Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with retraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A combination bed includes a front frame, a rear frame detachably connected with the front frame, and a connecting frame mounted between the front frame and the rear frame so that the front frame and the rear frame are supported and combined together by the connecting frame. The front frame includes a front support and two front bars each having a first end pivotally connected with the front support and a second end connected with the rear frame. The rear frame includes a rear support and two rear bars each having a first end pivotally connected with the rear support and a second end connected with the respective front bar. Thus, the front frame, the rear frame and the connecting frame can be connected and disconnected so that the combination bed is assembled and disassembled easily and quickly.

Abstract: A bed panel structure contains a body including two bed frames and the two bed frames are a left bed frame and a right bed frame. Each bed frame has a plurality of rods defined between an outer support and an inner support, and each inner support has a plurality of through holes and plural screwing orifices, each outer support has a plurality of notches corresponding to the plurality of through holes so that each end of a respective one of a plurality of shafts is retained in each notch via each through hole, and a respective one of a plurality of C-shaped retainers connects with each screwing orifice of the inner supports, thus assembling the body.

Abstract: A convertible blanket, method of converting a convertible blanket and kit including a convertible blanket are described. A convertible blanket includes a fabric blanket portion having a top end, a bottom end and sides. The convertible blanket also includes one or more front-of-creature features defining a front of the creature. The front-of-creature features are disposed on a surface of the fabric blanket portion to offset the front of the creature from each of the sides of the fabric blanket portion. The convertible blanket also includes one or more fasteners attached to the fabric blanket portion. The one or more fasteners are configured to releasably hold the convertible blanket in a position where the toy is formed.

Abstract: A hammock design which provides increased lifting at its mid-length or medial portion through a combination of wide bands of fabric in a lengthwise X-shaped formation with a curved or bent spreader bar. In a preferred use, the spreader bar rises from a lower middle part toward higher raised ends. This hammock allows the user a comfortable positioning with nearly horizontal transverse support at the users shoulders and a nearly level position from head to toe.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus is provided. The patient support apparatus has a patient table, a movable support plate for supporting a patient, a guide unit, which is designed to guide the support plate along at least one movement direction of the support plate, and a fastening unit for fastening an auxiliary unit to the support plate. The fastening unit has at least one setting unit for setting the position of the auxiliary unit in relation to the support plate in a flexible manner.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a two-way wireless communication system adapted to communicate between a handheld remote control and an adjustable bed controller wherein the handheld remote control includes a memory position user interface adapted to initiate a transmission of a position recall command from the handheld remote control. The adjustable bed controller indicates to the remote control that it has responded to the position recall command.

Abstract: A mattress for use in institutions, such as correctional facilities, detention centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and the like, includes a core formed of a padding material and a translucent covering surrounding the core. The core is visible through the translucent covering, and the covering includes a translucent fabric having a rip stop pattern woven therein. One of the padding material and the translucent covering is impregnated with a color change composition. The color change composition is changeable from an initial color to an activated color. The activated color is visible through the translucent covering.

Abstract: An automotive tool for servicing air-conditioning (AC) systems equipped with quick-connect adaptors. May be used to service modern refrigerant R132A-compatible systems or retrofitted older systems. The tool is adapted for attaching, detaching, opening, and closing valved T-adaptors used to attach gas lines and pressure gauges such as required for adjusting pressure in AC systems at full operational pressure and temperature, and particularly finds use when the “hi-tap” and “lo-tap” fittings are in hard to reach places around the engine block or chassis. The tool includes swappable extension arms so that length and angular geometry may be adjusted as needed. The tool aids in avoiding injury on dangerously hot surfaces and moving fan blades or belts. Surprisingly, using two such tools, one for the high tap and one for the low tap, a mechanic may work each tool singlehandedly to complete any necessary pressure adjustments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device designed for the unloading of waste, which device consists of a raised platform (1) and of inclined access ramps (2), comprising a plurality of juxtaposed supporting elements (3) forming a raised horizontal surface (48), said supporting elements consisting of two vertical uprights (12) resting on a surface (8) having a deformation coefficient defined as a function of the use of the waste-disposal facility that is envisaged and allowing the movement of pedestrians and light or heavy vehicles and having a horizontal top cross member (13), a plurality of access elements (4) forming at least one continuous inclined surface from the bearing surface (8) to the raised horizontal surface (48), said access elements consisting of two vertical uprights (12) resting on the bearing surface (8) and of an inclined top cross member (13), and fastening means (17) between the supporting elements (3) and the access elements (4).

