Abstract: A vacuum hose apparatus cleans a swimming pool without the use of a conventional pump. The apparatus includes a housing. A conduit extends through the housing between an inlet port and an outlet port. A suction port extends into the housing and is in environmental communication with the conduit wherein the conduit is configured for creating suction through the suction port as a fluid is passed from the inlet port to the outlet port. A bladder is positioned in the conduit between the inlet port and the suction port. A hole is positioned in the bladder wherein the bladder is configured for restricting the fluid as the fluid passes through the conduit increasing fluid pressure as the fluid passes through the hole. A supply hose is coupled to the inlet port and is configured for coupling to a fluid supply wherein fluid passes into the conduit through the inlet port.

Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a driving assembly which in turn includes a DC motor (14) and a battery. The DC motor has a rotating drive shaft (16), supported at its free end. The drive shaft has an eccentric portion (18). Mounted on the eccentric portion is a plastic sleeve (20) having an extending portion which engages one end of a spring member (38). The other end of the spring member is secured to a yoke (36) which is secured to a brushhead shaft (32). Rotation of the drive shaft results in the extending portion of the plastic sleeve, moving the spring between a compressed state and an extended state. The action of the DC motor excites the spring to produce an oscillating action of the brushhead shaft and a brushhead assembly (40) mounted thereon.

Abstract: This application relates to electric toothbrushes and in particular to a brush section for an electric toothbrush. The brush section may include static contact elements and movable contact elements to perform a cleaning operation. A head portion of the brush section is resistant to fractures or other material damage which might result from impacts, such as for example caused by dropping the toothbrush. It is structured to transmit forces from the impact away from an interior region of the head portion, to pass through the side portions of the head portion.

Abstract: A long-handled personal holder device for personal cleaning, hygiene, and daily living, and is made of resilient material with extendable finger-like grips. The grips are configured to surely grip a tool, but also to release (e.g., so that a user does not have to soil their hands). The curved handle allows proper reach, and is designed for easy break-down, rinsing and cleaning, and for placement in a compact carry bag. The grips can grip a larger personal hygiene flushable wipe, a smaller flushable pad, a sponge for shower use, and/or a an ointment pad; and are also able to hold more rigidly-handled personal tools, such as a toothbrush, shaver, makeup applicator, pencil, pen, brush, and similar items.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved squeegee assembly. Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to a uniquely shaped squeegee configuration that has been found to remove liquids from a floor in an efficient manner. One particular embodiment utilizes a W-shaped squeegee. Other embodiments are directed to a squeegee fixation device. Yet other embodiments are directed toward a squeegee orientation device. Some embodiments are also directed toward a lifting mechanism and the connection between the squeegee assembly and the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A dustpan (10) comprises a body (12), a blade (20), and a rear support (22). The body (12) receives materials that are removed from a surface (24). The blade (20) and the rear support (22) are coupled to the body (12). The blade (20) includes a first end (20F), a second end (20S), a first contact point (25A) near the first end (20F), and a second contact point (25B) near the second end (20S). The rear support (22) includes a third contact point (25C) and a fourth contact point (25D). Each of the contact points (25A), (25B), (25C), (25D) contact the surface (24) when the dustpan (10) is in a resting position. Downward pressure on the dustpan (10) establishes firm and continuous contact between the blade (20) and the surface (24) along the length of the blade (20) from the first contact point (25A) to the second contact point (25B).

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a floor cleaning head having a dirty air inlet and an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes an air flow passage extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The air flow passage includes a conduit section. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes a suction motor and an air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage, provided in one of the floor cleaning head and the upright section. The conduit section has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is rotatably connected to the air flow passage about an axis parallel to air flow through the inlet end, and the outlet end is rotatably connected to the air flow passage about an axis parallel to air flow through the outlet end.

Abstract: A cleaning device having a handheld housing engageable to one or both of a portable vacuum motor or the distal end of a hose for a conventional vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device employs a dusting head engageable to an extension that may be change to increase or decrease length to allow a user the position the dusting head further or closer to the housing to reach different areas in need of cleaning.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a cyclone comprising a cyclone air outlet and positioned in the air flow passage downstream of the dirty air inlet. A suction motor is provided in the air flow passage downstream of the cyclone. A pre-motor filter is upstream of the suction motor and downstream of the cyclone. The pre-motor filter has an upstream side and a downstream side. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a bleed valve having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air outlet is positioned between the suction motor and the downstream side of the pre-motor filter and facing the downstream side of the pre-motor filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable dust container for collecting dust in a bagless vacuum cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner equipped with such a container. The dust container comprises a receptacle with a cover for selective opening and closing of the receptacle, enabling emptying of the receptacle. A sealing element consisting of a lip seal is arranged between the cover and the dust receptacle for establishing a substantially air tight and dust tight sealing between the dust receptacle and the cover. This sealing put lower demands than prior art solutions on a tight fit between the cover and the receptacle and allows for variations in the manufacturing of the two parts.

