Abstract: Keratin fibers, in particular human hair and especially artificially dyed human hair, are protected against the action of atmospheric agents and especially against the action of light by application to the keratin fibers/hair of a composition containing at least one protective agent having a log P of less than or equal to 6, followed by the application to the fibers hair of a heating iron at a temperature of greater than or equal to 60° C.

Abstract: A dyeing apparatus and method for continuous dyeing of a fabric article with dye, the apparatus including: (a) a dyeing vessel for containing a high-density liquid; (b) a heating mechanism, thermally associated with the dyeing vessel, for heating a dye fixation zone within the vessel to a temperature above 70° C.; (c) a continuous transport mechanism for continuously transporting the fabric article, through a dye impregnation chamber, and through the dye fixation zone of the dyeing vessel, and (d) a dye-dispensing mechanism for delivering a dye liquor within the dye impregnation chamber, so as to impregnate with the dye, the fabric article passing through the chamber, and wherein the dyeing vessel is dimensioned and configured such that a height of the high-density liquid delivers a hydrostatic pressure of at least 0.1 bar gauge to the dye fixation zone, so as to effect fixation of the dye in the fabric article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction method for simple bridges or continuous bridges using prestressed concrete girder (PSC girder) and precast slabs (PSC slabs). The PSC girder, where prestress is applied to the lower portion of the center of the girder by the first tense, is spanned between piers, and the second tense is performed during the PSC slabs are put on the PSC girders, and hence, the present invention can construct bridges of low clearance and long span by preventing a loss of prestress due to load of the slabs and relieving excessive compression force generated on the upper edge portion of the center of the girder during the construction of the bridge.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. The cleaners may employ filter bags with novel stiffeners to help retain their optimal debris-collection shapes in use. They additionally may include bags made of material having sanitizing properties or additives, allowing water sanitization to occur as water flows through the bags themselves. Cleaners described herein further may include discs having generally radial but non-linear slits to facilitate navigation in particular conditions and fix buoyant material within a collar by which a bag is attached to a body of the device.

Abstract: The Water Conservationist is a unique battery operated motorized cleaning device that will do the labor of a many household chores for the consumer. It is unique in the fact that it conserves water while doing all these chores. The stem and actuator in the water compartment controls the amount of water released to clean. There is a great amount of water wasted in all these household chores. It will be beneficial for the environment if this invention is used by the consumers. The thirteen attachments will be used for various chores attached to this cleaning device. It is new for cleaning because it controls the amount of water to be used which will be readily available installed in this invention. The water and attachments are all in one invention.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus with an integrated cleaning sheet for cleaning the internal working components of a piece of electronic equipment along a predetermined media path. The cleaning apparatus includes a base material having a leading end and a trailing end. A cleaning sheet is disposed proximate the leading end of the base material and is for cleaning at least one internal working component of the electronic equipment. An adhesive strip attaches the cleaning sheet to the leading end of the base material. To clean an internal component of electronic equipment, the cleaning apparatus is fed through the reading, writing or scan heads (r/w/s heads) of a piece of electronic equipment when the electronic equipment is disposed in a normally-engaged position.

Abstract: A toilet cleaning implement having a plunger with an elongated handle and a compressible cup attached to one end of the handle. The cup defines a cavity open at one end. An elongated rod is longitudinally slidably mounted to the handle and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. A toilet cleaning brush is attached to one end of the handle so that, with the rod in its retracted position, the brush is nested within the cup cavity and with the rod in its extended position, the brush protrudes outwardly through the open end of the cup cavity.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.

