Abstract: A toothbrush wherein longitudinally between its neck region and the grip handle is a an undulating region of transverse limbs integrally linked by folds with troughs between the limbs, the troughs containing a thermoplastic elastomer material bonded to the plastic material of said limbs with a ShoreA hardness of 60-70. Specific structures and dimensions of limbs and folds are disclosed.

Abstract: A toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush includes a head; a base member supported by a neck; a support member having a plurality of holes therein; a resilient cushion member disposed, at least in part, between the base member and the support member, the cushion member being fixed to the support member; at least one center bristle tuft extending from the support member; and two or more outer bristle tufts located at least partially around the at least one center bristle tuft. The center bristle tuft has a first shaped cross section and the outer bristle tufts have a second shaped cross section. The first shaped cross section is different from the second shaped cross section. Applying a force to the center bristle tuft and/or the outer bristle tufts causes the center bristle tuft and/or the outer bristle tufts to deflect into the resilient cushion member.

Abstract: A rotary brush having a hub having a central bore, a plurality of wire knots extending radially outward from the hub and spaced apart from each other around an outer circumference of the hub, a thermosetting polymer encapsulating each wire knot, and substantially polymer-free spaces located between each adjacent pair of wire knots.

Abstract: A wipe formed of a base layer and a secondary layer. The wipe has an initial caliper of at least about 0.5 mm, a basis weight of less than about 55 gsm and a % DIB of about 20-95%. The base layer is formed of a non-biodegradable material such as thermoplastic polymer and the secondary layer is formed of a biodegradable material such as wood pulp, cellulose and/or regenerated cellulose. The top surface of the secondary layer generally includes a non-uniform distribution of fibers.

Abstract: An ice skate blade maintenance device is provided for removing built-up ice from the surfaces of a skate blade without requiring a skater's hands. The device comprises a backing member, a blade-receiving block having one or a plurality of blade grooves, and a plurality of mounting holes. The backing member may be a surface, block or wedge shape that may be removably secured to a backing structure via fasteners inserted through member mounting holes. The blade-receiving block is secured to the upper surface of the backing member. The blade grooves comprise “Y” shaped channels disposed in parallel alignment along the block for a user to remove ice from a skate blade by sliding the blade therethrough, whereby the walls of the groove contact the blade and remove ice therefrom. The device is preferably comprised of a soft, durable material to prevent damage or dulling of a blade during its use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (100) comprising a driving means (110) and a control unit (130) for the driving means (110). An operating characteristic map (140) is provided, in which a maximum torque to be output by the driving means (110) and a minimum rotational speed of the driving means (110) are stored.

Abstract: In a wiper blade (100) for a windscreen wiper, having a wiper strip (112) and an adapter unit (105) for hinging the wiper blade (112) to a wiper arm, wherein the adapter unit (150) is attached at a base connection device (160) provided on the wiper strip (112) and is configured for connection to a connection member associated with the wiper arm. The adapter unit (150) comprises a guide adapter (250) permanently connected to the base connection device (160) and having guide elements (352, 354, 356, 358) that are spherically curved at least in sections. The guide adapter is detachably connected to a function adapter (280) configured for connection to the connection member and comprising slide elements (382, 386) that are slidably displaceable on the guide elements (352, 354, 356, 358) such that the function adapter (280) is movable at least from a released position into a holding position by a combined translatory and rotary movement relative to the guide adapter (250).

Abstract: A suction cleaning apparatus as described below is a suitably shaped reservoir for enclosing any suitable cleaning fluid such as water or saline solution. Within the reservoir of cleaning fluid are one or more cleaning cylinders. The cleaning cylinders may adopt any suitable length to enclose a single cleaning bristle in the bore of the cleaning cylinder. The upper portion of each cleaning cylinder may have a generally conical or funnel shape, forming guide section to direct the distal end of a suction tube into alignment with the cleaning bristle coaxially aligned with the long axis of the bore of the cleaning cylinder. In use, an obstructed suction tool is inserted into the cleaning fluid and pushed into the cleaning cylinder thereby engaging the bristle. The bristle is sized such that the bristle extends into the obstructed suction tool to mechanically disengage the obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fragrance dispenser assembly in the inside of an outer shell. The dispenser includes a bracket, a shelf and a fragrance dispensing unit located within an outer shell. The shelf may have a releasable attachment mechanism for the fragrance dispenser unit. The invention also includes the fragrance dispenser unit and a fragrance source.

