Abstract: An animal waste collecting device comprises a vacuum chamber in communication with an impeller arranged to draw air from the vacuum chamber through the exhaust port to produce a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and a pickup up nozzle in communication with the vacuum chamber to collect waste with air drawn therethrough into the vacuum chamber by the vacuum pressure. A heater is supported in communication with the vacuum chamber to heat waste collected in the vacuum chamber for drying and/or incinerating the waste. A blower permits the dried or incinerated waste to be redirected from the vacuum chamber to a separate discharge chamber for subsequent disposal.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof. The cleaning apparatus includes a fan, a motor, a detecting device and a control unit. The motor drives the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus. The detecting device is electrically connected to the motor, and is utilized detected an impedance of the motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the motor and the detecting device respectively, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a vacuum, a filtering unit, switching means for switching between a vacuum cleaning and filter cleaning modes, and a separating unit. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the vacuum forces a first air stream in a first air stream path through the filtering unit, in a first direction, to filter out dust from the dust laden air stream. In the filter cleaning mode, the vacuum forces a second air stream in a second air stream path through the filtering unit, in a second direction reverse to the first direction, to remove dust from the filtering unit. In the filter cleaning mode, the separating unit is in the air path between the vacuum and the filtering unit to separate dust removed from the filtering unit. In the vacuum cleaning mode, the separating unit is not in an air stream path.

Abstract: A bagless vacuum cleaner system dustcup assembly and method for using said system with a vacuum cleaner apparatus to separate dirt from a mixture of dirt and air inducted into said vacuum cleaner apparatus. Said bagless vacuum cleaner system generally comprises a dustcup assembly, a handle assembly and a motor intake adaptor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a filter cleaning mechanism comprising: a filter material (37) for filtering out dust and dirt particles from air passing therethrough; a frame (32, 34, 35, 38, 39) for supporting said filter material (37); devices (31, 296; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) for mechanically agitating said filter material to dislodge dust and dirt particles therefrom; wherein the devices for mechanically agitating said filter material comprises elements (31, 296; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) for deforming said frame within its elastic limit and elements (31, 296; 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) for rapidly releasing said frame from said deformation to cause said frame to relax to an undeformed state.

Abstract: Device for securing a soft ending of the opening movement of a drawer as the latter is drawn towards an outer limit stop (10), the drawer being mounted in a (not-shown) furniture body and capable of being pulled out from said body, and in which there may be one or more rails (1, 3) between the drawer and the furniture body. The device comprises a damper (6) filled with a fluid medium attached to the furniture body—or to a rail of the furniture body—and a piston with a piston rod (7) being reciprocable in said damper (6), the free end of the piston rod (7) being attached to a tilt-able rocker (9). Whenever the piston rod (7) close to its outermost position is moved in and out in the damper (6), the rocker can be moved on a guide portion (17)—mounted at the damper (6)—between a first end position (FIG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door hinge, in particular an edge hinge, which has door-mounted support and a support mounted on a door frame, both of which are designed such that they can be swiveled relative to each other around a common rotational axis. To suggest a new type of door hinge, in particular an edge hinge which allows a simplified assembly or disassembly and which also makes possible a simplified handling, the invention suggests a door hinge, in particular an edge hinge, with a door support (3) to be arranged on a door and a frame support (2) to be arranged on a door frame, both of which are designed t be arranged around a common rotational axis (4) such that they can be swiveled relative to each other, wherein the door support (3) and the frame support (4) are designed to be of equal construction and equally usable for left and right doors.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable hinge provided with a first member provided with a case portion holding an approximately disc-shaped gear member having a non-circular through hole as to freely rotate, a second member having a fitting shaft portion detachably inserted to the through hole of the gear member, a wedge-shaped window portion formed on the case portion, and a floating wedge member, movably disposed within the wedge-shaped window portion, in which one side face is a toothed face to engage with the gear member and another side is a contact face to contact a wedge face of the wedge-shaped window portion, to restrict the gear member from oscillation in one direction against the case portion by the engagement of the toothed face with the gear member and the contact of the contact face and the wedge face.

