Abstract: A method for reducing force needed for ironing a fabric comprising laundering the fabric with a composition comprising a linear polyether having a weight average molecular weight less than 5000 that is terminated with —N—(—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—Cl)2, wherein the linear polyether is deposited on the fabric and reduces the force needed for ironing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising: at least one oxidation dye; at least one nonionic ether of a polyoxyalkylenated fatty alcohol of formula (i) R—(O-Alk)nOR (i); in which formula (i): R denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C10-C30 hydrocarbon-based radical, R? denotes a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C10-C30 hydrocarbon-based radical, which may be substituted with a hydroxyl radical, n is an integer between 1 and 100 inclusive, and Alk represents a linear or branched, preferably linear, (C1-C6)alkylene group such as ethylene or propylene, preferably ethylene; at least one cationic polymer; at least one fatty substance at a concentration of at least 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition; at least one chemical oxidizing agent. The present invention also relates to a process using this composition, and to multi-compartment devices that are suitable for implementing the invention.

Abstract: The device of the present invention can carry out floor sweeping and mopping automatically and simultaneously. The automatic floor sweeping and mopping device includes a main body, a rotational sweeping brush unit, a dust collecting unit, two rolling wheels, a mopping unit, a water spraying unit, a squeegee unit and a water storing tank. The mopping unit is made of a soft, water-absorbing material and can remove residual dirt not removed by the rotational sweeping brush unit. The water spraying unit is an innovative feature and is provided above the mopping unit to keep the mopping unit in a clean condition by removing dusts and dirt stuck to it. The squeegee unit can squeeze dirt and dirty water out of the mopping unit and keep the mopping unit in a clean, partially wet condition. Because the device leaves no dirty water behind, such feature is surely superior.

Abstract: A USB connector cleaner for cleaning conductive pins received in a recess of a USB connector is provided. The USB connector cleaner includes a base, a cleaning head, and a driving member. The cleaning head is configured for inserting into the recess to clean the conductive pins. The cleaning head includes a supporting member fixed on the base and a cleaning brush rotatably connected to the supporting member. The driving member is slidably connected to the base for driving the cleaning brush to cleaning the conductive pins.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bowling lane machine is presented having a drive system with at least two front non-swiveling wheels and at least one rear swiveling wheel. In another embodiment, a bowling lane machine is presented that retains a squeegee assembly in a down position while the bowling lane machine begins its reverse travel along the bowling lane such that a rear blade of the squeegee assembly contacts the rear end of the pin deck. The squeegee assembly is then positioned in an up position for the remainder of the reverse travel of the bowling lane machine along the bowling lane.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes cleansing compositions for removing soils from surfaces. Tee cleansing composition may be loaded ones a substrate to form a wet wipe. The cleansing composition may include a glucomannan and a synergy enhancing agent. The synergy enhancing agent may include xanthan gum. The synergy enhancing component may include xanthan gum and carrageenan. The wet wipe may be used to assist in the removal of soils such as feces, menses, and urine from skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying at least one product at a desired surface, for instance a human's skin. The device comprises several layers 1-6, where an impermeable front layer (1) and an impermeable utility layer (6) together with a contact layer (2) will form the outer surfaces of the device (D), between which contact layer (2) and utility layer (6) are arranged a valve layer (3), a top layer (4) and a bottom layer (5). The top layer (4) and bottom layer (5) are connected to each other through a weld (11) in order to form a storage chamber (8) to accommodate a product. Furthermore, the valve layer (3) and top layer (4) are provided with a plurality of incisions or indentations (9a, 9b), where the incisions or indentations (9a) of the valve layer are welded to corresponding incisions or indentations (9b) of the top layer to form an opening mechanism in the device (D), where the device (D) is opened when the valve layer (3) is moved relatively to the top layer (4).

