Abstract: A full body elevator includes an inflatable upper body elevator having a sloped backrest panel and a generally flat, horizontal butt rest panel extending from the backrest panel; and an inflatable lower body elevator having a leg portion with a leg support panel sloping from the butt rest panel and a foot portion with a foot support panel selectively inflatable and extendable with respect to the leg portion.

Abstract: A gel cushion includes a first zone containing a gel matrix configured in a first pattern designed to support an object positioned thereon with a first degree of firmness. A second zone contains a gel matrix configured in a second pattern that is different from the first pattern, the second pattern being designed to support an object positioned thereon with a second degree of firmness different from the first degree. An optional third zone contains a gel matrix configured in a third pattern that is different from both the first pattern and the second pattern, the third pattern being designed to support an object positioned thereon with a third degree of firmness different from the first and the second degree.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing items of laundry that makes provision to continuously filter the treatment liquid during the washing operation. As a result, interfering attendant materials in and on the treatment liquid are successively removed during the washing operation, which increases the efficacy of the washing operation. Provision is preferably made to remove both lighter constituents, such as foam and lint, from the treatment liquid and also to filter heavier constituents, such as impurities washed out of the items of laundry, from the treatment liquid using the same filter. The same filter can also be used, after the end of the washing operation, to filter the treatment liquid to be let out and to temporarily store the treatment liquid in a collecting tank before the filtered treatment liquid is reused. The invention thus permits multiple functions of the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium cation and benzylated alcohol solvent having between 50% to 90% weight active ingredients. Benzyl alcohol is disclosed as a preferred solvent to produce a clear liquid solution formulation rather than emulsion. The concentrated liquid rinse cycle fabric softener compositions of the present invention possess desirable stability, sustainability and fabric-softening properties. Methods of use are further described.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp system has multiple configurations. The simplest embodiment provides a ramp which can move between a retracted configuration and an extended “step in” configuration in which an outboard end of the ramp is closer to the ground than in the retracted configuration, so that the outboard end of the ramp functions as a lowered step. A preferred embodiment provides a fully retracted configuration, a partially extended “step in” configuration, a partially extended “curb ramp” configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a curb or sidewalk, and a fully extended configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a road surface of the road on which the vehicle carrying the ramp is supported.

Abstract: On a tip of a main body case is formed a cylindrical brush attachment shaft tube to which a toothbrush head (holding unit) is removably attached. In a space within the cylindrical brush attachment shaft tube is disposed a motor to which an eccentric weight generating vibration is attached. Therefore, it is possible for the tip of the toothbrush head to approach the main body case side by the length of the cylindrical brush attachment shaft tube, thereby shortening the total length of an electric toothbrush.

Abstract: An elastic ring is disposed between a grip case and a trunk which is formed on an inner case of a body case to which a toothbrush head is mounted. As a result, the vibration of a motor which is contained in a motor accommodation portion of the inner case is less likely to be transmitted to the grip because of the elastic ring, and is transmitted to the toothbrush head side in a concentrated manner. Also, the tooth cleaning performance is increased, and vibration to the hand which grips the grip case is reduced to enable the user to comfortably brush the teeth.

Abstract: A brush body has bristle bundles embedded in a brush head. A bristle contained in the bristle bundles includes a core which consists of a conductive member, and a sheath which consists of an insulating member and covers the core. The core is exposed at the tip portion of the bristle and functions as an electrode for passing current into the mouth. The embedding of the bristle bundles in an electrically conductive base arranged in the brush head electrically connects the core to the base.

Abstract: Provided is a brush body for selectively applying localized currents, for oral care, to oral interstices such as periodontal pockets. Said brush body has a plurality of bristle bundles in a brush head. A bristle bundle contains a bristle having a core and a sheath. The core comprises a conductive member and the sheath comprises an insulating member that covers that core. At the tip portion of the bristle, the core protrudes further than the sheath and acts as an electrode.

Abstract: A floor sweeper that picks up large particles without compromising the ability to collect dust. First and second rotary brush parts received in respective concavities in a base of the sweeper, have mouths disposed at different heights.

Abstract: The system for removing snow from vehicles removes snow, ice and other debris from the roof of a vehicle, such as a truck, trailer, van or the like, as the vehicle drives therethrough. The system includes a frame defining an open inner region dimensioned and configured for passage of the vehicle. The frame includes a pair of laterally opposed posts and an upper crossbeam extending between upper ends of the posts. A pair of arms are pivotally attached to the posts, the pair of arms extending orthogonal to the plane of the frame. A pivotally mounted forward crossbar extends between forward ends of the pair of arms. A blade is mounted on the forward crossbar so that the blade removes the snow, ice and other debris from the roof of the vehicle as it passes through the frame.

