Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis having forward and rearward portions. A drive system is mounted to the chassis and configured to maneuver the robot over a cleaning surface. A cleaning assembly is mounted on the forward portion of the chassis and has two counter-rotating rollers mounted therein for retrieving debris from the cleaning surface, the longitudinal axis of the forward roller lying in a first horizontal plane positioned above a second horizontal plane on which the longitudinal axis of the rearward roller lies. The cleaning assembly is movably mounted to the chassis by a linkage affixed at a forward end to the chassis and at a rearward end to the cleaning assembly. When the robot transitions from a firm surface to a compressible surface, the linkage lifts the cleaning assembly from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A blade assembly of an autonomous cleaning device. The blade assembly includes a blade having a first part fixed to the main body and a second part extended from the first part toward a floor and a support member having at least a portion disposed adjacent to the second part of the blade to restrict movement of the second part of the blade to within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine has a housing and a movable hood that covers over vacuum and liquid hoses of the machine that are visible in prior art floor cleaning machines. The vacuum and liquid hoses are each pivotally connected to a wall of the machine housing and are also pivotally connected to a transparent dome provided on the hood. These connections reduce stresses on the hoses when the hood is moved and allow the dome to pivot relative to the hood. The floor cleaning machine also has a pair of slit orifices that eject fan spray patterns of cleaning liquid that are non-coplanar and do not intersect each other. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has an oscillating brush assembly that includes a brush that is replaceable without using tools. The brush height can be adjusted via an adjustment member provided on the oscillating portion of the assembly.

Abstract: A mobile vacuum cart system for use in hospital environments is described. The cart is capable of meeting requirements of ULPA certification, thereby improving air quality and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (1) comprises an inlet (13), an outlet, a fan (14) for creating a flow of air through the vacuum cleaner (1) by drawing air to be cleaned through the inlet (13) into the vacuum cleaner (1) and by exhausting air through the outlet outwardly of the vacuum cleaner (1) and a separator (15, 41). The separator (15, 41) is rotatably arranged around an rotation axis (21), for creating, during use, a column of rotating air to separate at least a portion of the airborne particles (10) from the flow of air. The separator (15, 41) includes a number of vanes (25, 44) for the creation of the column of rotating air, wherein each vane (25, 44) is provided with a leading face (26) and a trailing face (27). The leading faces (26) of the vanes (25, 44) are inclined with respect to the rotation axis (21) for conveying the airborne particles (10) at least in an axial direction.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a vacuum cleaning unit having a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. The floor care apparatus also includes a wand assembly having a wand element and a flexible hose. A brush member is carried on the wand element. The brush member is freely slidable along the wand element between a storage position and a use position. A lock ring is provided on the brush member. The lock ring is rotatable with respect to the brush member between a locking position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: The invention provides a tool (4) for cleaning surfaces subsea, comprising a body having a cleaning face (11) for holding against and preferably also moving along the surface to be cleaned, the face has a shape convex or corresponding to the surface to be cleaned, and a means for distance control of the cleaning face of the body such that a gap is provided between said face and the surface (3) to be cleaned when the tool is in operation, and/or openings or channels are arranged for allowing surrounding water to flow in towards the centre of the cleaning face. Further, the cleaning face comprises a suction outlet for water, debris and contamination, in operation the outlet (13) is connected to a suction device (17) so that water, debris and contamination is drawn into the outlet for transport to further treatment.

Abstract: A plate spring 40 is subjected to folding at a fold portion 41 to form integrally a plate spring portion 42 and a stress relief portion 43m and a distal end of a rotary shaft 30 is secured to a caulking hole of the stress relief portion 43 by caulking.

