Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide effective technique for a higher cleaning effect and higher operability of a cleaning element. Representative cleaning tool includes a cleaning element 110, the cleaning element 110 is provided with a fusion bonded part 114 having a curved portion 114a concaved to the holding space 118.

Abstract: An exfoliation product as disclosed herein has a body formed of a flexible material and configured to have an exposed exterior surface. At least one or multiple sealed interior spaces are disposed within the body. An exposed scrubbing material is located on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body and has mechanical exfoliating capability. The sealed interior spaces are filled with a flowable material that can submit to an applied pressure and conform to a shape of a body part applying the pressure upon the exterior surface of the exfoliation device and can maintain the conformed shape while resisting the applied pressure.

Abstract: A cleaning article in the form of a sponge body for absorbing and retaining a fluid and an encasement membrane attached to the sponge body. The encasement membrane covers a portion of the sponge body being sized to fit within and be held by the hand of a user while leaving exposed, a portion of the sponge body for engaging a surface to be cleaned. As a preferred embodiment, the encasement membrane is further characterized as being a thermal insulator substantially reducing thermal energy contained within the fluid from passing therethrough. The encasement membrane is also characterized as being impervious to water, steam or other gasses to prevent their escape where they could affect the user's hand. The present invention is ideally suited for cleaning a surface by applying a cleaning fluid, such as water with or without a detergent to the sponge body and placing the cleaning article within a microwave oven.

Abstract: To provide a wiper apparatus capable of suppressing increase of a play of a push-in part to a panel, and reducing occurrence of noise due to a direct contact of the two members mutually. In order to satisfy the relation of A/B?0.4, where A is the distance of a perpendicular line from the axial center of an output shaft to a line segment linking the axial centers of DR side and AS side pivot shafts, and B is the distance of a perpendicular line from the push-in part to the line segment, the axial center of output shaft and the line segment linking the axial centers of the DR side and AS side pivot shafts are brought closer to each other.

Abstract: A motor bracket to which a wiper motor is fixed, and a DR side pivot holder are coupled together by means of a DR side pipe frame inclined to a plane perpendicular in the axial direction of an output shaft of a wiper motor, and the motor bracket and an AS side pivot holder are coupled together by means of an AS side pipe frame inclined to the plane perpendicular in the axial direction of the output shaft. An output arm is fixed to the output shaft of the wiper motor, and the output arm is disposed between the DR side pipe frame and the AS side pipe frame, and between the connecting rod for coupling a DR side lever and an AS side lever, and the motor bracket.

Abstract: A wiper blade structure comprises a pivot assembly, a plurality of deflectors, a plurality of end ferrule caps, a resilient strip, and a blade element. The pivot assembly may comprise a connecting adapter for engaging various wiper arms and the connecting adapter is further coupled with a pivot socket settled on the resilient strip, so that the connecting adapter can be easily connected with various wiper arms. Besides, by the combining structure among the pivot socket, end ferrule caps and the resilient strip, as well as the combination among the deflectors, resilient strip and the blade element, the wiper blade can firmly and closely contact the windshield glass, so that the defects of the conventional wiper blade structures can be remedied. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can perform improved efficiency of use and therefore is an invention having utilitarian value.

Abstract: A robot cleaner having a configuration capable of improving an ability to collect dust, etc. is disclosed. The robot cleaner includes a suction hole to suction dust, a dust collector to receive the dust suctioned through the suction hole, and a rotating brush provided at a side of the suction hole. The robot cleaner is configured to sweep up and collect the dust into the dust collector by a drive force of the rotating brush.

Abstract: A motor assembly for a steam vacuum cleaner comprises a flow separation packing which is coupled within a motor cooling casing between a cold air intake duct and an air exhaust duct, so as to maximize cooling efficiency of a wet type motor by separating the sucked cold air from the hot air having undergone a cooling operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dust receptacle and a steam vacuum cleaner using the same, wherein the dust receptacle comprises an auxiliary filter in a dust collection bin to cause dust to settle or be distributed evenly inside the dust collection bin, and therefore to extend a cleaning cycle or replacement cycle of a main filter.

