Abstract: A supporting spring system for furniture for sleeping, sitting or reclining, having a plurality of elongated, resilient carrier profiles that have a longitudinal axis and that run parallel to each other, form a common plane, and preferably are mounted on a frame or on longitudinal members. The carrier profiles have at least one reinforcement that is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis, and the profiles can be rotated about the longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto in order to change their flexural stiffness against a force in the direction perpendicular to the common plane.

Abstract: There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a person support assembly, and a siderail. The person-support assembly is coupled to the frame and is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position. The siderail is movably coupled to the person support assembly and configured to move therewith. The siderail is in a first angular orientation with respect to the frame when the person support assembly is in the first position and in a second angular orientation with respect to the frame when the person support assembly is in the second position. The first angular orientation is substantially the same as the second angular orientation.

Abstract: A siderail assembly includes a guide, a support frame coupled to the frame and movable between first and second positions, and a barrier coupled to the support frame and movable therewith. The siderail assembly further includes a handle coupled to the barrier to move between a first position and a second position relative to the barrier. The siderail assembly may include electronic controls to change the position or limit movement of various portions of a patient support apparatus on which the siderail assembly may be coupled.

Abstract: A sheet anchoring system is provided to restrain the periphery of a fitted sheet on a bed, where the sheet anchoring system includes a plurality of pivotable clips each having a first end and a second end with engaging friction surfaces to grasp between the surfaces a portion of the periphery of the sheet without the need for a spring or other force-biasing mechanism. The second end also has engaging surfaces forced into engagement by the weight of the mattress on top of the second end when the second end is placed between the mattress and a box spring below the mattress.

Abstract: A patient support (10, 14) includes a source of pressurized air (64), a bladder (30), a valve (66) in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air (64) and to the bladder (30), a pressure sensor (28) in fluid communication with the bladder (30), and a controller (26) responsive to a pressure signal from the pressure sensor (28). The controller (26) may determine a rate of change of pressure within the bladder (30) and may store historical pressure data.

Abstract: A robotic patient positioning assembly including a patient treatment couch, and a robotic arm coupled to the patient treatment couch. The robotic arm is configured to move the patient treatment couch along five rotational degrees of freedom and one substantially vertical, linear degree of freedom.

Abstract: An arm support for a surgical table is described which includes a C channel coupling having an upper plate, a lower plate and a web plate connecting the upper place with the lower plate. A cradle, which is capable of supporting at least one arm, depends from the lower plate. The C channel is extended from below through a face opening in a surgical table to secure the apparatus to the surgical table.

Abstract: A patient lifter is provided which includes a pair of side members with a patient support extending therebetween. Arcuate front supports extend from a first end of each side member and the inside bend of each arcuate front support generally faces the patient support. A handle at a second end of the side members facilitates a lift. As the lift begins, a first mechanical advantage is effected by the patient being relatively close to a fulcrum of the lifter. Large vertical travel by the lifting force results in relatively little vertical travel by the patient. As the lift progresses, and the one doing the lift is in a better position to exert additional lifting force, the fulcrum shifts to provide a second, lower, mechanical advantage, but the patient moves further in the vertical direction relative to the vertical travel of the handle.

Abstract: A Firefighter Rapid Emergency Extraction device or F.R.E.E. Sled, is an emergency piece of equipment that acts as a rapid removal sled in which to apply to a downed firefighter, FF, within moments of locating or arriving at the victim. The F.R.E.E. Sled allows for the low profile loading and packaging of the downed FF as well as a securing strap for the RIC bag and air supply unit so that it stays with the victim. The instant invention allows the rescuer to quickly retrieve the compactly stored sled from the storage compartment of their own response vehicle, enter, locate and package the victim without the need for converting the gear that may be worn by the victim-firefighter. The F.R.E.E. Sled easily allows the operations level rescuer to secure the harness system in low-to-zero visibility environments with the “Twin Strap-Two Snap Buckle” method faster and more efficient than any other device available in the rescue art without having to remove the rescuers' protective gloves to accomplish this task.

Abstract: A mattress system includes a core mattress and a mattress cover. The core is made from a resilient material with a top surface that may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The removable mattress sheet covers the core and includes a breathable material that forms a hammock over a depression in the top surface. The subject rests at least partially on the hammock. One or more sidewalls of the mattress depression may have one or more openings to facilitate air circulation within the depression. The external ends of the openings may connect to an air or aerosol source to inject air or aerosols into the depression cavity. The core may be coated with a fire retardant, impermeable water-proofing or gas impermeable layer. A ventilator may be adapted within the mattress.

Abstract: A method of swaddling a baby includes providing a blanket having a pair of spaced-apart sleeves attached to the blanket and a pair of leg openings that extend fully through the blanket. Each leg opening is located generally beneath a respective one of the sleeves.

Abstract: Components, such as bedding components including mattresses are disclosed herein. The components include a first layer, a fire-resistant layer affixed to the first layer or an optional additional layer, and a fire-resistant sock. The first layer, the optional additional layer, and fire-resistant layer are disposed within the fire-resistant sock.

Abstract: A sensing device is configured for placing in an air cushion bed below air bladders thereof to detect an exact state of the bed in use, and includes a first and a second sheet connected together to define an air chamber therebetween. The air bladders and the air chamber are communicable with one another via inflation valves on the first sheet and are synchronously and identically inflated. First and second sensing elements are disposed outside and inside the air chamber, respectively. The first sensing element has deformation and acceleration sensors arranged thereon for monitoring how the bed reacts to a patient lying thereon and the manner in which the bed is being used. The second sensing element includes upper and lower conductive sensing sheets and an electrical connection state therebetween is used to detect whether the air bladders are sufficiently inflated. Thus, the air cushion bed is safer for use.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a mattress including a plurality of cells provided on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body, and a pressure control means that changes a setting of a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. An elastic cushion layer is provided on a body pressure working surface of the cells, and a constricted portion is formed in a middle in the height of the each cell so that the body pressure working surface of the cell is allowed to tilt following deformation of the cushion layer as a result of the cells' precession-deformation at the constricted portion.

Abstract: A nursing bed, including at least a net-shaped fabric with a mesh opening, and a bearing frame wherein the net-shaped fabric includes a warp and a weft interwoven in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides selectively deployable worker access with fall protection to at least a portion of the top of a container has a gangway that is configured to be retrofitted to an elevated platform from which the gangway and a fall protection cage is selectively deployable over the top of the container. The fall protection cage is connected to the gangway via a fixed stanchion and an abutment that is adjustably disposed outboard of the fixed stanchion and connected thereto via at least one selectively length adjustable screw member.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A first panel is rotatably coupled to the ramp portion about a first axis so that movement of the ramp portion between the stowed position and the deployed position moves the axis along an arcuate path. The ramp assembly further includes a guide that maintains a fixed position relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A second panel is slidably associated with the guide and is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis.

Abstract: A gangway construction 1 for providing access between a vessel 3 and an offshore object 33 comprises a support frame 2 and a movably guided gangway 10. A guiding assembly comprises an upper and lower rotatable pulley wheel 5, 6. A first cable 8 is connected to the frame or the gangway at a forward and backward connecting position 16, 17 and extends in a longitudinal direction between this forward and backward connecting position. With this the first cable 8 extends from its forward connecting position 16 towards the lower pulley wheel 6, is guided in for example a counter clockwise direction along at least part of the circumference of the lower pulley wheel 6 and in for example a clockwise direction over at least part of the circumference of the upper pulley wheel 5, and from the upper pulley wheel 5 extends towards its backward connecting position 17.

Abstract: The mouthpiece carrier assembly (12) is adapted and configured to receive the upper and lower teeth of the user. The mouthpiece carrier assembly is driven such that the bristles mounted on the teeth-facing surfaces of the mouthpiece assembly contact said surfaces and provide a cleaning effect therefor. A plurality of bristle sections (30, 32, 34, 41, 44) are secured to the teeth-facing portions of the mouthpiece assembly, wherein the bristle sections each have bristles which have a particular configuration and are otherwise adapted to provide effective cleaning for an associated dental region.

Abstract: A model train car or engine wheel cleaning device includes a cradle having a base plate and side walls. Cleaning strips are mounted on the side walls and a spring loaded core is located there between. The core is moveable between a neutral position and a compressed position. Conductive strips are positioned on top of the core. Electrical contacts are electrically connected to the conductive strips. During use, the core is in the compressed position and the rail contact surfaces of the wheels contact the cleaning strips. When cleaning a model train engine with motorized wheels, the wheel rims are in contact with the conductive strips and an electric current is supplied to the electrical contacts, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned. When cleaning a model train car with free-spinning wheels, the car is manually moved back and forth, causing the wheels to turn and be cleaned.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising at one of its ends, a handle, and at its other end, a head carrying bristles on one of its sides. A stainless steel cladding covers the head and the handle. As a variation, the head and handle can be made of stainless steel with a plastic plate attached to the head and carrying bristles. As an option, a tongue scraper can be incorporated at the tail end of the handle. As yet another variation the handle can carry a thermochromic material to provide a measure of temperature or to display an image or a text message.

Abstract: Toothbrushes comprising components with light transmitting and structural characteristics provide enhanced visual and other sensory effects. The components in combination are generally chemically compatible and function to provide areas of varying visibility of features. At least one of the components may include a scenting agent.

Abstract: A tool and kit for cleaning and/or cleaning validation which includes a handle, a tip, and an ejection mechanism connected to the handle that is capable of ejecting a cleaning element (such as a swab, brush, or applicator) from the handle without the need for a user to handle the cleaning element. The cleaning element is seated on the tip and can be ejected from the handle either with or without the tip on which it is seated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that efficiently scrubs and massages a surface without the need for a washcloth and effectively inhibits growth of mold and bacteria. The apparatus is designed to fit within a human hand to facilitate ease in use. The material that the apparatus is made from can be quick drying and antibacterial. The apparatus can be used on both humans and animals for grooming.

Abstract: A liquid applicator is configured to apply liquid to a contoured surface. The liquid applicator includes a frame with a laterally extending base and a plurality of elongated fingers spaced laterally along the base. The fingers flex to follow the contoured surface when a liquid application force is applied. The liquid applicator also includes a flexible applicator pad assembly supported on multiple ones of the fingers. The applicator pad assembly is operable to carry liquid and is flexible at least generally with the fingers so as to follow the contoured surface during liquid application.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first expansion unit in which a first expansion member is received and the first expansion unit is connected to a cylinder which has a piston received therein and the piston defines a first room and a second room in the cylinder. The piston has a first magnetic member which magnetically drives a movable member with a second magnetic member connected thereto. The movable member moves along the cylinder. A cleaning unit is co-movably connected with the movable member. By expansion of the first expansion unit by the sun, the movable member is moved and the cleaning unit is moved along the glass surface. The action consumes no electric power.

Abstract: A polymeric pivot body for a windshield wiper system includes a bracket portion adapted to attach a pivot shaft assembly of a windshield wiper system to a portion of a vehicle and a sleeve portion connected to the bracket portion for receiving and orientating a pivot shaft of the pivot shaft assembly. The pivot body also includes a tube receiving portion connected to and extending outwardly from the sleeve portion for receiving one end of a unitizing tube of a linkage assembly to interconnect the unitizing tube to the pivot shaft assembly. The pivot body further includes at least one I-beam portion interconnecting the sleeve portion and the tube receiving portion in a cost-effective manner while having a lighter weight and reduced stresses, and uses no tools for assembly of the windshield wiper system.

Abstract: A connection member that includes right and left side walls; a shaft support portion that is swingably fitted onto a support shaft that is provided at the blade main body; upper and lower pieces that are formed so as to be continuous from the shaft support portion; and projections that come into sliding contact with inner side surfaces at the opening are formed on outer side surfaces of the right and left side walls, wherein: the shaft support portion and the upper piece are integrally formed so as to bridge the right and left side walls, the lower piece is formed so as to be separated from the right and left side walls by a groove, and outward projection amounts of the projections are larger at the lower piece than at the upper piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a wiper arm for a window wiper device for a motor vehicle, with an upper arm portion, on which a mount is provided, in order to fix the wiper arm detachably to a wiper drive of the window wiper device, and a lower arm portion, which is pivotably connected to the upper arm portion, as well as at least one wiper blade holder which is pivotably connected to the lower arm portion, characterized by producing the wiper arm in a multi-component injection-molding process in which, in a first process step, the upper arm portion is injection-molded along with at least one first pivot pin formed on it by means of a first material component in a partial portion of a cavity, in a second process step the lower arm portion, pivotably connected to the upper arm portion, is injection-molded along with at least one second pivot pin formed on it by means of a second material component in a second partial portion of the cavity by encapsulation of the first pivot pin, and i

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) with a supporting element (12) which has two interconnected spring rails (30), and with a wiper strip (14) which is received by the spring rails (30) in a manner allowing it to be exchanged. It is proposed that one end of the wiper strip (14) is connected fixedly to a thickened portion (74, 98, 100, 108, 110, 112, 114) by means of which the wiper strip (14) can be fixed relative to the supporting element (12).

Abstract: A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, an elongated scrubber element and a motor. The scrubber support structure is configured to attach to a windshield wiper. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber support structure and is engaged with the scrubber element to reciprocally move the scrubber element along the central longitudinal axis. A portable power source mounted to the scrubber support structure may provide power to the motor.

Abstract: A handheld blower has a body including a combustion engine and a blower section driven by the combustion engine, and a handle coupled to the body. The blower section has an air outlet directed forward with respect to an operator. The handle has a grip portion extending in a front-back direction with respect to the operator, a front arm extending from a front portion of the grip portion to the body, and a rear arm extending from a rear portion of the grip portion to the body. The front arm and the rear arm are more flexible in the front-back direction than in directions perpendicular to the front-back direction.

Abstract: A lightweight cleaning device including a vacuum component combined with a broom is described herein. The vacuum is connected to the handle of the broom opposite the bristle portion of the broom. The handle may be inserted into the vacuum or the vacuum may be inserted into the handle portion of the broom. The vacuum may be removably attached to the handle.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has a lid that selectively opens or closes a filter bag compartment. A secondary motor protection filter is removably mounted in the lid by a frame of an elastic material that simultaneously seals the secondary filter element to the lid and seals the lid onto the bag compartment. An air passage flows between the secondary filter and the lid through a duct to the suction motor compartment. A perimeter groove in the lid receives a spline of the elastic frame of the filter element in a removable manner, while the opposite surface of the frame forms the seal surface relative to a housing rim around the bag compartment.

Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a main body having a downwardly-directed suction opening and at least one surface engaging support member, a front agitator and a rear agitator, with each agitator being rotatable relative to the main body, and a mechanism for rotating the front agitator and the rear agitator. The front agitator has a relatively flexible pile and the rear agitator has relatively stiff bristles arranged to dislodge matter from the pile of the front agitator. The pile of the front agitator and the at least one surface engaging support member extend downwardly beyond the bristles of the rear agitator so as to space the bristles of the rear agitator from a relatively hard surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for a bushing that compensates for thermal expansion and contraction to maintain a preload on a corresponding structure at various operating temperatures. According to embodiments described herein, a bushing may include two bushing components coupled to a load compensation sleeve between the two bushing components. The load compensation sleeve may have a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) greater than the two bushing components and the corresponding abutting structure. The configuration of the bushing components and load compensation sleeve, along with the corresponding CTE characteristics, maintains the preload imposed by the two bushing components on the structure throughout operations at various temperatures.

Abstract: A rotary hinge assembly includes a hinge housing including at least one interior chamber. A spring disposed within the hinge housing provides a torque on an attached door while in an opened and closed position. A rotor rotatably disposed within the at least one interior chamber includes at least one rotor vane that moves in relation to a stationarily mounted stator having at least one stator vane. A fill plug includes a plurality of entrance and exit holes disposed in relation to the stator and rotor vanes to define a fluidic damper assembly. A valve disposed within the fill plug permits selective adjustment of the fluidic damper by restricting or opening the entrance and exit holes of the fill plug.

Abstract: An auto-closing device has a base, a cylinder, a slider, a spring and an adjusting device. The adjusting device is connected to an end of the spring opposite to the slider and has an adjusting frame and an adjusting bolt. The adjusting frame has a first end connected securely to the spring and a second end provided with a threaded hole. The adjusting bolt is mounted rotatably on the base and is screwed into the threaded hole in the adjusting frame. Accordingly, when the adjusting bolt is rotated, the adjusting frame is moved relative to the body so that the pulling force provided by the spring is adjusted to fit with different door panels with different weights.

Abstract: The invention is a hinge having a first joint part a second joint part and at least one articulated axle element. A locking device selectively locks the first joint part relative to the second joint part. A basic element is arranged at the first joint part. A holding device, having at least one articulated axle seat, is arranged at the second joint part. The articulated axle element is arranged at the articulated axle seat, and is arranged at the basic element. The locking device has at least one first clamping plane arranged at the articulated axle element, and a first clamping element arranged at the holding device. The first clamping element comprises a second clamping plane. The first clamping plane is located at the second clamping plane to lock the first joint part in relation to the second joint part.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim component hinge assembly includes a rotatable component, and a shaft disposed through the rotatable component. The hinge assembly also includes a first friction disk rotationally coupled to the shaft, and a second friction disk rotationally coupled to the rotatable component. The hinge assembly further includes a biasing member configured to urge the first and second friction disks toward one another to establish a friction force that provides resistance to rotation of the rotatable component about the shaft.

Abstract: A hinge device has a first part and a second part, which are intended to be attached to a door frame and a door, respectively. The first part and the second part are rigidly connected to each other and have each a tubular housing, whose center axis defines a first hinge axis and which accommodates two balls, an axially displaceable locking member arranged axially inwardly of each ball, a compression spring arranged between and cooperating with each ball and the associated locking member, and an eccentric located between the two locking members and cooperating therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides an ergonomic, gripping sleeve device for precision instruments, comprising a tubular product open at opposite ends thereof and attachable as a sleeve close to a proximal end of said precision instrument having a working tip at its proximal end, said sleeve device being designed to facilitate the positioning of the user's hand grip, said sleeve device comprising a longitudinally extended tubular body substantially hollow and oval in cross-section and being provided on its outer surface with four, substantially concave indentations, a first concave indentation being provided along a top surface of said sleeve device, second and third indentations being provided along lateral surfaces, and a fourth indentation being provided along the bottom surface of said sleeve device, characterized in that the surface of the top of said sleeve device is contoured such that extending from its distal end toward its proximal end and approaching said proximal end there is provided said concave indentation

Abstract: A wire profile comprises a rib portion and a plurality of teeth over the length of the rib portion. The teeth are sloped with a back slope representing the backbone of the teeth and a front slope representing the side in direct contact with fiber. The back slope has a tangent forming a hack angle with the rib portion, and the front slope is divided into at least two segments, a tip segment converging with the back slope to form a tip of the teeth and serving to penetrate between fibers, and an undercut segment to retain the fibers. The undercut segment has a tangent forming an undercut angle with the rib portion, and the undercut angle is at each point in the undercut segment greater than the maximum of the hack angle and smaller than the smallest value of the tip angle.

Abstract: A fastening strip for touch fasteners is provided which includes a corrugated portion as well as fastening elements. The corrugated portion allows the strip to be bent in a plane perpendicular as well as parallel with the longitudinal axis of the strip such that it may be applied to curved surfaces and remain substantially flat. Fastening elements such as hooks, loops, mushroom-shaped, bulbous and double hooks may be included on both sides of the strip and on the walls of the channels that form the corrugations as well as between the corrugations. The corrugated fastening strips may be useful for automotive seating and diaper applications. Processes for forming the corrugated fastening strip area also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment strap created from an elastic strap capable of being stretched. The elastic strap is a continuous substrate forming a base of the attachment strap. A plurality of fastener sections attached to said strap, such that the fastener sections are spaced along the lengthwise direction of said strap and cross substantially the entire width of said strap. The fastener sections cross the width of the elastic strap at angles to the width of said strap. Also discussed is a method of manufacturing a flexible attachment strap which results in forming an elastic strap capable of being stretched. Per the method, a strap forms from a plurality of fastener sections having a fastener outer surface and a mounting inner surface and attaching said inner surfaces of fastener sections on said elastic strap. The mounted fastener sections form discrete fastening regions on the surface of the flexible attachment strap.

Abstract: In the case of a closure for connecting two straps of an item of clothing, in particular the wing end portions of the back band of a bra, on one of which is arranged an overall female closure part, there is provided a plurality of female closure elements that form at least one row, and on the other of which is arranged an overall male closure part, which includes at least two male closure elements that can be moved into force-fitting/form-fitting engagement with female closure elements from one row of the female closure part. The closure elements are arranged in each case on a preferably textile base strip, which is rectangular in basic form, acts as a carrier and serves for fastening the respective closure parts on their associated band wing ends, which overlap in their end regions in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A fixing structure for locking an object having a hook piece is disclosed. The fixing structure includes a rotating element, an elastic element and a base. The rotating element includes a rotating element body, a plurality of bumps, a first containing space, and a second containing space. The first containing space and the second containing space are disposed inside the rotating element body. The second containing space communicates with the first space. The elastic element connects with a bottom of the rotating element. The rotating element and the elastic element are disposed in the base body. The trajectory groove is disposed around the inside of the base body. The rotating element body can rotatively rise or descend such that the hook piece can be in the first containing space or second containing space.

Abstract: A pallet changer includes: a machining-side linear guide rail 25 provided on a machining table 8 and extending in a Y-axis direction perpendicular to an X-axis direction (predetermined direction); preparation-side linear guide rails 26, 27 provided on workpiece preparation parts 9, 10 respectively, extending in the Y-axis direction, and coaxial with the machining-side linear guide rail 25; and linear guides 28 provided on respective pallets P1, P2 and slidably engageable with the machining-side and preparation-side linear guide rails 25 to 27, wherein, in changing the machining-side pallet P1 on the machining table 8 and the standby-side pallet P2 on the workpiece preparation part 10, the machining-side pallet P1 and the standby-side pallet P2 are moved in the Y-axis direction.

Abstract: A hub remover is provided. The hub remover includes a cross bar; a set of jaws having a receiving hole dimensioned to allow the cross bar to fit through the receiving hole to connect the jaws together via the cross bar; a forcing screw configured to extend through the cross-bar and between the jaws; a forcing screw nut configured to threadably engage an end of the forcing screw; and a resilient friction device located in the hole and configured to generate friction between the cross bar and the jaw when the cross bar moves through the hole in the cross bar. A method of operating a hub remover is provided. The method includes extending the forcing screw through a hole in the hub; placing a forcing screw nut on an end of the forcing screw that has extended through the hub; placing a foot portion of a jaw behind a portion of the hub; and turning the forcing screw to urge the forcing screw nut against a rear portion of the hub and thereby push the hub off of a spindle assembly.