Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example human keratin fibers, such as the hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, a) at least one oxidation dye; b) at least one fatty alcohol; c) at least one associative polymer; and d) at least one compound chosen from fatty acid esters and metal oxides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hair dyeing composition comprising at least one anionic and at least one cationic direct acting hair dyes and showing excellent dyeing ability and excellent resistance to hair washing and environmental influences. The colouring composition of this invention are ready to use colouring composition and, therefore, do not require any mixing prior to application with additional agents such as oxidizers. According to the invention the preferred cationic dyestuffs are selected from the following structures wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 stand for hydrogen, a CH3— or C2H5— group, and Y is an anion such as chloride, bromide, methosulfate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for dyeing keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in order, applying to the scalp a composition comprising at least one polyoxyethylenated sorbitan ester having less than or equal to 10 moles of ethylene oxide, and subsequently applying to the keratin fibers a dye composition comprising at least one dye precursor in a suitable medium. Such a process may make it possible to conserve strong a coloration while at the same time limiting the discomfort that may be experienced on the scalp at the time of application of the dye composition or after this application.

Abstract: A textile marker application process includes the steps of contacting a fibrous material with an application liquor containing a marker. The composition of the liquor and the process conditions are selected to produce a uniform distribution of the marker within the fibrous material. The marked textile may be used alone or incorporated in a textile or non-textile product for identification.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to heterobifunctional reactive dyes comprising nitrogen-containing heterocycles substituted by both halogen and vinyl sulfone moieties. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to reactive dye compounds comprising two or more halo-substituted, nitrogen-containing heterocycles and an asymmetric bridging group, wherein at least one of the two or more halo-substituted, nitrogen-containing heterocycles further comprises a vinyl sulfone substituent. In some embodiments, the bridging group has a structure based on cysteamine or cysteine. The heterobifunctional reactive dyes have high substrate affinity and can be applied to substrates, such as cotton fibers, under low salt conditions and with reduced dye material waste.

Abstract: A toothbrush has a plurality of replaceable cleaning heads configured to clean a plurality of teeth surfaces simultaneously. The cleaning heads may be configured to clean one row of teeth at a time or bottom and top teeth simultaneously. In a configuration for cleaning bottom and top teeth simultaneously, the cleaning heads for the top teeth are movably offset from the cleaning heads for the bottom teeth to accommodate occlusion. The toothbrush may be manual or electrical. Accessories such as a tongue and cheek scraper and tooth pick are available.

Abstract: A handpiece of an electric toothbrush having a housing in which a drive unit is received. The housing has a forward or rearward housing opening adapted to be closed by a cover in a preferably moisture- and liquid-proof manner, with snap-action detent elements provided on the housing and/or the cover for locking the cover on the housing with a snap action. A combination of snap-fitting and threaded engagement releases the snap-fitting engagement between the cover and the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile floor-cleaning machine having a rotationally drivable, disk-like cleaning tool which is detachably held on a tool holder, the tool holder being connected to a drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. In order to develop the floor-cleaning machine in such a way that the cleaning tool can be easily replaced, the invention proposes that said cleaning tool is adapted to be detachably latched to the tool holder and to be disconnected from the tool holder in the axial direction by means of an unlatching mechanism which is adapted to be operated by the user.

Abstract: A scraper sponge for cleaning and scraping away unwanted substances from an object or surface comprising a sponge body defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a scraper secured to one of the first and second surfaces. As an alternative, the sponge body defines an aperture for securing the scraper therein. The scraper has a tip portion defining at least one edge and a depressible surface to which forces are applied to manipulate the scraper. The edge is narrow and adapted for entering corners, grooves and crevices and for scraping surfaces. The scraper is at least semi rigid and the depressible surface is contoured to facilitate effective scraping. The sponge body has at least one surface adapted for cleaning and scouring and is usable with or without the scraper.

Abstract: A cleaning tool that includes an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning element to be attached to the cleaning element holder is provided. The cleaning element holder has a grip to be held by a user and two holding elements extending parallel in a longitudinal direction from the grip. The holding elements are adapted to be inserted into an insert region of the cleaning element to thereby hold the cleaning element. The two holding elements of the cleaning element holder can be rotated in parallel toward each other around a longitudinal axis of the cleaning element holder on a rotation axis disposed between the holding elements. As a result, through the rotation of the two holding elements inserted into the insert region, the sectional shape of the cleaning element can be changed in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction of the cleaning element holder.

