Abstract: The present invention provides a wearable body armor suit, comprising a plurality of body armor components that are connected together by an impact-resistant material, wherein the impact-resistant material comprises Vectran™ or woven chain mail, and wherein the body armor components are formed of carbon fiber or liquid crystal polymer fiber that is woven or formed into a platen. The platen is molded or curved to accommodate the shape of a body part being covered by the body armor component, for localized and directed protection of strategically important body parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an impact-resistant suit having a base layer of material dimensioned to fit over a body of a wearer, and at least one impact-resistant panel attached to the base layer, the impact-resistant panel being sized and positioned with respect to the base layer to protect a specific part of the body of the wearer from localized impacts. In some embodiments, the impact-resistant suit comprises a super buoyant wetsuit having an upper body portion that substantially resists crush-down at extreme pressures.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising having a protective shell, and a headgear mounted to the protective shell, wherein the headgear includes a tilt mechanism, the tilt mechanism comprising a tilt arm having a spring secured to the tilt arm, the spring having free portion disposed between a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and second portion being secured to the tilt arm and the free portion being free from the tilt arm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved method for manufacturing a garment to be printed by dye sublimation printing. The method includes constructing a garment having first and second panels joined together along a perimeter edge by a seam, placing a piece of transfer paper having a pattern printed thereon with dye in contact with the garment such that the piece of transfer paper covers at least a portion of the first and second panels and extends over at least a portion of the seam, and applying heat to the piece of transfer paper and the garment to cause the dye on the transfer paper to sublimate such that the pattern from the transfer paper is visible on the portion of the first panel covered by the piece of transfer paper substantially to and along the portion of the at least one seam covered by the transfer paper, but is not visible on the second panel.

Abstract: An infant massage garment including a body portion, sleeves, a hood, and first and second inwardly folding chest flaps having an arcuate shape, the garment defining openings therethrough for accessing the wearers skin through the garment. The garment may further include detachable blanket and towel layers that may also include corresponding openings therethrough.

Abstract: A weather-resistant, protective garment particularly for wear by operators, occupants, and passengers of motor-sports vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, and open aircraft, includes a water-proof garment shell provided with a pair of hoods. An inner one of the hoods is wearable under a helmet, and provides protection against water dripping into a neck opening of the garment. The inner hood also provides additional warmth during cold weather conditions. An outer one of the pair of hoods can be worm without a helmet, and the pair of hoods can be worn together in severe weather conditions as well.

Abstract: A firefighter jacket that comprises a torso-covering portion and a pair of sleeves, wherein at least one pocket is positioned on the torso-covering portion. The pockets comprise an interior chamber and an opening to the interior chamber. The interior chamber has a width and a depth that varies along the width. The opening to the interior chamber is of a width that is less than the width of the interior chamber.

Abstract: A medical modesty garment is disclosed which allows easy access to and removal from a patient's body while providing improved patient modesty and privacy. The medical modesty garment may comprise a lower garment shaped like shorts, and/or an upper garment shaped like a tee shirt. The medical modesty garment of the invention may comprise perforations that may be torn to provide selective access to a patient's body or that may be torn to easily remove the garment from the patient.

Abstract: An invention comprising a simulated pre-knotted doubly adjustable breakaway fabric necktie. Sixteen parts are folded, sewn and assembled together in such manner as to produce a non-obvious single piece necktie. The assembly is best under stood when perceived in three segments. Segment #1 is comprised of seven parts which make up the neck encircling straps. Segment #2 is comprised of five parts which make up the front panels of the tie. Segment#3 comprises four parts which make up the simulated knot portion of the necktie. Segment #1 is three lengths of fabric, folded, sewn and interlocked in a manner such that a single adjustable neck strap of approximately one inch width and varied lengths to accommodate neck sizes from boys to men is produced. Two three inch straps make up the two ends of the total neck wrap.

