Abstract: A self-heat article of clothing to be worn by a person to keep warm during an emergency situation which cannot be inadvertently removed until the emergency situation is over, and a self-heat blanket to cover a person or persons while sleeping, in which the articles of clothing and blankets have a self heating system incorporated therein. The self-heating system includes self-heat disks held in closely spaced apart relationship between an upper and lower layer of fabric material which begin to generate heat when exposed to oxygen in the air. The self-heat disks include a mixture of iron powder, charcoal powder, table salt or sodium chloride mixed together with water, cut into disks having an area dimension of about one square inch each. Airtight enclosures are provided to hold the self-heat articles of clothing and the self-heat blankets to prevent exposure to air and the oxygen in the air until they are to be used.

Abstract: The hospital gown of the present invention is a one-piece garment defined generally by a body portion with sleeve portions attached on opposing sides of the body portion. The body portion extends from the patient's neck to the patient's knees. The sides of the gown are secured in the rear by releasable closures. The releasable closures include a tie closure extending from opposite sides at the neck of the gown, and a series of mating hook and loop fasteners extending from the neck to the bottom of the gown. Thus, the gown may be secured by the tie closure, or if the patient desires a more modest garment or is unable to tie the gown, by mating the hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A reversible garment including at least three body panels, which are joined together along at least two seams.

Abstract: A two-part protective suit, especially for protective purposes and/or for military purposes, such as a NBC protective suit or the like, with a jacket and trousers, the jacket having a peripheral edge which overlaps the trousers and is able to be joined to the trousers. The jacket also has a peripheral connecting section which is joined to the jacket, above the jacket edge, i.e., spaced away from the jacket edge, the connecting section and the trousers having a connecting element so that the connecting section can be joined to the trousers for sealed connection of the jacket to trousers.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a beach wrap or body covering garment that is easily wrapped and fixed about the body of a wearer so that the wearer can easily change clothes in a public place without being seen. The beach wrap comprises an elongated fabric piece having an exterior layer formed of a flexible water absorbing material and an interior layer formed of a water impervious material. The beach wrap is fixed about the body of the wearer by attaching together first and second attachment elements. The beach wrap has a pair of elongated slits spaced opposite each other and formed in the exterior layer of the fabric piece, wherein the elongated slits each form an elongated opening through the exterior layer and through the interior layer of the fabric to allow the wearer to conveniently insert and withdraw the wearer's arms when the body covering garment is fixed about the body of the wearer. Each slit has slit closure means.

Abstract: A garment with subpanel ventilation assembly includes an upper air impervious panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, a lower air impervious panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, an air permeable vent panel having a top edge continuously joined with the bottom edge of the upper air impervious panel, and a bottom edge continuously joined with the top edge of the lower air impervious panel, and an air impervious underlay panel underlying and spanning the vent panel. The underlay panel includes peripheral edges affixed to the peripheral edges of the vent panel. The underlay panel includes a slit extending along a vent axis, wherein the slit includes a selectively operable closure assembly extending therealong.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nonwoven gown made of a gown body terminating in two edges at a back of the gown. The gown contains a closure member that extends around the gown body and terminates at each edge. Manipulation of the closure member moves at least one of the edges toward the other thereby closing the back of the gown. A fastener located along at least a portion of at least one of the edges may be provided. Some suitable fasteners include tape, hook and loop type fasteners, and/or snaps. Such a gown enables a wearer to close and secure the gown by himself while keeping his hands sterile.

Abstract: A glove having improved chemical permeation resistance includes a substrate body formed from polyvinyl chloride and a barrier layer overlying at least a portion of the substrate body, where the barrier layer is formed from an acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of from about ?30° C. to about 30° C.

Abstract: A garment with changeable ornamentation. The garment includes an adjoined pair of pant legs. At least one of such legs includes an aperture of predetermined location. A plurality of ornaments are provided for selective attachment to the garment at such apertures. Each of the ornaments includes an ornamental face and a back button in spaced relation. The ornamental face may include an internal bar for fixation of decorative devices.

Abstract: A sweatband designed to be worn on the head of a user under a pre-existing helmet, for usage in a variety of sporting activities. Due to the presence of an additional layer beneath the helmet, it takes additional time for impact forces to reach the user's head, thus providing greater protection. In the preferred mode, the device comprises a generally tubular “horizontal” sweatband portion, much like a typical headband. In an enhanced mode, the horizontal member is affixed to a “vertical” portion that is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, extending from the user's forehead, over the crown of the head, and to the back of the head. In still another embodiment, three such bands are utilized for maximum coverage of critical areas of the head. The sweatband of the present invention comprises inserts for the purpose of protecting the user, which may be permanently placed or removable.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing objectionable odors from escaping from a toilet bowl consisting of an air-tight seal between the toilet seat and the bowl rim, an air-tight seal between the flush tank and its cover, and a blower that exhausts gases from the toilet bowl through the water apertures in the bowl rim into the flush tank and from there to a point outside the bathroom.

