Abstract: The present invention concerns a pre-treatment composition comprising dihydroxyacetone (DHA) for oxidative coloring keratin fibers especially human hair and a coloring process therefore.

Abstract: An adjustable static stabilizer for use in a bridge environment absorbs shock loads applied to bridge structure. Various mounting arrangements for the static stabilizers in combination with a bascule bridge are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading foam pellets which clean fluid carrying passages, such as hydraulic tubing, into a pneumatic launcher. The pellets are automatically transferred from a storage sleeve into the pneumatic launcher for subsequent propulsion through the tubing. Interior walls of the passages are scrubbed clean as the pellets pass therethrough. In addition, the method and system can easily convert a conventional foam cleaning pellet pneumatic launcher from a manual loading operation to a fully automatic loading operation, thereby increasing overall productivity of the cleaning operation.

Abstract: A tooth brush with replaceable bristles is disclosed. A brush head of the tooth brush includes a housing, a connection mechanism, a bristle part and a button. The connection mechanism is fixedly installed in the housing. The bristle part is detachably mounted to the connection mechanism. The button is movably mounted to the housing by the connection mechanism, and is capably to be pushed toward the bristle part to dismantle the bristle part from the connection mechanism. As such, by simply pushing the button, a convenient replacement of the bristles of the tooth brush is achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for cleaning a feed device are provided. For example, the present invention may provide a cleaning media for cleaning a printer or other device having a feed path along which cards or other stock media are fed during printing. The cleaning media, which can be used to automatically clean the feed device, can include an identification feature by which the feed device can identify the media. Thus, the feed device can distinguish the cleaning media from a stock media and or an improper cleaning media. The cleaning media can also define a stop portion that prevents the media from being entirely inserted into the feed path of the feed device. Thus, the cleaning media can be held stationary during part of the cleaning operation so that rollers or other moving members along the feed path make sliding contact with the cleaning media. In some cases, the feed device can be cleaned automatically, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an espresso machine includes a brush head attached to a neck. The brush head includes a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to that of the neck. The neck extends along a first longitudinal axis for a length and is attached to a handle section that includes a second longitudinal axis which extends away from the brush head at a greater angle than the neck. A plurality of annular rings prevents scalding water from traversing past the neck and reaching the handle section, where a user is adapted to grasp the apparatus. A protrusion is included, as desired, to clean the orifice of a steamer wand. Various possible enhancements include ergonomic grip surfaces on the handle section, replacement component parts, and dual cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning the human tongue and methods for making such devices are disclosed. The tongue cleaner may include a tongue brush and a tongue scraper. The tongue cleaner may be of unitary injection molded construction. The tongue cleaner bristles may be tapered to a point for cleaning crevices of a human tongue, and the bristles may be angled or curved. The tongue scraper contains at least one blade for removal of undesirable material from the tongue by a scraping action. The tongue brush and tongue scraper may be combined into one unit or may be made and used separately.

Abstract: A hair brush may include a body having a first end including a brush head and a second end. A first set of bristles is disposed on a first side of the brush head. A second set of bristles, different than the first set of bristles, is located between the first set of bristles and a perimeter of the brush head.

Abstract: A method for improving effectiveness of an oral care agent comprises preconditioning an oral surface by wiping the surface with an absorbent fabric having impregnated therein or coated thereon an orally acceptable preconditioning agent such as an activating agent for the oral care agent, wherein the wiping transfers an activating effective amount of the preconditioning agent from the fabric to the oral surface, and thereafter applying a composition comprising the oral care agent to the oral surface.

Abstract: A manually operated scraper tool includes a handle that seats a blade retaining component that freely and rotatably holds a substantially circular cutting blade thereto. An alternate attachment embodiment of the scraper tool includes a tool receiving body, rather than a handle, that may be received and driven by a power tool.

Abstract: A system for wiping a windshield of a vehicle in a rectangular field, comprising a wiper arm, a wiper blade assembly operationally attached to the wiper arm, and means for rotating and translating the wiper arm to cause said wiper blade assembly to track in a linear path across the windshield. The system includes a three-gear train for moving a pivot point on the wiper arm along a circular path centered on a virtual pivot point. The system is especially suited for wiping low aspect ratio windshields.

Abstract: A wall-supported conical wringer for round-based string mops and method of making said wringer is provided with some new features integrated into a special mounting system which permits the conical wringer to be attached and held in a usable position at any kitchen twin sink divider or can be used on a utility or washroom sink sidewall. The device provides a convenient means of removing the excess water from a water-soaked mop without the need of a wringer equipped mop bucket.