Abstract: A device for cleaning golf accessories may include an elongated handle, a removable brush assembly slidably inserted within one end of the handle, and a removable scraper block connected to the same one handle end but within an upper portion of the handle directly above the removable brush assembly. The scraper block includes a metal scraper extending there from. In other examples, the device may include the handle and removable brush assembly, or include the handle, a plurality of bristles and the removable scraper block. In another example, the device may include a plurality of plastic bristles extending downward around an outer circumference of a brush head surface of the device, so as to encircle a plurality of metal bristles extending from a central portion of the brush head surface.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting bristles that includes a sleeve sized and shaped to be slideably received over a handle attached to the bristles, the sleeve formed of breathable material to facilitate drying of the bristles, and the sleeve formed of rigid material to support the handle and the bristles in a vertical orientation and to protect the bristles, the sleeve formed of a length sufficient to cover the bristles, and to cover at least a portion of the handle. In accordance with the method, the sleeve is slid over the proximal end of the handle and moved down the handle to a position where the sleeve covers the bristles and a first end of the sleeve extends beyond the bristles, and the handle is placed in a vertical orientation so that the first end of the sleeve bears against a supporting surface to hold the handle and the bristles in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wiping plate (1) for accommodating a replaceable wiping cloth (2). Said wiping plate (1) comprises an essentially plate-shaped support plate (3) with an elastically resilient foam member (4) that can be fixed to the bottom face thereof. The foam member (4) is provided with at least one recess (5) inside which at least one non-elastic plug (6) is arranged. Said at least one plug (6) is connected to the support plate (3) and has a length that is smaller than the height of the foam member (4) in the unstressed state. The plug (6) can at least be brought in contact with the side of the wiping cloth (2), which faces away from the wiping surface, by applying pressure to the support plate (3) and the compressed foam member (4).

Abstract: A paint roller comprises a liquid-impermeable tubular core member 6 with an engaging element 9 having a male structure of a separable fastener and a height of 0.3 to 4.0 mm on a surface thereof, and a cover member 8 with a female structure and a loop on the inner surface capable of male-female engaging with the engaging element on the surface of the core member. The density of the engaging element on the surface of the core member is 30 to 150/cm2. Thus, in such paint roller, when the cover member becomes dirty, damaged, or worn, the cover member can be exchanged to a new cover member. Such that, a roller body is repeatedly usable, and the paint roller can provide a good painted surface. Moreover, there is also provided an effect roller in which a painting pattern can be changed optionally.

Abstract: A tool for spreading material such as drywall compound generally comprises a plate, a handle, and a frame. The plate includes a first edge and second edge that are substantially parallel to one another. A frame is coupled to the first edge of the plate, and a handle is coupled to the frame, thereby attaching the handle to the plate, the second edge of which is used for spreading material. The handle extends away from the frame and plate, and bends to extend toward and substantially transverse to the second edge of the plate, thereby increasing both the effectiveness of the tool and the comfort of the user during use of the tool.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning algae and other debris from the various surfaces within a sedimentation tank includes one or more mechanized rotating scrubbing brushes. In contrast to conventional arrangements that use rectangular, non-mechanized brushes, the rotational brush elements of the present invention are more effective and efficient at removing a larger quantity of material from the various interior wall surfaces (e.g., baffle, weir, spillway, etc.) within the sedimentation tank.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner in which it is possible to ensure an increased area of a lower mesh filter 34 while saving space is provided.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclonic airflow chamber that facilitates the separation of contaminants from a suction airstream. The airflow chamber includes a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, with the chamber inlet being fluidically connected with at least one of a suction nozzle and an above-the-floor cleaning tool. An exhaust filter housing includes a suction duct and an exhaust plenum, with the suction duct communicating with the chamber outlet. A suction source housing includes an open end communicating with the exhaust plenum and a closed end. A suction source is positioned within the suction source housing to define an annular exhaust flow passageway surrounding the suction source from the housing closed end to the housing open end. The suction source includes a suction inlet communicating with the suction duct and an exhaust outlet communicating with the housing closed end.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a motor-driven rotatable agitator coupled with a shaft of the motor through a belt. A belt disengaging device for a vacuum cleaner comprises a pin that is movable through an arc of less than 180° between an engaged position and a disengaged position, at which the pin lifts the belt off the motor shaft. An actuator for the belt disengaging device includes a first exterior portion for user access and is moveable between a first and second position. A linkage pivotally connected to the actuator and the mechanically coupled to the pin moves the pin between the engaged and disengaged positions as the actuator moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method for the rapid removal of unwanted debris from a substrate such as an electronic component like unfired greensheets employs a high velocity straight through brush design. This brush employs a large chamber housing and vacuum slots, which create a high velocity vacuum draw for the rapid removal of unwanted ceramic materials. The brush is retained in a brush retainer that preferably utilizes dovetail slots to facilitate easy insertion and removal from the brush retainer.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes: a main body; a suction brush configured to draw particulates into the main body; a motor installed at the main body; and a decelerating unit configured to connect a driving shaft of the motor with an impeller to transfer a rotation force of the driving shaft to the impeller and to set the rotation speed of the driving shaft lower than that of the impeller.

