Abstract: A last for manufacturing footwear and a method for manufacturing footwear with the last, where the last includes a last body, at least one insert, and at least one fastener. The last body has an outer surface corresponding to an inner surface of an article of footwear to be manufactured. The last body includes at least one aperture. The at least one insert is configured to be inserted into the at least one aperture. The at least one faster is configured to removably fasten the at least one insert into the at least one aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automated pool cleaning vehicle (PCV) having a middle roller. The PCV having a housing. The housing defines an interior. Located within the interior is a pump and a filter bag. The housing also includes a bottom, which is generally curved in a concave manner. The housing further includes a chassis. The pump creates a vacuum for sucking up dirt and debris into the filter bag through intakes in the housing. The housing including first and second pairs of wheels connected to the chassis. Between the front and second wheels is a middle roller, also connected to the chassis. In a first embodiment, the middle roller includes a single roller, which is approximately the same diameter as the wheels of the first and second pairs of wheels. In other embodiments, the wheels of the middle roller are larger or smaller. In yet another embodiment, the middle roller includes a series of wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is cleaning structure attachable to a submersible pool cleaning vehicle (PCV). In one exemplary embodiment the PCV has an endless loop track and a chassis therefore. The cleaning structure attaches to the chassis and acts as a cap covering the drive wheels and track. The cleaning structure includes a base and bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The bristles define fingers. In one embodiment, the fingers are of a uniform length. In another embodiment, the fingers are of a graduated length. Others embodiments include the fingers being distributed on the base in a random pattern. In one embodiment, the cleaning structure defines a single insert. In another, the cleaning structure includes multiple inserts.

Abstract: The machine is made up of an upper scraping device R (FIG. 7) and a lower contrast and drawing device T (FIG. 7), both independent even in motorization, and connected to each other by respective side frames FI and FS (FIG. 7) through a contrast screw and spring system 2,8 (FIG. 1); wherein both the scraping device and the contrast and drawing device are simultaneously operated, wherein when the ticket passes between them, the simultaneous interaction of the two devices R and T clean the ticket 20 of its removable paint.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed a cylindrical device which is used to remove broken paintballs and other unwanted material from the barrel of a paintball marker or from other paintball equipment. Cylindrical cleaning devices currently known in the art are prone to separation and failure after use. The present disclosure utilizes a series of barbs and/or openings such as through holes to prevent such failure. Structure for cleaning, including squeegee elements and other materials and configurations, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thickened alkaline liquid hard surface cleaning composition comprising a surfactant system and chelant to provide cleaning and shine.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly includes a pair of leaf spring elements supported generally parallel to each other with a space therebetween, a flexible blade supported within the space between the leaf spring elements, a bracket fixed to the intermediate portion of the pair of leaf spring elements and supporting said pair of leaf spring elements to provide the space therebetween, the bracket including a pair of pressure distribution tabs, and a bracket cover connected at opposite sides of the bracket, the bracket cover having a skirt extending below the bracket to cover a portion of the pair of leaf spring elements at the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A robot cleaner provided with a shutter to open or close an inlet of a dust box when the dust box is separated from a body of the robot cleaner. Another robot cleaner, which docks with an automatic exhaust station, is also disclosed, together with the automatic exhaust station. The latter robot cleaner includes a shutter to be automatically opened by air discharged from the automatic exhaust station in a docked state of the robot cleaner to exhaust dust from the dust box, in order to allow even heavy dust to be easily exhausted.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body, a dust container including a dust collection body separably disposed on the cleaner main body to define a dust storage chamber for storing dusts and a lower cover disposed under the dust collection body to open and close the dust storage chamber, a pressing member movably disposed inside the dust collection body to compress the dusts within the dust storage chamber, the pressing member including a rotation shaft and a pressing plate connected to the rotation shaft, a transmission part disposed under the lower cover to transmit a power transmitted from the outside, and a connection member disposed above the lower cover to transmit the power transmitted from the transmission part into the rotation shaft.

