Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary face shield for a sports helmet. The shield includes a first portion which is comprised of a transparent polymeric material and a second portion comprised of a structural polymeric material. The second portion has a plurality of openings defined therethrough, and the first and second portions are fusion bonded together in an edge-to-edge relationship so as to produce a unitary body. The face shield may include still further portions and these may be structural or transparent portions. The transparent portions are fabricated from a high-impact material such as polycarbonate or impact-modified acrylic, and the structural portions are fabricated from high strength structural polymers such as nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, ASA, and various combinations. The structural polymer may include reinforcing materials. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the shield by composite molding processes.

Abstract: A protective garment for protecting a part of an extremity such as a shin or knee from injury due to impact, comprising a protective body of impact-absorbing material encased in a band of fabric for holding the protective body substantially adjacent to the part of the extremity thereby protecting it from injury.

Abstract: A pant-type underwear article 10, having a front 12, back 14, crotch 16 and waist 18 regions, the article 10 having a longitudinal (y) and a transverse direction (x). At least part of the article 10 has an elastic laminate 20 composed of first 22 and second 24 layers of fibrous material and an elastic film layer 26 located between the first and second fibrous layers 22, 24, the elastic laminate 20 having a puncture resistance of at least 15N.

Abstract: A nursing garment in which the front panel is divided into upper and lower sections whereby the upper section is overlaps and is attached to the lower section via a detachable seam extending horizontally across the front of the garment below the breast. Optionally nursing pads are placed into annular pockets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a child's sleeper which has fastening devices located in the back of the garment. Preferably, the sleeper has at least two fastening devices located in the back of the garment. In one embodiment of the invention the fastening device comprises a zipper, snap, button, hook and eye, or a Velcro® fastening device. In another embodiment of the invention, the sleeper is made out of a lightweight but form-fitting material.

Abstract: Disclosed are hospital patient and medical gowns designed to facilitate not only convenient and unobstructed access to the patients body by medical personnel, but also provide an improved fit, ease of wearing, and an enhanced level of modesty and privacy when compared to conventional rear-access hospital gowns.

Abstract: A cleaning mitt with an opening for insertion of the user's hand, a section for the palm and fingers of the user, and at least two thumbholes which allow the mitt to be rotated on the user's hand to expose different surface areas without removing the mitt. The cleaning mitt constructed from a unitary tubular piece of terry cloth or acrylic/polyester blend material. The material has a smooth surface and an opposing fabric looped surface. When formed, the cleaning mitt of the present invention has the smooth surface on the interior and the fabric looped surface on the exterior to facilitate the collection of dust and dirt. The cleaning mitt is reversible so it may be used with either side turned out and on either hand. All of surface area of the mitt may be utilized by the user to collect dust and dirt by rotating the cleaning mitt sequentially and placing a thumb into another one of the thumb holes. This process is repeated until all of surface area has been used for cleaning.

Abstract: A glove of the present invention includes a stretchable member and protective members arranged on a side corresponding to a back of a hand, and when the glove is placed in a stationary state and viewed from the back side, the stretchable member forms two or more separate curve surfaces, and upper end portions thereof are located somewhere in lower half parts of finger covering parts, each of the curve surfaces formed with the stretchable member extends toward a wrist part, crossing a center line of at least one finger covering part selected from a second finger (forefinger) covering part, a third finger (middle finger) covering part, a fourth finger (ring finger) covering part, and a fifth finger (little finger) covering part, at least twice in a region from the upper end portions to a normal to the center line of the third finger (middle finger) covering part that passes an interdigit part between the first finger (thumb) covering part and the second finger (forefinger) covering part, and in regions between

Abstract: In a glove having finger covering parts, a finger covering part corresponding to at least one finger selected from the third finger (middle finger), the fourth finger (ring finger), and the fifth finger (little finger) is configured by arranging protective members (2a to 2e) on anterior and posterior sides of the same, and arranging stretchable members (4a to 6a) on both lateral sides of the same. An inner perimeter of each finger covering part is substantially equal to an outer perimeter of the finger corresponding thereto. The stretchable members on the lateral sides of each finger have stretching forces such that a stretching force of the stretchable member on the lateral side on the first finger (thumb) side is higher than a stretching force of the stretchable member on the other lateral side on the fifth finger (little finger) side. When the glove is bent from an opened state to a gripping state, the finger covering part is bent with a twist at a gripping angle toward the first finger (thumb) side.

