Abstract: A blanket having a receiving region and a plurality of panels that are foldable and connectable in a predetermined sequence is provided. A blanket having a receiving region, a first, a second and a third panel; wherein each panel is connectable to another of the panels or the receiving region in a predetermined sequence is provided. A method of folding a blanket by connecting a first fastener on a first panel to a second fastener on a receiving region by folding the first panel over the receiving region is provided. The method of folding includes connecting a third fastener on a second panel to a fourth fastener on the first panel by folding the second panel over the first panel and connecting a fifth fastener on a third panel to a sixth fastener on the first panel by folding the third panel over the second panel and the first panel.

Abstract: A hospital bed obstacle detection device (412) and related method for detecting an obstacle between first and second components (24, 26) of a hospital bed (410).

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for use in a system and method in supporting the knees and legs of a person during surgery included an inflatable bladder that can move from a collapsed state to an expanded state. A bladder port communicates with a source of inflating gas. The system includes the source of pressurized gas and a valve assembly to switchably control the inflation and deflation of the bladder. The bladder may have a removable cover extending around the bladder, and the bladder may have side pleats to assist in expanding with the cover having corresponding accordion folds. The method involves placing a patient on a surgical table, decompressing the patient's spine to a flat back/drop knee position, interposing the bladder between the table and the patient's knees and advancing the knees to a full prone position by inflating the bladder.

Abstract: A comfort pillow is disclosed. The comfort pillow includes a breathable cover member with an internal cavity and a pellet filling. The pellet filling is comprised of a plurality of pellets, stuffed within the breathable cover member's internal cavity. Each pellet in the plurality of pellets would have a plurality of small fibers extending from each pellet, to improve cushioning and air flow.

Abstract: An infant soothing and sleep aid includes a fabric mat in the shape of a character. A pair of removable and adjustable arms are provided, one on either side, that act as a cradling mechanism to make the infant feel safe and secure in the large crib. The paws include a vibration mechanism and white noise mechanism in order to soothe the baby in the form of restricted movement, pleasing sounds, and motion, all in an aesthetically pleasing shape.

Abstract: An infant soothing and sleep aid includes a fabric mat. A pair of removable and adjustable barriers are provided, one on either side, that act as a cradling mechanism to make the infant feel safe and secure in the large crib. The barriers include a soothing device such as a vibration mechanism and white noise mechanism in order to soothe the baby in the form of restricted movement, pleasing sounds, and motion.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress with an inflatable headboard and/or footboard. Inflatable side supports may also be included. The mattress is particularly suited for infants or toddlers in that the side and end supports prevent a child from rolling or sliding off the mattress.

Abstract: A decubitus mat includes a plurality of individual cells (16) which are pressurized by air from an air supply (10) through air supply lines (12) and metering orifices (14). A polymer sensor/vent structure (20) is mounted on a top surface of each cell to be contacted by a body (22) resting on the mat. The sensor/vent structure defines a plurality of polymer-filled channels (28) and a vent valve (26) which is biased to a closed position. As the body heats the polymer, it undergoes a phase change and expands causing biasing forces (30) which bias the vent valve to open. When the vent valve opens, the air in the cell is released, providing an air flow to remove pooled moisture under the body. The vented cell collapses, transferring support to adjoining cells until it no longer contacts the body. Once removed from the body, the air flow in the cell cools the polymer, closing the vent, allowing the cell to re-pressurize.

Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one polyfunctional aziridine compound and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane and a process for its preparation. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of this composition as a curing component for formulations in the area of leather treatment, of coatings, of textile printing and of surface coatings.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a conditioning method in which at least one agent with a sulfonic group is added to polyamide fibers, via immersion and agitation in a low-pH solution, to improve the polyamide's characteristics. The agents may be stain-blocking agents, ultraviolet absorbing agents, or both. The sulfonic groups of these agents form ionic bonds with the polyamide, when the pH of the aqueous solution is lowered to the acidic range and, preferably, between 2 and 5. The rinse cycle of a washing machine, in which the pH of the rinse water has been lowered by the addition of acid, provides a particularly well-suited environment for the present reactive process, by providing a means for immersion and agitation of the polyamide-containing article. Polyamides subjected to low pH treatments of these agents exhibit a lower pH than polyamides treated with such agents during the steaming process.

