Patents Issued in October 31, 2002
  • Publication number: 20020157163
    Abstract: A comfort pad having a bladder formed from welded together thermoplastic sheets. At least one of the sheets are formed from a transparent material. There is a volume of transparent deformable gel material disposed within the bladder, and an integral pocket disposed along one of the thermoplastic sheets for accommodating a printed object for viewing through the gel material from a position above the comfort pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: David Chen
  • Publication number: 20020157164
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the collection of samples of staple fibers from a quantity (batch) of such fibers without material consideration of the “condition” of the fibers within the batch, (e.g., the relative humidity and/or temperature of the environment immediate the batch of fibers), and thereafter physically converting each sample of fibers to a tapered beard geometry, employing a rotary carrier. Each beard is grasped at one end thereof with the fibers thereof extending unsupported therefrom. The beard is conveyed to a location proximate the entrance to an air flow channel whereupon conditioned air flowing into the flow channel moves along, over and past the beard, causing the free ends of the fibers to enter the flow channel and become aligned generally along the length of the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Shofner Engineering Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Shofner, Frederick M. Shofner, Frederick M. Shofner
  • Publication number: 20020157165
    Abstract: The basic object of this invention is the use of light selective materials and fabrics to increase the utility of a garment or sports article. The invention is the novel idea that light selective materials and fabrics can radically improve the usefulness, pleasure, and appeal obtained from sportswear and other garments. Examples taught include life vests, ski vests, ski pants, ski helmet/hat, and sunglasses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Mark W. Kroll, Lori C. Kroll
  • Publication number: 20020157166
    Abstract: A necktie with a pre-tied knot which appears to have been hand-tied. The necktie has a body, a pre-tied knot, and a neckband-tail. The neckband is wrapped around the neck and the free portion is fixed behind the knot with a hinged two-part clasp. The tail is then tucked behind the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ryan Scott Welch
  • Publication number: 20020157167
    Abstract: The fencing mask comprises a steel mesh or plastic face piece 10, for protecting the face of a wearer. A fabric bib 15, for protecting the neck of the wearer, is detachably secured to the mask by means of an elongate channel member 16 connected to the lower edge thereof and extending from one side of the mask to the other from positions adjacent the ears of the wearer and passing under the chin of the wearer when worn and a co-operating elongate bead provided on or adjacent the upper edge of the bib 15.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Barry Rene Paul, Lance Gordon Rake
  • Publication number: 20020157168
    Abstract: Inspired is a hair care product for daily use on the hair. It is to be worn on the head on top of the hair. The design is a scarf/bonnet for the purpose of hair maintenance. The words scarf/bonnet mean that it can be worn as a scarf or a bonnet, either really close and fitting for styles such as wraps or looser for curls to waves and other styles. The scarf/bonnet aids in keeping the hair in place especially during the hours of sleep. This is the time when hair breakage is prominent from the shifting and constant brushing of the hair against the pillow. So this scarf/bonnet unlike any other for nighttime use will stay on the head to keep the hair protected and fits comfortably on the head. The design of the scarf/bonnet comes in three characteristically different modifications, one for light sleepers, one mild sleepers or for those who considerably toss and turn and the other is for those that are heavy, hard (very active) sleepers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Nikita Shanyta Andrews
  • Publication number: 20020157169
    Abstract: A pedicure sock including a sock portion dimensioned for receiving a foot of an individual therein. The sock portion has an open upper end for receiving the foot therein. The sock portion has a front portion and a back portion. The front portion has five spaced apart apertures therethrough to allow toes of the foot to extend outwardly of the sock portion. A padded flexible shoe portion is secured to a lower surface of the sock portion. The padded flexible shoe portion is dimensioned for supporting the foot of the individual thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Betty Holloway
  • Publication number: 20020157170
    Abstract: An improved security pocket assembly is disclosed for the secure storage of conventional items such as a cellular phone, a personal data assistant and different forms of currency and identification. The pocket assembly includes a front panel attached to a rear panel to form a pocket for retaining items and optionally may include a flap with a closure or a pleated pocket for additional storage. Furthermore, the flap contains a pocket on the underside for the storage of identification. Finally, a slit may be cut into the garment and flap for storage of a writing instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard N. Lipscher
  • Publication number: 20020157171
