Abstract: The present invention is an infant play mat. This play mat is designed so that it is light-weight and easily portable. The play mat includes a cushioned base and at least two arching supports that are capable of folding. Each support arch is detachably coupled to two height extension members that are detachably coupled to the base. The height extension members allow the height of the supports to be increased or decreased relative to the base so that the mat can be used by infants of various sizes and ages. In one embodiment each support includes at least two flexible joints which enable the support to be folded compactly so as to provide enhanced portability. The mat can be easily folded by detaching the supports and/or height extension members from the base so that both the supports and the base can be folded then placed into a carrying case.

Abstract: A rail assembly for a telescoping ramp including a slider rail that is taller than it is wide, having opposed ends, opposed faces, and opposed edges. First ramp attachment means protrude outwardly from a first of the opposed faces. There is a hollow channel rail with a first side wall that consists of spaced co-planar wall segments that form a gap making the channel rail generally C-shaped in cross-section, the channel rail has an interior surface that defines an interior channel adapted to accommodate the slider rail with at least one of the opposed edges of the slider rail serving as a bearing surface which slides along the interior surface and the first ramp attachment means protruding through the gap between the wall segments. A second ramp attachment means protrudes outwardly from one of the wall segments.

Abstract: Power toothbrushes are provided having toothbrush heads that move in a substantially random manner when in use and in contact with a user's teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning residual powder and other contaminants from external surfaces of pressed powder cosmetic pans before the pans are adhered into the compact. A feed chute feeds pans into a feed path in the apparatus one after another in an upright orientation. The feed path includes two cleaning stations, each provided with brushes for scrubbing the pan. One cleaning station has cylindrical or drum brushes to scrub the bottom of each pan. The other cleaning station has a belt-type brush to scrub the sides of each pan. Dust collection systems are suspended above and below the apparatus at appropriate locations along the feed path to collect the residual powder and contaminants removed from the pans. Belts may be provided within the feed path to move the pans through the cleaning stations.

Abstract: Cleaning implements for golfers comprise towels and gloves including abrasive portions for removal of dirt, grass, grass stains, and scuff marks from golf balls, golf clubs, and other golfing equipment. There is disclosed a towel which may include a pocket portion provided with adjacent, but slightly spaced portions or strips of an abrasive material disposable in overlying relationship for use in removing soil from balls and clubs. The towel comprises an attaching mechanism for the purpose of securing the towel to a golf cart or golf bag. The glove or towel according to the disclosure may include portions adapted for treatment, wetting, or impregnation with cleaning or polishing fluids or compounds.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaning article including a brush portion. The brush portion has a plurality of strips and at least one layer of a fiber bundle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cleaning article including a brush portion. The brush portion has a plurality of strips and at least one layer of a fiber bundle.

Abstract: Washer equipment jets washings to each sweeping area of driver's side and passenger's side windshield of a vehicle, which are swept by driver's side and passenger's side wiper blades, respectively, in such a manner that they synchronize together and move to a same direction. The washer equipment includes a primary jet part and a secondary jet part. The primary jet part splashes the washings down to a first splashdown disposed in each sweeping area of the driver's side and passenger's side wiper blades. The secondary jet part splashes the washings down to a second splashdown disposed upper side of the sweeping area of the driver's side wiper blade and disposed outside an upper reverse position of the passenger's side wiper blade.

Abstract: A windshield wiper is provided which includes a wiper frame; a scraper having an upper and a lower surface defining opposite leading edges, the upper surface connected to the wiper frame, wherein the wiper frame and scraper form an assembly having a means for rotation about a fixed point relative to a wiper arm; and at least one wiping blade connected to the lower surface of the scraper.

Abstract: A cleaning machine for floors and carpets includes a vacuum pick-up in front of the machine for suctioning loose material and debris off the floor. A microfiber cleaning assembly is mounted beneath the machine for cleaning the floor following the vacuum pick-up. The microfiber cleaning element may be motor driven. A source of solution delivers a controlled amount of solution or water to moisten the microfiber cloth. A vacuum motor provides suction to the forward vacuum pick-up, routes the suctioned air through a filter, and the filtered air is then delivered to an air diffuser to dry any residual moisture behind the microfiber cleaning assembly. The microfiber cleaning assembly may have two offset pads driven by a reciprocating or oscillating drive, or one or two cylindrical rollers for receiving and securing the microfiber fabric in the form of a sleeve.

