Abstract: Improved patient support systems comprising a coverlet configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to an airflow unit. Improved airflow units configured to be coupled (e.g., removably) to a coverlet of a patient support system.

Abstract: A bed accessory, for use with a bed having a mattress and a base for the mattress, includes a bed cover retainer having a first portion adapted to fit between the mattress and the base for the mattress. The first portion defines a wedge that is configured to produce a separation force between the mattress and base to hold the retainer in position. The first portion may further define a bed-cover-engaging member, such as a high-friction surface, to hold the bed cover in position. A sleeper attendant may be supported at a second portion. The sleeper attendant is adapted to support an object in a manner that the object is accessible to a sleeper on the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bed configured to support a subject and having an insertion hole through which a subject portion that is part of the subject is inserted; a pair of compression plates configured to hold and compress the subject portion when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole; and a unit including therein the pair of compression plates and having an opening through which an operator inserts a hand when the subject portion is inserted through the insertion hole. The unit includes a receiving plate at a position opposite to the opening in an insertion direction of the hand within a range of the insertion hole when viewed from the insertion hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile feeding table providing varied inclination angles to facilitate the secured feeding of one or more infants and providing ease of use for a parent or caregiver. The invention provides a moveable base frame, a body support frame supporting an infant and providing a variably inclined surface, and a sliding drawer supporting the support frame that promotes ease of use for a parent or caregiver when, for example, in a seated position.

Abstract: A mattress assembly may include a foam frame, an inner assembly within the foam frame, the inner assembly including a foam core and a pocketed coil assembly. The pocketed coil assembly can include a plurality of individual pocketed coil springs having a height. Each coil spring may be joined together to a neighboring coil spring such that at least a majority of the height of each coil spring is configured to vertically deflect without deflecting the joined neighboring coil spring.

Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.

Abstract: A method of sensing the motion of the wash assembly (3) of a washing machine (1) due to the dynamic unbalance of the laundry drum assembly (6), and which comprises the steps of: increasing the rotation speed (?) of a laundry drum (6) to a first rotation speed (?DIST); determining a first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF) related to the time pattern of the values of an unbalance function A=T?Jd?/dt; increasing the rotation speed (?) of the laundry drum (6) by a predetermined value (??) determining, at each increase (??) in rotation speed (?), a second parameter (ALF; AHF) related to the time pattern of the values of the unbalance function A=T?Jd?/dt filtered at the predetermined filtration frequency (LF; HF); calculating the difference (TdynLF; TdynHF) between the second parameter (ALF; AHF) and the first parameter (TFRICTION; AHFREF).

Abstract: An off-balance detection method comprises a plurality of off-balance detection schemes that utilize wash basket speed to detect an off-balance load condition at speed ranges that span the entire spin cycle and include speeds corresponding to natural frequencies of a mass comprising a wash tub and a wash basket. The schemes can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other schemes. The off-balance detection method can further comprise a power limiting method to prevent motor overload when an off-balance condition is present.

Abstract: Customized or personalized recessed designs can be cut into the bottom of the soles of flip flops, sandals, boots, and any other flat soled footwear using computerized numerical control machining. The customized recessed design can be created in reverse (i.e., in mirror image) to leave a specified design or message when the shoe is pressed into material capable or taking an impression such as sand or snow. Designs can also be created to appear forward (non-mirrored) on the sole so that that design or text is legible when looking at the sole of the shoe. The footwear can be custom produced at the request of a customer, who can specify the nature of the customization for one or more pairs of footwear. Each of a pair of the footwear may have a different design, message or message portion.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a connection component configured to connect the apparatus to any one of a plurality of different apparatuses. A toothbrush may include at least one measurement component configured to measure a parameter of use of an oral care region, and a processor configured to change output of a first audio signal of a plurality of audio signals to a second audio signal of the plurality of audio signals based on the measured parameter. Another toothbrush may include a processor configured to receive first data from an external source component and output second data corresponding to the received first data to at least one output device in response, and the at least output device configured to output the second data from the processor.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine provided with three spaced-apart floor-facing rotationally drivable cleaning heads, each having a working axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the floor surface, the machine being provided with wheel means permitting translational movement of the machine along a cleaning path over a floor surface and an adjustable mounting means configured to permit selective adjustment of relative spatial locations of the cleaning heads so that a cleaning path swept by the heads may be selectively adjusted.

