Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Aglaonema plant named ‘Sterling’, characterized by its upright and outwardly arching plant form; vigorous growth habit; freely clumping habit; full, dense and bushy plant appearance; undulate lanceolate leaves with acuminate apices; leaves positioned roughly horizontally; unique leaf coloration; upper leaf surfaces lustrous silvery gray green-colored with sparse lighter silvery gray green-colored flecks and chevrons; lower leaf surfaces medium green-colored; green-colored leaf petioles with sparse and random pale yellow-colored spots and streaks; and tolerance to low temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Lilium plant named ‘Miss Lucy’, characterized by its erect and strong flowering stems; vigorous growth habit; double flowers; white and pink-colored flowers; and good postproduction longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Poinsettia plant named ‘PER5499’, characterized by its inflorescences with red-colored flower bracts with white-colored random flecks; dark green-colored leaves; uniform, compact, upright and mounded plant habit; early season flowering; natural season flower maturity date is late November for plants grown in Encinitas, Calif.; and excellent post-production longevity.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Pelargonium plant named ‘Bontrosai’, characterized by its upright, columnar and compact growth habit; leaves arranged spirally and positioned perpendicular to the stem; leaves roughly palmate, deeply lobed, reflexed, globular in shape and citron-scented.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Bracteantha named ‘Flobrabri’, characterized by its compact and bushy growth habit; upright, outwardly spreading and rounded plant form; freely-flowering habit; red orange-colored involucral bracts and yellow orange-colored disc florets; and short and strong peduncles that hold inflorescences above the foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum plant named ‘Supacre’, characterized by its compact, upright and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit, dense and bushy plants; freely flowering habit with numerous inflorescences per plant; anemone-type inflorescence form with light purple-colored ray florets and golden yellow-colored disc florets.

Abstract: A fabric for use in an air bag is provided. The fabric of the invention is produced by mechanically compressing a preliminary fabric constructed substantially of synthetic yarn such that the packed volume per unit area of the compressed fabric is less than the packed volume per unit area of the preliminary fabric. Air permeability is not adversely affected.

Abstract: A collapsible container is disclosed having a top portion and a base portion joined by a generally cylindrical side wall structure, the generally cylindrical side wall structure has a central axis and a collapsible helical portion and the collapsible helical portion has a generally uniform radius and a generally flat side cross sectional shape with respect to the central axis. A cup section is also disclosed which can cause deformation of the collapsible container's side wall. The container is particularly suitable to store carbonated beverages and other consumer products.

Abstract: An exposure controller comprises a discharge pulse calculation circuit for calculating a discharge pulse count to be output to a solid-state image pickup device within one field period, and a coring circuit for defining the quotient obtained from the discharge pulse count divided by a predetermined setting value and plus 1 as a coring value. In an electronic camera system incorporating an electronic iris, when one discharge pulse changes, the amount of change in the luminance level of an image signal becomes larger as an exposure time becomes shorter, whereby hunting is prevented from occurring at the convergent point of the luminance level, and an exposure controller which is compact and has excellent characteristics can be embodied.

Abstract: A disk memory drive includes a brushless drive outer rotor motor having an internal space and a stator with windings. The outer rotor coaxially encircles the stator and a substantially cylindrical air gap is defined between the stator and the rotor. The rotor includes permanent magnets and a hub fixedly connected with the magnet. A disk mounting section is provided on the hub for accommodating at least one storage disk positioned in a clear space, the mounting section being adapted to extend through a central aperture of the storage disk. The windings and the magnets interacting with the windings are disposed for at least half of the axial longitudinal dimension thereof within a space surrounded by the disk mounting section of the hub. Bearings rotatably mount the rotor and the hub.

Abstract: The present invention involves the synthesis of a series of amylose (starch) derivatives with various degrees of substitution and amylose/amylopectin ratios. These chains are chemically crosslinked and then mechanically deformed (stretched) to produce a biodegradable and mechanically superior material. Specifically, the process consists of chemically modifying starch into starch derivatives such as starch ethers, starch esters and starch carbamates. The polymers have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 35% to about 95% (degree of substitution is from about 1.05 to about 2.85) and preferably have a percentage degree of substitution of from about 65% to about 90% (degree of substitution is from about 1.95 to about 2.70). The starch derivatives are crosslinked to obtain crosslinked chains and processed into sheets, films, fibers, threads or other articles as known in the art.