Abstract: A cleaning device including a cleaning member and a handle connected to the cleaning member. The handle includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a ball member and the second member includes a socket. The ball member being disposed in the socket to couple the first member and the second member and enable the second member to pivot with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A cleaning tool and an effective technique for realizing a higher cleaning effect in the cleaning tool having a cleaning element for wiping a region to be cleaned is provided. A representative cleaning tool for wiping a region to be cleaned includes an elongate cleaning element holder, and a cleaning element having an outer surface which has predetermined dimensions and can extend in a longitudinal direction of the cleaning element holder. The cleaning element is attached to the cleaning element holder. When the cleaning element is attached to the cleaning element holder, the cleaning element is wrapped in a helical form around an outer surface of the cleaning element holder in such a manner that the cleaning element outer surface moves toward the outer surface of the cleaning element holder.

Abstract: A cleaning tool and an effective technique for realizing a higher cleaning effect in a cleaning tool having a cleaning element for wiping a region to be cleaned is provided. The cleaning tool includes an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning element to be attached to the cleaning element holder. The cleaning element holder includes a grip to be held by a user and two holding elements connected to the grip and extending parallel in a longitudinal direction with a predetermined spacing therebetween. The cleaning element includes a sheet element of nonwoven fabric, at least three insert regions demarcated by the sheet element and extending parallel to each other, and a covering part that covers the sheet element and forms a wiping face. The two holding elements extending with the predetermined spacing are inserted into arbitrarily selected two of the at least three insert regions.

Abstract: A motorized interdental toothbrush includes one or more wires having fixed filaments, and a gage disposed on one end portion of the wires and having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than that of the filaments for limiting the wires and the filaments to engage into the selected interdental spaces between the teeth of the user and for preventing the filaments from being inserted and engaged into the interdental spaces having a relatively smaller width and for preventing the user's gum from being injured by the greater filaments, and a rotating device may be coupled to rotate and drive the brush device to clean the interdental space.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush includes one or more wires having fixed filaments disposed on the wires, and a gage disposed on one end portion of the wires and having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than that of the filaments for limiting and guiding the wires and the filaments to engage into the predetermined or suitable or selected interdental spaces between the teeth of the user and for preventing the filaments from being inserted and engaged into the interdental spaces having a relatively smaller width and thus for preventing the user's gum from being hurt or injured by the greater filaments.

Abstract: A motorized interdental toothbrush includes one or more wires having fixed filaments, and a gage disposed on one end portion of the wires and having an outer diameter equals to or smaller than that of the filaments for limiting the wires and the filaments to engage into the selected interdental spaces between the teeth of the user and for preventing the filaments from being inserted and engaged into the interdental spaces having a relatively smaller width and for preventing the user's gum from being injured by the greater filaments, and a moving device may be coupled to move and drive the brush device to move back and forth or in a reciprocating action and to clean the interdental space.

Abstract: This is a baby safety toothbrush. While it looks like a pacifier, and is safe like a pacifier, it is really a toothbrush. This safe toothbrush will allow a baby or young child to become accustomed to a toothbrush and even brush their teeth, all while remaining safe from injury.

Abstract: A cleaning tool and an effective technique for realizing a higher cleaning effect in a cleaning tool having a cleaning element for wiping a region to be cleaned is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes an elongate cleaning element holder and a cleaning element to be attached to the cleaning element holder. The cleaning element holder has a holding part extending elongate while having components extending in a direction crossing the extending direction of the cleaning element holder. The cleaning element has an insert region into which the holding part is inserted. The cleaning element is attached to the cleaning element holder while being twisted along an extending portion of the holding part through insertion of the holding part into the insert region.

Abstract: Embodiments of foot-worm scrubbing apparatus are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a sole made of a suitable material and having a top surface and a bottom surface. A scrubbing surface of another suitable material is adhered to the bottom surface of the sole. The sole is also attached to a thong in order to secure the sole and the scrubbing surface to a bare foot or to a socked foot of a user.

Abstract: A floor care device is provided. Such floor care device includes a foot covering member for covering a predetermined portion of at least one of a user's foot and such user's shoe and protecting said predetermined portion of such user's foot and such user's shoe from at least one of liquids, dirt, cleaning agents, dust and debris. A securing mechanism is operably connected to such foot covering member for removably securing such foot covering member to a predetermined portion of such at least one of such user's foot and such user's shoe. A floor care member is removably and operably connectable to such foot covering member at a predetermined location thereon for at least one of cleaning, mopping, scrubbing, dusting, drying, wiping, applying wax to and removing wax from a surface of a floor.

