Abstract: The dental cleaning appliance includes an appliance body (30, 73) which has a bristle field housing (32, 52) and fluid within the housing. A flexible membrane (34) is positioned within the housing, or in a fluid-tight relationship (54) within an opening (60) in the housing. A fluid pressure system involving either a dual piston system (22, 24, 28) or a pump and valve system (70, 68, 68) provides pressure on the fluid, wherein the pistons move alternately, or the valves open and close alternately, in such a manner to produce alternating pressure above and beneath the membrane, moving the membrane and the bristle field toward and away from the teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic shoe cleaning device, which includes: a housing having a shoe inlet through which a foot with a shoe is inserted and a foot plate where the shoe is placed; a base frame disposed linearly movably inside the housing; a first brush assembly having a pair of side brushes polishing both sides of the shoe at both sides ahead of the base frame and a first spring supplying elastic force to the side brushes; and a second brush assembly having an upper brush polishing the top of the shoe behind the first brush assembly and a second spring supplying elastic force to the upper brush; and a shoe polish supply unit supplying shoe polish to the upper brush, in which as the upper brush moves backward and contacts the pair of side brushes, the shoe polish supplied to the upper brush is transferred to the pair of side brushes, whereas as the upper brush move forward to polish the shoe, the upper brush is separated from the pair of side brushes by the elastic force of the second spr

Abstract: An automotive washing system comprising a soft automotive cleaning material with an incorporated tool. The cleaning tool can comprise a scraper tool, a detail brush, a seam cleaner tool, a vent and seam brush, or a stiffener tool, among many other types of tools. Each tool can be incorporated into a pocket or inverted corner of the soft cleaning material, thereby protecting the automotive surfaces from the hard edges of the cleaning tool.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to a toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a head comprising bristles and a body operatively connected to the head including two buttons configured to cause the toothbrush to play at least two different audio when pressed. The toothbrush also includes a lower body operatively connected to the body.

Abstract: A cleaning disk for an optical pickup head of an optical disk drive has a disk body with a first surface and a second surface. The disk body uses at least one two-step hole portion to mount at least one brush bundle, wherein the two-step hole includes an embedded fine hole and an expansion hole. The brush bundle has a root portion and an end portion, wherein the root portion is fixed in the embedded fine hole, and the end portion protrudes towards the facing direction of the second surface through the expansion hole. When the brush bundle cleans the optical pickup head, the inner edge of the embedded fine hole on the first surface is used as a pivot point to bend the brush bundle into the expansion hole, thus reducing the resistance and wiping damage on the optical pickup head and the planar shifting of the cleaning disk.

Abstract: A tile joint brush structure is provided with grout cleaning nodules, which can be used from a standing position, pivotable about a horizontal axis, through vertical, to two oblique extremes at which positive stops are provided. The scrubber brush structure includes a main brush for cleaning one band of the joint, and a laterally adjustably spaced auxiliary nodules for simultaneously cleaning an adjoining band of the joint.

Abstract: The mouthpiece carrier assembly (12) is adapted and configured to receive the upper and lower teeth of the user. The mouthpiece carrier assembly is driven such that the bristles mounted on the teeth-facing surfaces of the mouthpiece assembly contact said surfaces and provide a cleaning effect therefor. A plurality of bristle sections (30, 32, 34, 41, 44) are secured to the teeth-facing portions of the mouthpiece assembly, wherein the bristle sections each have bristles which have a particular configuration and are otherwise adapted to provide effective cleaning for an associated dental region.

Abstract: A broom comprises a handle and a head supported by the handle. The head comprises a first head section pivotably connected to a second head section such that the head sections may rotate relative to one another between a folded position and an unfolded position. An actuator is movably mounted on the handle between a first position and a second position. A first connecting member connects the actuator to the first head section and a second connecting member connects the actuator to the second head section such that movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position moves the head sections relative to one another between the folded position and the unfolded position. A method of operating the broom is also provided.

Abstract: A golf tool for cleaning a cleat or spike may include a top surface, a pair of opposing side surfaces connected to the top surface, a bottom surface opposing the top surface, a front surface connecting to the top surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces, and a back surface connecting to the top surface, the bottom surface and the side surfaces. The bottom surface may be connected to at least three cleaning fingers to simultaneously clean three cleats of a golf shoe. The top surface may include a first concave surface, and the top surface may include a second concave surface. The top surface may include a traverse upward extending projection, and the top surface may include an inclined portion.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a drive unit having a maximum input power and a drive unit operating device configured to operate the drive unit below the maximum input power. The drive unit operating device includes a regulating unit configured to regulate an actual input power of the drive unit within a first operating range in which an input power is above a predefinable upper limit. The regulating unit is operable to detect a controlled variable including the actual input power and/or a measure of the actual input power, compare the actual input power to a reference variable including the predefinable upper limit and/or a measure of the predefinable upper limit, and influence the actual input power of the drive unit so as to conform the actual input power of the drive unit to the reference variable.