Abstract: A mobile floor or ground cleaning machine includes a hydraulic motor for propulsion and/or operating a cleaning brush. Airflow produced by a fan is directed through a housing located adjacent the cleaning brush for creating an area of low pressure adjacent the brush. The housing includes a filter system through which the airflow is directed. Under the influence of the airflow, the closed housing, which preferably is a unitary structure, directs dirt directly into a receptacle and directs dust through the filter system for subsequent deposit in the receptacle. The housing forms a reservoir for oil which drives the hydraulic motor, with the airflow within the housing serving to cool the oil.

Abstract: A bag handle is disclosed that includes a rigid, elongated body having an upwardly facing top surface, a downwardly facing lower surface, opposing front and back surfaces, and a pair of opposing side surfaces. A pair of hooks extend at each side surface outwardly therefrom proximate the lower surface of the body and generally parallel to each side surface. Preferably each hook extends above the top surface and terminates in a radiused point. A pair of biased locking means each comprise a biasing means, such as a coiled metal spring, and a hook engagement member, such as a glass marble. The hook engagement member protrudes from one side surface and is urged to contact one of the hooks by the biasing means. A method of use is disclosed for selectively engaging and disengaging a plurality of plastic grocery bags with the hooks and the hook engagement means.

Abstract: A window egress assistance handle having a base, at least one finger grip with two legs, multiple offset orifice fixation ports for receiving multiple securing devices such as set screws or thumb screws, and a base midline grooved channel receiver. To temporarily install and use the handle, the handle is positioned to envelope an integrated extruded window sash lift in the grooved channel receiver, and the securing devices disposed in the multiple offset fixation port are engaged to create a binding compressive force upon enveloped sash lift. The window can then be lifted or slid by applying force to the finger grips. The handle can be adjusted to the user's strength, size, and dimensions, and installed and removed without use of tools or creating permanent damage to the framework of the window.

Abstract: A cable tie comprises a band-shaped strap which has a fixed end, formed in the shape of a hook, and a free end, a locking head which is secured to the fixed end of the strap and through which the free end of the strap passes, and a locking ball which is disposed in the locking head so as to be movable forward and rearward, wherein the width between upper and lower portions of the fixed end of the strap is established to be slightly greater than the thickness of the bottom wall of the locking head, a release prevention tongue is cut in the upper portion of the fixed end of the strap and is integrated with the strap, a distal end of the release prevention tongue is bent downward, and the locking ball is guided in a rearward locking direction and is elastically supported upward.

Abstract: A safe disengaging device for the pull cord of a blind includes a male support base and a female support base. The male support base is fixed on the upper frame of a blind and provided with a protruding clasping block having its upper side formed with an engage shoulder. The female support base has its lower end tied with a pull cord and its upper end extending upward to form an elastic member corresponding to the clasping block of the male support base and having its upper free end formed with an engage hook to be engaged on the engage shoulder. When the pull cord is drawn by an excessively great force, the elastic member will be disengaged from the engage block, and the female support base together with the pull cord will fall off, avoiding accidents caused by improper operation of the pull cord and elevating safety in use.

Abstract: A device is for fastening emergency equipment to a ship's deck or to a structure on a ship's deck. The device includes a first and a second fastening facility for, respectively, a first external and a second external fastening device having, respectively, a first and a second tensile strength. The device further includes a third fastening facility for a third external fastening device having a third tensile strength. When the device is in operation, the second and the third fastening facility are mutually connected both by a connecting device incorporated in the device and by the first external fastening device. The connecting device incorporated in the device absorbs load between the second and the third fastening facility if the first external fastening device stops working.