Abstract: A diving vest with adjustable buoyancy mainly has a back pad filled with a soft polyurethane gel body therein and disposed additionally on a back portion on an inner side of a regular vest; two left and right sides at the lower ends of the back pad extend respectively to form lashing waist bands; the protruding back pad leans against a human body's concave waist spine portion for obtaining a good ergonomic support and protecting the waist spine portion; the lashing waist band penetrates through a ring band on a waist bag of the vest thereby linking the waist bag to tightly lash a diver onto the vest. The lashing waist band lashes from the back pad as the beginning point such that it is more capable of tightly pulling the vest from the rear to the front for lashing the diver.

Abstract: A finger protector includes a first plate having a shape for covering a knuckle of a thumb and an area between the thumb knuckle and a top side of a hand. A second plate has a shape for abutted against the thumb knuckle. The first plate is rotationally coupled to the second plate. A thumb covering has a size and shape adapted for covering an upper surface of the thumb. A proximal end of the thumb covering is rotationally attached to the second plate. A finger covering has a size and shape adapted for covering an upper surface of an index finger. The finger covering has a first end rotationally attached to the first plate. A plurality of couplers couples the finger covering to the index finger and the thumb covering to the thumb so that the thumb and the index finger are protected from a hammer.

Abstract: A safety signal jacket includes the garment shaped strap jacket, which can be worn over the existing cloths of a rider of non-enclosed vehicles, means bicycles, roller blades, skate boards, skies, jet skies, water skies, snowmobiles etc., comprises of signal apparatus (27, 34) and horn apparatus (40) which alert and forewarn the other vehicles, other non-enclosed vehicles and pedestrian on the road and its' vicinity. Further, said signal light apparatus (27, 34) electrically communicates with switch panel assemblies (37) and power source in battery assembly, and other among devices through plurality of wires, to activate said signal lights (27, 34) and illuminate and flash in an intermittent manner and activate, illuminate and remain on, creating a visible signal to indicate the turning signal, moving signal slowing signal and stopping signal, as well as the horn assembly (40) for sound modulation for warning signal.

Abstract: Protective helmet comprising a two piece shell, an electric motor and impeller useful for creating a positive pressure environment in the head space, and a filter for removing particulates and other substances. The impeller introduces atmospheric air into an air channel defined by two detachably attached shell pieces. The air is pushed through a particulate filter in the air channel and then through at least one aperture into the head space. A heating element may be used to heat the air flow.

Abstract: A shoulder strap retaining device configured to assist in retaining a shoulder strap or other similar device in a desired position upon a person. The retaining device is made up of a combination of a first magnet located within a padded container that is configured to be placed against a person's skin and a second magnet that is configured to be placed over an individual's clothing. The magnets mutually attract one another and hold a shoulder strap in a desired position upon a person's shoulder.

Abstract: A head protecting body for a safety helmet, in which a first liner member for an impact-on-the-head absorbing liner includes a swell for reinforcing at least one region of a forehead region, a left temple region, a right temple region and an occiput region in an overlapping region with respect to a second liner member having a density lower than that of the first liner member, on an overlapping surface side of the first liner member, and the second liner member includes a hollow having a shape substantially corresponding to the swell. According to this head protecting body, despite that the impact-on-the-head absorbing liner is not broken easily more than necessary near a region reinforced with the reinforcing swell, both the maximum acceleration during impact and an HIC can be decreased effectively.

Abstract: A flush valve containing a flush drain entrance that while in a rest position is positioned above the water line so that there can be no leakage. When flushed, the entrance falls below the waterline, flushing the toilet bowl and then once again rises to a position above the waterline so that leakage cannot occur.

Abstract: A cleaning water jetting device 40 formed so as to rotate a nozzle by a fluid pressure and capable of reducing the size of the drive part of a pump for feeding fluid to a chamber and an operation cost, comprising an upper side through-hole 6A recessedly formed in edge shape provided in the ceiling of the chamber 2 and a bottomed concave part 43 formed in round hole shape provided in the bottom surface thereof, wherein the nozzle 4 is installed by inserting a reduced diameter part 7 on a nozzle tip side at the nozzle tip side into the upper side through-hole 6A and the bottom portion 44 into the concave part 43, and kept in such a state in the upper side through-hole 6A as to face a cleaning fluid jetting port 5 toward the outside of the through-hole, to be rotated, and to allow the position thereof to be changed in a nozzle axis O direction, and can be revolved around the center axis thereof in the tilted attitude relative to the center axis P of the upper side through-hole 6A.

