Abstract: A patient bed is provided for transporting and/or positioning a patient. The patient bed has a bed area provided for receiving a patient. The patient bed is flexible at least in the bed area in such a way that the patient bed can be rolled up around a part of the patient bed. The patient bed has at least one transport mount for acting on by a transporter, and the patient bed is designed to be transported via the at least one transport mount when loaded with a patient. The patient bed has a plurality of reinforcing fibers, which are flexible and tension-proof, wherein each of the reinforcing fibers passes through the bed area and is operatively connected to at least one of the at least one transport mount in such a way that a force acting on the bed area can be transmitted at least partially to the at least one transport mount.

Abstract: An ambulance cot is disclosed and the ambulance cot having a base frame configured for support on a surface, a litter frame configured for supporting thereon a patient and an elevating mechanism interconnecting the base frame and the litter frame and configured to interconnect the litter frame and the base frame in order to facilitate movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward and away from each other. A control mechanism is provided on the cot which is configured to facilitate the movement of the base frame and the litter frame toward each other and at differing speeds predicated on at least one of whether the base frame is supported on the surface and the litter frame is supported by an external support separate from the elevating mechanism.

Abstract: A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor.

Abstract: A washing machine control system is combined with a working fluid dispensing system and a payment processing system to provide a merged system for automatically providing detergents, bleach, softeners and the like in a pay-as-you-go laundry environment, such as public laundry facilities in Laundromats, dormitories, apartment complexes and the like.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning sidewalls of a liquid container. The cleaning device includes a cover that can be removably disposed over a flotation device. The cover has a lower cleaning portion that cleans the sidewalls of the container upon contact with the sidewalls. The cover also has an upper noncleaning portion.

Abstract: A head for an electric toothbrush having first and second brush parts, one of which is rotary and the other is reciprocally moveable or static. Preferred forms have elastomeric oral hygiene parts, and electric toothbrush heads with novel “V” sectioned oral hygiene parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having an electric motor, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The head has first end disposed adjacent to the neck and a second end opposite the first end. The head has a first bristle holder with a plurality of bristles disposed therein and a second bristle holder having a plurality of bristles disposed therein. The first bristle holder is located at the second end of said head. A rotating shaft is operatively connected to the electric motor and to the first moving bristle holder to reciprocate the first moving bristle holder in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the head.

Abstract: A cleaning and disinfecting system for the cleaning and disinfecting of footwear or feet. The system provides for cleaning and disinfecting the bottom of the feet or footwear. An optional brush on a wand provides cleaning to upper foot areas as required. The system is automatically activated only when a person stands on the device, thereby minimizing the volume of fluid required to perform the process. Optionally, a venturi component allows the addition of a cleaning or disinfecting fluid with the cleaning solution or water. When the system is attached to a hot water line and fitted with heating elements, it can be used to remove snow from shoes and boots.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a liquid crystal display panel including at least one pad part cleaning brush removing foreign matters from a pad part of the liquid crystal display panel, a holder holding the pad part cleaning brush, a driving shaft rotating the holder, and a driving motor providing a rotating force to the driving shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus, formulation and method for cleaning soils, such as paint drips or splashes, from the outside surface of filled aerosol paint cans and other articles is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reservoirs containing liquids for cleaning and rinsing articles. Articles to be cleaned travel on a conveyor system comprised of one or more mechanical conveyors. During the cleaning operation, one or more brushes apply cleaning solution to the articles, an air knife blows excess cleaning solution and/or solid soils off of the articles, and a jet spray rinses the articles. Another air knife may be used to dry the cleaned articles. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recirculation devices for removing solids from the cleaning and rinsing liquids so that these liquids may be reused in the cleaning operations. A cleaning formulation comprised of a glycol ether and hydrocarbon solvent is also provided.

Abstract: A remote surface preparation device for preparing a remote surface, such as cleaning the inside surface of an aquarium tank from the outside is provided. The device includes a remotely actuated surface preparation assembly having a body with at least one magnetic element for coupling it for remote actuation to complimentary magnetic elements in a moving drive head disposed at some distance therefrom. The device includes an adjustment mechanism which can vary the magnitude of the magnetic forces coupling the remote surface preparation assembly to the device, even during device operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a culvert includes a rod pushing and pulling machine, a rod string made from a series of extension rods coupled end to end, which rod string is mounted at a proximal end to the rod pushing and pulling machine. A debris removal tool is mounted on a distal end of the rod string. The debris removal tool may comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the rod having a coupling at its proximal end. A bucket is mounted at the distal end of the rod, which bucket has an end opening positioned so that movement of the bucket along the culvert scoops debris into the bucket.