Abstract: A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and in particular a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked.

Abstract: A hinge includes a hinge body having an operating chamber defining a first longitudinal axis; a pivot rotatably coupled to the hinge body to rotate a closing element around a second longitudinal axis between an open and a closed position; a plunger member having a substantially cylindrical body housed in the operating chamber for the separation thereof into a first and a second variable volume receptacles fluidically connected each other; a working fluid within the operating chamber to hydraulically damp the action of the plunger member; valve means to selectively control the flow of the working fluid between the first and the second receptacle; a shaft for operatively coupling the plunger member and the pivot. The cylindrical body and the shaft are mutually fastened by a fastening element. The shaft includes a first enlarged portion. The cylindrical body is put into fluidic communication the first and second receptacles.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an eyeglass frame is provided. The hinge assembly can be configured to provide support to the earstems of the eyewear frame when the earstems are rotated between a folded and unfolded position. In some embodiments, the hinge assembly can provide a screwless appearance and improved engagement and articulation of the earstem relative to the frame of the eyeglass.

Abstract: A hinge and bracket system for a cushion seat back is provided. A bracket is attached to the side of a cushion seat back which is laying flat. The bracket is connected to a rotatable shaft, which in turn is connected to a toothed gear and a pawl. When the cushion seat back is raised upward, the toothed gear and an element of the pawl allow the cushion seat back to ratchet upwards, with the capability to lock the cushion seat back at any tooth. When the cushion seat back is raised above about 90 degrees, the pawl is forced to disengage from the toothed gear and the cushion seat back is unlocked and can be placed back in the original flat position. This hinge and bracket system may be employed in marine operations, especially for water skiing.

Abstract: One aspect is a friction hinge system including a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and defining a substantially cylindrical opening and a longitudinal slot. A torque element assembly is configured within the housing and configured to extend through the slot thereby securing the torque element assembly relative to the housing.

Abstract: A hinge comprising two pivoting elements adapted to hingedly join two articles, each pivoting element including attachment means for attaching to an article; wherein when attached to the two articles the hinge is rotatable with respect to the articles.

Abstract: A reversible tip assembly for selectively connecting an extension pole/handle extension to tool handles having either compatible quick release lock mechanisms or conventional internally threaded sockets. The tip assembly comprises a body having oppositely extending rod-like tips at opposite ends of the body. One of the tips has a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending external thread segments. The other tip has an end portion that is compatible with quick release lock mechanisms.

Abstract: A shopping cart handle shield device provides a temporary shield preventing contact with the handle of a shopping cart. The device includes a slot extending through a first tube between a first end and a second end of the first tube defining a gap between opposite sides of the slot. Thus, the first tube is coupled to the tubular handle of the shopping cart by inserting the handle of the shopping cart through the slot. A slit extends through a second tube between a first end of the second tube and a second end of the second tube defining a gap between opposite sides of the slit. Thus, the second tube is coupled to the handle by inserting the handle through the slit. A tether has a first end coupled to the first tube and a second end coupled to the second tube.

Abstract: A braking structure for a turning body includes an engagement device rotatably engaging a movable-side portion of a rotation damper with a base at a rotation center of the movable-side portion; a first fixing device fixing the movable-side portion relative to the turning body; and a second fixing device fixing a stationary-side portion of the rotation damper relative to the base. The engagement device includes an axis protrusion provided on one side of either the movable-side portion or the base, and a receiving portion provided on the other side of either the movable-side portion or the base, and receiving the axis protrusion from a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotation. Also, an inserting path for the axis protrusion continuing to the receiving portion is adapted to expand in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis by an elastic deformation when the inserting path receives the axis protrusion.

Abstract: Described herein are axially and radially swivelable detangling connector devices that are suitable for preventing entanglement, or detangling, of a device or means that is used to secure one or more mobile objects or subjects to one or more objects or subjects. Methods of making and using the disclosed devices are also provided herein.

Abstract: A hose clamp with a tightening ear having a drop-shaped recess in the inner side of the clamping band in an area which contacts the hose, the recess counteracting a widening of the tightening ear after the hose clamp has been tightened.

Abstract: A buckle designed to have the dual properties of a belt buckle and a carabiner. The buckle includes a buckle body with first and second buckle body ends and a gap therebetween. A gate extends between the first and second buckle ends, which is pivotally mounted to the first end of the buckle body. The gate is moveable between open and closed positions, such that when the gate is in a closed position it extends between the first and second buckle body ends. The buckle includes a means for holding the gate in a closed position against the second end of the buckle body. The buckle further includes a prong connected to the rear end of the buckle, which extends towards the front end of the buckle.

Abstract: A hybrid reclosable fastener with both mechanical mating and adhesive reclosable mating elements and a method of forming the hybrid reclosable fastener is described herein. Mechanical mating elements include mating portions having cooperating coupling parts configured to provide mechanical mating along with adhesive mating elements including an adhesive material formed on the cooperating coupling parts configured to provide an adhesive mating.

Abstract: A clip and a method for using the clip is shown and described herein. The clip may include a base, a pair of flaps, a pair of arms and at least one wing. The pair of flaps may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each flap includes a tab. The pair of arms may be mutually confronting and extend outwardly from the base, wherein each arm includes a tab. The method may utilize a clip to secure a first component to a second component. The method may include rotating the clip or the first component in a first direction thereby securing each other together. The second component may be placed onto the clip. The first component and clip may be serviceable by rotating the first component in a second direction opposite that of the first to remove the first component from the clip.

Abstract: A hook forms a portion of an eye loop. A lever is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forming a remaining portion of the eye loop. A thumb tab engages the lever and is positioned in an angled slot defined in a guide plate. The thumb tab is slidable in the angled slot, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the angled slot urges the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The lever further includes an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open the eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook.

Abstract: A rotary drum for a fiber-stacking device includes a drum body, pattern plates each having a single fiber-stacking depression, and holding mechanisms each detachably holding a corresponding pattern plate on the outer circumferential surface of the drum body. Each holding mechanism has a fixed hook and a moveable hook. The fixed hook is immovably attached to one side of the drum body and forms a first groove with the drum body. The movable hook is attached to the other side of the drum body to be moveable between a holding position and a release position, forms a second groove with the drum body at the holding position, and opens the second groove at the release position. When the movable hook is at the holding position, the two side parts of the pattern plate are accommodated inside the first and second grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile threading unit (10) for threading warp threads (20) of a warp into elements of a harness, having at least one providing apparatus (33, 43, 51) for providing elements of the harness, at least one receiving apparatus (32, 42, 51) for receiving elements of the harness with a threaded warp thread (20), a threading module (II) which is configured for separating an element from the at least one providing apparatus (33, 43), for gripping a respective warp thread (20), for threading said warp thread (20) into the separated element, and for placing the element with the threaded warp thread (20) on one of the receiving apparatuses (32, 42), wherein the threading unit (10) can be displaced spatially for threading individual warp threads (20).

Abstract: A method of making a grid for a battery plate of a lead-acid battery. A substantially planar web is manufactured to include a plurality of spaced apart and interconnected wire segments, which at least partially define substantially planar surfaces, have a plurality of transverse lands, and interconnect at a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces between the wire segments. The web is reformed to change the cross-sectional shape of the wire segments. Other aspects may include simultaneously reducing the thickness of at least a portion of the web while reshaping the wire segments, and/or providing controlled surface roughness on at least one of the surfaces of the web to increase surface area of the grid and thereby promote adhesion of an electrochemically active material to the grid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric device includes the steps of bonding a first substrate to a second substrate having a toughness greater than that of the first substrate, forming a first though-hole through the first substrate from the side opposite to the side on which the second substrate is bonded, and forming a second through-hole through the second substrate at a location corresponding to the first through-hole by a formation method different from that used to form the first through-hole from the side opposite to the side on which the first substrate is bonded.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making a dielectric on a metal foil, and a method of making a large area capacitor that includes a dielectric on a metal foil. A first dielectric layer is formed over the metal foil by physical vapor deposition, and a dielectric precursor layer is formed over the first dielectric layer by chemical solution deposition. The metal foil, first dielectric layer and dielectric precursor layer are prefired at a prefiring temperature in the range of 350 to 650° C. The prefired dielectric precursor layer, the first dielectric layer and the base metal foil are subsequently fired at a firing temperature in the range of 700 to 1200° C.

Abstract: A pipe coupling apparatus for coupling together first and second opposing pipe flanges includes a number of gripping elements which are connected to the second pipe flange and are engageable with the first pipe flange. A locking element is displaceably arranged on the second pipe flange to lock the gripping elements to the first pipe flange when the pipe flanges are coupled together, and an insulating element extends around the second pipe flange and is connected to the locking element. The apparatus includes an actuating tool for displacing the first insulating element and thus the locking element.

Abstract: A tongs system and method for making and breaking threaded joints of a string of tubing for an oil well involves, in some examples, the use of a set of tongs with a two-speed transmission and a hydraulic system selectively operable in a high-pressure mode and a low-pressure mode. During an initial tightening period, the tongs system operates in high-gear and high-pressure for maximum speed. During a subsequent final tightening period, the tongs system operates in low-gear and low-pressure to controllably tighten the joint to a predetermined target torque. In some examples, to allow the transmission to shift speed without jamming gears, the tongs system pauses for an instant between the initial and final tightening periods. In some examples, the tongs system is interlocked with a hoist and/or other tube-holding and handling equipment.

Abstract: A method for evaluating local buckling performance of a steel pipe includes obtaining a stress-strain relationship of a material having a yield plateau in the stress-strain relationship; determining the comparison of a starting strain of strain-hardening in the stress-strain relationship obtained and a critical strain of the steel pipe; and evaluating that the steel pipe has a possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be larger than the starting strain and evaluating that the steel pipe has no possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be not larger than the starting strain.

Abstract: A cutting tool incorporates a body terminating in cutting edges distal from a chuck mount and having an axial bore for reduced mass to raise the natural frequency of the tool. In certain of the embodiments, the body is preformed from a steel or carbide blank into a cylindrical pipe forming the hollow bore prior to grinding of the cutting edges. Filling of the bore with a light weight polymer to further absorb vibration can also be employed.

Abstract: A controlled torque fastener for use with a substrate includes a first driver engagement feature and a primary fastener portion connected to the first driver engagement feature. The primary fastener portion includes a threaded fastening portion and a second driver engagement feature connected to the threaded fastening portion. The first driver engagement feature is configured to be engaged by a first driver to enable the first driver to tighten the controlled torque fastener onto the substrate until the first driver engagement feature breaks off from the primary fastener portion. The second driver engagement feature includes a socket configured to receive a second driver and to enable the received second driver to apply a torque to the primary fastener portion.

Abstract: A plug removal and/or installation system 400, which has a structural framework configured to support a removal assembly and that, allows approximately one axis motion of the removal device. The removal device is configured with a plug attachment device that is configured to pass through a lower framework structural opening. The structural framework is configured to movably self align so that the removal device exerts approximately a linear force on a plug 300 along an approximately single axis 335 parallel to a plug central axis.

Abstract: A panel loading method for loading an inner panel to an outer panel that has a bent portion provided by bending a periphery thereof, the outer panel and the inner panel being overlapped to integrate the outer panel and the inner panel at the periphery thereof. The method includes: providing at least one of the outer panel and the inner panel by an elastic body; disposing the outer panel onto a panel receiver so that the bent portion is directed upward; placing a guide plate on or above the bent portion; loading the inner panel into the outer panel from above the guide plate; and inserting the inner panel into an inside of the bent portion.

Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.

Abstract: Exemplary non-woven helical stents are described that are efficient to fabricate in terms of labor and resources by being able to be manufactured by hand or machine while providing mechanical stability equivalent or close thereto of known braided or woven stents.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of heat conductive device for an LED has steps of forming a heat sink and an engagement recess in the heat sink by cold forge, punching a heat-conducting disc to form an LED carrier having a mounting portion and a heat-conducting wall formed around the mounting portion, soldering multiple LEDs on the LED carrier, and heating the heat sink to thermally expand the heat sink and assembling the LED carrier and the heat sink so that the heat-conducting wall is assembled with the engagement recess and further chilling the heat sink to thermally retract and tightly hold the LED carrier. The manufacturing method increases contact area and reduces air gaps between the LED carrier and the heat sink to effectively enhance the heat-conducting efficiency of the LED carrier so that the LEDs are operated at a suitable operating temperature to secure a prolonged life duration.

Abstract: An installation method makes use of a tool that includes a block and a plate. The block is configured to align the installation tool with a U-shaped component. The plate extends from the block and is configured to hold a flexible component, such that the flexible component is accurately located within the U-shaped component.

Abstract: A method for using a fire engine hose connector system is reported. The system allows for rapid connection between the fire hose and the fire engine, and more importantly the system enables even more rapid disconnection. The fire engine and fire fighting personnel may make a rapid escape form an overtaking wildfire. The ability to rapidly disconnect and escape from the fire scene allows the fire engine and personnel to access hydrant supplies that would otherwise not be available due to safety procedures that preclude connection when the long disconnect time requirements of prior art connectors place the escape of the fire engine and personnel at risk in a rapidly moving fire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are shown for installing a metal transition end on an open end of a length of plastic pipe having an outer diameter and an inner diameter by placing a stiffener sleeve within the inner diameter of the plastic pipe at a point which is circumscribed by the metal transition end. An installer apparatus is positioned over the open end of the length of plastic pipe and the metal transition end from the direction of the open plastic pipe end. The apparatus has a draw rod which extends along a horizontal axis generally aligned with the open pipe end. A metal stiffener sleeve is temporarily mounted on a segmented grip located on one end of the draw rod. An actuating sleeve, carried on the draw rod, allows the stiffener sleeve to be installed in a desired location within the open plastic pipe end by using the draw rod to first position the stiffener sleeve in the desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use locate a first piece of a two piece fastener assembly, for example a nut of a nut and bolt fastener assembly on a blind side of a fastener hole in a structure wall where the fastener hole on the blind side of the wall is not manually accessible or not easily manually accessible. The apparatus then holds the nut in alignment with the fastener hole enabling the bolt of the fastener assembly to then be inserted through the fastener hole from the structure exterior and connected to the nut in the interior of the structure.

Abstract: A tie bolt for joining two parts together has a shaft. The shaft in turn has a primary thread for engaging a first part and a secondary thread for engaging a second part, wherein the primary thread and the secondary thread have different pitches. The tie bolt may be used to join together any two parts which are to be locked together to transmit torque.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a fluid flow measuring device are provided. In an embodiment of the present invention, shields are disposed to prevent or reduce circulating electrical currents from causing a voltage difference that would adversely affect the measured voltage difference between two adjacent electrodes. Groups of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be placed within the shield. The shields may have any cross-section shape. A magnetic field source is disposed proximate the electrodes such that the magnetic field source is oriented to generate a magnetic field substantially orthogonal to an imaginary line intersecting each pair of electrodes. A voltage measuring circuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to measure a voltage difference between each pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A process of forming an encapsulated magnet assembly is provided, the process comprising welding a second portion of a housing cover formed of a non-magnetic material to a first portion of a housing cover formed of a magnetic material to provide a welded housing cover and subsequently heat-treating the welded housing cover at a temperature effective to relieve weld stress; disposing a magnet within a housing comprising at least one wall formed of the non-magnetic material and defining at least one aperture; and welding the heat treated welded housing cover to the housing such that the second portion of the housing cover is fixedly attached to the housing wall to hermetically seal the aperture. In one embodiment, the magnet of the encapsulated magnet assembly is a permanent magnet, and in an alternate embodiment an electromagnet. In one embodiment the encapsulated magnet assembly is a component of a stator-rotor assembly.

Abstract: A coil strand is wound on an insulator to produce a divided core member, and then the divided core member is placed on a table. While the table rotates about its axis, ends of the coil strands are inserted into lead end holding grooves, which are defined in a surface of the insulator on an outer circumferential edge of a stator and which extend along a circumferential direction of the stator.

Abstract: A method for assembling a superconducting bearing, wherein the superconducting bearing has a first bearing ring including a first body made of a type-2 superconducting material and a second bearing ring including a second body made of a type-2 superconducting material, the method including the following steps: assembling the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring; and, applying an external magnetic field, which permeates both bodies to the first body and to the second body.

Abstract: A component supplying apparatus includes a motor, a rotating body, a transmitting mechanism, and a predicting section. The rotating body engages with a carrier tape in which a plurality of components to be mounted on a circuit board by a component mounting apparatus are accommodated at predetermined pitches and pays out the carrier tape at the predetermined pitches for supplying the plurality of components. The transmitting mechanism transmits a driving force of the motor to the rotating body. The predicting section predicts a deviation amount of a supplying position of each of the plurality of components based on a model formula expressing a periodical fluctuation of the supplying position of each of the plurality of components that is due to the transmitting mechanism and caused at a time the carrier tape is paid out by the rotating body.