Abstract: A receptacle comprising a container and a lid is disclosed. The container includes one or more walls and a plurality of gussets extending from the container. The gussets include a first gusset having a cavity facing away from a second gusset. The lid includes a plurality of hinge components, namely a first hinge component including a first pin. The lid is pivotally coupled to the container by inserting the first pin of the first hinge component into the cavity of the first gusset and using a second pin to rotationally couple the second hinge component to the second gusset. A first protrusion, extending from the first hinge component, is configured to contact the first gusset and restrict opening of the lid.

Abstract: A bathing aid includes a base, a scrubbing member mounted to a top side of the base, a fastener mounted to a bottom side of the base for detachably fastening the base to a surface of an object, and a binding member for binding the scrubbing member and the fastener to the base. The base has a positioning portion and a connecting part. The scrubbing member is partially received in the positioning portion. The connecting part is detachably coupled with the base of another same bathing aid to substantially expand the scrubbing area for body cleaning. In this way, the bathing aid can not only be fixed to a wall or the ground for the user to conveniently clean his or her back or feet but expand the area for contact the user's body or serve as a pillow for the user to lie on.

Abstract: An elliptical trainer comprises a reciprocal-movement mechanism and an angle-adjusting chassis. The angle-adjusting chassis comprises a frame, a guider, an angle-adjusting assembly, and an intermediary part. Both the front end of the frame and the rear end of the guider may contact a supporting surface, and the rear portion of the frame may be pivotally coupled with a front portion of the guider. The angle-adjusting assembly is arranged near the rear portion of the frame, and the intermediary part is arranged at or near or attached to the front portion of the guider. The angle-adjusting assembly pushes the intermediary part, such that the guider rotates around its rear end, and the frame rotates around its front end, resulting in varying a first angle between the guider and the supporting surface and varying a second angle between the frame and the supporting surface.

Abstract: Methods of forming ceramic matrix composite structures include joining at least two lamina together to form a flexible ceramic matrix composite structure. Ceramic matrix composite structures include at least one region of reduced inter-laminar bonding at a selected location between lamina thereof. Thermal protection systems include at least one seal comprising a ceramic matrix composite material and have at least one region of reduced inter-laminar bonding at a selected location between lamina used to form the seal. Methods of forming thermal protection systems include providing one or more such seals between adjacent panels of a thermal protection system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a children's convertible dual mode step stool that includes both a single-step mode and a double-step mode. A moveable housing, coupled to a base housing, selectively and lockably maintains either of two different ninety degree orientations to present a desired one of either a single-step mode or a double-step mode.

Abstract: The present invention involves a cover for a moveable spraying device of a robot which is formed from a polymer with enhanced residue retention properties. The polymer may be processed to increase the surface energy of the polymer. For example, the polymer may be subjected to a corona treatment in order to increase its surface energy. The corona treatment process may be performed on the polymer as received, prior to cutting or otherwise manipulating the polymer. Also, the polymer may be embossed to provide the enhancement. To assemble the polymer into a robot cover, the polymer as received may be cut into individual sections for assembly. The sections may then be assembled to one another by heat sealing the sections together. The heat sealing provides a bond between the individual sections of polymer that secures the individual sections together to create the robot cover.

Abstract: A lid for a crystal growth chamber crucible is constructed by forming arcuate sector-shaped portions and coupling them in abutting relationship, for example by welding, to form an annular profile fabricated lid. The arcuate sector-shaped portions may be formed and removed from a lid fabrication blank with less waste than when unitary annular lids are formed and removed from a similarly sized fabrication blank. For example, the sector-shaped portions may be arrayed in an undulating pattern on the fabrication sheet.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a tilewave material. The tilewave material includes a fiber and a first tile, where the first tile includes a first surface and a second surface. The tilewave material also includes a second tile, where the second tile includes a first surface and a second surface. The tilewave material further includes a first attachment means, where the first attachment means attaches the first tile to the fiber, and a second attachment means, where the second attachment means attaches the second tile to the first fiber.

Abstract: An apparently seamless lengthened bamboo sheet is formed by lengthening a plurality of bamboo strips or blanks and assembling a plurality of lengthened bamboo strips or blanks together. A slot is formed on at least one end of the bamboo strips or blanks in direction of length, and a tenon corresponding to the slot is formed on the same end; the tenon on one bamboo strip or blank is embedded into the slot on another bamboo strip or blank. The tenon and slot are mutually matched and the two bamboo strips or blanks are engaged to each other. A method to manufacture is the apparently seamless lengthened bamboo sheet includes: forming a slot and a tenon on the end of bamboo strips or blanks; embedding a tenon at one end of one bamboo strip or blank into a slot on one end of another bamboo strip or blank; assembling and gluing a plurality of lengthened bamboo strips or blanks in direction of width or thickness; forming the bamboo sheet by a common process including pressing.

Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a piece of cloth, wherein clothing composed of a soft and lightweight material can be constituted of flat small pieces. A piece of cloth consists of a hexagonal central part, and first and second peripheral edge parts located alternately at the peripheral edges of the central part. The first and second peripheral edge parts share one side of the hexagons, a first cut having a length shorter than the length of the side but longer than a quarter thereof is made in the border line of the first peripheral edge part and the central part, and second cuts having a length equal to or slightly longer than one half of [(the length of the side)?(the length of the first cut)] are made on the border line of the second peripheral edge part and the central part from the opposite ends of the side.

Abstract: A composite material having a plurality of protective elements held such that they comprise substantially all of a fabric material that retains an elastic property that allows the material to freely expand and contract without substantial restriction and such that the material can be used to make a water garment for wearing over a torso of a person in a body of water. The protective elements can be inelastic with a diameter of approximately ¾ of an inch or more.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a tilewave material. The tilewave material includes a fiber and a first tile, where the first tile includes a first surface and a second surface. The tilewave material also includes a second tile, where the second tile includes a first surface and a second surface. The tilewave material further includes a first attachment means, where the first attachment means attaches the first tile to the fiber, and a second attachment means, where the second attachment means attaches the second tile to the first fiber.

Abstract: A wear resistant and noise reducing arrangement of wear elements in material handling systems exposed to wear and to noise. The arrangement comprises at least one adjustable wear element arranged in a row, wherein the wear elements are provided along one side with a flexible sealing to seal between the arrangement and adjacent arrangements.

Abstract: A paper honeycomb core composite panel includes a face plate, a bottom plate, a paper honeycomb core sandwiched between the face plate and the bottom plate, e pieces of interior spacer disposed between the face plate and the bottom plate and extended entirely or partly around the periphery of the paper honeycomb core, and a edge sealing band which is bonded to the pieces of interior spacer or bonded to the pieces of interior spacer and the paper honeycomb core. The reinforcing frame of the composite panel makes use of the pieces of interior spacer including the pipe pieces or extrusive section material and so on. The edge sealing band or the pieces of interior spacer form the fringe of the composite panel.

Abstract: A matting construction includes a multilayer thickness for supporting at least a user thereon, the multilayer thickness may have an outer layer which enables a user to ambulate without slipping thereon; a compressible layer for absorbing at least a portion of the weight of the user, and a peripheral frame member disposed between the outer layer and the compressible layer. The peripheral frame member may be disposed at an angle from the horizontal and the frame member is fixedly attached between the outer layer and the compressible layer.

Abstract: An improved dropcloth comprising: a body made from a material having a desired shape and weight, said body having a plurality of surfaces wherein at least one surface has a slip reducing feature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a metallic membrane, more particularly to a method for preparing metallic membranes, which comprises dissolving a transition metal of Period 3 and its alloy particle powder and synthetic polymer in a fixed ratio; radiating or casting to prepare a membrane precursor; oxidizing the synthetic polymer on the membrane precursor under a mixed gaseous atmosphere of nitrogen and hydrogen; and sintering the membrane precursor at a predetermined temperature. The metallic membrane prepared by the process of the present invention has excellent mechanical and chemical properties and enables to maintain a relatively small pore size and high porocity than traditional membranes. Therefore, it is useful for water treatment.

Abstract: A pad includes an array of rigid elements that are grouped into rows and columns of the rigid elements, a plurality of flexible sheets disposed to alternate with the columns of the rigid elements, and a plurality of strings, each of which extends through a respective one of the rows of the rigid elements and the flexible sheets.

Abstract: A cane having a substantially vertical member, a base attached to the substantially vertical member with at least three legs and a first tread proximate the substantially vertical member, a second tread moveably connected to the first tread, the second tread having at least one leg and being moveable from a retracted position to an extended position. A cane having a handle means for carrying the cane and for steadying a user of the cane, a platform means for stepping upon by the user, the platform means secured to the handle means and an extension means for retractably extending the platform means. A method of climbing a vertical rise that includes positioning, at a bottom of a vertical rise, a cane having an extendable platform, extending the platform, stepping upon the platform, stepping off the platform onto a surface higher than the bottom of the vertical rise; and retracting the platform.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a movable unit includes a step of forming an SOI substrate that includes a semiconductor substrate, an insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer such that the insulating layer is located between the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes a step of dry etching the semiconductor layer to form a trench with a charge prevented from building up on a surface of the insulating layer that is exposed at a bottom of the trench during the dry etching. The method further includes a step of dry etching a sidewall defining the trench at a portion adjacent to the bottom of the trench to form the movable unit. The later dry etching is performed with a charge building up on the surface of the insulating layer such that etching ions strike to etch the portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt, is described. The module is of a micocellular polymeric foam produced by an injection molding process. The foam polymeric material exhibits excellent mechanical properties required for modular conveyor belts capable of withstanding long service lives. Also, the reduced weight in comparison to conventionally molded modules helps decrease wear on the conveyor belt support structures including the drive sprockets.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may comprise a material with a dual chemistry such that the tacky surface is tacky both when dry and when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

Abstract: A re-configurable floor covering and method of assembly that includes modular units that may be easily assembled in a variety of designs and that may be easily disassembled. This modular design provides flexibility in use and maintenance, as well as in removal and re-use. The modular units may be assembled so that adjacent units are linked.

Abstract: A modular panel that can be used for multiple purposes and one that can be interconnected with other articles and with similar modular panels by means of a versatile fastening system. The modular panel includes a flexible planar body having spaced-apart edges, reusable fastening components positioned along at least one of the spaced-apart edges of the flexible planar body and a plurality of reusable fastening components positioned intermediate the spaced-apart edges of the flexible planar body.

Abstract: A floor surface is described which involves a plurality of planks joined together using a 2-part adhesive system. Pre-applied adhesives on one or more floor panels are further described as well as methods of installing the floor panels to form a floor surface.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: A roof membrane and a roof system employing a EPDM membrance which is compatible with a bituminous adhesive. The membrance includes an outer layer of polymeric layer such as EPDM bonded to a polyester protective layer which is in turn bonded to a fleecy material. This can be adhered to a roof deck surface using hot asphalt or bitumen which bonds the fleecy material to the roof deck in turn holding the EPDM in place. The polyester layer prevents the asphaltic material from attacking and dissolving the EPDM with the fleecy material providing good adhesion between the polyester and the EPDM.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is performed by providing a glass sheet having first and second opposite surfaces merging with each other along a peripheral ground angled surface setting-off with the glass sheet first surface an included angle substantially greater than normal. The glass sheet is placed in a mold having opposing cavity portions which collectively define a cavity including a peripheral edge cavity portion defined in part by a cavity defining surface which lies in the plane of the glass sheet first surface when the mold is closed. The mold is then closed such that the cavity defining surface and the glass sheet round angled surface set-off and angled complementary to the included angle and with the glass sheet per surface abutting the cavity defining surface inboard of the glass sheet ground angled surface.

Abstract: In order to provide leather with the desired cushioning properties and desirable soft handling properties, especially a grained leather with a grain structure on its upper surface, or a split leather with a surface finish, even if this leather is of minimal thickness, a foam layer is created on the non-visible underside surface of the leather. This foam layer is formed by applying a liquid plastic material containing means to create the foam and is subsequent solidified by removal of the solvent.

Abstract: A lightweight, interlaced panel system for use in temporary walkways, worksites, airfields, roadways, tent floors and other support surfaces comprising a plurality of partially overlapping and inter-connectable individual panels, wherein each panel is made from rigid, polymeric, plastic materials, and wherein each panel has a lip section on two sides of the panel that is integrated in the panel's body; wherein the panel with the lip is formed during a molding process and does not rely on any further assembly. The panels have uniformly spaced holes for receipt of binding cord and the panels are interlaced together by the binding cord with each panel having adjoining perimeter lips which overlap with an adjacent panel's perimeter lips and to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface.

Abstract: A flat implant with a flexible fabric formed from at least two textile fabric structures constructed substantially independently of one another and firmly interconnected over the entire surface area of the implant so as to form a composite structure, is made available for use in surgery.

Abstract: A complex profile made of a composite comprising a polyolefin polymer and a wood fiber. The composite is useful in conventional structural applications. The profile can be used in residential and commercial structures. The profile is used in the manufacture of the fenestration components such as windows and doors. The profile is designed with a cross-sectional shape to form structural elements in the fenestration units that possess sufficient strength, thermal stability and weatherability. The member comprises a hollow cross-section with at least one structural web or one fastener web. The profile can have a visible capstock layer and can be assembled using thermal welding processes.