Abstract: A baby-wipe mitt comprising an outer absorbent layer, with an added inner highly absorbent layer, both premoistened with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents, the inner lining an impermeable plastic lining extending beyond the outer layer, covering at least part of a user's wrist for further protection is disclosed. The mitt has an elastic band that encircles the wrist of a user. The mitt features opposed digit surrounds to allow easy cleaning of crevices. The mitt features a special non-abrasive pad on digit surround.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.

Abstract: A toothbrush head is provided with a plurality of separate cleaning areas. The distal end and the proximal end of the head include cleaning elements mounted to generally non-movable bases. The central portion of the head includes resilient pods carrying cleaning elements in such a manner that the cleaning elements are capable of bending away from their initial position and then returning to their initial position. In another aspect of the invention the pods are made as a separate unitary subassembly wherein the cleaning elements are bristles in an IMT procedure. The unitary subassembly is secured to the remainder of the cleaning head of the brush during the molding operation of the remainder of the head and the handle. In this aspect of the invention non-movable bases may be provided or may be omitted.

Abstract: An adjustable hinged corner trowel is formed from hinged plates with a removeably attached handle. Cooperating control arms connect the handle to the hinged plates. The control arms are fixed to the hinged plates and can be fixed relative to each other at the handle by cooperating teeth and grooves. The handle has a threaded member capable of receiving a wing nut to fix the control arms against each other. Thereby, the angle of the hinged plates may be adjusted. The hinged corner trowel establishes both sides of any angled corner at the same time for utilization on drywall or similar materials.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface in which cleaning solution is dispensed to the surface and substantially simultaneously extracted along with the dirt on the surface in a continuous operation is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a base portion for movement along the surface and a handle pivotally connected to the base portion. A solution tank for supplying a flow of cleaning solution to the surface is removably mounted to the handle. A recovery tank is removably mounted to the handle. A suction nozzle is secured to the base portion and in fluid communication with the recovery tank. A suction source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating suction to draw dirt and liquid through the suction nozzle and into the recovery tank. A cost effective, easy to operate, and convenient mounting arrangement is provided for mounting the recovery tank to the handle.

Abstract: A bare floor cleaner for wet and dry bare floor surfaces comprises a base with wet and dry suction nozzles and a handle pivotally connected to the base. A diverter mounted in the working air conduit between each of the dry suction nozzle and the wet suction nozzle to a recovery tank is movable by movement of the handle between a dry suction position and a wet suction position for selectively at least partially blocking working air flow from the wet suction nozzle and the dry suction nozzle, respectively, to the recovery tank. A shut-off valve is mounted in the recovery tank to prevent fluid communication between a suction source and the recovery tank when the amount of liquid in the recovery tank reaches a first predetermined amount with the handle forward and a second predetermined amount with the handle rearward.

Abstract: A surface cleaning implement has a suction nozzle, a fan in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a suction-driven turbine motor for driving the fan and a magnetic coupling between the fan and the motor. The surface cleaning implement can be in the form of an accessory tool that has a housing with a suction opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose and mounting the suction nozzle, the fan and the motor and the housing mounts a recovery tank that is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The accessory tool can further comprise a fluid dispensing assembly for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. The fluid dispensing assembly can comprise a turbine-driven fluid pump.

Abstract: A castor includes a main body, two rollers, a plurality of rolls, two retaining members, and two covers. Thus, the rolls are rotatably mounted between the main body and the respective roller, so that each of the rollers is rotatable on the main body smoothly. In addition, the rolls and the rollers are made of the same material to reduce the friction between the rolls and the rollers during rotation of the castor, so that the rolls and the rollers are not easily worn out during a long-term utilization. Further, the rollers are covered by the covers so that only the through hole of the main body is exposed outwardly from the covers and the rollers, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the castor.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a shaft (12), a follower (16), a cam (18), and an urging means. The shaft has a screw portion (122) defined thereon. The follower has a first cam surface (164) formed on one end surface thereof. The cam has a second cam surface (184) formed on one end surface opposite to the follower. The cam has a screw hole (182) defined therethrough. The screw hole engages with the screw portion of the shaft. The urging means is configured for providing an urging force which moves the follower along the shaft and makes the first cam surface rotatably engage with the second cam surface of the cam.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hinge assembly and a mobile device having the hinge assembly. In the mobile device, a rotation portion 14 slides and rotates on a base portion 10, so as to be inclined to the base portion 10. For this reason, the rotation portion 14 is connected to the base portion by means of the hinge assembly 20 so as to slide and rotate on the base portion 10. The rotation portion 14 slides on the base portion by a predetermined distance, and then rotates to be inclined at a desired angle with respect to the base portion 10. The rotation portion 14 easily rotates with respect to the base portion of the mobile device, so that the status of the mobile device can be easily converted. Further, when the status of the mobile device is converted, the front, rear, left and right of a display screen is not changed. As a result, the mobile device should not have a structure of changing a display direction of the display screen.

