Abstract: A method of using an inflatable member to customize an article is described. An inflatable member includes at least one adjustable portion. The inflatable member may be inserted into an article. The position of the adjustable portion can be changed according to the size of the article. The inflatable member can also be filled with fluid according to the size of the article. The inflatable member may be used to adjust the size of an article. The inflatable member may be used to apply a graphic to an article.

Abstract: An automatically traveling floor cleaning appliance during travel is capable of traveling over low obstacles extending lengthwise, typically represented by a carpet border, having an upwardly inclined obstructing surface, with a direction of travel at a right or acute angle with respect to a longitudinal extent of the obstacle. The appliance also has an obstacle detector. The appliance is formed so that the obstacle or an area adjoining same may be cleaned using a procedure in which the appliance assumes a direction of travel based on the extent of the obstacle, and with regard to the obstructing surface includes traveling on a floor area in front of the obstacle, and at a lateral distance of an associated boundary edge of the appliance in the direction of travel from the obstructing surface which is smaller than that corresponding to a width of the appliance perpendicular to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus is provided. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a plurality of transfer rollers for transferring a substrate; a liquid chemical feeder supplying a liquid chemical to a first surface of the substrate; wherein the liquid chemical feeder comprises a first housing and a first cleaning roller rotatably installed within the housing and having an upper portion configured to contact with the substrate.

Abstract: An implement washing apparatus is disclosed. A portable, rigid housing defines at least a first basin and a second basin. The first basin has an open top and closed side walls and bottom for containing liquid to soak the implement. The second basin has side walls that include a plurality of bristles in an arrangement directed generally inwardly to a center of the second basin to scrub the implement.

Abstract: A multiuse cleaning tool is provided that includes a head assembly and a cleaning sleeve removably attached to the head assembly. The cleaning sleeve has a first side and a second side. The first side includes a material sufficient for a first cleaning function and the second side includes a material sufficient for a second cleaning function. The head assembly moves between a first position so as to present the first side to a surface to be cleaned and a second position so as to present the second side to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A sleeve for partially covering a paint brush, the sleeve comprising a first substantially flat face and a second substantially flat face joined to each other by side faces, a first opening for receiving a ferrule of a paint brush and a second opening for receiving a shank portion of the paint brush, and at least one guide chosen from the group consisting of a thumb guide, an index finger guide, and a middle finger guide. A brush comprising at least one guide chosen from the group consisting of a thumb guide, an index finger guide, and a middle finger guide.

Abstract: A heated hair-styling appliance for styling hair through heat is provided. The heated hair-styling appliance comprises a heating head having an outer shell covering at least part of the surface thereof, and an inner heat source core disposed within the inner part of the heating head, and a handle attached to a distal end of the heating head. The heated hair-styling appliance works in conjunction with an independent heating unit to heat up the inner heat source core, and the heat source core operationally supplies heat to heat up the outer shell for styling hair after it is being heated. A induction heating unit therefor is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) for an atomizer (2) having a specified outer contour, in particular for cleaning a rotary atomizer (2), comprising at least one cleaning brush (5) for cleaning the atomizer (2), wherein the cleaning brush (5) has a specified brush contour. According to the invention, the brush contour of the cleaning brush (5) is adapted to the outer contour of the atomizer (2) so that the cleaning brush (5) nestles up against the atomizer (2). The invention further relates to a corresponding cleaning brush (5) and to a suitable cleaning method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: A bristle configuration providing enhanced cleaning of teeth. At least one elongated bristle tuft is formed to at least partially enclose an area, and a complementary-shaped tuft is provided in the at least partially enclosed area. The elongated tuft and the complementary tuft have angled profiles angled to a different degree, and preferably also in a different direction. A series of elongated tufts with angled profiles may be provided to form an overall bristle profile providing enhanced cleaning of teeth. In addition, one or more tufts may be provided along the elongated tufts to form another tuft pattern along the pattern formed by the elongated tufts. In one embodiment, the other tuft pattern presents a contoured bristle profile angled to a different degree from the profile of the elongated tufts along with the other tuft pattern is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental hygiene apparatus comprising an interdental brush applicator and interdental stimulator that is flexible to allow users to clean in between their teeth effectively. Users can adjust the angle of the interdental brush applicator and stimulator into a configuration that best suits their particular needs. When flex adjusted, the applicator is able to hold its new configuration while maintaining sufficient strength to allow the user to comfortably maneuver the apparatus to properly clean in between the teeth or stimulate the gums. Furthermore, the apparatus is disposable, rendering it convenient to use after a meal when the user is away from a private bathroom setting.

Abstract: The thermochromic foam cleaning pad of the invention is an artificial sponge made from a foam material that changes firmness or rigidity based on the temperature thereof. The foam also includes thermochromic additives therein that change the color of the foam based on the temperature. This provides a visual indication of the temperature of the foam.

Abstract: Compositions, method, and devices are provided for cleaning surfaces, including glass and plastic surfaces. The compositions include white carbon black. The white carbon black can be combined with a binder to form a white carbon black formulation. The white carbon black formulation can be used to clean various glass and plastic surfaces, including transparent surfaces.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide effective technique for a higher cleaning effect and higher operability of a cleaning element.

Abstract: The present invention is a bathing implement for use in cleansing and exfoliating the body. It is constructed of layers of flexible, water permeable, quick-drying materials, sewn together, which provide the bather with a convenient and enjoyable means of washing the body, exfoliating the skin, and reaching those areas of the back which other implements, such as a back brush, are not able to touch because of the rigidity of a long handle. At the same time, an added benefit of the layered and permeable construction is the abundant sudsing and lather of liquid body wash soaps. Loops sewn on opposite corners can be used as handles so that a person's back can be thoroughly washed with a see-sawing motion when the washcloth is used on the back. Smaller versions of the Exfoliating Washcloth can be used on the face.

Abstract: A display surface cleaning system which includes a display surface cleaning assembly which can be utilized discrete from or coupled proximate a user interactive display surface of a device and methods of using such display surface cleaning assembly.

Abstract: A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a butterfly mop includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to a butterfly mop. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a first and second plate section connected by a hinge. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer of the cleaning pad that contacts the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: An attachment device for a blower cleaning system is disclosed. The attachment device includes a blade housing permanently attached to a tubular attachment member of the blower cleaning system, and a scraper blade removably lockingly engaged in the blade housing. A portion of the upper surface of the scraper blade is configured to form a substantially continuous planar surface with an interior surface of an engagement portion of the tubular attachment member.

Abstract: A round-shaped lid with a curved edge and domed air outlets to collect leaves with a blower/vacuum in suction mode. The leaves shredded by the blower/vacuum are discharged into a connecting pipe which is attached to a lid inserted into the opening of a large debris collection bag. In particular, the lid has three main openings, one for the entry of debris and two for the air outlet. The connecting pipe is made of ribbed plastic and is held to the lid by the sides of a groove and to the blower/vacuum by a plastic sleeve with cable ties. A piece of thick plastic or metal is placed under a plastic membrane and the debris collection bag in order to protect them during movement over the ground. The debris is collected directly into the bag that will be discarded.

Abstract: A wiper connector which includes a connector body and at least one retaining plate, where the connector body has at least one through structure, and one end of the elastic fin is defined as a fastening portion for establishing secure coupling with the connector body. The elastic fin has an opening formed thereon which correspondingly aligning the through structure so that an inserted bolt is retained in the connector body by the retaining plate. The wiper connector is applicable on all bolt-type wiper arms, therefore, fewer disturbances are brought to the users in selection of the wiper connectors. Furthermore, the wiper connector has a simple structure which can be assembled and dismantled easily, where other advantages includes a low damage rate, a high adaptability, and a significant reduce in the expense. Thus, overcoming disadvantages of conventional wiper connectors such as having a complex structure and a poor adaptability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production and to a wiper blade for wiping panes, in particular motor vehicle panes, comprising a support element (12) for receiving a wiper strip (14), to which support element a connecting device (20) is attached, which has a wiper blade-side part (15) having receptacles (34, 36) surrounding the support element (12) at least in some regions. According to the invention, the inner width (42) of the receptacles (34, 36) essentially corresponds to, or is slightly larger than, the thickness of the support element (12).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for cleaning objects, such as refrigeration coils and the like, by placing a first end of a bag over one side of the coils, and placing a second end of the bag over a suction hose of a vacuum. When the vacuum is activated and compressed air (or other gas or liquid) is blown into a second, opposite, side of the refrigeration coils, the dirt removed therefrom is directed toward the interior of the bag and into the vacuum and contained therein. Baffles within the bag direct the flow of dirt and debris toward the vacuum.

Abstract: A cleaning pad for use with a surface cleaning appliance, such as a steam mop, includes a cleaning composition and at least one visually discernible indicator that alerts a user to the condition of the cleaning pad. The visually discernible indicator can change color as the cleaning composition is consumed.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt tank, a tank cover mounted on the dirt tank, and a blower detachably mounted on the tank cover. The blower includes a handle. A latching mechanism located at the handle allows selective attachment or detachment of the blower and the tank cover.

Abstract: A hand-carried vacuuming apparatus is convertible between an enlarged dust chamber configuration and a compacted configuration. During the extended configuration the dust-collecting chamber has more dust-holding capacity than in the compacted configuration, and during the compacted configuration the hand-carried vacuum as a whole is more compact and portable than during the extended configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaning apparatus comprising a vacuum cleaner and a filter bag. When using an empty filter bag, said vacuum cleaning apparatus has a quality factor QWun (defined as QWun=(hsaugun/hfbarun)×? where hsaugun is the vacuum, in [kPa], according to EN 60312, of the vacuum cleaning apparatus with an empty filter bag, hfbarun is the vacuum, in [kPa], in the filter bag-holding compartment with an empty filter bag, and ? is the filtration efficiency, in [%], of the filter bag material) of more than 25, preferably more than 30, and/or when using a partly filled filter bag, the vacuum cleaning apparatus has a quality factor QWteil (defined as QWteil=(hsaugteil/hfbarteil)×? where hsaugteil is the vacuum, in [kPa], according to EN 60312, of the vacuum cleaning apparatus with a partly filled filter bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for clearing up, in particular for removing sand from, areas of grass includes a basic housing, rollers, a blower and a collection container. The apparatus has a low degree of design complexity such that areas of grass can be cleared up in a simple manner, it being possible, in particular, to easily remove sand and other foreign matter from greens of golf courses. The invention proposes providing a nozzle, through which the propelled air which is conveyed by means of the blower flows towards the area of grass, downstream of the blower in the direction of flow, wherein no cutting tool is provided. An inflow opening of an exhaust-air duct is arranged downstream of the nozzle, with a space being left free above the area of grass, in such a way that the air flows substantially horizontally over the area of grass in the space.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance of the canister type, including a separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, a support for supporting the separating apparatus on the appliance, a duct having a fluid inlet for receiving the fluid flow from a fluid outlet of the separating apparatus, and a handle connected to the duct. The duct is pivotable between a raised position in which the separating apparatus can be removed from the appliance and a lowered position in which the duct is connected to the separating apparatus. The handle may be used for moving the duct between the first and second positions and for carrying the appliance.

Abstract: A candy-cane shaped vacuum cleaner attachment is disclosed for cleaning top surfaces of elevated objects, such as ceiling fan blades and rain gutters. The vacuum cleaner attachment includes a preferably tapered straight tubular wand portion able to receive a vacuum supply at a proximal end and from which extends distally a substantially rigid, preferably tapered, tubular curved portion which terminates in a dual-purpose brush coupling and rain gutter tool. The vacuum cleaner attachment may be made in various sizes to fit commercial-off-the-shelf brushes and vacuum cleaners, or may be specially sized for other purposes. Custom brushes may be used.

Abstract: A caster wheel device for a domestic appliance is in the form of a wheel mounting carriage, a dial having an underside forming a cam, a cam follower that contacts the cam, a wheel bracket and a wheel. The wheel bracket retains the wheel within it so that the wheel and bracket pivot about the follower independently of the carriage. The cam follower is attached to the wheel bracket and the wheel is able to trail behind the cam follower to form a trailing wheel caster when lowered.

Abstract: A piston device for the controlled rotatable movement of a closing element anchored to a stationary support structure includes a tubular body removably insertable into at least one seat of a hinge device, an actuating head external to the tubular body, a plunger member slidably movable unitarily with the actuating head between a retracted end position and an extended end position, an elastic contrast member acting on the plunger member for the returning thereof from the retracted end position to the extended end position, and a working fluid acting on the plunger member to hydraulically counteract the action thereof. A hinge device, in which a piston device according to the invention is removably insertable.

Abstract: A vehicle seat articulation mechanism comprising a first member intended to be connected to the seat part, a second member intended to be connected to the backrest, about an axis of articulation, reduction gearing arranged between an input member and the second member, a piezoelectric motor having a rotor connected to the reduction gearing to drive the rotation of the second member with respect to the first member through the reduction gearing, in which the reduction ratio of the reduction gearing is greater than or equal to 150, and in which the nominal rotational speed of the piezoelectric motor is less than 500 revolutions/min. Seat comprising such a mechanism.

Abstract: A hinged and a mechanism for the hinge is described herein.

Abstract: The invention is a disposable cover handle cover for a surgical lighthead, and more particularly to a single-piece, integrally-formed disposable handle cover for a surgical lighthead and the like. The disposable cover includes a single-piece hollow member having a first open end adapted to receive the positioning handle of the surgical lighthead housing a camera and a second open end generally opposite the first end. The second end is closed off by a lens disposed within and integral with the hollow body.

Abstract: In one aspect, an attachable fastener shield includes a flat pad having a length and a width that are at least as long and at least as wide as dimensions of a particular fastener; and one or more loops, each loop being attached to the pad top surface at one or more pairs of points, each pair of points being separated by a horizontal distance that is smaller than the pad width. The attachable fastener shield is configured to be attached to the particular fastener by fitting the particular fastener under the one or more loops and above the top surface of the pad.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanical lever buckle (400) that comprises a buckle base plate (402), a buckle prong (30) and a belt loop element (404) having a belt guiding means allowing to guide a belt in a belt guiding direction. The lever buckle (400) further comprises a lever element (406). The buckle base plate (402) comprises an elongated slit (412) with a direction corresponding to the belt guiding direction that allows to slide the buckle prong (30) in belt guiding direction of the slit (412). The lever element (406) comprises an elongated guiding opening (64) that allows to slide the buckle prong (30) in a first length direction of the guiding opening (64). The lever element (406) is attached to the buckle base plate (402) at a first of its extremities around a first rotation axis (61), such that during rotation of the lever element (406) the buckle prong (30) slides along the slit (412) and the elongated guiding opening (64).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for manufacturing a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener. The method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of plastic monofilaments (such as polypropylene (PP) monofilaments); forming a plurality of loops on each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments such that each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments has a plurality of loop portions and flat portions between adjacent loop portions; covering the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments with a web of substrate; fusing the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments to the substrate so as to fix the plurality of loop portions of the plastic monofilaments onto the substrate; and converting the plurality of loop portions into a plurality of hook elements to thereby producing the hook member that comprises a plurality of hook elements.

Abstract: An anti-theft assembly for deterring theft of a ring is provided. The anti-theft assembly includes a base that can be used to support an electronic article surveillance marker; a product engagement member including a support member that supports the ring during use and a locking member that secures the support member to the base; and an attachment member for securing the ring to the support member. In one embodiment, the support member and the locking member are a single, unitary member. In another embodiment, the support member and the locking member are separate members. Once assembled, upon applying a twisting force to the ring the engagement member rotates within the opening so that the attachment member is not broken.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wafer on which are formed resonators, each resonator including, above a semiconductor substrate, a stack of layers including, in the following order from the substrate surface: a Bragg mirror; a compensation layer made of a material having a temperature coefficient of the acoustic velocity of a sign opposite to that of all the other stack layers; and a piezoelectric resonator, the method including the successive steps of: a) depositing the compensation layer; and b) decreasing thickness inequalities of the compensation layer due to the deposition method, so that this layer has a same thickness to within better than 2%, and preferably to within better than 1%, at the level of each resonator.

Abstract: An undercut tool assembly utilizing a seismic drilling bit designed for insertion for use in enlarging an upper end of a pre-drilled hole for receiving and securely retaining an anchor therein. The bit is mounted onto a drill and has a pivot ring which permits limited tilting movement of the bit body during a drilling process to enlarge the lowermost end of the drill hole. The undercut tool assembly can be used in conjunction and locked engagement with a setting tool in a process to position an anchor in position within the bore hole. In this manner, an anchor can be inserted within the pre-drilled hole, and, when the anchor has been flanged outwardly by conventional means within the hole, the flange portions of the anchor will rest within the enlarged area, thus securely retaining the anchor in place.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a kit and method for operating or operably connecting an American locking cylinder into a European cylinder type mortise lock with the American locking cylinder functioning with the European cylinder mortise lock in place of the European locking cylinder itself. The present disclosure provides a door cylinder conversion kit that converts the European cylinder mortise lock to be operable with an American cylinder.

Abstract: An elevator arrangement includes first and second movable elevator units, the first unit being an elevator car and the second unit being a counterweight, and a roping system including a first roping portion suspending the first and second elevator units, and being locked at least to the second elevator unit, a second roping portion being suspended by the first elevator unit and the second elevator unit, and being locked at least to the second elevator unit. The first and the second roping portions are successive portions of a roping passing unbroken via a locking arrangement provided at the second elevator unit, the locking arrangement locking the roping to the second elevator unit between the first and the second portions. In a method in constructing an elevator, the locking arrangement is unlocked and thereafter the roping is repositioned with respect to the locking arrangement and thereafter the locking arrangement is relocked.

Abstract: A locating ring has a metal body with a ring shape and having a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a center axis defined by the body, a mounting face, and a locating face spaced from and facing opposite the mounting face along the axis. The locating ring has a guard connected to the body and made of a material that is softer than the metal body. The guard is sized to be radially within the perimeter wall and to project axially beyond the locating face.

Abstract: A scaffolding clip and a scaffolding clip applicator tool are provided for fastening a web, such as a retaining mesh, to a scaffolding pole. During use a preferred method includes holding the fastening clip with the applicator, locating the web between the pole and the fastening clip, piercing the web with opposed ends of the clip and disengaging the applicator from the clip. In order to subsequently remove the clip from the pole a loop of the clip is engaged by a catch of the applicator and levered from the pole with a heel of the applicator that extends from opposite the catch and acts as a fulcrum.

Abstract: A baffle has a sidewall and an interior space sized to receive the in-tank pump. The sidewall is formed of a flexible material so as to be longitudinally compressible. The compressibility of the sidewall allows the baffle to be mounted in fuel tanks of varying depths. The baffle is used in a method for mounting an in-tank fuel pump in a fuel tank. The method includes the steps of cutting a hole in a top wall of the fuel tank, inserting the baffle into the tank through the hole, compressing the sidewall of the baffle so that the baffle extends between the top and bottom walls of the tank, installing the in-tank pump in the interior space of the baffle and installing a cover plate over the hole.

Abstract: The present invention involves a cover for a spraying device of a robot which is formed from a polymer with enhanced residue retention properties. The polymer may be processed to increase the surface energy of the polymer. For example, the polymer may be subjected to a corona treatment in order to increase its surface energy. The corona treatment process may be performed on the polymer as received, prior to cutting or otherwise manipulating the polymer. Also, the polymer may be embossed to provide the enhancement. To assemble the polymer into a robot cover, the polymer as received may be cut into individual sections for assembly. The sections may then be assembled to one another by heat sealing the sections together. The heat sealing provides a bond between the individual sections of polymer that secures the individual sections together to create the robot cover. The polymer may also be formed into tubular sections for securing to the spraying device.

Abstract: A system and method for collimation in diagnostic imaging systems is provided. One collimator includes a plurality of parallel hole segments and a plurality of collimator bores within each of the plurality of parallel hole segments. Additionally, all of the plurality of collimator bores in at least one of the plurality of parallel hole segments have a first pointing direction and all of the plurality of collimator bores in at least one other of the plurality of parallel hole segments have a second pointing direction, wherein the plurality of parallel hole segments are arranged in a fanbeam collimation configuration. Further, the first pointing direction is different than the second pointing direction.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent is disclosed. The stent includes a minimum crimped diameter such that in the minimum crimped diameter, a pair of stent rings, between which marker support structures reside, do not make contact with the marker support structures. The crimped profile of the stent of the present invention can be as small as the crimped profile of a same stent but without the maker support structures.

Abstract: An anchoring device including an anchoring element suitable for being anchored an object of construction material with the aid of mechanical vibrations. The anchoring element includes a thermoplastic material and a tool. The thermoplastic material forms at least a part of a radially outer surface of the anchoring element, and the tool has a proximal portion and a broadening portion distally of the proximal portion. The broadening portion has an outer second cross-section, the second cross section being larger than the first cross section but being adapted to the first cross section so that the tool can be moved with respect to the anchoring element while the broadening portion is in the axially-extending opening and locally expands the anchoring element while thermoplastic material of the anchoring element that surrounds the broadening portion is in a solid state.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and utilizing a construction aid for the construction of a mechanical structure is provided. Specifically, the disclosure may provide a visually transparent or semi-transparent, adhesive template capable of conforming to objects having curved and/or flat surfaces including indicia marked on portions thereof indicating, for example, the location, size, and type of fasteners to be used, or other construction information, is provided. The indicia may be comprised of lines and symbols of differing size, shape and color, as well as verbiage for additional assembly instructions. The adhesive template may be either visually or mechanically indexed to the mechanical structure.