Abstract: A rotary buffing and finishing system includes a polymeric foam cushioning layer that has a graded compression load deflection which is interposed between a backing plate and a relatively thin performance layer that is removably attached to the foam cushioning layer. The backing plate is flexible but has a compression load deflection greater than the cushioning layer, and the cushioning layer includes two foam layers of graded compression load deflection that decreases from a rear face to a front face. The system provides improved performance over thicker and more expensive performance layers while reducing operator fatigue.

Abstract: An accessory tool according to the present invention comprises a recovery tank assembly for removing fluid and dirt from a surface to the cleaned and storing the recovered fluid and dirt. The recovery tank assembly comprises a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank. The accessory tool further comprises a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. The turbine-driven suction fan can be magnetically coupled with the turbine. The accessory tool can further comprise a fluid dispensing assembly for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. The fluid dispensing assembly can comprise a turbine-driven fluid pump.

Abstract: A wiping device for vehicle windows including a wiper blade on at least one wiper arm, wherein the wiper blade is intended for an initial movement from a home position into a reversal position, and a return movement from the reversal position into the home position, and a spray device including numerous spray or nozzle openings, arranged successively in a longitudinal wiper blade direction and assigned to two longitudinal wiper blade sides, for ejecting a washing or cleaning fluid onto the vehicle window, wherein the spray device is formed so that after activation of the spray and wiping process, a greater quantity of washing or cleaning fluid is ejected on the longitudinal wiper blade side which leads in the initial movement, at least during the initial movement of the wiper blade, than on the longitudinal wiper blade side which follows in the initial movement and leads in the return movement.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement of the type that comprises a spacer which is attached to the body structure element, and an attachment tab (12) in which the front longitudinal end (12a) is attached to the spacer by means of a shock absorber element (16) with a tubular shape that is coaxial in relation to the spacer and in which the outer cylindrical wall comprises a peripheral groove with the attachment tab (12) resting against the bottom (22) of said groove, and of the type in which the front end of the attachment tab (12) comprises a C-shaped housing (20) in which the shock absorber element (16) is accommodated, characterised in that longitudinal free play exists between the rear section (28) and the bottom (22) of the peripheral groove (18) opposite it.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arm including a rear end segment fixed to a shaft driving the windshield wiper arm in an alternating wiping movement about the global and vertical axis, a free front segment for supporting a wiper blade, and an intermediate segment with a longitudinal orientation which is at least partly elastically deformable and which links the rear end segment to the free front segment, wherein the intermediate segment includes a longitudinal central web which is covered with an outer sleeve, wherein at least one portion of the longitudinal central web includes a multilayer plate made of globally horizontal superimposed layers of different materials and thickness, and wherein the multilayer plate comprises at least one layer made of a composite material.

Abstract: A sootblower to project a blowing medium into a boiler and a method of cleaning a boiler using a sootblower are disclosed. The sootblower includes a hub disposed within a housing, in which ends of the hub are configured to receive a lance and the blowing medium. A drive shaft of the sootblower is then configured to rotate the lance with respect to the boiler in a rotational direction at a first ratio relative to the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction, and is configured to rotate the lance with respect to the boiler in the rotational direction at a second ratio relative to the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: A wet/dry canister vacuum cleaner has a base assembly, a recovery tank, and a solution tank. A hose interface adapted to mount a vacuum hose is pivotally mounted on the base assembly for selective fluid communication with the inlet to the recovery tank. The hose interface is moveable between a position in which the hose interface is coupled with the recovery tank and a suction source in fluid communication with the recovery tank can draw fluid through the hose interface and the recovery tank, and a second position, in which the hose interface is removed from the recovery tank and the recovery tank can be removed from the vacuum cleaner without having to disconnect the vacuum hose from the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner can further comprise a diverter assembly for switching between dry and wet mode cleaning, where the diverter assembly forms an inlet to the recovery tank.

Abstract: A squeegee blade assembly and method of use for a floor surface maintenance machine. A blade/guide subassembly is inserted into a channel of a scrub head prior to operation. During operation, the subassembly is retained with the channel via friction and/or protruding structures. During a blade exchange procedure, the subassembly is retracted from the channel prior to separation of the blade from the guide. Interaction with a protruding structure within the channel signals to an operator that the subassembly has been properly positioned.

