Patents Issued in February 12, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090038145
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery (2) and a circuit substrate (3) are connected by lead plates (4, 5) and united by a primary mold (11) that is formed by filling resin therebetween, after which a secondary mold (12) is formed on the outer face by filling resin at necessary locations and a winding sheet (13) is wound around the periphery, thereby forming a battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Kozu, Takeshi Ishimaru, Yoshiki Osawa, Satoshi Kataoka, Iichiro Mori, Koichi Toriyama, Masahiro Mizuta, Tatsuhisa Chikada, Yasuhiro Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20090038146
    Abstract: A laminated iron core includes a plurality of stacked iron core pieces punched out from a thin steel sheet material, each iron core piece including a plurality of slot holes for receiving coil windings. At least one electrically insulating sheet piece is stacked on an outer surface of a lowermost iron core piece. The electrically insulating sheet pieces include a spindle hole and a plurality of slot holes which have a substantially similar configuration to, but are smaller than, the slot holes of the iron core pieces whereby edges of slot holes of electrically insulating sheet pieces extend outwardly beyond edges of slot holes of iron core pieces. Burrs formed at edges of slot holes of iron core pieces are covered with edges of slot holes of electrically insulating sheet pieces so that a coil can be wound safely without directly contacting the burrs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: KURODA PRECISION INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi NISHIZAWA, Hideo Horrii
  • Publication number: 20090038147
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of electrical terminals includes the steps of: providing an electrical terminal manufacturing fixture which includes a main body defining a plurality of stations; loading the fixture with a plurality of metal workpieces each formed as a tube; and moving the workpieces, one after another, sequentially forward through the stations and thereby transforming each workpiece into two of the electrical terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald G. Ungerer
  • Publication number: 20090038148
    Abstract: A system for removing connector pins from a backplane comprises at least two clamp plates and a plurality of pin plates coupled between the clamp plates, the pin plates configured to be positioned between adjacent rows of the connector pins. The system further comprises a tightening mechanism to tighten the clamp plates and the pin plates around the connector pins. In some embodiments, the system comprises a frame assembly configured to be positioned over the clamp plates, and configured to pull the clamp plates, the pin plates, and the connector pins off of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy Kevin Cloer
  • Publication number: 20090038149
    Abstract: A method of forming at least a portion of a cable comprises providing at least one conductor, extruding at least an inner layer of polymeric insulation over the at least one conductor to form a cable conductor core, embedding a plurality of conductors into the inner layer of the cable conductor core, and extruding an outer layer of polymeric insulation over the cable conductor core and the plurality of conductors and bonding the inner layer to the outer layer to form the cable and provide a contiguous bond between the inner layer, the conductors, and the outer layer, wherein embedding comprises heating a one of the inner layer and the conductors prior to embedding the conductors into the inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Varkey
  • Publication number: 20090038150
    Abstract: A method for producing a compressor comprises an aligning step and a welding step. The compressor includes a casing and an inside part that is housed in the casing. The casing includes a first portion on its inner surface, and the inside part includes a second portion. The second portion faces the first portion. In the aligning step, the first portion and the second portion are caused to face each other. In the laser welding step, laser light is applied to at least part of the portion where the first portion and the second portion face each other, whereby the casing and the inside part are laser-welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Kishikawa, Takashi Hirouchi, Mikio Kajiwara, Hiroyuki Yamaji, Satoshi Yamamoto, Mie Arai
  • Publication number: 20090038151
    Abstract: A method for use in repairing gas turbine engine components includes applying a stress to a first gas turbine engine component to cause surface cracking on the first gas turbine engine component and establishing a location of an elevated stress region of a second gas turbine engine component based upon the location of the surface cracking on the first gas turbine engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Ephraim C. Davis, Christopher J. Bischof
  • Publication number: 20090038152