Abstract: A line clamp or stopping apparatus includes a housing one part of which serves to clamp or wedge a line subjected to high tension upwards of ten tons. The other part of the housing controls the first part. An eccentric wheel rotates freely within the first part in response to movements of the line and is guided within a space or gap between the wheel and a braking element. The control includes a toggle joint that applies significant forces on the brake when a safety is removed and a control lever is in a neutral or locking position. When the control lever is moved to the open or unlock or release position the toggle joint snaps and released the brake to increase the gap in the line receiving space to allow free movement of the line. A hydraulic brake can be used in place of the mechanical toggle joint.

Abstract: An improved hose clamp having an annular band with an inner face, tensioning means, and an annular spring liner. The spring liner includes an outwardly projecting circumferential ridge; an inwardly projecting circumferential ridge on each side of the outwardly projecting ridge; and a circumferential shoulder near each circumferential edge of the spring liner; and the shoulders are adapted to abut the inner face of the annular band in the absence of clamp tensioning forces. The outwardly projecting ridge may or may not abut the inner face in the presence of clamp tensioning forces.

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

Abstract: A reusable casket includes a rectangular solid-configured body preferably having a casket top hingedly connected to a casket rear for pivotal movement between a casket-open position and a casket-closed position, a casket front pivotally connected to a casket bottom between a casket-closed position and a casket-open position, a latch for retaining the casket front in the casket-closed position and a lock for securing the casket top to the casket front. The reusable casket also has a tray for supporting a disposable cremateable container for human remains and track assemblies connected to the casket bottom for rotatably supporting the tray during tray movement along the casket bottom.

Abstract: A method that involves establishing the performance level of a proposed acoustic transducer array. Deriving a geometric shape for the array based on the established performance level. Selecting piezoceramic materials based on considerations related to the performance level and derived geometry. Forming small primary shapes of the selected piezoceramic materials for use as the basic elements of the larger derived geometric shape of the array. Arranging the basic elements into a mosaic of the larger derived geometric shape. Filling the interstices between the basic elements with urethane to bind the mosaic of basic elements thereby fabricating the completed piezoceramic transducer array.

Abstract: A locking arrangement includes an inner element (1) and an outer element (3), (302), where the inner element (1) is axially shiftable relative to the outer element (3), such as a shaft of a tool, one end of the outer element (3), (302) has a locking member (4) for locking the inner element (1) and the outer element (3), (302) relative to one another, the locking member (4) is maneuverable by a maneuvering member (5) that is remote from the locking member (4) in a direction toward another end of the outer element (3), (302) via an affecting member (301) that is shiftable along or rotatable about an axis that is parallel to a lengthwise axis of the outer element so that the affecting member has a tube (301) that completely or partially encloses the outer element (302).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coldworking holes using rotational mandrel. The apparatus uses a tubular seamless sleeve made of shape memory alloys having a superelasticity property, a mandrel having major and minor diameter portions, an end-cap to seat and restrain axial and rotational motion of said sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to manufacture a leaf display device. The method includes the steps of positioning a top leaf on a broadleaf stem substantially co-linear with the broadleaf stem; positioning a leaf adjacent the top leaf substantially parallel to, and on top of the top leaf; positioning a leaf adjacent the leaves already stacked substantially parallel to, and on top of the previously stacked leaves; and repeating the previous step until all leaves desired to be stacked have been stacked. The method may include the additional steps of employing a notched broadleaf stem holder to hold stacked broadleaf stems in the correct configuration until they are ready to be used for assembly. The notched broadleaf stem holder may be supported on a table or a transportation device by means of a broadleaf stem holder support. An alternate embodiment broadleaf stem holder comprises a recess sized to admit and hold at least one stacked broadleaf stem.

Abstract: A linkage assembly (140) is used for mechanically coupling an armature (124) and a diaphragm (118) of a balanced receiver (100), the linkage assembly (140) formed from a first linkage member (822) displaced from a strip of stock material (800) relative to the plane of the stock material (800) and a second linkage member (826) displaced from the strip (800) relative to the plane. The first and second linkage members (822, 826) are then joined while secured to the strip (800). At least one severable connecting member (870a-c) securing the linkage member to the strip (800) is severed to release the linkage member from the strip for assembly of the linkage member into the receiver. A method of forming a three-dimensional structure from flat stock is used to form the linkage assembly (140).

