Patents Issued in September 13, 2011
  • Patent number: 8015625
    Abstract: A helmet adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the size of a helmet having first and second retention members (e.g., plastic straps) movable with respect to each other. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuating member (e.g., a pinion) coupled to at least one of the retention members and movable (e.g., rotatable) in two directions to move at least one of the retention members relative to the other. A clutch mechanism is coupled to the actuating member and includes at least one locking member (e.g., two locking members) that inhibits movement of the actuating member in both of the two directions. The adjustment mechanism also includes a release mechanism (e.g., including a rotary dial) adapted to move the locking member from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow movement of the actuating member. When the actuating member is being moved, the adjustment mechanism also provides a ratcheting detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components
    Inventors: Michael Grim, David E Stroud
  • Patent number: 8015626
    Abstract: A safety helmet (1) has a circumferential module ring (2), made especially of a thermoplastic plastic. The module ring (2), has a plurality of plug-in slots (3), which are located at spaced locations from one another in the direction of the module ring (2). This provides standardized simultaneous mounting possibilities for various functional accessories with plug elements complementary to the plug-in slots (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Thomas Grassl, Axel Freitag
  • Patent number: 8015627
    Abstract: There is a urinary transfer system and associated process that includes a urinal capable of receiving urine from a patient, urine holding container, a first conduit connected between the urinal and the urine holding container, a pump, and a second conduit connected between the urine holding container and the pump. Preferably, there is a retainer that is associated with the urinal and a removable lid associated with the urine holding container. The urinary transfer system can be powered by any type of electrical power supply and/or battery. Optimally, there is a receiver electrically connected to the pump to be able to turn the pump on and off and can preferably control the operation of the pump based on input received from a transmitter. An external male catheter can also be utilized in conjunction with the urinary transfer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Urinary Transfer Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Larry R. Baker, James D. Baker, legal representative, Warren L. Spielman
  • Patent number: 8015628
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a composition in response to level changes in a liquid in a tank. The dispenser includes a container for holding the composition, a discharge conduit in fluid communication with the container, an air inlet in fluid communication with the container, and a level sensing member mounted to the dispenser such that a lower end of the level sensing member contacts the liquid in the tank and senses its level. In use, a rise of the liquid in the tank between a lower liquid level and a higher liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter air pressure in a headspace of the container above the composition and thereby cause a controlled discharge of the composition from the discharge conduit; and a fall of the liquid in the tank between the higher liquid level and the lower liquid level causes the level sensing member to alter pressure in the headspace and thereby causing air to be vented into the headspace from the air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Campau, Michael C. Fryan, Steven A. Zach, Douglas A. Soller
  • Patent number: 8015629
    Abstract: A device useful for the delivery of a treatment composition, and a fragrancing effect to a sanitary appliance, especially a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser Inc.
    Inventors: Lamson Nguyen, Jeanne Marie Weller
  • Patent number: 8015630
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for controlling release of pressurized fluid includes a fluid chamber. A plunger is received in an aperture in the fluid chamber, and is movable between a fluid retention position in which fluid is substantially trapped in the fluid chamber and a fluid release position in which fluid can escape from the fluid chamber through passages in the plunger. The plunger is biased into the fluid retention position. A driver drives a plunger actuator, and the plunger actuator is guided into engagement with the plunger to cause the plunger and the plunger actuator to move in unison and move the plunger into the fluid release position during a first portion of a stroke of the driver towards the fluid chamber, and the plunger actuator is further guided to permit the plunger to return to the fluid retention position during a second portion of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Josef K. Kihs
  • Patent number: 8015631
    Abstract: A safety enclosure cover for a portable air-inflatable swimming pool includes a mat spread on a horizontal surface, with the inflatable pool resting on the mat. An outer rim of the mat extends beyond an outer wall of the inflatable pool. Water is filled into the inflatable pool so that an inflated holding pillow floats on an upper surface of said water. A cover encloses the inflatable pool and the floating holding pillow. An outer edge of the cover is attached to an outer edge of the mat whereby the water and inflatable pool are completely enclosed, so that the floating pillow pushes up on the inside of the cover, thereby the cover is formed into a convex shape so that rainwater is shed from the convexly-shaped cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Pool Cover Corporation