Abstract: A toilet bowl lid having a circular, oval or square opening in a smaller size than that defined by the seat cover on the toilet bowl to allow a child to forthwith sit on the lid with comforts and safety simply by putting down the lid on the seat cover without affecting the use of the toilet bowl by adults and there will be no need for any additional stool or makeshift bowl exclusively for the children in the bathroom and the bathroom can be always maintained in clean and neat conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a flush valve adapter that will provide a dual flush. This is installed within a new or existing flush tank. The discharge opening is in communication with the flush tank outlet and the inlet opening of the toilet bowl. Separate operator handles are provided for the flush valve adapter so that the appropriate flush handle can be selectively used to dispose of waste material. The present invention can be used in two circumstances: 1. As shown in FIG. 2 used in conjunction with the existing flush valve. 2. Use with new tank construction and eliminate FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 by adding a second handle hole in the tank wall. Standard commercial handles and levers can be used.

Abstract: A hard glass ball that is en-joined with-in the fluted valve to protrude through the bottom opening (15). The convex weighted sphere (15) then seats upon the open water drain (17) to close off the outgoing water. Pressing the outside tank handle (30) controls above mechanism to facilitate the in-flow and out-flow of tank water.

Abstract: A waste treatment assembly for processing organic waste includes a frame having rails interconnected by a plurality of cross members. A waste treatment system is supported on the frame. A cabin of organic polymer presenting a floor and side walls extends upwardly from and connected to the frame. A metal plate extends over the floor and connects the floor to the frame by sandwiching the floor between the plate and the frame thereby clamping the cabin to the frame. A toilet unit of the waste treatment system is connected to the metal plate. A support interconnects the frame and the metal plate for distributing loads under the toilet unit equally over the floor for preventing the floor from bending under the loads applied thereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises a housing in which a base and ribs forming a rectangular frame are formed in one piece by a resin; a plurality of metal lead pieces embedded in the housing, each of which has an internal terminal portion facing an internal space of the housing and an external terminal portion exposed at an outer portion of the housing; an imaging element arranged on the base in the internal space of the housing; connecting members connecting electrodes of the imaging element to the internal terminal portions of the metal lead pieces; and a transparent plate fastened to an upper face of the ribs. The upper face of the ribs is provided with a lower step portion that is lowered along an external periphery, and the transparent plate is fastened to the upper face of the ribs by an adhesive filled at least into the lower step portion.

Abstract: A cover incorporating an antimicrobial dispenser and a filter for a suction housing for a water vessel, whereby the antimicrobial and the filter are replaceable without having to remove the cover from the suction housing. Additionally, a flange suction body assembly capable of receiving a replaceable filter. The present invention also describes the method on how to promote and sale and package, a suction sanitation device.

Abstract: A seal for a bathtub door is releasably retained in a groove by a mechanical interlock. The seal has a first, relaxed condition in which it is unable to pass through the opening of the groove, and a second, tensioned condition in which it is able to pass through the opening of the groove. The door is held closed in a watertight manner by a latch having a contacting surface beveled in two directions. The latch has a curved, tapering shape that makes it well suited to be grasped and/or manipulated by the hands of handicapped or arthritic persons. The groove is formed during the molding of the door by a groove-forming element releasably attached to the mold. When the door is removed from the mold, the groove-forming element separates from the mold and remains in the groove, but is removable from the groove by applying longitudinal tension.

Abstract: A system and method for providing support in the shower, such as a toroidal support which can open and can be secured around a bather's chest. In some embodiments, the support can be coupled to a vertical spine which is coupled to the wall.

Abstract: A system for providing support in the shower, such as a toroidal support which can open and can be secured around a bather's chest. In some embodiments, the support can be coupled to a vertical spine which is coupled to the shower enclosing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast pedestal for shower panel, fully utilizing original component pre-built on the wall to conveniently mount it, wherein said fast pedestal is comprised of a carrier and a retainer ring, therein said fast pedestal is tabular structure, which has a socket formed on the middle of upper portion for connecting to the original component in socket joint, and fastened on it by securing said retainer ring, and there is a connecting device cooperating to the shower panel built upon said fast pedestal. By means of the outlet of pipe line extended out the wall, said fast pedestal is hung and secured on the wall with the socket and retainer ring, the shower panel is hooked on to the fast pedestal, after connecting all the line pipe at inside of the shower panel, the shower panel is ready for working.

