediate the ends of the perforation. This tab registers with a non-adhesive portion of an immediately inner layer of the strip so that the tab pops out from the roll to facilitate removal of the individual layers of the roller.

Abstract: A belt driving pulley, as typically used in a belt driven, drum-type drain cleaning machine and/or any other belt driven machinery, is disclosed wherein slippage between the pulley and the motor drive shaft occurs if a predetermined resisting torque is applied to the pulley by the belt.

Abstract: A multi-surface towel is afforded. A first piece of material has an absorbent surface. A second piece of material is coupled to the first piece of material and has a surface suitable for polishing. A third piece of material is coupled to the first and second piece of material and has an abrasive surface. Thus, the towel is multi-functional.

Abstract: A connection system for a roller mop has an operating rod to control the positioning of a deformable cleaning member between spaced apart rollers. At the end of the operating rod is a lateral extension with a raised medial section. The extension is inserted into dual receptacles on the supporting plate of the cleaning member, with the raised section positioned between the receptacles. The dimensions of the receptacles are such that they are wider than they are high. They are so sized to slidably receive the extension and its raised section, when the cleaning member is inserted onto the extension, such that the raised section fits the width of the receptacles. However, when the cleaning member is rotated 90°, thus positioning the cleaning member for cleaning operations, the raised section of the extension is also rotated, and now is located between the receptacles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manual cleaning device comprising a support and a cover therefor. The aim of the invention is to improve upon the above-mentioned type of manual cleaning device in such a way that it is more suitable for removing dirt from places which are difficult to access, such as edges or joints, and that it can provide a high specific surface pressure when required in order to remove solidly adhering dirt In order to achieve said aim, the support (4) is embodied as a bending, elastic flat blade which is surrounded by the cover (1). The support (4) is advantageously provided with a grip element (5) which is used to fix the support (4) to the cover (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duster for use in a vehicle for cleaning the exterior of the vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a duster for use in a vehicle that can maximize cleaning efficiency with a small force since the duster is closely adhered to the exterior of the vehicle by means of magnetic force. The duster for use in a vehicle having a frame into which a sack-shaped dust cloth is inserted and a handle formed to extend toward one side of the frame includes an insertion groove formed in the bottom of the frame, wherein the magnetic sheet having magnetism is inserted into the insertion groove so that the magnetic sheet forms a flat surface along with the bottom of the frame. Therefore, the duster is closely adhered to the exterior of the vehicle by means of magnetism. It is thus easy to use the duster.

Abstract: A single motor rack and pinion driven sootblower is converted to a dual motor version. The single motor version includes a lance tube which is advanced and retracted transversely on a carriage and is further rotationally driven by a translational mechanical drive which rotates the lance tube as it is being axially driven. The conversion is accomplished by disengaging the translational drive by removing the original drive hub within the drive housing of the carriage and this original drive hub is substituted with a tubular rotary drive hub which is not in driving engagement with the translational drive when installed. A second rotational motor is then mounted on the carriage assembly and connected to externally exposed portions of the substitute hub through a gear drive for independently rotating the substitute hub and thereby independently rotating the lance tube about its axis.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a body 10 including a dust separator 13, a floor engaging head 11 having a first dirty air inlet on its underside, a handle 12 detachably mounted in a socket 15 on the body 10 and having a second dirty air inlet at its lower end, a flexible hose 20 extending between the centre of the handle 12 and the body 10, a valve 23, and a valve actuator 21 disposed in the socket 15 for configuring the valve 23 to connect the dust separator 13 to the first or second inlets respectively when the handle 12 is engaged and disengaged from the body 10.

Abstract: A vacuum and disposal system for the collection and disposal of animal feces. The vacuum and disposal system consists of a vacuum source, a vacuum tube, a flexible hose, and an intake tube. The vacuum is provided by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery and is used to create a vacuum or suction through the vacuum tube, the flexible hose, and the intake tube to collect the animal feces. A cartridge having a filter is inserted into the intake tube to receive the animal feces collected. After collection, the vacuum and disposal system is converted to an unload position for the removal of the cartridge from the intake tube and the ultimate disposal of the animal feces. Alternatively, a compact vacuum and disposal system may be used in smaller areas.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a brush, a driving motor for generating a suction force, a main body including said driving motor and a filter mounting, a dust suction tube having one end connected to said filter mounting and the other end connected to said brush, a filter assembly mounted within said filter mounting to filter out dust from external air drawn into the main body through said dust suction tube and the brush, and a main body cover coupled to the filter assembly to facilitate the selective insertion and removal of the filter assembly into and from said filter mounting and locked to said main body.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a first and second cyclonic cleaning stages in series. The second cyclonic cleaning stage has a plurality of second stage cyclones. A conduit connects the first cyclonic cleaning stage outlet and the second stage cyclone inlets.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having an intake opening. A handle assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes a flexible, electrified stretch hose.

