Abstract: An apparatus for electrically triggering water discharge is connected to an operating plate (1) and a sensor (31) that is arranged in a rearwards region. The operating plate (1) is transparent or translucent for human visible and infrared light wavelengths and provides at least one indication surface region (42, 43). The indication surface region has a partially transmissive coating (22, 23), behind which are one or more light sources (10, 11) emitting light that is visible to the human eye. At least one signal-transmitter surface region (21) is provided with a coating that is non-transmissive for light that is visible to the human eye and is transparent or translucent for infrared wavelengths, behind which light sources (20), which emit one or more infrared wavelengths, are arranged.

Abstract: The present invention is a water use and/or a water energy use monitoring apparatus that is affixed to the hot and cold water supply piping for continuously (or on demand) monitoring displaying the water and water energy (hot vs. ambient) use within a residential or commercial building. A first wire or wireless means is incorporated to communicate with a remote display for viewing by the owner of a commercial building or occupier/resident of a home. A second optional wire or wireless means can be incorporated that can be monitored by civil, commercial, governmental or municipal operators or agencies, using a remote display and/or recorder means or by a secure wire or wireless communication network (e.g. cell phone technology communication means). A third wireless means communicates water parameter data utilizing typical cell tower technology and/or mesh network technology.

Abstract: Overflow adapter for raising fluid discharge overflow level of a drain overflow having a drain overflow discharge entrance and a substantially centrally disposed drain overflow connector, the drain overflow installed in a plumbing fixture having a drain, the drain overflow having an optional drain control attached to and working in conjunction with the substantially centrally disposed drain overflow connector, the optional drain control for opening and closing the drain, comprising: an overflow disk having an upper overflow disk discharge opening having opposing substantially concentric arcuate edges and opposing edges transverse to the opposing substantially concentric arcuate edges, an overflow plate having an upper overflow plate hole at least as large as the upper overflow disk discharge opening, a shaft, and a cover or handle fastened to and working in conjunction with the shaft when the optional drain control is installed in the drain overflow for opening and closing the drain.

Abstract: A patient transfer kit including an inflatable mattress, alternatively with a rigid top board with a patient restraint system on which a patient can be placed, when patient immobilization is required. A portable cart is included with a chamber for storage of a plurality of mattresses. The cart also has a gas/air blower and power supply system for powering the blower. The power system includes provision for drawing power from line AC/DC, and has a rechargeable battery and charger for maintaining the battery by connecting the supply to the line AC/DC. The mattress has a perforated bottom surface for exit of air to provide an air cushion, and is constructed with a white top surface and a dark bottom surface for optimum recognition of contamination, and identification of the bottom surface which must be placed downward. The cart is coated with an antimicrobial substance to minimize the risk of contaminants.

Abstract: The invention involves a folding patient transfer apparatus with a material top layer and a material bottom layer. A plurality of inserts has handhold openings that are formed in the inserts that are positioned between the material top layer and the material bottom layer utilizing a sewn plurality of insert seams. The seams form enclosed material chambers containing the inserts. The materials can be disposed of due to contamination; however the inserts can be sterilized reducing hospital waste and cost. The apparatus is configured to slide and/or lift and/or carry a patient from a non-planer surface to a second planer or non-planer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for treating the effects of menopause. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and devices used while sleeping for automatically detecting an imminent hot flash and for preventing and/or controlling the symptoms associated with hot flashes, such as an elevated body temperature, sweating and/or chills so that the person using the system remains sleeping and is not disturbed by the hot flash onset.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base, a lifting mechanism, a rotating frame configured to rotate horizontally relative to the base, and a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame. The patient support surface includes a back section, a seat section, and foot section that articulate relative to each other. The patient support surface translates from a bed configuration to a side-egress chair configuration. The foot section includes a plurality of panels that translate relative to each other from a substantially co-planar relationship when the patient support surface is in a bed configuration to a relationship where one of the foot section panels is substantially orthogonal to another foot section panel when the patient support surface is in a chair configuration. A mattress supported by the patient support surface has a retractable foot portion that adjusts its length in response to translation of the foot section panels.