Abstract: Various simple back scrubber-massagers are invented for the shower/bathtub surround. The scrubber-massagers can be made for permanent installation on an existing shower/bathtub surround or they can be made as a built-in feature of a shower/bathtub surround. Basically, the back scrubber-massagers have either one wall or two parallel walls. Both sides of the footing of a wall are curved for easily cleaning. The top of a wall is smooth and with or without texture. For a two-wall configuration, a protrusion along the upper portion of the inner side of each wall is provided to help holding a sponge or towel between the walls.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink (including a bathtub and/or other type of sink) for a reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of adding additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself, to offset the loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down over time. The invention also applies to the ability to maintain the water in a sink at a cool temperature, as opposed to a warm temperature. The preferred form of the invention provides a temperature controlling apparatus for a kitchen sink that can be integrally incorporated into the design of newly manufactured sink(s), and when activated by the user, automatically maintains the temperature of the water in the basin of a sink at an temperature level determined by the user.

Abstract: A cover positioned over a sink to provide a temporary work surface. The cover includes an upper surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a plurality of integral support ribs. The bottom surface also has an integral hook for hanging the cover from the side of the sink for storage.

Abstract: The invention is a self activated spring supported rocking stool seat that assists in discharging the bowels, by bracing and empowering the hips and buttocks.

Abstract: A baby changing, cleansing and bathing station with a basin hinged at the rear to pivot away from the wall overtop an existing toilet, a shower wand with adapter for connection to an existing faucet or shower, a front leg assembly for automatically deploying upon pivoting down of the basin, and a fold-down drain for automatically deploying upon pivoting down of the basin to drain water from the basin into said toilet. The automatic legs and drain allow for easy one-hand deployment while carrying a baby. The baby changing, cleansing and bathing station is adaptable to a freestanding configuration with either a cabinet enclosure or rear leg assembly for freestanding support, or a wall-mounted configuration with or without a cabinet enclosure.

Abstract: A patient movement system comprises a rotatable section coupled to a frame that moves in a horizontal plane. A hoist assembly is coupled to the rotatable section and spins relative to the rotatable section. The hoist assembly may be positioned by the rotatable section. The hoist assembly includes a first motor coupled to a first linearly moving pulley by a first linkage. The first linkage includes horizontal and vertical sections of travel, whereby the vertical sections of travel decrease when the horizontal sections of travel increase. The hoist assembly includes a second motor coupled to a second linearly moving pulley by a second linkage. The second linkage includes horizontal and vertical sections of travel, whereby the vertical sections of travel are decrease when the horizontal sections of travel increase. The hoist assembly may include additional pulleys to guides the first and second linkages.

Abstract: A bed-tent provides an enclosure over a mattress. The tent forms a canopy having spaced apart panels and a flexible cover extending between the panels. Each panel includes a hoop of flexible, resilient, strip material and a sheet of flexible fabric in the space within the hoop. Retainers secure the canopy on the mattress. A supporting frame holds the panels erect. The frame has stanchions disposed externally of the canopy and releasably connected to the panels. A frame member externally of the canopy above the cover holds the stanchions upright. The hoops can be twisted or wound into flat coils of reduced diameter so that the entire canopy can be conveniently stored in a small package. The legs and the frame member are made of segments that are normally held together by elastic cords. The segments can be pulled apart and separated for storage in a convenient package.

Abstract: An inflating/deflating device in combination with an inflatable mattress having multiple chambers includes a casing with an inlet and three outlets, a pump received in the inlet to provide inflation/deflation to the chambers of the inflatable mattress and multiple controllable valves respectively and movably mounted on the outlets such that the pump is able to inflate/deflate the chambers of the inflatable mattress simultaneously.

Abstract: A pair of carabiner mounting members are rigidly mounted or mountable to each top rail of a basket rescue stretcher. The carabiner mounting members are mounted or mountable spaced longitudinally apart along the each top rail. Carabiner mounting member extend at least into the stretcher cavity and define a carabiner receiving opening which lies in a first plane which is perpendicular to a vertical second plane containing the corresponding top rail to which the carabiner mounting member is mounted or mountable and which is inclined relative to a horizontal third plane which contains the pair of top rails on opposite sides of the stretcher so that at least the carabiner mounting members which extend into the stretcher cavity are substantially co-planar with their corresponding tether straps when the stretcher is lifted by the straps.

