Abstract: A cleaner having a simple configuration and capable of efficiently cleaning an inner surface defining a hollow portion of an object to be cleaned, wherein an outer boundary of a cross section of the hollow portion, which is taken perpendicularly to its central axis, forms an envelope of an approximate curved triangular shape, and a distance between any two parallel tangential lines in contact with the envelope is constant. The cleaner includes cleaning surfaces which can come into contact with the inner surface defining the hollow portion of the object to be cleaned, wherein the cleaning surfaces have a curvature radius equal to or less than the minimum curvature radius of the inner surface of the object when cleaning the inner surface.

Abstract: The “Lil Scratchy” is a light weight plastic tool that easily attaches to the head of a standard 24? broom. The primary function of the “Lil Scratchy” is to dislodge stubborn debris encountered while sweeping unfinished floors. Simply by turning the broom over (180°), the broom acts as a scraper. It can then be flipped back over (180°) and sweeping is resumed. The concept is to save time in prepping or cleaning unfinished floor surfaces.

Abstract: A device with an interdental brush of the type including a support end is disclosed, having a transversal hole capable of housing the deformable stem of a replaceable interdental brush, whereon a cap may be fitted, slidable between two end-stop positions determined by the contrast of a first opening thereof with a projecting pin coaxial with the transversal hole, the cap further having a second opening opposite the first one to allow the deformable stem to pass through, and wherein the support end has a curved back profile with a wide curvature radius and the cross-section profile of the support end is rounded at least on its back side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting arrangement for applicators, particularly for applicators which are used for applying liquid or pasty media, comprising a connecting part (1) and a sleeve-shaped holding portion (4), said connecting part (1) being equipped with a head and a stem (3) which is arranged on said head (2), said stem being formed along a stem axis (7) and having a free end, and said holding portion (4) being intended to receive said stem, said stem (3) and said holding portion (4) comprising at least one locking element (10, 11), respectively, which locking elements cooperate for the purpose of obtaining a connection when said stem (3) is inserted into said holding portion (4) in order to make it difficult to pull out said stem (3) from said holding portion (4).

Abstract: A paintbrush includes a fork and a roller. The fork, which is a Y-shaped member and is made of plastic, has main stem and two branches. Each of the branches has a base section extended outwardly from the main stem, a distal section connected to the base section and a connector connected to the distal section. A roller has opposite ends engaged with the connectors for rotation. A normal direction is defined parallel to the main stem. The base sections of the branches has a width and a thickness respectively, wherein the thicknesses of the base sections are substantially perpendicular to the normal direction, and the widths thereof are perpendicular to the thickness, and the widths are greater than the thicknesses. The distal sections of the branches tilted inwards, such that the roller will not disengaged with the connectors while a normal force is exerted on the roller.

Abstract: To alleviate ice freeze-up of vehicle windows which incorporate spaced upper and lower seals which engage an outside surface of the vehicle window, a tool is provided with a handle and a blade extending from the handle and the blade has a bend and a distal end which is curved outwardly in the plane of the blade. The length of the blade segment between the bend and its distal end is selected to be slightly longer than the distance between the upper and lower seals whereby this blade segment may be inserted between the window outside surface and the upper and lower seals and then slid along the window to sever any ice seal existing between the outside window surface and the upper and lower seals to free up the frozen vehicle window for normal operation.

Abstract: A taping knife has a web, a working edge, two side edges, and a handle edge opposite the working edge. The handle is connected to the blade to have an angular orientation relative to the working edge of the blade such that the handle is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the blade working edge.

Abstract: A cleaning implement includes a fabric layer made from a splittable conjugate fiber, a sponge wiper layer made of melamine foam, and a reinforcing layer made of a non-melamine foam material and disposed between the fabric and sponge layers. The non-melamine foam material has higher water-absorbing and elastic properties than the melamine foam.