Abstract: A flat backboard for an injured person to lie upon is supported between two rigid support poles. The support poles are connected at each end of the stretcher to each other by an elevated support assembly. The support assembly has a handlebar structure and a mount assembly; this mount assembly has a central axle, around which the handlebar assembly fits, allowing for the handlebars to rotate without the mount assembly or the backboard rotating. When the holder of the handlebars generates a rocking motion, the central shaft rotates in the mount assembly, such that the weight of the injured person is supported by the mount assembly, but the rocking motion is not communicated to the mount assembly or the backboard.

Abstract: A head holder for imaging is provided. The head holder includes a base, a head rest configured to receive a head of a subject, the head rest pivotally connected to the base and rotatable about a rotational axis defined through a lower end of the head rest, and a stopper configured to be inserted between the base and the head rest to support the head rest and fix the head rest at a tilt angle that corresponds to an insertion position of the stopper in a body axis direction of the subject.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: A pillow has a body having a medial region and a pair of legs that extend from the medial region to define an opening therebetween. A sleep mask is attached across the front of the pillow by two elastic straps. A storage bag with handles is kept within a storage pocket of the pillow and is attached to the pillow. The bag can be removed from the interior and pulled over the pillow to form a carrying bag. Pouches are retained at the interior of the pillow body and can extend outward from the body. The pouches can fill with fillable material from the interior of the pillow body, allowing the firmness of the pillow to be adjusted. In addition, the legs can then be pushed together so that the pillow can be used as a more traditional pillow rested against a surface.

Abstract: A securable pillow can include a pillow having a top surface, bottom surface, and a filler material encased therein, and one or more bi-stable spring fastening mechanisms. The bi-stable spring fastening mechanisms can be attached to the bottom surface of the pillow. Activation of the bi-stable spring fastening mechanisms can substantially couple the pillow to the appendage of a user.

Abstract: A portable changing table includes at least one extendable arm assembly moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one extendable arm assembly is removably securable to a support structure, and it includes a biasing member for urging the at least one extendable arm assembly into the retracted position. The table further includes a latch assembly that is configured to selectively secure the at least one extendable arm assembly in the retracted position. A collapsible frame is hingedly secured to the at least one extendable arm assembly that is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A flexible support member extends across a portion of the collapsible frame in the deployed position.

Abstract: The present inventors disclose a bed comprising a bed insert and a base. An insert comprises one or more openable loops which can receive medical tubing or other types of medical lines. In some configurations, the one or more openable loops can be reversibly attached to the insert. An insert can be attached to the base by a reversible attachment such as Velcro. A patient, along with an insert, can be lifted from the base. A patient who has medical lines which extend through the loops can be lifted with the insert from the base without disrupting connections between the medical lines and the patient.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the operable ramp forms a step. The operable ramp has a first panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis. The first axis moves in a first direction when the operable ramp moves toward the lowered position and in a second direction when the operable ramp moves toward the raised position. The operable ramp further includes a second panel rotatably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first panel. The first panel and the second panel cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage is operably coupled to the first panel to selectively rotate the first panel about the first axis.

Abstract: Unique dental care devices, systems and methods for cleaning teeth and oral tissue comprises an oscillating tooth brush with dual opposing brush heads, adapted to clean teeth and sulcus area. The devices are capable of brushing a set of opposing upper and lower teeth of the mouth simultaneously. The devices, once inserted and positioned into the mouth to clean a pair or a set of opposing upper and lower teeth, can be maneuvered inside the mouth cavity from one side of the mouth to the other to clean all the teeth without requiring removal from the mouth and repositioning.