Abstract: An arm pillow comprising a pillow having an elastic support sleeve attached to a backside of the pillow. The support sleeve fits snugly over a user's elbow so the pillow will not move on the elbow.

Abstract: A self inflatable mattress includes a main portion with a first chamber and a sponge in the first chamber, an extended portion and having a second chamber, a valve mounted on the main portion to allow surrounding air to enter the first chamber and a unidirectional valve received in the extended portion and sandwiched between the first chamber and the second chamber to provide alternate communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. A self expansion of the main portion due to the automatic expansion of the sponge from a compressed state to a non-compressed state allows the surrounding air to enter the first chamber, the air inside the first chamber is able to be forced to enter the second chamber by pushing away the unidirectional valve to resume communication between the first chamber and the second chamber so that the second chamber is inflated.

Abstract: A foam mattress system having transverse support ribs is provided for reduction of shear stress between a person's skin and the surface of the mattress system. The mattress system may include a mattress to be used independent of other mattresses or springs, or a mattress pad to be used atop other mattresses or springs, and either may be used on both a flat bed and a bed with an inclined torso section. The mattress system includes transverse, lateral support ribs upon the support surface of the mattress. The support ribs have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry that is curvilinear with a superior aspect generally disposed for receipt of a person and a smaller inferior aspect opposite. The inferior aspect of the cross-section of the support ribs may undercut the portion of the support ribs vertically above it. Having such cross-sectional geometry, the support ribs are thereby directionally oriented, either toward the foot or toward the head of the mattress system.

Abstract: A drycleaning method is disclosed. In the method, a composition that comprises dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether (DPnP) and is essentially free of siloxanes or polysulfonic acids is used. The composition contains at least about 80 wt. % DPnP and up to about 15 wt. % of water. The method enables superior stain removal while avoiding excessive fabric shrinkage or soil redeposition.

Abstract: A process for fabric article treatment in a single appliance using a substantially aqueous mediumd comprising a first predominant fluid and a substantially non-aqueous medium comprising a second predominant fluid. Specifically, the first and the second predominant fluids are selected to be different in order to deliver more effective results. The first predominant fluid is water and the second predominant fluid is selected from the group consisting of linear or cyclic silicones, hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are automatic dryer added fabric conditioning articles and methods utilizing fabric conditioning compositions comprising from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by weight of a mixture of quaternary ammonium compounds, and between about 80 percent to about 20 percent by weight of a mixture of glycerin and glyceryl esters, wherein the fabric conditioning compositions possess a melting point of about 30° C. to about 65° C. The conditioning compositions of the present invention are preferably employed in combination with a dispensing means adapted for use in an automatic clothes dryer. The fabric conditioning compositions may be coated onto substrates, and the fabric conditioning articles thereby obtained used to impart softness and anti-static properties to fabric. The method portion of the invention involves the commingling of damp fabrics with the fabric conditioning compositions in an automatic clothes dryer to impart softness and anti-static properties to the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a washing machine and method of controlling a drying cycle thereof, by which a laundry can be evenly distributed within a drum rotated at a second speed for a low-speed dewatering cycle during the drying cycle to further enhance a drying effect. Once the drying cycle is initiated, a blower fan and heater are driven to circulate hot air within the washing machine via tub and circulation duct. And, the drum is rotated by applying a first rotational speed for a normal drying cycle and a second rotational speed for a low-speed dewatering cycle with a prescribed duty ratio.

Abstract: A washer and a method of performing a spinning operation are disclosed. The washer includes a tub which stores clothes to be washed, and a motor which rotates the tub. It also includes a microprocessor which generates a pump driving signal having duty ratios to power on and off a drain pump during at least one preliminary and a main sub-cycles of a selected spinning operation. The method of performing the spinning operation includes accelerating, decelerating, and maintaining a certain speed during the at least one preliminary sub-cycle of the spinning operation. However, the main sub-cycle includes accelerating and maintaining another certain speed. According to the principles of the present invention, the washer and the method of performing the spinning operation prevent the drain pump from not only overheating but also creating power loss.

Abstract: A washer and a method of determining a load weight are disclosed. The washer includes a tub which stores clothes to be washed, and a motor which rotates the tub. It further includes a microprocessor which measures an acceleration time during which the motor rotates up to a certain speed, and a deceleration time during which the motor comes from another certain speed to a full stop. Then, the microprocessor determines the load weight by using at least one of the acceleration and the deceleration times.

Abstract: The invention provides a hair colouring composition in the form of a dispersion comprising (a) from 0.1% to 25% weight, based on the weight of the composition, of a water-dispersible, sulphonate group-containing polyester polymer, (b) from 0.5% to 45% weight, based on the weight of the composition, of a pigment, (c) from 10% to 95% weight, based on the weight of the composition, of water. Also provided, according to further aspects of the invention, are methods for using such a composition and a packaged product containing such a composition.