Abstract: A machine for surface preparation of a pipeline includes a vacuum shroud that encircles the pipeline. Three manifolds, each housing a plurality of ultra high pressure water nozzles, are mounted in the vacuum shroud at circumferentially spaced intervals. A carrier assembly advances the vacuum shroud along the pipeline at a rate that avoids contact between the water jets and uncoated pipe. The shroud also oscillates about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline so that a short extent of the pipeline is subjected to the force of the water for each oscillation. The vacuum in the shroud carries away all debris created by the coat-stripping process to a closed loop filtration and recycling system. The nozzles are mounted a constant stand-off distance from the pipeline to avoid creation of hot spots during the stripping process. All motions are electronically monitored and detection of any movement failure results in system shutdown.

Abstract: Apparatus and method providing efficient cleaning of various surfaces. The apparatus including a collector and a controller. The collector having an inlet conduit, a vacuum pump, a first valve, a second valve, a tank, and a separator. The inlet conduit connects to an inlet aperture of the separator, the vacuum pump connects to an outlet aperture of the separator, the first valve regulates flow between a drain aperture of the separator and an inlet aperture of the tank, and the second valve regulates flow through a drain aperture of the tank. One or more filters may filter flow between the separator and the vacuum pump. The controller may be programmed to, upon sensing a full tank, selectively close the first valve and open the second valve and, after the passage of a selected period of time, selectively close the second valve and open the first valve. The collector and controller may provide an integrated, compact cleaning system that supports continuous operation.

Abstract: Dirt or earthen material may be made more vacuum able by first loosening dirt with a force of air or liquid. A water nozzle spray on dirt both loosens and dilutes the dirt into mud, which may then be easily vacuumed. The two-step process may be incorporated into a one-step process by attaching the water spray nozzle onto an indention in the circumference of the vacuum conduit. Making an indention in the circumference of the vacuum conduit reduces the outside protrusion of the nozzle, focuses the nozzle spray toward the entrance of the vacuum hose, thus efficiently loosening dirt directly at the entrance of the vacuum hose suction end. The inward protrusion of the indention reduces the size of debris, which may enter the inlet of the vacuum conduit. Reducing the size of debris to less than the inside size of the vacuum hose reduces the occurrence of debris clogging in the vacuum hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to fan units for ventilators, in particular for CPAP-apparatus. The fan units comprise a housing, a motor having a stator and a rotor, with the stator being affixed to the housing, and an impeller affixed to the rotor. According to an embodiment the motor is positioned in the suction area of the impeller and the housing forms a suction channel extending helically about the motor axis and being arranged such that the sucked air is accelerated in the direction of rotation of the motor. According to another embodiment the housing in the proximity of the fixtures of the motor is formed such that the housing acts as spring element itself. According to another embodiment a tissue is provided in the fan unit through which the air flows after its compression by the impeller.

Abstract: A vacuum container mounted on an inclined slope and having a liquid water storage container mounted beneath the incline of the vacuum container. The water storage container may support the vacuum container. The slope may be of sufficient angle to allow debris to be emptied from the vacuum container by gravity when the access door is opened. A filter housing may be mounted to and supported by the vacuum container. By flush mounting the clean out end of the filter housing with the clean out end of the vacuum container, a single access clean out door may be used to access both simultaneously. This compact design provides efficient interaction and plumbing between the water tank, vacuum tank and filter housing as well as concentrating weight and reducing floor space.

Abstract: A hand-held, battery-operated air blower is disclosed having a housing with a handle portion, a discharge end, an air inlet, and a discharge aperture. A battery compartment is provided in the handle portion of the housing to contain one or more batteries. The battery compartment is electrically connected to a motor disposed within the housing between the battery compartment and the discharge aperture, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing. A centrifugal fan is mounted on the motor and positioned within the housing adjacent the air inlet in such a manner that operation of the fan draws air in through the air inlet and forces it out from the fan toward the discharge aperture then out through the discharge aperture. An actuator is provided for switching the flow of electricity from the batteries to turn the motor on and off.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a suction port assembly having a suction inlet, a rotatable drum, a driving pulley that drives the rotatable drum, a driven pulley that is driven by a motor and a free-wheeling idler pulley that can rotate irrespective of the driven pulley. A drive belt between the motor and the driven pulley can be moved off the driven pulley and onto the free-wheeling idler pulley. When the drive belt from the motor rides on the idler pulley, the rotatable drum is disconnected from the motor, allowing it to stop. The drive belt is move onto and off of the idler pulley by a user-operable two-position guide member. In a first position, the drive belt is connected to the driven pulley. In the second position, the drive belt is directed onto the free-wheeling idler pulley. A user of the vacuum cleaner can selectively activate and deactivate the rotatable drum during cleaning thereby saving power, reducing wear on the rotating drum and its bristles and reducing noise.

