Abstract: A plurality of angled members that are positionable between a bed's mattress and box spring to prevent a pet from falling off or of being accidentally pushed off a bed. The angled member positioned at the foot of the bed extends from one side to the other whether twin, queen or king sized mattress with the side angled members positioned on opposing sides of the bed with each adjacently fastened to the foot member by means of at least one bracket. The vertical portion of the angled members sufficiently extends above the planar top surface of the mattress to form a barrier to prevent the aforementioned accidents.

Abstract: Side barrier retractable bed made up of parallel bars (e.g. 14, 15, 16) that may be retracted to a low position along the length of the bed. To minimize the height of the barrier when in the low position, at least two of the bars (15 and 16) have profiles and positions to allow that they fit together lengthwise.

Abstract: A gap-filler for a patient-support apparatus comprises a barrier panel, a first coupler coupled to the barrier panel and a second coupler coupled to the barrier panel and configured to engage a siderail of the patient-support apparatus such that the gap-filler is movable relative to the siderail as the siderail moves between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A comfortable bed is provided. The bed is comprised of one head panel, one foot panel, two side support panels, one bed plate, one removable key-hole shape panel, and two side bottom frames. The two side support panels are comprised of a rigid wood portion and a soft resilient portion. The resilient portion is comprised of a smooth rounded “W” shaped soft rubbery material such as poly-urethane or silicone rubber. The soft resilient portion allows the user to lean his/her hand or leg with comfort and help the user fall asleep easily. A key hole shape panel and groove developed on the bed plate helps the user when excretion is needed with help of an assistant.

Abstract: An adjustable support in the form of a headrest comprises a flexible arm (2) carrying a bifurcated branches (3a). The arm (82) is made up of identical segments (20) that can pivot in relation to each other. A wire (5) holds the arm (2) together and may be loosened by an adjusting mechanism (6) controlled by a knob (9). Partially cylindric surfaces (27, 29) on opposing ends (21, 22) of segments (20) have teeth-like projections extending transversely of the partially cylindric faces (27, 29) for mutual engagement and securing mutual position of adjacent segments (20). The adjustable support is thus able to carry greater loads than prior art adjustable supports.

Abstract: A fluid bladder system has a conventional fluid bladder and a resilient member in the fluid bladder. The resilient member is of a size that it allows the fluid in the fluid bladder to be the principal support applied to the patient. The resilient member only applies a force to the patient only after the patient displaces the fluid in the fluid bladder so the resilient structure is the only entity that inhibits the patient from bottoming out.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a cloth treating apparatus, such as a laundry treating machine, and methods of control and operation which sanitize the machine. The laundry treating machine can include an accommodating space which supplies air and moisture in order to remove unpleasant odors, wrinkles, or dampness from the laundry. The laundry treating machine may further include a circulation duct to circulate, dehumidify, or heat air inside the accommodating space. Operation of the laundry treating machine can use steam-sanitizing to remove odors, moisture, bacteria from the accommodating space and circulation duct. Steam-sanitizing can be performed based on a user's selection or the occurrence of a condition, such as unloading of laundry from the accommodating space after treatment.

Abstract: A control system for a fabric treatment appliance configured to control the operation of the fabric treatment appliance as a function of a user-selected system input weighting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a shoe having the steps of providing an upper, a sole, and a stitching; washing the upper for achieving a weathered appearance of the upper without subjecting the stitching and sole to the washing; and softening the sole. The method also comprises stitching the sole and the upper together with the stitching; working the sole to weather an appearance of the sole; drying the upper and sole together for disfiguring the upper and sole and for achieving a generally uniform weathered appearance; cyclically working the sole to match the appearance of the upper; and cyclically working the upper to match the appearance of the sole. The invention also includes the shoe.

Abstract: A portable vacuuming device for underwater removal of leaves or the like of a debris field from pool bottoms and other structural surfaces, the device employing a water pump to feed a water jet within a suction cavity wherein the water inlet for the pump is exterior to the cavity and to the housing of the device, and is located well above the debris field.

Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats and yacht marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and an open-end cap having a flexible, resilient press-fitted inner gasket configured with a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the cap, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning cylindrical female electrical terminals comprises a cylindrical shaft portion, a first cleaning extension, and a second cleaning extension. The first cleaning extension extends outward from the cylindrical shaft portion and comprises a first curved and knurled surface region. Likewise, the second cleaning extension extends outward from the cylindrical shaft portion in a direction substantially parallel to the first cleaning extension and comprises a second curved and knurled surface region. The first cleaning extension and the second cleaning extension define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A pipeline pig and pig launching apparatus which allow the automatic launching of multiple pigs into a pipeline are claimed. The pipeline pig comprises an elongate body having first and second ends and a fluid passage defined therein. The fluid passage has an inlet at the first end of the body and an outlet at the second end of the body. At least two support members project radially outwardly from the body and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the body. A valve means is located within the passage and adapted to selectively move between a first position in which fluid is free to flow through the outlet and a second position in which fluid cannot flow through the outlet. A projecting member extends longitudinally from the first end of the body.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Provided is a wiper driving apparatus for an automobile. The wiper driving apparatus includes: a housing; a driving motor; a worm wheel installed in the housing to be rotated by the driving motor, connected to a wiper arm, and having protrusions formed on a surface thereof; and a clutch member eccentric with respect to the center of the worm wheel to be rotatably installed in the housing such that power supply to the driving motor is selectively turned on or off according to the position of the rotating clutch member relative to the housing, wherein the clutch member has an engagement unit which is caught by the protrusions of the worm wheel when the worm wheel is rotated in a first direction, and is not caught by the protrusions of the worm wheel when the worm wheel is rotated in a second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a central vacuum cleaning system for vehicles. The unit comprises a vacuum generating alternating current motor, a built-in direct current to alternating current inverter and a removable dirt cup containing a filter and screen. The unit has a built-in in-take port, which has an auto switch that turns the unit on when the vacuum hose is plugged in and shuts the unit off when the vacuum hose is unplugged. The unit also has a remote in-take and remote auto switch capability so you can plug the vacuum hose into a more convenient location in the interior of the vehicle. The unit can be mounted horizontally or vertically. The unit can be installed in any vehicle consisting of a 12-volt direct current battery. The vehicle does not need to have an alternating current inverter installed separately to operate.

Abstract: A device for cleaning inside electrical-connection sockets, methods for constructing such cleaning devices, and methods for using such cleaning devices are illustrated herein. The device may be shaped like an electrical plug designed for coupling with the electrical-connection socket. The device includes a primary fluid-duct, ejection ducts, and ejection ports for allowing fluid to be injected into the chamber. A cleaning fluid is pushed through the device into the chamber. Air can then be pushed into the chamber.

Abstract: A robotic vacuum cleaner comprising sensor means for detecting physical contact with stationary objects in the environment of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner comprises a handle (1) for carrying the vacuum cleaner by hand (3). The handle (1) can be in a second position whereby the handle (1) is located close to the body (4) of the vacuum cleaner, whereby the sensor means detect forces exerted on the handle (1) during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor positioned in the air flow passage. A cyclone is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus and positioned in the air flow path. The cyclone has a cyclone air inlet and a cyclone air outlet. The cyclone is mountable to the surface cleaning apparatus in a mounting direction. An air inlet seal is positioned in a first plane and seals the cyclone air inlet to the airflow passage. An air outlet seal is positioned in a second, non-orthogonal plane and seals the cyclone air outlet to the airflow passage. The air inlet seal and the air outlet seal are concurrently sealed by movement of the cyclone in the mounting direction.

Abstract: A wand, such as for a surface cleaning apparatus, comprises at least an upstream rigid tube and a downstream rigid tube releasably pivotally connected to the upstream rigid tube. A flexible fluid flow conduit connects the downstream, tube in fluid flow communication with the upstream tube.

Abstract: A self-aligning door stop is taught that consists of a resilient cone shaped body having an apex, a rebated base with a major diameter selected to exceed spacing between a door and a floor upon which the door moves. The rebated base is configured to permit the door stop body to roll into a horizontal position when dropped in proximity of the door. When the door stop is on the floor in any orientation and the door is opened the door stop automatically rolls in the space between the door and the floor thereby self-aligning the door stop. Increasing the door movement retains the door in the desired open position.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting and operating a heavy window sash includes a spring assembly, a balance guide connected to the spring assembly, and a sash clip adapted to mate with the balance guide, wherein the sash clip and balance guide have mating guide surfaces and retention elements so that the sash clip is received in a fixed position relative to the balance guide when installed.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes an axel and a conversion adapter including a hollow column and a hollow protrusion pole. The hollow column communicates with the hollow protrusion pole. A pivoting element is rotatably connected to the conversion adapter, and includes a first side plate and a connection plate. A positioning pole is protruded from the first side plate. A protrusion ring and a guide pole are protruded from the connection plate. A rotation element is rotatably placed over the axel. The protrusion ring is rotatably placed over the protrusion pole. The rotation element is rotatably placed over the guide pole.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly substantially parallel to the first rotation assembly, a brace member, a connection shaft partially received in the sliding slot, a first connection member, and a second connection member. The first rotation assembly includes a first pivoting shaft and a first bracket sleeved on the first pivoting shaft. The first bracket includes a mounting portion eccentrically formed on one end of the first bracket. The second rotation assembly includes a second pivoting shaft and a second bracket sleeved on the second pivoting shaft. The second bracket includes a mounting portion eccentrically formed on the second bracket. The brace member defines a sliding slot. An end of the first connection member is eccentrically connected to the first pivoting shaft, and the other end of the first connection member is connected to the connection shaft.