Abstract: An apparatus for grout cleaning is discussed below that enables a user to easily and effectively perform tile and grout cleaning tasks without having to engage in an uncomfortable posture and without requiring a large amount energy or muscle strength spent on the reciprocating, repetitive movement associated with such tasks. In some embodiments, a grout cleaning device comprises an elongated arm having a proximal end and a distal end; a reciprocating motor attached to the distal end and having a power source; a grout cleaning member detachably coupled to the reciprocating motor; and a motor controller attached to the proximal end, wherein the motor controller is operable to selectively control the power source. The motor controller may change an operating speed of the reciprocating motor according to an input from the user. The elongated arm may include one or more contour portions to provide an ergonomic position for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning golf clubs is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially symmetrical body having a first pocket opposite a second pocket for accepting fingers or a thumb of a user. The first and second pockets are flexibly coupled by a hinge portion and define a first opening for receiving a head of a golf club. A second opening is defined by the opening ends of the first and second pockets and is configured for receiving a hand of the user. The first and second pocket have opposing exterior walls which can be brought into contact with a golf club head to clean same. At least one of the opposing exterior walls will include an abrasive surface, e.g., bristles, for cleaning a surface of the golf club head. In other embodiments, both opposing exterior walls will include abrasive surfaces to facilitate cleaning of the golf club head.

Abstract: Provided is an interdental brush having a wire and filaments arranged therein by folding the wire and disposing the filaments between the wire and then twisting the wire. The interdental brush has improved filament retention and improved cleaning effectivity and reachability to minute portions. Each of filaments 3 has a polygonal cross section whose at least one corner portion has an interior angle 31 as acute as 30 to 75 degrees. Specifically, an angle ?3 of the acute corner portion 31 is set at 1.2 to 3 times a twisting angle ?4 of the wire. The filaments each have two or more such acute corner portions, and two or more rows of such filaments are disposed and laminated between the wire in a densely arranged manner.

Abstract: A toothbrush having needle-shaped bristles on the head portion is configured such that the differences in height between the longer and shorter bristles is 1 to 4 mm, the end points of the longer bristles are 0.01 to 0.03 mm in diameter, the end points of the shorter bristles are 0.03 to 0.08 mm in diameter, the taper lengths of the longer bristles are 4 to 8 mm, the taper lengths of the shorter bristles are 2 to 6 mm, and the differences in taper length between the longer and shorter bristles is 1 to 4 mm. The toothbrush provides superior teeth and gum contact force unique to a toothbrush having needle-shaped bristles and at the same time also provides superior cleaning performance for the surface of teeth thanks to the action of the shorter bristles having relatively large diameters at end points and relatively short taper lengths.

Abstract: A molar-dedicated toothbrush is provided to remove dental plaque formed in a molar tooth because the head part of the toothbrush can approach the side of a molar tooth located at the inner most part, approach the side of a molar tooth, or approach the side of a molar tooth adjacent to an extracted molar tooth in a surface-contact manner. The molar-dedicated toothbrush of the present invention includes a toothbrush body configured to be able to be held, a toothbrush head provided at a front part of the toothbrush body and rounded in a U shape so that the toothbrush head can come into a surface-contact with the side of a molar tooth, and a toothbrush tuft configured to brush the molar tooth.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a crevice tool for vacuum cleaners as a singular component, comprising a socket transitioning into a long, flat air chamber, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, wherein the air chamber (wand) incorporates both air suction slots and protruding nubs on both the top and bottom of the tool, and lateral slits in the end opposite the socket end. The various components of the crevice tool may be fabricated into kit form, and may include an adaptor, an extension, and a paw like terminal end, that can be used for removing any debris from tight areas.

Abstract: The wiper device for removing foreign substances that are stuck on a windshield can include: a lever assembly, having a plurality of levers in a tournament type coupled thereto; a contact member, being supported by the lever assembly and formed in the shape of a blade in close contact with the windshield so as to wipe out the foreign substances; and a cover member, provided in a plurality, each being coupled to the lever connecting a corresponding joint of the lever assembly. Accordingly, the parts of the lever assembly having the multi joint structure are effectively covered by the plurality of cover members, allowing for a simple appearance, and since each cover member is coupled with a corresponding lever and moves with the corresponding lever in an integrated manner, it becomes possible to prevent the levers from being exposed to an outside even while the wiper device is activated.

