Abstract: An elastic fabric member (16, 16?) closely surrounds a base portion (12, 12?) of a hairbrush (10, 10?) from which the bristles (B, B?) of the brush extend. Fabric member (16, 16?) includes openings (22) through which the bristles (B, B?) extend when the fabric member (16, 16?) is substantially down on the base (12, 12?) of the brush (10, 10?). The fabric member (16, 16?) may be a tubular sleeve that is expandable/contractible for placing it on and removing it from the base (12, 12?) of the brush (10, 10?). Or, it may be a wrap (16?) having end portions (32, 34) that are secured together after the wrap (16?) is placed on the brush (10, 10?).

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly having a plurality of wiper strips on a support, one of the wiper strips being normally positioned to engage a windshield while leaving non-engaged the remainder of the plurality of wiper strips, and rotation means for moving the engaged strip to a non-engaging position and for individually moving another of the plurality of the wiper strips to an engaged position.

Abstract: A foreign matter removing apparatus which removes foreign matter existing on a mounting surface of a printed board unit. The foreign matter removing apparatus includes a holder which holds the printed board unit in its desired attitude, an electromagnetic vibrator which generates continuous shock wave having repeated waveform, and a transmitting plate which transmits the continuous shock wave generated by the shock wave generator to the printed board unit held by the holder.

Abstract: A sootblower frame particularly adapted for long retracting-type sootblowers for cleaning of internal surfaces of large scale combustion devices. The frame, preferably formed from sheet metal stock, incorporates integrally formed surfaces and configuration features which provide for guiding and movement of the sootblower carriage assembly. The side panels of the frame further provide the surface for the mounting of the drive rack by which the carriage is advanced and retracted along the frame.

Abstract: A handheld mechanical soft-surface remediation (SSR) device and method of dislodging, displacing, and disposing of particulates from surfaces and performing disinfection and/or freshening is disclosed. The device is preferably lightweight, easy-to-use and includes a fan assembly, filter assembly, flapper assembly, battery assembly, and chemical delivery system. Performing soft-surface remediation with the mechanical SSR device includes the steps of retrieving the device from storage, installing the consumables into the device, activating the device, performing the cleaning operation, deactivating the device, removing the consumables from device, preparing the device for the next use, storing the device and, optionally, recharging the batteries.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a wet cleaning function comprises a main body, a brush assembly having a contaminant suction port facing a cleaning surface, a brush of the contaminant suction port to rotate in contact with the cleaning surface, and a water exhaust nozzle, the contaminants suction port is fluidly communicated with the main body, and a front and a rear block parts formed at a front and a rear of the brush on a bottom surface of the brush assembly to selectively open or block a contaminant suction path by a friction force against the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus can comprise a passageway that passes heated motor cooling air in heat exchange with the cleaning fluid to heat the cleaning fluid. The apparatus can further comprise a mixing manifold that mixes first and second cleaning fluids at different concentrations for different cleaning modes. The apparatus can further comprise a fluid valve having a shape memory alloy actuator.

Abstract: A robotic surface treating device that can perform carpet sweeping, hard-surface dry sweeping/wiping, and hard-surface sweeping/mopping is disclosed. The robotic surface treating device includes a sweeper brush, a dust bin for collecting debris from the brush, a reel-to-reel sheet of cleaning material, and a fluid delivery system for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir onto the sheet of cleaning material and/or onto the surface to be treated. The dust bin, reel-to-reel sheet of cleaning material, and the fluid reservoir are separately installed from the top of the device, and may be separately removed for replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an up-right type vacuum cleaner having a weight compensation unit to share weight of main body. The up-right type vacuum cleaner includes a brush assembly having a pair of wheels, a main body being rotatably disposed to the brush assembly, a spiral spring being disposed at a connecting part of one side of the brush assembly, and a spring wrap reel being disposed at the connecting part of one side of the main body corresponding to the spiral spring and on which one end of the spiral spring is fixed, wherein the spiral spring gets loosen and wound round the spring wrap reel as the main body angles downwards.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner comprises a vertical type cleaner body provided with a dust collection chamber a handle protrusively provided on an upper portion of the cleaner body, a suction nozzle provided on an lower portion of the cleaner body in such a manner as to communicate with the dust collection chamber being rotatable back and forth with respect to the cleaner body, and being contactable with a surface to be cleaned, an electric fan provided in the suction nozzle, and a rotary brush which is rotated by the electric fan and is built in the suction nozzle. A clutch mechanism which transmits and interrupts power to the rotary brush is provided between the rotary brush and the electric fan. The suction nozzle is rotatably provided on the cleaner body via a hinge mechanism. The clutch mechanism is coupled to the hinge mechanism by a link mechanism.