Abstract: A caster assembly including a unique drawn kingpin rivet formed of stainless steel or other material of appropriate toughness which compressively holds the components of the caster assembly together.

Abstract: A side panel of a refrigerator door includes a cover part having a side shape of a refrigerator door, an insertion rib formed extended with a certain thickness and height at one marginal portion of the cover part, a hinge insertion part formed at the other side of the cover part and coupled to a hinge coupled to a refrigerator body, and a coupling unit formed at one side of the insertion rib and fixedly coupled by being caught at a front panel of the refrigerator door. In a coupling structure of the side panel, the coupling unit of the side panel is fixedly engaged into a through hole of the front panel. Accordingly, the side panel and the front panel can be coupled firmly and an assembling operation is easy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge assembly capable of adjusting a tilting angle of a display in a display appliance. The hinge assembly includes a movable plate fixed to a rear side of the display and having a through-hole, a stationary plate coupled to a stand for the display appliance and having a through-hole, a hinge shaft passing through the through-holes of the movable and stationary plates having a head portion, a coupling member fixed to one end of the hinge shaft, a first washer disposed between the head portion of the hinge shaft and the movable plate, a second washer disposed between the movable and stationary plates, a third washer disposed between the stationary plate and the coupling member, and an elastic washer disposed between the head portion of the hinge shaft and the coupling member for applying compressive elasticity to the hinge shaft in an axial direction.

Abstract: Mounting plate (10) which can be fixed on the supporting wall of the carcass of a piece of furniture for adjustably retaining the bracket of a furniture hinge, wherein the said mounting plate has a flat base plate (12) with wing projections (22), which project from opposing long edges and in each of which at least one through hole (28) for a fixing screw is provided, and an elongate bracket retaining part (16) projecting from the base plate (12) between the wing projections (22).

Abstract: A two-sided POP UP structure is employed to pop up a LCD screen of notebook/tablet PC while releasing. A display panel of a notebook/tablet PC is connected to a mainframe of the notebook/tablet PC via a hinge. The two-sided POP UP structure has a male part and female part. One end of the male part is fixed to the hinge, and the other end is a cylinder with a holding rib. One end of the female part is fixed to the display panel, and the other end is an elastic metal shaped around the cylinder of the male part. The elastic metal is cut to form a rotation slot for the holding rib. When the holding rib interferes with the elastic metal, the elastic metal deforms to allow the LCD screen to pop up more easily.

Abstract: Different improvements of a spinning preparation machine are proposed to measure the fiber sliver thickness or the fiber sliver cross-section of at least one fiber sliver by means of one or several microwave sensors. One improvement is characterized by compressing means and special mechanical guiding elements that can be installed before, after and/or in the microwave sensor. It is also proposed to install a pair of conveyor rollers after a microwave sensor that can be designed in particular as an input roller pair of the subsequent drafting equipment. Furthermore, proposals are made for the calibration of the (at least one) microwave sensor.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of by-products from a reaction for the production of organic compounds comprising a stage of evaporation of a liquid phase comprising heavy by-products on a surface, in order to form a concentrated phase comprising the bulk of the heavy by-products and a vapour phase essentially devoid of heavy by-products, and a stage of recovery of the solid phase from the surface.

Abstract: A mechanical knot apparatus for replacing the use of a conventional knot or fitting for fastening or securing a rope or cable to an object. A spool-like body with a slot or two holes bored crosswise across the middle of the spool perpendicular to its axis is provided. A loop is first formed in the rope by either splicing or by simply creating a loop with the use of a knot. The end of the loop is passed through the slot or holes in the spool and then passed around the object to be secured. The loop is then wrapped back over the flanges of the spool to create a hitch-like configuration. When tension is applied, the rope slips through the device until flanges or body of the spool seats against the object being secured. A secondary tightly fitting flexible ring such as a rubber “O” ring is optionally slipped around the root of the loop and can be slid up against the hitch to act as a “lock” which prevents the loop from bouncing off the flanges of the spool during severe flogging.

