Patents Issued in October 22, 2013
  • Patent number: RE44558
    Abstract: An improved process for the purification of antibodies from human plasma or other sources is disclosed. The process involves suspension of the antibodies at pH 3.8 to 4.5 followed by addition of caprylic acid and a pH shift to pH 5.0 to 5.2. A precipitate of contaminating proteins, lipids and caprylate forms and is removed, while the majority of the antibodies remain in solution. Sodium caprylate is again added to a final concentration of not less than about 15 mM. This solution is incubated for 1 hour at 25° C. to effect viral inactivation. A precipitate (mainly caprylate) is removed and the clear solution is diluted with purified water to reduce ionic strength. Anion exchange chromatography using two different resins is utilized to obtain an exceptionally pure IgG with subclass distribution similar to the starting distribution. The method maximizes yield and produces a gamma globulin with greater than 99% purity. The resin columns used to obtain a high yield of IgG retain IgM and IgA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Patricia Alred, Scott A. Cook, Wytold R. Lebing, Douglas C. Lee, Hanns-Ingolf Paul, Klaus-Peter Radtke
  • Patent number: RE44559
    Abstract: Methods of applying adaptive social computing systems are disclosed. The social computing systems include capabilities to generate adaptive recommendations and representations of social networks derived, at least in part, from inferences of the preferences and interests of system users based on a plurality of usage behaviors, spanning a plurality of usage behavior categories. The behavioral categories include system navigation behaviors, content referencing behaviors, collaborative behaviors, and the monitoring of physical location and changes in location. Privacy control functions and compensatory functions related to insincere usage behaviors can be applied. Adaptive recommendation delivery can take the form of visual-based or audio-based formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: World Assets Consulting AG, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Dennis Flinn, Naomi Felina Moneypenny
  • Patent number: RE44560
    Abstract: In an environment in which various usable information processing device exist in the neighborhood of a user, it is possible to a detect, from a main terminal used by a user, an information processing device having the function corresponding to a user request. By using the detected device, it is possible to perform data processing and data communication corresponding to the user request, which cannot be performed by one device. By transmitting a resources finding/using query packet to devices capable of data communication, the function confirmation and the environment setting of each information processing device can be performed. Even if the function of the information processing device dynamically changes, the device can be used based on the updated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Isozu
  • Patent number: RE44561
    Abstract: In order to allow controlling of a home network (5) from remote, a gateway (1) connecting the home network (5) to a communication network (3, 12) additionally comprises an e-mail module (6). The e-mail module (6) enables the gateway (1) to connect itself to an e-mail account (8) in order to transmit e-mails received by the e-mail account (8) via the communication network (3) to the gateway (1). The transmitted e-mails are processed by the gateway (1), information is extracted therefrom enabling the gateway (1) to carry out network controlling procedures. Status information and error messages are sent back by the gateway (1) to the user (13) in form of e-mails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Patrick Hilt
  • Patent number: 8561212
    Abstract: This underwater drysuit has a waterproof zipper device 30 that opens/closes and defines a body covering/uncovering opening part 22 that is provided extending from one of shoulder parts to the other one of the shoulder parts on top of arms across a chest part of a drysuit main body 20 in a chest width direction. This device is configured in the form of a horizontal line in the chest width direction to have a dual structure with a first waterproof zipper 40 and a second zipper 50 located above the first waterproof zipper in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Zero Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Saotome
  • Patent number: 8561213
    Abstract: A protective undergarment (10), shown in the form of shorts, includes integrally formed protective panels (22, 26, 30) that exhibit slash-proof properties. The protective areas (22, 26, 30) are made from a flexible Kevlar® knit or the like, and extend to cover the groin, crotch, substantial areas of the buttocks and the inner thigh regions of both legs. The protective panels (22, 26, 30) are externally snitched to a low thermal burden material (18, 20), such as a polyester mesh, that provides elasticity and completes the structure of the shorts (10). The Kevlar® knit is flexible and preferably lies directly against the skin of a user to provide blast wave and ballistic fragment deflection while permitting mobility in a lightweight arrangement. Varying thickness of the Kevlar® knit can be used in the protective areas (22, 26, 30) selectively to enhance protection against blast wave and fragment penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: BCB International Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Rhys Howell, Matthew Searle, Christopher Mark Lewis, William Mark Hocking
  • Patent number: 8561214
