Abstract: The present invention has a deck and a mid-frame, connected by first and second levers. An arm of the first lever has an interface. These levers are connected with a drag link. An actuator is pivotally and movably connected to the interface and pivotally connected to the drag link. The location of the actuator relative the interface is controlled with a control arm. The deck, mid-frame and first set of levers comprise a first parallelogram. Third and fourth levers are connected to the mid-frame. The fourth lever has an arm with an interface. These levers are connected with a drag link. An actuator can be pivotally and movably connected to the interface and pivotally connected to the drag link. The location of the actuator relative the interface is controlled with a control arm. The bases, mid-frame and second set of levers comprise a second parallelogram.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck having a head deck section, seat deck section, and foot deck section each of which is supported on a frame. The head deck section pivots and translates relative to the frame when driven. The drive systems of the deck sections are configured such that movement of links driving the deck sections occurs above the lowest point on the frame.

Abstract: A support system including a cushion or pad having a foam core and cover is disclosed. The support system is capable of taking a variety of different shapes and can be adjusted for firmness. The support system may be used during and after surgery and more generally, any time when it is desirable to utilize a sterilizable, adjustable cushion. Additionally, multiple cushions may be used in a variety of combinations at any one time.

Abstract: A bed mattress support apparatus and method includes a fluid filled bladder or multiplicity of bladders to vertically support a rigid platform. The rigid platform provides a suspended surface to support a mattress, foam pad, or other mattress-like device. A frame surrounds the bladder to prevent lateral movement of the bladder. Motion limiting features control vertical displacement of the platform.

Abstract: Mattresses and methods for manufacturing mattresses that have a flame resistant panel, such as a flame resistant border panel. The systems and methods include mattresses that have a flame resistant panel that, in certain embodiments, includes a fire barrier layer made of a batting material and being disposed over a thermoplastic fire barrier layer. The first and second fire barrier layers provide a fire barrier that reduces the transfer of oxygen to the mattress core, thereby reducing the presence of oxygen, which is needed to support combustion of the padding material. Additionally, the invention encompasses methods for manufacturing mattresses.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fabric cover configured to substantially surround a mattress is disclosed. A zipper is coupled to the fabric cover and configured to provide an opening in the fabric cover. The zipper is further has a zipper pull and is configured to be opened and closed by movement of the zipper pull. A zipper anchor is also configured to secure the zipper pull in a position causing the zipper to be substantially closed.

Abstract: A mattress has at least one inflatable top layer made up of a plurality of adjacent elements that are individually inflatable by a pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device and at least one bottom layer supporting the top layer. The bottom layer has a recess for receiving a sensor connected to the pneumatic inflation and pressure regulation device, and making it possible to determine the pressure applied by the body of an individual bearing against the inflatable top layer and to regulate the inflation pressures of the elements of the top layer. In at least one support zone designed to support the sacrum of an individual, the top layer is made up of a plurality of inflatable elements that are of a width smaller than their height.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a mattress, a control unit spaced from the mattress, and a connector assembly that pneumatically and electrically interconnects the control unit with the mattress. The control unit has a main housing and a plurality of user interface modules that are selectively coupleable to the control unit and that are programmed differently to provide different modes of operation for the mattress system. A pressure sensor inside the mattress detects the presence or absence of a person on the mattress. The mattress system has a bed exit alarm system that, when armed, provides a bed exit alarm if the pressure sensor in the mattress detects that a patient has exited the mattress. The connector assembly includes a dual mode connector having both electrical and pneumatic couplers and a dual lumen hose assembly that extends from the dual mode connector to the mattress.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an internal spring array of a mattress wherein the springs are mounted back to back on a membrane, and a simplified method for making an internal spring array of a mattress. The springs of the array have support plates connected to a base section via a spring arm.

Abstract: A self-propelled robotic pool cleaner (100) has a first pair of driven brushes (12, 14) and second pair of free brushes co-axially mounted for rotation on axles (16) at the opposite ends of the pool cleaner that are transverse to the direction of movement. The first pair of brushes are mounted on one side and are driven by a drive motor (110); the second pair of brushes are mounted on the opposite side of the cleaner. A rotational delay clutch (30) is co-axially positioned between each pair of the first and second brushes so that reversing the drive motor causes the first pair of driven brushes to temporarily rotate at an angular rotational velocity that is greater than that of the second pair of brushes, thereby pivoting the pool cleaner through a predetermined angular change in direction before the synchronous rotation of the second pair of dual brushes is initiated by the engagement of the clutch.

