Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a bypass pig. In one embodiment, a pig for cleaning a tubular string includes a cylindrical body and two or more scrapers disposed along an outer surface of the body. The scrapers are operable to engage and clean an inner surface of the tubular string. The pig further includes a bypass formed between the scrapers. The bypass is operable to: intake a portion of propellant from a tail of the body, conduct the portion of propellant along an outer surface of the body, and discharge the portion of propellant in front of the body.

Abstract: A cleaning device that includes a first component, a second component and a handle is provided. The first component is configured to hold a first portion of the cleaning device. The second component is configured to hold a second portion of the cleaning device. The first and second components are connected and are configured so that the first portion and the second portion on the respective first and second components are independently replaceable. The handle is coupled to the second component to control an application of at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the cleaning device on a surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning surfaces includes a supporting element that holds a plurality of bristles, or groups of bristles, and a handle for gripping and maneuvering the tool, the tool further including a coupling element that can be removably connected to the supporting element and to which the handle can be removably connected.

Abstract: A manually driven toothbrush creating the same force, effect and rotation as the electric powered toothbrush. The oval head is smaller in circumference to the handle, to allow the flexible movement between the two pieces and stimulate the pushing of the stem against the pillar of the first rotator cog, thereby creating the rotating motion of the three brushes. During use of the toothbrush, the applied force of the hand combined with the friction of the bristles against the tooth surface and the spring and stem between the two segments set in motion the three interlocked cogs to which the bristles are embedded causing the bristles to rotate accordingly. This oppositional rotation pressures against the teeth going back and forth, removing the plaque from high surfaces of the teeth with merely the force of a hand. Such movement and rotation, prevents abrasion, massages the gum, while also providing for 360 degree coverage of the tooth surface.

Abstract: A cleaning implement wherein a mono-fabric material is woven into a structure that provides a plurality of holes throughout the body of the cleaning implement such that the flow of water or other cleaning fluid is easily facilitated throughout the body of the cleaning implement thus removing both foreign contaminants and any added cleaning agent more efficiently saving natural resources while not scratching the surface of the item being cleaned.

Abstract: A rectangular paddle having a uniform thickness is capable of attaching to the rotor of a power trowel device. In one embodiment of the invention, the paddle is made of India rubber. The paddle is oriented on the rotor such that the angle between the paddle and the flooring surface is, in one embodiment of the invention, less than 45°. The paddle efficiently consolidates grout into the joints of a flooring material.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly is provided to connect a wiper blade to a plurality of wipe arms. The adaptor assembly includes a proximal member, a distal member, and a pair of side walls disposed between the proximal member and the distal member. A plurality of seats are provided adjacent to the side walls for supporting the plurality of wiper arms. At least one of the plurality of wiper arms defines a U-shaped housing.

Abstract: A rubber material of a wiper blade for windshield wipers is described, which comprises a first rubber component of a first polarity and a second rubber component of a second greater polarity. To equalize the first and second polarities, the first rubber component is at least partially replaced by a chemically functionalized derivative.