Abstract: An elastic cords-free and foldable mask (1) with temples (2) comprises a mask (1) consists essentially of two partial masks (11); an elastic element (12) or flexible nose pad (13) is set to connect said partial masks (11) and a pair of pivoting temples (2) which can be rotated and adjusted its angle are disposed on both lateral sides of said mask (1). Each temple (2) includes a curved section (21) to provide the temple (2) with elasticity, and a holding section (22) to engage the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A sports-type cap comprises a crown structure and a bill attached at its first edge portion to a crown structure's lower edge portion. A fabric strap is secured at its first end portion within an interface between the crown structure and the bill, and extends outwardly from the interface over the bill's upper surface. A first magnet is attached to a second end portion of the fabric strap. A second magnet is attached to the bill adjacent its second edge portion. A third magnet is attached to the crown structure at a location above the interface. The magnets are jointly positioned and configured to allow the first magnet to be selectively engaged with/disengaged from the second magnet for securing the fabric strap in a stowed orientation and to allow the first magnet to be selectively engaged with/disengaged from the third magnet for securing the fabric strap in an eyeglass-securing orientation.

Abstract: Stem holders are attached to opposing sides of the headwear crown, each forming an opening extending from its front edge to its back edge. The front and back edges of each stem holder may be partially attached to the crown such that the opening is larger along the front than along the back. At least a portion of the opening may be angled downward from front to back. For brimmed headwear, a raised flair may be positioned on the brim to create a pocket between it and the crown. For brimless headwear, the raised flair may be attached to the front of the crown to form a pocket between it and at least a portion of the crown. In either the brimmed or brimless configuration, the lens portion of the glasses will rest in the pocket when the stems of the glasses are inserted into the stem holders.

Abstract: Foot Alignment Socks are a uniquely designed adaptation of regular socks used to alleviate minor foot problems. Foot Alignment Socks differ from traditional socks in that there is no covered toe assembly. Instead the socks have four separators which fit in between the toes. They are cylindrical and sturdy yet soft and yielding as they are constructed from the same fabric as the body of the sock. The separators stretch and align toes into proper position in respect to the rest of the foot. This toe alignment counters the harmful effects of daily foot compression and stress caused by tight and ill-fitting shoes as well as relieving foot pain from excess walking, standing, jogging, or strenuous sports and activities. With consistent use Foot Alignment Socks soothe and straighten crooked and deformed toes. They are ideal as an over-night foot maintenance treatment.

Abstract: An iron-on pants leg or arm sleeve fabric extender used to either increase the number of times a child/person is able to wear a garment and/or to add personalized embellishments to articles of clothing. The additional fabric is simply attached by using a hot iron to affix the iron-on tape between the extender cuff and the article of clothing.

Abstract: To provide a seam of attractive appearance in which tightening force is increased and raveling are prevented drastically. A seam (1) is formed by two needles (11, 12) juxtaposed in the direction at substantially right angles to the sewing direction (T), and consists of a chain seam (10) formed by a needle thread (12) passed through one needle (11), and a lock seam (20) formed by a needle thread (22) passed through the other needle (21). The loop (13) of a needle thread forming the chain seam (10) is passed through the loop (23) of a needle thread forming the lock seam (20) before tightening of stitch is performed, and a loop of the needle thread forming the chain seam located on a downstream side in the sewing direction is passed through the loop of the needle thread forming the upstream chain seam.

Abstract: Described is an adsorption filter material, in particular for NBC protective apparel, preferably for wearing next to the skin, in particular as an undergarment (underwear), wherein the adsorption filter material has a multilayered construction, wherein the multilayered construction comprises a first textile sheet material, a second textile sheet material and an adsorption layer disposed between the first and the second textile sheet materials, wherein the adsorption layer includes discrete, in particular grain-shaped, preferably sphere-shaped, sorbent particles, preferably based on activated carbon, adsorbing chemical and/or biological poison and noxiant materials, in particular warfare agents.

