Abstract: An incontinence bed pad comprised of one or more inflatable pads and one or more absorbent pads for use under a patient on a bed. The inflatable incontinence bed pad serves to spread pressure over an increased area for the patient to prevent or treat bed wounds. The inflatable pad may channel or drain fluids such as urine into the absorbent pad below, keeping the surface and patient dry. Alternately, the absorbent pad may be placed above the inflatable pad to reduce cleaning work. The one or more air bladders are inflatable through one or more ports. The ports pass air from one or more manual or powered air pumps to the one or more air bladders. Making an incontinence pad of an inflatable nature offers advantages not available in the prior art. The inflation and deflation of distinct sealed chambers or zones within the inflatable pad may tilt a patient's hips to the right and to the left periodically. The pad may inflate in a static position.

Abstract: A strip length scale for a wire stripper has a receiving portion, a channel aligned with the receiving portion and gradation markings along the length of the channel. Numerical markings next to the gradation marking correspond with the length of the channel. The channel receives the bare conductor portion of a stripped insulated wire. The receiving portion of the strip length scale receives the insulated wire portion of the stripped insulated wire. An abutment at the junction of the channel and receiving portion locates the end of the insulation accurately.

Abstract: Methods for coloring socks to match suits, trousers, or shoes involves identifying a dye specification for suit material, trouser material or shoe material. The suit, slacks, or shoe material can be dyed per the dye specification. The dye specification can be transmitted to a sock manufacturing site. The methods continue by dyeing sock material with the dye specification to match the dyed suit material, the dyed shoe material, or dyed trouser material. For the suit materials and trouser materials, the suit or slacks are formed and dye specifications can be placed in a pocket of the resulting garment for future sock ordering. For the shoe embodiment, the dye specification can be placed in the shoes. A pair of socks can be formed from the dyed sock material, and the dyed socks can be connected to the respective manufactured article to form a sock/suit, sock/trouser or sock/shoes unit.

Abstract: A control system for a clothes treating apparatus includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a controller operatively coupled to the sensors. The apparatus includes a cabinet, a wash tub mounted within the cabinet and configured to receive clothes therein, a dehumidifying assembly, and a fan configured to draw air from the wash tub to the dehumidifying assembly and channel the air from the dehumidifying assembly back to the wash tub. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the air entering the dehumidifying assembly. The second sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the air exiting the dehumidifying assembly. The controller is configured to determine a dryness level of the clothes contained in the wash tub based on the detected air temperatures.

Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having high efficiency which can reduce energy waste by controlling an operation of a circulation pump and a method for controlling the same. According to the washing machine of the present invention, unlike the prior art, the operation of circulation pump is controlled, considering the operation state of the motor, the heater or the water supply valve. Thus, energy waste may be prevented by the efficient control of the circulation pump.

Abstract: A product and process for laundering delicate or dry-clean only garments in a washing machine, such as a conventional home washing machine. The process may utilize a garment container, such as a flexible wrap to protect the garments. The process also includes at least one cleaning composition specially formulated for delicate garments. The cleaning composition(s) can be in a number of suitable forms, and can be introduced into the process in a number of different manners. The products used in the process may be provided in the form of a kit. The kit may also include a pretreatment applicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hair care compositions comprising an oxidizing agent and chelants having a log KCuL/log KCaL ratio calculated at pH 10 of at least 3.20 wherein log KCuL is the common logarithm of the Conditional Stability Constant of said chelant with Cu2+ and log KCaL is the common logarithm of the Conditional Stability Constant of said chelant with Ca2+. Suitable chelants are diamine-N,N?-dipolyacids or monoamine monoamide-N,N?-dipolyacids. The compositions according to the present invention contribute to reducing the oxidative damage sustained by a keratinous fiber such as hair during bleaching, dyeing, perming or other oxidative treatments. Especially preferred diamine dipolyacid is ethylenediamine-N,N?-disuccinic acid (EDDS).