Abstract: In a device for cleaning chilled rolls that can keep higher cleanliness of a brush, a brush includes a rotatable cylindrical barrel including a number of suction through-holes extending from an outer periphery to inside, the barrel extending in parallel with an axis of the roll, grouped cleaning wires implanted on the outer periphery of the barrel and forming a helical bank extending from one end to the other end of the barrel for cleaning of the roll, and a dust suction port at one end of the barrel and in communication with an inner space of the barrel, the dust suction port being connected to an exhaust mechanism.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine (100) utilizing a vacuum device (10) includes a tank (20) having an inlet (22) through which dirt, debris, or soiled solution is pulled along with air into the tank (20). The tank (20) further includes first and second air outlets (24, 30) both in communication with the tank (20). Air in the tank (20) is drawable out through the first air outlet (24) and selectively drawable out through the second air outlet (30). A check valve (40) is mounted in the second air outlet (30) preventing airflow from the second air outlet (30) to the tank (20). The check valve (40) allows the air in the tank (20) to be drawn out through the second air outlet (30) when more vacuum power is needed. The check valve (40) prevents airflow from the second air outlet (30) to the tank (20) when air is not being drawn out of the second air outlet (30) and while air in the tank (20) is being drawn out through the first air outlet (24) when less vacuum power is needed.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides a flea vacuum. The device may include a nozzle having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening may have a tapered end and may be configured to vacuum an insect (e.g., a flea, etc). The device may also include a hose coupled to the nozzle. The device may also include an adapter coupled to the hose. The adapter may have an end configured for insertion into a vacuum. The device may also include a kill agent comprising bentonite as the active ingredient for killing and/or neutralizing pests, such as for example fleas. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A brush assembly, having a brush body, a brush cover mounted on the brush body, a suction port formed on the brush body, and a pet hair removal unit, is provided. The pet hair removal unit includes at least two pet hair removal members that are disposed apart from each other; and the at least two pet hair removal members rotate with respect to the brush body when the brush assembly moves forward and backward, alternately contacting a surface being cleaned, thereby removing dirt or dust such as pet hair from the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a drivable agitator in the form of a brush bar, rotatably housed in a housing. A motor is arranged to drive a mechanism, such as cams arranged to adjust the position of the brush bar with respect to the housing. An electro-mechanical feedback arrangement, which may include an actuator, is arranged to bear against microswitches to control operation of the motor. Different faces of the actuator are arranged to act against different ones of the microswitches in accordance with different positions of the brush bar. The height of the brush bar is selectively controllable between the predetermined positions, such that the depth of penetration of the bristles of the brush bar may be optimized for different types of carpet.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is generally composed of a suction unit provided with a suction source, a suction nozzle equipped with a suction port adapted to suck dust or like from a surface to be cleaned, a suction hose connected at one end to the suction nozzle and connected at another end to the suction unit, a low-center-of-gravity support member provided for the suction hose so as to serve as a fulcrum when the suction hose is bent and deformed, a wire member supported at a distal end by the suction nozzle and arranged along the suction hose, and a control unit used to bend and deform the suction hose by manipulating the wire member with the low-center-of-gravity support member serving as a fulcrum. This cleaning apparatus is specifically usable for a bottom surface of a reactor pressure vessel.

Abstract: A grommet assembly includes a retainer including a sleeve, and a boot secured to the retainer, including a first and a second series of pleats aligned with the sleeve, each pleat of the second series decreasing in size as distance from the retainer increases, each pleat of the first series having a substantially uniform size and spaced from a consecutive pleat of the first series by a distance that is less than a space between consecutive pleats of the second series.

Abstract: The carriage provided to hold a displaceable separation element comprises a carriage body provided with at least two running wheels, which carriage body is connected to a carrier profile, which serves to carry the separation element. According to the invention the threaded shank of an adjusting screw is rotationally held in the carriage body, which adjusting screw comprises below the screw head a flange ring, which supports a flange element provided in the carrier profile, which flange element comprises an opening, through which the screw head is guided. By rotating the adjusting screw the carrier profile can thus be optionally adjusted in height. In a preferred embodiment a tool channel is provided in the carrier profile, into which tool channel a conventional tool can be introduced.

Abstract: A swing hinge apparatus of a cellular phone according to the present invention includes: a plurality of first and second lower magnets having polarities different from each other; a lower casing, the first and second lower magnets being respectively inserted into one surface of the lower casing; a plurality of first and second upper magnets having the same polarities as the first and second lower magnets respectively; and a rotating plate provided over the lower casing, where the first and second upper magnets are respectively inserted into one surface thereof facing the lower casing.

Abstract: A hinge device prevents breakage of a structuring part from an increase in an internal pressure during overload. In the hinge device, first and second members are rotatable relative to each other. A case is fixed to either the first or second member, and a shaft body capable of rotating relative to the case is fixed to the other. A first chamber and a second chamber formed between the case and the shaft body are filled with viscous fluid. An orifice between the first and second chambers narrows a flow path for the viscous fluid moving from the first to second chamber, resisting rotation of the shaft body. A space region is provided in the shaft body, with a valve body movably placed therein. When pressure of the first chamber reaches a predetermined level, the valve body moves in the space region to increase the volume of the first chamber.

Abstract: The device for decelerating at least the closing rotation of a furniture hinge, comprises a container housing a first rotating friction element in contact at a first friction surface with the bottom of the container, a second fixed friction element overlapped to the first rotating friction element with which it is in contact at a second friction surface, and at least a third rotating friction element overlapped to the second fixed friction element with which it is in contact with at least a third friction surface, constraint means between the first friction element and the third friction element, a slider moveable along a direction of transition at least during the closing rotation and kinematic means for the conversion of the transition of the slider into a rotation of the first and third friction element in such a manner as to create a dragging friction at the first, second and third friction surface.