    Inventor: LeeAnn Pesta
  • Patent number: 8015632
    Abstract: A wall mounting for a shower is mounted such as to pivot about a horizontal axis at the end thereof against the wall (1). The arm (5) has a fork at the separation from the fixing end. A clamp holder is provided in the region of the front end thereof in which a shower head (8) can be introduced. The fixing between the shower head (8) and the mounting is made by a friction connection, whereby the housing of the shower head is embodied such that it cannot be recognized from the form thereof that said housing serves for fixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventors: Andreas Haug, Fabian Kollmann, Tom Schoenherr
  • Patent number: 8015633
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod assembly including a shower curtain rod, a mount for mounting the shower curtain road on a first end thereof, and a moveable mount for mounting the shower curtain rod on a second end thereof. The shower curtain is moveable from a first position to a second position to increase the volume of space enclosed by the shower curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Edward Ho
  • Patent number: 8015634
    Abstract: An insulated cover for toilet water closets intended to prevent condensation and its associated damaging properties is herein disclosed. The water closet section of the toilet is covered on the bottom and all four (4) side surfaces up to a water line with a preformed foam covering. The foam is envisioned to be of a closed cell design similar to that used on insulating sleeves for glasses and canned beverages. The foam is approximately one-quarter (¼) inch thick and available in a wide variety of colors to match all bathroom decors. The foam covering would be made in halves that meet in a shiplap joint on the sides of the water closet. Finally, the cover would be held in place on the water closet with multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material, thus allowing it to be easily removed for replacement or cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: James P. Lessard
  • Patent number: 8015635
    Abstract: A structural bunk system for a sleeper cab or other confined space is provided. The bunk system includes first and second shells that are made by injection molding and are then bonded together. The structural bunk system is secured to the wall of the sleeper cab or other confined space and is adapted to be moved between and upright stowed position and a lowered sleeping or storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Consolidated Metco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Miga, Graham Wildey
  • Patent number: 8015636
    Abstract: This invention relates to flat bedding top sheets having releasable corner fasteners adapted to releasably secure sheet to an underlying mattress by having male elements placed on one side panel brought into alignment and contact with female elements located on opposite corresponding side panels to form corners. Specifically, the bed sheet of the present invention is a fitted flat sheet having a cutout portions at both of its bottom corners that permit, with the aid of separable fasteners located at the cutout portions, to convert the sheet from a planar configuration to a configuration comprising two pockets adapted to retain the sheet on the mattress. The top sheets of the present invention do not require elastic strips around the corners of the sheets to secure the sheet to the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Bolish, Rhoda Sherwin
  • Patent number: 8015637
    Abstract: The patchwork baby blanket is especially adapted for use by infants and toddlers. The blanket incorporates patches or sections that are detachably connected to create the blanket. The sections are fabricated from soft, pliable, washable material. The sections are decorated with colors and designs that are pleasing to infants and toddlers. Fasteners are provided around the perimeter of each section so that the sections can be easily interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Virginia P. Papen, Terrence J. Papen
  • Patent number: 8015638
    Abstract: An X-linked lift mechanism having first links (3) and second links (4) constituting an X-linked mechanism between a base frame (1) and a lift frame (2). A drive member (11) is pivotally rotatably installed between the other lateral side portions of the second links and is connected with boost arms (12) and a drive arm (13). Guide members (15) are provided for guiding the moving members (14) installed at the ends of the boost arms. The guide members are installed on the other lateral side portions of the first links in the length direction. Also, a linear actuator is provided so as to extend between the other lateral side of the first links and the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Shimada, Tooru Takada, Jun Tomikawa, Dan Kageyama, Yuri Sasaki, Katsuyoshi Nomura
  • Patent number: 8015639
    Abstract: A folding bed for supporting an intended user having a torso and a pair of lower limbs. First and second supporting sections are provided for supporting respectively the torso and the lower limbs and are pivotally coupled together through a first-to-second section pivotal link for pivotal movement between an extended configuration and a bent configuration. When the first and second supporting sections are respectively in the extended and bent configurations, the first-to-second section pivotal link is respectively at a first and a second level relative to the frame base, the second level being substantially lower than the first level. The first and second supporting sections are movable by the intended user between the extended and bent configurations with the intended user laying in the bed and moving the torso with respect to the lower limbs to change an angle therebetween and cause a corresponding change in an angle between the first and second supporting sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Boudreau
  • Patent number: 8015640
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multi-position cervical pillow and an adjustable pillow set thereof to support a user's head and neck. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-position cervical pillow comprises a rectangular memory foam pad, the transversal cross section of which is bone-shaped with two lobes protruded towards two opposite lateral ends and a shallow trough in between forming a concave head support portion on each of the two support surfaces; said two lobes are different in size and asymmetrical in shape. By inverting and reversing the pillow pad it provides four unique positions. An adjustable pillow set comprises a main multi-position cervical pillow and an unattached ancillary pillow, the upper surface of the latter has a transversally convex, asymmetrical curvature for the main pillow to stack and slide on top of it, forming four stacking configurations, with each providing two unique positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Xi Sun
  • Patent number: 8015641
    Abstract: A cushion unit includes shell having a first cushion retaining portion and a second cushion retaining portion that are demarcated by a hinge-seam including a fastener portion. The fastener portion is secured to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the cushion unit includes a cushion member affixed to an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an outboard surface of the cushion member and secured indirectly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. According to an embodiment, the fastener portion is secured directly to an inboard an inboard surface of the shell. A method for manufacturing a cushion unit is disclosed. A method for providing a cushion unit is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Arden Companies
    Inventor: Gary Jay Furlow
  • Patent number: 8015642
    Abstract: A multipurpose handheld tool includes a casing having a cavity and two flanges at the end of the casing, and a variety of tools pivotally coupled to the casing. Each of the tools is independently articulated along a unique arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions. The apparatus include a plurality of tools such as a wine knife with a lemon skin peeler; a serrated cutting utensil; a can opener; and a bottle cap popper preferably having a concave curvilinear edge and a clock positioned at the proximal end of the casing. In particular, one of the tools is a bifurcated wine key lever having two members held together by a resilient metal band. A writing utensil and a retractable flashlight are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis C. Oakley
  • Patent number: 8015643
    Abstract: An emergency tool for escaping from a motor vehicle has a generally symmetrical body including a handle portion and a cutting portion. The handle portion carries two opposite window breaking elements adapted for breaking and shattering tempered motor vehicle window glass. The cutting portion includes opposite cutters having fingers which define slots for receiving belt webbing material. The cutting slots lead to sharp blades fixed at the closed end of each slot which are adapted for cutting the belt webbing material of motor vehicle seat belts. The body optionally includes at least one compartment for carrying an emergency item such as a fire starting flare or an emergency locating transmitter and may also incorporate optional LED lights to provide illumination for emergency operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: James Dale White
  • Patent number: 8015644
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is disclosed. The method for controlling a washing machine having a steam generator includes a step of automatically discharging water of the steam generator outside of the steam generator during the operation of the washing machine. Therefore, according to the present invention, foreign substances may be efficiently prevented from precipitating in the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youn Dong Lee, In Geun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8015645
    Abstract: A method for controlling a washing machine is provided. The method includes setting a washing pattern in a present operation of the washing machine in consideration of a hardness of water calculated in a previous operation of the washing machine, operating the washing machine based on the set washing pattern, and calculating and storing a hardness of the water in the present operation of the washing machine to set a next washing pattern in the next operation of the washing machine, thereby having the optimum washing or rinsing capacity of the washing machine in consideration of different characteristics of water by regional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok Kyu Park, Seog Ho Go, Bo Sun Chung, Young Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8015646
    Abstract: A laundry treating device includes a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device adjacent to the first laundry treating device. A first heater provided in the first laundry treating device and a second heater provided in the second laundry treating device can be selectively and alternatively operated to heat washing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Lee, Ki Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim, Dong Won Kim, Sung Min Kim, Sung Ryong Kim
  • Patent number: 8015647
    Abstract: An extended safety cage provides access to a plurality of hatches on the top of a mobile container. The cage is rotatably attached to the end of a gangway, which extends from and is rotatably attached to a platform. The platform carries a pair of braces that extend out in opposite directions and support the cage through spring-loaded lifting arms. The apparatus can include actuators, such as hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, that urge the gangway and cage downward when activated. Secondary braces ensure that the lifting arms and safety cage move in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventor: Ronald W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8015648
    Abstract: The system includes a plurality of joining assemblies (37, 38, 39) for removably attaching a driven member assembly (15) of the appliance to an appliance body portion (12), wherein the joining assemblies are separate from the torsional axis of the workpiece. The joining assemblies each include an extending pin member (43) on the appliance body and a receiving element (46) in the driven member assembly for receiving the extending pin member. A drive shaft (16) for the workpiece is connected to a head portion (24) of the driven member assembly by two springs (32, 34), wherein the extending pin member mates with the receiving element in such a manner that there is no lost motion of the workpiece during operation but also such that the driven member assembly is readily removable from the appliance body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Scott E. Hall
  • Patent number: 8015649
    Abstract: An interdental treatment device, such as a toothbrush, includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying an interdental treatment tool, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, including a drive which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damping structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Trisa Holding AG
    Inventors: Peter Hafliger, Franz Fischer, Gunther Elster
  • Patent number: 8015650
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for use in cleaning a fabric surface of dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris present on the surface. The device includes a housing, a cleaning member, such as a roller, and a pair of cleaning material sections on opposite sides of the roller. The cleaning member has a protrusion that selectively engages one of a pair of stops to prevent rotation of the cleaning member past a respective stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Matthew N. Thurin
  • Patent number: 8015651
    Abstract: A device (20) for cleaning surfaces is provided utilizing a web (94) of a tackified sheet material movably secured between rollers (56, 58) on the device (20) that enable the web (94) to be moved over the surface in opposite directions. The device (20) includes a supply roller (56) and a take-up roller (58) secured to opposed ends of the web (94) of adhesive sheet material, with at least one roller (56, 58) including a biasing mechanism (82) disposed within the roller (56, 58). The web (94) can be engaged with the surface by passing over a number of idler rollers (98) positioned between the supply roller (56) and take-up roller (58). The biasing mechanism (82) is designed to bias the movement of the web (94) onto the take-up roller (58), such that the mechanism (82) can be selectively operated to advance the web (94) from the supply roller (56) to the take-up roller (58) to expose a clean section of the adhesive sheet material (94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven A. Zach, Michael J. Maloney, Jonathan M. Mick, Kevin L. Askling, Thomas A. Sutrina
  • Patent number: 8015652
    Abstract: A mop wringer is provided and has a handle being shaped in conformity to a recessed half of a top edge of the mop wringer so that a flat top edge can be formed when the handle is rested upon the recessed half of the top edge. A plurality of mop wringers can be stably stacked so as to facilitate both storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Young Fone Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiao-Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 8015653
    Abstract: An applicator device for applying a substance to an area of the body that is difficult to reach includes a collapsible handle and a head portion rotatably mounted on one end. The head portion includes an attachment means, which can comprise either a field of hooks or a field of loops. The attachment means receives a two-sided pad engagement member that preferably has fields of loops or hooks on one side to engage the respective hooks or loops of the attachment member, and a field of hooks on its opposite side. The hooks of the pad engagement member can securely retain a pad that carries the substance to be applied to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bargiel, Joshua J. Nelson, Glenn Walters, Frank Pollard
  • Patent number: 8015654
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing hands and/or fingernails includes a brush assembly attached to a water faucet. The brush assembly includes a backplane with two opposed brushes attached to the backplane such that the bristles on each brush face outward from the backplane. A clamping mechanism removable attaches the brush assembly to the faucet. The clamping mechanism is pivotable on the faucet so the user can move the brush assembly into the water stream to use the brushes and out of the water stream for rinsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventor: Norman Faiola
  • Patent number: 8015655
    Abstract: The windshield wiper apparatus provides superior windshield cleaning and wiping. The spaced apart dual blades provide superior windshield wiping. The pliable scrubber disposed between the blades scrubs debris, bugs, and other undesirable elements from the windshield, and the blades carry it away. The apparatus dispenses liquid to the windshield wiper scrubber. The windshield wiper apparatus uses existing automobile windshield liquid delivery systems to supply the wiper apparatus. The apparatus replaces existing wipers without wiper arm modification due to the mounting flange design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Patrick Mikolaitis
  • Patent number: 8015656
    Abstract: Rotation of a tip side of a blade holder toward a windshield at or beyond a predetermined angle is regulated with respect to a wiper arm. A convex portion is formed at a portion of the blade holder opposing to an arm mounting member, and a concave portion is formed at a portion of the arm mounting member opposing to the blade holder, whereby engagement of the convex and concave portions admits rotation of a tip side of the wiper blade toward the windshield at or beyond a predetermined angle to be regulated with respect to the wiper arm. By such a structure, since contact between the wiper arm and the wiper blade is prevented, it is suppressed that a coating of the wiper arm or blade holder is peeled off to bring early its rusty, and that damages of both members make their wiping performance easily deteriorate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: MITSUBA Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Fujiwara, Ken Machida, Tsuneo Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8015657
    Abstract: A vacuum electronic power tool sense system senses the operation of a power tool that is plugged into an onboard power outlet and the vacuum source is automatically operated to facilitate user clean-up of debris generated by use of the power tool. A delay period can be utilized to maintain the vacuum source is an on state for a predetermined period of time after the power tool is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Beers, Kathy E. DiPasquale, Spencer G. Maid
  • Patent number: 8015658
    Abstract: A self-propulsion hovering vacuum cleaner for domestic or industrial application has air outlets predisposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the underside of the casing for directing more air to the front and back directions of the vacuum cleaner to achieve even distribution of air underneath the vacuum cleaner, thereby reducing juddering or rocking effects. The underside of the casing has a curved surface predisposed symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the underside of the casing for better retention of air to enhance the hovering effect. In another embodiment of the present invention, air distribution channels are predisposed symmetrically on both sides of the underside of the casing along the longitudinal axis. The air distribution channels are in communication with the air outlets for directing more air to the front and back of the vacuum cleaner. The improved hovering vacuum machine also has self-propulsion features and self-cooling features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Myvac Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventor: Michael Tan
  • Patent number: 8015659
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having improved pressure loss characteristics. A fluid supply conduit in flow communication with an inlet to a cyclone is integrally formed as part of a cyclone bin. The present invention may be adapted for use with cyclonic separation devices of all types, including single- and multi-stage cyclonic separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: GBD Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Helmut Gerhard Conrad, Ted Szylowiec
  • Patent number: 8015660
    Abstract: A vacuuming device has a housing having an air intake and at least one air outlet opening. A suction motor is arranged in the housing. At least two filters are arranged in the housing and each has a flow passage to the suction motor, wherein dirty air sucked into the housing by the suction motor passes through the at least two filters and exits through the at least one air outlet opening. The at least two filters each are provided with a cleaning device and a valve device adapted to close off the flow passage to the suction motor, respectively, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Electrostar Schöttle GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Eugen Bruntner
  • Patent number: 8015661
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a tank having a bottom and an inlet for receiving debris, a motor assembly disposed adjacent to the tank, the motor assembly adapted to draw debris into the tank through the inlet, a battery pack disposed adjacent the bottom of the tank, and a connection from the battery pack to the motor assembly that is adapted to carry current between the battery pack and the motor assembly. The battery pack includes at least one battery and supplies power to the motor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Baer, Li H. Liu, Jonathan Miller
  • Patent number: 8015662
    Abstract: A cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device may include a handle, an activation mechanism moveable between a first position and a second position by a user of the device, a hollow member having a suction opening at an end of the hollow member, an electrically powered motor configured to produce suction at the suction opening, and a bristle support member pivotable relative to the hollow member. The bristle support member may include a plurality of bristles attached thereto. The bristle support member may be operatively coupled to the activation mechanism. When the activation mechanism is in the first position, the bristle support member may be in a closed position adjacent to the suction opening of the hollow member and the plurality of bristles may be positioned to perform a sweeping function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Max Rosenzweig, Ognjen Vrdoljak
  • Patent number: 8015663
    Abstract: A three component swiveling and rolling glide device, of which two components comprise the mounting assembly and one is an exchangeable base. The mounting assembly is designed to accept multiple fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins or nails. The glide base is removable by finger pressure only without the need for tools enabling the easy interchangeability of the glide base and the fastener as desired. This glide also has a tandem swiveling and rolling capability and will adapt to a singular rolling function in deep carpets or whenever the glide is at maximum tilt. The hard base has a unique base design to encourage the swiveling and rolling action of the glide. The soft base can accept different materials for the specific need, such as, felt to protect hardwood or tile flooring or rubber for a non-skid function. This glide is designed to combine all the above functions, allowing it to adapt to multiple furniture and flooring styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Steven A. Vorpahl
  • Patent number: 8015664
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twin-wheel caster provided with a housing containing a journal opening on a top side thereof, which is oriented in a substantially vertical direction for receiving a pivot connecting a roller to a furniture or another object, a shaft-shaped slide opening on the lower side thereof, which is laterally offset with respect to the journal opening and used for receiving a cross head supported by the housing with the aid of a spring, wherein the cross head has a through opening which is oriented in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the shaft-shaped slide opening and receives a swivel pin bearing two wheels, is placed in the housing in such a way that it is slidable between rolling and braking positions and recesses embodied in the slide opening limiting walls and used for passing the swivel pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Gross & Froelich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ernst Berger, Ralph Von Bordelius
  • Patent number: 8015665
    Abstract: A spring hinge comprises a frame leaf, door leaf, upper and lower tube sections to fixedly connect with frame leaf, and middle tube section to fixedly connect with door leaf, wherein middle tube section is internally made with a hydraulic damping speed reducing device; lower tube section is internally installed with a torsion spring device, wherein torsion spring being completely sleeved on the exterior of spindle rod is affixed to the spring seat at the lower end thereof, and an upper and lower clutching device is installed between middle tube section and torsion spring device thereby allowing middle tube section and torsion spring device to be separated or combinedly moved, wherein torsion spring and hydraulic damping speed reducing device are packagely used to close door slowly while releasing spring energy after closing to set angle to precisely close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jiaoting Pan
  • Patent number: 8015666
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a fixing module, a rotatable module, and a fixing member. The pivot shaft includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The fixing module is non-rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft adjacent to the first end and includes a first magnet. The rotatable module is rotatably sleeved on the pivot shaft adjacent to the second end and includes a second magnet. A polarity of the second magnet faces an opposite polarity of the first magnet such that the first and second magnets creating an attracting force. The rotatable module is pushed to tightly contact the fixing module by the attracting force such that a friction is created between the rotatable module and the fixing module to hold the rotatable module. The fixing member is fixed at the second end of the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 8015667
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a hinged linkage that has at least one linear actuator coupled to it, wherein one end of the actuator couples to the linkage and another end fastens to a stationary mounting by way of a rod with a threaded end that mates with a threaded aperture in a ferrule nut that has a threaded section passing through an aperture in the stationary mounting, comprises the steps of: extending the actuator to open the linkage; placing at least one elastic element with a desired force constant over the threaded section of the ferrule nut; threading an adjustment nut onto the threaded section of the ferrule nut with a desired gap between the adjustment nut and the stationary mounting; retracting the actuator to close the linkage; and rotating the adjustment nut and the ferrule nut together to compress the elastic element against the stationary mounting; extending the actuator to open the linkage; and rotating the adjustment nut to compress the elastic element against the stationary mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Brett Colin Bonner
  • Patent number: 8015668
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivotal shaft, a connecting member, a supporting member, a stationary member having an engaging surface, a rotating member having a receiving surface, and a locking member. A first end of the pivotal shaft is fixed to the connecting member. A second of the pivotal shaft is passed through the supporting member, the stationary member, the rotating member, and the locking member. The stationary member is fixed on the supporting member and is rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The rotating member is non-rotatable relative to the pivotal shaft. The engaging surface forms two first positioning protrusions and two second positioning protrusions. The receiving surface defines two first positioning grooves to receive the first positioning protrusions and two second positioning grooves to receive the second positioning protrusions. A height of each second positioning protrusion is larger than a height of each first positioning protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 8015669
    Abstract: This present invention is a handle with a hidden belt, applying to a handle attached on a portable device, which uses torsion springs to draw the belt into the handle. Thus, a user can not only carry the portable device with the handle, but also shoulder or hang the portable device with the hidden belt of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chao-Fu Huang, Chien-Chiang Huang
  • Patent number: 8015670
    Abstract: A system for removing plastic wrapping from round cotton modules includes a gantry having a stationary base located in front of a disperser. A separate conveyor between the gantry and the disperser receives unwrapped round cotton modules from the gantry. Because the gantry is stationary while the disperser digests an upstream module, a gap is created between the upstream module and the module being unwrapped. This gap is closed up when the most recently unwrapped module is placed on the separate conveyor which is driven at a high rate of speed to abut, nor nearly abut, the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Stover Equipment Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy R. Stover
  • Patent number: 8015671
    Abstract: A plastic strap particularly useful for automated strapping machines is formed with an integrated, longitudinally disposed rib for enhancing the stiffness of the strap. The strap is formed with at least one rib extending longitudinally from a first end of the strap to a second end of the strap. The rib preferably extends upwardly from the top surface of the strap and comprises, preferably, a slight arcuate profile. The profile of the rib, the number of ribs, and the location of the ribs on the strap may vary depending upon the desired longitudinal stiffness of the strap and the desired width and thickness of the strap. The ribs may be centered across the width the strap or offset. The strap further comprises side panels that are parallel to the longitudinal plane of the strap and outer edges that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the strap. The geometry of the strap prevents the strap from twisting and permits overlapping sections of the strap to interlock and self-align during sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Pearson, Wayne J. Thas, Manuel C. Enriquez
  • Patent number: 8015672
    Abstract: An upright portion of an inner band section is inserted into an elongated hole in an outer band section, and a tab stopper of the outer band section is inserted in a cutout hole on the base end side of the upright portion. As a result, a band member is temporarily held in a ring shape. When an inner and an outer pulling claw are pulled together, a fixing hole in the outer band section engages a fixing claw of the inner band section and the tab stopper engages a stopper receiving hole. This results in the band member being fixed with its diameter reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mihama
    Inventors: Naoki Ito, Tomio Fushimi, Noriaki Yajima, Kazuhiro Fujimori
  • Patent number: 8015673
    Abstract: A bolo style clasp or slide is modified and improved by affixing an engagement apparatus to its posterior surface. The engagement apparatus can vary in both size and specie so as to best accommodate the intended coupling item. The addition of the engagement apparatus expands the versatility of the bolo style clasp or slide by allowing it to serve its original ornamental function and any one of several utilities. Further, the anterior surface of the bolo style clasp or slide is hinged so as to allow the surface to rotate exposing an interior area. The interior area can be used for the storage of small items or situating an exchangeable ornamental face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Harry Rodman
  • Patent number: 8015674
    Abstract: A metallic engaging element of vintage type having a pair of leg portions formed so as to branch to right and left sections from the bottom of a body portion of the engaging element. The leg portions are formed into an L-like sectional shape including a sheet-like nipping portion and a leg portion side wall. The sheet-like nipping portion has a notch portion for sandwiching one side edge portion of a fastener tape from the front and rear surfaces. At least one projecting portion is formed in each of leg portion inner wall surfaces opposing the one side edge portion of the fastener tape in the leg portion side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Shoji Matsui, Teruo Ozaki, Katsuo Satake