Abstract: A castor with combined blocking includes a casing 10, a wheel 12, 14 mounted to rotate relative to the casing about an axis 18, a swivel 20 of axis 22 mounted to pivot relative to the casing, the axis being perpendicular to the axis, blocking elements 100 for blocking the swivel, control elements 102 for actuating the blocking elements, blocking elements 200 for blocking the wheel, control elements 202 for actuating the blocking elements 200, and elements 300 for coupling the control elements 102, 202 in such a manner that when the blocking elements 100 are actuated alone by the control elements 102, the blocking elements 200 are not actuated, and when the blocking elements 200 are actuated by the second control elements, the first blocking elements 202 are also actuated by the first control elements 102. The castor is applicable for hospital use, such hospital beds or the like.

Abstract: Techniques for detachably joining a first component and a second component includes a band clamp, a tensioning device, a plurality of shoes, and a plurality of brackets. The band clamp is configured to cause the plurality of shoes to engage an abutting cylindrical flange of each of the first component and the second component and to provide a sufficient clamping pressure to join the first component with the second component. Each of the plurality of brackets is attached to one of the first component and the second component. The sufficient clamping pressure results from redundant, independently inspectable, sources, a primary redundant source being circumferential tension in the band clamp, caused by tightening the tensioning device, to produce a first radial restraining force on the shoes, and a secondary redundant source being a second radial restraining force, applied by way of the plurality of brackets, to the band clamp.

Abstract: A safety cord connector for a window blind includes a first half shell and a second half shell combined with the first half shell in such a way that a positioning protrusion extending from an inner surface of the second half shell is inserted into a positioning notch formed on an inner surface of the first half shell so as hold the first and second half shells together. When an external force exceeding the engaging force between the positioning protrusion and the positioning notch exerts between the first and second half shells, the positioning protrusion will separate away from the positioning notch to enable the combined first and second half shells to be split from each other so as to enhance safety in use.

Abstract: A gripping device for gripping a cable, comprising: a first jaw comprising a first gripping element; a second jaw comprising a first gripping element; at least one fastener for fastening the first and second jaws to each other; and wherein at least one of the first and second gripping elements comprises a configuration that makes at least two points of contact with the cable. A system for gripping a cable, comprising: a gripping device fastened to a support structure, wherein the gripping device comprises: a first jaw comprising a first gripping element; a second jaw comprising a first gripping element; at least one fastener for fastening the first and second jaws to each other; and wherein at least one of the first and second gripping elements comprises a configuration that makes at least two points of contact with the cable.

Abstract: An invisible zipper with a rectangular positioning unit includes two strips, teeth, a slide and a rectangular positioning unit. The two strips are sewed to an opening. The teeth are disposed along each strip. The slide is disposed on one of the strips and can slide along the two strips. The rectangular positioning unit is fixedly disposed at the end of one of the two strips. In use, the end of the other strip is inserted through the slide and into the rectangular positioning unit. Now, we can use the slide to bring together the two strips or separate them.

Abstract: A one piece snap-in retainer of multi-shot molded construction adapted to separate along a molded-in fracture line upon application of axial tensioning force. The retainer includes a base clip portion of molded polymer with a proximal barrel segment and a distal snap-in element projecting outwardly away from the barrel segment. The retainer also includes a head portion of molded polymer at least partially surrounding the proximal barrel segment. The molded-in fracture line includes a protuberance molded into the proximal barrel segment or the head portion at the interface in combination with an opposing complimentary mating depression molded into the other of the proximal barrel segment or the head portion.

Abstract: A clamp assembly including: a clamp frame including a first portion including a first opening which accepts a fastener, and a second portion interposed between the first portion and a third portion, wherein the third portion includes a second opening and a third opening, each of which accepts a fastener, a threaded rod disposed through the first portion of the clamp frame; and a clamp pad on an inner end of the clamp rod.

Abstract: A clasp comprising a securing rail and a clasp body. The securing rail comprises an elongate rail comprising a rail top, a pair of opposing clasping flanges extending lengthwise of the rail and a plurality of locking teeth spaced and extending lengthwise of the rail. The clasp body is configured to receive the clasping flanges of the elongate rail and to secure the clasp body to the rail against radial movement relative to the rail. At least one engaging tooth is operatively associated with the clasp body to engage the first plurality of locking teeth to secure the clasp body against movement in at least one axial direction lengthwise of the elongate rail with the clasping flanges received in the clasp body.

