Patents Issued in July 24, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080172767
    Abstract: A disposable cleaning mitten for wearing over the hand when performing hygienic care. The mitten can be used to cleanse, bathe and refresh the skin of a disabled individual, baby, elderly person or oneself, and includes a finger portion to house the fingers and a separate thumb portion for the thumb. Both the exterior and the interior surfaces are intended for use as a cleaning surface. Tear lines or perforations allow the mitten to be converted into a single, elongated sheet, or two separate sheets, so that all sides of the sheet or sheets can be used for cleaning. The mitten can be sized so that the user can wear a latex or surgical glove beneath the mitten so that dirt or other soiled materials do not touch the skin of the hand. The mitten has a grasping means at its open end for grasping to pull the body onto the hand and to tear the body along the tear lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Stephanie J. Friedstrom
  • Publication number: 20080172768
    Abstract: A bib for adult and infant use having a multi-ply construction with both a permeable and impermeable ply. The bib includes a collar section which has an aperture securable about the neck of the wearer. The dimensions of the bib are selected so that an apron portion of the bib can be detachably secured to a table surface and a pouch is formed in the area above the wearer's lap when the wearer is seated in a normal position with respect to the table surface. The opposite side edges of the bib in the pouch area are formed with barriers to prevent food from spilling from the bib to minimize clean-up and soilage. The apron portion secured to a table surface provides a sanitary placemat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicants: Five Star Import Group LLC, SABO WORLDWIDE LLC
    Inventor: Frank S. DeStefano
  • Publication number: 20080172769
    Abstract: A separate, transferable, attachable and removable stretch waistband device (10) used to convert the use of a regular lower garment article (14) into early stages up to full-term maternity use (and thereafter) and/or for accommodation in any increase or decrease in waistline size that simultaneously relieves pressure from front lower abdomen. The expandable waistband (10) is worn at the waist or hip region of wearer and conforms to the changing shape of the wearer. The stretchable band (10) temporarily attaches to the belt loops of an existing lower garment article of clothing (14) and is transferable from one lower garment to another. Belt loop attachment mechanisms (22) consisting of fasteners (30) are used to attach the main frame waistband (10) to the belt loops of an existing lower garment (14). The mainframe waistband core (10) consists of a faux-shirt overlay (24) to cover the band (10) and create the appearance of a shirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jodi Nicolle Herget
  • Publication number: 20080172770
    Abstract: The “sun shawl” is an article of clothing that will be used out doors at various events which take place in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. “My sun shawl” is made up of a multicolored sun screen material capable of blocking out 90% of the suns harmful rays. The sun shawl has a thin 12 gauge wire sewn or bonded into its front to support its hands free function. The sun shawl may or may not have colored art design's painted on it, which may or may not include various flags and their colors from all over the world.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: William Manson Clark
  • Publication number: 20080172771
    Abstract: A garment includes a body portion having a neck opening and a pair of arm openings formed therethrough. First and second breast exposing openings are formed through the body portion that are adapted to encircle and completely expose the breasts of the wearer. Thus, the body portion is free from any type of obstructive covering over the first and second breast exposing openings. The body portion may be formed from a single tube-shaped piece of material or it may be formed from a plurality of pieces of material. If desired, a bodice portion may extend from body portion. The body portion and the bodice portion may be formed from a single tube-shaped piece of material or from a plurality of pieces of material. The first and second breast exposing openings may have respective aesthetic decorations, such as decorative flower petals, provided thereabout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jodie L. Adamson
  • Publication number: 20080172772
    Abstract: A reversible necktie according to one embodiment includes first and second fabric pieces that have matching necktie shapes. Each of the fabric pieces has a finished face side, a wide end, longitudinal edges and a narrow end. The fabric pieces are superimposed in mating relationship with the finished sides facing outward, wherein each of the first and second fabric pieces is formed of a first section that has a first appearance and a second section that has a second appearance that is visually different from the first appearance. The first and second sections are joined together along a seam. The first section of first fabric piece overlies the second section of the second fabric piece and the second section of the first fabric piece overlies the first section of the first fabric piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Peacock Apparel Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Cin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080172773