Abstract: A conventional endless belt is made of a comparatively flexible member such as rubber. When the endless belt comes in contact with a gap, part of the belt is pushed inward against the gap to be depressed and as a result, a greater power is needed for the endless belt to climb over the gap and it becomes easily jamed. According to the present invention, a caster of an endless structure is provided which is almost jam-proof even in the case of a bigger gap. The caster comprises a first wheel 3 supported on a mounting leg 2, a second wheel 4 supported by an axle 8 on one end of a suspension arm 7 of which the other end is supported by an axle 6 which also supports the first wheel 3, and a wrap-around member 5 which is wrapped around the first and second wheels 3 and 4. The wraparound member 5 is formed an endless belt form by connecting independent pieces 25 to each other.

Abstract: A caster wheel, comprising a wheel contained between covers; a drive assembly connected to the covers; and a locking assembly connected to the drive assembly, the locking assembly applying pressure to a surface of the wheel under action of the drive assembly, thereby controlling a rotation of the wheel around both a vertical and horizontal axis.

Abstract: A ranch gate arm assembly which incorporates a gate arm that is mounted to allow swivelling about a longitudinal pivot when an external man or machine force is applied to either side of the gate arm thereby inducing the gate arm to swing out, and two torsion springs, one assembled on each side of the ranch gate arm which push against correlating sides of the gate and push the gate back to a centre position after the external force has passed completely through the opening. This gate arm assembly is equipped with a smoothing release assembly, which eliminates the jolt force caused by the quick returning of the gate assembly to the centre position that the gate was originally in before the external force was applied.

Abstract: The invention has as its object an adjustable hinge, comprising at least one pivotable hinge plate provided with at least one through-opening, and comprising at least one alignment washer provided with at least one through-opening, which through-openings are provided for penetration by assembly means for mounting the hinge, wherein the alignment washer and hinge plate are adjustable relative to each other in the plane of the hinge plate, and wherein the alignment washer and/or hinge plate is provided with at least one protruding sharp-edged annular collar and/or a multitude of pointed raised areas having a higher degree of hardness than the mating surfaces contacting it of the other component cooperating with it, namely the alignment washer or the hinge plate. The advantage is that the alignment washer can be adjusted as desired, i.e., also rotated, relative to the hinge plate, and fixed in form-fitting engagement.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument has a business end and a handle attached to the business end. The handle has a gripping portion and a longitudinal axis. A knob is provided on the gripping portion of the handle to facilitate the wielding of the hand-held instrument. The knob is disposed such that it projects away from the handle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred, but not required embodiment, the knob is removably attached to the handle by a quick release attachment device. In a typical, but not required, such embodiment, the quick release attachment device includes a male connection pin disposed within the knob and a female receptor disposed within the hand tool.

Abstract: A protective guard for a clamping device includes structure for physically separating an end of a band portion of the clamping device from an object or body part that may come in contact with the end. The protective guard can include one or more moveable or statically positioned tabs for inhibiting contact of an object or body part with the end.

Abstract: A cargo tightener and strap collector is shown having a rotatable shaft provided on the lever portion of the cargo tightener and strap collector. A slot is provided in the shaft so that the free end of a strap may be inserted in the slot and wound on the shaft to secure the strap and prevent its fluttering in the wind or trailing on the ground while in use.

Abstract: A hook assembly configured to securely connect a strap to a device includes first and second hook members, first and second covers, and a resilient sleeve. The first hook member is configured to pivot with respect to the second hook member into an open position. The first and second covers encase at least portions of the first and second hook members, respectively. The resilient sleeve secures the first hook member to the second hook member and exerts a constant force into the hook members to maintain them in a closed position.

Abstract: A securing apparatus, including a deformable body, wherein the body is configured to provide a secure interference fit with at least one article to which it is fitted, and an aperture within the body, wherein the aperture is configured to accept a releasing tool, characterized in that the securing apparatus is only unlocked by the operation of the releasing tool with respect to the body and remains locked at all other times.

Abstract: A simple, strong handle for use as a grip for holding articles is disclosed comprising a carabiner-like snap hook provided with a gripping surface of the proper size and shape to be comfortably held by a human hand. The snap hook has a generally C-shaped back portion on which the gripping surface is disposed, and a gate selectively attached to the back portion, forming a closed loop. Articles such as shopping bags and animal leashes received by the snap hook and secured by the gate may be held comfortably by the grip. The snap hook may be made of a variety of materials and shapes depending on the application and requirements of the user.

Abstract: A substrate support assembly positively secures a substrate holder support to a rotation shaft with respect to rotationally applied forces. A substrate holder support is configured to have an opening in a socket into which, when aligned with an indentation in the rotational shaft to form a passage, a retaining member is removably inserted to engage both the socket opening and the shaft indentation. Methods of rotating a substrate while minimizing rotational slippage of the substrate holder support with respect to the shaft are also provided.

Abstract: A stent, an intermediate article in the manufacture of a stent, and a method of forming a stent from a workpiece are disclosed. A portion of the wall thickness of a workpiece may be removed, demarcating the structural framework of a stent from the remainder of the workpiece material during a cutting process. In some embodiments, a residuum layer of material remaining after a cutting process may have a recessed surface in relation to a first surface of the structural framework of the stent formed in the workpiece. In some embodiments, a plurality of kerf channels may be cut in a workpiece to demarcate a structural framework of a stent from waste material of the workpiece. In some embodiments, a series of perforations may, at least in part, demarcate the structural framework of a stent from the remainder of the workpiece material. The waste material and/or residuum material may be removed from the structural framework of a stent during a post-cutting process.

Abstract: A method of disassembling a washing machine is a disassembling method for a washing machine including a reduction-gear unit (66) secured on the outside of a water tub (65) and a dehydration tub (12) disposed in the water tub (65), and the method includes a release step of applying force, along the axial direction of a rotary shaft (16), in the direction of separating the reduction-gear unit (66) and the dehydration tub (12) from each other to release connection between the reduction-gear unit (66) and the dehydration tub (12). This scheme can be employed to provide a method of disassembling a washing machine that can recover resin included in the washing machine at a high recovery ratio.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of spaced arms supporting respective cooperable fastening members, loading of the frame during a fastening operation tends to spread the arms and cause variation of a desired predetermined relationship between the fastening members. One of the members is mounted on one arm of the frame by a holder constructed to deform elastically and thereby to provide at least partial compensation for the variation.

Abstract: A split seal component includes two seal face segments in two holder halves and a method of assembly and installation. Each seal face segment has a primary sealing surface and a section extending axially from each primary sealing surface. The holder halves are adapted to be joined together to rigidly hold the circular seal face. The holder being constructed and arranged to mount to a shaft. In a unitized design (FIGS. 29/30) a rotary assembly of seal face segment (206) and rotary holder half (102) may have a contact surface (712) to contact abutment surface (714) of a stationary holder half (370) of a stationary assembly. A biasing device (e.g., spring 514) pushes stationary seal face segment (406) against rotary seal face segment (206) thereby to push contact surface (712) into contact with abutment surface (714). After the stationary assembly is fixed in place around a shaft, the contact and abutment surfaces (712, 714) may be axially displaced (FIG.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of connecting first and second bodies in a mechanical assembly at a desired connection location. An elongate connection structure is provided on the first body. The first body is installed, extending at least to the desired connection location. The first body is axially reduced, to terminate around the desired axial connection location. A second body is connected relative to the desired connection location to the first body using the connection structure. Further sub-assemblies may be installed, and electrically insulated from other parts of the mechanical assembly to protect against corrosion.