Abstract: The invention limits water level in a rinse cycle to a fraction of the water in the wash cycle. A microprocessor based electronic circuitry device that may be wired inside the front panel of the normal (factory) “top loading” automatic clothes washer or a “front loading” automatic clothes washer. Interfaces exist to the water valves and timer motor from the micro-controller. The retrofitted on original equipment micro-controller commands the hot and cold valves to start filling the tub and measures the analog water level input from the water level sensor. This number is stored in the micro-controller memory as a “wash water level” during a first cycle (wash cycle). If the Water Saver Disable switch is enabled by an operator the “Wash Water Level” is divided by two providing a “Rinse Water Level” (second cycle) that is one half the wash or first cycle, or another fraction of that amount.

Abstract: A driving unit for a washing machine, and method for controlling the same. The driving unit includes a bearing housing fixedly secured to an outer tub. A motor is mounted on the bearing housing. A ring gear shaft is rotatably mounted to the bearing housing and is coupled to an inner tub. A carrier shaft is rotatably mounted in the ring gear shaft, with a driving shaft rotatably mounted in the carrier shaft. The driving shaft is coupled to the motor. A reduction gear is positioned between the ring gear shaft and the carrier shaft to reduce a speed of the ring gear shaft. A one directional holding device that holds the carrier shaft when the driving shaft rotates in a first direction, and holds two of the carrier shaft, the ring gear shaft, and the driving shaft when the driving shaft rotates in a second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of washing laundry in a drum washing machine by which the amount of wash water used and the amount of power use can be decreased when doing washing in the drum washing machine. The method comprises supplying wash water to a tub up to a first preset water level; and washing laundry in a drum by rotating the drum of the drum washing machine forward and backward simultaneously while drawing the wash water and supplying the drawn wash water to the drum.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the same that is capable of determining whether laundry is a single load or a multiple load based on detected value of eccentricity or detected laundry amount and changing revolutions per minute of a motor or the number of eccentricity detections based on the determined load amount such that different spin-drying actions are performed. The washing machine comprises an eccentricity detecting unit for detecting eccentricity of laundry received in a drum, a motor driving unit for driving a motor such that the drum is rotated, and a microprocessor for determining whether the laundry is a single load or a multiple load based on the value of eccentricity detected by the eccentricity detecting unit and changing revolutions per minute of the motor or the number of eccentricity detections of the eccentricity detecting unit based on the initially determined load amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a cellulosic grey fabric comprising the following steps: (a) a pretreatment step in which, in the presence of water, at a temperature of 60-100 DEG C., the fabric is contacted with a thermostable enzyme which degrades starch; and (b) an integrated desizing and scouring step in which, in the presence of water, at a temperature of 70 DEG C. at the most, the fabric as obtained in step (a) is contacted with an enzyme which degrades a polymeric component of the primary cell wall of cotton and an enzyme which degrades starch. The invention also relates to the use of fabric as obtained using the method of the invention for manufacturing textile products. The invention also provides fabric manufactured using the method of the invention. The invention further relates to textile products manufactured from fabric treated using the method of the invention.

Abstract: The object of the present patent application is an agent for coloring keratin fibers based on oxidative dyes and which contains as developer at least one heterocyclic hydrazone derivative of formula (I) (with X?S or O) and as oxidant at least one persulfate salt, further objects being a multicomponent kit and a method for coloring keratin fibers by use of said agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of dyeing or coloring, with a lightening effect, a human keratin material comprising applying a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one fluorescent compound and at least one optical brightener; a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one fluorescent compound and at least one optical brightener which are both soluble in the medium; and a device using such a composition comprising at least two compartments, wherein at least one comprises, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, a composition comprising at least one fluorescent compound and at least one optical brightener and optionally at least one additional ingredient chosen from direct dyes, oxidation bases and couplers, and at least one other compartment comprises a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Use of an extract of the plant Myrsine africana in oxidation dyeing for dyeing keratin fibres, a novel composition comprising this plant extract, a process for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibres using this composition, as well as the coloured products obtained using the composition.

Abstract: Aqueous pretreatment liquor for preparing a textile substrate for inkjet printing, comprising (A) one or more polycationic compounds, (B) one or more thickeners, (C) optionally customary additives, (C) water. Preferred polycationic compounds (A) are polymers or copolymers of diallyldialkylammonium monomers. Preferred thickeners are obtainable from (i) polyetherdiols, (ii) diisocyanates and (iii) compounds, R of the general formula R—OH, R—SH, R—NH2, RR NH or R—COOH, where R is a hydrophobic aliphatic or aromatic radical of at least 4 carbon atoms and R—OH may have been alkoxylated, and also further derivatives thereof that are capable of forming a urethane, thiourethane or urea bond, or from (i) polyetherdiols with (iv) compounds of the general formula R—OH or R—COOH, where R is a hydrophobic aliphatic or aromatic radical of at least 4 carbon atoms and R—OH may have been alkoxylated, and also further derivatives thereof that are capable of forming an ether or ester bond, and or from compounds (ii) and (iii).