Abstract: A toothbrush including a handle, a head and a moving mechanism, where the head includes a head base; and at least two bristles sets: two outer bristles sets and a middle bristles set located therebetween. The moving mechanism connects to the two outer bristles sets for rotating thereof in respect to a main axis of the toothbrush for shifting the bristle sets between at least two positions: an open position, in which the outer bristles sets are angularly shifted away from the main axis; and a closed position, in which the outer bristles sets not angularly shifted away from the main axis, wherein in the closed position the bristles of all bristles sets are more dense than in the other positions providing a substantially harder toothbrush thereby allowing a user to change hardness level of the toothbrush by changing the position of the outer bristles sets.

Abstract: A floor treatment apparatus is provided that includes a chassis that supports at least one cleaning element. The chassis is supported by a plurality of wheels, one which is steerable via a steering wheel interconnected to a housing also associated with the chassis. The chassis provided includes a plurality of movable housing members, one of which is associated with the steering wheel. To access the internal components of the floor treatment apparatus, the front housing is rotated or moved away from the other housings wherein the steering wheel does not require disconnection to allow this movement.

Abstract: An improved brush for automatic motor vehicle washing systems, characterized in that said washing brush comprises a plurality of endless belt elements entrained, at the two end portions thereof, on entraining rollers driven by one or more electric motors or mechanical driving means to perform a linear movement pattern including a double rectilinear translation movement and a partial rotary movement.

Abstract: This invention addresses a cleaning system for the removal of sediments from a tank, the tank being fitted with at least an inspection hatch and/or a cleaning hatch, the cleaning system being fitted with a power system, a traction system, and a cleaning device.

Abstract: A system and method for propelling a hose, including: a system housing and a tractor element disposed in the housing. The tractor element includes: a tractor housing with a through-bore; and a protrusion extending into the through-bore. The system includes: a hose assembly including a substantially helical coil disposed about a hose; and an actuator for rotating the tractor housing with respect to the system housing. The tractor element is fixed in the system housing with respect to axial movement; and the hose assembly can be disposed in the through-bore so that the protrusion contacts a portion of the coil. As the tractor housing is rotated in a rotational direction: the protrusion exerts a displacement force on the coil; and the hose assembly reacts to the displacement force by displacing in an axial direction.

Abstract: A sweeping device and method of manufacturing a silicone sweeping device. The sweeping device is made of silicone and includes: a silicone block with internal chassis; a plurality of downwardly silicone elongated bristles; and an upwardly projecting member containing a handle-receiving member with a cavity. The method of manufacturing a silicone sweeping device includes: providing a hard heat resistant chassis; providing a hard heat resistant cone with internal screw thread; drilling a hole into the center of the chassis; providing protective coating to the chassis; providing primer coating to the chassis; inserting the hard cone heat resistant tube as the handle receiving hole into the hole in the chassis; providing a mold including a mold cavity; placing the chassis into the mold cavity; processing the silicone in the mold into a final product; and applying secondary heat treatment in the oven.

Abstract: A brush device for cleaning golf devices may include a connection device to connect a rotating shaft and a brush device to connect to the connection device. The rotating shaft may rotate the connection device to rotate the brush device, and the connection device may include a first hub to connect to the rotating shaft. The connection device may include a second hub to connect to the first hub. The connection device may include a ring being connected to the first hub.

Abstract: A back scrubbing device comprising one or more elongated straps each having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a back surface; handles which can be attached to the first end and a second end; a first attachment disposed on the first end and a second attachment disposed on the second end, wherein a second strap can be attached to the first end of a first strap and a third strap can be attached to the second end of the first strap. Disposed on the top surface of the strap is a plurality of hollow socket pegs, wherein the socket pegs may be constructed in a variety of abrasiveness from very soft to very rough for use in scrubbing a person's back.

Abstract: An extractor-type surface cleaning machine includes a base or foot having a suction nozzle and a handle that is pivotally coupled to the foot and moveable between upright and inclined positions. The recovery tank is removably securable to the foot and fluidly communicates with the suction nozzle and the accessory. The recovery tank defines a collection chamber and a passage having an inlet in communication with the suction nozzle and an outlet. A valve member is moveable between a closed position substantially covering the outlet and an open position. Movement of the handle to the upright position moves the valve member to the closed position to block the passage during cleaning with the accessory hose. Movement of the handle to the inclined position allows movement of the valve member to the open position so that suction from the collection chamber is communicated to the suction nozzle for floor cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1), which has a liquid supply (11), and a liquid in-take (13) and a structurally separated suction unit that contains at least one suction turbine (17). The invention further relates to a handheld floor treatment device, comprising a floor part (1) having a bow (5), which encompasses the floor part (1) at least in some sections and which is connected to the floor part (1) by means of a first joint (4) that can be adjusted in the treatment direction (6), and further comprising a guide part (2) attached to the bow (5), the guide part having a handle (3).

Abstract: A dust separating device for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust separating device includes a dust separating unit including a first main body movably connected to a second main body. The second main body includes a plurality of sub bodies coupled together. A vacuum cleaner is also provided. The vacuum cleaner includes a main vacuum cleaner body and a dust separating device including a dust separating unit and a filter unit. The dust separating device is detachably mounted to the main body and includes a plurality of main bodies.

Abstract: The Vacuum Cleaner is designed with a unique shape which allows it to be placed in a stable position on a flight of stairs and which overcomes the problem of instability when positioned on stairs but also remains suitable for use on a flat surface such as a floor. This shape also enables easy upward movement on stairs and overcomes the problem of maneuverability. The Vacuum Cleaner has one or more rotating ground engaging members which can be locked to allow rotation in a forward direction only, which overcomes the problem that previous Vacuum Cleaners have of being insecure when positioned on stairs and it may have one or more rotating members which can engage with a stair riser to allow traversing in an upward direction with very little hindrance.

Abstract: A sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle comprises a main body with a debris receiving inlet, and a broom shroud with an open bottom. Airflow obstructing flaps are disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud. A forwardly facing debris outlet in the broom shroud permits the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet. An air blast nozzle is connected in fluid communication to a source of compressed air for receiving compressed air therefrom. There is a nozzle mount for mounting the air blast nozzle for movement between a lower position whereat the air blast nozzle is disposed adjacent the surface being cleaned and to emit air in a forward and downward direction to impact on the surface being cleaned, and a raised impact-absorbing position.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on that body. The floor care apparatus also includes a control handle, a swivel assembly and a swivel lock.

Abstract: A repel assembly and method includes an engagement surface having an adhesive plane for securing to an object, a plurality of attachment spikes extending from the engagement surface at an angle transverse to the adhesive plane and a transport surface for supporting a fixture coupled to the plurality of attachment spikes, the fixture being positioned between the engagement surface and the transport surface. The repel assembly further includes an annular ring having an upper and lower ring coupled to the repel assembly, the lower ring having first and second ends spaced by a wiper body such that the annular ring repels debris from contacting and/or collecting on the transport surface.

Abstract: A construction clip includes a pair of generally identical clip members. Each clip member has a base portion and two converging opposing flanges extending from the base portion. The clip members are hinged together at their respective base portions. The converging opposing flanges of each clip member include a generally flat base flange and an opposing clip flange. The base flange presents a generally flat inside surface suitable for contacting a generally flat, thin piece of model construction media. The base flange further includes an opening. The clip flange has a curved distal end that preferably extends to the opening defined in the base flange and a distal edge that curves away from the generally flat inside surface of the base flange. The clip flange has a return flange that originates at a location toward the distal end of the clip flange and extends toward the base portion.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for a built-in refrigerator on a side wall of a furniture body includes a hinge with a hinge arm fixable on the refrigerator side, a screw-on flange with through holes for fastening screws, two fastening screws that pass through the through holes of the screw-on flange and that are screwed into a side wall of the furniture body and a wall thickness compensating plate. The wall thickness compensating plate is insertable if needed between the screw-on flange and the side wall. The fastening screws are preinstalled in a cover cap manufactured from plastic and pluggable onto the screw-on flange.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed that can allow a downspout extension to rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position to allow people to easily access these areas about the downspout extension. In some instances, the hinge includes a first plate positioned on the inner wall surface of a downspout and a second plate positioned on an opposing outer wall surface of the downspout. The first and the second plates can be substantially parallel.

Abstract: A handle is disclosed for passenger use on a motorcycle. The handle is easily detachable from the motorcycle, by the use of a suction cup. The handle is firmly securable to the body of the motorcycle, while also offering enhanced gripping comfort for a passenger. The handle includes a proximal end attached to and protruding from a base that is fixed to the top of the suction cup, and a gripping portion oriented so as to be grippable by a user when the removable handle is attached to a motorcycle body, the gripping portion including a free distal end. In this manner, the handle is positioned such that when it is secured to the motorcycle body, the handlebar portion of the handle can be gripped by the passenger in a way that is comfortable for the passenger, even when the passenger leans their weight on the handles.

Abstract: A decorative carapace for a burial vault including a carapace having a top surface and a substrate having a decorative graphic, the substrate being attached to the top surface of the carapace.

Abstract: [Means for Solution] A preliminary opening unit 1, an opening unit 2 and a swelling/shaping unit 3 are connected so as to form a communicated space for delivering a fiber tow 10 continuously. A fiber tow 10 is contacted with a particulate additive in a nozzle 32 of the opening unit (2), is opened in an opening zones Z1 and Z2, is swollen and shaped in the swelling/shaping unit 3 for obtaining a long-sized opening matter in which the fiber tow opening matter and the particulate additive are integrated.

Abstract: A turning tool is arranged at a tool spindle (102) of a composite working lathe (1) to improve working efficiency. A composite working lathe (1) includes a first workpiece headstock (20) placed on a bed (10). A chuck (24) of a workpiece spindle (22) is rotated as holding a workpiece (K.sub.1). A tool headstock (100) arranged at a carriage (50) is rotated about B-axis while being linearly moved in the directions of X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis. The tool headstock (100) operates a mill tool (110) and includes a comb-shaped cutting tool rest (150) having turning tools attached at the opposite side of a housing in a comb-shaped manner, so that turning processing can be performed with tool indexing in a short time.

Abstract: A vertical turning-milling complex machining center comprises a horizontally-arranged bed body (6) and a vertically-arranged column (7). The bed body (6) is provided with an X-axis lateral supporting linear track (2) and an X-axis guide screw (5). The bed body (6) is also provided with a uniaxial rotating table (1) which can reciprocate and is driven directly by a first external rotor torque motor. The column (7) is vertically provided with a Z-axis lateral supporting linear track (10), a Z-axis guide screw (9) and a crossbeam (11) that reciprocates up and down. The crossbeam (11) is provided with a transverse Y-axis linear track (13), a Y-axis guide screw (12) and a single-pendulum milling head seat frame that can reciprocate along the Y-axis guide screw (12). The single-pendulum milling head is driven directly by a second external rotor torque motor.

Abstract: A carriage is moved in a direction including a Y axis component in order to move a turning process tool that is attached to a tool spindle along a horizontal line that is perpendicular to a Z axis, and thus, a turning process is carried out on a workpiece which is attached to a workpiece spindle.

Abstract: A universal tool mounting system for a machining center relates to CNC machine tools, comprising a main drum into which mounts a plurality of tool holder unit stations, these create a platform to attach, mount and interchange tool holder units on each station, where each tool holder unit is chosen from a designed selection which can turn, mill, bore, drill and rapidly machine components with multicut tools or alternately each performs a combination of these operations and each holds a plurality of tools. The main drum is indexed to position the tool holder unit station with the attached tool holder unit to the operative position, then the tool holder unit station is indexed to position a selected tool to the machining position. The tool holder unit stations also provide live tooling functions to any attached live tooling tool holder units. Tool holder unit stations can also be preindexed.