Abstract: A fastening element for hygiene articles. The fastening element presents a first longitudinal direction and a second transverse direction in the form of a longitudinal section. The fastening element includes mechanically adhering clip elements, a first section corresponding to a first support layer and a second section corresponding to a second support layer. The first section contains a first zone by which the fastening elements are attached to the hygiene article. The second section contains a second zone arranged outside of the first section in the transverse direction in which the clip elements are provided. The element is folded in a zigzag manner along longitudinal folding lines and the second zone with the mechanically adhering clip elements lies outside of the zigzag folded configuration in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.

Abstract: A male fastener element has loop-engageable structures with a primary structure and associated engageable secondary structures.

Abstract: The clipboard pencil holder is a device that can be easily attached to the clip of a conventional clipboard for the purpose of providing easy and convenient storage and retrieval of a pencil or other similarly-sized writing instrument. The holder holds the pencil horizontally against, and parallel to the clipboard clip while substantially avoiding interference with the clipboard clip's ability to grip a paper pad which, for example, is positioned between the clip and the board of the clipboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a release device, especially in relation to a buckle of a safety helmet or a safety belt. It is significant of the release device according to the present invention that the device comprises a first element (1) and a second element (3) that are pivotally connected to each other via a hinge (9), means (10) of one element (1) to connect one end of the strap/belt, a yieldable release means (14) and an anchoring element (17) connected to the other end of the strap/belt, that the anchoring element (17) is connected in a releasable way to the elements (1, 3), and that a force (F1) is applied to the release means (14) when the anchoring element (17) is subjected to force (F2) that strives to separate the anchoring element (17) from the elements (1, 3).

Abstract: A curtain clip, with like clips for suspending a curtain, each clip: (1) encompasses the curtain rod in a manner that allows the clips to slide easily across the curtain rod, (2) has a body comprised of two pieces held together by a hinge to easily suspend or remove a curtain with ease for the purpose of laundering or changing the curtain, (3) has a male and female counterpart that pass through the eyelet or hole in the curtain for the purpose of suspending a curtain from a curtain rod. (4) has a holding device to which various ornamental devices can be attached, (5) has various ornamental devices with an apparatus for attaching to said clip.

Abstract: A treatment fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a fluid impervious layer and an overlying treatment fluid dispensing layer. The fluid treatment dispensing layer comprises a finely woven fabric formed from natural or synthetic fibers which normally retains the treatment fluid and which dispensing the treatment fluid responsive to pressure and/or body temperature. The treatment fluid dispensing layer is configured to dispense treatment fluid to areas of the human body over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A continuous method for producing composite elastic yarns at speeds up to 700 m/min by (a) stretching (drafting) an elastomeric yarn (e.g., spandex) by 2.0× (100%) to 10.5× (950%) while heating (max. heating temperature 220° C.) in a single or double stage draft, (b) air-jet entangling with a relatively inelastic yarn component to create a composite elastic yarn, and then (c) in-line heat-treating (max. heating temperature 240° C.) the composite elastic yarn. The initial draft stage(s) may also be carried out at ambient temperature. The resulting composite elastic yarn has improved stitch clarity, particularly suited for hosiery, and its properties can be tailored to provide fabric properties for knit and woven fabrics hitherto not possible with standard spandex yarns.

Abstract: A chamber for transitioning a semiconductor substrate between modules operating at different pressures is provided. The chamber includes a base defining an outlet. The outlet permits removal of an atmosphere within the chamber to create a vacuum. A substrate support for supporting a semiconductor substrate within the chamber is included. A chamber top having an inlet is included. The inlet is configured to allow for the introduction of a gas into the chamber to displace moisture in a region defined above the substrate support. Sidewalls extending from the base to the chamber top are included. The sidewalls include access ports for entry and exit of a semiconductor substrate from the chamber. A method for conditioning an environment above a region of a semiconductor substrate within a pressure varying interface is also provided.

