Abstract: A toothbrush that contains an imaging device being camera for seeing teeth on an image display monitor before, during and after cleaning them and for storing and transferring images and videos of teeth and oral tissues for better maintenance of oral hygiene and health. The toothbrush with camera comprises a brush head (1) with bristles (3) and a camera (4), and a hollow handle (2) containing camera assembly. Different embodiments of the toothbrush with camera are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprises: a main body including a handle wall portion defining a rear passage portion, and formed with an elongate slot, the slot being in spatial communication with the rear passage portion; a toothpaste material received in the handle wall portion; and a driving member extending through the slot into the handle wall portion. The driving member is slidable along the slot so that the toothpaste material is moved forwardly onto a bristle mounting surface along the rear passage portion.

Abstract: A cleaning system is provided comprising a compliant pad and a consumable pad for use in conjunction with a variety of cleaning implements. The compliant pad may according to embodiments of the invention provide for both compliance to the contour of the surface being cleaned but also allows for the compliant pad to provide for controlled release of fragrance, solvents, cleaning agents etc within the matrix or matrices provided in its construction. Likewise the consumable pad may provide elements providing dust attraction/retention, abrasion, as well as controlled release of fragrance, solvents, cleaning agents etc within the materials provided in its construction. According to embodiments of the invention the compliant pad and/or consumable pad are water soluble to provide this release wherein the water is provided either from within one or both of the compliant pad and consumable pad or from the cleaning implement to which they are attached.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner having a bump detection system, the vacuum cleaner comprising a chassis having traction means for supporting the chassis on a surface and a cleaner head defining a dirty air inlet, and a body carried on the chassis and being movable relative to it in response to a collision with an obstacle, the body including at least one of an airflow generator for generating an airflow along an airflow path from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a separating apparatus positioned in the airflow path to separate dirt from the air, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises sensing means for sensing relative movement between the chassis and the body.

Abstract: An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a chassis having a drive arrangement and a control system interfaced to the drive arrangement so as enable control of the appliance across a surface to be treated, wherein the drive arrangement comprises at least one traction unit, each traction unit comprising a surface-engaging track constrained around a leading wheel and a trailing wheel, the leading wheel and the trailing wheel being arranged so that a track portion opposing the floor surface and extending between the leading and trailing wheels defines a ramped climbing surface.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner comprising a main body defining a first axis and housing a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, an airflow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet and a separating apparatus arranged in the air flow path between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet, the separating apparatus defining a second axis, wherein the separating apparatus is oriented so that the second axis is substantially parallel with the first axis of the main body and wherein a portion of the separating apparatus protrudes from a forward portion of the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head for cleaning a surface is provided that includes a housing that has a cleaning chamber surrounded by a peripheral wall and open at the bottom, and in which a cleaning nozzle is mounted on a spray arm and is freely rotatable about a rotational axis, and a jet pump for suctioning off cleaning fluid applied to a surface, the jet pump having a pump inlet channel connected to a combining channel via a mixing chamber, and a motive nozzle upstream from the combining channel. To improve the surface cleaning head, the pump inlet channel is oriented radially with respect to the spray arm and connected to the peripheral wall of the cleaning chamber, the diameter of the combining channel is 14 to 18 mm, and the distance between the motive nozzle and the combining channel is at least 10 mm.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds. A vacuum cleaner system for a portable vacuum cleaner having a propane fuel source, a sealed vacuum chamber and a total weight of not more than forty pounds, and having and at least one removably attachable harness, at least one removably attachable carrier shoulder strap, at least one removably attachable handle, at least one removably attachable wheel and/or at least one rolling tray.

Abstract: An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a main body defining an outer plan profile, and having a drive arrangement mounted inboard of the outer plan profile of the main body and configured to propel the appliance in a direction of movement across a surface to be cleaned, a surface treating assembly associated with the main body and carried transversely to the direction of movement, the surface treating assembly being generally elongate in form and having side edges extending substantially at a tangent to respective circular portions of the outer plan profile of the main body.

Abstract: A screen intake system has a body with an open end and a chamber. A flat screen is disposed at the open end of the body. To keep the screen clear of debris, an airburst system has pipes disposed in the chamber. The pipes dispose parallel to one another adjacent the flat screen, and each of the pipes has orifices in a side facing the flat screen. Directors are disposed along the backs of the pipes in a lattice, and each of the directors has a channel in which the pipe disposes. Compressed air released by valves from a tank dispersed from the pipe's orifices. Each of the directors directs the resulting water/airburst from the orifices toward the adjacent flat screen to clear it of debris.

