Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a light bulb changing tool may comprise a gripper having a gripping side and an attaching side, the gripper having a flexible shape; an attachment point disposed on the attaching side; and a polymer disposed on the gripping side. In embodiments, a method and system of a vehicle cleaning tool may comprise a rotational arbor; and a gear head adapted to rotate the rotational arbor, wherein the gear head is adapted to couple to a power head having a quick-release connection point.

Abstract: Novel laccase mediators, including carboxyamido and cyano derivatives of 2,6-dimethoxyphenol that exhibit improved hydrolytic stability and good bleaching performance. The novel laccase enzymes may be employed in conjunction with the 2,6-dimethoxyphenol derivatives of this invention to provide an improved method for bleaching denim fabrics.

Abstract: Methods for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluorinated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.

Abstract: A process for treating a laundry item, which comprises contacting the laundry item with a cleaning composition in the form of a solid comprising an insoluble active agent that is capable of binding soil and free dyes, such that soil on the laundry item is bound to the insoluble active agent, and removing the composition from the laundry item, optionally in the absence of water.

Abstract: An apparatus of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. The apparatus includes a key-input part, a controller, a heater, and a pulsator. A user inputs a washing condition using the key-input part. The controller controls a washing cycle to be performed according to a washing course selected through the key-input part and controls washing water to be supplied over a multi-step during a water-supply cycle. The heater heats the washing water according to a control signal of the controller. The pulsator performs an agitation motion according to a control signal of the controller. Also, a method of controlling water supply in a washing machine is provided. According to the method, a washing condition is inputted. Washing water is supplied over a multi-step. The heater and the pulsator operate during the water supply. When the water supply is completed, a washing cycle is performed according to a selected course.

Abstract: The wetting process for the laundry (7) inside a program-controlled washing machine, which can be adjusted to the quantity of laundry in a washing drum (2) which is mounted inside a washing machine tub (1) in a manner that enables it to rotate about a non-vertical axis (3) by means of a water supply system (8 to 11) and a control facility (12), by means of which the supply of water into the washing machine tub (1) can be controlled in a temporal manner, and which starts in a first phase (Ph1) with a supply of a first metered quantity of water into the washing machine tub (1) when the washing drum (2) is stationary or continuously rotating, is to be optimized with regard to completeness, uniformity and reproducibility.

Abstract: A hair treatment kit suitable for application as a multistep hair color revitalizing product is disclosed. The kit contains: (a) a first composition containing a temporary dye, a semipermanent hair dye, or a mixture thereof, (b) a second composition containing a silicone hair glossing agent, and labeling having indicia instructing a topical application of the second composition to hair after a topical application of the first composition to the hair.

Abstract: Fiber-coloring components for dye compositions and methods for using the same, wherein the compositions comprise: (i) at least one component A comprising a compound selected from imidazo[1,5-a]pyrimidinium derivatives of general formula I, enamine counterparts of such derivatives, and mixtures thereof: and (ii) at least one component B comprising a reactive carbonyl compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibres, in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, using a dye composition comprising at least one dye of styryl or imine type in the presence of a revealing composition comprising at least one optionally substituted (hetero)aromatic compound of weak acid type. The invention also relates to a device suitable for implementing said process. The present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain a chromatic and fast coloration of keratin fibres, which is visible even on dark hair without prior lightening. The invention also makes it possible to obtain a coloration which, under certain conditions, does not stain.

Abstract: Liquid colorant preparations comprising at least one pigment and at least one dye are useful for coloring cellulose polymer compounds or composites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dyes of the general formula (1) where M and X are each as defined in claim 1, dye mixtures comprising one or more of the dyes of the general formula (1) and also one or more further fiber-reactive dyes, processes for their preparation, their use and printing inks comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dye mixtures comprising the dye C.I. Vat Red 13 and at least one dye selected from the group consisting of C.I. Vat Red 1, C.I. Vat Red 10, C.I. Vat Red 14, C.I. Vat Red 15, C.I. Vat Red 23 and C.I. Vat Red 32, their production and their use for dyeing and printing hydroxyl-containing materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dyes of the general formula I where R1 to R4 and Y are each as defined in claim 1, dye mixtures comprising same, processes for their preparation, and also their use for dyeing and printing hydrophobic synthetic materials.

Abstract: Dye mixtures comprising one or more, such as two or three, preferably 1 or 2, dyes of the formula (1) and at least 2 dyes of the formula (2) in which Me, M, n, and V1 to V11 are as defined in claim 1, their preparation, and their use for dyeing and printing hydroxyl- and carboxamido-containing material.

Abstract: A foldable modular scissors bridge adapted to be transported by a transport vehicle in a folded-together state and comprising two bridge modules, each formed by one or two pairs of spaced-apart track supports. Run-up ramps disposed at opposite ends of each bridge support are rigidly connected to their bridge supports. A respective ramp end tube, in the form of a hinge part, is disposed at each tip of the run-up ramps. A respective coupling tongue is disposed on each run-up ramp at a distance from the tip thereof. The coupling tongue of the upper bridge module forms an articulated joint with the ramp end tube of the lower bridge module.

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for cleaning the submerged bottom surfaces of a pool or tank in a predetermined regular pattern includes a reversible water jet drive means for propelling the apparatus in opposite directions corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The direction of the discharge of the propelling water jet is changed by mechanical sensors, electrical sensors, or by interrupting the water pump. The source of the pressurized jet stream can include a pump integral to the apparatus or an external portable pump and/or a pump associated with the pool's filtering and/or circulation system.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. A first tuft block is mounted to the head, with the tuft block having tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly from the first surface. A tissue cleanser is mounted to the head and has a plurality of tissue engaging elements extending outwardly from the second surface. A drive assembly configured to cause the first tuft block and the tissue cleanser to move with respect to the head.

Abstract: A cleaning tool comprising a main body and a cleaning implement connected to the main body. The main body is configured to receive and retain an air freshener.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, and a head at an end of the handle having a thickness, a first surface, and an opposed second surface. Tooth cleaning elements extend outwardly from the first surface and have a length. A tissue cleanser is positioned on the second surface and has a plurality of tissue engaging elements and a height. A head height includes the thickness of the head, the length of the tooth cleaning elements, and the height of the tissue cleanser, and is less than 17.7 mm.

Abstract: A multiple ridge tongue scraper the width of the tongue is pivotally attached to a recessed portion on an end of a toothbrush opposite the brush end. A pair of protrusions are positioned on the bottom of the tongue scraper with one on each side of the pivot pin. The pair of tongue scraper protrusions snap into a pair of mating lateral dents, one on each lateral side of the pivot pin to lock the tongue scraper at a right angle to the handle for use as a tongue scraper. The pair of tongue scraper protrusions snap into a pair of mating longitudinal dents, one on each longitudinal side of the pivot pin to lock the tongue scraper into alignment with the handle for use as a toothbrush.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broom body (1) having, on its underside facing the surface to be cleaned, at least two cleaning bodies (3, 4) made of different materials. One cleaning body (3) is forted by a foam material body (5), which is non-positively and/or positively joined to the broom body (1). This foam material body (1) can be inserted into the broom body (1) in a manner that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of the broom body (1), and the foam material body (5) has at least one fastening means (7) for positively fastening it to the broom body.

Abstract: A buffing ball is made from two layers of tufted wool or synthetics cut to identical FIG. 8 shape and secured to the outer surface of a spherical member, preferably by stitching.

Abstract: A coating applicator comprising a substrate removably mounted to a frame, where the frame includes an actuator repositionable between an engaging position and a disengaging position, where the engaging position is operative to maintain the substrate in mounting engagement with the frame, where the disengaging position is operative to discontinue the substrate in mounting engagement with the frame, and where the substrate includes a receptor for retaining a coating composition for application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air-injection type tool for scrubbing off the dirt on a body including: an air-retaining body 2 formed of an elastic material expandable in an air-injection manner, the air-retaining body 2 having a scrubbing towel 40 encompassed on the external surface thereof; a disc-like support body 4 disposed at the inside of the air-retaining body 2 and having a cylindrical coupling protrusion 6 formed at the top central portion thereof, the cylindrical coupling protrusion 6 having a piston A reciprocated therein such that the air generated by the reciprocating motion of the piston A is sent to the air-retaining body 2; and a cover body 12 adapted to be pressurized by a handle 18 screw-coupled with the coupling protrusion 6 of the support body 4 thus to come into close contact with the support body 4 such that the air-retaining body 2 is kept airtight.

