Abstract: A detachable head for use with an electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle with a motor disposed therein. The electric toothbrush also has a head which has a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the head and handle. The head has a first bristle holder and a second bristle holder, each having a plurality of bristle tufts. The motor is operatively connected to the first bristle holder to oscillate the first bristle holder about a first axis passing through the first bristle holder generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head. The motor is also operatively connected to the second bristle holder to oscillate the second bristle holder about a second axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the head. The second axis is at an end portion of the second bristle holder.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a handle, a support rotatably coupled to the handle for rotation by a drive motor mounted in the handle and a cleaning element mountable on the support. The cleaning element a flexible mat fixed about the support or about a core mountable on the support. An auxiliary cleaning element attachment may be mounted on the end wall of the support. A liquid container may be mounted in the support or used to form the support to dispense fluid to the cleaning element disposed about the support.

Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.

Abstract: This is a mop head to mop handle connector which is configured to avoid slippage between the connector and the mop head by placing ridges on the connector where it ontacts the mop head in order to prevent a film of water of the like from providing a slippery connection by placing ridges on the connector which prevent flat contact of the mop head with the connector.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device including a planar wiping trimming carrier and a handle connected to the wiping trimming carrier by a joint. The joint has a swivel axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the wiping trimming carrier, so as to be able optionally to swivel the one or the other main side of wiping trimming carrier into a position that extends parallel to a surface to be cleaned, the wiping trimming carrier being provided at at least one end with an extension that is shiftable along the former's longitudinal extension in the direction towards the joint.

Abstract: An inflatable plastic pillow with exfoliating surface on one side having a roughness at least as great as that of human skin, for use with exfoliating gels. The pillow is attachable to a shower wall with suction cups and reversible so that a massaging surface of greater roughness may also be used. The pillow provides a conformable cushion of air so that a user can move the body against the exfoliating surface held in place by the suction cups.

Abstract: An adjustable frame for holding paint roller comprising: a pair of square arms, each of the square arms includes a distal part, a joint part, a pair of shafts at the ends of the distal parts, and a pair of racks which are opposite to each other and are respectively fixed at the ends of the joint parts; and a straight square tube which holds to the pair of joint parts and holds the pair of racks into its internal space, the pair of racks meshing with a gear wheel within the internal space of the square tube; a tee-joint which holds to the square tube, a pair of bearing holes through their walls holding up a bar to which the gear wheel is fixed, and one knob being fixed to one of two ends of the bar outside the wall of tee-joint. The present invention provides a holding-length adjustable frame that is capable of flexibly and tightly clamping and holding a variety of longitudinal sizes of paint rollers.

Abstract: A paint roller assembly has a lower frame and an upper frame. A spring connection assembly connects the upper frame to the lower frame to permit the upper frame structure to pivot or flex with respect to the lower frame. The upper frame and the lower frame are each constructed and arranged to receive a cylindrical paint roller support for holding paint rollers. A handle member on the lower frame is used by the workperson to operate the paint roller assembly.

Abstract: A clamp device for removably attaching a vacuum cleaner component to a structure according to an embodiment of the invention includes a clamp adapted to removably attach to the structure, a slot formed in the clamp, and a knob attached to the vacuum cleaner component. The knob slides into the slot of the clamp and the vacuum cleaner component is removably held in the clamp by the knob.

