Abstract: A method for wetting laundry in a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation comprises forming an annulus of laundry within the treating chamber prior to wetting the laundry, spraying liquid onto the annulus while the treating chamber is being rotated, after the formation of the annulus, redistributing the laundry, after the redistributing, rotating the treating chamber to form an annulus of laundry, and, while the treating chamber is rotated, recirculating the liquid through the laundry.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation includes spraying a color care agent mixture comprising water and a color care agent onto the laundry to cover the laundry with the color care agent to protect the laundry from dyes released from the laundry as a result of supplying a wash mixture comprising a detergent and water to the laundry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dry cleaning system and method thereof. According to the present invention, the dry cleaning system and method provide more economical, safe, convenient, and/or eco-friendly washing.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods for enzymatic bleaching of textiles. A perhydrolase enzyme is used in combination with an ester substrate and hydrogen peroxide to produce a peracid for textile bleaching. Textiles bleached by the exhibit increased dye uptake, decreased textile damage, and/or bulkier softer handle than textiles bleached by conventional chemical bleaching processes.

Abstract: The present specification provides for an agent for dyeing keratinic fibers. The agent includes, in a gel-like carrier at least one oxidation dye precursor. The gel-like carrier includes at least one emulsifier combination. The emulsifier combination includes one or more non-ionic polyethoxylated emulsifiers selected from ethoxylated fatty alcohols containing between 8 and 22 carbon atoms, ethoxylated castor oil, or combinations thereof, and one or more polyethylene glycols having an average molecular weight between 100 and 100,000 grams per mole (g-MOL?1). The gel-like carrier also includes at least one polymeric thickener selected from homopolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, copolymers of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with C1-C4 alkyl esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibres, comprising, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing keratin fibres: at least one oxidation base chosen from 4,5-diaminopyrazole, pyrazolopyrimidine and diamino-N,N-dihydropyrazolone heterocyclic bases, and at least one coupler chosen from the compounds of formula (II) and the addition salts thereof, solvates thereof and solvates of the salts thereof: The composition of the present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain colorations in varied shades, which are strong, chromatic, powerful, aesthetic, sparingly selective and resistant to the various attacking factors to which the hair may be subjected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the chlorine fastness of dyed synthetic polyamide fibre materials, which comprises treating the fibre material after dyeing with an aqueous liquor comprising a thiourea/formaldehyde/bisphenol condensate or a thiourea/polyisocyanate adduct.

Abstract: Woven, unfinished textiles or yarns may be made softer and more brightly-colored by a method which comprises treating a yarn to weave fabric by sizing the yarn to weave fabric; desizing the sized fabric; bleaching the desized fabric; reducing the number of electrolytes on the bleached fabric; pre-softening the fabric having fewer electrolytes; fabric printing the pre-softened fabric; and finishing the fabric printed fabric. A fabric printed textile comprising a self cross-linked low glass transition temperature acrylic binder film on fibers of a fabric printed textile, where the fibers are impregnated with a polysiloxane polymer.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to methods for dyeing greige goods to produce a random dye pattern, compositions and articles produced therefrom. In a further aspect, the invention relates to methods of methods for dyeing greige goods to produce a random dye pattern using a dyeing machine. In still a further aspect, the invention relates to methods of producing unique dye patterns for greige goods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that preserve and enhance the brightness of pulp, and also improve the color of pulp or paper, when applied during different stages of a papermaking process, are disclosed. The compositions and methods maintain or enhance brightness, prevent yellowing, and enhance the performance of paper products. The compositions can include a mixture of reducing agents and can also include optical brighteners, chelants, polycarboxylates, or other additives. The mixture of reducing agents can include a borohydride, such as sodium borohydride, and any other reducing agent, such as a sulfite or bisulfite.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for applying an adhesive film to the sole of shoes. Application of a portion of the adhesive film can be performed by receiving a shoe on top of the adhesive film, which in turn is above a plate and compressible pins. Upon receiving the shoe, the plate is raised or lowered, and the compressible pins mark the perimeter of the sole of the shoe. The adhesive film is cut in a sole-shaped pattern due to the height differentiation, resulting in a sole-shaped portion of the adhesive film being adhered to the sole of the shoe.

