Abstract: A paintbrush constructed in an environmentally conscious manner. In one embodiment, a paintbrush is constructed from a bamboo handle, stainless steel ferrule and a mixture of natural and artificial bristle. This mixture of materials results in substantially less environmental impact than conventional paintbrush materials.

Abstract: An article for the wet/damp wiping of surfaces comprises a moisture-absorbing wipe that provides at least one surface of the article, the wipe comprising bamboo fibres. The wipe may be formed from a textile material and contains at least 10%, preferably at least 30%, by weight of bamboo fibres.

Abstract: A mop and mop shield or cover is described in which the mop shield is slideably mounted on the handle of a mop, and capable of being lowered over the head of the mop to protect it from damage. The protective shield can also be marked, so as to enable a person to identify the purpose for which the mop has been used.

Abstract: A multifunctional nozzle attachment for a portable hand-held lawn blower. The multifunctional nozzle attachment includes a coupler which can be attached to the nozzle of the lawn blower. Various attachments including scrapers, rakes, and brushes are provided for use with the coupler. When attached to the coupler, the attachments may be used to break up debris that does not release from the ground using the air stream alone. Once the debris is broken up, the air stream carries the debris away.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, having a tubular plate (11) and a wiper motor (14). Until now the wiper motor (14) has been connected to the tubular plate (11) in a relatively costly fashion by means of a mounting plate. For this reason, according to the invention the tubular plate (11) can be attached directly to the wiper motor (14).

Abstract: A surface cleaner, comprising a tank having a fluid-filled part and an air-filled part; a vacuum pump; a fluid pressure pump; a cleaning head having a cleaning chamber and a vacuum chamber, the cleaning chamber forming a cavity bounded by a surface to be cleaned, the vacuum chamber having an inlet lip at the periphery of the cleaning chamber; jet nozzles mounted within the cleaning chamber; wherein the pressure pump draws fluid from the tank and ejects it into the cleaning chamber through the nozzles; wherein the vacuum pump maintains a low pressure in the air-filled part of the tank and a high pressure in the cleaning chamber; and wherein the inlet lip is in fluid communication with the air-filled part of the tank portion whereby fluid ejected into the cleaning chamber is drawn into the inlet lip and returned to the tank.

Abstract: The vacuum cleaner that includes a fragrant odor generating apparatus is provided. The fragrant odor generating apparatus is mounted to a discharge port of a grill member housed in a main cleaner body, to discharge an air freshener to an air being discharged through the discharge port after air containing dust is drawn in from a surface being cleaned and dust is separated from the drawn-in air. The fragrant odor generating apparatus includes a housing comprising a first air passing hole in fluid communication with the discharge port, and a second air passing hole in fluid communication with outside, an outer cover member pivotably mounted to the housing to selectively open and close the second air passing hole, and the air freshener containing a fragrant agent.

Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaner having a fan which draws air inwards through inlet duct and inlet to coarse filter element. Larger dirt particles are trapped within coarse filter element, and the filtered air passes through fine filter element and into fan, where it is expelled through outlet duct and outlet aperture. A cleaning member mounted on the coarse filter element that engages the fine filter element so that upon remove of the coarse filter element, the cleaning member slides along the fine filter element removing particles thereon.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a chimney preferably includes a cleaning head having a hub with brush arms extending from the hub, a cable assembly connected to the cleaning head and having a flexible cable surrounded by a casing, with the casing being sized to allow the cable to rotate in the casing without rotating the casing, at least one positioning assembly for holding the cleaning head a desired distance from the interior walls of a chimney, a motor attached to one end of the cable, and a positioning rod effective for pushing said cleaning head and cable assembly up a chimney for a distance of at least eight feet. A camera may be attached to the casing to allow observation and/or recording of the chimney while the cleaning head is working. The device may further include an air knife for dislodging debris when the device is used to sweep a chimney, and/or a vacuum for removing waste dislodged by the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a caster has a horn having a first side with a first raceway, a second side with a second raceway, and a stem. At least one bearing may be located in the stem and a stem seal is removably positioned to substantially cover the at least one bearing. Also, a wheel assembly has an axle whereby a first end of the axle is positioned within the first raceway and a second end of the axle is positioned in the second raceway. Yet other forms of the invention will be suited for specific applications.

Abstract: A device (15) for inhibiting the movement of a closure member, such as a door (1), window or hatch, which is hingeably mounted by means of one or more hinges (3) to a frame portion defining an edge of an opening between two areas of space The device comprises: i) a compression resistive portion; and ii) a holding means (14) for holding the compression resistive portion in a radial gap formed between the closure member (2) and the frame portion (2) as the closure member (2) is moved from a closed position in an opening direction, and wherein, when positioned in the radial gap in use, the compression resistive portion (15) serves to resist movement of the closure member (2) in the closing direction.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft (21), a cam member, a resilient member (23) and a cam. The cam member has a cam portion (212), and the cam member is fixed to the shaft. The resilient member is mounted on one end of the shaft. The cam has a cam surface (222), and the cam surface defines a plurality of grooves (225) for storing lubricate oils, and the cam is slidable and rotatable relative to the shaft. The cam surface is engaged with the cam portion by the resilient member.

Abstract: A coupling device is adapted to be connected foldably to a pair of frame rods of a baby crib frame structure. The coupling device includes a coupling seat, two rod coupling components adapted to be connected respectively to the frame rods and coupled movably to the coupling seat, two locking components connected movably to the coupling seat for preventing and permitting movement of the rod coupling components, and a release unit. The release unit includes a linking component extending between the locking components and formed with two guide holes, a pair of coupling pins extending respectively through and movable respectively along the guide holes and connected respectively to the locking components, and a biasing member. The linking component is movable from an initial position to drive movement of the locking components to permit movement of the rod coupling components, and is biased by the biasing member to the initial position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly incorporates an anti-tamper member that is selectively positionable to protect fasteners holding the hinge assembly to a mounting surface such as an access door. The hinge assembly may be incorporated into a bar lock assembly to provide additional tamper resistance for a shipping container, for example, to limit or prevent unauthorized access to the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge arrangement, in particular for a tailgate of a motor vehicle, having a first hinge part, in particular firmly connected to the body, which is knuckle-jointed with a second hinge part, and having an energy accumulator, the force application points of which are positioned in relation to both hinge parts in such a way that the force released upon its discharge supports the rotation of the two hinge parts around the hinge axis from a first rotation position, which corresponds in particular to a closed position of the tailgate, to a second rotation position, which corresponds in particular to the open position of the tailgate. To obtain useful improvements, a transposition device is proposed for transposing at least one force application point in one of the two rotation positions, so that after a transposition onto the hinge parts a force acts in the opposite rotation direction.

Abstract: A hinge has a pintle, a moving leaf, a resilient device and a stationary leaf. The pintle has a resilient device mount formed on a distal end and is mounted securely in the stationary leaf. The moving leaf is mounted rotatably around the pintle and has a barrel having a protruding limit formed on an outer end. Because the resilient device mount is formed on the pintle, it does not break easily and may slip to prevent terminal failure and be reset when closed. The protruding limit abuts the stationary leaf and ensures a gap is formed between the leaves for wires cabling or the like. Therefore the hinge has improved wear and longer lifespan.

Abstract: A door return device for a vehicle door has a travel path including an easy-reach position and a fully open position. A housing is coupled to one of the vehicle door or the door frame and has a chamber containing a working fluid. A link is coupled to the other one of the vehicle door or the door frame and is movable into and out of the housing in response to travel of the vehicle door. An end-damping piston is slidable in the chamber and includes a fluid passage between opposite sides. A return spring is disposed between the end-damping piston and one longitudinal end of the chamber. When the return spring is substantially unloaded then the end-damping piston is positioned relative to the one longitudinal end such that the vehicle door is away from the fully open position at least as far as the easy-reach position.

Abstract: A grip designed for a handle that has a quality of unidirectional extendibility and that is extended in a direction in accordance with a direction of extendibility for wrapping the handle. A method for making a grip designed for a handle includes preparing a sheet that has a quality of unidirectional extendibility; trimming the grip from the sheet; and extending the grip in a direction in accordance with a direction of extendibility for wrapping the handle.

Abstract: A method and a cutting device for the continuous cutting of fibers fed in fiber cables into fiber sections of particularly short length is disclosed. In order to avoid high friction forces between the formed knives and the fiber sections, and furthermore, to prevent excessive deforming of the fiber section during the transport between the knives, the knives are arranged at an offset to each other such that the fibers are initially cut into longer fiber sections, and into shorter fiber sections in a second step. The respective free space between the knives is increased due to the offset arrangement of the knives.

Abstract: A belt loop securing device featuring a clasp body and a locking clip is provided. The clasp body includes a front plate and a rear plate operatively connected to one another to permit movement of the plates between an open position in which the front and rear plates are splayed from one another and a closed position in which the front and rear plates are substantially parallel to one another to permit capture of a belt and/or pants waistband between the plates. The lock clip is slidable over the clip clasp for securing the front and rear plates in the closed position. A method of securing a belt to pants, and a method of securing an equipment holding case to a belt are also provided.

Abstract: A belt clip has a planar base with a longitudinal axis and a connector element extending outwardly from the upper end of the base. A belt clamp unit is rotatably attached to the connector element and is operable between raised and lowered positions. The clamp unit comprises a keeper plate with lateral arms supporting a friction bar. The friction bar is rotatable from a position above the base to the lowered position, which compels the bar against the base to effectively and immoveably secure and maintain the belt terminus on the belt body. The clip also has a ring attachment which permits ornaments or utilitarian items to be hung from the clip.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a pant-leg retaining device that requires no structural modification to the garment or to the footwear and comprises a U-shaped clip formed from an elastically resilient material, a portion of which is covered with a decorative cover. A clamping assembly attached to a front face of the U-shaped clip adapts to selectively and releasably hold a portion of the pant leg. A portion of the front face includes a shield member adapted to protect an engaging edge of the front face from wear from repeated use and, ideally, the shield piece is colored in contrasting color to the cover material.

Abstract: A rope tie for an animal or other movable object comprising a helical coil fixedly or removably attached to a support. A free end of a rope is inserted through a first loop of the coil toward a second loop of the coil, then under, around, and through the second loop of the coil. When the animal or movable object pulls on an opposite end of the rope, the rope moves out of the coil until it tightens around the second loop and ceases moving, thus restricting or stopping the movement of the animal or movable object. The free end of the rope may be placed on a hook to reduce the movement of the rope through the coil. Slack in the portion of rope extending from the coil to the animal or movable object may be removed or reduced by pulling on the free end of the rope.

Abstract: A rope tensioning device comprising, an elongate base having a first hooked end and a second hooked end, anchoring means for anchoring the rope on the device, and clamp means, wherein the clamp means are adapted to grip the rope inserted into the device allowing it to be pulled in a tightening direction to tension the rope, the clamp means being adapted to prevent the rope pulling in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A self-secure mount for a tubular object includes an outer holder and an inner holder. The outer holder includes two spaced apart holding panels and an arc-shaped cornering panel extended between the two holding panels for applying an elastic clipping force between the holding panels. The inner holder includes two spaced apart clipping panels overlapping with each other to define a clipping channel therebetween, wherein two inner edges of the clipping panels are extended towards a closed end of the clipping channel. The two inner edges of the clipping panels are adapted for pressing against an outer surface of the tubular object to retain the tubular object in position, such that when the holding panels are pressed to minimize a distance therebetween, the clipping force of the outer holder is substantially increased towards the inner edges of the clipping panels to hold the tubular object within the cornering panel.

Abstract: A slider for a concealed slide fastener has a pair of first flanges each having an inverted L-shaped section along a right or left side edge of a lower blade, and a diamond erected in a central portion the lower blade and having a substantially elliptic horizontal section. A wedge-like space between top plate portions of the pair of first flanges has a second flange having a rectangular plate portion and a wedge plate portion formed integrally on the top surface of the diamond, the second flange stretched outward along an outer periphery of the diamond. A height of the bottom surface of a shoulder mouth side end portion of the second flange is set higher than heights of the other areas, and a tapered surface is formed on a peripheral surface such that a taper angle is increased gradually as it goes toward a rear mouth side.

Abstract: A latch device including a latch strike retention assembly adapted for press-fit insertion into a panel opening and retention within the panel opening upon melting of any plastic components. The latch strike retention assembly includes a generally “U” shaped spring member having spring legs operatively connected to bushings arranged in converging opposing relation to one another and adapted to engage and retain a strike member disposed in opposing relation to the strike retention assembly. The spring member is held within a bracket member of substantially “U” shaped cross section. The bracket member is disposed in transverse orientation to the spring member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a clip assembly for use in securing a folded portion of apparel to avoid a contact between the folded portion of the apparel and a contaminated floor of a public facility. The clip assembly includes at least one clip and a case for enclosing the at least one clip. Each clip of the at least one clip includes a pair of clip members and a coupling mechanism disposed between the pair of clip members. The coupling mechanism is configured to enable a clip to assume a close position and an open position. In the close position, the at least one clip is capable of securing the folded portion of the apparel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a bead securement device comprising a tension spring, a first cover and a second cover. The first cover and the second cover are removably secured to the tension spring. In use, a force is exerted on the spring through the covers causing the spring to deform and the gaps between the plurality of coils on the spring expand. Once expanded, the filament may be passed in between one of these gaps so that when the force exerted on the end members of the spring is released, the filament is squeezed between the coils of the spring and held in place. The filament can be easily removed by using the covers to manipulate the end members of the spring.

Abstract: A connecting assembly (1) for fastening an add-on element (2) on a carrier element (3) includes a foot (4) which can be inserted into an opening (39) of the carrier element (3) and has fixing means (40) for fixing the foot (4) with respect to the carrier element (3) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (41) of the foot (4). The connecting assembly (1) further includes a pin (5) which can be inserted into a passage (20) of the add-on element (2) and has retaining means (50) which counteract a displacement of the add-on element (2) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (51) of the pin (5). The pin (5) is adapted to be inserted into the foot (4) and has locking means (52) which cooperate with complementary locking means (42) of the foot (4) in a radial direction with -respect to the longitudinal axes (41, 51).

Abstract: A battery cover latch assembly (10) used in a portable electronic device is described. The battery cover latch assembly (10) includes a cover member (12), a body member (11) including at least one first latch (117), a button (13) including at least one second latch (1312), a button housing (14) mounted to the cover member (12). The button (13) is slidably received in the button housing (14). The second latch (1312) detachably engages with the first latch (117) when the button (13) slides in the button housing (14).

Abstract: A device for transporting animal carcasses, that includes a flexible, durable material, wherein flexible, durable material further includes at least two layers bound to one another, wherein a cavity has been formed at a predetermined location between the layers for receiving an animal carcass, and wherein an opening has been formed in one of the layers for accessing the cavity formed between the layers; and means for sealing the opening formed in one of the layers after an animal carcass has been placed in the cavity formed between the two layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering an urn comprises a frame, a substantially horizontal platform for supporting the urn, and a lowering mechanism mounted to the frame that is releasably connected to the platform The lowering mechanism automatically releases the platform when the platform is in the bottom position. To releasably connect the lowering mechanism to the frame, four hangers may be used to releasably connect the platform to respective suspension straps. Each hanger may comprise a square body for insertion through a corresponding square hole in the platform. Each hanger may have a pivoting arm that pivots into a substantially horizontal posture to support the platform from underneath, the pivoting arm of the hanger comprising a counterweight to cause the pivoting arm to return to a substantially vertical posture when legs underneath the platform reach the bottom position.

Abstract: A method of folding a plurality of flexible elements about a central fluid storage element includes of urging an intravaginal device into a folding device; imparting relative rotation between at least a portion of the folding device and the intravaginal device; and contacting the plurality of flexible extensions with the folding device. Wherein the intravaginal device includes a fluid storage element and a plurality of flexible extensions extending therefrom, and the flexible extensions are folded about the fluid storage element in a uniform direction. Alternatively, in place of relative rotation, the flexible extensions are folded by means of guide rails of the folding device. Several apparatus may be employed in this and related methods.

Abstract: A system and method for reconfiguring an airfoil of a turbine vane segment. In at least one embodiment, the system may be used to straighten an airfoil of a turbine vane segment to remove lean, twist, or racking, or any combination thereof. The airfoil may be straightened by applying a load to an inner shroud in a direction that is generally tangential to an outer shroud of the turbine vane segment. Orifices may be cut into the airfoil suction side, inboard of the outer shroud, to facilitate the straightening process. The orifices may be sealed upon completion of the process.

Abstract: An inkjet head, comprising: a pressure chamber which are arranged two-dimensionally, and deformed by pressure generating unit and discharging ink from nozzles communicated with the pressure chamber; and a piezoelectric element which is included in the pressure generating unit, said piezoelectric element including a thin film piezoelectric element formed by means of a thin film forming technique.

Abstract: An apparatus holds a plurality of hollow cylindrical members and pushes off the hollow cylindrical members. The apparatus includes a holder shaft for holding the hollow cylindrical members in tandem thereon, a gripper member projecting outwardly from a side wall surface of the holder shaft and engaging an inner wall surface of a foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, a cam disposed in the holder shaft for displacing the gripper member, a pusher cylinder for pressing an end face of a rearmost one of the hollow cylindrical members and moving all the hollow cylindrical members forward, to release the foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members from the holder shaft and position a next one of the hollow cylindrical members as a new foremost one of the hollow cylindrical members, and a turning cylinder for turning the holder shaft.

Abstract: A screwing apparatus includes a support member having a horizontal support surface. A single urging member has an urging surface opposed to the support surface. The urging surface is set parallel to the support surface. A driving mechanism is configured to drive at least one of the support member and the urging member to move to change the distance between the support member and the urging member. Driver bits have the tip ends opposed to the support surface, respectively. The driver bits are driven to move toward and away from the urging surface.

Abstract: A package suitable for containing marking material used in a printing machine. The package includes a package surface adapted to engage one or more surfaces of the printing machine and a material identifier mechanism for verifying the marking material. The package may also include a material pouch, which is adapted to contain the marking material, joined with or formed in the package surface. Alternatively, the package may include a carrier adapted to engage one or more surfaces of the printing machine and a material pouch joined with the carrier. Other aspects include a method of remanufacturing a package suitable for containing marking material used in a printing machine.

Abstract: A method for mounting a soft member (11) on a longitudinal member (27) by pressing the soft member against the longitudinal member by a roller (21). The roller is so rotated that the peripheral speed (V2) of the pressing surface (21a) of the roller, which forms the outer peripheral surface of the roller, is equal to a transfer speed (V1) at which the roller is transferred along the longitudinal member or the peripheral speed is larger by 10% max. than the transfer speed (V1) partly in a roller transfer route. The soft member is pulled back in the opposite direction of the roller transfer direction by the rotating force of the roller to prevent the soft member from being loosened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inserting inserts (cores) into female molds of a rotary tableting press. The inserts are inserted individually into one female mold each of a rotating rotor of the rotary tableting press by separating the inserts from a nonspecific quantity by means of a feeder mechanism, feeding them to a core distributor and aligning them from there with the female molds in a precisely defined position and delivering the inserts to the female molds in this position.

Abstract: A stamping structure for imprinting micro-sized features is provided. The stamping structure includes a flexure arrangement having one or more diaphragm flexures arranged in a series or parallel or hybrid configuration so as to manage load-capacity while still achieving adequate vertical and angular range of a sample supported on the one or more diaphragm flexures.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire member having a first wire disposed on the distal side of the guide wire, and a second wire disposed on the proximal side from the first wire. The second wire is made from a material having an elastic modulus larger than that of the first wire. For example, the first wire is made from a superelastic alloy, and the second wire is made from a stainless steel. The first wire is joined to the second wire at a welded portion by welding. A coil is disposed on the distal side from the first wire. A cover layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the wire member in such a manner as to cover at least the welded portion. The cover layer is made from a material capable of reducing the friction of the cover layer, for example, a fluorocarbon resin or a hydrophilic material, to thereby improve the sliding performance of the guide wire. Such a guide wire is excellent in operationality and kink resistance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing motor vehicles at a manufacturing location (S), from which ready-assembled motor vehicles are built in a planned number and order of output. First modules (MA) are delivered in a specific assembly stage discontinuously from a first production shop (PA) to the manufacturing location (S) and are fed continuously into a manufacturing line (F) in which the modules (MA) are manufactured into motor vehicles (A). Second modules (MB) be fed in a specific assembly stage from a second production shop (PB) into the joint manufacturing line (F) at a sequencing station (5) alternately with the modules (MA). Thus, vehicles of first and second model series can be manufactured on one and the same manufacturing line.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling a pipe and a fitting. The device includes a pipe holder for releasably gripping a pipe, a fitting retainer for releasably retaining a pipe fitting substantially coaxially with a pipe in the pipe holder, and means for driving together the pipe holder and the fitting retainer along a longitudinal axis in a relative motion between them. The device may optionally slide a reinforcing sleeve along the pipe to cover the end of the pipe on the fitting.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coil assembly of a rotary electric machine is disclosed wherein first and second coil wire segments are located on an axis direction in opposition to each other to allow first turn portions of the first and second coil wire segments to intersect with each other (in locating step). Engaging movement, composed of a forward transferring movement, a rotating movement and a translating movement, is conducted on the second coil wire segment with respect to the first coil wire segment to allow the first turn portion of the second coil wire segment to engage a second turn portion of the first coil wire segment (first engaging step). Conducting the engaging movement allows to engage a third turn portion of the first coil wire segment (second engaging step).

Abstract: A tapered cage coil is prepared, having a small-diameter top coil end 101 and a large-diameter base coil end. The tapered cage coil is axially inserted into a stator core. Then, the tapered cage coil is radially expanded to thrust slot-accommodated portions of the coil into slots of the stator core. This can eliminate the necessity of deforming the base coil end to thereby facilitate the manufacturing procedures. At the same time, possible spring back can be mitigated.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a stator coil for a rotary electric machine, which is formed by winding up a plurality of phase wires. The method includes a shaping step for shaping a plurality of shaped wire members from electrically conductive wires, an integrating step for integrating the plurality of shaped wire members with each other to form an integrated body, and a winding-up step for winding the integrated body about a core member to form a wound body. At the winding-up step, curve forming is performed by plastically deforming turn portions of the integrated body into a curved shape, during conveyance of feeding the integrated body to the core member.

Abstract: A fuel pump includes a pump portion for pumping fuel. The fuel pump further includes a magnet having magnetic poles circumferentially alternate with each other. The fuel pump further includes an armature on a radially inside of the magnet. The armature includes a rotor core provided with a coil formed of a wire. The armature is rotatable for driving the pump portion. A commutator, which is in a substantially disc shape, is provided to an axial end of the armature for rectifying electricity supplying to the coil. The rotor core has an axial end having an outer circumferential periphery defining a commutator-side collar portion extending toward the commutator. The coil is formed by winding the wire between an outer circumferential periphery of the commutator and the commutator-side collar portion.

Abstract: Re-machining a generator rotor tooth dovetail results in a transition zone at an end of the partial re-machined cut, between a newly cut load surface and an original load surface of the rotor tooth. The transition zone is susceptible to stresses that may adversely affect the fatigue strength of the rotor tooth. These stresses can be reduced by the steps of (a) forming at least one axial undercut stress relief groove across the transition zone between the newly cut load surface and the original load surface, (b) cutting and shaping a wedge that will fit in the transition zone, and (c) securing the wedge across the transition zone.