Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process for the extraction and preparation of bast fibers with high quality and high counts. The process is suitable for ramie, hemp and flax. The present invention also relates to bast fibers with high counts produced according to the process, as well as pure yarns and mixed, blended yarns made from said bast fibers.

Abstract: A method for controlling a program-controlled water-bearing domestic cleaning appliance, especially a washing machine, which comprises a program control device that controls a water supply and outlet device, a heater and/or a drive device. For the purpose of cleaning, the structural components that come into contact with water during proper operation of the device, the so-called self-cleaning, the program control device controls water supply, discharge, water level, the speed of the driving motor and/or the duration of the drive control within at least one program section and/or the duration of at least one program section in such a manner that all structural components to be cleaned are wetted with water or the cleaning solution. This kind of self-cleaning should especially be carried out when the domestic cleaning appliance is put into operation for the first time. The invention is further characterized in that the program control device automatically recognizes the initial putting into operation.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a washing machine having a basket rotatably mounted within a tub includes a motor having a first pulley. A washing apparatus is mounted within the basket. A rotatable shaft has first and second ends, the first end being directly coupled to the washing apparatus. A second pulley is mounted on the second end of the shaft. A drive belt connects the first pulley to the second pulley. An inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor based on a predetermined agitation profile.

Abstract: To obtain a reactive trichromatic set has superior reproducibility, and particularly light fastness and alkali perspiration light fastness under balanced affinity and reactivity, and improving Right First Time production, for dyeing cellulose fibers or cellulosic blended fibers is disclosed in the present invention. A reactive trichromatic set comprising (a) at least one of the following reactive red dye of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, X, D, Z, and n are defined the same as in the specification; (b) at least one reactive yellow dye selected from the following Color Index; C.I. Reactive Yellow 145 and C.I. Reactive Yellow 176; and (c) at least one reactive blue dye selected from the following Color Index; C.I. Reactive Blue 194, C.I. Reactive Blue 221 and C.I. Reactive Blue 222.

Abstract: The present invention relates to storage-stable fluorescent whitener formulations, comprising a compound of formula (1), as described under claim 1, a process for their preparation and their use.

Abstract: A specially designed insert for orthopedic insoles and a process for manufacturing said insole, the use of which prevents the foot from bending excessively at the metatarsal joints, thereby protecting the skin in the area of the metatarsal heads of the forefoot on the bottom of the foot and preventing that skin from stretching, cracking or being otherwise damaged.

Abstract: A bridge and pier structure are disclosed for extending over a waterway, wherein the pier structure includes a chamber filled with air or other buoyant material such that a buoyancy force is produced. The chamber is sized and filled such that the buoyancy force offsets at least eighty or ninety percent of the weight of the bridge that is supported by the pier. The pier structure includes a footing portion that is embedded into the bed of the waterway, and an optional piling extends downwardly from the footing to engage more stable strata. In an embodiment of the invention, the pier includes a relatively large upper portion that defines the buoyant chambers, and a relatively narrow portion that extends down to the footing portion of the pier. In an embodiment, a bumper assembly is disposed about the pier, to protect the pier and provide a platform for other activities.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner is provided of the type for random travel over submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool or the like to dislodge and collect debris. The pool cleaner includes an electric-powered traction drive system for rotatably driving cleaner wheels, and an electric-powered water management system including a water supply pump and related manifold unit for venturi-vacuuming and collection of settled debris within a porous filter bag. A directional control system including an on-board compass monitors turning movements of the pool cleaner during normal random travel operation, and functions to regulate the traction drive system in a manner to prevent, e.g., excess twisting of a conduit such as a power cable tethered to the pool cleaner.