Abstract: The method of making a two-layer lap winding (12) for a multiphase electrical machine includes the steps of winding a first coil unit (20) of a first phase winding (14) around a winding bar (10); subsequently laying a coil connector (18) of the first phase winding (14) in a first direction and then winding at least one other coil unit (16) of at least one other phase winding (14) around the winding bar (10) and over the coil connector (18). Subsequently a second coil unit (22) of the first phase winding (14) is wound around the winding bar (10) following all first coil units of all phase windings and after all coil connectors from the first coil units are laid. A method of making a stator from the two-layer lap winding (12) is also described.

Abstract: An armature of a rotary electric machine composed of an armature core, an armature winding and a shaft is manufactured in the following manner. A conductor bar including plural conductors connected in line is formed, and each conductor is cut out from the conductor bar. The conductor in a straight shape is inserted into each slot of the armature core, and then both side portions of the conductor are bent at substantially right angle so that the side portions are positioned along axial end surfaces of the armature core. The side portions are further skewed and electrically connected to form the armature winding. An outer surface of the side portions circularly arranged on the axial end surface of the armature core is used as a commutator surface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna on a substrate is disclosed. The antenna is fabricated on a substrate that includes already fabricated RFID chips. The substrate is connected with a carrier substrate and singulated to separate the plurality of RFID chips into a plurality of diesites. The antenna is connected to a RFID chip in an assembly order to form an a RFID tag. The method is repeated such that each successively connected antenna overlaps a previously connected antenna.

Abstract: A method of making and using an extended test switch starting with a previously existing un-extended test switch that is ready for connection to electrical devices to be tested. A housing selected from one or more available housings each having a predetermined length is connected to a modified un-extended test switch. Each housing has a rear wall that has several inwardly and outwardly facing terminals. At least one of the rear facing terminals of the un-extended test switch is connected to an associated one of the inwardly facing terminals of the housing. After manufacture the extended test switch can be mounted in a suitable receptacle for connection to at least one electrical device. One or more of the switches on the front of the un-extended test switch to be left in an operational condition with a clear cover attached to the front of the test switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the safe and easy installation of wall-mounted electrical outlets and switches utilizing a multi-functional tool. Two different but similar tools are provided, each in the form of an insulated handle that may be detachably engaged with either a wall socket or a wall switch. The wall socket device includes one or more prongs for temporary engagement with slots in the socket fixture, and may include testing circuitry. The wall switch device is temporarily attached to a switch fixture using one or more magnets. Both tools may also include built-in electrical wire measuring, stripping and bending structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus of horizontally stacking a stator core. A central rail structure 34 that runs down approximately the center axis of the stator frame 2, and attached to the central rail structure are adjustable supports 40 that hold the central rail structure within the stator frame. A dolly 36 is positioned on top of the central rail structure 34. The dolly 36 has multiple finger supports 38 disposed on its top and the finger supports match corresponding grooves in stator core laminations 10. Lamination are placed onto the dolly, gaps in the lamination engage the finger supports on the upper inner diameter of the lamination. This allows for the lamination to be horizontally moved into place within the stator frame.

Abstract: Provided is a component mounter having a plurality of revolving nozzle spindles, which can simultaneously pick up and mount two or more electronic components. A head assembly for the component mounter includes: a base frame; a rotary housing rotatably mounted on the base frame and having spindle receiving holes vertically formed at regular intervals at the same radius from a center thereof; a plurality of nozzle spindles having lower ends to which nozzles for picking up electronic components are coupled, and received in the spindle receiving holes such that the plurality of nozzle spindles rotate on the same axis when the rotary housing rotates; a housing rotating mechanism rotating the rotary housing; and a nozzle lifting mechanism including a nozzle lift driving unit, and a clutch part that moves according to the operation of the nozzle lift driving unit and can simultaneously press down and lower the plurality of nozzle spindles.