    Abstract: A method for producing an ink-jet head includes forming a buffer layer on an upper surface of a vibration plate, and forming a piezoelectric precursor layer on an entire upper surface of a surface layer, the piezoelectric precursor layer being converted into a piezoelectric sheet. The buffer layer is formed of a material with which mutual diffusion between the piezoelectric precursor layer and the buffer layer is hardly caused as compared with mutual diffusion between the piezoelectric precursor layer and the vibration plate with which no buffer layer is provided. A stack, in which the buffer layer and the piezoelectric precursor layer are formed, is heated at a predetermined temperature, and the piezoelectric precursor layer is calcinated to form the piezoelectric sheet. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the piezoelectric member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Wakayama, Kazuo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090038153
    Abstract: A thermal spreading device disposable between electronic circuitry and a heat sink includes a substrate having parallel first and second faces and conduits extending through the substrate between the faces. The substrate material has a first thermal conductivity value in a direction parallel to the faces and a second thermal conductivity value in a direction normal to the faces, with the second thermal conductivity value being less than the first thermal conductivity value. The conduit material has a thermal conductivity value associated with it, with the thermal conductivity value being greater than the second thermal conductivity value of the substrate. One method of fabricating the thermal spreading device includes disposing a molding material radially about the rods and hardening the material. Other methods include press fitting and shrink fitting the rods into a substrate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, JR., Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20090038154
    Abstract: A thermal spreading device disposable between electronic circuitry and a heat sink includes a substrate having parallel first and second faces and conduits extending through the substrate between the faces. The substrate material has a first thermal conductivity value in a direction parallel to the faces and a second thermal conductivity value in a direction normal to the faces, with the second thermal conductivity value being less than the first thermal conductivity value. The conduit material has a thermal conductivity value associated with it, with the thermal conductivity value being greater than the second thermal conductivity value of the substrate. One method of fabricating the thermal spreading device includes disposing a molding material radially about the rods and hardening the material. Other methods include press fitting and shrink fitting the rods into a substrate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard C. Chu, Michael J. Ellsworth, JR., Robert E. Simons
  • Publication number: 20090038155
    Abstract: A method of assembling a syngas cooler is provided. The method includes coupling at least one cooling tube within the syngas cooler, wherein the at least one cooling tube includes an inner surface that defines a flow passage therethrough, an opposite outer surface, and at least one cooling fin extending outward from the outer surface, and orienting the at least one cooling tube such that the at least one cooling fin is in flow communication within a syngas flow passage defined in the syngas cooler, wherein the cooling fin facilitates enhancing heat transfer between fluid flowing in the at least one cooling tube and a syngas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Judeth Helen Brannon Corry
  • Publication number: 20090038156
    Abstract: In a method of making a tubular support bar for a dashboard support, a sheet metal blank is placed in a first forming tool and pressed in a first shaping step by a ram into a U-shaped cavity of a first bottom die to form a U-shaped member. While remaining in the first bottom die, the U-shaped member is provided with connecting elements in the form of weld nuts by a automated placement device. Subsequently, the U-shaped member is transferred to a second forming tool and undergoes a second shaping step between a top die and a second bottom die to form a slotted tube. The longitudinal edges of the slotted tube are then joined together to form the support bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: ANDREAS HITZ, Hans-Jurgen Knaup
  • Publication number: 20090038157
    Abstract: A cold forming process for manufacturing ball pivots with a ball area, a cone area and a thread area for installation in ball and socket joints by cold forming is presented, in which a ball pivot blank (1) with a shaped cone area (3) and cylindrical areas for the thread (2) and the ball (5) is manufactured at first from a bar-shaped semifinished bar stock by extrusion. The extrusion operation is followed by the forming of the ball area as another manufacturing step by means of a rolling processes. At the same time, the thread area can be formed in its final shape. Thus, the ball pivot is manufactured as a whole by cold forming only and it makes it possible to significantly increase the production output per unit of time compared to the processes known from the state of the art. At the same time, it is possible to use less expensive grades of steel, because sufficient fatigue strength of the ball pivot can be guaranteed by the cold forming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2004
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jochen Kruse, Klaus Rosenberger
  • Publication number: 20090038158
    Abstract: A pipe cutting supplemental apparatus and method prevents thin-walled pipe from collapsing when being cut with a standard pinch roll cutter. The tool may be embodied as a solid cylindrical insert, or a hollow cylindrical sleeve, or an expandable, segmented body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Graybeal
  • Publication number: 20090038159
    Abstract: An apparatus facilitating a cutting operation includes a knife; and a hand-mountable cutting board utensil. The utensil includes: a cutting board for disposition between the thumb and an index finger of the hand, the cutting board having an exposed cutting surface for orienting toward the index finger and a second surface for orienting toward the thumb; and a retainer having two lateral sides and being configured to receive and releasably retain the thumb along a longitudinal length of the retainer. The cutting board includes portions that extend transversely to a direction defined by the longitudinal length respectively beyond the two lateral sides of the retainer, each portion having exposed, oppositely facing front and back surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jackson Wells WHITE, Thomas James Philpott, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Publication number: 20090038160
    Abstract: A utility knife includes a slidably retractable knife blade, which is moving into and out of the knife body by a sliding mechanism on the side of the body. The knife blade is held by a carrier and secured to the carrier by a two-pronged lever, where a shorter one of the prongs is moved within a slot in the knife blade to secure the blade. The blade is released by pressing the longer one of the prongs to move the shorter prong out of the slot. A light in the body is located below the knife blade to enable the user to illuminate a work area while using the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph L. Pomerantz
  • Publication number: 20090038161
    Abstract: The apparatus provides a cutting device, particularly adapted for cutting a moving length of zipper material in the manufacture of reclosable packages. Upper and lower opposed stationary blades are provided thereby providing opposed cutting edges. A reciprocating blade, with upper and lower cutting surfaces, reciprocates within a slot immediately adjacent to the stationary blades, thereby allowing the reciprocating blade to cut on both its upward and downward reciprocating strokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Publication number: 20090038162
    Abstract: A lopper comprises a slender rod and a pruning means mounted on a top of the rod. The slender rod is composed of an inner tube and an outer tube telescoped mutually such that the inner tube is shiftable in the outer tube for changing the length it jutting out from the outer tube. An extension-control unit is provided at the border region between the inner tube and the outer tube for positioning the inner tube. A first actuating unit and a second actuating unit are provided at the outer surface of the outer tube. The first and second actuating units are connected with the pruning means through a first rope, a second rope and a third rope so that when a user pulls the first or second actuating unit, a shear assembly of the pruning means can be closed to cut branches and leaves of plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Su-Hua Shan
  • Publication number: 20090038163
    Abstract: A weed trimmer apparatus having a head defining at least one side wall, the side wall forming one or more apertures therethrough, and one or more line retention members for retaining one or more trimmer lines. The line retention members are operatively connected to the head, wherein each line retention member is sized and configured to extend through a loop of at least one trimmer line during operation of the weed trimmer apparatus and wherein each line retention member is dynamically connected to the head to allow for installation and removal of the loop of trimmer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Orlando Jerez, Orlando Jerez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090038164
    Abstract: A battery powered dual blade knife that includes a handle having an interior cavity for containing one or more batteries. The batteries can be removably positioned at the rear portion of the handle. The cavity of the handle includes an electric motor that is generally positioned in the front region of the handle. A pair of blades is connected to the front portion of the handle and is designed to be moved relative to one another by the electric motor. The handle can be designed to waterproof one or more internal components of the knife to protect the one or more internal components from water damage. The knife can include a blade stabilization arrangement for the knife blades and/or mounts for the knife blades to facilitate in the movement of the knife blades and/or mounts for the knife blades when the motor causes the knife blades and/or mounts for the knife blades to move relative to one another. The knife can include an enhanced motor configuration in improve the operation of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Marc L. Vitantonio, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Douglas E. Whitner, Brian V. Sokol
  • Publication number: 20090038165
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a blade, a jaw pivotally connected to the blade, an anvil secured to the jaw, an angle-adjusting element pivotally connected to the anvil and at least one positioning device provided on the indicator. The anvil includes marks for indicating different angles at which a piece of work is to be cut by the blade and cutouts in the edge corresponding to the marks. The angle-adjusting element includes at least one indicator for pointing at one of the marks of the anvil. The positioning device is movable between a locking position in a selected one of the cutouts for locking the angle-adjusting element to the anvil and an unlocking position away from the cutouts for allowing the pivoting of the angle-adjusting element on the anvil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Chien-Hsun Lai
