Abstract: A mobile unit, such as a cart, for transporting a portable vacuum system is disclosed. The cart may have one or more compartments and areas for storing cleaning supplies and the like. The unit may also have a debris containment compartment for receiving and storing debris collected by the portable vacuum system. Additionally, a battery charging circuit may connect one or more batteries carried on the cart for selectively charging the batteries.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner 2 has a housing 4 having primary air outlets 20 defined in a bottom surface of the housing 4 to direct air downwardly and rearwardly of the housing. A fan 26 draws dirty air into the inlet 38, through a filter and most of the filtered air passes out of primary outlets 20. As a result, the air is not vented on to the face and hands of the user, and at the same time avoids disturbing dirt on the surface to be cleaned. A small amount of the air passes between the clamshell halves 10, 12 that make up housing 4, and out of the secondary outlets 28 in the side surfaces of the body portion 6. This air is used to cool the motor, but the rate of air flow out of the secondary outlets is insufficient to cause irritation to the user.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner 2 having a housing 4 having an inlet 12 and an outlet 54 is disclosed. Actuation of a motor 46 causes a fan to displace air out of outlet 54, and the resulting suction upstream of the fan draws dirty air through inlet 12 and inwardly through walls of filter unit 22. In order to clean the filter unit 22, the user lifts lid 24 by means of gripping portion 32, and then removes filter unit 22 and dirt collection chamber 16. Because the central portion of the dirt collection chamber 16 is raised, dirt trapped on the outer surface of filter unit 22 has a tendency to fall into trough regions 40, 42 and avoids falling into outlet 38. If the motor 46 should accidentally be actuated when the filter unit 22 is removed, the opening provided by opened lid 24 is nearer to outlet 38 than inlet 12, as a result of which relatively clean air from the atmosphere passes into recess 36 in preference to dirty air from the inlet 12, thus minimising the risk of the motor 46 being damaged by dirt.

Abstract: A door closer power adjusting device for use with a door closer having a spindle driven by a compressed spring with a movable plate for adjusting an amount of compression of said spring, or with an adjusting screw for adjusting an amount of compression of said spring, between a first high level of compression and a second low level of compression. A powered unit is provided for moving the plate in a first direction to achieve the second low level of compression and in a second direction to achieve the first high level of compression. A user engageable switch is used to activate the powered unit in the first direction and a first switch is arranged to be engaged upon the spring being compressed to the second low level of compression to deactivate the powered unit. A timing circuit is used to activate the powered unit in a second direction after the passage of a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for wheel assemblies, specifically directed to precision roller wheel assembly for use with patio doors or the like, that provides a rust-resistant, salt resistant wheel assembly for providing a smooth gliding, quiet operating, easy to adjust, door wheel system that is corrosion free and is believed to be able to withstand hurricane force winds. A precision roller wheel assembly for use on a lower surface of a door, especially a patio door or the like, the assembly comprising a two-piece housing, the two-pieces being a mirror image of each other, for receiving at least one precision machined corrosion resistant sealed roller wheel mounted on an axle, means for mounting the assembly to a patio door or the like, and adjustment means for vertically adjusting the assembly in its position of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-cleaning handle. The handle includes a member having a user contact portion, the member and a fluid applicator housing being biased towards a default position and moveable from the default position to an actuated position by a user applying a force to the user contact portion. The handle also includes a fluid applicator having a fluid release portion disposed between the member and the fluid applicator housing wherein the fluid applicator is in contact with the user contact portion. The member is rotatable with respect to the fluid applicator housing. The handle also includes a rotator connected to the member to rotate the member upon release of the member from its actuated position such that the fluid release portion applies fluid to the user contact portion of the member and a sanitized user contact portion is available for the next user.

Abstract: A universally rotatable pivotal integral luggage handle for use with a piece of luggage having a retractable handle frame is provided. The handle includes a grasping portion and a luggage attachment portion. The grasping portion has a hand contacting portion and a base portion, with the base portion having a center section. The center section has a sidewall and a bottom surface. It has a vertical channel which exits at least from the bottom surface. The luggage attachment portion has an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion having a sidewall and a top surface. The luggage attachment portion has a vertical channel which exits at least from the top surface. The grasping portion and the luggage attachment portion are rotatably connected by fastening means extending vertically through the respective channels.