    Abstract: A martial arts belt having a pre-tied knot which is secured with hook and loop fastening material. The martial arts belt includes a belt portion and a knot portion which are fixedly attached to one another. The belt portion has a length sufficient to encircle the waist of a wearer twice. The knot portion is a facsimile of the knot in a hand-tied belt which includes a centrally positioned knot and a first end portion and a second end portion depending freely from the knot. The knot portion is fixedly attached to the front surface of the belt portion proximate to the first end of the belt portion. The martial arts belt includes at least one securement means to fasten the belt around the waist of a wearer. The securement means can include mated portions of hook and loop fastening material. When worn, the belt of the present invention has the appearance of a martial arts belt which has been hand-tied in the traditional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph S. Brignoli
  • Publication number: 20020157172
    Abstract: Dyed, colorless transparent, or semi-transparent yarns or dyed transparent or semi-transparent yarns are used in combination as composition yarns of a belt to be woven or knitted. Consequently, color of the dyed yarns can be seen through the transparent yarns at intersections of the both yarns, so that beautiful intersections are produced. Further, the belt having a specific color tone produced by mixing various colors may be obtained. If it is intended to change the color of the belt, the belt having a desired color can be produced easily only by changing part of the composition yarns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: YKK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideyuki Matsushima, Mitsuo Horikawa, Shigeto Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20020157173
    Abstract: An integrated helmet illumination system and process for forming thereof is described. The system comprises a protective helmet, a substrate affixed to the helmet, and an electroluminescent lamp positioned between the substrate and the protective helmet. The substrate is configured be affixed to an exterior surface of the helmet to define a helmet outer shell. Also, the substrate is fabricated with a light-transmissive viewing area through which the illumination of the electroluminescent lamp is viewed. Additionally, the substrate can be formed out of a transparent light reflective material to reflect light incident upon the helmet outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew Murasko, Patrick J. Kinlen
  • Publication number: 20020157174
    Abstract: A pair of swimming goggles comprises two lenses made of rigid material and two frames made of a soft material. Each lens includes a main portion and an engaging portion. The main portion is larger than a human eye socket. The frames are connected by a connecting portion therebetween. Each frame includes a ring portion for receiving the main portion of an associated lens. Each frame further includes a padding portion on an inner side thereof. The padding portion is engaged with the engaging portion of the associated lens and larger than the human eye socket. A space is defined between the two padding portions and located corresponding to a wearer's nose. Each padding member is in intimate contact with an area surrounding the wearer's eye socket and a lateral nose area of the wearer and not in contact with an upper portion of the wearer's nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Terry Chou
  • Publication number: 20020157175
    Abstract: A goggle comprising a lens, a frame, a lens-retention mechanism and an adjustment mechanism wherein the lens can be selectively moved relative to the frame to at least two different positions defining substantially different levels of air flow between the lens and frame while maintaining the lens in front of a user's eyes, and retained at each position. In certain embodiments, one position is defined by substantially all of the lens periphery contacting the frame to substantially form a seal. Other positions are defined by substantially all of the lens periphery not contacting the frame wherein ambient air is allowed to flow uninhibited across the inside surface of the lens. In certain embodiments, the lens-retention mechanism comprises a post and detent, while the adjustment mechanism comprises various mechanisms, for example a rack and pinion, a lever or a rack and pawl that biases the lens to one of the other positions. The adjustment and lens-retention mechanisms may be the same mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: John Dondero
  • Publication number: 20020157176
    Abstract: A lavatory (1), in particular a toilet or urinal, with sensor-controlled flushing is proposed, which eliminates the need to exchange a battery, or at least ensures a considerably longer service life. This object is achieved by providing a solar cell (22, 23) to supply power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Andreas Wawrla, Helmut Buechel
  • Publication number: 20020157177
    Abstract: A water saving toilet flushing system is disclosed having two substantially equally sized compartments contained within a single tank with each compartment containing a standard flush and fill control system including a water inlet connected to a water supply, a float control connected to the water inlet, a flush lever controlled by an exterior flush handle, and a flapper type outflow valve connected to the flush lever by a chain. The outflow of each compartment is through a Y-shaped outflow valve with one end in each compartment and an end connected to the toilet bowl. The compartments are sized such that the water from one compartment is sufficient to substantially remove liquid waste from the toilet bowl and each compartment is substantially similar in size so that either compartment may be used for the removal of liquid. Water from both compartments used together will substantially remove solids from the bowl. Accordingly, water consumption is reduced from that of a toilet using a standard tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Chester Y. Sakura