    Abstract: Articles of apparel may include a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The base layer defines an aperture extending through the base layer and from the first surface to the second surface. Cushioning elements may have a first material layer, a second material layer, and a plurality of foam components. The first material layer and the second material layer are bonded to the second surface of the base layer. The foam components are located between and secured to the first material layer and the second material layer. In addition, the foam components are positioned to correspond with a location of the aperture. In some configurations, a bonding element may be utilized to bond the first material layer and the second material layer to the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: David Turner
  • Patent number: 8561215
    Abstract: The girdle comprises two parts or halves (1-2), connected to each other by means of elastic elements (3) covered by adornments in the form of shells (6) coaxially interconnected, or any other type of unitary or fragmented adornment, wherein the plastic elements (3) are fastened to the parts (1) and (2) by means of pivots (7) selectively usable in order to vary the effective length of the girdle, length which also varies depending on the elasticity of the elements (3). Each said part or half (1) and (2) incorporates at the free end and back face thereof hooks (5) for fastening to the clasps (4) of the garment, in such a way that said elastic elements (3) cause traction between the clasps producing the girdling of the garment. The middle area of the elastic elements (3) or more specifically of the adornments encapsulating same, is visible when the parts (1) and (2) are substantially spaced, directly affecting the appearance of the girdle and constituting a changeable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Juan Antonio Escudero Muñoz
  • Patent number: 8561216
    Abstract: The invention provides a helmet for protecting the head of a wearer and includes a helmet body and a strap for coupling the helmet to the head, the strap being secured to the helmet body. The strap has two halves, each with a front portion for passing under the wearer's chin and a rear portion for passing around the side and rear of the wearer's head. The front portion of each strap half has an end that is secured to the helmet body at a first location at the side and the second portion has an end that is secured to the helmet body towards the rear. An elastically deformable element, such as a suction cup and/or a pad, is located in a pocket towards the end of the second portion. This provides additional grip, comfort, and security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Charles Owen & Co. (BOW) Limited
    Inventors: Roy Burek, Geoffrey King
  • Patent number: 8561217
    Abstract: A protective helmet, which includes a motion restrictor device, is disclosed which has at least one strut member associated with the helmet and a harness assembly, and the at least one strut member includes a locking assembly associated with the strut member, which upon a predetermined force being sensed by a force sensor or a predetermined amount of or rate of acceleration being sensed by an acceleration sensor, stops substantially all relative motion between the ends of the strut member and the predetermined force is substantially transferred from the helmet to the harness assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Scott W. Nagely, Ian D. Kovacevich, Christopher R. Hoy
  • Patent number: 8561218
    Abstract: A toilet flange stabilizer comprising a flat ring with a center hole, wherein the flat ring is sized to fit over a lip of a flange; a plurality of holes disposed on the flat ring; a plurality of slots disposed on the flat ring; a plurality of arms attaching to an outer periphery of the flat ring and the arms radiating away from the flat ring, further a first segment of the arms extend downward from the flat ring and then a second segment of the arms bend upward wherein the second segments lie on a first plane that is parallel to a second plane of the flat ring; and an arm hole disposed on each second segment of each arm; wherein the toilet flange stabilizer rests over the lip of a flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Rigo Arce
  • Patent number: 8561219
    Abstract: A self-rinsing urinal and very low water-usage mist-dispensing means mountable in close proximity to a normally-interior portion of at least one positionable panel configured slidably or pivotally positionable from an opening of customary cabinetry of a room or a wall. The urinal is positionable from the customary cabinetry or wall opening, between a zero-footprint concealed state and a revealed-for-use state, such that an interior receptacle surface of the urinal is aligned with said very low water-usage mist-dispensing means during at least a revealed-for-use state, to receive from the mist-dispensing means a distributed misted spray aligned with the receptacle, to repel waste-liquid from and facilitate a self-rinsing of the receptacle while employing as little as single-digit ounce(s) of water, per use-cycle. Certain of the embodiments include the option to provide actuating means for positioning and/or aligning one or more urinal-related components in response to receiving a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Darrell Jay Metcalf, Clyde LeRoy Tichenor
  • Patent number: 8561220
    Abstract: A device (20) for improving drainline clearance for use with an ultra low flushing volume toilet (24). The device (20) includes a centrifuge separator means (30), for separating liquids (L) and solids (S), and a reservoir (42). The separator means (30) has a substantially horizontal inlet (32), adapted for connection to the outlet (26) of a toilet pan (24), an outlet (36) primarily for solids (S) and an outlet (38) primarily for liquids (L). The reservoir (42) is beneath the separator means (30) and has an inlet (38) in fluid communication with the liquids outlet (38) of the separator means (30). The reservoir (42) is adapted to syphonically empty substantially all of its contents into a sewerage drainline (22) after at least 2 flushes of the toilet (24). Further, the separator means (30) and the reservoir (42) have a combined vertical dimension less than the maximum height of the toilet pan outlet for installation adjacent the toilet (24) and substantially above the floor level (F) of the toilet (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Caroma Industries Limited
