Abstract: A method of dyeing or printing cellulose-containing fibre materials using disperse dyes that comprises treating the fibre material with an aqueous composition comprising a watersoluble or water-dispersible polyester resin and a water-soluble or water-dispersible acrylate binder produces level dyeings and prints having good allround fastness properties and is advantageously suitable for cellulose-containing fibre blends, for example blends consisting of polyester and cellulose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture of fluorescent whitening agents comprising 11 to 20% by weight of a compound of formula (1), and 80 to 89% by weight of a compound of formula (2), wherein R1 denotes hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, C5-C14aryl or C6-C24aralkyl and X is a bivalent radical of formula (3), (4) or (5) compositions containing the mixture and the use of the compositions for whitening synthetic fibres, in particular, polyester.

Abstract: A foldable bridge platform including a platform, a base bracket with casters installed beneath the bottom thereof, and a vertical rail erected and secured on the base bracket which provides the platform with a guide for adjusting the height thereof. The platform includes at least one main board and two side boards which are pivotally connected to the outer sides of the main board. The main board has a plurality of supporting bulges fixed at the outer sides thereof in order to support the horizontally unfolded side boards. By folding up the side boards of the platform, the width of the bridge platform can be greatly reduced. The foldable bridge platform is thereby convenient for movement and storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber reinforced polymer composite deck module and a deck constructed by assembling the deck modules, the deck module comprising an upper plate having an upper extension at its one side, a lower plate having a lower extension at its one side opposite to the side of the upper plate, and an interlink plate therebetween, forming therein a plurality of divisional portions of polygonal tubular cross-sectional shape, wherein at one side, including a first interlocking piece protruded downward at the end of the extension of the upper plate and a second interlocking piece protruded downward at a lower outer surface of the interlink plate, and at the other side, including a third interlocking piece protruded upward at an upper outer surface of the interlink plate and a fourth interlocking piece protruded upward at the end of the extension of the lower plate, wherein upon assembling the deck modules with each other, the first and second interlocking pieces of one module are detachably and mechanically sn

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: A device for removing earwax which adheres to a signal outputting portion of an in-the-ear hearing aid includes a case, a brush accommodated in the case 1, another case, and a liquid retaining member for absorbing disinfecting alcohol accommodated in the other case. A user may easily clean the signal outputting portion by simply contacting an earwax guard tip at the signal outputting portion of the hearing aid to the liquid retaining member, letting the alcohol soak into the earwax, and thereafter rubbing the earwax guard tip against the brush while moving the in-the-ear hearing aid back and forth, left and right, for example.

Abstract: A toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush, which comprises a handpiece equipped with a drive, a brush head carrier that is connectible to the handpiece, and several bristle supports that carry a respective bristle set, are movably mounted on the brush head carrier and drivable in an oscillatory manner by the drive, each of the bristle supports being adapted to be coupled to a translator element of the drive by means of a respective drive coupling. According to the invention the bristle supports each have drive coupling means enabling them to be coupled to eccentric drivers of the drive translator element which is adapted to be driven for rotation about a longitudinal axis. Owing to the arrangement of two separately mounted bristle supports which are driven by a common drive translator element about various axes of motion, it is possible to achieve an improved cleaning effect by simple means.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle, a head with first and second bristle holders and a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. A motor is disposed within the handle. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. The shaft pivots in a side-to-side direction and is operatively connected to the first and second bristle holders to move the second bristle holder in a side-to-side direction and to oscillate the first bristle holder about an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head.

Abstract: In a wheel supported floor and carpet push brush of the type having an array of aggressive bristles and another array of bristles which are of lesser diameter than the aggressive bristles carried on the dowel so that the brush can be turned over to bring a selected one of the arrays into operative sweeping position, the improvement wherein the average diameter of the aggressive bristles is no greater than about 0.012 inches with a preferred diameter being about 0.010 inches, and the other array of bristles have an average maximum diameter less than 0.010 inches with a preferred diameter being about 0.008 inches.

Abstract: A hand-guided sweeper (1) includes a guide rod (3) on which a handle (24) is mounted for guiding the sweeper (1) over the ground. The sweeper (1) has at least one sweeper brush (10), which is driven in rotation by a drive motor (2), and at least one wheel (5). The wheel (5) and the sweeper brush (10) lie against the ground during operation of the sweeper (1). The sweeper (1) has a first adjusting device (50) which permits an adjustment of the guide rod (3) relative to the sweeper brush (10) about a vertical axis (43) referred to the ground.