    Abstract: Fumble Flaps are disclosed which are cradles strategically located on a vest or shirt to prevent the fumbling of a ball by an offensive player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Jacob L. Chatman, Mario L. Chatman
  • Publication number: 20080172774
    Abstract: The invention concerns an in-mould helmet, comprising a shell (1) and a blow-moulded layer of shock absorbing material (2) inside the shell. The in-mould helmet is provided with penetration protection (3), at least partially, between the shell (1) and the shock absorbing layer (2). The invention also concerns a method to produce an in-mould helmet, comprising the steps of vacuum forming a shell (1), arranging penetration protection (3) inside the shell (1), and blow-moulding shock absorbing material (2) inside the shell (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: POC Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Ytterborn, Jan Woxing
  • Publication number: 20080172775
    Abstract: A sports helmet having a pair of strap retainers affixed thereto is provided for use with goggles held on a wearer's head by a strap. One strap retainer is affixed on each side of the helmet at a height above the goggle strap when the goggles are over the eyes of the wearer. The strap retainers are formed with an inner arm affixed to the side of the helmet and an outer arm spaced therefrom. When the wearer moves the goggles upward from the eyes to rest on the front rim of the helmet, the strap slides along the helmet and is entrapped in each strap retainer to prevent the goggles from sliding over the top of the helmet to an inconvenient position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Scott Higgins
  • Publication number: 20080172776
    Abstract: A bi-directional information card holder that can hold one or more differently sized information cards in both the landscape and portrait orientation. In some embodiments the card holder is permanently attached to either a hardhat or a soft hat. In some embodiments, the cardholder is connected with a hardhat through a curve. In other embodiments the card holder is removeably attached to either a hardhat or a soft hat. In some embodiments, there is a clear, rigid protective plate that covers and protects the information card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Image Sales, Inc
    Inventor: Cliff Webster
  • Publication number: 20080172777
    Abstract: Swimming goggles include a left frame, a right frame, a connecting portion between the left frame and the right frame, lenses, strap elements and a head strap. The left frame, the right frames and the connecting portion are made of soft material. The lenses and the strap elements are made of hard material. The lenses respectively form positioning portions thereon. The strap elements form embedding portions thereon for engaging with the positioning portions. The lenses and the strap elements are preliminarily assembled. Then the left frame, the right frame and the connecting portion are integrally shaped to envelop outer rims of the lenses. The strap elements are partially exposed outside for guiding the head strap. The soft left and right frames, and the connecting portion provide comfortable contact for users. The connecting portion is so flexible that fits to various users of different face profiles and prevent from water-leakage in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080172778
    Abstract: A goggle useful in sports and activities that is configured and dimensioned to have the top of the lens be spaced away from the forehead to prevent fogging within the goggle by trapping heat. The goggle may also be configured to rest upon the outside front portion of either a pre-existing or aesthetically matching helmet when spaced away from the forehead. A plurality of vents in either the seals or the lens may also further prevent fogging when used in conjunction with preventing the top seal from resting upon the forehead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Lysogorski
  • Publication number: 20080172779
    Abstract: Impact shock absorbing material to be incorporated into protective gear or clothing. The impact shock absorbing material is a laminated material, having a shear-thickening layer and a shock absorbing layer, that is a honeycomb material. The laminated material is incorporated into protective headgear, sports gear, clothing, and a host of other articles that are worn for protection against impact shock. The shear-thickening layer shunts the local impact forces over a greater area of the underlying shock absorbing layer, thereby reducing the force at the point of impact. The vertical walls of the honeycomb layer buckle under the incoming force, thereby diffusing the direction of force away from direct alignment with the body wearing the impact-shock-absorbing material. Protective gear made of the impact shock absorbing material significantly reduces forces imparted to the body as a result of a fall, blow, or other sudden impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: James Riddell Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20080172780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removable bolt assembly for fastening a toilet seat to a commode using a knob or bar handle. The knob or bar handle, pivotally mounted to the bolt, can be used to twist or clamp the bolt into engagement with a nut that is inserted through a hole in the toilet. The hole in the toilet can be circular or noncircular. Where the hole is noncircular, the nut has a corresponding noncircular geometric neck so as to prevent it from rotating in the hole. Where the hole is circular, a fastening hinge having a connecting insert can be used to prevent rotation of the nut when it is engaged with the connecting insert. In this way the bolt is directly interlocked with the nut without the use of any tool, thereby making it easy to lock and fasten the seat to the commode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel Shiau
  • Publication number: 20080172781
    Abstract: Method for estimating the number of persons is described. The methods can be used in conjunction with advertising and to monitor performance of the advertising in reaching an audience. The methods can also be used in conjunction with a maintenance system to schedule maintenance activities based on volume of use. Systems, apparatus, computer signals and computer programming relating to and implementing the methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Terrance Popowich, Ian Hessel, Walter Wolanczyk
  • Publication number: 20080172782
    Abstract: A swimming pool gap securement assembly prevents the accessibility of persons, animals or other objects into swimming pools, because of gaps left between the edges of a swimming pool cover and the surfaces of vertically rising decorative landscape obstructions associated therewith. The assembly provides one or more protective extensions of a swimming pool cover which covers any gaps present when a swimming pool cover encounters these vertically rising obstructions. These panels, one for each gap encountered, are generally of triangular shape, of the same fabric as the main pool cover or any other pool cover materials, and are sewn into, or otherwise attached to, the reinforced webbing at the edge of the pool cover. The lower horizontal edge and the vertical end edge of the wing extension panel have an attached edge strip with a linear array of holes engageable with one or more anchors imbedded into the deck or on the side of the obstruction itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: MaryEllen Comitino, LeeAnn Pesta
  • Publication number: 20080172783
    Abstract: A bathtub having a water pump and heater for heating and circulating water from the bathtub to at least one mixing chamber, an air blower and heater for delivering heated ambient air to the mixing chamber, and a plurality of orifices for delivering an air-water mixture from the mixing chamber to the bathtub. A wall of the mixing space may be associated with a wall of the bathtub, and the orifices may be in the wall providing direct fluid communication between the mixing space and the tub. The invention provides improved thermal stability and eliminates evaporative cooling effects in air-injected tubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott A. Smith, James Riewe, Michael Faulstich
  • Publication number: 20080172784
    Abstract: A bath mat blower assembly (1) has a retractable cord reel for efficiently storing a power cord (4) in a bath mat with an electrically driven pump for forcing pressurized air through various conduits to create bubbles that are emitted from a component of the bath mat that is submerged under water in a bathtub
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: KAM FAI FUNG
  • Publication number: 20080172785
    Abstract: A molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Wall portions meet a tub portion at a joint with a retaining ledge which extends inward toward a tub bowl from a flange. A ledge interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the ledge. An angled interface surface is located directly in front of the ledge and slopes downward toward the bowl. A shallow interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the angled interface surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott Ingram, Brent Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080172786
    Abstract: A shower unit is proposed that consists of a flush-mounted box and a cover housing. The flush-mounted box is used to establish a connection between a domestic installation and an attachment block arranged at a particular position in the flush-mounted box. This attachment block includes an outlet for hot water and an outlet for cold water. Sanitary fittings, operating elements and sprinklers are installed in the cover housing, which may be designed in the form of a panel, and these are all connected with a water duct attached to the cover housing. The cover housing can also feature lamps. The water duct, which leads to all water outlets, sprinklers, etc. features a water inlet for cold water and a water inlet for hot water. Two hoses are used to form a connection between the attachment device of the flush-mounted box and the water duct, and these two hoses are connected with the flush-mounted box shortly before final assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jens Grabowski
  • Publication number: 20080172787
    Abstract: A timer and alert module for an emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The module includes a housing; a control circuit having a timing cycle contained within the housing; a speaker electrically connected to the control circuit; a switch configured and arranged to disable the control circuit; and a sensor configured and arranged to trigger the control circuit to start the timing cycle. The control circuit selectively activates the speaker periodically during the timing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SPERIAN EYE & FACE PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: Deeyu Tao, Raymond A. Boissonneault, Michael C. Pereira
  • Publication number: 20080172788
    Abstract: A beach towel with two uniquely positioned arm slots allowing a persons arms to pass though the arm slots enabling one to wear the beach towel on his or her shoulders and back as a cover-up. Also, the beach towel will have the same practical qualities such as moisture absorption, ability to sit upon, lay upon and so on one would expects from a traditional beach towel with the advantage of using as a cover-up if one so desires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: John Morrison Rosen
  • Publication number: 20080172789
    Abstract: A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Derick Elliot, David Mayen Moreno, Martin Plante, Chad Rohrer, David Kim Soui Wan Fong, Annie Desaulniers
  • Publication number: 20080172790
    Abstract: Described is a treatment table for patient treatment comprising a plurality of table elements and a positioning device for selectively setting the position of a respective table element, wherein the positioning device has a plurality of electrical switches or switching contacts with associated actuating portions with which selective positioning movements of the positioning device are controllable, wherein the positioning device is in the form of a foot switch (11) and has at least one actuating lever (1) whose movements which are predetermined in given directions by a guide device (2) can be transmitted to at least two switches (3) or at least two switching contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: BRUMABA KG
    Inventor: Herbert Brustmann
  • Publication number: 20080172791
    Abstract: A surgical arm rest or leg rest for supporting a patient's limb has concave tray or trough supported on a post member that extends downward. An elongated rod member situated below the tray with clamp member adjustably supports the post of the tray. A clamp member permits the rotation angle and tilt angle of the support post to be adjusted. An L-shaped support arm has a vertical arm portion adapted to be received into a support clamp mounted on the surgical table, and a horizontal arm that holds a sleeve member which supports the rod member. A locking lever on the sleeve member locks the rod member in place in the sleeve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen L. Walczyk
  • Publication number: 20080172792
    Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods of convertibly covering a bundle of bedding materials. The present invention's approach to covering a bedding material bundle maintains the bedding material bundle in a compacted state when the convertible cover is in an enveloping configuration. When the convertible cover is in a fillable disposition at least one of it's fillable integral compartments is available for providing multiple functionalities including being outspread and inflated to serve as a pillow, serving as a storage or transport container by being filled with a liquid, being configured with multiple fillable integral compartments separated by filters to serve as water purifier, and additional functions. The manner of converting involves at least partially closing at least one longitudinal seem to convert from the fillable disposition to the enveloping disposition, and at least partially opening at least one of the longitudinal seams to perform the opposite conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Joel Adam Dreessen
  • Publication number: 20080172793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for supporting the hands of a patient resting on an examination couch. In accordance with the invention, the holding device for supporting the hands of a patient resting on an examination couch comprises gripping zones which are distanced from one another, said gripping zones each being grippable with a hand of the patient, with the holding device being moveable independently of further devices surrounding the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Gagneur, Volker Schmidt, Robert Wirth
  • Publication number: 20080172794
    Abstract: Provided is a sleep aid for use in reducing the risk of plagiocephaly including a cushion and a sleep position indicator. The cushion includes an elongate pad to accommodate a person in a reposed position such that the person extends along a longitudinal axis of the pad. The cushion also includes a casing surrounding the pad that has bottom and top panels. The sleep position indicator has an elongate dimension and is slideably supported by the cushion. A medial portion of the sleep position indicator is adapted to move transversely to the longitudinal axis within a slideway. The indicator may be moved between a first position where it visibly protrudes from a first side of the cushion to inform a first head orientation, and a second position where it visibly protrudes from a second side of the cushion to inform a second head orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: John Lord
  • Publication number: 20080172795
    Abstract: An infant wedge sleep positioner comprising a cushion, a covering means for the cushion, one supporting pillow that is fixedly secured to the covering means, and another opposed supporting pillow that is releaseably secured to the covering means for laterally moving this pillow in relation to the other pillow. This combination creates a cradle for positioning an infant within the device and accommodating a growing infant or different sized infants. In an alternate embodiment, the infant wedge sleep positioner further provides ventilating channels in one or both of the supporting pillows for regulating the temperature of the infant while the infant rests or sleeps, thereby, further reducing the risk of the infant becoming overheated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Mariann Straub
  • Publication number: 20080172796
    Abstract: A mattress is constructed from a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck, which is preferably pervious to moisture and air. A removable panel, which includes a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, is placed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body. The removable panel is removably attached along the perimeter of the deck or decks by a fastener, such as a zipper. The panel can be removed from the deck for cleaning and folded and secured by the fastener in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael S. Defranks, Kurtis A. Ling, Joyce A. Handley, James R. Peavyhouse, Ruben M. Ortiz
  • Publication number: 20080172797
    Abstract: A set of inflatable, tubular, and concentric tubes or air bladders are placed in a bedding or seating product and adjusted to meet the preferences of a user. The tubes are arranged concentrically with the innermost tube defining an aperture at the center of the product. The tubes are connected to air supply hoses that are inflated through activation of an electronically controlled air pump. The flow may be controlled by solenoid or other valves. The user via a remote may control the inflation of one or more of the tubes to provide the optimum level of comfort to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Publication number: 20080172798
    Abstract: The magic cube combo mattress of the present invention is made of a cover and a fillings, the cover is formed by a top cover and a bottom cover, a second slide fastener that forms a cavity in the top cover is provided on the bottom surface of the top cover. A first slide faster that connects the top cover and the bottom cover is provided on the cover. The first slide fastener which connects the top cover and bottom cover is fixed outside of the second slide fastener on the top cover. The fillings are formed by a whole sponge (or other wadding), plurality of combo mat (or plurality of other wadding). The whole sponge is correspondingly fixed within the top cover. The combo mat is correspondingly fixed within the bottom cover. Two slide fasteners are fixed on the cover, formed by top cover and bottom cover, the fillings of top and bottom cover are separable. Thus it is easy to package, move and cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: DONGGUAN DONGLIAN FURNITURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhixiong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080172799
    Abstract: A suspended matrix support structure has a perimeter frame which supports a flexible matrix formed with intersecting flexible members, the ends of which are supported by the perimeter frame. Edges of the flexible members are held within channels which form a frame about the flexible matrix. In one embodiment, the perimeter frame is constructed of foam with contoured features which support the frame of the flexible matrix. The flexible members of the flexible matrix extend across the expanse within the perimeter frame to provide a flexible support structure which can be used as a mattress, mattress foundation or both in combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Eugen Constantinescu, Bernhard W. Kuchel
  • Publication number: 20080172800
    Abstract: An installation tool for manipulating a connector comprising a latch. The installation tool further comprises a shaft, a handle attached to an end of said shaft and an installation tip attached to an opposite end of said shaft and fashioned from a single piece of material, said tip comprising a pair of opposed resilient gripping members defining a connector receiving region there between and a latch depressing portion positioned at an extreme end of said tip, said connector receiving region dimensioned to snugly receive the connector there between. When the connector is inserted between said gripping members, said gripping members grip the connector while said latch depressing portion simultaneously depresses the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Moses Levy
  • Publication number: 20080172801
    Abstract: A gardening tool includes a handle, a shaft and a pair of helical drill elements. The shaft extends from the handle longitudinally to a pointed shaft distal end. The pair of helical drill elements are spaced from and surround the shaft. The helical drill elements extend along the shaft and have free drill distal ends. The shaft distal end extends farther from the handle than does the drill distal ends. A debris-ejecting assembly includes a pusher slidable longitudinally along the shaft between the shaft and the drill elements. The ejecting assembly includes a spring arranged between a portion of the shaft and the pusher. The spring urges the pusher away from the shaft distal end toward the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Augusto G. Biag
  • Publication number: 20080172802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition suitable for treating soiled fabrics comprising a hypohalite bleach and a soil suspending agent selected from the group consisting of an ethoxylated diamine, an ethoxylated polyamine, an ethoxylated amine polymer and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Luca Sarcinelli, Annabelle Mayeux
  • Publication number: 20080172803
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hot water wash cycle in a washing machine is provided. The method includes supplying water to the washing machine, and determining a water level in the washing machine. When the water level reaches a heating water level at which a heating unit is submerged, the heating unit is turned on to heat the water while water continues to be supplied to the washing machine. When the water level reaches a washing water level and the water in the washing machine is at a washing water temperature, the heating unit is turned off and a wash cycle associated with a selected washing condition may be initiated. By turning on the heating unit as soon as it is submerged, wash time may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Gon KIM, Yu Beom KANG, Sang Man JE
  • Publication number: 20080172804
    Abstract: A washer fill system and method supply a suitable minimum amount of water necessary to wash a particular load of laundry based on readings taken from a pressure sensor that measures liquid pressure in the wash tub. During the fill period, water is initially sprayed over the load to evenly wet the clothes. As the clothes become saturated, excess free water collects at the bottom and begins to fill the tub. Pressure sensor readings are taken intermittently during the fill process to determine when a sufficient amount of free water for washing the load of clothes has accumulated in the tub. This includes pressure readings taken while pulsing the washer motor to spin the wash basket. Other pressure readings may be taken during a pause in filling to measure the water run-off from the wetted clothes above the free water line, and the release of air bubbles from a load portion below the water line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicente Marconcin Vanhazebrouck, Marcos Paulo Soares Bittencourt, Marcelo Piekarski, David Irwin Ellingson, Jon Roepke
  • Publication number: 20080172805
    Abstract: Disclosed are a washing machine and a control method thereof capable of reincreasing a number of rotations of a motor after maintaining the number of rotations at a predetermined number before excessive vibration of a water tub, braking the motor when the water tub is vibrated at more than a predetermined vibration level, and reincreasing the number of rotations, thereby reducing the excessive vibration of the water tub. The control method includes detecting the number of rotations, determining whether the detected number of rotations has reached a predetermined number, controlling the motor such that the number of rotations is maintained at the predetermined number of rotations when it is determined that the detected number of rotations has reached the predetermined number, counting the time taken to maintain the number of rotations at the predetermined number of rotations, and increasing the number of rotations after a predetermined first time has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyu Sung Na, Hong Seok Ko, Seung Ju Choi
  • Publication number: 20080172806
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use, for dyeing keratin fibres, of at least one latent pigment, which is soluble in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, and which can be chemically, thermally or photochemically converted in the fibres into water-insoluble pigments, of formula A(B)x with A representing the chromophoric radical of dyes, and B representing a hydrogen atom or a group of formula (II) with Z representing a cationic water-solubilizing group Z+ or a polyethylene glycol residue, Y representing a hetero atom, F and F? representing a linear or branched C1-C14 alkylene chain, which may contain hetero atoms and may be substituted with one or more hydroxyl, amino or halogen groups. The invention also relates to processes for dyeing keratin fibres using latent pigments, to particular compositions containing them and to multi-compartment dyeing devices or “kits”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Alain LAGRANGE, Sylvain KRAVTCHENKO, Andrew GREAVES
  • Publication number: 20080172807
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating human keratin fibers, either before or after dyeing said fibers, which comprises applying to said fibers, either before or after said dyeing step, at least one composition comprising at least one compound X and at least one compound Y, at least one of the compounds X and Y being a silicone compound, wherein, when X and Y are placed in contact with each other they react together via a hydrosilylation reaction, a condensation reaction, or a crosslinking reaction in the presence of a peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Gaelle Brun
  • Publication number: 20080172808
    Abstract: A bridge structure, comprising: a deck (1) for supporting a load thereon; first and second abutments (13a, b) which support respective ends of the deck and bear a compressive load from backfill (5) at the respective outer sides thereof; and at least one displacement compensation unit (21) which is configured such as to accommodate longitudinal displacement of the deck and maintain a predeterminable longitudinal force between the abutments, wherein the at least one displacement compensation unit has a load-displacement characteristic which provides for a reduced rate of change in the longitudinal force with longitudinal displacement of the deck as compared to a conventional bridge structure which incorporates no displacement compensation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: George Leslie England
  • Publication number: 20080172809
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device used for cleaning up hair, fibers and other debris from surfaces, furnishings and carpets. More specifically, the invention relates to picking up such items using a mechanized apparatus with a static electric charged bar or roller and rotating gears that transfer torque to rotate a collecting roller. The collecting roller picks up and stores the hair, fibers and other debris that have been lifted by the static electric charged bar or roller and deposits them in a collection section of the device for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Sung K. Park, Douglas C. Dayton
  • Publication number: 20080172810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, in particular to a portable hand cleaner, having a plurality of cleaning members which are in particular of brush type and which are arranged at a common carrier and can be set into rotation by means of a fluid, in particular water, supplied to the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Anton Jaeger
  • Publication number: 20080172811
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first portion and a second portion. A plurality of tuft blocks is mounted to the second portion, with each tuft block having a tooth cleaning element. At least one projection is positioned on one of the first and second portions, each projection engaging one of the tuft blocks and pivoting the tuft block with respect to the second portion. A drive assembly is operably connected to one of the first and second portions to drive the one of the first and second portions in an oscillating manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Al Sprosta
  • Publication number: 20080172812
    Abstract: A brush is provided with a selectively rotatable brush head. The brush can advantageously be a toothbrush, and the selective rotation of the head gives advantages in reaching teeth and areas of the mouth which are hard to brush properly with a standard brush, thus increasing oral hygiene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Heera Dean
  • Publication number: 20080172813
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle having a neck. A head is mounted to the neck and has a first surface and an opposed second surface. At least one fixed tuft block is mounted to the head in a fixed orientation and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A movable tuft block is flexibly connected to each fixed tuft block and has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending outwardly away from the first surface. A drive assembly is operably connected to the movable tuft block to move the movable tuft block with respect to each fixed tuft block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Sorrentino
  • Publication number: 20080172814
    Abstract: A head for an electric toothbrush includes a support member having a plurality of holes extending completely therethrough. A plurality of tufts of bristles each extends through one of the holes. A first brushing end of each tuft projects from a first side of the support member. Each tuft is prevented from being withdrawn from its hole when a tensile force is applied to the first end of each tuft along a long axis of the tuft. A resilient cushion is positioned adjacent a second side of the support member such that a second end of each tuft can contact the cushion. When a compressive force is applied to the first end of each tuft along the long axis of each tuft, each tuft can move in its hole in a first direction into the cushion. When the compressive force is removed the cushion causes each tuft to move in its hole in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: William R. Brown, Thomas Christman, Georges Driesen, Thomas Fritsch, Michael Roberts, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20080172815
    Abstract: A wash apparatus is provided. The wash apparatus includes a body including a contact surface to contact an article to be cleaned and a gripping surface grippable by a user, wherein the body includes at least one lobe portion and at least one tapered portion, and wherein the gripping surface includes a grip mechanism for securing a hand of the user to the wash apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Derek Hanna
  • Publication number: 20080172816
    Abstract: A body rubbing device has a housing having a lower side adapted to face a body part to be acted upon and an upper side, the housing having an upper surface which is upwardly convex and is elongated in a longitudinal direction to define a substantially oval-shape, the upper convex surface being formed so that a palm of a user's hand can rest on the upper convex surface, a handle placeable between fingers of the user's palm and extending substantially over a part of the housing, the housing also having a lower surface at the lower side, and acting means provided on the lower surface of the housing for acting on a body part of a user, and an additional removable extension handle connectable with the first mentioned handle, the additional extension handle has a distal end arranged to be grasped by a user and a proximal end to be engageably connected with the first mentioned handle, the proximal end of the extension handle being in a direct contact with the first mentioned handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Sam Zhadanov, Eli Zhadanov