Abstract: A bare floor switch assembly for a power head or an upright vacuum cleaner includes a mounting bracket, an idler and idler arm pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, a biaser for biasing the idler and idler arm to an agitator drive interrupting position and a switch body for engaging and locking the idler arm into an agitator driving position.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an object includes a base assembly and at least three wheels pivotally attached to the base assembly. A pivot arm includes a flange plate at an upper end for attachment to the object. An opposite lower end of the pivot arm includes a universal joint for pivotal motion about two perpendicular axes that is attached to the base assembly. A brake assembly is attached to the pivot arm. The brake assembly includes a first disengaged position and a second engaged position that is latched. When the brake assembly is in the second position, a brake pad is forced downward below a level of a surface and into frictional engagement with the surface. More than one apparatus can also be attached to an adapter plate to provide greater floatation. Pivotal attachment to a support beam is also described.

Abstract: A base member for swivel caster comprises a fixed base, a rotation base and a hollow staff. The fixed base includes a ring member, and a plurality of first raceways lathed in an inward surface of the ring member. A support cavity is defined through a center of the rotation base. Assembling holes are defined in a connecting portion and communicate the support cavity and the second raceways. During assembly, a plurality of rolling balls are extended through the assembling holes and loaded into the first raceways and a second raceways. Then a plurality of biasing balls is loaded into the assembling holes. The staff is inserted into the support cavity and blocks the assembling holes. The rolling balls contact the biasing balls instead of fixed components whereby the rolling balls swivel and rotate smoothly.

Abstract: An improved wheel interface for walkers that includes a spring interface connection between the frame of the walker and the wheel assembly. The walker is able to better absorb shocks that occur when encountering an obstacle such as a curb, allowing the user to avoid the necessity of allowing the walker to fall or to risk falling himself.

Abstract: A sprung caster wheel assembly includes a base member supporting an object thereon and a swivel member mounted for rotation about a vertical swivel axis below the base member. Two spaced apart pivot arms are pivotally coupled to the swivel member for pivotal movement about a first lateral axis and rotatably support a wheel between the free ends thereof. The wheel rotates about a second lateral axis parallel to the first lateral axis and offset to one side of the vertical swivel axis. A torsion spring is helically wound about the first lateral axis and is coupled between the pivot arm and the swivel member to provide a sprung suspension to the base member supported above the wheel.

Abstract: A door stop formed of a suction cup attached to body, typically formed of a block of material such as clear plastic, which may be used to lock sliding glass doors and windows in either a closed or in a partially open position. The suction cup will hold to the glass for up to 3 months and dual suction plugs may be used for added security. The body is designed to tip and press the suction cup down to prevent sliding and thereby hold the stop assembly in place even when a strong horizontal force is applied. The body contains an alarm to discourage intruders in the event that the stop is dislodged from the door.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel includes a glove box opening defined by a door frame, and a door hinged to the door frame. A threaded aperture is formed in the door frame. A one-piece elastomeric bumper has a threaded shank that threads into the threaded aperture to mount the bumper. The bumper has an abutment face that engages the door to establish a closed position of the door. Rotation of the threaded bumper advances or withdraws the abutment face so that the closed position is adjusted. A detent acts between the door frame and the bumper to retain the bumper at a selected rotary position, with the detent being released when the threaded shank of the bumper is stretched axially. A grip is molded into the bumper to facilitate axial stretching to release the detent and rotation to adjust the position of the abutment face.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for a multi-section slide track assembly includes a stop actuating assembly and a resilient retainer assembly. The stop actuating assembly is provided on an intermediate slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly while the resilient retainer assembly is provided on an outer slide track of the multi-section slide track assembly. To retain a return movement of the intermediate slide track, the stop actuating assembly is directly engaged with the resilient retainer assembly to provide a high-degree effective operation of retaining reliability. The stop actuating assembly includes a stop-engaging member and a resiliently actuating member combined therewith. The resilient retainer assembly correspondingly includes a resilient stop member which can be engaged with the stop-engaging member for positioning the intermediate slide track, and can be actuated by the resiliently actuating member for releasing the intermediate slide track.