  • Publication number: 20020157178
    Abstract: An inflatable device with a liquid-powered air pump includes a pump housing a liquid chamber and an air chamber, each having an input port and an output port. A turbine axle extends between the liquid chamber and the air chamber. The end of the turbine axle, residing in the liquid chamber, includes a number of liquid turbine blades while the end of the turbine axle, residing in the air chamber, includes a number of air turbine blades. A nozzle, which is preferably adjustable, is connected to the input port to the liquid chamber. Introduction of liquid into the liquid input port turns the liquid turbine blades and thus the air turbine blades via the axle. Air is drawn from the air input port and forced through the air output port. The pump assembly may be connected to or integrated with an inflatable device to simultaneously fill a liquid container and a separate air bladder of the inflatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph P. Sejnowski
  • Publication number: 20020157179
    Abstract: A cleaning device for attachment to a water faucet, comprising a housing element having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being threaded for operable engagement with a water faucet, and the bottom portion having an opening therein. An aperture is positioned in the housing element allowing the flow of water through the housing element. A plurality of cleaning bristles are positioned in the opening of the bottom portion of the housing element for cleaning fingernails, hands, razors, toothbrushes and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick S. Theriault
  • Publication number: 20020157180
    Abstract: A combination crib and high chair apparatus for supporting a child in a reclining position, and a seated position, respectively. The apparatus includes a deck having a head end, a foot end and generally parallel sides. Side rails are positioned adjacent the sides. End rail are positioned adjacent the ends of the deck. A seat is oriented adjacent one of the ends of the deck. The seat extends outwardly from the end. A base is coupled to the deck and the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: John W. Koenig, Gregory W. Branson, William L. Jacques, Diana W. Juratovac, Kenneth L. Kramer, Robert Mark LeBlanc, Peter A. Koloski, Thornton K. Lothrop, Kristin R. Romak, John E. Sagel, Rainer B. Teufel
  • Publication number: 20020157181
    Abstract: Concealed hardware for controlling the raising and lowering of the crib side, permits the construction of a crib which includes no projecting or exposed parts. The hardware comprises a channel member embedded within the end stiles of the crib side and an engaged coupling element fastened to the adjacent crib end. The channel member restricts movement of the crib side to vertical translation, and includes a latching chamber at the bottom which selectively traps or releases the coupling element when it is desired to secure the crib side in an elevated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Gem Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmond P. Guillot
  • Publication number: 20020157182
    Abstract: Concealed hardware for controlling the raising and lowering of the crib side, permits the construction of a crib which includes no projecting or exposed parts. The hardware comprises a channel member embedded within the end stiles of the crib side and an engaged coupling element fastened to the adjacent crib end. The channel member restricts movement of the crib side to vertical translation, and includes a latching chamber at the bottom which selectively traps or releases the coupling element when it is desired to secure the crib side in an elevated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Gem Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmond P. Guillot
  • Publication number: 20020157183
    Abstract: A blanket or mat assembly includes a panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a sheet material substantially covering the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation, with the sheet material assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. The assembly further includes a covering having a top portion, a peripheral edge, an opening defined by the peripheral edge, and an interior, with the panel retained inside the interior and accessing the interior of the covering via the opening. The covering assumes the configuration of the panel when the panel is retained inside the interior of the covering. The covering and the panel can be twisted and folded to the folded orientation of the frame member to reduce the overall size of the covering and the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Patent Category Corporation
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20020157184