Abstract: A duct cleaning apparatus for cleaning ventilation ducts in a household environment comprises a typical household or light industrial vacuum cleaning having a sealed container, a blower having suction and exhaust, a first flexible hose attached to the suction port and a second flexible hose attached to the exhaust port. The hoses are adjacent and parallel to each other and fixed together using a plurality regularly spaced elastic bands. A blower nozzle and a suction nozzle are adjacent to each other and placed in a duct for cleaning. The blower nozzle directs a jet of air into the vacuum zone of the suction nozzle thereby agitating dirt and debris within the vacuum zone for a more efficient cleaning action.

Abstract: In a suctioning state, even if the amount of dust trapped in a dust collecting unit in a main air passage is increased, air suctioned from a hose connection port is branched into a first half passage and reduction in the suction air amount can be suppressed. When the suctioning state is switched to a dust moving state by switch means, the dust trapped in a pleated filter is moved to the dust collecting unit, increase in the air passage resistance at the first half passage side caused by clogging of the pleated filter can be suppressed, and reduction in suction power over time can be suppressed. Since an upper air passage and lower air passage are provided in the lid body, the dust collecting unit is exposed with the lid body opened, whereby maintenance performance of the dust collecting unit is improved.

Abstract: Device for cleaning the filter pipes used to extract fruit juice, consisting of a cylindrically shaped tube (1) that runs telescopically through the inside of the filter pipe (2), and some circumferential openings (3) have been made at one end of this interior tube (1) through which previously injected pressurized air is expelled along its entire length The interior tube (1) includes an air inlet (5) that has been provided at one end, and this air inlet (5) is connected to a surrounding chamber (6) with the same configuration as the interior tube (1) and in turn is connected to the openings (3) that this tube has at its other end for cleaning the filter pipe (2).

Abstract: Device for cleaning the filter pipes used to extract fruit juice, consisting of a cylindrically shaped tube (1) that runs telescopically through the inside of the filter pipe (2), and some circumferential openings (3) have been made at one end of this interior tube (1) through which previously injected pressurized air is expelled along its entire length. The interior tube (1) includes an air inlet (5) that has been provided at one end, and this air inlet (5) is connected to a surrounding chamber (6) with the same configuration as the interior tube (1) and in turn is connected to the openings (3) that this tube has at its other end for cleaning the filter pipe (2).

Abstract: A trash container having integrated webbing produced during the rotomoulding process and which add structural integrity to the container. The handles are also made using a rotomoulding process and are designed to accept a metal sleeve journaled through a longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A method and device for applying a pre-tensioned force to a spiral window balance. The spiral balance includes a containment tube, a spiral rod and a torsion spring that traverses the length of the containment tube. The device includes a pre-tensioning insert that is contained within an anchorage fixed within the upper end of the containment tube. At least one boss formed at the base of a bore within the pre-tensioning insert defines a channel that receives the upper end of the spiral rod. To apply a pre-tensioned force to the spiral balance, the lower end of the spiral rod is pulled from the lower end of the containment tube, turned a number of revolutions and reinserted into the containment tube without being allowed to rotate. The upper end of the spiral rod is non-rotatably retained within the channel by the boss to prevent it from losing its pre-tensioned force.