Abstract: Support for fixing an accessory (3) to a flexible arm (1), characterized in that this support (2) comprises at least one leg (11) fixed with one far end (13) to one of the far ends (6-7) of adjoining hinge-mounted parts (4-5) of the flexible arm (1) which are connected to each other in a hinged manner.

Abstract: A hinge includes a bracket, two fixing seats pivotally connected to the bracket, at least one base, at least one first arm pivotally connected between the at least one base and the at least one fixing seat and at least one second arm pivotally connected between the at least one base and the at least one fixing seat. At least one spring is provided between the at least one second ann and the at least one base such that when both the at least one first and second arms are pivoted relative to the at least one base, the required recovery force is provided to facilitate the upward movement of the bracket relative to the at least one base.

Abstract: Provided is a self-closing hinge system, including a first member, and a second member rotationally coupled to the first member, wherein the first and second members each include an oblique edge abutting each other, such that a horizontal force on one of the members is translated into a horizontal and vertical force.

Abstract: A locking device applies to a casing having a cover and a seat for opening and closing of the casing. The locking device has a recess formed on an edge of the seat, a buckle downwards protruding from the cover and matching the recess, and a roller parallel-disposed in the recess and pivoted to the seat. The buckle has an accurate face smoothly against an upper slot of the roller for closing and opening the casing. A direction of lifting of the cover corresponds to a rotation of the roller so that a direction of applied force can be continuously unchanged to achieve an ergonomic effect.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a spa cover to a spa includes a mounting bracket, a slide bracket and a support arm adapted to be attached to the spa cover. The mounting bracket is adapted to be installed near a top of the spa. The slide bracket is slidably coupled to the mounting bracket. The support arm is pivotably coupled to the slide bracket at a pivot point on the slide bracket. A metal plate may be affixed using a double sided tape on an outside surface of the spa cover, and then anchored to the spa cover. The metal plate may be used to attach the support arm to the spa cover.

Abstract: An egress 4-bar hinge assembly having two load-bearing links that pivot about spaced-apart bearing pivot points, wherein an entire length of at least one of the links overlies a planar bearing surface. The two links include a cooperating interface selected to engage through only a portion of the respective range of motions. The hinge assembly includes a support extension to define the bearing surface, wherein the support extension can include an integral end cap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container with a removable handle. The container has spaced first and second knobs. The handle is configured as a split tubular member having a central portion and spaced internal first and second contoured portions proximate opposite ends thereof. Each of the contoured portions is configured to receive one of the knobs. The first and second contoured portions tensionably engage the first and second knobs when the central portion is grasped by a user. A method of securing the handle to the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable handle adapted to be mounted on different sizes of elongated rod-shaped handle and fitted to the desired height for allowing ergonomic holding of a tool.

Abstract: A draw frame for textile fibre slivers has a drawing system of successively arranged assemblies of rollers comprising a bottom and a top roller, in which, during operation, the top rollers are pressed against the bottom rollers by weighted pressing devices. When operation is suspended, the bearings of the top rollers are relieved of the weighting by the pressing devices. On interruption to continuous operation the top output roller or the top output rollers is/are capable of being relieved of loading in such a way that no or only slight pressure is exerted on the fibre slivers. To avoid or reduce undesirable formation of windings in a simple manner, resiliently loaded elements that lift the top roller bearings after the pressing devices have been relieved of loading are associated with the bearings of at least one top roller.

Abstract: A clip comprising a pair of jaws connected by a fulcrum for pivotal movement between opposed positions and an arched spring associated with each jaw for biasing the jaws to one position. Each jaw may be molded unitarily with its associated spring and a part of the fulcrum, the fulcrum parts snap fitting together. The arched springs are mounted in back to back relation, and are suitably connected to the jaws by a living hinge. Actuation of the jaws deflects the springs, causing a rolling contact therebetween, with little frictional loss.

