Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin fibres, in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising one or more fatty substances, one or more alkylpolyglucoside nonionic surfactants and/or one or more oxyethylenated C8-C30 fatty acid esters of sorbitan, one or more (poly)alkoxylated fatty alcohol(s), and/or one or more (poly)glycerolated fatty alcohol(s); one or more oxidation bases chosen from (2,5-diaminophenyl)ethanol and also acid salts thereof or solvates thereof such as hydrates, optionally one or more couplers, optionally one or more basifying agent(s), one or more chemical oxidizing agent(s), and whose fatty substance content represents in total at least 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition and more particularly at least 25% by weight relative to the total weight of the said composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibres in which a mixture is applied to the fibres, this mixture being obtained from: —a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor, and —anoxidizing composition comprising at least one chemical oxidizing agent, —at least one of the compositions being dispensed from a pressurized container, —the mixture of the two compositions comprising at least one nonionic oxyalkylenated saturated or unsaturated C8-C40 fatty acid amide, and also to a device suitable for performing this process.

Abstract: Textiles are provided that include fibrous cellulosic materials having an ?-cellulose content of less than about 93%, the fibrous materials being spun, woven, knitted, or entangled. The fibrous cellulosic materials can be irradiated with a dose of ionizing radiation that is sufficient to increase the molecular weight of the cellulosic materials without causing significant depolymerization of the cellulosic materials. Methods of treating textiles that include irradiating the textiles are also provided.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may have material layers and a plurality of strand segments. The material layers are located adjacent to each other and in an overlapping configuration, and the material layers are located in a lace region and a lower region of the upper. The strand segments extend from the lace region to the lower region. The strand segments may be located and secured between the material layers in the lace region and the lower region. The strand segments may form both an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper in an area between the lace region and the lower region. The material layers may define an opening between the lace region and the lower region, and the strand segments extend across the opening.

Abstract: The passenger boarding bridge includes a first tunnel including a first fixed passage on which a passenger walks; and a second tunnel including a second fixed passage on which the passenger walks, the first tunnel being inserted into the second tunnel from one end side of the second tunnel, the second tunnel having another end side connected to a cab, the second fixed passage being fixed to the another end side. The second tunnel includes a movable passage including multiple plate floor members in a chain manner, the movable passage having one end fixed to the second fixed passage of the second tunnel in a pivotable manner. Accordingly, a passenger boarding bridge in which a passage level difference is eliminated at a joint part between an inner tunnel and an outer tunnel can be realized.

Abstract: This comprises at least one cleaning device set on at least one arm (2) fitted at one end with a brush which adapts to the surface of the mirror, and a set of devices for spraying water onto the surface or the mirror, in which the arm (2) also comprises an extendible portion (4) articulated to the truck body, and a retractable portion, said retractable portion consisting of a support structure (6) for the cleaning devices, said cleaning devices being a rotating brush (7) with the same shape as the mirror to be cleaned, water-spraying strips (14) close to the support structure (6) and a moving water-spraying strip (8), secured by means of a retractable arm (9), which can be folded from a retracted position close to the support structure (6) in the area swept by the rotating brush (7) to an operating position, outside the area swept by the rotating brush (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a brush head attachment, in particular for an electric sonic toothbrush, comprising a shank member carrying a bristle bundle, and a coupling member (1) provided on the fastening-side end of said shank member with at least one connection surface for a drive shaft of said handpiece which, when a brush head attachment is mounted on a handpiece, protrudes into said coupling member (1), a spring element that can be operatively connected with said drive shaft for securing said drive shaft to said brush head attachment and/or transferring a drive motion of said drive shaft to said brush head attachment, and a metal ring (4) disposed in a widened fastening foot (2) formed by said coupling member (1). In this inexpensively manufactured brush head attachment according to the present invention, said metal ring (4) is a die-cast member.