Abstract: A cleaning implement is provided for cleaning surfaces with a cleaning substrate. The cleaning implement includes a handle connected via a universal joint to a mop head. The mop head includes a bumper pad, which is made of a deformable and nonabsorbent material. The bumper pad can be deformed in the Z direction and within the X-Y plane. The cleaning implement can also include a motor for causing a portion of the mop head to move relative to the handle.

Abstract: Disclosed are hand-held scrubbing devices of the type having a replaceable pad. These devices have a handle which is extruded and extremely flexible. The pads are multi-layer and may be pre-impregnated with a cleaner concentrate. A shipping/docking container for use therewith is also disclosed which has the capability of reducing its overall size once the product has reached the consumer.

Abstract: A multipurpose cleaning implement that functions both as a broom and a scuff removing device. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plastic base that serves as the attachment point for (i) a plurality of bristles (ii) a handle, and (iii) a device that is useful for removing scuff marks from floors. A first general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a friction forming material that has been attached to a base or support that includes a rounded or curved forward surface. A second general embodiment of the scuff removing device includes a detachable scuff remover that includes a piece of friction forming material mounted on a base which may be clipped to the end of a broom handle opposite the broom head.

Abstract: The cleaning implement includes a shaft having an operator end and a cleaning end, a mop head comprising a liquid-absorbent material and a wringing mechanism. The mop head and the wringing mechanism are movable relative to one another between at least a cleaning position and a plurality of wringing positions. The wringing mechanism includes a roller which compresses at least a portion of the liquid-absorbent material to thereby expel liquid therefrom. The plastic roller has a plurality of spaced ribs defining cavities therebetween. The ribs are complementally shaped and dimensioned to allow rolling contact relative to the liquid absorbent material as travel takes place between the cleaning position and a wringing position.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a head (10) carrying a group of bristles (20); an elongated handle (30), having a free end (31) and an opposite end (32); and a neck (40), connecting the opposite end (32) of the handle (30) to the head (10). Said handle (30) presents, on its front face (30a) and at the opposite end (32), a first shoulder (33) defining a thumb supporting front region (33a); and, on its rear face (30b) and spaced from the free end (31), a second shoulder (34) having opposite sides for supporting the little finger and the ring finger, respectively. The first and the second shoulders (33, 34) are used when the toothbrush is gripped with the bristles (20) turned to the user. The handle (30) has a cross section contour that increases generally from the thumb supporting region (33a), close to the first shoulder (33), to the second shoulder (34).

Abstract: A toothbrush in the form of a manual toothbrush having a rectangular bristle array (1) or in the form of an electric toothbrush having a round bristle array (1), formed from individual bristle bundles (2), arranged adjacent to each other on a brush head and standing erect at approximately right angles thereto is provided. At least some of the individual bristle bundles (4) are at least partly inclined or roof-shaped with respect to a plane approximately parallel to the brush head (2), such that bristles in the bristle bundles (4) stand to differing heights whereby the terminal surfaces arranged at the applied ends of the bristle bundles (4) are embodied as inclined surfaces (5) or as partly inclined surfaces. The bristle bundles (4) are arranged in a line adjacent to each other along imaginary straight or curved connecting lines, or for round brushes, along segmental or circular connection lines.

Abstract: Bristles for brushes for washing vehicles are made by molding closed-cell polyolefin foam in a pressurized mold to form a block. The block then is cut into sheets to form the brush bristles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indoor cleaning tool having a dry fibrous base material. An antigenicity-reducing composition that includes an antigenicity-reducing component, a lubricant, and a surfactant is applied to the fibrous base material. It would be preferable for the antigenicity-reducing component to be tannic acid.

Abstract: Present invention relates a suspendable magnetic brush for cleaning an aquarium with curved window surface, characterized in that an upper cover with an air chamber is attached tightly to a bottom cover with a cleaning material layer underneath, and an inner cover with a magnet located therein is provided inside the air chamber, said inner cover being attached to the bottom cover while isolated from the air chamber. Said upper cover having through holes connecting the air chamber to the exterior of the device. It is possible to adjust the air or liquid in the air chamber through the holes connecting the upper cover and the air chamber so that the weight of the interior magnetic brush can be adjusted so as to balance all the forces exerted upon the interior magnetic brush. As a result the interior elements of the brush can suspend in the water and move smoothly on the aquarium window upon the manipulation of the exterior brush.

Abstract: A dust mop having a base, debris-collecting protrusions, and one or more attachment members is provided. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The debris-collecting protrusions are defined on the bottom surface. Each of the protrusions defines a planar section facing a cleaning direction. The attachment members removably secure a cleaning sheet over the bottom surface.