Abstract: Kits, systems, methods, materials, and tools for improving footwear wearability are provided. In one aspect, a kit includes a deformable material adapted to be positioned into footwear, and a tool including a first end and a second end. The first end of the tool is adapted to engage the deformable material, move the material to a desired position in the footwear, and shape the material. The second end of the tool is adapted to engage the material and remove the material from the footwear. In another aspect, a method of improving wearabilty of footwear includes positioning a deformable material into footwear, engaging the material with a first end of a tool, moving the material to a desired portion of the footwear with the tool, and deforming the material into a desired shape with the first end of the tool.

Abstract: A method of making injection molded footwear includes placing a last into the internal cavity of a mold with the last and cavity being configured such that there is a space between them which is greater than the desired thickness of the footwear skin. An elastically deformable scrim is placed over the last before the last is paced in the mold. The scrim has a first thickness when not compressed and a second thickness when compressed. The difference between the first and second thickness is approximately equal to the desired thickness of the footwear skin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluid-filled chamber with a tensile element includes manufacturing a tensile element and incorporating the tensile element into a chamber. A first material layer, a second material layer, and a spacing structure having a plurality of support portions and a plurality of gaps may be stacked. The material layers may be located on either side of the spacing structure or on one side of the spacing structure. A strand may be stitched through the gaps to join the material layers and to form the tensile element. The spacing structure may be removed, and the first material layer may be spaced from the second material layer such that segments of the strand extend between the material layers. The tensile element may then be secured to opposite interior surfaces of an outer barrier, and the outer barrier may be pressurized to place the strand in tension.

Abstract: A composite action support structure for a bridge or other civil infrastructure includes an elongate member made of a plastic material and providing load bearing capability. A cover plate is made of a plastic material and extends along at least a portion of the length of the elongate member. A lower surface of the cover plate is mated to the upper surface of the elongate member. A plurality of panels made of a plastic material are arranged at an angle to the cover plate, and a lower surface of each of the panels mates with an upper surface of the cover plate. The elongate member, the cover plate and the plurality of panels form a structural unit. The plastic materials used can include virgin plastic, thermoplastic, recycled thermoplastic composite, recycled structural composite, combinations thereof, and the like.

Abstract: A drive system for a pool cleaner is disclosed, the drive system including a motor operatively connected relative to an axle for driving rotation of the axle. The axel in turn is connected to and drives the rotation of (i) a roller assembly including a roller for cleaning a target surface and (ii) a wheel drive assembly engaged with an idler gear for driving a wheel. Notably the axis of rotation of the roller assembly is different than the axis of rotation of the wheel. Thus, the wheel drive assembly may drive the wheel by interacting with a surface of a cylindrical flange of the wheel.

Abstract: Generation of electricity on-board, principally, certain hydraulic pool cleaners is described. Magnets may be caused to move within coils by (normal) cooperative actions of diaphragm-type valves and external pumps, thus generating electricity without changing the operational principles of the cleaners. The generated electricity may be used to power electrical devices either on-board the cleaners or elsewhere.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switching the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for an improved underwater vacuum cleaning system. Urging elements are provided on a vacuum head to encourage debris, especially large pieces of underwater debris, to matriculate under the head or otherwise toward the vacuum opening, rather than traveling over the head or otherwise NOT toward the vacuum opening. Various embodiments of engagement elements are disclosed between the vacuum head and a vacuum hose to improve the connection therebetween.

Abstract: A debris removal device for electrostatically removing debris may include a sheet comprising a plurality of conductive traces and a driver circuit positioned in electrical communication with the conductive traces of the sheet. Each conductive trace may be spaced apart from adjacent conductive traces. Furthermore, the driver circuit may be configured to selectively energize subsets of the plurality of conductive trace. The driver circuit may be configured to energize the subsets of the plurality of conductive traces sequentially.