Abstract: A vacuum that includes a container, a hose in fluid communication with the container, a fan assembly coupled to the container, an attachment and an accessory apron. The fan assembly includes a fan housing and a fan that is configured to draw a debris-laden air flow through the hose and into the container. The attachment is capable of being releasably coupled to at least one of the hose and the fan housing. The accessory apron has a strap and a holder that is sized to receive and removably store the attachment. The strap is configured to be releasably secured to at least one of the canister and the fan assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with one broad aspect of the present invention, a surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the surface cleaning apparatus. An upright section is mounted to the surface cleaning head and is positioned in the fluid flow path. At least one cleaning stage is provided on the upright section. An air flow motor is provided on the upright section at least partially beside the at least one cleaning stage and in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a clean air outlet and a fluid flow path extending between the dirt inlet and the clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises first and second side by side housings. The first housing comprises a cyclonic cleaning stage in the fluid flow path. The cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a cyclone having a dirt outlet. An associated dirt collection chamber is positioned below the dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber extends under at least a portion of the first and second housings. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a fluid flow motor in the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly pivotally connected to an upright assembly. The base assembly comprises a foot-actuated belt drive disengaging mechanism and a ratchet operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: The description relates to a grip trough to be installed in a rectangular opening of a thin wall such as a sheet-metal wall or door leaf of a sheet-metal cabinet. The trough has a base and four side walls proceeding therefrom, which four side walls run into a rectangular flange-like rim which surrounds the bearing surface of the opening in the thin wall in the installed state. Two shorter, oppositely located side walls extend substantially parallel to one another and extend perpendicular to the thin wall, while the two other, longer side walls are oriented diagonally at an acute angle and obtuse angle, respectively, relative to the thin wall. Wall webs project in direction of the thin wall from the side wall extending at an obtuse angle to the thin wall. According to the invention, at least one receptacle for a closure device, such as a closing cylinder with a sash fastener, is provided in the area of the side wall that extends at an acute angle to the thin wall.

Abstract: A self-presenting handle assembly, comprising a handle portion in operative communication with an axle rotatably mounted in a housing of a rigid support, and an active material in operative communication with the axle or the handle portion, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to provide rotation of the axle in a first direction and move the handle in the first direction from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A leaf-cartwheel flexure for coupling an object to a frame includes a leaf flexure for mounting to an object and a cartwheel hinge for mounting to the frame. The leaf flexure defines an axis of contraflexure and the cartwheel hinge is bendable about a rotational axis. The cartwheel hinge is coupled to the leaf flexure and positioned such that the rotational axis substantially aligns with the axis of contraflexure. A system and a method for mounting a component utilize three such leaf-cartwheel flexures for mounting the component to a frame, in which the flexures are approximately equidistant from each other about the component.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism pivotably connects the two housings of a clamshell-type electronic device, and includes a hinge head, a hinge body, and retaining boots around the hinge head and hinge body. The hinge mechanism and the retaining boots fit tightly within openings integrally formed in a housing of the device. As a user pivots the housings between open and closed positions, the retaining boots expand to fill in any spatial gaps that might develop between the exterior surface of the hinge mechanism and the interior surfaces of the openings. This maintains the tight fit between the hinge mechanism and the housings.

Abstract: The present invention is an extremely compact three leaf geared hinge that is adapted to handle heavy loads, tightly fold back onto itself for space conservation, offer extensive freedom of movement in the horizontal plane and provide an extremely smooth operating action with minimal play in torsion as well as in axial or transverse motions. The hinge has three interconnected leaves jointed by hinge pins. The inner and outer leaves each have two fixed gears on their sides that meshingly engage a set of two rotating gears located on the sides of the middle leaf. The inner leaf has a cylindrical leaf and pin arrangement on one end that may be rotatably secured to a rigid member or housing. The free end of the outer leaf may be attached to the load directly or with a device that allows the load to rotate normally about the extended hinge.