Abstract: A windshield wiper frame connector assembly for a windshield wiper assembly for motor vehicles which accommodates different size wiper arms, wherein the assembly accommodates connectors adapted to receive regular and large hook type wiper arms, pin type wiper arms, reverse hook arms, or straight and two-hole bayonet type wiper arms. The wiper blade frame is designed to accommodate a majority of commercial vehicle wiper arms.

Abstract: There is provided a windshield wiper scrubber adapter that is adapted to be integrated with a standard windshield wiper system. The scrubber adapter includes a scrubbing member that is manufactured from, preferably, a porous nylon material. A standard rubber wiper tread cooperates with the scrubbing member to provide both a scrubbing effect and a squeegee effect to clear foreign matter from an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A wiper blade assembly includes a wiper blade member and an airfoil member operatively connected to the wiper blade member. The airfoil member extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the wiper blade member. The airfoil member also has a cross-sectional profile that is symmetrical about a plane of symmetry extending through a center of the airfoil member and longitudinally through the airfoil member.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose extendable form the cabinet between retracted and extended positions. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and has a tank and inlet port in fluid communication with the tank. It also has an electrically operated vacuum source. The cabinet has a controller for selectively delivering power to a socket in the cabinet. When the portable vacuum unit is docked to the cabinet with the proximal end connected to the inlet port, and when the controller delivers power to the socket, the hose can be used to vacuum waste into the tank.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose connectable to a vacuum source. The hose is extendible from the cabinet between extended and retracted positions. A rotatable shaft drives the hose and a power source causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. A sensor measures the speed of rotation of the shaft and signals a controller to stop the power source when the speed falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose storage compartment with a hose drive assembly for automatically extending and retracting a vacuum hose. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and connected to the vacuum hose so that waste can be picked up the vacuum hose when the portable vacuum unit is docked. When undocked, the portable vacuum unit can be used alone.

Abstract: A vacuum system has a cabinet that can be mounted to a wall. The cabinet includes a hose storage compartment with a hose drive assembly for automatically extending and retracting a vacuum hose. A portable vacuum unit can be removably docked to the cabinet and connected to the vacuum hose so that waste can be picked up the vacuum hose when the portable vacuum unit is docked. When undocked, the portable vacuum unit can be used alone.

Abstract: A steering control sensor installed in an automatic vacuum cleaner for controlling the steering direction of the automatic vacuum cleaner is disclosed to include a LED for emitting light onto the floor to produce a reflected light signal, a photo sensor for receiving the light signal, and a spring-supported contact member, which allows the photo sensor to receive the light signal when the automatic vacuum cleaner encounters no obstacle when moving on the floor, or blocks the light signal from the photo sensor to cause the photo sensor to output a signal to drive the automatic vacuum cleaner to change the steering direction when the automatic vacuum cleaner encounters an obstacle during movement.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a housing having a suction inlet, a dirt collection vessel receiver and a filter receiving recess opening to the receiver. Both a suction generator and dirt collection vessel are carried on the housing. A filter is received in the recess. A door closes the recess and captures the filter therein. The door includes multiple openings allowing air to flow from the receiver, through the door and filter to the suction generator.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body, plural locking recesses in the cleaner body include a parallel position recess in which the locking protrusion is locked when the cleaner body rotates to a parallel position with respect to a surface to be cleaned. Additionally, a filter removal means, prevents a filter cover from being removed when the vacuum cleaner is being operated.

Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a dirt collection vessel and a suction generator carried on the housing. The dirt collection vessel includes a dirty air inlet, a dirt collection chamber and a clean air outlet. A filter is received in the dirt collection vessel. The filter includes multiple sections. Each section provides a discrete airflow pathway. In addition, the floor cleaning apparatus includes a flow control valve assembly including a clean air inlet. The flow control valve assembly is selectively displaceable between two positions. In the first position dirty air is serially moved by the suction generator through the dirty air inlet, the dirt collection chamber, the filter and the clean air outlet so that dirt is collected in the dirt collection chamber. In the second position clean air is moved by the suction generator through the clean air inlet, a selected one of the sections of the filter, back through the other sections of the filter and then through the clean air outlet.