    Inventor: Stephen John Cummings
  • Patent number: 8561221
    Abstract: A wave pool for producing periodic waves preferably having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves. The wave dampening portion preferably dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can otherwise interfere with the oncoming waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Lochtefeld, Hendrik Dirk van Ettinger, Dirk Bastenhof
  • Patent number: 8561222
    Abstract: A pool cover device includes at least one platform (1, 2) forming the terrace and displacement elements (110, 111, 210, 211, 15, 16, 17) for this platform so as to enable displacement of the platform on each side of a support area anchored in the ground along an edge of the swimming pool, the platform performing coverage of the swimming pool and also acting as a terrace regardless of its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Marcelin Diarte
  • Patent number: 8561223
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a bathtub device including a bathtub 2, a jetting unit 3, a jetting driving unit 4, and a controller 5. The bathtub includes a first bathtub wall surface and a second bathtub wall surface opposed to the first bathtub wall surface. The jetting unit is provided in the second bathtub wall surface and configured to jet a jet flow to a sole of a bather bathing in the bathtub. The jetting driving unit is connected to the jetting unit and configured to adjust jetting flow rate of the jet flow jetted from the jetting unit. The controller is configured to control the jetting driving unit. The controller is configured to control the jetting driving unit to cause the jetting unit to intermittently jet the jet flow with a strength, a leg of the bather being passively bent by the jet flow with the strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toto Ltd
    Inventors: Minoru Sato, Tomohisa Kato, Masako Fujita, Masayuki Mochita
  • Patent number: 8561224
    Abstract: A bathroom floor module is used in conjunction with a fully or partially curbless, handicapped-accessible, waterproof shower module. The bathroom floor module defines one or more drain apertures to mate with a bathroom floor drain. The bathroom floor module and shower module mate to define a contiguous surface over which a bathroom floor and/or wall tile can be applied to create a transition between the bathroom floor and shower over which a wheelchair can be easily rolled. Installation of the handicapped accessible shower comprises installing the shower module, by adhering the bathroom floor module on the bathroom floor, placing an edge of the bathroom floor module in registry with an edge of the shower module, sealing the joint formed between the edges of the shower and bathroom modules, and installing a finishing surface material over the floor and sidewalls of the shower module, and over the bathroom floor module and threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph B. Cook
  • Patent number: 8561225
    Abstract: A multi flush volume flush valve is in communication with an automatic flush control. The flush control determines the presence of a user and the amount of time the user uses the toilet. The usage time is compared to a predetermined time value to determine the appropriate flush volume based on an assumption regarding usage time and flush volume needs. The comparative value statistically adjusts to the restroom traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Peter J. Jahrling
  • Patent number: 8561226
    Abstract: An MRI transfer table is provided for transporting a patient and transferring a patient to an MRI table associated with an MRI apparatus. The MRI transfer table includes a mobile frame, a patient support and a series of connectors for detachably connecting the patient support to the mobile frame. In use, the MRI transfer table is aligned with the MRI apparatus and the MRI table is projected underneath the patient support of the MRI transfer table. The patient support is disconnected from the mobile frame and allowed to rest on the MRI table. Thereafter the mobile frame is moved from the MRI apparatus and the MRI table with the patient support thereon retracted into the MRI apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Martin Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Barr, Michael Bruce Wiggin
  • Patent number: 8561227
    Abstract: A crib support is disclosed that includes a frame assembly configured to receive releasably a crib and be releasably secured to the crib, and a rocking mechanism, disposed within the frame assembly, configured to provide a rocking motion, and configured to create the effect of a reciprocatory movement, which is soothing and comforting to a baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Levaughn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8561228
    Abstract: A device for covering a human or animal at rest on a surface comprising a support to reversibly fix the device relative to the surface, and an adjustable covering to cover the human or animal wherein the covering is reversibly fixable at a length so as to ensure that the human or animal's face is not covered by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cozitots Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kathrine West
  • Patent number: 8561229
    Abstract: The comforter includes two substantially identical fabric sections, with lines of attachment between them defining edges of a plurality of side-by-side parallel channels. Baffle members are positioned within each channel, attached to one edge of each channel, but not extending all the way to the opposing edge thereof, wherein the baffle members in any given channel are positioned in a staggered relationship relative to the position of baffle members in adjacent channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Co.