Abstract: An ultrasonic toothbrush for daily oral hygiene application is disclosed, having an ultrasound transducer in direct contact with the fluids in the oral cavity, without ultrasound energy attenuation between the transducer and the fluids in the oral cavity. Maximum level of ultrasound energy coupled to the fluids within the oral cavity and to the teeth and gums and periodontal pockets, achieving maximum loosening of soft plaque. Toothbrush configurations of ultrasonically enhanced manually operated toothbrushes and motorized toothbrushes having lateral direction sonic frequency vibrating brush heads emitting ultrasonic energy are disclosed. To generate the sonic frequency lateral vibration of the brush head, a motion transducer is utilized. Removable and user replaceable brush heads are described. In the various configurations low voltage DC energy supplied by a battery is converted to ultrasonic frequency DC current to activate the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device having two toothbrushes connected or connectable to the end of a handle, the one or more toothbrushes providing a desirable fit about the teeth and/or gums and/or providing a desirable brushing action. An oral hygiene device hereof may provide for mechanically providing the brushing movements of the professionally recommended manual tooth-brushing method known as the “Bass” or “Modified Bass” technique to thus reduce or eliminate the element of human error associated with the brushing of a user's teeth and gums.

Abstract: A swivel paint roller apparatus is arranged for mounting on an extension pole member and arranged to provide for rotation of the roller frame about a pivot axis oriented angularly in the range of 20 degrees to 80 degrees relative to the axis of a longitudinal extension of the base mount supporting the roller frame member, for swiveling, rotating movement of the roller frame and paint roller cage and cover supported thereon by rotation of the extension pole member held in the hands of a user during painting operations, thereby providing for the variation of the angular orientation and corresponding direction of travel of the paint roller during painting operations while permitting the paint roller to remain continuously in contact with the surface being painted, whereby to enhance and simplify painting operations when using an extension pole.

Abstract: An assembly type cleaning structure for an induction reader comprises a positioning member with an assembling portion and restricting portions. With the assembling portion, the positioning member can be detachably assembled on the induction reader. And the restricting portions enable the positioning member to be forced onto the induction reader. The user can assemble the cleaning structure onto the induction reader or remove it by himself according to the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper drive comprising a housing, a reversing motor and a gear mechanism connected downstream of the reversing motor, wherein a swaying element for driving at least one wiper arm or a wiper arm rod is provided on the gear mechanism output shaft, and wherein the operating range of the swaying element lies within a pivoting range which is delimited by two mechanical stops, wherein at least one stop is designed such that it can be removed and/or moved in such a way that the swaying element, when the wiper drive is mounted on a support frame, can be moved from a first mounting position, which lies outside the pivoting range, into the pivoting range without being obstructed by the stop. The invention furthermore relates to methods for mounting a wiper drive on a support frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a wiper arm (10a-10c, 10k, 10l) including a wiper rod (12a, 12c, 12k) for fixing a wiper blade, a fixing element (14a-14c, 14k, 14l) connected free of articulation to the wiper rod (12a, 12c, 12k) and at least one partial zone (16a-16m) having spring elasticity. It is proposed that the wiper arm (10a-10c, 10k, 10l) can shift essentially elastically from an operating configuration to at least one first stable configuration, wherein the wiper blade can be mounted and dismounted when the wiper arm (10a-10c, 10k, 10l) is in a mounted state.

Abstract: An upper processing head includes a topside module defined to apply a cleaning material to a top surface of a substrate and then expose the substrate to a topside rinsing meniscus. The topside module is defined to flow a rinsing material through the topside rinsing meniscus in a substantially uni-directional manner towards the cleaning material and opposite a direction of movement of the substrate. A lower processing head includes a bottomside module defined to apply a bottomside rinsing meniscus to the substrate so as to balance a force applied to the substrate by the topside rinsing meniscus. The bottomside module is defined to provide a drain channel for collecting and draining the cleaning material dispensed from the upper processing head when the substrate is not present between the upper and lower processing heads. The upper and lower processing heads can include multiple instantiations of the topside and bottomside modules, respectively.

Abstract: A robot cleaning system and a dust removing method of the same that are capable of moving a first dust collector mounted in a robot cleaner to a docking station to remove dust collected in the first dust collector. The robot cleaning system includes a robot cleaner having an opening, though which a first dust collector to collect suctioned dust is carried in and out of the robot cleaner, a docking station, to which the robot cleaner is docked to remove the dust collected in the first dust collector, and a collector moving unit to move the first dust collector to the docking station.

Abstract: A portable carpet cleaning apparatus comprises a module for movement along a surface, a cleaning fluid dispensing system for applying a cleaning fluid to the surface, optionally, a rotating brush assembly, a suction nozzle and a vacuum source fluidly connected to the suction nozzle and a heating element for heating the cleaning fluid immediately prior to the application of the cleaning fluid to the surface.

Abstract: A backpack blower rack for supporting and securing a backpack blower.

Abstract: A cleaning head for a suction cleaner, the head including a body; a rotatable tool connected to the body by support means; driving means; and transmission means providing a driving connection between the driving means and the tool; wherein the support means contains the transmission means, and provides for movement of the tool upwardly and downwardly relative to the body in use.

Abstract: A vehicle hood stop arranged to collapse if the vehicle hood is struck by an object with an impact force exceeding a predetermined limit. The hood stop includes an upper section arranged below a lower surface of the hood, a lower section arranged to be attached to the vehicle, and at least one impact absorbing sections, where a first impact absorbing sections includes at least three collapsible supporting members arranged to diverge from one another as they extend from the upper section toward the lower section.

Abstract: A window roller apparatus comprising a cradle, a housing pivotably installed in the cradle, and at least one roller wheel rotatably installed in the housing. Cradle side walls are formed with opposite inwardly-opening cradle side wall recesses, and respective housing side walls are formed with opposite inwardly-opening housing side wall recesses and with opposite outwardly-projecting bosses configured to pivotably engage the respective inwardly-opening cradle side wall recesses. The at least one roller wheel has an axle that engages the housing side wall recesses. A resilient pad is positioned on the cradle bottom wall between the cradle and the housing, the pad being of a sufficient size and thickness to at least partially engage the housing and effectively bias the housing toward a parallel orientation relative to the cradle while allowing for non-parallel operation of the housing relative to the cradle as dictated by operational constraints on the window roller apparatus.

Abstract: A temporary checking device is provided that works in conjunction with elements of a vehicle hinge that remain in the vehicle's final configuration. The hinge includes a hinge pin rotatably connecting a door hinge bracket to a pillar hinge bracket. The checking device includes a spring portion that is disposed between the door hinge bracket and the pillar hinge bracket. The spring portion is compressed during movement of the door hinge bracket relative to the pillar hinge bracket from either of two rest positions. The spring portion urges the vehicle door affixed thereto back into one of the rest positions, thus allowing manufacturing operations such as painting, etc., to be performed on the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement in a screen for substantially continuous adjustability and parking of the screen in a desired position, including an upper hinge and a lower hinge. The lower hinge includes a conical element for achieving a braking effect against pivoting of the parts in relation to one another.

Abstract: A handle assembly for mounting to a door of an appliance includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door.

Abstract: A mobility assistance device for providing support to a user is disclosed. The mobility assistance device may include a handle having a plurality of rungs to be grasped by a user. The handle may be pivoted to various support positions as desired.

Abstract: The water-resistant or waterproof zipper includes first and second profiles which are interlocked or separated by the movement of a slider. The first sidewall of the slider is generally planar while the second sidewall is generally curved so that the sidewalls are relatively closer together at the closing end and generally further apart at the opening end. A triangular island and separating plow are formed at the opening end to separate the first and second profiles. The slider includes various channels which engage corresponding rails in the profiles in order to properly position the profiles. The slider further includes various protrusions and a flange to properly position the profiles.

Abstract: A clasp has a first member and a second member that are disposed to two coupled members. The clasp is closed by the first member and the second member mutually engaging when the coupled members slide in relatively opposite directions. The first member has a first attachment member that has side walls, a spine that connects the side walls, and a button unit that has a push button which is urged to the outside from the inside of the coupled members in the direction intersecting the sliding direction of the coupled members. The second member has a second attachment member that has side walls attached at a prescribed position to the other coupled member on both sides. The first attachment member and the button unit are attached at a prescribed position to the one coupled member.

Abstract: A fastener comprises two engagement springs on opposite sides of the fastener. Each engagement spring has an elongated rib. The elongated ribs may have a substantially rectangular shape, or any suitable shape, and they may protrude away from the opposite side of the fastener. Additionally, the elongated ribs may have same or different slopes at each end of the ribs. According to one embodiment, the elongated rib increases the removal to insertion force ratio as compared to such ratio when the engagement springs do not have the elongated rib.

Abstract: The present invention is an organizer device having a primary back strap 10, the primary back strap 10 having a first end, a second end and a middle portion. The first end having a first buckle portion 32 and a means for suspending the back strap 20, the second end having a second buckle portion 28, the middle portion having at least one attachment location with an appended buckle portion 38 interposed between the first and second ends; and wherein the second end is provided to receive the first end of a second primary back strap. The device further has at least one removable cinch strap device 40 having a first end and a second end, the first end having two buckle portions 38, 39, a first buckle portion 39 for removable attachment to the attachment location with an appended buckle 38 on the primary back strap 10 and a second buckle portion 39 to attach to the buckle portion at the second end of the cinch strap 40 to form a loop for holding a coil of cable 100, a power tool box or other material.

Abstract: A clasp for an ornamental object comprising a base, a top, and a link. The link engages the base. The engagement occurs where at least one projection and an aperture from the link respectively engage at least one cavity and a post from the base. The engagement between the base and top is further secured by moving the top and the base proximal each other such that the link is positioned between the two. Magnetic force is used to position the top and base proximal each other.

Abstract: A spring wire retention device for a chair that includes a spring network with spring wires bridging an opening that defines a seat is disclosed. The spring wire retention device includes a retainer body with an abutment formed therein for preventing movement of the spring wire bridging the opening. A stop member is oppositely disposed from the abutment. Between the abutment and the stop member, a cavity is formed in the retainer body. A resilient member protrudes from within the cavity. The resilient member constantly urges the spring wire against the abutment. The invention may be cast in the form of a ring with a plurality of retainer bodies circumscribing the ring and supporting a spring network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckle device used in child seats of a baby carriage or high chair, comprising first and second waist-strap adjusting device, first and second plug for waist-strap, first and second shoulder strap-coupling device, a socket and a release button. Each of the first and second plugs for waist-strap includes a arm that can be inserted into the socket. Each of the plugs has, in between the arms, a resilient tongue that can be inserted into the socket. The socket has a hole for receiving the release button, and has resilient legs at the bottom thereof so that the release button may maintain in position. The release button includes cavities at both sides thereof for receiving the arms. The release button further includes inclined surfaces corresponding to the resilient tongue between the cavities. When the release button is pressed, the inclined surfaces will exert a force on the resilient tongue to eject the plug from the socket.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric device having a resonator element, a package having a base, a lead wire having opposite ends with one end connected to the base and to a support substrate for supporting such end of the lead wire on the package with the support substrate having at least one open window section on an undersurface side thereof which is in an obverse and reverse relationship to the surface of the substrate facing the resonator element wherein the other end of the lead wire is joined to the substrate through the open window section on said undersurface side of the support substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for riveting two or more sheets together that includes a punch and a die. The die has an expandable cavity that is formed by a tip and a plurality of movable blades. The blades are retained on the die, in part, by an elastomeric blade collar that biases the blades inwardly toward the tip. A method of riveting a plurality of sheets together with the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method used for locking three shafts of an automatic transmission during tightening of a shaft-retaining nut. The device has a housing with a sidewall defining a fluid chamber and a tip at the first end of the housing. A fluid passage extends through the tip from the fluid chamber at one end of the tip and a clutch apply port at a second, opposite end of the tip. A tube, such as a coupling, is mounted to the housing sidewall through which a fluid passage extends in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. A compressed gas conduit is mounted to the coupling and is in fluid communication with the coupling fluid passage. As a park mechanism on the transmission is applied, a predetermined amount of air pressure from the compressed gas conduit is applied through the coupling, housing and tip to the clutch apply port, thereby locking the three shafts of the automatic transmission together. The shaft retaining nuts are tightened and the device can be released, thereby releasing the shaft.

Abstract: A seal removal tool includes a hollow cylindrical member, an advancing device, and a extracting device. The cylindrical member has an open, circular first end with a barbed knife-edge that has a perimeter with a diameter substantially equal to an inside diameter of an inner circular edge of an annular seal fitting snuggly around an exposed end of a shaft. A second end of the cylindrical member is partially closed with an enlarged threaded opening therein. The advancing device comprises a first threaded elongated rod element and a pressing portion for pressing against the partially closed second end. The extracting device comprises a second threaded elongated rod element having an enlarged tip for engaging the exposed end of the shaft after disengaging the advancing device. The enlarged tip is configured to screw into an enlarged threaded opening in the cylindrical member and to advance axially and press against the exposed end of the shaft as the second threaded elongated rod element is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a slide fastener. The apparatus may provide a chain transfer path inclined downward for transferring a fastener chain, a chain cutting portion disposed at a middle of the transfer path and a feed portion disposed on an upstream side of the chain cutting portion of the chain transfer path. A control portion may also be provided for a) stopping to transfer the fastener chain by the feed portion and b) operating the chain cutting portion. A pivoting section may also be provided, which pivots the chain cutting portion by a predetermined angle on the chain transfer path around an axis line orthogonal to the transfer path.