    Abstract: A disposable blanket includes a cover body having a size adapted for covering at least a body portion of a user so as to provide an insulating purpose. The cover body includes a plurality of cover sheets overlappedly attached together in an edge to edge manner, wherein a positioning opening having a predetermined length is formed on a side portion of the cover body for wearing the cover body in front of the user. Therefore, the user is able to wear the disposable blanket on his or her neck such that the entire disposable blanket can maintain its position on the user's body so as to prevent the disposable blanket from being unfolded unintentionally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Thawatchai Maturaporn
  • Publication number: 20020157185
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a deck carried on the frame. The deck includes longitudinally-spaced apart and transversely-extending back, seat, thigh and foot sections, with at least the back, thigh and foot sections articulated relative to the frame. A back section drive is coupled to the back section to raise and lower the back section. A thigh section drive coupled to the back section and the thigh section to initially raise and then lower the thigh section as the back section is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, Jonathan D. Turner, Kenneth W. Meyer, Bernard F. Voegele
  • Publication number: 20020157186
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining a patient in a Trendelenburg position include positioning a patient on a patient support surface which is tiltable and includes a head end, a foot end and opposed sides which extend between the head end and the foot end, and engaging a top portion of the patient's hips on either side with padded hip braces configured to engage the top portion of the patient's hips and prevent the patient from sliding toward the head end of the tiltable patient support surface when tilted in the Trendelenburg position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Kip P. VanSteenburg, George T. Wong
  • Publication number: 20020157187
    Abstract: A fluidization level sensor and controller for use in a fluidized patient support surface has a controller coupled to a sensor and a compressor. The patient support surface contains a mass of granular particles housed in frame walls and supported by a diffuser. The compressor forces a fluid, typically air, into a plenum chamber and through the diffuser. The fluid flows through the mass of granular particles, causing the mass of granular particles to fluidize, and exits through a fluid permeable sheet. The fluidization level sensor produces an output signal proportional to the fluidization level of the mass of granular particles, and provides this output signal to the controller. The controller generates a compressor control signal in response to the output of fluidization level sensor, which in turn adjusts the compressor to maintain a substantially constant fluidization level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Ryszard S. Ozarowski, William T. Sutton
  • Publication number: 20020157188
    Abstract: According to the invention, the neckstand (4) comprises, beyond its juxtaposed bearing notches (9), a dorsal extension having a length of between 0.4 and 0.6 times the distance (S) between the hinge pin (3) of the neckstand (4) and that face (9a) of the notches which rests on the rim of the container, this extension being such that it can be held and its end (4c) pressed against the neck (11) of the container by the operator's hand, operating the handle (2) with the other hand, while said face (9a) of each notch (9) forms, with respect to the web (4a) of the neckstand (4), an angle (b) of between 75° and 85°, in order that it is the end of each notch (9) that first bears on the rim of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: SOCIETE DE COUTELLERIE INDUSTRIELLE PUBLICITAIRE
    Inventor: Leonard Sannajust
  • Publication number: 20020157189
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a non-finished textile component in a cold batch process is provided. The method comprises the steps of treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous bleaching solution of hydrogen and a hydrophobic bleach activator or hydrophobic peracid followed by a treatment time of from about 1 hour to about 15 hours at a temperature of 35° C. or less. Preferred bleach activators include the alkanoyloxybenzene sulfonates and in particular noanoyloxybenzene sulfonate. The method provides acceptable whiteness and superior fiber protection and fabric strength benefits in significantly reduced treatment times versus conventional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jiping Wang, Elizabeth Ann Eggert
  • Publication number: 20020157190
    Abstract: Handling of a washing apparatus is facilitated, and the before- and after-washing operation ability of the washing apparatus may be improved. The washing apparatus comprises a driving side base (7) and a washing tank (1). The washing tank mounted on the driving side base can be separated from the driving side base. The driving side base is furnished with a rotary drive unit. An opening is formed at the upper portion of the washing tank. The washing tank has a stirring blade (2), shaft (5), and first transfer joint (6). The stirring blade is rotatably installed in the washing tank, and serves to stir the laundry such as clothes. The shaft is disposed piercing through the bottom of the washing tank. The stirring blade is fitted on the shaft. A first transfer joint for the transfer of a rotational drive is fitted on the shaft positioned outside the washing tank. The driving side base has a second transfer joint 10 disposed at top of the driving side base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Shunji Imai, Tadashi Asami