Abstract: An arrangement for fastening a support of a scale of a linear measuring device on a mounting surface of an object to be measured. The arrangement includes a clamping jaw and a force-exerting element urging the clamping jaw against the support. The clamping jaw acts together with the support in such a way that the clamping jaw urges said support with a clamping force that includes 1) a first force component against the mounting surface by the force-exerting element and 2) a second force component that urges the support against an attachment face extending transversely to the mounting surface. The attachment face is directly constituted by an attachment body, which can be fixed positively and free of play in a receptacle on the object to be measured.

Abstract: A method of controlling contact load in an apparatus for mounting electronic components on a substrate includes moving a head holding an electronic component down by a predetermined distance. Contact load is measured after moving the head down. A determination is made as to whether the measured contact load has reached the target contact load. The moving and measuring are repeated until the measured contact load reaches the predetermined target contact load.

Abstract: A method for performing transposition of second-generation superconducting wires, and a superconducting coil manufactured using the same are disclosed. The method for manufacturing a second-generation superconducting wire comprises: slitting a multiple-layered thin superconducting wire film, obtained by epitaxial growth, to form a zigzag-shaped slit portion which includes a plurality of sections each having a predetermined first length and a bent portion having a predetermined second length; continuously and repeatedly processing each section of the slit portion of the superconducting wire film until a desired length is processed to obtain first and second wires using two superconducting wire films; positioning the first and second wires so their bent portions face each other; and interweaving the first and second wires together so the first wire passes over the second wire at their first overlapped portion and below the second wire at their second overlapped portion, to couple the first and second wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transformer/inductor devices and to the methods of construction for inductive components such as inductors, chokes, and transformers. Plural via holes are formed through a ferromagnetic substrate. Primary and secondary conductors are placed through common vias to form a plurality of cell transformers have a 1:1 turns ratio. Circuits connect these primary and secondary winding in parallel and serial combustion to provide a transformer having the desired turns ratio.

Abstract: A GMR read head for a magnetic head, in which the hard bias layers are fabricated immediately next to the side edges of the free magnetic layer, and such that the midplane of the hard bias layer and the midplane of the free magnetic layer are approximately coplanar. The positioning of the hard bias layer is achieved by depositing a thick hard bias seed layer, followed by an ion milling step is to remove seed layer sidewall deposits. Thereafter, the hard bias layer is deposited on top of the thick seed layer. Alternatively, a first portion of the hard bias seed layer is deposited, followed by an ion milling step to remove sidewall deposits. A thin second portion of the seed layer is next deposited, and the hard bias layer is then deposited.

Abstract: This part supplying and press-fitting apparatus for supplying an annular part to a predetermined position and press-fitting the part into a press-fit hole of a work in a state of being positioned in a circumferential direction includes a grip device for gripping the part; a rotation device for rotating the grip device around a hole axis of the part in a state of having gripped the part; a detection device for detecting the detected portion of the part being rotated by the rotation device; a stop device for stopping the rotation of the grip device when the detected portion is detected; a move device for moving the grip device stopped by the stop device to the predetermined position; and a press-fit head configured to descend to the predetermined position and to press-fit the part into a press-fit hole of the work.

Abstract: The invention provides an installation device and an installation method for a piston ring.

