Abstract: This invention relates to front fork, telescoping type suspension systems for bicycles. The main focus of the invention is the brake bridge assembly, the fork crown assembly and the joinder of these assemblies to form the fork suspension. The brake bridge assembly serves two main functions: 1) it provides a stiff structural connection between the right and left telescoping struts, to reduce wheel wobble during high speed wheel impacts, and 2) it provides a structural support for the brake cable stop. The invention provides for increased stiffness and lower stresses in the brake bridge, which translates into improved directional stability for the front wheel, less displacement for the brake cable stop .(when the brake loads are applied) and improved fatigue life for the assembly. It also provides for a simpler and less expensive means for mounting the brake bridge to the fork assembly. The invention also encompasses the fork crown producing a lightweight structure with high torsional and bending rigidity.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue treatment is provided, comprising a light emitter for emission of a first light beam, director for directing the first light beam towards a target area to be treated, detector for detecting at least one tissue parameter at the target area, and first light beam controller for controlling at least one parameter without interruption of the propagating light beam. The tissue parameter may be selected from the group of texture, elasticity, size and shape. The apparatus may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. as well as warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc. may be ablated or treated.

Abstract: A firefighting hood for protecting an individual from elements associated with a firefighting site. The firefighting hood includes a head portion, an inner bib portion, and an outer bib portion. The head portion is shaped to cover the individual's head, the inner bib portion extends downwardly from the head portion and is shaped to cover the individual's neck and a portion of the individual's torso, and the outer bib portion extends downwardly from the head portion and overlaps the inner bib portion such that the inner bib portion is positionable on an interior side of a protective garment while the outer bib portion is positionable over an exterior side of the protective garment to prevent objects from entering the protective garment.

Abstract: A grooved size adjustment strap for a baseball-style cap having a crown body and a visor. The size adjustment strap, which is attached to the back portion of the lower periphery of the crown, is formed by an inner strap and an outer strap, each strap attached to a respective side of the crown main body along a lower edge thereof. Each of the straps is formed of a reinforcing material such as PVC sheet, with hook or loop material attached thereto, respectively. The outer strap is formed with the PVC sheet faced outwardly and includes a plurality of vertical grooves that facilitate shape formation and retention of the size adjustment device, and also assist in predictable size adjustment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use in concealing a belt used to secure the pants. The device includes a liner fastened to the pants waist and cooperatively defining a continuous channel with the pants waist. One end of the liner overlaps the other end of the liner and is releasably fastened thereto, concealing the belt from view behind the liner.

Abstract: A water saving dual flush system of valving assembly for toilet water-closets of the gravity flow type. This system of valving is designed to fit existing hardware in typical water-closets and convert single flush designs to dual flush water saving systems. Comprised of a flapper type bottom valve having a port located at a position above the discharge pipe of a common water-closet. The port edge of the bottom valve being molded to receive and mate to a flanged pipe end and thereby forming a watertight seal between the pipe and the bottom valve. A floatation collar being attached about the outside of the pipe. The upper end of the pipe having a upper valve seat sleeve attached. The upper valve seat sleeve being a slip-fit sleeve with a valve seat formed on the upper end and having a hinge portion incorporated on one side. The upper valve seat sleeve hinge is designed to mate to the upper valve and form together a hinged mount.

Abstract: A toilet training assembly includes a stool comprising a panel and a plurality of legs that are attached to and extend downwardly from the panel. The panel has a centrally disposed aperture therein. A receptacle is removably mountable in the aperture. A back member is attached to a back edge of the stool. A pair of arms is attached to and extends forward from the back member. A motion detector is mounted in the peripheral edge of the aperture and is directed downwardly such that the motion detector detects material entering the receptacle. A processor is electrically coupled to the motion detector. A dispenser assembly for selectively dispensing candy is positioned in a first arm of the pair of arms. The assembly is operationally coupled to the processor so that the dispenser assembly is turned on when the motion detector detects motion.

