Abstract: A combination lock having a combination lock mechanism and a key lock mechanism. The combination lock mechanism is able to unlock and lock the combination lock by switching a plurality of dials exposed on the surface of the combination lock, while the key lock mechanism allows the user to unlock the combination lock with a key.

Abstract: A modular electrical wiring component comprises includes a wiring module having a wiring portion for coupling to a source of electrical power and a user-accessible portion configured to accept and provide electrical power to a functional module that provides a selected electrical distribution function, wherein the wiring module is configured to accept the functional module without access to the wiring portion. The modular electrical wiring component also comprises includes an adjustable plaster ring configured to couple to the wiring module and to an electrical junction box, wherein the adjustable plaster ring provides a variable distance between the electrical junction box and the wiring module.

Abstract: A battery load leveling system for an electrically powered system in which a battery is subject to intermittent high current loading, the system including a first battery, a second battery, and a load coupled to the batteries. The system includes a passive storage device, a unidirectional conducting apparatus coupled in series electrical circuit with the passive storage device and poled to conduct current from the passive storage device to the load, the series electrical circuit coupled in parallel with the battery such that the passive storage device provides current to the load when the battery terminal voltage is less than voltage on the passive storage device, and a battery switching circuit that connects the first and second batteries in either a lower voltage parallel arrangement or a higher voltage series arrangement.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum ink container and its ink supply valve device and vacuum piston device. The ink container comprises a container cylinder, an ink supply valve mounted at one end of the container cylinder for opening and closing the passage of the ink, and a vacuum piston, mounted at the other end of the container cylinder and provided with more than one exhaust hole, for exhausting air when packaging ink and for pushing ink toward the ink supply valve when supplying ink. The ink supply valve comprises a valve lid and a valve sleeve; the valve lid can be pushed by ink to move forward to form a space for dispensing ink; two sloping sealing faces are provided respectively around the top of the valve sleeve and on the inner wall of the top of the valve lid. The exhaust pores are set through the vacuum piston longitudinally.

Abstract: An original blanking period of a video signal is shortened to a set blanking period, and audio data is multiplexed into a resulting superimposing period. Table distinguishing data indicating the length of the superimposing period is inserted into the period as a blanking signal. With this configuration, it is possible to enable transmission and reception of an audio signal in a system capable of transmitting and receiving a video signal.

Abstract: An original blanking period of a video signal is shortened to a set blanking period, and audio data is multiplexed into a resulting superimposing period. Table distinguishing data indicating the length of the superimposing period is inserted into the period as a blanking signal. With this configuration, it is possible to enable transmission and reception of an audio signal in a system capable of transmitting and receiving a video signal.

Abstract: The addition of low concentrations of combinations of water-soluble organic salts of zinc to gels, creams, lotions or ointments can increase the ability of these products to reduce or prevent exogenous irritants from causing irritation of the underlying substrate. The addition of low concentrations of combinations of water-soluble organic zinc salts to these gels, creams, lotions or ointments also can reduce the irritation of skin or mucous membranes caused by the addition of potentially-irritating substances such as spermicides, microbicides, fungicides or other therapeutic agents to the gel, cream, lotion or ointment. The advantages of this anti-irritant approach over others, which generally employ high concentrations of single zinc salts, are the reduced potential for zinc toxicity, the reduced potential for toxicity related to zinc itself, and the preservation of the desirable biological properties of potentially-irritating therapeutic substances added to the gel, cream, lotion or ointment.

Abstract: The present invention describes a magnetic targeting system suitable for guiding a biocompatible device to a target area within the body (in vivo) and method of using the same. The system includes a targeting member having a steering material and is attached to the biocompatible device. The system also includes at least one anchoring member constructed and arranged for the inclusion of a magnetic material effective for influencing the traversal of the steering material, in vivo. The magnetically influenced anchoring member interacts with the targeting member such that the biocompatible device is positionable relative to the target area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.

Abstract: A helmet blastometer for characterizing the direction, speed, magnitude, and duration of a blast event to determine the likelihood of blast-induced traumatic brain injury (biTBI). Time of arrival (TOA) gage sensors are mounted on a rigid outer shell of the helmet each producing a TOA signal in response to a fast rising blast induced positive pressure change above a predetermined threshold. A receiver analyzes the positive pressure changes from the gages to determine direction, speed, and magnitude of a blast. Other TOA gauge sensors can be used to produce a TOA signal in response to a negative pressure change below a predetermined threshold. The positive and negative pressure change TOA signals are used to determine blast duration. A second set of internal contact pressure sensors is connected to an inner liner of the helmet to detect contact pressure on a user's head to determine if biTBI has been sustained.

Abstract: An improved helmet mounting device for an optical or other viewing device is provided. The helmet mount includes a mounting assembly removably attachable to the helmet and a pivoting assembly having a first end pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and a second end opposite the first end. A fore and aft adjustment assembly is attached to the second end of the pivoting assembly and a left and right adjustment assembly is rotatably attached to the fore and aft adjustment assembly. The left and right adjustment assembly is pivotal relative to the fore and aft adjustment assembly about a first generally vertical axis. An optical device mounting member is attached to the left and right adjustment assembly and the optical device mounting member is removably attachable to the optical device.

Abstract: A protective outer garment apparatus is disclosed which incorporates an at least one viewing window therein. Thus, as user is able to keep a handheld item positioned underneath or otherwise within an interior of the garment while still being able to safely view the item through the viewing window from an optimal viewing angle.

Abstract: A water-repelling hand mitt apparatus removes excess water from a person's hair and body after getting wet. The apparatus includes a flexible hand mitt having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is water-repellant such that sliding the first surface against a body of a user removes excess water from the user's body. A thumb strap is coupled to the hand mitt and extends over the second surface. A medial portion of the thumb strap is spaced from the second surface such that the thumb strap is configured to receive a thumb of the user when the hand mitt is worn by the user.

Abstract: A body shaping fit system for pants is based on the concept of actively shaping the body's silhouette. This fit system includes: a stretch coating formulation for fabric that provides stretch in all directions (e.g., four way stretch) in an engineered way to target specific parts of the body, shape contouring panels, cosmetic finishing techniques, and seaming and construction techniques for pants. In a specific implementation, a pair of jeans includes a shape contouring panel incorporated onto an inside of the jeans, the panel including a polyurethane based coating with holding power to enhance the body's natural curves while de-emphasizing the body's flaws. The fit system is also applicable to pants, shorts, capris, and other clothing where shaping and support is desirable in the waist, seat, hip, and thigh areas.

Abstract: A hosiery device having gel pads disposed along the bottom. The device has at least one leg portion with a footed portion disposed at the bottom. It may be a pair of leggings such as pantyhose or may be a single leg stocking. Gel pads are integrated into the bottom of the footed portions in key areas that correspond to load-bearing portions of a user's foot. The gel pads are formed around the underlying hosiery fabric, creating an integrated pad that is not easily removable. Pads may be positioned along the ball, heel, toes, or entire sole of the foot. The device provides therapeutic relief of muscle tension and stress by cushioning the parts of the foot that bear a person's weight.

Abstract: Provided is a protective insert to be received into a pocket of a protective athletic headwear. The protective insert includes a hard outer layer, at least one pliable middle layer, and a pliable inner layer. The hard outer layer includes an arrangement of first openings to enable flexing of the hard outer layer to decelerate an impact to the at least one protective insert. The at least one pliable middle layer includes at least one arrangement of second openings. The pliable inner layer provides cushioning. The hard outer layer, the at least one pliable middle layer, and the pliable inner layer are sealed such that the second openings form sealed air pockets to absorb and distribute the impact to the outer layer about the at least one protective insert.

Abstract: A head-mounted device to be worn on a user's head includes a first pressing member to press, for example, an occipital region, a second pressing member to press, for example, a parietal region, and first and second linear members connected to the first and second pressing members respectively. The first and second linear members are guided so that a change in lengths of the first and second linear members causes the first and second pressing members to move in the first and second directions respectively. An adjustment unit to adjust the lengths of the first and second linear members includes first and second wind-up units connected to a rotational operation member and to wind up the first and second linear members respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed a visor comprising at least one transparent plate, in which or on which a light-sensitive material is provided, which material has the property of transmitting less light as more light is incident thereon. In particular UV light-intensity-activated, UV light-blocking pigments, photochromatic pigments are used in the light-sensitive material. The light-sensitive material, which may be fixedly or detachably provided on the transparent plate, is transparent in the deactivated condition thereof.

Abstract: Equalizing valve (1) comprising a duct (6) having an inlet section (7) and an outlet section (8), a seat (10) and a valve element (12) able to move between a closed position and an open position, characterized in that said duct is able to admit a flow in which, for any flow line (13) between said inlet section and said outlet section, the velocity vector (15) at a given point makes an angle with the velocity vector (14) in the inlet section which increases with the distance away from the inlet section, the angle between the velocity vector (16) in the outlet section and the velocity vector in the inlet section ranging between 80° and 150°, and in which the valve element, in the closed position, makes an angle of between 0° and 70° with the normal to the outlet section.

Abstract: A training urinal attachment mountable to the bowl of a toilet. The attachment includes a resiliently collapsible shell having an intake opening that receives a flow of urine from a standing child and a discharge opening that directs the flow into a collection area of the bowl. The shell is mounted on the rim of the bowl in an area that is covered by the seat of the toilet when lowered. When the seat is lowered, the shell compresses to a collapsed configuration in the area between the seat and the rim. When the seat is raised, the shell expands to an erected configuration in which the intake opening extends above the rim to receive the flow of urine. The discharge opening is visible through the intake opening to provide the child with a target to aid in training.

Abstract: An adapter includes an interface module that receives signals from a first sensor that indicate a first fill status of a holding tank. A control module of the adapter generates a control signal based on the first fill status. The toilet is at least partially controlled by a toilet control module that restricts a flush capability of the toilet based on the control signal. An isolation module of the adapter isolates the interface module and the control module from at least one of voltage and current fluctuations that are external to the adapter.

Abstract: An odor eliminating toilet with an air passage and enclosed ventilating fan is disclosed. Odors are removed from the toilet bowl during use by an air passage connecting the toilet bowl with the sewer outflow. The air passage contains a ventilating fan for removing said odors.

Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool includes an insert and a piston having a nozzle. The piston is carried in the insert for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which the piston is in one of a plurality of indexed orientations and the nozzle is above the insert. The piston rotates to an adjacent indexed orientation in response to reciprocation of the piston between the raised and lowered positions in response to the cyclical application of water through the insert. Upper and lower engagement assemblies prevent rotational movement of the piston in the raised and lowered positions. The upper engagement assembly includes upper teeth, lower teeth, and channels formed in the upper teeth which guide the lower teeth through the upper teeth as the piston moves from the lowered position to the raised position.

Abstract: An air injection system for a hydro-massaging bath is described. An air convecting conduit is in communication with a plurality of injecting orifices formed in a peripheral wall of the bath. An air blower injects air under pressure in an entry opening of the air convecting conduit. A water spray injector is located downstream of the entry opening and upstream of the air injecting orifices to inject a spray of a predetermined volume of water in the injected air under pressure. A water supply conduit is connected to the water spray injector and has a flow regulating valve to regulate the volume of water spray injected in the heated air to saturate the air with water. A shut-off valve is provided in the water supply conduit, and a heater is disposed in the air convecting conduit downstream of the water spray injector and upstream of the air injecting orifices wherein heated, humidified air injected in the water contained within the bathtub does not produce a cool sensation on the body of a user person.

Abstract: A lavatory is provided. The lavatory includes at least one wash station, at least one electrically operated fixture associated with the wash station, a control system configured to control a flow of a fluid through the at least one electrically operated fixture, a power source selectively coupled to the control system, and a power management system coupled to the power source to control the power provided to the control system. The power management system includes a detector configured to monitor the output voltage of the power source, and a switch configured to electrically disconnect the power source from the control system when the output voltage of the power source drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A convertible sofa and sofa frame deployable between a sofa orientation and a bed orientation. The frame has a base frame with a seat extension frame comprising a seat frame and a mid-frame pivotally secured to the base frame. Cushioning is on one side of the base frame. A seat back frame is pivotally secured to the base frame, the second cushioning on what is a back side when in the sofa orientation. Removable seat back cushions engage the front side of the seat back frame in the sofa orientation. In the bed orientation, the seat frame is extended, the seat back portion is pivoted horizontally, and the removable seat back cushions are located on the mid-frame between the seat frame and the seat back frame.

Abstract: A system for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a base sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, and a glide sheet positioned above the top surface of the base sheet. The base sheet has fasteners located around the peripheral edges, which are configured to releasably fasten the base sheet to the bed. The base sheet and the glide sheet each have a tether strap, and the tether straps are configured to be connected together to secure the glide sheet in place. One or both of the tether straps may include at least a portion that is elastic. The system may also include a wedge, where the wedge has a hook-and-loop or other releasable connecting material that is configured for connection to a complementary connecting material on the base sheet and/or the glide sheet.