Abstract: A waistband for a pantyhose, a pantyhose including the waistband and a method of making the pantyhose. The waistband includes a cylindrical elastic material measured to cover body of a pantyhose wearer from a top of hip bone downward over the hip bone. Such a low-lying waistband covers the hip comfortably and is supported by the hip bone such that it does not cut into the softer parts of the abdomen to create pain in the skin and internal organs. Both the width and location of the waistband hold the pantyhose in place. The waistband continues downward from the top of the hip bone and ends substantially where the hip bone connects to the leg bone.

Abstract: A mask is described herein that uses correlated magnets which enable a person to easily secure and remove the mask to and from their head. Some examples of such a mask include a scuba mask, a welding mask, a fencing mask, a goalie mask, a paint mask, a paintball mask, a catcher's mask, a ski mask, a goalie mask, an oxygen mask, a surgical mask, a face shield, a filter mask, a theatrical mask, a costume mask, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.

Abstract: An article or a device comprising a delivery means which includes a non-liquid lavatory treatment material which includes a first air treatment constituent in its composition, and wherein the device also includes an air treatment means particularly where the air treatment means is used to treat the ambient environment in the near vicinity, or in the in the proximity of the lavatory appliance with which the article or device is used.

Abstract: A plug puller device and method for removing a clean-out plug from a drain clean-out and permit draining of a drain line below an obstruction prior to removing the obstruction. The device includes first and second housings. The first housing includes a drain connected to its interior. The first end of the first housing is adapted to be removably attached to the clean-out. The first end of the second housing is removably attached to the second end of the first housing. A rod is slidably received in an opening at the second end of the second housing. A fitting is attached to a first end of the rod for coupling and uncoupling with the plug through movement of the rod. A second end of the rod forms a connector to which a tool can be coupled to rotate the rod.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid includes a fluid chamber. A plunger is received in an aperture in the fluid chamber, and is movable between a fluid retention position in which fluid is substantially trapped in the fluid chamber and a fluid release position in which fluid can escape from the fluid chamber through passages in the plunger. The plunger is biased into the fluid retention position. A driver drives a plunger actuator, and the plunger actuator is guided into engagement with the plunger to cause the plunger and the plunger actuator to move in unison and move the plunger into the fluid release position during a first portion of a stroke of the driver towards the fluid chamber, and the plunger actuator is further guided to permit the plunger to return to the fluid retention position during a second portion of the stroke.

Abstract: A water flushing device includes a membrane engaged onto an upper portion of a housing for blocking the housing, a valve device for selectively blocking or opening a central opening of the membrane, and two or more gaskets selectively engaged into the membrane and having bores of different inner diameters for adjusting the water flushing speed through the membrane and the gaskets and for adjusting the water flushing from an outlet port of the housing to the floor toilet bowl. The membrane includes an inner peripheral rim and an outer peripheral rim each having a blade for reinforcing the membrane, and includes a number of plates engaged in the middle peripheral portion for further reinforcing the membrane.

Abstract: This invention is a toilet flushing system. It consists of a button controlled pressure flushing device, a sealed water tank, a flushing valve, major and minor flushing control valves, an air induce device and a one-way water valve. The characteristic of the system is that the button controlled pressure flushing device has a water-volume adjustable valve, a flushing valve with a sealed cavity which has a water injection pipe and a water release pipe. The inlet and the outlet of the water-volume adjustable valve are connected to the outlet of the one-way water valve and water injection pipe of the flushing valve respectively. The inlets of the major and minor flushing control valve are connected to the water release pipe of the flushing valve. The outlets of the major and minor control valves are linked to the main release outlet which has large diameter and high speed on-off action.

Abstract: An adapter cup for use in a multi-piece valve assembly, a universal flush valve assembly kit and a method of installing in a flush tank with a discharge hole. The kit has a first adapter cup, an additional adapter cup and a main body valve fitting. The adapter cups have substantially identical upper rims that are configured for attachment to the main body valve fitting. Each adapter cup has a lower cylindrical portion with a different outer diameter than that of the other adapter cup. The lower portion of one of the adapter cups is inserted into a discharge hole of like or substantially similar diameter. The main body fitting with an inlet and outlet is attached to the rim of the inserted adapter cup. A flapper is swingable relative to the main body fitting from a closed position abutting the outlet to an open position raised from the inlet. A single flush tank valve assembly can be installed into toilet tanks with different sized discharge holes.

