Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system for a motor vehicle includes an inlet port disposed in a predetermined portion of an interior passenger cabin and an outlet port disposed in a predetermined portion of a cargo area of such vehicle and which are connected therebetween with a conduit. A suction generating assembly is disposed within the cargo area and includes a housing attached to a floor member of the cargo area. The housing has an intake opening aligned with the outlet port and an exhaust opening disposed on an outer surface of the housing and which are connected therebetween by a passageway. A waste collection container is removably disposed within the housing intermediate the intake and the exhaust openings. A flexible hose engages the inlet port for vacuum cleaning the interior passenger cabin.

Abstract: When a residual quantity of a battery of a self-propelled cleaner is decreased, automatic cleaning is interrupted and driving of a cleaner mechanism is simultaneously stopped, and when a forward obstacle is detected while allowing a self-propelled cleaner to be traveled along a wall, a rotary encoder measures a traveling distance of a cleaner body BD, thereby measuring a depth of the obstacle. Then, in a case where the measured traveling distance (X) is equal to a width (H) of a charger device that projects from the wall, it is judged that the obstacle is the charger device, and traveling of the self-propelled cleaner is controlled in such a manner that its charging terminal is operatively connected to an electrical supply terminal of the charger device. Thus said charging-type travel system is precisely self-traveled to a charger device and cause itself be positively subjected to charging.

Abstract: A connection arrangement between a vacuum cleaner and a suction tool includes a pivot element pivotably connected to the suction tool and a rotation element rotatably coupled to the pivot element. A suction wand, hose, handle or other vacuum port of the vacuum cleaner is removably connected to a connection end of the rotation element. Coupling ends of the pivot and rotation elements are inserted one in the other, and respectively have circumferential grooves that form a circumferential channel therebetween. Plural partial ring segment elements are received in the circumferential channel to form a connection ring that rotatably secures the pivot and rotation elements. The ring segment elements are inserted into or removed from the channel through a selectively coverable opening in the rotation element or the pivot element. A catch cooperates with a detent to hold a vertically pivoted, rotationally centered rest position of the components.

Abstract: A battery-powered vacuum cleaner is provided with a battery pack that generates heat and is capable of efficiently cooling the battery pack. The battery pack of the battery-powered vacuum cleaner is cooled by a vacuum cleaner cooling method.

Abstract: A mobile radio communication apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge part that foldably connects the second housing to the first housing, a one touch opening mechanism that is provided to the hinge part, and automatically opens the second housing from a folded state to an angle between 160° and 170° relative to the first housing in a non-stop motion, a damper mechanism that is provided to the hinge part and brakes an opening action of the second housing by the one touch opening mechanism, the damper mechanism including a damper having a rotational shaft that generates a braking power and a damper bush having a fixed shaft connected to the rotational shaft, and a flexible printed circuit that is twisted around the rotational or fixed shaft of the damper mechanism, and electrically connects the first and second housings to each other.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first base plate, a second base plate, and a riser. The second base plate is pivotally coupled to the first base plate about a pivot axis and the riser extends from a surface of one of the first base plate and the second base plate. The riser defines a plurality of apertures such that each of the apertures is offset from the pivot axis and spaced a different distance from the surface of the one of the first base late and the second base plate.

Abstract: The rotary type hinge unit that has a stand-hinge body with a circular hole, the stand-hinge body fixed to a stand of a flat panel display device; a leaf spring placed within the circular hole of the stand-hinge body; and a panel-hinge body fixed to a fiat panel display panel and rotated as the flat display panel is rotated, wherein the panel-hinge body has a folding portion that passes through the circular hole of the stand-hinge body and surrounds the leaf spring such that the leaf spring is fixed to the folding portion, wherein the panel-hinge body comprises a plurality of slots that contact with a base end of the folding portion.