Abstract: Provided is an opening-and-closing mechanism that can be latched at a predetermined opening angle, wherein the latching can be disengaged with a small force in the opening direction whereas the latching is gradually disengaged in the closing direction.

Abstract: A hinge provides swiveling of a display relative to one side of a host body including a first fastening seat, a pintle, a second fastening seat, a main torsion anchor member, a torsion rotary member, an ancillary torsion anchor member, a compressed elastic reed assembly and a nut. The main torsion anchor member and the torsion rotary member are compressed by a returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly. When the pintle pivots to a selected angle, the protrusion rapidly slides in a retaining latch trough of the main torsion anchor member through a steep sloped surface so that the display automatically and fully folds over the host body. The torsion rotary member pivots concurrently so that the bulged edge slides on a gradual sloped surface of different gradients so that adequate friction resistance is generated due to compression of the returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly.

Abstract: A hinge provides swiveling of a display relative to one side of a host body includes a first fastening seat, a pintle, a second fastening seat, a main twisting set, a positioning friction plate, an ancillary twisting set, a compressed elastic reed assembly and a nut. The main twisting set has a main rotary member compressed by a returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly. When the pintle pivots to a selected angle, the protrusion of the main rotary member rapidly slides in a retaining latch trough through a steep sloped surface so that the display can automatically and fully fold over the host body. The main rotary member and the ancillary rotary member turn concurrently and respectively on the steep sloped surface and a gradual sloped surface so that adequate friction resistance is generated due to compression of the returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly.

Abstract: The present invention polynucleotide aptamers that selectively bind to and inhibit the function of osteopontin, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of use for diagnostics and treatment of diseases and disorders associated with osteopontin.

Abstract: In a vehicle door outer handle device, an inwardly recessed housing recess is provided in a base member fixed to a vehicle door; an outer handle having an operation portion is pivotably supported on the base member while being able to pivot to an operated position in accordance with pulling of the operation portion and being spring-biased toward a non-operated position side, at least part of the operation portion being disposed in the housing recess; and a cylinder lock is mounted on the base member so that a key hole is covered at least in a state in which the outer handle is in the non-operated position. In the outer handle device, a cover member is detachably mounted on the base member so as to cover the key hole, the cover member being formed as a separate body from the outer handle so as to form part of the housing recess while forming a design surface of the base member.

Abstract: A self-affixing, removable, one-piece handle can be applied and removed from an item, such as a shopping cart, stroller, or the like, or the handle can be applied and removed from any number of items, such as the shoulder straps of a diaper bag or the loop handles of a set of shopping bags, or the like. By being self-affixing, the handle may be attached and removed from the item without the need for tools or any additional items, such as clamps, screws, adhesive, or the like. The handle may provide a link between the shopping cart or stroller and a child. Typical shopping carts or strollers do not provide a suitable location for a child to hold onto while walking alongside. Moreover, a separate, removable, self-affixing handle may be useful to help limit the spread of germs by allowing each child to have their own personal handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle for attachment to luggage, vacuum cleaners, or another object to be moved. The handle includes a ball with a smooth surface surrounded by a hollow socket. A hole in the socket provides a passage way for a rod or other attachment mechanism to extend from the ball to the object to be moved. The socket freely moves in all directions with respect to the ball and the attachment mechanism, limited only by contact between the attachment mechanism and the edge of the hole in the socket which surrounds that attachment mechanism. Multiple ribs protrude from the interior of the hollow socket toward the ball, decreasing potential friction between the socket and the ball, thus facilitating free movement of the socket. In this manner, the socket automatically moves into a position which is ergonomically desirable for the user grasping the socket to move the object.

Abstract: A new cotton ginning apparatus, processes and methods of using the cotton ginning apparatus are disclosed that allows a greater production of longer cotton fibers and improved production rates.

Abstract: A removable pouch partition clip having the same length of a pouch's folds. Said clip has a transverse hole at each end to allow the insertion of retaining pin to prevent the accidental slippage of the clip during shipping, which may release the partition folds and allow unwanted contamination or communication between the two compartments. Said clip has a figure of U. The edges of the U have reinforcement for increased rigidity. Each end of the clip may have a retaining pin that penetrates through corresponding holes in the pouch's folds. The retaining pins may be replaced with heat spot welds. Pulling the pouches apart will disengage the pins and remove the clip allowing the pouches to communicate.