Abstract: A glove with enhanced gripping capabilities that makes maintaining a grip for a user, less taxing and less fatiguing for the user's hand and forearm muscles. More particularly, a grip-enhancing glove, and method for maintaining a grip, which enables a user to maintain a prolonged grip without incurring undesirable effects.

Abstract: CleanFingers is a new product that can help decrease the transmittal of disease by food service workers. CleanFingers is a strip which could be made of a translucent plastic or polyvinyl with pockets at each end that cover only two or three fingers, i.e., the thumb, index, and, if needed, the middle finger. Typical plastic gloves take two hands to put on the gloves, which take extra time, and removing the gloves also requires the use of both hands. This extra effort is inconvenient when the food handler is in a hurry, which results in the continued use of soiled gloves or the gloves not being used at all. The primary difference between CleanFingers and the conventional plastic service gloves is that “CleanFingers” are easier to put on by using only the two or three fingers to be covered and can be just as quickly and easily removed. The convenience of using CleanFingers will encourage service providers to use them and change them often especially when they are in a hurry.

Abstract: This non-provisional Utility application is for the same invention that was filed by Oladele Adejare in December 2005 with a non-provisional Utility application Ser. No. 11/325,686. Oladele Adejare is the sole inventor of Daily Wave No Pressure Durag. This invention is a hair styling product. It can also be used as a head covering. This invention is made of textile material. This invention is a new type of durag or head wrap that does not use strings. Therefore eliminating string/rope impression lines on the User's forehead or back of the head.

Abstract: A cap (15) comprising a crown (16) having an outer surface (21) and an inner surface (22) defining an interior cavity (23) for receiving the head of a wearer (17), a headband (19) attached to the crown and having a bottom edge (24) defining an opening for the head of the wearer, a visor (18) connected to the crown and projecting angularly away from the crown, the crown comprising a synthetic woven material (17) adapted to facilitate the disbursement of moisture across the outer surface. The headband (19) may comprise a foam layer (38) adapted to absorb moisture when the cap is worn by the wearer, a non-woven layer (39) adapted to limit the elasticity of the headband, and a synthetic woven layer (40) adapted to facilitate, the movement of the moisture to and from the foam layer and evaporation of moisture from the cap.

Abstract: A towel adapted to be wearable over the head with a wearer's cap or hat to protect the head from unpleasant weather conditions such as cold, wind, dust and ultraviolet (uv) rays. The towel has an opening dimensioned to receive the crown of a headgear. A size adjustment means attached to the edge of the opening enables to releasablely secure the towel body onto the headgear. The body portions determined by the opening when the towel is worn comprise at least one horizontal portion which is wide enough to cover a visor or a brim and at least one vertical portion which is long enough to drape at least over the shoulder. The horizontal body portion is capable of expanding coverage outwardly from the wearer's head along the visor or the brim, and the vertical body portion is capable of increasing coverage downwardly to the upper body.

Abstract: A safety fastener for mounting fitting equipment such as suspension and retention systems onto a ballistic helmet. The nut portion of the fastener fits substantially within a grommet that is attached to a strap that forms part of the suspension or retention systems. The nut retains, rather than clamps, the grommet to the helmet. The grommet can be pulled off the nut. The pull-out force is less than the fastener fracture force. The configuration of the fastener allows ballistic threat energy to be absorbed by helmet deformation and delamination along with grommet pull-out to provide energy dissipation in stages which avoids the creation of secondary projectiles from the fastener itself.

Abstract: The disclosure presents an innovative apparatus for use in instructing hitters how to focus one's field of vision into a preselected angular field; the invention is also a method of providing this instruction. The apparatus includes a helmet and a shroud configured to engage the helmet. An elongate opening is formed on the shroud to restrict a wearer's field of vision to a preselected angle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for adjustably sizing a ventilator assembly to toilets of various size to remove malodorous air during use. The assembly includes three modular components fitted with one another about the toilet bowl, neck and water tank. The first component includes holes that mate with the seat fastener holes of the neck to substantially immovably overhang an air intake into the bowl. The second component rests on the neck and adjustably engages the air intake with an air conduit path. The third component engages the second component outside the neck and tucks fairly underneath the water tank. A fan assembly fluidly communicates with both the air intake and the air conduit path to draw odors from the bowl. In other aspects, fragrance traps, charcoal filters, battery operations, rechargeable battery arrangements, operator switches and timers, clean air exhausts, and balanced weight are contemplated.

Abstract: A device and a method for fixing a sink, a commode, a bidet, or a urinal bowl to the floor surface or wall surface of a bathroom. The base of the bowl can be mounted on the supporting surface in question and can be fixed thereto by way of bolts, especially screw bolts, penetrating boreholes located in the base. An assembly plate is fixed to the supporting surface. The assembly plate is located inside the base once the plumbing fixture has been positioned, and is embodied especially with at least one guide for sliding parts in which the fixing bolts for the fixture can be anchored.

Abstract: A waste disposal system which is incorporated into a wheelchair. The system is compact enough to be installed in a standard sized motorized or manual wheelchair. The system allows for the separation of solid waste from liquid waste, with separate receptacles allowing for separate containment. The system may be incorporated into both collapsible and non-collapsible wheelchairs with minimal modification. In order to facilitate incorporation into a collapsible wheelchair, at least one of the components of the system is hinged at a point corresponding to the folding axis of the collapsible wheelchair. The other components are either selectively removable or attachable to the wheelchair without adding a significant amount of weight or girth thereto. The separate receptacles for containing solid and liquid waste may be separately emptied and cleaned.

Abstract: A whirlpool system in which a plurality of Venturi-type jets are installed at various selected locations around a bathtub or other vessel wall. The jets are interconnected by airline and waterline tubing that is drastically sloped or arched to promote water drainage between uses. The tubing is co-extruded so that over the major portion of their path between jets, the airline tube and waterline tube are structurally joined so that the airline tube can help resist sagging of the waterline tube. In preferred embodiments, the airline tube is of smaller diameter and of a harder or higher durometer material or a malleable wire, preferably encased in plastic and co-extruded with the air and waterline tube, provides anti-sagging support of the tubes.

Abstract: A retrofittable towel warmer for use with a hot tub preferably comprises a flexible conduit portion which is attachable to one of the jets of the hot tub together with a rigid thermally conductive portion which is detachably mountable on an exterior mast support. There is also preferably provided an exterior housing surrounding the thermally conductive portion designed to provide maximum thermal contact with the cloth material to be heated. The entire unit may be immersed in the hot tub or pool water when not in use. In an alternate embodiment a container having a thermally absorptive medium is provided in a structure which is easily mounted on the mast. In an alternate embodiment a container having a thermally absorptive medium is provided in a structure which is easily mounted on a supporting mast.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method of protecting a bathtub or shower unit during the construction of a building. The device is a pre-molded polymer foam liner that is placed inside the bathtub or shower unit and that is then removed upon the completion of the construction. The liner can be easily adapted to match holes in the bathtub or shower unit as the case may be.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infant bed including a frame body that is movable between a stretched state and a collapsed state in which the frame body includes: a top frame having a first top frame and a second top frame pivoted with each other; a first leg and a second leg each having an upper end pivotally connected to the top frame and a sliding member movably mounted on each of the first leg and the second leg; a plurality of support frames in which two ends of each support frame being pivotally connected to the top frame and the sliding member respectively; and two links pivoting to each other at one end and the other end of each link is connected to the sliding member; wherein when the frame body is in the stretched state, the links restrict the movement of the sliding member and the first and second top frames of the top frame are in the same plane; and wherein when the frame body is moved from the stretched state to the collapsed state, the sliding member moving along the first leg and the second

Abstract: A frame including a plurality of connector assemblies and a cross-support unit coupled between the plurality of connector assemblies. The cross-support unit is movable between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration. The cross-support unit defines a substantially planar support structure in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A heat pump for use in a variable temperature pillow includes a housing with an inlet and a blower motor to draw in outside air to a two stage Peltier effect module that forms a sealed wall between a sub-cool side and a warm side of the housing. At the bottom of the housing are a pair of outlets and a condensate trap spanning across that facilitates condensate transfer from the cool side to the warm side for evaporation out of the warm side outlet. The heat pump also preferably includes a heat pipe from the warm side to the cool side to transfer heat and reheat the air (at a lower relative humidity) exiting through the cool outlet. An air conditioned pillowcase includes a pair of air impervious layers connected together forming a plenum with tubular spacer material inside and having a plurality of outlet vents around the perimeter. A multi-channel air duct connects the plenum to the heat pump, and further there is an optional noise cancellation system, both to minimize noise from operation of the heat pump.

Abstract: A variable motion rocking bed is provided that includes a first support structure, a second support structure, and a frame, the frame capable of being in a rocking motion with respect to the first support structure and the second support structure. The rocking bed further includes a first pair of linkage assemblies secured between the first support structure and the frame, a second pair of linkage assemblies secured between the second support structure and the frame and at least one adjusting mechanism coupled to each of the first pair of linkage assemblies and to each of the second pair of linkage assemblies.

Abstract: A bed frame comprises a lower support structure having a head end and a foot end and a carriage arranged for translational movement on the lower support structure. An upper support structure is mounted on the carriage. The upper support structure includes a seat and an upper body support section pivotally connected thereto. A support arm is pivotally connected between the lower support structure and the upper body support section. An actuator is connected to the lower support structure. A lever arm is connected between the actuator and the carriage. Application of force from the actuator to the lever arm moves the carriage on the lower support structure. The support arm is arranged such that movement of the carriage toward the head end of the lower support structure produces a lifting moment on the upper body support section.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, includes a patient support deck that is directly coupled to elevation adjustment mechanisms without the need for an intervening frame. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may be placed outside the perimeter of the support deck to allow the support deck to be lowered to a greater extent and provide room for attaching side rails to the support deck. The width of the patient support deck may be adjusted by way of extenders, and the sleep surface may also be adjusted by way of foldable strips. A jack type of actuator may be used to pivot the different sections of the support deck with respect to each other. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may include vertical threaded shafts that rotatingly engage threaded collars and raise or lower the collars when the shaft and the collar rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fluid pressurizable multiple chamber mattress wherein one or more chambers is capable of operably receiving and releasing a fluid. The mattress has a first and/or a second fluid pressurizable chamber, which may include material, defined between the outer surfaces of the fabric layers.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress has a body and multiple chamber walls. The body has a top, a bottom, an annular sidewall, a primary chamber defined in the body and a partitioning member mounted in the primary chamber between the top and bottom surfaces. The chamber walls are arranged in a row, are mounted in the primary chamber adjacent to the top of the body above the partitioning member. Adjacent bags separate from each other at an interval. Each chamber wall has a sub chamber. The separate chamber walls individually and respectively support persons lying on the inflatable mattress so that each person's movement only deforms a corresponding chamber wall instead of deforming other chamber walls on which other persons lie. Therefore, the persons on the inflatable mattress would not interfere with each other.

Abstract: A stapler capable of dispensing staples therefrom and comprising a head and a handle. The head comprises a staple dispenser configured to dispense a staple from the stapler when a compressive force is applied to the staple dispenser, and a blade carriage that carries a blade and is configured such that the blade is extendable from the head of the stapler and is retractable into the head of the stapler. The handle is attached to the head, and permits the stapler to be swung like a hammer to drive staples dispensed from the staple dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of certain manganese complexes having bispyridylpyrimidine or bispyridyltriazine ligands or mixtures of such ligands as catalysts for reactions with peroxy compounds for bleaching coloured stains on hard surfaces, especially dishes in automatic dishwashers. The invention relates also to cleaning formulations for hard surfaces comprising such catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising, in a suitable cosmetic medium, a 1H-pyrazolyl-ethenyl-indolium derivative of formula (I) below: in which R1 represents a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl radical or a C1-C4 aralkyl radical, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl radical, a C1-C4 alkoxy radical, a halogen atom or a nitro group; R3 and R4, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl radical, an aryl radical which may be substituted with one radical R chosen from a halogen atom, a hydroxyl radical, a C1-C4 alkyl radical, a C1-C4 alkoxy radical, a carboxyl radical and a trifluoromethyl radical, R5 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl radical or an aryl radical that may be substituted with one radical R, and X is a counterion. Such a composition makes it possible to obtain direct colourations that are particularly resistant to external agents, in particular to shampoo.