    Inventors: Laura A. Regan, Tamara P. Soreano
  • Patent number: 8561230
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a mattress controller including a portable monitor having a memory, an input/output node in selective communication with the mattress controller, a processor programmed to maintain in the memory a data structure including a control data associated with the mattress controller, and selectively link with the mattress controller to communicate with the mattress controller to confirm or update the control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Shaw
  • Patent number: 8561231
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices, methods, and systems for leg elevation. The leg elevating device includes a leg support platform, a base platform positioned adjacent the leg support platform, and a first and second lift positioned between and coupled to the leg support platform and the base platform. The leg support platform can have a first horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a first position, an angled position relative the base platform when the first lift is in a second position and the second lift is in the first position, and a second horizontal position relative the base platform when the first and second lift are in a second position. Also, the leg support platform can be a predetermined height above a floor surface when in the first horizontal position, such that the leg elevating device is locatable under furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Brenner
  • Patent number: 8561232
    Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The Owie Pillow, LLC
    Inventor: Kristine Elizabeth Currier
  • Patent number: 8561233
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed infection control bedding product such as a pillow, duvet, mattress, cushion or such like having a sealed cover and having a resiliently deformable filling material, comprising a vent means in the cover, characterized in that the vent means comprises a filter medium including a filter membrane for the removal of particles of microbial size and wherein the filter medium also comprises a strengthening layer of material for providing mechanical strength to the filter medium whereby the filter medium allows air flow therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid while maintaining a barrier to particles of microbial size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pneuma Pure I.P. Limited
    Inventors: William Navan, David Woolfson
  • Patent number: 8561234
    Abstract: A medical table and clamp apparatus provides a medical table having sides and at least one rail extending along a side. A specially configured clamp travels along the rail, the clamp having a non metallic clamp body. The clamp body has a pair of spaced apart appendages with a recess therebetween. An opening such as a metallic, internally threaded sleeve extends through the body. The sleeve has one sleeve end portion in communication with the recess. An externally threaded shaft threadably engages the internally threaded sleeve. A spherically shaped bearing is mounted on one end. A pusher or pressure plate is mounted on the spherically shaped bearing of the shaft with a connection. The pusher plate is supported by the shaft and the spherically shaped bearing within the recess. Each appendage has an end portion that grasps the rail. The pusher plate is movable toward or away from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Bob Kring
  • Patent number: 8561235
    Abstract: An adjustable mattress that incorporates a movement mechanism and support member inside of the foam mattress includes a fabric covering with a fastener member. The fastener member is used to keep a fitted sheet in place over the adjustable mattress when the mattress is adjusted to an inclined configuration. The fastener member is attached to the fabric covering near the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and is adapted to fasten to a corresponding fastener on the fitted sheet. The fastener member can be a toggle that fits through a loop on the fitted sheet. The fitted sheet also has an elastic band that draws the fitted sheet taut around the adjustable mattress. The lower portion of the fabric covering is made of stretchable fabric that stretches between the lower edge of the adjustable mattress and a balancing bar that supports the adjustable mattress when the adjustable mattress is inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Zinus, Inc.