Abstract: The present invention has for an object brightening cationic naphthalene dyes of formula (I) and colorants for keratin fibers, particularly human hair, containing these compounds

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for dyeing fibers which comprises adding to the fibers an effective amount for the purpose of a composition including an alkyl lactate and additional components. The present invention further relates to a dyeing composition, comprising (a) a cationic monomer, (b) an alkyl lactate and (c) a zeolite.

Abstract: Useful in a construction environment, for example, the protection system is installed over a surface to be protected, various configurations of a protection system are installed over a portion of an infrastructure improvement, such as a sidewalk, curb, gutter, or other structure. Traffic crossing the surface of the infrastructure improvement is then directed over the protection system to avoid damage that could otherwise occur due to the application of topical weight directly on the surface. The protection system may include ramps that facilitate traffic over the protected surface.

Abstract: A method for aligning an aircraft-engaging end of a passenger boarding bridge to a doorway of an aircraft includes waiting for the aircraft to park within a parking space that is adjacent to the passenger boarding bridge. A determination is made of a status of the aircraft doorway, wherein the status is indicative of a door panel being either closed or open. In dependence upon the determined status being indicative of the door panel being open, an alignment operation is performed for adjusting the aircraft engaging-end of the passenger boarding bridge into an aligned relationship relative to the aircraft doorway.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel construction method to longitudinally offset a traditional bridge substructure to a desired location by utilizing unconventional link-support or alternative support systems. This invention describes an approach to achieve longer span length, wider opening and/or greater lateral underclearance for the needed facility below a bridge span that no other traditional bridge construction methods could provide.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the outer skin of aircraft of all types is provided with a cleaning head (1). This cleaning head (1) is fastened to an arm, which is mounted on a system support, for example, on a low-bed truck. The cleaning head (1) is provided with one or more rollers (2, 7, 13), whereby openings (5, 9, 11) are provided in hollow shafts (3, 8, 12). A cleaning medium, steam and polishing agent can be introduced via said openings, and the waste water contaminated with the dirt particles that are removed from the outer skin of the aircraft can be suctioned off also via said openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for positioning components (3) of a scraper moved through laid pipelines along the inner pipeline wall, the components (3) being located on radially expandable support elements (2) in such a way that with the same spacing between the components and pipe wall for different pipe diameters there is a uniform coverage of the pipe circumference by the components (3). For this purpose in each case at least two support elements (2) succeeding one another in the pipeline circumferential direction are pivotably interconnected by at least one connecting member (4) articulated thereto, so that the support elements (2) are equidistantly spaced in each expansion position.

Abstract: A tube cleaning assembly (10) comprising a cylindrical housing (11) having a bore (20) with a coaxial strut (27) therein, capable of both axial and rotation movement relative to the housing (11). One end of the strut (27) extends through an aperture (29) in an end wall (21) of the housing (11) and is connected to a cleaning brush (17), the other end of the strut (27) being adjacent a piston (26) reciprocable within the bore (11) to move the strut axially, the axial movement of the strut (27) being translated into rotational movement around its axis and rotating both strut and brush.

Abstract: A broom apparatus is described that includes a handle, an insert and a cleaning head. The proximal end portion is a tube defines an aperture that is approximately aligned with axis of the handle. The aperture extends a predetermined distance within the handle. The insert is stored in the proximal end portion of the handle. The insert includes a proximal handle and a distal cleaning head that has a cleaning pouch. The insert is removed for dusting from the proximal end portion of the handle and can be returned and stored in the proximal end portion of the handle thereafter.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed that includes an elongate handle, a cleaning head and an insert. The handle has proximal end portion and a distal end portion that define a longitudinal axis. The distal end portion of the handle is removably connected to the cleaning head. The cleaning head includes a flexible neck, a base plate having T-shaped projections and a removable cleaning element. The cleaning element is removable and has a three-layer mop that includes an attachment layer made of hook and loop material, which receives T-shaped projections, an absorbent layer and a scouring or scrubbing layer. The proximal portion of the handle defines an aperture aligned with the longitudinal axis. The aperture receives the insert. The insert is removably positionable in the proximal end portion of the handle between a first position and second position for use. The insert has a distal head that includes a scraper.

