Abstract: Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.

Abstract: The dental cleaning appliance includes an appliance body (30, 73) which has a bristle field housing (32, 52) and fluid within the housing. A flexible membrane (34) is positioned within the housing, or in a fluid-tight relationship (54) within an opening (60) in the housing. A fluid pressure system involving either a dual piston system (22, 24, 28) or a pump and valve system (70, 68, 68) provides pressure on the fluid, wherein the pistons move alternately, or the valves open and close alternately, in such a manner to produce alternating pressure above and beneath the membrane, moving the membrane and the bristle field toward and away from the teeth.

Abstract: A mop head assembly having: a base plate member with a generally flat bottom portion adapted to receive a flexible cleaning member; and an electric motor mounted on the base plate member at a laterally centered position thereon and having a rotatable shaft with an asymmetric weight mounted thereon, the shaft projecting downwardly from the electric motor and oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate bottom portion, wherein rotation of the asymmetric weight on the shaft causes the base plate to vibrate primarily in a plane parallel to the flat bottom portion. A cover member that covers the electric motor and which is positioned over other components mounted on the base plate is also described.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device 10 comprises a rotatable cleaning disc 12, a housing 14 on which the cleaning disc 12 is rotatably mountable, a horizontally mounted motor 16, mounted sideways within the housing 14 to maintain an extreme low profile, and a non-centrally configured gearbox 68, non-central to a central axis of the cleaning disc 12, non-centrally configured to allow the sideways mounted motor 16 to be housed within, or substantially within a circumference of the cleaning disc 12, the device 10 thus maintaining both an extreme low profile and an extreme compact diametric profile. Preferably the housing 14 encapsulates the motor 16, forming a mounded pinchgrip 38 for gripping by a user. Preferably there is provided a pressure activated unit 62 so that pressurizing of the pinchgrip 38 activates the device 10, which is intended to provide an intuitive interface.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for removing snow and ice from the roof top of a truck, trailer, bus or similar vehicle is mounted atop a converted flatbed trailer for ease of relocation from one site to another for use. The addition of a height adjustable scraper or plow blade that is operator controlled to remain in contact with the roof of the vehicle being cleaned is provided with a self-contained front-to-back and side-to-side stabilization mechanism to prevent damage to the tops of vehicles by gouging or tearing the roof top.

Abstract: A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has plural squeegee blades joined by a head. The head has a slot therethrough. A sheet may be longitudinally move over one or more than one of the blades to renew its surface before, during or after use. Each squeegee blade may have a dedicated sheet. The sheet(s) may travel through the slot to originate from or be stored within the head.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.

Abstract: A customizable, disposable mop and method for customizing a disposable mop to have different floor contacting surface properties is disclosed. The mop (10) includes a floor contacting surface area (26) having a length and width and floor contacting surface properties. The outer layer (24) of the mop (10) has two or more partitions in covering relation over an inner layer (22). One or more of the outer layer partitions (28, 30, 32) is selectably separable along a seam from covering relation over the inner layer (22) or over two or more respective partitions (34, 36, 38) in the inner layer (22). The outer layer (24) and inner layer (22) partitions have a selectable mopping characteristic for customizing the properties of the floor contacting surface area (26) of the mop (10).

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a head frame and a cleaning elements assembly attached thereto with tooth cleaning elements extending from one or more carriers. One or more central carriers can be suspended via a flexible bridge between a pair of support carriers attached to the head frame. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central carriers to move from an initial position toward the head frame during use. The bridge may include rigid supports and flexible elastomeric supports. The carriers and the bridge can be formed as a unitary assembly attached to the head frame, such as via mechanical connections. The mechanical connections could include snap-fit connections.

Abstract: A scuff mark remover device for effectively and economically removing scuff marks from accommodating floors. The scuff mark remover device includes a support assembly including an elongate support member having an end; and a scuff removing member being removably retained adjacent to the end of the elongate support member.

Abstract: An abrasive cleaning glove comprises a cleaning glove. The cleaning glove comprising a hand portion mechanically coupled to a cuff. The hand portion is made of a material. The material comprises a plurality of warp threads around a series of waft threads. The plurality of warp threads and the series of waft threads are in a pattern that reveals several surface heights caused by various needle pitches to enhance cleaning.

Abstract: Cleaning sheets are provided, which attach to known wet and/or dry cleaning devices such as a mopping device. The cleaning sheets are reusable and have material and/or a geometric configuration that provides efficient cleaning performance, while maintaining a predetermined cleaning force during use.

Abstract: A domestic air treatment apparatus such as a vacuum cleaner comprises a fluid flow path including a dirt inlet and a clean air outlet. A suction motor and a treatment member are provided in the flow path. The fluid flow path comprises a portion that has a bend, such as an elbow, wherein all portions of the fluid flow path through the bend have a cross sectional area that is at least about the same as a cross sectional area of the inlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of rebuilding a sootblowing system of a recovery furnace, said sootblowing system including a plurality of sootblowers (1), and each sootblower (1) including a frame (10), a moveable carriage (14) supported by the frame (10), a motor (2) for moving the carriage (14), a lance tube (11) mounted on the carriage (14) to be insertable into and retractable from the recovery furnace (8), said lance tube (11) having at least one nozzle (12), and a steam feed tube (45, 35, 15) connected to the lance tube (11) for feeding sootblowing steam to be ejected through said at least one nozzle (12) into the recovery furnace, said steam feed tube (45, 35, 15) having a first valve (3) arranged to admit steam through said at least one nozzle (12) only when the carriage with the lance tube (11) is in an activated position, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing waste material from a surface is provided. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a vacuum suction head and a waste receptacle for storing waste material that are vacuumed through the suction opening head. The waste receptacle has a discharge port through which waste material stored within said waste receptacle may be discharged for emptying said waste receptacle. A fluid passage is configured at one end to be connected to a source of pressurized water by a garden hose. A first spray nozzle is connected to an end of the fluid passage and configured to jet fluid from the fluid passage in a direction away from an operator and against material on the surface.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes an air treatment member. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A suction motor housing sidewall may comprise a plurality of openings provided in a first side thereof. An outer housing may comprise a longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall having an outer housing air outlet. At least a portion of the suction motor housing that has the plurality of openings is located in the outer housing and spaced from the longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall to define a passage between the outer housing and the suction motor housing. The outer housing air outlet may be angularly spaced around the outer housing with respect to the first side of the suction motor housing.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing dust from power tool operation are disclosed. The system comprises a debris-collecting accessory that includes a body and a nose. The nose has an opening for a toolbit and at least one suction port that opens into an interior volume of the housing. The body has a second end configured to couple to a power tool. An exhaust tube attaches to the exterior surface of the body such that an interior volume of the exhaust tube connects to an interior volume of the housing. An exit passage is coupled to the exhaust tube and is configured to couple to a vacuum.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow path. At least one cyclone is positioned in the air flow passage. An associated dirt collection chamber is exterior to the cyclone. The cyclone and the suction motor are positioned side by side and have generally parallel longitudinal axes. The dirt collection chamber may surround part of the suction motor. Alternately, or in addition, a pre-motor filter having an enhanced surface area may be provided by configuring the pre-motor filter to extend outwardly of the pre-motor filter, such as by overlie part of the cyclone or the dirt collection chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an auto-return apparatus of a glass door, comprising a clamping base, a damper and a misalignment adjuster. The clamping base is secured onto the glass door and comprises a securing axle. The securing axle comprises an eccentric cam and the damper is received within the clamping base and abuts the eccentric cam of the securing axle to provide resisting force for door opening and closing. The misalignment adjuster comprises a moving plate and a securing means. The moving plate comprises a long slot provided for the securing means to pass therethrough and a mounting slot provided for the securing axle to be connected thereto such that the moving plate moves together with the clamping base along the extending direction of the long slot and relative to the securing means in order to achieve the objective of adjusting misalignment of the glass door.

Abstract: A patch fitting for a glass door includes a mount for being mounted on a floor, a shaft connected with the mount, a clamping seat pivotally connected with the shaft, and a piston unit installed inside the clamping seat. When the glass door is sweeping to open or close, the clamping seat will turn along with the sweeping movement of the glass door about the shaft and the piston unit will be pushed by an eccentric cam of the shaft to press the hydraulic oil contained in the clamping seat so as to provide a damping resistance in response to the sweeping movement of the glass door. The patch fitting can be easily installed on the floor by a simple work.

Abstract: A hinge support includes a brace, a trestle, and a positioning device. The brace includes a base wall and a first side wall, a second side wall, and a positioning wall that extend from the base wall. The first side wall has a first sloped surface, and the second side wall has a second sloped surface. The trestle includes a top wall and a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a support wall that extend from the top wall. The third side wall has a third sloped surface, and the fourth side wall has a fourth sloped surface. The positioning device is supported by the support wall and positioned to abut the positioning wall to mount the trestle to the brace. The third sloped surface slides along the first sloped surface and the fourth sloped surface slides along the second sloped surface under control of the positioning device.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a clamshell device thereof are disclosed. The clamshell device includes a first cover and a second cover and the first cover can rotate with respect to the second cover via the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a main body, an elastic component, and a base. The main body is connected to the first cover and includes a shaft and a projecting part. The elastic component covers the shaft. An internal diameter of the elastic component matches with an outer diameter of the shaft so as to generate a friction force. The first cover can be maintained at any angle by the friction force. The elastic component has a groove used for connecting with the projecting part when the main body rotates to a specific angle. The base is connected to the second cover and has a stop structure used for fixing the elastic component.

Abstract: A seat positioning device includes a swingable support pad secured to a hinge, which is secured to a wheelchair seat back via a hardware assembly. The hinge includes a frame bracket with primary and secondary flanges having a rotatable barrel secured therebetween. A lock plate locking flange, sized to be receivable within a barrel locking groove formed in one end of the barrel, is spring-biased into a locking aperture in the secondary flange and toward the barrel locking groove. The barrel can rotate until the locking flange, locking aperture, and locking groove are aligned and the locking flange is allowed to lock the hinge in position by entering the locking groove through the locking aperture. The hardware assembly is configured to position the hinge so as to minimize the extent to which the pad extends beyond the side of a wheelchair when the pad is in a stowed position.

Abstract: A dual-axis hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of a portable device and has a connecting bracket, an upper rotating bracket, a lower rotating bracket, an upper active gear, a lower active gear and a transmission gear assembly. The connecting bracket is mounted between the upper and lower rotating brackets. The upper and lower active gears are connected respectively to the upper and lower rotating brackets. The transmission gear assembly is connected between the upper and lower active gears to adjust a velocity ratio of the upper and lower active gears. Therefore, the cover and the base align with each other without a drop whether or not the upper and lower active gears are the same in teeth number or whether or not the included angles between the upper and lower rotating brackets with the connecting bracket are the same.

Abstract: A weight assembly for a faucet being fixed on a hose and contains a body including an open groove with a first opening, a vertical height of the groove being slightly more that a diameter of the hose, a horizontal depth of the groove along a Y-axis direction being larger than the diameter of the hose; the body including a hole, an upper receiving seat, and a lower receiving seat; a first retaining member received in the hole, the upper and the lower receiving seats, and including an open locking recess with a second opening; the locking recess including a concavely arcuate defining fence; a vertical height of the second opening on the Z-axis direction being equal to or more than the vertical height of the groove; a second retaining member used to screw with a top end of the first retaining member.

Abstract: A tool system is disclosed having a body including a handle extending therefrom, a detachable head including a working tool, and a multi-part connector for detachable connecting the head to the body, the connector including opposed, flexible members positioned on the body towards an end of the body and means on the head for connecting with the opposed flexible members, the opposed flexible members and the means for connecting with the flexible members working in concert to detachably secure the head to the body. The handle of the tool system can be offset with respect to the axis of the body and the detachable head.

Abstract: A handle for receiving a cleaning article, such as a dusting device. The handle has one or more tines which are disposed outboard of a reference plane. This geometry provides a friction fit for receiving a removable cleaning device on the tines, without substantial interference. The friction fit retains the cleaning article on the handle during use while reducing tearing which occurs during installation.

Abstract: A clamping device (1) is adapted to receive and retain a portion (21) of a strip (20), and to actively tighten itself around the strip portion (21) under the influence of a pulling force. This is functioning in such a way that the higher the pulling force, the higher the force with which pushing parts (31) of the clamping device (1) are pushed. This results in a firm clamping connection. On the basis of this functioning, the clamping device (1) can be embodied in a form which has an open side, while maintaining a high capacity of withstanding loads. This results in the advantageous property that the strip (20) can be placed in and removed from the clamping device (1) in a sideward direction. This allows for detachment and reuse, and increases speed and convenience of use. The strip (20) does not need to be inserted in a closed shape. Various other applications than in a tie wrap (10) are possible for the clamping device (1), including applications in tension belts.

Abstract: A device for gripping a cable is presented that has a retention member rotatably disposed within a cable guide such that upon entrance of the cable within an entrance port, the cable moves between the retention member and a wall, causing the retention member to simultaneously rotate and move toward the exit port and away from the wall until it abuts the exit wall and rotates in place as the cable is pushed out the exit port. When the cable is pulled toward the entrance port, the retention member simultaneously rotates and moves toward the entrance port and the wall, wedging the cable between the wall and the retention member.

Abstract: A clamp collar of the annular band type is provided, and includes a connecting mechanism for connecting at least one pair of adjacent ends of the band, and to a run-flat device intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle mounted assembly incorporating same. This clamp collar includes a band, preferably made of metal, having at least one pair of ends spaced apart in the circumferential direction, connecting mechanism for connecting the or each pair of ends together with adjustable tightening in this direction and a locking member for locking the connecting mechanism. The locking member is mounted solid with one of these ends being able to occupy an unlocked position in which it is disengaged from the connecting mechanism for tightening and loosening the collar and a locked position in which it engages with them to oppose this loosening.

Abstract: In a clip for fastening to a strip or rib, in particular on a motor vehicle, having a single-piece body made of plastic that has a retaining region, the retaining region has a receiving slot with an insertion opening and a locking finger. The locking finger is attached to a first guide section and extends from its fastening end in the insertion direction and in the direction of a second guide section. The locking finger has an insert that forms a tongue projecting from the free end of the locking finger.

Abstract: A mechanical coupler that separates at a pre-determined ambient pressure.

Abstract: A silencer patch including a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a set of hook-and-loop-type fasteners disposed on the first surface of the body, wherein the set of hook-and-loop-type fasteners includes either a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops and is configured to releasably secure the first surface of the body to a corresponding set of hook-and-loop-type fasteners disposed on a first separate body; and an alternative fastener disposed on the body and configured to releasably secure the second surface of the body to a corresponding alternative fastener disposed on a second separate body, wherein the alternative fastener is not a hook-and-loop-type fastener.

Abstract: A plastic clip for fastening an article in the region of an end face of a flat workpiece comprises a base section, including a first and a second leg extending from the base section to form a U shape, and a fastening section connected to the base section and operable to fasten the article to the clip. The base section and the legs are made of a relatively hard plastic material and the legs can be elastically expanded relative to one another in order to accommodate the workpiece between their inner sides. An anti-slip section made of a relatively soft plastic material is provided on at least one of the inner sides.

Abstract: An elongate resealable closure mechanism that includes a first base member and a second base member. Each of the first and second base members extends longitudinally between opposite ends thereof. First and second parallel spaced apart pairs of opposing interlocking members extend longitudinally between opposite ends and project from opposing interior surfaces of the first and second base members. The first and second parallel spaced pairs of opposing interlocking members have a constant profile between the opposite ends. A plurality of partial indentations extends longitudinally along an exterior surface of the first base member between the first and second pairs of opposing interlocking members.

Abstract: A pin fastener includes a cylindrical body into which a pin is inserted, a coil spring wound on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body, and an outer cylindrical body surrounding the outer periphery of the cylindrical body and coil spring. A cut is provided in the cylindrical body, and a linear fastening portion of the coil spring is fitted into the cut, thereby forming a pin fastening narrowed portion between the fastening portion and a wall portion of the cylindrical body opposed thereto.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed casket enclosure comprising a tray; a bottom cover adapted to be housed within the tray and having an open perimeter equipped with a first half of a zipper; a top cover adapted to fit over a casket and proportioned to mate with the bottom cover wherein the top cover has an open perimeter equipped with a second half of a zipper which corresponds with and engages the first half of the zipper so as to join the top cover to the bottom cover; and a clasp for sealing a start end and a finish end of the zipper.

Abstract: Device and method for producing a unidirectional (UD) layer from a predetermined number of filament strands. Device includes a dispenser arrangement structured and arranged for delivering the predetermined number of filament strands, and a storage arrangement, structured and arranged for temporary storage of the predetermined number of filament strands. The storage arrangement includes separate storage parts for each of the predetermined number of filament strands. Device also includes a spreading arrangement and an outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding metal and forming tubing combines two metal-forming operations into a single process. Tubing, such as that used for filters, is desirably expanded so that air or liquid may pass thru “diamonds” formed in the tubing. Expanding metal and forming tubing is accomplished in a single, continuous process by first slitting and expanding the metal, and then locking its seams to form a spiral pipe. This avoids depending on vendors for delivery of expanded metal at fluctuating prices, eliminates intermediate steps of handling the coils, and eliminates rusting while the expanded steel coils await formation into tubing. Tubing made from expanded metal may be used for air filters, oil filters, water filters, separators and other types of filters. Double-wall HVAC ducting systems or silencers can also use expanded material for reducing heat transfer and noise.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding metal and forming tubing combines two metal-forming operations into a single process. Tubing, such as that used for filters, is desirably expanded so that air or liquid may pass thru “diamonds” formed in the tubing. Expanding metal and forming tubing is accomplished in a single, continuous process by first slitting and expanding the metal, and then locking its seams to form a spiral pipe. This avoids depending on vendors for delivery of expanded metal at fluctuating prices, eliminates intermediate steps of handling the coils, and eliminates rusting while the expanded steel coils await formation into tubing. Tubing made from expanded metal may be used for air filters, oil filters, water filters, separators and other types of filters. Double-wall HVAC ducting systems or silencers can also use expanded material for reducing heat transfer and noise.

Abstract: A pipe adjustment tool for use in aligning the confronting ends of a pair of pipe sections having a joint therebetween provides a frame having a seating surface for acting against an exterior surface of a pipe section. The seating surface being disposed at a 45-degree angle relative to a threaded bore of the frame. A flexible clamping member is attached to the frame at one end and is a of length to substantially encircle the pipe section. The opposite end of the clamping member is received and secured by a retainer. The retainer and the frame are connected together by an articulated joint formed by a ball-shaped end of a threaded bolt extending through frame and a ball-shaped socket in the retainer. The retainer and frame are movably relative to each other by operating the threaded bolt to provide tension in the clamping member about the pipe section.

Abstract: A method of repair includes removing a deformed portion of a component to define a native component portion and adding a replacement portion to the native component portion. The replacement portion is adaptively machined based on one or more parameters of the native component portion and based on one or more original design parameters of the component.

Abstract: According to the present invention, penetrators can be adequately determined as flaws. In particular, a welded zone of a pipe is subjected to ultrasonic flaw detection at least in a pipe axial direction, and the quality of the pipe is evaluated using observed values in units of a predetermined area in a pipe thickness direction and the pipe axial direction. The length of one side of the predetermined area is an ultrasound beam width or more and a pipe thickness or less. The quality of the pipe can be evaluated while shifting the predetermined area in the pipe axial direction by using an average value of the observed values within the predetermined area. The length of one side of the predetermined area can be made an ultrasound beam width or more and a pipe thickness or less.

Abstract: A system and method of making a part, including capturing an actual tridimensional surface of each part to obtain a corresponding digitized actual surface, performing a tridimensional comparison between the digitized actual surface of each part and a nominal tridimensional surface, generating an actual location and orientation of an operation to be performed based on the tridimensional comparison, and performing the operation on the part based on the generated actual location and orientation of the element.

Abstract: A method for dismantling a furnace having a multilayered refractory structure including: a furnace shell; a containing layer that is formed of a containing refractory that contains asbestos, and covers the inner side of the furnace shell; and a multilayered non-containing layer that is formed of a non-containing refractory that contains no asbestos, and covers the inner side of the containing layer, the method includes: a primary dismantling process; and a secondary dismantling process conducted after the primary dismantling process. In the primary dismantling process, the non-containing layer is dismantled from a furnace-core side thereof but the containing layer and at least one layer of the layers forming the non-containing layer, which is in contact with the containing layer, are left as a remnant. In the secondary dismantling process, the remnant is dismantled while asbestos measures are implemented.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating wiper arm, as well as a spoiler, a special feature of which is that the spoiler as a separate constructional element is detachably connected to the wiper blade.

Abstract: A method for centering an engine structure such as a bearing housing is provided which may be used, for example, during assembly of a mid turbine frame or other engine case structure. In one aspect, the method includes using spacers with respective radial spokes which connect inner and outer portions of the case. In another aspect, centering may be provided by machining selected contacting surfaces of selected components.

Abstract: A modular range system and method utilizes a plurality of substantially pre-assembled range modules configured to be interconnected together, using combination kits, such that a variety of range configurations can be achieved using a relatively small number of stocked substantially pre-assembled range modules.

Abstract: A floating power generation assembly comprises at least three floating units (900) floating on a body of water, and at least three anchors (916) secured to a solid surface beneath the body of water, each of the floating units (900) being provided with a power generator, the floating units (900) being arranged substantially at the vertices of at least one equilateral triangle. Ship-borne apparatus for deploying the floating units of such a power generation assembly and a novel multiple wind turbine assembly are also described.

Abstract: A method for producing a weather strip, includes an extrusion step for extruding a non-vulcanized and non-foamed rubber into a predetermined shape, a coating step for coating a treatment liquid containing a simple sulfur, a sulfur compound, or both of the simple sulfur and the sulfur compound on an outer surface of a sealing part of a non-vulcanized and non-foamed intermediate molded body that is molded by the extrusion step, and a vulcanizing and foaming step for forming a skin layer in a non-foamed state by heating and vulcanizing a surface of the treatment liquid, and forming a sponge layer by vulcanizing and foaming the non-vulcanized and non-foamed rubber that is internal from the skin layer by passing the intermediate molded body on which the treatment liquid has been coated during the coating step through a heating zone, the steps being performed when molding the extruded part.