Abstract: A door roller system is disclosed. The door roller system comprises a first housing including at least one generally vertical side member having at least one slot; a base slidably coupled to the first housing and having at least one projection that extends at least partially through the slot; and at least one wheel coupled to the base. The projection on the base is configured to slide within the slot on the first housing as the base is moved relative to the first housing.

Abstract: Items with real natural or organic objects encased in clear, translucent or lightly tinted thermoplastic or thermo-rubber materials, which encapsulate and protect the objects inside from air, water or other environmental factors. A structure can be over-molded with thermoplastic or thermo-rubber material, preferably elastic silicone. Over-molding or encasing real natural objects in such materials aims to merge natural objects with functional kitchen utensils or similar household items. Visible through the encapsulating media, natural objects will keep their stunning looks as they are preserved for long lasting enjoyment. Natural objects can be encapsulated in between two gummy thermo-rubber sheets in airtight overmolding. Also, pre-molded pieces with shaped cavities for the natural objects can be secured together after natural objects are inserted in the cavity. Natural objects may be encased in a cavity of two or more already pre-molded pieces.

Abstract: A clamp comprising a band (10) having, at one end, a pair of axially spaced jaws (16, 18) comprising an upper jaw (16) and a lower jaw (18) and, at the other end, a tongue (28) that can be inserted between the jaws. The tongue has an upper surface and a lower surface and the top jaw (16) has a lower surface that includes a single engagement tooth (20). The upper surface of the tongue includes an engagement tooth (29) having a cavity (30) behind it that can accommodate the engagement tooth (20) of the upper jaw to hold the clamp in a closed position. The lower surface (48) of the tongue is provided with a recess (40) that accommodates the lower jaw (18) when the clamp is in the said closed position.

Abstract: A clip for sheet-like articles includes a first clipping section on a first end thereof, a second clipping section on a second end thereof, and a flexible bend between the first clipping section and the second clipping section. The first clipping section and the second clipping section cross and overlap each other at an intersection. When in use, the flexible bend holds an end edge of a plurality of stacked sheets, with the first clipping section and the second clipping section respectively clipping two opposite sides of the stacked sheets, thereby maintaining the stacked sheets in the stacked state.

Abstract: An adjustable length, releasable holder for rope, cord, and other flaccid materials, comprising a longitudinal member into which is inserted an insertion member. The length of insertion is adjustable and immediately releasable. Winding posts with right angles provide for winding the materials about the invention. A handle eases transport or hanging of the invention. Release of the wing screw allows for coiled materials to be instantly released from the invention, thereby saving time and dangerous situations that sometimes arise with ropes and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a base body (10) fixed to a first belt (4A) and a securing body (30) fixed to a second belt (4B) so as to be rotatable relative to the base body (10). The base body (10) is provided with a securing body (16), while the securing body (30) is provided with a securing claw (42) capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the securing portion (16). The base body (10) is provided with an elastically deformable portion (18) capable of being elastically deformed in a direction to bring the securing portions (16) and the securing claw (42) into a firmer engagement when a load is applied in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a slide fastener with a top end stop, wherein a linear fastener element row is sewed on the fastener tape, the top end stop is formed by burying linear fastener elements facing a space portion with synthetic resin, a projecting portion 11 to be in contact with a slider is formed on a side surface of the top end stop for preventing the slider from slipping out, a protrusion protruded upward along the sewing thread is formed on a front surface of the top end stop, a groove is carved in a center longitudinal direction of the protrusion, and the sewing thread is prevented from being deflected and exposed on the front surface of the top end stop by being pressed by a projecting ridge provided in a molding die for forming the groove toward the linear fastener elements.