Abstract: A hinge, comprising a cup having a rim and an arm pivotably connected to the cup, wherein the arm is permitted to pivot between a closed position and an open position, the open position defining a opening angle between the cup and arm. An adjustable stopper coupled to the arm is engagable with the rim whereby the opening angle is controlled by adjustment of the stopper.

Abstract: A hinge is configured for routing electrical wiring therein. The hinge includes a pair of opposing bosses aligned along a rotational axis and a hollow portion having ends respectively engaging the bosses. The hollow portion is rotatable about the rotational axis, relative to the bosses. Wiring, such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) has a portion thereof inserted into the hollow portion. A rod is inserted into the hollow portion and aligned along the rotational axis. The rod fixes the inserted portion of the wiring in a neutral position, and thus, reduces wear and tear on the wiring caused by the hinge action.

Abstract: A washer is for a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a shaft. The washer is placed around the shaft. The engagement between the washer and the shaft is a clearance fit. By the clearance engagement between the washer and the main shaft, the mechanism efficiency is greatly improved.

Abstract: A luggage handle includes a support unit, a control unit and an operation unit. The support unit includes an outer tube having at least one locking hole. The control unit includes a first casing, a second casing, a slide, a push spring, a push shank, an elastic member, a weight and a restoring spring. Thus, when the luggage handle is subjected to a larger shock, the weight is moved downward to move its stop block to abut the limit block of the slide to prevent the locking stub of the slide from being detached from the locking hole of the outer tube and to prevent the pull bar and the inner tube of the operation unit from being moved outwardly from the support seat of the support unit.

Abstract: A door handle device arranged in a vehicle door is disclosed. The door handle device includes a support member, door handle, lock detection electrode, and capacitance sensor. The door handle includes a first end, second end, pivot portion, and operation portion. A capacitance sensor detects issuance of a door lock command from a change in capacitance between an outer panel and lock detection electrode. The door handle includes a first handle case and second handle case covering the first handle case. The lock detection electrode is proximal to and faces an inner surface of at least one of an upper wall and lower wall of the second handle case. The lock detection includes an electrode end face facing the outer panel and formed to be non-planar.

Abstract: A handgrip pivot structure is provided for a hand puller, including two spaced anus defining aligned holes, a shaft rotatably arranged between the arms, and a collar rotatably fit over the shat for being hand held by an operator to reciprocally sway the hand puller and thus tighten or loosen a cable. The present invention provide such a feature that two pivoting arrangements are provided respectively between the shaft and the collar and between the shaft and the holes of the arms, whereby 360 degree full-turn rotation of the handgrip can be realized with more smooth operation than the conventional structure and jamming and stress concentration can be effectively eliminated.

Abstract: A disengageable clip is provided which has a first configuration to permit an item to be securely gripped and a second configuration that permits the item to be disengaged. Once disengaged, the clip may be removed from the item and/or may be repositioned and then reattached to the item. The clip may include a clip member having an engagement portion defining an open loop and a clip portion extending therefrom. The clip may also include a sleeve slidably positioned upon the clip portion and at least one stop having a width greater than the sleeve. The sleeve may be configured to translate along the clip portion between first and second positions. The first position is proximate the engagement portion and may cause the engagement portion to grip the item. Conversely, the second position is spaced from the engagement portion by the stop to permit disengagement from the item.

Abstract: An improved pocket money band apparatus made of a resilient material adapted to hold bill money and credit cards.

Abstract: A fast looping-up and releasing rope loop assembly includes two one-way locking devices, at least one band, and a buckle. The one-way locking device includes a body constituted by a base and a cover. The one-way locking device allows the pull rope to extend therethrough and to move with respect thereto along a single direction. By inserting the pull rope through a rope entry opening of the base of the one-way locking device and further extending the rope around a rotary disk and a rotary wheel arranged inside the locking device and extending out of the locking device, the one-way locking device that locks the movement of the rope in an opposite direction is completed. When the rope is jammed due to excessive tightening, a presser of the buckle is depressed to release the one-way locking device from the jamming condition so that efficient loop-up and release can be realized.

Abstract: A securing device including a body being coupled to a first portion of a restraint. The body includes a receiving portion which is able to receive therethrough a second portion of the restraint. In one form, the restraint may be a dog leash or similar.

Abstract: A self-locking clamp includes a head and a terminal end that is formed with a linear element of substantially rectangular section having one extremity connected to the head and one rack provided with teeth, wherein the sides of these teeth are free and not constrained by or integral with any lateral ribs or shoulders. In particular, in each cross section of the terminal end, the thickness of the linear element that is useful for bending is less than the overall height of the terminal end.

Abstract: An anti-entanglement apparatus that is intended to prevent bed sheet entanglement during machine tumble drying, is provided and includes a hub with at least four radially extended arms attached. The distal end of each arm is permanently attached to a readily releasable holding device. To utilize the apparatus the operable portion of a said holding device is attached to a bed sheet at, or near, the center of one edge. The remaining edges of a said bed sheet are connected to the hub using the same method. The apparatus thereby holds the center of the four bed sheet edges in close proximity to one another during a tumble drying cycle. This arrangement prevents a bed sheet from enveloping other laundry during the drying cycle. No tangles equate to a shorter drying time and reduced power requirements. The end user saves money while producing a smaller carbon foot print.

Abstract: A child safe fastening device comprises a clip, one or more than one padded layer covering one or more surfaces of the clip and one or more than one cover layer secured to the padded layer. The clip, the padded layer, and the cover layer form a plush device.

Abstract: A buckle attachment device is provided for removably securing a buckle and a strap to form a unified strap object, such as a belt. The buckle attachment device enables a user to select one of a wide variety of buckles to be coupled with one of a wide variety of straps that may be custom cut to a desired length. The selected buckle and strap are then removably secured by the user to the buckle attachment device without the need for specialized tools or additional binding components.

Abstract: The tie-down provides an adjustable strap under control of a ratchet during retraction and pay-out. The tie-down is provided with a strap issuing rearward from a transverse bar between base sides, the bar being an integral part of the base, three sides having been rolled up from the base bottom into a C-shaped bar opening rearward. A forward strap issues forward from the tie-down secured to a spindle to which ratchet wheels attach. The forward strap wraps the spindle during tie-down strap retraction.

Abstract: A lace tip for connecting on an end of a lace, and the lace tip includes a lace holding portion and an elastic portion. The lace holding portion is made of hard plastic and includes a sidewall, a closed end and an open end, wherein the sidewall defines an inner channel between the closed end and the open end, and the inner channel communicates with the open end through which the end of the lace is held in the inner channel. The elastic portion is made of soft rubber and is connected to the lace holding portion by an engaging effect to cover at least a segment of the lace holding portion.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.

Abstract: A lens assembly alignment apparatus for a camera lens module is provided. The lens assembly alignment apparatus includes a position alignment apparatus that moves a lens assembly in a direction of an optical axis of the lens assembly and on a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The apparatus also includes a slant alignment apparatus having first and second rotary axes which extend perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens assembly, respectively. The lens assembly is received in a housing, and the slant alignment apparatus aligns an optical axis of an image sensor, which is mounted in the housing, parallel to the optical axis of the lens assembly by rotating the housing about each of the first and second rotary axes.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing steering knuckle (kingpin) bearings includes a table having multiple, adjustable slides for receiving and securing the steering knuckle to the table, a boring bar and cutter, two adjustable bearing supports for receiving and positioning the boring bar along an axis coincident with the axis of the kingpin bearings, a first drive assembly for advancing the boring bar and a second drive assembly for rotating the boring bar. A method of repairing a steering knuckle comprises securing the knuckle to the slides and the slides to the table, utilizing cylindrical centering rings to align the boring bar with the axis of the kingpin bearings, supporting and securing the boring bar on the previously established axis in a pair of bearing supports and rotating and feeding the boring bar and cutter to create new surfaces in the steering knuckle adapted to receive bearing sleeves.

Abstract: Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source.

Abstract: A method to assemble a nozzle-fastener assembly including: inserting a hollow stem through a wash liquid direction device; inserting the hollow stem through a mounting block; positioning an inside surface of the mounting block against a curved surface of a wash liquid distribution pipe and an outside surface of the block against the wash liquid direction device; attaching the nozzle-fastener to an aperture in the pipe such that an inlet to the hollow stem is in fluid communication with a wash liquid passage in the pipe, wherein the stem extends through the mounting block and the wash liquid direction device, and the stem includes a outlet for the wash liquid passing through the hollow stem and to the wash liquid direction device, and wherein the wash liquid direction device and mounting block are held together by the attachment of the nozzle-fastener to the aperture in the wash liquid pipe.

Abstract: There is a dry test strip holder having a test port and a retainer defining a well about the test port, and a sheet of test strip material. A test element that is 50% or less greater than the size of the test port is cut from the sheet using a die and punch. The punch drives the test element through a channel in the die while the cone-shaped outer surface of the die spreads the retainer, allowing the test element to drop into the well. A cap is snapped over the retainer to capture the test element.

Abstract: A method of producing a filter unit, such as an air/oil separator, having a tubular filter element bonded at one end to an end cap, is proposed. The method includes the steps of: providing a tubular filter element and an end cap; melting a portion of the end cap; and embedding an end of the filter element into the melted portion of the end cap. The melted portion, on cooling, solidifies to bond the tubular filter element to the end cap. The end cap can be formed of thermoplastic containing an electrically conductive filler. The end cap can be formed of a thermoplastic having a melting point of at least 180 C. The method may further include, after the embedding step, a step of forcing melted thermoplastic from the melted portion radially against a side wall of the tubular filter element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a disc-shaped device for storing and dispensing perfume which has a plurality of compartments for storing different perfumes by molding a unitary piece of plastics material to form at least one wall of a compartment, resilient bands, a sealing stem flange and an actuating stem.

Abstract: A machine tool has, on a machine bed, two stands which can be moved in the horizontal x- and z-direction, on which y-slides carrying tool spindles can be vertically moved. Arranged on one of the stands directly above a bridge projecting over its upper side is at least one tool magazine, with which a tool changer is associated for each stand. The drives for the y-slides are attached below the upper side of the stands to the stands.

Abstract: Improved plant for the electrochemical formation of lead-acid batteries, which comprises a circuit for circulating the electrolytic solution for the purpose of controlling its temperature and electrolytic concentration, provided with supply means for conveying into the cells via a first distribution header a first flow of electrolytic solution at a constant piezometric pressure and return means for removing under a vacuum by means of a suction header the first flow of electrolytic solution from the cells. A cap, which comprises an inlet pipe connected via a first connecting line to the first distribution header and an outlet pipe, is removably mounted in a sealed manner on each cell. Each cap also comprises at least one ventilation pipe which connects the internal environment of the cell, present underneath the lid, to the external environment which is at atmospheric pressure, so as to dilute the formation of inflammable gases inside said cell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrosurgical tool includes the initial step of coupling a proximal end of a substantially malleable elongate tube-like shaft to a distal end of a housing. A tub-like dielectric sheath is disposed on the tube-like shaft. The method also includes the steps of coupling a tube-like electrode having a first thermal conductivity K1 coaxially through the tube-like dielectric sheath and coupling a proximal end of the tube-like electrode to a source of suction to provide fluid communication between the tube-like electrode and the source of suction. The method also includes the steps of electrically connecting the tube-like electrode to a source of energy and coupling a thermally conductive member to the tube-like shaft. The thermally conductive member has a second thermal conductivity K2 that is less than K1 and is configured to impede the propagation of thermal energy proximally.

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of thick conducting lines for display devices by means of plating method whereby low resistivity for fabricated conductors and at the same time low manufacturing cost are realized. Plating method can be electroplating, electroless plating or combination of both. Substrate in displays can be flat or can have predefined grooves therein. Over this substrate, a thick layer of conductor is applied by means of plating method. The instant invention can reduce row resistance to more than one fourth of original value and in the same time reduce total cost of completed panel.

Abstract: A turbine rotor blade repair method which reduces the occurrence of cracks due to welding is provided. A turbine rotor blade repair method for repairing damage of a fin at a tip of a turbine rotor blade includes overlaying a damaged portion of the fin with metal by welding (step S2); peening on a boundary region between the fin and the overlaying metal (step S4); and after the peening, performing solution treatment to repair the damage of the fin of the turbine rotor blade (step S6).

Abstract: A method of assembling a frame and suspension module includes determining locations of first and second suspension member supports on the frame. Target positions of first and second connections between the frame and third and fourth suspension members are defined based on the locations of the first and second suspension member supports. Target positions of third and fourth connections between a fifth suspension member and the first and second suspension members are defined based on the locations and the target positions of the first and second connections. The first and second suspension members are connected to the frame at the locations. The third and fourth suspension members are connected to the frame at the first and second target positions. The fifth suspension member is connected to the first and second suspension members at the third and fourth target positions.