Abstract: A splash guard includes a shield that helps deflect and drain misdirected urine into a toilet bowl. When not needed, the shield can pivot 180 degrees from an operative, raised position down to tuck underneath the front end of the toilet bowl at a stored, lowered position. In the lowered position, the shield is generally inverted. To prevent residual urine on the inverted shield from dripping onto the floor, the shield includes a drip lip that temporarily collects the residual urine. When returned to the upright, raised position, urine in the drip lip is free to drain back into the toilet. The shield is pivotally connected to the toilet bowl at a point below the upper rim of the bowl so that when the shield pivots to the lowered position, the shield is completely out of the way.

Abstract: A system for conserving water in a conventional water-based urinal where the water has been shut off, the block includes a first block portion that makes up about forty percent to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a first portion composition substantially similar to a conventional, non-paradichlorobenzene block used in water-based urinals for deodorizing during each flush, and a second block portion that makes up about forty to sixty percent of the urinal block and has a second portion composition of a blended mixture of a non-paradichlorobenzene block portion, an odor counteractant gel, and a bacterial culture gel.

Abstract: An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms.

Abstract: A toilet bowl flush device where the quantity of water to be discharged can be accurately quantified is provided where a cistern can be reduced in size. The toilet bowl flush device for discharging flush water in a cistern has a water discharge pipe for toilet bowl flushing, where the toilet bowl flush device has a water intake pipe with a water intake opening within the cistern and a water discharge start valve for introducing priming water, that starts the water discharge into the water intake pipe. Further, a trap for forming an air stagnation section is positioned in the middle of the water intake pipe midway between the water intake opening and the water discharge start valve with the position of the air stagnation section being formed at a higher relative position than that of the water intake opening.

Abstract: An adjustable plumbing fitting has a piston rotatably and telescopically engaged in a housing, with one end of the housing adapted to be connected to a first plumbing part, and a cylindrical extension on the piston projecting from an opposite end of the housing and adapted to be connected to a second plumbing part. In one embodiment, two housings and associated pistons are integrally joined together to form a T-fitting for connecting the overflow and drain of a bathtub. In another embodiment, the housing is integrally formed with a J-shaped drain trap, and in another embodiment the housing and/or piston is integrally formed with a water closet flange.

Abstract: A kit for a portable assembly bed includes an operable carry bag having a carry grip and inner and outer surfaces bed construction components having cooperative means for assembly of the components, which components when assembled provide a bed for supporting at least one person.

Abstract: A system for repositioning a patient. The system may be coupled to a structural support system or framework that extends above a bed. The system may be translated transversely and longitudinally and placed in one of multiple locations above the bed.

Abstract: A patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position.

Abstract: A patient lift has a base, a mast assembly mounted on the base at the lower end, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the mast assembly. An actuator is mounted on the boom and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position to pivot the boom relative to the mast assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. A support member includes a sling attachment pivotally mounted on the outer end of the boom. A locking mechanism is configured to fix the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is engaged and further configured to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: A tension mechanism for use with existing conventional bed platforms in the well known Murphy bed system in which the bed platform may be connected to the tension mechanism when the tension is at a low level by only a single installer, and the tension thereafter increased in infinite increments to any desired level by a remotely operated tool.

Abstract: A thermoregulating apparatus (20) for exchanging thermal energy with and supporting a patient (24) and method of exchanging thermal energy is provided. The apparatus includes a heat exchange fluid circuit (30, 95, 102) located below a patient support layer (44) for exchanging thermal energy with the patient.

Abstract: A system for supporting patient care equipment alongside a patient support is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of arms supported by a support structure. The arms may be pivoted to either side of the patient support. The arms may be stored in a console. At least one of the arms may carry service conduits that provide medical air, oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or electricity.

Abstract: A patient support device for positioning the anatomy of a patient during a medical procedure includes a base and a handle. The base is supported on the top of a patient support table. The handle protrudes from a proximal side of the base. Both the base and the handle are made from a biocompatible, radiolucent material that is capable of being used during a radiographic procedure.

Abstract: A healthy bed for actively supporting a human spine curve mainly comprises a lower base, a plurality of mobilizing devices inside the lower base, a height sensor, a control device, and an inflating device; an upper mattress having an air cushion layer and a plurality of push rods; wherein the control device is used for memorizing the spine curve of a person lying on the upper mattress. When a user lies on the upper mattress, the push rods is are pressed to push the mobilizing devices to move downward, the height sensor detects a moving distance of the mobilizing devices for the control device to determine whether the user is the one whose spine curve is memorized, and if so, then the inflating device is activated to inflate the air cushion layer to let the surface of the upper mattress meet the profile of the spine curve of the user.

