Patents Issued in January 15, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090013439
    Abstract: A pair of safety glasses for use in combination with a hat having a brim is provided. Such pair of safety glasses includes a generally transparent protective member manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape for protecting at least a predetermined portion of a user's face from predetermined detrimental environmental conditions. A securing mechanism has a first portion removably connected to such protective member and a second portion removably connected to such hat brim for securing such protective member to such hat brim. The securing mechanism is manufactured from a second predetermined material and has a second predetermined shape and a second predetermined size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Eric Thoman
  • Publication number: 20090013440
    Abstract: A rear vision helmet visor structure includes a visor and at least two mirrors disposed on the visor. The visor is divided into a main portion and a sub-portion, and an opening-closing structure is formed between the main portion and the sub-portion. Therefore, when the main portion of the visor is fixed to a helmet shell, the sub-portion may be opened and closed relative to the helmet shell so that the mirrors may be opened and closed and a volume of the visor may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tien-Te Lai
  • Publication number: 20090013441
    Abstract: A device and a method of using such device for protecting a finger, comprising a fingertip cover, adhesive means for attaching the fingertip cover to the finger, and a pull-tab attached to the fingertip cover for removing the fingertip cover from the finger. The fingertip cover is preferably made of a germ impervious, virus impervious, and optically clear materials. As such, the fingertip cover keeps items on surfaces touched by the finger from penetrating the fingertip cover and coming into contact with the finger. The device is preferably packaged in packaging that reveals the adhesive on the fingertip cover such that a finger can be placed in the contact with the adhesive providing fast application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Duffy
  • Publication number: 20090013442
    Abstract: The invention is related to a knee protection system having a knee pad permanently attached to a garment such as pants. The pad is made of silicone rubber. The pad may be shaped and have a number of pad areas including a patella covering part of the pad, a pair of side parts and a top part of the pad. The side parts of the pad protect the user when they roll on their knees and the top part of the pad protects the user knee when they lean forward. The silicone rubber pad is waterproof, inert, and fire resistant. The pad is permanently attached to a knee region of a pair of pants. By manufacturing the pad in a pair of pants a user can comfortably walk around with the knee protection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel R. Matuszak, Christan Medovich
  • Publication number: 20090013443
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable chest band that snugly encircles a woman's chest under the woman's arm pits and above the woman's breasts and positioned over a garment having at least one shoulder strap wherein when at least one of the shoulder straps of the garment are worn off the shoulder said chest band prevents said garment from slipping down over the woman's breasts. The chest bands of the present invention are useful in keeping women's garments from falling off the chest of the woman when at least one of the shoulder straps of the woman's garments is worn off the shoulder. The chest bands of the present invention therefore are also useful for preventing tan lines on the shoulders of the woman caused by the shoulder strap of such a garment when the garment is worn in the sun as the woman can safely wear at least one of the shoulder straps of the garment off the shoulder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Christyn Elizabeth Perras
  • Publication number: 20090013444
    Abstract: Clothing provided, on the inner surface side thereof at such a position as covering the meridian point of a human body wearing the clothing, with a plurality of elastic small protrusions having a diameter of 2-4 mm at the bottom face thereof and located in a region of 50-120 mm2 for one meridian point. Even if the positional shift takes place of the clothing and regardless of difference in physique of a wearing object, any one of the small elastic protrusions is positioned oppositely to the meridian point and imparts a slight tactile stimulus to meridian points P1-P3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: WACOAL CORP.