Abstract: A grill cleaning apparatus is provided for scraping to the grooves of grill broiler plates to remove unwanted matter comprising of an elongated body having a handle portion at one end and a scraper portion at the other end, with a claw extending outward from the scraper portion. The claw is shaped to fit into the angled grooves of most grills, having a trunk with at least two side portions that widen outward from the scraper portion and terminates with a plurality of spaced apart teeth. Each tooth has at least one projection for accessing the depth of the grooves to grasp and release any unwanted matter.

Abstract: The invention concerns a connector (36) for linking one end of a wiper arm (32a, 32b, 32c) to a first transverse hinge pin (54) belonging to a structural element (38) of a wiper blade (30), the connector (36), comprising: a first housing (70) wherein the first transverse hinge pin (54) can be inserted; a second housing (84) for receiving a second transverse hinge pin (62), belonging to a second category of arm (32b), said second housing (84) being partly delimited by a first elastically deformable lower tab (86) which extends globally longitudinally, whereof one first longitudinal end (86a) is fixed to the connector and is adapted to be retractable to enable the second pin (62) to be inserted, and to transversely lock the second pin (62) in mounted position in the second housing (84).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for rinsing out and spin drying a wiping body, which is mounted on a wiping head of a surface cleaning device, comprising a container which has a rinsing region and a spin dryer region, a wiping head mount being mounted rotatably in the spin dryer region, into which wiping head mount the wiping head can be inserted together with the wiping body and which wiping head mount can be driven rotationally by means of a drive device in order to remove moisture from the wiping body, the rinsing region accommodating a cleaning fluid, and it being possible for the wiping head together with the wiping body to be inserted into the rinsing region.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for floors and carpets includes a vacuum pick-up in front of the machine for suctioning loose material and debris off the floor. A microfiber cleaning assembly is mounted beneath the machine for cleaning the floor following the vacuum pick-up. The microfiber cleaning element may be motor driven. A source of solution delivers a controlled amount of solution or water to moisten the microfiber cloth. A vacuum motor provides suction to the forward vacuum pick-up, routes the suctioned air through a filter, and the filtered air is then delivered to an air diffuser to dry any residual moisture behind the microfiber cleaning assembly. The microfiber cleaning assembly may have two offset pads driven by a reciprocating or oscillating drive, or one or two cylindrical rollers for receiving and securing the microfiber fabric in the form of a sleeve.

Abstract: A street sweeper with vacuumized dust control where a rotary broom chamber surrounds a rotary broom. The rotary broom chamber connects by a conveyor housing containing a conveyor mechanism to a hopper having a powered fan and a filter. A vacuum or low pressure is created within the hopper which communicates through the conveyor housing to the rotary broom chamber which creates an airflow therebetween which carries dust or other light debris to a filter which filters out the dust particles or other light debris. The conveyor housing and other components are positionable to accommodate various modes of operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tool for cleaning particles from a wafer stage, comprising: a main body, a driving device, a power supply, and a cleaning module composed of a rotary base, a turntable, and an elastic member, wherein the main body is designed to be extendable, having a accommodating space disposed at the front thereof, and the driving device is arranged in the accommodating space for driving the cleaning module, and the power supply is coupled to the driving device for providing power to the same. Moreover, the rotary base is connected to the turntable by way of the elastic member, so that the driving device can drive the turntable to rotate for cleaning the wafer stage. A plurality turntables of different characteristic can be selected to be used in the cleaning module of the invention with respect to different cleaning requirement and environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing sediment from a waterway using a high pressure water spray and a suction line (22) is disclosed. The high pressure water is directed through a pressure line (20) that may be mounted inside the suction line (22). The high pressure water helps to suspend sediment that has settled in the waterway. Water and suspended sediment is then vacuumed up by the suction line (22) and deposited outside the water for further treatment or disposal. The apparatus (12) is designed to be hand-held by an individual situated in the waterway, such that great control over which specific locations within the waterway are being treated.

Abstract: A caster has a cylindrical housing defining a cylindrical bore with a pair of spaced apart cord shaped journals in the bore. The journals have aligned openings and a shaft extends in the openings and across the space between the journals. A roller is mounted for rotation on the shaft and in the space between the journals and a bearing is mounted between the roller and the shaft. The bearing is between the journals for holding the journals apart and it has an axial length that is greater than the axial width of the roller so that the roller rotates freely between the journals.