Abstract: A mobile loading dock including a planar ramp member having a lower end terminating in a lower edge and an upper end including an upper edge, the lower edge having a slot substantially parallel to the length of the ramp member for engagement with a slot-engaging member. The slot-engaging member is connectable to a fork truck having a fork-engaging sleeve for positioning of the ramp member.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A mobile loading dock for a vehicle including a load-bearing, fixed frame with a support plate connected to diagonal supports and horizontal support members. The dock has a planar ramp member with an underside including a wheel assembly. The assembly has a tension spring and hydraulic member attached to the underside. The tension spring exerts a pulling force and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the assembly when the lower end of the dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.

Abstract: A gangway comprises at least one component formed from a continuous piece of metal. The at least one component formed from the continuous piece of metal may be a support structure or an underbody, a platform, a ramp, a step, or other support surface. A method for manufacturing such a gangway comprises forming the at least one component from the continuous piece of metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are proposed for incremental casting of concrete cantilever bridge sections. The main trusses which form the load-bearing frames of the apparatus are angularly splayed so that they are positioned outwards of the main load bearing webs of the to-be-constructed section of the bridge, while still being supported on the webs of the already-constructed section of the bridge. In this way, the region above and below the construction space is kept free for improved access.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner has a plurality of components, some of which have a density greater than water, giving the cleaner an overall negative buoyancy. The cleaner has a buoyant element which is adjustable in position relative to the center of gravity of the cleaner. Adjusting the position of the buoyant element changes the probable motion path of the cleaner on the pool floor and on the walls to allow the cleaner to execute a variety of motion paths to clean various parts of the pool. The adjustable element may be slidably positioned by a handle extending through a slot in the housing or be slidable on a slide band attached to the housing, which may be pivotable, translatable and rotatable, providing an additional range of position alternatives. A selected position is held by a detent or other holding mechanism. The adjustable element permits the cleaner to be adapted to clean various pool shapes and surfaces.

Abstract: Cleaning devices which use cleaning sheets affixed in traps are disclosed. The traps comprise first and second jaws, each comprising base and forward portions, each forward position having a forward surface. The forward portion of the second jaw is flexible in at least a first direction, such as towards a surface over which the device is configured to move. When the second jaw is relaxed, the forward portion of the second jaw is substantially coplanar with the forward portion of the first jaw and the forward surfaces are proximate or touching. When the second jaw is flexed in the first direction (e.g., by the application of a force from a user), the forward surface of the forward portion of the second jaw moves in the first direction, away from the forward surface of the first jaw. This opens a gap through which a portion of a sheet may be inserted.

Abstract: A mop head 2 having a body 5 to which a handle 3 may be attached, and a cleaning portion 7 extending from the body 5 and intended, in use, to clean a dirty surface. The mop head 2 has a formation 17 extending from the rest of the body 5, said formation 17 having an edge or surface 19 which is intended, in use, to clean the dirty surface. The surface may be curved. The surface 19 may comprise one or more formations 20 for cleaning the dirty surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush, characterized by forming a hole perforated in an up-down direction on a header of a toothbrush, wherein the hole has placed therein a plate having a brush implanted thereon, and the plate is fixed on top of an elastic member fixed on the edge of the bottom surface portion of the header, so as to enable an elastic movement in up, down, left, right directions, and as the plate having the brush implanted thereon elastically moves similarly on the header according to the shapes of the teeth, the contact area between the teeth and the brush increases and the friction increases, to maximize the tooth brushing effect, minimizes the abrasion of the teeth and the damage of the periodontal tissues due to tooth brushing by adjusting the pressure exerted excessively on the teeth by a user, to enable an easier use of Bass tooth brushing techniques and to aid the user in achieving both cleanliness of gums and oral hygiene.

Abstract: A handle for temporarily securing a man-made loofah to aid in bathing and showering those parts of the body which are hard to reach, the handle having an elongate gripping end, and having a man-made loofah securing end defined by a plurality of embedded, upstanding bristle members having flexible, crook-shaped upper ends for engaging the perforated mesh cloth of a man-made loofah for scrubbing those portions of the body not easily reached, the man-made loofah easily removed from the handle by a pulling action temporarily deforming the crook-shaped bristle end and releasing the man-made loofah.

Abstract: A robot cleaner that automatically removes dust accumulated on a floor while navigating a cleaning area, and a method of controlling the robot cleaner, includes a main body that navigates a floor; a first detector that detects an obstacle getting closer to the main body; an auxiliary cleaner that is mounted on the main body to protrude and retract; a second detector that detects a protrusion state or a retraction state of the auxiliary cleaner; and a controller that determines an abnormal operation of the auxiliary cleaner based on a result of the detection of the second detector and controls a protrusion operation or a retraction operation of the auxiliary cleaner according to a result of the determination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable dust receptacle for collecting dust in a vacuum cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with such a receptacle. The dust receptacle comprising an inlet port connectable to a hose joint in the vacuum cleaner for receiving dust-laden air, a suction port, to which a source of vacuum is connectable, a first sealing element arranged for establishing an effective sealing of the inlet port against the hose joint, and a second sealing element arranged for establishing an effective sealing of the suction port against the source of vacuum, wherein at least one of the sealing elements is a lip seal. The dust receptacle can be detached/attached from/to the vacuum cleaner body, irrespective of the direction of the detachment/attachment relative the seal and irrespective of the number of sealing connections used to seal the receptacle to the vacuum cleaner body, without damaging of the sealing element and with maintained sealing effect.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid flow path extending from a dirt inlet to a clean fluid outlet, and a fluid flow motor positioned in the fluid flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a first cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a cyclone chamber. A dirt chamber is in fluid communication with the cyclone chamber and positioned below the cyclone chamber. The dirt chamber has a dirt chamber inlet that is off-center.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus includes a main body having a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls. A cavity having an open upper end is positioned between the first and second opposed side walls. A suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls and may be removably mounted in the cavity. The first and second opposed sidewalls can be sized to protect the cyclone bin assembly from a side impact.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction body to draw in dust along with air from a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body having a suction motor; and a cyclone dust collecting apparatus detachably coupled in the cleaner body. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus includes a cyclone unit to form a first current turning in a first direction to separate the dust and the air drawn therein from each other and having a dust outlet to discharge the dust separated from the air; and a dust collecting unit to collect the dust discharged from the dust outlet. The dust outlet has a side formed adjacent to an inner wall of the dust collecting unit to form a second current turning in a second direction opposite to the first direction to allow the dust discharged through the dust outlet to whirl along the inner wall of the dust collecting unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which has an extended tube structure attached at one end to a manifold with wheels and slits to allow substance to enter or exit and attached at the other end to a source of air, vacuum, or liquid substance. The device is designed to allow ease and efficiency in storing and shipping.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is automatically operably engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and is automatically operably disengaged when the upper section is moved into the floor cleaning position. In another embodiment, an upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises an anti-rotation locking mechanism that is engaged when the upper section is moved into the storage position and an alignment mechanism.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device having a steering assembly is provided. The surface cleaning device includes a foot, a handle assembly with a user manipulated handle, and a steering assembly coupling the handle assembly to the foot. The steering assembly includes a means for biasing the foot with respect to the handle assembly. Movement of the handle assembly stores energy within the biasing means so that the biasing means exerts a corresponding force on the foot.

Abstract: A door check for an automobile has an arm with a cam formed between oppositely directed flanks. A unitary energy storage component cooperates with the arm to provide progressive resistance to opening and closing and a plurality of stable positions. The unitary energy storage component includes a pair of springs, each connected to shoes that bear against the flanks and load the springs in torsion as the shoes moves along the cam. The unitary energy storage component is formed as an integral unit to facilitate handling and assembly.

Abstract: A hanger for a sash of a window to detachably engage the sash with a rail of the window, and the hanger includes a pulley assembly and a restricting assembly. The pulley assembly has a base and a plurality of pulleys mounted on the base for rotation. The pulleys engage the rail so that the pulley assembly moves in the rail. The base is provided with a slot. The sash is provided with a rod. The rod engages the slot of the pulley assembly to engage the sash with the rail, and the rod leaves the slot via a lateral opening thereof while the covering rotates for a predetermined angle. At this time, the sash is disengaged with the rail to be moved off the window.

Abstract: A multi-segment rotary shaft structure includes a driving joint assembly and a driven joint assembly. The driving joint assembly at least includes two opposite joint plates and a middle link plate assembly engaged therebetween. The driven joint assembly is disposed between the opposite joint plates and includes at least two driven plates. Opposite ends of the driven plates are formed with synchronous driving sections drivingly engaged with each other. Inward ends of the opposite joint plates are linked with outward ends of the driven plates. Outward ends of the middle link plate assembly are linked with the inward ends of the driven plates. The driving joint assembly and driven joint assembly are stringed and pivotally connected and combined, whereby the joint plates can be freely rotated around multiple rotational centers.

Abstract: A synchronous folding device includes two opposing folding members and a multi-joint rotary axle structure mounted between the two folding members. The multi-joint rotary axle structure has two ends which can be folded or unfolded synchronously. The multi-joint rotary axle structure includes a driving joint assembly and a driven joint assembly. The driving joint assembly includes two opposing joint plates and a middle link plate. Two ends of the driving joint assembly are respectively connected to the two opposing folding members. Each joint plate of the driving joint assembly can be turned free through plural turning centers so that both ends can be closed or opened synchronously for the folding device to be folded or unfolded accurately.

Abstract: Provided is a ratchet buckle for helmets wherein an engagement/releasing member having an engagement part is assembled to the buckle, via a pin, between the base member and operating member, and therefore when the operating member is pulled up and rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the front end of the operating member contacts the front end of the engagement/releasing member and the engagement with the tab of the ratchet is released by rotation of the engagement part of the engagement/releasing member, and because the engagement is released by pulling up the operating member by at least twice the conventional pull-up distance, the helmet will not come off from the head as a result of a wrong or inadvertent lever operation and thus safety can be ensured, while the thickness of the ratchet buckle can be kept small.

Abstract: Clip-type cable management devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first primary jaw (110) and a second primary jaw (112) having interleaved tines are coupled by a hinge pin (114) around which a primary torsion spring (116) is disposed to urge the primary jaws pivotally close. A secondary jaw (118) is disposed on the hinge pin and urged by a secondary torsion spring (120) pivotally toward the second primary jaw. A lever pin (122) is disposable in either a storage position or a working position on the first primary jaw so as to differentiate the pivotal opening of the secondary jaw, which is operable through the primary jaws. Resulting device is compact, quick and easy to operate, and packed with an array of functionalities applicable to cables of various sizes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a waterproof zipper (2) comprising: joining teeth (6), each consolidated by a consolidating block (24) and contactably grasping the tape (4) of the zipper (2), separating the tape (4) from the opposite tape of said zipper; and a soft seal (8), wrapping and expanding (towards 48) each of the two tapes (4) beyond the joining line (78) of the tapes (4); thereby applying pressure between the soft seals (8) at the joining line (78), resulting in tight sealing of the two soft seals (8).

Abstract: A switch-equipped buckle device capable of accurately detecting an attachment-detachment state of a tongue plate by mounting fixed contacts immovably therein. The switch-equipped buckle device has, inside a buckle body, a slide switch that detects a state of attachment of the tongue plate according to the sliding position of an ejector. A slider of the slide switch is integrated with the ejector, and three fixed contacts of the slide switch are integrated with a lower case by insert molding.

Abstract: A fastener for interconnecting two garment straps has a male part having an elongated base anchored to one of the straps, a web projecting transversely from the base, and a bar fixed to the web at a spacing from the base and having a pair of ends. A female part has a back panel secured to the other of the straps and a front panel. The back panel forms a recess dimensioned to receive the bar and having at a back edge back corners. The front panel forms ears spaced at the corners from the back panel and dimensioned such the male part can fit with the female part with the connecting bar engaging the back edge of the recess with its ends under the corners and its web projecting out of the recess between the ears.

Abstract: The invention defines a mechanical fuse (20) for a neck cord (30). The mechanical fuse opens the neck cord when a pulling force component in a predetermined direction (70) exceeds a predetermined fuse force at which a rupture element (50) included in the mechanical fuse is designed to break. The rupture element has a break plane (51) at which breakage will occur when the pulling force component causes the stress in the break plane to exceed the value determined by said fuse force. The mechanical fuse further comprises a housing (60, 61, 62) that is arranged to guide the component of the pulling force in said predetermined direction (70) to the break plane whereas the transfer of a force component having another direction is suppressed.

Abstract: A body bag is usually rectangular and has an open end, with the other sides being closed and secured, the material thereof being porous to water, being incapable absorbing or containing water, while preventing viewing of any contents therein. The body bag of this invention is formed of a porous material, which prevents viewing of the body contained therein, while permitting water to pass therethrough. The material may be plastic or fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for applying a compaction pressure to a fabric during formation of a fabric preform. One end of the fabric is applied to the form having a central axis. The form with the fabric applied thereto is at least partially surrounded with a film. This film extends along a film path to the form and around at least a portion of the form. The fabric and the film are fed onto the form such that the fabric is wrapped around the form to create the fabric preform while the film is fed around the form. A vacuum is drawn to evacuate a gas from between the form and the film, thereby pressing the film onto the fabric and applying the compaction pressure to the fabric.

Abstract: A method of forming an array of piezoelectric actuators on a membrane (18) which includes the steps of preparing a piezoelectric comb-like structure having an array of islands that are integrally connected by a continuous top portion and that form piezoelectric layers of the actuators, the islands having an electrode at a bottom side, attaching the comb-like structure with its bottom electrode to a surface of the membrane, removing the continuous top portion of the comb-like structure to thereby separate the actuators from one another, and forming top electrodes on the top surfaces of the piezoelectric layers of the actuators.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stacked thin film piezoelectric filter includes the steps of forming a lower thin film piezoelectric resonator on a substrate, measuring a frequency of the lower thin film piezoelectric resonator and adjusting the frequency, forming an acoustic coupling layer on the lower thin film piezoelectric resonator whose frequency has been adjusted, forming the stacked thin film piezoelectric filter by forming an upper thin film piezoelectric resonator on the acoustic coupling layer, and measuring a frequency of the upper thin film piezoelectric resonator and adjusting the frequency.

Abstract: A tool for separating material layers may include a first arm including a first end and a second end; a second arm including a first end and a second end; a first material contact pad carried by the first arm proximate the first end of the first arm; and a second material contact pad carried by the second arm proximate the first end of the second arm. The second end of the first arm may be joined to the second end of the second arm, and the first material contact pad and the second material contact pad may be movable with respect to one another along two substantially orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A rivet guide head that guides a rivet during a rivet machine drive stroke is provided. The rivet guide head includes a rivet guide body having a rivet guide surface defined along a rivet guide bore having a guide bore axis. A first elongated guide pin is disposed in the rivet guide head that extends along a first guide pin axis and has an outer engagement surface. The guide bore axis is substantially parallel to the first guide pin axis. The rivet guide head is configured to guide the rivet along the outer engagement surface of the first elongated guide pin during the drive stroke. According to further aspects, the first elongated pin deflects laterally outwardly during the drive stroke. A first biasing member is disposed in the rivet guide head and is configured to bias the elongated guide pin in a direction toward the guide bore axis.

Abstract: A universal ball joint extractor has a first body having a first applying end for engaging with a ball joint. A second body has a second applying end for pushing against a member having the ball joint. A connecting rod connects the second body and the first body to allow relative movements thereof. A control screw for pushing an rear end of the second body and an rear end the first body provides an opposite force to the first applying end to push out the ball joint.

Abstract: A first lift stand is provided with a first supporting unit to support a first portion of a positioning object, and a first servo system to drive the first supporting unit in a vertical direction. A second lift stand is provided with a second supporting unit to support a second portion of the positioning object, and a second servo system to drive the second supporting unit in the vertical direction. A third lift stand is provided with a third supporting unit to support a third portion of the positioning object, and a third servo system to drive the third supporting unit in the vertical direction. A fourth lift stand is provided with a fourth supporting unit to support a fourth portion of the positioning object, and a fourth servo system to drive the fourth supporting unit in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Provided is a method of removing a cartridge, that is to be removed, that is housed in a deep side of a cell and stuck on a wall surface of the cell without increasing the number of components. In order to remove the cartridge stuck on the wall surface of the cell, the method includes a pressing step and a releasing step. In the pressing step, a picker mechanism is abutted on a latch lever, and then moved so as to move the latch lever from an engaged position to a released position. This presses the latch lever to increase the urging force of the urging unit. In the releasing step, after the pressing step, the picker mechanism is moved away from the cell to release the urging force of the latch lever spring.

Abstract: The invention is essentially a quick-change blade carrier for a blade mounted to a rotary drive shaft (such as on a mower) has an internally threaded bore. The carrier includes a housing linked by its cap to the rotary drive shaft, and enclosing a blade-locking member having a blade-locking tip downstanding from its underside; the device also includes a locking means (such as a compression spring) to bias the blade-locking member (and tip) downward through a center hole in the blade held within a channel in the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for sequencing component part delivery for use in assembling vehicle bodies arranged in a substantially random assembly sequence. The system and method includes a plurality of kit carts that are loaded or stocked with vehicle specific parts in a sequence or staging area of an assembly facility. The vehicle specific stocked carts are arranged and positioned to a coordinated vehicle to assemble the vehicle using the kit carts that move along in sequence with the vehicle as the vehicle is assembled along an assembly line. As the carts are depleted of parts, the carts are returned for restocking and assigned to a subsequent vehicle.

Abstract: Profiled hollow cylinders attached to a cylinder-shaped body as modules for radiating fluid media with electromagnetic radiation.