Abstract: A self-lubricating bearing assembly for a hinge of a turbine engine nozzle is described. The hinge includes a bolt and a bell crank housing. The bearing assembly includes a sleeve, a pair of bushings, liners, a thrust washer and a nut. The sleeve includes a tubular and a shoulder portion. Each bushing has an inner and an outer diameter. The liners include first liners, each bonded to the inner diameter of a respective one of the bushings, a second liner disposed between the shoulder portion and a bushing, and a third liner disposed between the thrust washer and a bushing. When assembled, the tubular portion is disposed over an outer diameter of the bolt, the outer diameters of the bushings are disposed within an inner diameter of the bell crank housing, and the nut is affixed between the thrust washer and the bolt to secure the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A multifunctional hinge is provided. In one embodiment, a device for coupling a panel relative to frame is provided. The device comprises a first body including an elongated cylindrical cavity; and a second body including a shaft having a tab extending from a lateral portion the shaft, the shaft having an axis of rotation about the center of the shaft. The first body is configured to accept insertion of the shaft of the second body into the elongated cylindrical cavity and further configured to allow movement of the second body about the axis of rotation. The first body further includes a slot connected to the elongated cylindrical cavity and configured to allow the tab of the second body to slide therethrough when the second body is rotated.

Abstract: A dual-axis hinge for a portable electronic device has at least one stationary bracket, a pivoting bracket and a connecting leaf. The stationary bracket is adapted to be mounted securely in a base of the portable electronic device. The pivoting bracket is mounted pivotally in the stationary bracket and pivot relative to the stationary bracket in a first axis. The connecting leaf is adapted to be connected with a cover of the portable electronic device, is pivotally mounted in the pivoting bracket and pivots relative to the pivoting bracket in a second axis that is in different direction from the first axis. With such an arrangement, the cover connected with the connecting leaf may pivot relative to the base in the first axis and the second axis respectively and allows the portable electronic device to make more motivation and contents to various applicability requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling, comprising a coupling arm, the coupling arm having an attachment portion adapted to be affixed with a first article, and an anchor portion. The coupling further comprises a receptacle adapted to be affixed with a second article, the receptacle comprising one or more walls defining an interior cavity, adapted to retain at least the anchor portion of the coupling arm. The receptacle further includes an opening adapted to allow the coupling arm to extend therethrough, wherein the attachment portion of the coupling arm is moveable with respect to the opening.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (1) to pivotally attach a door to a door jamb having a first hinge half (5) to be attached to the jamb and including a passage (10) extending generally vertically. The passage (10) having a threaded length (12); a second hinge half (15) to be attached to the door and including a passage (20) extending generally vertically and to be located above and axially aligned with the first hinge half passage. A pivot pin (25) to be located in both passages to pivotally attach the door to the jamb.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a door handle adapted to receive interchangeable display inserts. The door handle includes a handle body adapted to be coupled to a door of an enclosure. A receiving space is provided within the handle body for exchangeably receiving a display insert. A protective front facing planar member is located at a front face of the door handle and a graphic display is positioned behind the protective front facing planar member. The graphic display is visible through the protective front facing planar member by a person upon approach to the door handle.

Abstract: A luggage handle for use in combination with the telescoping cross bar handle member of wheeled luggage includes an elongate arcuate configured hand grip handle element which is ergonomically shaped and which is attached to a plate element about which it rotates. The plate member is, in turn, configured for attachment to the cross bar member of a luggage item by means of straps which connect through slots in the plate member that may be wrapped around the cross bar member of the telescoping handle of the wheeled luggage.

Abstract: A handle includes a grip element, a fastening element, and at least one damping element which is configured as a telescopic damping element, and can be used in a hand-held power tool.

Abstract: Described are portable hangers and methods for constructing same. A portable hanger includes a strap member with a first end shaped into a hook and with a second end shaped into a handhold-sized loop. The first end of the strap has a friction-enhancing surface within an inner arc of the hook. To construct a portable hanger, in one embodiment, a hook is inserted into an open first end of a strap. The open first end of the strap is closed to enclose completely the hook within the first end of the strap. A second end of the strap is attached to an intermediate section of the strap to form a handhold-sized loop.

Abstract: In a fleece layer of the carriage cross-lapper type, the laying carriage conveyor belt (14) wraps around the first laying roller (12), the upper and lower strands (14o, 14u) of the belt being parallel to each other as they proceed from the first laying roller (12). An endless cover belt (23), which travels around in the laying carriage (5), wraps around the second laying roller (13), the cover belt having upper and lower strands (23o, 23u), which are parallel to each other as they proceed from the second laying roller (13) in the direction opposite that of the laying carriage conveyor belt (14).