Abstract: Multi-operational mode fluid extractors and associated methods are disclosed herein. An extractor configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a waste fluid tank positioned to receive extracted waste fluid and an air mover proximate to the waste fluid tank. A first airflow connector couples the air mover to the waste fluid tank for drawing a vacuum in the waste fluid tank. A second airflow connector is operably coupled to the waste fluid tank and positioned to be coupled to a suction source that is spaced apart from the extractor. In particular embodiments, heat from air moving through the air mover can be transferred from the air mover cavity into the waste fluid tank.

Abstract: A bushing assembly includes a washer that includes an opening defined therethrough. A cylindrical body includes a first end that is sized to be inserted within the washer opening and an opposite second end. The cylindrical body is fabricated from a smart material that is configured to selectively expand when at least a portion of the body is positioned within the washer opening.

Abstract: A waterproof grommet mounted on a cab of a construction machine is provided, which includes a main body having a cable connection path formed therein and being bent to prevent an inflow of rainwater into the cab, a support plate inserted into and engaged with one side of the cab to support the main body, and a reinforcement rib formed at an end portion of an outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: A shock absorbing damper incorporated into a shock absorbing/door pull-in mechanism includes a piston inside thereof. If the sliding door is moved in a closing direction, one end of a rod connected to the sliding door closes a pressure release hole formed in a central portion of the piston. Then, a resistance to movement of the piston is generated to absorb a shock occurring when the sliding door is closed. On the other hand, if the sliding door is moved in an opening direction, the rod is separated from the piston. As a result, the pressure release hole in the piston is opened and a shock attenuating medium (oil) flows through the pressure release hole and therefore the sliding door moves lightly.

Abstract: A shield is provided for a utensil that includes a handle and includes a shield body having a first opening formed therein. The first opening is open along a perimeter edge of the shield body. The shield includes a locking mechanism attached to a first face of the body and disposed about the first opening and being configured to grasp and hold the handle, thereby attaching the shield to the utensil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hinges and carriage mechanisms adapted to hang a door, window or the like. In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a means of providing height adjustment for a door. The present invention discloses a hinge having a locking mechanism adapted to be operable in a unlocked position, in which the height of the hinge relative to a proximate structure may be adjusted and a locked position, in which the relative height of the hinge may not be adjusted.

Abstract: Counterweight devices and systems for a hand tool, such as a paintbrush, having a forward working end and a handle extending rearwardly along a longitudinal axis, having a distal end, with the hand tool having a center of gravity located on the axis forward of the midpoint between the working and distal ends, are disclosed. A counterweight device includes a counterweight body configured to be mounted to a portion of the handle, and one or more counterweights supported on the counterweight body. The counterweight device is thereby adapted to shift the center of gravity of the hand tool rearward along the axis of the handle to a predetermined extent when the counterweight body is mounted to the handle. A counterweight system includes a set of interchangeable counter counterweights each having a different weight and each configured to be removably attached either to the counterweight body or to a counterweight attached thereto.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a strap ring (1), made from a material woven with warp threads (3) and at least one weft thread (4) extending between the warp threads (3). The woven material is a tubular fabric (11) whose warp threads (3) extend parallel to the axis of extension of the tubular fabric (11), the strap ring (1) being made from an axial section (16) of the tubular fabric (11) which is axially cut up by cutting the warp threads (3).

Abstract: A microphone holder is provided that allows a microphone to be attached and detached by a one-touch operation and to be securely held. A first and a second magnet 77a and 72b are provided at positions where a holding frame 5 and a clamp arm 6 overlap with each other such that different poles are opposed to each other. The magnets are magnetically attached to each other to lock the movement.

Abstract: A magnetic sealing closure, comprising: a. a first flexible strip, with a plurality of cavities adapted to incorporate a plurality of magnetic elements; b. a second flexible strip, with a plurality of cavities adapted to incorporate a plurality of magnetic elements; wherein said sealing closure comprises membranes connectable to said first strip, and a second membrane connectable to said second strip, such that said plurality of magnetic elements of said second strip are embedded within said plurality of cavities between said second strip and said second membrane; when said first and second strips and are brought together from the side of said first and second membranes, magnetic elements of said first and said second strips magnetically attract each other, such that a sealing is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a luggage coupler comprised of a trapezoid-shaped main body piece with two adjustable connecting straps attached to a narrow end of the body where the body is intended to be inserted through and engage the handle of a secondary piece of luggage and the connecting straps are intended to attach to a primary piece of luggage which is pulled by the user. Multiple pieces of wheeled luggage can thus be coupled together in a train arrangement using multiple couplers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a gripping assembly for gripping a sheet of material and attaching the sheet of material to an object is provided. The gripping assembly has a continuous ring-like member having an opening defined by an interior tapered engagement surface, a disk-like member positionable within the opening. The disk-like member has an exterior tapered engagement surface which cooperates with the tapered surface of the ring-like member. A sheet of material, threaded between the engagement surfaces is gripped by the surfaces. The disk-like member has an attachment means with at least one passageway there through. A flexible tie member extends through at least one passageway of the attachment means and is for attaching the gripping assembly to an object.