Abstract: A method of controlling a laundry treatment machine is provided in which a siphon phenomenon may be detected before performing a requested laundry treatment operation by performing an intermittent water supply operation and detecting a variation, if any, in a water level in a tub of a washing machine. Such a method may prevent was water form being discharged due to a siphon phenomenon, prevent the waste of wash water, and minimize the amount of time taken to discharge wash water and perform a washing operation. Such a method may also prevent the waste of detergent by using a water supply valve for a pre-washing operation to detect the siphon phenomenon. Such a method may also prevent a water supply failure from being mistaken as a siphon phenomenon by keeping a water supply valve open for a predefined amount of time and then detecting a variation, if any, in the water level in the tub.

Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine, which can automatically supply a liquid detergent into a washing tub and automatically clean inner flow passages through which the liquid detergent has flown with a cleaning solution. A liquid detergent supply mechanism supplies at least one kind of liquid detergent to the washing tub, and the inner flow passages of the liquid detergent supply mechanism through which the liquid detergent has flown are cleaned with the cleaning solution supplied from outside.

Abstract: An internal unit of a washing machine or spin-dryer normally includes a washing container, which has a laundry drum mounted in the container such that it can rotate, and an electric motor for driving the laundry drum via a reduction gear, a transmission, or direct drive. The internal unit is suspended in a machine housing such that it can vibrate and constitutes an overall system which can vibrate in a damped manner and which is subject to unbalance-dependent resonance phenomena in specific regions of the rotational speed of the laundry drum. The causes of these resonance phenomena are vibratory movements due to momentary unbalances in the load in the laundry drum.

Abstract: An end face (20) of one (10a) of two adjacent thick steel plates (10a, 10b) intended to construct a corner joint of a bridge column is formed into a beveled end face (22). Laser beam welding is applied to a root portion (24) of the beveled end face, and arc welding is applied to bevels (26, 28) thereof so that grooves defined by the bevels (26, 28) are filled with weld metal (40).

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a case in which a motor is installed, at least one toothbrush handle, which is installed in the case, for rotating and swinging at a predetermined angle has a brush at a tip. A power transmitter, which is installed in the case between the motor and the toothbrush handle, rotates the toothbrush handle, and a vibration generator, which is installed in the case between the motor and the toothbrush handle, reciprocates the toothbrush handle.

Abstract: A floor scrubbing apparatus that is particularly well suited to scrubbing carpet materials is disclosed. The floor scrubbing apparatus is manually operated and includes a drive roller coupled to a scrub roller. In one embodiment, the drive roller is coupled to the scrub roller using a gear arrangement that causes the scrub roller to rotate faster than the drive roller. If desired, the apparatus can include a cleaning fluid dispensing system. For instance, the apparatus can include one or more nozzles that dispense a cleaning fluid onto a carpet material as the material is being cleaned.

Abstract: A connection assembly configured to secure a mop head to an elongate member is provided. In one embodiment, a connector may include an insert having a plurality of tabs with an inner portion and an outward extending outer portion that extends radially outward from and traverse to an elongate member when the insert is properly mounted to the elongate member. The connector may include an inner member comprising a plurality of depressions configured to engage the inner portion of the plurality of tabs of the insert. A collar having an inner wall may also be utilized, wherein at least a portion of the inner wall is of a generally circular cross-section configured to engage the outward extending outer portion of the plurality of tabs. Connection assemblies may further comprise a wringer cup configured to be mounted on the elongate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a toothbrush (50) or part thereof by the two-component or multi-component injection-molding process. To produce in the brush body segments (20) that are isolated from the rest of the brush body, a mold (10) which comprises three hollow regions (12, 14, 16) is used. Two of these hollow regions (12, 14) that are separate from one another serve for producing the segments (12) and the other regions (18) of the toothbrush (50) from a first component (38). A third hollow region (16) serves for distributing material to the segments (20) that are isolated from one another and from the other regions (18), or the corresponding hollow region (14). The material (22) remaining behind there is removed and sent for disposal. In a further step, connecting elements (42) between the segments (20) and/or the other regions (18) are injection-molded from a second component (39).

Abstract: A surface treatment tool formed from a thin sheet of flexible material, typically a polymer, shaped to store and dispense fluid, scrub, abrade, scrape off and retain debris, including particulates from treated surfaces, and including an array of closely spaced hollow mushroom-shaped protrusions that store (after a bottom sheet which is not shown is added), and then release fluids during rubbing via perforated faces, and upstanding mushroom shapes carrying soft rubbing faces which have harder scraper edges constituting operable faces with gaps between faces leading into a sunken labyrinth into which loosened debris is scraped up and retained.