Abstract: An auto-adjusting harness connector for shoulder straps of a golf bag has a base and multiple buckles mounted slidably and pivotally on the base. The golf bag has four strap mounts and four straps. Each strap has two ends respectively connected to a corresponding strap mount and a corresponding buckle. The straps and buckles slide and pivot independently to automatically adjust a distance therebetween according to shoulder breadth of a person carrying the golf bag and strap breadths of the golf bag. Therefore, the straps of the golf bag are suitable for people with different shoulder breadths for improved comfort while carrying and convenience while removing and with reduced cost of manufacture and storage.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a shock absorbing capability to a strap system is disclosed. A first embodiment of the shock absorbing apparatus presented herein, designed for use with a single flat strap, is comprised of two components, a bracket and a compressible member constructed out of foam, rubber, or similar material. The bracket has two loops that the strap feeds through and a third loop that allows the compressible member to be attached to it. The compressible member and bracket are sized and configured so it can be coupled with the single strap in a manner that provides a shock absorbing capability to the strap system. When the strap is tensioned, it presses against the compressible member and compresses it, providing a shock absorbing effect. Multiple additional embodiments are presented that accommodate one or two straps and singular or multiple compressible members.

Abstract: A plug pin of a zipper has a plug pin body. The plug pin body has a first long side and a second long side. The first long side and the second long side are located on two opposite sides of the plug pin body. In the plug pin body, there is a first joint trough. On the first long side, there is a first concave trough. By utilizing the first concave trough, the extruded and protruded effect when the plug pin is fastened onto the zipper belt can be cancelled so that the plug can be plugged and lifted smoothly. A position pin and a plug pin set of a zipper are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clip is provided which can be brought into engagement with a mounting hole with a relatively low insertion force and which can be pulled out of the mounting hole for reuse. This clip includes a flange portion 16 which is brought into abutment with a front surface of a mounting hole, a stem portion 24 which hangs downwards from a rear surface of the flange portion 16, a pair of elastic engagement pieces 26, 26 which are extended from a distal end portion of the stem portion 24 so as to expand obliquely upwards towards the flange portion 16, and an expansion restriction which brings the elastic engagement pieces 26 into engagement with the stem portion 24 or the flange portion 16 while permitting the elastic engagement pieces 26 to deflect further inwards when the elastic engagement pieces 26 deflect inwards with a given angle.

Abstract: To provide an attachment structure of a clip in which merely by adding a simple construction to a wall body of a mounting member, deformation of that portion around a retaining hole is eliminated, and the clip can be attached in a stable condition. In the attachment structure of the clip (1) which is attached by inserting part thereof into the retaining hole (11) formed in the wall body (10) of the mounting member and by retaining it therein, and in the attachment structure of the clip including elastic retaining pieces (4, 4) which are elastically deformed and inserted into the retaining hole (11) to be retained in the retaining hole (11), a first rib (12) is formed integrally on the wall body (10) and is disposed around the retaining hole (11) in the wall body (10), and a second rib (13) is further formed on the wall body (10) in surrounding relation to the periphery of the elastic retaining pieces (4, 4).

Abstract: A buckle has plug and socket members which are detachably coupled to each other. The plug member having a base part, a pair of lock arms which project from the base part to be elastically coupled to the socket member, a guide rod which projects from the base part between the pair of lock arms, and bridges which extend from the base part inside the pair of lock arms and are connected to distal ends or middle portions of inner surfaces of the lock arms. The socket member have a chamber which is defined by an upper plate, a lower plate and sidewalls connecting the upper and lower plates and is open at a distal end thereof to receive the pair of lock arms and the guide rod, and engagement parts which are formed outside the chamber to allow distal end portions of the lock arms to be engaged therewith.

Abstract: A display system and arrangement for retaining a sheet of material, includes an elongated support profile and at least one retainer profile, the support profile includes a longitudinal channel open towards a lower side of the support profile and which presents a first surface and an opposite second surface, the at least one retainer profile being insertable in the channel to form a retaining interface between the first surface of the channel and a first surface of the retainer profile, the retainer profile including a reverse second surface. The display system includes at least one locking clip insertable in the channel between the second surface of the channel and the second surface of the retainer profile. The locking clip includes spring element, which when inserted exerts pressure in the transverse direction against the second surface of the channel and the second surface of the retainer profile.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus includes a first shaft and a strap wound on the first shaft such that the strap has first and second portions extending in opposite directions, and the first portion of the strap is collected on the first shaft by operably moving the rotating shaft. The tensioning apparatus further includes a reeling device for collecting the second portion of the strap. Furthermore, the reeling device includes a ratcheting mechanism that facilitates collection of the strap.

Abstract: A tensioning apparatus includes a frame, a tensioning device mounted on a first end of the frame, and a reeling device mounted on a second end of the frame. The tensioning device includes a tensioning mechanism and a lever operably pivoted to rotate the tensioning mechanism, and a strap engaged with the tensioning device can be tensioned as the tensioning device is rotated. Additionally, the strap can be collected on the reeling device. Furthermore, the reeling device includes a ratcheting mechanism that facilitates collection of the strap by preventing the reeling device to turn in a direction that unreels the strap.

Abstract: A kit including (a) an article having a plurality of pairs of opposing eyelets, including a first pair of opposing eyelets near a top of the article and a second pair of opposing eyelets disposed beneath the first pair of opposing eyelets; (b) a first lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the first pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said first lace having (i) a first elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the first body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the first body; and (c) a second lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the second pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said second lace having (i) a second elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the second body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the second body; and wherein at least the openable stop on the opposite end of the first body can interlock with the openable stop on the oppos

Abstract: A vault having a rectangular cover, and a rectangular enclosure assembly having a rectangular bottom and a vertical side wall attached to the bottom essentially around the periphery thereof, a curved support base adapted to hold a heart shaped coffin, and four curved support members attached to the bottom and being adapted to support the curved support base vertically above the bottom.

Abstract: Carbon-carbon composites made by needling together woven or nonwoven fabric made from carbon-containing fibers followed by carbonizing the fabric preforms. The carbon fiber preforms can be needled either in a carbonized or in an uncarbonized state. The un-carbonized fiber preforms would go through a carbonization/heat-treat step following the needling process. Final preform thickness and fiber volume is also controlled at carbonization, for instance by varying the level of pressure applied to the preforms during carbonization. Thus, the preforms may be unconstrained during carbonization (i.e., no pressure is applied to them). Or the preforms may be constrained during carbonization, typically by means of applying pressure (e.g., weight placed on top of the preforms). The preforms are then infiltrated via CVD/CVI processing in order to increase their density, resulting in a carbon-carbon composite which is suitable for use as, for instance, a brake disc or pad in aircraft and automotive brake systems.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an acoustic wave device that has an excellent temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) and high accuracy of IDT pattern forming and is capable of resisting high temperature processing of 200 degrees or more. The method for manufacturing an acoustic wave device according to the present invention includes forming an IDT (2) on a principal surface (1a) of a piezoelectric substrate (1), and forming a film by thermal spraying a material (3) having a smaller linear thermal expansion coefficient than the piezoelectric substrate onto an opposite principal surface (1b) of the piezoelectric substrate (1) where the IDT (2) is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for causing excess covering material at a workpiece corner to be gathered, folded and secured to a back side of the panel. A corner tucking apparatus includes a gathering plate positioned adjacent a positioning structure, and moves inwardly across the back side of the workpiece, from the corner, to gather and fold the corner flap. The gathering plate has a generally V-shaped notch which causes excess material to be gathered together as the plate moves inwardly. The gathered material upon reaching the apex of the notch is folded downwardly into contact with the back side of the workpiece. A securing structure which is carried inwardly with the gathering plate is then activated to fixedly secure the folded flap to the pad or workpiece.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the backrest, seat-cushion and armrest of sofa using bow-shaped springs, includes such steps as continuously curving the steel wire to become S-shaped bands, curved top in the middle, and both sides with V-shaped surface and Z-shaped surface separately; parallel arranging the bow-shaped springs, fixing the both ends respectively in the both sides of the back or armrest of sofa, connecting them to the quadrangular steel wire frames, using straight wire to get the bow-shaped springs and quadrangular steel wire frames together in the middle, filling the bow-shaped springs with filler, and covering sofa with surficial fabrics.