Abstract: An exemplary dual-axis hinge mechanism includes a base seat, a first rotatable assembly and a second rotatable assembly. The first rotatable assembly includes a rotary member rotatably assembled in the base seat, a steady member and an elastic member non-rotatably received in the base seat, and a fastening member. The rotary member includes a rotational shaft configured for extending through the steady member, the elastic member, the base seat, and then engages with the fastening member. Each of the rotary member and the steady member defines an engaging surface. The engaging surfaces movably engage with each other. The fastening member is rotatable along the rotational shaft for adjusting an external force for rotating the rotary member. The second rotatable assembly includes a pivotal shaft fixed to the rotary member, and a bracket pivotally assembled on the pivotal shaft.

Abstract: Hinge reinforcement (10), for a motor vehicle door hinge, has a shape corresponding to the shape of the hinge bracket (6) and is able to be joined to the hinge bracket. The first end (11) of the reinforcement (10) facing the hinge pin (5) is provided with a fork-like shape so that it can be placed against the hinge pin (5) from below the bracket onto the hinge pin between the bearing arms (9) of the bracket, and on its side facing the bracket a cam (12) engages a recess (13) of the hinge bracket (6) to prevent the hinge reinforcement (10) from falling out. The second end (14) of the reinforcement is connected to the hinge bracket (6) by a fastening element.

Abstract: A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature.

Abstract: A mechanical fastener is disclosed. The mechanical fastener generally comprises the male component of a hook and loop fastening system. The male component contains a plurality of protrusions that have been surface modified. In particular, the protrusions have been surfaced modified in a manner that prevents damage to a female component during engagement and disengagement but yet still forms a firm attachment with the female component.

Abstract: A passive latch provided in a clasped buckle provides a clasping action with no active release. The passive latch is disengaged when the buckle parts are separated through application of a separation force. The separation force can be provided in part by a component of a pinching force applied to another latch mechanism to release the other latch mechanism. The buckle may include other child resistant features, and can be composed of impact modified nylon to resist loss of tolerances or deformation to contribute to maintaining the child resistant features.

Abstract: A plug (20) has a guide bar (24) to be inserter in a socket (30). The guide bar (24) has a to-be-held section (241) at a tip end thereof, a dent (244) at a middle portion thereof, and a sub to-be-held section (242) at a base end thereof. When making an engagement, the plug (20) is slanted relative to the socket (30), so that the guide bar (24) contacts contact points (P1), P2). When the plug has been inserted into a depth end of the socket, the to-be-held section (241) and the sub to-be-held section (242) are held by a holding section (342) and a sub holding section (343) of the socket (30), thereby stabilizing engagement posture.

Abstract: Common internal electrodes 27 and segment internal electrodes 28 are laminated alternately with a piezoelectric material 29 between and a common external electrode 30 and a segment external electrode 31 are provided on the surface, forming a drive vibrator 24. A free end part 24a of the drive vibrator 24 is formed with an active region L and can be expanded and contracted in the length direction of the vibrator. A piezoelectric material 29 of the outermost layer in the free end part 24a can be operated based on the potential difference between the external and internal electrodes and a portion of the active region L in the external electrode is used as a trimming portion with an effective length x varied by trimming.

Abstract: A method for producing an actuator device, comprising the steps of: forming a vibration plate on a substrate; and forming a piezoelectric element composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode on the vibration plate, wherein in the step of forming the piezoelectric element, the upper electrode is formed on the piezoelectric layer by sputtering, a temperature of 25 to 250 (° C.) and a pressure of 0.4 to 1.5 (Pa) are used during the sputtering, and upon the sputtering, the upper electrode having a thickness of 30 to 100 (nm), stress of 0.3 to 2.0 (GPa), and specific resistance of 2.0 (×10?7 ?·m) or less is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure release tool for a button head lubrication fitting. The tool comprises a handle assembly securely engaged with the body portion of the tool. The bottom section of the tool is adapted to securely engage with the top of the button head lubrication fitting.