Abstract: A button fastener made of metal for fastening a button such as a male snap button or a decorative button to a cloth, includes a plate-like base and a cylindrical post projecting from a center area of the base. The upper end face of the post is open as a top opening, and the lower end face of the post is open in the center area of the base as a bottom opening. To the button fastener, a closing member which closes the inside of the post at a proximal side thereof is provided. The closing member is a closing part which has been cut out, by a punch, of an unfinished post of a semifinished product which is fabricated to the button fastener and then displaced by the punch through the inside of the unfinished post toward the lower end.

Abstract: The carabiner includes a body delimiting a basic frame, a closing finger pivotably mounted on the body between closed and open positions of the basic frame, locking means movably mounted on the closing finger between locked and unlocked positions of the closing finger, and actuating means arranged to move the locking means between the locked and unlocked positions thereof, where the actuating means include a handling member connected to the locking means and movably mounted on a portion of the carabiner body opposite the closing finger, between a first position in which the locking means are in the locked position and a second position in which the locking means are in the unlocked position, the handling member being arranged so that moving the latter between the first and second positions thereof causes the locking means to move between the locked and unlocked positions thereof.

Abstract: The safety carabiner includes a body including a central portion extended at the ends thereof by a first hook-shaped branch provided with a retaining portion and a second branch, respectively, the first branch having a retaining portion, and a closing finger pivotably mounted on the second branch of the body around a pivot axis, between closed and open positions of the carabiner; where retaining portion includes a slender end portion that is generally tapered seen from the side and the retaining portion is configured so that, when the carabiner extends substantially perpendicular to said flat support, and the first and second branches of the carabiner are bearing on said flat support, the free end of the end portion forms the bearing zone of the first branch on said flat support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a driving device for a belt axle of a winch, which addresses the problems existing in conventional winches, for example the driving devices being out of work attributing to wearing of the unidirectional teeth on the fixed base and rotary body of the winch. The rotary cylinder of the driving device of the invention is provided with insertion holes into which a crow bar can be inserted. The fixed base is fixedly connected with the belt axle of the winch. The rotary cylinder is covered on the fixed base and fixed thereto in the axial direction. A unidirectional mechanism is located between the rotary cylinder and the belt axle to be engaged by unidirectional teeth. As the shift element and shift plates can be conveniently removed, the worn shift plates or shift element can be conveniently replaced after being used for a long period.

Abstract: A novel bracket assembly for a hinge bar for a hoop type earring in which the pivot pin is integrally formed with a bracket formed of hollow tubing. Hollow tubing is used to form the hinge bar as well.

Abstract: An urn display device for commemorating and honoring a deceased individual. The device features an urn body formed of substantially transparent material. Cavities forming indicia viewable through the urn body are formed and can include one or a combination of an image, text, or a facial depiction of the deceased, or combination thereof, as a means to employ customized indicia on the urn body to honor said deceased. The media to enhance viewing ability of the indicia includes or is supplemented by the deceased's ashes.

Abstract: A fastener machine is provided. In another aspect, a rivet machine employs a rivet feeding mechanism. A further aspect includes a guide located at an intersection between a feed track and a feed rail with the guide having an angular offset orientation relative to both in order to deter ricocheting of the rivet back into the feed track when the rivet enters the feed rail. Moreover, an aspect of the present machine employs a rocker arm.