Abstract: A device capable of smoothly, easily and automatically installing a molding on a door panel for an automobile is provided and includes a molding installation jig and a dynamic sensor located between a jig body and an arm. The dynamic sensor is designed to detect a force applied from the molding installation jig to the molding. A finger is supported on a side of the jig body to contact and hold an end section of the molding. Three suction pads, which communicate with a vacuum device, are provided on a surface of the jig body at equal intervals. A pair of brackets having a C-shaped cross section are provided on a side surface of the jig body, which is perpendicular to the surface on which the suction pads are provided. A first roller, a second roller, and a third roller 19 are rotatably supported in each of the brackets.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes an electrode electrically connected to a capacitor with a wire. An assembly carrier may be used to hold and secure at least the wire and capacitor during assembly. A method of assembly for attaching a wire to a capacitor and an electrode may include an assembly carrier for housing and securing the wire, capacitor, and electrode during assembly.

Abstract: Mechanically interlocking releasable fastener systems include a reinforced shape memory polymer for forming one of the interlocking components. The reinforced shape memory polymer includes a filler material in the form of a fiber and/or platelet. The filler can include an electrically conductive filler, a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric fillers, and mixtures thereof. Also disclosed herein are processes for using the releasable fastener systems.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for fastening a retainer of an airbag, in particular of a window bag, to a body of a motor vehicle. The method for fastening including the steps of: arranging the retainer on the body by inserting a hollow pin in a corresponding bodyshell opening; positioning a tool on the retainer; and pressing a pin into an opening of the hollow pin to radially expand the hollow pin, and thereby securing the hollow pin in the corresponding bodyshell opening.

Abstract: Golf balls and methods and systems for manufacturing golf balls. In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of a golf ball comprises a core material having a void, a semiconductor component disposed at least partially in the void, and a filler material in the void and surrounding the semiconductor component, the filler material being placed in the void in a liquid state and occupying a first volume in the liquid state and the filler material transforming into a solid state which occupies substantially the first volume. Methods for manufacturing golf balls and fixtures and apparatuses for manufacturing golf balls are also described.

Abstract: The teeth 61 and 61 of the split cores 6 are moved to the centripetal direction while holding the in-slot conductor portions 11 of the distributed winding coil by the conductor guide planks 50 and 50 at predetermined circumferential positions, and at the same time, the in-slot conductor portions 11 are moved to centripetal direction. By this, it is possible to prevent the insulating films of the in-slot conductor portions 11 from being damaged at the time of insertion of the in-slot conductor portions 11 into the slots of the split cores 6.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode comprising a complex formed between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic mono-nitrile compound, and an electrochemical device comprising the cathode. A non-aqueous electrolyte containing a lithium salt, a solvent and an aliphatic mono-nitrile compound, and an electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte are also disclosed. The electrochemical device shows excellent low-temperature characteristics, high-temperature life characteristics and safety.

Abstract: A terminal reel cart that supports a reel of terminals and a terminal applicator such that the terminal applicator can be loaded with the strip of terminals and moved into position relative to a wire processing system. The terminal reel cart supports the reel of terminals and a terminal applicator. The reel cart includes a plurality of wheels that allow the cart to be easily moved throughout a processing facility. The reel cart includes a paper take up reel that is driven by a motor and collects the paper backing from the strip of terminals. The paper take up reel is driven by a drive motor on the wire processing system.

Abstract: Installation vessels and methods for offshore wind turbine installation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cantilever mast is used to transfer of wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site and guide the transfer to prevent undesired swinging movements of the wind turbine components. In another embodiment, a main crane is used in cooperation with a guide arm to transfer and guide wind turbine components from an installation vessel to an offshore installation site.