Abstract: A rug clip for use in a rug display system includes a gripping member having first gripping elements, a biasing member having second gripping elements overlying at least a portion of the gripping member and a clamping member overlying at least a portion of the biasing member.

Abstract: A clip is provided for holding a stack of trays and a tray cover. The clip has a base having a width providing clearance for a width of a tray and a cut-away relief area for finger access. First and second opposing resilient side walls and a resilient back wall extend upward from the base, forming a structure with an open front and top. First and second resilient, elongated and downwardly curved members are included, each having a proximal end attached to an upper front of a corresponding side wall, and a distal end attached to the back wall. The resilient members are positioned so as to apply pressure to the first and second opposing perimeter portions of a tray placed in the clip.

Abstract: A clip is provided for holding a stack of at least one tray and tray cover. Stack compressive, forces applied by the clip are substantially limited to tray and cover perimeter rail portions. The clip has a channel base with left and right side retaining walls attached for restricting movement of a stack in left and right directions. Left and right rods protrusions above the base extend inward towards the walls of the channel from the left and right side walls respectively for captivating the stack in an upward direction. Spring protrusions extend upward from the base on input and output ends of the channel, and are configured for applying an upward spring force on opposing bottom edge areas of the stack.

Abstract: A tether retainer is provided which includes a base and a flap having a slot. The flap is attached to the base. A locking tab is positioned on the base and is constructed to pass through the slot and cause the retainer to enclose a portion of a tether. The retainer may also be nested within a tooling assembly. Preferably, the tooling assembly is designed such that when the retainer is nested in the tooling assembly, the retainer is positioned on a receiving portion. A positioning blade and a press may also be added to the tooling assembly. The positioning blade is designed to pass through the slot whereas the press is designed to contact and/or push against the flap.

Abstract: The snap hook of the invention comprises a snap hook body closed by two closure fingers pivoting in opposite directions. The two closure fingers are separated by an insertion space. The insertion space has a width sufficient to allow the insertion of a loop oriented perpendicularly to the mean direction of the closure fingers. The insertion space becomes progressively narrower in the direction of the second end of the closure fingers. As a result, a loop may be inserted between the closure fingers, around the second end of the snap hook body, and pushing the loop, automatically inserts it into the snap hook, which thereafter remains locked.

Abstract: The machine comprises: an advancement path of said web (T); at least one abrasive member, essentially cylindrical, rotating and abrasive (1) the advancement path on which the material is guided; a means (3) for feeding said web material to said cylindrical member; and a means for distancing (11) said web material from said cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is associated a mobile guiding element (23, 25) on which the web material is guided, whose position varies with the variation of the contact arch between the web material and the cylindrical member. The speed of at least one of said feeding and distancing means is controlled according to the position of said mobile guide element.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for needling a non-woven material (1) with at least one needleboard (15) which is drivable in a reciprocating manner in the needle-penetration direction and with a stitch base which is opposite of the needleboard (15) and is made of a continuously revolving brush belt (5) forming a conveyor for the non-woven material (1). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the needleboard (15) comprises rows of needles which have an even distance of the rows and extend in at least in one section in the revolving direction (11) of the brush belt (5), and that the brush belt (5) and the needleboard (11) can be moved back and forth in a reciprocating manner by means of a traversing drive (20) during the conveyance of the non-woven material transversally to the revolving direction (11) of the brush belt (5) to an extent corresponding to the distance of the needle rows relative to each other or an integral multiple thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a fancy knotted yarn. The treatment air is injected into the yarn channel as primary air via a main bore hole, and as secondary air preferably via two auxiliary bore holes. The introduction of primary air is designed to create a double air vortex, and the introduction of secondary air is designed to ensure the yarn transport and to stabilise the air flow in the yarn channel. The novel solution has surprising advantages in terms of a plurality of quality criteria, predominantly shorter opening lengths, a more uniform vorticity, a number of knots which is higher by approximately 10%, and the possibility of using coarser titers.