Abstract: A massaging tub includes a tub body, a spraying pipe, a water outlet pipe, a water pump, a circulation pipe, and a washing device. The washing device includes a connecting pipe, and a switch valve. Thus, the clean water can flow into the spraying pipe by operation of the switch valve to flush the dirt contained in the spraying pipe, so that the spraying pipe is kept clean constantly. In addition, the spraying pipe is substantially arc-shaped and is bent downward, so that the dirt contained in the spraying pipe can be flushed outward rapidly and completely.

Abstract: A multiple head shower system particularly designed for retrofit installation on an existing shower system, and having a head member with a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet, a primary shower head, at least one elongated water conduit, and at least one secondary on/off water valve member. The secondary valve members are secured to the shower enclosure with a bracket member and an adhesive. The header member is secured to the existing shower system with a threaded connection or a slip-fit connection. Preferably, a pair of secondary on/off water valve members and conduits are provided.

Abstract: A retractable bed is disclosed which can be automatically raised and lowered in a vertical fashion. The retractable bed includes a frame for holding a mattress; and means for raising and lowering said bed through vertical displacement, such as one or more motors. When the bed is in the lowered configuration it will come into contact with the floor thereby permitting a person to sleep on the bed. When the bed is in the raised configuration it will be near the ceiling thereby permitting a person to pass under the bed. The means for raising and lowering said bed, such as one or more motors, provides an automated and convenient way to take the bed down and to put it away.

Abstract: A sun visor is described for mounting on the front spreader bar of a hammock, so that it extends up from and over the front spreader bar. It includes a stabilizer spar operatively connected to the front spreader bar and extending outward therefrom through and under the ropes of the hammock's clew.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a primary barrier that defines an effective blocking area, and a rigid auxiliary barrier that cooperates with the primary barrier to increase the length and height of the effective blocking area.

Abstract: The infant head pad is designed to support and cradle the outer circumference of the head with little or no pressure on the back of the head to flatten it causing a deformity. The pad has different size cutouts with a ledge to closely fit and support the head. The cutouts with a ledge begin small enough for a newborn and increase slightly in diameter from cutout to cutout to provide a custom fit, maintaining the back head curve as the head grows. They are strategically around the pad to allow room for the infant's body to lay comfortably on the pad. The cutouts are small and unobtrusive, not restrictive in any way to the child. Plugs fill cutouts not in use, providing a level surface.

Abstract: A foam article comprising: a foam element; and a trim cover comprising a finished outer layer and an inner layer in contact with the foam element, the inner layer comprising a material having a kinetic coefficient of friction with respect to the foam element of less than about 0.75 when measured pursuant to ASTM D1894-00 using the conditions set out in GM9206P. The foam article is advantageously suited for use in a vehicular application such as a car seat (seat bottom, seat back and the like). The invention allows for the production of improved quality products while mitigating and obviating the need for additional material and/or labor costs.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a barrier coupled to a frame. The barrier includes an interior region containing a fluid supply. A related method is provided for converting a patient support apparatus to include a fluid filled patient support surface.

Abstract: The contour and topography adjusting mattress distributes the weight equally over the entire contact surface, thus prevents morning sore spot formation and prevents decubitus wound formation in the prolonged bed-ridden patients. The massaging action of the mattress relieves muscular pain, relaxes the body, increases the blood circulation, also it further prevents sore spot and decubitus wound formation in the bed-ridden patients. It can be used in hospitals or at home.

Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly having a plurality of parallel strings of springs joined to each other. Each of said strings of springs comprises a row of interconnected pockets, each of the pockets containing at least one spring encased in a fabric pocket and with more than one line of attachment between at least selected adjacent pockets. At least one spacer strip or at least one scrim sheet extends between the interconnected pockets of at least one string of springs and is secured thereto to provide stability in the pocketed spring assembly.

Abstract: A seat cushion including a first and second pillar positioned specifically for receiving the ischial tuberosities of a user. The pillars relieve the pressure of the ischial tuberosity areas, but are easy and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the position of the pillars can be customized for a particular user. Hence, pressure reduction is accomplished only where it is needed. The invention can be used on flat cushions and on cushions with a molded shape.