    Inventors: Suk Kan Oh, Youn Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8561236
    Abstract: Stepped-edge and side-support members, systems, assemblies, and related methods for an innerspring assembly or other core are disclosed. In one embodiment, an innerspring assembly or core is provided having an interior area of a first height surrounded by one or more exterior, perimeter area(s) of shorter height(s) to provide a stepped-edge innerspring assembly or core. At least a portion of side-support members are placed onto at least a portion of the top surface of the perimeter area to provide edge-support for the innerspring assembly or core. In this manner, a greater portion of the side-support members can be disposed in the sleeping area of the innerspring assembly or core since the underlying perimeter area provides spring support to the side-support members. Further, this support can assist in retention and/or recovery of the shape of the side-support members to further prevent or reduce compression set of the side-support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nomaco Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Witherell, Julian Thomas Young, Christopher Dean Page, Ivan Sobran, Randal Lee Henderson
  • Patent number: 8561237
    Abstract: A weighted insole assembly, comprising a top thermoformable material layer, a bottom thermoformable material layer, and a weighted unit encapsulated between the top and bottom thermoformable material layers, the weighted unit including a heavy filler material and having a specific gravity between about 2.0 and about 4.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Stratten Performance Group, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald James Stratten, Peter Daley, Chang Woo Nam, Hemant Thakkar
  • Patent number: 8561238
    Abstract: A hitch receiver mountable tailgate ramp for loading and unloading heavy articles by wheeling said articles into and from the truck bed via said ramp. Once deployed the ramp has an arched shape to displace the load during use between the ramp's surface engaging edge and the hitch mount thereby providing a ramp with a greater load capacity than similar linear ramps. When not in use the ramp can be folded into an upright position substantially coplanar with the truck's closed tailgate. In operation the ramp is extended by pivoting the interior ramp segment until the ramp is in its arched position while the articulated post is lowered into its linear position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Inget
  • Patent number: 8561239
    Abstract: An articulating cage configured to raise and lower with respect to a fixed structure. The articulating cage comprises support structures affixed to the fixed structure and that include one or more springs. The articulating cage includes lifting arms that are pivotally connected to the support structures at one end and to a cage portion at the other end. A load chain connects to the springs at one end and to the lifting arm at the other near to the location where the lifting arm connects to the cage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Honeycutt, Charles F. Harmon, James P. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8561240
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a submersible pool cleaning vehicle having an endless loop track. The vehicle including a housing and the housing having members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The vehicle including an endless loop track. The track having an exterior and an interior, the interior having a series of ribs and ridges, the ribs having a predetermined width and pitch. The ribs being centrally located on the track while the ridges flank either side of the ribs. The vehicle including drive members for moving the vehicle around the pool surface. The drive members and associated members for moving the vehicle have an exterior surface with a series of grooves and ridges for compatible connection with the ribs. The width of the rib is substantially smaller than the width of the groove and the track ribs engaging the groves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Smartpool LLC
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Patent number: 8561241
    Abstract: An applicator for applying a product includes a motor and a switch for automatically rotating and/or oscillating an applicator head. By virtue of having a motor with a throttling gear, the applicator is capable of rotating and/or oscillating at controlled frequencies during application of cosmetic, medicinal, or other products to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: HCT Asia Ltd
    Inventors: Cindy Lim, Adrian C. Apodaca
  • Patent number: 8561242
    Abstract: A floor treating apparatus is provided, including a support device, on the lower side of which there is held at least one floor treating tool, which is driven to rotate or oscillate, a handle device to guide the floor treating apparatus in at least one working position, which handle device is held on the support device so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis from the at least one working position into at least one parking position and vice versa, and a storage container for a treatment liquid. The floor treating apparatus includes a storage container receptacle, in which the storage container can be releasably positioned in the at least one working position of the handle device, and a securing device with at least one first securing member and at least one second securing member which can be moved relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joerg Brueckner, Ernst Lorenz, Andreas Renz
  • Patent number: 8561243
    Abstract: A cleaning tool device (1) for a pipe (10), the cleaning tool (1) being moved internally in the pipe (10) while rotating about substantially the center axis (12) of the pipe (10), and the cleaning tool (1) being provided with a leading cleaning body (2) at its free end portion (4), and there being arranged, close behind the free end portion (4), a tool support (6) which is arranged to bear on the internal jacket surface (16) of the pipe (10), the tool support (6) being provided with at least one rotatable support cleaning body (8?, 8?, 8?? and 8??).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Well Service AS
    Inventor: Espen Osaland
  • Patent number: 8561244
    Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Children Oral Care, LLC
    Inventor: Puneet Nanda
  • Patent number: 8561245
    Abstract: A cleaning implement (10) comprising a handle (12) a cleaning end (24) coupled to the handle, and a cleaning head (14). The cleaning head may be removably coupled to the cleaning end, and can include a pair of tabs (30) extending through an aperture (32) in the cleaning end. Each tab may have a finger grip (56), and the finger grips may be generally offset from one another. Each tab may have a ledge (50) for contacting an upper surface of the cleaning end near a perimeter of the aperture to retain the cleaning head to the cleaning end. The tabs may be movable such that the ledges are moved out of contact with the upper surface of the cleaning end when removing the cleaning head from the cleaning end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Norbert Weis