Abstract: The present invention simplifies the complicated dyeing process using a naphthol dye, and provides a modified regenerated cellulose fiber which enables dyeing in different colors by combining the modified regenerated cellulose fiber and other fibers by means of mixed spinning or union knitting/weaving. A modified regenerated cellulose fiber can be obtained by containing 0.5-3.0% by weight of a grounder of naphthol dye to the regenerated cellulose fiber in a matrix consisting of the regenerated cellulose fiber, wherein the grounder is selected from the group having a medium to high level of affinity to the regenerated cellulose fiber. A variety of dyed fiber products can be obtained by treating yarn or knitted/woven fabric made of the above modified regenerated cellulose fiber with a developer of naphthol dye.

Abstract: This invention pertains to certain novel colorant compounds containing one or more ethylenically-unsaturated, photopolymerizable radicals that may be copolymerized (or cured) with ethylenically-unsaturated monomers to produce colored compositions such as colored acrylic polymers. Suitable compositions having the present colorants copolymerized therein include, e.g., polymers produced from acrylate and methacrylate esters, colored polystyrenes, and similar colored polymeric materials derived from other ethylenically-unsaturated monomers. The present invention also pertains to processes for preparing the photopolymerizable colorant compounds. The ethylenically unsaturated colorant compounds may be suitable for use in coatings that are applied to wood, glass, metal, thermoplastics and the like.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated dock leveler having a single cylinder that raises the ramp and extends the lip. The leveler includes a ramp assembly that is hinged at its rear edge to a supporting structure and a lip that is hinged to the forward edge and can be pivoted between a downwardly hanging pendant position and an extended position. A lip extension crank is attached to the forward hinge and a hydraulic cylinder is interposed between the crank and the supporting structure. The hydraulic system includes a pump to provide fluid to the cylinder at the desired pressure to raise the ramp and extend the lip. By operating the cylinder, the ramp assembly rises from a horizontal cross traffic position to an upwardly inclined position. As the ramp nears the top of its inclined position the extension crank is actuated downward allowing the hydraulic cylinder to rotate the crank about the hinge and extend the lip. When operation of the pump is discontinued, the ramp will descend until the lip engages the bed of a truck.

Abstract: An individualized toothbrush including a brush portion, a handle portion, and a display formed on the handle portion.

Abstract: An oral care implement has an improved handle for control. The handle may include a gripping region having a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base. In one construction, the handle may have an inclined portion and a grip body extending through a base of the handle. The grip body forms opposite finger grips on the inclined portion of the handle. In one construction, the handle may include a grip element which provides shifting of a mass centroid of the handle during use. In another construction, the handle includes a resilient grip body and the handle includes an aperture extend through the handle. Aperture has an inclined surface for engaging a resilient grip body.

Abstract: A system for cleaning includes a handle and a head having a cleaning surface. The head is connected to the handle and is extendable to selectively widen or narrow the cleaning surface. A gear is fixedly connected to the handle and rotatingly connected to the head, so that twist of the handle rotates the gear. A first series of extension gears operably connect to the gear, and a second series of extension gears also operably connect to the gear. Rotation of the gear via the handle, rotates the first series and the second series. A first head extension is operably connected to the first series, such that rotation of the first series swings the first head extension into laterally aligned extension of the head. A second head extension is operably connected to the second series, such that rotation of the second series swings the second head extension also into laterally aligned extension of the head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiping device for wiping surfaces that are to be cleaned, especially floor surfaces. Parts of the wiping device according to the invention are on the one hand a wiping element holder, and on the other hand the removable wiping element that is to be fixed to the wiping element holder.

Abstract: Improved mop heads and method of manufacture are provided, wherein the mop heads are manufactured from split or non-split microfiber strands. The strands are either intertwined in to cords or woven into strips, which are then used in the manufacturing of the improved mop heads. The strands are comprised of polyester, nylon or a blend of polyester and nylon.

Abstract: A backing strip for a windshield wiper assembly includes a pair of rails. Each of the pair of rails includes a body portion and a detent portion. The detent portion includes a cut-out on each side thereof. The cut-outs are generally symmetric with each other and form a pair of hooks on each side of said detent portion. The cut-out on one side of the detent portion of each of said rails is for receiving a claw of the windshield wiper assembly and the hooks on the opposite side of the detent portion of each of the rails are for engaging a windshield wiper blade of the windshield wiper assembly.