Abstract: A zipper device for repairing and extending the life of a standard zipper used on boat tops, covers and enclosures, or the tops, covers and enclosures on other equipment that use a zipper for fastening and snapping together their openings. The use of the zipper device of the present invention also widens a standard zipper to provide slack to tops, covers and enclosures on boats and other equipment.

Abstract: Provided is a slider for a concealed slide fastener that can be made compact and smoothly slide even if large transverse pulling force is applied when a slide fastener is closed. A fastener element standing-up is inclined in a horizontal state, by bringing an element rear end section of the fastener element in sliding contact with a pair of second element guide sections extending toward a rear opening from a front end edge of a lower blade. The fastener element is also in sliding contact with a first element guide section disposed on the outer periphery of a guide column, such that the fastener element becomes in a more horizontal state.

Abstract: A Self-Aligning Zipper is disclosed that allows for one handed operation by anyone who would, otherwise use a zipper or use of the Self-Aligning Zipper by those with physical and developmental limitations or equipment such, as cold weather gloves or mittens. The proper alignment of each half of the Self-Aligning Zipper is accomplished by way of magnets of opposite polarity along with structural guide elements to ensure proper alignment and operation of the zipper.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high-strength motor vehicle door hinge from a steel plate blank includes a cold heading step of forming a cylindrical bulging portion at one end of the blank in the width direction, a shaft hole forming step of forming a shaft hole in the cylindrical bulging portion, and a shaft hole finishing step. In the shaft hole forming step, a shaft hole is formed using a first punch having a top end with a shape of a cone and a first die having an inner wall with a gap volume relative to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical bulging portion of the blank.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric speaker, an acoustic diaphragm is thicker than a piezoelectric thin film and is formed of a more flexible and higher elasticity material than the piezoelectric thin film, thereby greatly improving output sound pressure in a low frequency band and reducing sound distortion. Further, the piezoelectric thin film is attached to the acoustic diaphragm in an inclined structure in which the piezoelectric thin film is horizontally turned from the acoustic diaphragm, thereby preventing a standing wave from being created by structural symmetry and minimizing sound distortion.

Abstract: A positioning assembly of a hand rivet nut tool has a rotating sleeve, a mandrel and a positioning ring. The rotating sleeve has a mounting groove formed around an inner surface of the rotating sleeve. The mandrel is mounted through the rotating sleeve and has a positioning groove formed around an outer surface of the mandrel. The positioning ring is mounted in and around the mounting groove of the rotating sleeve and the positioning groove of the mandrel. The mandrel is stably held by the positioning ring in a specific position, so the hand rivet nut tool is able to stably rivet a rivet nut on a work piece. The hand rivet nut tool with the positioning assembly has simplified and optimized positioning effect, and reduced assembling time and cost.

Abstract: Various multicolor writing tools and methods for applying multiple volatile marking substances one at a time. The tool includes a case member, a cartridge member, a cap member, and an optional actuator member. The case member forms an interior in which is disposed the cartridge member with multiple cartridges each containing one of the marking substances and a tip through which the marking substance is applied. The cap member changes and restores its configuration, while the actuator member changes the configuration and exposes one of the tips selected by an user out of the interior when the tool is in use, and then restores the configuration and encloses all of the tips inside the interior when not in use. Thus, the tool opens the cap member in response to input force without requiring the user to engage in a separate maneuver to remove the cap member.

Abstract: A jet pump diffuser weld repair device includes a lower ring section and an upper ring section respectively sized to fit around a circumference of the diffuser on opposite sides of the weld to be repaired. The lower and upper ring sections are provided with a plurality of aligned gripper slots. A corresponding plurality of grippers are fit into the gripper slots, where at least one of the gripper slots and the grippers defines cam surfaces shaped to drive the grippers radially inward as lower and upper ring sections are drawn toward each other. A plurality of connector bolts are secured between the lower ring section and the upper ring section. Tightening of the connector bolts draws the lower and upper ring sections toward each other.

