Abstract: The present invention provides a basting brush including a plurality of silicone bristles of varying size.

Abstract: A surface treatment tool formed from a thin sheet of flexible material, typically a polymer, shaped to store and dispense fluid, scrub, abrade, scrape off and retain debris, including particulates from treated surfaces, and including an array of closely spaced hollow mushroom-shaped protrusions that store (after a bottom sheet which is not shown is added), and then release fluids during rubbing via perforated faces, and upstanding mushroom shapes carrying soft rubbing faces which have harder scraper edges constituting operable faces with gaps between faces leading into a sunken labyrinth into which loosened debris is scraped up and retained.

Abstract: A portable golf ball washer additionally useful for wiping dirt from golf club heads is shown and described herein. The device generally includes an outer pouch that contains an inner lining. A top of the pouch has an opening to receive a golf ball or club head. A preferred embodiment discloses the outer pouch made from durable ostrich leather also having quill bumps to aid in controlling and grasping the device. The inner lining is composed of micro fiber cloth material. The device is sized optimally and appropriately to fit inside a golfer's pant or jacket pocket.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning multiple types of fiber optic connectors includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container and a plurality of discrete soft, work surfaces on a face of the container. The surfaces are configured as a pair of outwardly disposed surfaces having a width and a pair of inwardly disposed surfaces having a width that is less than the width of the outwardly disposed surfaces. The surface are parallel to each other. Gaps are disposed between each of the adjacent work surfaces. Each of the gaps has a width. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic connector. The wipes provide indication that they have been used.

Abstract: A wireless particle collection system includes a dust collector and at least one power tool coupled to the dust collector. The power tool is associated with a unique identifier contained in a wireless signal transmitted from the power tool upon an activation event of the tool. The unique identifier is recognized by the dust collector, and the dust collector activates or de-activates upon receipt of the wireless signal.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a central vacuum cleaner. The latch includes a buckle attached to a vacuum housing. The latch also includes a lower latch assembly having a bracket connected to and extending laterally from a dirt container, a locking member mounted on the bracket and being movable between a first position in which the a lock engages the buckle to prevent removal of the dirt container, and a second position in which the lock does not engage the buckle. At least a portion of the bracket is configured as a rigid handle adapted to be held by a user to remove and replace the dirt container. A button may be provided to operate the locking member, and a spring may be provided to bias the button to one position. A central vacuum cleaner incorporating a latch is also provided.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a water reservoir, water pump and steam generator with a vacuum function is provided. The steam appliance has a water pump for selectively injecting water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam fed into a steam pocket frame with a fabric steam pocket mounted thereon. In one configuration, when steam is being generated, the vacuum function cannot be used. In another configuration, when the vacuum function is on, the heating element in the steam generator is power at reduced power to reduce power consumption and keep the steam generator heated in stand-by mode and water is not pumped.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust separation device that separates dust and a dust container in which the dust separated in the dust separation device may be stored.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust separation device that separates dust and a dust container in which the dust separated in the dust separation device may be stored.

Abstract: An electricity-conducting wheel includes a holding member, a wheel member, an electricity conducting plate, and an intermediate electricity conducting piece; the holding member is joined on a metallic bearing joined on a lower end of a rotary shaft on a bottom of a hospital bed/wheelchair, and has a pivotal hole thereon; the wheel member is joined on the holding member with a shaft being passed through the pivotal hole of the holding member; the electricity conducting plate is securely joined around the bearing, and wrapped in the holding member, and it has a bending electricity conducting part on a lower end thereof; the intermediate piece has an electricity conducting part on an upper end, and it is connected to the electricity conducting plate at the upper electricity conducting part; the intermediate piece has a hole on a lower end thereof, through which the shaft of the wheel member is passed.