Abstract: An objective of this invention is to extend the range of choosing organic dye compounds as radiation-absorbing agents in a variety of fields by providing a novel organic dye compound which absorbs short-wavelength visible radiation and exhibits a superior in optical resistance, solubility in solvents, and heat characteristics required in a novel field in which the organic dye compound is applied: The objective is attainable by providing a cyanine dye which has a specific structure and exhibits a major adsorption maximum at a wavelength longer than 400 nm in a solution.

Abstract: A shoe-cover dispenser is described, including, for example, features that facilitate the simultaneous loading of multiple shoe covers and/or features that prevent incomplete release of shoe covers. The shoe-cover dispenser can include a shell and a removable shoe-cover cartridge sized to fit within the shell. The removable shoe-cover cartridge can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of shoe covers, such as by releasably holding three or more clips attached to an elastic element of each shoe cover. These clips can be preloaded into the removable shoe-cover cartridge prior to delivery to an end-user. Release of a shoe cover can be initiated by downward movement of a foot pad. To prevent tilting of the foot pad, the shell can include a guide plate substantially abutting a substantially vertical side of the foot pad and/or an alignment rod positioned within a substantially vertical hole in the foot pad.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for automatically cleaning and drying balls, including golf balls. The apparatus comprises a housing that contains a cleaning liquid, scrubbing channel, drying section, and rotator. An electric motor, which rotates the rotator, is switched “on” in response to a sensor detecting a ball in an entry chute. The rotator moves a ball carrying means (preferably including a wheel for spinning the ball) for receiving the ball from the entry chute and moving the ball through the scrubbing channel and drying section to a point for the ball to exit. The motor is switched “off” in response to a sensor (which can comprise a cam and limit switch) detecting, directly or indirectly, that the rotator has rotated at least enough for the ball to exit. Alternative embodiments may comprise ball counting means and/or biasing means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face.

Abstract: A woven mat with bootscraper, having a woven base; at least six brushes in communication with the woven base and at least two coir brushes at each end of the woven base; at least three plastic pieces in communication with the woven base and each of the at least three ridge pieces is between at least two of the coir brushes; an attachment means for attaching the at least six coir brushes and the at least three ridged plastic pieces to the woven base.

Abstract: A heated wiper assembly assists in melting snow, sleet, slush, and ice on or around the windshield of a vehicle. The wiper assembly may comprise a housing, a wiper blade, and heating element. The heating element may comprise a self-regulating conductive core coupled between two bus wires. The heat output per unit of length of the heating element may be independent of the total length of the heating element.

Abstract: Duct cleaning accessories for use with a heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) duct cleaning system having a vacuum source, a vacuum hose, a drive motor, a cleaning brush, and a driveshaft having a first driveshaft end. In one embodiment, the duct cleaning accessories comprise a flexible shaft and a vacuum nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible shaft is a flexible driveshaft extension having first and second driveshaft extension ends. The first driveshaft extension end is coupleable to the first driveshaft end and the second driveshaft extension end is coupleable to the cleaning brush. A method of manufacturing the accessories is also provided.

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush

Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a dirt and dust separating apparatus, a motor configured to drive a fan for generating suction air flow and a selectively-operable switch for energizing the motor and cleaner head. The cleaner head has a drivable agitator in the form of a brush bar and a dedicated motor. When the main vacuum motor is switched on, the brush bar motor is energized so that the brush bar is automatically driven on start-up of the cleaner. This enables the superior cleaning performance achievable with a brush bar to be automatically achieved, without the user having to remember to select operation of the brush bar.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner which comprises: a cleaner body formed with a mounting space; a vacuum motor mounted in the cleaner body to produce suction force; a brush assembly connected to the cleaner body; a dust collection device mounted in the mounting space and having a dust collection bin; and a lifting/lowering unit for lifting or lowering the dust collection bin in relation to the cleaner body, so that the dust collection bin is anchored in the mounting space or removed from the mounting space, wherein the lifting/lowering unit is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the dust collection bin so that it can be mounted in the mounting space or removed from the mounting space along with the dust collection bin. As a result, it is possible to prevent the leakage of discharge air and to reduce the pollution and malfunction of the lifting/lowering unit.