Abstract: A method of relating elastic cord to a pre-existing linear structure such as a wire, tube or non-elastic cordage in order to deform said structure and impart elastic handling properties of a common curly cord. The resulting assembly is a foreshortened version of the pre-existing length that is axially elastic and therefore easier to handle, store and use. The preferred method involves creating attachments between one or more stretched elastic cords and a linear structure at close intervals along the structure such that when the elastic is allowed to retract, it pulls the subject structure into a series of substantially uniform loops or bends depending on the shape of stiffness of the original structure. Methods of attachment between the linear structure and the elastic may vary, but the preferred embodiment would be a series of slipknots.

Abstract: This invention provides a coupling for connecting two trash containers together. This enables householders to pull more containers to the curb with fewer trips. Additional couplers could be used to connect additional containers and form a train of containers.

Abstract: A knitted fabric female fastening portion for a mechanical fastener having a knitted fabric, an underlying substrate, a bonding layer, said bonding layer having a first plurality of non-intersecting bond lines and a second plurality of non-intersecting bond lines which are combined to form a pattern of intersecting bond lines that define tessellating pattern elements. Said pattern of intersecting bond lines may have a CD percent coverage standard deviation not equal to 0% and an MD percent coverage standard deviation not equal to 0%.

Abstract: A two-part buckle is provided with male and female components and associated surfaces for engagement one against the other when the male buckle component is inserted in the female buckle component. A portion of the female buckle component defines a lever for deflecting the male buckle component and disassociating the engaging surfaces for releasing the male buckle component from the female buckle component. A lanyard is secured to the lever for operating the lever portion of the female buckle component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a restraint comprising a buckle (200) configured to secure a latch (120) when said latch (120) is engaged with said buckle (200). The restraint also comprises complementary locks (280a, 280b) associated with said buckle (200) that are configured to prevent release of said latch (120) from engagement with said buckle (200) in a first position and to allow release of said latch from engagement with said buckle in a second position. The restraint further comprises an electro-magnet (385) associated with said buckle (200) and said locks (280a, 280b), said electro-magnet (385) being configured to prevent said locks (280a, 280b) from being moved from said second position when said electro-magnet (385) is in a first state and to allow said locks (280a, 280b) to be moved in a second state, said first state being determined through activation of a remote activator (530).

Abstract: A novel quick release locking mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is comprised of a male latch member and a female receptacle. The male latch member is comprised of an arbor with a planar handle at its proximal end and a catch apparatus at its distal end. The arbor is further equipped with a slidable annulus that moves between the lower margin of the planar handle and the catch apparatus. The female receptacle is comprised of a housing and a duality of notched resilient arms. Operation of the locking mechanism is achieved by introduction of the male latch member into the female receptacle with sufficient force to urge open the resilient arms which then springably close around the catch means, thus locking the mechanism. The female receptacle is further supplied with appropriate stops to prevent separation forces from inducing upward travel of the resilient arms during use, thus increasing lock strength and durability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing device for laces used in footwear, clothes, bags, and so on, and that can be configured in an extremely simple manner while maintaining the lace at a tightly fixed state when in use, without having any slip, thereby ensuring convenience of use. The present invention provides a fixing device for a lace that includes fixing plates that are extended from both sides of a curved plate thereof, so as to be applied to clothes, bags, etc., and means that is formed on elastic fixing projection pieces and a protruded part corresponding to the elastic fixing projection pieces, for preventing the lace from being moved to or deviated from one side of the elastic fixing projection pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a multilayered fabric comprising a first absorbable nonwoven fabric and a second absorbable woven or knitted fabric.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for producing a nonwoven fabric comprising a conveyor for transmitting a mat to means designed to compact same in thickness and means designed to reduce the speed of the web while it is being compacted, by the compacting means, thereby obtaining an enhanced ratio of properties lengthwise relative to crosswise properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making an article for furniture, lighting products, architectural applications and the like. A nonwoven heat-shrinkable fiber sleeve is fitted onto a three-dimensional wire frame so that the wire frame is inside the sleeve and the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the frame. The assembly is heated. The fiber sleeve bonds to the wire frame, shrinks and hardens with cooling. Also disclosed is a technique for forming components such as furniture panels from expandable frames positioned within flexible sleeve members.