Abstract: The present invention relates to textile fiber material comprising spun-dyed aramid fibers or mixtures of spun-dyed aramid fibers and undyed cellulosic fibers for producing military camouflage articles, wherein the aramid fiber fraction is spun-dyed with a colorant having a chlorophyll-like reflectance in the IR region, and to its use for producing military camouflage print articles.

Abstract: The Hybrid Modular Ramp and The Hybrid Modular Ramp System are new in their design of portable and movable wheelchair no step access. One of the key points to this innovation is the rigid welding of the incline side rails at the slope of 1:12. This prevents the ramp from bring installed correctly at any other slope or pitch. Another innovation is the design feature that allows the use of various types of flooring material (some examples are: 1? plywood, 5/4? decking, steel and aluminum plating, various gratings both ferrous and non-ferrous, fiberglass grating, vinyl decking and various composite decking). More innovations include the use of a single material for construction and simple assembly and installation with minimal fasteners.

Abstract: In an electric toothbrush in which a disk-like brush body is reciprocally rotated about an axis intersecting at a predetermined angle in a line extended in a longitudinal direction of a grip portion, a head portion put into user's mouth is made smaller or thinner, a rotation shaft of the brush body and a head portion are enabled incline at an optional angle with respect to the grip portion, and transmission efficiency of driving force is increased. For there purposes, an eccentric member having an eccentric shaft is fixed on a driving shaft of a motor, a joint portion formed at a first end portion of a lever member is made point contact with the eccentric shaft, so that the rotation movement of the eccentric shaft is converted to swing movement of the first end portion of the lever member.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush including a handle, a battery and a motor in the handle, a head, and a tuft carrier movably mounted on the head for oscillation about an axis. The tuft carrier also moves axially as the carrier oscillates. This three-dimensional motion is provided by a plurality of cams and a plurality of cam followers on the head and the tuft carrier. The cam followers engage the cams such that as the tuft carrier oscillates back-and-forth, the cam followers ride up and down over the cams consequently raising and lowering the tuft carrier with respect to the toothbrush head.

Abstract: A water-driveable personal hygiene device may be used to operate multiple, interchangeable personal hygiene implements. A water-driven rotary wheel, located in the handle of the device and connected to a driveshaft, creates either a back-and-forth or semi-rotating oscillating motion or a first personal hygiene implement, such as a toothbrush. An independently operated water-driveable second personal hygiene implement may be used to cause water to flow to the first personal hygiene implement or to be independently used. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support tool for holding disposable pads and method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin. The support tool includes a handle for supporting the pads during use, and a pad gripper system. A user of the cleansing system utilizes the pad gripper to either attach a disposable pad to the pad housing or to release a previously attached disposable pad. A method of exfoliating or cleansing facial skin includes attaching a disposable pad to a pad housing attached to a handle of a cleansing system by utilizing a grabbing/releasing means, moving the attached disposable pad over the facial skin with moderate pressure, and releasing the attached disposable pad from the pad housing by utilizing a grabbing/releasing means. A cleansing system package includes a cleansing device and a plurality of disposable pads.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable surface treating apparatus comprising a shaft part (12) with a handle part (13) by means of which the apparatus can be guided on the surface to be treated and a frame structure (22) having several rolls (29, 31) about which an endless conveyor belt (27) for liquid and dirt particles is arranged. A portion of the belt between the rolls is placed such that it is mainly parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for removing particulate soils from a compressible resilient surface is provided. The cleaning implement includes a ramp for pressing particulates against the compressible resilient surface and a collection member for collecting the particulates which are projected away from the compressible resilient surface when the cleaning implement is moved across the compressible resilient surface.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a head with a tongue cleanser. The tongue cleanser has at least one ridge which is at least as wide as it is high. In one preferred construction, the ridges are shaped so as to define a concave surface facing generally toward the handle. The ridges also preferably include aligned segments from front to back that are oriented at different angular positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scrub pad comprising a scrubbing layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; a wiping layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer; and an absorbent core layer having a periphery along the edges of the layer comprising at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of short-fiber, air-laid nonwoven material, nonwoven plastic batting, cellulosic fibrous web materials, wax coated paper, corrugated paper, fluff pulp, cotton balls, cotton batting, or mixture thereof; wherein the absorbent core layer is located intermediate to the scrubbing layer and the wiping layer and wherein the scrubbing layer, the absorbent core layer and the wiping layer are joined at the periphery of each layer.

Abstract: A facial buffering pad including a pad plate, a handle and a bristle portion for removing facial dirt and exercising face is provided. The pad plate includes a first face and an opposite second face. The handle is formed on the first face. The bristle portion includes a plurality of first bristles and a plurality of second bristles formed on the second face. The provided facial buffering pad is skin contact safe, environment friendly, non-toxic, odor free, water resistant, UV resistant, durable and flexible and antibacterial additive built in.

Abstract: A toothbrush head comprising three widthways adjacent sections in which the tip end of the middle section is enlarged into a bristle-carrying tip pad, there is an intermediate bristle-carrying pad between the tip pad and the base end of the head, with narrow link regions between the pads and the intermediate pad and the handle. The sections are connected to the toothbrush handle by flexible necks. The bristle distribution of a multi-section toothbrush head is thereby optimised.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic applicator comprises a rod and a brush. The applicator is formed with a fixing portion pressed to be flat at a lower end of the rod into which the brush is fixedly inserted. Since the brush has a flat face defined by the fixing portion, a region that requires delicate operation can be easily cosmeticized. Further, even when the brush is caused to enter and be withdrawn from a container with a small mouth, it is possible to prevent the brush from being curved outward or bristles of the brush from being entangled. Moreover, since the fixing portion is formed in the rod itself, there is no need for an additional means for making the brush in a flattened shape. Thus, the number of components for the cosmetic applicator can be reduced while an effect of application of cosmetics is further improved. Accordingly, production costs of the cosmetic applicator can be lowered and productivity thereof can also be enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning article to be used while being attached to a holder. The cleaning article includes: a base sheet; a brush portion provided on one side of the base sheet; and a holding sheet provided on the other side of the base sheet. The base sheet, the brush portion and the holding sheet are fusion-bonded together to have at least two fusion-bonded portions which are spaced apart from each other and define a holding space between the base sheet and the holding sheet for accommodating the holder. One of the base sheet, the brush portion and the holding sheet is provided with a color different from those of the others so that the fusion-bonded portions have a color different from that of the holding sheet.

Abstract: A sponge and a scouring pad in which an outer surface layer can be peeled away to expose a clean surface when the outer surface of the sponge or scouring pad becomes soiled. A method of obtaining a clean surface on a sponge or scouring pad is also disclosed, wherein a predetermined thickness of the material of the sponge or pad is grasped and peeled away to expose a clean surface.

Abstract: A water-wiping apparatus for wiping standing water from a curved surface has a flexible panel of a first height, with an upper long edge and a lower long edge, a soft, flexible handle attached along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side of the flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel. The handle has a series of reduced area regions serving as a grip area and also serving to facilitate bending of the water wiper blade to conform to surface curvature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for fixing a windscreen wiper blade (1, 3, 5, 4) to a wiper arm (2). The aforementioned blade (1, 3, 5, 4) comprises a through transverse swivel pin which is intended to form a pivot connection with the arm and said arm (2) is equipped with an end rod. According to the invention, the arrangement comprises an independent piece (6), known as an adapter, which is mounted on the blade (1, 3, 5, 4) and the above-mentioned rod is inserted longitudinally therein.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to mopping trolleys and has particular reference to mopping trolleys for facilitating the cleaning of a floor area. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mopping trolley comprising carriage means capable of translation movement over a surface, a mop press assembly carried by said carriage means for expressing liquid from a mop head inserted into the press and at least two liquid receptacles, wherein a waste receptacle is arranged to receive waste liquid expressed from the mop press, and a clean receptacle is for providing a source of clean liquid for use in mopping.

Abstract: Only when a wall side and the vicinity of an obstacle are cleaned, a side brush is operated and the cleaning is carried out, and when any other place than the wall side and the vicinity of the obstacle is cleaned, the side brush is maintained in a stoppage state. When a place such as the wall side or the vicinity of the obstacle in which dust is easy to accumulate is cleaned, the side brush is operated to enhance the dust collecting property. When any other place than the wall side or the vicinity of the obstacle is cleaned, the side brush is stopped to suppress power consumption and generation of a noise. A judgment processing portion detects based on a detection signal from an obstacle detecting portion that a cleaner is approaching a wall or an obstacle. In response to such detection, the judgment processing portion instructs a travel steering portion to carry out immediate rotation and change of a travel direction, or travel along a wall side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to vacuum cleaner and more particularly, it relates a vacuum cleaner which employs ultraviolet rays with the wavelength of 253.7 nanometers to kill bacteria while vacuuming and having ability to remain impurities aspirated air under the dust collector by its water filtration assembly. This vacuum cleaner facilitates uses by families, hospitals, senior citizen centers, department stores, cinemas, restaurants, offices, plants, and in elevators, automobiles, vessels, airplanes and railways of all sizes in modern society. Said vacuum cleaner cleans and disinfects to improve living, residential, medical, work, consumption environment and means of communication, and to regain a clean space for the human being while the natural environment is constantly destroyed by the modern society.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner of the present invention includes: a base plate connected to the lower face of a cleaner body so that the base plate is freely movable up and down, and having an exhaust hole formed in a surface facing the surface to be cleaned for blowing exhaust air; an extensible air duct, interposed between the base plate and the cleaner body, for guiding the exhaust air from an intake fan to the base plate; a dust suction nozzle supported on a part of the base plate and connected to the suction side of the intake fan; and wheels, mounted on the lower face of the cleaner body, for supporting the cleaner body on the surface to be cleaned when the base plate is moved up.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises: a body; a suction head arranged at a lower side of the body and sucking dust or filth; a suction fan mounted at the body and generating a suction force; a dust collecting container mounted in the body and collecting dust or filth sucked into the suction head; and a compression unit mounted at the body and compressing dust or filth collected in the dust collecting container.