Abstract: A tool for pulling a valve stem and removing the valve core of a Schrader-type pneumatic valve includes an elongate flexible shaft having opposite end portions and a handle affixed to one end portion and a valve-core engaging member including a threaded rear portion and an unthreaded forked front portion for cooperating with a flat member of a Schrader-type valve core for rotating the core to remove it from the valve. The threaded rear portion is threadable into interior threads of the valve when the core has been removed for allowing a user of the tool to pull the valve through a wheel rim opening. The front forked portion of the valve-core engaging member includes a recess formed therein for accommodating a plunger of a Schrader-type valve therein to allow the forked portion to be positioned over the plunger in the valve to provide for engagement of the cooperating forked portion of the valve core.

Abstract: An improved manufacturing method for a gas sensor is provided which is capable of establishing a required hermetic seal in a body of the gas sensor. The method includes preparing a sensor assembly including a housing, an air cover, an insulation porcelain, and a sensor element, pressing the air cover against the housing to fit an end of the air cover on an end of the housing to form an overlap thereof, and welding the air cover to the housing over the overlap. The welding is accomplished while pressing the air cover against the housing, thereby compressing an elastic member in the air cover to establish a hermetic seal between the sensor element and the housing.

Abstract: A method of making a magnetic head involves providing a partially constructed magnetic head which has a top surface formed by a front P2 pole tip, a back gap P2 pedestal, and insulator materials disposed between the front P2 pole tip and the back gap P2 pedestal; forming a layer of selectively etchable materials over the top surface of the partially constructed magnetic head, the layer having a front edge that is recessed away from an air bearing surface (ABS); forming additional insulator materials over the selectively etchable material layer and over a front portion of the front P2 pole tip; performing a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) to form a substantially coplanar top surface with the selectively etchable material layer and the additional insulator materials; etching to remove the selectively etchable material layer; depositing yoke layer materials over the resulting structure; and performing a chemically-mechanically polishing (CMP) to form a substantially coplanar top surface with the yoke layer m

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improving the electrical connection of a hard drive relay flexible circuit assembly to a head-gimbal assembly (HGA) flexure cable. In one embodiment, a flexible circuit assembly is attached to a hard drive coil carriage via a U-shaped connector and is electrically coupled to the HGA flexure cable by a bonding agent, such as an Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF).

Abstract: A spin valve sensor in a read head has a spacer layer which is located between a self-pinned AP pinned layer structure and a free layer structure. The free layer structure is longitudinally stabilized by first and second hard bias layers which abut first and second side surfaces of the spin valve sensor. The AP pinned layer structure has an antiparallel coupling layer (APC) which is located between first and second AP pinned layers (AP1) and (AP2). The invention employs a resetting process for setting of the magnetic moments of the AP pinned layers by applying a field at an acute angle to the head surface in a plane parallel to the major planes of the layers of the sensor. The resetting process sets a proper polarity of each AP pinned layer, which polarity conforms to processing circuitry employed with the spin valve sensor.

Abstract: With the mounting of semiconductor chips onto a substrate, the semiconductor chips are presented on a wafer table where they are picked one after the other by a Pick and Place system, transported and placed onto the substrate that rests on a supporting surface of a substrate table. The wafer table is aligned diagonally to the supporting surface of the substrate table whereby part of the wafer table is located under the substrate table. The Pick and Place system comprises a shuttle with a swivel arm that carries the bondhead. The swivel arm can be swivelled back and forth between two predetermined swivel positions whereby in the first swivel position a longitudinal axis of the swivel arm embraces the angle ? with the perpendicular to the supporting surface of the substrate table and whereby in the second swivel position the longitudinal axis of the swivel arm runs orthogonally to the supporting surface of the substrate table. The angle ? lies in the range of 10° to 50°, preferably in the range of 20° to 35°.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a bonding stage for holding a circuit substrate, a bonding head for disposing a semiconductor chip on the circuit substrate, and a transfer member transferring the circuit substrate. An extended section extends from the bonding stage on an upstream side of a transfer direction of the circuit substrate. A first heating controller controls heating of the bonding stage and the extended section. A second heating controller controls heating of the bonding head. The first heating controller controls heating of the extended section such that thermal expansion occurs in the circuit substrate in an amount corresponding to an amount of thermal expansion of a semiconductor chip that is heated by the bonding head.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for filling holes in printed wiring boards and printed wiring boards produced by these methods. The methods involve plating metal conductors inside the holes of the printed wiring boards while protecting the conducting surfaces of the printed wiring boards from being plated using photoresist film. The side surfaces of a printed wiring board are covered with photoresist. The photoresist is exposed to developing light, except the photoresist covering the holes on one side of the board is masked to prevent exposure of the holes to the developing light. The undeveloped photoresist covering the holes is removed. The board is subjected to a plating process, which deposits conductive materials in the holes, but the photoresist on the conducting surfaces of the board prevents conductive materials to be plated on the surfaces of the board.