Abstract: A cleaning unit for cleaning travel equipment allows the travel equipment to be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode. The cleaning equipment is an escalator or a moving walkway which has tread units connected with an endless conveyor. The cleaning unit can be mounted as a substitute for a tread unit of the travel equipment during a cleaning sequence and includes cleaning elements. The travel equipment can be shifted from an operating mode to a cleaning mode in which the cleaning equipment is substituted for one or more tread units and the travel equipment operated whereby a cleaning sequence is performed. After cleaning is performed, the equipment is stopped, the cleaning equipment removed, and the removed treads reinstalled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reticule storage device. After the reticule storage device influxes external airs using a motor and a fan, it provides the external airs filtered by a filter to a reticule storage shelf in a chamber. According to the present invention, a nitrogen gas supply pipe is installed on one end of the chamber. In addition, the nitrogen gas supplier is installed to be connected from the nitrogen gas supplier to the reticule storage shelf. Several nitrogen gas supply nozzles are installed on an end portion of the nitrogen gas supply pipe, so that nitrogen gas is supplied to maintain a regular pressure in the chamber when a motor inflowing external airs is stopped. As a result, in case that an apparatus is stopped due to a problem of the apparatus for many hours, or an external voltage is not supplied due to a problem of the external problem, nitrogen gases may be purged in the apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a base assembly that moves along the surface and a liquid distribution system associated with the base assembly for distributing the cleaning solution to the cleaning surface. A suction nozzle assembly is mounted to the base assembly and includes a front nozzle portion and a rear nozzle portion. The front nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the rear nozzle portion defines a fluid flow path having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for applying suction to draw the cleaning solution and dirt from the surface and through the suction nozzle assembly. The fluid flow path of the front nozzle portion is closed in response to the base assembly moving in one of the forward direction and rear direction.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A self-cleaning vacuum cleaner 1 is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a housing 2 having an inlet 5 and an outlet 6, and a fan arranged within the housing 2 for causing air to flow through a coarse filter and a fine filter. A vibrator mechanism causes vibration of the fine filter, and the vacuum cleaner 1 has a working condition in which the fan causes air to flow from the inlet 5 to the outlet 6, and a self-cleaning condition in which the vibrator mechanism causes vibrations of the fine filter to cause particles to be released from the fine filter, and in which the housing 2 is opened to enable at least some of the particles released from the fine filter to pass through the coarse filter and out of the housing 2 and into a receptacle 10.

Abstract: An optoelectronic dust collecting machine for killing bacteria, viruses with a streamlined structural body. The machine includes a draft fan, an electric motor, a circuit board, an electronic circuit element, a switching push button, an indicating lamp, a hand handle, an externally mounted long movable handle, an extreme ultraviolet ray transmitting tube, a filter screen, a chargeable battery, a power input line, a transparent transmitting mirror, a garbage box body, and an externally mounted movable vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first housing defining a cyclonic airflow chamber and a second housing defining a main suction opening that is in communication with an inlet of the cyclonic chamber. A suction source has a suction airstream inlet in communication with an outlet of the cyclonic chamber, and establishes a suction airstream that enters said main suction opening, passes through said cyclonic chamber, and passes to an outlet of said suction source. A substantial portion of particulates entrained in the suction airstream are separated therefrom when said suction airstream moves in a cyclonic fashion through the cyclonic chamber.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable to remove dirt and debris from the floor edge, where a wall meets the floor, with a power driven brush in conjunction with a vacuum unit.

Abstract: My invention is a quickly portable devise that sucks golf balls and debris from the bottom of ponds and pools, separates solid items from liquid, and returns liquid to source, thus greatly reducing the time and cost of current methods of skin divers collecting by hand or complete drainage of pond or pool.

Abstract: A wedge having a multiple number of sides to fit between a car door and the car body when the car door is opened to prevent the door from attempting to close through the force of gravity when the automobile is parked on an incline such as a street or driveway or hill. The wedge fits between the door hinge members in such a manner as to prevent the hinge from returning to the closed position until the wedge is pulled out of the hinge members. The handle has a hook at one end like that of a cane for insertion and retraction, and a push rod to push the door open from a seated position after it has been manually opened. The wedge ia attached to the handle at the opposite side of its forward surface, and is adapted to fit specific vehicles.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window having novel components. The counterbalance system includes brake shoes, curl springs and spring anchor mounts. The brake shoe assembly of the counterbalance system has a unique, low cost locking mechanism that uses a looped wire. The brake shoe assembly may also be configured with external rib projections that reduce the friction of the brake shoe assemblies as they move through the tracks of the window. The spring anchor mount is formed with a recess in its body that enables the tilt latch of a window sash to pass the spring anchor mount within the track of the window frame. As a result, the spring anchor mounts can be placed within the window frame at points previously not available.

Abstract: The present invention is an ingenuously designed self locking hinge that is simple to manufacture and can come in a variety of shapes given the application requirements. It has few parts making it cost effect and simple to use. The hinge can easily be opened and closed with one hand while at the same time creating a strong hinge connection. The invention can be used in a number of applications, including use with poles for many common applications such as walking sticks, canes, ski poles and wading staffs used by fly fishermen who need poles to navigate through a stream to avoid holes or rocks in the stream bed. The invention can also be used in conjunction with devices that require a collapsible frame.

Abstract: An automotive windshield wiper connection device has a body which is provided with a hook-type elastic piece, an insertion-type elastic piece, a pin hole, and a locking slot. The hook-type elastic piece is provided thereover with a rotary cover pivoted therewith for engaging a hook-type rocking arm. The insertion elastic piece is provided thereover with an insertion hole for engaging an insertion-type rocking arm. The connection device is thus compatible with the windshield wiper rocking arms of motor vehicles of various models.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a refrigerator door improves productivity and reduces a manufacturing cost by improving a structure of a hinge assembly installed between a refrigerator main body and a door, and improves an appearance by using one hinge assembly for one door so as to coincide moving axes and thus positioning an opened door to be horizontal to the main body.

Abstract: A swing hinge device of a portable terminal has a pair of housings, which are coupled to each other in such a manner that they can be rotated while facing each other. Using a resilient means and a pair of cams, the swing hinge device provides a rotational force so that one of the housings can be rotated semi-automatically to a position for allowing speech communication. The device also uses a hinge stopper, stopper washer, and the like to limit the range of rotation of the housings to 360° or less in any direction. This avoids any damage to a flexible printed circuit board and the like, which is positioned between the pair of housings.

Abstract: A hinge includes a pintle in turn extending through a first sheet, a rotating ring, a second sheet, a positioning ring, an elastic ring, and a washer, and fastened by a collar at a distal end of the pintle. The hinge can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise and positioned at the angles of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, ?90 degrees, and ?180 degrees.

Abstract: A continuous gear hinge has leaves provided with meshing gear segments and a cap that extends over and behind the gear segments for holding the segments together while allowing one leaf to pivot relative to the other leaf. Each leaf has a cutout which interrupts its gear segment. The cutouts receive a conductor assembly including pivot members which likewise have meshing gear segments and an electrical conductor attached to the two pivot members and extended through the cap where it is obscured and rendered inaccessible by the cap itself and by the meshing gear segments of the pivot members. The ends of the gear segments for the leaves, at the cutouts, are spaced from the ends of the gear segments on the pivot members to provide pockets, and these pockets receive bearing blocks which prevent longitudinal displacement of one leaf relative to the other leaf.

Abstract: An assist grip handle assembly that may be snap-fit to the interior of a vehicle or other structure includes a damper assembly provided with the handle assembly that does not require the use of a pivot pin. The damper assembly of the invention easily snap-fits into the assist grip handle assembly and provides improved speed control of the rotational movement of the assist grip handle. With the present invention, no special tools are required to assemble the assist grip handle assembly as the components may be snap-fit together resulting in a less complex and cumbersome assembly.

Abstract: A fastener system for binding paper is disclosed comprising a base having spaced first and second ends. A first prong extends from the first end. A second prong extends from the second end. A first member having a first opening receives the first prong, and a second member having a second opening receives the second prong. The first and second members are releasably securable to form a top lock. A method of securing a stack of papers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A strap tensioning apparatus (10) adapted to releasably engage and rotate the ratchet hub (100) of a strap tensioning ratchet wherein, the ratchet hub (100) is provided with a transverse bore (101) and the apparatus (10) includes a collar member (20) having a peripheral aperture (21) alignable with one end of the transverse bore (101) wherein, a lever arm (30) is pivotally connected to the collar member (20) and provided with a post (33) dimensioned to extend into the transverse bore (101) and the collar member (20) is further provided with a handle member (40) adapted to rotate both the collar member (20) and the ratchet hub (100) when the post (33) is engaged in the transverse bore (101).

Abstract: The present invention is a slip grip device, which permits a cord to be adjusted to any given position or length. It adjusts through a tension mechanism, while allowing the cord to break apart at a pre-determined pressure, thus ensuring safety in the event that the cord is inadvertently caught. An interference fit within keyways and keyway cavities of the mechanism allowing for anchoring a cord and adjusting its length. This mechanism serves as an anchor for the end of various types of cord, while enabling the cord to slip with a set resistance, while providing enough grip to hold at any desired length or location. The cord length can be readjusted and reset countless times. The device consists of two parts designed to fit together around the cord. The invention contains no moving parts and there is no glue, springs staples, wire, wax, nor heat used in assembly.

Abstract: A clip includes: a pin having a head and a shank; and a grommet having a collar and a leg. The leg of the grommet is divided into a plurality of expansion leg pieces by means of slits extending along an axial direction. The expansion leg pieces of the leg are expanded outwardly by the insertion of the pin into an inner side of the grommet, so as to clamp plate-like members by the collar and the expansion leg pieces. The leg of the grommet has resilient beams which project outwardly of the expansion leg pieces on a collar side when the pin is inserted into the inner side of the grommet.