Abstract: It is intended to make it possible to, even in a situation where a program and/or data to be written to a memory device of an electronic control unit provided in an automatic transmission become different in content, depending on a specification of a vehicle to be mounted with the automatic transmission, manage the electronic control unit while distinguishing only by a difference in hardware configurations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in releasing tubing sleeves coupled to one or more bandoliers are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus for use in releasing tubing sleeves coupled to a bandolier includes a feed system and a dislodge system. The feed system is configured to engage a bandolier and selectively position the bandolier in the apparatus. The dislodge system is configured to dislodge tubing sleeves from an initial position on a bandolier propelled by the feed system.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing, a blade carrier coupled to the housing, a blade lock for securing a blade to the blade carrier, and a blade release device coupled to and repositionable within the housing, the blade release device being repositionable to a blade release position at which the blade release device contacts and repositions at least a portion of the blade lock such that the blade can be removed from the blade carrier.

Abstract: A medical instrument holder and method of holding a medical instrument is provided. The medical instrument holder includes a first substantially planar structure having at least a first aperture positioned therein. A second substantially planar structure is positioned approximately parallel to the first substantially planar structure. The second substantially planar structure has at least a second aperture positioned therein, wherein the second aperture is flexible. At least one holding structure is connected between the first substantially planar structure and the second substantially planar structure.

Abstract: A lens assembly tool includes a lens receiving frame having a first surface, a positioning plate positioned on the lens receiving frame, and a pressing plate positioned on the positioning plate and having a second surface. The first surface defines a plurality of receiving holes. The positioning plate defines a plurality of through holes aligned with the plurality of receiving holes. The second surface forms a plurality of pressing punches aligned with the plurality of receiving holes.

Abstract: A binding cover having a transparent overlay cover disposed over and around the spine of the binding is configured to provide a label pocket on the spine portion of the binding cover wherein a label may be inserted easily without tools or rigid label material. In several embodiments the label pocket provides a fixed label space. In another embodiment the label pocket opens along the spine when the binding cover is opened, and returns to a closed position when closed, thereby retaining a label inserted therein. In other embodiments, methods for forming the label pocket are provided.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which meets commercial reflectance criteria.

Abstract: A faucet lever safety lock prevents operation of various faucets by preventing use of the faucets' handles. The faucet lever safety lock may comprise one or more struts configured to locate one or more handle engagement devices at a faucet's handles when the faucet lever safety lock is assembled. The handle engagement devices engage to prevent their movement and operation. The faucet lever safety lock may be secured in an assembled configuration via a coupling device that ensures that the handle engagement devices maintain their relative position. The coupling device may be releasable to allow the faucet lever safety lock to be disassembled to allow operation of the faucet.

Abstract: An elongate beading for attaching a pool liner to a pool wall includes a substantially planar liner attachment portion having an outer surface for attachment to a pool liner and a hook portion having a pair of opposed first and second legs interconnected by a connector portion. The first and second legs and connector portion have inner surfaces defining a channel and the first leg is substantially coplanar with the liner attachment portion. The second leg defines with the connector portion a downwardly facing shoulder and includes a narrowing intermediate its ends which defines first and second sections, the second section being the free end portion which is separable from the first section. The free end portion tapers outwardly from the narrowing towards its free end, includes a plurality of spaced apart raised ribs on its surfaces and terminates in an enlarged protuberance.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a body having an enlarged head at a first end, a tapered ramp at a second end, a cylindrical shank disposed between the enlarged head and the tapered ramp, internal threads, and a cylindrical passage formed through the body between the first and second ends. The fastener further includes a generally cylindrical corebolt having first and second threaded sections separated by a third non-threaded section, the corebolt disposed within the passage of the body and a sleeve having a generally cylindrical passage therethrough and movably disposed over a portion of the corebolt. A nut is in threaded engagement with the corebolt and is disposed adjacent an end of the sleeve. An interface between the corebolt and the nut is configured to resist relative rotation of the nut with respect to the corebolt until the sleeve is in abutment with a workpiece.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a body having a head with an exposed surface at a first end, a tapered ramp at a second end, a cylindrical shank disposed between the head and the tapered ramp, and a cylindrical passage formed through the body between the first and second end. The fastener further includes a cylindrical corebolt disposed within the passage of the body and having an enlarged head at a first end and a sleeve having a cylindrical passage therethrough and movably disposed over a portion of the corebolt. A drive nut is disposed on the corebolt and includes a leading edge disposed adjacent the exposed surface of the enlarged head of the body. The leading edge of the drive nut is rotationally coupled to protrusions extending outwardly from the head of the body.

Abstract: In a method for mounting a base plate on upstanding threaded fasteners of for example a cast concrete support there is provided in the base plate a plurality of adjustable disk members each defining an elongate fastening slot therein for receiving a respective one of the threaded fasteners therein at different positions therealong. Each of the adjustable disk members has a circular outer periphery engaging into a respective plate holes such that the adjustable disk member is supported in the base plate. Each of the adjustable disk members is rotated in its respective plate hole relative to the base plate so as to move the fastening slots relative to the base plate so as to match the fixed located positions of the fasteners.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lens mold core includes the following steps. First, a blade is provided. Then, the blade is driven to a number of cutting points in this order from the peripheral to the center of a molding surface of the lens mold core facing the blade at a fixed pitch less than about 500 nm, according to the manufacturing parameters of the lens mold core. Next, the lens mold core is driven to move toward the blade along a central axis of the molding surface and to spin about the central axis at each cutting point until the blade cuts into the molding surface a desired depth, according to the manufacturing parameters of the lens mold core.

Abstract: The present embodiment provides an algae bioreactor comprising a coaxial configuration for the optimal dispersion of light and gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of replacing a defective sensor (100) of a surveillance system for monitoring in particular the pressure of the wheels of a vehicle (V) of the type of that comprising: wireless sensors (100) disposed in each wheel and a receiver; a unique identifier number being assigned to each sensor (100) thus making it possible for the receiver to identify the signal. This method is noteworthy in that it consists in: removing the defective sensor (100); identifying and logging the unique identifier number of the defective sensor (100); identifying and logging the communication protocol used on the vehicle; assigning said unique identifier number to a new virgin sensor (200, 200?) with neither assigned communication protocol nor assigned identifier number and simultaneously; programming the new sensor (200, 200?) so that it utilizes said communication protocol. The invention also relates to the device D and the sensor 200 making it possible to implement same.

Abstract: A method of forming a rotor lamination assembly for an electric machine includes aligning a plurality of laminations to form a rotor lamination assembly. The rotor lamination assembly includes an outer diametric surface. The method also includes mounting a rotor lamination compression sleeve to the outer diametric surface of the rotor lamination assembly. The rotor lamination compression sleeve radially compresses the plurality of laminations.

Abstract: Provided is a superconducting joining method of first generation superconducting wire, including: removing normal conductor parts from joining portions of first generation superconducting wires to be joined to each other, thereby exposing superconducting filaments; after inserting a superconductor powder into the joining portions, bring the superconducting filaments of the first generation superconducting wires to be joined to each other into contact with each other, and applying a pressure thereon; and causing the first generation superconducting wires that are brought into contact with each other to be subjected to melting diffusion and joined to each other, thereby minimizing a reduction in critical current and joining resistance.

Abstract: A method for producing a diffusion layer of an electrochemical device, including: superimposition of multiple unidirectional webs of carbon filaments, filaments of each web positioned parallel with, and next to, one another; needle punching of the webs, breaking a proportion of the filaments such that broken portions of the filaments are tangled with other filaments of the webs; and cutting a proportion of the multiple unidirectional webs, the carbon filaments forming one electrically conducting outer surface of the diffusion layer. The needle punching is accomplished all the way through the multiple unidirectional webs, and/or through two principal opposite faces of the multiple unidirectional webs, and/or with an impact density against the multiple unidirectional webs of between approximately 100 and 300 impacts/cm2.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte solution is prepared in a divided form as a first solution having a lower solute content rate than the nonaqueous electrolyte solution, and a second solution formed of ingredients of the nonaqueous electrolyte solution excluding ingredients of the first solution. Next, the first solution is injected into a battery case housing an electrode assembly. Then, the first solution is impregnated into the electrode assembly. Subsequently, the second solution is injected into the battery case. Then, the second solution is impregnated into the electrode assembly.

Abstract: In a vacuum container (2), a bag-shaped laminate film (12) containing a battery element (11) and having an opening (12a) is pinched at positions corresponding to two principal surfaces (11a) of the battery element (11), the battery element (11) having a positive layer and a negative layer stacked via a separator. Pressure in the vacuum container (2) is reduced. An electrolytic solution (20) is poured from an electrolytic-solution supply line (4) into the bag-shaped laminate film (12) through the opening (12a) with pressure in the vacuum container (2) kept reduced until the entire battery element (11) is immersed in the electrolytic solution (20). The reduced pressure in the vacuum container (2) is increased to make the battery element (11) absorb the electrolytic solution (20) by means of the difference in pressure.