Abstract: A bucket grasp tool keeps a bucket from spinning while mixing viscous fluid, such as drywall compound, in the bucket with a mechanical mixer and can also open bucket lids. The bucket grasp for spin resistant mixing is an assembly made up of two parts: a grasp part and a foot pressure part, which may have a surface grip portion. The grasp part is of a semi-circular shape and is made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The foot pressure part is of a smooth curved or straight shape and is made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The grasp part and the foot pressure part are integral, preferably both parts being formed from the same piece of material.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a cam disc mounted at the free end of a toothbrush shaft and which engages between two follower pins of a bristle carrier disc. The form of the cam disc is approximately elliptical. This causes it to impart a reciprocating motion to the bristle carrier disc when the toothbrush shaft is driven in rotation.

Abstract: A multi-task, ambidexterous, fitted dusting-cleaning glove featuring intentional, protrusive exterior side seams 12, palm seams 14, and finger seams 16 terminating in tufts 20 extending beyond the fingertips; each tuft functioning as an instant crevice tool. The exterior seam and tuft application creates added mass in the item's dimension. The said glove, comprising four fingers and one thumb, sized for a close fit in the finger portions is an articulate cleaning tool.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing a roller paint brush cover from a handle framework and cleaning the roller paint brush cover, having a gripping device for gripping the roller paint brush cover, a holding device for receiving the roller paint brush cover from the gripping device and for holding the roller paint brush cover while the roller paint brush cover is being cleaned, a motion imparting device for imparting rotational motion to the holding device and the roller paint brush cover, and a mounting device for mounting the holding device on the motion imparting device.

Abstract: A filtration arrangement of a vacuum cleaner includes a floor-engaging base unit, a body portion pivotally mounted on the base unit and a suction motor/fan assembly located in either the base unit or body portion. A dustcup is mounted on the body portion and is in fluid communication with a first air path so as to receive dirt laden air therefrom. A cyclonic member is disposed over the dustcup and is effective for imparting rotational motion to the dirt laden air entering the dustcup. An air tube is mounted centrally within the dustcup and extends from the bottom of the dustcup to an area near the top of the dustcup. A removable filter member is disposed over the top portion of the air tube. The removable filter has a central opening that cooperatively engages the top portion of the air tube to establish a second air path that extends from inside the dustcup to outside atmosphere through the suction motor/fan assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device for mounting an exhaust filter of a vacuum cleaner on an exhaust filter cover. According to the present invention, there is provided a locking device for an exhaust filter of a vacuum cleaner, comprising a locking device for an exhaust filter of a vacuum cleaner, comprising an exhaust filter cover mounted on one side surface of a main body of the vacuum cleaner, and including a plurality of exhaust holes and a plurality of mounting grooves formed on an inner surface of a cylindrical sidewall of the exhaust filter cover; and a filter including a filtering portion for filtering air, and engagement protrusions formed on a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the filter to be resiliently locked within the mounting grooves, respectively, whereby the filter is resiliently locked within the exhaust filter cover. Therefore, the filter is not rattled by any vibration, and no contact noise is generated.

Abstract: A device for securing a towel to the ground so the towel will not be blown away by the wind is comprises a first anchor devices coupled to a first end of the towel and a second anchor device coupled to a second end of the towel. The first anchor device and the second anchor device are coupled to the ground to prevent the towel from being blown away by the wind. The first anchor device and the second anchor device each comprises a body section. A first arc member is coupled to the body section. The first arc member is rolled in the ground so that ground elements rest inside the first arch member such that the weight of the ground elements prevents the beach towel from being blow away. A second arc member is coupled to the body section for securing the towel to the body section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper hinge for smoothly opening a cover from a main body in a small-sized portable article, thereby preventing a breakdown and damage of its hinge portion and assuring simplicity in its use.