Abstract: A workpiece seat for the machining of bar-shaped workpieces by milling and turning. The workpiece seat has an elongated housing, a spindle rotatably supported in the housing, and an electric direct drive for the spindle. The drive rotor is fixed on the spindle and the drive stator is fixed in the housing. Clamping means are provided at the working end in the spindle for fixing a bar-shaped workpiece in the spindle. A connection unit is provided at the rear part of the housing for power supply. A fixing means is provided for fixing the spindle in the housing. To achieve high machining accuracy of thick bars and high clamping forces at reduced longitudinal dimensions, as well as relatively simple design, the fixing means is formed as a compact part and is arranged at the working end of the housing.

Abstract: A pillow top mattress is made by first sewing a mattress core border to respective pillow top borders, forming mitered corners on each, then pulling the combined borders over the mattress core, securing the combined borders to the core material, and then adding pillow top insulation and sewing a pillow top panel to the free edge of each pillow top border.

Abstract: Tools are provided for removing an inner tubular housing and/or outer casing of a pop-up sprinkler head and for purging an irrigation system of debris. The tools include a ring and disc used in conjunction to remove an inner tubular housing, a grooved cylinder and guide shaft used in conjunction to remove an outer casing, and the guide shaft and purge conduit with valve used in conjunction to purge an irrigation system.

Abstract: This device is called the “Arrow Head Saver” and is used to extract several different types of arrow heads such as but not limited to broad heads with 2,3, and 4 blades, and mechanical broad heads. Both types are used for hunting many different types of animals. It also works on field point tips which are used for target practice and the like.

Abstract: A recycling facilitating system including an item identification data input unit for inputting item identification data, an item disassembly data memory for storing item disassembly data in correspondence with the item identification data, an item disassembly data retrieval unit for retrieving the item disassembly data, a disassembly diagram constructing unit for constructing the disassembly diagram based on the item disassembly data, and a disassembly diagram output unit for outputting the disassembly diagram; the disassembly diagram constructing unit determines the progress status of an operation step of disassembling the item to be recycled by identifying a component that was removed during the operation step, and, in accordance with the progress status, constructs one of a plurality of disassembly diagrams, which can be constructed from the item disassembly data that was retrieved by the item disassembly data retrieval unit.

Abstract: A method of feeding a blank (31) by cutting a billet (11) for plastic working includes the steps of superimposing a plurality of annular members (15 to 18) having a coefficient of linear expansion smaller than that of the billet and an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the billet on one another to assemble a tubular jig (12), inserting the billet into the assembled jig, heating the billet and the jig to a temperature at which the billet is half-molten, and cutting the billet into at least one blank by moving the annular members adjacent to one another in opposite directions. The cutting of the billet does not need a cutting tool, thus causing no wear of blades, and thereby allowing reduction in production cost. The billet can be cut into a plurality of pieces at a time, increasing productivity. Since the blanks can be fed together with the annular members, there is no need to reheat the blanks, providing increased productivity.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal profile is provided in which a first sheet metal strip is deformed into a first profile by a plurality driven or free-running roller forming tools and, directly after the deformation process, passes through a welding station, in which a second sheet metal strip or a second profile is welded longitudinally with the first profile by means of a laser beam to form a composite profile. The second sheet metal strip, or the second profile, is hereby laid flat on the first profile, and welded on both sides along the lateral edges of the resulting contact surface. The composite profile can be produced from sheet metal strips and/or profiles with respectively different material properties. The second sheet metal strip or the second profile can be provided before welding with stampings and/or bent-up portions. A device for performing this method is also provided.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an electronic device, a first side edge of a first substantially planar panel including a display is hingedly coupled to a second substantially planar panel selected from a first set of panels. The second panel includes a first interface. A second side edge of the first panel is hingedly coupled to a third substantially planar panel selected from a second set of panels. The third panel includes a second interface. A kit to assemble an electronic device comprises three substantially planar panels. A first panel includes a display. A second panel includes a first interface and is configured to be hingedly coupled to a first side edge of the first panel. A third panel includes a second interface and is configured to be hingedly coupled to a second side edge of the first panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of applying an expandable member, such as an O-ring, to a part to from an installed part. The apparatus and method comprise a piston slidably positioned within a housing with a slidable sleeve interposed between the housing and the piston. The piston has an expandable member engagement surface on a leading end thereof. During operation, the expandable member is transferred from a holder to the exterior surface of the slidable sleeve. The slidable sleeve is then positioned sleeve about the part and relative movement of the housing with respect to the sleeve, transfers the expandable member from the sleeve and onto the part.