Abstract: A bonding structure with a buffer layer, and a method of forming the same are provided. The bonding structure comprises a first substrate with metal pads thereon, a protection layer covered on the surface of the substrate, a first adhesive metal layer formed on the metal pads, a buffer layer coated on the protection layer and the metal pads, a first metal layer covered on the buffer layer, and a second substrate with electrodes and a bonding layer thereon. The first metal layer, the electrodes and the bonding layer are bonded to form the bonding structure. Direct bonding can be performed through surface activation or heat pressure. The method uses fewer steps and is more reliable. The temperature required for bonding the structure is lower. The bonding density between the contacted surfaces is increased to a fine pitch. The quality at the bonding points is increased because fewer contaminations between the contacted surfaces are generated.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-temperature heat exchanger is made from a notched piece of metal, the metal being folded back and forth upon itself to form a monolith. The notches in the metal piece create openings, communicating with distinct sides of the monolith. Ducts are attached to the openings. Cut pieces of corrugated metal, which may have a catalyst coating, are inserted between folds of the monolith. The heat exchanger may be used as part of a fuel cell system, or in other industrial applications, to recover waste heat, or to conduct various catalytic and non-catalytic reactions. The invention also includes an element, or building block, for a high-temperature heat exchanger, including a folded metal monolith with metal combs inserted, the monolith and the combs defining seams which are hermetically sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a hot gas valve for a divert and attitude control system in a propelled craft. The methods include the steps of building a valve, or a plurality of separate valve components or segments using a solid free-form fabrication process, and assembling the plurality of separate valve components or segments if necessary to produce the hot gas valve. The solid free-form fabrication process comprises the steps of forming successive feedstock layers by depositing the feedstock material into a predetermined region, the feedstock layers representing successive cross-sectional component slices, and modifying the feedstock by directing an energy source to the predetermined region and thereby creating modified regions in the successive feedstock layers, the combined modified regions defining the hot gas valve or an at least partially-formed valve component or segment.

Abstract: The electric shaver in accordance with the present invention comprises a hand grip 10 configured to be gripped by a user's hand, and a blade head 20 provided on an upper end of the hand grip. The blade head carries at least one shaving unit 50 comprising an outer blade foil 70 and an inner blade 80 driven in a shearing engagement manner with the outer blade foil. The outer blade foil has a plurality of holes in which hairs are introduced. The outer blade foil is elongated and has a length, and is curved along a width direction to form a generally C-shaped cross section, and is curved convexly and uniformly along its length to have a longitudinal curved outline. The feature of the present invention resides in that a radius of curvature of the longitudinal curved outline is 150 mm to 350 mm.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a razor cartridge a frame, at least two blades, a first group of at least two spring fingers, and a second group of at least two spring fingers. At least one spring finger (of the first group) extends toward the first end of the frame and at least one other spring finger extends towards the second end of the frame. At least one spring finger (of the second group) extends toward the second end of the frame and the cantilevered end of at least one other spring finger extends towards the first end of the frame. The first and second groups of spring fingers cooperate to dynamically mount the at least two blades in the frame such that each blade can move relative of the frame and the other blade(s) during normal shaving.

Abstract: The chain saw tool holder is a device for attaching a conventional chain saw adjustment tool to the chain guide bar attachment points of a chain saw for convenient access to the tool. The holder includes a chain guide bar fitting attachment plate and a tool shank holder opposite the attachment plate. The attachment plate may have any of several configurations to provide for removable attachment to various models of chain saws. The tool shank holder may comprise a tube into which the shank of the tool is inserted axially, or may comprise a channel into which the shank of the tool is inserted laterally. All of the tool shank holders include some form of tool retaining device therein or therewith to secure the tool positively within the device until use of the tool is desired.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a folding knife comprising a blade and an integrally formed handle, the handle including a groove and having its forward end pivotably connected to a rear end of the blade such that the blade is adapted to lie within the groove by pivoting in its closed position, the handle further including an integral extension below the groove such that the rear end of the blade is stopped by the extension when the blade pivots into an open position by pivoting about a forward end of the groove for preventing the blade from further pivoting into the groove.

Abstract: A utility knife and a method of using a utility knife. The utility knife including a first blade coupled to a linkage and movably positioned within the housing between a first blade fully-retracted position wherein all of the first blade is positioned within the housing and a first blade extended position wherein a portion of the first blade extends outside the housing, and a second blade coupled to the linkage and movably positioned within the housing between a second blade fully-retracted position wherein all of the second blade is positioned within the housing and a second blade extended position wherein a portion of the second blade extends outside the housing.