Abstract: A hidden hinge system for furniture and doors has recessed mountings in the fixed frame and movable frame and linked by two interlocking hinge brackets to operate as a lift off hinge. One hinge bracket has a forked shape while the second hinge bracket has a central flange which fits into the forked shape enabling the hinge to occupy a compact space. The separate mountings have alignment adjustments to hang the door.

Abstract: An equipment with pivoting handles. The equipment includes a support and a pivoting handle that are assembled by at least one pivot pin, the pivoting handle being able to rest on at least one surface of the support. The handle includes at least one bearing surface and the equipment includes at least one pad of elastic material arranged to be compressed against the support by the bearing surface when the handle is resting on the surface of the support. The equipment may be applied for example to suspended equipment for aircraft consoles.

Abstract: A support for a combing means for an opening roller comprises an opening roller combing means, which is designed as a saw-toothed helix having multiple thread grooves. The number of threads amounts to approximately between one twentieth and one thirthieth (expressed in millimeters) of the outer diameter of the opening means. In addition, the angle of inclination (expressed in degrees) of the helix amounts to between 0.5 and 0.7 times the number of threads. The angle of inclination of the helix should not exceed 2.5°.

Abstract: A drawing mechanism for the doubling and drafting of fiber slivers has a drawing mechanism frame for accommodating the drawing mechanism, which has at least two pairs of rollers each comprising an upper roller and a lower roller and has means for adjusting the spacing of at least one of the lower rollers in relation to another lower roller, in each case having a mounting device for accommodating the lower roller, lower rollers are arranged to be driven by a drive device comprising at least one drive element endlessly revolving around pulley wheels and each lower roller has a roller-driving pulley wheel.

Abstract: A headliner system configured to mount to a vehicle roof structure comprises a retainer clip coupled to a substrate, and a handle movable between a first position and a second position. The handle is retained by a retaining system such as a biasing element captured between the roof structure and a projection. A method of mounting a handle to vehicle roof structure comprises providing a retaining system comprising a retainer clip, coupling the retainer clip to a headliner, coupling the handle to the retainer clip and orientating it in a first position, moving the handle to a second position to capture a portion of the handle between the retainer clip and a projection, locating the headliner relative to the roof structure, and moving the handle to a third position to retain a portion of the handle between at least a portion of the retaining system and the roof structure.

Abstract: An electrical signal filter housing of the type including a threaded female connector adapted to mate with a hexagonal cable connector having a span X, the filter housing including a cylindrical body having a span Y, which is substantially greater than X, a threaded female connector portion having a base connected to a first end of the cylindrical body, a male connector portion connected to a second, opposed end of the cylindrical body, and a drive member disposed proximate the base of the threaded female connector portion, the drive member having a span substantially equal to X.

Abstract: A process of forming a capacitive audio transducer, preferably having an all-silicon monolithic construction that includes capacitive plates defined by doped single-crystal silicon layers. The capacitive plates are defined by etching the single-crystal silicon layers, and the capacitive gap therebetween is accurately established by wafer bonding, yielding a transducer that can be produced by high-volume manufacturing practices.

Abstract: Sheet-metal blanks for rotors or stators of electrical machines are cut from rolled sheet-metal strips with a magnetic preferential direction and layered to form a laminated rotor core or laminated stator core. To compensate largely for a magnetic anisotropy of the laminated rotor core or laminated stator core, the sheet-metal blanks, when they are not centrosymmetrical, are cut out together congruently in a single cutting operation, from rolled sheet-metal strips stacked one above the other and rotated relative to one another by an angle.

Abstract: A compact and highly reliable nonreciprocal circuit device can be manufactured at low cost. Marking is clearly performed on a surface of the nonreciprocal circuit device. In a method of manufacturing the nonreciprocal circuit device, after components constituting the device are joined together, solder is applied at portions where the components are bonded with each other. The magnetic force of a permanent magnet is adjusted and then laser marking is performed on a surface of a metal case. Next, the nonreciprocal circuit device is heated to perform together solder bonding, thermal aging of the permanent magnet, and the removal of stains left due to marking. Then, after checking the characteristics of the device, delivery inspection is conducted to complete the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and manufacturing methods useful in the manufacture of large transformer cores, particularly, in the manufacture of large transformer cores made of a ferromagnetic material, especially of annealed amorphous metal alloys. The invention further provides transformer cores produced utilizing the inventive apparatus and manufacturing methods, as well as finished transformers which include such transformer cores.