Abstract: A water stopper for a toilet tank to allow fine-tune adjustment of water flushing amount of the toilet tank includes at least a cap, a dome and an adjustment strut that are incorporated with a stopping gasket and a washer. The dome is a hollow semi-sphere coupled on the bottom of the cap and turnable, and has a water inlet at the bottom thereof and an air vent at one side. It further has features as follow: the cap has a coupling portion on the bottom to fasten to one end of the adjustment strut. The adjustment strut has a stopping disc at other end. The stopping disc has an aperture corresponding to the water inlet of the dome. By turning the dome, the water inlet and the aperture of the stopping disc can be overlapped at a desired ratio, thereby water entering speed into the dome can be fine tuned to control water flushing amount of the toilet tank.

Abstract: There are provided sanitary assemblies (101) comprising a toilet cistern (103) and conveying means, including a pump (107), for conveying waste water into said cistern (103) from an article of sanitary ware such that said waste water can be re-used. Also provided are toilet assemblies comprising such sanitary assemblies and methods for their use.

Abstract: A modular portable cabana-type restroom includes a roof, base platform, foot portions, side wall panels, a back wall panel, four corner portions and a door. The side wall panels and back wall panel are provided with vertically-disposed hooks for interlocking with complementary slots along the edges of the corner portions. The roof is provided with clips for engaging the corner portions. This permits convenient interlocking removable assembly of the wall panels, corner portions and roof without the use of mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, screws or nuts and bolts. Recesses in the foot portions accept the insertion of the corner portions and corners of the base portion, which are then secured together through formed apertures using a minimum number of mechanical fasteners. This provides for easy assembly and disassembly of the restroom for transport, repair and storage.

Abstract: Provided is an installation process and product designed to retrofit an existing bathtub by cutting and removing a section of the existing sidewall of the bathtub and adding a generally U-shaped structure featuring an operational and watertight and sealable door. The surface of the U-shaped structure may also feature a skid resistant tread plate on its top surface to help prevent a user from slipping and/or falling. The door may also feature a handle for ease in opening and closing the door and a latch to secure the door in a closed position.

Abstract: A portable shower tub provides an upright enclosure to allow a person to bathe without a fixed tub. The portable shower tub may be a collapsible design formed of telescoping slats concentrically arranged to form substantially a semi-cone. The slats may be configured to interlock with a watertight seal, or a liner may be suspended from the rim to hold water. A liner may be formed of an antimicrobial substance and/or treated with a mold inhibitor to promote sanitary use.

Abstract: A systematic decontamination and containment method for decontaminating personnel is disclosed. This method includes providing a plurality of components positionable on a selected location for establishment of a multi-station decontamination and containment facility to decontaminate personnel and to contain contaminants collected during the decontamination process. The components can include a plurality of collapsible frame and roof assemblies, wall and roof covers, a weapons clearing assembly, a weapons storage locker, a hanging bar, a signage assembly, collapsible containment hamper assemblies, a covered dispensing assembly, a shuffle box, a multi-wipe dispensing assembly, and a transportable containment enclosure. The enclosure is shaped and sized to removably retain the system's components for transportation or the like.