Abstract: A hinge construction is for connecting two components. The hinge construction includes a first securing part which can be fixed on a first of the two components, a second securing part which can be fixed on the second component, and a hinge part. The hinge construction further includes a first coupling device for the rotatable coupling of the first securing part to the hinge part, and a second coupling device for the pivotable coupling of the hinge part to the second securing part. The second coupling device, in order to set a distance between the two components, includes two corresponding, curved coupling surfaces, which run parallel to the pivot axis and of which a first is provided on the hinge part and the second is provided on the second securing part.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a main member having a main cam member and a bore extending generally along an axis of rotation. A pivot member, fixed to an end of a shaft extending through the bore, includes a pivot cam member and is rotatable with respect to the main member. At least one torque element is rotatably engaged with the shaft and is substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the main member. The at least one torque element imparts a first frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a second frictional resistance to the shaft with rotation of the shaft in a second direction. The first frictional resistance is greater than the second frictional resistance. Interaction of the main cam member with the pivot cam member assists in maintaining the hinge assembly in at least first and second positions.

Abstract: A device has a closed position and at least first and second open positions. The device includes a base. A hinge assembly is engaged with the base. The hinge assembly has first and second axes. A hinged portion is engaged with the hinge assembly. The hinged portion is individually pivotable with respect to the base about each of the first and second axes of the hinge assembly. Pivoting of the hinged portion about the first axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the first open position. Relative pivoting of the hinged portion about the second axis moves the device between the closed position and at least the second open position.

Abstract: The basal end part of a second arm is turnably connected to the leading end part of the first arm. An engagement recess is formed in the leading end face of the first arm. The second arm is provided at its basal end part with a lock member such that the lock member is movable in the longitudinal direction of the second arm, and the lock member is biased toward the basal end of the second arm by a tension coiled spring. The lock member is provided with an engagement pin engageable with the engagement recess through a roller so that the first arm and the second arm are non-turnably locked. A turnable member is turnably disposed on the lock member and abutted with the roller by a tension coiled spring. An abutment surface of the turnable member is abutted with an arcuate surface formed on the leading end part of the first arm. By this, the lock member is brought into a release retaining position where the roller is brought out of the engagement recess.

Abstract: A hinge for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, a portable compact disc player and the like, includes a body member and at least one contact provided on the body member. Structure is provided for electrically connecting each contact to a first portion of the electronic device. Structure is also provided for connecting each contact to a second portion of the electronic device. The hinge can be repeatedly used without wear or rubbing action because the ends of the contacts always remain connected to the electrical components of the upper and lower portions of the electronic device. If damaged, only the hinge needs to be replaced and the connections to the electronic device reinstated.

Abstract: A control knob controls jog/shuttle operations on an audio/video payback/record device. The knob is formed of a cylindrical body having an outer portion and a face portion that has convex and concave regions, respectively, integral with each other. The convex region lies centered within, and surrounded by the concave region and with the two regions joined with a smooth radius transition. The smooth radius transition creates a topology that allows manipulation of the knob with only a small frictional force by a single finger of a user (not shown), thus allowing precisely rotation of knob to enter a jog mode at any angular position of the finger.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing a fibre web, for example of cotton, synthetic fibres or the like, a web-former and/or a web-bonder is/are arranged downstream of a flock feeder device and the fibre material is conveyable. In order to make it possible by simple means to produce a uniform fibre web, a drafting device is arranged between the flock feeder device, on the one hand, and the web-former and/or the web-bonder, on the other hand, for drafting of the flock material.

Abstract: A device that attaches to any object by looping around it, and also attaches to the user's key ring, enabling the user to easily locate their keys at any time.

Abstract: An improved locking therapeutic device for use in connection with a foot injury or other wound which is locked by a medical care provider. The locking therapeutic device may only be removed by the medical care provider or other authorized party in the event removal is necessary. The locking therapeutic device may be used in connection with medical applications where it is desired that the healing/protective environment remain in place for a prolonged period.

Abstract: A fixture (5A) for fixing a button body (4A) on a fabric (1) includes a flange (51), a fixing post (52) provided at the center of the flange, and a packing (53) provided on the flange. The packing (53) includes a spacer (58) provided on a surface of the flange confronting the fabric, and a retainer edge (60) extending from the spacer (58) to a surface opposite to the fixing post (52) via a connecting portion (59) and covering at least a part of an outer circumferential edge of the flange (51) except an area occupied by a pressure receiver (54).