Abstract: A fleece-laying apparatus with an upper carriage (4) and a laying carriage (5) which move above an output conveyor belt (2) transversely to the transport direction of that belt to lay a card web (11) supplied to the fleece layer in partially overlapping layers on an output conveyor belt (2), an endless card web conveyor belt (14) traveling exclusively in the laying carriage (5) wraps around at least one first laying roller (12) in the laying carriage (5). The belt has upper and lower strands (14o, 14u), which extend between the first laying roller (12) and a deflecting roller (15), which is supported in the laying carriage a certain distance away from the laying roller and around which the belt partially wraps.

Abstract: The invention provides a shoulder strap holder and consists of two separate parts. The upper part is a three sections monocoque part, as an oval top plate, an empty threaded in housing in the middle and a washer-type base on its edge. The top plate can be used as is as a decorative ornament or receive on it a glued on, stuck on, welded on, smelted on or even sewn on piece of jewel, button or any other appropriate fashion accessory. The underpart is a two sections monocoque part, as a round base plate and a pointed threaded pin screw in the middle. When the two monocoque parts are assembled together by screwing in and placed on the shoulder of a coat, shirt, etc., it catches up the material or fabric in between both, leaving a holding space to hold on the strap of a purse and anything else with a strap worn on the shoulder.

Abstract: A fastener for joining a first and a second article includes a head for being restrained by the first article and a retaining element having a first and second end point. The retaining element is inserted through the first and second article and is restrained by the second article. A filament connects the head and the retaining element and defines a first and second arm length of the retaining element from the respective first and second end point to the center-line of a root of the filament. The retaining element has a structure such that the first arm length is greater than the second arm length.

Abstract: A releasable fastener includes a tether and a clip adapted to be coupled to a first member. The tether has a first end releasably coupled to the clip, a second end adapted to be coupled to a second member that is moveable relative to the first member and a flexible member having first and second strands interconnecting the first and second ends of the tether. The second strand is frangible.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a device which can be used to secure an article, such as a blanket, towel, sheet or similar article, in place on a sandy or dirt surface, or on the surface of a chair, or to hang an article from a railing, line, chair, etc. to facilitate drying the article, keeping the article clean, or keeping soiled articles separated from other articles or surfaces. The device comprises a clamp portion attached to a malleable body portion. The body portion can be bent into an “L” shape and used as an anchor or into a “U” or “J” shape and used as a hook.

Abstract: A U-shaped clip that is configured to be quickly installed by attaching the clip over the top edge of the vertical wall defined by plural end to end oriented landscape edging restraint members. This action is quick and easily accomplished by hand, requiring no tools or forceful effort. The clip is made of a material having a hardness characteristic that is harder than the material of the edging restraint members. The clip includes a series of pointed, opposing, hardened steel barbs that bite into the softer edging material to create a mechanical lock. Further, the barbs are angled so as to increase the force applied to the edging material as the parts are drawn apart in opposite directions.

Abstract: Apparatuses are disclosed where in a lever binder may include an adjuster that when manipulated adjusts the binding length of the lever binder. In various embodiments, a lever binder is disclosed including an automatic latching mechanism to help resist undesired movement of a lever from a binding position.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a pushpin retaining device is disclosed. An exemplary pushpin retaining device can include a resilient, elongated pin that can have a first end portion for puncturing and a second end portion. A grip foot can be operatively associated with the second end portion of the pin. Alternatively, a cut edge can be on the second end portion of the pin. A method of retaining objects without object puncture can include providing a pushpin retaining device. The method can also include puncturing a support surface with an end of the pin of the pushpin device and pressing a portion of an object against the support surface with the grip foot or cut edge, respectively.

Abstract: A three dimensional decorative spinner is formed of sheet metal by cutting from a flat metal sheet and, while the cut metal sheet remains flat and after it is coated by a powder coat covering layer which is baked, different color layer or layers of different patterns are silk screen printed onto the sheet on each side. The space between each strip and the next is sufficient that the printed covering layers on each side of the strip meet so as to also cover edges of the strips at the space with the covering layers on the each strip being separated from the covering layers on the next adjacent strip by the space between the strips. After the baking of the coating and printing of the colored layer or layers at least some of the strips are bent out of the flat plane of the metal sheet with the width of each strip at the area of bending of the strip being arranged such the bending occurs without cracking the covering layers.

Abstract: A gem setting for gemstones includes a channel with walls having grooves for holding a portion of a gem girdle, such that when a gem having a crown is set into the channel, the upper portion of the groove extends over the crown of the gem. The upper part of the channel above the groove can be permanently bent or rolled over the crown of the gem to secure the gem in the ring channel. A method of setting a gem in the channel includes inserting the gem girdle in the grooves, without permanently bending the channel walls, until the gem is positioned within the channel such that if the gem and ring together are placed in an upside down position, the gem will not fall out of the channel. Next, the upper part of each channel is permanently bent over the crown of the gem, to thereby secure the gem in the channel.

Abstract: An indexer robot includes two transport arms. The indexer robot simultaneously transports two unprocessed substrates from a cassette to a substrate transfer part in such a manner that each of the two transport arms holds a single unprocessed substrate. Also, the indexer robot simultaneously receives two processed substrates from the substrate transfer part and simultaneously transports the two processed substrate to a cassette in such a manner that each of the two transport arms holds a single processed substrate. The provision of three sending substrate rest parts and three returning substrate rest parts in the substrate transfer part enables the indexer robot to smoothly accomplish the simultaneous two-substrate transport, thereby reducing the time required for the transport of substrates in an entire substrate processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for producing a piezoelectric actuator includes forming a diffusion preventing layer on one surface of a substrate formed of a metallic material for preventing a diffusion of a metal from the substrate, heating a diffusion preventing layer at a first temperature in order to relieve a residual stress in the diffusion preventing layer, forming an electrode on a surface of the diffusion preventing layer, the surface not facing the substrate, forming a piezoelectric layer of a piezoelectric material on a surface of the electrode, the surface not facing the diffusion preventing layer, and annealing the piezoelectric layer at a second temperature. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the electrode from being exfoliated from the diffusion preventing layer. Moreover, it is possible to prevent a crack being developed in the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, a vacuum induction metal (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.

Abstract: A method for restoring a damaged rail seat located on a concrete rail tie. The method comprises applying a polymeric material comprising a poly(urethaneurea) material to the damaged rail seat located in the concrete rail tie; and restoring the damaged rail seat by cursing the polymeric material under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. The polymeric material is substantially sag resistant and maintains its shape without substantial runoff from the concrete rail tie during the restoring of the damage rail seat.

Abstract: A tool for removing a mixing valve cartridge from a housing located in a faucet or shower. The tool is comprised of a core puller and a sleeve puller which share a T-handle. The cartridge is removed by first pulling the core from the cartridge sleeve and then pulling the sleeve from the housing. The core is pulled using the core puller consisting of a cylindrical body open at its inner end and having a left-hand threaded hole at its outer end through which a left-hand screw is threadably attached. The left-hand screw has a right-hand screw at its inner end for threading to the core and a transverse hole at its outer end for attaching the T-handle. The right-hand screw is attached to the core, the open end of the cylindrical body is placed against the housing and the T-handle is attached to the outer end of the left-hand screw. The T-handle is turned clockwise pulling the core out of the sleeve and into the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a piston over a lip seal on a shaft includes a cylinder or primary force and a weight member or secondary force. The primary force and secondary force are coupled by a resilient member, which will permit the secondary force to retract from the assembly process when the force needed to complete the assembly is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method is provided for precisely positioning and joining first and second sheet panels. A first hole is extruded in the first panel with an annular upstanding wall surrounding the first hole. The first hole has a diameter to fit closely over the locating pin of a support. A second hole is formed in the second panel and has a diameter to fit closely over the annular upstanding wall of the first panel. A bond is created between the first and second panels adjacent to the annular upstanding wall, so that the annular upstanding wall protects the locating pin from being fouled by the bonding material. The bond may be either an adhesive bond or an electric resistance weld or both an adhesive bond and an electric resistance weld and the annular upstanding wall acts as a dam to protect the locating pin from the adhesive or weld splatter.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for locking a bearing to a shaft includes a split sleeve and a receptive flange adapted to be fixed to the bearing. A positioning flange is coupled to the split sleeve. A screw extends through the positioning flange and threadingly engages the receptive flange. Rotation of the screw in a first direction axially drives the sleeve into engagement with the bearing to collapse the split sleeve into engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.

Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is provided which can be manufactured easily. The laundry treating apparatus manufacturing method includes providing a metal plate formed of stainless steel and drawing the stainless steel plate to form a front panel such that the front panel includes a front surface and a plurality of edges extending continuously therefrom and at least one seamless corner where the front surface and two of the plurality of edges meet.

Abstract: A capacitive ultrasonic transducer includes a first electrode, an insulating layer formed on the first electrode, at least one support frame formed on the insulating layer, and a second electrode formed spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode define an effective area of oscillation of the capacitive ultrasonic transducer, and the respective length of the first electrode and the second electrode defining the effective area of oscillation is substantially the same.

Abstract: A wireless communication device coupled to a wave antenna that provides greater increased durability and impedance matching. The wave antenna is a conductor that is bent in alternating sections to form peaks and valleys. The wireless communication device is coupled to the wave antenna to provide wireless communication with other communication devices, such as an interrogation reader. The wireless communication device and wave antenna may be placed on objects, goods, or other articles of manufacture that are subject to forces such that the wave antenna may be stretched or compressed during the manufacture and/or use of such object, good or article of manufacture. The wave antenna, because of its bent structure, is capable of stretching and compressing more easily than other structures, reducing the wireless communication device's susceptibility to damage or breaks that might render the wireless communication device coupled to the wave antenna unable to properly communicate information wirelessly.

Abstract: A structure and method for performing magnetic inductance testing of write heads formed on a wafer. The structure and method allows for the effective inductive testing of magnetic write heads at wafer level even if the write heads have an inductance that is too low to be effectively measured directly. A test head is constructed having a structure similar to that of the write heads, but having a significantly higher magnetic inductance. The higher magnetic inductance of the write head can be provided by extending the shaping layer to or beyond the air bearing surface plane ABS. The inductance of the test head can be further increased by increasing the width of the portion of the shaping layer that extends to the ABS (ie. shaping layer throat) and by increasing the width of the write pole throat.

Abstract: A method for fabricating MicroSD devices includes forming a PCB panel having multiple PCB regions arranged in parallel rows. Passive components are attached by conventional surface mount technology (SMT) techniques. IC chips, including a MicroSD controller chip and a flash memory chip, are attached to the PCB by wire bonding or other chip-on-board (COB) technique. A molded layer is then formed over the IC chips and passive components using a mold that prevents formation of plastic on the upper surface of each PCB. The panel is then singulated using one of a laser cutting method, an abrasive water jet cutting method, and a mechanical grinding method such that the resulting PCB substrate and plastic housing have the width, height and length specified by MicroSD specifications. A front edge chamfer process is then performed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for forming displays are claimed. This invention relates to a display which may be conformal and which can receive information in order to alter or configure the display. In one embodiment, a flexible layer may be made to receive an array of blocks which drive a display material to provide an alterable or configurable display. This display is coupled to a receiver which receives data and drives the data onto the blocks causing the display to change. The receiver (and blocks) may be powered by a signal from a transmitter which beams the information to the receiver. The receiver in turn controls the update of the display information on the display. Another embodiment of the invention has a receiver coupled to each block. The receiver also may be independent from the block and may be deposited onto the flexible layer.