  • Publication number: 20020157191
    Abstract: A two-part high aqueous-content system for oxidative coloration of hair utilizing a developer formulation of water, a peroxide oxidizer and an anionic acrylate/beheneth-25 methacrylate copolymer. The system has efficient conditioning properties and substantially less or no dry-out problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Stephen Casperson, Zubaida Khan, Slavica Grogin, Kue-Yick Lee
  • Publication number: 20020157192
    Abstract: Primary intermediates for hair coloring compositions for oxidative dyeing of hair are compounds of the formula (1): 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Mu-Ill Lim, Yuh-Guo Pan
  • Publication number: 20020157193
    Abstract: A pulverulent composition for bleaching human keratin fibers, and more particularly the hair, comprising at least one peroxygenated salt, at least one polymer chosen from nonionic and anionic amphiphilic polymers, wherein said at least one polymer comprises at least one fatty chain; and at least one polydecene of formula C10nH[(20n)+2] in which n ranges from 3 to 9, the at least one polydecene being present in an amount by weight of less than 10% relative to the total weight of the composition. The pulverulent composition is capable of being mixed with at least one aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition having a titer of not more than 40 volumes to form stable, homogeneous, bleaching compositions that can be applied precisely and easily, and can produce a homogeneous bleaching of the hair that does not leave the hair coarse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Frederic Legrand, Jean-Marie Millequant
  • Publication number: 20020157194
    Abstract: This invention relates to colorants comprising a chromophore having two azo acetoacetanilide moieties, wherein said moieties each have at least one poly(oxyalkylene) chain, preferably at least two such chains. Such colorants exhibit extremely good base stability and lightfastness, particularly when incorporated within certain media and/or on the surface of certain substrates. These poly(oxyalkylene) chains provide solubility in different solvents or resins thereby permitting the introduction of such excellent coloring chromophores within diverse media and/or or diverse substrates. Compositions and articles comprising such colorants are provided as are methods for producing such inventive colorants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Jusong Xia, Eric B. Stephens, Mary G. Mason, John W. Miley, Leonard J. Starks
  • Publication number: 20020157195
    Abstract: A dock leveler and installation thereof having a bumper assembly to protect the deck and the lip of the leveler. In one embodiment the dock leveler comprises a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the deck and moveable with the deck. The bumper is selectively moveable to protrude beyond the end of the deck to protect the dock leveler from impact. In another embodiment a dock leveler installation comprises a loading dock having a front face. A dock leveler is mounted at the loading dock and has a pivotable deck and a lip attached to the deck at one end thereof. A bumper is operably connected to the front face beneath the dock leveler and projecting in front of the lip when the lip is in a pendent position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20020157196
    Abstract: In order to design an infrastructure of an elevated bridge, first a target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td for the infrastructure are set in connection with an assumed earthquake motion. Subsequently, a yield seismic coefficient for the target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td is obtained from a yield seismic coefficient spectrum for the assumed earthquake motion as a design seismic coefficient Kh. On the other hand, a target yield rigidity Kd corresponding to the target natural period Td is obtained. Subsequently, the design seismic coefficient Kh is used to obtain a design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd and a displacement corresponding to the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is obtained as a design yield displacement &dgr;d from the target yield rigidity Kd. Subsequently, the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is distributed into a horizontal force Hf to be borne by the RC rigid frame and a horizontal force Hb to be borne by the damper-brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Hajime Ouchi, Motoyuki Okano, Hajime Wakui, Nobuyuki Mastsumoto, Masamichi Sogabe, Hiroyuki Arita
  • Publication number: 20020157197
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle, a brush head defining a brushing plane, and a guide arrangement supported by the handle and, in turn, supporting the brush head to undergo movement along an endless path of revolution having an axis extending substantially parallel to the brushing plane such that the brushing plane is maintained in the same orientation relative to a surface of a set of teeth throughout movement of the brush head along the endless path of revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Klaus Hafemann
  • Publication number: 20020157198
    Abstract: A brush tip for a motorized toothbrush has a first brush head and a second brush head. The second brush head encircles the first brush head. A shaft has two cranks, each engaging one of the brush heads. Continuous same-direction rotation of the shaft causes the brush heads to counter-rotate about a common axis. Distal ends of the first set of bristles on the first brush head form a circular pattern and the distal ends of the second set of bristles on the second brush head form an elliptical pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Ladislau Biro, Howard Cohen
