Abstract: A modular beach towel with an integral anchoring means designed to help keep the towel from blowing away while in use comprising additional enhancements is herein disclosed. The beach towel further comprises a plurality of grommets located along corner and perimeter areas. Each grommet receives a stake, thereby holding the beach towel down to a ground surface. The beach towel is fabricated of a layered textile assembly with internal cushioning, further having a removable protective waterproof mat and an attachable food and drink holder. The beach towel apparatus also comprises reflective zippered pouches at each corner position that provide storage of personal items as well as aiding in identifying the towel from a distance. The corner pouches may also be loaded with sand or weights to provide additional anchoring.

Abstract: An occupant support includes a mattress 20, a detector 54 and an energy management system comprising thermally conductive pathways and a controller 60. The controller activates one or more selected pathways in response to information from the detector to regulate energy transfer at a detected region of risk 66 on the mattress.

Abstract: A mattress and/or seat cushion for reducing pain and anaesthetization of parts of the human body include a stretchable fabric case made of textile threads and elastomer or rubber threads woven together to form a stretchable fabric. The case has a top layer with a top surface and a bottom surface and a bottom layer with a top or inner surface and a bottom or outer surface and the size to cover a cushion for a seat or mattress that fits on a cot or bed. The seat cushion or mattress also includes a relatively thin resilient pad disposed within the fabric case adjacent the bottom surface of the top layer and includes a number of passageways extending therethrough. In addition, a mass of cleaned sand and mountain salt is disposed within the fabric case below the resilient pad and below the bottom layer.

Abstract: A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes receivers for supporting a patient-support deck. The patient-support deck is configured to engage the receivers to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A device for providing elements of survival, including two components that attached together form a sealed compartment. One side of the compartment is substantially flat to enable the transportation of persons or materials, and has a number of handles to facilitate transportation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.

Abstract: A foldable pillow (10) is disclosed having a pillow base (11) and a flexible strap (12) coupled to and spanning the pillow base. The pillow base is generally rectangular in shape having a top surface layer (14) and a bottom surface layer (15) which form an outer covering. The pillow strap is coupled to the pillow base closer to one end side (18) than the other end side. In use, the pillow may be folded and maintained in a folded configuration by tucking one end of the pillow below the strap.

Abstract: A tunnel finisher in which the articles of clothing (14) are impinged on with steam pulses in a discontinuous fashion. This lowers the steam requirement. It is additionally provided that other points of the article of clothing (14) are continuously impinged on with steam, as a result of which no damage to the articles of clothing (14) occurs during the steam impingement. It is finally provided that transport hangers (15), on which the articles of clothing (14) hang while being transported through the tunnel finisher, are rotated in opposite directions, as a result of which halves of adjacent articles of clothing (14) alternately assume relatively large and relatively small spacings relative to one another. In this way, the articles of clothing (14) can be impinged on effectively and with steam.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly is suited for use with a fold out ramp having a ramp portion selectively movable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The counterbalance includes first and second springs and a transmission element forming an endless loop. A first biasing element is coupled to the transmission element so that the first biasing element compresses the first spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the stowed position and compresses the second spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the deployed position. A second biasing element is coupled to the transmission element so that the second biasing element compresses the second spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the stowed position and compresses the first spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A deployable ramp assembly including a fixed ramp portion and a pivotable ramp portion connected thereto through a direct pivot connection to pivot between stowed and deployed positions defined at a first angle from one another, a cover member pivotally connected to the fixed portion to pivot between closed and opened positions defined at a second angle from one another which is substantially smaller than the first angle, a drive assembly pivoting the cover member between the closed and opened positions, and a multiplier assembly interconnecting the pivotable portion and the cover member to transfer the pivoting motion of the cover member to the pivotable portion in an amplified manner, the multiplier assembly bringing the pivotable portion in the stowed position when the cover member is in the closed position and the pivotable portion in the deployed position when the cover member is in the opened position.

Abstract: A vacuum may include a housing defining a suction inlet opening and a debris chamber in communication with the suction inlet opening, a suction device disposed in the housing for providing a vacuum pressure to the inlet opening, a filter disposed in an airflow path between the suction inlet opening and the suction device, and a motor driving a device for disengaging debris from the filter. The device for disengaging debris from the filter may include at least one finger disposed on a belt or a rake. The device for disengaging debris from the filter may include a vibration device that induces a vibration in the filter. A controller can allow electric current to actuate the device for disengaging debris from the filter. The controller can have a plurality of operational modes.