Abstract: An oral care implement has an improved handle for control. The handle may include a gripping region having a grip surface with a plurality of spaced slot openings exposing portions of the base. In one construction, the handle may have an inclined portion and a grip body extending through a base of the handle. The grip body forms opposite finger grips on the inclined portion of the handle. In one construction, the handle may include a grip element which provides shifting of a mass centroid of the handle during use. In another construction, the handle includes a resilient grip body and the handle includes an aperture extend through the handle. Aperture has an inclined surface for engaging a resilient grip body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning utensil comprising a handle portion and a head portion, the head portion adapted to be extendible from the handle portion and adapted to be flexible when extended from the handle portion.

Abstract: A golf towel assembly that permits a golfer to carry a wet towel clipped to his/her clothing is comprised of; 1) a backing made of waterproof material to prevent water from reaching clothing; 2) a grommet for attaching the greens towel assembly; 3) a terry cloth towel, with nylon netting attached, that attaches to the waterproof backing using a hook and loop attachment for easy removal. The assembly is small and can be attached to the golfer's clothing so that it does not interfere with the golfer's stroke. The assembly allows a golfer to take a compact wet towel to the green, detach it to clean the ball and replace it in an out of the way spot clear of the golf stroke.

Abstract: A golf cleaning and storage device having a cleaning chamber formed between two sidewalls. An elongated aperture on a side edge provides for easy user insertion of a hand and ball from the side edge facing the user's hand. The cleaning chamber is lined with buffing material and has a sponge or other liquid reservoir located in a lower portion. The sponge is removably engageable for replacement.

Abstract: The invention includes a central vacuum system for use in a dwelling. The system features a vacuum unit having an exhaust outlet and a vacuum inlet connected to a fixed gooseneck shaped tube, a flexible cloth hose having a first end and a second end, where the first end is operatively connected to the gooseneck shaped tube with clamping means and the second end contains means for connecting a vacuum attachment. The gooseneck tube contains a flange to engage the clamp attached to the hose so that the hose cannot be pulled from the vacuum system during use. The flexible hose is adapted to extend from the vacuum unit within the dwelling and out through a wall orifice provided to access a living space of the dwelling. The hose is manually collapsible over the tube by a user when the system is not in use.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner and a method for storing a vacuum hose of a portable vacuum cleaner are provided. The portable vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum-generating device. The portable vacuum cleaner further includes a housing configured to hold the vacuum generating device therein. The housing has a groove extending around a periphery of the housing for receiving and holding a vacuum hose therein during storage of the housing. The vacuum hose has first and second ends. The first end is operably coupled to the vacuum generating device.

Abstract: An integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system is provided with a wet and dry vacuuming section and a compressor section, each of which is mounted on a easy to relocate trolley with at least three wheels. The vacuum system has a separate motor from the compressor and is independently operable with full capacity. A filter in front of the vacuum suction prevents debris and moisture from entering the vacuum-generating unit. The vacuum hose decreases in diameter as a function of distance from the unit to increase airflow velocity. Air pressure within a compressed air storage tank in the compressor section is sensed and controlled. The integrated shop vacuum and air compressor system provides dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, high pressure air delivery and air blowing capability from a single, mobile unit.

Abstract: A grommet connector includes a first end portion and a second end portion with a barrier therebetween. The first end portion is adapted for insertion into a grommet, and the second end portion is adapted for connecting to another part, such as a nut or washer to form a subassembly of the grommet and the other part.

Abstract: A button tool is adapted to assist a person fastening a button through a button hole. The tool includes a handle, a button hook, and a button hole spreader. In one configuration, the handle includes four longitudinally disposed ribs with one of the ribs functioning as a base rib while the other three ribs are spaced apart and disposed perpendicular to the base rib. The button hook defines a button opening and a hook opening with the button opening being larger than the hook opening. The button hole spreader is disposed between the button hook and the handle. The button hole spreader includes an abutment plate adapted to prevent the button tool from being readily pushed entirely through a button hole.