Abstract: A wire-bonding substrate includes a first wire-bond pad and a first via that is disposed directly below the first wire-bond pad in the in the wire-bonding substrate. A package includes a die that is coupled to the first wire-bonding pad. The package can include a larger substrate that is coupled to the wire-bonding substrate through an electrical connection such as a solder ball. A process of forming the wire-bonding substrate includes via formation to stop on the wire-bond pad. A method of assembling a microelectronic package includes coupling the die to the wire-bond pad. A computing system includes the wire-bonding substrate.

Abstract: An improved Land Grid Array interconnect structure is provided with the use of small metal bumps on the substrate electrical contact pad. The bumps interlock with segments of the fuzz button connection and increase the physical contact surface area between the contact pad and fuss button. The improved contact reduces displacement of electrical contact points due to thermo-mechanical stress and lowers the required actuation force during assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for manufacturing and mounting electric contacts for control members of small dimensions, particularly for control members used in the horological field.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a head-moving razor including a movable head part. The head-moving razor comprises a head cover having fitting parts and engaging parts, a double cutting blade disposed below the head cover and having insertion grooves, a supporting member having insertion bars, which are inserted into the insertion grooves, respectively, a moving member having engaging grooves, in which the engaging parts are engaged, respectively, the moving member also having through-holes and a bottom hole, a fixing member having protrusions, through-holes, and a bottom hole formed such that the moving member can be angularly moved back and forth about rotating pins, a vibrating member including a pair of vibrators while vibrating pins are attached to the vibrators, respectively, the vibrating member having inserting protrusions, and a drive motor having insertion holes, into which the inserting protrusions of the vibrating member are inserted, and rotors fitted on a motor shaft.

Abstract: A folding knife having a handle including a first side and a second side spaced apart to define a cavity; a blade including a cutting surface and a tang; and a holding mechanism including a piston adapted to be manually moved and having a first stop element of a first dimension and a first opposing element of a second dimension greater than the first dimension, at least a second stop element fixed on the tang, and at least a second opposing element also fixed on the tang, the first opposing element being adapted to be moved to a hold position when the blade is in one of the closed and open positions, in which the first opposing element seats against the second opposing element, the first stop element substantially engages the second stop element, and the blade is held in the one position.

Abstract: An automatically programmable tilting mechanism for holding a scribe tool at varying angles using an aerostatic bearing. The air bearing secures the scribe tool about its longitudinal shank and generally allows for free axial movement while the tool holding structure prevents rotation of the scribe tool, thus providing extremely fine compliance and force application of the scribe tool point against the substrate. During a scribing process, the tilting mechanism regularly adjusts the angle of the scribe tool relative to the substrate so that a fresh cutting edge is always being employed in the scribing process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plate type capacitive sensor for five-dimensional displacement measurement that is capable of simultaneously measuring five-dimensional movement of an object, which includes the horizontal movement, the vertical movement, and the tilt of the object. The plate type capacitive sensor for five-dimensional displacement measurement comprises a plate located adjacent to an object to be measured, and a ground part, a first guard part, a displacement measuring sensor, and a second guard part, which are stacked on the plate in consecutive order. The plate may be made by machining or made of a printed circuit board (PCB).

Abstract: An adjustable jig includes rigidly formed arms that have rectilinear shapes provided with opposite edges, an elongated central opening formed therein and opposed ends abutted with adjacent arm ends. Fasteners are interfitted within the arm openings such that the arms become statically affixed to each other and are detachable from associated ones of the openings. Each fastener includes a tri-lobed nut that has a threaded bottom end. A cap is conjoined to the threaded bottom end and has an outwardly beveled perimeter converging upwardly towards a bottom surface of one of the arms. Each arm has two of the fasteners interfitted through the opening associated therewith. A level gauge is included for establishing a horizontal plane along one arm and is releasably conjoined to a top surface of one arm and positioned at an interior edge thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a boot for applying medicine to a foot for a variety of conditions. Wearing the boot allows one to perform job and domestic duties while treating a foot. The present invention has a sole beneath an upper with a waterproof interior. The sole has a generally foot shape in a variety of sizes. Additionally, the sole incorporates heating discs and appurtenant wiring. The wiring exits the sole and runs to a switch and a box containing batteries. To use the boot, a person places fluids, or water, and medicine into the boot. The person then inserts a foot into the boot and turns on the heating discs which then heat the sole and the fluids to a comfortable temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a mechanized implement to an all-terrain vehicle having an undercarriage with a front axle and a rear axle includes a unitary frame having a base connected to the unitary frame and a swingable portion. The mechanized implement includes an auxiliary power source separate from the power means of the all-terrain vehicle. The unitary frame includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion connectable to the undercarriage proximate the front axle and the second portion connectable to the undercarriage proximate the rear axle. The base supports the auxiliary power source and is positioned proximate the second portion of the frame. The swingable portion includes a first end pivotally attached to the frame and a second end mateable with the mechanized implement.

