Abstract: A surface maintenance vehicle with quick release squeegee assembly and a method of connecting a squeegee assembly to the brush deck of a floor surface maintenance vehicle. A single release latch may be used to connect and disconnect the squeegee assembly and the brush deck. When engaged, corresponding locating structures on the brush deck and a frame of the squeegee assembly align the brush deck and the frame and provide points where the relative movement between the brush deck and frame are restricted.

Abstract: A surface maintenance vehicle with a compact side brush assembly. The side brush assembly includes a brush deck, a parallel linkage assembly, a swing arm, and an actuator assembly. The brush deck carries a floor-engaging brush. The parallel linkage assembly permits pivoting of the brush deck about a lift axis to raise and lower the brush deck. The swing arm is adapted to rotates to swing the brush deck towards and away from the floor surface maintenance machine. The actuator assembly includes a linear actuator and a slip link.

Abstract: A gauge wheel assembly for a hand held portable power tool has first and second gauge wheels arranged on opposite lateral sides of a working attachment of the tool to contact the ground and gauge the height of the working attachment relative to the ground. The gauge wheel assembly includes a clamp assembly that clamps to an outer surface of a tubular boom of the tool. First and second arms extend outwardly from opposite lateral sides of the clamp assembly and have distal portions that support the gauge wheels adjacent to the lateral sides of the working attachment. A plurality of mounting locations are provided in the distal portions of the first and second arms for adjustably mounting the gauge wheels to the arms. The working attachment can be a rotary sweeper that extends in a cantilever fashion from a center gearbox attached to the tubular boom.

Abstract: The curved-head electric toothbrush includes an elongate housing having a drive assembly contained therein. The housing provides a handle portion and a tapering section that holds a curved brush mount. The curved brush mount has a plurality of rotatable brush units mounted thereon. The brush mount is shaped to conform to the curved row of teeth of a user's mouth. The drive assembly drives one of the brush units, and the rest of the brush units are driven by the driving brush unit so that adjacent brush units rotate in opposite directions. Each brush unit includes curved, outer bristles and straight, inner bristles, the former for cleaning the outer side surfaces and the latter for the top surface of teeth. In use, the curved-head electric toothbrush simultaneously cleans substantially the whole row of teeth with minimal manual manipulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with an adjustable brush assembly and characteristics associated with improved storage of such a device. A user may adjust the brush assembly with respect to the housing without needing to move the wheels. The hopper assembly may include a panel movable to be placed in at least two orientations, thereby allowing a user to change the volume within which the hopper assembly may collect debris. Methods are also disclosed for adjusting the brush assembly and for storing a lawn sweeper unit.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable cleaning disc 12, a housing 14 for mounting the cleaning disc 12 on, a motor 16 for driving the disc 12 rotatably, and an illuminatory power band 210, the power band 210 itself comprising at least one light-emitting element 212, and at least one outer screen 214 for the at least one light-emitting element 212, the illuminatory power band 210 spanning a circumference of the device 10 at least one of totally, substantially, in pattern, the illuminatory power band 210 thus being visible from all angles for a user. In a preferred embodiment, the power band 210 is located about a base of the housing 14, and may have multiple light-emitting elements 212 and screens 214. The power band 210 may work in conjunction with a pressure-activated function of the shoe cleaning device 10. In a second embodiment which does not span a circumference of the device 10, the power band 210 is at least 16 mm in dimension, and more preferably at least 25 mm.

Abstract: A surface maintenance vehicle with a compact cleaning head lift mechanism and suspension. The cleaning head lift mechanism and suspension adjust a scrub head to an operational mode and a transport mode, yet remain compact such that they are confined to specific areas of the surface maintenance vehicle.

Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a first pipe portion connected to a second pipe portion at a pipe intersection; a pig carrier located at the pie intersection; and the pig carrier comprising a plurality of pigs in a cylinder, an opening in the carrier aligned with the first pipe portion, and an indexing system adapted to move one of the pigs to the opening.

Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a pipe loop comprising a first end and a second end; a pig shuttle connected to the first end and the second end; a first opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the first end of the pipe loop; a second opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the second end of the pipe loop; and a slot within the pig shuttle movable between the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: A mop head which provides for both the reliable securement of a cleaning element to the mop head and for simple and efficient installation and removal of the cleaning element from the mop head is presented. The mop head includes a first securement member and a second securement member adapted for securing a cleaning element to the mop head, wherein the first securement member is pivotally connected to the second securement member at a pivot joint. The securement members are movable about the pivot joint into a use position and change position. The cleaning element can be mated to the securement members in the change position and movement of the securement members to use position secures cleaning element to the mop head for use. A latch locks the securement members in the use position to prevent movement of the securement members about the pivot joint.

Abstract: A brush, in particular a toothbrush, comprising a head part with a cleaning structure featuring bristles, a hand part and a neck part, and a cavity located in the head or neck part comprising at least one outlet opening for an active substance. In one embodiment, the cavity incorporates an active substance element, which contains the active substance in a carrier material and releases said substance in a controlled manner when it comes into contact with water. In another embodiment, the cavity is adapted to the shape of an active substance element by means of defined external contours. The volume of the cavity is preferably 1-2 times and no more than 4 times greater than the volume of the active substance element, ensuring that the latter is preferably surrounded by water during use. This allows the active substance to be effectively metered and ensures the brush is easy to use.

Abstract: A cleaning device for golf equipment that is attachable to a wheel is disclosed. The device generally comprises a cleaning support surface for attachment of one or more cleaning accessories. The cleaning support surface is formed in a substantially bowl shape, having a front surface and an opening in place of a rear surface. A perimeter edge is formed along the bottom edge of the cleaning support surface. The perimeter edge includes one or more attachment members for attaching the device to a wheel, such as a golf cart wheel or the like.

Abstract: An adapter for a windshield wiper assembly includes a head having a sloping portion, and a body connected to the head, the body including a pommel that contacts the head, a notch formed in the body adjacent the pommel, a back extending away from the notch, and a recess formed under the back. The head is narrower in width than the body, and longer in length than the body.

Abstract: An adapter for a windshield wiper assembly includes a hooking portion adapted to receive a hook of a wiper aim, an attaching portion adapted to be connected to a wiper, and a connection portion attached to the hooking portion and the attaching portion at opposite ends. The hooking portion and the attaching portion are positioned in a side-by-side configuration and are parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper coupler that releasably attaches the superstructure to a wiper arm attachment member. The wiper coupler includes a pair of side walls each having a flange to engage a portion of the guides of the attachment member and further includes an elevated platform and a deck each disposed between the sidewalk. The deck and a portion of the sidewalk define a rest to receive the track of the attachment member. The wiper coupler further includes an aperture between the elevated platform and the deck. The aperture receives a portion of the bent tab of the attachment member to facilitate attachment between the superstructure and the attachment member conventionally employed for use with a beam blade-style wiper assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper assembly that includes a wiping element and a tournament-style superstructure to support the wiping element. The wiper assembly further includes a wiper coupler that releasably attaches the superstructure to a wiper arm attachment member. The wiper coupler includes a pair of sidewalls each having a flange to engage a portion of the guides of the attachment member and further includes an elevated platform and a deck each disposed between the sidewalls. The deck and a portion of the sidewalls define a rest to receive the track of the attachment member. The wiper coupler further includes an aperture between the elevated platform and the deck. The aperture receives a portion of the bent tab of the attachment member to facilitate attachment between the superstructure and the attachment member conventionally employed for use with a beam blade-style wiper assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are an autonomous mobile cleaner, and a method for moving the same. A user's intention may be estimated based on a size and a direction of a tensile strength applied to the air pipe, and a cleaner body may move according to the user's intention. This can allow the cleaner to autonomously move. Besides, the autonomous mobile cleaner can always and precisely detect a user's operation without having interference with obstacles, using a displacement of the air pipe. Further, the fabrication costs can be reduced and displacements in all directions can be calculated, by using a hall sensor and a magnet member. Further, a user's efforts to operate the cleaner can be minimized, and can be prevented damages of the air pipe, a connection part between the air pipe and the cleaner body, etc. due to an excessive force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blower vacuum device and in particular to a blower vacuum device for use in the collection of garden debris. The device is preferably one which is operable in a blowing mode to generate an air stream for blowing the debris into piles and also operable in a vacuum mode to suck debris into the device.

