Abstract: A counterbalancing assembly for an article of folding furniture comprises at least one piston extending between a support assembly and a furniture component, said piston being biased to resist a downward force of gravity acting on the furniture component. An upper mounting bracket secures a first end of the piston to the support assembly, and a lower mounting bracket secures a second end of the piston to the furniture component. One or both of the upper and lower mounting brackets includes a worm gear and a mounting element that is threaded onto the worm gear. Each such mounting element has a portion adapted to engage a complementary fitting defined by a respective end of the piston, such that rotation of the worm gear causes a corresponding linear movement of the mounting element, and thus, linear movement of the respective end of the piston.

Abstract: A modular paneled bed frame assembled from connected paneled sections. A modular paneled bed frame may be comprised generally of a headboard, a footboard, and side rails. Modular paneled bed frame may be configured in a folded position for ease of shipping or retail storage. In an embodiment, a modular paneled bed frame may be assembled by an end consumer in a short period of time, for example less than 15 minutes, based on a “no-tool” assembly due to hinged and interlocking components.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a siderail assembly comprises a handle, a link assembly, and a pin. The handle is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The link assembly is coupled to the handle and configured to move between a latch position and an unlatch position as a function of the movement of the handle. The pin is configured to be engaged by the link assembly and is configured to rotate from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation to disengage the link assembly from the pin when a false latching condition occurs.

Abstract: A patient support table has a patient support plate adjustable along at least one axis to support a patient thereon, and at least one touch-sensitive input device, wherein sweeping over or marking a segment of the at least one touch-sensitive input device by a user is translated into an adjustment of the patient support plate along the at least one axis. A medical apparatus includes such a patient support table, and in a method to adjust the patient support plate of the patient support table, appropriate interaction of a user with the touch-sensitive input device effects the adjustment of the support plate along the at least one axis.

Abstract: A pillow (10) in the form of a ring (20) extending around a vertical axis (22), with a gap (24) between front ends (26, 28) of the pillow. A person can lie in a prone position with his/her face lying facedown in the vertical aperture (54) formed by the ring and with the periphery of the person's face supported by the upper surface of the ring. The pillow front ends and a rear portion (32) project downward to leave tunnels (Q) at opposite sides though which the person can breath. The person's chin projects into the gap between the pillow front ends. A separate chest support (12) has a rear portion of a soft elastomer that can support the person's abdomen, and has a front portion of a stiffer elastomer for supporting the chest.

Abstract: A support device such as a head support is disclosed. The head support has a frame configured for arrangement between collapsed and assembled dispositions. The head support may also have a pad and/or a cushion. In an example, the frame includes a base, a front riser, a support and a rear riser. After assembly, the central plane of the front riser is configured at an angle relative to the central planes of the base and the support, and may be substantially parallel with the central plane of the rear riser. To prepare the head support for transport, the central plane of the base can be configured substantially parallel to central planes of the front riser, the support, and the rear riser.

Abstract: An aromatic air effusion apparatus for a pillow is introduced for both leisure relaxation and for retirement at night. This pillow apparatus is unique over conventional art providing a user with a great variety of options for mechanically controlled effusions of aromatic scents that are channeled throughout the interior of the pillow. A compression and timing apparatus effuses air through a scented permeable medium then conducts such air throughout the pillow whereby such treated air would be a source of a gratifying emotional experience for the user. According to practitioners of aromatherapy, and those who patronize the benefits of its products, the scents of both synthetic and natural plant extract oils, which would be used with this first, advanced-technology pillow, are personally and emotionally rewarding as they enhance both mood and even metabolism for overall well-being and improved health.

Abstract: The invention relates mold, particularly a mold for producing foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, the mold comprises a lid and a bowl releasingly engageable to define a mold cavity, the lid comprising: (i) a vent having a passageway for gas to escape from the mold cavity, and (ii) a plurality of grooves connected to the vent. The use of a plurality of grooves/slots in the mold cavity surface effectively acts as a siphon to draw gas away from the composition to be molded. The plurality of grooves/slots is connected to one or more vents which then allows for escape of the gas from the mold cavity to the exterior of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is a therapeutic seat cushion to alleviate pain when sitting such as tailbone, sit bone, pudendal nerve, post operative, or pelvic pain, or after childbirth or any other situation that may cause a user pain when sitting. The therapeutic seat cushion is adjustable and portable to suit a user's needs. The therapeutic seat cushion comprises a base and at least two cushions that are removably attachable to the base and which may be adjusted in any configuration upon the base to provide a user customized pain relief with stable, unmovable support. The therapeutic seat cushion has carry handles and may be folded in half to join the handles with a closure for easy portability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decubitus cushion comprising a core and a jacket, wherein the core comprises viscoelastic material and the jacket comprises a cover layer of material promoting air circulation fixedly or reversibly removable at at least the side facing the skin.

Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.

Abstract: A bed plate attaches to inner rail plates on each side with hinges or the like, which slides into a bed and rail plate envelope. This bed and rail cover may be placed on top of a hospital bed. When the bed rails are locked in an upwards position the bed cover envelope may be fastened to the outer bed rails or bed frame to hold it in place. The firmness of the bed and rail cover eliminates the possibility of the patient enstranglment in-between the mattress, bed frame, or side rails. The padding within the bed and rail plate envelope eliminates the risk of patients injuring themselves while hitting the bed frame or bed rail.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool, a cleaning sheet and method of removes debris, lint, or hair from a variety of surfaces. The cleaning tool is provided with a first array of stems and a second array of stems, wherein the first array of stems are smaller and more densely included on a cleaning surface of the cleaning tool. The larger stems are able to loosen and pull deeply embedded hair from loose fabric surfaces, while the smaller stems are able to capture and retain the loosened hair.

Abstract: A brush for use on sensitive surfaces includes a twisted wire core having a handle end and a bristle end, and a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from a portion of the wire core defining a bristle block. The brush further includes a protective tip integrally formed on the wire core at the bristle end for preventing the brush from damaging sensitive surfaces. The wire core and the protective tip are formed from the same material.

Abstract: A mop head and handle combination includes a block of substantially rigid foam material with a cylindrically shaped cavity in the interior that extends the length thereof. An elongated slot in said top wall extends downwardly and communicates with the cavity. The width of the slot is less than the diameter of the cavity. The handle includes a vertical pole with a horizontal bar connected to the bottom end forming a T configuration. The handle can be connected to the mop head by aligning the bar with the slot and pushing down on the pole to force the bar through the slot and into the cavity. The portions of the block around the slot flex out of the way to allow the bar to pass therethrough and then flex back to their normal position to maintain the bar in place within the cavity.

Abstract: Covers for covering a handle of a cosmetic brush are disclosed. The covers may include a suction cup fixed in a wall of the cover. The covers may be softer than a handle of the cosmetic brush. The covers may have an open end opposite a closed end, or a first open end opposite a second open end. In embodiments where the covers have a first open end opposite a second open end, the covers may be displaced, while remaining coupled to a handle of the cosmetic brush, from a first position covering a group of bristles of the cosmetic brush and exposing the handle of the cosmetic brush to a second position exposing the group of bristles and covering the handle. By virtue of having a suction cup fixed in the wall of the cover a user may removeably couple the cosmetic brush to a smooth surface.

Abstract: The invention is based on an adapter (16) for connecting a connecting element (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40) at the end of a wiper arm (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to a wiper blade (10) in particular of flat beam construction, wherein the adapter (16) has a base element (42).

Abstract: An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable cleaning cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution system further includes an auxiliary hand tool for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces.

Abstract: A bushing includes a bronze backing layer having a first axial end, a second axial end, and a central opening, the bushing having a cylindrical shape and a porous bronze layer. PTFE or other suitable low friction material is impregnated into the porous bronze layer at one of a radially inner or outer surface of the bushing. A PTFE or other suitable low friction material topical layer is disposed adjacent the impregnated layer. The bushing may optionally comprise a flange which also includes the bronze backing layer, the porous bronze and impregnated layer, and the topical layer on an axially inner or outer surface.

Abstract: A castor assembly structured for use in combination with or independently of a dolly or other support platform including a one piece base comprising a housing and a head integrally connected to the housing and extending radially outward from one end thereof. The housing includes an open interior and a open end structured to movably retain a surface engaging roller ball therein. A retaining portion may be formed on said base in cooperative relation with said head so as to secure a support platform to the base when in a first operative position. A second operative position comprises said head disposed in engagable and at least partially supporting relation to an object while the base is not secured to or used in combination with a dolly or other support platform.