Abstract: A harness system for a backpack appliance may include a base, a waist support, a support member coupled to the base and adapted to couple to the appliance, and at least one shoulder strap. The shoulder strap may have a first end coupled to the base and a second end configured to couple to the appliance. The base may be configured to couple with the appliance. A method of supporting an appliance on a user may include coupling the appliance to a harness system, disposing a coupler adjacent a position on the user's back, and supporting the appliance with a support member in a pendulumlike manner. The pendulum may have a rest position, and the method may include biasing the appliance toward the rest position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust air feedback robot cleaner equipped with a disinfectant anion generator, including a suction motor to intake not only air but also dust from a to-be-cleaned surface through a suction unit installed at the bottom surface and a dust collector to trap dust so as to allow dust-free air to be discharged via the suction motor. In the robot cleaner, the disinfectant anion generator emits disinfectant anions to disinfect the air having been discharged via the suction motor, a spray nozzle installed at the front end of an intake port of the robot cleaner sprays the disinfected air toward the cleaning surface through an exhaust air feedback unit so that the dust on the to-be-cleaned surface may be scattered and disinfected, and finally the air, together with the dust, is sucked in by the suction motor and circulated again to the exhaust air feedback unit.

Abstract: Provided is a nozzle of a vacuum cleaner. The nozzle of the vacuum cleaner includes a main body having a foreign material suction hole, a plurality of rotation members rotatably disposed on the main body, a connection member supported linearly movably by the plurality of rotation members, and a swinging member coupled to the connection member, the swinging member being vertically swung according to the movement of the connection member. The plurality of rotation members includes a plurality of sidewalls spaced from each other and a blade fixed to each of the plurality of sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for closing a hinged member which comprises a resilient element for effecting closure of the hinged member and a hydraulic damper 5. The hydraulic damper 5, comprising a closed cylinder cavity 20 within a cylinder barrel 19, a rotational damper shaft 22 which extends into the cylinder cavity 20, and a piston 21, placed within the cylinder barrel 19 so as to divide the cylinder cavity 20 into a first side 20a above the piston 21 and a second side 20b below the piston 21. An outer perimeter surface of the piston 21 presents a clearance fit with an inner perimeter surface 27 of the cylinder barrel 19 at 20° C. The cylinder barrel 19 is made of a first material and the piston 21 of a second material which has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the first material. In this way variations of the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid as a result of pressure fluctuations are compensated for by an increase or a decrease of the cross-section area of the clearance.

Abstract: Coupling systems for use with pool and other covers for attaching one or more cords to deploy the cover over the pool or other structure with which it is used to translate a cover.

Abstract: A stackable shim system. A first shim includes a receiving feature, an attachment feature, and a main portion having a first thickness. A second shim also includes a receiving feature, an attachment feature, and a main portion having a second thickness. The receiving feature of each shim is configured to engage with the attachment feature of the other shim such that either shim can be removably attached to the other to create a stacked shim having a main portion having a thickness that is the sum of the first and second thicknesses. The shims may be conveniently used for taking up space and/or accommodating for irregularities in construction materials.

Abstract: A vehicle door hinge that is positioned between a vehicle main body and a vehicle door and connects the same to each other in order to connect the vehicle door to the vehicle main body so as to be openable and closable may include a female bracket that is securely attached to one of the vehicle main body and the vehicle door, a male bracket that is securely attached to the other of the vehicle main body and the vehicle door, a rotation shaft member that is secured to the female bracket and supports the male bracket to be rotatable relative to the female bracket.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of pivoting in front/rear (X) and left/right (Y) directions, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of being adjusted automatically in a straight direction after a swerving force is removed, when a base assembly was swerved while locking automatically a left/right directional pivoting action.

Abstract: A portable apparatus includes a base rotatable member having a chamber and a compartment, a cover rotatable member having a space and a cavity, one or more anchors engaged in the chamber of the base rotatable member and having a curved channel formed in an arm, the cover rotatable member includes a pivot shaft engaged in the channel of the arm for pivotally connecting the rotatable members together, a linking device includes two coupling devices attached to the rotatable members and pivotally connected together with a pivot axle for connecting the coupling devices together and for solidly and stably coupling the rotatable members together, and for receiving and protecting the linking device and the anchors.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to solve problems relating to: mounting handles quickly and easily; material requirements and finishes; difficult shapes and sizes; cost; assembly and removal; replacement options not current available to the consumer; marketability; package and shipping. How it solves these problems: mounts with or without fasteners; all plastics and steel material design options; compliments difficult shapes because of plastic molding options; cost is less because material content is less and manufacturing is a standard process; assembles easy and is removable to the consumer or manufacturer, offering ability to replace for damage and/or consumer preference; marketability is driven by these benefits; package and shipping is improved based upon assembly by consumer options.