Abstract: A cable holder is provided with an attachment portion to be attached to a strap retainer of a portable device, and a holder plate portion having a plurality of supporting projections. The attachment portion is provided with at least one claw to engage with the strap retainer. The claw elastically deforms for attaching/detaching the cable holder. A cable hole for inserting the cable is formed between two contiguous supporting projections. The cable is threaded in the cable hole between the supporting projections. With friction between the supporting projections and the cable, the cable is prevented from being unplugged.

Abstract: A male fastener element extends integrally from a planar base and includes a primary engagement hook and a secondary engagement structure (e.g., a hook). The primary engagement hook has a stem portion that is integrally molded with the planar base and that extends from the planar base to a distal end. The primary engagement hook also has an overhang portion that extends from the distal end of the stem portion and that has an underside surface overhanging an open volume for receiving loops. The secondary engagement structure, which is shorter than the primary engagement hook, is disposed immediately adjacent the primary engagement hook and extends from a side surface of the primary engagement hook. The secondary engagement structure extends from the base to a distal end that is disposed, in side view, below the underside surface of the overhang portion of the primary engagement hook.

Abstract: The present invention is a CPU clamp including an upper clamp and a lower clamp that, by utilizing an elastic body and hooks, a CPU can be easily and swiftly taken out of and placed on a mount, thereby preventing damage to the CPU due to being carelessly hit during operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a multipurpose fastener have been disclosed.

Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly having a housing, two cams, a knurl bar, and two springs. Each spring is operatively arranged to engage both a respective cam and the knurl bar. The housing includes integral bearing walls for the cams.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment connector includes a catch, a housing, and a locking member. The catch has an end with an engaging member, and the housing has a cavity and a supporting member. The locking member is positioned within the cavity and has a first position and a second position. The cavity and the locking member have a first configuration when the locking member is in the first position, and the cavity and the locking member have a second configuration when the locking member is in the second position. The first configuration is configured and arranged to receive the end of the catch. The second configuration is configured and arranged to engage the end of the catch between the supporting member and the locking member thereby locking the catch, and the supporting member of the housing provides a surface upon which the engaging member exerts force should a fall occur.

Abstract: A bone-ashes urn preserving case includes a case body, a soft cushion and two positioning members. The case body has a chamber in its interior, and the soft cushion is attached on a rear wall of the case body, and the positioning members are respectively adhered on the inner surfaces of two opposite sidewalls of the case body. Each positioning members are made of soft plastic, shaped as a palm with five fingers, having an inner embrace surface for softly embracing two sides of a bone-ashes urn when it is placed in the chamber of the case body, with the soft cushion resting against the rear side of the urn. So the urn never sways or inclines in the case body even in case of an earthquake, always safely kept therein without possibility of getting any damage.

Abstract: A horizontal casket memorabilia shelf is disclosed. The horizontal casket memorabilia shelf includes a horizontal surface, removably disposed on the apex of a curved casket foot panel, for displaying personal memorabilia of the deceased, at least one support for maintaining the horizontal surface's position on the apex of the curved casket as personal memorabilia is situated, and a tubular support that interchangeably accepts objects such as miniature flagpoles, hat racks, and coat trees/valets.

Abstract: A casket comprises a casket shell, a casket lid closeable upon the shell, and a memorial shelf pivoted to the lid and movable to and between an extended position at which the shelf is adapted to support items of memorialization and a retracted position.

Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus including a spinning dope main tank, a metering pump, a nozzle block, a collector positioned at the lower end of the nozzle block for collecting spun fibers, a voltage generator, a plurality of units for transmitting a voltage generated by the voltage generator to the nozzle block and the collector, said electrospinning apparatus containing: a spinning dope drop device positioned between the metering pump and the nozzle block, the spinning dope drop device having (i) a sealed cylindrical shape, (ii) a spinning dope inducing tube and a gas inletting tube for receiving gas through its lower end and having its gas inletting part connected to a filter aligned side-by-side at the upper portion of the spinning dope drop device, (iii) a spinning dope discharge tube extending from the lower portion of the spinning dope drop device, and (iv) a hollow unit for dropping the spinning dope from the spinning dope inducing tube formed at the middle portion of the spinning dope-drop device.

Abstract: In a needle loom having at least one needle bar coupled by cam follower means to two eccentric shafts in order to be moved by said eccentric shafts in a movement path having two components which are normal to one another, the eccentric shafts are each provided with eccentric cams which have equal amounts of eccentricity and are adapted to be synchronously rotated, and said cam followers rotatably mounted on said eccentric cams are movably connected to one another by at least one coupling element which is adapted to yield in one direction but is stiff in a direction normal thereto.

Abstract: An improved recloseable ring and a method of manufacturing thereof.