Abstract: A rotating cleaning element configured to be inserted in a cleaning head compartment of a robotic vacuum, the rotating cleaning element including: a drive end including a drive protrusion configured to engage a drive mechanism of the cleaning head compartment; a bearing end and a shroud configured to surround at least a portion of the bearing end to lessen an amount of hair and similar matter that reaches the bearing; and a central member extending between the bearing end and the drive end.

Abstract: A fitting member is provided with a first end portion, a second end portion facing to the first end portion, and a fitting structure having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion to connect the first end portion and the second end portion with each other by fitting the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion with each other. The fitting structure is defined by making the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engaged with each other, while making the second engagement portion formed by punching a preform body of the fitting member through the first engagement portion.

Abstract: A sliding door with a door leaf, which is suspended from at least one carriage and guided to be displaceable along a roller rail profile disposed at a wall or at a ceiling. The sliding door includes a closing device, which is suitable to displace the door leaf into a closed position in a decelerated manner. The closing device is disposed at the door leaf and includes a first and a second spring-damper element, which are disposed to be counter-directional to each other. The second spring-damper element is suitable to displace the door leaf into an open position in a decelerated manner.

Abstract: A self-adjusting door closer is disclosed. The door closer is self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The controller includes a position sensor to determine a position of the door, and at least one input switch to enable user selection of at least one door closer parameter for an installed door closer. The control circuitry is operable to set the valve in response to the user selection of the door closer parameters, and the position of the door, in order to control force exerted by the door closer on the door. A generator can be provided to provide electricity to power the controller and store power to operate the controller.

Abstract: A door closer with a self-powered control unit is disclosed. The control unit for the door closer includes a drive gear configured to rotate in response to movement of a door, and a chain arranged to cooperate with the drive gear to produce linear motion in response to rotation of the drive gear. At least one gear creates rotational motion from the linear motion of the chain to turn a generator and generate electricity to power the control unit. In some embodiments, a set of clutch gears is disposed between the chain and the gear creating the rotational motion from the chain so that only one direction of the rotational motion is transferred to the generator in response to movement of the door in any direction. The control unit can additionally include a power management circuit to store energy from the generator.

Abstract: An arrester (1) for locking a vehicle door or vehicle flap or the like in the open position has a male arrester part (2) for fastening to a first vehicle part, with a locking bolt (4), and a female arrester part (3) for fastening to a second vehicle part. The locking bolt (4) can be inserted into female arrester part. The second arrester part has a rotary latch mechanism for latching the inserted locking bolt (4) and a blocking element (118) for locking the rotary latch mechanism in the position latching the locking bolt (4). Both the male arrester part (2) and the female arrester part (3) have a pushbutton mechanism for releasing the locking of the rotary latch mechanism, the locking of the rotary latch mechanism being releasable by actuating either one of the pushbutton mechanisms.

Abstract: A hinge includes a fixing member, a shaft non-rotatably fixed to the fixing member, a rotating member, an adjusting member, an elastic assembly, and a fastener. The shaft includes a shaft post, and the fastener fixed to a distal end of the shaft post. The rotating member and the elastic assembly are rotatably sleeved on the shaft post. The rotating member defines a depressed slot. The adjusting member is fixed to the shaft post, and abuts against the rotating member. The adjusting member defines a groove. When the rotating member is rotated relative to the fixing member, the depressed slot can be rotated to align with the groove, or away from the groove.