Abstract: A cleaning device for the main shaft CD carrying tray of a CD player includes a sheet body and an attachment layer. The sheet body made of a preset material is to be placed on the tray of a CD player and conveyed into the CD player, having a center-positioning hole to be fitted on the center projecting portion of the CD carrying tray of the CD player. The surface of the attachment layer has proper viscosity or suction property, and the attachment layer has its underside fixed on the circumferential portion of the positioning hole of the sheet body, having its surface range covering at least the circumferential portion of the CD carrying tray, which supports the CD. Impurities attached on the circumference of the CD carrying tray can be adhered and cleared away by the attachment layer of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A sweeper including a rotating brush or drum supported by a float arm movably coupled to a bucket. The float arm is coupled to a linkage to movably support the float arm between a retracted position and a forward position. Float arm is supported independently of a hood connected to the bucket and is movable through linkage relative to hood. In an illustrated embodiment, float arm is rotationally coupled to linkage to compensate for height variations and/or provide a mechanism to rotate linkage to move the float arm forward relative to the bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a control rod drive mechanism in a nuclear reactor is disclosed. The apparatus may include an inlet opening for inserting the control rod drive mechanism, an outlet opening, a first support ring engaged with a drive mechanism, a second support ring, and a plurality of brushes positioned between the first and second support rings.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a floor treatment machine is provided that aids the operator in maintaining positive control of the machine. The wheel assembly includes a body that can be removably attached to the floor treatment machine and wheels that are configured to contact the floor, while the floor treatment machine is in use. The body of the wheel assembly can include a first end disposed below the base of the floor treatment machine, an intermediate region, and a second end extending beyond the base.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly comprises a toothbrush, a storage unit comprising an input, a memory for storing audio signals received via the input, and an output for transmitting or playing the stored audio signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to providing a cleansing article. The cleansing article generally includes one or more of a receptacle, a container, one or more segments, a material piece, and one or more of a solid cleanser and a liquid cleanser. The receptacle, the container, the one or more segments, and the material piece are each generally formed of an open cell material. In certain embodiments, the receptacle is used with the one or more segments to increase the activating area of the receptacle. As such, more soapy lather can be created via the one or more solid cleanser and liquid cleanser in comparison to solely using the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the one or more segments are held within the receptacle via the container or via the material piece. As such, the segments being held in such fashion collectively serve as a temporary reservoir for soapy lather created.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified extension part (1) and sweeper body (6) for weed mowers, in which the mentioned extension part (1) is constructed as a cylindrical disc provided with through and through recesses (7) and at least two opposite to each other not through and through milled-out recesses (5, 51) to receive in a very inventive way the triangular or polygonal bushes (15) with sweeper body (6) constructed as steel cable (14), and pressed on the end a preferably triangular bush or cover (15), in which locking is done by means of a spring loaded blocking pin (10) and can be pushed in with the thumb and finger to replace the sweeper body for which a recess (16) comes free and the sweeper body can be replaced, through which in a surprising easy way and without the requirements of tools the sweeper body (6) of the extension part (1) can be replaced.

Abstract: A golf grip towel 10 constructed of at least two panels 12,14 of different materials provides a dual purpose towel and protective cover for the handles 28 of golf clubs 30. When the golf clubs 30 are removed from the golf bag or golf cart for use on a fairway or green, the handles 28 of the clubs 30 are placed in a pocket 26 of the golf grip towel 10 to protect the golf club handles 28, when laid on the ground, from moisture, dirt, or other contamination.

Abstract: A cleaning implement with a handle and a removable cleaning pad can be used to effectively clean surfaces, especially shower and bathroom surfaces. The absorbency of the cleaning pad controls soap release to enable extended cleaning efficacy. The cleaning pad has wet flexibility when in use to effectively clean a variety of surfaces and still remain disposable. The cleaning implement may be a manual tool or a motorized tool. Examples of suitable cleaning implements include a hard surface floor mop, a carpet mop, an auto cleaning device, a toilet cleaning device, a bathroom cleaning device, and a shower cleaning device.

Abstract: A floor mat with a recess therein for matably receiving and frictionally retaining a block with a top surface for advertising, branding, or other messages. An electrical circuit in the block includes a timer, a battery and an LED light, and is configured to illuminate the light after the timer times out, thus indicating when the absorbent sheet on top of the mat or the mat itself needs to be replaced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor cleaning tool. In one embodiment the floor cleaning tool comprises a backing and a handle. The backing comprises a first surface and a second surface. The handle is attached to the second surface of the backing apparatus. The backing has a generally triangular perimeter having a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A portion of the first edge is curved and a portion of the second edge is curved. The first edge and second edge meet at a leading point. The third edge is concave. The floor cleaning tool is capable of supporting a wipe.

Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning a surface and removing excess cleaning fluid from the surface in one step. The device includes a sponge and a cover which encases the sponge. A holder for retaining the sponge and the cover. The holder includes a lower base and a front wall extending generally at right angles from the lower base and a rear wall extending substantially at right angles from another edge of the lower base. An upper base is located above the lower base and adjacent the lower base. The upper base inclines from the front wall to the rear wall. A rack of teeth on the rear wall and the upper edge of the front wall retain the sponge and cover in the holder. A flap is slidably mounted in the slot in one end panel and between the lower base and the upper base. A handle is secured to the base panel opposite from the upper panel.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system has multiple blades for clearing the windshield of rainwater, ice, snow, dust and debris. A pair of outer squeegee blades take care of rainwater while two pairs of inner blades remove ice, snow, dust and other debris. Each pair of inner blades is movable toward and from the windshield, one at a time, while the outer blades remain fixed. An inner blade moves from a normal position out of contact with the windshield to an extended position where it contacts the windshield lifting the fixed blades away from the windshield. Each movable blade is attached to an accordion linkage mechanism and operated from inside the vehicle via a cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning a window of a vehicle, including a vessel, having an inlet through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window, a heating element for heating the fluid in the vessel, a controller for controlling flow of the fluid through the vessel and an actuator in wireless communication with the controller.

Abstract: A wiper connector for a motor vehicle intended for the connection and articulation between a wiper arm and a component of a wiper blade is engaged longitudinally from rear to front inside the front end of the arm, which is curved longitudinally towards the rear in the form of a U. The wiper connector includes at least one elastically deformable element for securing the connector in the engaged position inside the front end of the arm and two longitudinal vertical flanks, which are designed to be received between two lateral wings of the blade component. The wiper connector is locked in the engaged position in the arm by a safety fastener mounted so as to be able to move between a closed position, in which it extends with regards to the securing element in order to prevent its elastic deformation, and an open position allowing the disengagement of the connector from the arm.

Abstract: The inventive wringer for scrubbing buckets basically comprises two independent tilting parts of a wringer (4) which are pivotally coupled inside the space of a support (1) fixed to the bucket mouthpiece. Said independent parts (4) are pivotally coupled with parallel axes communicating with the end spaces (3) of the support (1) and are tiltable oppositely to the resistance of spring elements (5).

Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along a surface, the base module having a front portion, an upright handle pivotally attached to the base module, a cleaning liquid dispensing system for applying a cleaning liquid to a surface to be cleaned, an agitation assembly associated with the base module, and a vacuum inlet associated with the base module, the improvement comprising a blower assembly associated with one of the base module and the upright handle for blowing air tangentially across the surface to dry the surface.

Abstract: A wet extraction floor cleaning device having a base assembly adapted for movement on a surface being cleaned, an operating handle pivotally attached to the base assembly, a supply tank having a supply tank outlet, and a recovery tank having a recovery tank inlet and a recovery tank outlet. The base assembly has an inlet nozzle that extends from an inlet slit proximal the surface being cleaned to a nozzle outlet. The device further includes a fluid deposition assembly that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the supply tank outlet, a vacuum source, and first and second external pockets. The supply and recovery tanks are adapted to be selectively placed in the first and second external pockets, thereby placing the supply tank outlet in fluid communication with the fluid deposition system, the recovery tank inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle outlet, and the recovery tank outlet in fluid communication with the vacuum source inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided that comprises a dust collection unit mounted to a mounting portion of a cleaner body. The dust collection unit separates dust from outside air being drawn in. The dust collection unit has a handle and a locking unit for detachably fixing the dust collection unit to the cleaner body. Here, the locking unit comprises a locking member moving between a connecting position and a releasing position, the connecting position for being engaged with a connection recess formed on the cleaner body and the releasing position for being released from the connection recess; and a button member formed on an outer surface of the dust collection unit for pressing operation.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base having first and second inlet ports and a fan configured to draw air through the inlet ports into the base. A vacuuming head is removably attachable to the base to channel air from a surface into the first inlet port to clean the surface while covering and blocking the second inlet port. An attachment, different than the head, is removably attachable to the base to channel air into the second inlet port.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a base, a cleaning head and a handle. The cleaning head is configured to be attached to the base and moved against a household surface to clean the surface. The handle is configured to be removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an electronic user interface with which a user can control or monitor operation of the base.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning attachment. A base has an outlet port configured to be attached to the cleaning attachment and draw air from a household surface through the attachment and exhaust the air through the outlet port. A handle is configured to have an installed position removably attached to the base for manually moving the base by the handle. The handle has an inlet port configured to be connected to a dirt receptacle and to move toward and into connection with the outlet port by movement of the handle toward and into the installed position, for the air exhausted through the outlet port to flow through the inlet port into the receptacle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner capable of reducing noise, power consumption, and the discharging of fine dust particles, and eradicating mites, mold, and germs by blowing ozone is provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a main body, suctioning head, hose, ozone generator, and venturi. The main body includes an air suctioning blower installed within to impart suctioning force. The suctioning head includes a suctioning cavity. The hose connects the main body to the suctioning head, and includes an air discharging passage divided from an air suctioning passage. The ozone generator generates ozone and is installed on the suctioning head. The venturi connects a discharging end of the ozone generator to the air discharging passage. The suctioning force continuously circulates air through the air discharging passage, the suctioning cavity, and the air suctioning passage, and the ozone generated by the ozone generator is supplied to the suctioning cavity through the venturi.

Abstract: A hinge formed of a shaft member, a spring member, a slide, a locating member, a mounting frame, and an end cap. When turning the mounting frame with the locating member relative to the slide and the shaft member within a predetermined angle, the mounting frame is returned or positioning in a position within an angle. When turning the mounting frame over the first predetermined angle, the sliding protrusions of the locating member are moved along the sliding protrusions of the slide, and the mounting frame is returned when the sliding protrusions of the locating member do not move over the peaks of the sliding protrusions of the slide, or the mounting frame is automatically turned relative to the shaft member through an angle when the sliding protrusions of the locating member are moved over the peaks of the sliding protrusions of the slide.

Abstract: A device for automatically lifting a cover of a mobile phone by pressing is to control the lifting/closing operation of an upper cover relative to a main body of a mobile phone. A housing member is connected between the main body and the upper cover. The device for lifting the cover comprises a pressing-and-controlling means provided within the housing member, a braking means accommodated within the pressing-and-controlling means and movably connected to the pressing-and-controlling means, a rotating means operatively connected to the pressing-and-controlling means and the braking means, and a reciprocating means operatively connected to the other end of the rotating means. With the above arrangement, a user can operate the pressing-and-controlling means with single hand to drivingly connect to the braking means and cause the rotating means to rotate and slide, thereby to automatically lift the upper cover of the mobile phone after being pressed.

Abstract: All-metal hinge motion check friction device for incorporating into a hinge assembly useful for holding a hinge open at a selected position. The hinge motion check friction device is useful for incorporating into vehicle door hinges, particularly when the vehicle is being painting during manufacturing.

Abstract: A hinge includes a housing member, a mounting member, a pivot shaft, which has a first connecting portion pivotally coupled to the housing member and a second connecting portion affixed to the mounting member, and a friction spring washer set mounted on the pivot shaft and secured to the housing member, each friction spring washer having a peripheral deformable portion and a peripheral notch in the peripheral deformable portion for releasing torque produced against the friction spring washers during rotary motion of the pivot shaft with the mounting member relative to the housing member.

Abstract: A hinge includes: a pair of rolling elements disposed with a distance therebetween; a movable piece that has opposite side surfaces respectively facing the pair of rolling elements so that the pair of rolling elements roll on the opposite side surfaces of the movable piece, thereby allowing the movable piece to be reciprocatingly moved; and a connection element that connects the pair of rolling elements together, while allowing the same to roll. With the hinge having the above arrangement, the pair of rolling elements, which are connected together by the connection element, move in the opposite directions while rolling on the opposite side surfaces of the movable piece, keeping the distance therebetween constant. The movable piece is also reciprocatingly moved by being pressed by the pair of rolling elements.

Abstract: A hinge for a boom associated with a spacecraft antenna or other payload. The boom hinge includes two hinge bodies and at least three links, where one of the links is a drive link. The resulting hinge is an N+4 bar linkage. An actuator rotates the drive link so that the other links wrap around it, and the next link in the series of links acts as a drive link as the links get wrapped around the primary drive link. At the end of the deployment, the hinge precisely emulates the classic four-bar over-center latch behavior. This allows any hinge-offset distance between the hinge bodies when stowed in a larger hinge rotation angle without structural compromises.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pliable handle on which a button can be installed, relating to the handles of hand-held devices. It comprises a rigid core member, there is a bore in the rigid plastic core member along the longitudinal axis of the core member for locking the bottom of the central rod; a flexible outer sheath is disposed about the core member hermetically, and deformable gel is disposed between the core member and the outer sheath. A space for receiving the button which can move in radial direction is set in the core member, a through opening for button to be inserted through is disposed in the side wall of the core member, the side wall corresponds to the space; an outer annular flange is formed on the exterior surface of the core member which corresponds to the through opening; an opening is set on the flexible outer sheath for containing the outer annular flange of the core member; The opening of the outer sheath covers the outer annular flange of the core member.

Abstract: A steel band retainer includes a bottom plate and an upper plate extending from a lengthwise side of the bottom plate. The bottom plate is provided with plural pairs of two rows of first spike-like teeth and second spike-like teeth in parallel on an upper surface. The first and the second spike-like teeth have opposite direction tips from one another so that they may have better retaining force against the steel band after the retainer is compressed around the two ends of a steel band in packing. Then the steel band can be retained stably, not loosening even in case the steel band receives an excessive large pulled-away force.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reclosable bag having first and second walls and an open top defined by first and second elongate flexible fastener strips adjacent the top of the walls. One of the fastener strip has a profile portion forming a groove and had a profile portion forming a rib. A portion of the rib is received and retained in the groove when the bag top is closed. Each of the fastener strips has a base connected to the respective walls and each of the fastener strips further has an upper edge adjacent the upper edge. The bag has a slider mounted on the strips and movable in one direction longitudinally to progressively separate the rib from the groove to open the bag, and the slider is movable in the opposite direction to progressively return the rib to a retained condition in the groove so as to close the bag.

Abstract: An easy-type unidirectional locking device is primarily composed of a base and a lid, and is interiorly provided with a roller and an axle base which is provided at two sides with respective barriers, being controlled by a control knob installed outside of the lid. The axle base is resilience-retrievable via a spring connected with the control knob. A rope enters the entrance on the bottom of the locking device, passes by one barrier at one side of the axle base, goes around the roller, and then passes by the other barrier, and finally goes out of the exit. When the rope is drawn clockwise, the barriers at the axle base will clamp the rope, thereby accomplishing a unidirectional locking device.

Abstract: A waterproof zipper having a back surface of each fastener strip is permeated with solvent-based PU adhesive contains solid contents 34˜36% toluene or methyl-ethyl-ketone 64˜66% with a viscosity 60,000˜90,000 cps at 25° C. and hardener contains butyl-acetate 23˜27%, polyisocyanate 73˜77%; and then a PU film is adhered to the back surface by thermal plastic stage so as to be formed as a waterproof layer which includes an inner layer permeating into the fastener strips and an outer layer at an outer side of the fastener strips.