Abstract: A rivet setter that can efficiently and smoothly perform, and reduce the takt time for a rivet setting operation. The rivet setter can be configured to set a rivet sequentially fed from a rivet supplying means by inserting the rivet into apertures formed at predetermined positions on workpieces. The rivet setter can have delivery paths for delivering the rivet one by one by sliding the rivet down to a settable position and can have a hanging support portion formed in the settable position in the tip end of the delivery path for supporting the head of rivet and for hanging the rivet shank downward. The rivet setter can be configured to enable the rivet to be set in the apertures of the workpieces by moving the hanging support portion substantially horizontally while keeping the rivet suspended in the hanging support portion and inserted into the apertures of the workpieces.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system for retrofitting a sealed enclosure for performing work therein having an outer enclosure assembly configured to be clamped to the outer annular face of a port ring and form a sealed engagement with the outer annular surface of the port ring, a change assembly having an inner ring and an access element wherein the inner ring has a first annular cylinder body that is sized to be slidably received by the port ring and the access element is configured to be sealably and slidably positioned within the first annular cylinder body of the inner ring.

Abstract: Methods and related computer program products for processing a workpiece on a machine tool, including changing at least one control parameter of the machine tool based on a quantity of waste and/or good components discharged from the machine tool during processing of the workpiece, the at least one control parameter causing a change of at least one waste and/or good component container of the machine tool, wherein the quantity of waste and/or good components generated as a function of time during processing of the workpiece is determined before processing of the workpiece begins, and is stored in a numerical control program of the machine tool.

Abstract: A cell for fabricating a part having reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix, includes a clean section for performing clean operations including laying up the reinforcing fibers on a mandrel tool. The clean section satisfies clean room requirements for processing uncured composite materials. The cell further includes an adjacent dirty section for performing dirty operations including machining the layup after curing; a common end effector positioning system movable between the clean and dirty sections; and means for preventing contaminants in the dirty section from entering the clean section.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: A personal-care appliance having a handle defining a cavity. A fluid connector is positioned within the cavity. A fluid reservoir is positioned within the cavity. The fluid reservoir has a frangible seal that is spaced apart from the fluid connector. A cover is mounted to the handle over the cavity.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a rail having a first surface having one or more apertures. The rail also includes second and third surfaces opposing one another, the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail forming a channel. The second surface and the third surface of the rail have first and second lips, respectively, the first and second lips extending into the channel. The fence system section also includes one or more pickets inserted through corresponding apertures of the first surface of the rail. Each picket has a first connection region located substantially in the channel formed by the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail such that the first connection region is substantially prevented from passing through the corresponding aperture in the first surface of the rail or between the opening defined by the first and second lips of the rail.

Abstract: A fitting and method of use that includes a tubing channel to receive tubing. The fitting includes a fitting body having the tubing channel to receive the tubing and having exterior threading to engage internal threading of a CPI type port. The fitting includes a first ferrule that receives the tubing. The fitting has a cap with a closed end and an open end. The cap has internal threading to engage the exterior threading of the fitting body and a hole to receive said tubing. The fitting has a second ferrule that receives the tubing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a module injection mechanism and a method of using the same for mounting a module to a chassis, the module injection mechanism comprising an injection assembly secured to the module, comprising a lever, a screw affixed to the chassis, a sliding bushing, disposed between the module and the screw, wherein the screw is fixed to the chassis via the sliding bushing, the lever comprising a lever grabbing portion and a lower lever portion capable of connecting to the sliding bushing, wherein the injection assembly is secured to the module so that the injection assembly is capable to transfer a mechanical force applied to the lever grabbing portion to the sliding bushing so that the module is mounted to the chassis.