Abstract: A floor tool for a surface treating appliance, comprising a suction opening through which a dirt-bearing fluid flow enters the floor tool, and an agitating apparatus comprising a rotatable body having an outer surface which is substantially covered with filaments having a surface resistivity in the range from 1×10?5 to 1×1012 ?/sq.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a dirty-air inlet provided in a main suction chamber of the cleaner head, an outlet duct extending from the main suction chamber for connection to a suction source, and a rotating brush bar housed inside the main suction chamber for agitating a floor surface contacted through the dirty-air inlet. The brush bar is driven by an air-cooled motor housed inside a hollow section of the brush bar, the motor having an air intake and an air exhaust fluidly connected to one another to form an air cooling path through the inside of the motor. The air intake is connected to a clean air inlet on the cleaner head and the air exhaust is fluidly connected to the outlet duct by an exhaust duct which bypasses the main suction chamber.

Abstract: Ductwork (1) for arranging at least one pipe through an opening (2) in a partitioning (3), including a flange (4) having an outer periphery area (5) and a central area (7) which is formed with a guide opening (8) for every pipe, the flange (4) being provided with a number of mounting apertures (11), the flange (4) having an inner side (9) and an outer side (10) opposite the inner side (9), where the inner side (9) is adapted for bearing against one side (6) of the partitioning, wherein the ductwork (1) further includes a connecting arrangement mounted in each mounting aperture (13), the connecting arrangement including force transmission means (15) with an operating member (22) disposed over the outer side (10) of the flange, and with a shank (17) extending through the mounting aperture (11), a clamping means (23) disposed on the shank (17) of the force transmission means and which is displaceable around and/or along the shank (17) by actuating the operating member (22), and an engagement arrangement (19) dis

Abstract: A caster assembly of the present invention includes a fixation base, a rotary base which is rotatably disposed on the fixation base, a wheel which is rotatably disposed on the rotary base, and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is disposed on the rotary base. The brake mechanism can be activated to abut against the wheel and the fixation base, so that rotations of the rotary base and the wheel are obstructed. Thus, stably fixation function is provided.

Abstract: Hinge, to connect flat closing element to household appliance body in correspondence to a body opening, including: first supporting structure to bind to structure or front bearing wall of the body, second supporting structure to bind to flat closing element, first and second connecting elements to connect the first and second supporting structure, and elastically deformable member interacting with at least one of the two connecting elements, to push the closing element against the body opening. The first and second connecting elements and at least first and second portions respectively of the first and second supporting structure form sides of an articulated quadrilateral lying in one or more planes, perpendicular to the flat closing element. The quadrilateral for opening and closing the closing element between operative positions has hinge elements of external portions of the first and second connecting elements to the first and second portions of the supporting structures.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between open and closed positions and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. A hinge pin assembly cooperates with the hinge members and has aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position the hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions. The locking components may include a mechanical override device to prevent damage.

Abstract: An attachment device (10) adapted for use with at least two retainers (14), the device (10) including at least two mountings (44), each for engagement with a retainer (14), wherein when a first one (14a) of the retainers is engaged with the device (10) it cannot be detached from the device until another retainer (14b) has been engaged with the device (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to secure a coiled portion of an electrical cord, a cable, or a rope. An exemplary embodiment has a coil securing portion with an interior surface, a collapsing portion joined with the coil securing portion, and a means for securing the coil retainer in a collapsed position. The coil securing portion and the collapsing portion cooperatively define a substantially tubular interior region and an opening, wherein the interior region is configured to receive a coil portion inserted through the opening when the coil retainer is in an open position. The coiled portion is frictionally secured by the interior surface of the coil securing portion when the coil retainer is secured in the collapsed position.

Abstract: Installed in a container for locking opposing first part and second part of the container, a magnetic snap fastener is disclosed to include a male snap member having a stud with an engagement portion and a magnetic attractive member fixedly mounted in one side of the engagement portion, and a female snap member having a socket with a socket hole for receiving the engagement portion of the stud of the male snap member and a magnetic attractive member fixedly mounted in one side of the socket for attracting the magnetic attractive member of the male snap member when the engagement6 portion of the male snap member is attached to the socket hole in the female snap member.

Abstract: A lingerie comprises a panel, a first and second strap, and a signal-activated fastener. The first and second straps are coupled via the signal-activated fastener which is housed inside a housing. The signal-activated fastener unfastens when it receives a signal, causing the housing to decouple from the end of one of the straps and pulling the entire lingerie with it so that the lingerie falls off from the wearer's body.

Abstract: A simple, easy to manufacture, replacement zipper pull for zippers and slide fasteners suitable for mounting and safely displaying cabochons and jewels is described where a solid blank body with a display surface for mounting a cabochon or jewel, has an open hexahedral slot, drilled, routed, molded and/or cast, penetrating into the blank body beneath the display surface, and where transverse passageway is created within the blank body having a width greater than that of the slot for establishing a base-end of the slot and creating an anchor hole in each side of the slot for receiving outward extending distal tips of legs of a U-shaped, spring wire bail sized for insertion into the hexahedral slot, where the distal tips of the legs of the U-shaped spring bail span outward to a width greater than the width of the hexahedral slot, and snap into the created anchor holes at the base-end of the slot, for securing the blank body to the loop tang atop a zipper or slider fastener through which the U-shaped spring bail

Abstract: Disclosed is a clamping collar which includes a belt made up of two belt portions, each of which has a first end provided with a tightening tab and a second end provided with an assembly member. The assembly members are suitable for co-operating to assemble the second ends together in a releasable manner. The collar also includes tightening means suitable for co-operating with the tightening tabs so as to move the tabs relative to each other once the second ends are assembled together, in such a manner as to tighten the collar.

Abstract: A masonry wall protection device includes a first member, a second member and a tensioning belt. The second member includes a vertical second leg that defines an outer edge that includes a position slot, and a horizontal second leg. The first member includes a vertical first leg, and a horizontal first leg that has a top edge that defines a plurality of position slots and further defines a bore that is sized and shaped for sliding receipt of the horizontal second leg. The horizontal second leg is slidingly positioned through the bore so that the distance between the vertical first and second legs can be adjusted to approximately equal the width of the top of the masonry wall. The tensioning belt is positioned between the first and second members fully stretched such that the vertical legs are firmly positioned a selected distance apart.

Abstract: An adjustable clamping device is provided. The device includes a first and a second clamping body, an adjusting mechanism and an elastic member. The first clamping body includes a first jaw formed with a first locking member and a first connecting portion formed with first limiting portion. The second clamping body includes a second jaw formed with second blocking member and a second connecting portion formed with at least two second limiting portions. A jaw opening is formed between the first and second jaws. The adjusting mechanism includes a shaft which is rotatably positioned at the first limiting portion and selectively positioned at one of the second limiting portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary buckle assembly for harness. The assembly is adapted to selectively secure or eject the tongue plates for the straps of the harness. The buckle assembly includes a mechanism for automatically releasing the harness in the presence of water.

Abstract: A releasable two-part buckle having a first part and a second part is provided. The first and second parts have forward and rearward ends. A hook extends towards the forward end of the first part, while an arm extends towards the forward end of the second part. The hook has a first engagement surface. The arm has a center axis and a loop with a second engagement surface. The arm moves between an engaged state having the engagement surfaces engaged at a contact surface and a disengaged state having the engagement surfaces disengaged. In some embodiments, the buckle is configured so that the contact surface bisects the center axis in the engaged state. In other embodiments, the buckle is configured so that, when in the engaged state, a tension applied to the buckle induces substantially no bending moment in the arm towards the disengaged state.

Abstract: This inurnment container (urn) for cremated remains is designed for use in a Cemetery mausoleum and to occupy the cavity between a sealed Crypt and its decorative facing. The depth of this container and the design to fit this limited available space within the cavity will allow the use of previously unutilized space for the interment of the cremated remains immediately adjacent to an occupied Crypt without the necessity of disturbing the sealed Crypt.

Abstract: In the method for monitoring flexural vibrations of a piezoactuator, a small-signal spectrum of a piezoactuator, which is provided and mounted for the purpose of exciting longitudinal vibrations, is measured and an excitation of a transverse vibration in the piezoactuator is detected from resonances occurring in the small-signal spectrum.

Abstract: A rivet setter has a holder for holding a blind rivet prior to said rivet being set by means of the setter. The holder has a central cylindrical passage, the diameter of which is somewhat greater than the diameter of the mandrel. At least two, preferably three clamping jaws, which are guided in radial slots so as to be radially and axially displaceable, act on the mandrel. The width of the slot is smaller than the diameter of the mandrel.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for automatically assembling a bearing assembly includes a base, a transferring mechanism, a first assembly mechanism, and a second assembly mechanism. The transferring mechanism is movably mounted on the base, for transferring and positioning the bearing seat. The first assembly mechanism is mounted on the base adjacent to the transferring mechanism, for installing the bearing and the bushing into the mounting hole of the base. The second assembly mechanism is mounted on the base adjacent to the first assembly mechanism, for installing the latching ring into the latching groove of the bearing seat.

Abstract: A structural arrangement for use in an extractor of disposable syringe needles uses a needle extraction means with two interlocking parts (11 and 12) that move in a pincer-like manner, gripping the needle. A lateral lever (1) causes the inner pair of pincers of the device to move downwards, extracting the needle from the plastic tip. A capsule (6) for containing the needles removed from the plastic tips can be introduced into the lower portion of the body of the extractor. The top of the extractor is provided with a cover (2) that can be lifted for introducing the plastic tip into the device, with no contact of any kind between the operator and the needle. The upper portion of the extractor, when it is closed with the cover, has a funnel-shaped geometry (14), which prevents the user from accidentally pricking his or her hand when placing a syringe in the device in order to extract the needle.

Abstract: A device providing assistance in working of mechanical components, such as pipes, including a flange including parts assembled together such that they can pivot to occupy a closed position in which they are joined to one another. A clamping device can be actuated when the flange is closed. The flange also includes supporting elements used to connect rails to the parts with limited relative movement therebetween. Adjacent end faces of the rails include corresponding surfaces that are shaped to co-operate and establish a connection as the flange moves into the closed position. Each connection: guides the end faces in relation to one another and into a working position in which the rails form a guide track for the tools, and assists in maintaining the position when the clamping device is actuated.

Abstract: An alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second pitch link retainers, wherein the distance between the retainers is adjustable to accommodate the length of the pitch link; and a measurement system for measuring the displacement of a rod end from an adjustment member of the pitch link, comprising first and second measurement reference points fixedly associated with the first and second retainers, respectively. Another alignment tool for a pitch link comprises first and second retainers having an adjustable distance there between; and a stabilization mechanism for stabilizing the tool on a surface. A method for adjusting and aligning a pitch link, in part comprising the steps of securing the pitch link to the alignment tool; measuring and recording a baseline length displacement of the pitch link; loosening the pitch link jam nuts; and adjusting the pitch link on the alignment tool to match the previously recorded displacement.

Abstract: In a system and a method for positioning a processing tool in relation to a workpiece, an object alignment mark and the workpiece are situated on a first object. In addition, a workpiece alignment mark is situated on the workpiece. The processing tool via which the object alignment mark is detectable is situated on a second object, which is disposed so as to be displaceable along at least one movement direction in relation to the first object. Furthermore, an alignment sensor is disposed thereon, with whose aid the object alignment mark and the workpiece alignment mark are detectable. In addition, a scannable measuring standard, which extends along the at least one movement direction, is disposed on the second object. At least two scanning units for scanning the measuring standard are situated on the first object in order to thereby determine the relative position between the first and the second object along the movement direction, the two scanning units having a defined offset.

Abstract: A temporary suspension element comprises a rectilinear guide with a threaded end, and a catch which can swing between a guiding position and a retaining position. The element can temporarily replace screws that attach a structure under a support, during the attachment or disassembly of said structure. The attachment and the disassembly of the structure can then be performed by a single operator.

Abstract: A method of permanent assembly between at least a first part formed of a first material on the one hand, and at least a second part formed of a second material on the other hand which is configured to confine the first part in the permanent assembly.

Abstract: An overall fitness trainer and can be a wall mounted unit that can utilize clip resistance bands as well as other techniques. These bands generally clip on the unit and onto different handles, bars and attachments to perform exercises. The unit can have a removable/adjustable pull up bar, dip bar and seat. It also includes a spring loaded, pull pin carriage that moves freely up and down a vertical spine. This allows for easy adjustment of the carriage and allows the user to attach the bands at multiple angles, widths and levels. This in turn increases the number of exercises the user can perform on the unit. The unit can be attached to the wall with lag bolts into two or more studs.

Abstract: A method for connecting components includes the acts of providing a first component, fixing the first component in a space, where the exact position of the first component in a space does not have to be known or is unknown, determining the exact position of the first component in a space by a position recognition device, which generates the position data that correspond to the position of the first component, attaching or producing at least one first fixing element on the first component by an electronically controlled device, which attaches or produces the at least one first fixing element in a specified position relative to the first component using the determined position data, and fixing a second component on the first component, where a second fixing element, which is provided on the second component, forms a detachable connection with the first fixing element.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing light panels having at least one re-entrant turning feature. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a light panel includes providing a base layer, providing a cover layer, and coupling the cover layer to the base layer to form at least one re-entrant turning feature between the base layer and the cover layer. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a light panel includes providing a base layer, forming at least one receiving space in the base layer, providing at least one prismatic block, and coupling at least a portion of the prismatic block into the receiving space such that re-entrant turning features are formed between the prismatic block and the base layer.

Abstract: A trellis support system comprises a vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions, the front portion comprising an aperture, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a horizontal cross arm perpendicular to the vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wail portions dimensioned to match the front and side wall portions of the post, the front portion comprising a tab member dimensioned to engage the first portion of the aperture and a lock member positioned adjacent the tab member and dimensioned to engage the second portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A method and device for locking of a support ring (8) to a scaffolding column (1), wherein the support ring (8) is formed with a through opening (10), and wherein the support ring (8) fits in a complementary and displaceable manner onto the scaffolding column (1), and wherein the method comprises:—providing an external mantel surface of the scaffolding column (1) with a longitudinal column track (4);—providing an inner mantel (12) of the support ring (8) with a ring track (14);—displacing a support ring (8) along and around the scaffolding column (1);—positioning the column track (4) and the ring track (14) next to each other; and—displacing a thread body (22) into the column track (4) and the ring track (14) during rotation of the thread body (22) about a longitudinal axis (28) thereof, a column track depth (6) and a ring track depth (16) having a collective depth being smaller than an external thread diameter (30) of the thread body (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use locate a first piece of a two piece fastener assembly, for example a nut of a nut and bolt fastener assembly on a blind side of a fastener hole in a structure wall where the fastener hole on the blind side of the wall is not manually accessible or not easily manually accessible. The apparatus then holds the nut in alignment with the fastener hole enabling the bolt of the fastener assembly to then be inserted through the fastener hole from the structure exterior and connected to the nut in the interior of the structure.