Abstract: This is a needlework accessory to aid in the protection of non-working ends of needlework fabric once it is mounted on a scroll bar or like frame from becoming soiled or damaged from repeated handling. The accessory is secured to the non-working end of the needlework fabric with magnets incorporated in the ends of accessory fabric strips which then wrap around the ends of non-working needlework fabric mounted on a scroll bar or like frame.

Abstract: A water flow simulation system for audio and visual illusion has an inner conduit and an outer conduit spaced apart to define a flow channel therebetween. A blower directs a flow of air through the inner conduit from one end to an opposite end where at least some of the air exits and is redirected through the flow channel and back to the blower. The conduits are formed of clear plastic and a light source is positioned to light up a plurality of objects floating in the airflow to produce a visual effect of moving water. A sound source operates concurrently with the blower to produce a sound reminiscent of rippling water. The light source can change colors and strobe to enhance the visible image. A lenticular lens on an inner surface of the outer conduit also enhances the image.

Abstract: A sign assembly for attachment to a supporting surface. The supporting surface is preferably a portion of a vehicle. The sign assembly preferably includes a display member having indicia formed thereon, a flexible member and an anchoring member operably associated with the display member for anchoring the display member to a portion of a vehicle. The flexible member allows the display member to move relative to the anchoring member to compensate for forces exerted on the display member.

Abstract: An inflatable display that has an interchangeable fan assembly in a position on the inflatable figure that allows optimum airflow into the display. One interchangeable fan assembly can be used for a plurality of inflatable figures by detaching the interchangeable fan assembly from the receiving opening on one figure and attaching it to the same on another figure with a compatible receiving opening.

Abstract: An improved A-frame sign stand is disclosed. The sign stand includes front and rear panels hingedly attached. A support rod is removably attachable to the panels and prevents both separation and buckling of the panels. The support rod can be placed into various storage positions. In one such position, the rod may be used as a handle. In another embodiment, the rod can be pivoted upward and stored on an inner surface of the panel.

Abstract: An inflatable decoration has a body, an inflator and a rotary illuminant member. The body has a tower and a seat mounted on the tower. Multiple transparent windows are respectively provided on a periphery of the seat. The inflator is mounted in a lower end of the tower to blow air into the body. The illuminant member is provided in the seat and light through the windows achieves a dynamic lighthouse effect.

Abstract: A combination writable scroll picture frame display assembly, comprising a picture frame sized to accommodate commonly sized photographs or cards, a writable scroll, and a base sized and shaped to maintain the entire invention upright and stable. The components are arranged such that the scroll, when mounted, does not obscure viewing the framed picture. The scroll is mounted on the assembly in a manner to facilitate its easy removal and remounting, and the entire assembly may be made wall mountable. The scroll is bound when closed, unrolls to reveal some sort of writable media, and may include a decorative cover and/or other decorative features including decorative end caps.

Abstract: A method of firing of arms which utilizes both action and reaction forces in the process of firing. The action force propels the projectile (14) while the opposite in direction reaction force is used with an independent freely moving inert mass (20) in which a cartridge case (18) resides. Since the movement of the inert mass (20) does not affect the position of the barrel (12) prior to the projectile (14) leaving the muzzle, the barrel (12) remains steady during firing, thus achieving very high accuracy of shooting.