Abstract: A four bar hinge for mounting a door on an enclosure, the hinge including a first mounting bracket adapted to secure the hinge to the enclosure, a second mounting bracket adapted to secure the hinge to the door, a first link rotationally connected to the first mounting bracket at a first location and rotationally connected to the second mounting bracket at a second location, a second link rotationally connected to the first mounting bracket at a third location and rotationally connected to the second mounting bracket at a fourth location, a first shield fixedly connected at the second and the fourth locations and a second shield slidably connected to the first link and rotationally connected at the third location, wherein throughout an entire range of motion of the first mounting bracket relative to the second mounting bracket at least a portion of one of the first or second shields overlaps at least a portion of the other of the first and second shields whereby access to a volume formed between the first and

Abstract: A light weight flexible hand grip and method of making with a single piece precursor grip member having a tubular sleeve portion connected with a tubular grip portion with a wall situated therebetween. An alternate embodiment includes the tubular grip portion attached proximate an open end of the tubular sleeve portion. A core portion is disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve portion and the tubular grip portion is positioned back over the tubular sleeve portion securing the core portion within an annular cavity to form the light weight hand grip.

Abstract: A light flexible hand grip and method of making with an inner tubular core of flexible rubber with apertures formed therein and an outer tubular cover disposed over the core with a lighter weight annular flexible foam spacer between the core and outer cover. The spacer may be formed by injecting curable material through the apertures. The apertures may be formed by inserting a mandrel in the core, punching the holes and removing the mandrel.

Abstract: Mobile power generator apparatus includes: upper and lower pivoting links vertically pivotably connected at their one end portions to a frame; and a handle mounted to the frame for pulling the generator apparatus and connected at its proximal end portion to other end portions of the links. The handle is expandable, in a direction where a grip moves away from the links, in interlocked relation to upward pivotal movement of the links responsive to a pulling force, and is collapsable, in a direction where the grip moves toward the links, in interlocked relation to downward pivotal movement of the links responsive to a pushing force.

Abstract: An ornamental device apparatus and method is disclosed for providing the utilization of a single set of ornamental devices to adorn a variety of fashion items by removably attaching the ornamental devices with a clip or pin assembly. The present invention further contemplates the combination of multiple ornamental devices into a single composite ornamental device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a shifted angle fabric and the product produced thereby. The apparatus includes a supply of fabric and a differential tenter frame. The differential tenter frame includes a frame, a pair of opposed, constant path rails and a differential drive. The differential tenter frame is located downstream from the supply of fabric for receiving the opposing edges of the fabric and advancing the opposing edges at different speeds to shift the weft angle of the fabric as the fabric travels the length of the differential tenter frame. A high velocity, low heat drying range adjacent to the differential tenter frame simultaneously dries the fabric as the fabric travels the length of the differential tenter frame. A take-up roll downstream from the differential tenter frame then takes up the dried fabric.

Abstract: A burnishing tool includes a bushing portion, a burnishing component connected to the bushing portion, and a detector disposed in the bushing portion, for measuring a burnishing force performed on the burnishing component.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic latching support system for positioning a surface is disclosed. The latching support system includes a mechanical support and a ferromagnetic device.

Abstract: A system for connecting a connector end fitting of a mobile flexible liquid supply pipe, for liquified natural gas, for example, to a fixed tubing located on a support with a different system, such as the manifold of a liquid transporter ship. The system comprises a guide device for guiding the fitting in the fixed tubing, for establishment of a connection, and including a cone mounted on the pipe for engagement with a trumpet on the fixed tubing during connection, with a tractive effort applied by a cable fixed to the cone. The guide device is fixed to the fitting on the flexible pipe and is coaxial to the flexible pipe. The invention is applicable to the connection of a hose to the manifold of a ship.

Abstract: A method for external repair of a leak in an in-service fluid containment vessel in which a fluid venting device is affixed to the outer surface of the fluid containment vessel so as to enable venting of the leaking fluid to the atmosphere during the remainder of the method steps. A composite repair material is applied over the fluid venting device and the fluid containment vessel and allowed to cure. During the curing period, fluid leaking from the fluid containment vessel is vented to the atmosphere. After curing of the composite repair material, a sealant is provided to the leak by way of the fluid venting device.

Abstract: A method for enabling removal and replacement of a failed actuator module of a brake assembly that includes multiple actuators (27) for compressing a brake disk stack (12), wherein the failed actuator has failed in an extended position applying compressive force to the brake disk stack and at least one of the other actuators remains operative. The method comprises the steps of causing one or more of the operative actuators to apply to the brake disk stack a compressive force greater than the compressive force exerted by the failed actuator whereby the reactionary force acting on the failed actuator will be reduced, and removing the failed actuator after the reactionary load on the failed actuator has been reduced.

Abstract: A method for replacing a tag tool needle includes securing at least a portion of a tag tool needle coupled to a tag tool in a needle container; and removing the tag tool needle from the tag tool with the needle container. A tag tool needle container includes a first tubular aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of a first tag tool needle therein, where the first tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to securely enclose the portion of the first tag tool needle when urged over the first tag tool needle; and a second tubular aperture coupled to the first tubular aperture and adapted to receive at least a portion of a second tag tool needle therein, where the second tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to adapted to securely enclose the portion of the second tag tool needle when urged over the second tag tool needle.

Abstract: An assembly is described that combines blood chemical analysis with lancing in a single multiple-test disposable cartridge. The penetrating members can be assembled and sterilized without damaging the analytical chemistry, and the functioning of the present radical disc cartridge mechanism is not substantially modified.

Abstract: A cutting tool incorporates a body terminating in cutting edges distal from a chuck mount and having an axial bore for reduced mass to raise the natural frequency of the tool. In certain of the embodiments, the body is preformed from a steel or carbide blank into a cylindrical pipe forming the hollow bore prior to grinding of the cutting edges. Filling of the bore with a light weight polymer to further absorb vibration can also be employed.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a plate-like body having a connection end from which a handle is integrally connected there which includes a first section and a second section. A grip is connected to the second section. The first section extends from the connection end by an upward angle and the second section integrally extends from the first section by an angle and toward opposite to the connection end. Each of the first and second sections includes a wall which is a curved wall and faces downward. The hand tool is punched from a metal board and includes a plate-like body and an extension portion which is then bent to form the handle and a grip is connected to the handle.

Abstract: A method of insulating a space including the steps of: forming an insulation piece using at least one base material that are interlocked so as to produce a body with a predetermined starting shape; and placing the insulation piece in a space to define an insulating barrier between first and second regions between which the space resides.

Abstract: A method for producing low-springback half shells made of a metal, in particular steel or a steel alloy, includes drawing in at least one drawing die a blank, such that the blanks have flange regions on the deep drawn body after the deep drawing. The flange regions are shaped by upsetting a corner substantially perpendicularly to a wall of the deep drawn region of the blank and the flange regions are subsequently trimmed in a shearing die, such that half shells without margins are produced.

Abstract: A reconfigurable system having at least one detachable component and at least one detachable head assembly. The reconfigurable system may be a numerically controlled (NC) machine for manufacturing processes, such as milling or automatic fiber placement (AFP). The reconfigurable system may further comprise a gantry structure comprised of movably attached beams on which detachable components may be movably attached. The detachable components may include a concave component and a convex component. At least one detachable head assembly may be movably attached to at least one of the detachable components. The detachable components and head assemblies may be at least one of physically, electrically, and pneumatically connected to a connecting assembly attached to the gantry structure.

Abstract: A hand tool is operable to crimp a tubular metal contact member concentrically about the stripped end portion of an insulated fiber optic light-wave conductor in spaced relation to the free end extremity thereof. A tensioning arrangement tensions the excess portion of the conductor that extends beyond the contact member, whereupon a cutting device engages the tensioned portion of the conductor to sever cleanly the excess extremity from the conductor. The tensioning arrangement serves to deflect the conductor excess end portion obliquely outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the conductor. Tensioning is achieved by a deflecting disk positioned normal to the longitudinal axis of the light-wave conductor, or by a guide bore contained in a conductor guide device attached to the tool body. Preferably, two contact members are simultaneously crimped on a pair of conductors, and the excess ends of the conductors are simultaneously tensioned and severed.

Abstract: A battery assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The battery assembly may include a battery cell (e.g., a rechargeable battery cell), a battery connector for providing power from the battery cell to the electronic device, and a flex circuit electrically coupling the battery cell to the electronic device. The battery connector may be located adjacent the battery cell, and may include one or more alignment mechanisms for ensuring that conductive pads of the battery connector align properly with corresponding conductive elements of the electronic device. The battery cell may be fixed to the electronic device using an adhesive layer (e.g., double sided tape) placed between the cell and the electronic device. A tab may extend beyond the periphery of the battery cell to allow a user to pull or peal the battery cell from the electronic device for replacement or repair. In some embodiments, a tool may be used to grasp the tab.

Abstract: A method for making a wound stator of an automotive generator is provided for replacing the conventional winding technique. The method includes: forming a stator ring provided with a plurality of annularly arranged radial through slots; cutting a copper wire into a plurality of wire units each having a rectangular cross section; inserting the wire units into the through slots in an interlacing manner; and soldering wire ends of the wire units sequentially so as to form a connected loop.

Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor for an electrical generator includes a rotor shaft and a rotor core mounted coaxially upon the rotor shaft. The rotor core defines a plurality of longitudinal core passages which include a segment of a rotor cooling circuit, and further includes a permanent magnet outer core component mounted on an inner core component and including a plurality of permanent magnets. A cooling liquid containment mechanism for the permanent magnet rotor includes a first liquid containment cover coupled to the inner core component and a second liquid containment cover coupled to the inner core component. The liquid containment covers are configured to contain cooling liquid passed from an inlet segment of the rotor cooling circuit defined by the rotor shaft into the plurality of longitudinal core passages, and thenceforth into an outlet segment of the rotor cooling circuit also defined by the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a superconducting wire includes the step of drawing a wire formed by coating raw material powder for a superconductor with a metal (S6), the step of first rolling (S8) rolling a multifilamentary wire after the step of drawing (S6), and the step of first sintering (S10) sintering the multifilamentary wire 1 after the step of the first rolling (S8). At least one of an interval between the step of drawing (S6) and the step of the first rolling (S8) and an interval between the step of the first rolling (S8) and the step of the first sintering (S10) is less than seven days. With this method, a superconducting wire having high and uniform performance can be obtained.

Abstract: Multi-layer ground plane structures and methods of manufacture for integrated lead suspension flexures. A flexure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes an insulating layer, a plurality of traces on the insulating layer and a stainless steel base layer on the side of the insulating layer opposite the traces. The stainless steel base layer includes one or more void portions with voids in the base layer opposite the insulating layer from the traces and one or more backed portions with the base layer backing the traces. A plurality of patterned and transversely-spaced first conductive ground planes are located opposite the insulating layer from the traces at the void portions and backed portions of the stainless steel base layer. A continuous gold second conductive ground plane is located opposite the insulating layer and the first ground planes from the side of the insulating layer adjacent to the traces at the void portions and backed portions of the stainless steel base layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive sensor that results in the sensor having a very flat top magnetic shield. The process involves depositing a plurality of sensor layers and then depositing a thin high density carbon CMP stop layer over the sensor layers and forming a mask over the CMP stop layer. An ion milling is performed to define the sensor. Then a thin insulating layer and magnetic hard bias layer are deposited. A chemical mechanical polishing is performed to remove the mask and a reactive ion etching is performed to remove the remaining carbon CMP stop layer. Because the CMP stop layer is very dense and hard, it can be made very thin. This means that when it is removed by reactive ion etching, there is very little notching over the sensor, thereby allowing the upper shield to be very thin.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a storage medium includes providing a medium plate member for forming the storage medium and a guide member; and aligning the medium plate member and the guide member so that the medium plate member and the guide member are placed adjacently and the surfaces of the medium plate member and the guide member form a substantially common plane. The method further includes guiding a burnishing member for burnishing the medium plate member onto the surface of the guide member; and sliding the burnishing member on the guide member onto the medium plate member so as to burnish the surface of the medium plate member.