Abstract: A knit cleaning pad for cleaning a surface, such as a flooring surface, is provided that is formed with a knitted construction having a holding stitch disposed between adjacent stitched layers. The holding stitch enables the pad to maintain its shape without any significant stretching or pulling to the original shape of the pad. The knitted construction also enables the pad to be used in a reversible manner and to be secured directly to the head of a suitable cleaning device without the need for any additional securing mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for driving a windshield wiper arm of a motor vehicle. The inventive device comprises a first motive part (1) which is solidly connected to a support piece (10) which is in turn fixed to the body of the vehicle, said first part driving a second part (2) comprising a drive shaft (23) for driving the windshield wiper arm. The aforementioned second part is fixed to a bearing (20) that is solidly connected to an element that can move in relation to the body, in particular a rear window. In addition, the device is associated with a mounting part, known as a wedge mount (3), which provides a temporary link between the above-mentioned first and second parts, such that said parts are positioned correctly in relation to one another. According to the invention, the wedge is solidly connected to the first part or the second part (1, 2) by means of detachable tongue elements (30).

Abstract: The invention starts with a windshield wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one drive element (16) that can be fastened to the vehicle body (26) and that has a driven shaft (28) and at least two axially rigid fastening elements (22), which engage in receiving openings (24) on the vehicle body (26) and are provided with at least one damping element (76, 90, 96) for damping mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: The inventive wiping strip comprises a heel (3), a wiping lip (5), a flexible joint part (11) joining the lip to the heel, wherein said lip (5) extends on an axial median plane (P), the joint part (11) comprises two flexible symmetrically curved walls (21) and defines a recess (23) between said joint part and heel, and an abutment (31) which is protruded from the heel into the recess, symmetrically shaped and is used for limiting the bending stresses of the joint part (11). The abutment (31) is provided with a flexible core (33) substantially extending on the symmetry plane (9). A wiper blade provided with said windshield wiping strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trash container having a base disposed on a support surface. The base has an aperture adjacent the support surface. A receptacle is disposed above the base. The receptacle contains debris received from an opening in an upper end of the receptacle. A vacuum draws debris through the aperture into a channel adjacent to the base and toward the receptacle. A collection chamber is associated with the receptacle and is configured to receive and collect debris from the vacuum and direct debris into the receptacle. The trash container can also include a lid disposed on an upper end of the receptacle. A method of collecting debris for depositing in a trash container includes providing suction to an aperture in a base of the trash container to draw debris from a surface adjacent the container. The method also includes capturing the debris drawn through the aperture in a collection chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum electronic power tool sense system senses the operation of a power tool that is plugged into an onboard power outlet and the vacuum source is automatically operated to facilitate user clean-up of debris generated by use of the power tool. A delay period can be utilized to maintain the vacuum source is an on state for a predetermined period of time after the power tool is turned off.

Abstract: It is a new steam broom for floor cleaning with a boiler (C) for steam production connected to two ducts for steam delivery, the delivery duct (CF) for front jets and the delivery duct (C1) for lower jets and a detergent delivery duct (CD), the opening or closing of the valve (VU) for steam output from the boiler is controlled by the operation device (DA), connected to the arm (M1) of the handle (M), so that the rotation of said arm (M1) around the hinge (M?) causes the displacement of said operating device (DA), thus causing the opening of said output valve (Vu). Said boiler (C) comprises two pressure gauges (P1) and (P2), a device for jet deflection (D) shuts one or more delivery ducts (CF), (C1) and (CD) by compressing them.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mat vacuum cleaning machine in which a vacuum suction device is installed in a rear region of the machine and is adapted to vacuum suction and remove moisture, impurities, and bacteria in a washed mat so as to effect a rapid drying of the mat, and an electric heating device is installed near the vacuum suction device to heat the mat, which was inevitably deformed and wrinkled in the previous washing and drying processes, to a predetermined temperature from 30° C. to 60° C. so as to evenly smoothen the mat, resulting in an improvement in cleanness of the automotive passenger compartment using the mat.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a housing and a drive motor arranged in the housing. A blower wheel is provided, wherein the housing has at least one area provided with openings allowing passage of air conveyed by the blower wheel. A protective device is arranged on an exterior wall of the housing, wherein the protective device has a damping area and the damping area protects the housing in the area provided with the openings from mechanical impact loads.

Abstract: A portable blower having a motor unit that includes a drive motor disposed in an engine housing. The blower has a blower unit that is provided with a blower housing that is separate from the engine housing. The blower unit includes an axial fan that is driven by the drive motor via a drive shaft. During operation the axial fan conveys operating air in the direction of the axis of rotation of the axial fan through a blower tube disposed downstream of the axial fan. An ergonomic operation and a good operating result can be achieved if the motor unit includes a guide tube on which is secured at least one handle. The engine housing is disposed at one end of the guide tube and the blower unit is disposed at the other end of the guide tube. The drive shaft extends through the guide tube. The length of the guide tube between the engine housing and the blower unit corresponds to at least half of the length of the blower tube.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for cleaning ducts of a heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a pod having a vacuum chamber therein, a drive motor located within the pod and configured to receive a removable drive shaft therein, and a conduit member located within the pod adjacent the drive motor. The conduit member has a vacuum inlet opening at an exterior wall of the pod and a drive shaft exit opening formed in the conduit member through which the removable drive shaft can extend. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a man-portable pod and a cart removably-coupleable to the man-portable pod. A method of manufacturing the apparatus and a method of cleaning an HVAC duct is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge arrangement, in particular refrigerator housing comprising a refrigerator door pivotably articulated thereto, with a first part (2), with a second part (4) pivotably articulated to the first part (2) via a hinge (3, 3a), with a piston cylinder damping unit (6), which is operatively arranged between the first part (2) and the second part (4) for damping a pivoting movement of the two parts (2, 4) relative to one another, and which is articulated to at least one part (2, 4).

Abstract: A pneumatic door closer with a protective external telescoping cylinder and angled handhold. Such a closer is generally outfitted with a structural tubular support that follows the telescoping and collapsing of the closer's piston and that has sufficient stiffness to limit the stresses imposed on the piston throughout its extension. The support provides a resistance to perpendicular force. Moreover, when the piston is collapsed within the exterior chamber, the support pivots to the exterior chamber with bushing(s) fixed to the end of the support that travel along the length of the exterior column as the closer telescopes or collapses, to permit continued smooth sliding motion throughout the extension stroke.

Abstract: A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to said bracket and said support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to said slider.

Abstract: A built-in domestic appliance which comprises hinges for hinging a door to the furniture body of the built-in domestic appliance. The door is used to close an opening of the first furniture body. The hinges are adapted to perform a defined opening and closing movement of the door, a gap forming during this movement between the edge of the door and especially the front of a second furniture body adjoining the furniture body. In order to obviate the risk of injury caused for example by limbs being caught in the gap and any claims for damages resulting therefrom, a plate element in the area of the door and in a transitional area between the furniture body of the built-in domestic appliance and the second furniture body is mounted in such a manner that it covers the gap if possible across its entire length.

Abstract: A hinge with a metal injection-molding board is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic appliance and has a central bracket and a rotating pivoting assembly. The metal injection-molding board is attached securely on an outside surface of the central bracket and extends out of an inside surface of the central bracket. The rotating pivoting assembly connects rotatably to the metal injection-molding board. When the cover pivots relative to the base along longitudinal axis, the rotating pivoting assembly rotates relative to and rubs against the metal injection-molding board so the central bracket is not worn. Because a board made of metal injection molding is strengthened, the metal injection-molding board can bear the abrasion. Therefore, the lifespan of the hinge is effectively lengthened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for felting three-dimensional objects is disclosed. The method involves wrapping a three-dimensional object with wool, and agitating the encased object within a drum in the presence of heated alkaline solution. The process may be repeated to achieve the desired felt consistency. An apparatus is provided for use with the method. Products produced in accordance with the invention have consistent texture, resiliency, and density throughout, with no visible seams or rough edges.