Abstract: There is provided a paint distributing plate system for insertion into a paint bucket having an external upper rim. The paint distributing plate system comprises a paint distributing plate with a lower part and an upper part, where the lower part has a width being smaller than the diameter of the largest cross-sectional dimension of the paint bucket, and a pair of adjustable attachment hook arrangements provided on the upper part of the paint distributing plate, one on each side of the paint distributing plate, for securing the paint distributing plate to the upper rim of the paint bucket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot system having a plurality of exchangeable work modules, thereby providing a mobile robot capable of performing various functions at a low cost. The mobile robot system comprises a plurality of work modules, which perform different works, respectively; a module station for connecting the plurality of work modules; and a mobile robot, which selects and connects to one of the plurality of work modules from the module station according to a work task to be performed. The mobile robot autonomously operates to perform the work task.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blower vacuum device and in particular to a blower vacuum device for use in the collection of garden debris. The device is preferably one which is operable in a blowing mode to generate an air stream for blowing the debris into piles and also operable in a vacuum mode to suck debris into the device.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner (2) having a body (4) having a floorhead (6) and an elongate handle (14) pivotably mounted to the body is disclosed. A door (24) is provided on an end (20) of a collection chamber (12) opposite to a clean air outlet, and a coarse filter (32) and fine filter (46) are located within the collection chamber for separating out debris entrained with dirty air and depositing the debris in the collection chamber. An interior face of the door is provided with radial tangs (68), and an end face (48) of the fine filter is provided with radial tangs (60) such that when the door is closed and the elongate handle is pivoted relative to the body, the fine filter and coarse filter rotate relative to each other to cause cleaning of the filter elements.

Abstract: A filter unit (100) for a vacuum cleaner includes a filter body (110) and a dust removing means (120). The filter body is elongated and at least partly flexible and the dust removing means is configured to collapse and expand the filter body in response to a force applied on the dust removing means. The filter body comprises pleats (115) extending along the filter body. The filter unit of the present invention is advantageous in that it reduces clogging and thereby increases the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly for removing liquids from a floor. The squeegee assembly includes a frame that is movable in a direction of travel and that includes a base and opposed walls defining a channel extending along the width of the frame, and a squeegee blade partially disposed in the frame within the channel adjacent one of the walls. The squeegee blade has a first longitudinal edge positioned adjacent the base of the channel and a second longitudinal edge extending outward from the channel. The squeegee assembly also includes a jam member that is engageable with the frame within the channel so that the squeegee blade is positioned between the frame and the jam member to couple the squeegee blade to the frame.

Abstract: A grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of animal grooming hand tools, such as a comb-like grooming blade comprising sharp edges, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: A hand-held electric blower includes an air-guiding pipe comprising a proximal portion or suction pipe provided with an air inlet, a distal air outlet portion or exhaust nozzle, and a fan. The blower is characterized in that the fan consists of an axial fan, and in that the suction pipe has, upstream from the axial fan, an elbow, the proximal end of which defines the air inlet and is directed downward in terms of a working position of the device, in which the operating handle of the blower is positioned above said elbow.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in one embodiment, a vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising a nozzle body (1); a suction plate (2) having an elongated suction inlet (3), wherein the suction plate (2) is pivotally connected to the nozzle body (1) about a first pivot axis (A), which first pivot axis (A) extends parallel to the elongated direction of the suction inlet (3); a nozzle outlet device (5) having, at a first end thereof, a tubular opening (6), which tubular opening is matable with a tubular component (7) of a vacuum cleaner; and flexible hose (8) which is arranged to interconnect the suction plate (2) with the nozzle outlet device (5) such that the suction inlet (3) is in fluid communication with the tubular opening (6) of the nozzle outlet device (5).

Abstract: A door stop comprises a flexible bar having a first end, a second end, and six sequential adjacent bends between the first and second ends, the first sequential adjacent bend closest to the first end, and the sixth sequential adjacent bend closet to the second end. A rubber grommet is affixed into the first end, and protrudes past the first end. A hole in the second end is substantially three-sixteenth inch in diameter. The distance between the fifth and sixth sequential adjacent bends is substantially equal to 1.375 inches. In an alternate embodiment, the distance between the fifth and sixth sequential adjacent bends is substantially equal to 1.75 inches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel hinge connection (1) for a transport container made of plastic, which hinge connection comprises a hinge part (2) designed as a sleeve (4) having a longitudinal opening (5) and a hinge clip (3) that encompasses the sleeve. The sleeve has a wide outer circumferential groove (6) for receiving the hinge clip, which has a recess (7) at least at one of the ends thereof. The hinge clip (3) further comprises at one end a detent (9) that projects inward for engaging with the recess.