Abstract: Closer arm assembly includes a main arm having a first end fixed to the output shaft of a closer fixed to one of a door and a door jamb so that the main arm pivots when the output shaft rotates, and a connecting arm having a first end pivotably connected to the main arm and a second end connected to the other of the door and the door jamb. The connecting arm contacts a stop to limit relative pivoting of the arms, the stop including a cushion with a contact surface which suppresses noise as the connecting arm contacts the cushion. The stop can be in the form of a spring loaded bumper fixed to a soffit plate, or a pin fixed to the second end of the main arm. A hold open device can be fixed to the connecting arm for engaging a feature on either the soffit plate or the main arm, the hold open device having a spring loaded detent which is released by manually turning a knob.

Abstract: Devices for selectively inhibiting the closure of doors, methods of manufacturing such devices, and methods of installing such devices are disclosed herein. The doors can include a distal surface and a handle proximate to the distal surface. In one embodiment, a device includes a first portion configured to be removably attached to the handle of the door, and a second portion projecting from the first portion. The second portion is sized and configured to be positioned at the distal surface of the door to inhibit closure of the door.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a claw and a body pivotally connected to the claw and movable to and between a first operative position and a second operative position. A link assembly operably interconnects the claw and the body. The link assembly includes at least one link pivotally connected to the claw and a spring connected between the link and an anchor point. A latch is movably connected to the claw, and the latch is movable to and between a locked position where it is adapted to engage an associated mounting receptacle to prevent separation of the claw from the mounting receptacle, and an unlocked position. Te hinge assembly can be provided as part of a door mounting system that also includes a mating mounting receptacle.

Abstract: A projection part 33 is formed on an end face 32 of a first turnable member 3. A short recess 43 and a long recess 44 are formed in an end face 43 of a second turnable member 4. The short recess 43 is provided at both end parts thereof with lock faces 43a, 43b which are abutted with both end parts of the projection part 33 to prohibit the first and second turnable members 3, 4 from making a relative turn with force of a predetermined magnitude. The long recess 44 is provided at one end part thereof with an inclination surface 44a which is abutted with one end part of the projection part 33 to turn bias the first turnable member in one direction with respect to the second turnable member and at the other end part with an inclination surface 44b which is abutted with the other end part of the projection part 33 to turn bias the first turnable member in the other direction with respect to the second turnable member.

Abstract: A multi-section hinge mechanism (100) comprises a rotary member (10) and a base (20). The base includes an annular elastic arm (12) and a latching part (14) integrally extending from an inner circumferential wall of the annular elastic arm. The base defines a central hole running therethrough and a plurality of concaves (242) in one surface portion. The latching part rotatably extends through the central hole of the base. The elastic arm engages in one of the concaves of the base.

Abstract: A hinge device for a portable terminal includes a first hinge base, a second hinge base, and an elastic member. The first hinge base has a receiving groove on a surface thereof. The second hinge base is rotatably coupled to the first hinge base and has stopper ribs which extend from a surface of the second hinge base and are arranged along a circumferential direction. The elastic member is received in the receiving groove of the first hinge base and presses against an outer peripheral surface of the stopper ribs as the second hinge base rotates with respect to the first hinge base. The hinge device has a reduced number of parts so as to allow easy assembly of the hinge device, thereby improving manufacturing productivity. Further, the structure with the elastic member that presses the stopper rib minimizes the size of the portable terminal and improves the portability of the portable terminal.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (300) includes a support seat (10), a base seat (20) and a pivot mechanism (30). The support seat defines a pivoting hole (160). The base seat defines an engaging hole (242). The pivot mechanism rotatably connects the support seat to the base seat. The pivot mechanism includes an irregular-holed tab washer (41) defining an irregular hole (414) and a pivotal shaft (31). The pivotal shaft non-rotatably engages in the engaging hole of the base seat and rotatably engages in the pivoting hole of the support seat. The irregular-holed tab washer surrounds the pivotal shaft and is non-rotatably mounted to the support seat. The pivotal shaft engages with the irregular hole of the irregular-holed tab washer for limiting a rotation angle between the support seat and the base seat.