Abstract: A maternity blanket, bib or other covering for an infant while it is being held in one's arms, often for feeding, or seated in a movable or stationary seat, is firmly retained to the clothing of the person holding the infant or to the seat. This is achieved with a retention device which includes a pair of strips of material attached at one end to opposite portions of the clothing or other retention member. The strips which may be of nylon are attached to the clothing by clip members which are spring actuated for firm retention of the blanket and have a hand operated lever which facilitates its release.

Abstract: A closure element is used for closing an opening disposed through the flexible sidewall of a storage bag such as those used to store food items. Storage bags of this type provide an internal volume accessible via the opening. The closure element includes a first fastening strip and an interlocking second closure strip. The first and second fastening strips include complementary, engagable first and second closure profiles. To hermetically seal the internal volume, at least a portion of the first or second fastening strip can include a sealant. The sealant can be a displaceable fluid, fluid-like substance, or wax-like substance such as an oil or a gel. When the closure profiles are engaged, the sealant provides an air tight barrier sealing the internal volume.

Abstract: Cufflink comprising an elongated central part (1), adapted for being inserted in a cuff-hole, a first end part (2) extending from a first extremity of said central part (1) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said central part (1), and a second end part (3) extending from a second extremity of said central part (1) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of said central part (1). At least one of said first and second end parts (2, 3) comprises a mobile locking element (20, 30, 23, 33) connected to it, and having an extended locked position and a retracted unlocked position, said locking element (20, 30, 23, 33) protruding or rotating from said end part (2, 3) beyond the corresponding extremity of said central part (1) in the locked position.

Abstract: A simple, economical, and highly effective auto locking belay device is presented, certain embodiments of which contain no moving parts. The simplicity of the device is due to the fact that it derives certain functionality from its attachment carabiner that would normally be found within an auto-locking belay device itself. In its simplest form, the Device (10) comprises only a Body (14) with an Inner Channel (16) and a Pin (12). The attachment carabiner supports the path of the rope through the device, constrains an axis of rotation around which the device rotates, and provides one of two surfaces between which the rope is pinched. The device is able to extract these functions from the carabiner due to a unique, and counter-intuitive, placement of the carabiner within the same geometric plane as the path of the rope through the device.

Abstract: A low profile locking tie head having a reduced wall thickness is provided for use in conjunction with a flexible strap. The low profile head comprises a wall, which circumferentially defines an opening, a reinforcement rib attached to the wall, and a pawl mechanism disposed at least partially inside the opening. A pair of clamping rails preferably provides a complete clamping surface, lowers the required tie head height, and assists in the transfer of force to the reinforcement rib. Further, a tie head retainer is provided to allow secure connection to a predetermined support structure.

Abstract: A webbing fastener (10) has a hook element (12) formed from a woven webbing strap (14) having a proximal end (16) and a distal end (18) that has a hook-like pad (20) formed thereon, and, an aperture element (22) that may be formed by a ‘square ring’ (24) attached by a loop (26) to a second strip of webbing (28). The pad (20) can be formed by coiling the distal end (18) of webbing strap (14) into a flat tight coil and sewing it transversely to form a pair of transverse seams (30) that divide the pad (20) into a proximal end portion (a) and a distal end portion (b). The proximal end portion (a) forms a barb-like hook that can be move away from the distal portion of the webbing strap (14) to engage the proximal periphery of the ring (24) and to retain the hook element (12) within the aperture element (22).

Abstract: A liquid-tight slide fastener, wherein a pair of right and left coil-like coupling element rows, through which a core thread is respectively passed, is attached by sewing along opposing side edges of a pair of right and left fastener tapes, the fastener tapes having a liquid-tight layer on one surface thereof, and the core thread is coated with a water repellent agent or oil repellent agent. Consequently, even if water or oil invades into a space portion in the coupling element rows through a joint portion in the liquid-tight slide fastener, the core thread repels the water or oil, thereby blocking a further invasion of water or oil, and exerting excellent water repellency or oil repellency without provision of a water stop flap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical device that can be used to help maintain a connection between an electrical tail and an electronic device such as a touch sensor screen. The mechanical device deflects upon installation over the tail and the electronic device so that pressure caused by spring action helps maintain the connection. The mechanical device also includes a cutout region designed so that the tail can freely pass through the mechanical device.