Abstract: A 360° bi-directional rotary hinge formed of a fixed bracket, a rotary bracket, a limiter plate, a stop plate, a positioning plate, a spring ring and a fastening member for use in a folding electronic device is disclosed. Subject to matching between bottom blocks of the limiter plate and arched sliding grooves of the stop plate, movement of the stop plate is constrained by the fixed bracket, and therefore rotation of the rotary bracket of the 360° bi-directional rotary hinge is limited to a forward and backward 360° angle. Further, the stop plate carries an index block corresponding to a ?180° angle indication hole and a 180° angle indication hole on the base member of the folding electronic device for giving an indication when the rotary bracket is rotated to +180° or ?180° angle relative to the fixed bracket.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a pivot shaft, a resilient member coiling around the pivot shaft, a first cam, a second cam, and a rolling assembly. The pivot shaft defines a through hole in a radial direction thereof. The first cam and the second cam are sleeved on the pivot shaft, the first cam defines two pairs of recesses at one end surface thereof, and the second cam defines a groove at one end surface thereof facing the first cam. The rolling assembly positioned between the first cam and the second cam includes a pin and two rolling bearings sleeved on opposite ends of the pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin slide mechanism that can be incorporated in a portable electronic device.

Abstract: A length-adjustable flexible and elastic strap is comprised of an elongated strap member having first and second ends with each of the first and second ends having a hook member secured thereto. The strap member has a plurality of spaced-apart hook connector loops extending transversely therefrom with each of the loops having a hook receiving opening formed therein. Each of the openings of the hook connector loops are adapted to have at least one of the hook members selectively secured thereto to effectively shorten the length of the strap member.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a strap. The strap has a first set of magnets attached to a first location on the strap and a second set of magnets attached to a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to the second set of magnets so that a first segment of the strap located between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In a second mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically detached from the second set of magnets so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured to be coupled to an object.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a strap. The strap has a first set of magnets attached to a first location on the strap and a second set of magnets attached to a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to the second set of magnets so that a first segment of the strap located between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In a second mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically detached from the second set of magnets so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured to be coupled to an object.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a case and a strap. The strap has a first attachment point at a first location on the strap and a second attachment point a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first attachment point is attached to the second attachment point so that a first segment of the strap located between the first attachment point and the second attachment point forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the case. In a second mode of operation, the first attachment point is detached from the second attachment point so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. In some embodiments, the strap is permanently attached to the case, while in other embodiments the strap is semi-permanently attached to the case.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a strap. The strap has a first set of magnets attached to a first location on the strap and a second set of magnets attached to a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to the second set of magnets so that a first segment of the strap located between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In a second mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically detached from the second set of magnets so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured to be coupled to an object.

Abstract: A cord management system includes a case and a strap. The strap has a first attachment point at a first location on the strap and a second attachment point a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first attachment point is attached to the second attachment point so that a first segment of the strap located between the first attachment point and the second attachment point forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the case. In a second mode of operation, the first attachment point is detached from the second attachment point so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. In some embodiments, the strap is permanently attached to the case, while in other embodiments the strap is semi-permanently attached to the case.

Abstract: A clamp member for use in securing a vibratory device to a pile comprises a structural portion and a surface layer. The structural portion defines peaks and valleys. The surface layer is formed on the structural portion and defines an engaging surface. The surface layer defining a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.0025 inches and a grit of at least approximately 180 Emery.

Abstract: The present invention provides portable multipoint tenter made from a rotating ring with a plurality of curved slots for placement in each of a first prong of a plurality of two-prong, guide pins, a circular base plate with a plurality of straight slots for placement of the first prong and a second prong of the plurality of two-prong guide pins and a contact pad attached to each of the second prongs. The inventive portable multipoint tenter helps to assure asymmetrical stzetch and is customizable so it can be made with various numbers of pads with minimal redesign. Because the inventive device is hand powered rather than electrical, the device is both portable and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A modular casket made of lightweight materials is structurally reinforced using a structural sealant, and/or longitudinally-arranged reinforcing members, and/or laterally-arranged reinforcing members, to stiffen and rigidize the casket against flexion along longitudinal and lateral axes, as well as torsional flexion. The structurally reinforced casket is sealed or more readily sealed against leakage and provides other benefits of structural stiffness and rigidity with relatively small cost and weight penalties.

Abstract: A capacitor, and method of making a capacitor, is provided wherein the capacitor has exceptionally high break down voltage. The capacitor has a tantalum anode with an anode wire attached there to. A dielectric film is on the tantalum anode. A conductive polymer is on the dielectric film. An anode lead is in electrical contact with the anode wire. A cathode lead is in electrical contact with the conductive polymer and the capacitor has a break down voltage of at least 60 V.

Abstract: A ceramic multilayer surface-mount capacitor with inherent crack mitigation void patterning to channel flex cracks into a safe zone, thereby negating any electrical failures.

Abstract: There are provided a porous plate dielectric substance, pillar-shaped electrodes respectively formed in pores belonging to a first group and pores belonging to a second group alternately arranged on the dielectric substance, insulator layers made of an organic insulator formed on tips of pillar-shaped electrodes in the pores of the first and second groups so as to fill the pores and hide electrodes respectively provided on one principal surface and another principal surface of the dielectric substance and connected to base ends of the pillar-shaped electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a descaling device which can be operated in an optimal manner with respect to the efficiency, descaling quality, energy and water consumption and is readily available. The aim of the invention is achieved such that the spray nozzles (12), which are instrumental in descaling the steel material (2) in the descaling device (8), are designed as static nozzles and as dynamic or rotating nozzles. The static nozzles form, together with the spray bars, pairs of spray bars (13) and the dynamic or rotating nozzles form, together with spray units, rows of pairs of spray units (23).

Abstract: A system of joining two tubes is provided. More specifically, a node is formed on an end of an inner tube that is received within an outer tube. A portion of the outer tube is then deflected into the indent such that the outer tube matingly engages the inner tube. The force required to deflect the portion of the outer tube into the inner tube is provided by tensioning a band clamp positioned around the outer tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for the reduction in size of the lower construction chamber of a laser sintering installation is provided. Also provided is a method to reduce the size of the lower construction chamber of a laser sintering installation by insertion of the apparatus of the invention. The invention thereby provides for reduction in the demand for material for specific laser sintering requirements. In addition, a new degree of sintering process control is obtained when the apparatus contains heating or cooling units.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transmission electron microscope (TEM) micro-grid is provided. A support ring and a sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure precursor are first provided. The sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure precursor is then disposed on the support ring. The sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure precursor is cut to form a sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure in desired shape. The sheet-shaped carbon nanotube structure is secured on the support ring.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of illumination and more particularly to illumination elements and illumination arrangements, whereby the illumination consist of at least one illumination element embedded in structures, the structures formed using molds and more particularly foam forms or foam molds. The illumination element consists of an encased, LED edge-lit panel or similar illumination sources. The methods and processes for embedding the at least one illumination element or illumination arrangements are disclosed. Two exemplary variations of methods and processes are disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: A construction concept for high-pressure sensors is provided, which enables simple and economical production of reliable high-pressure sensors even for pressure ranges above 2200 bar. A high-pressure sensor of this kind encompasses a sensor element for pressure sensing and a connector piece for coupling the sensor element to a system to be measured. A diaphragm is embodied in the base element of the sensor element, and a pressure conduit is embodied in the base element of the connector piece. The sensor element is mounted on the connector piece so that the pressure to be measured is able to act upon the diaphragm via the pressure conduit. Firstly the base element of the sensor element is mounted on the base element of the connector piece, a full-area connection being generated between the mounting surfaces of the two base elements. Only thereafter is the pressure conduit configured in the connector piece, and the diaphragm of the sensor element exposed.

Abstract: A novel blaster nozzle used for assisting in the pneumatic removal of cloggings and cakings during the transport of particulate matter through an enclosure housing is set such that it can be removed and replaced from outside the enclosure housing. The blaster nozzle includes a nozzle head having an orifice for the conduction of high-pressure fluid, wherein the nozzle head is composed of a refractory concrete having from about 4-20% by volume metal fibers therein. The blaster nozzle also includes a flange member connected to the nozzle head and a connection tube extends from the flange member for connecting the blaster nozzle to an air cannon.

Abstract: Microelectronic devices, associated assemblies, and associated methods are disclosed herein. For example, certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic device that includes a microfeature workpiece having a side and an aperture in the side. The device can further include a workpiece contact having a surface. At least a portion of the surface of the workpiece contact can be accessible through the aperture and through a passageway extending between the aperture and the surface. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward a microelectronic support device that includes a support member having a side carrying a support contact that can be connectable to a workpiece contact of a microfeature workpiece. The device can further include recessed support contact means carried by the support member. The recessed support contact means can be connectable to a second workpiece contact of the microfeature workpiece.

Abstract: Methods of forming a lined tubular member are described herein. A method includes forming at least one corrugated portion in a conduit having at least one substantially tapered end to form a corrugated conduit, providing the corrugated conduit to a tubular member; and expanding the corrugated conduit while the corrugated conduit is inside the tubular member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for installing a hand guard on a firearm. In embodiments, a method of installing a hand guard on a firearm can be provided. The firearm includes a barrel, a barrel nut, and a delta ring. The delta ring is retracted away from the barrel nut. A number of hand guard members are positioned about the barrel. An annular groove associated with each hand guard member is mated with a portion of a flange of the barrel nut. The flange is secured within the annular groove of at least one hand guard member. The delta ring is advanced over a portion of some or all the hand guard members.

Abstract: Fasteners, such as rivets, are fed to a fastener insertion tool (1) via a buffer magazine (5) adjacent to the tool. The buffer is movable with the tool and C-frame between an operative position where fasteners can be inserted int a workpiece and a re-filling position where it is docked at a docking station (13) to reload. Fasteners are delivered to the docking station from a source (14) and held there ready for when the tool docks. Once docked a transfer gat is opened at an interface between the buffer magazine (15) and the docking station (13) and fasteners from the docking station are transferred into the buffer magazine. A fastener insertion cycle is executed whilst the docking station is refilled with fasteners. A control cycle is used to control the quantity of fasteners loaded into a storage track at the docking station and operates to reduce overfilling of the buffer.

Abstract: An elbow clamp assembly structurally supports or replaces a connection between a main pipe and an elbow pipe. The elbow clamp assembly includes an upper clamp body and a lower clamp body securable on opposite sides of the main pipe in facing relation. The upper and lower clamp bodies are connected by a clamp bolt extendable through the main pipe. An elbow boss is securable to the elbow pipe, and a cross bolt is extendable through the elbow pipe and connected between the elbow boss and the clamp bolt.

Abstract: Multi-sectioned arms are used as a basic mechanism for coupling the display and the base of a portable computer. With this mechanism, one single computer can support all of the following capabilities. The display can move continuously, relative to the back edge of the base, along any combination of up and down, backward and forward, and left and right directions. The display can be tilted up and down as well as sideway for viewing angle adjustment, and also set to portrait and landscape orientations. When the display is in conventional open or close positions, each arm can be folded and parked alongside and parallel to as well as away from the edge of the base. The arms can be detached from the computer. The base and the display can overlay each other in four ways. Finally, mechanical mechanisms for implementations of the arms and connections to the computer including friction joint mechanisms and attachment mechanisms for connecting the arm to the display and the base, are presented.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a ceramic body, which is capable of preventing the ingress of moisture into a void between a conductor and the ceramic body more effectively in the ceramic body including the conductor therein. Ingress of a supercritical fluid containing an oxide sol precursor is achieved into a void between an internal electrode layer and a ceramic laminate. After that, the oxide sol is turned into a gel, and subjected to a heat treatment, thereby filling the void between the internal electrode layer and the ceramic laminate with an oxide.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for a backlight unit includes a feed mechanism, a testing mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. The feed mechanism arranges a plurality of light-emitting diodes in a row. The testing mechanism tests the light-emitting diodes. The attachment mechanism positions the light-emitting diodes to a circuit board. The attachment mechanism comprises a support assembly and a laminating device, in which the support assembly receives the light-emitting diodes tested by the at least one testing unit, the support assembly is opposite to the circuit board, and the laminating device laminates the light-emitting diodes to the circuit board. A method for manufacturing the backlight unit is also provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a thin-film magnetic head including first and second magnetic layers, a gap layer, a thin-film coil, and a coil insulating layer for insulating neighboring ones of turns of the thin-film coil. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: forming the first magnetic layer; forming the gap layer on the first magnetic layer; forming the second magnetic layer on the gap layer; forming the thin-film coil; and forming the coil insulating layer. The coil insulating layer is formed by stacking a plurality of insulating films formed by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A tape application machine and method are provided. The machine includes a nest device that moves along a linear rail from a first position to a second position. The nest device holds a battery cell therein. The machine further includes a tape application device that dispenses electrically non-conductive tape and applies a first portion of the tape on a first side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape bending device that conforms a second portion of the electrically non-conductive tape onto a second side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape compression device that compresses the tape on the first and second sides of the battery cell.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the operation of a hand-held pliers-type crimping tool, including a pair of pivotally connected handles for displacing a pair of crimping dies between open and closed crimping positions, a support seat connected with one of the handles for supporting at least one plug terminal between the crimping dies, a transport tool for transporting a plug terminal to a seated position on the support seat, and a counter arrangement on the transport tool for producing a signal that is a function of the number of displacements of the handles from the open position toward the closed position. The transport tool includes a housing, an electronic circuit including a counter mounted in the housing, a transport pin extending from the housing for insertion within one end of a hollow plug terminal, and a signal transmitting pin parallel with the transport pin.