  • Publication number: 20020157199
    Abstract: A method and product for computer disk drives. Glass substrates are provided having low content of residual polishing particles on the surfaces thereof. An exemplary method includes reduction of residual polishing particle content by immersion of the glass substrate in an acid bath containing nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and an organic acid having a carboxylic acid group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Piltingsrud
  • Publication number: 20020157200
    Abstract: A pull through such as might be used for an endoscope where a thermoplastics monofilament substantially free of spool or coil memory has moulded thereon a desirable thermoplastic mass profile in a material of lower melting point than at least part of the filament, such melting point differential with preferably pre-heating of the filament ensuring an appropriate keying of the profile on the filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Roderick Francis Galantai
  • Publication number: 20020157201
    Abstract: A surface treating device is used for lustering car bodies, furniture, etc. This surface treating device includes a material that constitutes a treating portion (11) of a continuously foamed body (2) coated with a fibrous film (3), an annular engaging member (4), and a holder (5) that has a base (51) for supporting the treating portion thereon and an annular groove (53) provided in an inside peripheral surface thereof with an engaging structure. The surface treating device can be assembled with ease by causing a distal end of the annular engaging member to forcibly fit an end of the treating portion into the annular groove to engage it integrally with the engaging structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Takaaki Katakura, Sousaburou Ohara, Akira Miyagi
  • Publication number: 20020157202
    Abstract: A toothbrush, for contacting multiple dental surfaces simultaneously, comprising a handle and a head assembly. The head assembly includes a head junction, and a plurality of heads attached to the head junction. The heads include a pair of side heads having opposed bristles, and a forward head. The side heads substantially perpendicularly downward from the head junction, and the forward head extends at an obtuse angle from the head junction. A middle head is located immediately beneath the head junction. Both side heads and the forward head are each attached to the head junction with a U-joint which allows each head to flex with respect to the head junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: David Hartel
  • Publication number: 20020157203
    Abstract: A concrete smoothing device including a plate portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is planar for positioning on freshly poured concrete. The upper surface has a reinforcement brace secured centrally thereon. A swivel bracket is secured to the reinforcement brace of the upper surface of the plate portion. The swivel bracket includes a cylindrical post extending upwardly from the reinforcement brace. The cylindrical post has a collar rotatably disposed thereon. The collar has a pair of arms extending laterally therefrom. The pair of arms has a space disposed therebetween. An elongated handle is provided having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end has an end cap secured thereto. The end cap has a tab extending outwardly therefrom. The tab is positioned within the space between the pair of arms of the swivel bracket and pivotally secured thereto by a pivot pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Gilbert Aguilera
  • Publication number: 20020157204
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper arm (10) for a windshield wiper comprising a mounting part (12) and an articulated part (14) that are connected to each other via a hinged joint (18) that has a hub (24) permanently connected with one part (14 or 12) and open toward the other part (12 or 14), and an articulated axle (22) permanently connected with the other part (12 or 14), wherein one of the ends of a tension spring (20) is attached to an attachment device (26, 28) of the articulated part (14) and the other end is attached to the mounting part (12), and the hub (24) and the articulated axle (22) mutually loaded in the assembled state, and the hinged joint (18), in a preassembled state of the wiper arm (10) in a defined transport position, grips a seating surface that is situated on the side of the parts named above opposite to the hub (24) in relation to the line of force (46) of the tension spring (20) and is formed by at least one bearing surface (32, 34) on the articulated part (14) and on the mounting pa
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Achim Kraus, Stephan Mayer
  • Publication number: 20020157205
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cylinder cleaning brush unit including a brush roller for cleaning a cylinder. The cylinder includes an outer surface to which impurities are adhered, the impurities being removed from the outer surface by the brush roller with cleaning liquid being supplied. The brush unit comprises an opening through which effluent is discharged from the brush unit, the effluent including the cleaning liquid and the impurities. The brush unit further comprises a filter installed in the opening, the effluent being filtrated by the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Akira Hara