Abstract: An applicator system for applying a product includes a handle (e.g., housing) and at least a first applicator and a second applicator. A mechanism, such as a pivot mechanism or a slide mechanism, enables the first applicator and the second applicator to be placed in at least two different positions. In a first position, the first applicator may be aligned with (e.g., adjacent to) the second applicator to define a continuous applicator perimeter that is longer than either the perimeter of the first applicator or the perimeter of the second applicator. In a second position, the first applicator may be positioned at an opposite end of the split-tip applicator relative to the second applicator.

Abstract: Two, cone shaped windshield ice scrapers attached and operated as a single unit yet designed to be separated, each capable of scraping independently. These scrapers have a new and improved scraping surface and nesting attribute to be sold with the existing popular “Scrape-A-Round”, thereby comprising the complete winter time window care system. These scrapers adopt most of the attributes of the “Scrape-A-Round” including method of operation, and of injection molded plastic construction and etc.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system that includes a pair of windshield wiper blades movably positioned on an exterior surface of a windshield of a vehicle, a piece of windshield wiper fluid tubing that allows windshield wiper fluid to be transmitted to reach the pair of windshield wiper blades and a pump positioned inside the piece of windshield wiper fluid tubing. The system also includes a recyclable hard plastic receptacle with a top orifice that contains the windshield wiper fluid that is pumped by the pump through the piece of windshield wiper fluid tubing and a screw cap that removably connects the second end of the piece of windshield wiper fluid tubing to the top orifice of the receptacle. The pump can also be located outside of the piece of windshield wiper fluid tubing.

Abstract: A dual-use steam-vacuum cleaner is provided in a parallel structure having a vertical frame and a floor brush connected to a lower end of the vertical frame, as well as a dust cup fixed in front of the vertical frame and a water tank fixed in front of the vertical frame in parallel with the dust cup. The dust cup and the water tank are arranged in the front of the vertical frame in parallel, thereby providing good visualization and conforming to ergonomics. The structure also maximally increases the capacity of the water tank. Additionally, the vacuuming path and the water path do not interfere with each other, and are of a simple structure.

Abstract: Applicants have created vacuum systems and apparatuses for a hanging wall wet/dry vacuum with detachable blower and slide out drum removal. The vacuum apparatus can include a removable powerhead (such as a blower), a removable drum, and a base unit that can be coupled to the external surface (such as a wall) when the removable powerhead is decoupled from the base unit. The system can include the vacuum apparatus and an external surface mounting device adapted to mount the vacuum apparatus to the external surface. Because the powerhead can be removed from the base unit while coupled to the external surface, an operator can enjoy an increased portability and functionality of the powerhead. Further, because the drum can be similarly removed from the base unit, an operator can quickly and efficiently clean the drum without removing the entire vacuum apparatus from the external surface.

Abstract: A battery-powered handheld vacuum device for use on building sites includes: a dust collection box; and a motor housing, in which a drive motor provided with a fan impeller and a battery pack for supplying current to the drive motor independently of an electrical network are provided. The dust collection box is fixed in place on the motor housing in releasable manner. A handle, with which the battery pack engages at least sectionally, is formed on the motor housing.

Abstract: A dirt separator for a vacuum cleaner that comprises an inlet through which fluid enters the separator, and an outlet through which fluid exits the separator. The separator further comprises a filter assembly located downstream of the inlet and upstream of the outlet, an opening through which the filter assembly may be removed from the separator, and a hatch moveable between an open position in which the opening is uncovered and a closed position in which the opening is partially covered. When the filter assembly is removed from the separator and the hatch is in the closed position, a bleed is created around at least part of the hatch through which fluid enters the separator in preference to the inlet. When the filter assembly is located in the separator and the hatch is in the closed position, the filter assembly seals against the hatch to close the bleed.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner generally includes an upright assembly including a suction generator and a floor nozzle coupled to the upright assembly. The floor nozzle is configured for movement over a floor surface and includes a nozzle inlet in fluid communication with the suction generator. An aperture is formed through the floor nozzle and configured to allow the insertion of a hand of an operator to provide a gripping area on the floor nozzle adjacent the aperture to facilitate lifting and lowering the upright vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A system, comprising: a handle including a first portion and a second portion; a housing configured to: expose at least part of the first portion and conceal at least part of the second portion when the handle is in a first state; and expose at least part of the second portion and conceal at least part of the first portion when the handle is in a second state; and a sterilizing source disposed within the housing and configured to substantially sterilizing a portion of the handle concealed by the housing in at least one of the first state and the second state.

Abstract: A receptacle for an associated appliance hinge includes a receptacle base and a breakaway lever movably connected to the receptacle base. The breakaway lever includes a cam edge. A first mounting structure is connected to the receptacle base and adapted to be engaged by an associated hinge arm. A second mounting structure connected to the breakaway lever such that the second mounting structure is movable relative to the receptacle base. The second mounting structure is adapted to be engaged by the associated hinge arm. A breakaway latch is connected to the base and includes a cam follower engaged with the cam edge. The breakaway latch further includes a spring that biases the cam follower into abutment with the cam edge. The breakaway lever is selectively movable from a first position where the cam follower is engaged with a first location on the cam edge to a second position where the cam follower is engaged with a second location on the cam edge.

Abstract: A magnetic hinge system includes a first component that is associated with a first object, a second component that is associated with a second object, and an axle. The first component includes a first hole and a first magnetic structure having a first plurality of magnetic source regions having a first polarity pattern. The second component includes a second hole and a second magnetic structure having a second plurality of magnetic source regions having a second polarity pattern complementary to said first polarity pattern. The axle can be inserted into the first hole and the second hole such that the first and second magnetic structures face each other across an interface boundary, where the first polarity pattern and the second polarity pattern are in accordance with a cyclic implementation of a code of length N that has a cyclic correlation function having a single peak and a plurality of off peaks per code modulo.

Abstract: This tassel comprises at least a first piece and a second piece, both independent, and attached to respective free ends of operating cords for blinds; and present on the facing surfaces are magnetically attracted first halves and second halves suitable for establishing a retention of tassel parts in a mounting position, to allow said parts of the tassel to separate when a force superior to the force of the magnetic attraction of said first and second halves is applied between the two cords; characterized in that the magnetically attracted first halves are mounted in a protruding position with respect to the surface of said first part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail and a door roller of a window and door system and a window operation apparatus for windows and doors using the same.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for wearing on a wrist or other body part including a central piece held on the body part by a pair of straps. A first strap includes fastening holes and the second strap includes a pin plate having pins for mating within the fastening holes in the first strap to affix the device to the body part. The pins are off-center with respect to a lengthwise centerline dividing a width of the pin plate in half. The pin plate may be affixed to the second strap into different orientations, to thereby allow adjustment of a fit of the device to the body part with finer granularity than provided by the pitch of the fastening holes in the first strap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for maintaining coordinated or matching furniture pieces in close proximity by securing immediately adjoining legs of the furniture pieces. The device is essentially an elastomeric ribbed strap having a means of connecting one end of the strap to the opposite end. The inner surface of the strap has a ribbed texture which is coated with a tacky, friction-enhancing substance to substantially increase the gripping power of the strap. The entire strap, referred to as a “furniture cinch,” essentially comprises a resilient, slightly expandable material which may be a variety of materials, including silicon derivatives, rubber, plastic, PVC, and similar substances.

Abstract: A clip comprising a first wall member and a second wall member is disclosed. A cross-section of the first wall member is defined by a first side wall, a second side wall and a connecting wall that is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall. A cross-section of the second wall member is defined by a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the first end is connected to a portion of the first side wall of the first wall member and wherein a second end is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall and spaced away from an inner surface of the connecting wall. The first wall member and the second wall member cooperate to define a channel having a first portion and a second portion.

Abstract: A seat belt safety device prevents access to a release button located on a surface of a seat belt housing attached to a first seat belt segment, the housing surface also including a housing opening through which a seat belt tongue attached to a second seat belt segment is inserted to securely latch the first seat belt segment to the seat belt housing and the second seat belt segment. The seat belt safety device includes a blocking assembly formed as a cylindrical standoff with an inner channel within which a rod with a release handle at one end and a blocking member at its other end is arranged for axial movement when the blocking assembly is not in a locked state and a spring. The release handle is grasped to extend the rod against a force of the spring to press the release button of the seat belt housing.

Abstract: A lace closure system may include a low friction guide that defines the turning radius and direction of a lace which, though tension, pulls two or more panels toward each other. The lace closure system may include a fixator that defines a slot into which the lace is led, containing multiple engagement surfaces that, when the lace is wrapped into the slot, serve to engage the lace preventing unwanted loosening. The lace closure system may include a ring onto which the lace is attached, to assist in applying manual tension to the lace. The ring may be shaped and sized to removably attach to an outer perimeter of the fixator after excess lace has been wrapped into the slot.

Abstract: The invention is a device called Buckle-Lace for fastening and keeping fastened laces, ropes, strings and alike. The device includes a multiplicity of channels. Each channel has at least one resilient gate which is installed in a forward leaning diagonal direction with respect to the channel's direction. The resilient gates are installed in the channels by their rear ends while their front ends are unattached and free to move. The resilient gates have gaps between their front ends and the opposite walls of the channels. The laces pass through these gaps which are controlled by a locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is in closed position the gaps are narrowed such that the resilient gates are squeezing the laces in the channels and act as lace ratchets i.e. allowing the laces to move forwards when pulled but block lace motion backwards. The ratchet operation enables the user to fasten the laces and they remain fastened as long as the locking mechanism is in locked position.

Abstract: A combination casket and casket display comprises a reduced height casket shell adapted to receive the remains of a deceased and having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, and a bottom wall, the side walls and end walls having lower edges, the bottom wall extending below the lower edges of the side walls and end walls, a casket lid closable on the reduced height casket shell, and a casket display base having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls, the side walls and end walls having upper edges. The reduced height casket shell is supported by the casket display base such that the lower edges of the side walls and end walls of the reduced height casket shell are at about the same height as the upper edges of the side walls and end walls of the casket display base, and the bottom wall of the reduced height casket shell extends below the upper edges of the side walls and end walls of the casket display base so as to nest within the casket display base.

Abstract: A concrete burial vault system having a layered construction of castable material encased in an inner liner and an outer casing of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene utilizes the liner and casing as a mold for the concrete and enables monolithic molds with self-supporting securing tabs. This system allows the liner and casing to be manufactured at a central location and then transported to a plurality of use locations to be filled with concrete. The manufacturing method supports the system and provides an assembly advantage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory and a control method therefor, the semiconductor device including a first current-voltage conversion circuit connected to a core cell provided in a nonvolatile memory cell array, a second current-voltage conversion circuit connected to a reference cell through a reference cell data line, a sense amplifier sensing an output from the first current-voltage conversion circuit and an output from the second current-voltage conversion circuit, a compare circuit comparing a voltage level at the reference cell data line with a predefined voltage level, and a charging circuit charging the reference cell data line, if the voltage level at the reference cell data line is lower than the predefined voltage level during pre-charging the reference cell data line. According to the present invention, the pre-charging period of the reference cell data line can be shortened, and the data read time can be shortened.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a precision laser adjustable (e.g., trimmable) thin film capacitor array. A plurality of individual capacitors are formed on a common substrate and connected together in parallel by way of fusible links. The individual capacitors are provided as laddered capacitance value capacitors such that a plurality of lower valued capacitors corresponding to the lower steps of the ladder, and lesser numbers of capacitors, including a single capacitor, for successive steps of the ladder, are provided. Precision capacitance values can be achieved by either of fusing or ablating selected of the fusible links so as to remove the selected subcomponents from the parallel connection. In-situ live-trimming of selected fusible links may be performed after placement of the capacitor array on a hosting printed circuit board.

Abstract: A joining device for joining substrates together includes a first chuck configured to draw and hold a first substrate on a lower surface thereof, a second chuck provided below the first chuck and configured to draw and hold a second substrate on an upper surface thereof, and a chuck holding unit provided below the second chuck, the chuck holding unit including an upper surface and suction grooves annularly formed on the upper surface of the chuck holding unit, the suction grooves configured to vacuum-suck the second chuck to draw and hold the second chuck.

Abstract: A joining device for joining substrates together includes a first holding member configured to vacuum-suck a first substrate to draw and hold the first substrate on a lower surface thereof, and a second holding member disposed below the first holding member and configured to vacuum-suck a second substrate to draw and hold the second substrate on an upper surface thereof. The second holding member includes a body portion formed into a size larger than the second substrate when seen in a plan view and configured to vacuum-suck the second substrate, a plurality of pins provided on the body portion and configured to make contact with a rear surface of the second substrate, and an outer wall portion annularly provided on the body portion at an outer side of the plurality of pins and configured to support an outer periphery portion of the rear surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: A rammer tool for installing hardware into pieces of conduit. The rammer tool includes a mounting section to mount the tool into an air hammer or other device. The rammer tool also includes a hardware section with a magnet to prevent hardware from falling off of the tool during the installation process.

Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a detacher. The detacher includes a field source. The field source is arranged to provide a first magnetic field when power is applied to the field source. The detacher further includes a magnet arranged to provide a second magnetic field. The magnet is movable from a non-detach position to a detach position when exposed to the first magnetic field. The second magnetic field is arranged to unlock a security tag when the magnet is at the detach location. The system further includes an activation device. The activation device includes a processor configured to trigger power to be supplied to the field source.

Abstract: A vacuum device includes a vacuum generator, a guiding pipe, a connection member, and a stand. One end of the guiding pipe is connected to the vacuum generator. One end of the connection member is connected to the other end of the guiding pipe. The other end of the connection member is connected to the stand. The stand includes a top surface, a first sidewall connected to the top surface, and a pressing portion extending outward from the first sidewall. The connection member is supported by the top surface. The stand defines a first hole and a second hole communicating with the first hole. The first hole runs through the top surface and meets the connection member and the guiding pipe. The second hole runs through the first sidewall and the pressing portion.

Abstract: An elastic alignment assembly includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component having a second engagement surface and is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed in at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. Yet further included is a protrusion comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the protrusion extending away from at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the protrusion formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at a first interface and a second interface upon contact with the receiving feature, wherein the first interface is located proximate the first sidewall and the receiving feature, and wherein the second interface is located proximate the second sidewall and the receiving feature.

Abstract: An optical fiber having an end section with a front face to couple light in and out of the optical fiber is inserted in an opening of a housing to encase the end section of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is attached to a surface of the housing, wherein the surface forms a boundary of the opening. The front face of the optical fiber is aligned to the opto-electronic device such that light coupled out of the front face of the optical fiber is coupled into the opto-electronic device or light coupled out of the opto-electronic device is coupled into the optical fiber at the front face of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a datum. The datum has a first portion configured to interface with a work-piece having a critical surface associated with a fit-and-finish surface, and a second portion configured to interface with a mating structure. The datum is adjusted in such a way that the datum facilitates placement of the critical surface within acceptable tolerance to the fit-and-finish surface once the datum is placed between the work-piece and the mating structure, and the work-piece is installed to the mating structure.

Abstract: A set of jaw crusher shims for positioning a movable jaw of a jaw crusher, the shims having at least a first and a second shim. Each of the first and second shims including loosening means arranged to aid with loosening of the shims from each other. The first shim includes a first loosening means and the second shim include a second loosening means. The first and second loosening means are located at different locations along respective front edges of the first and second shims.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a thin film on a flexible substrate is described. The apparatus includes a coating drum having an outer surface for guiding the flexible substrate through a first vacuum processing region and at least one second vacuum processing region, a gas separation unit for separating the first vacuum processing region and at least one second vacuum processing region and adapted to form a slit through which the flexible substrate can pass between the outer surface of the coating drum and the gas separation unit, wherein the gas separation unit is adapted to control fluid communication between the first processing region and the second processing region by adjusting the position of the gas separation unit.

Abstract: A device (20) for fastening a vehicle inner lining (14) to a lining support (12) includes a holding element (22) and a receiving element (24). The receiving element (24) has a latching portion (26) that is laterally open and into which the holding element (22) can engage such that it is fastened to the receiving element (24) in the axial direction. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method of mounting and demounting the vehicle inner lining (14) to or from the lining support (12) by means of this device (20).

Abstract: An airbag is manufactured as follows. In a first joining step, peripheral portions of structural fabric portions that are located closer to the main body fabric portions at the installation are joined to the main body fabric portions in a spread state. In a second joining step, a part that is not overlaid onto the structural fabric portions is joined to the main body fabric portions, and a part that is overlaid onto the structural fabric portions is joined only to the structural portions. In a third joining step, peripheral portions of the structural fabric portions that are separated away from the main body fabric portions at the installation are joined to each other.

Abstract: A basket hanger a method of forming a hook for the basket hanger and a method of attaching the basket hanger to a basket. The basket hanger having a hook with a plurality of steel wires strands attached at a proximal end to the hook, the steel wire strands having a substantially straight downwardly extending portion terminated at a distal end in a clip with an upwardly extending leg, the upwardly extending leg canted to one side and having a dogleg. The steel wire strands may be spring steel.

Abstract: Disclosed are belt adjustment systems, particularly for wearing around a user's waist, that permit a continuum of belt loop sizes or a larger selection of belt loop sizes. The belt adjustment system includes an elongate belt member having a first end, a second end and a series of teeth positioned on an inner surface near the second end and a fixation member having first and second adjustment elements.

Abstract: A coiled tubing assembly includes coiled tubing having a side wall that defines an opening and an insert covering the opening and affixed to the coiled tubing. The coiled tubing has a longitudinal axis. The insert defines a capillary window therethrough. The opening and the insert include ends that are non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A method of making a coiled tubing assembly includes providing coiled tubing defining a side wall opening and pulling a capillary tube into the interior of the coiled tubing through the side wall opening. The method further includes attaching the capillary tube to a capillary window of an insert for covering the side wall opening and affixing the insert to the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A flip-chip bonder fabricates an optical assembly by horizontally positioning a flexible portion of a substrate including a waveguide with the waveguide exposed at one end edge of the substrate; bending a portion of the flexible substrate to place the waveguide exposed end in approximately a vertical position; vertically positioning a bond head containing an optical component upon the waveguide exposed substrate edge to optically mate the optical component with the exposed waveguide; and fixably mounting the optical component to the substrate edge.

Abstract: An elastic insert assembly for aligning components to each other includes a first component having a first surface and a second surface. Also included is a second component. Further included is a pocket portion of the second component configured to receive the first component therein, the pocket portion defined by at least one sidewall and a base wall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends from the base wall in an angularly outward direction. Yet further included is at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall of the first component, the at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall tapered inwardly from the first surface to the second surface, the at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at an interface between the at least one elastically deformable perimeter wall and the at least one sidewall.

Abstract: A riveting tool configured to install a plurality of fasteners simultaneously is provided including a body having a generally central cavity. A strike surface is arranged at a first end of the body and a plurality of contactors extends generally outwards from a second, opposite end of the body. Each contactor includes an engagement surface configured to contact a surface of an adjacent fastener when a force is applied to the strike surface. A biasing mechanism is arranged within the cavity adjacent an upper cavity surface. A dowel is positioned within the cavity adjacent the biasing mechanism. The dowel is configured to engage a portion of an adjacent nut plate and translate within the cavity.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a position of a lighting element is disclosed. The system comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, where the second bracket is coupled to a lighting element. The second bracket is movable relative to the first bracket. The first bracket may be fixed in place. The second bracket may be movable in both longitudinal and radial directions relative to the first bracket.