Abstract: A hinge structure (1) for self-closing doors or the like comprises a first stationary element (2) attachable to the frame (T) of a door (P), a first movable element (3) securable to the door (P) and pivotally mounted to the first stationary element (2) for rotating about a longitudinal axis (X) between an open door position and a closed door position. The structure (1) further comprises closing means (4) acting on the first movable element (3) for automatically returning the door (P) to the closed position during opening, hydraulic damping means (5) operating on the first movable element (3) to oppose and damp the movement produced by the closing means (4), The closing means (4) and the hydraulic damping means (5) are housed within a first operating chamber (6) locate internally of the first stationary element (2). An assembly incorporates such hinge structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) acting as a stand-off holding a door away from a frame, comprising a yoke (2) for attaching to the frame, and a support element (4) for attaching to the door, the support element being extended by a guide (3) comprising a contact zone broken down into a first and a second track (22, 23) running respectively on each side of ramps (21), the yoke being fitted with a follower element (10) designed to travel along the contact zone so that the opening element can be positioned alternately in a closed position or in an open position, characterized in that the guide is designed in such a way that the contact zone is created in a housing that has at least one overlapping wall (17) protecting the said contact zone from any splashes and/or any unwanted deposition of dirt.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a piece for attaching buttons or the like, capable of using standard buttons and of attaching buttons which can be easily detached and which impart a usage sensation no different from standard buttons. In order to resolve the above-described problem, the present invention is a piece (1) for attaching buttons or the like for detachably attaching buttons (10) or the like to fabric, comprising: an attaching piece main portion (2) having a main through-hole (2c) through which thread (12) passed through a button attaching hole formed in the fabric is inserted and the thread extending from the button or the like to be attached to the fabric; a thread anchoring portion (4) for winding thread passing through the main through-hole; and a thread gripping portion (6) for gripping and affixing the end of thread wound on the thread anchoring portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting band and a tool for handling the mounting band, wherein the mounting band comprises a band extending in a longitudinal direction and having a width (B) and a thickness (H) and (L), the width (B) being larger than the thickness (H), and transversal embossings, which are configured on the band and are disposed transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) substantially across the width (B) of the band, the transversal embossings having variable depths (T) across the width (B) of the band.

Abstract: A band clamp comprises a band for holding a long member and a lock that has a latching pawl provided at one end of the band, for effecting a lock when the band is wound about the outer periphery of the long member. An engagement part for engaging the latching pawl is formed at only one location in the longitudinal direction of the band, and the position of that latching part is a position that establishes the length of the winding of the band about the long member at a prescribed length.

Abstract: A trim clip comprises a tether, a main clip body, and a pin. In the assembled condition, a body securing part and a trim securing part of the main clip body are directly connected. The trim securing part has a leg formed as a hollow tubular member. Flexible first latching pawls are formed in the leg and protrude radially outward from the leg. When the pin is inserted into the leg of the body securing part, then second latching pawls on the inside of the leg engage a latching shoulder on the pin, and pulling up on the pin is limited and inward movement of the first latching pawls is prevented, thus securing of the body securing part to a body panel is strengthened.

Abstract: A silicone tape having inherent elasticity and flexibility to allow for its significant stretching, which when unrolled from its tape roll, and its laminar film removed, can be stretched around the furniture or other componentry to hold it in position until any applied adhesive hardens, during furniture repair or manufacture.

Abstract: A fastening device and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the projection detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The female member and the male member comprises a ratchet system to removeably secure the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member mounted on an object. By securing a material such as a shade screen or a tarp on the male member by mating the male member with the female member, the shade screen or tarp may be detachably fastened onto an object.

Abstract: A clip assembly is provided for securing a crib bumper to a crib. The clip assembly may include a clip adapted to be secured to the crib bumper. The clip may include a body member having a first arm and a second arm coupled to the first arm. The clip may also include a clasping member carried by the body member and adapted to clasp the first arm and the second arm. The clip assembly may also include a belt adapted to secure the clip to a portion of the crib. The belt may include a strap member having a fastener, adapted to secure the strap member to the crib portion. The belt may also include a protruding member carried by the strap member and adapted to be received by the linking member.

Abstract: In an attachment structure, a vehicle-mounted electronic device is attached to a receiving box using an adjusting member for adjusting a difference between an external dimension of the electronic device and a dimension of a receiving space of the receiving box for receiving the electronic device. The adjusting member has an insertion-coupling device for insertion-coupling the adjusting member and the electronic device, and a first catch-coupling device for catch-coupling the adjusting member and the receiving box. The first catch-coupling device is an appended claw-receiving part that corresponds to a flexible claw on the receiving box, and the direction of insertion-coupling of the insertion-coupling device and the direction of catch-coupling of the first catch-coupling device are different.