  • Publication number: 20020157206
    Abstract: A device for loading a paintbrush with two colors of paint without mixing the colors together until the artist is ready to blend the colors during the brush strokes. The device includes a base having a pressure sensitive adhesive on one side thereof and a release liner on the adhesive. When the release liner is removed, the center portion of the base is folded together and the remaining portion of the device is applied to a substrate such as a palette or dish. A different color paint is placed on each side of the divider and a paintbrush is loaded with the two paints simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Peter A. Russo
  • Publication number: 20020157207
    Abstract: A spray boom assembly adapted for mounting on a vehicle, includes a pair of spray booms mounted for movement between a horizontally extended rigged-out position and an elevated rigged-in position. A single power cylinder moves the booms between the rigged-out and rigged-in positions and a lift link assembly is pivotally attached to the boom to effect elevation of the boom automatically upon rigging-in and depression of the boom automatically to its horizontally extended rigged-out position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Bradley Zazula, R. Shawn Mooney
  • Publication number: 20020157208
    Abstract: A nozzle for an air blower of a car wash installation is designed to be adjustable to vary the direction of the air flow delivered by the blower. The blower has a tapered frusto-conical nozzle that is oblique and is rotatably mounted at its base about an outlet of the blower. Upon rotation of the nozzle the direction of the delivered air flow moves in a conical path. Automated controls are provided to direct air flows from blowers in predetermined directions in the dryer section of an automated vehicle wash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel J. MacNeil
  • Publication number: 20020157209
    Abstract: A portable blower device with a housing, a power source, a fan structure and a set of discharge tubes having a rigid discharge tube and a flexible discharge tube. The blower may be selectivley employed in a first condition, wherein the flexible discharge tube is coupled between an outlet in the housing and a proximal end of the rigid discharge tube, and a second condition, wherein the rigid discharge tube is coupled directly to the outlet in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Michael A. Milligan, Patrick W. Mooney
  • Publication number: 20020157210
    Abstract: These tuned nozzle tip attachments or extension wand modifications are for leaf blowers, workshop or industrial type exhausting vacuums, compressed air guns/extensions, and abatement systems and facilitate a method of dust cloud sweeping. Protection of the operator, coworkers, ventilation systems, and equipment in peripheral areas from most of the back draft, billowing, uncontrollable, peripheral dust that normally occurs with current know art is greatly enhanced. By rapidly aspirating, momentarily retaining, continuously recycling and gripping the billowing peripheral cloud of dust/debris back into the primary cleaning air stream at the nozzle point of egress the associated dust cloud that normally occurs is harmlessly dissipated. The elongated deflecting surface contact area achieves this in a manner that provides the utmost operator control and nozzle aspiration of the airborne dust much the same way the airflow around an airplane wing is controlled and provides lift to an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Randolph Minor
  • Publication number: 20020157211
    Abstract: A blower having a fan mounted perpendicularly relative to an airflow discharge port. The fan is disposed within a volute formed in the housing at a rear area of the housing. This places the volute slightly behind the user's leg or hip when the blower is suspended or being held by a user along one side of the user's body. This significantly increases the ergonomics, efficiency and comfort of the blower by allowing the blower to rest more comfortably along the user's side without interference from the volute portion of the housing. This also allows the motor to be located directly underneath the handle of the housing to provide a better balance and feel to the housing when the user is holding onto the blower via the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Marshall, Michael A. Milligan, Patrick Wade Mooney
  • Publication number: 20020157212
    Abstract: A telerobotic nozzle positioning system for a mobile debris vacuum vehicle or for fixed particulate vacuuming applications. The apparatus has a vacuum source coupled to an adjustable boom and nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is mounted to the boom with a compliant upper joint that will allow the nozzle assembly to withstand impacts with obstructions without shearing the nozzle assembly from the boom. A base with an extensible fly is pivotally coupled to the upper joint and can swing with respect to the joint upon actuation of a short stroke hydraulic cylinder. The distal end of the extendable fly has a nozzle bracket assembly with a nozzle bracket, flexible hose and nozzle tip. The nozzle bracket and nozzle tip can pivot with respect to the fly. A pair of long hydraulic cylinders allows the extension of the fly from the base as well as rotation of the nozzle bracket and tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Steven A. Velinsky, Wilderich A. White, Andrew A. Porterfield