Abstract: A method for converting a dump truck body into an improved truck body. The dump truck body is configured for hauling a payload and has a canopy, a floor, two sidewalls, and a front wall. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: if the dump truck body has a tailgate, removing the tailgate; extending the floor to the rear by adding a floor extension component at a floor angle approximately ten degrees greater than a pre-conversion floor angle; increasing the height of the sidewalls by adding two fabricated sidewall attachment components; and tying the sidewall extensions into the rear of the floor extension component by adding a fabricated component. Preferably, a material dam is incorporated into the canopy forward of the front wall to form a shelf that is configured to retain and balance the payload.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods for deploying and/or recycling wireless tags, such as RFID tags and wireless sensors, and the containers they may be attached to. Also disclosed are improved RFID tag and wireless sensor configurations. In one configuration, an RFID tag/wireless sensor system is described that leaves RFID tags and wireless sensors undamaged and capable of reuse through numerous cycles. Methods are also disclosed for reducing waste and pollution resulting from wireless tags contaminating existing recycled waste streams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing a surface area profile required for a gasket part cut from a sheet of gasket material. The method generally includes receiving or determining at least one property of the gasket material, and receiving or determining a final shape of the gasket. The final shape includes a final side wall width, a final side wall thickness and a final topology. The final topology is associated with a first surface area profile. Based on the property(s) and the final shape, a contorted topology of the gasket is determined or calculated where the contorted topology is associated with a second surface area profile that is smaller than the first surface area profile. Once cut, the gasket with the contorted topology is selectively formable into the final topology.

Abstract: A pin connection structure is used in a floating type brake disc assembly. The assembly is made up of a hub, and an annular disc which is concentrically disposed around the hub with a clearance therebetween. The hub and the disc have plural sets of semicircular connecting dents opening toward the clearance to thereby form respective inserting holes. A hollow pin is inserted into each of the inserting holes with a washer fitted on that one end of the hollow pin which is subsequently caulked radially outward for fixing the washer in position. The hollow pin is made of a metal having a surface-treated layer, and the caulked end of the hollow pin is formed into a convex shape in at least part of the end portion.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the present invention is designed for assembling a load floor (12) having a peripheral slot (22) and an overlaying layer (24, 28). The apparatus (10) tucks the overhang of the overlaying layer (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22). At least one holding device (52) holds the load floor (12). At least one tucking tool (54) tucks the overhang of the overlaying layer (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22) to fold the overhang over the peripheral slot (22) and thereafter tucking the overhang into the peripheral slot (22). The invention includes a method of sequentially folding and thereafter tucking the overhang of the overlaying layers (24, 28) into the peripheral slot (22).

Abstract: An automatic rivet loading module which includes a pusher mechanism, a gripper mechanism, a mandrel receptacle, mechanisms for moving mandrels in the mandrel receptacle, and a tool activation device. The gripper mechanism receives a rivet, and a mandrel is moved through the rivet such that the rivet threads onto the mandrel. The gripper mechanism moves out of the way while the pusher mechanism pushes the mandrel down. The pusher mechanism then retracts, and the gripper mechanism closes and is ready to receive another rivet. This process is repeated until the mandrel is full of rivets. The mandrel receptacle is rotatable such that the loaded mandrel swings to a position under the tool activation device to be loaded into a rivet tool. As the loaded mandrel is swung under the tool activation block, a new mandrel is swung under the gripper mechanism, in position for loading with rivets.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an upper reveal that conforms to a curved portion of a window opening of a motor vehicle door frame. The upper reveal is formed from TPV and a carrier. The method includes the steps of: co-extruding the TPV with the carrier; curing the TPV to form the upper reveal; heating the upper reveal to a temperature greater than a heat deformation temperature of the TPV; and bending the upper reveal to conform to the curved portion of the window opening of the motor vehicle door frame.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method of shielding against ingress and egress of electromagnetic energy relative to an electronic device housing generally includes selecting a color from a plurality of colors for an aesthetically colored portion of at least one electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield. The EMI shield is coupled to the electronic device housing such that the aesthetically colored portion is visible external to the housing.