Abstract: The control mechanism (18) for a pressurized-gas oral cleaning appliance (10) includes a hollow valve member (44) for receiving gas from a pressurized source thereof (14) and for delivering gas to a gas exit assembly. The hollow valve member includes a rear end portion (48) having a shoulder (58) which surrounds a cavity portion (65). The valve member includes a valve wall (63) having a circumferential groove (64) and a plurality of openings (66) which connect the groove to the hollow interior of the valve member. A gas releasing assembly includes a user-activated actuation member (26) and a pusher member (36), wherein movement of the actuation member moves the pusher member and the valve in a forward direction to a first position where gas enters the hollow interior of the valve.

Abstract: A handle grip includes a rubber tube member and a rubber lid. The tube member has a securing portion at an outer side, adjacent to an end thereof. The lid has a locking portion at an inner side thereof. The lid is firmly fitted to the end of the tube member by the locking portion engaging with the securing portion that, the lid will not be separated from the tube member even when a large force is applied on the lid.

Abstract: A hinge comprising: a support part for attaching to a support; a load part for attaching to a load; and a pivot formed therebetween; wherein the support part and the load part are independently adjustable under load in at least one direction relative to one another.

Abstract: A torque-adjustable hinge is mounted between a display panel and a base of a portable device and has a stationary bracket, a rotating bracket, a pintle, a torsional spring and an adjusting element. The stationary bracket is attached to the base. The rotating bracket is attached to the display panel. The pintle is attached to the rotating bracket and is mounted through the torsional spring. The torsional spring is attached to the stationary bracket and abuts against the adjusting element. By changing the height that the adjusting element protrudes above a receiving tag of the stationary bracket, the torsional spring is selectively tighter or looser wound around the pintle. Therefore, the torque generated by the hinge is adjusted without replacing any element.

Abstract: A universal box lid lifter has an upper mounting plate, an upper connection piece, a pivoting arm, a spring housing, a spring assembly, a lower connection piece and a lower mounting plate. The upper connection piece has two ends oriented in two directions, and is pivotally mounted between the upper mounting plate and the pivoting arm being respectively pivotable in two directions. The spring assembly is mounted in the spring housing and abuts against the pivoting arm and alternately positions the pivoting arm. The lower connection piece has two ends oriented in two directions, and is pivotally mounted between the lower mounting plate and the spring housing being respectively pivotable in two directions. Given the bidirectionally pivotable mechanism at both ends of the universal box lid lifter, the universal box lid lifters of a single type can be flexibly mounted to a box as requested to lift the lid of the box.

Abstract: The hinge structure of a console box including a brake shaft and a braking device, arranged in a place displaced in the axial direction of a hinge shaft and disposed on one side of the hinge shaft. When opening and closing a lid, the drive shaft and the hinge shaft rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the lid, while a friction plate between the brake shaft and a braking plate is pressed against the rotating end face and the stationary brake plate, which is secured to a storage box, and a predetermined friction force can be produced continuously. Due to the friction force, the lid can be rotated under the influence of a moderate extent of rotational resistance when opening and closing the lid, and the position of the lid can be kept in the place where the lid stopped rotating within a rotatable range of the lid.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing spread fiber bundles by strategic use of tension control throughout the device and use of higher differential speeds between driven rollers and line speed of the running fiber bundle are provided herein, along with methods for producing spread fibers, prepregs, and articles of manufacture therefrom.

Abstract: An adjustable socket for receiving a ferrule rope comprises an elongated body, a primary stop, a channel and an adjustable stop. The primary stop comprises an opening in the body dimensioned larger than a diameter of a rope portion of the ferrule rope and smaller than a ferrule end of the ferrule rope, and a surface of the body adjacent the opening against which the ferrule end can bear. The channel is defined in communication with the opening and extending along the body. The channel has a cross sectional open area larger than the opening and is dimensioned to receive the ferrule end of the ferrule rope. The adjustable stop is selectively actuatable to define a secondary stop spaced from the primary stop along the channel and against which the ferrule end can bear, thereby changing a length of the ferrule rope.