Abstract: An actuator allows miniaturization by realizing back-and-forth rotating motion of, for example, an electric brush without a drive transmitting mechanism which constitutes a separate entity from a drive source. In a movable body (160) of this actuator (100), an outer yoke (110) is provided with inner wall planes (112a and 113a) located opposing each other spaced a predetermined interval apart and magnets (121 and 123) of different magnetic poles opposing each other in the inner walls planes (112a and 113a). The movable body (160) has a center yoke (140) located between the magnets (121 and 124) through air gaps. The movable body (160) is provided with a shaft (150). The fixed body (180) has a coil (170) which is located in the air gaps and which circles the center yoke (140). The fixed body (180) movably supports the movable body (160) through elastic bodies (190).

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions.

Abstract: An interdental treatment device, such as a toothbrush, includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying an interdental treatment tool, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, including a drive which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damping structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is disclosed. The handle having one or more elastomeric handle regions. The head having a first face and a second face. The second face opposes the first face and at least one of the first face or second face has an elastomer filled recess. The elastomer filled recess has a plurality of cleaning elements. An elastomer filled supply channel extends from the one or more elastomeric handle regions to the elastomer filled recess.

Abstract: A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalk and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.

Abstract: A brush mitt includes a brush cover and a handle cover. A loop on the brush cover receives a handle of a brush of the type such as commonly used for washing vehicles. The handle cover wraps around the end of the handle and a brush cover attachment strap passes through the loop on the brush cover to secure the handle cover to the brush cover. The brush mitt prevents damage to delicate surfaces, such as the painted surface of vehicles, that might be caused by either the brush bristles or impact with the handle of the brush.

Abstract: A window wiper system featuring a first wiper component for wiping a side door window and a side mirror component featuring a means of wiping its mirrored surface. The first wiper component features a first wiper arm and blade pivotally attached to the side door of and a first motor for oscillating the first wiper blade in a first and second direction across the window. The side mirror component features a base having a front panel with a mirrored surface, a pivot arm attached to a first gear on the front panel, a motor operatively connected to the first gear, and a second wiper blade pivotally attached to the pivot arm, when the pivot arm is pivoted in the first or second direction the second wiper blade is moved over the mirrored surface.

Abstract: A wiper blade is provided capable of wiping a windshield of a vehicle in a suitable operating condition even in a cold winter season. The wiper blade includes a wiper strip configured to contact and wipe a glass surface of the windshield, a frame coupled to the wiper strip, an adapter disposed at a center of the frame and configured to be joined to the wiper arm, and a heating unit attached to the frame to heat the wiper blade. The heating unit includes a power source and a heating element heated by power supplied from the power source.

Abstract: A method of operating a wiper system on a window of a vehicle. The method comprising: setting a park position for a wiper to one of a standard park position or a high park position, where the standard park position locates a wiper blade of the wiper closer to a bottom edge of the window; activating the wiper system to cause the wiper to be pivoted back and forth between an in-wipe position and an out-wipe position; deactivating the wiper system; if the park position is set to the standard park position when the wiper system is deactivated, stopping movement of the wiper when the wiper blade is in the standard park position; and if the park position is set to the high park position when the wiper system is deactivated, stopping movement of the wiper when the wiper blade is in the high park position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper blade mounted to a wiper apparatus for a vehicle to wipe a windshield, a jig for heat treating a wiper frame of a wiper blade, and a method for machining a wiper frame using the same. An object of the present invention is to provide a wiper blade, which has a wiper frame formed to have elasticity, has an improved structure for securing a wiper strip, causes a wiper strip to be directly coupled with the wiper frame, and is easily assembled, thereby saving a time required for an assembling process and having improved durability and contacting force, a jig for heat treating a wiper frame of a wiper blade and a method for machining a wiper frame using the same.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material. The wiper blade includes a wiping element which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes a central longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed. The windscreen wiper device includes a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end thereof. The wiping element is movable in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a windscreen to be wiped, dependent on the pressure exerted by the longitudinal strip on the wiper blade.