Abstract: A vacuum dust-collecting barrel is loaded on a movable loading frame. The vacuum dust-collecting barrel is provided with a cover, a starting device (electric motor) is provided on the cover, an entrance is provided in the cover for a sucking pipe to be inserted therein, and notches are disposed in the circumference of the cover. The movable loading frame is provided with a base seat, sliding wheels are provided at the bottom of the base seat, pivotal articles are disposed on the circumference of the base seat, each pivotal article is connected with a movable piece, each movable piece is provided with a screw hole for receiving the screwing section of each hanging ring.

Abstract: A door closer housing includes a mounting bracket having a L-shaped cross section, a first leg mountable on a supporting surface, and a second leg connected to the first leg and extending perpendicularly therefrom. The door closer also includes a cover mountable on the mounting bracket to form a housing for accommodating a door closer mechanism, the housing having two opposite open ends, the cover having a U-shaped cross section. When each end cap is mounted onto one of the open ends of the housing, the end wall of said each end cap faces an outside of the housing, and the cover extends into a plane of the end wall of said each end cap.

Abstract: An extended travel balance including a channel having a first end and a second end, a bottom pulley connected at the second end of the channel, and a bottom guide connectable at a location between the first end and the bottom pulley, and preferably between the bottom pulley and fixed pulleys of the end carriage. The bottom guide and top guide are not part of the tensioned parts in the channel and can, therefore, be stored separately from the channel with its tensioned parts—e.g., springs, pulleys, and pulley cord. Multiple bottom guide and top guide configurations can be mated to the channel with its tensioned parts without interfering with the operation of either. Fixed pulleys and bottom pulley of the end carriage are advantageously connected by an intermediate tensioned connector with all said parts held in tension between and by the connection of the bottom pulley to the tensioned pulley cord and the connection of the bottom pulley to the second end of the channel.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism (200) for a portable electronic device (100) is provided. The hinge mechanism includes a first shaft (202) that is capable of rotating about a first axis (206). The hinge mechanism also includes a second shaft (204) that is capable of rotating about a second axis (208), wherein the second axis in substantially parallel to the first axis. A link (210) connects the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the link enables the first shaft and the second shaft to rotate in opposite directions.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (200) for a clamshell-type electronic device includes a spindle (201) and casing sleeve (202). The hinge assembly (200) facilitates a single-split hinge. In addition to providing the mechanical hinging action, the hinge assembly (200) provides a reliable electrical connection between a first portion (502) and a second portion (601) of the clamshell device. The spindle (201) includes a nock (203) through which a linking member (304) of a flexible substrate (301) passes. The nock (203), having a semi-circumferential stop (206) bridging a first nock wall (204) and second nock wall (205), facilitates the electrical connection between an electrical circuit disposed in the first portion (502) of the electronic device and an electrical circuit disposed within the second portion (601) of the electronic device. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly (700) facilitates other components, such as an image capture device (720) being disposed within the hinge region of an electronic device.

Abstract: A hinge mounted in an electrical appliance having a panel and a base has a rotating bracket, two shaft assemblies, a stationary bracket, a spacer assembly and a flat contact surface. The shaft assemblies are mounted rotatably in the rotating bracket and are attached to the panel. The stationary bracket is mounted rotatably around the rotating bracket and is attached to the base. The spacer assembly is mounted around the rotating bracket and securely on the stationary bracket. The flat contact surface is formed between the rotating bracket and the spacer assembly to provide a flat contact when the rotating bracket rotates relative to the spacer assembly. Therefore, the panel will not shake when the panel is rotated right or left relative to the base.