Abstract: A three-hole utility hook made of metal or plastic material, possibly coated with polyvinyl or rubber, for elastic fastening and securing cables. A structural component designed to anchor: rubber cables, cords, ropes, and other tie down components in order to secure an item.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a docking device for hand tool, and devices which can be attached to clothing or an adhesively backed docking stud. The device contains both carabiner and alligator clips elements simultaneously in the same device.

Abstract: A clip to secure trays in a stack including a platform, rails coupled to the platform to mate with tabs of at least bookending trays in the tray stack when the platform occupies a brake position thereof relative to the stack and an elastic brake element coupled to the platform and configured to be biased against the stack when the platform occupies the brake position to increase a mating friction between the rails and the tabs, the elastic brake element being actuatable against the bias to permit selective movement of the platform to and from the brake position, the selective movement solely actuating the elastic brake element.

Abstract: Messenger clamps can be formed from two messenger clamp halves. Messenger clamps and messenger clamp halves can include break away portions, which allow a messenger wire to fall when subjected to high impact forces such as a tree falling on the messenger wire. A messenger clamp half for use in forming a messenger clamp can include an inside face having a first clamping groove and a second clamping groove, and an outside face having at least one fault groove. A break away portion of the messenger clamp half can include one of the clamping grooves, and can further includes at least a portion of the fault groove.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping first and second stabplates together comprises a pivoted cam member and clamping means for co-operating with the cam member. The mechanism is such that the cam member is displaceable between a first position in which, in co-operation with the clamping means, it clamps the stabplates together and a second position in which it has rotated to be between the stabplates with the stabplates separate from each other.

Abstract: A shaft clamp having a first clamp member and a second clamp member, each having a main body shaped to allow positioning of the clamp member about a shaft and engagement of a shaft by a surface of the main body, is disclosed. The two clamp members are pivotably connected together at adjoining ends and separable at free ends, much like a clam shell configuration. A locking mechanism engagable with the free ends of the first and second clamp members is used to secure and pull the free ends of the clamp members to one another as they are positioned about a shaft. Alternatively, a torque-assisting extension connected to at least one of either the first member or the second member may be included. The extension allows the shaft clamp to be rotated, moved, or otherwise maneuvered more easily as it is secured about a shaft.

Abstract: In the case of a closure for connecting two straps of an item of clothing, in particular the wing end portions of the back band of a bra, on one of which is arranged an overall female closure part, there is provided a plurality of female closure elements that form at least one row, and on the other of which is arranged an overall male closure part, which includes at least two male closure elements that can be moved into force-fitting/form-fitting engagement with female closure elements from one row of the female closure part. The closure elements are arranged in each case on a preferably textile base strip, which is rectangular in basic form, acts as a carrier and serves for fastening the respective closure parts on their associated band wing ends, which overlap in their end regions in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A clip of the present invention includes at least a head portion, a center support pillar, an auxiliary support pillar, elastic legs, locking portions, and empty spaces. The head portion has a shape capable of locking on one surface of an attached member. The center support pillar extends downward from the head portion, and has a shape to be inserted into the attachment hole. The auxiliary support pillar extends downward from the head portion in the same manner as the center support pillar, and is integrally formed with the head portion and the center support pillar in such a way that a base portion inserted into the attachment hole is perpendicular to the center support pillar. A pair of the elastic legs expanding in a V-shape is interconnected with ends of the center support pillar and the auxiliary support pillar, and also formed in a shape so as to be turned back toward a direction of the head portion and the auxiliary support pillar.

Abstract: A precision safety ring-shaped hook provides a timing gauge structure which is composed of a sliding groove, a pair of rail members, and a block pin. Each of the rail members has an arc surface. When a first locking axle is moved to an open slot, a first end of a hook body is moved away from the first guiding member and, at the same time, a block pin moves to the arc surface area, so that when the first locking axle is swung in a hook cavity of the hook body, a driving pin is able to position at the arc surface and thus a locking member can be guided by the arc surface to open the opening of the hook body. Accordingly, the opening or shutting of the opening of the hook body by the locking member can thus be precisely operated at one time to provide an advance precision value for the hook and eliminate the interference and impacting drawbacks.

Abstract: A press release buckle includes a base member defining an accommodation chamber, a front opening and a retaining gap defined between the front opening and the accommodation chamber, a press member supported on a conical compression spring in the accommodation chamber and movable vertically between the top and bottom sides of the accommodation chamber to close/open the retaining gap, and a connection member having a coupling shaft insertable into the accommodation chamber and then the retaining gap, a mounting block for fastening to an external strap member and a neck connected between the coupling shaft and the mounting block and positionable in the front opening of the base member.

Abstract: A belt-tightening apparatus includes a frame, a handle, a shaft, two ratchet wheels, two spring-biased detents and a connector. The shaft is used to rotationally connect the handle to the frame and wind a first belt. The ratchet wheels are connected to the shaft. The first spring-biased detent is movably connected to the handle for engagement with the spring-biased detent wheels. The second spring-biased detent is movably connected to the frame for engagement with the spring-biased detent wheels. The connector includes a tube and a reinforcement strip. The tube is connected to the frame on one hand and connected to the second belt on the other hand. The reinforcement strip is inserted it in the tube for reinforcing the tube.

Abstract: The electronic device includes a body, a strap, and a strap connecting member. The strap connecting member further includes a pin, a torsion spring one end of which is connected to the pin, a receiving chamber accommodating the pin and defining an opening notch passing through the sidewall thereof, and a cover connected with the torsion spring and engaging with the receiving chamber. The strap is double-layered. The double-layered strap forms a folded end and an open end, the folded end is connected with the pin and is wrapped around the pin, and the open end is separated into two portions which pass at the opening notch and are respectively connected to the body. When the torsion spring is elastically deformed and generates a torsion force, the pin is rotated and the strap automatically shrinks in the receiving chamber under the torsion force.

Abstract: An improved diving flipper's adjustable foot strap with a conveniently located handle which allows the diver to quickly pull the stretchable strap whereby he or she move the strap away from the back of his or her foot in one fluid motion. The handle also allows, in one fluid motion, the diver to pull the strap back on to his foot thereby securing his foot into the foot pocket. Methods will show the type of strap material that is used to achieve the objective. Methods will show how the material aids in strap removal and strap fastening. Methods will show why straps need to have adjustments. Methods will show how flippers are adjusted via the raised notches. Methods will show how and why fins are fastened and the level of difficulty to remove a fastened-on flipper without a handle. Methods will show how a handle aids in removing the strap. Methods will show how a handle aids in putting on the strap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing agglomerated material from retified fibers. It also relates to a coffin manufactured with such material and a profile such as a joinery profile. Said method involves a first step that consists in preparing pellets where the pellet composition is formed by extruding a mixture of retified vegetal fiber in fragmented form with a thermoplastic polymer or a mixture of thermoplastic polymers, and a second step that consists in an extrusion step from at least one pellet composition, during which the pellets are heated and mixed.

Abstract: A method for mixing short staple and down cluster by a dry processing utilizes an air tool to blow the short staple over, so that the scattered short staple is mixed in the down cluster. Stirring blades are further applied for stirring. Chemical agents are needless, no pollution is generated, and processing time is preferably reduced since the mixture does not have to be soaked in the chemical agent. Both the processing time and the manufacturing cost are decreased. Preferably, a proportion of the short staple to the down cluster is adjustable for different needs and divergent warmth retaining effects.

Abstract: A piezoelectric printhead and related methods provide a first metallic electrode and a second metallic electrode deposited over a top surface and a bottom surface, respectively, of a piezoceramic plate. The second electrode is segmented into a plurality of electrode segments. A diaphragm is positioned over a plurality of pressure chambers, where the diaphragm includes a conductor positioned over each chamber. The piezoceramic plate is attached to the diaphragm such that each conductor on the diaphragm faces multiple electrode segments.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a substrate; and a laminated film formed above the substrate. The laminated film includes a lower electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode layer formed in this order, and the lower electrode layer is a metal electrode layer containing as one or more main components one or more nonnoble metals and/or one or more nonnoble alloys. Preferably, the one or more main components are one or more of the metals Cr, W, Ti, Al, Fe, Mo, In, Sn, Ni, Cu, Co, and Ta, and alloys of the metals.

Abstract: A method of integrating a pillow, including stuffing, within an encapsulated mattress having a core and covering surrounding the core is disclosed. A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core, the pillow containing stuffing, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow. Also disclosed is a mattress including a core formed of a padding material, a pillow adjoining the core using a sleeve, the pillow containing stuffing, the sleeve retaining the pillow to the core, and a covering surrounding the core and the pillow.

Abstract: A fork seal driver tool includes two half-cylindrical pieces and a rotating retaining ring which rotates to hold the half-cylindrical pieces together.

Abstract: A separator tool including a handle formed a hub at a first end, the hub defining a through bore that is transverse to a longitudinal center axis of the handle, a tool head formed with an integral yoke including opposed first and second legs, the tool head being pivotably coupled to the first end of the handle, an indexing stud slidably disposed within the through bores of the hub and first and second legs of the yoke, and the indexing stud being slidable within the through bores between a first position in which the tool head is secured in a fixed position relative to the handle, and a second position in which the tool head is pivotable relative to the handle.

Abstract: A cutting and clamping device includes an electrical control box. A base board is mounted atop the electrical control box and includes slide rails and a slide block. A supply mechanism is mounted to the base board for supplying an un-processed part strip. A conveyance mechanism is mounted to the slide block and has one end adjacent to the supply mechanism. A forwarding mechanism is mounted on the conveyance mechanism and includes a sharp tip, which is releasably insertable into positioning holes defined in the part strip. A cutting mechanism is mounted to the slide block and is connected to an opposite end of the conveyance mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting blade assembly and defines a cutting zone into which the cutting blade assembly is extendable. A clamping and retaining mechanism includes a first clamp assembly, a second clamp assembly, and a retaining assembly.

Abstract: The English-language Abstract from the international application is to be retained and is therefore not duplicated in the specification.

Abstract: Tools are provided to facilitate the removal and installation of first and second check valves from backflow prevention devices. A tool for a first check valve includes a frame having a straight central portion with a plurality of leg portions extending from the central portion. The leg portions can be configured such that, when the tool is brought into engagement with a first check valve, each leg potion can be at least partially received in a respective recess on the base of a first check valve. A tool for a second check valve can include a plurality of arms. The arms can be configured so that, when the tool is brought into engagement with a second check valve, each arm can engage a respective pin provided on the base of a second check valve. The tools can be adapted to be engaged by another tool, such as a socket wrench.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a robotized method for removing discharge from furnaces used for smelting. The method includes punching and tapping exit passages, sampling different materials, and cleaning exit channels.

Abstract: A hub remover is provided. The hub remover includes a cross bar; a set of jaws having a receiving hole dimensioned to allow the cross bar to fit through the receiving hole to connect the jaws together via the cross bar; a forcing screw configured to extend through the cross-bar and between the jaws; a forcing screw nut configured to threadably engage an end of the forcing screw; and a resilient friction device located in the hole and configured to generate friction between the cross bar and the jaw when the cross bar moves through the hole in the cross bar. A method of operating a hub remover is provided. The method includes extending the forcing screw through a hole in the hub; placing a forcing screw nut on an end of the forcing screw that has extended through the hub; placing a foot portion of a jaw behind a portion of the hub; and turning the forcing screw to urge the forcing screw nut against a rear portion of the hub and thereby push the hub off of a spindle assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling a multifunction printer, the method includes providing a printing apparatus for printing on recording media, the printing apparatus including a printer chassis having a support feature for holding a component of the printing apparatus; mounting the component of the printing apparatus onto the support feature; providing a scanning apparatus for converting an image into digitized data, the scanning apparatus including a securing feature; and affixing the scanning apparatus to the printer chassis such that the securing feature of the scanning apparatus constrains a position of the component of the printing apparatus relative to the support feature of the printer chassis.

Abstract: Methods of making a filter apparatus includes the step of creating a filter stack by axially spacing the porous ceramic plates from one another with a plurality of compliant spacers. In another example, the method includes the step of firing the first filter stack to sinter bond the first plurality of porous ceramic plates together with a first spacing element. In another example, the plurality of plates comprise a composition including catalyst particles and a binder material and the plates are fired to form porous plates without sintering a substantial amount of the catalyst particles. Methods of fabricating a porous ceramic article also include providing a porous substrate with a first material composition including mullite and infiltrating the pores of the substrate with a second material composition including cordierite. The method further includes the step of firing the first composition and the second composition to form the porous ceramic article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shade of a blind includes the steps of providing a plurality of blades; positioning a pairing unit at at least two ends of each of the blades, wherein at least a side of each of the blades has a pattern portion; and coupling the blades together in an end-to-end manner by the pairing units to form the shade of the blind. Accordingly, not only can the blades be combined or disconnected from each other by pairing units to thereby assemble or disassemble the shade as needed but the blind is also advantageously characterized by ease of assembly, ease of disassembly, and enhanced variability, practicability, and artistic beauty.

Abstract: The present invention relates a vascular prosthesis and related assembly methods that includes a plurality of modular segments inter-engaged by flexible, and preferably lockable, inter-engageable elements forming joints or other connector areas. The segments may have a number of different mechanical properties and may be assembled by the clinician, through mechanical or chemical joining, to customize the prosthesis for a specific patient or application.

Abstract: A drip pan apparatus for a “M” model BLACK HAWK® helicopter and the like includes an expanded corner structure for accommodating an access port also positioned further outwardly in the corner than in prior drip pan apparatuses, facilitating filter viewing while retaining peripheral o-ring seal. An expanded corner of the airframe skirt is accommodated by the expanded corresponding corner of a frame, which also defines a small radius internal curve. The removable pan has a small radius curve cooperating with the small radius curve of the frame and is sealed thereto by the peripheral o-ring seal sealing the entire pan to the frame. Physical access to the filter is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for assembling a piece of furniture. The system comprises an elongated track element including a recessed bottom wall having a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart indentations and opposite front flanges defining there between a channel. The system further includes a fitting element having a main portion defining a front surface and opposite rear surface, an arresting pin extending from the rear surface, and a transversal bar extending parallel with the front and rear surfaces. The fitting element is arrested relative to the elongated track element in a three-step operation. The first step involving positioning the fitting element in front of the channel and introducing the transversal bar into the channel. The second step involves rotating the fitting element while maintaining the transversal bar within the channel. The third step involves receiving the arresting pin within a single indentation of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A device that includes a frame having a first part and a second part and a plurality of first suction devices connected to the first part of the frame, the first suction devices positioned so as to contact a glass plane. Also included in the device is a plurality of second suction devices connected to the second part of the frame, the second suction devices positioned so as to contact a body having an opening to receive the glass plane. A plurality of positioning components that position the frame with respect to the opening in the body, the positioning components connected to the first part of the frame and a plurality of shimming elements that move down between the glass plane and the opening and shift the glass plane forward, the shimming elements connected to the first part of the frame are as included in the device.

Abstract: Described is a press-in element for pressing into a non-pierced or pre-pierced component. The press-in element has a head part having a ring surface confronting the component and a neck part which projects away from the ring surface, i.e. from the component contact side. The head part further has a ring-like projection surrounding the neck part with a radial spacing and projecting away from the ring surface. The neck part has a radially outwardly projecting ring bead, which can be formed as a continuous ring bead or as a ring bead interrupted at points. The apex of the ring bead has an axial spacing from the ring surface which is larger than the axial spacing of the apex of the ring-like projection from the ring surface, which lies radially within this projection and together with it and the ring bead forms a pocket which receives material of the component.