Abstract: A rivet machine is provided. The rivet machine employs a die including a die body that has an inner wall with a pair of retaining ribs or projections extending inwardly therefrom. In use, the rivet pushes a slug from a workpiece within which it is mounted and into an opening of the die. The projections engage and retain the slug within the inner wall. According to further aspects, the pair of retaining ribs are diametrically opposed around the inner wall. Each of the retaining ribs has two converging surfaces that form an angle of between 90 and 150 degrees. In yet another aspect, the projections can be discontinuous such that a first retaining rib is longitudinally offset on the inner wall from a second retaining rib.

Abstract: A lateral pin extraction tool for extracting a lateral pin fitted into respective lateral holes penetrating a plurality of adapters and a plurality of points, respectively, in a working machine bucket, comprising: an extraction butting element, the distal end thereof being butted against the end part of the lateral pin fitted into the lateral hole while, under the striking force, being inserted into the lateral hole for extracting the lateral pin fitted into the lateral hole; and a striking block element integrally provided at the proximal end of the extraction butting element for receiving the striking force to transmit it to the extraction butting element; and a shank element for grip equipped with a slip prevention part integrally mounted to the striking block element, the protrusion length of the extraction butting element from the striking block element being set at any length of extra long, long, medium, and short.

Abstract: A method for converting the drive side of a vehicle. The method includes the step of mounting the steering box at (i) a horizontal angle of between 5 and 25 degrees and (ii) a vertical angle of 15 to 35 degrees relative to the straight portion of the vehicle chassis rails.

Abstract: A method for converting a non-rechargeable flashlight to a rechargeable flashlight (100) enables economical and environmentally friendly retrofitting of non-rechargeable flashlights. The method includes removing an original tail cap from the flashlight (100); placing a rechargeable battery (300) into a housing (110) of the flashlight (100); and replacing the original tail cap with a replacement tail cap (305), wherein the replacement tail cap (305) comprises circuitry (320) for receiving electrical power from a recharging base station for recharging the rechargeable battery (300).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for servicing a dynamoelectric machine component. The apparatus includes a tool delivery mechanism adapted for delivering a tool to a desired location in the dynamoelectric machine, and a tool support fixture adapted to be secured onto the body of the dynamoelectric machine, where the tool support fixture can be used for supporting and adjusting the tool delivery mechanism. A sleeve mechanism is attached to the tool support fixture, and the sleeve mechanism is disposed around a portion of the tool delivery mechanism. The apparatus is adapted to service the component of the dynamoelectric machine in-situ.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a shroud block in a casing are disclosed. The system includes a crane, an engagement device mounted to the shroud block, and a hoist connecting the engagement device and the crane. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing. The method includes mounting an engagement device to the shroud block, and actuating a hoist connected to the engagement device. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dynamic real-time boresighting system and method. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a mapping function by associating deflection and rotation data of strategically located at least two sensors with sensor deflection data, real-time or static sensor readings from at least two sensors which are strategically located on the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle, while the aircraft or the land vehicle is moving or static respectively and determining an alignment of the component by comparing the real-time or static sensor readings obtained from the strategically located at least two sensors with the obtained mapping function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support for metal coils (1, 11, 31), wherein a metal coil (1, 11, 31) substantially has a circular circumference as viewed in cross section and the support comprises at least three support points (2, 2?, 12, 32), which are arranged in such a manner as to make contact with the metal coil (1, 11, 31) in the circumferential direction of the metal coil (1, 11, 31) when the metal coil (1, 11, 31) is laid on the support. The support permits particularly secure storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a shaft of a tool from a retainer. The apparatus comprises a first plate having a bore therethrough oriented to be parallel with an axis of the tool, a second annular u-shaped plate sized to bear against a first surface of the retainer and at least one connector extending between the first and second plates. The apparatus further comprises a clamping member received within the bore, adapted to be forced therethough so as to apply an axial compressive force to an end of the shaft from the bracket bearing against the first surface of the retainer. The method comprises securing a bracket to the retainer, applying an axial compressive force to an end of the shaft from the bracket bearing against a first surface of the retainer, applying heat to the retainer and applying an impact to the retainer.