Abstract: A quick-release connector assembly includes a tip including a plug, a depressible member proximate the plug, and a biasing element upwardly biasing the member; and a base having a receiver and an aperture, the receiver being complementary to the plug, the base further including a connector section configured to secure a tool. The tip is releasably lockable to the base by the insertion of the plug into the receiver and the extension of the member through the aperture, and when the tip is locked with the base, the base is prohibited from rotating relative to the tip.

Abstract: An interlocking attaching system comprises a substrate adapter, an accessory adapter and a discrete locking member. The substrate adapter includes a base for affixing to a substrate object and a plurality of spaced apart raised regions disposed along a first longitudinal axis. The raised regions have slots defining a first plurality of passages oriented parallel to the first longitudinal axis and aligned with one another. The accessory adapter includes a base for affixing to an accessory object and a plurality of spaced apart raised regions disposed along a second longitudinal axis. The raised regions have slots defining a second plurality of passages oriented parallel to the second longitudinal axis and aligned with one another. The spacing between the locations of the raised regions of the adapters are dimensioned to position at least one raised region of one of the adapters between at least two raised regions of the other adapter when the adapters are in operational alignment, i.e.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a female connection member having button openings, and a male connection member configured to mate with the female connection member into a securely connected position. The male connection member includes lateral arms having buttons at distal ends. The lateral arms are configured to deflect about pivot points, and the buttons are configured to be secured within the button openings. A flexible and resilient floating strut connects the lateral arms together.

Abstract: Provided are fibrous, non-woven structures having a drapeability of greater than about 4 gsm/g and a density less than about 0.08 g/cc, personal care articles comprising such structures, and methods of making such structures including methods comprising: stabilizing a thin layer of non-woven fibers into a stabilized web; supporting the stabilized web on an elastomeric support member; moving the support member and stabilized web thereon in a machine direction; and contacting the supported stabilized web with a stream of liquid.

Abstract: Provided are fibrous, non-woven structures having a drapeability of greater than about 4 gsm/g and a density less than about 0.08 g/cc, personal care articles comprising such structures, methods of making such structures including methods comprising: stabilizing a thin layer of non-woven fibers into a stabilized web; moving the stabilized web in a machine direction; and contacting the stabilized web with a stream of liquid that is directed at least partially along or against said machine direction.

Abstract: A circuit board forming member, a case forming member, a spacer forming member, a diaphragm sheet and a diaphragm plate forming member are laminated to form a portion, as excepting a back plate and a contact spring, of a condenser microphone, in plurality in a laminate. Moreover, the back plate and the contact spring are arranged in the air chamber, which is defined by the individual forming members, to form a plurality of condenser microphone constituents in the laminate. Next, the laminate is cut to separate the individual condenser microphone constituents thereby to manufacture the condenser microphones.

Abstract: In combination with a C-clamp type valve spring compressor, an adapter, comprising a circular proximal plate having a top surface and a concentric proximal hole; multiple vertical support members having proximal and distal ends, the proximal ends are integrally attached to the top surface of the proximal plate and equally spaced circumferentially around the proximal hole; a distal plate equal in diameter to the proximal plate further having a concentric distal hole equal in diameter to the proximal hole; the distal ends of the vertical support members are integrally attached to the bottom surface of the distal plate; wherein the adaptor is symmetrical about both an x-y plane and a y-z plane such that either the distal plate or the proximal plate may contact the valve spring, and wherein the support members define three areas of equal width for variable access points to the spring keeper of the valve spring.

Abstract: A storage rack assembly includes a base detachably secured to the storage rack. The base has a recessed bottom portion closest to the aisle to protect the front legs from accidentally being hit by a forklift truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a trim cover to a foam pad includes a base and a platform coupled thereto that defines a working surface for supporting the foam pad thereon. A plurality of actuators project from the working surface. Each actuator is capable of movement away from and toward the working surface and includes a pair of retaining fingers capable of movement between an open and closed position. In use, the retaining fingers grasp a first connecting member on the trim cover and move the first connecting member toward the working surface as the actuators are moved toward the working surface so as to engage the first connecting member with a second connecting member in the foam pad thereby securing the trim cover to the foam pad.

