Abstract: A bathroom odor removal apparatus comprising: a housing; a filter in the housing; a blower fan located in the housing; a water skirt, with a side opening, and the skirt with an open bottom, and extending from a second end of the housing; a stabilizer adaptor unit attached to the edges of the side opening; clip located on an interior surface of a top wall; a removable conduit attached to the clip; an adapter removeably coupled to a refill tube, to a first end of the removable conduit, and to a top panel; an overflow pipe adapter attached to one end of the conduit; pairs of grooves, with one groove from each pair located on a first side wall, and the second groove from each pair located on a second side wall; and the adjustable stabilizer adaptor attaches to the skirt via any pair of grooves.

Abstract: An auxiliary toilet stool seat adapted to be mounted on a seat of a western-style toilet stool, the auxiliary toilet stool seat having a main body portion which is formed from a hard resin into an annular shape having an angled cross section made open at a bottom and having a flat top portion, a first leg portion which is brought into abutment with a top surface of the auxiliary toilet stool seat, a second leg portion which is slidably movable in such a manner as to follow an inner perimeter of the seat, and a third leg portion which is formed into an L-shape and is brought into abutment with a rear surface of the seat on a horizontal surface of the L-shape, the first, second and third legs being provided on a rear surface of the main body portion of the main body portion.

Abstract: A wall mounted pivoting and locking support rail assembly providing improved support to assist elderly and physically challenged persons with safely using a bathtub or shower area. The present invention mounts to the wall in a similar way to a conventional grab bar, however, it adds an additional rail handle with the ability to pivot outward from the wall, and lock in one of several angular positions to extend support outward from the wall, and more to the centre of a shower or tub. This outward support is invaluable to assist with elderly and disabled persons to safely enter, use, and exit from the bathtub without dangerous reaching.

Abstract: A bath tub rail assembly for use on a bath tub sidewall includes a hand grip and a clamping device. The hand grip and the clamping device are adjustably connected such that the hand grip may be adjusted in both height and angular orientation relative to the bath tube sidewall when the bath tub rail assembly is attached thereto.

Abstract: A structure for a piece of furniture, such as a retractable bed, includes a fixed part and a pivoting part, the latter having an essentially flat frame and being hinged to the fixed part between an essentially vertical raised position and an essentially horizontal lowered position. The pivoting part includes at least one guide which extends approximately at right angles to the frame and at least one leg mounted on this guide in such a way as to slide, with an actuating device connecting the leg to the fixed part to move the leg between an extended position when the pivoting part is in the lowered position in such a way that its free end is standing on the floor and a withdrawn position when the bed is in its raised position.

Abstract: Device for preventing decubitus, consisting of a number of adjacent members (1) which are attached to a base and which members (1) are covered with a layer (2) of elastic material which defines a reclining surface for a patient. Each member comprises at least one elastic panel whose two opposite ends are connected to one another via a pulling element (6, 13) in order to pull the two ends towards one another, while bending the said panel, so that the vertical height of the member increases. The device also comprises a control device (3) for activating the pulling element for one or more of the said members as desired. The pulling element preferably consists of a wire, rod or strip of memory metal, which can assume its original contracted position by means of heating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gelastic cushion. The gelastic cushion is made from a conventional gelastic composition. The gelastic cushion has a structure having a first wall that defines an opening area and buckles when a force is applied to the first wall. When the first wall buckles a predetermined amount, a second wall, interconnected to the first wall, also buckles. The second wall decreases the chance that the first wall bottoms out. Bottoming out increases the pressure on the patient (a.k.a., the force) overlying the gelastic cushion. That increased pressure is undesirable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gelastic cushion. The gelastic cushion is made from a conventional gelastic composition. The gelastic cushion has a structure having a first wall that defines an opening area and buckles when a force is applied to the first wall. When the first wall buckles a predetermined amount, a second wall, interconnected to the first wall, also buckles. The second wall decreases the chance that the first wall bottoms out. Bottoming out increases the pressure on the patient (a.k.a., the force) overlying the gelastic cushion. That increased pressure is undesirable.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pipe cleaning tool are disclosed. In one embodiment, the pipe cleaning tool comprises a body and a plurality of pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners are adapted to clean at least two different sizes of pipes. In another embodiment, a pipe cutter device is disclosed.

Abstract: An actuation device comprises a driving member, a driven member and an actuator device. The driven member has a seat, in which there is operatively inserted, with possibility of relative movement, an engagement part of the driving member. According to the invention also the driving member has a seat, which, in at least one position of the actuation system, at least partially faces the seat of the driven member. The actuation system further comprises a floating body, displaceable in a controlled way between the two seats when said seats at least partially face one another.

Abstract: A method for cleaning within a washing zone comprising: placing at least one article for treatment in the washing zone, providing of at least partially deionized water into the washing zone, and optionally providing cleaning composition into the washing zone wherein the combination of said optional cleaning composition and partial deionized water have a specific conductance of less than about 200 ?S/cm.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a sole and an upper, the sole comprising a plantar insert, at least one layer for covering the lower surface of the plantar insert with perimetric edges which substantially protrude outward with respect to the contour of the plantar insert, at least one flap for covering the upper surface of the plantar insert, which also has a perimetric border substantially protruding outward from the contour of the plantar insert. The edge and the border are rigidly coupled to each other and to the upper. The covering layer of the lower surface of the plantar insert can be covered with a base of wear-resistant material.

Abstract: An illuminated loading dock system includes a series of light fixtures having sufficient power to illuminate the interior of a series of trailers from a distance that spans a dock leveler pit. The light fixtures are mounted to stanchions (or a railing thereof) that extend upward from an elevated floor that is higher than the pit's floor. In some cases the light fixtures are coupled to control panels that control the operation of the dock levelers. In this arrangement, the pit floor is kept clear of clutter, and dockworkers can control the lights and the dock leveler from one safe location, as opposed to having to step down into the pit, underneath a raised dock leveler deck.

Abstract: A bridge includes a pier, and a hooked collar at least formed on upstream surface of the pier. The anti-scour structure includes at least one hook extending upwardly. The hook configured for guiding water flow or downflow to move upwardly thereby protect river bed from being scoured.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a wafer. At least one first chuck roller is connected to a first roller base and includes a first annular groove. A second roller base opposes the first roller base. At least one second chuck roller is connected to the second roller base and includes a second annular groove. A sensing chuck roller is connected to the second roller base and includes a third annular groove corresponding to the first and second annular grooves. A cleaning member covers the third annular groove. A circumferential edge of the wafer is positioned in the first and second annular grooves and abuts the cleaning member. The first and second chuck rollers rotate the wafer, enabling the circumferential edge thereof to rub against the cleaning member.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to the remote cleaning of outer surfaces of windows or facades of high rise buildings without the need for workers located outside the building wall. In fact, the cleaning operation effectively duplicates the conventional manual cleaning operation, such that a minimum of cleaning liquid is used, and no means is required for removal of excess cleaning liquid. The apparatus comprises a rectangular master frame and a parallelogram sub-frame contained therein, suspended from the top of the building to a position opposite a window to be cleaned. A novel cleaning tool, including mechanical scrubbing means e.g. a brush and mechanical scraping means e.g. squeegee and a washing liquid spray means, is carried on an insertion tool attached to the parallelogram sub-frame, and brought to bear against the window outer surface to be cleaned, as required.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a flexible head is disclosed. At least the head of the toothbrush may be manufactured by in-molded technology. A blend of thermoplastic elastomer and polypropylene is used to impart added flexibility to the head. That flexibility is further enhanced by the tapered profile of the head. Cleaning elements may be secured in place during manufacture using in-molded techniques or staples.

Abstract: A fabric cleaning device (20) is disclosed. The fabric cleaning device (20) includes a hand held support (22) having a plurality of loosening projections (50) associated therewith, and a resilient pad (26) comprising a plurality of individual flexible cleaning sheets (60) receiving the loosening projections (50) and having an affinity for debris.

Abstract: A cleaning glove includes a waterproof glove body having a front surface, including a palm portion, and multiple finger stalls cooperatively joined together to fit a wearer's hand. A water absorbent material is bonded onto a front surface of at least one finger stall. Preferably, the water absorbent material is bonded onto the front surface of each finger stall, as well as the palm portion of the glove body. An abrasive type scouring material is bonded onto the front surface so as to be adjacent to the water absorbent material, typically substantially surrounding the periphery of the water absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention is a breakaway mounting bracket assembly for a wiper system that displaces components of the wiper system below the impact line of a vehicle in the event of, for example, a vehicle-pedestrian impact. The assembly includes a mounting bracket and a grommet removably attached to the mounting bracket. The assembly also includes a ferrule disposed within the grommet that includes a column having an internal passage and a platform connected to the column by a plurality of bridges disposed therebetween. The assembly also includes an attachment member to connect the mounting bracket to the vehicle where the attachment member includes a body engaged to the internal passage. The mounting bracket is adapted to break away from attachment with the grommet in the event of a predetermined load acting on a pivot shaft assembly and to displace the pivot shaft assembly and a portion of the wiper arm below the vehicle's impact line in the event of a pedestrian impact.

Abstract: A wiper connector for a motor vehicle intended for the connection and articulation between a wiper arm and a component of a wiper blade is engaged longitudinally from rear to front inside the front end of the arm, which is curved longitudinally towards the rear in the form of a U. The wiper connector includes at least one elastically deformable element for securing the connector in the engaged position inside the front end of the arm and two longitudinal vertical flanks, which are designed to be received between two lateral wings of the blade component. The wiper connector is locked in the engaged position in the arm by a safety fastener mounted so as to be able to move between a closed position, in which it extends with regards to the securing element in order to prevent its elastic deformation, and an open position allowing the disengagement of the connector from the arm.

Abstract: A vacuum collector includes an upright support supported on a base, a housing disposed on top of the upright support, a fan device attached to the housing, a dust collecting receptacle attached to the housing for collecting the dirt, a tubular member has one end coupled to the housing for guiding the dirt into the housing and has a manifold, and the other end coupled to a mouth, two valve devices are coupled to the mouth and the manifold for controlling the dirt to selectively flow into the housing from the mouth or from the manifold, or from the ground, the plants or work places where the machine tools are located, or the other places where are full of dirt or dust or ash.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle, an air-filtering dirt receptacle, and a motor. A fan is configured to be driven by the motor to drive a flow of air that carries dirt from a surface through the nozzle and into the receptacle to clean the surface. A controller is configured to provide a notification to a user when the speed of the motor exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bare floor cleaner capable of wet pickup through a first nozzle opening with the aid of a squeegee, wet scrubbing with an agitator, and dry pickup through a second nozzle opening. The bare floor cleaner comprises a dual-path nozzle assembly having a wet suction path in communication with the first nozzle opening and a dry suction path in communication with the second nozzle opening. A diverter valve selectively controls fluid communication between a suction source and one of the first and second nozzle openings for conversion between wet and dry modes. The bare floor cleaner further comprises a single actuator that controls the positions of the agitator and of the diverter valve. As a result, the cleaning mode of the bare floor cleaner can be controlled with a single switch that is preferably located on the handle assembly for convenient access by a user.

Abstract: A surface-treating appliance in the form of a vacuum cleaner has a main body, a surface-treating head and a support assembly. The support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a stored position, in which it lies substantially against the main body. The provision of a support assembly that lies substantially against the main body of the appliance when not needed improves the maneuverability and range of motion achievable by the appliance in use. The support assembly may be brought out of its supporting position by a user-depressible pedal, which makes the appliance user-friendly.

Abstract: An accessory for a blower having a first end with a connector assembly for connecting the accessory to the blower, a second end for directing air under pressure from the blower, a lower blade portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic shoveling operation, and an upper funnel portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic sweeping operation. The accessory can be selectively connected to the blower via the connector assembly so that the air under pressure from the blower cooperates with the lower blade portion and the upper funnel portion to perform a combined pneumatic shoveling/sweeping operation.

Abstract: A slidable dual-axis hinge assembly has a sliding leaf and a stationary leaf. The sliding leaf has two detents and an outer pivot formed on a pivoting end of the sliding leaf and pivotally mounting the sliding leaf in a cover of a portable electronic device. The stationary leaf has an inner pivot formed on a proximal end of the stationary leaf and pivotally mounts the stationary leaf in a base of the portable electronic device, and has two slide brackets engaging the detents and defining two sliding grooves oppositely therein and being mounted around the side edges of the sliding leaf to allow the sliding leaf to slide relative to the stationary leaf. Thereby, the cover of the portable electronic device pivots relative to the base in two different positions.

Abstract: A hinge assembly suitable for coupling a notebook computer base to a display includes a first coupling member for coupling to the base and a second coupling member for coupling to the display. A positioning device supports the display at various angular positions relative to the base. A friction device increases resistance to movement throughout the range of motion of the hinge assembly while decreasing torque and pressure load transmitted to the positioning device.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a frame, a first rotating module, and a second rotating module. The first rotating module includes a first pivotal shaft non-rotatably connected to the frame. The second rotating module includes a second pivotal shaft substantially perpendicular to the first pivotal shaft, a plurality of resilient washers, a supporting member, a rotating member engaging with the supporting member, and a limiting member. A first end of the second pivotal shaft is fixed on the frame. The resilient washers, the rotating member, the supporting member, and the limiting member are orderly sleeved on a second end, opposite to that of the first end, of the second pivotal shaft. A position of the limiting member relative to the second pivotal shaft is adjustable. The second pivotal shaft is capable of driving the rotating member to rotate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an additional hand grip (2) for a hand machine tool, comprising a clamp (4) for clamping the additional hand grip (2) to a part of the hand machine tool, a handlebar (6) for gripping and holding of the additional hand grip (2), and a pivot joint (8) that can be blocked, arranged between the clamp (4) and the handlebar (6). The pivot joint (8) can be blocked with an eccentric tension lever (10), which is formed by a pivotable part (24) of the handlebar (6).

Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, in which a mechanical device is present which generates a combing action to loosen and remove non-clamped constituents, and a clamping element is present for transfer of the supplied fiber material. To enable productivity to be increased in a simple manner and an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged two rotatably mounted rollers, which are provided with clamping devices for the fiber material having clamping elements that are distributed spaced apart in the region of the roller periphery and co-operate with counter-elements, the counter-elements in the case of the first roller being arranged opposite the roller periphery and in the case of the second roller on or in the roller.

Abstract: A wire lock includes a body having an opening therethrough, a locking member disposed at least partially within the opening, and a biasing device. The biasing device urges the locking member into a configuration wherein a wire passing through the opening is restrained in at least one direction, and may operate in either tension or compression. The locking member may include one or more locking elements that are compressed about the wire through engagement with a wedge-shaped locking section of the body, with the biasing member urging the locking member against the locking section. In other embodiments, the locking member is a locking pin riding on an inclined surface of an elongate slot extending across the body, with the biasing member urging the locking pin against one end of the slot, and the wire pinched between the pin and a body surface opposite the inclined surface.

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 method of manufacturing a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor that includes at least one of the following steps: Sequentially forming a bottom metal film, an insulating film, and a top metal film over a wafer. Forming a first pattern for etching the top metal film and the insulating film. Etching the top metal film and the insulating film, using the formed first pattern, and then stripping the first pattern. Conducting a heat treatment and a cooling split for the wafer. Forming a metal pattern for etching the bottom metal film. Etching the bottom metal film, using the formed metal pattern, and then stripping the metal pattern.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods for reconditioning a barrel previously used for containing a substance, comprising the steps of determining cutting parameters specific to the barrel material to provide controlled cutting of the barrel material; removing a desired depth of the barrel material using an automated high pressure water cutting device; testing for a remnant of the substance using a sensor device; optionally spraying with a dissolving agent; and repeating the steps of removing and testing upon detecting the presence of the substance in or on the barrel. Additionally, the inventive methods comprise applying a liquid to the wood of the reconditioned barrel to control evaporation of the barrel contents.

Abstract: A repair/replacement nut plate assembly, which is fully preassembled, is provided which can be inserted into an oversized or reworked/reconditioned aperture of a workpiece after an original nut plate has been removed from the original aperture of the workpiece. The repair/replacement nut plate assembly includes a nut, a holding bracket, a stem, a nut retainer, and a sleeve member. The sleeve member is configured to be secured to a nut plate assembly, of the same type originally used to provide the original nut plate in the original aperture of the workpiece to compensate for material lost from the workpiece during the removal of the original nut plate. The sleeve member allows for the original nut plate assembly to be utilized, with only the securement of the sleeve member to the holding bracket prior to setting.

Abstract: A tool for removing islands from a stent is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with at least one exit hole in communication with the center of the tube, and the tube being connected to a pressurized fluid source. A stent island is located over the exit hole and is removed by the force of the exiting fluid from the exit hole.

Abstract: To seal an inboard member to an outboard member, a metallic annular seal is inserted into the outboard member to align with an inwardly-open channel in the outboard member. The seal is outwardly expanded at least partially into the channel by a combination of elastic and plastic deformation. The seal is released to allow inward elastic partial recovery. The inboard member is inserted into the seal with interference so as to further outwardly expand the seal and provide sealing engagement between the inboard and outboard members.

Abstract: An assembly for moving a pair of flowline members relative to each other has a pair of flowline collars that are adapted to connect to an end portion of one of the pair of flowline members. The assembly has an arm member with an end portion rotationally mounted to one of the flowline collars and a connecting member pivotally mounted to the other flowline collar. The connecting member is pivotally mounted to the arm member a distance away from the end portion of the arm member that is connected to the flowline collar, so that rotational movement of the arm member moves the flowline members relative to each other. The assembly can also have an incremental distance adjustor assembly which maintains an incremental change in the distance between the pair of flowline collars during a rotational movement of the arm member.

Abstract: A die holding tray useful for testing a plurality of individual dies placed into the holding tray together with a method of making the same. The holding tray has machined lateral and longitudinal sets of grooves with one set of grooves filled with strips in order to form pockets from the unfilled grooves. Vacuum channels are formed into the bottom of the pockets, and dies are held in place during testing by the flatness of the pocket bottoms and a drawn vacuum. Several embodiments are disclosed, including machining grooves in a compliant layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting radially expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on tacking or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. After initial placement, a fastener applier system is introduced within the expanded prostheses to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The fasteners are usually helical fasteners which are releasably restrained on the fastener driver, and are delivered by rotation of the fastener driver. The fasteners may be applied singly, typically in circumferentially spaced-apart patterns about the interior of at least one end of the prosthesis. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a transducer unit for an angular switching device, in which a transducer element is inserted and fixed in an angled bush. The inventive method is characterized in that the transducer element is brought into aligned engagement with a transducer receptacle formed in a tool, that subsequently for the precise positioning with respect to the transducer element the bush is brought into an aligned, at least partial positive engagement with a bush receptacle appropriately constructed in the tool and that for completing the transducer unit the transducer element is fixed in the bush. In further aspects the invention relates to an angular transducer unit, an angular switching device and an object detection device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming on a moving surface an auxiliary antenna for an RFID tag. The method includes the steps of providing a webstock of polymeric material including a conductive film, conveying the webstock with the moving surface, and applying the conductive film to the moving surface in a shape corresponding to the auxiliary antenna. The moving surface may include cardboard in a roll manufacturing process. Depending on the thickness of the auxiliary antenna the step of applying the conductive film may include cold or hot stamping. Apparatus for forming an auxiliary antenna for an RFID tag is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamp including an inverted spring portion and a plurality of tabs about a circumference of an inner portion of the clamp. The inverted spring portion of the clamp is insertable into a groove of a clamping interface between a flange and an outer portion thereof to align the plurality of tabs proximate to the flange. As described, the clamp provides a low profile interface for clamping discs to a spindle assembly which snap fits into the groove to provide a screwless clamp interface. Other features and benefits that characterize embodiments of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings.

Abstract: A connector compression tool is provided wherein the tool includes a handle, pivotally moveable from a second position to a first position, a body, configured to compress together when the handle is moved to the first position, and a jaw, operably associated with the body, wherein the jaw includes at least two centering openings having different widths to accommodate differently configured connectors having different diameters and different lengths.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for attaching components to strips of material to form assemblies, e.g., a system for fastening pre-sharpened razor blades to individual support strips on a continuous band of material, such as a metal, to form discrete blade assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing workpieces containing plastics material by welding, stamping, cutting and/or bonding is described. The apparatus includes a loading and unloading station for loading and unloading the workpieces (35), a processing station with a free space for processing the workpieces (35) and at least one interchangeable module (15) which can be inserted and fixed in the free space and which comprises at least one workpiece receptacle (34) and at least one processing tool (37) which are both adapted to a selected processing task. In accordance with the invention the interchangeable module (15) is supported on running wheels (17) and can be inserted in the free space therewith, and the relative position between the receptacle (34) and the processing tool (37) required in the processing is determined by the interchangeable module (15) alone.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayered circuitized substrate assembly which includes bonding at least two circuitized substrates each including at least one layer of high temperature dielectric material, one of these layers in turn including at least one thru-hole therein having therein a quantity of a a low temperature conductive paste, the paste including an organic binder component and at least one metallic component. The flakes of the metallic component are sintered during the bonding to form a conductive path through the dielectric of one of the substrates.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic switch mountable on a circuit board includes the steps of: (A) providing a housing that includes a base having opposite inner and outer sides, and a cover body having a main portion that cooperates with the inner side of the base to define a chamber, and an end portion that cooperates with the outer side of the base to define a sealing space; (B) providing a terminal having a connecting part extending through the base and the sealing space for connection with the circuit board; (C) providing the base with a hollow portion that projects outwardly from the outer side thereof into the sealing space and that confines an air-discharge hole communicating fluidly with the chamber; (D) providing a first adhesive layer to seal the sealing space without covering the air-discharge hole; and (E) sealing the air-discharge hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a printed circuit board that can suppress the positional displacement of parts mounted thereon. The printed circuit board includes resist formed on the surface of the printed circuit board, lands for receiving respective parts to be mounted, the lands being arranged off openings free from the resist, and lands for alignment, respectively alignment marks being formed on the land for alignment by means of solder.