Abstract: An upright-type vacuum cleaner having an improved handle structure to reduce the amount of storage space required when the cleaner is not in use, comprises a cleaner body, a handle hinged at a pivot point thereby enabling the handle to rotate relative to the cleaner body, and a locking unit for fixing and releasing the handle in at least one desired position.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base adapted for movement on a surface to be cleaned, a rear housing pivotally attached at a first end to the base, a vacuum source, a dirt collection container, and a handle attached to a second end of the rear housing. The handle has a grip structure having a substantially circular opening through it. The opening is adapted to receive a hand of a user for use in directing the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the invention includes a chassis, a fan unit including a blower housing mounted to the chassis and an inlet housing affixed to the blower housing, and a baseplate affixed to the chassis. An access aperture is formed in the baseplate. The access aperture extends at least partially over the fan unit. A door can be included in the baseplate. A bearing washer is positioned between the blower housing and the inlet housing and provides a substantially air-tight seal between the blower housing and the inlet housing. The inlet housing includes a bearing face, an inlet conduit portion, a slide flange, and a slide block. The slide block slides into and engages the slide flange and further slides into and engages the chassis of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A magnetic hinge defining a hinge axis includes first and second hinge plates of non-magnetic material and first and second magnets disposed therein, respectively, for movement therewith. The plates are generally parallel and independently pivotable about the hinge axis between a closed orientation, wherein the plates are essentially superposed, and an open orientation, wherein the plates are essentially not superposed. The first and second magnets are essentially superposed, generally coaxial with the hinge axis, and in the same magnetic orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door hinge for motor vehicles, in particular for cars, with a pillar bracket which can be positioned on a vehicle and a door bracket which can be attached to the vehicle door, which are joined together by means of a hinge pin, such as to be articulated. In order to provide a door hinge which can be produced at low cost with only limited production expenditure and low weight, it is proposed that the pillar bracket and/or the door bracket (1) be produced from one sheet metal component.

Abstract: A hinged product has a first section and a second section. The first section has a post extending transversely across one end thereof. The second section two co-axial apertures therein, each of the apertures having an internal wall. The post extends between and through the apertures to connect the first section to the second section. There is at least one protrusion located on either the post or the internal walls of the apertures. There is at least one rib disposed the other of the internal walls or the post. The rib contacts the protrusion as the second section is rotated relative to the first section and causes resistance to rotation. This resistance allows for a stepped rotation of the two sections relative to one another. The product is integrally molded in one piece via a molding gate that is offset from a parting line of the mold. When the mold is opened, the mold shears off the molding gate to create a two-piece clip.

Abstract: A universal dimmer switch knob is provided having an inner bore to receive an intermediate member. A plurality of intermediate members are provided in a kit, such that a user may select a particular one of the intermediate members to correspond to a particular dimmer switch shaft. The intermediate member preferably has a non-cylindrical outer periphery and the knob has a non-cylindrical inner bore. The intermediate member is generally A-shaped with a central apex lobe and two side lobes. The lobes are received in notches in the knob. When the knob is turned, the lobes and notches resist slippage between the knob and the intermediate member.

Abstract: Devices for holding paper, cards, and/or wallets. One device has a clip with two ends and a leverage bump; and an arm pivotally coupled to each end. One of the arms contacts the leverage bump when the clip is opened. Another device includes a clip having a receiving portion and a holding portion. The receiving portion includes an arch. The holding portion includes two ends. An arm is pivotally coupled to each end. Other devices are included.

Abstract: A holding device for spherical and flat objects includes a carrier body, a clamping device held to the carrier body, a cover plate held to the carrier body, a plurality of holding elements, and an axle accommodated by the holding elements. The clamping device includes first and second clamping elements for accommodating round or angular objects. The cover plate and carrier body are partially spaced-apart to provide a guide slot, and at least one of the carrier body or the cover plate includes retention elements including formed lips extending from a basic body, each lip including an uninterrupted front edge. The cover plate is pivoted in a tiltable manner around the axle to connect the cover plate with the carrier body and is held under tension of a torsion spring against the carrier body. The cover plate is also formed so as to allow a tilt motion against the force of the spring to open the guide slot.