Abstract: A bendable extension arm for extending a user's reach while a tool is connected. The bendable extension arm includes a deformable stiffening wire that is sufficiently deformable to be easily deformed by the hands of a user but stiff enough to resist further bending in the course of tool usage. The stiffening wire has a first end and a second end and is connected at its first end to a wire receptor and at its second end to another wire receptor. The first end also has an attachment means for attaching a tool. A sheath covers the stiffening wire and prevents over bending of the stiffening wire. The extension arm may be bent by hands of the user into desired shapes up to a bending limit determined by the sheath but remain stiff enough in the desired shapes to resist further bending during tool usage. Substantially all resistance to bending during tool usage below the bending limit is provided by the stiffening wire.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a body, a bit carrier, and an actuating member. An end of the body includes a compartment. One of two lateral sides of the body has an opening in communication with the compartment. The bit carrier is mounted in the compartment of the body and movable relative to the body in a longitudinal direction. The bit carrier includes a bit-holding section for holding at least one bit. A retaining member is mounted to the bit carrier for retaining the bit carrier to the body. The actuating member is mounted in the opening of the body. The actuating member is operable to move the bit carrier from a storage position to an ejected position not falling out of the body and to impart a frictional force between the retaining member and the body to prevent the bit carrier from falling out of the body.

Abstract: A door hinge device includes a hinge shaft fixed to a body of an appliance and having a damping protrusion on one side of an outer surface, and a coupling member having a shaft engaging hole coupled to an outer surface of the hinge shaft. The shaft engaging hole includes a holding portion having an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the hinge shaft and a damping portion having a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the hinge shaft and surrounding the damping protrusion. The damping portion includes a separation section separated from the damping protrusion when the door is closed, and a contact section contacting the damping protrusion when the door is opened. The door hinge device can prevent slamming or trembling when the door is opened or closed, and has a simple configuration.

Abstract: A hinge structure is provided. The hinge structure uses a magnetic force and includes a shaft, provided at one side of a cover and rotatably supported by a body. At least one permanent magnet having a magnetic field perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the shaft is fixed to the shaft. A shaft operation portion is provided in the cover for rotating the shaft by about 180 degrees and rotating between a first position and a second position by a user's operation. At least one electromagnet is arranged at a position corresponding to the permanent magnet of the body, thereby aiding the opening and closing of the cover and absorbing any impact using a magnetic force between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet.

Abstract: A positioning structure for a pivotal shaft comprises a positioning device for use in the pivotal shaft. The positioning structure is located between a base and a lid of an electronic product, wherein an inner sleeve is pivotally connected to an outer sleeve through an elastic device. The positioning device is composed of a rotation ring and a ring cover. A toothed ring is mounted on each side of the rotation ring, and a limit block is protrudent from the edge of the rotation ring. The ring cover has a locking trench, and the toothed rings are inserted into the locking trench. The elastic device is pre-rotated. When the push-button switch is separated from the buttonhole by pressing, the lid is lifted up by the anti-twist force and the lower edge of the lid is exactly stopped by the limit block for positioning the lid to a predetermined angle automatically.

Abstract: A hinge has a leaf mounted on a lid of the computer. The leaf has a tubular portion formed at a bottom of the leaf A wing extends from one side of the leaf. A notch is defined in a top edge or a bottom edge of the wing engages the mortise of the support piece to let the support piece closely contact with the wing. Even if the hinge is hit occasionally, the wing will not escape from the mortise.

Abstract: A removable handle for a tool, for example, for a cylindrical file, a method for attaching the handle to a tool, and a method of using the handle are provided. The handle includes a cylindrical body having a threaded hole extending at least partially through the cylindrical body and at least one radial hole in the body, and a threaded cylindrical rod adapted to engage the threaded hole in the body, wherein the radial hole is adapted to receive a projection of a tool and the threaded rod engages the projection when the threaded rod is rotated into contact with the projection. The handle may be mounted to any tool projection, but may be particularly useful when mounted to a cylindrical file used for sharpening chain saw cutters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a handling pole including a pole section, a pole adapter connected to one end of the pole section, and a spade member connected to the other end of the pole section. The pole adapter may include an upper sleeve and the spade member may include a lower sleeve.

Abstract: An attaching device for removably attaching various types of display objects to a hat. The attaching device has a fastener for engaging with the display object and a spring member for retaining the fastener therein and attaching to a button of the hat. The fastener is in the form of a plastic ring with a plurality of tabs projecting from a bottom rim thereof. The spring member has an upper spring portion, a lower spring portion and a joint spring portion connecting the upper and lower spring portions. The upper spring portion has an inner perimeter substantially the same as the maximum radial extent of the tabs, such that the plastic ring can be inserted therein. A plurality of protrusions is formed to extend inwardly from the inner perimeter of the upper spring portion. The protrusions are outline with a profile mating that of the tabs, such that the plastic ring can be secured interlocked with the spring member.