Abstract: A lifting device for a two-leaf folding door is provided, whose upper leaf is pivotally mounted about a horizontal first axis on a top or intermediate wall of a body, and whose lower leaf is pivotally connected with the upper leaf about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and having at least one two-armed lever which is pivotally mounted about a horizontal swivel axis on a lateral body part and whose longer arm is pivotally connected with the lower leaf, a hinge for pivotally connecting the two leaves, which is provided with a hinge pot to be inserted in one of the leaves, a hinge arm to be fixed at the other leaf, and a swivel axis which is arranged in the hinge pot such that its distance (A) from the nearest edge of the other leaf reduced by the distance (T) from the inner surface of its own leaf, has a value (F) which is smaller than the thickness of the finger of a user, and in the closed condition of the folding door, the swivel axes of the lever of the lifting device are arranged such that togethe

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a hinge bracket attached to a mounting surface and an insert bracket nested within the hinge bracket. The insert bracket includes a standoff support surface proximate the first end and a retention clip proximate the second end. The hinged object is hingedly attached to at least one of the insert bracket and the hinge bracket and is moveable between a first position in which it engages the standoff support surface and a second position in which it engages the retention clip. The hinge bracket may include a pair of walls extending from opposite sides of the hinge bracket that include rounded corners to move the user's fingers away from the hinge area and the first support surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a belt structure including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing and a belt, wherein the two ends of the belt are respectively connected to the first housing and the third housing, which can be buckled together quickly, and the second housing and the first housing are connected, so that a mechanism for fine tuning the belt can be formed through the ratch, the driving element and the resisting element in the first and the second housing.

Abstract: Fastener (80) joins together work pieces (14, 18) and has longitudinal body (82) with first work engaging member (86) mounted on it. Second work engaging member (90) is associated with longitudinal body (82) and may be integral with il, or joined to it or mounted on it. Ratchet teeth (22) and ratchet lock (92) allow for adjustment of the position of first work engaging member (86) on longitudinal body (82). Second work engaging member (90) includes leaf members (94) capable of assuming a first position of narrow cross-sectional area (as shown in the drawing), and a second position of a wide cross-sectional area under the influence of expanded part (100). Fastener (80) may be removable from work pieces (14, 18).

Abstract: Cleats configured to retain objects secured with a packaging tie in association with packaging material.

Abstract: A tensioning ratchet for tautening and holding tensioning means, such as webbings, extruded straps, ropes, chains and the like, includes a console, with a winding-on shaft, rotatably mounted in the console, which is formed by at least two direction reversal bars, delimiting a distance between one another, and with a tensioning lever for turning the winding-on shaft about an axis of rotation. The tensioning ratchet according to the invention withstands a higher load and enables high pre-tensioning forces to be applied while preventing inadmissible stress on the user. This is achieved by the fact that the position at least of the outer circumferential face of the direction reversal bars coming into contact with the tensioning means, is variable.

Abstract: A tool for abrading fabrics comprised of a body section, a handle section, and a sheath. The body section includes one or more textured surfaces, such as strips of sandpaper, which will abrade fabric when rubbed over fabric or fabric-covered objects. A user of this tool can create fashionable designs on wearable apparel at home. The sheath protects the textured surface of the body section and combines with the shape of the tool to form a unit that is easily carried in a pocket or small bag.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a capacitor. The method includes the steps of: providing a metal foil; forming a dielectric on the metal foil; applying a non-conductive polymer dam on the dielectric to isolate discrete regions of the dielectric; forming a cathode in at least one discrete region of the discrete regions on the dielectric; and cutting the metal foil at the non-conductive polymer dam to isolate at least one capacitor comprising one cathode, one discrete region of the dielectric and a portion of the metal foil with the discrete region of the dielectric.

Abstract: The piezoelectric actuator comprises: a substrate; a constraint force buffering layer which is formed on the substrate and made of a hardness control material having low hardness; and a piezoelectric element which is formed directly on the constraint force buffering layer.

Abstract: A novel method for manufacturing embedded a capacitive stack and a novel capacitive stack apparatus are provided having a capacitive core that serves as a structural substrate on which alternating thin conductive foils and nanopowder-loaded dielectric layers may be added and tested for reliability. This layering and testing allows early fault detection of the thin dielectric layers of the capacitive stack. The capacitive stack may be configured to supply multiple isolated capacitive elements that provide segregated, device-specific decoupling capacitance to one or more electrical components. The capacitive stack may serve as a core substrate on which a plurality of additional signaling layers of a multilayer circuit board may be coupled.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A defect in a splitter fairing of a turbine engine is repaired by removing a forward portion of the splitter fairing and salvaging the remaining original portion of the splitter fairing. The forward portion includes an inner flange and outer surface that create a channel. A replacement ring is provided and welded to the original portion. The replacement ring has minimum dimensions equal to the maximum height and width of the removed forward portion. Material from the replacement ring is then removed to obtain a profile with essentially the same profile for the inner flange, outer surface, and channel as the original dimensions of the splitter fairing before the defect occurred.

Abstract: A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight.