Abstract: Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bristle for a toothbrush, said bristle being comprised of a plastic monofilament, with the preferably cloverleaf-shaped bristle body having several longitudinal ribs arranged in star shape and projecting laterally from a core section of the bristle body. The invention is also directed to a brush head for an electric toothbrush having at least one bristle tuft with at least one such bristle as well as to an electric toothbrush having such a brush head. According to the invention, the bristle of the type initially referred to is configured to be self-fanning in such a manner that the cleaning forces acting on the bristles during normal brushing cause the bristle to split open at its free end. As a result, the need to use complex splitting methods and corresponding splitting machines in the manufacture of the toothbrush can be obviated.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning surfaces has a cleaning head which includes a base part and at least two brush elements which are provided at opposite the sides of the base part and which can be set into a cleaning movement relative to the base part. A fluid drive is integrated into the base part and is designed to convert the flow energy of a fluid supplied to the base part under pressure into the cleaning movement of the brush elements. The fluid drive has a drive member, in particular a turbine wheel or a bucket wheel, which is driven by the fluid and by which both brush elements can be driven together.

Abstract: A wheel washing apparatus is provided, including at least two washing brushes, each of which is capable of being driven in rotation about a brush axis, wherein the brush axes of the at least two washing brushes are different from one another. In order to provide a wheel washing apparatus which allows a better cleaning result to be achieved, it is proposed that the at least two washing brushes be capable of being driven in rotation about a common central axis which is different from the brush axes.

Abstract: A textured wipe is provided that includes a non-woven or woven cotton wipe sheet, and in some embodiments a plurality of beads and/or a coating. The cotton wipe sheet has a wipe surface and an opposing back surface. The plurality of beads is adhered to the wipe surface. Each bead is formed to have a three dimensional geometry that extends outwardly from the wipe surface.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device is provided to assist a user to wipe him or herself, another, or an area of the home. The device contains a gripping head constructed of a flexible material and contains a gripping element, which may hold a wipe within it. The device also contains a rigid housing, and a pump at the opposite end of the gripping head, such that upon actuation of the pump increased fluid pressure inside the gripping head opens the internal grips to an extent that any wipe held therein will be released. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing contains a hinge so the unit may be folded for storage, or extended and locked in place for use.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an effective technique for realizing a higher cleaning effect in a cleaning tool having a sheet-type cleaning element for wiping an object to be cleaned. According to a representative cleaning element, the sheet pieces (11f) of a cleaning side sheet (111c) have a smaller width in a longitudinal direction than the sheet pieces (111d) of an upper face side sheet (111a).

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting a fluid flow path automatically diverts a fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of a main body, and includes two or more selectable fluid flow paths through which an external air stream is drawn, a fixed fluid flow path to be selectively connected to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, a path selecting unit to connect the fixed fluid flow path to one of the selectable fluid flow paths, and a driving member to provide a driving force for path selecting of the path selecting unit. If mounted in an external apparatus, the driving member causes the path selecting unit to move and connect to the fixed fluid flow path in accordance with inclining of the external apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base assembly with an upper housing, an agitator mounted in fixed position relative to the upper housing, an agitator height control mechanism for selectively adjusting the vertical height of the agitator relative to the surface to be cleaned, and a sole plate. The sole plate includes a suction nozzle opening for the base assembly and during operation of the agitator height control mechanism, the sole plate moves relative to the upper housing so that the distance between the suction nozzle opening and the surface to be cleaned remains essentially the same, regardless of the position of the agitator.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning plate, a vibration unit for vibrating the cleaning plate, a suction unit having an intake opening in the vicinity of a tip end portion of the cleaning plate, for sucking an upper surface of a substrate to be cleaned without being in contact with the substrate, and a moving mechanism for moving the cleaning plate relative to the substrate. In the substrate cleaning apparatus, the tip end portion of the cleaning plate is pressed against the upper surface of the substrate to cause the cleaning plate to be elastically deformed, and the cleaning plate moves relative to the substrate in the cleaning direction of the substrate, with the tip end portion of the cleaning plate being in line contact or surface contact with the upper surface of the substrate. Such a configuration allows the substrate to be cleaned stably while preventing scratching the substrate.