Abstract: An mat system with each mat having sloping lips which overlap with an adjacent mat's sloping lips and are secured by interlocking joints in the mats' lips and/or by captive locking pins to form an easily assembled and interconnected flat surface. In use, opposing ledges forms a slot within holes in the top overlapping lips to receive a captive locking pin. The pin is captive by mid body prongs which fix underneath the ledges in a mat's upper lip's holes, and the pin locks and unlocks with rotary turning of the pin resulting in the pin's keeper feet fixing underneath the similar ledges in the holes of the lower lip of an adjacent mat.

Abstract: Seam strips are provided in a textile covering for a floor, wall or ceiling which are exposed and afford an aesthetic surface treatment. The seam strips comprise inverted T-shaped strips with an upstanding web terminating in a margin short of the pile height and a pair of flanges projecting laterally from each of the lower opposite sides of the web. The flanges have holes for securing, by way of screws or nails, the strips to the underlying floor, wall or ceiling. The adjacent edges of the textile covering are secured to the upper surfaces of the flanges. The textile coverings preferably have the backstitches of tufts and portions of the primary backing forming an exposed surface which, together with the exposed margin of the strips, form an aesthetically pleasing surface treatment.

Abstract: A fringe treatment for the edge of a carpet. The fringe treatment may include a glide and a fringe. The glide may have a substantial U-shape such that the glide can accommodate the edge of the carpet. The fringe may include a base portion attached to the glide and a number of tassels connected to the base portion.

Abstract: A link for making a modular papermaking fabric by interconnecting with other links is made through molding techniques to have predetermined characteristics such as open area, permeability, surface finish, etc. A papermaking fabric is constructed from a plurality of interconnected links and has predetermined permeability established by the combination of open and contact areas on each link.

Abstract: A free standing modular mat system for creating various selectable combinations of mat configurations at the site of installation, first and second mats having parallel ribs on the bottom and parallel spaced ribs on the top at right angles to the bottom ribs, a top connector having a body attached to the first mat and an elongated downwardly facing groove running parallel to the first mat, a bottom connector attached to the second mat and extending outwardly along the second mat toward the first mat, the connectors having inter-engaging mating grooves formed with interfering interlocking enlarged tips extending into the grooves, the end of the mat system may terminate in a transition piece having an angled surface supported by downwardly projecting spaced flexible flanges and the transition piece terminating in a solid tapered tip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous composite article. The article has a first and a second heat formable and heat reversible gelatinous elastomer material, a first permeable layer, and a control gap. Each of the gelatinous materials is a three-dimensional shape having an upper side, a base side and at least one connecting side. The first connecting side and the second connecting side are adjacent to each other so the first and second materials are essentially side-by-side within the same horizontal plane. The first permeable layer has a top side and a bottom side. The top side attaches to the first and second connecting side. The control gap is interspaced between the bottom side of the first permeable layer. This gap degrades the rigidity between each connecting side and provides an equivalent structural property throughout the article.

Abstract: A Wind and Sun Tolerant Mesh is disclosed which is composed of either natural or synthetic material, the generally vertical directional strands crossed by horizontal strands, some or all of which individual horizontal strands of which broaden out on one side forming as sill which projects outward at an angle away from the plane surface of the mesh in a venetian blind profile, and wind baffling effect, while simultaneously allowing release of any excess pressure from wind gusting into the opposite side due to the semi permeable nature of the mesh and as there is no restricting sill on the inside surface, thus giving better control and protection to either articles or utilities made from, and/or persons or property protected by, commodities of any various sort constructed wholly or partly from the mesh.

Abstract: Tubular segments may be nestably interconnected, with the lower end of one tubular segment compressively inserted into the upper end of another tubular segment. A mat formed of such tubular members, and a fluid storage system formed of a plurality of such vertically stacked mats, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure according to the invention comprises a series of interconnected structural members. The structural members, such-as panels, are made of a composition comprising as its first essential ingredient a cured (cross-linked) resin having sufficient strength when filled as described below to support weights up to about 700 pounds without significant buckling, but which has sufficient resilience to flex and rebound from impacts such as low speed collisions with small boats or dropping of heavy human-carried objects without cracking or breaking. The cured resin matrix contains a first filler consisting essentially of inorganic particles effective to improve the impact resistance and flame resistance of the structure, and an amount of a second filler consisting essentially of fibers effective to enhance the rigidity of the structure and reduce crack propagation therein.

Abstract: A molded construction product, having one or more walls and an inner core section, including a composition matrix having a resin system, a catalytic agent, and filler compounds for forming the walls; a foam core system for forming the inner core section, a curing agent and a drying agent. The resin system is for providing mechanical and physical characteristics of hardness and rigidity to the exterior walls of the molded product. The catalytic agent is for activating the reaction for the polymerization of the resin system. The filler compounds for reinforcing the walls. The foam core system is for producing the inner core section having three-dimensional cross-linking and a core density of 3.5 pounds per cubic foot. The curing agent is for cross-linking of polymers within the resin system for forming the exterior walls to be hard, rigid, and infusible. The drying agent is for drying and binding of excessive moisture within the composition.

Abstract: A structure according to the invention comprises a series of interconnected structural members. The structural members, such as panels, are made of a composition comprising as its first essential ingredient a cured (cross-linked) resin having sufficient strength when filled as described below to support weights up to about 700 pounds without significant buckling, but which has sufficient resilience to flex and rebound from impacts such as low speed collisions with small boats or dropping of heavy human-carried objects without cracking or breaking. The cured resin matrix contains a first filler consisting essentially of inorganic particles effective to improve the impact resistance and flame resistance of the structure, and an amount of a second filler consisting essentially of fibers effective to enhance the rigidity of the structure and reduce crack propagation therein.

Abstract: A fabric, which can be used more especially as a pierce-proof fabric but also as a decorative fabric, includes a plurality of interconnected scales, which have bores to connect them to one another, and into which connecting members extend. The connecting members are directly formed on the scales. Because the scales overlap one another in the manner of roof tiles (form an imbrication) and because, in order to make a flat connection, the scale itself in the fabric overlaps at least two adjacent scales and is overlapped by at least two additional adjacent scales, the fabric can also meet increased safety requirements in an advantageous manner.

Abstract: An extended wear-life composite wear structure particularly suitable for use as a liner in the form of modular panels, generally including a ceramic layer of spaced apart ceramic tiles, each having at least one anchor receiving structure therethrough, overlying a resilient energy absorbing layer separating the ceramic layer from a base layer, and ceramic tile anchors linking each of the ceramic tiles to the base layer via cooperative engagement with the anchor receiving structures of the ceramic tiles. This composite structure permits independent temporary displacement of each of the tiles upon a surface impact, improved retention of the tiles, and greatly enhances the overall structural integrity of the composite as the intermediate layer, layers and or structures are securedly "sandwiched" between the abrasion and impact resistant ceramic layer and the structural base layer.

Abstract: Hygienic mat which can be used standing steadily on it to wipe the feet after a shower or a bath and which at the same time can be folded, as well as being light and portable. Its characteristic is to comprise a first and a second pad (2a, 2b) hinged on adjacent borders (3) in a folding relationship between an open flat position and a closed book-like position. Each pad (2a, 2b) preferably engages with a flat stiff support (4a, 4b) in a recesses (5a, 5b) defined by a boundary rim (6) raised from a stiff bottom (4). Preferably, the pads (2a, 2b) have a permeable spongy towel-like absorbing cloth (9) attached to a resilient base sheet (10) and are hinged by means of either a a flexible strip (7) or a plurality of joints (8). Gripping means (13) fixed to the boundary of said pads or supports are advantageously provided for.

Abstract: A protective cover over the surface of machinery such as an automobile or airplane protects the vehicle from both rain and hail with dish shaped individual units fastened to a heavy cloth with the dish shaped individual units preventing direct impact and spreading the glancing impact so as to prevent damage from even large hailstones.

Abstract: A universal camouflage system comprised of one or more bundles of elongated material strips attached to a spring-loaded clip. The bundles may be attached by means of the clips to garments, equipment, and natural environment objects and growth, without any requirements that they be modified to receive the bundles.

Abstract: The damper coating for shocks produced by a collision, or impacts produced by a shockwave, contains at least one layer of a crushing material (2) intended to cover a surface to be protected, the external layer of the crushing material (2) being, according to the present invention, covered by a skin (4) capable of providing a widening of the area affected by the shock or impact. The skin (4) contains, in particular, several layers (5.sub.1 ; 5.sub.2 ; 5.sub.3) of scales (6.sub.1 ; 6.sub.2 ; 6.sub.3), the scales of one layer being offset in staggered rows with respect to the scales of the following layer and being separated from the neighbouring scales of the same layer or capable of being separated from the latter on the application of the shock or impact. The structure of this damper coating is designed to dampen the impact under a reduced thickness.