Abstract: A method of mounting a hand-held portable telephone or other normally hand-held portable device, wherein the method includes: mounting a body of a portable device holder on a mounting surface external of the portable device holder with a base surface thereof facing substantially away from the mounting surface; rotating opposing arms apart around a central post interior of the body, whereby substantially upright opposing fingers adjacent to ends of the arms are rotated apart; inserting a portable device between the rotated apart opposing fingers; and resiliently urging together the rotated apart opposing arms, whereby opposing fingers are urged into compressive contact with the portable device.

Abstract: A method of constructing a modular, commercial unit includes arranging components of said commercial unit in separate modules, each of the separate modules having a frame assembly. The modules are then transported to a predetermined location where certain of said separate modules are connected together, via the frame assemblies, to form an operation superstructure. The components are not removed from the separate modules prior to the separate modules being connected via their respective frame assemblies.

Abstract: A scaffold assembly permits a single individual to install the assembly on an open stud wall. The assembly includes a horizontally oriented walkway supporting member, a vertically oriented rail support member, and a support unit extending from the walkway supporting member to the ground. An attachment assembly is connected to the walkway supporting member and includes a pair of rotatable members, one of which bears against the outer edges of a pair of adjacent studs and the other of which bears against the inner edges of the adjacent pair of studs in order to secure the scaffold assembly in place.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the invention, a security apparatus for a portable electronic device is provided. The security apparatus may include a plurality of shell portions, each shaped to wrap around part of a perimeter of the portable electronic device. The security apparatus may further include a connecting portion that engages at least one of the plurality of shell portions and to thereby couple the plurality of shell portions to each other. At least one of the connecting portion and one or more of the plurality of shell portions may include an attachment device, the attachment device being configured to engage with a locking head, thereby locking relative positions of the plurality of shell portions and the connecting portion.

Abstract: Method for joining the extinguishing system of a mobile unit (1), such as of a vehicle, a carriage connected to a vehicle, a railway vehicle or its carriage, such as a train or train carriage, to an external medium source, in which method a connecting part (7) is arranged in the extinguishing system of the mobile unit, and a counterpart (71) is outside the mobile unit, which parts are connected to each other. The counterpart (71) is arranged in a movable means (70), which is moved between at least one first position, a standby position, and one second position, a connection position, in which case the coupling is automatically formed between the connecting part (7) and the counterpart (71).

Abstract: An improved tarp and ballast system that includes a plurality of panels attached to one another along the lengths thereof, wherein the lengths of the panels correspond to the length of the tarp. The tarp also includes chain pockets located at the sides of the tarp which run the length of the tarp and have chains secured therein. The tarp further includes a plurality of cable pockets and associated ballast anchors oriented across the width of the tarp which are adapted to secure a plurality of ballast cables to the tarp.

Abstract: A process for the production of an acoustic treatment panel that can be connected at a surface of an aircraft, in particular at a leading edge such as an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, whereby the panel includes an acoustically resistive layer (24), at least one alveolar structure (26), and a reflective layer (28), and channels (30) placed between the alveolar structure and the acoustically resistive layer, each channel being bordered by a wall (32), the process including deforming a layer so as to produce furrows at one of its surfaces, flattening and making integral the deformed layer (34) with the acoustically resistive layer so as to border the channels, and removing material in such a way as to eliminate at least a portion of the thickness of the deformed layer (34) in which the furrows are formed between the channels, prior to the assembly of the alveolar structure.

Abstract: A method for practicing a swaging operation is described. A swaging apparatus comprises a housing, a holding unit, and a moveable member. The holding unit on the housing is capable of receiving and holding an inflexible tube and a swage fitting. The moveable member is capable of moving axially along the housing with respect to an axis for the inflexible tube and the swage fitting to connect the swage fitting to the inflexible tube and create a seal between the swage fitting and the inflexible tube.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case for a portable device comprises a first body section and a second body section, each having a back surface and upturned sides, and a rim affixed to an edge of the upturned sides of the body sections, the rim defining an open area. Preferably, the first and second body sections are of contrasting colors and connect to one another to form a cavity defined by the respective back surfaces and upturned sides. Further, the first and second body sections and the first and second rim are preferably all formed of the same material.