Abstract: A cushioning device fur use with a shampoo bowl including a front wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a U-shaped, neck-receiving notch in the front wall. The cushioning device includes a flexible cushion constructed of a matrix of formed cushioning pockets separated by seams. The flexible cushion includes opposing proximal and distal extremities and a waist therebetween. The waist is adapted to overlie a segment of the U-shaped, neck receiving notch, the proximal extremity is adapted to overlie and secure a portion of the inner surface of the front wall, and the distal extremity is adapted to overlie a secure portion of the outer surface of the front wall.

Abstract: A water control system includes a control panel connected to a power source and is mountable adjacent to a bathtub. The system further includes a plurality of sensors connected to the control panel for determining water temperature and water flow rate wherein the plurality of sensors are selectively connected to a plurality of water supply lines. The water control system further includes a plurality of valves connected to the control panel for regulating water flow wherein the plurality of valves are selectively connected to a plurality of water supply lines. The water control system further includes at least one heating device fluidly connected to a water source for regulating water temperature. The control panel may be programmable for selectively operating the plurality of valves and the at least one heating device.

Abstract: A diverter spout has a drain pipe, a connecting sleeve, an offset shaft, a resilient element between the drain pipe and the offset shaft, a pole for manual operation, a supporting sleeve and an envelope. At least a leakproof rubber ring is mounted around the offset shaft. Due to interferential friction between the leakproof rings and the connecting sleeve or the supporting sleeve and water pressure, a blocking portion of the offset shaft controls the water to flow only through a spout. In normal state, the resilient element overcomes interferential friction between the leakproof rings and the connecting sleeve or the supporting sleeve and controls the water to flow only through a drain opening of the drainpipe. Therefore, water diverts reliably without leakage.

Abstract: A crib device is provided for raising and lowering the dropside of a slatted crib. The dropsides are fitted with side rails attached to the outer slats. The side rails are channeled to receive a rod. The side rails fit within corner legs which are slotted to receive the side rails. The corner legs are also channeled to receive a rod. When the side rails are fitted within the corner legs, a slide rod is positioned through the respective channels. A latching mechanism is used to lock the dropside in place via a latching rod and latch rod recesses, which are located on the corner legs. When the latching mechanism is activated the dropside moves vertically along the slide rod with reduced risk of injury to both the user of the crib and the occupant of the crib as the outer slats block unwanted access to the slotted region of the corner legs.

Abstract: Collapsible and portable cot type bed for pets and children. A spring biased horizontal connector pin can slidably attach bottom edges of vertical support legs to horizontal cross braces to maintain the cot in an assembled position that can support extreme amounts of weight. The horizontal pin can be connected to a bottom portion of a metal strip having an upper edge attached by rivets, solder or welding to the vertical support legs. Side wall panels along the planar support surface of the cot allow for keeping objects from sliding off the cot. A removable canopy for deflecting sun and providing shade when the cot is used outdoors can be mounted to the vertical legs above the planar support surface. The cot can be easily folded like an accordion and placed in a carrying bag and have a weight of less than approximately 15 pounds.

Abstract: A multiple configuration bed frame system for allowing a single or multiple bed frames to be configured in many different ways to accommodate available space and the creativity of the user includes at least one main frame member, an optional rail member, raised bed leg members, and short leg members that also serve as frame connectors for joining two or more main frame members. A plurality of receivers are coupled to the main frame member and positioned to permit joining of the components of the invention to form the various configurations.

Abstract: A bed base and bed base kit includes four side members, each being symmetrical about its longitudinal axis. The side members are assembled into a rectangular structure with the members positioned to stand vertically upright on their edges. Opposed side members are of the same length and are connected at adjacent ends by a two-component connector. A first component of the connector is attached to the opposed ends of each one of a first pair of opposing side members and a second component is attached to the opposed ends of each one a second pair of opposing side members. The second components are offset from the longitudinal axis of the one side member to which they re attached. Thus, when the side members are assembled to form the rectangular structure, the respective edges of the side members are substantially flush with each other.