Abstract: A clip 200 includes a locking portion 6 and an operation portion 9. The locking portion 6 of the clip 200 is inserted into the clip insertion hole 7 exposed while the protrusion 1a of the panel 1 is fitted into a protrusion insertion hole 5a of a panel attaching portion 5. An upper surface 12b of a locking main body portion 12 of the clip 200 presses an inner surface of the clip insertion hole 7 to bend the protrusion 1a. A rear side inclined surface 19b of a hook portion 13 of the clip 200 presses a front side horizontal edge 21b on a ceiling surface of the clip insertion hole 7, and both connecting portions 14 of the clip 200 press vertical edges 22 of an inner wall surface of the clip insertion hole 7. The clip can easily and reliably fix a vibration generating member.

Abstract: A lock device includes a first lock part, a second lock part, which can be arranged on the first lock part in a fastening direction and is connected to the first lock part in a closing state, and an actuating element, on which the second lock part is movably arranged. In the closing state the second lock part is held on the first lock part via the actuating element, and the second lock part acts with the actuating element such that in a loaded state, when force is acting on the second lock part relative to the first lock part along the fastening direction, the actuating element is rigidly connected to the first lock part and holds the second lock part on the first lock part, whereas in an unloaded state the second lock part can be detached from the first lock part by actuation of the actuating element.

Abstract: A clamp for sanitary fittings includes a clamp body formed of a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member movable about a hinge assembly from an open configuration to a closed, latched configuration. The hinge assembly detachably couples the first arcuate member to the second arcuate member. The hinge assembly includes an arcuate finger extending from an end of the first arcuate member, a pin-receiving recess formed within the arcuate finger, and a post formed on an end of the second arcuate member. Upon assembly, the arcuate finger cradles around the post and the post fits within the pin-receiving recess.

Abstract: A side release buckle includes a plug and a socket into which the plug is inserted for engagement. The plug includes: a base provided with a belt attachment; a pair of legs projecting from the base; an engaging portion formed to the legs; and a connecting portion connecting the legs to each other. The socket includes: a body provided with a belt attachment and an insertion opening; a housing space formed in the body and housing the legs inserted from the insertion opening; an engaged portion formed in the body and engageable with the engaging portion; and a cutout dented toward the insertion opening from an edge of the belt attachment. The cutout is formed over an area surrounded by the legs and the connecting portion when the legs and the connecting portion are housed in the housing space while the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged.

Abstract: A strap tensioning system having a frame and a core shaft on the frame. The system further has first and second separate lengths of flexible strap extending generally oppositely away from the frame, a drive shaft, and a gear assembly with a worm and a worm gear that are driven by the drive shaft. The drive shaft is operable to drive the gear assembly to thereby cause the first length of flexible strap to be wrapped around the core shaft to thereby vary a combined effective length of the first and second lengths of flexible strap.

Abstract: A cargo carrier tie-down assembly that utilizes a fastener made up of a shackle element that includes a wall in a form that is closed in two dimensions, defining an opening and wherein the wall also defines a pair of opposed apertures, a pin that can be inserted through the two apertures and a knob fastener element, having a head, that is sized to be passed through the opening when the pin is withdrawn from the wall, and that is retained when the pin is inserted into the two apertures. A tension member has one of the fastener elements attached to at least one end. The other fastener element is attached to the cargo carrier.

Abstract: A fastening device for fastening a changeable attachment with a container handling station includes a first member and a second member formed as a fitting counterpart to said first member. The attachment can be transferred into the fastened position by uniting and rotating said members relative to each other. A fixed stop disposed on the fastening device in the fastened position prevents rotating the two members relative to each other in one rotational direction, and an elastic, radially snapable section acts as a stop without application of any external force and prevents the members from rotating relative to each other in the other rotational direction. The snapable section fastens the two members relative to each other and can be pressed in radially such that it no longer acts as a stop and the attachment can be rotated from the fastened position and removed from the container handling station.

