Abstract: A control system (24) for controlling a safety system (40) of an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of wheel speed sensors (30) generating a plurality of wheel velocity signals, a steering angle sensor (39) generating a steering actuator angle signal, a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) generating a lateral acceleration signal and a controller (26). The controller (26) generates a final reference vehicle velocity in response to the plurality of wheel speed signals, the steering angle signal, the yaw rate signal and the lateral acceleration signal. The controller (26) controls the safety system in response to the final reference vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A method for measuring a bandwidth of a signal path between a data source and a data recipient involves sending a block of test data from the data source along the signal path to the data recipient, using that test data to obtain a measured bandwidth of the signal path, and transferring information from the data source along the signal path to the data recipient in accordance with the measured bandwidth. The measured bandwidth value can be calculated each time the data recipient accesses a website or the measured bandwidth value can be retained for future use.

Abstract: A system and method for determining approval of a multi-currency transaction between a customer and a merchant over a network. The system includes a customer computer which is connected to a communication network, a merchant computer which is connected to the communication network, and a server connected to both the customer computer via the communication network and to the merchant computer via the communication network. The customer computer includes a first set of data which contains an amount the customer is willing to pay the merchant for a product in a first currency. The merchant computer includes a second set of data which contains a product price at which the merchant agrees to sell the product in a second currency. The server receives the first set of data and the second set of data. The server then converts the amount in the first currency into a converted amount in the second currency.

Abstract: A bib is described that includes multiple flaps, each flap providing a surface to prevent soiling of clothing. The flaps are secured to one another through multiple fastening mechanisms, which may include one or more magnets. A neck bridge portion couples the plurality of flaps to one another.

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 protective glove having a thumb portion having at least two dorsal protective members for protecting a back portion of a thumb, adjacent ones of the dorsal protective members being pivotable with respect to one another about a respective axis between an extended position and a folded position, the respective axis being angled with respect to a perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the thumb portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an athletic glove for supporting a hand of a wearer. The soccer glove improves performance through the use a three dimensional finger cap which forms at least a portion of at least one digit of the wearer's hand. The athletic glove also comprises an open wrist feature which allows for a greater degree of support, adjustability, comfort, and ease of access and removal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for removably securing a magnetizable golf ball marker. The holder is preferably made of a resilient material. A magnet is secured to the holder such that the magnet is flush with the outer surface of the holder. The holder includes a raised ridge appropriately shaped to mate with and properly position the marker over the magnet. The marker is removed by sliding the marker away from the magnet and over the ridge or through a gap in the ridge. To aid in sliding the marker over the ridge, a sloped portion of the holder surface within the ridge causes the marker to tilt when pressure is applied to the marker to slide the marker off the magnet. A sloped portion adjacent a gap in the ridge can also tilt the marker for ease in grasping the marker when lifting the marker off the holder.

Abstract: An improved glove construction wherein the trank, forchette and thumb components are stitched together at the outer periphery with the liner outside and a barrier layer inside to form a glove insert system with exterior seams; the insert system is then reversed to place the barrier layer outside, the liner inside and the seams inverted; a primer base is applied along the inverted seams and dried; an adhesive sealant is then applied along the inverted seams and cured. This reversed glove insert is then placed in side of and secured to an outer shell. A method to prevent liquid, chemical and viral ingress to a seam is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mascot type storage shorts that are compact at time of carrying, enable sanitary storage, and have excellent fashionability include a mascot-shaped body which is sewn or otherwise attached to any one of the front panel, rear panel or waist portion of a shorts main body, and the shorts main body can be stored through a storage port provided on the rear surface of the mascot-shaped body. The mascot-shaped body is produced as a mascot in the shape of a doll, flower, animal or other motif, and in consideration of convenience at time of carrying, a locking mechanism enables the mascot type storage shorts to be hung from a key holder or the like.

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: A padded garment having at least one pocket with at least one pad located within the at least one pocket. The at least one pad has a plurality of interconnected, spaced apart tubes. A first end of each of the spaced apart tubes are interconnected along a first pathway and a second end of each of the spaced apart tubes are interconnected along a second pathway. The first and second pathways are recessed from a top plane and a bottom plane of the pad in areas between adjacent tubes such that the pad is flexible along the recessed areas of the first and second pathways and substantially less flexible along a length of the spaced apart tubes. The pad is shaped to correspond to an area of a wearer's body it is intended to cover.