Abstract: A dust ruffle for a bed having a box spring and a mattress. The dust ruffle has first, second and third panels, each having a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge including a plurality of grommets. The top edge of the first, second and third panels is positioned on the box spring between the box spring and mattress. Removable screw pins are inserted through at least some of the plurality of grommets and penetrate the top of the box spring to removably attach the first, second and third panels to the box spring. The first, second and third panels hang vertically from the top edge to cover the box spring and their height is adjustable by adjusting the position of the panels on the box spring prior to insertion of the screw pins.

Abstract: A device for supporting at least one arm of an operating person during a surgical or medical operation comprises at least one supporting element for supporting the at least one arm of the operating person, the supporting element being arranged at a carrying structure for carrying the at least one supporting element. The carrying structure is configured such that the at least one supporting element can be lowered or raised for adjusting the height of the operating person's arm. The carrying structure comprises a control mechanism for lowering or raising the at least one supporting element, wherein the control mechanism includes a force load switch for activating the lowering or raising of the at least one supporting element, wherein the force load switch activates the lowering or raising of the at least one supporting element upon detecting compressive and/or tensile forces or motions acting via the at least one supporting element on the force load switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cushion and system of cushions with fabric coverings adapted to provide frictional contact between one or more additional similarly covered cushions for creating a wide variety of body support configurations.

Abstract: A full-body mattress for the prevention of conditions which may have a negative impact on health and for the improvement of the health and comfort of a user. The full-body mattress has a first end with a first height, a second end opposite the first end with a second height, a top surface disposed between the first end and the second end, with approximately one half of the top surface being horizontal and planar, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The first height is less than the second height, only a portion of the top surface is inclined at an angle, the angle is located in a plane defined by a length and a height of the full-body mattress, the angle is between about 30 degrees, and the bottom surface is not parallel with the inclined portion of the top surface. Also, in combination, a full-body mattress as described above, and a full-body mattress covering adapted to fit the full-body mattress removable bumpers are attached to the top surface of the full body, integral, and unitary mattress.

Abstract: The ability to pig a pipeline is considered necessary and vital to most pipeline operations. The present invention provides a pig inserting apparatus and method designed to satisfy the need to Insert pigs for large diameter gasoline pipelines that are made of concrete and weigh in excess of 400 pounds. In the past, the industry has used ineffectively manpower or motorized vehicles to insert the pigs. This pig launcher uses a means for propelling the pig that includes: a spool rotatably mounted. The pair of cables is connected to the spool and engage the ends of the cantilevered arms for propelling the pig a pair of cantilevered arms, and a pair of cables of sufficient strength to firmly fasten onto the end of a pipeline.

Abstract: A lotion application tool includes a plate having a first side, a second side and a peripheral edge extending between the first and second sides. An elongated handle has a first end that is attached to the peripheral edge. A plurality of balls is extended into and rotatably coupled to the first side. The balls are spaced from each other. A panel has a top surface and a bottom surface. The panel has generally the same size and shape as the first side of the plate. The panel has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough that are each positioned for lining up with and receiving one of the balls when the bottom surface is positioned adjacent to the first side. A fastening member removably fastens the top surface to the first side. Lotion may be positioned on the panel and thereafter applied to a body part.

Abstract: A cleaning element (1) for brooms or brushes comprises a board (2) having a surface (3) for supporting a plurality of clusters or bundles (4) of fibres forming a cleaning body (5); each cluster (4) is provided with a related element (6) for fastening the clusters (4) to the surface (3) and it can be associated to the board (2); the latter has at least an internal cavity (7) for housing the fastening elements (6) in correspondence with their passage through related through holes (8) provided in the support surface (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a paint applicator which may be used to apply paint to corners, to junctions between adjacent walls, along window trim, along floor moldings, or other surface adjacent to the surface being painted, without smearing paint on the adjacent surface. Moreover, the present disclosure provides a paint applicator having a trim system that prevents the painter's hands from becoming covered with paint upon actuation of trim system.