Abstract: The nature of the Castor Cover is to serve as a safety mechanism for the feet of various individuals, as they walk or pass by castors that are not covered. There is nothing new in the art as to which our invention pertains.

Abstract: A caster apparatus is provided for a patient support. The caster apparatus includes a braking system.

Abstract: A support structure for a castor, a castor provided with such a support-structure, and a castored trolley is described. The support structure comprises a first member 5, a second member 3 that is rotatable with respect to the first member about a pivot axis, and magnetic means 21, 23, 61, 63 that is operable up to a certain torque to restrain movement of the rotatable member from one angular position with respect to the first member. Preferably the magnetic means comprises at least one hair of magnetically co-operable components. Preferably one component of the at least one pair of components is a permanent magnet. In another angular positions without registration of the first and second members free rotation is possible unless and until re-registration occurs.

Abstract: A caster assembly is provided for supporting an object. The caster assembly includes a generally triangular landing for receiving the object thereon. The landing lies in a first plane. The caster assembly also includes first and second legs that lie in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. The first and second legs are vertically spaced from the landing and each leg includes an upper surface and a lower surface. A first plurality of wheel assemblies are interconnected to the lower surface of the first leg and a second plurality of wheel assemblies are interconnected to the lower surface of the second leg.

Abstract: A low profile caster assembly is provided for facilitating movement of an object on a supporting surface. The low profile caster assembly includes a base having a central axis extending perpendicular thereto. The first caster wheel is operatively connected to the base and has a first side engageable with a supporting surface and a second side. The first caster wheel is rotatable about a first axis that is at an acute angle to the central axis through the base.

Abstract: A framework structure includes a guide track, a rack body, and locking members wherein the guide track has a guide groove properly indented therein, and the rack body is equipped with a plurality of toothed protrusive flanges correspondingly tilting inwards at both lateral sides thereon to define a retaining space there-between and a plurality of clamping recesses alternatively arranged among the toothed protrusive flanges thereof. The locking member is provided with a receiving cavity properly defined thereon, and a through hole disposed at a preset position in communication with the receiving cavity thereof. Thus, in assembly, the guide track and the rack body are mutually engaged for a screen body to be mounted thereto, facilitating an easy and convenient opening/closing operation of the screen body thereof.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hollow housing (100), a shaft (300), an urging mechanism (400), a cam (500), and a cylindrical follower (700). The housing includes an open end, and a hole (104) in an opposite second end. A peripheral wall of the housing at the open end defines a pair of pinholes (112). The shaft 300 includes a fixing portion. The urging mechanism is received in the housing and located around the shaft. The cam defines a cam hole (506) therethrough, and includes a cam portion (502) received in the housing. One end of the cam portion has a cam surface (508). The cam hole engagingly receives the shaft, so that the cam rotates with the shaft. The opposite end of the urging mechanism biases the cam. The follower is retained in the pinholes. The follower rotates relative to the shaft and is movably engaged with the cam surface.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a media player having a main body and a cover body, includes a first hinge subassembly. The first hinge subassembly includes a first base plate adapted to be secured to the main body of the media player, a first joint axle secured to the first base plate, a first hinge arm adapted to be secured to the cover of the media player, several resilient bushings surrounding the first joint axle and arranged adjacent the first end of the first hinge arm, and an adjustable fastener coupled to the first joint axle for exerting an adjustable force applied to the first end of the first hinge arm. The first hinge arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the first joint axle. The adjustable fastener is positioned to generate a friction force between the first end of the first hinge arm and the at least one resilient bushing, and the friction force is sufficient to overcome gravitational force acting on the cover of the media player.