Abstract: In a method for producing a pivotable bearing between a gripper and a gripper tube bearing the latter or between a gripper shaft and a gripper tube enclosing the latter coaxially, provision is made for all the components to be mounted on the gripper tube to be fixed before a sliding bearing formed as a resin-hardener system is introduced between the respectively pivotably connected parts. In this manner, deformations brought about by the fixing of the components can be compensated for.

Abstract: A layout arranging system doing automatic layout of a system being constituted of assembling units. More particularly, a layout arranging system (102) communicable with a plurality of connectable conveyors (C/V 1-12), comprising a module for recognizing connected conveyors (C/V 1-12), a module for acquiring information concerning recognized conveyors (C/V 1-12), and a module for laying out the recognized conveyors (C/V 1-12).

Abstract: A method includes blasting the interior surfaces of the fitting to stator bar strand joint with CO2 pellets to remove loose copper oxide which otherwise would interfere with proper sealing between an epoxy and the copper surfaces of the joint. After cleaning the surfaces and applying air under pressure to remove particulate material, epoxy is applied to the brazed joints followed by an evacuation of the fitting to strand joint. Subsequent release of the vacuum ensures that the epoxy fills in all crevices or cracks at the joint surfaces and minimizes or eliminates any tendency of the epoxy to delaminate.

Abstract: An inductor for high current applications includes a nonconductive, tubular form which defines a tube axis and has a cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface is formed with a groove that extends helically about the tube axis. The inductor further includes a coiled, conductive wire that is formed with a plurality of turns. The wire is wound around the outer surface of the form with at least a portion of the wire disposed in the groove. With this structure, the form maintains a predetermined separation between adjacent turns of the coil preventing deformation of the coiled wire by strong magnetic forces that are generated when relatively high electrical currents are passed through the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a defective PCB unit formed on a PCB panel includes a location correcting table on which a nondefective PCB unit for replacing the defective PCB unit is disposed, a panel seating table, on which a PCB panel where the defective PCB unit is removed is disposed, a seating table support on which the panel seating table is detachable installed by a fastener, a location correcting driver for driving the location correcting table relative to the panel seating table to correct location of the nondefective PCB unit with respect to the PCB panel, a vision camera for reading location of specific points on the nondefective PCB unit and the PCB panel respectively disposed on the location correcting table and the panel seating table, a reading location varying driver for sequentially moving the specific potions read by the vision camera below the vision camera, and a controller for controlling the location correcting driver and the reading location varying driver, receiving operation results of t

Abstract: A method for delivering a geometric type stress relief element to a terminated electrical cable is provided. The cable contains a conductor surrounded by at least one coaxial layer of insulator, semiconductor, grounded wires and cable jacket. First, the terminated cable is tapered to expose a portion of the conductor so as to protrude beyond the insulation, which protrudes beyond semiconductor, which protrudes beyond the conductive wires. A geometric stress cone is preloaded onto a cold shrink tube. The terminated, tapered cable is inserted into the cold shrink tube. The cold shrink tube is removed and the geometric stress cone collapses onto the tapered cable. The cable is rated for supplying high voltage.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing a driven compressor housing including a bore having an inner surface configured to engage a shaft-mounted knife seal. The method includes the steps of removing material from the bore inner surface, press-fitting a sleeve into the bore, and plasma-spraying an abradable coating onto the bore inner surface.

Abstract: A reformer for a fuel cell system, a fabrication method thereof, and a fuel cell system are provided. The reformer includes a plurality of reaction substrates. The reaction substrates each have a reaction substrate body provided with a flow channel with micropores formed on the surface of the flow channel. In addition, a catalyst layer may be formed within the flow channel of the reaction substrate body. Since the reformer for a fuel cell system suggested in the present invention includes reaction substrates having micropores formed in the flow channel, it has a high specific surface area and high catalyst activity. Moreover, since the catalyst layer is formed by a deposition method, the reformer can be of a small proportion, occupying little space in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: An automatic bead jewelry making apparatus and related method of use is disclosed. The bead jewelry making apparatus comprises a bead bowl defining a cavity in communication with an opening, a brush arrangement comprising a handle and brush operatively associated with the bead bowl, and a motor operatively engaged to the bead bowl for rotating the bead bowl, wherein the brush arrangement is positioned such that the brush is disposed inside the cavity of the bead bowl when the bead bowl is rotated by the motor.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multilayered truss cores, which solves, among other things, key issues of bonding monolayered truss cores to one another. A multilayered truss core may be created from a single planar perform of an appropriate geometric pattern. Once the desired preform is manufactured it is then deformed into a three-dimensional (3D) truss network. This approach bypasses the need to stack and join monolayer truss cores, eliminating the additional tooling, lay-up, and interlayer bonding process steps. These multilayered cores may then be attached to facesheets or the like to form multilayered truss core panels or other multifunctional structures.

Abstract: An improved roller assembly for use in machinery such as round balers is disclosed. The roller assembly of the present invention reduces sensitivity to varying dimensional tolerances on the roller assembly and the structure to which the roller assembly is mounted. At least one elastic member is used to permit the axial position of at least one of the bearings on the roller assembly shaft to vary. Spring washers provide a predetermined, axial force to at least one of the bearings.

Abstract: Shaving razors and cartridges are featured that include one or more shaving aid portions. In some instances, the razors and cartridges include a shaving aid holder, configured to allow the shaving aid portion to deflect when pressure is applied to a surface of the shaving aid portion during shaving.

Abstract: Connecting structures are provided, for connecting a cartridge to a handle in a shaving razor, e.g., a razor for wet shaving.

Abstract: A shaving device having multiple razor blades 1 that is composed of an assembly of razor cartridges 4, each razor cartridge having at least one razor blade, the assembly having two or more detachable and physically interchangeable cartridges. This arrangement enables the user to disengage the razor cartridges and so exchange the front mounted razor cartridge with the razor cartridge aft of it. The shaving device may be composed of a handle 2 with a connection end 3 to which attaches the assembly of razor cartridges 4.

Abstract: A fixed blade knife, includes a handle, and a blade, coupled to the handle. The blade has a tang received within the handle. A plurality of lashing points defined by passages extending through both the handle and the tang are provided. The knife may be carried in a sheath with a knife sharpener removably coupled to the sheath.

Abstract: A fixed-blade knife includes a unitary blade having an implement, a tang, and a pivot region between the implement and the tang. The unitary blade is disposed between a pair of parallel and spaced-apart side pieces that pivot to cover or expose the implement. In the pivoted position wherein the implement is exposed, the side pieces form part of the handle that is used to grasp the knife. A locking structure locks the side pieces in a selectable position, and a limit structure prevents overrotation of the side pieces.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing and a blade carrier. The housing includes a channel and openings adjacent to the channel at three different sides of the housing. The blade carrier is sized to fit within and slide along the channel, and includes three engaging portions that extend from the openings such that a force bearing upon any of the portions can cause the blade carrier to slide along the channel.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull stripper-scraper comprises a single stripping blade and a quadruple-edged scraping blade. The stripping blade accommodates a sliding carrier plate which incorporates guide channels for sliding along the stripping blade. The carrier plate is adapted to retain the scraping blade, thus, the scraping blade moves in unison with the carrier plate as the it shifts in position along the stripping blade. The carrier plate, stripping blade and scraping blade also include apertures through which a fastening means secures these respective components but which nevertheless selectively permits movement of the carrier plate along the stripping blade. Significantly, the device allows a user to switch between using the stripping blade and scraping blade, respectively, without changing tools. This is particularly advantageous when using the device in conjunction with an extension pole.