Abstract: A pipe from a plastic material having memory properties is extruded. The extruded pipe is cut to form a pipe part (7). The pipe part (7) is warmed and the end (6b) of the pipe part (7) is bent. The pipe part (7) forms a clamping ring (6) and the bent end (6b) of the pipe part (7) forms a stop edge (10) in the clamping ring (6).

Abstract: A buckle includes a buckle body, two first retainers, and two second retainers connected respectively and detachably to the first retainers. The buckle body includes an insert groove having two upwardly facing openings, two stop portions, and a resilient pressing arm. The first retainers are inserted into the insert groove via the openings, respectively. Each of the first retainers includes a resilient retaining plate biased to a retaining position to prevent removal of the corresponding first retainer from the buckle body. Each of the resilient retaining plates is removable from the retaining position. When the resilient pressing arm is pressed, each of the resilient retaining plates is removed from the retaining position by the resilient pressing arms.

Abstract: A retrofittable hook protection device for use with a hook comprises a first member and a second member. The hook includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a hook portion and an end having an aperture, a gate for opening and closing an opening proximate the hook portion, and a lanyard operatively connected to the end proximate the aperture. The first member is configured and arranged to receive a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the end proximate a first side of the hook. The second member is configured and arranged to receive a third portion of the lanyard and a fourth portion of the end proximate a second side of the hook. The first and second members are connectable to sandwich the portions of the lanyard and the end therebetween.

Abstract: A retrofittable hook protection device for use with a hook is provided. The hook includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a hook portion and an end having an aperture, a gate for opening and closing an opening proximate the hook portion, and a lanyard operatively connected to the end proximate the aperture. The protection device includes a first and second member. The first member is configured and arranged to receive a first portion of the lanyard and a second portion of the end proximate a first side of the hook. A second member is configured and arranged to receive a third portion of the lanyard and a fourth portion of the end proximate a second side of the hook. The first and second members are connectable to sandwich the portions of the lanyard and the end there between.

Abstract: In the present invention, a lightweight apparatus for secure transport of cargo in cargo compartments, such as those found in trucks and freight trains, is provided. The ratchet buckle has a front reel which receives a cargo strap. The light weight of the ratchet buckle is achieved by the use of a dual purpose detachable ratcheting lever or wrench. The wrench has a wrench head which engages the front reel to tighten the ratchet buckle. The wrench also has a release end which engages a release hole in the ratchet buckle, to disengage the ratcheting mechanism and allow removal of the cargo strap. Additional purposes and advantages are provided herein.

Abstract: Safety ratchets provided herein allow for safely releasing tension in strap ratchets. A safety ratchet can tighten and then quickly reverse to slowly and controllably release tension, instead of abruptly releasing tension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing linear optoelectronic sensors are provided. A plurality of linear sensors may be utilized to obtain velocity measurements of a web material at two points. The acceleration of the web material may be determined from the velocity measurements and a control signal issued to a servo to maintain proper tension along the web material.

Abstract: The memorial with cremains provides a transparent or translucent glass memorial containing the cremains of the deceased with an article(s) of significance to the deceased and/or family and descendents. A method of forming the memorial comprises melting the glass to at least a plastic consistency, mixing the cremains therein, adding the article(s) of significance either in its entirety or disintegrated, optionally adding an inscribed placard within the molten glass, forming the glass to the desired shape, cooling the glass, and adding an inscription directly to the glass or separate placard if not included within the glass earlier. The glass may comprise or contain glass from another article favored by the deceased, e.g., a wine glass or bottle from a favorite beverage, etc. The article included therein may survive in its solid state or may be melted and fused with the glass, depending upon its melting point relative to the glass.

Abstract: A tool for dust cap removal/replacement and optical cleaner extender is described herein. According to one embodiment, a tool includes an elongate body having a frontend, a backend, and a tip member attached to the frontend of the elongate body, the tip member having a locking mechanism. When the tip member is pushed against a dust cap covering an optical connector mounted on a backplane of a network chassis, the locking mechanism interlocks with the dust cap thereby capturing the dust cap for removing the dust cap from the optical connector. The elongate body is long enough such that the tip member can be inserted into a slot of the network chassis from a front panel to reach the dust cap of the optical connector mounted on the backplane of the network chassis, without having to remove an adjacent circuit pack of the network chassis.