Abstract: An electronically powered toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a brush head including a plurality of bristles, a motor, and an output shaft connected to the brush head and the motor. The output shaft is selectively rotated by the motor. The toothbrush further includes a bumper assembly connected to the output shaft and configured to conserve kinetic energy from the output shaft during rotation and reapply the kinetic energy to the output shaft.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions.

Abstract: An oral care implement generates cavitation within the oral cavity. One or more cavitation cleaning elements may be located in the head area of the oral care implement. The cavitation cleaning element vibrates at a frequency that produces cavitation of fluids within the oral cavity. The oral care implement may include an elastomeric cavitation cleaning element. A cleaning element may be configured to vibratory release an oral care substance from a container; and a body for gripping the implement.

Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a handle (12), a brushhead (14) and a drive assembly (20) which includes a processor (22) for driving the brushhead at a selected frequency and amplitude. A miniature gyroscope (MEMS) (26) and an accelerometer (28) are mounted on the brushhead or on a portion of the drive assembly within the handle for detecting rotational velocity of the brushhead and orientation of the brushhead in the mouth during operation. Information from the gyroscope (rotational) and the accelerometer are then provided to the processor for determining amplitude of brushhead movement. The amplitude information is provided to the user, or can be further processed and fed back (30) to the drive assembly for control of brushhead movement.

Abstract: A power toothbrush having a vibration compensation system, the toothbrush including a toothbrush housing (72), and an actuator which includes a stator (74) having a first moment of inertia and a rotor (76) having a second moment of inertia, at the end of said rotor is mounted a bristle member. A first spring element (86) having a first spring constant connects the stator to the housing, while a second spring element (88) having a second spring constant connects the rotor to the housing, wherein the ratio of the first and second spring constants is substantially the same as the ratio of the first and second moments of inertia.

Abstract: A sonic toothbrush system including an electric motor, a brush shaft, a drive assembly, a fluid conduit connected to a pressurized, pulsed water source, and a water jet nozzle positioned on the brush head and connected to the fluid conduit. The electric motor includes a drive shaft. When the electric motor is caused to operate, the drive shaft continuously rotates until the motor is caused to stop. The drive assembly is coupled between the drive shaft and brush shaft. The drive assembly is configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft into sonic oscillation of a toothbrush supported on an end of the brush shaft. The drive assembly further forms part of the fluid conduit to deliver a pulsed water stream to the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A roller brush for a cleaning appliance that includes a brush core defining a longitudinal axis of rotation and three or more dual rows of bristles disposed on and equidistantly spaced along a circumference the brush core. Each dual row of bristles includes a first bristle row of a first bristle composition and having a first height and a second bristle row of a second bristle composition stiffer than the first bristle composition and having a second height. The second bristle row is circumferentially spaced from the first bristle row by a gap less than or equal to 10% of the first height. Also, the first height is less than or equal to 90% of the second height.

Abstract: A broom assembly for a vehicle includes a frame, a broom core axle rotatably coupled to the frame and defining an axis around which a broom rotates when in use, an actuator coupled to the frame and positioned to raise and lower the broom core axle relative to the frame, and a controller. The controller has an output for adjusting the actuator and an input for receiving position information from a sensor. The controller is configured to use the received position information to automatically lower the broom core axle over a period of operation to account for an estimated wear of the broom.

Abstract: An optic connector cleaning apparatus includes a driving assembly, a cleaning tape and a casing. The driving module includes a reel assembly. The cleaning tape includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the cleaning tape winds at the reel assembly; the casing includes an inverting structure and a cleaning region. The cleaning tape winds about the inverting structure. The first surface of the cleaning tape is exposed to the cleaning region, the cleaning tape winds about the inverting structure to expose the second surface through the cleaning region.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head including a cleaning pad mount that is configured to receive a cleaning pad and a water distribution system including a first heating unit in fluid communication with a water reservoir and having a water outlet in communication with the cleaning pad mount. The water distribution system may be configured to deliver water to the water outlet as liquid water.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is provided with separate reservoirs for constituent conditioning components to allow separate storage of the conditioning components and mixing of the conditioning components just prior to application to a surface of the bowling lane. One conditioning component may be a polar component such as a polyethylene glycol and another conditioning component may be a non-polar component such as a mineral oil based product. Separate reservoirs for constituent cleaning components are also provided so that the cleaning components may also be stored separately and then mixed together just prior to application to the bowling lane surface. Primary and secondary drive wheels are positioned on opposite sides of the machine forwardly of a conditioner application roller in the intended forward direction of travel of the machine so that they do not leave “tracks” on the conditioner after its application on the bowling lane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber connector cleaner in which the rotation of the cleaning shaft is linked with the feeding of the cleaning tape so that it is possible to wipe the dirt on the end surface of the connector off reliably. A forwarding and reversing mechanism of the optical fiber connector cleaner is formed of a fixing member contacting the second casing so as to be slidable, and a coil spring biasing the second casing forward in the one direction for the fixing member, a rotation mechanism is formed of a first rack gear disposed on the fixing member, a first gear rotatably mounted in the second casing, and a second gear connected to a base end of the shaft 14, the first gear includes first teeth fitted to the first rack gear, and second teeth fitted to the second gear.

Abstract: An optical connector cleaning tool includes a cleaning body that is fed and moved, a feeding mechanism that performs supply and take-up of the cleaning body, a housing body that houses the feeding mechanism, an extension portion that extends from the housing body, comprising a plurality of distal end tube portions, and an outer tube body through which the plurality of distal end tube portions pass, including a plurality of distal end openings from which the plurality of distal end tube portions are extended; and a head member that is passed through each of the plurality of distal end tube portions and that presses the cleaning body against the joining end face at the distal end of the extension portion.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting the soles of shoes or feet is disclosed. The device contains a spool of sanitizing wipe stretched across an opening. The user may step into the opening to sanitize shoe or foot soles, and also may wind the sanitizing wipe spool to reveal a fresh, unused portion of sanitizing wipe. The device may also contain a second opening that allows access to a drying material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a wipe comprising a nonwoven substrate comprising one or more layers of fibers. A plurality of the fibers each comprise a plurality of fibrils extending outwardly from a surface of the fibers. The plurality of fibrils comprise a lipid ester.

Abstract: Water dispersible nonwoven substrates in accordance with the present invention are formed primarily of individualized bast fibers substantially free of pectin. The nonwoven substrate can include staple fibers to a lesser extent than the individualized bast fibers. Individualized bast fibers include fibers derived from the flax and hemp plants. The nonwoven substrate is formed into a web in a wet or a dry state and subsequently bonded to produce a water dispersible nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate can be a tissue or a wet wipe.

Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include at least one tooth polishing unit having a polishing element including a supporting base and a flexible tooth polishing head extending angularly from the base and defining a polishing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the polishing element is made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be comprised of a plurality of individual polishing members.

Abstract: Polymers are infused with carbonates, such as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts of carbonate, bicarbonate and sesquicarbonate, alone or in combination. The carbonates are soluble, soft, and have been infused within the polymeric material in a sufficient amount to provide an alkaline aqueous environment to inhibit microbes when the polymeric material is contacted with water.

Abstract: This invention relates to a brush containing mono-filaments containing a polyamide which comprises polyamide-410. Preferably, the brush is a toothbrush.

Abstract: Full mouth toothbrush, just need to chew to get gingival massage and plaque removal for: disabled, challenged, and elderly. Using a skeletal structure: extending “ribs” or “dental impression tray” with bristles properly placed which will allow spacing for cleaning and drying device, while providing bristles to brush teeth and gums of both arches at once. Bristles proper length and angle to ADA specifications. Fluoride mouthwash can be used in place of toothpaste for bedridden. This item will be able to be washed in a dishwasher, in three sizes, large, medium, small, This product can be made disposable, single arch design, disposable or reusable, with a handle, and in multiple colors/combinations.

Abstract: The hybrid paintbrush is a paintbrush with characteristics ideal for trim work. The hybrid cross-sectional shape creates a narrow trailing edge, resulting in a fine line for working close to corners and other edges. The wide leading edge acts as a storage location for paint due to its large quantity of bristles. The synergistic result is a paintbrush that has the narrow trailing line of a trim brush, but with the paint-carrying capacity of a larger brush. This allows the novice, who lacks the ability to control the large number of bristles in a larger brush, to effectively cut in a room in a short period of time, minimizing the quantity of times he must reload the brush with paint, or wipe off areas unintentionally painted.

Abstract: A high utility (strong in both dry and wet states, highly absorbent, abrasion resistant, thick, and soft) disposable wiper or towel that contains 85% or more recycled fibers and, in one construction, 100% recycled fibers. The recycled fibers are from post-consumer waste and/or post-industrial waste. The base sheet is produced in a wet-pressed, creped process and is post-treated using a DRC process. The final wiper or towel is a double re-creped, non-woven sheet having a first side and a second side. The non-woven sheet includes about 85% to about 90% by weight of cellulose fibers. The non-woven sheet includes at least about 10% to about 15% by weight of binder.

Abstract: A multi-layer cleaning cloth including a backing layer, a cleaning layer and an absorbent core. The absorbent core ranges from a weight of 70 GSM to 90 GSM or in some embodiments, 80 GSM. The backing layer may be porous or liquid-impervious. The layers are fusion-bonded to create a pocket between the backing layer and the cleaning layer for containing the absorbent core.

Abstract: A recreational towel with an attachment apparatus includes a main body and a female snap-attachment, where the female snap-attachment is connected with the main body. The main body functions as the towel, where the main body is folded into three different sections so that the main body can be efficiently used by the users. A female fastener of the female snap-attachment engages with a male fastener of a golf bag so that the female snap-attachment can function as the attachment apparatus. The female fastener allows the main body to be selectively engage with the golf bag so that the user can easily secure or remove the recreational towel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hand tools, and more specifically, to a hand operated application tool for the application of vinyl film materials. The application tool includes a head portion having an elongated relatively thin blade member constructed from a substantially rigid material. A strengthening rib is formed along a top edge of the blade portion allowing the lower portion of the blade member to be formed thinner than would be possible without the rib while still maintaining a substantially rigid tool. A handle member may be attached to the rib portion of the blade member to allow for one handed operation of a blade having an elongated working surface. A layer of padding material is preferably attached along the working surface of the blade member to compensate for slightly uneven surfaces while applying even pressure across the entire working surface of the blade.

Abstract: A mop includes a first section having a first side, a second section having a second side, and an embedded, semi-permeable layer disposed between the first and second sections to manage an amount of liquid flowing from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A tubular web element is made from a strip of fabric having opposing longitudinal edges. The strip is longitudinally twisted to define a hollow tube having between approximately 0.01-0.95 turns per inch. At least one helical gap is defined between the opposing longitudinal edges of the hollow tube. The opposing longitudinal edges have self-fused edge regions. The hollow tube has self-fused longitudinally-extending regions between its opposing longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A cleaning pad is provided. The cleaning pad includes a cover layer, a core, and an attachment layer. The core is located between the cover layer and the attachment layer. A porous abrasive substance is applied to the attachment layer.

Abstract: A paint roller sleeve assembly and a method for washing it for reuse. The sleeve assembly includes a core of a size to fit a conventional paint roller handle. The core is compressible by hand radially, to allow a tubular flexible outer cover including a backing layer and a layer of paint-carrying fiber pile to be removed for washing and thereafter be replaced on the core for reuse.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for a deposition system are provided to deposit a thin coating layer on flat substrates, such as semiconductors or panels. In an embodiment, liquid supplied rollers accepting liquid media provide liquid chemicals to the substrates for coating the substrates. The liquid delivery system can control the flow and the pressure of the liquid to achieve optimum process condition with minimum excess waste. In another embodiment, rollers with non-uniform distribution of liquid media provide a non-uniform thickness profile on the substrates, which can be used to compensate for the non-uniformity of subsequent processes.