Abstract: A synchronous movement device applied to dual-shaft system includes a first shaft and a second shaft, which are assembled with each other and synchronously rotatable. The synchronous movement device further includes a driver disposed on the first shaft and a reactor disposed on the second shaft and a link unit connected between the driver and the reactor. When the first shaft drives the driver to rotate, the driver pushes the link unit to move along the first and second shafts to forcedly push the reactor to rotate in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the driver. Accordingly, the first and second shafts are synchronously rotated.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a first object and a hinge structure. The first object includes a rear plate, and a plurality of positioning posts is located on the rear plate. The hinge structure includes a first connecting member secured to the first object. The first connecting member includes an installation board, and a plurality of installation holes is defined in the installation board, corresponding to the plurality of positioning posts. Each of the plurality of positioning posts is received in each of the plurality of installation holes, so that the installation board directly abuts the rear plate to decrease the thickness of the first object.

Abstract: A decorative door handle comprising a flexible material configured in the shape of a door handle and a malleable stiffener material to maintain the handle in a desired useful looking configuration. In one aspect the flexible material is a magnetic vinyl.

Abstract: A device for reversible connection between a casing for lead weights and a corresponding pocket of a diving jacket is described. The device has an elastically insertable and releasable buckle with a male part connected to the casing through a rigid plate and with a sheath, acting as the female part of the buckle, connected to the pocket of the jacket. The rigid plate presents lateral guide ribbings, suitable for facilitating insertion of the male part of the buckle in the sheath.

Abstract: A fastener may include a belt, a buckle connected to the belt and having an inlet end and an outlet end, and a pair of protection portions formed in the outlet end of the buckle. The belt and the buckle are arranged and constructed to be locked to each other when the belt is tightened after the belt is inserted into the buckle and drawn therefrom. The protection portions are arranged and constructed to respectively face longitudinal peripheries edges of the belt that is inserted into the buckle and drawn therefrom. Each of the protection portions has a projection amount not less than a length of a remaining portion of the belt, which portion can be produced by cutting off an excess portion of the belt drawn from the buckle.

Abstract: The bracelet clasp includes first (1) and second (2) hinged arms and a cover (3). The clasp is provided with two push-pieces (15a and 15b). A safety device prevents the clasp opening when pressure (A-B) is simultaneously exerted both on a push-piece (15a) and on one side of the cover opposite said push-piece. This device may be a strut (70) provided with extended portions (72, 73) abutting on both sides of the first arm (1).

Abstract: A deal with automatic line-locking includes a cam formed of a plurality of generally flat pressure-engaging segments or pressure pads that are angularly laterally offset to opposite sides of the cam plane an beyond the sheet(s) of flat material forming the cam, the segments or pads generally defining a line-receiving region having a generally uniform cross-section greater than the thickness of the sheet(s) of flat material configured to frictionally engage the line in the line locking position. Auxiliary sheave assemblies may be used to provide automatic failsafe operation by means of the cleat when raising or lowering an object on a hook or loop. A pusher may be used to automatically urge the line to move in the direction of the cam to lock the line especially when the line is released.

Abstract: A separating mechanism for releasing an equipment bag. The mechanism includes a base assembly, a removable soft loop assembly, an attachment ring, and a retention member. The base assembly includes a base member, an aperture, and one or more base assembly rings. The soft loop assembly includes a soft loop base and a soft loop. The soft loop is inserted through the aperture and a first of the base assembly rings. The soft loop base is configured to not be pulled through the aperture. A last of the base assembly rings is inserted through the attachment ring. The retention member is inserted through the soft loop to restrain the first base assembly ring. The base assembly rings are sequentially engaged to couple the attachment ring with the base member. The retention member is pulled out of the soft loop to release the base assembly rings thereby releasing the attachment ring.

Abstract: A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A piston rod lock assembly is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod and moves from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in an unclamped position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position.