Abstract: An eraser includes a housing (20) having a receiving chamber (21), a collection zone (23) and a plurality of reinforcing ribs (26), a mounting board (30) mounted on the housing, a cleaning member (40) mounted on the mounting board, a support bracket (50) mounted on the housing, a door (60) removably mounted on the housing to cover the collection zone, a hollow separation member (70) mounted in the housing to separate the receiving chamber from the collection zone, and a control valve (80) movable to open the separation member so as to connect the receiving chamber with the collection zone or to close the separation member so as to interrupt a connection between the receiving chamber and the collection zone, and two decorative covers mounted on the housing and each abutting the reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: This patent discloses a system to remove accumulated snow and ice from the trailer rooftop of the semi-trailer truck. The system includes tracks, sensors, a control switch, a blade, an axle, a left cogwheel, a right cogwheel, a left motor, and a right motor. The tracks are attached to the trailer rooftop and the blade is connected to the tracks through the left cogwheel and the right cogwheel. The left and right cogwheel may rotate about the axle that passes through the blade. The left motor and the right motor are configured to be in communication with the sensors and control switch. If the sensors detect snow on the trailer rooftop or if the control switch is pressed, the motors cause the blade to move along the trailer rooftop to clear off any accumulated snow.

Abstract: A windshield wiper includes a blade assembly, which has a primary frame member having opposite ends to which secondary frame members are respectively connected. The primary frame member forms a central opening delimited by two side walls. A retain carrying a positioning bar is received in the opening. An arm coupler is received in the opening and has an inner wall section and an outer wall section through which mounting holes are defined. Fixing pawls extend downward from the inner wall section to engage the retainer for fixing the arm coupler. The mounting holes serve to couple to a wiper arm of a vehicle for driving reciprocal motion of the windshield wiper. The arm coupler can be mounted to the primary frame member in different directions so that the windshield wiper is suitable for both left hand drive vehicles and right hand drive vehicles.

Abstract: A windshield wiper includes a primary frame member and secondary frame members coupled to the primary frame member. The primary frame member is in the form of an inverted U-shape and includes end portions in which mounting holes are formed. Each secondary frame member has symmetrically arranged wall plates and a positioning section formed between and slightly projecting beyond the wall plates. Each wall plate forms open-ended slots that are symmetrically arranged. A boss is formed on an inside surface of each wall plate between the open-ended slots. The primary frame member has side plates that are fit over the positioning section of the secondary frame member to have the wall plates of the secondary frame member covering and clamping the vertical side walls of the primary frame member. The bosses are fit into the mounting holes of the primary frame member.

Abstract: A collapsible broom and dustpan provide convenient, compact storage for use in RVs, mobile homes, efficiency apartments and the like with limited closet and storage space. The broom includes a standard telescoping handle which is affixed to a pivot joint on the broom head. The handle can be extended and rotated to a variety of selected angles. Tabs on the locking member within the pivot joint engage the handle girdle which surrounds the locking member. The locking member is spring loaded to maintain the handle at a desired position. The dustpan includes a handgrip which will accommodate the broom handle while the dustpan tray receives the broom head for compact storage. C-shaped clamps within the grip and a catch within the dustpan tray hold the broom within the dustpan until manually released therefrom.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is provided that includes a body having a receiving portion configured to receive a dust tank mounted thereto, a detector installed at the receiving portion that detects whether the dust tank has been separated from the body by an interaction with the dust tank, and a controller that controls a suction motor installed in the body according to a detection result of the detector. When the dust tank is separated from the receiving portion, the detector detects the separated state of the dust tank immediately and the controller stops the suction motor, thus, preventing dust from being introduced into the body.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and a cleaner having the same are disclosed. The heating apparatus includes a heating casing to receive water from a water container and convert the water into steam, wherein the heating casing comprises a plurality of ribs and each successive rib comprises a space to collect water and convert the water into steam. The cleaner includes a cleaner body in which a water container is detachably mounted, a nozzle assembly rotatably connected to a lower part of the cleaner body and including a nozzle to inject steam, and a heating apparatus that includes a heating casing to receive water from the water container, convert the water into steam, and supply the steam to the nozzle assembly, wherein the heating casing includes a plurality of ribs and each successive rib includes a space to collect water and convert the water into steam.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes a housing (B) having a suction airstream inlet and a suction airstream outlet. A dirt container (50, 500) is selectively mounted to the housing for receiving and retaining dirt and dust separated from the suction airstream. The suction airstream inlet and the suction airstream outlet are in fluid communication with, respectively, an inlet and an outlet of the dirt container. The dirt container includes a first cyclonic air-flow chamber (66, 508) and a second cyclonic airflow chamber (68, 510), each cyclonic airflow chamber including a longitudinal axis. The second cyclonic airflow chamber is spaced from the first chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are each approximately vertically oriented and are arranged in a parallel relationship. An air manifold (52, 540, 540?) is disposed at a top portion of the dirt container. The air manifold includes an inlet section (54, 536, 565) through which dirty air passes and an outlet section (138, 560, 560?).

Abstract: A suction brush for use in a vacuum cleaner and a method of adjusting the height thereof. The suction brush includes a brush casing having a suction opening to draw in air and a main air passage through which the air drawn in through the suction opening flows, a detecting unit disposed to the brush casing to detect a kind of a surface to be cleaned, a lifting unit to move a bottom surface of the brush casing close to and away from the surface to be cleaned, and a driving unit operated in response to a signal generated from the detecting unit and moving the lifting unit using air pressure generated by the air flowing through the main air passage.

Abstract: A motor enclosure for a vacuum cleaner includes a body having both a motor receiver for receiving a motor and a filter receiver for receiving a filter.

Abstract: A door closer comprises a spindle journaled in a housing and connected to turn with a door. Upon rotation of the spindle, a cam carried by the spindle effects linear movement of a slide assembly relative to the housing. A piston is connected with the slide assembly. Passages are provided in the housing to permit flow of fluid in the housing in response to movement of the piston. A spring assembly disposed outside of the housing is connected to the piston. Rotation of the spindle and cam during door opening moves the slide assembly, thereby compressing the spring assembly for storing energy for urging the piston and the slide assembly in the opposite door closing direction.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for a transverse dividing element includes an upper cross beam (32), each free end of the cross beam being guided longitudinally by way of an associated guiding structure. The guiding structure includes a slide having a groove in which a free end (34) of the cross beam (32) can slide longitudinally, the free end being equipped with guiding (92, 100) and a locking (102, 104) element. The transverse dividing element can be used to guide an upper cross beam supporting a transverse element that is used to divide the internal space of an aircraft cabin.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a first plate member having a ball and a stem connected to the ball. A second plate member has a socket retainer for receiving and securing the ball therein. The second plate member has a channel formed therein for receiving the stem.

Abstract: Hinge assembly for vehicle doors that comprises two hinge bodies articulately connected, the articulated connection consisting of at least two articulating formations spaced apart along the axis of rotation of the hinge assembly, each of which consists of a male element situated on a hinge body that can be coupled by moving it in the direction of the axis of rotation of the hinge onto a complementary female element that is situated on the other hinge body, the hinge assembly also comprising a safety element disposed so as to rotate around an axis that is solidly joined to one of the hinge bodies and that can move between at least a release position, wherein it is possible to decouple the male and female elements, and a second position wherein it is inserted between the two aforementioned articulating formations and prevents said male and female elements from becoming decoupled.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first connecting member, a shaft, a second connecting member, a first fixing member rotatably mounted to the shaft, a ring immovable fixed to the shaft and abutting against the first fixing member, a number of biasing members all rotationally mounted to the shaft, and a fastener. The shaft extends from the first connecting member, with a threaded distal end of the shaft engaging with the fastener. The second connecting member defines a first depressed portion, a through hole transversely passing through the first depressed portion for rotationally fitting about the shaft, and a fixing slot in a first end of the second connecting member. The first fixing member is received in the first depressed portion, and a fixing protrusion extends from the first fixing member for engaging with the fixing slot.

Abstract: A hinge assembly has two tracks, a main bracket, at least one connecting bracket, at least one sliding hinge and at least one tilting hinge. The main bracket is mounted slidably between the tracks. The connecting bracket is mounted securely on the main bracket. The sliding hinge corresponds to and selectively holds the connecting bracket. The tilting hinge is connecting to the main bracket. With the related movement between the connecting bracket and the sliding hinge, the connecting bracket is selectively held or moved. Therefore, a moving bracket of a frame for an electronic device being attached to the tilting hinge is selectively pushed and held in a body of the frame or received in the body.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, having clamping devices which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, which is combed to remove non-clamped constituents, the clamping devices each comprise two clamping jaws. To increase productivity and to enable an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, the clamping devices being spaced apart in the region of the periphery of the rollers, and each clamping device comprising at least one nipper part at least partially of a lightweight material. The clamping jaws may have a high coefficient of friction in the region of their clamping surfaces.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the fibre-sorting or fibre-selection of a fibre bundle comprising textile fibres, especially for combing, which is supplied to a fibre-sorting device, especially a combing device, having clamping devices which clamp the fibre bundle at a distance from its free end, which is combed to remove non-clamped constituents, the clamping devices each comprise two clamping jaws. To increase productivity and to enable an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, the clamping devices being spaced apart in the region of the periphery of the rollers, and each clamping device comprising at least one nipper part which is at least partially resilient. The clamping jaws may have a high coefficient of friction in the region of their clamping surfaces.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied by a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, having clamping devices which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, which is combed to remove non-clamped constituents, the clamping devices each comprise two clamping jaws. To increase productivity and to enable an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, the clamping devices being spaced apart in the region of the periphery of the rollers, and the clamping jaws of the each clamping device are arranged to be movable in relation to one another and separately drivable.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, clamping devices are provided which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, and a mechanical arrangement is present which generates a combing action from the clamping site to the free end, in order to loosen and remove non-clamped constituents. To enable productivity to be substantially increased in a simple manner and an improved combed sliver to be obtained, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers, clamping devices being distributed spaced apart in the region of at least one said roller's periphery, and the arrangement for generating a combing action is inside the roller.

Abstract: A deflection device for an anti skid chain includes a chain wheel rotatably stored in a housing for the accommodation of a chain which can be inserted into the chain wheel, and an actuating element that can be moved between a locking position, in which the movement of the chain wheel is blocked in one direction, and an unlocking position in which said blocking is released, and which engages, via a locking pawl actuated by said actuating element, a toothed ring non-rotatably connected to the chain wheel, which is in the form of an internally-toothed ring of the chain wheel. The locking pawl is pivotally mounted within the interior space surrounded by the toothed ring. The locking pawl engages the toothed ring in the locking position but disengages the same in the unlocking position of the actuating element.

Abstract: A draw cord adjuster includes a closure member having a first end and a second end. At least one locking member is anchored to one of the first end and the second end of the closure member. At least one anchoring member is positioned proximate the one of the first end and the second end of the closure member to which a corresponding locking member is anchored, with each anchoring member being movably secured to the corresponding locking member.

Abstract: A buckle set, two of which pair off for being inset in frame of the swimming goggles on two sides so that a strap can be inserted in the buckle sets for fastening the swimming goggles on user's face. Structure of the present invention features a 2nd bump, which keeps the buckle in effective spacing even when the buckle is loaded with force and thus keeping the buckle well covered by the buckle hood.

Abstract: The present invention describes a release mechanism (1) for releasing magnetically releasable anti-theft devices consisting of a multiplicity of permanent magnets in the form of a Halbach array, which are disposed on a plane. While the highly magnetised top side (10) of the release mechanism (1) is covered by the cover plate (6) on the release side, a base plate (5) used for mounting or support is located on the underside (11) of the release mechanism (1). The permanent magnets encompass a continuous, self-contained frame magnet (2), which is magnetised in an axial direction and has a first recess. Inserted in this first recess is a segmented magnet (3), wherein the individual segments are magnetised perpendicularly to the magnetization direction of the frame magnet (2) and a second recess is left open, in which an axially magnetised magnetic core (4) is inserted.

Abstract: An object securing apparatus utilizing a hook and loop material attached to one of two faces of a binder clip and projecting downward there from. The hook and loop material can be single or double sided. A magnetic material can be disposed upon the hook and loop material. The hook and loop material can be cut forming a clearance for rotation of a cantilevered handle of the binder clip. The hook and loop material secures the binder clip to a first object and a binder clip gripping section is used to grip a second object.

Abstract: A zip fastener (30) comprised of a long strip of two thermoplastic support tapes (35); two rows of coupling elements (40), each row being attached to its own support tape (35); and a slider body (45) comprising a puller (50) attached to the slider body (45). Portions of the two support tapes (35) are shaped to cause the two rows of coupling elements (40) to rest higher or lower than the shaped portions of the support tapes (35). At least one end portion of the zip fastener (30) is curved downward and in a closed position the curved portion (75) accommodates at least one slider body (45).

Abstract: A towel clip for securing a towel around the waist of a user, the towel clip typically including a body. The body has a longitudinal axis, and an inner and outer surface. The body has a first leg and a second leg and a bridge section. The bridge section is typically semicircular and the first leg and second extend outward therefrom. An embodiment of Applicant's towel clip includes a convex upper rail located on the inner surface of the first leg and a pair of convex lower rails spaced apart on the lower legs and extending upward from the inner surface of the lower leg. The bridge section is resilient and the legs will spread apart to exert pressure on a folded towel to secure the same.