Abstract: A wiper blade (10) is proposed having a rubber elastic wiper strip (12). The wiper strip (12) is secured by means of at least one spring rail (14, 16) as supporting element. An end cap (20) is attached to at least one end of the longitudinal extension of the supporting element. According to the invention, the end cap (20) has at least one first, energy-absorbing region (22) and one second, in particular stabilizing region (24).

Abstract: A dustpan (1) is provided that includes a base body (2) that has an essentially triangular base area (3). One edge of the base body is constructed as the sweeping edge (4) and the two other edges each have a side wall (5, 6). A stem (7) that projects essentially at a right angle from the base area (3) for proper use can be attached to the base body (2). At least one side wall (5) is constructed as a standing surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal dehydrating device includes a bucket receiving a cylinder for receiving a mop. A shaft is mounted to a bottom of the cylinder. An annular sleeve is formed on the bottom of the cylinder and engaged with an annular fender on a mounting plate. A water fender includes a skirt having a top portion with an annular groove for receiving a rim of the cylinder. An annular wing extends radially inward from the top portion of the skirt. Water splashing upward from the cylinder during rotation of the cylinder is stopped by the annular wing. A top seat is fixed to a bottom side of the mounting plate and receives a gear train. The gear train meshes with and is driven by a rack on a pedal such that stepping of the pedal causes rotation of the gear train, the shaft, and the cylinder.

Abstract: A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a device generating a flow of fluid in the form of a motor and fan, housed in a main body. A hose and wand assembly, a surface treating head and a rotary change over valve are also provided. The valve is selectively rotatable so as to allow fluid flow from either the surface-treating head or the hose. A support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The change over valve and support assembly are arranged so that motion of the support assembly between the supporting and retracted positions induces rotary motion of the change over valve.

Abstract: A wand assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion having a channel formed therethrough; a tubular wand received within the channel and moveable between a first position and a second position; a locking mechanism having a lock position and an unlock position and preventing the wand from moving from the first position when in the lock position; and a release mechanism mounted to the wand and which can be actuated to move the locking mechanism from the lock position to the unlock position. The release mechanism is actuated by relative movement of the release mechanism with respect to the wand.

Abstract: An adjustable door stop system. A hinge mounted door has a least one hinge leaf connected to the door, a least one hinge leaf connected to a doorway, and a hinge pin having an axis about which the hinge leaves rotate. A movement control cylinder includes a first finger extending radially and axially, a cylindrical portion substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge pin, and an axial opening. A movement control cap has a second finger extending radially and axially, a cylindrical portion substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge pin, and an axial opening. The cylindrical portion of the movement control cylinder engages the cylindrical portion of the movement control cap to prohibit rotational movement of the door beyond a selected position.

Abstract: A socketing material (16), or mortar, for speltering wire rope, strand, and other tension members (14), comprising 35%-55% AL2O3; 32%-52% SiO2; 0%-20% CaO; and 0%-2% Fe2O3. The material (16) may have a continuous-use temperature of at least 1000 degrees, at least 2000 degrees, or at least 2500 degrees Fahrenheit. A speltered assembly (10) is produced by introducing the material (16) into and allowing it to cure within a cavity (24) of a terminal fitting (12) around the ends of a plurality of wires (31) of a tension member (16) which are arranged within the cavity (24) in a spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: A child-restraint system is adapted for use with a juvenile vehicle seat. The child-restraint system includes a frame configured to be mounted on the juvenile vehicle seat and a web clamp coupled to the frame. The web clamp is configured to clamp a web passing under the web clamp and through a web-receiving channel formed in the frame.

Abstract: The slide fastener comprises elements, and a slider, the slide fastener opening and closing a horizontal opening/closing portion and a vertical opening/closing portion with one operation by sliding the slider along the elements. The slide fastener includes a horizontal functional section and a vertical functional section. The horizontal functional section includes element heads which are meshed with and unmeshed from each other, and horizontal fastener tapes. The vertical functional section includes element legs extending vertically to the horizontal direction and bending into a hook-like shape, holding portions which are formed by distal ends of the element legs, and a vertical fastener tape.