Abstract: An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a more convenient highly reliable light-emitting device which can be used for a variety of applications. Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to manufacture, without complicating the process, a highly reliable light-emitting device having a shape suitable for its intended purpose. In a manufacturing process of a light-emitting device, a light-emitting panel is manufactured which is at least partly curved by processing the shape to be molded after the manufacture of an electrode layer and/or an element layer, and a protective film covering a surface of the light-emitting panel which is at least partly curved is formed, so that a light-emitting device using the light-emitting panel has a more useful function and higher reliability.

Abstract: A method for increasing the current carried between two high voltage conductor support towers is provided. The method includes removing a first high voltage carrying cable mounted between the towers and replacing it with a composite core cable. This replacement of cable may be accomplished with existing cable hanging equipment and without the need for additional tooling.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of an electronic interface card including defining a pair of apertures in a substrate layer, associating an antenna with the substrate layer such that opposite ends of the antenna terminate at the apertures, placing a conductor in each of the apertures, connecting the antenna to the conductor, forming a recess in the substrate layer, attaching continuous connection wires to a plurality of chip modules, attaching the continuous connection wires to a plurality of conductors on a corresponding plurality of the substrate layers, cutting the continuous connection wires so as to retain portions thereof which connect each chip module to a corresponding pair of conductors and sealing the chip module in the recess.

Abstract: A process of twinning a pair of polymer-insulated conductors to form a twisted pair, where the polymer-insulated conductors are formed by extruding a uniformly thick coating of polymer onto the conductors. More than one twisted pair is encased in a polymer jacket forming a cable. The twisted pair obtains a desirable average impedance performance using a reduced amount by weight of polymer forming said polymer-insulated conductors by: (i) extruding to form longitudinally running peaks and valleys in the exterior surface of each of the polymer-insulated conductors of the pair of polymer-insulated conductors and (ii) twinning resultant polymer-insulated conductors to nest at least one of the peaks in the exterior surface of one of the polymer-insulated conductors in at least one of said valleys in the exterior surface of the other of the polymer-insulated conductors of the pair of polymer-insulated conductors.

Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes securing the blade into a clamping fixture, obtaining a zero reference from a gauging surface on the clamping fixture, coupling the clamping fixture to a grinding machine, and grinding the blade based on the zero reference.

Abstract: According to one feature of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a porous catcher includes providing a catcher face material layer; forming pores in the catcher face material layer using a first etching process that is controlled by a first photolithographic mask; providing a reinforcing structure material layer that is in mechanical contact with the porous catcher face; forming openings in the reinforcing structure material layer using a second etching process that is controlled by a second photolithographic mask; and fluidically connecting the openings in the reinforcing structure and the pores of the catcher face using a material removal process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the corrosion-protective pretreatment of metal components, which at least partially comprise metal surfaces made of iron, using a chromium-free aqueous treatment solution, which contains fluoro-complexes of zirconium and/or titanium and phosphate ions in a specific ratio range to one another, and a metal component which is pretreated accordingly, and the use thereof for the application of further corrosion-protective coatings and/or lacquer systems. The method is suitable in particular as a pretreatment for electrophoretic painting of metal components, which are provided in the form of non-closed hollow bodies.

Abstract: A razor cartridge which has a housing with a pocket defined by a front wall and a rear wall. The pocket has a seat surface and at least one of the front and rear walls include one or more flexible segments. One or more blades are mounted within the housing. An elongated skin contacting member is provided that comprises a shaving aid composite that has one or more water-leachable shaving aid materials. The elongated skin contacting member has a body portion with an upper skin contacting surface and a base portion which is disposed at least partially within the pocket. The base portion has a bottom surface spaced apart from the seat surface. The base portion extends laterally outwardly from the body portion and is in mechanical engagement with the one or more flexible segments to secure the skin contacting member to the housing.

Abstract: A portioning device is provided for use in cutting or leveling a food product. The portioning device comprises a handle section that is configured to be manipulated by a user, a leg section and a blade. The handle section includes an arm configured to receive a leg, a sleeve configured to slide over a portion of the arm, and an arm connector pivotally coupled to the arm. The leg section is configured to support the portioning device on a surface. The leg section includes a blade holder configured to hold an end of a blade portion, and a leg lock configured to adjustably lock the leg in a position. The blade is configured to cut an object.