Abstract: Omnidirectional strength plywood includes at least one ply disposed so that its grain runs diagonal to the length and width of the plywood sheet, and as such its grain diagonally intersects the grain of at least one other ply of the sheet. In some instances, two diagonal plies are disposed so that their grains intersect at approximate right angles and both run diagonal to the length and the width of the sheet. Further disclosed is a method for the manufacture of the diagonal grain plies.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method to form a base plate for a hard disk drive are described. In one embodiment, a blank base plate is advanced through plurality of die stations and parts of the base plate are press worked to form a disk drive base plate. In one embodiment, the blank base plate may be press worked by stamping the base plate with a progressive die assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the blank base plate may be press worked by stamping the base plate with a transfer die assembly.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Articles and methods for installing hook bolts on bridge decks constructed of timbers and structural steel members. A tether is lowered through a hole in a timber, captured below the bridge deck, and drawn upward around the timber or between timbers. A hook bolt is engaged with the end of the tether that was lowered through the hole and drawn upward, then lowered under the bridge deck and drawn upward through the hole in the timber. The hook bolt engages with a flange on a structural member of the bridge deck.

Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.

Abstract: An acoustic cavity of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) architecture is defined on a piezoelectric substrate by two acoustic reflectors are formed on a piezoelectric substrate. The surface acoustic wave architecture may include at least one alpha interdigitated transducer (IDT) at least three beta IDTs which are placed in acoustic series within the acoustic cavity. The alpha IDT is electrically coupled to a first interface. The beta IDTs are coupled in electrical and acoustic series and are associated with a second interface. At least three beta IDTs are adjacent one another. An additional reflector or an alpha IDT may be placed between two of the beta IDTs.

Abstract: A microphone manufacturing method that includes forming an etching protective film on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, opening an etching window through the etching protective film, and forming a sacrifice layer in the etching window and also on an upper face of the etching protective film. The method includes forming a vibration film above said sacrifice layer and starting an etching process of said sacrifice layer through a preformed port at a location wherein said sacrifice layer is sandwiched by said vibration film and the etching protective film and located apart from the etching window. The etching process uses an etchant to which the etching protective film is resistant, to open the etching window. The method includes crystal anisotropically etching said semiconductor substrate through the port and the etching window by using an etchant to which the etching protective film is resistant so that a cavity is formed.

Abstract: In a combination of, for example, a rotor having eight magnetic poles and a stator having twelve slots and pulsating components of permeance, which generate a sinusoidal cogging torque having maxima of the same number as the number of poles of the rotor, pressurizing parts arranged in predetermined positions, applying a force at an outer periphery of the stator and directed inwardly cancels the pulsating components of the cogging torque.

Abstract: A method of forming a reinforced slider body for use in a recording head having a transducer that is bi-directionally movable with respect to a surface of a magnetic medium. The method includes the steps of defining in a surface of a wafer a plurality of dice lanes having side walls to delineate a plurality of slider bodies on the wafer where the side walls having an angled configuration with respect to the wafer surface, polishing the dice lanes such that the interface between the wafer surface and the side walls is rounded, implanting a substance into the dice lanes; and applying a diamond-like carbon coating to the bottom surface and side walls of the dice lanes.

Abstract: A method for making a power inductor comprises providing a first magnetic core comprising a ferrite bead core material, cutting a first cavity and a first air gap in said first magnetic core, and attaching a second magnetic core to said first magnetic core at least one of in and adjacent to said air gap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solenoidal magnet structure, includes the step of providing a collapsible accurate mold in which to wind the coils winding wire into defined positions in the mold, placing a mechanical support structure over the coils so wound, impregnating the coils and the mechanical support structure with a thermosetting resin, allowing the thermosetting resin to harden, and collapsing the mold and removing the resultant solenoidal magnet structure formed by the resin impregnated coils and the mechanical support structure from the mold as a single solid piece.