Abstract: An oral-hygiene implement having a housing, a first carrier on which at least one first oral-treatment element is mounted, a second carrier on which at least one second oral-treatment element is mounted, wherein at least the first carrier element is mounted for driven oscillatory movement with a peak amplitude value relative to the housing and wherein the first and second oral-treatment elements are arranged such that the first oral-treatment element contacts the second oral-treatment element at least once during each oscillation period of the first carrier at a contact amplitude value smaller than the peak amplitude value and moves the second oral-treatment element out of its initial position until the peak amplitude value is reached.

Abstract: To provide a cleaning device coupling instrument that can easily attach or detach a main body to or from a cleaning part in a cleaning device, and the cleaning device including the cleaning device coupling instrument. A cleaning device coupling instrument 1 which can couple a main body in a cleaning device to a cleaning part to be fixed to the main body has: a first coupling member 10 including a bulging part 100 having a slant part the side peripheral part of which is tapered toward a tip thereof; and a second coupling member 20 including a fitted part 200 in which the bulging part 100 can be loosely fitted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for introducing beating or pulsed movements into tube walls within a pressure vessel, wherein a first ram imparting the beating pulse to the tube wall passes through the pressure vessel wall and is guided into a pressurized first annular space which is acted upon by a second ram, which is guided in a further tubular chamber. Such a device is intended to provide a solution by which the wear of the ram that acts on the tube wall is compensated over as long a time as possible and effective sealing with respect to the surroundings is ensured.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided including: a handle; a head attached to the handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements projecting outwardly from a first surface of the head; and a cleanser including at least one projection protruding outwardly from a second surface for removal of microbial and other debris from soft tissue in the mouth, which second surface is arranged opposite to the first surface; wherein the at least one projection is made of a hard component; wherein the second surface is an elastomeric second surface.

Abstract: A mop having a base plate with a flat lower surface, a cleaning pad on the base plate, a handle connected to the base plate, a first grip connected at the distal end of the handle, and an auxiliary scrubber movably mounted to the handle. The auxiliary scrubber is configured to move between an inactive position and an active position. The auxiliary scrubber includes a second grip, a scrubbing element that is spaced from the surface to be cleaned when the auxiliary scrubber is in the inactive position, and that contacts the surface to be cleaned when the auxiliary scrubber is in the active position, and an actuator joining the second grip to the scrubbing element.

Abstract: A mop having a base plate, a handle, a joint connecting the plate to the handle, a first grip at the end of the handle, a scrubbing mechanism in the base, and a cleaning pad attached to the bottom of the base. The scrubbing mechanism includes a scrub bar, and is movable between an inactive position in which the bar is flush with or above the lower surface of the plate, and an active position in which the bar extends through an opening through the plate to be at least partially below the lower surface of the plate. The cleaning pad moves from being flat on the lower surface of the plate when the scrubbing mechanism is in the inactive position, and a second configuration in which at least a portion of the cleaning pad protrudes downwards from the lower surface when the scrubbing mechanism is in the active position.

Abstract: An extendable toilet brush comprising a handle, where the handle is hollow; a rod connected to the handle, where the rod extends and retracts from the handle; a brush head attached to the rod at an end opposite from the handle; and a telescopic fastening means connecting the rod within the handle, where the telescopic fastening means enables the rod to extend, lock and retract within the handle.

Abstract: One embodiment of an aperture for a scalp brush that does not cut hair is defined by the aperture's diameter and design of the aperture's perimeter. The aperture has a diameter of between 0.51 mm and 1.27 mm. The outside area beyond the aperture (20) being the aperture's perimeter can be no greater than 2.0 mm in diameter. The perimeter of aperture (20), part of tube (22), has a round contour (84) on the outside edge of tube brushing end (68). The tube length being predetermined for working efficiency. The rounded outside edge of tube brushing end (68) does not allow hair cutting. Other embodiments using aperture (20), contour (84), and tube (22) are described and shown.

Abstract: A cleaning article optionally removably attachable to a handle. The cleaning article has a layer of tow fibers and a layer of sheet material, joined together in a layered construction. The tow fiber layer has a greater width than the sheet, so that the tow fibers overhang the edge of the sheet. The amount of overhang varies throughout at least a portion of the length of the cleaning article. Such variation provides a differential overhang believed to promote fluffing of the tow fibers.