Abstract: A hinge includes a pivot shaft affixed to a first member, a barrel affixed to a second member, a polygonal retaining split tube mounted in the barrel around the shaft body of the pivot shaft and hooked on an annular locating groove at the shaft body of the pivot shaft and forced by the inside wall of the barrel in friction engagement with the periphery of the shaft body of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: A foldable and rotatable mobile phone with positioning mechanism includes a cover, a body, and a hinge unit rotationally coupling the cover and the body about a first axis for unfolding the cover and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis for rotating the cover. The cover defines a positioning hole. The hinge unit defines an opening corresponding to the positioning hole. The positioning mechanism includes a cantilevered arm disposed in the hinge unit. One end of the cantilevered arm connects to the hinge unit, while the other end is free and forms a protuberance thereon. The protuberance extends above the top surface of the hinge unit through the opening and is depressible within the opening to enable the protuberance to be inserted into the positioning hole for positioning the cover or release from the positioning hole for permitting the cover rotation.

Abstract: A folding mobile phone with positioning mechanism includes a flip cover, a body, and a swivel hinge rotationally coupling the flip cover and the body about a first axis for unfolding the flip cover and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis for rotating the flip cover. The flip cover defines a positioning hole. The swivel hinge defines a chamber corresponding to the positioning hole. The positioning mechanism includes a resiliently biasing means contained in the chamber and a protrusion with one end thereof contacting the biasing means and the other end thereof extending out of the chamber. The biasing means resiliently biases the protrusion so that the protrusion is depressible within the chamber to enable the protrusion to be inserted into the positioning hole for positioning the flip cover or to be released from the positioning hole for permitting the flip cover rotation.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a carding machine having a cylinder, working elements and displaceable holding elements, which determine the carding gap between the cylinder clothing and the working elements, a displacement device actuatable by thermal energy supply is provided for the working elements in order to compensate for changes in the carding gap that arise during operation, and at least one adjusting element cooperates with a fluid. Thermal energy is conveyable to the fluid.

Abstract: A bundling system with improved locking tie head comprising a smooth planar strap and a locking head with two flexible independent L-shaped pawls. One end of the pawl is anchored in the locking head. The locking head has two transverse pawl cavities allowing flexural movement of the pawl during insertion of the planar strap and locking engagement to prevent withdrawal of the strap.

Abstract: Buckle for connecting a wrist strap to the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities such as skiing, trekking and the like. Said buckle comprises a body consisting of an outer jaw and an inner jaw between which it is possible to identify locking means suited to cooperate with a tape forming part of the strap and arranged in different positions between the outer jaw and the inner jaw in order to retain the strap at different distances from the handgrip.

Abstract: Methods to modify an engaging surface of a fibrous landing layer of a mechanical fastener are generally disclosed, along with products made from the same. For instance, the engaging surface of the landing layer can be mechanically modified to increase the fuzziness of the layer, which allows more fibers to engage the other surface of the mechanical fastener. For example, the improved engaging surface of the landing layer can increase the shear resistance of a mechanical fastener comprising a foam layer and a landing layer.

Abstract: A clamping system for securing a sheet of automotive glass exterior to a window opening in a vehicle door includes first and second clamping units adapted for, respectively, securely supporting therebetween the sheet of automotive glass. The first clamping unit is supporting from a frame of the vehicle door and the second clamping unit is supported on an outside panel of the door. Each of the clamping units includes inner and outer clamping bars adjustably holding the sheet of automotive glass therebetween, the first clamping unit being adapted to hold the sheet adjacent an upper edge thereof and the second clamping unit being adapted to hold the sheet adjacent a lower edge thereof. The system is used in training exercises for emergency measures personnel who need to be able to break automotive glass to gain entrance to a vehicle.