Abstract: A spun metal form used to manufacture a dual alloy turbine wheel. The spun metal form prevents braze alloy contamination of the hub/casting interface by relocating the braze joint away from the interface. The spun metal form allows for the re-working of components after failed vacuum brazing and increases the time to failure of dual alloy turbine wheels.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink jet printing head includes: forming a first laminated structure by laminating at least two metal plates having a hole formed thereon and fixing the metal plates to one another by metal-metal junction, and by laminating a plurality of thin plate members having a hole formed thereon, the thin plate members including the metal plates, and fixing the thin plate members to one another; forming a second laminated structure that includes at least a part of a common ink chamber, by laminating a plurality of thin plate members having a hole formed thereon and fixing the thin plate members to one another; and fixing the first laminated structure and the second laminated structure to each other while laminating the first laminated structure and the second laminated structure on each other.

Abstract: A razor has an elongate handle body with a shaving head at one end, the other end of the handle body as a body cavity for receiving a trimming wand with a smaller blade than the shaving head. The trimming wand is normally concealed by the razor body but can be selectively exposed for use by sliding the trimming wand, along the razor body, pivoting the trimming wand, or separating the razor body into components which expose the trimming wand.

Abstract: A shaving aid cartridge includes a base adapted to be coupled to a shaving implement and a body coupled to the base. The body is formed at least in part from a shaving aid preparation. The shaving aid cartridge defines a separation force at an interface between the body and the base of about 8 to about 30 pounds. Another embodiment of the shaving aid cartridge defines an energy to break of about 0.2 to about 2.0 foot pounds. Another embodiment of the shaving aid cartridge includes a body that defines an impact resistance of about 0.05 to about 0.40 inches. Another embodiment of a shaving aid cartridge includes a body that defines a wear rate of about 0.002 to about 0.040 millimeters per cycle. Yet another embodiment of a shaving aid includes a body that defines a hardness of about 0.2 to about 44.5 Newtons. In still another embodiment, the shaving aid cartridge includes a base adapted to be coupled to a shaving implement and a body coupled to the base.

Abstract: A novel multipurpose food serving utensil for cutting, lifting, slicing, serving, passing and holding slices of food product such as pizza, pie or cake, as well as providing support for the lid of a food product container during delivery or storage. The utensil may include a breakaway portion that can accommodate a redeemable coupon. When the breakaway portion is removed, the remaining utensil can be used as an ice scraper.

Abstract: A vegetation pruning device (2) includes a pair (4,6) of pivotally coupled arms. A motor bracket (36) with a rotary output drive (34) provides drive to a cutting element (8) which is coupled to the rotary output drive (34). The cuffing element (8) is arranged for cutting vegetation (44) presented thereto.

Abstract: A blade set for a hair clipper including a movable blade constructed of ceramic. The movable blade includes an upper surface having a pair of integrally formed upper reinforcing protrusions. The upper reinforcing protrusions are disposed adjacent to a drive notch sized to receive a drive finger of the hair clipper. Reciprocation of the drive finger results in a cutting action of the blade set.