Abstract: A vacuum relief safety valve includes a housing defining an inner chamber and attached to the suction-side of the swimming pool or spa pump. An air inlet aperture is formed in the housing so as to be open to ambient air. A sealing element is disposed within the housing and biased against the air inlet aperture by a spring so as to effectively seal the inner chamber of the housing from ambient air. When a maximum allowed vacuum level within the pump is exceeded, such as when a swimming pool drain is obstructed, the sealing element moves into the inner chamber and opens the air inlet aperture causing the pump to rapidly lose its prime and enabling removal of the entrapment. Simultaneously, the movement of the sealing element provides electricity to a control circuit which shuts off power to the pump.

Abstract: A lower body sauna device includes a heat chamber that is adapted to enclose the lower body of a user, and an infrared heater provided inside the heat chamber. The heat chamber includes an elliptically shaped body opening that is adapted to fit the waist of the user, and the size of which is adjustable. The top slab includes a sliding top panel and a fixed top panel. The body opening includes a first elliptical half opening provided on the sliding top panel, and a second elliptical half opening provided on the fixed top panel. The sliding top panel is adapted to slide to an away from the fixed top panel so that the size of the body opening is adjusted.

Abstract: A hydromassage bathtub includes a bathtub including a sidewall, a deck, and an access opening in one of the sidewall and the deck. A fixture is secured to an outside surface of the bathtub proximate the access opening, and a removable plate configured to cover the access opening. A system component such as a control box is removably mounted on the fixture at a position whereby, upon removal of the plate, the system component can be removed from the fixture by accessing it through the access opening.

Abstract: A support structure for a spa includes a plastic base member which has an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion which are spaced apart. The base member defines a base pocket of insulating space which extends throughout a substantial portion of the base member. A pair of plastic side members and a pair of plastic end members are attached to the base member. The side members and the end members each have an inside wall portion and an outside wall portion which are also spaced apart which define a wall pocket of insulating space which extends throughout a portion of each of these members. The base member, side members and end members form a support structure adapted to receive and support a spa shell. Any type of insulating material may be placed into the insulating pockets of space. Accessory devices in the form of towel warmers and fold away steps are provided in openings in the support structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: A mattress-supporting base includes three mattress support portions, multiple crossbars and a baseboard. Each of the mattress support portions has a first end and a second end. The first end of each mattress support portion connects to the first ends of the other two mattress support portions, and the second end of each mattress support portion connects to the second ends of the other two mattress support portions. The first two mattress support portions have four sections that are pivotally connected by three hinges. The third and center mattress support portion has two sections that are pivotally connected. The components of the mattress-supporting base fit into a packing box having an inner width that is neither wider than about ten times the width of the mattress support portions plus about eight times the thickness of the baseboard, nor longer than about one half the length of the assembled mattress-supporting base.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system includes a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad and a pair of reinforcing end members. The system also includes a torso assembly, a leg assembly and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads and reinforcing members.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding potential entrapment zones in a bed. The system may include a head-end assembly with a head-end cover enclosing a head-end pad, and a foot-end assembly with covers enclosing pads. The system may further include a pair of walls extending between the head-end assembly and the foot-end assembly. The walls may include inflatable members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable siderail apparatus (5) for use with a patient support apparatus. The siderail apparatus (5) is configured to move the siderail body (14) associated therewith in a clock-type swing movement relative to the patient support apparatus. Two or more support arms (20) are disposed between the intermediate frame or the deck support of the patient support apparatus and the siderail body (14), each support arm (20) having two pivots (30, 40), a first (40) rotatably connecting it to the intermediate frame or deck support and a second (30) rotatably connecting it to the siderail body (14), thereby enabling the siderail body (14) to be raised or lowered vertically by a rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the patient support apparatus. In a first preferred embodiment, the angles defined between each support arm (20) and a lower edge of the siderail (9) are substantially obtuse during rotational movement of the siderail (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating table having a support column and a table panel mounted on the support column. In order to facilitate improve monitoring of a patient on the table panel, the operating table has a force measurement system for determining the weight of the table panel and of the patient on the table panel.

Abstract: A patient support device of a radiation therapy treatment system includes an electromechanical motor and control system for raising and lowering the support device in the Z direction. The control system utilizes regenerative braking concepts, converting the motor into a generator as the support device is lowered such that no matter the load, the support device will be lowered at a constant speed. The control system also allows for lowering of the support device in the powered off situation (i.e., when there is no power to the support device).

Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.

Abstract: A recumbent therapeutic mattress support in the form of a plurality of interlocking wedges positionable between the box spring and the mattress of a bed, the user selectively interlocking two or more wedges to achieve the desired therapeutic elevation for either the head, neck and torso, or the legs in order to achieve the desired degree of support, comfort and relief from pain.

Abstract: An alternating pressure mattress has two sets (A, B) of cells, which are inflated and deflated cyclically and in sequence, to provide alternating support for a patient. Each set (A, B) has central transverse cells (11a, 11b) and side forming cells (14a, 14b). The central cells (11a, 11b) provide a central region for the patient. The side forming cells (14a, 14b) protrude, when inflated, higher than the central cells, to act as side barriers preventing rolling of the patient off the mattress. At each side of the mattress a plurality of the side forming cells (14a, 14b) of both sets (A, B) is present, these cells inflating and deflating with the respective central cells (11a, 11b), so that the side barrier effect is provided by the two sets (A, B) cells alternatingly.

Abstract: A distributed pressure control system for a support surface includes a main controller including a source of pressurized air and a communication interface, and an air manifold having an air inlet coupled with the air source and a plurality of air outlets. A plurality of control modules are each attachable to a respective one of the plurality of air outlets. Each control module includes at least one valve and includes a control unit communicating with the communication interface. The control modules effect inflation and deflation of air cells in the support surface via the valves based on a signal from the communication interface.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining an air inflation mattress configuration sufficient for patient support and comfort. Infrared illumination levels are measured within individual or groups of inflated mattress chambers. A staggered approach to illumination monitoring of chambers or sections to eliminate crosstalk between the infrared sensors is carried out. Distributed microprocessor controllers established in a network configuration utilizing controller network protocols reduces the wiring and connections necessary for the assembled system. Various mattress cushion construction techniques, such as sewing and or RF welding methods, are used for the creation of individual chambers utilizing specific types of IR translucent, transparent or reflective materials. The construction of the cushions and bladders in the system includes the use of various types of fabrics with low to high air loss qualities as required.

Abstract: A washing machine and a water level control method thereof that can supply an appropriate amount of water based on the amount of laundry using a conventional water level sensor even when the washing machine has a holeless rotary drum. The water level control method includes supplying water between the water tub and the rotary drum, introducing the supplied water into the rotary drum, discharging the introduced water out of the rotary drum, and detecting the water level of the water remaining in the water tub, and comparing the detected water level with a predetermined water level and, when the detected water level is below the predetermined water level, resupplying water between the water tub and the rotary drum until the detected water level reaches the predetermined water level.

Abstract: A method for laying a military bridge over an obstacle in a combat zone with using at least one laying vehicle. First, the bridge is loaded on a self-propelled, unmanned, remote-controlled laying vehicle and transported to the edge of the combat zone by water, air, rail, and/or road. From this point, the laying vehicle with the bridge is guided by a manned pilot vehicle to the vicinity of the obstacle. The laying vehicle then begins an automatic slow approach to the obstacle, for which purpose the laying vehicle has a suitable optical system or a laser scanner. At the edge of the obstacle, the topographical situation is scanned. On the basis of the scanner data, the laying operation is simulated, taking into consideration the predetermined design limits. On the basis of the simulation results, a decision is made about whether the laying operation will be carried out or broken off. This decision is then executed.

Abstract: A tool assembly provides for brushing circumferential welds in a restrictive access area between a cylindrical inner member and a cylindrical outer member such as the shroud and vessel in a nuclear reactor. The tool assembly includes a circumferential plate sized larger than an outside diameter of the inner member and smaller than an inside diameter of the outer member. At least one renew brush is coupled with the circumferential plate, and a motor is coupled with the renew brush that rotates the renew brush. A driving assembly mounted between the inner member and the outer member engages the circumferential plate and circumferentially drives the circumferential plate in the restrictive access area.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush is provided and includes a handle portion having a neck formed at one end and a head coupled to neck. The head includes a first carrier that is coupled to the head and is operatively connected to a first drive for moving the first carrier in a first direction. The first carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members, or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. The head also includes a second carrier that is coupled to the head and is in selective engagement with a protrusion extending in a recess defined by the first carrier to impart movement in a second direction. The second carrier has bristles, elastomeric cleaning members or a combination thereof extending outwardly therefrom. In an exemplary embodiment, the first carrier oscillates in a rotational direction and the second carrier moves in a direction parallel to the head.

Abstract: Handheld dust removal devices that selectively utilize vacuum pressure are disclosed. Preferably, each device includes a small lightweight handle that houses a vacuum assembly having an electric motor and a battery. The device further includes a duster assembly with elongate fiber strands that have elongate voids extending therethrough or thereinto. The vacuum source can be fluidly connected to and draw a vacuum airflow through the duster assembly, for example, through and/or around the fiber strands. In such configuration, the elongate voids of the fiber strands can at least partially direct or influence the travel path of dust, debris, and/or other particulates that are entrained in a vacuum airflow. Some implementations further include an auxiliary vacuum inlet that is adapted and configured for drawing large particles such as crumbs, hair, and others thereinto. The auxiliary vacuum port can be displaced from the duster assembly, e.g., mounted to the handle or elsewhere.

Abstract: A device for converting a rotating motion into a reciprocating motion comprises a rotatable shaft carrying a first grooved element, a second element constrained to move along an axis of said second element, and a pin carried on the second element. The pin may be engaged in the groove on the rotatable shaft so that as the rotatable shaft rotates, the pin moves in the groove thereby causing the second element to move along its axis. The shape of the groove defines the motion of the second element. There is also disclosed an electric brush assembly and an electric tool assembly comprising such a device.

Abstract: A cartridge is disclosed comprising a reel-to-reel roll of cleaning material, for use in a hand-held or robotic cleaning device. The cartridge provides either an electrostatic dust cloth or wet mop, and includes a fluid reservoir for maintaining the wet mop cloth during use. A dust bin is also provided on the cartridge, and includes a hinged lid for providing selective access to the dust inside of the bin. A motor, optical sensor, and fluid pump inside of a cleaning apparatus control the operation of the reel-to-reel cloth, and control fluid delivery to the wet cloth.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system includes an overhead car wash mitter assembly. The assembly includes a pair of side support structures and an overhead supporting structure extending between the side support structures. The overhead supporting structure includes a plurality of rows of racks with each row including a left side rack and a right side rack. The left side racks are moveable together and the right side racks are moveable together and independently of the left side racks. A first gap exists between one of the rows of racks. A second gap exists between another of the rows of racks. The first gap and the second gap are offset laterally from one another with respect to the direction of travel of a vehicle to eliminate any break or gap in cleaning coverage.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning tool for use in wet, damp or dry cleaning is disclosed. The cleaning tool (222), (322) includes a handle (224) defining a fluid reservoir receiving cradle (231) pivotally connected to an elongated flexible support member (226) (326). A cleaning pad (228) (328) encloses the support rod (226) (326).

Abstract: Adjustable roller frame includes a pair of housing members having opposed surfaces containing laterally spaced grooves which cooperate to define laterally spaced guideways in which support arms are axially slidably received for supporting roller covers of different lengths and/or diameters between opposite outer end portions of the support arms. These support arms are held in axially adjusted position by one or more cam members movable between a clamping position for applying a friction force to the support arms to hold the support arms against axial movement and a non-clamping position releasing the friction force.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are made, at least in part, more durable, particularly one or more working surface(s) of the tools. For example, various tools such as trowels, knives, and scrappers may be made having at least a portion of their blades heat treated to make at least their working edges more durable and extend their useful lives. For example, in one embodiment, a trowel blade may have at least one texturing edge that has been at least partially heat treated.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling the replacement of electric toothbrush heads on toothbrush models that require users to replace the entire toothbrush head assembly is described. Toothbrush head assemblies typically include much more than a simple toothbrush head, for example, a shank attached to magnets and a housing for coupling the shank to the toothbrush base. The present invention therefore permits the replacement of worn out toothbrush heads instead of entire toothbrush head assembly that includes many parts that have not worn out. The system includes tools for separating an existing toothbrush head from a shank and replacement toothbrush heads having new bristles that couple with the shank or the head assembly of a particular toothbrush model.