    Inventors: Atsuko Misaki, Tatsuzo Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20090013445
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight garment that is intended to be used as a layer of protection. The present invention can be used anytime a light weight jacket may be needed; for example, a person reading in bed, a college student studying in a cold dorm room, a traveler requiring extra warmth on an airplane or an elder needing comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Joyce Martin
  • Publication number: 20090013446
    Abstract: A test for determining whether an elastomeric article has a desired ratio of strength to comfort, i.e., a strength-comfort index, is disclosed. Methods for preparing strong, soft, and thin articles from synthetic latexes, to optimize the strength and comfort of the articles, are also disclosed. Using this index, and, optionally, comparing the results with those one obtained using natural rubber, one can determine whether an article of manufacture can be prepared from synthetic elastomers and still have optimal properties (i.e., strength and comfort), particularly as compared to a similar article prepared from natural rubber. The strength of an article is directly related to the force required to break a tensile specimen of the sample and thus the tensile strength of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Grant Suddaby, Neil Douglas Redpath, Alicia Lee Sellers
  • Publication number: 20090013447
    Abstract: An ear covering device that includes a surface that can be drawn on, written on, colored on, and/or decorated by a user is disclosed. In one embodiment, the surface corresponds to the outer surface of the ear covering device. Accordingly, a user can draw or create an object on a portion of the ear covering device that is visible to other people. In another embodiment, the ear covering device can include more than one area that can be decorated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Lonnie Drosihn
  • Publication number: 20090013448
    Abstract: An accessory with a source of light is disclosed. In particular, the present invention relates to an accessory that is a device that can be worn on the head of an individual to cover the user's ears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Lonnie Drosihn
  • Publication number: 20090013449
    Abstract: A pacifier securing device for securing a pacifier in an infant's mouth is provided. The pacifier securing device includes first and second supports that are attached on one end to a pacifier and on another end to a hat. The size, color and decorative accents on the hat are customizable based on age, size and preference of the wearer. The hat is constructed of any material approved for use in manufacturing apparel for infants. The first and second supports are constructed of any stretchy material that is approved for use in manufacturing apparel for infants. The length and width of the first and second supports varies depending on the age and size wearer as well the desired tautness of the supports. The first and second supports may be configured as one continuous elongate piece or one substantially v-shaped piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Colleen Kahn
  • Publication number: 20090013450
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sock, especially for use in sports activities. Said sock comprises a shaft and a foot part having a toe and a heel area and a contact area between the toe and heel area, and is provided with a bandage. Said bandage (3) is positioned in the area of the ankle joint and consists of at least one web (31) and at least one ring (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Bodo W. Lambertz
  • Publication number: 20090013451
    Abstract: A protective undergarment having reinforced areas in particular locations, such as the knees and seat. The garment is made of an abrasive resistant fabric, such as aramid fibers, in particular, Kevlar, and is preferably made in a woven or knitted pattern so as to be soft to the touch and breathable so that the garment is comfortable to wear under clothing. The undergarment may include stirrups attached at the bottom of each leg to prevent movement of the reinforced areas in the event of a fall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Megan K. Baxter, Bridgot Isenhour
  • Publication number: 20090013452
    Abstract: A urinal includes a urine receiving reservoir and a spout extending therefrom for receiving urine. In a preferred embodiment, the spout may be composed of a bendable resilient material and the reservoir may be composed of the same resilient material. A method of modifying a standard portable urinal by replacing the supplied cap with a flexible extender spout is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Zandra A. Davis, Nicole D. Young, Venus V. Dickinson, Narda N. Riley
  • Publication number: 20090013453
    Abstract: A toilet seat elevator assembly includes a mounting bracket for connection to a toilet bowl and a seat elevator removably connected to the mounting bracket. The seat elevator has a generally ring-shaped portion for resting on the toilet bowl and a mounting portion with opposing mounting projections. The mounting bracket has a pair of opposing side panels and an elongate slot formed in each side panel. Each elongate slot is adapted for slidably and rotatably receiving the mounting projections of the mounting portion, so that the seat elevator may be slidably and rotatably mounted to the bracket to facilitate installation, adjustment and removal of the seat elevator with respect to the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: David Landsberger, Paul Thom, Francis Gomes
  • Publication number: 20090013454
    Abstract: A toilet seat elevator assembly includes a seat elevator and a bracket for removably connecting the seat elevator to a toilet bowl. The seat elevator has a support portion for resting on the toilet bowl and a mounting portion that extends rearwardly of the support portion. The mounting portion has at least one mounting projection that extends inwardly. The bracket includes a bottom wall that is adapted for securement to the toilet bowl and spaced bracket side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. Each bracket side wall has forward and rear edges that extend upwardly from the bottom wall and an elongate slot that extends within each bracket side wall between the forward and rear edges. Each elongate slot is adapted for slidably receiving the at least one mounting projection of the mounting portion to adjust the seat elevator between a retracted position and an extended position to accommodate various configurations of respective toilet bowls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: David Landsberger, Paul Thom, Francis Gomes
  • Publication number: 20090013455
    Abstract: An inflatable disposable toilet seat cover is provided. Such inflatable disposable toilet seat cover includes a generally hollow flexible housing member. Such housing member is manufactured from a predetermined material and has a predetermined size and a predetermined shape. A valve mechanism is operably disposed on the housing member at a first predetermined location thereon for enabling a user to inflate and deflate such housing member. A securing mechanism is operably connected to the housing member at a second predetermined location thereon for releasably securing such housing member to a predetermined portion of a toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Kareem Richardson
  • Publication number: 20090013456
    Abstract: A toilet tank flush valve structure, for use with a toilet tank having a floor formed with an opening, includes a base for installation in the opening formed in the floor of the toilet tank. The base defines a water outflow passage having an upper end at which the passage has an area A1 and a lower end at which the passage has an area A2 and includes a valve seat at the upper end of the water outflow passage. A flush valve is movable relative to the base between a sealing position in which the valve engages the valve seat in sealing relationship and a flushing position in which the valve is spaced upwardly from the valve seat. The area A1 is substantially greater than the area A2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas P. Hand
  • Publication number: 20090013457
    Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning device comprising: a container for storing toilet bowl cleaning material adapted to rest upon the toilet's existing water tank; a filling arrangement for charging the cleaning material into said container; and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a dosage of cleaning material from the container into the water tank, the dispensing mechanism disposed above the level of water in the water tank and comprising: a pipe having a distal end and a proximal end; an opening for cleaning material to enter therein; a dispensing actuation mechanism; and an actuator return mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Eyal Mirochnik
  • Publication number: 20090013458
    Abstract: A deck is disclosed that is level with the top of a concrete/plaster pool having a decorative ribbon of tile along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least a partially flat surface. The deck has a surface of deck surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron. Under the deck are supports of joists which are mostly perpendicular to the decking surface members, of underlying beams that form a sturdy base for the joists and beam hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being anchored into the concrete side of the pool. Also disclosed is an improved method for installing such a deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Jeff Getz
  • Publication number: 20090013459
    Abstract: A blower system in a booth including a hollow base, an internal space, and an air outlet is disclosed and includes at least one blower assembly in the base, each blower assembly including a heating element and a motor driven fan; and a pipe assembly communicating with both the base and the space. In response to activating the at least one blower assembly, the fan of each blower assembly is adapted to blow ambient air past the hot heating element for heating the air, and the hot air is adapted to enter the space through the pipe assembly. An occupant can relax in a heat environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Yen-Ping Ma, Yen-Chung Ma
  • Publication number: 20090013460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bathtub comprising a tub body, said tub body comprising a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall, and a drain. The tub body comprises an upper section and a lower section attached to each other, the upper section having a bottom surface and the lower section having a top surface. The upper section and the lower section are completely detachable from each other along a detachment line between the bottom surface of the upper section and the top surface of the lower section. There is a first waterproof seal located in the peripheral side wall between the bottom surface of the upper section and the top surface of the lower section when the upper section and the lower section are attached to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Whitley
  • Publication number: 20090013461
    Abstract: Siphon system attainable directly during the forming of a sanitary ware, in particular a shower tray, washbasin, bidet, water closet or any similar sanitary ware, the sanitary ware in particular having enclosed spaces and having partitions already equipped with a height difference required for an inner siphon function, wherein at least one inner partition of the sanitary ware has its free end constantly immersed in water, if present, between a receiving chamber and a deposit chamber or a drain chamber, the end of the at least one inner partition being arranged at a lower level with respect to a drain outlet in the deposit chamber or an overflow partition in the drain chamber, to prevent foul drain smell from spreading into a living area through the receiving chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Luca MacCagnan
  • Publication number: 20090013462
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transferring a patient from a first bed to a second bed, wherein said patient is disposed upon said first bed and said first bed and second bed comprise a surface for resting said patient comprising a plurality of predetermined sections. The method further discloses removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and removing at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said second bed and replacing it with at least one of said plurality of predetermined sections of said surface of said first bed; combining said surface of said first bed with said surface of said second bed; and transferring said patient from said first bed to second bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Mohammad Hassan Mahdjoubi
  • Publication number: 20090013463
    Abstract: An upper corner piece and rod parts of a baby mesh bed are joined in such a manner that the joints are covered with the upper corner piece so as not to spoil the appearance of the upper corner piece; the upper corner piece includes an inner and an outer wall portions at each of two end portions thereof, internal rooms between the inner and the outer wall portions, and an internal sleeve portion securely disposed between the internal rooms; the rod parts include two transverse rod parts; the transverse rod parts are each pivoted to one coupling piece, which is held in one said internal room of the upper corner piece, and securely joined to the sleeve portion of the upper corner piece; the rod parts include an upright rod part, which is securely joined to the sleeve portion of the upper corner piece at an upper end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Pao-Hsien Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090013464
    Abstract: The present invention is a bed foundation that, in one embodiment, eliminates the need for a separate frame and box spring. In addition, by employing cross beams of different lengths, the bed foundation of the present invention can be adjusted to fit varying mattress sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Tarquinio
  • Publication number: 20090013465
    Abstract: A bed has a retractable barrier combining vertical movement and transverse movement. The barrier comprises two parallel arms forming portions of a deformable parallelogram system, and each arm is attached the frame by a two-element telescopic mechanism comprising an inner element and an outer element that are constrained relative to each other by a shape connection suitable for varying the transverse position of the barrier element while it is being moved vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Pascal Guguin
  • Publication number: 20090013466
    Abstract: A cover for a body pillow. The cover may be made in various sizes and shapes, although the cover is preferably generally rectangular in shape with a left side and a right side. The cover has an opening to receive a body pillow. A pair of pockets to receive the feet of the person using the body pillow are disposed opposite to one another on the left and right sides, respectively, of the cover toward the bottom edge, one pocket on the left side and one pocket on the right side, so disposed as to each receive a foot of the person. The pockets are closed on their respective side and bottom edges with the openings of the pockets facing toward the upper edge of the cover. The cover may be made of various fabrics corresponding to ambient conditions or the particular preferences of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jamie L. Yates, Joy C. Yates
  • Publication number: 20090013467
    Abstract: A sheet connecting apparatus having a top and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet has one or more buttons near at least one end of the bottom sheet. The top sheet has one or more button holes near at least one end of the top sheet. The buttons and the button holes are each positioned on the respective bottom sheet and top sheet for aligning the top sheet on the bottom sheet and for connecting the top sheet to the bottom sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Genevieve A. Moorhouse
  • Publication number: 20090013468
    Abstract: A patient support system comprises a base, an upstanding support, and a couch attached to the support and having a cantilever section extendable beyond the support; the support including a couch drive means to adjust the position of the couch relative to the support; further comprising a support drive means for translationally driving the support relative to the base in the direction of the cantilever section. This removes inaccuracies from patient position measurements that result from changes in the cantilever geometry during movement of the patient from a measuring position to a treatment position. The support drive means can be located in the base or in the support, and allows the patient support system as a whole to be translated, thereby permitting the patient to be moved into and out of an enclosed treatment area without affecting the vertical location of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Elekta AB (publ)
    Inventors: Duncan Neil Bourne, Ralph Streamer, Alan Hitchings
  • Publication number: 20090013469
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device that attaches to a standard bed and prevents or treats bedsores by using electro-mechanical means to rotate a person from side to side in a bed without human assistance. In one embodiment, a controller that is attached to at least one linear actuator and at least one electric motor is used to rotate a person in bed at regular intervals without human assistance and without disturbing any medical equipment to which the person may be attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Annamae A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090013470
    Abstract: A patient support surface including a cover defining an interior region, a layer of three dimensional material, located at the interior region, and an air circulation device disposed adjacent the layer of three dimensional material. The patient support surface includes at least one of a percussion device and a vibration device, located at the interior region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Christopher R. O'Keefe, Bradley T. Wilson, Kenith W. Chambers, Mayur Yermaneni, Gregory W. Branson, Michael Z. Sleva, Karen M. Gove, Andrew F. Skinner, Stephen R. Schulte, Todd P. O'Neal, Rachel Hopkins King, Teresa M. Mirabella, Paula M. Cooper
  • Publication number: 20090013471
    Abstract: A neck-support pillow comprising a resilient pillow body having a column-shaped medial portion and two cantilever arms, each arm attached proximate to an end of the medial portion, is described herein. In various embodiments, the arms may encircle a vertical axis, the vertical axis being perpendicular to a plane comprising a line formed between attachment locations of the two arms to the medial portion. Also, the arms and medial portion may form a well that is a size of a user's neck. Further, an arm height may be equal to a distance between the user's shoulder and jaw, the arm height being measured in a direction parallel to the vertical axis. Additionally, a medial portion height may be equal to a distance between an upper portion of the user's ear and the user's shoulder, the medial portion height being measured in a direction parallel to the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: BioMed DB Design
    Inventor: Xiaohong Yang
  • Publication number: 20090013472
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a channeled mat comprising a mat and one or more channels in the mat. Embodiments also relate to a method of making a channeled mat comprising forming a mat and forming one or more channels in the mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Adam J. Koffler, Jeff Hoang
  • Publication number: 20090013473
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for comforting a baby by providing a simulation of being held by a caregiver, such as a parent, family member, or guardian. The simulation includes a pair of simulated arms that may be wrapped around the baby or used to provide a surrounding support having the feel of being held in a person's arms. One embodiment includes a sheepskin or faux sheep skin base for warmth and comfort. The arms may include weighted hands for additional feeling of being held. The arms may be affixed to one another in the front (hand, wrist, forearm area) using hook and loop, stretchable band or straps or other fasteners. The arms may also be joined in the back to provide a raised support opposite the hands portion of the apparatus. One embodiment includes a simulated beating heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Belva Williams, Gayle Lavin
  • Publication number: 20090013474
    Abstract: A hospital bed trapeze system includes an offset vertical frame to provide safe and convenient patient positioning in a smaller footprint. The offset patient trapeze system includes vertical support members that extend vertically from the head end of the bed, where the vertical support members angle inward toward the foot end of the bed. Similarly, additional vertical support members extend vertically from the foot end of the bed and angle inward toward the head end of the bed. The vertical support members support a horizontal grid. The horizontal grid includes side bars and cross bars that connect the vertical support members to form a trapezoidal assembly. An ergonomic grab bar is supported from the horizontal grid. The grab bar includes a handle portion with which the patient or caregiver may access the offset trapeze system to facilitate patient positioning in the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Larry GOOTEE, SR.
  • Publication number: 20090013475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reclining means which has a mattress with a multiplicity of air chambers arranged in lattice form. Also provided is a mattress-profile memory which stores, for each of the air chambers, valve-control data corresponding to a mattress profile. The reclining means also has a data-carrier holder, into which a data carrier can be inserted, and means for writing valve-control data into a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder, as well as means for reading valve-control data which are stored on a data carrier inserted into the data-carrier holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Arno Friedrichs
  • Publication number: 20090013476
    Abstract: An edge support for reinforcing an edge of a spring core is provided. The edge support includes a plurality of engaging members that are movable between flat and folded positions. In the flat position, an engaging member is generally aligned with the rest of the edge support. In the folded position, the engaging member extends laterally from the rest of the edge support. With the engaging members in the flat position, the edge support has a relatively thin thickness allowing the edge support to be rolled which may be beneficial for the shipping and handling of the edge support. During the assembling of the mattress, the engaging members may be moved to the folded position such that engaging members extend inwardly into the spring core between the spring coils of the spring core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Irene R. Rinchetti
  • Publication number: 20090013477
    Abstract: A power hand tool can include a generally longitudinal housing having a first end and a second end. An indicator can be disposed on the housing. A first and a second jaw member can be arranged at the first end wherein one of the first and second jaw members can rotate relative to the other jaw member. A motor assembly can be disposed in the housing and include an output member arranged at the second end. A sensor can be arranged at the second end and configured to sense an electrical field in proximity thereof. The sensor can generate a signal in response to a sensed electrical field. A controller can receive the sensor signal from the sensor assembly and control operation of the indicator in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael L. Agronin, Jeffrey Carter Whitehead, David C. Campbell, Gregory S. Snider, James D. Marshall, Joe Rogers, Richard J. Heavel, Michael Andrew Milligan
  • Publication number: 20090013478
    Abstract: A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam generation unit for generating steam, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam generation unit into the lower part of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hung Myong Cho
  • Publication number: 20090013479
    Abstract: There are provided a washing method using a treatment apparatus of the type, such as a liquid current treatment apparatus for treating a textile product by circulating a treating liquid that is capable of effectively washing a textile product in a shorter time, as well as a textile product treatment apparatus used therefore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: HISAKA WORKS, LTD.
    Inventor: Toru Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20090013480
    Abstract: A method for washing shrinkable textiles in a program-controlled washing machine consisting in washing textiles in a rotatably mounted washing drum according to a process corresponding to textile requirements with a water flow and possibly washing agents, wherein a starting and operating time of a drum driving motor are predefined. A washing machine for carrying out said method is also disclosed. At the beginning of the washing process, the motor operates with a staring time rate which is greater than a possible staring time and which decreases step by step or continuously during the process in order to reduce a mechanical energy applied to the textile according to the shrinkability thereof which strongly increases along with the increase of the washing process time. In such a way, the textile is pre-wetted with an optimal water quantity or soapy solution without producing the excessive textile shrinkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Gundula Czyzewski, Oliver Ruediger
  • Publication number: 20090013481
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions containing pigments or other benefit agents in particulate form may be combined with a quaternary ammonium compound that can effectuate adsorption to anionic substrates, methods of making such compositions and methods of their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Allwyn Colaco, Joel Coret, Saurabh Desai, Shailendra Singh, Robert Bianchini
  • Publication number: 20090013482
    Abstract: A method of repairing, reinforcing or reinstating a bridge, comprising fixing a reinforcing plate in a spaced relationship with an existing plate or girder, especially on the underside of the bridge structure, to form a closed cavity, and injecting plastics or polymer material into said cavity in liquid form, whereby said plastics or polymer material sets or cures so as to bond to said reinforcing and existing plates with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen John Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20090013483
    Abstract: A combined extendable pole and counterbalance system for washing the windows of a building includes an elongated pole including a handle portion adjacent the lower end thereof and a window cleaning utensil adjacent the upper end. The handle portion is adapted to be grasped by a workman while standing on the ground. An elongated flexible line is suspended from the roof or some other an upper part of the building above the windows to be washed. The line extends downwardly toward the ground and is connected to the pole. A spring driven drum biases the line upwardly thereby lifting part of the weight of the pole. The line is preferably connected to the pole adjacent the handle portion thereof but passes around and is guided by a pulley located adjacent the upper end of the pole so as to stabilize the upper end of the pole to prevent it from falling from side to side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Publication number: 20090013484
    Abstract: A toothbrush including a head having an elastomeric support member is described herein. The elastomeric support member supports a plurality of upstanding projections. At least a portion of the upstanding projections include non-elastomeric projections and elastomeric projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Roberts, Thomas Craig Masterman, Edward H. Park, Scott Batson, Philip Sweeney, Mingchih M. Tseng, Stephen C. Witkus
  • Publication number: 20090013485
    Abstract: The present invention features a back cleaner comprising a pad having a cleanser attachment side and a handle attachment side and an elongated handle attached to the pad on the handle attachment side via a joint. In some embodiments, the cleanser attachment side of the pad is bulged outward. The joint holding together the elongated handle and the pad together may be locked, or freely moving. In some embodiments, the elongated handle is collapsible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Robert S. Justofin
  • Publication number: 20090013486
    Abstract: A human torso scrubbing apparatus including an elongated handle having a grasping portion toward one end thereof. A scrubbing element is secured to a second end of the handle. The grasping portion of the handle is offset at an angle ranging between about 75° and about 115° relative to a portion of the handle extending from the scrubbing element so as to facilitate scrubbing of a human's back while the angular offset of said grasping portion allows said apparatus to freely hang when not in use. A method of making a human torso scrubbing apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Dow
  • Publication number: 20090013487
    Abstract: This invention is a multi-function bubble brush, including brush head and handle. On the handle there is a bubble making device, comprising of a bubble drainage mechanism and a bubble blowing hole. The drainage mechanism and the bubble blowing hole are connected. When a user is getting bathed or showered, the bubbles produced by the bubble brush head are sent via the drainage trough to the bubble blowing hole, allowing bubbles to be blown, filling the bathroom with shiny multi-colored bubbles, making showering more fun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Ho Lei
  • Publication number: 20090013488
    Abstract: A toothbrush which comprises a brush main body made of a synthetic resin and having a bristle base and bristles made of a thermoplastic resin which have been fusion-bonded to the bristle base to constitute a bristled part, wherein the bristles constituting the bristled part at least partly comprise: tapered bristles which are bristles having split free ends, the split free ends having been tapered beforehand; tapered bristles which have a sectional shape having a core-sheath structure or islands in a sea structure; or tapered bristles in each of which a core bristle comprising a core or island part has been formed beforehand so as to be exposed at the free end. The toothbrush has excellent suitability for bristle insertion into narrow parts. It is highly effective in removing dental plaque and cleaning the teeth. It is highly easy to use in the oral cavity. It further has a highly attractive appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: SUNSTAR INC.
    Inventors: Shinya Sakurai, Toyokazu Mori