Abstract: A slider for a zip fastener with two tabs, includes a hollow body in which are housed two levers positioned on opposite sides of the teeth of the fastener, one of the two levers, provided with a pawl for insertion between the teeth to lock the slider, being operable by acting on either one of the tabs to overcome the resistance of an elastic element positioned within the hollow body which keeps the pawl inserted between the teeth. The elastic element includes an elastically flexible strip, having one end fixed to the lever provided with the pawl, the strip facing an internal wall of the hollow body in such a way that it is interposed between the body and this lever and its elastic resistance opposes a movement of the lever which causes the extraction of the pawl from the teeth.

Abstract: A Velcro closure comprising at least one set of a first and a second surface each having a front side, in which the front sides, when placed against each other, stick to close the closure, in which the closure can be opened by pulling apart the front sides placed against each other, in which at least the first surface is of bendable design and is provided with a first longitudinal edge connected to a pulling part, in which the first surface is provided with a second longitudinal edge of fixed design located substantially opposite the first longitudinal edge, while the pulling part and the first surface are included in a hem provided with at least one recess for being able to place the first surface therein; and a first open end, while the pulling part projects outside the first open end and the second longitudinal edge is fixedly connected to the inside of the hem.

Abstract: A method of forming a fastener is provided, including (a) forming, from a thermoformable material, a preform product having a sheet-form base and an array of preform stems integrally molded with and extending from the base to corresponding terminal ends; (b) heating the terminal ends of the stems to a predetermined softening temperature, while maintaining the sheet-form base and a lower portion of each stem at a temperature lower than the softening temperature; and (c) contacting the terminal ends with a contact surface that is at a predetermined forming temperature, lower than the softening temperature, to deform the terminal ends to form heads therefrom that overhang the sheet-form base. Fasteners and other methods of forming them are also provided.

Abstract: A flexible wirelike retainer clip is adapted to hold a plurality of disc-like rings in a stacked assembly. The retainer clip is resilient and can be selectively actuated to hold the rings in a stacked position to facilitate handling for various purposes such as processing the rings while stacked, shipping the rings while stacked and to facilitate release of the rings for assembly to other components. The resilience of the retainer clip facilitates accommodating stacks of rings within a range of varying lengths.

Abstract: A novel releasable clamp is disclosed. The releasable clamp has a common member at a first end thereof. A first jaw is coupled with the common member at the first end and extending to a second end away from the common member. A second jaw is coupled with the common member at the first end and opposite the first jaw and extending to the second end away from the common member. A mouth is formed between the first and second jaws at the second end. Pluralities of protrusions are formed along an inner surface of the first jaw facing the second jaw and an inner surface of the second jaw facing the first jaw. These jaws are either flexibly coupled with the common member or a track is formed within the common member for permitting of sliding one of the jaws with respect to the other.

Abstract: A buckle includes a socket (10), a plug (20) of which tip end part can be inserted into and released from the socket by pressing both sides of the socket by a manual operation. The plug has a base (21) located on a base end of the plug, a pair of lock arms (22) extending to the tip end of the plug from the base, an engaging part (24) provided on the intermediary of the lock arm and engageable with the inside of the socket, a pressing part (25) provided on the intermediary of the lock arm and pressed by the manual operation, and a bridge (30) for connecting the intermediaries of the lock arms.

Abstract: A security tag includes a tag body and an attaching pin for attaching the tag body to a protected article. The security tag further includes a locking mechanism for releasably preventing the attaching pin from being removed from the protected article. The locking mechanism is provided for mechanically or magnetically released the attaching pin for detaching the tag body from the article. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes a plurality of balls for tightly holding to the attaching pin for releasably preventing the attaching means from being removed from the article. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism further includes a mechanical unlocking probe finger for applying a mechanical force to release the balls from the attaching pin whereby the attaching pin may be released and detached from the tag body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are casket drape articles incorporating a message suitable for display on a casket and further suitable for retaining as a memorial keepsake of a deceased person. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: Method of producing a nonwoven material, wherein a fibrous web containing continuous filaments and natural fibers and/or staple fibers is formed on a forming member (12) and subsequently hydroentangled to form the nonwoven material. The fibrous web is transferred to an entangling member (16) while subjecting the fibrous web to foreshortening and subsequently hydroentangling the foreshortened fibrous web, thus forming a composite material (19) wherein the continuous filaments are well integrated with the rest of the fibers.