Abstract: A method for the mounting of an add-on part (3) on a workpiece (1), in particular on a vehicle body, the intention being for the add-on part (3) to be aligned on the workpiece (1) in a precisely positioned manner in relation to a reference region (12, 13). Use is made of a robot-guided mounting tool (5) which is connected fixedly to a sensor system (20). In order to achieve the precisely positioned alignment of the add-on part (3), an iterative control operation is run through, in the course of which first of all an (actual) measured value of the sensor system (20) is produced and is compared with a (desired) measured value produced within the context of a setting-up phase.

Abstract: Provided is a heater coupling apparatus of a washing machine and a coupling method for the heater coupling apparatus. The heater coupling apparatus includes a tub, a heater coupling portion, a heater, and a bracket. The heater coupling portion is formed on the tub. The heater is coupled to the heater coupling portion. The bracket forms a closed loop portion in a shape of a closed loop, to dispose the heater within the closed loop portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a split nut comprising the steps of fabricating a first semi-arc shaped member (1) having thin-walled hinge parts (2, 12) and thick-walled center parts (5, 15) at one end and thin-walled engagement parts (3, 13) at the other end and a second semi-arc shaped member (11) of the same shape and size as those of the first semi-arc shaped member (1) and assembling said first and second semi-arcshaped members together enabling the first and second semi-arc shaped members (1, 11) to be provided by a single metal mold.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite striking plate includes the steps of: preparing a faceplate and an adapter plate; joining the faceplate and the adapter plate in heating and rolling processes to form the composite striking plate; and welding the adapter plate of the composite striking plate to a golf club head body to form a golf club head.

Abstract: A method for producing a deflection element for safety belt systems in vehicles, includes making grooves in a flat metal blank, using an embossing tool, and producing a metal body from the flat metal blank, by means of punching and cold deformation. The metal body has an attachment opening and a belt eye having a belt surface that is rounded in cross-section, to guide a safety belt, whereby the belt running surface contains the grooves previously formed in the flat metal blank.

Abstract: A method is presented for fabrication of a tape medium read head having a unitary formation of multiple elements for reading multi-track data from a magnetic tape. The method includes providing a continuous substrate layer, and forming a sensor material layer on the continuous substrate layer. Photoresist material is deposited on the sensor material layer, and is patterned to form masks which provide protected areas and exposed areas of the sensor material layer. Exposed areas of the sensor material layer are shaped to form sensors from the protected areas of the sensor material layer. Electrical lead materials are deposited between and adjacent to the sensors, and the masks are removed.

Abstract: After defining the P2 pole of a magnetic read head, alumina is deposited over it and planarized by CMP, with the portion of the alumina overlaying the ABS region of the P2 pole subsequently being masked by a photoresist layer and with the portions of the alumina overlaying the flare area, back gap region, and center tap regions of the P2 pole not being masked. A reactive ion mill is performed to expose the flare area, back gap region, and center tap regions of the P2 pole by removing the alumina over these portions, so that subsequent steps such as forming a layer of coiled conductors, forming a return pole, and forming stud connections along with removing the respective seed layers can be executed with the ABS region protected by the alumina and with the flare area, back gap region, and center tap region exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board cleaning apparatus excellent in foreign-matter removing efficiency. Fixed brushes are each made in contact with a circuit board over an entire width thereof, and attached to a case of a board cleaning apparatus respectively on the upstream side and the downstream side of the case in the board transporting direction with respect to a rotary brush for removing and ejecting foreign matters. This arrangement makes it possible to cover a gap between the circuit board and the case to prevent a board transporting rail to be moved so as to be shifted in accordance with circuit boards having various dimensions from intervening with the case.