Abstract: A thermal ice scraper includes a body portion, a blade portion, and a heatable material in the body portion that can heat the edges of the blade portion. The body and blade portions may be permanently or removably attached, and a conductive element may be included to aid in transferring heat to the edges of the blade portion. When in use, the body portion is heated in a microwave oven, causing the heatable material to become hot. This heat is then transferred to the edges of the blade portion. The thermal ice scraper is held in a hand and used to scrape a smooth surface, such as an automobile windshield. The blade portion allows multi-directional usage of the scraper, and the heat along the edges of the blade portion facilitates the removal of frost, ice, or snow. The body portion comfortably accommodates the hand.

Abstract: The cleaner includes a long pole having a mirror adjacent its upper end for inspection of the gutter from the ground without using a ladder. A gutter-clearing tool above the mirror has a downwardly angled arm provided with a lower working tip that may be in the nature of a scoop. The arm may comprise a two-part construction having an inner work component in the form of a pick for removing downspout clogs and an outer component in the nature of a scoop so that the cleaner can either be used with the scoop or pick as the exposed operating device. Components of the tool can be infinitely adjusted to accommodate gutters of various shapes and sizes and to assure that the user has positioned the device at the most advantageous angle of attack for inspection and cleaning.

Abstract: A wiping arrangement is provided for wiping a transparent pane, particularly a motor vehicle window pane, having a driving motor on one side of the pane and a bearing unit with a wiper arm on the opposite side of the pane. The driving motor has a drive shaft and the bearing unit has a rotary shaft, while the drive shaft has a passage opening and the rotary shaft of the bearing unit has a blind hole and, for a precise positioning, the two openings are made to be congruent by means of a positioning device.

Abstract: A dust pan has both an elongate handle and a receptacle for a removable long handle. The elongate handle may be unitary with and extend rearwardly from a back wall on the dust pan. The receptacle may be disposed along an upright back wall of the dust pan, and may include a set of internal thread segments beneath an extended channel, enabling the receptacle to accommodate either a threaded ¾? diameter handle, or a 1? diameter handle.

Abstract: An autonomous canister vacuum cleaner has a cleaning head module, a vacuum fan module separated from the cleaning module, and a hose assembly connecting the cleaning head module with the vacuum fan module. The vacuum fan module includes a controller that performs navigation and control functions for both the vacuum fan module and the cleaning head module. Alternatively, the controller may be separated from the vacuum fan module and the cleaning head module, and can be mobile. The vacuum fan module and the cleaning head module each include a drive mechanism for propulsion. The cleaning head module includes a cleaning brush assembly that can be motorized or air driven. The cleaning head module may also include a microcontroller that communicates with the controller.

Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a canister type vacuum cleaner has a connection pipe connected to a suction brush, a cyclone body, and a dust collecting receptacle provided in the cyclone body. The dust collecting receptacle is positioned alongside the connection pipe, and the contacting side of the connection pipe is contoured to correspond to the shape of the outer contour of the dust collecting apparatus. The mating contact of the connection pipe and the dust collecting receptacle reduces the overall thickness of their coextensive lengths and provides a secure connection therebetween. The resulting compact configuration enables a user to use or carry the cyclone dust collecting apparatus more conveniently.

Abstract: A vehicle curtain lock has a U-shaped track, an abutting head, a sliding body, a resilient element and a clasp device. The U-shaped track has an inner channel and a longitudinal opening and slidably holds the sliding body, the abutting head and the resilient element inside the inner channel. The sliding body is mounted against the longitudinal opening to hold the abutting head inside the inner channel. The resilient element is mounted between the sliding body and the abutting head to push the abutting head against the U-shaped track to hold the sliding body in a locked position. The clasp device is connected to the abutting head and has a distal end with a clasp to adapt to secure a curtain. Pulling the clasp device disengages the abutting head from the U-shaped track to allow the sliding body to freely slide along the U-shaped track.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cabinet hinge with an adjusting device that is directly or indirectly on the cabinet side, a single or multi-part mounting plate stored hinge arm, that is connected jointed with a door-side stop part, so that the adjusting device has a side adjusting screw that, by means of which the hinge arm's position is adjustable parallel to the mounting plate to the depth adjustment of the door, and has a depth adjusting screw by which the hinge arm's position is adjustable parallel to the mounting plate to the door's depth adjustment, wo that the depth adjustment screw is held directly or indirectly swiveling and non-shifting on the hinge arm, and has a control component that has at least one eccentric disk that has at least one partially cone-type adjusting surface that is supported on contact surfaces of the mounting plate and by turning the side adjusting screw, a side adjustment and, at the same time, a shifting of the hinge arm activates somewhat in the direction of its longitudinal axis r

Abstract: A hinge comprises two elements, respectively attachable to first and second structures, and hingedly rotatable about an axis relative to each other. One said element comprises a first elongate member extending along the direction of the said axis and having a keyway slot that extends part way along the said member from one end thereof, and also comprises a second member adapted for attachment to one of the said structures and integrally formed with a key member receivable in the slot. The keyway slot and the key member are formed with profiles that enable the key member to be received in the slot to a selected one of a plurality of depths, thereby enabling adjustment in the spacing of the said one structure radially of the said axis.

Abstract: A hinge device of an information terminal, wherein the information terminal comprises a main body, a sub-body to be opened away from or closed to the main body while rotating about a hinge axis extending in one direction of the main body, and the hinge device for rotatably coupling the main body to the sub body. The hinge device comprises a driving part generating a driving force for rotating the sub body, and a clutch part for rotating the sub-body by the driving force of the driving part. When the sub-body rotates by external force, the clutch part prevents rotating force of the sub-body from being transmitted to the driving part. Such a hinge device configured as stated above allows the user to automatically open and close the sub-body of the information terminal by virtue of a driving motor provided therein, as well as to manually open and close it. Further, the user can freely adjust an opening angle of the sub-body to various angles, resulting in improvement in convenience of use.

Abstract: A pivot hinge for pivotally mounting a glass structure to a border frame, includes a joint body having two joint walls for securely sandwiching the glass structure, a joint hub including a supporting shaft having an adjusting portion, and an angular adjustment arrangement including a joint seat, having an adjustment sleeve, adapted for securely mounting to the border frame, wherein the adjusting portion of the supporting shaft is rotatably inserted into the adjustment sleeve in such a manner that the joint body is adapted to angularly move with respect to the joint seat for adjustably aligning the glass structure with the border frame and an angular adjustment locker securely lock up the supporting shaft within the adjustment sleeve in a rotatably movable manner for retaining an alignment of the glass structure in position with the border frame so as to pivotally mount the glass structure to the border frame.

Abstract: A twist-lock handle assembly includes sections that are interconnected by first telescoping them together, followed by relative rotational movement to interlock two pair of axially spaced apart tabs and recesses. The assembly can have a grip section, at least one pole section, and one accessory attachment section for connecting to a mop head. The components are rigidly and essentially permanently connected by sliding them together and twisting, but can be compactly shipped.

Abstract: A U-shaped clip seizes a bib napkin to a general region of the user's clothing that includes the chest and the lap, e.g. a shirt, sweater, blouse or suit coat. Optionally, a pair of clips may be utilized: one on each opposite edge or at the top and bottom of the napkin. The clip is molded from plastic and is configured with a pair of jaw pads operable by two pushbuttons: a capture pushbutton that closes the jaw pads and latches them together with a choice of progressive steps of closure to allow for variations in contained cloth thickness, and a release pushbutton that releases the jaw pads for removal. Promotional printing such as a logo or other sponsor identification can be imprinted on exterior surfaces of the clip or one of the pushbuttons, particularly the release pushbutton which has three external facets that can be configured in a special shape and/or fitted with a promotional or decorative overlay part.

Abstract: The closure device includes interlocking fastening strips. The closure device may include a slider slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips. The fastening strips include a first color for facilitating visual confirmation of occlusion of the fastening strips. The visible indication of occlusion will be observed from the top of the closure device. If the fastening strips are properly occluded, then the first color will not be visible by viewing the top of the closure device. The first color will be observed from the top of the closure device when the bag is deoccluded.

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: The bullsnap fastener includes a rigid elongate member having a mid-section, a hook mounted to one end of the mid-section, a gate closing the hook, and an eye mounted to an opposite end of the mid-section. The hook has a shank and a curved distal end. The hook extends from a first end of the mid-section so as to define a hook space between the shank and the distal end, and an opening between the distal end of the hook and the first end of the mid-section. At least one grip-enhancing member is mounted to and protrudes outwardly of the gate.