Abstract: A removable roller surface insert for use with a container of rollable liquid. The insert may, in one embodiment, include a roller surface having an upper edge, and an upper contact portion attached to the roller surface at or near the upper edge. The upper contact portion may be configured to contact an inner sidewall surface of the container at or near the upper rim. All, or substantially all, of the insert may be, when the insert is in a use position, located within a first half of the container, the first half defined by a vertical plane passing through a centerline of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for the method, including cartridges for housing strips of cleaning pad material, are provided. A method for cleaning probe tips, e.g., on a probe card, comprises abrading the probe tips on an abrasive surface, and advancing the abrasive surface so that a later cleaning cycle uses a clean portion of the cleaning pad. The method may include use of a vacuum to aspirate material dislodged by the abrading. In another aspect, a method for cleaning probe tips includes brushing the probe tips and operating a vacuum to aspirate material from the probe tips and/or brush. The methods may be used singly or in combination.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid delivery system including a supply of cleaning fluid and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The apparatus can comprise a passageway that passes heated motor cooling air in heat exchange with the cleaning fluid to heat the cleaning fluid. The apparatus can further comprise a mixing manifold that mixes first and second cleaning fluids at different concentrations for different cleaning modes. The apparatus can further comprise a fluid valve having a shape memory alloy actuator.

Abstract: Handheld dust removal devices that selectively utilize vacuum pressure are disclosed. Preferably each device includes a small lightweight handle that houses a vacuum assembly having an electric motor and a battery. The device further includes a duster assembly for removably holding a dusting cloth or cover, whereby it can be used similarly to a conventional duster. The vacuum source can be fluidly connected to and draw a vacuum airflow through the duster assembly, for example, through and/or around the dusting cloth. In some implementations, this is done by drawing the vacuum airflow toward opposing lateral portions of the duster assembly. Some implementations further include an auxiliary vacuum inlet that is adapted and configured for drawing large particles such as crumbs, hair, and others thereinto. The auxiliary vacuum port can be displaced from the duster assembly, e.g., mounted to the handle or elsewhere, as desired.

Abstract: An improved auto-rack railroad car door pivot bolt assembly for an auto-rack railroad car including a roof having a roof stiffener and a door having a hood. The auto-rack railroad car door pivot bolt assembly ties the hood of the door of the auto-rack railroad car to the roof stiffener on the roof of the auto-rack railroad car to reduce relative movement of the hood and the roof stiffener to each other and prevents wear of the shoulder bolt, the hood, and the roof stiffener.

Abstract: A swivel locking device for stroller wheel, comprising: a seat, a wheel bearing assembly, a locking pin, a biasing member, and an operating member. The seat and the wheel bearing assembly are coupled so as to rotate with respect to each other. The locking pin may move between a first position where the seat is coupled to suppress rotation between the seat and the wheel bearing assembly and a second position where the seat is decoupled to allow the rotation between the seat and the wheel bearing assembly. Normally, the biasing member biases the locking pin to the first position. The operating member moves between a locked position and a unlocked position. Movement of the operating member toward the locked position causes the locking pin to move toward the first position. The movement of operating member toward the unlocked position causes the locking pin to move toward the second position.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for securing a pair of mounting lugs and stabilizing a machine member has an axis member having a first end member and a second end member. An opening is formed in both the first and second end members. A pair of expansion sleeves is provided wherein one of the pair of expansion sleeves is positioned over each of the first end and second end members. A pair of locking devices is provided wherein one locking device is inserted into the opening formed in each of the first and second end members of the axis member. The locking devices engage the pair of expansion sleeves causing the expansion sleeves to expand to secure the axis member in a pair of mounting lugs. A chamber member is formed around a central area of the axis member. At least one lubricant chamber member is formed between the central area of the axis member and the chamber member.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus includes a hinge and a damper and defines an axis direction. The damper includes a fixing housing defining an accepting hole therethrough along the axis direction, a rotating nut accepted in the accepting hole and defining an axis hole therethrough, a damping body accepted in the accepting hole and passing through the axis hole, two gaskets located over and under the rotating nut respectively, and a pushing body capable of pushing the damping body to rotate. Two rotating grooves are opened in a sidewall of the axis hole and extending helically along axis direction. Two sliding blocks are arranged on an outer surface of the damping body and extending helically along the axis direction, the sliding block engaging with the rotating groove. Damping oil is filled between the gaskets, the fixing housing and the damping body.

Abstract: A variable friction hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device and has a pintle, a stationary leaf and a washer assembly. The pintle is connected to the cover. The stationary leaf is connected to the base and has an activating panel with an activating edge. The washer assembly has a movable washer, an abrasion washer and a biasing member. The movable washer selectively abuts the activating edge of the activating panel and has an elongated hole slidably mounted securely around the pintle. The movable and the abrasion washers have teeth corresponding to and selectively engaging each other, causing less friction when engaged and more friction when disengaged. When rotated the movable washer selectively disengages the teeth causing the hinge to have greater friction when being rotated one way than the other.