Abstract: A mop includes a handle connected to one end of a first rod. The other end of the first rod is connected to a second rod. A driving unit includes a spiral member disposed in one end of the second rod. A clutch unit is disposed in the first rod. A mopping unit is pivotably connected to the other end of the second rod. The clutch unit includes a sleeve disposed in the first rod and having a crown teeth defined in a lower end thereof. A bearing is connected to an opening of the sleeve, which is rotatable relative to the bearing. A crown gear is disposed in the sleeve and separably engaged with the crown teeth. A spring is disposed between the crown gear and the bearing. The spiral rod inserts through the bearing and the spring and is fixed to the crown gear.

Abstract: A wash sponge with a pliable, inner capsule that contains soap and has several holes. When the capsule is squeezed it discharges soap into the sponge. The holes, which are in fact cuts made in the sides of the capsule, serve as a kind of valve system that controls the flow of soap from the capsule into the sponge. The cuts are made in such a way that the entire circumference of the hole is not cut, and a flap if formed that remains attached to the capsule. When horizontal pressure is applied to the sponge (and the capsule), the holes open and the soap can flow out into the sponge; however, when incidental, vertical pressure is applied to the sponge (and capsule), the holes do not open significantly and soap does not flow out through the holes.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided with a head platform having a plurality of faces and an insert retention space formed therebetween. The oral care implement can have an insert disposed within the insert retention space. The insert can include an oral care agent that is dispensed through one of the faces. The oral care implement can include a plurality of support members on the plurality of faces from which cleaning elements extend. The oral care implement can further include a fluid-permeable and/or air-permeable support member on one of the faces and an insert containing a fluid-permeable and/or air-permeable agent. The oral care implement can be formed by affixing a first AFT-tufted carrier plate to a first face of the head platform and affixing a second AFT-tufted carrier plate to the second face of the head platform.

Abstract: A cleaning device has a handle removably connected to a cleaning head. The handle includes a connecting mechanism to removably couple the handle with the cleaning head. The cleaning head includes a projecting member to mate with an arcuate surface of the handle to enable rotation to removably connect the cleaning head with the handle. The cleaning head has an overall corrugated appearance.

Abstract: The brushhead is used in a power skin brush appliance which includes a drive system having a single drive member. The brushhead includes a base assembly mountable to the drive system with an optional outer annular fixed portion and an inner portion which in operation oscillates back and forth at a selected sonic frequency through a selected angle in response to action of the drive system. Mounted on the outer portion is a first group of filament tufts. Mounted on the oscillating portion are three concentric groups of filament tufts. Each oscillating group of filament tufts includes two annular rings of filament tufts.

Abstract: A brush wherein the bristles are retractable to facilitate the cleaning thereof in an efficient and effective manner. The apparatus generally comprises bristles disposed on a bristle-holding tree, wherein the bristles extend through apertures of a housing in an extended position. There is also provided a stem base engaged with the bristle-holding tree such that the stem base imparts longitudinal force upon the bristle-holding tree, causing the bristle-holding tree to move longitudinally relative to the housing, causing the bristles to move from an extended position to a retracted position to permit easy cleaning of hair from the brush. The brush provides locking capabilities which allow a user to hold the brush in one hand and remove hair with the free hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and useful cleaning device particularly adapted for cleaning a toilet bowl and rim and for removing human waste there from. The cleaning device of the present invention generally consists of a cleaning head and a handle characterized in that the cleaning head consists of a compressible inner core and surrounds a flexible tip of said handle, and wherein said inner core is surrounded by a non-porous outer membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting device which has a connecting element (18) of flat beam design fixed to a wiper blade (10) and an adapter (16) joined to said connecting element in an articulated manner, and also a joining element (14) that is joined to a wiper arm (12) and into the u-shaped cross-sectional profile of which the adapter (16) is inserted and, by means of a spring tongue (64) arranged on the top wall (42) thereof, is fixed to a pushbutton (66), the connecting element (18) having a central web (28) running in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (10) and bearing a hinge shaft (30) projecting on the long sides thereof, which is mounted in laterally flexible hubs (46) in side walls (40) of the adapter (16).