Abstract: A faucet spout structure comprises a spout housed between upper and lower housings of a water supply seat and assembled onto an outlet mount equipped with handles and a deck. The spout has a first connecting tube with an abutment surface and a stepwise coupling section extending at one end, to which a sealing ring and a coupling cavity of a second connecting tube are sequentially joined and firmly located by a buckling collar. The second connecting tube has the other end equipped with an external-threaded locking section and a stepwise conjoining section to fix to an assembling section of an outlet duct mounted to the outlet mount. The first connecting tube also has a fixing section defined by a water outlet to which a nozzle is secured and fixed to the conjoining end area of the upper and lower housings, achieving flexible assembly and maintenance of the spout thereby.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an integrated patient room having multiple features designed to enhance the safety, satisfaction and/or outcomes for a patient and/or caregiver. In one embodiment, the integrated patient room comprises at least one bed and at least one chair. The bed and the chair can each assume a wide range of positions, and can be pre-programmed into preferred positions. Further, the bed, chair, and/or other components in the patient room may be automatically synchronized with one another to facilitate transfer of a patient. A touch screen monitor with an intuitive graphical user interface may be employed as a communication portal. The functions of the bed, chair and/or other components in the room may be accessed and/or controlled through the communication portal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alleviating insect infestation, such as bed bugs, dust mites and the like, in bedding is described. A cooling member in the form of a flexible tubing array (12) located in a gel (34) is located below two layers of bedding e.g. a mattress and a sheet (36, 38). Coolant is pumped through the tubing to bring the temperature of the mattress down to between 0- to 9-C and thereby kill the insects in the mattress. The apparatus can be set to pump coolant through the mattress for a fixed time period each day when the bed is unoccupied.

Abstract: The pressure of air to be fed into each of air cells (51-54) of an air mattress body (50) is selected by an air pressure selector (12) based on body information entered through an entry control panel (20), thereby adjusting the mattress hardness. Meanwhile, an operating mode selector switch (17) selects one of a rest mode and a pressure switch mode as an operating mode of the air mattress body (50).

Abstract: A spring mattress for beds is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the spring mattress includes a plurality of strings which are interconnected side by side and include a continuous casing material with a plurality of separate pockets with coil springs enclosed therein. Moreover the casing material for at least some pockets is at least substantially airtight, thus providing a resistance to air being pressed out when the springs of the mattress are loaded, which, when subjected to a uniform load during a transition period, results in a gradually increasing depression of the spring to its depressed state. This results in a comfortable mattress, into which the user sinks gradually and which thus is comfortable and safe and allows the user to move easily. A corresponding method and device for manufacturing such a mattress are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to xyloglucanases belonging to family 44 of glycosyl hydrolases and having a relative xyloglucanase activity of at least 30% between pH 5 and pH 8 are derived from the genus Paenibacillus, especially from a strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa or Paenibacillus sp. The xyloglucanases exhibit high performance in conventional detergent compositions.

Abstract: The present invention has for object an oil-in-glycol lamellar gel, which comprises (a) at least one glycol, (b) at least one fatty alcohol, (c) at least one cationic surfactant, (d) at least one non-ionic surfactant and (e) at least one amino acid, for application as an addictive for permanent or semi-permanent keratin fiber color products, being the said lamellar gel able to improve dispersion of colorant agents in the color composition and the distribution, diffusion, interaction and maintenance of the colorant agents in the keratin fibers, which results in greater color vitality and retardation of the discoloring process.

Abstract: There is provided a system for cleaning a surface of a solar cell panel. The system includes a measurement unit measuring a power generation value of a solar cell panel, a reference unit providing a reference value, a control unit comparing the power generation value measured at the measurement unit with the reference value provided from the reference unit to command cleaning of the solar cell panel, a driving unit operating a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface of the solar cell panel. The control unit commands cleaning of the solar cell panel only when the power generation value decreases because of a contamination of the surface of the solar cell panel.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing sanitizing fluid via a ring with disjoined ends. The ring flexes to enlarge a gap between the disjoined ends for placement of the device about a shopping cart handle. The ring also flexes to reduce the gap for wiping the shopping cart handle with a moistened wipe that is retained on an inner periphery surface of the ring. The ring includes a refillable cavity forming a reservoir within the body to provide a store of sanitizing fluid that is dispersed through an opening in the inner periphery of the ring onto or through the moistened wipe. The reservoir may be refilled by opening a plug or diaphragm disposed on the outer periphery of the ring and inserting a refill needle.