Abstract: A peg for holding articles on a line, comprising a first member having a first jaw portion and a first lever portion and a second member having a second jaw portion and a second lever portion. The peg has a pivot means pivotally connecting the first member and the second member at a position between the jaw portion and the lever portion of each member, and also a releasable securing means configured to secure the position of the first member relative to the second member at various positions. Each of said jaw portions defines a jaw, and the peg is configured such that the jaws are pivotable towards each other by pivoting the lever portions towards each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing well intervention work on a rig. The apparatus comprises a first spreader that is operatively connected to a derrick, a pair of I-beams that have a distal end and a proximal end, and wherein the distal end of the pair of I-beams are connected to the first spreader. The apparatus further comprises a second spreader, and wherein the proximal end of the I-beams is connected to the second spreader. The apparatus further comprises a first pivot point on the first spreader and a second pivot point on the second spreader. In the most preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a door, operatively attached to the second spreader, for allowing entry of the tubular. Also, the second spreader may include a shoulder for engagement with a tubular so that the tubular is supported by the second spreader so that the weight of the tubular can be transferred to the second spreader. A method of lifting a tubular used in well intervention work on a rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method and a system for organizing and structuring a tool room manufacturing facility for reducing lead time of manufacturing component tooling. Machine tools are grouped into work cells (also called machining lines) specific to a machining process. Each work cell can comprise: a) a number (typically more than two) of machine tools required for a specific machining operation; b) a line storage system for storing pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces; and c) a track mounted robot able to transfer the pre-fixtured and palletized work pieces between the line storage system and the machine tools. The system also comprises a centralized storage system for storing pre-manufactured standard components (work pieces), custom fixtures and pre-manufactured work pallets.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for manufacturing armrests with soft covers, comprising the steps of: a) providing a soft cover, b) providing a substrate, the substrate divided into two substrate parts, and c) attaching the cover to the substrate to form an armrest by engaging each of the two substrate parts with opposite ends of the cover and manipulating the two substrate parts such that the two substrate parts engage each other to form a unitary substrate securely covered by the cover.

Abstract: A portable, hand held tool used for the controlled separation of tubing and connectors with radial claws and release buttons. The tool consists of a main handle, support handle and grasping handle. The main handle has an extension spring which returns the tool to a closed position when at rest. The main handle also has chuck receiver to allow the attachment of various sizes of chucks. A grasping jaw is located on the support handle and is operated by the grasping handle. The handles are connected near the middle of the tool utilizing a main pivot pin and a grasping pivot pin allowing the tool to grasp the tubing and causing the chuck and grasping jaw to separate relative to one another.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: A method enables a component to be secured within a tool for manufacture. The tool includes a fixture, a component locator, and a clamping member. The method includes fixedly coupling the component locator to the fixture, coupling the clamping member to the fixture, locating the component within the tool using the component locator such that the component is positioned for manufacture with respect to the fixture, securing the component within the tool between the component locator and the clamping member such that the component locator, the clamping member, and the component are fixedly secured in position for manufacture with respect to the fixture, and retaining the component in position with respect to the fixture using the component locator and the clamping member.

Abstract: A method is provided for centering a workpiece on a metal shaping machine. First and second guide plates have respective first and second aligned bores therein for supporting a centering pin mounted therein for axial movement between a retracted position and a use position. At least one spring is engaged with the centering pin for exerting a predetermined axial bias against the centering pin in the direction of the workpiece for urging the centering pin into the use position. The centering pin is locked in the use position during the operation of the machine on the workpiece.

Abstract: A fixture assembly and inspection method by which the internal diameter and/or concentricity of a segmented annular seal can be readily inspected and optionally measured prior to final installation. The fixture assembly has at least two fixture segments supported on a base, by which an annular fixture housing is defined having an outer rim and a groove with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the annular seal. The fixture assembly further includes a device or apparatus for assessing at least one dimensional characteristic of the annular seal when installed in the groove of the fixture housing and as the assessing device/apparatus travels along the interior circumference of the fixture housing.