Abstract: A device and a process for generating surface channels in plate-shaped workpieces are disclosed, wherein a tool is used which comprises a fastening section, whereon a tool receptacle is provided for fastening the tool to an oscillatory drive. The tool comprises a guiding section for guiding the tool along a surface of the workpiece, and further comprises a hollow knife protruding from the guiding section and having at least one cutting edge, wherein the guiding section is configured plate-shaped and is connected rigidly with first and second ends of the hollow knife.

Abstract: In a process for making a blade member for a cutter assembly of an electric shaver, a blade member blank is stamped from a strip of metal, with the blade member having opposite sides and a peripheral edge. An elongate channel is stamped into at least one side of the blade member blank, with the elongate channel having a generally arcuate cross-section for at least in part defining a blade member cutting edge having an acute cutting angle. In a cutter assembly for an electric shaver, a plurality of such blade members are mounted on a support shaft.

Abstract: A sharpener, which is easy to handle and manufacture, has an integrated pencil cap for sharpening and storing a cosmetic pencil. A sharpener housing accommodates a paring device for the pencil and has an insertion opening for the pencil disposed substantially concentrically with a pencil guide axis of the paring device. The sharpener further includes a pencil cap to be put onto the pencil and has an open end and a closed end lying opposite along a cap axis. The sharpener housing is connected to the pencil cap in an articulated manner such that the pencil cap can be pivoted relative to the sharpener housing into a closed position, in which the pencil cap closes the insertion opening of the sharpener housing, and also into an open position, in which the insertion opening of the sharpener housing is freed for insertion of the pencil.

Abstract: The line marking means comprises of a channel with an ink feeding system and an overflow control system in fluid connection with the channel which also functions as the ink applicator. The ink feeding system comprises of a reservoir that contains an ink to be delivered into the channel through one or more tubes. A flow control mechanism may be disposed between the reservoir and the channel to control the rate of delivery of the ink into the channel. The overflow control system comprises of one or more tubes that will remove the excess amount of ink from the channel and redeposit the excess ink back into the reservoir or the excess ink may be discarded. If the flow control mechanism has the capability to accurately control the rate of delivery of the ink into the channel, the overflow control system will not be necessary.

Abstract: The invention is a single unit archery bow sighting device which contains the front and rear sight reticles and mounts on the riser of all types of archery equipment. The rear sight is pivotally mounted reticles of blade wheel type construction with a plurality of sight blades providing a plurality of range settings. The blades are locked into the wheel by set screws by which each blade may be adjusted in elevation individually. The front sight blade has dual purpose both as a sighting device and a range finder. There is an eye screw under the front sight blade to which a measure of thread is attached. The wind's influence on this thread which hangs below the sight assists in reading the wind velocity and direction for accuracy in target shooting as well as for stalking prey.

Abstract: A self-leveling laser alignment tool and method thereof which provides a laser beam in a substantially truly level or plumb orientation are disclosed. Magnetic attraction is used to compensate for leveling errors of an approximately or partially leveled pendulum platform that is suspended from a flexible suspension element having a predetermined material stiffness. The material stiffness of the suspension element is compensated by using a magnet which pulls the pendulum platform into an orientation that is substantially truly level and plumb.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a light generating unit which can be used to generate one or more guidance lines, typically via laser generating means mounted within the same. The unit is mounted on a power tool such that the guidance line or lines which are generated, lie at or adjacent to the position of a blade of the power tool when in contact with the work piece so as to provide guidance for the cutting operation. The units are provided with engagement means to allow the unit to be engaged to the power tool at a desired location and in accordance with the invention, once the unit has been secured to the power tool in the required position, an enclosure is provided to fit over the housing of the unit to thereby enclose the engagement means and thereafter prevent access to the same by a user.