Abstract: A metal locking tie formed from a locking head and an elongate strap extending through the locking head. The locking head is defined by a top wall a bottom wall and two sides. The locking head includes a slot that extends through the locking head from an entrance end to an exit end. The bottom wall of the locking head has a tab that extends upwardly toward the slot in the locking head. The strap has a first end, a second end, and an aperture therethrough. When the strap is positioned within the locking head the upwardly extending tab of the locking head engages the aperture in the strap. A metal locking tie tool secures the strap to the locking head by displacing a portion of the strap in the locking head.

Abstract: A device of integral construction having resilient elongated members and a curved hook handle for easy and simple operation. The bad closure device of the present invention comprises smooth surfaces to accept LDPE manufactured bread and other consumable container bags and a smooth curved member located at thumb level for easy and quick release of same. The gripping characteristics of the closure device is achieved by a flexible spring tab that applies constant tension to the bag-accepting area.

Abstract: An accessory (11) for a blouse or shirt cuff which simulates a cufflink because it is held at the same height as the cuff. The decorative element (15) is joined to an attacher element (21) which passes through the buttonhole of the cuff and is anchored beneath the unbuttoned button (27).

Abstract: A metal cable armor ferrule includes an outer cylindrical portion and an inner cylindrical portion connected at one end by a radial edge surface, wherein at least the outer cylindrical portion is flared outwardly at an opposite end thereof.

Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.

Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.

Abstract: A resilient clip with a plurality of twisted wings for engaging a first structure. The twisted wings provide the clip with a low ratio of insertion force to pull-out force, rendering the clip relatively easy to install yet difficult to pull out. In one embodiment, the resilient clip includes at least three wing members that cooperate to prevent the resilient clip from rotating relative to the first structure. In another embodiment, the resilient clip includes an engagement portion having a plurality of teeth for engaging a tab formed into a second structure. The teeth of the engagement portion engage the tab, permitting the resilient clip to be coupled to the second structure. When the resilient clip is engaged to the first structure, the teeth of the engagement portion cannot disengage the tab, rendering the resilient clip non-removably coupling the resilient clip to the first and second structures.

Abstract: A strap latch includes a female buckle, and a male buckle detachably snapped onto the female buckle. Each of the male buckle and the female buckle is provided with a clamping member for clamping a fabric strap. The clamping member has two clamping pieces each having an inner face formed with a plurality of protruding engaging blocks engaged with the respective fabric strap. Thus, each of the engaging blocks has a planar contact with the respective fabric strap to increase the contact area between each of the engaging blocks and the respective fabric strap, so that each of the engaging blocks is engaged with the respective fabric strap closely.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for stretching one or more zones of an anisotropic web and anisotropic webs including one or more stretched zones is provided. Each of the stretched zones in the web is stretched in the cross-web direction, i.e., the direction transverse to the down-web direction. The stretching can be performed continuously as the web is advancing through the apparatus in the down-web direction. The method for stretching an extensible web in the cross direction generally is practiced on a substantially continuous, extensible anisotropic web. The cross web stretching occurs in an orientation zone established by an orientation unit. The orientation unit moves the web out of the plane of the web where the web is under tension, but without any side restraints. The web moves over the orientation unit where the degree of orientation is proportional to the cross direction displacement of a portion of the web by the orientation unit.

Abstract: A needle loom (2) for the consolidation of a fleece is preceded in the same installation by a pre-needle loom (3) having an “elliptical” movement, i.e. the needles (47) of which have a component of movement in the direction (6) of the progression of the fleece of fibres when they are in penetration phase in the fleece. The component is used as an additional way of propulsion of the fleece into the entrance to the needle loom (2).

Abstract: The installation includes two needling apparatuses (2, 3) which succeed each other on one side of the path (1) for the fleece to be needled. The needles (47) have an “elliptical” movement, i.e. their reciprocating movement of penetration is combined with a reciprocating movement parallel to the direction of progression. The two mechanisms are actuated at the same speed but with a phase shift of 180° between them. The installation is used for balancing horizontal vibrations.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a robot arm having a wrist including a wrist housing that is movably mounted on the robot arm. The wrist housing includes a holder for pivotable connection in one degree of freedom of a rotary robot tool thereto.