Abstract: This apparatus for producing a bottle can includes a die-ring 22 for holding bottom of a closed-end cylindrical body W, and a tool holding part disposed opposite an opening part of the closed-end cylindrical body W, having plural processing tools 32 for shaping the closed-end cylindrical body W into various forms, the die-ring 22 and the tool holding part being held so that each of them can rotate relatively and move in the direction of a center line of the closed-end cylindrical body W relatively to each other, each of the processing tools shaping the closed-end cylindrical body into various forms to produce a bottle can, further including: a regulating means 110 for regulating forward movement of each of the processing tools 32 or the die-ring 22 to prevent the space between each of the processing tools 32 and the die-ring 22 at the forward end of the tool holding part or the die-ring, from lessening to be not more than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of forming a high aspect ratio metal plate pattern and a circuit board by multi-stage etching with a metal mask is disclosed. A resist (12) is coated on one of two surfaces of a copper plate (10) and patterned to form a resist pattern. A tin plating layer (14) is formed using this resist pattern, and with this tin plating layer as a mask, the copper plate is selectively half etched. By coating, exposing and developing the positive resist (18), the side etched portion under the tin plating layer is protected by the positive resist. With the tin plating layer and the protective resist layer as a mask, the half etching is executed again. This process is repeated until the resist and the tin plating layer used as a mask are finally removed to produce a metal pattern (20).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a multi-layered ceramic electronic component which can reliably prevent a multi-layered unit including a ceramic green sheet and an electrode layer from being damaged and efficiently laminate a desired number of the multi-layered units, thereby manufacturing the multi-layered ceramic electronic component. The method for manufacturing a multi-layered ceramic electronic component according to the present invention includes a step of positioning a multi-layered unit including a release layer, an electrode layer and a ceramic green sheet formed on a support sheet in such a manner that the surface of the multi-layered unit is located on a base substrate and a step of pressing the multi-layered unit toward the base substrate, thereby laminating the multi-layered unit on the base substrate, and employs as the base substrate a base substrate having such surface roughness as to include per 0.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high layer count, multi-layer circuits which includes fabricating a fixture having an opening therein for placement within a press. A material stack, particularly a material stack having multiple layers of liquid crystalline polymer, is placed within the opening of the fixture before activating the press to laminate the material stack positioned within the fixture.

Abstract: A method of making an interposer having an array of contact structures for making temporary electrical contact with the leads of a chip package. The contact structures may make contact with the leads as close as desired to the body of the chip package. Moreover, the contact structures can be adapted for making contact with leads having a very fine pitch. In one embodiment, the contact structures include raised members formed over a body of the interposer. A conductive layer is formed over each of the raised members to provide a contact surface for engaging the leads of the chip package. In another embodiment, the raised members are replaced with depressions formed into the interposer. A conductive layer is formed on an inside surface of each depression to provide a contact surface for engaging the leads of the chip package. Any combination of raised members and depressions may be used.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an anode copper ball for plating by forging in an oilless state, and to minimize flat portions existing on the surface of the ball to improve the rolling property of the ball. Manufacturing an anode copper ball for plating which forms a ball by subjecting a copper rod to cold multi-stage forging by a metal mold composed of a plurality of sets of dies and punches. The method includes a first forging step of forging the copper rod in a direction of its axis without being brought into pressure contact with an inner wall surface of the die, to thereby form a first intermediate material in which outer peripheral portions of end faces of the copper rod are pressed and formed as tapered faces. The first intermediate material is formed in the shape of a ball through the first forging step.

Abstract: A rapidly assembled pre-fabricated array of heating elements, such as tubing or wire, on a rigid mesh, for use in radiant panel heating and/or cooling systems, reduce costs by streamlining both the design layouts and the labor operations to fabricate and install the systems. The pre-fabricated arrays may be installed with the mesh on the finish floor side for additional protection of the heating elements during and after installation.