Abstract: A magnetic head slider with at least one thin-film magnetic head element on a suspension is mounted. This mounting includes electrically connecting the magnetic head slider with the suspension with ball bonding connections. Electrical property of the thin-film magnetic head element is inspected, and then the ball bonding connections are separated when it is judged that the thin-film magnetic head element has defective electrical property. Then, the magnetic head slider is detached from the suspension, and thereafter a new magnetic head slider with at least one thin-film magnetic head element is mounted on the suspension from which the magnetic head slider was detached.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive device having a first pole, a second pole, and a first tapered pole pedestal therebetween and magnetically connected to the second pole. The first tapered pole has a width that increases with increasing distance away from the air bearing surface, ABS. The magnetoresistive device can also include a second tapered pole pedestal magnetically connected to the first pole, and separated from the first tapered pole pedestal by a write gap. The second tapered pole pedestal has a width that increases with increasing distance away from the air bearing surface. A method of the present invention includes defining the trackwidth of a write element by lapping a tapered pole pedestal. More specifically, the trackwidth is given by a known taper angle, a zero throat width, and a throat height, wherein the throat height is controlled precisely by lapping.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of, for example, an exhaust gas of a vehicle is manufactured by inserting a thermistor element into a bottomed metal tube while filling an inside of the metal tube with a filler material, preferably of silicone oil, to reduce a sliding resistance between the thermistor element and the metal tube as an integral temperature sensing structure which is then mounted in a housing.

Abstract: A unit for automatically crimping ribbons of flexible flat cable has a guide surface on which a ribbon of flat cable travels. A number of crimping stations are arranged vertically offset plumb with the plane of the guide surface and designed to crimp a connector onto an end of a branch of the flat cable. A number of tilting ramps have a first end even with the plane of the guide surface when they are in the tilted state and a second end even with a crimping station. The ramp tilts toward the guide surface on command so that a predetermined branch of the ribbon follows the ramp it encounters in its path as it travels along and so that it is directed to one travels along and so that it is directed to one of the crimping stations where it receives a connector.

Abstract: A pallet board removal assembly for providing mechanical assistance to remove any board of a pallet for replacement includes a frame having rollers forming a bed. A pair of jaws are pivoted with staggered distal ends to clamp and subsequently remove a selected board from a pallet. The invention further includes a board cushioning assembly to control movement of the removed board and an optional nail press assembly to drive nail stubble into the stringers of the pallet.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-layered interconnect structure. First and second electrically conductive members are formed on the first and second dielectric layers, respectively. The dielectric layer are formed on opposing surfaces of a thermally conductive layer. A first and second electrically conductive layer is formed within the first dielectric layer. The second electrically conductive layer includes shielded signal conductors and is positioned between the first electrically conductive layer and the thermally conductive layer. A plated through hole (PTH) formed through the interconnect structure is electrically connected to one of the first and second electrically conductive members and to one of the shielded signal conductors.

Abstract: A method for producing a component out of stacked plates (9, 10) soldered to one another, into at least some of which recesses (11, 12, 13) are made, is proposed, in which at least one solder layer (8) is provided between the plates (9, 10) for a solder diffusion process. According to the invention, the plates (9, 10), with solder layers (8) between them, are stacked on one another and compressed in the cold state before the solder diffusion process. With this provision, the use of complicated pressing tools in the actual solder diffusion process is avoided.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a corner assembly for a vehicle. A wheel hub is partially machined to define a journal section and a radial mounting flange on an out-board surface of the hub. Bolts are pressed into axial openings in the mounting flange and the hub further machining to produce a concentric wheel pilot, rotor pilot and bearing journal surfaces that are perpendicular to radial faces on an out-board surface of the mounting flange. The hub is pressed into a bearing retained of a support member and a rotor is placed on the rotor pilot surface such that the bolts extend through openings located on the inner peripheral surface of the rotor. The hub is rotated to gage lateral deflection with respect to its axis. If the deflection is less than 0.06 mm, the wheel hub and rotor are accepted for installation on a vehicle and rejected if greater that 0.06 mm.

Abstract: In a method of making a cross member for a twist-beam axle of a motor vehicle, a band-shaped metal blank is shaped in a profiling unit in a continuous operation to a V-shaped or U-shaped double-walled hollow section having an outer wall and an inner wall, such that the outer wall of the hollow section extends, at least in an apex area thereof, at a distance to the inner wall of the hollow section, and that confronting longitudinal edges of the hollow section extend in the apex area of the outer wall. The confronting longitudinal edges of the hollow section are then joined by a longitudinal weld seam which is then smoothed. Subsequently the welded hollow section is cut to size to form a cross member.

Abstract: An artistic knife with spare blades, including a main body in which a blade seat is back and forth slidably disposed. The main body is formed with a receptacle corresponding to the blade seat for receiving multiple spare blades. Each blade has more than one engaging notch. The blade seat is provided with a transversely movable engaging block corresponding to the engaging notch of the blade for inserting therein. When the blade seat is slided forward, the blade is driven to extend out of the main body. The main body has a guide rail corresponding to the engaging block. By means of the guiding and restriction of the guide rail, in the travel of the blade pushed out by the blade seat, the engaging block is inserted into the engaging notches of the blade deeper and deeper. In returning travel, the depth by which the engaging block is inserted in the engaging notch is gradually reduced until it is slightly smaller than the thickness of the blade. Therefore, the engaging block can be truly engaged with the blade.

Abstract: A pivoted hand tool including a first and second handle, each handle having a jaw member extending therefrom. A pivot connects the first and second handles. A ratchet is operatively engaged with the pivot and at least one of the handles and selectively rotates the pivot in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction by movement of the handles toward or away from one another.

Abstract: A gardening pruner comprises two handles, two blades, two pivoting plates, and two actuating plates. The actuating plates are fastened at a bottom end with the handles and are provided at a top end with a toothed portion. The two actuating plates are pivoted together with the two pivoting plates by a pivot. The two blades are provided at a bottom end with a toothed portion and are pivoted together with the two pivoting plates by another pivot such that the toothed portions of the two blades are respectively engaged with the toothed portions of the two actuating plates, thereby resulting in a gear-type transmission of force from the handles to the blades.

Abstract: A cut guide for a portable hand-held saw that has a blade with a cutting portion that is disposed along a generally vertical axis. The cut guide includes a mounting portion, which is configured to be coupled to the saw, a guide block portion, a guide portion and an adjustment mechanism. The guide block portion, which defines a generally vertical cutting stroke axis, is pivotally coupled to the mounting portion such that the cutting stroke axis can be pivoted relative to the cutting portion of the blade. The guide portion is movably coupled to the guide block portion along the cutting stroke axis. The guide portion includes an abutment structure with at least one feature for establishing an orientation of the cutting stroke axis relative to a longitudinal axis of a workpiece. The adjustment mechanism pivots the guide block portion relative to the mounting portion to thereby adjust an angular relationship of the cutting stroke axis relative to the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw. The saw including a housing, a spindle supported for reciprocation relative to the housing, the spindle having an end selectively supporting a saw blade, a motor for moving the end during a cutting stroke and a return stroke, and path defining structure interconnected with the spindle and defining a first path of travel of the end relative to the housing during a first cutting stroke and during a first return stroke and a second path of travel of the end relative to the housing during a second cutting stroke and during a second return stroke, the second path of travel being different than the first path of travel. The saw blade is selectively supported in a first orientation relative to the spindle to have a first cutting direction and in a second orientation relative to the spindle to have a second cutting direction opposite the first cutting direction. The first path of travel is characterized by movement at least partially in the first cutting direction during the first cutting stroke.