Abstract: A blower tube (4) to be connected to a power blower has a tube main body (42) having a distal end portion (42a) diminished in diameter toward its distal end and an attachment (44) to be coupled to the distal end (42a) of the tube main body (42) and including a distal end portion (44a) gradually diminished in diameter toward its distal end. Both these distal end portions (42a, 44a) are each provided three projections at distant position to protrude radially inward toward an axial line of the blower tube (4). The first projections (46) on the tube main body (42) and the second projections (48) on the attachment are positioned offset in phase to align in an alternate order. The blower tube (4) having the projections (46, 48) at the distal end portion can reduce the noise caused by ejection of a high-speed airflow.

Abstract: A rotatable coupling for a vacuum cleaner is described. The rotatable coupling includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit. The rotatable coupling can include a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip. The outer conduit of the coupling can be rotatable about the inner conduit and an interference fit is formed between the inner conduit and the outer conduit.

Abstract: A sleeve installation may include a sleeve and a sleeve lock assembly. The sleeve lock assembly may be mounted to the sleeve and may include a female ring member, a male ring member, and an annular locking member. The female ring member may include an annular lip having an annular ramp surface. The male ring member may include an axial flange having an annular end face and a threaded exterior portion for engaging a threaded interior portion of the female ring member. The locking member may include an annular gripping flange having a gripping edge to engage an outer sleeve surface. The locking member may be captured between the annular lip and the end face. Axial movement of the annular lip toward the end face may cause the gripping flange to engage the outer sleeve surface.

Abstract: Hinge for a panel door, in particular a glass door, for sealing a space, such as for example a cooling cupboard, wherein the hinge (1) includes a sill/lintel-attachment part (2), two mutually connectable clamping parts (3, 4) for clamping a panel (21) in between them along an edge of the panel (21), a pivot pin (6) which connects, on one side, to the sill/lintel-attachment part (2) and, on the other side, to the clamping parts (3, 4) in such a manner that they can pivot with respect to one another, and tensioning parts (7, 8, 9) which force the sill/lintel-attachment part (2) into a neutral position with respect to the clamping parts (3, 4), wherein, in the neutral position, a mirror plane (Ls) of the clamping parts (3, 4) and a longitudinal axis (Lo) of the sill/lintel-attachment part (2) are at an angle of 5-15 degrees.

Abstract: A breakaway hinge receptacle includes a base including first and second hinge arm mounting structures. The second hinge arm mounting structure is movable between an operative position and a breakaway position. A breakaway lever is connected to the base and includes inner and outer ends, wherein the inner end is operatively engaged with the second hinge arm mounting structure. A spring is operatively engaged between the breakaway lever and the base. The spring biases the breakaway lever to a first position in which the inner end of the breakaway lever biases the second mounting structure to its operative position. The second hinge arm mounting structure is selectively movable from its operative position to its breakaway position against the biasing force exerted by the inner end of said breakaway lever and the spring. Alternatively, the second hinge arm mounting structure is defined by or is connected to or is otherwise included on the inner end of the breakaway lever.

Abstract: A sliding hinge for a portable device has a main bracket, a mounting panel and a plate spring assembly. The mounting panel is slid relative to the main bracket. A tether of the plate spring assembly is attached securely to the mounting panel. The mounting panel is attached securely to a cover of the portable device. A hub of the plate spring assembly is attached securely to a base of the portable device. When the cover is slid to open, the plate spring assembly forces the cover to be fully opened. Therefore, the cover slides to be fully opened without external forces.

Abstract: The invention is a disposable cover handle cover for a surgical light head, and more particularly to a single-piece, integrally-formed disposable handle cover for a surgical light head 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 light head 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: A wire profile having a rib portion and plurality of teeth over the length of said rib portion, wherein said plurality of teeth is inclined at an angle with respect to the said rib portion, wherein said teeth has a front portion and a back portion, wherein said front portion is the inner portion of the said teeth leaning towards the rib portion and said back portion is the outer portion of the said teeth, and wherein at least one teeth with said back portion comprises at least one nose cut segment.

Abstract: An extensible clasp or buckle for a wrist strap, which makes it possible to control the length of the wrist strap. The clasp has a first and a second strip which are articulated to one another at a first end, and a first tie which is arranged at a second end of the first strip for connection to a first strand of the wrist strap. The clasp also has a second tie which is arranged at a second end of the second strip for connection to a second strand of the wrist strap, and a way to displace the second tie with respect to the end of the second strip in order to adjust the length of the wrist strap. The second tie is connected to a cradle which is arranged in a housing located on the second strip. The housing has two opposite walls along which the cradle can slide. The clasp also has a tab which is connected to the second strip and arranged so as to cooperate with the cradle.

Abstract: A clasp according to embodiments of the present invention is particularly well suited to wrist bands of diving watches, specifically metallic link type wrist bands. Such a clasp can be worn in a first closed position during normal usage against a user's bare wrist. The same clasp can then extend so that the same watch and wrist band can be worn by a user over some additional material, such as a dive suit. The extension of the clasp is beneficial as it requires no tools, is simple and reliable.

Abstract: A zipper in which a male member having a male interlocking section and a female member having a female interlocking section that fits with the male interlocking section are peelable and re-fittable is provided. The male member and the female member are formed by different resins, and at least the male interlocking section and the female interlocking section are peelably adhered or contacted with each other with substantially no gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chain hook which reduces the risk of disengagement of one or more chains connected thereto. The chain hook comprises an elongate body, a first hook at a first end of the elongate body for connection to a load and a second hook at a second end of the elongate body for connection to at least one chain, wherein the first and second hooks are in different planes.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a shoe upper including a male member and a shoe sole including a female receptor for locking with the male member. The male member locks with the female receptor by moving the male member with respect to the female receptor in a first direction, which locks the shoe upper with the shoe sole. The male member unlocks from the female receptor by moving the male member an additional distance further in the first direction, which unlocks the shoe upper from the shoe sole. The female receptor includes resilient arms to hold and release the male member and a stop to prevent movement of the resilient arms in a second direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a portion of a sheet metal casket shell comprises supporting a piece of sheet metal on one side with a female die having a center die portion and opposite end die portions configured to pivot relative to the center die portion, supporting the piece of sheet metal on the opposite side with a male die having a center die portion and opposite end die portions, and pivoting the end die portions of the female die relative to the center die portion of the female die to cause the opposite ends of the piece of sheet metal to fold around the end die portions of the male die. The method can be repeated with a second piece of sheet metal thereby forming two shell halves which can be welded together to form the shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mounting deep-profile gemstones and crystals to a sheet of material. The method and apparatus may set a single stone or multiple stones simultaneously, either manually or in an automated process. A slit is formed in the material to receive the stone. A setting is positioned on the back side of the material with prongs extending through holes in the material, with the prongs being bent into engagement with the stone to retain the stone in the material, without the use of adhesives or thread.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying staple belt fasteners to conveyor belts are provided that allow staple belt fasteners to be installed on an end of the belt with the use of a single applicator tool and such that all of the staples of the fasteners in the tool are first initially set and then are finally set. In one form, the apparatus has a base with an anvil mounted thereto with the anvil having both initial and final set portions. The belt fastener applicator tool provides for relative shifting of the anvil and a guide device having through openings to align either the initial or final set portions of the anvil with the guide device through openings. The guide device through openings are preferably configured to receive a staple drive member therein.

Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.

Abstract: A method of processing an alloy ingot or other alloy workpiece to reduce thermal cracking may generally comprise depositing a glass material onto at least a portion of a surface of a workpiece, and heating the glass material to form a surface coating on the workpiece that reduces heat loss from the workpiece. The present disclosure also is directed to an alloy workpieces processed according to methods described herein, and to articles of manufacture including or made from alloy workpieces made according to the methods.

Abstract: A machine and method for punching an aperture through a hangtag and securing a two-piece eyelet to the same is disclosed. The machine has a frame, a table, a platform, a plurality of hangtag holders, a loading station, a punching station, an eyeleting station, and an unloading station.

Abstract: Folded electrical junction boxes and associated methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an electrical junction box can be provided. The method can include receiving a single sheet or roll of metal. The method can further include initiating a plurality of operations to form at least two electrical junction boxes from the single sheet or roll of metal. The operations can include forming at least one extruded threaded hole in a wall of one of the boxes; cutting the sheet or roll of metal to form a plurality of walls for the boxes; scoring a centerline in at least one surface of one of the boxes; and cutting at least one knockout in at least one wall of one of the boxes. Further, the method can include folding the plurality of walls to form at least one folded electrical junction box.

Abstract: A toolholder connector having one threaded end and one end with a male quick change portion is threadingly engaged with a first toolholder having a threaded bore. The quick change connector also has a male quick change portion that is engaged within a side activated receiver of a second toolholder. Prior to activating the receiver, an alignment pin associated with the first toolholder is lined up with alignment slot associated with the second toolholder such that when the two are brought together, a pre-determined radial alignment will be retained.

Abstract: Turbine casings LP1, PL2 and HP are secured to storing spaces S1 to S3 formed in a concrete frame 12. Cubic blocks 16, 40 and 80 are secured to depressions C2, C3 and C1 respectively. The cubic block 16 has transverse anchors 20a and 20b projecting upward from an upper wall 18. A bearing housing 35 for supporting a rotor shaft 34 rotatably is positioned and secured by transverse anchors 22a and 22b in a direction perpendicular to a rotor shaft (a direction of an arrow a).

Abstract: A method of inserting a continuous conductor having a rectangular cross-section into slot segments formed in a stator core includes deforming in a first direction a core member having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion to widen an opening at end portions of the slot segments, inserting one or more continuous conductors having a rectangular cross-section into select ones of the slot segments, and deforming in a second direction the core member to narrow the opening at end portions of the slot segments.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a rotor for a generator is provided. In accordance with this method, a metal plate is rolled to a circumferentially open circular cylinder having two free ends, the circumferentially open cylinder having an inner diameter smaller than a desired end inner diameter of the rotor. The two free ends of the rolled metal plate are then welded to form a closed cylinder. The closed cylinder is rolled to obtain the desired end diameter of the rotor.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a shelter thereon that includes electronics therein. The shelter includes ports on the exterior thereof that permit data and power exchange between the vehicle and another similarly configured vehicle. The vehicle further includes dedicated wiring raceways that separate wiring having different uses.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inductor includes a mold device having a mold cavity, disposing a coil member above the mold cavity of the mold device, filling metallic particles into the mold cavity of the mold device, forcing the coil member into the metallic particles to form a base member, applying two conductive coating members onto the base member and electrically connecting to the terminals of the coil member respectively, and attaching two conductive coverings onto the conductive coating members respectively and electrically connecting to the conductive coating members respectively for allowing the inductors to be quickly manufactured in a mass production.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a carrier disassembling apparatus capable of disassembling a carrier for test. [Means for solving] A carrier disassembling apparatus 1, which disassembles a carrier for test 60, comprises a holding head 11 that holds a cover member 80, a holding table 20 that holds a base member 70, and a first carrier arm 16 that causes the holding head 11 to depart relatively from the holding table 20 to separate the cover member 80 and the base member 70 from each other, the holding head 11 has a first closing member 12 that forms a first closed space 13 between the holding head 11 and the cover member 80, the holding table 20 has a second closing member 21 that forms a second closed space 24 between the holding table 20 and the base member 70, and the carrier disassembling apparatus 1 further comprises a vacuum pump 90 that reduces pressure within the closed spaces 13 and 24.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for feeding metal strips in a feeding direction includes a plurality of reciprocating members on which feed pins inserted inside through-holes of the metal strips are provided and a driving means that converts up-down movement of a press apparatus to reciprocal movement in the feeding direction to reciprocally move the reciprocating members. In a predetermined half cycle of an up-down movement of the press apparatus, the driving means moves first reciprocating members in the feeding direction in a state where the feed pins have been inserted into the through-holes and returns other reciprocating members in the opposite direction in a state where the feed pins have been lowered, and in the remaining half cycle, the driving means raises and lowers the feed pins of the reciprocating members.

Abstract: In an electronic component mounting system including a plurality of electronic component mounting apparatuses coupled in series, the system mounting an electronic component on a substrate to manufacture a mounted substrate, a substrate carried into a mounting conveyor is temporarily placed in a standby state in a substrate standby area formed by a first transfer conveyor (carry-in conveyor) of one electronic component mounting apparatus and a second transfer conveyor (carry-out conveyor) of another electronic component mounting apparatus positioned upstream of the one electronic component mounting apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing electronic parts is provided. The apparatus includes a head unit installed on a main body and configured to move up and down, a nozzle unit installed on the head unit and configured to move up and down, and a positioning unit sequentially displacing the head unit and the nozzle unit to a position where the electronic parts are on standby to suction the electronic parts using the nozzle unit. Thus, when the head unit is used to suction the electronic parts on standby at a standby position of the electronic parts, the head unit and the nozzle unit installed on the head unit are sequentially lowered, so that it is possible to relieve an impact occurring when the electronic parts are suctioned to the ends of nozzles.

Abstract: A method and fixture using magnetic field assisted self-alignment for chip packaging. Typical embodiments include a magnetic device having one or more pole groups, each pole group including two or three poles. Some embodiments provide multiple pole groups arranged in a one or two dimensional pole group array. The poles can build up a self-alignment magnetic field. The structure of fixture is simple and easy to implement. Typical embodiments can greatly reduce chip packaging cost and make packaging more efficient. In accordance with typical embodiments, a chip and a substrate can be self-aligned magnetically regardless of their shapes.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a conductive pattern. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes an applicator for applying a conductive substance onto a surface of a structure and a mechanism for precisely moving the applicator such that the conductive substance is applied in a desired pattern. In an illustrative embodiment, the mechanism includes a robotic arm driven by commands from a computer, and the conductive pattern is designed to manipulate the electromagnetic properties of the structure. The system can be used to apply a conductive pattern directly onto an electromagnetic component, such as a radome, IR dome, multi-mode dome, or flat plate EM window, or to apply a conductive pattern onto a component mold during the component fabrication process. In the latter case, the conductive pattern is an integrated part of the component.

Abstract: A modular manufacturing facility and method of construction includes a plurality of service and equipment modules which are readily sized and oriented to be packaged, shipped to a desired location, assembled and connected to local resources to form a fully operational assembly or build facility substantially or wholly independent of any resident building structure at the selected site.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a side panel of a vehicle, the system including upper running rails and lower running rails to provide a movement path of a cart, the cart having a support frame, a transfer roller, and a friction bar provided at a bottom surface of the support frame, wherein the side panel may be mounted on the cart and the cart moves selectively along the upper running rails and the lower running rails, at least a friction drive unit and at least a friction wheel disposed along the upper and lower running rails wherein the at least a friction drive selectively rotates the at least a friction wheel to move the cart by selectively engaging at least one of the friction wheels with the friction bar of the cart, and an external unit supporting an edge portion of the side panel during key welding process.

Abstract: This publication discloses a circuit-board construction and a method for manufacturing an electronic module, in which method at least one component (6) is embedded inside an insulating-material layer (1) and contacts (14) are made to connect the component (6) electrically to the conductor structures (14, 19) contained in the electronic module. According to the invention, at least one thermal via (22), which boosts the conducting of heat away from the component (6) is manufactured in the insulating-material layer (1) in the vicinity of the component (6).

Abstract: A test socket that provides a temporary interconnect between terminals on an integrated circuit (IC) device and contact pads on a test printed circuit board (PCB). The test socket includes a compliant printed circuit and a socket housing. The compliant printed circuit includes at least one compliant layer, a plurality of first contact members located along a first major surface, a plurality of second contact members located along a second major surface, and a plurality of conductive traces electrically coupling the first and second contact members. The compliant layer is positioned to bias the first contact members against the terminals on the IC device and the second contact members against contact pads on the test PCB. The socket housing is coupled to the compliant printed circuit so the first contact members are positioned in a recess of the socket housing sized to receive the IC device.

Abstract: A method for producing a piston of an internal combustion engine, designed as a one-piece cooling channel piston. The piston includes an upper part and a lower part supported by corresponding circumferential joining bosses together forming a joining zone. In order to produce a bonded joint of the upper part and the lower part, the joining bosses are connected by means of multiorbital friction welding in the region of a rotationally symmetrical or rotationally asymmetrical joining zone.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a service device to a wind turbine of a wind power unit, using the wind turbine to rotate the service device into one or more service positions, and using the service device to perform servicing on the wind power unit. In some embodiments, a blade of the wind turbine is removed and the service device is mounted in its place. In other embodiments, the service device is mounted to a device mount approximately in a saddle region between adjacent blades. In one example, the service device is a crane. In another example, the service device is a stator module installation/removal tool.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade having a spar cap disposed between layers constituting an outer skin or disposed on an inner side of the outer skin and a method of manufacturing the wind turbine blade are provided, wherein in manufacture of the wind turbine blade, generation of manufacturing defects, such as misalignment and wrinkles in fabrics, can be suppressed and the time required for repairing the defects as well as for laminating the layers can be reduced. In the method of manufacturing the wind turbine blade having the spar cap as a main structural member of the blade disposed between the layers constituting the outer skin or disposed on the inner side of the outer skin, the spar cap is formed as a separate piece from the outer skin, and the spar cap, dry fiber fabrics for the layers constituting the outer skin, and a sandwich core member are collectively impregnated with resin under a vacuum process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary fitting having a housing element and a functional unit which comprises water-conducting components and is housed in the housing body of the sanitary fitting, wherein the housing element comprises at least two shell-shaped individual parts. The shell-shaped individual parts are produced from a metal alloy or a plastic in a diecasting process and are adhesively bonded to each other or connected to each other by means of material bonding to form a hollow element surrounding the functional unit by means of a joining process.