Abstract: An apparel insertion device for all kinds of clothing and garments including a means for insertion into the apparel. The device also includes means for securing the device to the apparel, through an existing button hole, or through the fabric itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically locking ship containers. The apparatus has a housing having a pair of housing halves which are symmetrical to each other, an operating element having a pair of operating element halves which are symmetrical to each other and assembled with each other in the housing, and upper and lower lockers which are assembled with each other in the operating element. By operating the upper and lower lockers using a weight of a container, it is possible to lock and unlock containers loaded on a ship to and from each other.

Abstract: The D-ring includes a post element and a retaining element integral at a first end of both the post element and the retaining element. The retaining element includes a locking mechanism for securing the post element in a fastened position. The post element includes a catch having a first and second chamber and a single aperture to access both. Legs with tips are particularly adapted to be secured by tabs of the aperture assembly. The legs and tips of the locking mechanism are forced through the aperture and past tabs into the second chamber. Seats on the tips engage tabs to lock the D-ring closed.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper for use with package, such as food and non-food packages, that include first and second mating profile members. Each of the first and second profile members of the zipper closure includes a pair of flanges each having a sealant layer. The sealant layer formed on each of the flanges protrudes past the outer surface of the flange such that the outer surface of the sealant layer contacts the film of web material. The sealant layer is formed from a material different than the material that forms the remaining portions of the first and second profile members such that the sealant layer melts and forms a bond with the web material upon the application of heat. Each of the profile members includes a standoff area formed along the inner surface of each flange to provide support for the flange during the application of the heating element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water balloon clip that provides a quick, easy, and low-cost means for sealing a balloon orifice. For example, the water balloon clip may comprise a first slit and a second slit and together the slits comprise a substantially Z-like shape. A user may then seal a balloon by inserting the balloon neck in the first slit and then tucking the balloon neck into the second slit.

Abstract: A double action reversible safety buckle is disengaged by pinching side arms together to be free of the socket, while depressing a button or other device to free an internal latch from a catch on the socket. The plug or the socket is symmetrical with respect to the latch on the catch, so that the buckle may be clasped and secured without regard for the orientation of the socket and the plug. The internal latch may be made to be operated concurrently with the side arms, or sequentially to provide additional safety.

Abstract: A child resistant buckle has two separate operations that are completed to permit the buckle to be disengaged. The buckle is provided as two interfitting components, which can be joined in at least two orientations while permitting the two operation disengagement to be maintained. The two operations may be sequentially or concurrent and can require a certain degree of force to permit actuation. The buckle composed of a plug and socket is oriented on a seat so that the plug is presented on a right hand side of a child and the socket is presented on a left hand side so that the clasped buckle is more difficult for the seated child to disengage.

Abstract: A burial container having an enclosure for a body and an opening in the bottom to permit earth to be communicated into the container and allow the body within to be in contact with the earth. At the same time, the body is enclosed, in accordance with a number of existing laws regarding burial. In preferred embodiments, a mound of earth is placed within the container having a slope that causes the body to reside on its side, so that it may face Mecca. A burial field is placed atop the ground surface rather than below it and with an engineered drainage field beneath the containers groundwater is not affected. The resulting graves are then above the previous natural ground and the entire field will have the appearance of a mound. A burial field may be established that contains a plurality of burial containers that are oriented such that, upon burial, bodies will face toward Mecca.

Abstract: Illuminators include transparent light emitting members having a pattern of rounded shallow notches or grooves in one or more surfaces of the members for causing internally reflected light to be emitted from the members. The notches or grooves may be cut using a circular cutting tool. The relative speed of the cutting tool and feed rate of the cutting tool relative to the members may be controlled to produce a roughened surface on the notches or grooves.