Abstract: There is provided a machining center capable of corresponding to both horizontal and vertical turret heads by one machine main body. The machining center includes a bed 2, a column 3 fixed on the bed 2, a saddle 4 supported by the column 3 to be movable in an X axis direction, a turret base supported by the saddle 4 to be movable in a Y axis direction, a quill 6 supported by the turret base 5 to be movable in a Z axis direction, and one of a horizontal turret head 20 and a vertical turret head 50 which are attached to the quill 6 in a selectively attachable/detachable manner, in which, on the horizontal turret head 20, a plurality of tools T are arranged to be located on a circumference whose center coincides with a quill axis C and to be parallel with the quill axis C, and on the vertical turret head 50, a plurality of tools are arranged to form a radial pattern in an orthogonal direction with respect to the quill axis C.

Abstract: A cap removal apparatus (10) including a resiliently deformable hollow tubular cap engaging member (20) having an internal passageway (22) having an outboard end dimensioned to engage, rotate and remove the cap (101) of a tire inflation valve stem (100) on a dual tire arrangement 200 wherein, the central passageway (22) is dimensioned to frictionally engage one end of a shaft member (30) the opposite end of which terminates in an enlarged handle member (40). In addition, the cap engaging member is further provided with a first securing band (23) for captively engaging the cap engaging member (20) to the shaft member (30) and a second tensioning band (24) for limiting the amount of distortion or enlargement of the outboard end of the passageway (22) of the cap engaging member (20).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for installing an insert within an aperture in a workpiece, the workpiece having a first side and a second side. The insert is the type in which a portion of the insert plastically deforms on the second side of the workpiece upon application of a linear force provided by a tool, thereby preventing withdrawal of the insert from the aperture. The insert comprises a sleeve member and an integral flange, where the flange has a larger diameter than the aperture. The disclosed installation system performs two actions. It causes the expansion of the sleeve and it also causes the flange of the insert to be fused or welded to the first side of the workpiece. The welded connection between the insert and the workpiece prevents any rotation or spinning of the insert within the workpiece, and increases the integrity of the insert-fastener connection.

Abstract: When abrasion or fracture of a needle portion of a manipulator provided in an FIB device is confirmed in a microscope image, a lost structure of the needle portion is repaired by CVD using an FIB, or when it is confirmed in a microscope image that the needle portion of the manipulator provided in the FIB device is in a bent state, the portion is cut by etching using an FIB to form a normal structure at a tip of the cut portion with the CVD using an FIB to repair the needle portion. The invention is also applied to tweezers having two needles held to be used.

Abstract: A tool for repairing ruptured wallpaper seams, including a hot air blower and a paper press.

Abstract: A method for determining an evaluation number which is representative of the quality of the dynamic sitting comfort of upholstered seat elements of a vehicle seat. A flexible measuring mat is applied to the upholstered seat element in a defined position and a matrix, which covers the surface, of force measuring sensors which operate without hysteresis is integrated into said measuring mat. A test person or a test body which behaves anthropomorphically in terms of oscillation is positioned on the vehicle seat. In order to carry out a measurement, this body/seat system is excited so as to oscillate, for example by traveling over a bad stretch of road. The signals supplied by the force measuring sensors are added with the same phase to form a composite signal. The frequency response of the body/seat system is determined from this composite signal.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for receiving a hot rolled bar product from a rolling mill, and for delivering the bar product to a cooling bed. A shear subdivides the bar product into bar segments and alternately directs the bar segments to one or the other of two downstream intermediate paths for continued travel thereon. A switch on each of said intermediate paths alternately directs bar segments traveling thereon to one or the other of two respective downstream delivery paths for continued travel thereon to the cooling bed. Decelerators slow the bar segments traveling along the delivery paths.

Abstract: Method for preparing a golf club shaft, set of shafts, or golf clubs having shafts which have been produced by a process that includes a hydroforming step. By utilizing a hydroforming process step, a metal or metal matrix composite golf club shaft can be formed into a variety of configurations or shapes heretofore not possible and can include hydroformed ornamental design features.

Abstract: Using infrared rays for quick joining a golf club head adopts a heating source of infrared rays, which are used to melt metallic fillers disposed between a main head body and a striking plate. Thus, the striking plate is bonded to the main head body to constitute the golf club head.