Abstract: A hand tool for removing flexible strips used to retain windows and screens onto doors. Each of the two blades of the strip all is optimized for use in removing one of the two flexible strip designs currently in use. The geometry of each blade is designed for ease of use and to protect the door, window, screen or operator from damage.

Abstract: Adjusting shafts (1;2) comprising a noise-insulating outer sleeve (1.3; 2.3) and shaft ends (1.1; 1.2; 2.1) that are free therefrom are produced in a brushing device by moving rotating brushes (4; 5) to an inserted shaft bar (3) which is provided in an uninterrupted manner with the outer sleeve and removing the outer sleeve in the area of the shaft ends in a brushing-off process. Advantageously, one respective continuous section (a; b) of the shaft ends of two adjusting shafts located one behind another is brushed off, whereupon the two shaft ends are separated from each other.

Abstract: The movement of small vertebrates, e.g. endangered or threatened species, into and/or out of defined areas, e.g. construction sites, is controlled by use of a barrier fence which includes an apertured polymeric sheet. The polymeric sheet includes an upper portion which extends upwards from the ground and a lower portion which is buried in the ground. The polymeric sheet is formed by first and second sets of polymeric strands which are bonded to each other and are spaced apart from each other, thus providing apertures. The height and depth of the barrier fence and the size of the apertures prevent the small vertebrates from crossing the fence, and the apertures permit wind and water flow through the barrier fence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16).

Abstract: A method of forming a sheet metal casket comprises providing a sheet metal casket shell having at least a portion of an end wall and at least a portion of a side wall and a round corner between the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall, and forming a generally planar corner oriented at about a 45° angle relative to the portion of the end wall and the portion of the side wall.

Abstract: Methods of assembling a vertebral anchor to a body shaped to receive a longitudinal member. The methods may include inserting a wear member and a head of an anchor into a cavity through an inlet in a first end of a body. The body may further include a second end with a channel to receive the longitudinal member. The method may include deforming the first end of the body and reducing a width of the inlet measured perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body and capturing the wear member and the head in the cavity. The method may also include compressing the wear member against the head of the anchor and increasing an amount of interference between the wear member and the head.

Abstract: A method of forming a metallic container includes the steps of providing body and lid portions, placing the body and lid portions together, keeping portions of the body and lid portions in contact with one another, and reciprocally rotating the lid portion with respect to the body portion, thereby generating frictional heat and forming a friction weld therebetween. An apparatus for attaching the lid and body portions of a metallic container includes a base to support the body, a support assembly to support a flange of the body, and a sonitrode for contacting a flange of the lid, wherein the flanges of the lid and body are held together between the support assembly and the sonitrode. A motor reciprocally rotates the sonitrode relative to the support assembly, thereby moving the flanges relative one another to generate frictional heat and create a friction weld therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to bimetallic leaf spring devices (100) that are responsive to changes in temperature, and methods of constructing and utilizing such devices. In one embodiment, the invention includes a clamping apparatus including a first strip (110) of a first material and a second strip (120) of a second material. The second strip (120) may be attached to the first strip (110) at least two attachment locations. The second strip (120) may be spaced apart from the first strip (110) at least one section between the at least two attachment locations, and at least one of the first material and the second material may include a thermally expansive material.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to support structures such as spacers used to provide a uniform distance between two layers of a device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the spacers may be formed utilizing flow-fill deposition of a wet film in the form of a precursor such as silicon dioxide. Formation of spacers in this manner provides a homogenous amorphous support structure that may be used to provide necessary spacing between layers of a device such as a flat panel display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for installing a land wind power generator by using lead rails, and the method includes the steps of: locating a lower support having an insertion protrusion, a horizontal stepped surface, and a ground anchor, under the ground; locating a pair of posts of a tower crane and a cage for each post at the horizontal stepped surface of the lower support, ascending a nacelle assembly and an overhead crane, and locating an intermediate support by means of an outside crane; and locating the lead rails along the ground and the front surface of the intermediate support and ascending an upper support along the lead rails by means of the overhead crane. Next, after a nacelle base, a support frame, the lead rails, and the tower crane are disassembled from the located positions, a plurality of propellers connected to rollers located inside a rotary part of the nacelle assembly are lifted by means of a winch and are inserted into a plurality of coupling grooves of the rotary part.

