Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and a method for reshaping a footwear shell, the apparatus includes a support structure, a drive mechanism and external mold arrangement that drives the external mold toward or away from the shell being reshaped; and an internal mold assembly that includes an angled support arm having a first leg adapted to couple to one of a selection of couplings provided in the support structure and a second leg offset from the first leg at an angle ?. The internal mold assembly also includes an adapter that is rotatably fixed to the second leg of the angled support arm, and a static mold removably fixed to the adapter and coaxially aligned with a common axis extending through the external mold and static mold, the support arm angle ? provides an improved support shape that improves placement of the static mold within the footwear shell during reshaping.

Abstract: A light to medium-duty bridge structure suitable for use in golf-courses, parks and similar settings. The bridge structure comprises at least one corrugated metal plate having corrugations oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bridge structure. Applied to the upper surface of this corrugated metal plate is a layer of concrete or like material to provide a support/running surface. The corrugated metal plate is provided with a plurality of devices adapted to engage the concrete or like material so as to provide a composite corrugated metal plate-concrete structure capable of supporting light to medium-duty loads.

Abstract: A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle, a head with carriers and a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. A motor is disposed within the handle. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. The shaft is operatively connected to the carrier to move the carrier in a first motion. The carrier is capable of moving in a second motion when subjected to user forces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: An electrically powered toothbrush comprises a body having a first end, a head opposite from the first end, and a neck extending between the first end and the head. The body defines a hollow region therewithin. An electrical motor and a power source are disposed in the hollow region within the body. A drive shaft having a longitudinal axis of rotation and a distal end offset from the axis of rotation is operatively connected to the motor for rotational movement. A base pivotally secured to the head by a laterally extending pivot member has a receiving channel for receiving the distal end of the drive shaft. A first bristle carrier is secured to the base, and a second bristle carrier is disposed on the head between the first bristle carrier and the first end. Rotation of the drive shaft causes its distal end to move within the receiving channel thereby causing the base with the first bristle carrier to pivot about the laterally extending pivot member.

Abstract: An electric cleaning sweeper comprises a housing, including a detachable dirt tray placed inside the housing; and at least one openable wall located on the dirt tray wherein the openable wall is responsive to movement of a device located on the handle which can pick up the dirt tray and remove it off the housing to discharge the dust and debris while direct contact of the dirt tray by a human hand is avoided.

Abstract: A powered sweeper includes a housing, a brushroll chamber disposed in the housing, a brushroll mounted in a brushroll chamber, a dirt chamber disposed in the housing, a drive motor disposed in the housing, and a driven wheel operatively connected to the drive motor. The brushroll rotates in the brushroll chamber and the dirt chamber communicates with the brushroll chamber such that debris is propelled by the brushroll into the dirt chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an eraser for chalkboards, blackboards, markerboards, or whiteboards and the like. The eraser is worn on the hand of a person and at least the palm of the glove/mitten has an eraser surface for erasing. The glove/mitten is especially suitable for use in a classroom.

Abstract: A multipurpose gardening tool that comprises a broom assembly, a housing assembly for disposable bags, a spike assembly, a rake assembly, and a dustpan assembly. The multipurpose gardening tool can be readily assembled and disassembled into different configurations or can be combined to form one single tool. The multipurpose gardening tool can be utilized in commercial or residential settings for gardening and landscaping, whereby each can detach from each other to utilize each of the above defined in a manner that corresponds with the work to be accomplished.

Abstract: A retractable eraser has an elongated contoured housing which has a longitudinal slot and spaced detents and an opening at one end. A carrier has a button which is depressible so that a catch clears the detents to permit selective longitudinal displacement of the carrier. An oval shaped eraser element is mounted to the carrier and displaced into and out of the housing so as, in one position, to project beyond the housing. Bristles project longitudinally from the housing around the opening.

Abstract: A brush head of compact design, which includes a bristle carrier having secured to it bristles, and an elastic element for holding an oral, dental and/or gingival cleaning and/or care substance. The elastic element is joined to the bristle carrier by means of a support element. The bristle carrier is made of a first plastic, the support element of a second plastic, and the elastic element of a third plastic.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for grills and the like that provides multiple selective cleaning surfaces contoured for contact with the grill to be cleaned. A cleaning cylinder is rotatably mounted in a support handle frame so as to be indexed by rotation on a central axis by the user to position new contact cleaning surface areas for use.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a cleaning device and a method of manufacturing the same. The cleaning device is configured to be effectively used for cleaning, polishing, drying, scrubbing, and scouring. The cleaning device is constructed of a combination of materials wherein the different component materials are inherently better suited for different functions. The component materials are sized, arranged, and combined to provide a highly effective and versatile cleaning tool.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning the weather sealing strip at the windows of a vehicle has a flat elongate strip that has a brush end and a handle end joined by a medial section, the medial section being offset relative to the brush end by a first obtuse angle and being offset relative to the handle end by a second obtuse angle. The brush end as a twist offset relative to the handle end, the twist being right-handed for right-handed users. The brush end is tapered and has a rounded tip and has a brush material covering this end except at the rounded tip. A handle encompasses the handle end.

Abstract: A hairbrush for allowing trapped hair to be easily removed therefrom. The hairbrush comprises a handle for grasping the hairbrush and a head joined to the handle. The head comprises an array of bristles that protrude through a layer having an array of corresponding apertures. In an initial position the bristles fully protrude through the apertures. In a final position the layer is shifted to the free ends of the bristles. By shifting said hairbrush from an initial position to a final position tangled hair is gathered along the layer and easily removed from the hairbrush.

Abstract: A snow removal device and kit that include a first sheet, a second sheet, and at least one strap. The top and bottom edges of the first sheet are joined to the top and bottom edges of the second sheet and the second sheet is also joined to the first sheet such that unjoined portions of the first sheet and the second sheet form an arm pocket and a weight pocket. The arm pocket is formed proximate to the joined top edges of the first sheet and the second sheet and is dimensioned to accommodate an arm of a user. The weight pocket is dimensioned to accommodate at least one weight and includes at least three closed edges. The strap is attached proximate to the joined top and bottom edges of one side edge.

Abstract: A water-wiper apparatus has a handle having a height, width, and length with a substantially oval shape in cross-section orthogonal to the length, a major axis of the oval shape in the direction of the height, the handle formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, a first engagement interface along the length of the handle in a region bisected by the major axis, the engagement interface comprising a channel having a shape and a first width and an opening of a second width less than the first width to the outside of the handle, and a wiper blade of the length of the handle, formed of a flexible material and having a second engagement interface shaped to engage the first engagement interface, engaging the wiper blade with the handle, the wiper blade having a curved side in cross section from the handle to a tip end of a wiper leg away from the handle, the curve of the side having a radius of from one-half inch to one-and-one-half inches.

Abstract: A beam blade wiper assembly including a rubber wiping element and an elongated beam having first and second longitudinal ends. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil having an attachment portion and an upper portion extending between first and second distal ends. The attachment portion includes a flat rib and a pair of legs adapted to operatively engage the rubber wiping element. The upper portion includes a solid base having a leading edge that extends from the base toward the wiping element. The base and the rib define a space that receives the elongated beam. The base and the elongated beam define a cavity that provides flexibility between the upper portion and the attachment portion during wiper operation. The upper portion further includes a spoiler that extends from the base in a manner opposite to the leading edge.

Abstract: An articulating ball joint for connecting a pair of driven members to a driving member such as a crank pin. In one embodiment, a single ball is held in a first, or inner, socket defined by a coupling member having a convex outer surface, and the first socket is held within a second, outer, socket defined in a second coupling member also having a convex outer surface, which is, in turn, engaged by a retainer.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner is disclosed in the present invention, which comprises a controller, at least a driving wheel module, and a dust-collecting module. The controller is disposed on a housing plate. The driving wheel module, electrically connecting to the controller, further includes: a driver; a wheel connecting to the output shaft of the driver; a linkage rod, having two ends pivotally fixed on the housing plate and the driver respectively; and a resilience element, having two ends pivotally connected to the housing plate and the driver respectively. The dust-collecting module, disposed on the housing plate, is capable of vacuuming for filtering and collecting dust.

Abstract: A robot cleaner system having an improved docking structure between a robot cleaner and a docking station, which is capable of an easy docking operation of the robot cleaner and preventing loss of a suction force generated in the docking station. The robot cleaner includes a docking portion to be inserted into a dust suction hole of the docking station upon a docking operation. The docking portion may be a protrusion, which protrudes out of a robot body to be inserted into a dust suction path defined in the docking station, the protrusion communicates a dust discharge hole of the robot cleaner with the dust suction path of the docking station. The robot cleaner system includes a coupling device to keep the robot cleaner and the docking station in their docked state. The coupling device is configured to have a variety of shapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a dirt collection tank which has a suction inlet and is in flow connection with at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one extraction line, and with at least one external air inlet which opens into the extraction line downstream of the filter and can be closed by means of at least one closing valve, wherein the closing valve has a movable valve member which is acted upon by a spring-elastic restoring device with a closing force and in the closing position, in addition, by a magnetic holding device with a magnetic holding force.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning head includes a rotatable brush bar and an air turbine driving the brush bar. An air inlet admits air to drive the turbine. A button is movable between an open position, in which it admits air to the turbine, and a closed position in which it closes the inlet and prevents air from reaching the turbine. The button is movable in response to the speed of rotation of the turbine or to the flow of air to or through the turbine exceeding a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a motor-driven rotatable agitator coupled with a shaft of the motor through a belt. A belt disengaging device for a vacuum cleaner comprises a pin that is movable through an arc of less than 180° between an engaged position and a disengaged position, at which the pin lifts the belt off the motor shaft. An actuator for the belt disengaging device includes a first exterior portion for user access and is moveable between a first and second position. A linkage pivotally connected to the actuator and the mechanically coupled to the pin moves the pin between the engaged and disengaged positions as the actuator moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A caster includes a casing having a shank and a locking unit is located at a lower end of the shank. Two wheels are connected to two sides of the casing by a shaft and an inner gear is connected to each of the two wheels. A direction unit is located in the casing and includes a first lever and an opening, the first lever connects the direction unit to the locking unit. A brake unit is located in the casing and includes a second lever. The second lever connects the brake unit to the locking unit and the inner gears. The second lever is engaged with the opening of the first lever and shares a common pivot with the first lever so as to respectively brake the caster and control direction of the caster.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door damper, in which a safety check valve is installed in consideration of the case in which an impact exceeding a design pressure will be applied, thereby absorbing the impact to enable a door to be closed safely and smoothly. In the door damper, a safety check valve is installed in a piston, and thus is opened in cooperation with another check valve installed between a spring holder and the piston when the pressure exceeding a design pressure is applied. Thereby, when the impact exceeding the design pressure occurs, the safety check valve can absorb the impact to prevent damage. A channel can be adjusted by only ridges formed on an outer circumference of the check valve, so that productivity can be improved thanks to easy tolerance management. Further, an oil seal is not contracted or deformed in spite of long-term use.

Abstract: An automobile door checker includes a case secured to a door, a check plate that runs movably through the case and has its base end pivotably supported on a body, a detent member fitted into and retained by the case and working in cooperation with a detent face of the check plate and a resilient member that is formed from a resilient material and is provided in a compressed state in a housing chamber defined between an outer end face of the detent member and an inner end face of the case, wherein the resilient member substantially and tightly fills the housing chamber, thus preventing rainwater from infiltrating into the housing chamber. In this way, it is possible to prevent infiltration of rainwater into a housing chamber of a case housing a resilient member by a simple structure.

Abstract: An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.

Abstract: A hinge unit useful in the manufacture of readily assembled and erect shelving and storage units and furniture comprises an elongate locking member having a first portion adapted to be received within a slotted channel in the surface of a first panel, a second portion extending away from the elongate member for attaching the hinge to a second panel and integral axial flexion member between the two portions of the hinge. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate locking member and the channel are selected to prevent rotation of the locking member within the channel.

Abstract: A hinge assembly comprises a first hinge half, a second hinge half, a spring, and a pin passing through the spring joining the first hinge half and the second hinge half. The spring in turn comprises a coil body, a first spring arm extending from the coil body having a first distal end portion, a second spring arm extending from the coil body having a second distal end portion, a first support extending from the first distal end portion towards the first hinge half and bearing on the first hinge half, and a second support extending from the second distal end portion towards the second hinge half and bearing on the second hinge half.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge, particularly for movable furniture parts (1), comprising: at least seven rotational pins; at least two stop parts (2, 3) for fastening to furniture parts (1) or the like, and; a linear damping device for damping an opening and/or closing movement of the hinge. This hinge is designed in such a manner that all components (8, 9) of the linear damping device (7) execute a motion relative to both stop parts (2, 3) during the opening and/or closing movement of the hinge.

Abstract: An abrasion-enhanced hinge has a pintle, a washer assembly and a stationary leaf. The pintle is connected securely to a cover of an electronic device. The washer assembly has multiple stationary washers and multiple rotating washers. The stationary and rotating washers are mounted interlacedly around the pintle. The stationary washers are connected securely to each other. The rotating washers are connected securely to the pintle. The stationary leaf is connected securely to a base of the electronic device and is connected securely to the nearest stationary washer. When the cover is pivoted to the base, the pintle is rotated relative to the stationary leaf. Thus, the rotating washers are rotated relative to the stationary washers. Because the stationary and rotating washers are mounted interlacedly, the rotations between the stationary and rotating washers provide a lot of abrasions. Therefore, the hinge provides enhanced abrasion.

Abstract: A hinge plate for concealed placement between door frame and door panel, has two mounting bases that can be set into recesses in the door frame and in the door panel, and hinge brackets that work together in pairs, which are connected to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. On the mounting bases, in each instance, the end of one hinge bracket is mounted to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, and the end of the other hinge bracket is guided to move longitudinally. The hinge brackets are structured as connection elements having the same construction, which have a U shape with a connecting stay and vertically oriented shanks The hinge brackets are joined together in the manner of a plug-in connection, and are connected to rotate at the connecting stays.

Abstract: A system for selectively locating a door within a frame may include a frame, a door selectively located within the frame and a hinge. The hinge has a frame attachment portion and a door attachment portion. The portions are pivotally connected to one another via a pin. The frame attachment portion and door attachment portion cooperate to cause an outside surface of the door to be flush with an outside surface of the frame when the door is substantially within the frame. The frame attachment portion has a roller flange extending substantially transverse to the frame attachment portion that selectively engages with a roller on the door attachment portion.

Abstract: The replaceable elastic hand grip for framed mobility devices such as walkers that have a substantially elliptical gripping portion with at least one hole, the replaceable hand grip includes a substantially elliptical hand grip cover which includes an opening to form a C-shape cross section for securely installing the grip over the gripping portion of the frame of the mobility device. The hand grip further includes a mechanical means, such as a normally mounted pin on the inner surface of the grip cover that mates with the hole of the gripping portion of the mobility device so that the hand grip is prevented from slipping. The elastic and non-absorbent hand grip provides a replaceable, sanitary, stable grasping point for the user of the framed mobility device.

Abstract: In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a flat card, roller card or the like, a clothed, rapidly rotating roller is located opposite at least one component at a spacing. In order, by means that are simple and that save time, to make it possible to set a modified carding gap when components having different parameters (construction, properties) are replaced, the component has an electronic storage unit in which information relating to the nature of the component is arranged to be stored. A writing device for writing in the information and a reading device for reading out the information may be provided.

Abstract: A cargo tightener and strap collector is shown having a rotatable shaft provided on the lever portion of the cargo tightener and strap collector. A slot is provided in the shaft so that the free end of a strap may be inserted in the slot and wound on the shaft to secure the strap and prevent its fluttering in the wind or trailing on the ground while in use. The rotatable shaft provided on the lever portion of the cargo tightener and strap collector is made to have a cross-section or shape, at least proximate one end, to mate or interfere with a recess in at least one of the sidewalls on the lever portion when a second rotation means urges the sidewalls together. There is thus provided positive locking of the wound strap.

Abstract: A clasp for connecting a pair of bands has a support member connected to one of the bands and a movable member connected to the other of the bands. A plurality of engaging parts that engage the movable member are disposed to the support member along the length of the band, and the movable member can be moved from one engaging part to another engaging part only when the movable member is inclined to the support member. The length can therefore be adjusted with a simple, easily understood operation using a simple and compact arrangement.

Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.

Abstract: A perpetual memorial or legacy card comprised of polycarbonate card having a small quantity of human cremains sealed within said card, and furthermore having graphical and textual material on the front and rear faces of the card, that can be carried in a pocket or wallet, with the card serving as a remembrance of the deceased.

Abstract: In the annealing step of the method for manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator, the annealing in conducted in two steps: a first annealing step; and a second annealing step conducted at a temperature lower and for a time longer than those of the first annealing step. With such treatment, first, grain growth inside the piezoelectric film can be sufficiently induced, while minimizing the diffusion layer growth, by the first annealing step conducted at a high temperature within a short interval, and then lattice defects in the particles can be sufficiently corrected, while preventing the diffusion layer growth, by the second annealing step conducted at a temperature lower and for a time longer than those of the first annealing step. Accordingly, the piezoelectric characteristic can be improved by sufficiently conducting annealing, while restricting the thickness of the diffusion layer to a range where the piezoelectric characteristic is not affected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric resonator element from a substrate made of piezoelectric material is provided. The method includes forming a first dry etching mask in a first masking region of a first surface of the substrate in a first mask forming process and performing a first dry etching process to remove a portion of the substrate in areas between the first dry etching mask after the first mask forming process. The method further includes maintaining a first un-etched portion of the substrate between the first dry etching mask after the first dry etching process and removing the first dry etching mask in a mask removing process after the first dry etching process. A wet etching process is performed to remove the first un-etched portion of the substrate after the mask removing process, thereby forming the piezoelectric resonator element.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator capable of being driven with a high electric field intensity, obtaining a larger displacement and being high in electric conducting reliability of electrodes, and comprising: at least one cell defined by two side walls, a substrate and a ceiling wall; the two side walls being disposed on the substrate and being covered with the ceiling wall to define one cell, at least the two side walls comprising piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices, and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices being capable of changing a volume of the cell by displacement of the walls. Each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices comprises a plurality of layered piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies and electrodes which are alternately stacked, and end portions of the electrodes are embedded in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies in at least the internal side of the cell.

Abstract: An AT cut quartz crystal resonator element includes a quartz crystal element piece having an exciting part formed from an AT cut quartz crystal plate in a rectangular shape having an X-axis direction of a quartz crystal set to a long side, and an exciting electrode formed on each of front and back main surfaces of the exciting part, in which each side surface in the longitudinal direction of the exciting part is composed of two faces, an m-face of a quartz crystal and a crystal face other than the m-face.

Abstract: European-style long rail pulls are installed on cabinet doors to replace previously installed knobs or short handles on such cabinet doors. Standoff devices are used to rigidly secure the European-style rail pulls while covering unsightly holes left exposed after removal of the knobs from the cabinet doors. The standoff device is a generally cylindrical body have a flat bottom surface and a bore aligned with the exposed holes on the cabinet doors, and an upper surface shaped and sized to securely grip the long rail about its circumference.

Abstract: A method of and a device for mounting and functional verification of roll fittings (4) in rolling mill stands (1), wherein at least a partial number of the roll fittings (4) forms a respective module (5), with savings of mounting and verification time, and wherein the modules (5) are arranged, for pre-assembly with functional verification, on a mounting plate outside of the roll stand (1), is adjusted and/or verified, and at least one adjusted and/or verified module (5) is operatively arranged between two rolling mill stands (1), primarily, in the stand gap (9) and is arranged on a base frame (8) at constructively fixable support points (10).

Abstract: A method of assembling a power transmission device includes positioning an operator along a conveyor system such that the operator may perform multiple operations to a single workpiece at more than one workstation as the workpiece moves along the conveyor system. The assembly method relates to both closed-loop and open-ended conveyor systems.

Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base having a lid integrally connected to the base by a hinge. The base has a deck with a central portion, a dispensing opening in the in the central portion, and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The peripheral portion includes a raised wall partially surrounding the central portion, and having a greatest height adjacent to the hinge and decreasing in height around the central portion. The wall has an inner surface that blends with the central portion of the deck to form a concave channel surrounding the central portion of the deck. The channel surface has a base that is angled with respect to the peripheral portion down and away from the raised wall.

Abstract: A method for making a composite tubular structure, such as the inner skin of an acoustic liner, includes providing a tool that is adjustable between a molding position and a non-molding position. The tool has a base on which are mounted a plurality of sectors, each sector having an outer panel provided with a predetermined shaped surface. The predetermined shaped surface corresponds to a portion of the contour of the tubular structure to be formed. At least one of the sectors is fixed relative to the base while the remaining sectors are movable in a radial direction and separable from all the other sectors. The method includes adjusting the movable sectors until the tool is in the molding position, applying composite material on an outer surface of each sector, curing the composite material to form an inner skin, and removing the inner skin from the outer surface. The thus-formed composite tubular structure may be remounted on the tool for bonding to additional exterior layers.