Abstract: A wireless mobile device carrier. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a wireless mobile device carrier comprising a holster assembly adapted to hold the wireless mobile device on a first side, a protrusion from a second side of the holster assembly (a perimeter of the protrusion defines a substantially circular shape, and the protrusion also defines a notch), a backing member with an aperture having a plurality of grooves (the protrusion of the holster assembly within the aperture of the backing member), a rod disposed in the notch of the protrusion (wherein rotation of the holster relative to the backing member moves the rod from one of the plurality of grooves into an adjacent one of the plurality of grooves), and a clip member having a hook portion and an opening tab, the clip member attached to the backing member such that pressing the opening tab causes the hook portion to be positioned away from the backing member for attachment to an article of clothing.

Abstract: A handle hardware assembly for attaching a handle to the sidewall of a casket. The hardware assembly comprises a lifting arm and clevis each having a pair of pivot arms or flanges. Each clevis pivot flange has a protrusion which is engageable with three radially spaced depressions of a corresponding lifting arm pivot arm. The selected depression the protrusion is engaged in determines the fixed position of the handle relative to sidewall of the casket. Also, a bolt is insertable from inside the casket such that the sharp end of the bolt is between the clevis pivot flanges to avoid injury to a funeral director or others.

Abstract: A coffin (10) according to a first aspect has a base portion comprising a plurality of base panels (14), each base panel (14) being connected to the or each adjacent base panel (14) by a joint (16). Each base panel (14) is foldable onto an adjacent base panel (14). The coffin (10) includes a plurality of side panels (18) each connected to the base portion (12) by a joint (20), such that each side panel (18) is foldable onto an adjacent base panel (14). The coffin (10) may also comprise an end panel (24) connected to each endmost base panel (14). A coffin (40; 140; 240) according to a second aspect comprises first and second opposed end members spaced apart from one another by first and second collapsible side walls (46; 146; 246, 48; 148; 248).

Abstract: An array of piezoelectric elements is easily manufactured by making insulating portions at side surfaces smaller. The piezoelectric element includes: a multilayered structure in which piezoelectric material layers and internal electrode layers are alternately stacked; first insulating films formed by using an AD method, for covering a first group of internal electrode layers at a first surface of the multilayered structure; second insulating films formed by using the AD method, for covering a second group of internal electrode layers at a second surface of the multilayered structure; a first external electrode connected to the second group of internal electrode layers and insulated from the first group of internal electrode layers at the first surface; and a second external electrode connected to the first group of internal electrode layers and insulated from the second group of internal electrode layers at the second surface.

Abstract: A fast tool arrangement, in particular for lathes for machining optical workpieces, has a carriage, which for linear reciprocating movements is guided in a housing on bearing elements stationary in relation to the housing, and which at its outer end carries a holder for a tool or workpiece and at its inner end is actively connected with a moving coil drive. The carriage has the cross-section of a T-profile with plane-parallel flange and web faces wherein the bearing elements are arranged in pairs on both sides of the profile web and the profile flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing fluid passages of engines is disclosed. Preferred apparatus of the invention are able to automatically recognize inlets of several fluid passages, which exist in each engine at different positions depending on the engine model, and rapidly and precisely perform operation of closing the inlets at the recognized positions using a caulking device and a robot, thus enhancing manufacturing productivity of the engine.

Abstract: A manufacturing system comprising an assembly unit for assembling components of a product, a test unit for testing the assembled product and a packaging unit for packaging the product that has passed the test unit is provided. The assembly unit comprises a moving unit, a worktable adjacent to the moving unit, first and second auxiliary worktables and a caster provided on a lower portion thereof, and a rotator to rotate one of the first and second auxiliary worktables with respect to the other within an predetermined angle. The test unit comprises a rotation table, a base for supporting the rotation table, a driving unit provided on the base, and a plurality of jigs disposed on the rotation table at a predetermined interval. Thus, the manufacturing system provides improved productivity with a small work space and work force coping with an increase and decrease of production, and a variety of products.