  • Publication number: 20090038166
    Abstract: This invention employs a serrated or scalloped edge (7) on the undercutter of an electric razor to enhance the shaving performance. This improvement is achieved by promoting hair capture and retention and reducing the cutting forces required to sever the hair. The serrations and/or scallops (9) help retain the captured hair, thereby increasing hair cutting efficiency. They also reduce the tendency for the hair to “roll” along the edge of the foil aperture until it is trapped in the aperture angle; this promotes a closer shave. A serrated edge can be generated by various methods. In this disclosure, several possible methods are described. The preferred method of fabrication is to generate a weld bead on the outer surface of an undercutter blade and grind back the bead to generate sharp edges along the weld bead. In doing so, the weld bead produces a serrated pattern. The geometry of the serration is determined by the geometry of the weld bead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: THE GILLETTE COMPANY
    Inventors: Trevor John Crichton, Terence Gordon Royle
  • Publication number: 20090038167
    Abstract: A wet shaving razor has a handle, a razor cartridge pivotally mounted to the handle and a protective cover. The handle may be a unitary molding or an assembly including a pivot frame. The handle has a biasing member and a creep control arm that controls creep in the biasing member. The creep control arm interacts with the protective cover to provide a first at-rest position for the cartridge. The biasing member interacts with the cartridge to provide a second at-rest position when the protective cover is removed from the razor. The first at-rest position may be generally identical to the second at-rest position or may be different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY INC.
    Inventors: Mark Peyser, Paul A. Skibo
  • Publication number: 20090038168
    Abstract: A digital protractor for measuring angular displacement from a referenced surface includes a substantially congruent pair of pivotally interconnected upper and lower arms, which arms are superposable upon one another. Each arm has a pair of substantially parallel engagement edges extending longitudinally of the arm. One of the arms is engagable along an engagement edge thereof with the reference surface. A capacitive sensor is secured to the lower arm and a digital readout device is secured to the upper arm for operatively cooperating with the capacitive sensor to measure and display the angular displacement from the arm engaging the reference surface to the other arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Barry Douglas Wixey
  • Publication number: 20090038169
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a thickness of a lens includes a plurality of first touch heads, a base, a plurality of second touch heads and a driving mechanism. The first touch heads each has a first curved contact surface for coming into contact with a first surface of the lens. The first curved contact surfaces have different curvatures for being selectively mated with the first surface of the lens. The base is configured for selectively mounting one of the first touch heads thereon. The second touch heads each has a second curved contact surface for coming into contact with a second surface of the lens. The second curved contact surfaces have different curvatures for being selectively mated with the second surface of the lens. The driving mechanism is configured for driving the mounted second touch head to move relative to the mounted first touch head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHUN-YU LEE
  • Publication number: 20090038170
    Abstract: Finding the exact point of nail/screw insertion for mounting furniture or hanging pictures is not as easy as simply pounding in the nail or screwing in the screw. Present mounting aid provides a versatile device that can be easily attached to the cord, the sawtooth, or any apparatus at the back of furniture/picture, so that marking a desired point becomes easy and straightforward, without the effort of measuring size and calculating the mid point between two edges and oftentimes still resulting in pictures looking tilted or crooked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Tung Feng Shyr
  • Publication number: 20090038171
    Abstract: An alignment tool for assembly of a microprocessor board to a server chassis includes a peg hole portion receptive of a first peg of the server chassis and at least one filler tab insertable between the first peg and a secondary hole of the microprocessor board. The alignment tool further includes an orientation hole portion receptive of a second peg of the server chassis, and connected to the peg hole portion. A method of aligning the server chassis to the microprocessor board utilizing the alignment tool includes placing the alignment tool with the peg hole portion over the first peg and an orientation hole portion over a second peg. The microprocessor board, including a secondary hole, is placed over the server chassis such that the secondary hole is placed over the first peg. At least one filler tab of the alignment tool is inserted into a gap between the first peg and the secondary hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric A. Eckberg, Seth D. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20090038172
    Abstract: A combination tape measure and hammer includes a tape measure having an extendible tape for measuring distances, and a hammer attached to the tape measure. The tape measure includes a housing with an outer surface and the hammer conforms to the outer surface of the housing. The outer surface of the housing is curved and an underside of the hammer is curved for conforming to the curved outer surface of the housing. The hammer includes a head and a claw extending rearwardly from the head. The outer surface of the housing has a depression formed therein that is aligned with the claw. The claw is a forked claw including a first tine and a second tine spaced from the first tine. The depression formed in the outer surface of the housing is aligned with the first and second tines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony B. Caldi
  • Publication number: 20090038173
    Abstract: A clothes drier comprises: a body; a drum rotatably installed at the body; a hot air supply unit configured to supply hot air into the drum; a heat exchanger configured to dehumidify air exhausted from the drum; a pipe unit configured to supply water to the heat exchanger and collect water from the heat exchanger; and a freeze damage preventing unit installed on the pipe unit. The clothes drier is provided with the freeze damage preventing unit configured to partially or completely discharge out water remaining in the heat exchanger after the clothes drier is stopped. Accordingly, freeze damage of the heat exchanger during winter time is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Seung-Phyo AHN, Sang-Ik Lee, Byeong-Jo Ryoo, Sung-Ho Song, Jeong-Yun Kim, Yang-Hwan Kim, Jae-Hyuk Wee, Dong-Hyun Kim, Yoon-Seob Eom, Yang-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090038174
    Abstract: A multi layered kitchen utensil dryer is provided comprising at least one layer of porous absorbent material enveloped by at least one sheet material, said sheet material being secured to the absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Dar-Style Consultants & More Ltd.
    Inventor: Dvorah Hoffman-Lubitch
  • Publication number: 20090038175
    Abstract: The invention relates to a household appliance for the care of items of laundry, in particular, a clothes dryer, with an air-guiding device arranged in the region of the rear side of the household appliance, the air-guiding device having a flow duct which has two opposite open end regions. A fan device is arranged on one end region and a fan cover is positioned in such a manner that at least the fan device is covered by the fan cover and at least the fan device is covered in a double-walled manner in the region facing away from the household appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Ziemann
  • Publication number: 20090038176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dryer, especially multi-level throughflow dryer for preferably plate-shaped products. The invention essentially aims to achieve a considerable improvement of the drying air guidance and a uniform residual moisture in all products (8) at the end of the drying process, while maintaining the per se known axial blower arrangement, per each dryer zone (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Alfred Dotzler, Anton Hecht
  • Publication number: 20090038177
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for thermally de-coating and/or drying coated and/or contaminated materials. The apparatus comprises at least one support, an oven (10) mounted to each support and adapted for receiving material to be treated: each oven (10) being moveable between a first position in which a first portion (4) is generally higher than a second portion (6) and a second position in which the second portion (6) is generally higher than the first portion (4) and in use, the or each oven (10) is repeatedly moved between first and second positions to move material within the oven. The apparatus including at least one afterburner (22) for generating a stream of hot gasses and conduit means for directing the stream of hot gasses into a treatment zone of the oven and exhaust means for returning the gasses to the at least one afterburner whereby the or each oven does not include an integral afterburner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Ophneill Henry Perry, Rifat Alchalabi
  • Publication number: 20090038178
    Abstract: A clothes drier comprises a dehumidifying unit configured to dehumidify air exhausted from the drum, and to control an amount of water to be supplied thereto according to a drying level of clothes. As an amount of water supplied to the dehumidifying unit is controlled according to a drying level of clothes, a water consumption amount is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Seung-Phyo AHN, Sang-Ik LEE, Byeong-Jo RYOO, Sung-Ho SONG, Jeong-Yun KIM, Yang-Hwan KIM, Jae-Hyuk WEE, Dong-Hyun KIM, Yoon-Seob EOM, Yang-Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20090038179
    Abstract: A massage shoe equipped with germanium includes an outsole and a shoe pad made from high polymers (such as rubber or plastics). The outsole has a recess at the top surface surrounded by a flange to hold the shoe pad. The shoe pad has a plurality of bosses of different shapes formed at the top thereof. Each of the bosses has a plurality of massage bulged spots formed at the top surface. At least one of the bosses (or all) contains germanium which can radiate infrared light to provide massage and healthcare effect to users wearing the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Sung-Ho Chen
  • Publication number: 20090038180
    Abstract: A dynamic cushioning assembly to be used on beds, seats, backrests, shoes or any other surfaces where a portion of a body is subjected to prolonged contact and pressure with a support surface. The arrangement is comprised of a pattern of spherical elastic lugs cooperating with an upper, elastomeric layer. When a force is applied to the upper layer, the cooperation of the lugs with the upper layer create an uneven but soft surface having undulating zone of higher and lower resistance which serve to enhance blood circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Emil Jacob
  • Publication number: 20090038181
    Abstract: A footwear with detachable straps having a sole member shaped like a foot with a toe portion and a heel portion, at least one strap member with at least two end portions, a toe separation member, and at least one attachment device which allows wearers to easily detach the strap member and ether reverse and reattach the same strap member or attach an entirely different strap member to the sole member to provide a myriad of different footwear. A pedicure footwear with detachable straps includes a sole member shaped like a foot with a toe portion and a heel portion, at least one strap member with at least two end portions, a toe separation member, and at least one attachment device which allows wearers to slip their toes through the straps without risk of ruining freshly polished toenails and to walk immediately after a pedicure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Deirdre Loughnane
  • Publication number: 20090038182
    Abstract: A shoe is described, which has a means for the wearer to determine and monitor his or her body weight by way of a specially designed built-in scale. The measurement of the wearer's weight will be registered by standing still for a set period of time (usually a few seconds) with both feet parallel to one another, approximately shoulder width apart, actuating sensors placed within the weight bearing areas of the soles of the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Maris J. Lans, Margarita V. Lans
  • Publication number: 20090038183
    Abstract: A shoe ventilation system for footwear that includes a shoe and a shoe ventilation device. The shoe includes a fitting for connecting to a pressurized air or gas source, such as refrigerated air from a refrigeration source, and the shoe ventilation device includes a fitting to connect to the shoe and a user-actuated valve for controlling the flow of air or gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald G. Weglin
  • Publication number: 20090038184
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for heating the handle(s) of power equipment using exhaust produced by an internal combustion engine, including a machine powered by an internal combustion engine, an operator grippable handle, with an interior, and a tubular structure routing the exhaust produced by the internal combustion engine to the interior of the handle. One or more adjustable apertures provide regulation of exhaust in communication with the interior of the handle, wherein the heating of the handle is selectably controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Rodion Kornienko
  • Publication number: 20090038185
    Abstract: A valve switch unit has a detector configured to detect an input, such as current, from a machine controller. The valve switch unit also has a switching circuit configured to switch control of the one or more valves an automatic controller to the machine controller if the input from the machine controller exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current detected exceeds the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control from the automatic controller to the machine controller. In a similar fashion, when the current falls below the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control back to the automatic controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Winistoerfer, Gregory D. Chiocco
  • Publication number: 20090038186
    Abstract: An extendable frame work vehicle offering enhanced versatility, safety and effectiveness. The vehicle includes an adjustable frame with front and rear portions that extend or retract with respect to each other. The front portion is supported by a first pair of wheels and said rear portion is supported by a second pair of wheels. Each wheel is independently driven and steered. The vehicle also includes an engine mounted on the rear portion of the frame. Incorporated into the vehicle is an electro-hydraulic assembly which enables extension and retraction of the adjustable frame. The assembly includes a sensor-responsive microprocessor controller, at least one hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic drive motor, and at least one valve network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Extendquip, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Osswald, Walter A. Osswald, Marcus F. Dack, Kenneth Buelt, Thomas E. Price, JR., Alan Severns, Jeffrey A. Wierschke, Joe A. Racz, David R. Bauer, Justin D. Gasal
  • Publication number: 20090038187
    Abstract: One embodiment of a bobblehead sign display contains a body portion (12) and a head portion made up of head substrates (10 and 11). Head substrates (10 and 11) are joined together by head spacers (14 and 15) using an adhesive or reusable fastener. An elastic cord (16) spans a distance between head spacers (15). A support rod (13) is rigidly attached to the body substrate (12). The weight of the assembled head portion is supported by the support rod (13) via a connection to the elastic cord (16). Graphics may be affixed to the outer surfaces of 10, 11 and 12, which will be viewable to spectators around the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Aaron Yut-Ming Moy
  • Publication number: 20090038188
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a decorative apparatus for presenting visual images having the appearance of motion constructed of a front panel picture member mounted to a rear panel housing. The front panel picture member is a rectangular glass pane painted on the front face to define a transparent window and a translucent photographic picture mounted on a rear face of the planar member and framed by a border painted on the front face. The rear panel housing has a drive motor mounted to the housing which is connected to a rotatable driving roller which is also mounted to the housing. A driven roller is mounted to the housing oriented parallel to driving roller with an endless loop of transparent film having random designs applied thereon engaging the rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Shiqi Zhu
  • Publication number: 20090038189
    Abstract: A composition relating to the field of signage, comprising of one or more layers of panel and sections therein, which are stacked uniformly with various inclusions or exclusions on, in or adjacent to the panels and with a light source placed parallel to an edge of each panel. When illuminated, there is a light effect of animation visible on the front surface of the sign which is created by the inclusions and articles within the composition and varying the illumination of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Estrakon Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert Jan Karl Boks
  • Publication number: 20090038190
    Abstract: A door opening indicator device comprising a signaler that uses a color code based on the color red and the color green for an anticipated arrangement of people accessing through them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Fernando OYARZUN SCHOLTBACH
  • Publication number: 20090038191
    Abstract: A system uses a large loop antenna, connected with a transceiver operating below 1 MHz. The loop antenna is deployed from a spool to surround a crime scene, and may carry indicia communicating that it is a crime scene boundary. The system interrogates devices, including evidence bags and badged personnel, as they enter and leave the scene. The system can optionally log the time of salient events. A second loop antenna can log evidence bags as they enter a vehicle. The devices can be silenced by the transceiver and thus collisions can be reduced and avoided among responses from devices. The system performs “area reads” that would not be possible if higher RF frequencies were employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Visible Asset, Inc
    Inventors: Paul Waterhouse, John K. Stevens, Jason August, Jessica L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20090038192
    Abstract: Disclosed is a banner stand adapted to attach to and detach from a glassy surface. The banner stand includes a vacuum suction plate made of a soft material, a suction latching protrusion protruding from the vacuum suction plate; a lower support having a slanted lateral wall portion formed along a peripheral edge of an upper end of a base ring portion, the slanted lateral wall portion having operation ribs extending thereon at an interval; a suction plate operation member having rib guide protrusions guided on the operation ribs, a suction latching protrusion support, and a ball joint coupler; and a pole support having a pair of ball joints positioned on a bottom surface of a body so as to be coupled to the ball joint coupler of the suction plate operation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Cheol-Seok Woo
  • Publication number: 20090038193
    Abstract: A signboard apparatus with scent diffusing function comprises a case including a containing space for accommodating the signboard and the scent material laminate; A plurality of scent diffusing pores are disposed in array of ventilating holes on the outer edge of the case so that it evaporates the odor of the scent material laminate out to purify and refresh the air in the surrounding closed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Hsin-Lin Liu, Jingshi Lin
  • Publication number: 20090038194
    Abstract: A kit for use in securing a vehicular handicap permit to the interior of a vehicle windshield so that the permit is visible through the windshield includes a strip having Velcro on one side and a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the opposite side. The kit also includes a permit holder with pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side and a Velcro strip on the opposite side. The holder is secured to the permit by folding the holder so that two sections of the adhesive coating face one another and pressing the two sections against two sides of the permit adjacent to edges of the permit. The Velcro on the exposed side of the holder may then be secured to the Velcro on the strip, which is attached to the windshield by its pressure-sensitive coating so that the permit hangs downwardly behind the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Binder, James L. Gerback