Abstract: An electrical machine includes a stator and a rotor. The stator has a central opening that is configured to receive the rotor. The rotor includes a generally cylindrical first section comprising a first material mounted on an axially extending shaft within the central opening. The rotor further includes a second section having a second material of a predetermined thickness that is plated integrally over at least a portion of the first section. The second material has a higher electrical conductivity relative to the first material.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming/inserting a magnet in a rotor. One method includes coating a plurality of magnetizable particles with a non-metallic material, inserting the coated particles in a rotor, and magnetizing the coated particles. Another method includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles into a rotor, submersing the rotor in motor varnish or another viscous, non-metallic material to coat the particles, and magnetizing the particles. Yet another method includes inserting a plurality of magnetizable particles in a rotor, inserting a non-metallic material into the rotor, mixing the particles and non-metallic material to form a mixture, curing the mixture to coat each particle with non-metallic material, and magnetizing the particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling bearings and a stub into a bore of a hub. The apparatus includes a block defining a receiving position for the hub. A feed mechanism arranges plurality of bearings in the form of an annular array. A first mandrel is axially displaceable toward one side of the hub to push the annular array of bearings into the bore of the hub. A second mandrel is axially displaceable toward an opposite side of the hub to push a stub within the annular array of bearings in the bore of the hub. The stub includes at least one outwardly biased detent for retaining the bearings in the hub.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of image pick-up device preventing deform of the optical element by the reflow process includes, a step of forming an by curing a thermosetting resin material having viscosity of 50 to 50,000 mPa·s under measuring condition at 23° C. and 500 Hz, a step of placing the optical element together with an electronic parts on a substrate, and a step mounting the optical element and the electronic parts on the above mentioned substrate by performing a reflow process to the optical element and the electronic parts on the substrate.

Abstract: A meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.

Abstract: Connectors are provided herein for connecting two elongated members that are positioned in-line to one another. Advantageously, the connectors not only allow for connection of the two members to permit for mechanical, electrical, EMI, and/or grounding applications, the connectors have provisions for accommodating thermal expansion and offset, which may include angular and/or axial offset. In certain embodiments, one or more collapsible housing pins or collars are provided to permit assembly and disassembly by either extending the housing pin or collapsing the housing pin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microplasma spray coating a portion of a substrate, such as a gas turbine compressor blade, without masking any portions thereof. The apparatus includes a microplasma gun with an anode, cathode, and an arc generator for generating an electric arc between the anode and cathode. An arc gas emitter injects inert gas through the electric arc. The electric arc is operable for ionizing the gas to create a plasma gas stream. A powder injector injects powdered material into a plasma stream. A localized area of the compressor blade is coated with the powdered material without having to mask the compressor blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing rotors or stators of a turbomolecular pump with rotor blades made of a specific aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A turbine blade including a root section at an end of the turbine blade, a first airfoil section adjacent to the root section, and a tip section adjacent to the airfoil section and including a material block that is incongruous with the airfoil section. A midspan section may also include a material block. Each material block can be selectively machined to customize the length of the turbine blade and the position of a tip shroud connection or midspan connection. The turbine blade can be sized for retrofitting last stage blades of older turbines. A radial position of the root mounts for the turbine blade may also be adjusted to provide further customization.

Abstract: Micro-fluid ejection heads and methods for fabricating micro-fluid ejection heads are provided, including those that use a non-conventional substrate and methods for making large array micro-fluid ejection heads. One such ejection head includes a substrate having a device surface with a plurality of fluid ejection actuator devices and a pocket disposed adjacent thereto. A chip associated with the plurality of fluid ejection actuator devices is attached in the chip pocket adjacent to the device surface of the substrate. A conductive material is deposited adjacent to the device surface of the substrate and in electrical communication with the chip.

Abstract: A base of a shock-absorbing front fork for a bicycle includes two straight tubes and a bridge. The bridge has two ends connected integrally with an upper section of each of the straight tubes. The bridge has a chamber therein. Thus, the base of the shock-absorbing front fork has the advantages of high structural strength and long service life.