Patents Issued in December 24, 2009
  • Publication number: 20090313736
    Abstract: A helmet in which the material thickness is optimized to utilize multiple defeat mechanisms against a range of threats and to provide varying levels of protection in different areas based on the expected distribution and orientation of threats. Threat types as well as likely threat locations are both used to determine optimal material types and thickness at different points on the helmet to provide the user with the greatest overall level of personal protection possible with a helmet of a given maximum weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Robert William Kocher, David Edward Simon
  • Publication number: 20090313737
    Abstract: A baseball batter's improved grip enhancing Pow'rPad™ device providing therapeutic vibration sting-absorption, which in critically configured for use upon one's upper/batting-hand, while primarily employing the forefinger but optionally including the adjacent middle-finger for positioning stability. The user's two fingers are fully inserted (with or without a conventional batting-glove) through a pair of intimately fitting spaced apart holes provided into a resiliently flexile preferably frothed-neoprene roll-stock material, clad on both sides with reinforcing nylon/stretch-fabric. An integral bolster cushion portion is arranged distally opposite the finger-holes, formed via a circular-wrap of the pad material around an extruded-core of resilient material. This constitutes the primary performance enhancing feature, whereby both ‘advanced bat positioning’, and advantageous ‘rebound-effect’ is provided; —enabling the batter to hit a ball further with greater control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: J. Robert Richard
  • Publication number: 20090313738
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical shaped thumb brace consisting of a back and a palm which are made from flexible materials so that the invention can be repeatedly bent to move with the thumb for flexibility, without fracturing. The thumb brace has a curved diameter at one end and an opening at another end to form a sleeve encasing to allow a thumb to be inserted for thumb support and protection while using video game controller devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Aquito Carl Young
  • Publication number: 20090313739
    Abstract: A sleeve holder for maintaining a garment sleeve in a rolled or gathered condition on the wearer's forearm above the wrist, is disclosed. The sleeve holding device comprises an elongated body of a truncated cone shape having opposite ends. The narrower end includes an elastic core located within its interior defined by a cover. The elastic core has a relaxed length and a relatively longer stretched length in response to an applied tensile force. The opposite end of the sleeve holding device is wider in circumference than the elastic core, creating a pocket where the sleeve of the garment is held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Barbara Doran
  • Publication number: 20090313740
    Abstract: A camouflage system to be used for both military uniforms and equipment. The system includes specialized means of printing the camouflage system unto fabric. The system can also be used for civilian applications, particularly with sportsman hunters. The system provides camouflage in both the human visible light range and the infrared. The system depends on the use of a macro-pattern resulting from a repeat of a micro-pattern. When applied to fabric, a polyamide-cotton fiber blend has a macro pattern resulting from a repeat of a micro pattern printed on at least one surface. The coloring system used comprises at least four colorings from dyes that in combination produce a percent reflectance value comparable to the negative space of the surroundings near the camouflaged subject. The system functions by a macro pattern being disruptive of the shape of the subject and a micro pattern comprising sharp edge units of a size capable of blending the subject into the background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Luisa DeMorais Santos, Deirdre E. Townes, Gabriel R. Patricio, Carole Ann Winterhalter, Anabela Dugas, Timothy R. O'Neill, Rosemary Ann Lomba, Barbara J. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20090313741
    Abstract: Wearing apparel which helps to manage autistic children by preventing them from removing the wearing apparel once they are placed in the wearing apparel. The wearing apparel is made from a soft cotton material and has an opening through which the wearing apparel is placed onto or removed from the child. The opening is the only way the wearing apparel can be donned or removed. A closure mechanism allows the opening to be open for passage of the child into or out of the wearing apparel when in the open configuration and to close the opening to prevent the passage of the child into or out of the wearing apparel when in the closed configuration. The closure is located where the child cannot reach it once the wearing apparel is donned whereby once the child is dressed, the child cannot disrobe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Verna Hyman, Christy Joyce
  • Publication number: 20090313742
    Abstract: A golf glove is provided having inelastic material that defines a plurality of perforations having a diameter of less than about 2 mm spaced substantially throughout both a palmar side and a dorsal side of the glove. The perforations enhance dissipation of heat and moisture out of the glove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Gathering Storm LLC d/b/a TMAX Gear
    Inventor: Bryan Smeltzer
  • Publication number: 20090313743
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an article of clothing comprising pants having a waistband and at least one front pocket is provided. The article of clothing includes a saggy pants control system having a pocket handle affixed and concealed within a respective one pocket. The pocket handle is configured for grasping discreetly by the wearer to prevent the pants from falling down, pull the pants up or pull the pants down. In another embodiment, the saggy pants control system includes a waistband handle in lieu of a pocket handle. The saggy pants control system may include a combination of one or more pocket handles and one or more waistband handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Craig Jason Hofmeyer
  • Publication number: 20090313744
    Abstract: A decorative element (7) including a multitude of gems, wherein the gems are distributed on an adhesive layer and are held by the adhesive layer and wherein the adhesive layer (2) is applied on an elongate body (1) whose longitudinal extent is a multiple greater than its cross-sectional periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Bernhard Hofer
  • Publication number: 20090313745
    Abstract: Disclosed is a face protector (100) configured to be rotated upward and downward while being coupled to coupling pieces (12) provided at opposite sides of a helmet (10), so as to protect the wearer's face. The face protector includes a body (120) for protecting the wearer's face, a pair of coupling units (140) configured to be fixedly coupled to both the coupling pieces of the safety helmet, respectively, and a plurality of links (160a,160b) used to connect the coupling units to opposite rear ends of the body, respectively, so as to restrict rotation of the body. The face protector has the effects of preventing the wearer's head from colliding with any object above the head in a narrow space, maximizing wearing convenience of the protector with a low wind-resistance and negligible weight-deflection, and guaranteeing easy and convenient use of the protector by preventing the protector from being unintentionally rotated downward by a weight thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicants: Korea Electric Power Corporation, Otostech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nae-Goog Kang, Chi-Kyo Jung, Moon-Young Huh, Jae-Sik Yoo
  • Publication number: 20090313746
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety goggles structure having a frame connecting portion, a frame latch portion, two frame snap-in portions, a lens connecting portion, a lens latch portion, two lens snap-in portions and two elastic buckles to mount a lens onto a frame for achieving the effect of securely connecting the frame and the lens or improving their connecting stability. With an upper guide channel slantingly and concavely disposed on the frame and a lower guide channel vertically up-and-down and concavely disposed on the frame, gases and liquids can pass through without producing fogs and accumulating liquid on the lens, and foreign substances cannot enter into the safety goggles easily to cause any safety issue. With the design of an upper gutter on the frame, liquid splashed onto the safety goggles can flow along either side of the upper gutter to prevent liquid accumulation or leaking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: T-LINK PPE LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Chun Wang
  • Publication number: 20090313747
    Abstract: The submarine escape suit has a hood (14) covering the head of a wearer during ascent from a submarine. In order to allow the wearer to expose his/her face, the hood (14) is provided with a portion (21) overlying the face of a wearer that is releasable from the remainder of the hood (14). The releasable portion (21) may be re-attachable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: SURVITEC GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard C. Taylor, Steve Littler, Robert J. Prendergast
  • Publication number: 20090313748
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an integrated monitoring and multichannel communication system for the management of rescue teams, especially those fighting forest fires, comprising a suit (1), worn by all operational suited units in the terrain; and electronic system (2); a telecommunication system (4) and an information system (3). The suit integrates fireproof, waterproof, heatproof and impact resistant materials, which as a unit integrate, protect and ease access to the electronic system. The electronic system (2) collects biometric and location data from the operational suited units in the terrain, transmitting said data to a panel located in the back of the suit. The telecommunications system (4) sends the biometric, orientation and location data, in real-time through an Ultra High Frequency network, to a computer integrated into a support vehicle, which in its turn sends the data, via terrestrial or satellite communications, to a server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: YDREAMS INFORMATICA, S.A.
    Inventors: Tiago Benard Guedes Lopes Da Fonseca, Pedro Miguel Henriques Matos, Miguel Nuno Da Silva Leal Rios, Nuno Miguel Goncalves Borges Carvalho, Pedro Miguel Ferreira Claro, Mario Rui Santos, Jose Miguel Rodrigues Remedio, Antao Bastos Carrico Vaz De Almada, Bruno Miguel Santos Serras, David Jose Matos Palma, Ivan De Almeida Soares Franco
  • Publication number: 20090313749
    Abstract: The E-Z Lift is designed to provide consumers a convenient, hands free method of lifting and lowering the toilet seat. Manufactured of heavy duty injection molded plastic, sleek stainless steel, or fancy polished wooden material. The E-Z Lift is a flat, “T” shaped unit, with the extended handle measuring several inches in length and approximately 1? in width, configured specifically so that the horizontal support plate would be easily mounted to the underside of the toilet seat. The E-Z Lift would provide consumers a simple, yet cleaver means of lifting and lowering the toilet seat. The E-Z Lift would protect the user from coming into contact with germs and bacteria that are often found on the underside and top of the toilet seat. The E-Z Lift could be secured to the underside of the seat by way of self-adhesive gluestrips, or fasteners included for sale with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard Harold Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20090313750
    Abstract: A flush toilet device has a toilet body having a bowl section, rim water discharge opening, a jet water discharge opening, and a discharge water trap conduit. A pressurizing pump is provided for pressurizing flush water contained in a cistern to supply it to the jet water discharge opening. A pump controller regulates the operation and rotation speed of the pressurizing pump to regulate the flow speed and flow rate of flush water discharged from the jet water discharge opening so that flush water at a first flow rate for generating a siphon effect is discharged and then at a second flow rate is discharged at the end of the siphon effect generated by the first flow rate. The second flow rate having a flow speed that can carry away human wastes and causes the siphon effect to continue by closing the cross section of any portion of the discharge water trap conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Mayu Okubo, Yoshikazu Ushijima, Yuichi Sato, Yoshinobu Kato, Ryosuke Hayashi, Shinji Shibata
  • Publication number: 20090313751
    Abstract: A thermal spa cover assembly [1000] includes an improved thermal spa cover [1100] having a first part [1111] and a second part which is held together with a hinge [1150], for sealing and retaining heat from a tub [130]. Cover [1100] is made of thermal insulation material to reduce conductive heat loss. It also employs a central gasket [1151] fits inside of the hinge [1150] and is attached to the first part [1111] to minimize gaps and heat loss. End gaskets [1157] are employed at the ends of the hinge [1150] to provide a better seal at the tub, spa cover interface. This seal is slightly wider than the openings, but is compressible to seal in the openings. A shield [1170] is attached to the upper side of the cover [1100] extending downward over the spa cover [1100] and the tub sides 135. It fits tightly around the full perimeter of the tub [1130]. Tie-downs sewn on top of the cover [1100] secure the cover [1100] to the spa tub [130]; further preventing warmed air from escaping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Lynda Livingston
  • Publication number: 20090313752
    Abstract: A drying device in accordance with the invention is characterized by including: an air blowing portion for blowing pressurized air so as to dry a surface to be dried by a jet of pressurized air whose abutment area to the surface to be dried is narrower than the surface to be dried; and a moving unit for moving the air blowing portion while the jet is being blown such that the jet blown from the air blowing portion sequentially sweeps a substantially entire surface of the surface to be dried, wherein the moving unit includes a first moving device for moving the air blowing portion in a state in which a blowing direction of the jet is being maintained so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to a moving direction of the air blowing portion and a second moving device for moving the air blowing portion in a direction different from that of the moving direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keijirou Kunimoto, Hideki Ohno, Shigeru Shirai, Yoshiharu Shimada
  • Publication number: 20090313753
    Abstract: A hydraulically or pneumatically powered toilet assist lift device for use by disabled persons is described that includes a frame having a forward end and a rearward end for placement around a toilet commode, the frame having a lower frame portion for attachment to the floor surface that supports the commode and an upper frame portion hingedly attached to the lower frame portion at the forward end thereof, a toilet seat attached to the upper frame portion, and a pair of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders interconnecting the upper frame portion with the lower frame portion at the rearward end thereof whereby operation the cylinders rotates the upper frame portion between a lowered position and a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Carl Russell Campbell, John A. Riley
  • Publication number: 20090313754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for evacuating a person lying on a mattress, comprising a central portion having two opposite long sides and two opposite short sides, which sides substantially correspond to those of a mattress with which the device is used, said device comprising wrapping means for wrapping the mattress and a person lying thereon, said wrapping means comprising an at least partially flexible wrapping element having two projecting parts which each extend from underneath a respective long side of the mattress in the wrapping position, and fastening means for fastening the two projecting parts together when forming the envelope, wherein said at least one flexible wrapping element of the device according to the invention comprises a first wrapping sheet on a first long side of the central portion. The invention further relates to a method for evacuating a person lying on a mattress by means of such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Johannes Petrus Cornelis Maria Smoor, Petrus Hubertus Gerardus Maria Hezemans
  • Publication number: 20090313755
    Abstract: A mesh crib bumper enclosure having four connected vertical mesh fabric panel sections installed in a crib by suspending it from the top and bottom corners and securing it to the crib's four corner posts, the same way ropes are suspended in a boxing ring. The mesh crib bumper enclosure's four mesh fabric panels are stretched tightly between the four corner posts using a locking fastening means. The mesh fabric panels allow air to circulate through the crib, preventing the baby's exhaled carbon dioxide from building up in the crib cavity and the possibility of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Each of the taut mesh fabric panels acts a trampoline surface preventing a baby from impacting the crib's balusters or getting lodged between the crib's vertical balusters and rails. Each of the mesh crib bumper enclosure's four corners receives vertical support members for vertical compression structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: James W. Burrell, VI
  • Publication number: 20090313756
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the changing of a baby's soiled sanitary wear comprising a lamina (101) including a recess adapted to receive the torso of a baby whose soiled sanitary wear is to be changed and lamina-positioning means (103, 104) for positioning the lamina (101) transversely of and orthogonal to a base member (102) upon which the said baby can be laid, wherein the lamina positioning means comprises a pair of collapsible supports (103, 104) positioned on either side of each end of the lamina (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Digory Peter Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090313757
    Abstract: A harness system (20) comprising an endless loop (10) of material and a harness for holding a person in fixed position with respect to the endless loop of material. In use, the harness system is fitted around a mattress with the harness located on a sleeping face of the mattress. Upon revolution of the endless loop with respect to the mattress, the location of the harness on the sleeping face is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Sharon Walsh-Barltrop
  • Publication number: 20090313758
    Abstract: A hospital bed is disclosed. The bed includes at least one tiltable deck section, and a linkage assembly configured to facilitate tilting of the at least one deck section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz Ali Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steve A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey R. Welling, Eric R. Meyer, Jack Wilker, JR., David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
  • Publication number: 20090313759
    Abstract: A rescuing and carrying device comprises a supporting portion (1) made of flexible materials, handhold belts (2) made of flexible materials, safety belts (3) made of flexible materials and shoulder belts (5) made of flexible materials. The handhold belts (2), the safety belts (3) and the shoulder belts (5) are fixed on the supporting portion (1) respectively. With being made of flexible materials, the rescuing and carrying device is light and can be folded into smaller one. Additionally, it is convenient for storing and using on battle field or at home. Furthermore, the rescuing and carrying device can be stored under the mattress when not in use and be used as rescuing tools when emergency by fastening the safety belt, especially suitable for battle field or countryside hospital and clinics. With shoulder belts, the present rescuing and carrying device can be lifted or carried on the shoulders of the carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Cho Kee Wong
  • Publication number: 20090313760
    Abstract: A support cushion for supporting a person (e.g. a pregnant woman) lying on their side includes a first cushion part configured to support the person's back, a second cushion part spaced-apart from the first cushion part and configured to support the front of the person's abdomen and/or the person's legs, and a connecting part that connects the first cushion part to the second cushion part, the connecting part configured to extend under the person's side. The first and second cushion parts may be elongate and generally in the form of cylinders, and the connecting part may be in the form of a flexible cushioned panel. The second cushion part may support a pregnant woman's swollen abdomen and may extend between, and support, her legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Vanessa Robyn Blake, Stephen Francis Blake
  • Publication number: 20090313761
    Abstract: A method and device for developing a positional orientation sleep aspect (POSA) to enhance individual awareness of sleeping position to enable the individual located on a bed of fixed width to assume at least one preselected side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The method utilizes a pillow combination having a full transverse span shorter than the fixed width of the bed and including first and second elongate pillows tethered together in parallel orientation by an intermediate member for providing concurrent support at front and back sides of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Vaughn W. North, Myrna South North
  • Publication number: 20090313762
    Abstract: A cloth pad (5) intended to protect babies and small children from chewing on the rails of all types of cribs utilizing a soft and chew proof material to keep the wood or plastic (1) of a railing intact to prevent ingestion of debris or suffocation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jaclyn Marie Boutwell
  • Publication number: 20090313763
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed system that inflatably frames an inflatable mattress, to provide improved firmness, privacy, storage and bed-linen retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: David Joseph Cirjak
  • Publication number: 20090313764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to springs made from compositions comprising rubber, foam formulated therewith and resulting bedding products such as foam mattress or toppers as well as other cushioning elements in a bedding or a seating product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Latexco NV
    Inventor: Erik Deporte
  • Publication number: 20090313765
    Abstract: A self defense tool comprising a generally S-shaped tool having at one end thereof a ring portion for finger placement. The handle portion is used for holding the S-shaped tool and the handle portion is located between the ring portion and a blade portion. The blade portion has a tip portion at an opposite end of the S-shaped tool, which is used to apply pressure to specific areas of a person's body. The blade portion further comprises an inside curve portion near said handle portion for trapping and hooking capabilities. The tool can be in a solid form or in a foldable version such as a folding knife. Additional embodiments include LED strobe and/or steady-on lights and shock voltage capabilities and an automatic blade release trigger and locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Krudo
  • Publication number: 20090313766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment article and a method for treating a fabric by delivering one or more powdered benefit agents to a fabric in a tumble dryer and thus providing at least one fabric benefit such as sanitization and/or disinfection, whitening and/or stain removal to the fabric during the tumble drying process. The treatment article functions to dispense at least one powdered benefit agent to the fabric by means of a diffusing membrane having an average pore diameter such that the tumbling and/or heating action provided during the tumble drying process results in the delivery of an oxidant material in the form of a powdered benefit agent to the initially damp or wet fabric to provide at least one primary fabric benefit to the treated fabric. Optionally, a second and/or third benefit agent may additionally be included in the treatment article for simultaneous delivery of one or more additional fabric benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Nancy Ann Falk, Ricardo J. Leon, William L. Smith, Gregory van Buskirk
  • Publication number: 20090313767
    Abstract: A cordless handheld steamer comprising an interior chamber containing a steam generation unit and a water reservoir. The water reservoir generally encompasses the steam generation unit and the steam generation unit contains a heating element. A precise temperature control unit monitors the heating element's temperature to maintain an optimum steam producing temperature without overheating. The heating element is powered only by an on-board battery pack. A user determined amount of water is pumped from the water reservoir to the flash boiler chamber where the water is converted to steam and the steam travels through a plenum to a target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ANTIMICROBIAL TEST LABORATORIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dennis Tanner, Timothy Richard Hillsamer
  • Publication number: 20090313768
    Abstract: A composition and system for use in coloring hair and improving color retention properties in colored hair. The composition of the present invention preferably includes hair dye and a copolymer of isobutylmethacrylate and silicone grafted acrylate in isoparaffin, whereby these components are combined in an aqueous based, or alternatively, a nonaqueous based solution. The system includes the step of applying the hair coloring solution to the hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ali D. Ghannad
  • Publication number: 20090313769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dyeing composition comprising a fluorescent disulphide dye and to a method of dyeing keratin materials, with a lightening effect, that employs said composition. It likewise relates to new fluorescent disulphide dyes and to their uses in the lightening of keratin materials. This composition allows a particularly persistent lightening effect to be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Nicolas Daubresse, Andrew Greaves, Henri Samain
  • Publication number: 20090313770
    Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Corey A. Fleischer, William Russell Kraft, II, Alexander C. Boon
  • Publication number: 20090313771
    Abstract: One bridge pier, two bridge girders and two supporting rods are manufactured in an approximately vertical position. The supporting rods are connected to the top of the pier and to the bridge girders. The bridge girders are brought into the horizontal final position by raising the end points of the bridge girders, which end points are located beside the pier. Finally, the end points (9) of the bridge girders are connected to the pier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Johann Kollegger
  • Publication number: 20090313772
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an additive composition for dissolving hydrocarbons. The composition includes a peroxygen compound and surfactant compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Bullick Talley
  • Publication number: 20090313773
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush in which the brushing head moves in an elliptical motion such that, on the brushing stroke, the bristles are proximate the teeth, and in the recovery portion of the cycle the bristles are pulled away from the teeth. A position sensitive switch automatically switches from a forward to a reverse operation of the electric motor, depending on the positioning of the toothbrush in a user's hand, allowing the user to brush both the upper and lower teeth using a stroke carrying the bristles from the gum line to the ends of the teeth, as is recommended by dental professionals, without having to move the toothbrush from hand to hand or manually move the switch from the forward to the reverse positions. A bridge pad engages the face of the teeth, maintaining a proper distance between the teeth and bristles during the elliptical rotation of the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Ehsan Filsouf
  • Publication number: 20090313774
    Abstract: The head of a toothbrush includes a first tuft block having bristles and a second tuft block having bristles. The first and second tuft blocks are mounted for counter-rotational or counter-rotational oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the head. The toothbrush head also includes a third section having bristles extending outwardly from the head to provide an extended field of bristles to support an elongated ribbon of toothpaste and for enhanced cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
  • Publication number: 20090313775
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grains-removing device for a lauter tun on which at least one grains-removing member is provided which can be adjusted between a raised neutral position and a lowered grains-removing position, wherein the spent grains can be conveyed out of the lauter tun by rotationally driving the grains-removing member arranged in the grains-removing position, and wherein on the grains-removing device, at least one position sensor (01) is provided, by means of which the position of the grains-removing member can be detected in at least one position, wherein the position sensor (01) interacts with a transmitter unit, wherein the sensor data of the position sensor (01) for the description of the position of the grains-removing member can be transmitted in a wireless manner from the transmitter unit to a stationary mounted receiver unit and transferred from the receiver unit to a control unit, and wherein for the supply of electrical energy to the transmitter unit, an electro-mechanical generator un
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GEA Brewery Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Scheller, Patrick Bahns, Josef Makowski, Georg Ziegler, Stephan Bauer
  • Publication number: 20090313776
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning apparatus capable of efficiently removing extraneous matters attached on a periphery of the substrate with a brush. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a spin chuck to rotatably hold a wafer a motor to rotate the wafer held by the spin chuck, a cleaning liquid supplying device to supply cleaning liquid to the wafer held by the spin chuck, and a cleaning device including a brush, a rotating device and a pressing device. The brush includes a periphery cleaning part in contact with a periphery of the wafer during cleaning. The rotating device rotates the brush, and the pressing device pushes the brush to the wafer. The periphery cleaning part includes a changing part. The property of the changing part is changed along a diameter of the periphery cleaning part to distribute cleaning performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Nobuhiko MOURI, Satoru TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20090313777
    Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE
    Inventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20090313778
    Abstract: Toothbrushes comprising components with light transmitting and structural characteristics provide enhanced visual and other sensory effects. The components in combination are generally chemically compatible and function to provide areas of varying visibility of features and optionally varying scent release.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE
    Inventors: Chi Shing Wong, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Kenneth Waguespack, Al Sprosta, Xi Wen Jin, Xiangji Ding
  • Publication number: 20090313779
    Abstract: A toothbrush with a cleaning zone with bristles, and with a deformable element by which the cleaning zone can be adapted to the shape of the tooth surface by the cleaning force, where the deformable element comprises flexible wings tapering in a wedge shape toward the cleaning zone and with guide elements between them, at least one of the wings and/or guide element is made of a compressible elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER HEALTHCARE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Hans Kraemer
  • Publication number: 20090313780
    Abstract: A hand tool with a handle that is configurable for free rotation or adjustable to multiple locking rotation positions. The handle includes a cylindrical bore and a faceted bore, each of which is configured to separately receive a faceted stem on a shaft of the tool. The cylindrical bore permits free rotation of the handle about the shaft. The faceted bore permits selectively adjustable locking rotation of the handle about the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: John Martin
  • Publication number: 20090313781
    Abstract: A force reducing bladed hand tool designed to allow the tool's blade to rotate so that the working edge of the blade is continuously aligned for optimal cutting or scraping with each arm movement. In the first embodiment, the hand tool is a knife with a hollow handle with a longitudinally aligned tension spring located therein. Mounted on the distal end of the handle is a connector with a downward extending spline attached thereto. Pivotally attached to the spline is an elongated blade with a cutting edge. The proximal end of the blade is attached to a coupler which connects at an opposite end to the spring bias the blade inward through the connector and towards the handle. During assembly, a pivot pin is extended through the bore in the spline and a complimentary bore formed on the blade. The pivot pin and the lower slot on the connector enables the distal end of the blade to pivot upward when excessive pressure is exerted on the handle by the user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Marvin Gray
  • Publication number: 20090313782
    Abstract: A windshield wiper has a rubber blade, an inner frame being mounted on the rubber blade, an beam being mounted on the inner frame, multiple clips being mounted respectively through the beam, multiple spoilers being mounted on the beam, two end caps being mounted respectively around the ends of the inner frame, the beam and the spoiler and a connector assembly being mounted securely on the beam and between two adjacent spoilers. The inner frame holds the rubber blade firmly. The clips hold the beam stably on the inner frame. Therefore, the rubber blade is connected firmly with other components of the windshield wiper, will not deform or deteriorate easily and has improved lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: UNIPOINT ELECTRIC MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan CHIEN
  • Publication number: 20090313783
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is disclosed, and this cleaner maintains sucking power at a high level while it resists lowering the suction force although it sucks dust. The vacuum cleaner includes a cylindrical dust collecting case which takes air in sucked by an electric air blower and including dust. The case includes a suction port through which the air including dust flows into the case along a tangent line, and a dust collector communicates with the port. A dust filter in the case is placed in an air-duct through which the case communicates with the electric air blower. This structure allows whirling airflow in the case to whirl continuously in the case, so that dust can be removed from the filter even if the dust attaches to the filter. As a result, sucking airflow can be always secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Nakano, Tetsuya Kouda, Masanobu Hirota, Makoto Murakami, Masami Fukumoto
  • Publication number: 20090313784
    Abstract: On an “upright” vacuum cleaner, instead of a single handle, two handles. When in use, the handles are positioned horizontally level with one another, either side of a line running from front to rear of the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert D. Murdoch
  • Publication number: 20090313785
    Abstract: Vacuum cleaner including a container (1, 101) provided with a suction mouth (8, 108), motor elements (2, 20) and at least one suction fan (3, 103), in which the vacuum cleaner includes at least one additional machine (4, 10, 104) connected to the motor elements through transmission elements (7, 11) that can be activated selectively. A particularly preferred application has a ‘canister’ type of vacuum cleaner that additionally includes a high-pressure pump unit, fitted on the opposite side to the vacuum cleaner fan or on the same side, in axis or off axis, and driven by the motor by an idle gear and a speed reduction unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Marino Pedrazzini Bertolazzi