Abstract: In a wiper blade (100) for a windshield wiper having a wiping strip (112) and an adapter unit (1500) for attaching the wiper strip (112) to a wiper arm, the adapter unit (1500) being designed to be connected to a connecting element (1900) assigned to the wiper arm, the connecting element (1900) has a base element (1730) and an adapter element (1750), wherein the base element (1730) is designed to attach the wiping strip (112) to a first multiplicity of different wiper arm types and can be connected to the adapter element (1750) in order to permit the wiping strip (112) to be attached to a second multiplicity of different wiper arm types which at least partly differ from the wiper arm types of the first multiplicity of wiper arm types.

Abstract: A mop dehydrating device includes a case having a space and a recess. A driving unit is located in the recess and has a base with two lugs extending therefrom. An operation unit and a transmission member are connected between the two lugs. The operation unit has an operation pedal which protrudes from the opening. A curved or straight rack is connected to the operation unit and has teeth which have a metal layer connected thereto. The transmission member has a transmission gear which is engaged with the teeth of the rack. A spinning unit has a shaft which extends through the inside of the space and driven by the transmission member. A bracket is connected to the shaft and spins by operating the operation pedal.

Abstract: A rotary surface cleaning machine for cleaning floors, including both carpeted floors and uncarpeted hard floor surfaces including but not limited to wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone flooring. The rotary surface cleaning machine has a rotary surface cleaning tool mounted on a frame and coupled for high speed rotary motion relative to the frame. The rotary surface cleaning tool has a substantially circular operational surface that performs the cleaning operation. The rotary surface cleaning tool is driven by an on-board power plant to rotate at high speed. The rotary surface cleaning tool is coupled to a supply of pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid and a powerful vacuum suction source.

Abstract: A scroll assembly for use with a fluid machine, such as a wet/dry vacuum appliance, is described. Such scroll assembly may include a base portion, a cover portion configured to couple to the base portion, and a cavity between the base portion and the cover portion, wherein the cover portion and the base portion collectively form a labyrinth seal when coupled together, and wherein the labyrinth seal at least partially circumscribes the cavity. A vacuum appliance may include a scroll assembly coupled at least partially therein. A method of exhausting air from a vacuum appliance may include energizing a vacuum motor, thereby drawing air into the scroll assembly, allowing the air to contact a flow splitter, and allowing the air to exit the vacuum appliance.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction generator and dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. A dual pivot connector connects the handle assembly with the nozzle assembly. The connector provides a first pivotal connection between the connector and the nozzle assembly and a second pivotal connection between the connector and the handle assembly. In addition a tilt handle assembly is connected to the body by a third pivotal connection.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1, 21, 41, 51) for dry dust comprises at least a dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) and a fan unit(13, 63), which dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) is provided with an air inlet opening (7, 27, 57) and an air outlet opening (8, 28) communicating with the fan unit (13, 63). The dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) comprises a movable body (9, 29, 59) for restricting air flow through the dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53). In use the movable body (9, 29, 59) is located on dry dust collected in the dust chamber (3, 23, 43, 53) due to kinematic sorting between the movable body (9, 29, 59) and the dry dust.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance includes a surface treating head, a hose, and a fan unit for generating a flow of fluid. A flexible duct assembly has a first end and a second end moveable relative to the first end between a first position allowing fluid flow between the hose and the fan unit, and a second position allowing fluid flow between the surface treating head and the fan unit. The duct assembly is connected to a first support which is pivotable about a first axis, and to a second support which is pivotable about a second axis spaced from the first axis. A drive mechanism effects the pivoting movement of the supports about their axes to move the second end of the duct assembly between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A castor includes an inner frame, an outer frame surrounding the inner frame, a plurality of buffering members mounted between the inner frame and the outer frame, a plurality of connecting ribs each connected between the outer frame and a respective one of the buffering members, and a plurality of connecting flanges each connected between the inner frame and a respective one of the buffering members. Thus, the buffering members are mounted between the inner frame and the outer frame and are compressed and deformed elastically to provide a shock absorbing and buffering effect to the castor when the castor is subjected to an external force or impact so as to reduce the vibration and pressure of the castor, thereby providing a comfortable sensation to a user when moving the castor.

Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and solenoid control valve, in particular a 3/2-solenoid control valve. A closure damping compartment is formed between the door closer housing and the piston assembly on a side of the piston assembly facing away from the piston rod, and wherein the solenoid control valve controls at least the pressures in the closure damping compartment and in the lock compartment.

Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and in particular a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked.

Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, having a free-swing function, including a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked, and which is embodied as a sliding-coupling which exclusively transmits compressive forces between the closer spring and the piston assembly, and a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring.

Abstract: A door checker unit of a motor vehicle comprises a check link including a base end connected to a vehicle body, an elongate portion that extends from the base end and is formed with a waved detent portion and a head-like stopper that is integrally formed on a leading end of the elongate portion; and a check box connected to a vehicle door, the check box including upper and lower press shoes for putting therebetween the check link, each of the upper and lower press shoes having a projected guide wall, wherein the waved detent portion has upper and lower waved detent surfaces provided on the check link, the guide walls of the press shoes put therebetween the check link; and a width of the base end is substantially the same as that of the waved detent portion of the check link.

Abstract: A checker-equipped door hinge device for use in a vehicle is includes a check force generating mechanism having a central shaft fixed to a female bracket, a cylinder block fixed to a male bracket and having a cylinder portion, a piston slideably fitted into the cylinder portion, a detent roller supported by the piston, a check spring for urging the piston, and a detent groove provided on an outer peripheral face of the central shaft and with which the detent roller is engaged by urging force of the check spring. The male bracket includes male arm portions for sandwiching the cylinder block inside female arm portions, and a male base portion connected to the male arm portions. The male arm portion is fixedly secured to the cylinder block, and opposite end parts of the central shaft extending through the male arm portion are fixedly secured to the female arm portion.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a transportable load carrying platform having a pivot mounting for attachment to a base frame and pivot arm for attachment to an end wall. Cooperative lock means are provided on the pivot mounting and pivot arm and configured to engage one another when the arm is pivoted towards the mounting. Once locked in position, the pivot arm and mounting cannot be pivotally separated.

Abstract: A vibration dampening handle for a powered apparatus includes an elongate gripping member including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a wall defining a bore having an inner surface. The bore extends along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the gripping member, and opens on the first end of the gripping member. A mass is disposed at the second end of the gripping member. An elastic beam is attached to or integral with the gripping member. The beam extends along the longitudinal axis and a portion of the beam is disposed within the bore and is spaced apart from the inner surface. The beam includes a first end that extends beyond the first end of the gripping member and includes a fastening member adapted to connect the handle to the powered apparatus.

Abstract: Present invention teaches to build a Roman shade window curtain with enhanced child safety features built into the space between a front shade and a rear shade, where the “free play” of a lift cord is limited due to the “V” hole shape of a V-lock component and the outward pulling is also limited with the use of a safety connector generally place in between the mid vertical point of two rib pieces.

Abstract: A cable tie, which generally comprises a band with an interconnected buckle, includes features that allow it to receive a free end of the band more efficiently and/or prevents user contact with a cut end of the band. Some of the contemplated cable ties also facilitate interconnection of the band to the buckle.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling two or more objects together has a coupling that has at least two magnets or metal pieces and is removably attached to a first object. A second object has at least two corresponding metal pieces or magnets, wherein the first object and the second object are held together by magnetically attractive forces when the first object and the second object are engaged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trash collection and removal system that includes a flexible, foldable heavy-duty dumpster bag configured to engage with specially designed clamps that are secured onto the tines of a front loader truck and that engage with the dumpster bag by means of connecting and receiving pipes.

Abstract: A stackable routing clip for installation on machinery using a weld tool. The stackable routing clip has a body and at least one wing section. A weld projection extends from a lower face of the body. Each wing section may extend from the body and include a routing port that receives the insertion of a cable tie used to secure cables to the stackable routing clip. The stackable routing clip is configured so that a plurality of the stackable routing clips may be grouped together to form a stack. The clips may be stacked together in a dispenser that is used to dispense of individual clips when a clip is to be welded by the weld tool to the machinery. The weld tool may melt the weld projection and plunge the clip into the resultant molten metal for a quick and strong weld.

Abstract: A sand-removing seat belt buckle has a housing and a latching assembly. The housing has a chamber, a first opening and a second opening formed through two ends of the housing, at least one sand cavity formed through a bottom of the housing and being adjacent to the second opening, and at least one support bump formed on an inner bottom of the housing. The latching assembly serves to latch and unlatch an insertion member, and is securely mounted in the housing and on top of the at least one support bump, so that a space is formed between the insertion member and the inner bottom of the housing and communicates with the first opening, the second opening and the sand cavity. Sand, mud and crushed pebbles entering from the first opening can be removed from the sand cavity and the second opening through the space without being deposited inside the seat belt buckle.

Abstract: A strap tightener for securing cargo is disclosed. The tightener includes a base frame and a handling frame, which pivotally connect to form a vee structure. The base frame is connected to the handling frame by inserting a pivot into pivot hole thereof. Each of two ends of the pivot is ringed with a protection loop and a ratchet wheel. The protection loop is composed of a flange for being blockedly fixed on the pivot hole and a sleeve for penetrating into the pivot hole. The sleeve can protect the pivot hole to prevent it from being directly pressed by the pivot.

Abstract: A retractable ratcheting tie down apparatus is provided, including a frame and a hub rotatably mounted within the frame. A ratchet wheel is mounted to the hub and interfaces with a pawl to selectably prevent motion of the hub relative to the frame. A single tie down strap extends between two attachment members and winds around the hub. An operable means for rotating the hub and ratchet wheel is included to wind the single tie down strap around the hub. Tension between the two attachment members is transmitted directly through the single tie down strap and transitions between segments of the single tie down strap at the windings of the single tie down strap about the hub. In further examples, the operable means for rotating the hub and ratchet wheel is removable. The tie down apparatus can also move freely along the single tie down strap.

Abstract: A buckle includes a base engaged with a body of swimming/diving goggle. A head strap is extended through a slot in a rear end of the base. A cover is engaged with the body. A space is defined between the cover and the base. A button is mounted in a groove of the cover and made of flexible material. An engagement plate is formed on the button and includes a catch releasably engaging with teeth of the head strap. First and second supporting points are defined between the button and the base. A pressing section is formed between the first and second supporting points. The catch can be disengaged from the teeth of the head strap to allow movement of the head strap in a loosening direction by pressing the pressing section or manually moving the grip.

Abstract: A two-stage process and apparatus for compacting tubular knitted fabrics, wherein at each stage the fabric, is acted upon by cooperating feeding and retarding rollers spaced apart a distance greater than the thickness of the fabric. Opposite fabric sides thus cannot be in simultaneous contact with the feeding and retarding rollers at the same point along the fabric. Fabric is transferred from a feed roller to a retarding roller while opposite sides of the fabric are closely confined in a compacting zone, free of contact with either roller. Fabric is longitudinally compacted during its traverse of that zone. In the second stage, the rollers are reversely oriented with respect the fabric. Unlike known two-stage procedures, not more than 60% of the compacting effort is imparted in either one of the stages. Preferably each stage imparts about 50% of the compacting effort. Higher production speeds and superior product quality are achieved.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor includes the steps of forming an anode element by sintering powders of a valve metal, washing the anode element with a first wash solution, forming a dielectric film on the anode element after the washing step, and forming a solid electrolytic layer on the dielectric film. The first wash solution is an aqueous solution containing ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method for a monolithic ceramic electronic component, a ceramic paste is applied by using an application plate to a side surface of each of a plurality of green chips arrayed in row and column directions which are obtained after cutting a mother block. In the applying step, the ceramic paste is transferred to the side surface by moving the green chips and the application plate relative to each other in the direction in which the side surface extends while separating the green chips from the application plate, in a state where the ceramic paste is connected to both the green chips and the application plate.

Abstract: A multi-piece die and system for driving a self pierce rivet into a plurality of workpieces. The die includes an anvil and a collar affixed to the anvil. The anvil and collar cooperate to reduce stresses to reduce breaking of the die.

Abstract: A system for producing dental moldings from blanks, having a machine tool for machining a blank, and a workpiece holder for securing the blank during machining. The machine tool has in this case a mount for the workpiece holder, and the workpiece holder has a shank region that can be inserted reversibly into the mount and in the inserted state can be secured in position in the mount. Furthermore, the system has a lever element, wherein the system is configured so that the lever element can be clamped between the mount on one side and the shank region on the other side to secure the shank region in position in the mount. With such clamping of the lever element, a particularly high clamping force can be produced, by way of which the shank region of the workpiece holder can be secured in position in the mount.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion element manufacturing apparatus capable of effectively performing an annealing treatment on a flexible substrate in a small space, minimizing an increase in the area of the apparatus in an installation space and the processing time, ensuring high productivity, and improving the electric characteristics of a photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element manufacturing apparatus forms the photoelectric conversion element and a transparent conductive film on a flexible substrate (1) and transports the flexible substrate (1) to a winding chamber (5) so as to wind around a winding roller (8) provided in the winding chamber (5). The winding chamber (5) includes a roller core heater (11), which is a heating mechanism that performs an annealing treatment on the flexible substrate (1) which is being wound after the film forming process.

Abstract: A sofa is convertible to a bed. An air mattress normally stored in deflated condition in the sofa, is automatically deployed upon opening a folded framework into a bed. An electric pump inflates or deflates the mattress. A bag enclosing the bottom and sides of the mattress, is zipped onto the mattress, and has hook-and-loop fasteners securing it to strategic locations on the framework. The conversion from sofa to bed, and back to sofa, is done without removing any cushions and without moving the sofa away from anything behind it.