Abstract: A castor assembly includes a castor unit, a positioning unit, and a brake unit. The castor unit includes a housing and two rollers. The housing has a neck portion and a body portion. The positioning unit includes a fixing block located under the neck portion, a toothed plate pivotally connected with the body portion, and two restoring springs biased between the toothed plate and the body portion. The fixing block has an annular toothed portion. The toothed plate has a plurality of locking teeth that are movable to engage the toothed portion. The brake unit includes a braking block having two braking faces press the rollers. Thus, the toothed plate presses the fixing block by the elastic force of the restoring springs so that the locking teeth of the toothed plate engage the toothed portion of the fixing block closely.

Abstract: A castor includes a casing constituted by a part having at least one housing suitable for receiving a pivot defined on an axis, and a bearing defined on an axis perpendicular to the axis, at least one wheel suitable for running on a surface, a shaft mounted to co-operate in the bearing, the wheel being mounted in association with the shaft, the part being constituted by at least two portions and that are made respectively of two materials of different flexibilities, the portion presenting the greater flexibility being interposed between the housing and the axial orifice of the bearing so as to isolate the housing and the bearing from each other. The castors may be used with furniture or the like, in particular in a hospital setting, e.g. for beds, tables, walkers, and also for moving suitcases, baggage, or the like.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for an architectural door or panel utilizes a head track connected to an overhead structural member with two concave tracks for receiving the convex wheel bearings which are attached to a hanger extending downwardly from the wheel bearings. The bottom of the hanger has a head which is inserted into a housing by way of an open groove. The housing is mounted to the frame of the door or panel. Rubber neoprene spacers are mounted between the head and the housing to adjust the vertical height of the door or panel relative to the head track and structural member. Additional wheel bearings may be added to the hanger as is necessary.

Abstract: A hinge device in which a slider elastically supported by a compressive coil spring is put into contact with a pivotal lever installed on a cover of a product which swings open or closed. The hinge device can increase a free stop section and simultaneously prevent the cover from being incidentally open.

Abstract: In a door hinge for hidden placement between a door frame and a door leaf a first hinge rod is rotatably mounted on a door frame receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of a door leaf receiving body, a second hinge rod is rotatably mounted on the door leaf receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of the door frame receiving body, disposed at an angle of at least 45° relative to front surfaces of the door leaf in a closed position, and a depth of the door frame receiving body is less than 80% of a depth of the door leaf receiving body.

Abstract: The invention provides an ergonomic handle for precision, surgical, and dental tools including electro-surgical devices and surgical devices used in microsurgery designed to facilitate the positioning of the user's hand grip comprising a longitudinally extending body substantially oval in cross-section and being provided with four, substantially concave indentations positioned towards the proximal end of the handle, a first concave indentation being provided along a top surface of the handle, second and third indentations being provided along lateral surfaces, and a fourth indentation being provided along the bottom surface of the body respectively and positioned relative to each other to provide a contiguous interface respectively with the user's thumb, index finger and middle finger.

Abstract: A clamp ring and process for manufacturing a clamp ring to effectively reduce, if not eliminate, waste scrap from the manufacturing process. The clamp ring and process for manufacturing the same, results in clamp ring having a seam formed by a metal joining technique such as welding, brazing, bolting, soldering, and clinching.

Abstract: A hose clamp includes a body elastically deformable between a closed-diameter state and an opened-diameter state, a first grip piece, a second grip piece, a lock portion located on either the first or second grip piece, a lock receiving portion located on the other grip piece side and elastically displaced together with the lock portion when the grip pieces are caused to come close to each other, thereby being locked to the lock portion by a subsequent return operation. The lock receiving portion holds the body in the opened-diameter state when in a locked state, and a restricting portion is capable of restricting displacement of both grip pieces in reverse of the direction of the elastic displacement. Either the first or second grip piece formed with the restricting portion has a distal end located lower than a distal end of the other grip piece when the body is in the closed-diameter state.

Abstract: A clip for the construction of a temporary reduction of the seam of the sleeves of a short sleeve shirt, or the elastic cuffs of a long sleeve shirt. The clip creates a friction lock between the metal frame of the clip and the clip body with the material locked between the two parts of the clip. The clip creates a temporary seam or hem so that the shirt or other article of clothing appears tailored to accommodate medical prosthesis.

Abstract: A button includes a button body that is placed over a first main surface of a sheet having the first main surface and a second main surface opposing to the first main surface, the button body having a hole over the first main surface; a fixing member including a base that is placed over the second main surface, and a shaft that projects from the base and passes through the hole from the second main surface towards the first main surface side, in which a distal portion of the shaft includes: a plate-like base portion provided over the button body and covering the hole; and a plurality of ribs integrally formed with the base portion and onto a surface of the base portion, and radially extending from a center to a circumference of the base portion.