Abstract: A method of disassembling a washing machine is a disassembling method for a washing machine including a reduction-gear unit secured on the outside of a water tub and a dehydration tub disposed in the water tub, and the method includes a release step of applying force, along the axial direction of a rotary shaft, in the direction of separating the reduction-gear unit and the dehydration tub from each other to release connection between the reduction-gear unit and the dehydration tub. This scheme can be employed to provide a method of disassembling a washing machine that can recover resin included in the washing machine at a high recovery ratio.

Abstract: A feed-through subassembly includes a plurality of wires. The feed-through subassembly is positioned in a holding device such that the plurality of wires are pointed in an upward direction. A protective tube is placed over the plurality of wires. Heat is applied to the protective tube. A portion or all of the protective tube is shrunk.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing first and second splined members together, such as a midship tube shaft to an end fitting in a driveshaft assembly, to prevent relative axial movement from occurring therebetween. Initially, a first splined member is provided that includes an outer surface having a recess and a plurality of external splines provided thereon. Also, a second splined member is provided that includes an inner surface a plurality of internal splines provided thereon. The inner surface of the second splined member is disposed about the outer surface of the first splined member such that the plurality of internal splines cooperate with the plurality of external splines. Then, a portion of the second splined member is deformed into the recess of the first splined member to secure the first and second splined members together, while preventing relative axial movement from occurring therebetween.

Abstract: A coupling system for conduit and pipe for carrying insulated electrical cable, more particularly, a conduit coupling assembly for connecting multiple lengths of conduit in coaxial relationship.

Abstract: A cortical bone implant is formed of two or more planks of bone which are connected with one or more offset pins. The pins may be right circular cylinders inserted into a corresponding offset bore which offset bends the inserted pin. The bending creates compression and tensile loads in the pin which loads creates friction compression forces on the planks connecting them to the pins by friction. The pins may have different shapes to form offset configurations in place of the offset bores for friction attachment to the planks. The implants may be formed of flat or L-shaped planks or bones formed into other shapes including interlocking arrangements. Processes and fixtures are disclosed for forming the pins, planks and implants. Various embodiments of the pins, planks, implants and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: A simple and versatile door support system holds a door by attaching to top and bottom edges. The system allows the two visible door faces and the two visible door edges to be painted at one time, and may be converted to hold a door horizontally or to transport a door. The system includes four support blocks which mount to corners of top and bottom surfaces of the door. The blocks have mounting features for mounting to the door, and attachment features for attaching one or more attachments. A rod attachment may be connected to each of the four blocks to support the door horizontally, and a pair of support shoes may be attached to two of the blocks to support the door vertically or on an edge. Casters may be attached directly to the blocks, or indirectly to the blocks (e.g., to the attachments), to transport the door.

Abstract: A processing cell of automatic machining system configured in that it is easy to decide or change the number of steps and to design, and to reduce the installation cost. The control unit of the processing cell comprises an operation data storing means for storing every position necessary data for operation at each position of the processing cell installed in the machining section of the automatic machining system, and a position designating means for designating the after-installation position. The control unit reads necessary data for operation out of the operation data storing means in accordance with the position designated by the position designating means. Thus, the operation of each cell can be switched in accordance with the position, and the processing cells can be easily changed in position and adjusted in quantity.

Abstract: The method of making an electromagnetically excitable core of an electrical machine with a multiphase winding (13) includes preparing a core (10) having a substantially parallelepiped shape, which is provided with a plurality of parallel grooves (N1 to N36; N1 to N48) in one side in a first step. In at least one subsequent step at least three phase windings (100, 200, 300) are laid in these grooves in such a manner that only one winding overhang is outside of the core.

Abstract: In manufacturing of the stator unit 2 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of terminal pins are arranged in an axially spaced manner from a plurality of the coils during a twining process of the wires from the coils 232 to the terminal pins 241. Then, after the wire is twined to the terminal pins, the terminal pins connected to the coils are moved along the outer side face of the sleeve housing, functioning to as a guide portion 2201 for the terminal pins. By virtue of the configuration, the terminal pins 241 may be approximated to the coils without applying the tension on wire, and the stator unit may be made thin with preventing the open circuit of the wires.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a winding includes steps of twisting U-shaped conductor segments, inserting straight portions of the twisted conductor segments in slots of a stator core, bending ends of the straight portions in a circumferential direction of the stator core and joining the ends. The method further includes a step of pressing turn portions of the U-shaped conductor segments by a turn portion twisting apparatus such that widths of the turn portions reduce in radial directions. The pressing step is performed simultaneously with the twisting step. Alternatively, the pressing step is performed after the twisting step.

Abstract: A magnetic-field sensor device comprises at least two electrodes; an insulating layer separating the at least two electrodes; at least one layer of chemically-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles disposed at or above a level with the insulating layer, and disposed between the at least two electrodes; and an organic spacer surrounding each of the chemically-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles. A deviation between diameters of different ones of the nanoparticles is less than 15%. Moreover, the chemically-synthesized magnetic nanoparticles range in size between 2 nm and 20 nm in diameter.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a write head for perpendicular recording includes forming a pole layer on an undercoat layer, forming a mask over at least a portion of the pole layer, and forming the pole by removing material from the pole layer. The method further includes forming a first gap portion of a gap along a first side and a second side of the pole, forming a protective layer over at least a portion of the first gap portion, removing the mask, and removing the protective layer. The method further includes forming a second gap portion of the gap over at least a top surface of the pole and forming a shield over at least the second gap portion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch having a free moving inductive element within in micro-cavity guided by at least one inductive coil. The switch consists of an upper inductive coil at one end of a micro-cavity; optionally, a lower inductive coil; and a free-moving inductive element preferably made of magnetic material. The coils are provided with an inner permalloy core. Switching is achieved by passing a current through the upper coil, inducing a magnetic field unto the inductive element. The magnetic field attracts the free-moving inductive element upwards, shorting two open conductive wires, closing the switch. When the current flow stops or is reversed, the free-moving magnetic element drops back by gravity to the bottom of the micro-cavity and the conductive wires open. When the chip is not mounted with the correct orientation, the lower coil pulls the free-moving inductive element back at its original position.

Abstract: In a chip transferring apparatus a wafer (44) and a lead frame (50) are positioned. A first chip (42) is picked up from the wafer (44) by a transfer head (14; 40a-40d) in a chip pick-up position, while bonding a second chip to the lead frame (50) by another transfer head in a chip bonding position. The first chip (42) is then transferred by said one of the transfer heads from the chip pick-up position to the chip bonding position. Next, the first chip (42) is bonded on the lead frame (50) by said one of the transfer heads (14; 40a-40d) in the chip bonding position, while another one of the transfer heads picks up a third chip from the wafer (44) in the chip pick-up position. Each transfer head (14; 40a-40d) comprises a collet (66a-66d) which, through a mechanical coupling, is coupled to another collet for compensating radial forces exerted on the collet relative to said axis of rotation.

Abstract: A component-mounting apparatus and a component-positioning unit for positioning a component, having a simple structure with reduced manufacturing cost and a significantly higher component-mounting speed. The component-mounting apparatus includes a holding device that holds a component and moves horizontally and a positioning device having a sloped portion for positioning the component held by the holding device when the component comes into contact with the sloped portion. The positioning device comprises a first rotatable roller member having a sloped side surface with which the component comes into contact; and the horizontal movement speed of the holding device substantially agrees with the horizontal component of the peripheral velocity of the first roller member, with which the component comes into contact.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing method, including forming a transfer chip, the forming of the transfer chip including, forming a wiring above a first substrate, forming a plurality of first pad electrodes so as to be connected to the wiring and so as to be included in the transfer chip, and joining the transfer chip with a member such that the plurality of first pad electrodes contact the member.

Abstract: First, a position control mechanism having a fixed part and a movable part, and a driver that changes position of the movable part relative to the fixed part is prepared. Next, a manufacturing unit having first and second holders and a coupler that couples the first and second holders is prepared. A conductive actuator is held in tension between the first and second holders. Further, the first holder is attached to the movable part and the second holder is attached to the fixed part. After that, the coupler is cut from the manufacturing unit, the first and second holders are separated from each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method which consists in coating uniformly the non-developable surface (6) with an electrically conductive material (9), which is in turn coated, by spraying, with a pattern (10) of polymerizable protective material, said pattern being polymerized as it is being formed, and then selectively eliminating, through the openings (10.8) of said pattern (10), the portions of said electrically conductive material (9) which do not over said electrically conductive patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board. The method includes the steps of preparing an insulating substrate having a front surface and a back surface and a layer of metal foil formed on each of the front surface and the back surface; selectively forming a plating layer for forming a land on at least one of the metal foils; adjusting a thickness of the plating layer; and forming the metal foils into lines.