Abstract: A clip includes a head part, and a leg part, and allows pushing-in of the leg part into a mounting hole provided in an object to be clipped by elastically deforming one part of the leg part and clips on the object to be clipped by sandwiching the object to be clipped between the head part and the one part of the leg part by elastically returning the one part of the leg part back to its original state at a pushing-in finish position of the leg part. The leg part includes a non-deformable part, and a deformable part extending from the non-deformable part which becomes the one part of the leg part, and both the tip of the deformable part and the base portion linked to the non-deformable part are formed to extend along a virtual spiral around the central axis of the leg part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single unit crematory urn in the shape of a sports article within which cremated remains of humans or pets are disposed. The article can be, for example, in the shape of a basketball, football, baseball, baseball bat, baseball glove, hockey puck, hockey stick, a helmet and the like. The urn has a substantially planar surface for securing to a flat surface. A base may optionally be utilized to secure the bottom of the article and retain it in an upright position. The article is a replica constructed out of substantially rigid polymeric material. The article may optionally be covered with a clear case to protect from the environment. The single unit has an opening, and removable closure, to allow the cremated remains to be placed within. The unit may be constructed with partition(s) for holding the cremated remains of more than one human or pet.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.

Abstract: A surface-mountable electrical circuit protection device includes layers defining a first PPTC resistive element, a second PPTC resistive element, and at least one heat-generating electrical component such as a planar zener diode chip positioned between, and in thermal contact with, the first and second PPTC elements, such that an electrical current above a threshold level passing through the component causes the component to heat, the heat being transferred to the PPTC resistive elements and tripping at least one, and preferably both of the first or second PPTC elements to a high resistance state. A series of edge-formed terminal electrodes enable surface-mount connection of the first and second PPTC elements and the electrical component to an electrical circuit substrate, such as a printed circuit board. A method for making the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite part separating device for separating a composite product consisting of a plastic part and a metal part is provided. The composite part separating device includes a base; a workpiece support mounted on the base. The metal part of the composite product is hung on the workpiece support to retain the composite product on the workpiece support; a vibrating motor drives the base and the workpiece support to shake, causing the plastic part to separate from the metal part.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for retaining and installing rivets into a belt fastener includes a collated rivet strip comprising connected upper and lower strips and retaining a predetermined configuration of rivet heads therebetween. The rivet strip is used in conjunction with a guide block assembly having top and bottom portions interlocked together. The top portion contains studs aligning with the rivet heads to assist the release of the rivet head from the rivet strip, seating the rivets in pilot holes of the lower portion of the guide block assembly for further driving through the belt fastener and into the belt material.

Abstract: A conveyor belt roller guard comprises opposite first and second longitudinal side panels, opposite transverse side panels, and a bottom panel. The first and second longitudinal side panels, the transverse side panels, and the bottom panel are arranged in a manner adapted to define a u-shaped trough that comprises a cavity that is open from above. The first longitudinal side panel has a lower portion that is hinged relative to the transverse side panels about a first pivot axis in a manner such that the first longitudinal side panel can be swung downward while the bottom panel and the transverse side panels remain stationary. The first pivot axis extends substantially horizontal and parallel to the first longitudinal side panel.

Abstract: An alignment device has a carriage, two rails on the carriage that are configured for a workpiece to pass therebetween, and a finger that protrudes a distance from the carriage. The finger is configured to be disposed on a carrier for the workpieces. The workpieces may be solar cells and may pass through the rails on a conveyor belt. The alignment device may move in order to align the workpieces as the workpieces are loaded into a carrier.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of designing disc brake pads. The method includes the step of developing a finite element model of a precursor brake pad design using dimensional and material property information of its backing plate and friction pad to perform a normal mode analysis of the precursor brake pad design. The method proceeds with the step of performing the normal mode analysis using the finite element model to determine whether there is an area on the friction surface having an excitation amplitude that is greater than a threshold value of amplitude. If an area having an excitation amplitude greater than the threshold value is determined, the precursor brake pad design is modified to provide a brake pad design having a relieved portion in the area.

Abstract: A method for taking a nozzle of a valve gated runner apparatus includes releasably attaching a valve pin to a movable part of an actuator for moving the valve pin between an open position and a closed position and detaching the valve pin from the actuator by moving the movable part of the actuator towards the open position when the valve pin is immobilized. The valve pin and the movable part valve pin may be releasably attached by a magnetic force. The step of detaching the valve pin from the actuator may be accomplished by overcoming the magnetic force. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins to be releasably attached to the actuator.

Abstract: A method for mounting for a cylindrical photoreceptor (206) includes attaching a gudgeon (241) to the photoconductor; attaching a stationary mount (242) to the gudgeon; and wherein a diameter of the stationary mount matches a diameter of the photoconductor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure for clamping a built-in component in a hollow container, the container being formed by clamp molding using a pair of a first mold piece and a second mold piece, the first mold piece being for forming a first half of the container, the second mold piece being for forming a second half of the container, the structure comprising: a first support member secured to an inner wall surface of the first half of the container and having a first connection portion and a first clamp portion; a second support member secured to an inner wall surface of the second half of the container having a second connection portion and a second clamp portion, wherein the built-in component is clamped between the first support member and the second support member with the first connection portion and the second connection portion coupled to each other.

Abstract: Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. Any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A bracket attaches a heat exchanger to a supporting member. The bracket includes a vibration-proof member, and first and second bracket members. The first member is fixed to the supporting member. The second member is joined to a projection of the heat exchanger through the vibration-proof member. The second member is attached to the first member. The second member includes a joining part and an attaching part. The projection is inserted in the joining part from a projecting direction of the projection so that the joining part is joined to the projection with the vibration-proof member intervening therebetween. The attaching part is inserted in the first member from a direction that intersects with a joining direction in which the joining part is joined to the projection, so that the attaching part is attached to the first member at an arbitrary position of the first member in the joining direction.

Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus for a flat panel display device includes a frame having an open cavity. First and second positioning sidewalls extend from the frame and are located above and parallel with the open cavity. A movable stop block is mounted in the open cavity and below the first positioning sidewall. As such the flat panel device is easily fixed and improved fixing strength is attained.

Abstract: A method for assembly of injection molding machines of different sizes constructed in modular form at a machine manufacturer and for transport of such modular injection molding machines to an installation site. The mold clamping side and the injection unit side are assembled during final assembly at the installation site of the complete injection molding machine by connecting the mold clamping module with the injection module or with a drive module by way of the standardized upper and lower assembly or coupling interfaces of the mold clamping side and the injection unit side, so as to form a one-piece injection molding machine having a bending-resistant substructure.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a plurality of closed cells disposed on a surface of a substrate. Each of the closed cells has at least one dimension that is less than about 1 millimeter and are configured to hold a medium therein. The apparatus also comprises a foam that contacts the closed cells. The foam has fluid walls that include a surfactant, and bubbles of the foam layer are filled with the medium.

Abstract: A tool for applying a fastener, such as a stud, is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the tool applies the fastener assembled with an applicator. The applicator has at least two legs. The tool includes a housing portion configured to releasably receive the fastener and the applicator. The tool further includes an actuating portion slidingly connected to the housing portion and having one or more projections. Movement of the actuating portion towards the contact surface presses the fastener against the contact surface and bends the at least two legs of the applicator towards the contact surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are building components, systems and methods of constructing and uses thereof. In some examples, a building component is disclosed including a housing with at least one recess and at least one connector assembly disposed within the at least one recess within the housing, wherein each connector assembly includes a shaft capable of being received by the at least one recess within the housing and at least one latching mechanism disposed on the shaft and configured to form a releasable connection with another building component.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting an implement (5) to an arm assembly of machinery, the implement (5) having first and second pin support plates (4, 6) each having first opposed apertures (9. 10) and second opposed apertures (11, 13).

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a tool capable of holding a part during curing of the part, and a passive temperature control system. The passive temperature control system may have a phase change material selected as having a phase change temperature that may be capable of controlling heat generated by the part during curing of the part held by the tool.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an antenna device may include a first step of forming an antenna circuit so that the resonance frequency of the antenna circuit will be lower than an oscillation frequency of the reader/writer. The antenna circuit includes an antenna coil that receives the magnetic field transmitted from the reader/writer and a capacitor electrically connected to the antenna coil. The manufacturing method also includes a second step of affixing a magnetic sheet to the antenna coil via an adhesive. The magnetic sheet is at a face-to-face position with respect to the antenna coil and is configured to change the inductance of the antenna coil. The adhesive is of a film thickness to change the inductance so that the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit will be coincident with the oscillation frequency depending on the spacing between the antenna coil and the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a rotor in which the rotor is produced, the method including: crimping and stacking a plurality of core pieces through crimping connecting portions to form a rotor stacked core having a magnet-insertion hole; inserting a permanent-magnet pieces into the magnet-insertion hole; clamping the rotor stacked core between an upper die and a lower die; and filling a resin into the magnet-insertion hole from a resin reservoir pot which is formed in the upper die or the lower die. The resin is filled into the magnet-insertion hole while placing the crimping connecting portions at a center of the resin reservoir pot.