Abstract: A paint remover including a receptacle adapted to hold a hot air gun having a hot air output and an attachment coupled to the receptacle for attaching a blade to the receptacle and for aligning the blade with the hot air output.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for use with cleaning implements such as push brooms has a handle connector for mounting a handle and a plate with a pair of depending flanges that are inserted into the broom head. The bracket assembly may be removably secured to the broom head with a fastener such as bolt and nut to provide an attachment mechanism having sufficient strength to withstand repeated sweeping motion. The removable bracket allows the arrangement of the handle and broom head to be reversed so that both faces of the broom head and bristles can be used interchangeably for sweeping. The removable bracket can be used with cleaning implements having heads of various dimensions and shapes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mascara brush for the make-up of eyelash, more particularly, to a mascara brush which the disk-type comb tooth is formed to one side to be continued and repeated and a rubber hair is formed to another side in all directions. The mascara brush for the make-up of eyelash according to the present invention of which is comprised, forming a disc-type plate comb hair to one side to be separated and repeated, forming a rubber hair to another side against the plate comb tooth to be repeated in all directions after dividing into two along with the length direction of a brush core, which is connected with a brush stick, is provided.

Abstract: A flexible steam frame for use with a steam appliance having a rigid base and a plurality of flexible members that extend from the base to form a skeleton about a space for steam distribution. A hose with holes may extend from the base to the end of the skeleton to improve distribution. The base may include a handle which is coupled to a steam appliance. The wires may extend from the base, turn at a right angle and return to the base. The members may be metallic or plastic members in two spaced apart planes in an arc between about 20 to 90 degrees, or may be a plurality of wires which define a cylindrical form or a space having a substantially triangularly shaped profile. A matching towel with an opening on one or two sides is placed over the members and secured by elements attached to the opening(s).

Abstract: A surface cleaner and a method for using the surface cleaner are disclosed. The surface cleaner comprises a cleaner body with a lid, a hand gripping post and a thumb rest. The cleaning may be performed by a pad attached to the bottom of the cleaner body. Alternatively a sheet, such as a cloth or a paper towel, folded into the inside of the surface cleaner may be used. To hold the surface cleaner, the hand gripping post is inserted between the middle and ring fingers and the thumb is rested on the thumb rest.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided to clean a sophisticated electric device. The apparatus has cleaning units and each of the cleaning units has a cambered top. Thus, coordinated with an actuating device, a sophisticated electric device can be cleaned by using the cleaning apparatus with cleaning units having cambered tops.

Abstract: A connector between a windscreen wiper and a drive arm, with the wiper extending in a longitudinal direction, and the connector being capable of being installed in a free end of the arm, includes an attachment part equipped with a housing open towards a bottom and allowing removable attachment according to a vertical direction of the wiper with the connector, and elastically deformable locking means having a portion that is capable of ensuring locking in the longitudinal direction of the connector in an installed position thereof in the free end of the arm. The attachment part is designed to cooperate with an installation element other than the locking means and is permanently fixed to the wiper. The locking means comprise a tab that extends in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a windshield wiper cover for covering a region located in front of a windshield in the direction of travel. The windshield wiper cover contains at least two elements which can be connected to each other via a double interlocking connection, and can each be fixed to the motor vehicle body. One of the two elements is configured as a service flap and, by being opened, permits access to a component arranged there below without the other element of the windshield wiper cover also having to be removed for this purpose.

Abstract: There is provided a waste discharge valve for a vacuum-conveyance waste collection system in which waste put in a waste receiving device is automatically conveyed to a central waste collection station through a conveying line.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a filtration apparatus comprising at least one cyclone and at least one filter mounted in a filter housing. The filter housing has a lower portion, such as a bottom door, that is openable and the filter is visible, and a dirt collection area upstream of the filter is emptyable, when the lower portion is opened.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided in which detachment of a dust collection device and compression of dust may be selectively performed. The vacuum cleaner may include a main body, a dust collection device selectively mounted on the main body, and a dust separation device selectively coupled to the dust collection device by operation of a lever assembly.