Abstract: A garment fastening system having a button member adapted to be inserted into a buttonhole of a garment. The button member has a front wall, a rear wall and a side wall disposed therebetween. The button member defines an aperture that is extending from a portion of the rear wall and a portion of the side wall, and an internal chamber in communication with the aperture. The garment system also has a resilient member extending, through the aperture and having two opposite ends that are connected to the internal chamber thereby defining a loop at least partially extending outside the button member and adapted to receive a button of the garment. The aperture is dimensioned for allowing movement of the resilient member. The garment fastening system can be used for providing elasticity to a garment by simply connecting it to existing button and buttonhole.

Abstract: A curtain bead chain fixing device includes a bead chain guide way through which a bead chain as a pull cord for controlling a curtain is extended and thereby becomes connected to the fixing device, and an elastically movable interfering element being normally pushed into the bead chain guide way to interfere with the free movement of the bead chain in and along the bead chain guide way. When the fixing device is adequately mounted to a wall surface according to specified installation procedures, the interfering element is forced out of the bead chain guide way to release the bead chain therefrom. Therefore, a user of the curtain is urged and guided to adequately mount the fixing device to hold the bead chain in place, and undesired accidents caused by a swinging bead chain can be avoided.

Abstract: A device holder includes a body having a receiving port and an arm having an engagement member. The engagement member has a plurality of teeth and is pivotally aligned with the receiving port. The device includes a button extending through a surface of the body pivotally coupled with a pawl positioned to releasably engage the teeth of the engagement member. A biasing member is located between an inner wall of the body and the pawl, biasing the pawl away from the inner wall. A lock located in the body and an actuator extending through a surface of the body is also included. The lock is positionable between a locked and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A closure device for connecting two parts includes a first connecting module and a second connecting module. The first connecting module can be arranged on the second connecting module in a closing direction and is mechanically latched with the second connecting module in a closed position. The device also includes magnetic means which cause a magnetic attraction force between the first connecting module and the second connecting module to support the transfer of the first connecting module into the closed position. The first connecting module can be released from the second connecting module by means of a movement of the first connecting module or a part of the first connecting module in an opening direction that differs from the closing direction. The magnetic means counteract a movement of the first connecting module in the opening direction.

Abstract: A clip includes first and second clamping pieces provided to clamp a member to be fixed. The first clamping piece includes an insertion part to be inserted into a thorough hole of a fixed member. The insertion part includes a pair of strip member, each including a smaller width portion, a larger width portion and a stepped portion provided therebetween. In a course of the insertion part being inserted into the through hole, the larger width portions of the strip members pass the through hole while the strip members are flexed in the direction approaching to each other, and subsequently when the smaller width portions are inserted into the through hole, the strip members are allowed to be deformed in a direction separating from each other to return to an original state, whereby the stepped portions are locked to a region to be locked in the fixed member.

Abstract: A fixture includes an elongated rod, a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and the second jaw are assembled with the elongated rod. The second jaw has a pivotal portion and a grip. A trigger is connected outside the pivotal portion. A front chamber is formed in the pivotal portion for receiving a plurality of clasping pieces and a restoring spring penetrated by the elongated rod. The restoring spring pushes the clasping pieces to synchronously drive a push rod connected to the trigger. Each of the clasping pieces is formed with a groove facing the restoring spring. The restoring spring is formed with a guiding section bent toward the clasping pieces. The guiding section is disposed in the groove to guide the second jaw to advance smoothly.

Abstract: Use of a snap hook requires the capture loop to be cradled in a joint of the index finger to prevent it from rolling in the hand. Hooks having a cylindrical body roll easily, and those having an oval section capture loop, roll more easily. When a hook rolls, its loop can move to a position where it blocks access to the gap, requiring it to be repositioned in the hand. Ergonomic requirements provided in this hook include: spacing the hand a maximal distance from the gap, stability from rolling in the hand, and minimal movement of the hand members in operation. The hand does not close around the hook; it may be held between the thumb and a finger, a natural configuration in which the hand retains the lie of its usual open form. Stability from rolling results from the forces of contact being directed within the borders of the wide contact surfaces of the body and the button. The larger the contact forces, the more stable the hook is.

