Abstract: A headpiece assembly for use with a night vision mounting arm includes a bump shell and an interior suspension assembly for seating on the head of a human. A mounting bracket is secured to the front of the bump shell for removably attaching the night vision mounting arm to the bump shell. A ballistic shell has a bottom forming an opening and a coupling mechanism for removably securing the ballistic shell to the bump shell when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell. The ballistic shell has a front and a notch extending upwardly from the opening into the front for receiving the mounting bracket when the ballistic shell is placed over the bump shell so as to permit the night vision mounting arm to be attached to the bump shell during use of the ballistic shell.

Abstract: Protective equipment for the limbs including a front guard, wherein the front guard includes support means attached to the front guard, a front surface, and a plurality of teeth protruding from the front surface for assisting a user in climbing over an obstacle, wherein the teeth include at least one engagement surface arranged to at least partially engage with a surface of the obstacle when pressure is applied to the support means.

Abstract: A glove constructed from foamed cushion material having a memory that can be selectively inserted into strategically located, internal and external pockets or compartments interconnected with the hand covering portion of the glove. When the shaped inserts are in position within the internal pockets of the gloves they tend to substantially replicate the surface features exhibited by the device being gripped by the user. When the shaped inserts are in position within the external pockets of the glove, they provide substantial protection against external impact to the user's hands.

Abstract: A fishing finger protection apparatus is disclosed that provides protection for an index finger of an angler during casting with a spin reel fishing rod. The finger protection apparatus includes a finger guard, a strap and a wrist band. The finger guard receives a distal end portion of the index finger of the angler in an approximately form fitting relation. The finger guard includes a first portion, opposing sidewalls and a back portion. The first portion protects the palmar side of the index finger and the sidewalls protect the sides of the index finger. The back portion can stretch to accommodate the size of the finger of the angler. The strap connects the finger guard and the wrist band.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a wear that can be put on by a wearer without feeling of looseness, tightening, or shrinkage, and that enables smooth activities. A wear 1 according to the present invention is wear 1 configured using a fabric having stretchability, where a side region 4 of a back body part having a predetermined width from a body side part 2 towards a center in a width direction of a dorsal surface and extending along a vertical direction across an armpit part 3 is formed with a linear site S, whose stretchability in a predetermined direction along the width direction is smaller than adjacent portions, along the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A flexible, form-fitting glove having improved water and chemical permeation resistance and a method of manufacture. The glove is multi-layered and formed utilizing a standard dip line.

Abstract: A weighted apparatus for use with a dress, skirt, blouse or other article of clothing to prevent the wind or other moving air from raising a lower end of the clothing. The weighted apparatus has a first member comprising a metal plate positioned against the outer surface of the lower end of the clothing and a second member comprising one or more magnets positioned against the inner surface of the clothing to magnetically engage the metal plate with the clothing between the first and second members. The first member is coated, covered or otherwise configured in corresponding or contrasting relation to the outer surface of the clothing. The first member can have a cover material with a pattern that matches, compliments or contrasts with the clothing. The first member can have a decorative item with a design. The second member can have a base plate that supports the magnets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a drawstring closure that allows two sides of a garment to securely and evenly tighten the garment and the fly of the garment. One embodiment of the invention includes a drawstring closure for use on a garment, including a first front panel, wherein the first front panel comprises a first tab, and wherein the first tab comprises a first opening through which a drawstring can be threaded; a second front panel, wherein the second front panel comprises a second tab, wherein the second tab comprises second and third openings through which a drawstring can be threaded; a first drawstring, wherein the first drawstring is attached to the first tab, the first drawstring is threaded through the third and the first opening; a second drawstring, wherein the second drawstring is attached to the first front panel; and the second drawstring is threaded through the second opening.

Abstract: A helmet has a rigid shell and an adjustable liner connected to the shell. The liner has a plurality of pads located in the shell cavity. The pads are movable with respect to the interior shell surface between a first position near the interior shell surface and a second position further away. In some embodiments, pads are biased towards their second position and the act of the wearer inserting his head into the helmet causes the pads to move towards their first position while remaining biased against the head of the wearer to assist in causing the liner to conform to the head of the wearer. In other embodiments, constriction of the pads moves pads from their second position to their first position, for this same purpose. In other embodiments, pads having both of the aforementioned characteristics are present.

Abstract: Clips for securing a face mask to an article of head gear, and for releasing the face mask without the need for any special tools or equipment. In certain embodiments, the clip may comprise a base and a retaining member that is pivotably coupled to the base. When the retaining member is engaged with the base, structure on the base prevents the retaining member from pivoting open, thus securing the face mask within the clip. To disengage the retaining member (and release the face mask from the clip), a user may squeeze or flex a portion of the base, which causes the retaining member to disengage and pivot open.

Abstract: A helmet shield coupled to a front opening of a helmet includes a lens unit provided to face a front of the front opening; a frame unit provided along a circumference of the lens unit; and a ventilation unit provided at both sides of the lens unit for communication between an inside and an outside of the helmet shield.

Abstract: A personal protection device for protecting a user is described. The personal protection device can have an inflatable member having an internal chamber that can be inflated or deflated according to predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A bathroom device with a single use dissolvable functional head with a plunger head or a cleaning head is described. The bathroom device may include an elongated handle coupled at a first end to the to the single use dissolvable functional head. The device may also include a single use dissolvable sleeve covering a portion of the elongated handle and a release mechanism for releasing the single use dissolvable functional head from the first end of the elongated handle. The single use dissolvable sleeve may be configured to slide off the elongated handle when the single use dissolvable functional head has been released. A method of using the bathroom device is also described.

Abstract: Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device.

Abstract: A portable toilet with mechanism that causes the toilet to flush as the door to the toilet enclosure is opened.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly is provided that includes: a hinge configured for attachment to a toilet seat, a fastener including an expandable head; and a cap formed integrally with the hinge. The cap includes an engaging element extending from the first surface of the cap. The engaging element is configured to engage and expand the head of the fastener in order to releasably connect the toilet seat hinge assembly to a toilet bowl when the cap is in a first position relative to the base portion. A toilet seat assembly including the toilet seat hinge assembly is also provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sanitary washing apparatus includes a nozzle including a jetting port and configured to squirt water from the jetting port and to cause the water to impinge on female private parts. The nozzle is operable to switch between a first jetting and a second jetting. The first jetting squirts the water from the jetting port to cause the water to impinge on a first range of the female private parts, and the second jetting squirts the water from the jetting port more diffusively than the first jetting to cause the water to impinge evenly on a second range wider than the first range without moving the jetting port. The water is squirted so that flow velocity in the first range of the first jetting is slower than flow velocity in the second range of the second jetting.

Abstract: A swimming pool having a cover is provided, wherein the air located inside the cover can be conditioned. In order to achieve conditions corresponding to high altitude training, the air space inside the cover is connected to an air generator, by way of which the composition of the air can be adjusted and/or changed.

Abstract: A transfer belt for assisting in moving patients includes a transfer belt, a mechanism to retract the belt into a compact unit and a mechanism to fix the belt in a fixed loop around a patient at the size desired.

Abstract: A patient lift support frame assembly, comprising a patient-lift-carrying member, and first and second support members for carrying the patient-lift-support member. The support members are telescopically configured, and can be extended manually, with an actuator to push a ceiling pad against a ceiling for greater stability. The support member are selectively lockable against being shortened, using gears and a cam, or other lock. The ceiling bearing element is spring loaded.

Abstract: An inflatable mattress guard is provided. The present invention relates to a mattress guard having a sheet with side pockets on the top surface of the sheet wherein inflatable bladders can be inserted into the pockets and selectively inflated and deflated by the user of the mattress depending on the user's needs and preferences. The invention has application to bed safety devices for hospitals and nursing homes, as well as to general use for toddlers and young children in a home environment.

Abstract: A siderail assembly comprises a siderail body, a siderail linkage, and a locking mechanism. The siderail linkage is configured to movably couple the siderail body to a frame of a person-support apparatus. The siderail linkage is configured to move the siderail body between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame. The siderail linkage includes a guide member. The locking mechanism includes a housing with a slot that defines a guide. The guide member is configured to move along the guide between a first guide position and a second guide position as the siderail body moves between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient positioning device, which enables the latest advances in Stereotactic Radiation Therapy. The geometry, which incorporates at least one window or lateral cut-out, is designed to allow clear treatment access to the patient during non-coplanar treatment regimes through the use of windows or lateral cut-outs. A laterally positionable diaphragm compression device allows the full use of the geometry. The development of a stand-alone device and a couch top insert device allows for a maximum number of protocol methods while minimizing the skin surface radiation dose to the patient.

Abstract: An examination table includes a base portion and a table portion with a support surface having a backrest member. The backrest member includes an upper structural frame panel defining a first outer periphery, and a lower structural frame panel defining a second outer periphery. A plurality of fastener-less clinch joints is formed along the first outer periphery and the second outer periphery, thereby permanently coupling the upper structural frame panel and the lower structural frame panel. The backrest member may also include an upholstery layer substantially covering the upper structural frame panel, the first outer periphery, and the second outer periphery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a support pillow. The support pillow includes a body with a head rest and a neck rest along with a pair of arms extending outward and forward from the body to thereby surround the sides of the head and neck of a user. The support pillow may also incorporate a storage bag for compressing and storing the body and arms of the support pillow.

Abstract: There is provided a cushion (10) comprising an envelope (12) comprising at least an inner and outer layer (14, 16) of polyurethane material, and a resilient core (17) of an open-cell polyurethane foam material inside the envelope (12), wherein the envelope (12) is substantially air- and liquid-impermeable, and the inner layer (14) is at least partially attached to the outer layer (16) and the resilient core (17) so as to provide a plurality of microchannels of an outer surface of at least a top portion of the envelope (12), a kit comprising such cushion (10) and a removable cover, a cushion system and a method of manufacturing such a cushion (10).

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a universal bed insert, built by air mattress, combined with airtight valves and method for producing thereof. The insert, produced with the application of said method makes it possible, that the sponge, the airtight covering of the sponge, and the air within the insert result in a higher level of convenience when using the insert. The insert according to the invention is built by an air mattress filled with sponge of open cell structure, as well as valves built into the air mattress. The characteristic of the insert is, that in the air mattress (2) sponge (3) of open cell structure, low body-density and low compressive stress is used, where the value of the body-density is preferably 10-23 kg/m3 and the value of compressive stress is preferably 1.0-2.5 kPa. the material of the sponge (3) used is polyurethane, or silicone or rubber foam.

Abstract: A patient support device includes a mattress including an inflatable plenum, an inflatable torso support chamber located on one end portion of the mattress to elevate the upper torso of a patient with respect to the lower torso and legs, the torso support chamber being isolated from the plenum so as to be separately inflatable, and an inflatable lower extremity support chamber located on an opposite end portion of the mattress to elevate one or more lower extremities of a patient with respect to the upper torso and lower torso, the lower extremity support chamber being isolated from the plenum and the torso support chamber so as to be separately inflatable.

Abstract: A washing machine operates in stand by for a predetermined time, under the condition that rinse water is not drained during first rinsing out of a plurality of rinsings constituting a rinsing cycle of the washing machine, so as to allow contaminants in the rinse water to settle, performs partial drainage to drain a part of the rinse water is performed, when the predetermined time has elapsed, and performs second rinsing by supplying an amount of water equal to that of the drained rinse water, when the partial drainage has been completed.

Abstract: A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The present invention relates to a washing machine, more specifically, to a washing machine that is able to the amount of rinsing water used in a rinsing course.

Abstract: A laundry treatment appliance has a laundry treatment apparatus with a rotatably mounted laundry drum held in a housing such that it can move. The laundry treatment apparatus has an electric motor for driving the laundry drum, a control system for actuating the electric motor, a vibration sensor for detecting a vibratory movement of the laundry treatment apparatus, and a vibration-damping apparatus for damping a vibratory movement. The vibration-damping apparatus has at least one controllable vibration damper which can be actuated in dependence on the vibratory movement of the laundry treatment apparatus for changing the vibration-damping properties of the vibration damper. The control system, in the event of a malfunction in a power supply system, actuates the electric motor such that the electric motor generates electrical energy from a rotary movement of the laundry drum and makes it available to the control system.

Abstract: A control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle determined based upon various soils and stains in the substrate load to be washed with a wash liquor in a wash zone of the washer. The control has a plurality of stain/soil type entrées, which can be at least one of selected and detected, and cleaned with a particular wash cycle. The control has dispensing control over at least one wash liquor additive. The control has operational control over activators and deactivators for members of the additives group. The control has operational control over the particular wash cycles using the dispensing control to dispense additives to the wash liquor at selected times during the wash cycle and operating the activators and deactivators at selected times during the wash cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating laundry as the items to be washed includes a container for the items to be washed. The container is in fluid communication with a water supply system. Connected to the water supply system is a desalination apparatus for producing desalinated water having a conductivity of less than 200 ?S/cm, with the desalination apparatus being constructed as an ion exchanger. A reservoir is connected to the desalination apparatus for storing water with a higher salt concentration for later use.

Abstract: Example dock levelers at a truck-loading platform include a stationary curved transition plate extending between a rear edge of the leveler's pivotal deck and a rear edge of a pit at which the leveler is installed. The transition plate has a curved portion that extends underneath the deck's rear edge. The plate provides a smooth transition for forklifts traveling between the platform and the deck, thus reducing and/or minimizing the jarring of the forklift and its driver. To prevent debris and obstructions from getting trapped within the deck's rear hinge, the rear edge of the deck rises up and over the transition plate as the deck pivots upward, thereby providing a self-cleaning effect. With the rear edge of an inclined deck being above the transition plate, water runoff from the deck drains onto the transition plate rather than through the hinge gap to a generally inaccessible area underneath the deck.

Abstract: A replacement bent for shoring a bridge and a method for installing the replacement bent. The replacement bent comprises a metal I-beam sill, telescoping, adjustable posts, and a metal I-beam cap. In one embodiment, the adjustable posts are connected at one end by hinges to the sill beam and are connected at the other end by hinges to the cap beam. In a second embodiment, the adjustable posts are connected at right angles to the cap beam and the sill beam by means of support plates. The posts may be telescoped and thereby adjusted to the necessary distance between the sill beam and the cap beam. The replacement bent is supported on the stub piles from the substandard bent that has been removed.

Abstract: A handle of an electrical appliance for personal use is disclosed. The handle includes an elongated housing for receiving functional components of the appliance; and a control unit or an electric power supply. The housing includes at least two tube-shaped housing parts connected to each other at end portions thereof. An annular sealing element is associated with the end portions to seal the interface between the housing parts. The end portions of the housing parts have substantially the same diameter such that end surfaces of the housing parts abut against each other or against the annular sealing element. A holding member extending over the interface between the housing parts and the sealing element is provided for holding the housing parts together.

Abstract: A handle portion of an electric toothbrush includes an electric motor; a first drive shaft being attachable to a head portion axle of a head portion of an electric toothbrush; a second drive shaft being attachable to a housing of a head portion of an electric toothbrush; and a drive comprising a first drive section and a second drive section. The first drive section is located between the electric motor and one of the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft. The first drive section is arranged to convert a rotational motion of the electric motor into an oscillating pivoting of one of the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft. The second drive section is arranged to transfer an oscillating pivoting of the first drive shaft or the second drive shaft to the respective other drive shaft.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions and a drive system carried by the chassis. The forward portion of the chassis defines a substantially rectangular shape. The robot includes a cleaning assembly mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and a bin disposed adjacent the cleaning assembly and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. A bin cover is pivotally attached to a lower portion of the chassis and configured to rotate between a first, closed position providing closure of an opening defined by the bin and a second, open position providing access to the bin opening. The robot includes a body attached to the chassis and a handle disposed on an upper portion of the body. A bin cover release is actuatable from substantially near the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system comprise a joining mechanism comprising a first part and a second part. The first part is configured for joining to an iron. A lint removal unit is configured to be operable for removing particles from a surface of a material. A connector mechanism comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is configured for joining to the lint removal unit. The second end is configured for joining to the second part of the joining mechanism where using the iron on the material places the lint removal unit on the surface of the material for removing particles.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment, a sink disposal tool is provided for use with a sink having a drain opening and a disposal, wherein the sink disposal tool comprises: an upper portion comprising an outer lower peripheral portion fluted around an outside diameter to facilitate drainage from the sink into the disposal; a push portion extending from the upper portion and configured to push food through the drain opening and into the disposal; and a lower portion extending from the push portion. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the outside diameter of the outer lower peripheral portion of the upper portion increases with decreasing distance from the push portion until the outside diameter achieves a maximum diameter. At least one embodiment comprises a circular portion, the circular portion defining radially disposed channels.

Abstract: A transversely elongated mounting bar curved rearwardly from a centerline and mounting longitudinally projecting bristles on the front side thereof to terminate in free ends deposed in a working plane.

Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: To provide a user-friendly and easy-to-use cosmetic applicator equipped with a brush section having thin, tapered, plastic brush fibers each having a round cross section and a rounded tip, yet the brush as a whole having adequate stiffness, not too stiff nor too soft for applying a cosmetic without hurting facial skin. A cosmetic applicator has an applicator shaft 30 made of a first plastic resin, a brush section 40 made of a second plastic resin softer than the first plastic resin and securely fixed to the leading end of the applicator shaft 30. The brush section has a base 42 securely fixed to the leading end of the applicator shaft 30 and a brush 44 consisting of a multiplicity of tapered thin brush fibers that are integrally molded with the base 42 to extend forward from the base 42. Each brush fiber has a round cross section and a rounded tip. The brush includes thick stiff fibers 44a mixed with thin soft fibers 44b.

Abstract: A tool is designed to simultaneously remove and catch the materials used for finishing acoustical ceilings, thereby greatly reducing or, in some cases, eliminating the need for extensive drop cloth and plastic coverage of the room's interior and furnishings. The tool may reduce or eliminate the laborious task of cleaning up the removed acoustical ceiling material, which, with conventional methods, often dries on surfaces before clean-up begins. The tool may include a scraper to remove the acoustical ceiling material and a hollow body cavity to accumulate the removed material. The tool may be designed to be ergonomically friendly, lightweight and easy to use within a broad range of prestidigitation.

Abstract: In a cleaning system, dust stored in a dust box is suspended in air introduced into the dust box through a first opening formed through a robot cleaner, and is then discharged to a second opening formed through a maintenance station through the first opening of the robot cleaner.

Abstract: In a cleaning system, dust stored in a dust box is suspended in air introduced into the dust box through a first opening formed through a robot cleaner, and is then discharged to a second opening formed through a maintenance station through the first opening of the robot cleaner.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine has its operating functions designed and controlled in such a manner that the machine may be battery-operated without loss of performance. Included in the operation are special movements of the machine at the pin deck to flick moisture off blades of the squeegee assembly and limited activation of the vacuum motor to reduce battery drain.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that is able to form dust and foreign substances collected in a dust collection device provided therein in a single mass shape to discharge it efficiently, not scattered in a dust collecting device. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust separation device mounted in the body, a dust collection device independently provided from the dust separation device, connected to the dust collection device, a compression device provided in the dust collection device, to collect dust and foreign substances collected in a predetermined portion of the dust collection device and to compress the collected dust and foreign substances, and a liquid supply device provided in the dust collection device to supply liquid material to the dust collection device.

Abstract: A cleaner head is described for use with a vacuum cleaning appliance including a fan unit for generating an air flow which passes from the cleaner head to the fan unit. The cleaner head includes a rotatable agitator assembly including an agitator for sweeping dust particles. The agitator assembly is housed in an agitator chamber housing including a downwardly-directed opening through which dust particles energized by the agitator enter the cleaner head, and a dust outlet located adjacent the opening and through which the energized particles leave the agitator chamber. The cleaner head also includes an exhaust port from which a dust-bearing air flow is drawn from the cleaner head, and a dust channel extending between the dust outlet and the exhaust port. The dust channel has channel walls which are shaped to retain energized dust particles therebetween through collisions thereagainst.