Abstract: A mop having a handle and a base plate. The base plate has a lower surface configured to lie on a surface to be cleaned, and extends in a plane defined by a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the lateral direction. The base plate is elongated in the lateral direction and includes a rigid central region that is connected to the handle, a flexing region, and a stepping region. The flexing region is made with an elastomeric material, and is connected at an inboard edge to a lateral end of the central region and extends to an outboard edge. The stepping region is connected to the outboard edge of the flexing region, and includes a generally flat upper surface configured to be stepped on by a user's foot.

Abstract: Device for cleaning a surface, particularly a floor, comprising: a cleaning head comprising at least a first surface and a second surface having an angular offset relative to each other about a transverse direction, a hinge comprising a first hinge portion and a second hinge portion which are movable relative to one another in rotation about a hinge axis parallel to the transverse direction, and a switching system, interposed between the cleaning head and the hinge and adapted to move the hinge between a first position near the first surface and a second position near the second surface.

Abstract: A device for cleansing vehicle door glass to stably secures a driver's view by raising and lowering the door glass and effectively removing a glass contaminant. The device may include a carrier plate coupled with a glass module of a vehicle door, a guide rail, to which the carrier plate is coupled for guiding upward and downward movement, a rail pushing module coupled to a door inner panel while closely contacting an upper portion of the guide rail, for selectively pushing the guide rail toward a door outer panel or pulling the guide rail to return the guide rail, a regulator which moves the carrier plate upward and downward with a wire connected with the carrier plate, and a clean protrusion which protrudes toward an inside of the door from a center portion of an outbelt attached to an upper end of the door outer panel.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning system in which washer fluid is dispensed onto a vehicle windshield or headlight wiper blade via an integral channel and nozzles arrayed in a way so as to insure efficient dispensation of cleaning solution onto the vehicle windshield or headlight. The vehicle cleaning system comprises a fluid reservoir, an element to heat the fluid based on outside ambient temperature, a valve which regulates the fluid flow creating a hammering action during fluid application, and a surface wiper with an integral fluid dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A wiper washer apparatus sprays a washer liquid onto a windshield of a vehicle that has imaging areas of an imaging device and wipes the windshield. The apparatus includes a wiper arm that reciprocates a blade so as to wipe a predetermined wiping area, a spray unit that sprays the washer liquid onto the wiping area on the windshield from a nozzle provided on the wiper arm, a drive unit that drives the wiper arm in a mode selected from modes including at least a low speed mode and a high speed mode, and an input unit through which a user inputs a command for spraying the washer liquid.

Abstract: A brushless motor comprises: a stator 21 having armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c; a rotor 22 which is rotated by a revolving magnetic field; and a switching element 30a, wherein the brushless motor has a rotation number control unit 33 which switches between low-speed and high-speed mode, wherein in the low-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at predetermined energization timing and controls a duty ratio to control the rotation number of the rotor 22, and in the high-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at energization timing advanced from the energization timing for the low-speed mode, thereby performing field weakening control of weakening the revolving magnetic field from that of the low-speed mode to control the rotation number of the rotor 22.

Abstract: Method for detecting the position of a wiper arm (5) for a system (1) for wiping a vehicle window (3), comprising the steps consisting in: a) measuring or estimating (35) at least one parameter for determining the maintenance or service position, b) comparing (37) the measured or estimated value of said parameter with a reference value or a range of reference values, and c) determining, from the results of the comparison, whether the wiper arm is in maintenance or service position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade device (10a-f) comprising a base unit (12a-f) and an adapter unit (14a-f), which can be connected to a wiper arm and is fixed to the base unit (12a-f) in a form-fitting manner in at least one mounted state, wherein the base unit (12a-f) and the adapter unit (14a-f) have a form-fit connection in the mounted state, in which at least one of the units surrounds the other of the units, at least in part, in a form-fitting manner.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for a oscillating arm comprising two longitudinal arm sections connected to each other by means of a curved intermediate section, wherein said oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis, with the special feature that the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about the pivot axis, with the interposition of a joint part, wherein the joint part comprises a resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in the oscillating arm, and wherein the joint part and the connecting device are pivotally connected to each other by mutually cooperating protrusion/hole means, the p

Abstract: An electric sweeping washing device includes a sweeping washing brush and a water collection system design. The sweeping washing brush includes a body; a sweeping roller brush disposed anteriorly at the body; and a dust collecting box for raking dust; a water absorbing scrubbing roller brush disposed posteriorly at the body; a sprinkler head; and a water absorbing scraper for absorbing water from the water absorbing scrubbing roller brush and raking dirty water. The water collection system design includes a tank divided into a clean water chamber and the dirty water chamber, wherein the sprinkler head, the clean and dirty water chambers, a water absorbing scraper, and the dust collecting box are connected via tubes; a spray motor for withdrawing clean water from the clean water chamber and delivering it to the sprinkler head; and an air intake motor for providing vacuum pressure to the dirty water chamber.

Abstract: A rotary turbine cleaning device for cleaning semiconductor fabrication equipment works in conjunction with a clean room vacuum or other vacuum or other air pump. The fluid flow created by the vacuum action causes the rotors of the turbine assembly to rotate, thereby rotating the cleaning head. Attached to the cleaning head are bristles or other cleaning media which may dislodge particles from surfaces. The dislodged particles are drawn into the tube through an opening at the end of the tube and the vacuum action. In some embodiments, a lumen delivers a cleaning fluid to the cleaning head.

Abstract: This redesigned suspender clasp alleviates the problem of suspender clasps coming unfastened when the wearer slides across a surface such as a vehicle seat by reversing the direction of the suspender clasp opening.

Abstract: A robotic zipper system for joining and separating zipper halves of a zipper tape. A chassis retains an actuator that drives a zipper slide geometry along the zipper tape to join or separate the zipper tape. A sensor can determine zipper slide position, and a control module can provide an electrical signal to the motor to move in forward or reverse. The actuator can have a motor that drives a gear system that mechanically engages zipper teeth. Teeth of the gear system can be out of phase to mesh with alternating gaps between the zipper teeth. The actuator can be removable relative to a zipper slide. Zipper slide geometry could be integrated into the chassis, such as in the form of a channel, potentially with a central post. A sensor could be positioned to detect the presence or absence of zipper teeth through an opening in a base plate.

Abstract: A clip for assembling corners of hollow members such as the rails and stiles of an extruded aluminum door. The clip has an L shape and may feature a double L shape. A portion inserts into the hollow of a first member and is attached thereto. Another portion extends into the other hollow member for attachment thereto to form a sturdy joint without welding. Pairs of clips may be used at each corner.

Abstract: A clamp for releasably securing a rolling mill roll stand on a support structure, comprises a tubular housing adapted to be secured to the support structure. A piston subdivides the interior of the housing into front and rear chambers. A clamping jaw projects forwardly from the piston through an open front end of the housing. The piston is reciprocally movable between a locked position at which the clamping jaw engages the roll stand, and an unlocked position at which the clamping jaw is disengaged from the roll stand. Resilient elements act in the rear chamber to exert a locking force urging the piston into its locked position, and pressurized fluid acts in the front chamber to overcome the resilient locking force when unlocking the clamp.

Abstract: The present invention is a lockable snap-clip fastener (10) with two spring-biased jaw members (12, 14) and a slidable locking bar (16). The same spring (13) that biases the jaws (12, 14) holds the locking bar (16) in position. Since the bar (16) is held in either the locked or unlocked position, it is more secure and must be positively actuated in order to transition from one configuration to the other.

Abstract: An aircraft boarding bridge or stairs with a bellows attached to a head frame of the aircraft boarding bridge or stairs by a fastening device. The fastening device has a positive connection acting at least in to spatial directions, wherein the positive connection is fixable by an at least non-positive connection member.

Abstract: A seat belt lock with a Hall sensor for detection of a locking state of a seat belt lock having a metal seat belt lock frame arranged in a housing. The seat belt lock frame has an upper part and a lower part, connected to a define slit-like channel. A spring-loaded locking device for an inserted seat belt latch is mounted on the seat belt lock frame. A spring-loaded ejector for the inserted seat belt latch is arranged in the channel. The Hall sensor interacts with a permanent-magnetic component, whose distance relative to the Hall sensor is changeable based on translatory movement of the ejector in the case of actuation of the locking mechanism. The Hall sensor is arranged on or in the seat belt lock frame and is covered by a metal shielding element, which extends essentially parallel to the seat belt lock frame and forms a flow concentrator.

Abstract: A fastening device for connecting identified openings, including: an elongated main body member defining a longitudinal axis, the main body member having a first end portion and a second end portion at opposite ends of the longitudinal axis; first and second tip end members located at the first end portion and second end portion of the body, respectively, the first and second tip end members each adapted to fit through one of the identified openings; and a first deformable interference portion located between the main body member and the first tip end member, and a second deformable interference portion located between the main body and the second tip end member; where the first and second deformable interference portions are each normally located in a rest state where they define an outer dimension that prevents their passage through one of the identified openings. Other embodiments, features and methods are also described.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material part comprises fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix. The method comprises the following steps: making a fiber fabric by weaving yarns having an initial mean fiber percentage; and densifying the fiber fabric with a matrix. The fiber fabric is subjected, prior to densification, to one or more jets of water under pressure so as to reduce the mean fiber percentage in the fabric to a value lying in the range 20% to 45%.

Abstract: A method for providing a mat containing aerogel, comprising the steps of immersing a ribbon (11) of fabric or non-woven fabric, unwound from a reel (12), in a solution (13) containing aerogel in suspension, drying the ribbon impregnated with aerogel solution (14), winding the dried ribbon (15) containing aerogel onto a rewinding reel (16).

Abstract: In an aligning device, in plan view, a first recess of a first transfer jig allows an entire region of a second recess of the first transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the first transfer jig by a predetermined interval. A first recess of a second transfer jig allows an entire region of a second recess of the second transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the second transfer jig by a predetermined interval. When the first transfer jig and the second transfer jig overlap each other, the first recess of the second transfer jig allows the entire region of the second recess of the first transfer jig to be situated within the first recess of the second transfer jig by a predetermined interval. With the alignment object being transferred into a cavity of the first transfer jig, by causing the first transfer jig and the second transfer jig to overlap each other, the alignment object is transferred from the cavity of the first transfer jig to a cavity of the second transfer jig.

Abstract: A hemming system of panels for a vehicle hems panels of various types of vehicles by loading, hemming, and unloading of the panels of vehicles using twin turn tables 100 connected to each other by a carrier. As such, the hemming system improves productivity, reduces working time by automatically repeating loading, hemming, and unloading of panels and transporting of molds using platform trucks, and increases the commercial values of products by improving the quality of hemming panels.

Abstract: A mounting jig for a vehicle door, the jig includes a first support having means for adjustably fastening it to a vehicle body in the vicinity of the door opening; a second support having fastening means for fastening to the vehicle door; connection arms for interconnecting the first and second supports, which arms are hinged to each of said supports, and their trace, in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the door opening, cooperates with the trace, in the same plane, of said supports, to form a deformable quadrilateral; a weight arm, mounted to move at least in translation along a vertical axis in guide means carried by the stationary support, between a low first position and at least one second position that is higher than said low position; at least one operating member for operating an indexing member for indexing the position of the second support relative to the first support, the operating member being connected to the weight shaft; and a raising lever, for acting against the effect of gravity, to r

Abstract: A system for coupling equipment components includes a magnetic coupling assembly. The magnetic coupling assembly couples a tooth point to an adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly is received at least partially within a recess formed in the adapter. The magnetic coupling assembly includes an insert and a magnetic coupler. The insert is placed within the recess of the adapter, and the insert includes an internal recess. The magnetic coupler is received within the internal recess of the insert.

Abstract: A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft is disclosed. The arrangement comprises: primary and secondary release wires extending along the graft; a plurality of loops of thread, each loop engaged with either the primary or secondary wire and engaged around a portion of the graft circumferentially spaced away from its release wire, and drawn tight to reduce the diameter of the graft; an end constraint arrangement comprising four of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a first and second pairs engaged with respective primary and secondary wires; and an intermediate constraint arrangement comprising a fifth and sixth of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a third pair, the third pair engaged with the primary release wire, the primary release wire deviating towards the secondary release wire so as to locate the intermediate constraint arrangement substantially in-line with the end constraint arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides for apparatus (10) for lifting a conveyor belt (13) supported on a series of idler rollers (19) on a belt conveyor (11), the apparatus (10) comprising a body (4) selectively movable along the belt conveyor (11) and a belt lifting assembly (50) mounted on the body (41) and operable to engage the conveyor belt (13) to lift the belt from, and subsequently lower said belt onto, an idler roller operatively supporting the belt on the conveyor (11).

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a drawer slide to a cabinet wall includes: main panel having front and rear surfaces, upper and lower edges, and opposed side edges; an L-shaped upper flange mounted to front surface of the main panel; an L-shaped lower flange mounted to the front surface of the main panel substantially parallel to the upper flange; a recess in the main panel positioned between the upper flange and the lower flange; an access ramp extending between one of the side edges and the recess; and means for mounting the main panel to the cabinet wall so that the rear surface confronts the rear wall. The upper and lower flanges are configured to capture the upper and lower edges of a panel of a mating bracket attached to a drawer slide. The recess is configured to receive and capture a nub extending from the panel of the mating bracket.

Abstract: An attachment is described that is configured for attachment to an arm of a piece of heavy construction equipment. The attachment is configured to rotate a section of pipe during break out (i.e. disconnection or disassembly) from another section of pipe and/or make up (i.e. connection or assembly) with another section of pipe. The attachment is configured to break the joint or torque the joint to a predetermined torque value, unthread or thread pipe, and lift the pipe under the power of the heavy construction equipment.

Abstract: An attachment mount for the front end of a truck, which can fit trucks with full-width or tapering chassis. The attachment mount may include a front member for supporting a front-end truck attachment, and a distribution member, The distribution member may be attached to the vehicle chassis and to the front member, so that the attachment mount spreads stresses originating from downwardly-directed forces exerted on the front member by the attachment, to the front portion of the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for aligning at least two cylinders in a parallel manner relative to each other. In a first step, one cylinder is rotated and moved in a parallel manner towards the other cylinder in order to align a first end of the cylinder, and in a second step, the second end of the cylinder is rotated and moved towards the other cylinder in order to align the second end of the cylinder.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus to attach objects to materials using malleable fasteners is provided. The crimping apparatus may include a crimping platform. The crimping platform includes cutout portions and retaining bars forming a crimping pattern. The crimping platform is permanently affixed to an object. A material may be attached to the object by using malleable fasteners that protrude through the material and conform to the crimp platform.

Abstract: A one-piece rigid connector allows a nominal construction wood member to slip axially while fixed at its distal end, to accommodate the naturally occurring shrinkage of lumber. The connector surrounds the wood member and attaches to a second wood member to secure the members together. The connector may be slightly larger radially than the first member to accommodate natural movement. In one embodiment, the connector is made of a light gauge sheet metal and attaches a vertical baluster to the horizontal lower deck rail of an elevated wood deck guard rail system. The connector secures the baluster horizontally, but allows the baluster to move vertically to accommodate expansion or contraction of the baluster after construction. The distal end of the baluster is secured using conventional wood screw attachment. The connector includes tabs on each side to allow fastening of the connector to the lower deck rail using conventional wood screws.