Abstract: A carrier is provided for facilitating the carrying and transportation of a funerary container having a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces and a top surface, along with a length and width and interior large enough to accommodate an un-cremated corpse. The carrier includes a base member having a length generally long enough to span the width of the funerary container and a upper surface sized and configured for receiving the bottom surface of the funerary container. An upstanding member has a lower end coupled to the base member and an upper end. The upstanding member extends in a plane generally perpendicular to the base member. A handle member is provided that is coupled to the upstanding member. The handle includes a hand receiving surface engageable by the hand of the user.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric preform for a composite component from a fabric having a plurality of hoop tows is disclosed. One end of the fabric is received on the form such that the hoop tows of the fabric extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a central axis of the form. The fabric is wrapped around the form and at least some of the hoop tows are separated into hoop tow segments while the fabric is under a tension to enable a space to develop between ends of adjacent hoop tow segments along the length of the hoop tow. This separation of adjacent hoop tow segments accommodates increased deformation of the fabric during formation of the fabric preform while still maintaining a presence of hoop tow segments in at least portions of the fabric.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing packages having contents sealed therein, including: a step of forming cavities in a plurality of package forming areas on a first wafer; a step of bonding the first wafer and a second wafer while arranging the contents in the cavities; and a step of irradiating a bonded wafer member with a laser and separating the packages into pieces, characterized in that dummy cavities are formed on an outside of the package forming area in an outermost periphery of the first wafer in the cavity forming step.

Abstract: A shaft-sealing device comprising a sealing ring having a seal secured thereto, and a protective member engaged with the sealing ring. The said protective member includes a cylindrical member having a shaft-engaging surface and a seal-engaging surface, and an annular flange extends radially away from the shaft. The shaft-engaging surface is operable to be attached to the shaft during operation of the device, and the seal-engaging surface is operable to be in sealing contact with the seal during operation of the device. The annular flange is operable to engage the sealing ring.

Abstract: A tool for detaching piston bolt from cylinder consists of a threaded rod, a grip, a positioning member, a positioning sleeve, a supporting member and a nut. The threaded rod possesses a joint end formed with a fixing surface, a resting portion located next to the joint end with no threads. The grip is bored with a first threaded hole, and a second threaded hole vertically communicating with the first threaded hole and engaged with a fixing screw pressing on the fixing surface. By using the tool to detach a bolt, it's not only a user's fingers won't be injured, but also the bolt can be smoothly and swiftly removed from a joint of a piston and a connecting rod.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the alignment of an axle so that adjustments to toe, camber, and/or thrust can be more readily achieved. In one embodiment, a pair of non-parallel shims is located between flange elements. Positioning elements are located along the flange elements at a position outside the peripheral edge of the shims. Upon application of a torque to the positioning elements, the flange elements can be pushed apart or pulled together so as to provide for access to the shims.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating fluid bladder removal from a support structure through an access opening includes a frame defining a central opening dimensioned to conform to the access opening, the frame having opposed first and second surfaces and adapted to removably mount inside the support structure around the access opening, and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to the first surface around the central opening. The apparatus is connected inside the support structure with the rollers extending away from and surrounding the access opening to facilitate passage of the fluid bladder.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection station includes a frame, a transport system carried by the frame for transporting a pallet to be inspected, and at least one pallet feature sensing head adjacent the transport system for inspecting the pallet. The at least one pallet feature sensing head includes a downward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned above the transport system for inspecting a top surface of the pallet, and an upward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned below the transport system for inspecting a bottom surface of the pallet.

Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a blind fastener joining at least two parts. The blind fastener includes, but is not limited to a body situated in the holes provided in the joined parts, with a head at each end thereof, and portions of which protrude above the level of the holes. The method also includes, but is not limited to withdrawing the accessible head of the fastener, and creating a hole that passes through the fastener. An insertion device is configured to restrain the remainder of the fastener in the hole, which has an elongated body having a diameter smaller than or equal to that of the hole and an expandable head at one end thereof The insertion device for restraining the remainder of the fastener being immobilised or capable of only limited movement relative to the joined parts, and expelling the remainder of the fastener from the holes.

Abstract: A method to join a first structure to a second structure comprises aligning a first hole in the first structure with a second hole in the second structure and inserting a fastener into the first hole and the second hole. The fastener comprises a shape memory alloy which was formed into a first shape having a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in an austenite state and reduced to a second shape having a diameter less than the diameter of the first hole and the second hole when the shape memory alloy was in a martensite state. The method further comprises heating the fastener above an austenite start transition temperature.

Abstract: The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier.