Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulates from a cylindrical air filter includes: a rotating device for rotating the air filter about a longitudinal axis; and a cleaning device including a nozzle adapted to blow a gas through the air filter to remove particulates from the air filter, wherein the rotating device and the cleaning device are mounted for relative movement whereby the nozzle traverses longitudinally through the rotating air filter, and wherein the air filter is both mounted to the apparatus and cleaned in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A dust-collecting pipe for a vacuum cleaner can efficiently and easily clean an area such as the top surface of a wardrobe, an area under the wardrobe, or a heat radiator of a refrigerator, which are not easily reachable by the suction port of the dust-collecting pipe. The dust-collecting pipe includes a coupling part detachably coupled to a front end of a telescopic pipe or a front end of a control handle of the vacuum cleaner; an extension integrally extending from the coupling part; and a suction part having a bent portion angled in one direction from one end of the extension and a hollow dust-collecting port formed in a terminal end of the suction part.

Abstract: A guiding wheel assembly, mainly for a hospital bed, including a wheel (1) with a horizontal rotation axis (6) installed on an arm (7) that is fixed to the frame (5) with the use of an axis (4) allowing swinging in the vertical plane. The wheel (1) is firmly fixed in the straight direction. The arm (7) is provided with a track (3), against which a pressing element (8) leans. The pressing element (8) is fixed with a pin (9) to the frame (5) in a swinging way.

Abstract: The swivel caster includes a wheel, a yoke leg and a plastic top cap. The wheel is underneath and assembled with the yoke leg by a nut and axle which is through two axle holes of the yoke leg and the center of the wheel hub. There is an open hole in the yoke leg body so a metal shaft can bolt up inside and then be pressed into the inner hole of the plastic top cap. There is an insert molded into the yoke body hole and the upper part of the insert performs as a raceway. The king pin or metal shaft, extends through the insert and is then fixed with the plastic top cap. The raceway of the insert holds several small metal balls. The plastic top cap has a lip that forms a raceway for the small balls.

Abstract: Installed in an auto-eject pull handle that is mounted in a travel bag and ejectable out of the travel bag to a predetermined elevation by an ejecting mechanism subject to the control of a control button, a safety structure is disclosed to include a holder member that has an opening that accommodates the control button, and a sliding cover coupled to the holder member and slidable to between a close position to keep the control button from sight and an open position to let the control button be exposed to the outside for operation.

Abstract: A back closure for a multi-use frame includes a base plate and a lever. The base plate has a first and second knuckle. A tab is defined within the base plate between the first and second knuckle. The tab has spring-bias. A lever is connected to the base plate for movement relative to the base plate. The lever and the base plate have a common axis for movement relative to one another. The lever includes a center knuckle which is positioned between the first and second knuckle of the base plate. The center knuckle defining a slot for receipt of the tab to provide snap action. In operation, a user moves the lever relative to the base plate about a common axis. The tab of the base plate engages the slot defined within the lever to prevent further travel of the lever.

Abstract: A hinge cover assembly for covering an external door hinge disposed on the exterior surface of a vehicle is provided. The hinge cover assembly comprises a hinge cover and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is attached to the external door hinge and the hinge cover is attached to said mounting bracket.

Abstract: A system for attaching a hinge on a door leaf of an automobile includes at least two riveted self-punched connections that clamp the hinge and the door leaf.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a first bracket, a resilient member, and an engaging member. The shaft includes a limiting structure including a guiding groove and a limiting slot. The first bracket is rotatable relative to the shaft. The engaging member is rotatably sleeved on the shaft and non-rotatable relative to the first bracket. The engaging member forms a latching pole slidably received in the guiding groove and being engagable with the limiting slot of the shaft.

Abstract: A portable computer is provided that has a housing. Upper and lower portions of the housing may be joined using a hinge. A clutch mechanism may be associated with the hinge. The clutch mechanism may exhibit asymmetrical friction during opening and closing of the portable computer housing portions. Additional closing force may help to prevent the computer from having a lid that is too easy to close, without overwhelming the clutch with unnecessary friction. The clutch may have a clutch spring that is attached to a clutch shaft using a slot in the shaft. A lobe may be provided in the spring in the vicinity of the slot. A protective cap may be provided over the tip of the shaft to prevent damage to nearby wires. A friction band in the clutch may be used to directly engage an end of the spring.

Abstract: A hinge structure with locking feature is connected to a first body of an electronic device through a support frame. A pivot portion of the hinge structure is connected to a second body of the electronic device and includes a rotating shaft connected to the support frame, such that the first body is capable of rotating relative to the second body. Moreover, a lock receptacle is disposed on the support frame, and is engaged with a matching lock unit. Therefore, the electronic device is secured to a fixed position, which thus achieves an anti-theft function.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket mountable to the vehicle door, a handle portion configured to pivotally attach to the bracket and an actuating element pivotally mounted to the bracket. The actuating element connects to a release mechanism of the vehicle door so as to actuate the release mechanism when the actuating element is pivoted relative to the bracket. The door handle assembly may include a counterweight pivotally mounted to the bracket, with the counterweight extending along the bracket, such that the counterweight and the bracket comprise a low profile assembly. The door handle assembly may include an inertial catch pivotally mounted to the bracket, wherein pivotal movement of the handle portion imparts a pivotal movement of the inertial catch during normal operation of the door handle assembly to open the vehicle door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external handle on doors or hatches of vehicles, using a two piece (10, 20) housing, wherein a cavity (21) is generated between said pieces. A sensor (31, 32) is arranged in said cavity in a container (30). On operation, the sensor carries out certain functions in the lock. According to the invention, failures caused by the ingress of fluids into the cavity (21) can be avoided, wherein the container (30) is formed from an elastic molded mass (35), in which the sensor (31, 32) and optionally some further electric and/or electronic components for the sensor operation are embedded. An elastic surface (36) is achieved on at least one end piece of the container (30) by means of the molded mass (35). When assembled, the container (30) is pressed (41) with said elastic surface (36) against an inner surface (29) of the housing piece (10, 20).

Abstract: A pliable handle for a hand-held device is provided. The handle includes a tubular core member, a deformable outer sheath disposed about the tubular core member, a gel disposed between the tubular core member and the outer sheath, and first and second sealers inserted into respective ends of the tubular core member and sealing the gel between the tubular core member and the outer sheath, wherein a force applied to the outer sheath causes load movement of the gel.

Abstract: An improved fence tie and methods of using that fence tie are disclosed. Dimensions for bending wire are described for bending a wire to form a helical section, two straight ends and a straight section adjacent to the helical section in a configuration having a form that generally resembles certain known twist type fence ties.

Abstract: A wrapping material for wrapping an item about its circumference having a plurality of wrapping portions forming a continuous roll. Each wrapping portion has a length that is greater than the circumference of an item to be wrapped with a width that is transverse to its length. Each of the wrapping portions include at least one fastener secured in an area there such that the continuous roll includes a plurality of serially disposed fasteners that are spaced from one another along the continuous roll. Each fastener includes a plurality of engaging elements for engaging a plurality of fiber elements of an underlying or overlying segment of a respective wrapping portion during a wrapping cycle. With this arrangement, the tail end of a respective wrapping portion will be secured by the plurality of engaging elements to the underlying or overlying segment at the end of a wrapping cycle.

Abstract: A fastener including a base and a support part extending from the base. The support part includes two legs and an end portion; the two legs extend from the base and are connected to one another by the end portion. A retention finger is located between the legs of the support, a first end of the retention finger being attached to the base and a second end of the retention finger being attached to the end portion of the support. The retention finger extends outwardly to a peak and tapers inwardly from the peak towards the first and second ends.

Abstract: A cover latching mechanism is provided including a base member, a cover member, and a button assembly. The base member includes an elastic hook. The cover member is detachable assembled to the base member. The button assembly is fixed to the cover member and movable relative to the cover member to latch to or release from the elastic hook. The button assembly includes a button member having a positioning arm and a sleeve portion and further defining a elastic hooking hole. The elastic hook engages into the elastic hooking hole so that the elastic hook latches the button assembly with the base member. The positioning arm secures the button assembly to the cover member. The restoring member can be deformed when the button assembly pressed, so that the elastic hook releases out of the elastic hooking hole.

Abstract: A left end portion of a clamp arm (30) is vertically swingably connected to an upper portion of a rod (12) vertically movably inserted into a housing (3), and an annular supported member (26) is attached to a support member (25) rotatably around an axis, the support member (25) being provided to an outer periphery of an upper portion of the housing (3). A pivot portion (28) provided to the supported member (26) and a non-edge portion in a longitudinal direction of the clamp arm (30) are connected by a link member (33). The support member (25) and the supported member (26) are provided with a means (A) for receiving an upward force acting from the link member (33) on the pivot portion (28) during a clamping operation. The supported member (26) is fixed to the support member (25) at a desired rotation angle position by a lock means (B).

Abstract: A towel clip for securing a towel around the waist of a user, the towel clip typically including a body. The body has a longitudinal axis, and an inner and outer surface. The body has a first leg and a second leg and a bridge section. The bridge section is typically semicircular and the first leg and second extend outward therefrom. An embodiment of Applicant's towel clip includes a convex upper rail located on the inner surface of the first leg and a pair of convex lower rails spaced apart on the lower legs and extending upward from the inner surface of the lower leg. The bridge section is resilient and the legs will spread apart to exert pressure on a folded towel to secure the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element for two-dimensional fibre material comprising a basic element and pin-shaped profile elements, which protrude from the basic element in order to penetrate the fibre material. Provision is made for the profile elements to be deformable in order to form retaining heads for the fibre material. The invention further relates to a method for fastening two-dimensional fibre material which can be carried out with a fastening element of such type. By the method in accordance with the invention a cold micro-riveting can be achieved.

Abstract: A simple and secure holder for securing and releasing a first and second plug without requiring additional components. The holder includes a slide and a projecting, rigid securing member on the first plug. The rigid securing member is positioned at a distance away from the slide. The holder includes a slide receptacle and a resilient lock on the second plug, with the resilient lock being positioned at a distance away from the slide receptacle. The slide receptacle is configured in such a way that the slide is encompassed by the slide receptacle. A releasable connection is provided between the first plug and the second plug when the slide receptacle receives the slide and the rigid securing member engages the resilient lock locking into a final position. The holder is intended for use, for example, with plugs used in the vehicular industry.

Abstract: A casket includes a lid and a tub detachably coupled with the lid. The tub includes a plurality of walls and a first plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners, the plurality of walls being folded relative to one another and detachably coupled together using the first plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A method is proposed for producing a tampon (T) packaged in a protective sleeve made from a preform (V) which is preferably formed by winding a strip of fibrous non-woven material. The preform (V) is shaped to form the tampon in separate pressing stages by pressure forces acting on it from outside, and is individually packaged by providing it with a film sleeve (10) tightly enclosing the tampon (T) serving as a protective sleeve. In order to reduce the complexity involved in producing a tampon, and in particular a non-round tampon, to the point at which its is individually packaged in the protective sleeve, the substantially cylindrical preform (V) is already paced in the film sleeve (10) surrounding at least the external surface of the preform (V) before the final forming stage (15).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite piezoelectric substrate is capable of forming an ultra-thin piezoelectric film having a uniform thickness by efficiently using a piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A tool (20) for a pipe fitting arrangement in which a pipe is retainable arranged within a housing (1) by teeth (13) of a grip ring (12) placed within the housing, the tool comprising: first engagement means for engaging the pipe, said first engagement means having at least one part (12) adapted to enter the housing around the pipe in order to force the teeth of the grip rin out of engagement with the pipe, second engagement means for engaging the first engagement means as well as the housing in order to locate the housing relative to the tool, and a handle connected or connectable with the second engagement means. The first engagement means being connected to the second engagement means via at least one first joint being in form of a pivot (24f) and/or at least one first spring means (38) in order to be at least partly displaceable relative to the second engagement means, and a method using such a tool.

Abstract: A tool for removing sheathing, decking material and the like includes a generally wedge-shaped head and a handle having a base end portion integrally connected to the head and a free end portion projecting rearwardly from a rear end of the head. A fulcrum member removably connects to the head proximate the rear end thereof so as to extend in a direction transverse to the handle to provide a fulcrum during operation of the tool.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand-held device is provided to allow a user to easily apply the necessary force required to install a caps into a vial or test tube. The device includes a handle member that is ergonomically shaped to provide a user with maximum comfort while minimizing any physical problems associated with the use of the hands and wrists continuously in a repetitive motion. The device also includes an engaging projecting member that extends from the handle member. The projecting member includes a flat surface at one end such that when engagement with the cap the flat surface lies substantially flush against a bottom wall of a cavity of the cap. Through this configuration, a user generated force is transferred from the handle member through the projecting member, and to the cap, thereby causing the cap into an opening of the vial for locking the cap into a sealed and closed position with the vial.

Abstract: A bipolar electrostatic chuck refurbishing process in accordance with an aspect of the present invention does not require physical separation of the two electrodes of the electrostatic chuck. One aspect of the present invention is drawn to method of treating a bipolar electrostatic chuck having a front surface and a back surface and comprising a first electrode disposed at the front surface, a second electrode at the front surface and an anodized layer disposed on the front surface, the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A filter module that is attached to a combination manifold and valve system may be replaced by simultaneously shutting off an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the system while releasing a securing member of the system from a securing position. The simultaneous shutting off and releasing are accomplished by rotating a rotatable structural member of the system from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ball cage of a joint, comprising an inner side, an outer side and windows between the inner side and the outer side, is provided, wherein a blank is clamped on a workpiece fixture of a machine tool, with a clamping area of the blank lying outside of a machining area, and wherein the inner side, the outer side and the windows are machined by the same machine tool without reclamping the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for assembling a tool for cutting structural materials includes the steps of providing a pair of handles, each handle having a connector plate. A drive pin is pivotally coupled to the connector plates, the drive pin being movable as the handles are pivoted. A detachable cutting head includes a body with a cavity having a pair of opposing cavity openings, and further includes a channel to receive structural material workpieces. A cutting plate is slidably disposed in the cavity. The cutting head is selectably coupled to the handles and the cutting plate moves slidably in the body as the handles are pivoted, cutting a structural material workpiece inserted into the channel of the body, a cut portion of the inserted structural material workpiece being ejectable through the first cavity opening.

Abstract: A medical device may include a tubular body configured to communicate gas and an inflatable cuff coupled to the tubular body at least by a collar. The tubular body may include an opening. The collar may include a notch positioned relative to the opening in the tubular body such that a passageway extends through at least a portion of the notch and at least a portion of the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible actuator, and methods for manufacturing and using a flexible actuator, for transmitting high loads from a user to an end effector. In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible actuator can extend from a handle of a medical device to an end effector located on a distal end of the device. The actuator can include a head formed on a terminal end thereof with at least one planar surface that is approximately coplanar with an outer surface of the flexible actuator. In use, the actuator can be coupled to a medical device having an end effector located on a distal end thereof. Tension applied to the actuator can be effective to actuate the end effector.

Abstract: A method for decorating an exterior light fixture includes the step of providing a decorative body with an ornamental design corresponding to a single event, where the decorative body has a rear side with an elastically deformable couple and a front side with the ornamental design. The method also includes the step of elastically deforming at least a part of the rear side to removably attach the decorative body to an exterior light fixture that is attached to an exterior surface of a building structure such that the ornamental design is positioned on a side of the light fixture opposite the structure. The ornamental design and at least a portion of the body surrounding the ornamental design have differing translucences such that light emitted from the light fixture enhances visibility of the ornamental design from a distance away from the body.

Abstract: A method for expanding a tubular in a wellbore uses an expansion apparatus that includes an expansion body disposed on a tool body. The expansion apparatus is positioned in the tubular. The method further includes compressing the expansion body such that an outer surface radially expands the tubular permanently and axially translating the compressed body within the tubular.

Abstract: A rivet configured to provide a strengthened rivet joint capable of acting as a load-bearing joint, such as in a vehicle, is provided. A method of joining a multiple member work-piece utilizing the rivet is also provided. The rivet includes a head portion and an annular body portion extending from the head portion. The body portion has an open end opposite the head portion. The head portion and the annular body portion define an interior cavity that opens at the open end. The annular body portion has an inner surface at the interior cavity and an outer surface opposite the interior cavity. The body portion has passages extending through the body portion from the inner surface to the outer surface, and grooves running along the outer surface intersecting with the passages.

Abstract: A rivet, including: at least one side wall extending from a first side of a sheet of material, formed from the same material as the sheet of material, and including respective inside surfaces; and a space at least partly enclosed by the respective inside surfaces. The space is open at a second side of the sheet of material. In one embodiment, the at least one side wall is cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment, the rivet includes an end wall formed of the same piece of material as the at least one side wall and defining one end of the space, the space is cylindrical in shape, the space has a first portion aligned with the sheet of material and a second portion partially defined by the end wall, and a diameter for the first portion is less than the diameter for the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensionally bending a metal material are provided. A product intermittently having a bent portion which curves three-dimensionally and a quenched portion is manufactured by a bending method which performs bending downstream of a support means while feeding a metal material which is supported by the support means from an upstream side towards a downstream side.

Abstract: Provided is a faceplate for an In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid and a method of manufacturing a faceplate for an In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid in which the faceplate can be manufactured in a compact size, using a foldable flexible printed circuit board (PCB), while maintaining the quality, enabling mass-production, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An antenna includes an element that is made by thermally bonding a patterned conductive layer to a dielectric sheet. The antenna can be redesigned easily for prototype or low volume production yet the invention is suitable for volume production as well. The antenna, or an element thereof, can be made from a xerographic print using toner as an adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus have been developed to precisely position and distribute an adhesive sealant for the purpose of blocking corrosion paths to electrically conducting surfaces on battery terminals. In order to achieve this objective, the present invention makes use of a rectangular-shaped, sealant-packed laminate with a battery post cut-out that is wrapped around and bonded to the terminal by the user at the work site or, alternatively, by the terminal fabricator for first-time use. In either case, corrosion path gateways are blocked on both top and bottom sides of the terminal's post-hole aperture by the act of seating a thusly wrapped terminal on the battery post and depressing the terminal against the battery plane before tightening the securing bolt. Seating the seal-wrapped terminal thusly positions sealant around the battery post base, effectively denying corrosive elements an entrance to electrically-conducting surfaces.

Abstract: A packaging method for assembling a captive screw to a printed circuit board (PCB) includes the steps of providing a captive screw having a screw head, a threaded shank and a sleeve; pressing a fixture toward the screw head for a part of the threaded shank to exposed from a distal end of the sleeve, and then clamping the fixture on the sleeve; providing a PCB having through holes and a layer of solder provided thereon; using a tool to pick up the fixture and the captive screw and align the threaded shank with one through hole on the PCB; releasing the fixture and the captive screw from the tool for a flange at the distal end of the sleeve to extend into the through hole; heating, melting and then cooling to harden the solder layer, so that the sleeve is fixedly held to the PCB; and removing the fixture.

Abstract: Provided is a circuit board which suppresses abnormal formation of plated layer inside a via, caused by core materials of glass fibers or the like projected from a side wall of the via and which helps to improve the connection reliability of the via. An insulating layer, which is formed of thermoset resin and embedded with glass fibers, is provided between a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer. The glass fibers projected into a via hole side from a side wall of the via hole in different positions are embedded into a via conductor in such a state that the glass fibers are jointed with each other.

Abstract: A method of forming an interconnection, including a spring contact element, by lithographic techniques. In one embodiment, the method includes applying a masking material over a first portion of a substrate, the masking material having an opening which will define a first portion of a spring structure, depositing a structure material (e.g., conductive material) in the opening, and overfilling the opening with the structure material, removing a portion of the structure material, and removing a first portion of the masking material. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first portion of the spring structure is freed of masking material. In one aspect of the invention, the method includes planarizing the masking material layer and structure material to remove a portion of the structure material. In another aspect, the spring structure formed includes one of a post portion, a beam portion, and a tip structure portion.

Abstract: A method may include locating first and second lobe members of a camshaft on a first shaft. The first shaft may include an annular wall defining a bore. The first lobe member may be located on a first portion of the first shaft and may define a first end of the camshaft. The second lobe member may be located on a second portion of the first shaft and may define a second end of the camshaft. The first shaft may be fixed from axial displacement and a tool may be displaced through the bore of the first shaft to fix the first lobe member to the first shaft. The fixing may include the first shaft being free from axial restraint in a first axial direction extending from the first portion of the first shaft to the second portion of the first shaft.

Abstract: A method may include locating a first lobe member of a camshaft on a first shaft having an annular wall defining a first bore and a first outer radial surface. The first lobe member may include a second bore receiving the first shaft. The method may further include forcing first and second deforming members through the first bore. The first deforming member may have a first outer diameter that is greater than an initial inner diameter of the first shaft and may displace the annular wall in an outward radial direction to provide a first engagement between the first outer radial surface and the second bore. The second deforming member may have a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter and may displace the annular wall in the outward radial direction to provide a second engagement between the first outer radial surface and the second bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchanger comprising a boiling passage and cooling passage defined by opposite sides of metal walls. Layers of brazing material between the metal walls and a spacer member bond components of the heat exchanger together. An enhanced boiling layer (EBL) comprising metal particles bonded to each other and to a boiling side of the metal wall provides nucleate boiling pores to improve heat transfer. The EBL has a melting temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of the brazing material. Also disclosed is a process for assembling the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of installing a water vacuum break in a housing including the steps of providing a plurality of slots in a wall of the housing; moving a water vacuum break in a first direction; and moving the water vacuum break in a second direction. The step of moving the water vacuum break in a first direction includes moving it substantially perpendicularly with the outer wall so that a plurality of retaining protrusions extend through the plurality of slots.