Abstract: A guide device for a hand held circular saw having a base, the device having a platform on which the base of a hand held circular saw can rest, wherein cooperating shoulders on the platform and saw base provide a guide for cutting on a straight line through a workpiece, wherein elevation flanges are provided on the sides of the platform and are provided with mounting structure which is operable to fix the platform to a supporting structure at a desired height above the workpiece, and wherein angle adjustment structure is provided on the elevation flanges for a fixing the angle of the platform and saw base with respect to the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A measuring head is provided with a retracting device for a sensing pin, comprising an electric motor-driven feed screw, a nut shifted by the feed screw and an inclined face formed on the nut; a seesaw member to which the sensing pin is fitted is swung by the linear motion of the inclined face to retract the sensing pin; not only can the retracting speed and the returning speed of the sensing pin be controlled as desired but also can the retracting action of the sensing pin be stopped on the way to make possible its fine positioning. Further, the electric motor may be provided with a manual knob, and the sensing pin would be thereby enabled to be manually retracted.

Abstract: A template device and method of using same, the template device including: a substantially planar member defining a plurality of channels therein; wherein, the channels at least partially define a plurality of concentric shapes each corresponding to a known electrical box configuration, respectively. The method includes positioning a template defining a plurality of channels at least partially defining a plurality of concentric shapes each corresponding to a known electrical box configuration, respectively, at least substantially adjacent to walling material; selecting a subset of the channels corresponding to one of the defined shapes and the electrical box to be received; and, creating an opening in the walling material dependently upon the selected subset of channels.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the relationship between two surfaces (such as a primary surface and a reference surface) and correcting any deviation from the desired or ideal relationship generally employ a plurality of actuators and flexural assemblies. The actuators may be driven in unison to translate the primary surface in one-dimension; the actuators may also be driven independently, accommodating fine adjustment in pitch, roll, or both, of the primary surface. Flexural assemblies may be implemented to minimize lateral cross-coupling between the linear actuators.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a spool mounted in a housing having opposing front and rear ends. A string is wound about the spool, and has an end is attached to a marker located outside the housing. The string winds and unwinds relative to the spool upon rotation thereof. A rocker arm, which carries a first reference mark, is pivotally attached to a support attached to the housing at the front end thereof. The rocker arm carries a second reference mark, which can be aligned with the first reference mark by pivoting the rocker arm. A brake is mounted in the housing, which moves between a first position against the spool inhibiting its rotation, and a second position away from the spool permitting its rotation. The brake is biased for movement in its first position, and a handle is provided for operating the brake.

Abstract: A tape measuring device for measuring the distance between a golf ball and a pin or flagstick of a golf hole of a golf course includes a measuring tape strip and a coupler configured to couple to the pin or flagstick. The coupler be secured to the measuring tape strip by a fastener.

Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a self-locking sock for stopping the slippage of a user's foot inside the shoe while walking or running. The footwear with a self-locking sock comprises: a footwear with two male portions of hook and loop fasteners with one attached to the inner side of the tongue and the other attached to the insole, and a sock with two female portions of hook and loop fastener with one attached to the instep and the other attached to the sole.

Abstract: A disposable slipper and associated method are provided. The slipper is structured to be adhered to a human foot to protect the foot, for example, during salon and spa procedures such as pedicures. The slipper includes a flexible base layer with a peripheral edge that generally defines an outline of a human foot. A releasable hypoallergenic adhesive is disposed on a first side of the base layer so that the slipper can be adhered to a bottom of the foot. A second side of the base layer, opposite the first side, is directed away from the foot and defines a sole of the slipper.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing the chamber are disclosed. The chamber may be incorporated into a sole structure of the footwear and includes a central area and a plurality of lobes extending outward from the central area. The lobes are in fluid communication with the central area and are formed from a first surface, a second surface, and a sidewall. The sidewall joins with the first surface with the second surface to seal the fluid within the chamber, but no internal connections are generally utilized to join interior portions of the first surface with interior portions of the second surface. The fluid within the chamber may be air at a pressure that is approximately equal to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: A household slipper which is adapted to provide increased protection for the foot and comfort by means of providing a protective layer for the front and toes of the slipper, an enhanced sole, and other comfort features.