Abstract: A liquid-tight slide fastener, wherein a pair of right and left coil-like coupling element rows, through which a core thread is respectively passed, is attached by sewing along opposing side edges of a pair of right and left fastener tapes, the fastener tapes having a liquid-tight layer on one surface thereof, and the core thread is coated with a water repellent agent or oil repellent agent. Consequently, even if water or oil invades into a space portion in the coupling element rows through a joint portion in the liquid-tight slide fastener, the core thread repels the water or oil, thereby blocking a further invasion of water or oil, and exerting excellent water repellency or oil repellency without provision of a water stop flap.

Abstract: A device and method for temporary hemming/cuffing children's pants legs is disclosed. A base member and a securement member sandwich material to be hemmed between one another. The base member and the securement member are operatively engaged with one another by way of tab extending axially from the securement member, which are engageable with lip portions of the base member. When the securement member and the base member sandwich the material to be hemmed, portions of the material, especially any seams, are positioned within spaces or passages defined by the tabs.

Abstract: The fixing device for the assembly and quick release of objects includes a holding element that can be fixed to one of the objects to be held together, and a retaining device that can be fixed to another one of the objects to be held together and engage the holding element. The retaining device includes a plurality of separable parts that can be held closely together around the holding element by a disengageable pre-tensioning device. The separable parts are connected to each other by an elastically deformable mechanisms which stretch to in order to draw the parts located at a distance from each other together, while the pre-tensioning device includes a link wound around the parts in order to keep them closed on the holding element, at least one end of the link being fixed to a tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: A slide switch installed in a buckle apparatus includes a body 20, a slider 30 held slidably in the body 20, the slider 30 sliding when pressed by a movable part of the buckle apparatus, fixed contacts 41 to 43 placed in a direction in which the slider slides, on a surface of the body 20 that faces the slider 30, a movable piece 44 sliding on the surface of the body 20 on which the fixed contacts 41 to 43 are placed. The slider 30 has a size that obscures the fixed contacts 41 to 43 in the entire range in which the slider 30 slides. The fixed contacts 41 to 43 are unlikely to be affected by foreign matter etc. and adherence of foreign matter that degrades performance can be prevented.

Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle restraint system where the buckle assembly is adapted to receive a plurality of belt connectors, with the belt connectors being simultaneously released upon moving at least one handle to a release position.

Abstract: A riveting apparatus includes a hot air pipe; a connection pipe coupled to the hot air pipe; a forming tool having a configuration in which peripheral and center portions project downward and portions existing therebetween are curved upward, defined with discharge holes which extend in axial and radial directions, and coupled to a lower end of the connection pipe so that hot air having passed through the connection pipe can be discharged through the discharge holes to heat an end of a rivet to thereby allow the forming tool to form the end of the rivet into the shape of a head; a moving unit coupled to the hot air pipe or the connection pipe to move the forming tool upward and downward; and a guide surrounding the forming tool so that hot air discharged through the discharge holes can be directed toward the end of the rivet.

Abstract: A moving-positioning means of belt-fastening apparatus including a head and an anvil plate on which a row of fastener holes disposed, a row of positioning grooves are disposed in one side of the anvil plate; said positioning grooves are parallel to said fastener holes and the spaces of the positioning grooves are identical to those of said fastener holes; and a positioning strip disposed on the head is compatible with said positioning grooves. Since the positioning grooves and the fastener holes are separately disposed on the anvil plate, the positioning strip may be inserted into the positioning grooves to be located when the head moves. Therefore the fastener holes are no longer used for the location, and the movement of the head is not restricted to the fastener holes, which means the head may move in the whole area of the frame no matter whether the fasteners are inserted into the fastener holes or not.

Abstract: A punch tool includes a housing, a ram bar, and a floating punch assembly. The housing includes a cap having a lip defining an opening, and elongated slots. The floating punch assembly includes a floating punch having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion with ledges formed at the intersection of the three portions. One ledge is larger than the opening in the cap. The floating punch also includes a bore, and a retaining pin extends through the slots in the housing and the bore.

Abstract: A vehicle brake hydraulic pressure control unit includes a base body 1 incorporating therein a brake fluid flow path 1a and an electromagnetic valve 2 which is an assembled part assembled into a mounting hole portion 10A which is formed in the base body 1 in such a manner as to communicate with the flow path 1a. A hole wall of the mounting hole portion 10A has a plastically deformed portion 18 formed by pressing the hole wall in a downward direction of the mounting hole portion 10A. A locking groove 214 for the plastically deformed portion 18 to enter is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the electromagnetic valve 2. An outside diameter of the electromagnetic valve 2 at an upper side of the locking groove 214 is made smaller than an outside diameter of the electromagnetic valve 2 at a lower side of the locking groove 214.