Abstract: A device for centering a work piece with respect to a centerline of a tool includes a radially-stationary component rigidly secured with respect to the tool such that the radially-stationary component and the tool are concentric. A biasing mechanism is biased away from the radially-stationary component to apply substantially equally-distributed radial force at a periphery of the work piece to thereby center the work piece with respect to the tool. A method of broaching a work piece having an inner and an outer diameter includes machining the outer diameter and then applying circumferentially-distributed radial force to the inner diameter or the outer diameter to thereby center the work piece with respect to a broach tool. After the applying step, the method includes broaching the inner diameter of the work piece using the broach tool.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a disposable surgical tool for quickly and easily connecting tubing to implantable components are disclosed. A method for using the novel tool for connecting tubing to components, such as a pump, a reservoir, a connector, etc., is also described.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of inserting at least one Z-pin into a composite laminate for providing Z direction reinforcement thereto. The method comprises the initial step of positioning at least one Z-pin upon the composite laminate. Thereafter, an insertion force is applied to the Z-pin at a first level which is sufficient to commence an insertion process wherein the Z-pin is driven into the composite laminate at a first insertion speed. The insertion force applied to the Z-pin is continuously monitored, with the first insertion speed being reduced to a second insertion speed in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from a first level to a second level.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of automatically verifying the acceptable insertion of at least one Z-pin into a composite laminate. The method comprises the initial step of positioning at least one Z-pin upon the composite laminate. Thereafter, an insertion force is applied to the Z-pin at a first level which is sufficient to commence an insertion process wherein the Z-pin is driven into the composite laminate at a first insertion speed. The insertion force applied to the Z-pin is continuously monitored, with the first insertion speed being reduced to a second insertion speed in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from a first level to a second level. The application of the insertion force to the Z-pin is discontinued and the insertion process terminated in response to a monitored increase in the insertion force from the second level to a third level.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a technique which may be used in conjunction with an automated Z-pin insertion process to automatically monitor the insertion energy applied to the Z-pins during the initial insertion phase of the automated insertion process, and compare it to an empirically derived value for good insertions, thereafter allowing the insertion process to continue to a predetermined additional insertion depth before terminating the process. The insertion energy is calculated by cumulatively summing the insertion force and multiplying it by the insertion time, thus yielding the cumulative energy. At a specified, predetermined insertion depth, the energy accumulation is stopped and the value at the initial insertion depth is stored and compared to an empirically derived value. If the value is less than the empirical value, the insertion energy is too low, thus indicating that either a partial grid insertion is being encountered or defective Z-pins are being inserted.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an exhaust gas treatment component having at least one structured piece of sheet metal, includes shaping the at least one piece of sheet metal with at least one fluid stream. A device for producing a structured piece of sheet metal is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lace end assembly having a male end connector and a female end connector. The lace end assembly uses an integrated magnet in one connector that interacts with another magnet in the other connector to couple the connectors. The male end connector is adapted to retain a knotted end of a pair of laces, such as found in a wakeboard binding. The female end connector is mounted on the wakeboard binding. The male end connector includes a protrusion that houses a first magnet. The female end connector includes a body portion that houses a second magnet. The female end connector also includes a cavity. The cavity receives the male end connector to allow the magnet to align and link magnetically, thus securing the lace ends to the binding.

Abstract: The machine comprises a mandrel (4), a winding member (7) to helically wind said strips of web material about said mandrel and form a continuous tube; and rotating disk-shaped cutter (25), cooperating with said mandrel (4), to cut the continuous tube (T) into individual tubular products (M). The disk-shaped cutter (25) is carried by a rotating arm (23).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a hydroformed part remains in a hydroforming die cavity under hydroforming pressure while an attachable fastener nut is operated to pierce and form a collar in the part by forced insertion of the nut into the part and wherein the nut is fastened to the collar by friction welding, friction skip welding or mechanical locking depending on the form of the fastener nut.

Abstract: An assembly for pre-stressing a canister within a magnetically coupled device having a housing body, a housing head and a canister connectable to the housing body, a pin and pin plate combination disposed between the housing head and the canister, and wherein the housing body, housing head, pin and pin plate combination and canister are adapted to cause the canister to stretch in a longitudinal direction when the housing head and canister are connected in sealing engagement with the housing body. A method of stretching a magnetic coupling canister also is disclosed.

Abstract: A crimping system for crimping a stent onto a catheter balloon includes at least one crimping head of moveable contracting members, which define a diameter reduction chamber. The chamber has a length and a longitudinal axis. The chamber has a reduced diameter configuration and a pre-reduction diameter configuration. Each member has a length corresponding to the length of the chamber. In both the reduced diameter configuration and the pre-reduction diameter configuration each member is a given distance from the longitudinal axis, wherein a first region of the length of each member is a greater distance from the longitudinal axis than a second region of the length of each member.