Abstract: An alignment tool affords a safe and economical way to install surface casing, eliminating the need to align or delay the installation in speedhead or multibowl well drilling applications. The alignment tool includes two split halves that may clamp onto an existing surface casing. A top plate of the alignment tool may overlay the top flat surface edge of the surface casing, eliminating the possibility of the surface casing coupling to strike the flat edge and obstructing passage. The top plate may include a beveled edge to further help align the surface casing into the conductor pipe.

Abstract: A method of joining multiple components includes stacking the components vertically. Each component includes two opposite substantially planar surfaces that are arranged in a column when the components are stacked. The method also includes placing the stacked components in a clinch-crimping apparatus having a first punch, a second punch, and a crimping element. The method also includes displacing a section of the substantially planar surfaces of the stacked components by driving the first punch in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces. The method additionally includes retracting the first punch from the displaced section and crimping the displaced section by the crimping element to form a crush initiator. The method additionally includes disengaging the crimping element from the crimped, displaced section. Furthermore, the method includes clinching the crimped, displaced section by driving the second punch in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A nut plate assembly includes a nut retainer and a bushing for expanding a tubular body of the retainer. The retainer assembly is used to cold work an opening of a workpiece in order to fix the nut retainer assembly relative to the workpiece. A nut can be snapped into the retainer. A method of installation includes passing a mandrel through the bushing to radially expand the bushing into a tubular body of the retainer. The tubular body is compressed between the workpiece and bushing as the bushing is displaced radially causing corresponding radial displacement of the tubular body. The expanded bushing applies pressure to the tubular body for a desired fit between the nut retainer and workpiece.

Abstract: An arrangement for fastening a body to a surface, the body having a bore defined there through, includes, but is not limited to, a fitting configured for attachment to the surface. The fitting has a first flange and a second flange spaced apart from the first flange. The first flange has a first opening and the second flange has a second opening substantially axially aligned with the first opening. The arrangement further includes a retaining pin configured to extend through the first opening, the bore, and the second opening when a portion of the body is positioned between the first flange and the second flange. The arrangement further includes a cover member configured to be fastened to the first flange and to obstruct outward movement of the retaining pin from the first opening, the bore, and the second opening when the cover member is fastened to the first flange.

Abstract: A fastening system includes a first material having a first hole, a second material having a second hole, a bushing, and a threaded bolt. The bushing is located in the second hole and has a first end abutting the first material and a flanged second for securing the bushing to the second material. A threaded bolt extends through the first hole and into the bushing to secure the first material flush against the second material.

Abstract: A device which processes a cylinder bore of a combustion engine in one working stroke prepares the cylinder bore for a subsequent thermal coating.

Abstract: A fabrication method is provided for making a high efficiency neutron detector using a scintillator medium coupled with fiber optic light guides. The light guides provide light pulses to photo sensor and thereby to high speed analog to digital conversion and digital electronics that perform digital pulse shape discrimination for near zero gamma cross talk.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a loudspeaker including assembling a magnetic circuit and a frame. In the step of assembling the magnetic circuit and the frame, parallelism between a plate and a damper attachment portion of the frame is ensured by bringing an upper portion of the plate and the damper attachment portion of the frame into contact with a jig. In addition, perpendicularity between a magnetic gap and the damper attachment portion of the frame is ensured by bringing an outer circumferential side portion of the plate of the magnetic gap and an inner circumferential side portion of the yoke into contact with the jig. The magnetic circuit and the frame are assembled in such a state. With such a manufacturing method, it is possible to achieve a superior loudspeaker capable of reducing a gap defect while being downsized and having increased maximum input power.