Abstract: A novel pierced earring for pierced ears which includes a rear plate attached to the pin, the rear plate forming the nut and having a peripheral shape approximating that of the rear portion of the lobe of the ear to provide substantial bearing surface against the rear of the lobe.

Abstract: Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof can include a unitary or one-piece body having first and second ends configured and operative to be coupled together or to be coupled to their respective complement in another of said fastening devices. The first end can include a ring or annular portion and a projection that are sized and shaped to fit around an anchor and in an orifice, respectively, of the second end. Fastening devices and systems and methods thereof according to embodiments may be used with items, including footwear, apparel, luggage, a backpack, a bag, a purse, a boxing glove, a punching bag, football or lacrosse shoulder pads, or the like.

Abstract: A removable guidewire funnel tool aids in backloading a catheter onto a guidewire. The guidewire funnel tool includes a pliable loading coupler having a lumen therethrough. The lumen has a tapered distal section that serves to receive a guidewire and a tapered proximal section that receives and couples with a correspondingly tapered distal tip of the catheter. The guidewire funnel tool has a longitudinal slot or area of weakness along the entire length of the loading coupler and a grip tab to enable easy removal of the guidewire funnel tool after the guidewire lumen of the catheter is loading with the guidewire.

Abstract: A system and method for rivet setting comprising a micro-adjustable bucking bar coupled to a control system that measures the rivet head during the rivet setting process and stops the rivet gun when the rivet head achieves a desired head height above the work surface. In preferred embodiments, the control system also communicates the stage of the rivet driving cycle to the operators to expedite the rivet driving process.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing shoes is provided that includes two or more pieces of equipment used in the customization and manufacturing of shoes and an alignment fixture that may engage with each piece of equipment by way of an alignment mounting member. The alignment fixture may secure to it a portion of a shoe, such as an upper portion, wherein the shoe portion remains in a flat position, and in a fixed relationship to the alignment fixture, throughout the various processes performed by the pieces of equipment. These processes may include, for example, printing, laser, embroidery, forming, cutting, or the like.

Abstract: A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.

Abstract: A threaded element in the shape of a wire thread insert with a specific geometric design is disclosed. This threaded element contains, in particular, a narrowed helical winding of at least two helical winding sections that enclose one or a plurality of sequential secants. Based on this geometric design of the threaded element, a matched installation process is described.

Abstract: A modular case and method of forming the same, the case preferably formed from a plurality of panels, edge members and corner pieces having ribs. The panels, edge members and corner pieces are preferably connected to align the ribs, forming substantially continuous ribs capable of distributing forces over a large area of the modular case. The case is most preferably made of plastic, the connections preferably being hot-plate welds. Most preferably, the panels and edge members have a dual skin construction with internal ribs, proving for greater strength and allowing for superior structural properties including air-/water-tight integrity. Edge members are preferably formed with protuberances to allow for better base-to-lid and case-to-case engagement. Hardware attachments to the modular case can be advantageously made while distributing the force on attachment points and without compromising structural integrity.

Abstract: A method of removing a component from an aircraft includes attaching a device comprising a guide member to the aircraft; attaching the component (such as an actuator) to the guide member; detaching the component from the rest of the aircraft; and moving the guide member so that the component follows a predefined path of removal of the component. A device for use in such a method is also described.

Abstract: A method of making blocks with internally disposed magnets. Pockets for the magnets are machined into a non-extrudable material such as wood. Strong permanent magnets are disposed in the pockets to cause the faces of the block to exhibit a desired polarity magnetic field. The pockets are then sealed to permanently retain the magnets. The exterior shape of the block may be formed either prior to or subsequent to machining and sealing of the pockets.

Abstract: As described herein, a body lumen filter is provided that includes a body configured to move between a pre-deployed state and a deployed state, a filtering structure operatively associated with the body to filter particulates, and a blending structure operatively associated with the body. The blending structure can be configured to break up at least one of the particulates.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: On the surface of the spread multi-layered metal object, as reaches from outside to inside of step-wise, the pattern shaped concave is formed by reaching the lower layer of metal layer of the metal layer. The concave is formed as step-wise, the innermost reaches inside of the metal layer from the surface, the outer reaches the top of the metal layer from the surface, and the outermost reaches the top of the metal layer. The metals removed to form the concave remains inside and effectively control on the pattern part obtained at the end. As a result, able to form desired pattern stably.