Abstract: With a method for manufacturing a bendable tube, which is preferably envisaged for an endoscopic instrument, first a tube is separated into several tube sections in a manner such that adjacent tube sections engage into one another with a positive fit in the axis direction of the tube. After the separation of the tube into several tube sections, one envisages peripherally arranging means for providing a positive fit transversely to the axis direction of the tube, on the regions of the tube sections, which are situated in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A machine for producing a three dimensional joint replacement article and which exhibits a three dimensional shaped body incorporating a scanner component for at least receiving a digitized input corresponding to a set of dimensions associated with a replacement article to be produced. Incorporated in die machine is a numerical control guided machining subassembly in communication with at least one material blank corresponding to an article to be produced. Material shavings are vacuum removed and collected for disposal and, following CNC machining, the finished part is deposited into a cavity accessed by a retrieval door for removal.

Abstract: A coupling conductor for a YIG filter or YIG oscillator, which may be produced from a metallic foil by eroding, laser cutting and/or etching of a metallic foil. The coupling conductor includes at least one curved section, which at least partially surrounds a YIG element and at least one conductor section.

Abstract: Methods are provided for production of pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (cMUTs). Methods disclosed generally include the steps of obtaining a nearly completed traditional cMUT structure prior to etching and sealing the membrane, defining holes through the membrane of the cMUT structure for each electrode ring fixed relative to the top face of the membrane, applying a bias voltage across the membrane and substrate of the cMUT structure so as to collapse the areas of the membrane proximate to the holes to or toward the substrate, fixing and sealing the collapsed areas of the membrane to the substrate by applying an encasing layer, and discontinuing or reducing the bias voltage. CMUT assemblies are provided, including packaged assemblies, integrated assemblies with an integrated circuit/chip (e.g., a beam-steering chip) and a cMUT/lens assembly. Advantageous cMUT-based applications utilizing the disclosed pre-collapsed cMUTs are also provided, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the collective fabrication of a remotely interrogable sensor having at least one first resonator and one second resonator. Each resonator exhibits respectively a first and a second operating frequency. A first series of first resonators are fabricated. The first resonators each have a first operating frequency belonging to a first set of frequencies centered on a first central frequency. A second series of second resonators are fabricated. The second resonators each having a second operating frequency belonging to a second set of frequencies centered on a second central frequency. A series of pairings of a first resonator and of a second resonator are conducted so as to form pairs of resonators exhibiting a difference of operating frequencies which is equal to the difference of the first and second central frequencies.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making two electrically separated inductors using deposition and wet-etching techniques, which inductors are formed by interwinding one of the inductors within the other inductor on the same planar level. In still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making various levels inductors, each level having at least two electrically separated inductors, using deposition and wet-etching techniques. The inductors on each planar level are formed by interwinding one of the inductors within the other inductor, and then stacking these in a preferred manner. In still another aspect, there is provided a manner of connecting together inductors formed according to the above methods in order to achieve various inductor configurations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inductive component whose soft magnetic core is produced by pouring a casting resin into a mold filled with a soft magnetic alloy powder and by subsequently hardening the casting resin with the alloy powder in order to form a solid soft magnetic core. This technique prevents the surface insulation of the alloy particles from becoming damaged, thereby largely preventing the formation of bulky eddy currents in the resulting soft magnetic cores. This enables a distinct reduction in the electric loss of the inductive component.

Abstract: A step portion for mounting a row bar is provided at a table stepping down from the face of the table, and by lowering a pair of hooks crossing over the step portion in its width direction, a row bar held by the hooks is mounted on the step portion. While interposing the row bar mounted on the step portion between a pair of hooks and a side face of the step portion, the side in longitudinal direction of the row bar and the bottom face thereof are butted to the bottom face and the standing up side face of the step portion to position two axes of the row bar among XYZ directions, successively, positioning of the row bar in one remaining direction along longitudinal direction of the row bar mounted on the step portion is performed by moving the table in the one remaining axial direction.