Abstract: Oil country tubular goods and other types of tubular members are provided with threaded and coupled connections satisfactory for radial expansion within a wellbore. The tubular members may include couplings formed using electric resistant welding technology. The threaded and coupled connections may be used to join sections of casing with each other to form a casing string to complete a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a picture frame joint includes a support plate with a pair of fences mounted thereto. A pair of impact pins are slidably mounted through apertures in the support plate and are interconnected to one another via a cam linkage arrangement to enable the impact pins to be actuated simultaneously using one air cylinder. The pins are mounted on trucks that slide within respective brackets on the bottom surface of the support plate. Two mating picture frame members are loosely assembled with an impact sensitive connector therebetween. The pair of impact pins simultaneously impact the connector on its opposing ends to respectively secure the connector to the picture frame members thereby securing them together to form a completed picture frame corner joint.

Abstract: A method of assembling vehicles includes providing an X-by-wire chassis and mounting a vehicle body at an upper face of the chassis. The vehicle body includes a body frame, a seating apparatus and one or more body panels, and may include a floor. The vehicle body may include one or more preassembled body modules. The invention contemplates that the body may be operatively connected to the chassis when it is mounted at the upper face of the chassis so that one or more of the systems in the chassis that are responsive to non-mechanical control signals will respond to such signals.

Abstract: Process for producing a composite structural element from a metal structural element (4) and a plastics structure (1), in which the metal structural element, which has at least one surface with at least one punched rim or punched collar (7), and the plastics structure are pressed together with the aid of one or more joining tools (11, 13, 26, 29, 32, 37), the punched rim/collar penetrating into or through the plastics structure in a positively and nonpositively locking manner.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing injection-molded components having complex features is disclosed. Prior methods typically require the use of a three-piece mold system to form an injection molded component having a complex feature, such as a lawn mower hood having a parabolic shaped front. With the development of a new rigid type of reflective material the present method can thereby utilize a two-piece mold system to form an injection molded component having complex features such as a lawn mower hood having a C-shaped open cavity located at the front of the hood.

Abstract: A fastener catching and installation tool is provided that comprises a guide tube, a slide device, a translating device, and a pivot frame disposed on a frame. Further, catching fingers are disposed within the pivot frame, a slide device activation member is coupled to the slide device, and a translating device activation member is coupled to the translating device. In operation, a fastener is delivered through the guide tube and to the catching fingers, the slide device activation member activates the slide device to slide the pivot frame and the catching fingers proximate a workpiece, and the translating device activation member activates the translating device to insert the fastener into the workpiece. Additionally, the catching fingers are pivotably retained in the tool and comprise first and second catching fingers that define a tapered bore and opposed slots to properly position and catch a plurality of fastener sizes.

Abstract: A blind rivet system including a number of parts to be joined that have aligned holes. A tubular rivet body is disposed in the aligned holes and includes a rivet head portion and a sleeve portion. The head portion and sleeve portion include a longitudinal bore. A mandrel having a head portion greater in diameter than the bore and a shaft portion is disposed within the longitudinal bore. An adhesive is disposed in an annular space defined by the interior surface of the bore and an exterior surface of the shaft portion. An installation tool having a seal intersects with the rivet head portion such that when the head portion is drawn within the bore during installation, the adhesive is maintained within the tubular rivet body and extruded from the annular space to a region between faying surfaces of the parts to be joined.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer has a layer of a heat-curing and UV-curing adhesive formed on a frame integrally molded at the bottom of a case. A magnet is placed on the frame via the adhesive. The case is irradiated with a UV light from above, at least before the adhesive is heat-cured, so that the adhesive is cured in the portion exposed to the UV light. This prevents the adhesive from evaporating, scattering and prevents the adhesive components depositing on a diaphragm, that could be caused by a later high temperature process for heat-curing the adhesive. Furthermore, time for the heat-curing can be made shorter by the high temperature curing. The shorter curing time improves productivity of the production, and allows the transducers to be manufactured on an automatic assembly line.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of 1) providing a ring-shaped permanent magnet having radially inner and outer surfaces and opposite first and second side surfaces; 2) overmolding a casing material about the magnet to yield a magnet assembly, the casing material comprising a material that contracts as it cools from a molten state and that includes a portion located along the radially outer surface and the first side surface; and 3) mounting the assembly about a rotor shaft.