Abstract: A reversible platform and a crib therewith are disclosed. The reversible platform includes a pivotally-engaging mechanism and a bracket. The pivotally-engaging mechanism is disposed on a crib frame. The bracket is connected to the crib frame through the pivotally-engaging mechanism. The bracket has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. The bracket is capable of being rotated to be disposed selectively with the first side or the second side facing upward for providing application space. Thereby, the invention can provide two application platforms with one occupied space of the crib frame, so as to solve the issue in the prior art that additional accessories provided for a conventional crib is provided for multiple functions occupy more space and the operation therefor is usually inconvenient to users.

Abstract: A bed top covering, includes a top portion; a second portion; and a bottom portion. The second portion includes a back-folded, electrically heated, foot canopy therein configured to allow the feet of a user to be extended in an upward direction therewithin and providing room and maneuverability and warmth for the feet of the user. The third portion is tucked under the mattress for snugness.

Abstract: The magnetic resonance imaging device of the present invention includes a gantry and a bed part comprising a top panel, the gantry comprises a circumferential panel covering outer circumference of a tunnel-shaped static magnetic field space, and a front panel having an opening serving as entrance of a bore for the static magnetic field space, this front panel comprises an arc-shaped outer panel extending from an upper part of the opening serving as entrance of the bore to the ground plane via both sides of the opening, and an inner panel disposed inside the outer panel, a portion connecting the outer panel and the inner panel constitutes a top surface protruding forwardly, and the inner panel is formed in a recessed shape with a concave curved surface extending from the top surface to the opening serving as entrance of the bore.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus system includes sensors adapted to sense a gesture of a person, or forces exerted by the person on the patient support apparatus, and to control the movement of a component of the patient support apparatus based on the gesture or forces. The movement of the patient support apparatus matches the direction of the person's gesture or applied forces. The speed of the gesture and magnitude of the applied force also influence the movement of the patient support apparatus component. The controlled movement may be the upward and downward motion of a patient support deck on the patient support apparatus, or it may be the pivoting of a section of the patient support deck, or it may be other movement. Control of the patient support apparatus is carried out based on the intent of the user, as evidenced by the user's gesture or applied forces.

Abstract: There is disclosed a platform of an electric-movable bed for preventing bedsores and capable of changing a shaft including a plate unit. The platform includes a plurality of main plates rotatably provided to support the human body, a plurality of sub plates rotatably and hingedly coupled to the main plates, respectively, and a locking part provided between each main plate and each sub plate to enable or lock the rotation of each main plate or sub plate, the plate unit being configured to selectively rotate a corresponding portion to a position of the joint according to a user's body type; a first driving unit configured to tilt an upper part of the human body lying on the plate unit; and a second driving unit configured to tilt a lower part of the human body lying on the plate unit.

Abstract: A sleep system comprises at least one mattress including a first sleep area for a first occupant, the first sleep area including a first section for a portion of a body of the first occupant, and a second sleep area adjacent to the first sleep area for a second occupant, the second sleep area including a second section for a portion of a body of the second occupant, an articulation system for articulating the first section and the second section, a first user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the first section, and a second user controller configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to control articulation of the second section, wherein the first user controller is further configured to communicate with the articulation system in order to move the second section into a predetermined position.

Abstract: An inflatable resting pillow comprises two inflatable compartments, the lower compartment providing a base to support the attached upper compartment; both compartments being separately inflatable. The upper compartment provides an opening facing the user for receiving the user's head with a number of inner support surfaces providing lateral, longitudinal and vertical stability. The upper compartment also includes lateral passageways allowing air circulation to the implanted face of the user, and other passageways for the user's arms by which to keep the device in stable contact with the user's body and to also provide means for the user to rest on the forearms to provide a stable and comfortable resting position with the person's head and upper body leaning forward upon the upper compartment; the combination of support structures designed to render stable support of the reposing user while achieving and maintaining optimum spinal alignment.

Abstract: A spring mattress structure comprises a mattress body with a top bed surface and a bottom bed surface developed by a plurality of shaft levers which are regularly arranged and separated by a spacing: each of the shaft levers on which a plurality of springs are installed allows each spring's two bottom ends to be positioned at two adjacent springs; each of the springs has a hollow space corresponding to the spacing developed by two adjacent shaft levers and makes its bottom fixed on a shaft lever with a spring-loaded locating piece; the spring-loaded locating piece comprises a locating part on which a shaft lever is fixed; the locating part has elastic fasteners extending from both sides and used to clamp spring coils of springs so that the springs are stably connected to shaft levers.

Abstract: A side rail assembly for supporting an edge of a mattress includes a layer of a polyurethane foam comprising an open cellular structure, wherein the open cellular structure comprises about 10 to about 40 cells per inch, a hardness of about 35 pounds-force to about 100 pounds-force, and a density of about 1.2 pounds per cubic foot to about 2.0 pounds per cubic foot, wherein the layer is configured to be disposed about a perimeter of an inner core of the mattress and is configured to permit the flow of fluid from and to the inner core through the layer.

Abstract: A laundry machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine includes a drum rotatably installed in a cabinet, a substance supply device for supplying moisture to the drum, a water supply device separably mounted to the cabinet, to supply water to the substance supply device, a sensor for sensing whether or not water is supplied to the water supply device, and a controller for controlling the substance supply device in accordance with a sensing signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry and configured to perform one or more cycles of operation and method for actively dehumidifying the treating chamber of a laundry treating appliance to retard or eliminate the adverse effects of moisture-laden laundry remaining in the treating chamber or moisture remaining in the treating chamber or other areas of the laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load and effecting a redistribution of the imbalance by reducing the rotational speed of the treating chamber such that part of the load may redistribute while part of the load remains satellized, without ceasing rotation, and increasing the rotational speed back to a spin speed after redistribution.

Abstract: The invention provides debris inhibitors and inhibitor systems and methods of making same. The inhibitors and inhibitor systems of the present invention are worn over athletic or outdoor shoes to inhibit entry of debris into the athletic or outdoor shoes.

Abstract: A hand held dusting apparatus for use with a motor provided with a rotating axle, such as a variable speed drill, includes an elongated extension member attachable at one end to the rotating axle and a dusting member having a body section attachable to the opposite end of the elongated extension member and a dusting section constructed having multiple strands of synthetic fiber materials extending from the body section. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus further includes a tubular hand guide member fitted about the extension member and constructed to slide along the extension member. In another preferred embodiment the body of dusting section has a mid-section that can be pivoted to allow the dusting elements to rotate about an axis set at an angle to the axis of the extension member.

Abstract: A random orbit scrubber comprises a main body having a front end and a rear end, a squeegee assembly coupled to the rear end of the main body, and a cleaning head assembly coupled to the front end of the main body. The cleaning head assembly can include a cleaning element structured for contact with a floor surface. The cleaning head assembly can further include a motor that is operable to impart rotational and orbital movement on the cleaning element.

Abstract: A device for quickly cleaning a variety of surfaces is provided that preferably utilizes a positive capture roller and three-dimensional capture matrix. In particular, the roller is tacky and is in close relationship with a three-dimensional capture media. The roller may be refreshed by a washing mechanism and the media may be replaceable.

Abstract: Lightweight sewer cable that may include an elongate central resilient non-metallic core member, an elongate metallic helical coil spring surrounding the core member, and an elongate non-metallic spacer between the core member and the coil spring are disclosed.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements for ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably pre-formed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a handle for a personal grooming device includes forming a substrate portion of a first material. The substrate portion has first and second walls forming a channel extending along a long axis of the substrate portion. An insert member is formed separate from the substrate portion and disposed within the channel. A grip portion of a second material is formed on the substrate portion. The second material substantially encases the insert member.

Abstract: A handle for a cleaning tool such as a floor mop comprising at least two handle segments attached to each other by a flexible connector such that the handle has one configuration in which it is rigid and another configuration in which it is flexible. In one exemplary embodiment, a movable rigid sleeve extends over the entire flexible connector and a portion of each handle segment such that it prevents the flexible connector from bending. When the movable rigid sleeve is moved to a position where it does not extend over the flexible connector, the flexible connector can bend relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle, to allow easy access under cabinets or furniture.

Abstract: A multiple purpose cleaning apparatus may provide mopping or scrubbing functionality as well as sweeping functionality in a single apparatus. The cleaning apparatus comprises an extendable and retractable broom casing that extends from between a pair of pivotally connected panels. When the broom casing is extended from between the panels, the cleaning apparatus may be used as a broom. When the broom casing is retracted within the panels, the cleaning apparatus may be used as a mop or scrubber.

Abstract: A foot deployed mop includes hingedly connected panel members having a pad connected to them. A foot engagement structure attached to one of the panels is engaged by a user's foot to move the panels between a non-use configuration and a use configuration.