Abstract: A helical rotary brush for motor vehicle washing systems comprising a plurality of strips coupled to a central support element, through restrained joint coupling means, comprising slots designed for receiving suitably contoured bar elements, said slots being arranged with an helical arrangement on the central support element.

Abstract: A lint removing device is formed in the shape of a stick, with a central, rectangular support member and a length of pressure-sensitive adhesive material wound around the support member. The use of an essentially two-dimensional support member allows for the lint removing device to be relatively small and compact, easy to carry in a pocket or purse. The edges of the support member can be used to assist in removing used portions of the adhesive. Cuts or perforations may be formed at locations along the length of the adhesive to simplify the removal of used material. A separate protective covering layer is used to prevent debris from sticking to the adhesive between uses.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprises a main body having a first side provided with a first opening defining a first accommodating space, and a second side provided with a second opening defining a second accommodating space; a squeezable wiper whose first end penetrates the first opening and is retained in the first accommodating space and whose second end is outside the main body; a shield connected with the first opening so that the second end of the wiper is received in the shield; a cleaning liquid bottle received in the second accommodating space and comprising a nozzle portion having a spraying hole; and a cap having a first side connected with the second opening and provided with a third opening, through which the nozzle portion extends to be received in the cap, and a second side having an aperture communicating with the third accommodating space and corresponding to the spraying hole.

Abstract: A grill tool, a pad usable with the grill tool, and a method of making and using the grill tool are disclosed. Such a grill tool is configured for cleaning a surface while maintaining the surface at a temperature up to the operating temperature of the surface. The grill tool includes a tool head and a tool handle. The tool head includes an attachment mechanism for removably attaching a cleaning pad to the head so as to present a major cleaning surface and opposite minor cleaning surfaces. The tool handle may be configured to include handles capable of maintaining a user's hands horizontally and vertically spaced apart along the handle.

Abstract: A tool system is disclosed having a body including a handle extending therefrom, a detachable head including a working tool, and a multi-part connector for detachable connecting the head to the body, the connector including opposed, flexible members positioned on the body towards an end of the body and means on the head for connecting with the opposed flexible members, the opposed flexible members and the means for connecting with the flexible members working in concert to detachably secure the head to the body. The handle of the tool system can be offset with respect to the axis of the body and the detachable head.

Abstract: A toothbrush (1), comprising a tufted portion in which a plurality of tufts (4) to (7) formed of bristles made of synthetic resin are fixed to a head portion (3) of a toothbrush body made of synthetic resin, some of the plurality of tufts (4) to (7) having substantially the same horizontal cross sectional shape, and being arranged adjacent to each other in a central axis direction of the toothbrush in such a manner that a distance between centers of the tufts becomes substantially equal to a length in a width direction of a tooth.

Abstract: A cleaning implement 1 including a cleaning article 10 having a pocket 15 and a holder 20 adapted to be inserted into the pocket 15 to hold the cleaning article 10. The pocket 15 of the cleaning article 10 has a counter bumping portion 18 in the middle between the inlet opening at one end and the opposing end thereof. The holder 20 includes a handle 21, an insertion portion 22 extending from one end of the handle 21, and a retaining means 24 for retaining the vicinity of the inlet opening of the cleaning article 10. The insertion portion 22 has a bumping portion 23 that allows the insertion portion 22 to be inserted into the pocket 15 with no substantial obstruction until it reaches a bumping position where it bumps against the counter bumping portion 18 and then restricts further insertion beyond the bumping position.

Abstract: A towel specifically designed for cleaning vehicles and other surfaces without the use of soap or other cleaning agents is formed of a combination of microfiber material and chamois material and comprises a first relatively thicker portion formed primarily of an underlying layer of material and an outer layer of microfiber material that is folded over and attached to both faces of the underlying layer of material; and a second relatively thinner portion formed primarily of chamois material.

Abstract: An improved back scrubber device comprised of an exfoliation part suspended between two flexible handles, all of sufficient combined length to accommodate a human to apply pressure to, and move against, that same human's back or other hard-to-reach parts of that human's body. The exfoliant part may be a loofah. The handles may be cord or rope. The handles may be formed of one length of flexible cord or rope extended through the exfoliation part's body longitudinally, and held from sliding therethrough by a washer and fastener at each end of the exfoliant part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window wiper device (1) for motor vehicles, in particular for rear windscreen wipers with a wiper motor which is inserted into a housing base body (20), and a pole housing (10). The pole housing (10) is embodied free of seams over a portion of the circumference.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body; a suction port assembly hinged to the cleaner body with a drum brush mounted on a front lower surface thereof; and a height adjusting apparatus set to an active mode or an inactive mode. In the active mode, the height adjusting apparatus raises the rear portion of the suction port assembly from an initial height, with the drum brush spaced from a surface, to bring the drum brush into contact with the surface when the cleaner body tilts from an upright position towards the rear of the suction port assembly. In the inactive mode, the rear portion of the suction port assembly remains at the initial height when the cleaner body tilts from the upright position towards the rear of the suction port assembly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust collection container that stores dust, a compression member that is provided in the dust collection container and which is capable of rotating in first and second directions, and a driver that rotates the compression member. The compression member rotates in a first space corresponding to a first angle range and at least a portion of the dust is stored in a second space corresponding to a second angle range.

Abstract: A latching assembly for a removable battery package to an electrically powered cleaning device is provided along with the electrically powered cleaning device and the electrical combination with the battery charger. The latching assembly on the battery package comprises at least one moveable first engagement member, in movable cooperation with at least one rod which is in movable cooperation with a user contact. The first engagement member secures the removable battery package with another engagement member associated at least with the cleaning device. The first engagement member is located toward a side of a long end of the battery package opposite the end with the user contact Moving the user contact moves the member through the rod between an engaged position to thereby secure the battery package to the cleaning device and an unengaged position for removal of the battery package from the cleaning device.

Abstract: A decorative over-the-door, adjustable door stop includes two or more pocket-like body sections connected by an elongated strip. An interference member is positioned along the elongated strip, intermediate the body sections, at a predetermined location. The door stop is configured to reside over a top of the door with the interference member on the top of the door for contact with a frame of the door to maintain the door in an open state.

Abstract: A drapery carrier comprising a carrier body with first and second coaxially joined wheels on opposite sides of the carrier body, and bearings entrapped within the drapery carrier between raceway seat portions of the wheels. An axial finger extends from the first wheel and is engagingly held within an axial bore of the second wheel. Respective outer circumferential wheel surfaces of the first and second wheels define first and second wheel outer diameters of the first and second wheels, and the bearing center-to-center orbit diameter is less than the first and second wheel outer diameters. Three embodiments of a carrier strip hold a plurality of the drapery carriers prior to and during insertion within a drapery track, and permit easy insertion of the drapery carriers into the track by sliding the track onto the drapery carriers while they are held by the carrier strip.

Abstract: A handle for an inflator, comprising a body having a thin indicia portion defined by a first side viewable from opposing sides with a word formed through a left portion and a word is also formed through a right portion in reverse relative to each other such that when viewing said handle from the first side, only one of the words is readable whereas the other is not and when viewing the handle from the second side, the other the word is readable whereas the other is not.

Abstract: An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.

Abstract: An over-center latch assembly has a base for attaching the over-center latch assembly to a first part of a unit. The first part of the unit is moveable to a second part of the unit. A handle is rotatably coupled to the base by a hinge. A pivot is coupled to the handle such that the pivot traverses about the hinge. The pivot is configured to receive a hasp. A stop surface is coupled to the base whereby rotation of the handle about the hinge is limited by the stop surface. A hinge bearing is coupled to the hinge. The hinge bearing enables an increased quantity of latch/unlatch cycles of the over-center latch assembly before failure of the over-center latch assembly.

Abstract: A hinge assembly and a mobile terminal are disclosed. The hinge assembly can include: a torsion spring; a shaft, which penetrates through the torsion spring; a bushing, coupled to one end of the torsion spring and to one side of the shaft; a holder, which is coupled to the other end of the torsion spring, and which the shaft penetrates through; a sliding cam, which is coupled to the other side of the shaft, and which may move in linkage with the shaft; a fixed cam, which engages the sliding cam; a compression spring, which is positioned between the holder and the sliding cam, and which may place the sliding cam in close contact with the fixed cam; and a housing coupled to the holder and the fixed cam. Thus, the mobile terminal can be unfolded automatically using just a few number of parts without requiring energy consumption.

Abstract: A hinge assembly can include: a torsion spring; a shaft, which penetrates through the torsion spring; a bushing, coupled to one end of the torsion spring and one side of the shaft; a holder, which is coupled to the other end of the torsion spring; a housing coupled to the holder; and a damper, which is coupled to the shaft, and which may dampen a rotation speed of the shaft. The damper can include: a first case, which is coupled to the shaft to move in linkage with the shaft; a second case, rotatably coupled to the first case; a viscous fluid, placed between the first case and the second case; and a stopper, which is coupled to the housing and configured to restrict the rotation angle of the second case. Thus, a mobile terminal may be unfolded automatically using a few number of parts without requiring energy consumption.

Abstract: This present invention is a handle with a hidden belt, applying to a handle attached on a portable device, which uses torsion springs to draw the belt into the handle. Thus, a user can not only carry the portable device with the handle, but also shoulder or hang the portable device with the hidden belt of the handle.

Abstract: A handle grip has a body and at least one clamping ring. The body is tubular and has two ends, an outer surface and two mounting rings. The two mounting rings coaxially and respectively protrude from the two ends of the body. The clamping ring is mounted securely on one of the mounting rings of the body and has an opening, a fastening hole and a fastener. The opening is a slot formed through the clamping ring. The fastening hole is tangentially formed through the clamping ring and either side of the opening. A person may mount the body on handlebars of a motorcycle or a handle of a tool and use the clamping ring to ensure the body is held securely.

Abstract: A retainer for a bag shoulder strap, including a flat longitudinal member having a retaining portion on one end, a pin retaining member secured to one side of the flat longitudinal member, and a pin member. The pin retaining member defines a transverse space between the retaining member and the longitudinal member adjacent the longitudinal member other end, and also includes wings spaced from the longitudinal member and projecting inwardly from opposite sides adjacent the longitudinal member one end. The pin member includes a transverse portion pivotally trapped in the transverse space, and first and second pin legs extending longitudinally from opposite ends of the transverse portion to pointed ends adjacent the longitudinal member one end. In a securing position the pointed ends of the pin legs are between the pin retaining member wings and the longitudinal member.

Abstract: Amongst other things, there is disclosed a breakaway lanyard comprising a carrier body having an upper end and an opposed lower end, and a lanyard strap having a first end and a second end. The first end is releasably connectable to the carrier body. The second end is fixed to the carrier body substantially at the upper end thereof. The first end is releasable from connection with the body portion upon application to the lanyard strap of a force exceeding a threshold level of force.

Abstract: A display attachment apparatus comprising a clamp assembly and a mounting assembly. The clamp assembly has a first clamp arm, a second clamp arm and a hinge assembly hingedly coupling the first clamp arm to the second clamp arm. Each clamp arm has a plurality of magnets which engage either corresponding magnets or other ferromagnetic members on an opposing clamp arm, when the clamp arm is in an engaging, or closed configuration.

Abstract: A clip structure for a USB wireless transmission device includes a housing, a flexible clip, a guide ramp, and a positioning wall. The flexible clip is pivotally disposed on the housing and is provided, on a surface thereof, with the guide ramp and the positioning wall. When the flexible clip is pivoted to a clipping position, the positioning protrusion of the housing happens to fall between the guide ramp and the positioning wall, and that the positioning wall restrains the positioning protrusion therein and prevents the flexible clip from pivoting and escaping from the clipping position. Therefore, a flexible object, to be clipped, is clipped in several folds so as to obtain a desirable clipping and securing effect.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is disclosed a clamp, having a housing; a latch member extending from within the housing, and the latch member translatable along a displacement axis; an actuator mounted to the housing and operatively associated with the latch member to translate the latch member along the displacement axis; and a nonlinear biasing member operatively associated with the latch member and the housing, and the nonlinear biasing member positioned to bias the latch member toward a retracted position. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A latch apparatus includes a holder, a locking member capable of being received in the holder and a driving member connecting to the locking member. The holder includes an accessing hole in one of the sidewalls thereof. The locking member includes a locking portion and is movably placed between a first position and a second position. When the locking member moves to the first position, the locking portion extends out of the holder via the holder accessing hole. When the locking member moves to the second position, the locking portion is received in the holder. The driving member is capable of be manipulated to slide and cause the movement of the locking member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A fastening device 20 comprises a body 22 which defines a socket for receiving the end of a boat hook 10 or other elongate member, and a hook portion 21 having a gate 27 which can be opened by pulling back on a rope or line 30 attached to the body of the device. Once the device has been fastened to an object 41, the boat hook or other elongate member 10 can then be withdrawn from the socket, thereby leaving the fastening device 20 and line 30 attached to the object 41.

Abstract: A safety buckle includes an intermediate buckle member, which has two opposite receiving holes and two smoothly arched grooves on the top and bottom sides in each receiving hole, and two connecting buckle members each having a plug insertable into the receiving holes of the intermediate buckle member and raised portions protruded from the top and bottom sides of the plug for engaging the smoothly arched grooves to secure the respective connecting buckle member to the intermediate buckle member for allowing the connecting buckle members to be biased relative to the intermediate buckle member within a predetermined angle. In an alternate form of the safety buckle, the locations of the raised portions and the locations of the smoothly arched grooves are exchanged.

Abstract: A method of repairing a fuel nozzle is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a damaged component for repair; directing thermal energy towards a substrate; directing a stream of powder material; and depositing the powder material onto the substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ferrite magnet device including a ferrite body and first and second center electrodes arranged so as to intersect and be electrically insulated from each other and a permanent magnet arranged to apply a direct current magnetic field to the ferrite body and a method for manufacturing an isolator or a composite electronic component, which include the ferrite magnet device. A magnetic force of the permanent magnet is adjusted using a measurement jig and a magnetic force adjusting apparatus while the permanent magnet is fixed to a principal surface of the ferrite body.

Abstract: A method of removing a rotor from a generator of a single shaft combined cycle machine comprising a gas turbine, generator and steam turbine axially aligned, the method comprising: disengaging fasteners securing stator support feet of the generator to a foundation thereof; vertically raising the generator above the foundation; disposing temporary supports on each lateral side of the generator, beneath the stator support feet; securing the stator support feet to the temporary support columns; installing a maintenance personnel access platform over the steam turbine, axially adjacent the generator; and removing the rotor from the generator to the access platform.

Abstract: A mandrel extraction tool (301) includes an actuator assembly and a first mandrel interface arm (309) operably associated with the actuator assembly and adapted to engage a first mandrel (351). The extraction tool further includes a second interface arm (313) which engages a second mandrel (355), the second arm (313) being slidingly coupled the first mandrel interface arm (309). A method for extracting a mandrel includes providing a mandrel extraction tool (301) which is used for extraction.

Abstract: Removal of a conventional separable insulated connector from an electric power system often results in a shortened electric cable. An extender for a separable insulated connector enables the separable insulated connector to connect to a shortened cable. A conventional cable adapter is inserted into the extender, which includes a conductive connector for accepting the shortened cable and a conductive rod for carrying electric power from the shortened cable to the separable insulated connector. The extender also includes an inner semi-conductive layer that borders the conductive rod and compression connector, an outer semi-conductive layer, and a insulating layer between the two semi-conductive layers. The extender is inserted into a separable insulated connector, which is then connected to the electric power system.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for providing vertical or horizontal alignment to a pipe or conduit extending through a floor, wall or ceiling surface, comprising a box-like housing having a first set of one or more openings extending therethrough, one or more pipe stubs for extending through the first set of one or more openings of the housing for receiving partially therein the pipe or conduit, and elastomeric members for securing the pipe stubs within the openings of the housing and to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The alignment device is adapted to be positioned within the floor, wall or ceiling surface, respectively, through which the pipe or conduit is to extend. The number, location and size of the stub openings can be varied to accommodate piping systems of varying sizes and configurations, and may be determined on a case-by-case basis prior to construction, relying on customized pipe fittings as well as standardized models for masonry construction and wood-frame construction.

Abstract: A process to invert a structure, for example a vehicle body after an equipment mounting phase, namely of mobility means, on the underside of said structure, process wherein the structure is made to swivel around an instantaneous axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure, such axis of rotation being located in the vicinity of a first end of the structure, maneuvering means being positioned at the other end of the structure to control this swiveling.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiment include method of sealing battery cooling plates, and methods of assembling battery using battery cooling plate racks and a single component including multiple cooling plates an connection portions therebetween.

Abstract: An electrical discharge machining electrode includes a body and one or more shaped teeth. The one or more shaped teeth of the body have a diffuser section and a metering section in electrical communication therewith. The body and the teeth may be formed by a process of photochemically etching a substrate made from an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A method of forming a circuit board which includes generating laser light with a carbon dioxide laser and making a hole through an insulating substrate by irradiating the insulating substrate with the laser light. The hole includes a top opening in a top surface of the insulating substrate, a bottom opening in a bottom surface of the insulating substrate, and an inner wall extending from the top opening to the bottom opening along a thickness direction of the insulating substrate, the inner wall including a bulge which extends in a direction generally orthogonal to the thickness direction. A via hole is formed in the insulating substrate by providing metal in the hole such that the metal extends from the top opening to the bottom opening along the inner wall, and completely closes each of the top and bottom openings.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatically crimping terminals or connectors to wires wherein the terminals or connectors are provided in strip form and may be of varying sizes, shapes, and pitches. A method according to the present invention includes providing a plurality of terminal connectors, the connectors being secured to a terminal strip in side-by-side relationship with their axes extending laterally from the strip; moving a crimping die on a ram through a working stroke towards, and a return stroke away from, a crimping anvil to crimp an individual terminal connector located therebetween onto a wire during each working stroke of the ram; and indexing the strip between successive crimping operations thereby to locate a next leading connector on the strip between the die and anvil, wherein the strip is indexed by a drive mechanism contacting the strip through pressure-engagement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for hardening an annular groove of a piston head (1) of a steel piston of an internal combustion engine by means of laser beams (4), in which, according to the invention, at least the annular groove to be hardened is provided before or directly during hardening with a coating which absorbs the energy of laser beams (4) and the coating is subsequently irradiated with the laser beams (4). The absorbing layer is preferably a manganese phosphate coating or is formed in situ by treating the component surface with a process gas comprising oxygen and inert gas. Furthermore, the laser beams are directed at the piston during hardening at an oblique angle to the direction of rotation. The advantages achieved are: avoidance of reflections and undesirable hardening of the bottom of the rotation. The advantages achieved are: avoidance of reflection and undesirable hardening of the bottom of the groove, an increased degree of absorption and reduced distortion of the piston.

Abstract: A method of correcting a twist angle of a gas turbine engine blade includes measuring an existing twist angle of the blade, applying a first angular load to a first end of the blade; and measuring a repaired twist angle of the blade. The first angular load applied to the first end of the blade is based on an empirical correlation between a plurality of angular loads necessary to produce a plurality of twist angle correction values.

Abstract: A method of developing a repair process for a gas turbine engine component deformed during engine operation includes determining peak stress locations in a model of the component, applying loads to sample components based on the model to produce geometrical correction values in the samples, generating data from the samples including the loads applied and the geometrical correction values produced, destructively analyzing the samples at the peak stress locations for structural imperfections, and correlating the loads applied to the geometrical correction values produced to determine allowable loads necessary to produce target geometrical correction values in a used component substantially free of structural imperfections.

Abstract: A method of repairing a fuel nozzle is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a pilot assembly; installing into a repair bore; inserting a primary adaptor into a repair bore such that the primary adaptor is in flow communication with a pilot flow passage and the pilot assembly; and coupling the primary adaptor to a distributor and the new pilot assembly.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine hot gas component repair method for defects that do not extend through the thickness of the component is provided. First defects are removed by machining a cavity in the surface of a component. Coupons, fittable within the cavities are manufactured, are for example coated with brazing medium on an inner surface and then joined to the component by joining means such as laser metal forming. The joint holds the coupon during later heat treatment, thereby eliminating a need for holding aids. Before heat treatment, a further brazing medium can be applied to the surface of the coupon overlapping onto the component. A single heat treatment, brazing the coupon to the component and, brazing the brazing medium to the outer surface of the coupon can, then be used to complete the repair.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a unitary mixer is disclosed, said method comprising the steps of determining three-dimensional information of the unitary mixer having at least one swirler, converting the three-dimensional information into a plurality of slices that each define a cross-sectional layer of the unitary mixer, and successively forming each layer of the unitary mixer by fusing a metallic powder. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed, showing unitary mixer comprising an annular housing and a swirler having a unitary construction wherein unitary mixer is made by using a rapid manufacturing process. In one aspect of the invention, the rapid manufacturing process is a laser sintering process.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a unitary swirler is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of determining three-dimensional information of the unitary swirler having a plurality of vanes arranged in a circumferential direction on a body around a swirler axis and a wall extending between a rim and a portion of the body, converting the three-dimensional information into a plurality of slices that each define a cross-sectional layer of the unitary swirler, and successively forming each layer of the unitary swirler by fusing a metallic powder using laser energy. Exemplary embodiments are disclosed, showing a unitary swirler comprising a plurality of vanes extending from a hub having a unitary construction wherein unitary swirler is made by using a rapid manufacturing process. In one aspect of the invention, the rapid manufacturing process is a laser sintering process.

Abstract: A method of assembling a fuel nozzle comprises the steps of forming a pilot assembly; coupling the pilot assembly to a unitary distributor such that the pilot assembly is in flow communication with a pilot flow passage in the unitary distributor; coupling a unitary swirler having an adaptor to the unitary distributor; coupling the adaptor to a stem housing; coupling the unitary distributor to the stem housing; and coupling a centerbody to the stem housing.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a valve unit, which includes a valve having a rotatable shaft that is rotatably supported by a housing through a bearing to open and close a fluid passage defined in the housing, the housing and the valve are simultaneously molded in a mold assembly. The bearing is installed between the housing and the rotatable shaft during execution of the molding of the housing and the valve.