Abstract: Low profile, thin panels using a layer of clear cast polymer with a reflective, mirrored backing and edges and a light diffusing face sheet, carrying light sources using fiber optic lenses or diodes on all or any sides thereof. The reflective sides direct the light beams generated at the edges toward the center and opposing sides, reflecting light beams within the cast plate, diffusing the light towards the open surface. Overall thickness of the panels is not more than ½? and light sources are inserted into the edging before a liquid polymer mix is cast over them, to create an integral element upon curing. The liquid polymer mix, with any additives to deliver different colors, is poured into a tray with reflective inner surface and side edges, which houses the light sources. The finished panels may have framing to cover any wiring or exposed edges.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an actuator device, and a liquid jet head, which can improve characteristics of a piezoelectric layer constituting piezoelectric elements and can stabilize the characteristics of the piezoelectric layer. A step of forming a vibration plate includes a step of forming an insulation film in order to cause the surface roughness Ra of the insulation film to be in the range of 1 nm to 3 nm: the insulation film being made of zirconia which has been obtained by depositing a zirconium layer, and accordingly by the thermally oxidizing the zirconium layer at a predetermined temperature, and the insulation film constituting the uppermost surface of the vibration plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for machining thin sheets and thin-walled, single or two-fold curved, three-dimensionally shaped sheets, plates, or shells, in particular, by material-removing machining methods, such as milling and drilling. In the method, a vacuum, surface tension is produced, which is large enough to fix the position of the workpiece, by using a vacuum over a layer acting as a distributor or a diffuser on the surface of the workpiece to be machined. The distributor or diffuser is made up of a thin-walled, completely or partially air-permeable. heat-reactive layer. The workpiece is then machined, and a cutting speed and rate of feed is adjusted, such that a defined local heating takes place in a contact area between the tool and workpiece. The peak temperature at the contact area is greater or the same as a melting temperature of the surface of the distributor or diffuser.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus is provided for securing a plurality of modules to a frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a desired load applied to a device such as a valve. A tool is applied to the valve. Force applied to the tool is transmitted to the valve packing. A selected load force is applied to the tool. The packing is secured to set the selected load force applied to the packing. The tool may be removed from the valve.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle kingpin bolt-replacement tool is disclosed manufactured from a rigid material, which facilitates bolt removal. The tool allows a baseplate to be inserted along two perpendicular intersection channels. A first channel engages the baseplate to prevent movement upon application of force while the second channel allows sufficient clearance for the kingpin bolt that is bound to the baseplate to be forcefully struck and removed from the base plate. A method is also disclosed for using the tool of the present invention to remove a kingpin bolt from a baseplate upon application of force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for disassembling scrapped vehicles in which multiple process-based facilities are provided in series on one path for performing each disassembling process from a loading process of a scrapped vehicle to a final vehicle body compression process. The scrapped vehicles are moved along the path while mounted on a truck that moves the vehicles via a transfer rail. The truck that has completed a transfer is lowered into the interior of a tunnel beneath the path and transferred back to the position where the first process was performed.

Abstract: The self-attaching female fastener of this invention includes a re-entrant groove having a V-shaped bottom wall including relatively inclined bottom faces of equal width having an arcuate apex centered beneath the restricted opening to the groove. A die drives a panel portion through the restricted groove opening against the bottom faces, driving the panel portion into the apex and inwardly beneath the inclined inner side wall and outwardly beneath the inclined outer side wall of the groove, resulting in a better installation and accommodating a wider range of panel thicknesses. The V-shaped bottom wall also centers and balances the rolls during the rolling process resulting in a more accurate cross-section of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device having a plurality of connected finger covers. The finger covers are preferably configured to be worn by a user around at least two of the user's fingers. The device also preferably has at least two sets of protrusions. Each set of protrusions is preferably connected to a finger cover and is configured to provide a different tactile sensation from the other set of protrusions. With the device of the present invention, the user may switch between the two sets of protrusions when providing tactile sensation to a person by moving the finger to which the desired set of protrusions is connected.

Abstract: A new and improved process for manufacturing a cylindrical container is disclosed herein. A drawing and ironing process is used to produce a more efficient container. This process eliminates the need for a part, thereby making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Abstract: A caulking method for joining a first plate having a tapered hole and a hollow cylindrical caulking portion extending from a periphery of the tapered hole, and a second plate having a hole, the method including inserting the caulking portion of the first plate through the hole of the second plate to project a tip end portion of the caulking portion beyond the hole and overlay the second plate on the first plate, and folding back the tip end portion of the caulking portion over a periphery of the hole of the second plate on one side surface thereof, while pressing against a beveled surface defining the tapered hole so as to prevent a material of the caulking portion from flowing toward the other side surface of the first plate along the periphery of the tapered hole.

Abstract: A method of making a removable refrigerator storage assembly is provided. The method includes feeding a polymeric or metal material into an extruder and directing the material through a die having an aperture with a first and second leg formed therein, thereby forming an intermediate shelf extrusion. The intermediate shelf extrusion is cut into a predetermined length to form the shelf extrusion having a bottom wall integrally formed with a side wall. The shelf extrusion is painted or plated to a specific finish. The method also encompasses attaching to both ends of the shelf extrusion end walls having brackets formed thereon for removably engaging supports formed on the door of a refrigerator.