  • Patent number: 8561246
    Abstract: In a mop head (1) having a handle attachment (2) that is displaceable along a frame (29), the handle attachment has a slider (3) that is displaceable (direction S) in a guide groove (20) in the frame. The slider has at least one engagement surface for frictional engagement with a respective cooperating surface of the guide groove and biasing means that with a force bias the surface/-s of the slider against the cooperating surface/-s of the guide groove. The handle attachment with the slider are depressable against the force from the biasing means, for relieving the engagement between the surface/-s of the slider and of the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hygienteknik Sverige AB
    Inventor: Stefan Johansson
  • Patent number: 8561247
    Abstract: An oral care implement and method for forming the same is provided. The oral care implement comprises a handle and a head having a base structure. A unitary assembly comprising a top portion of a first pod, a top portion of a second pod, a third pod comprising a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the third pod, and at least one suspension member is formed. The unitary assembly is subsequently attached to the base structure of the handle to form the first pod extending from a first face of the base structure and the second pod extending from the first face of the base structure. The third pod is disposed between and supported above the first face by the first and second pods by the at least one suspension member so that a gap exists between a bottom surface of the third pod and the first face of the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
  • Patent number: 8561248
    Abstract: The flexible, ergonomic toothbrush with replaceable bristles has a handle, a bristle block having bristles extending therefrom, and a brush head frame configured to removably receive the bristle block. The brush head frame has a pair of parallel prongs that define a recess and that slidably engage opposite sides of the bristle block so that the bristle block can be selectively disposed in first and second operative positions in the recess, the bristles extending in opposite directions in the operative positions. A neck interconnects the handle and the brush head frame, the neck being flexible relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Fahad Ibrahim Fatiny
  • Patent number: 8561249
    Abstract: A multi-head toothbrush assembly includes a housing that is elongated and has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall. The first end comprises an exit door. Each of a plurality of spaced sets of bristles is attached to and extends upwardly from a top side of an elongated panel. A plurality of panel sections is defined between adjacent ones of the sets. Each of the panel sections and an adjacent set defines a head. A frangible area in the panel is formed at junctures of each of the heads to facilitate breaking the heads off from one another. The panel is slidable outwardly through the first end to expose the heads and allow the heads to be used for brushing teeth. The heads are broken off of the panel to allow a next one of the heads to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Alevtina Malakova, Boris Fuzaylov
  • Patent number: 8561250
    Abstract: An extendable application device which allows a user to apply soap, lotion, medication, or various other substances to areas of the body which may be difficult to reach. The device can function as a traditional scrubbing or application device but may also be extended so that the user's back, shoulders, or other areas can be addressed as well. Exemplary embodiments use an elastic member that can elongate to allow an extended reach. Some embodiments may be used in retail packaging assemblies in order to secure retail items and provide pleasing aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: TaDa Investments LLC
    Inventor: David Abraham
  • Patent number: 8561251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) and an interchangeable mop cover (3) with a mopping surface (4) that is attached to the mop-head plate (2). According to the invention, the mop cover (3) is equipped on two opposing sides with a respective fixing device (5), which engages in a respective retainer (6) of the mop-head plate (2). At least one retainer (6) is formed by a recess (7) and the corresponding fixing device (5) is held by a positive fit in the recess (7) so that it can be detached without sustaining any damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Carl Frendenberg KG
    Inventors: Falk Lindner, Andreas Eisenhut, Michael Masih, Torsten Gratzki
  • Patent number: 8561252
    Abstract: A value document processing apparatus comprises an input for value documents to be processed, an output and/or a storage device for processed value documents, a transport device for singled transport of value documents from the input to the output or the storage device, a housing, a checking device arranged in the housing for checking value documents transported in singled form past it, and a suction conduit system for suction air which has a port for a suction unit for sucking air with dust out of the suction conduit system, and at least one hand cleaning portion connected to the port and having a suction opening movable in the area of the checking device, and/or at least two conduit portions connected to the port and having suction openings arranged at different portions of the transport path and directed onto the transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Demmeler
  • Patent number: 8561253
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric machine that includes exciting a winding of the electric machine in synchrony with zero-crossings of back emf when operating over a first speed range. The method then includes exciting the winding in advance of the zero-crossings by a fixed period of time when operating over a second speed range, and exciting the winding in advance of the zero-crossings by a period of time that varies with speed when operating over a third speed range. Additionally, a control system for an electric machine, and a product incorporating the control system and electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Charlton Clothier, Tuncay Celik, Roger Michael Dawe
  • Patent number: 8561254
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring heat and/or sound during liquid extraction and/or cleaning processes are disclosed. A fluid extraction system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a fluid extractor having an outlet positioned to deliver extracted waste fluid, and a fluid tank operatively coupled to the extractor. A blower, having an air intake and an air outlet through which blower air passes, is operatively coupled to the extractor outlet to draw the extracted waste fluid from the extractor. A muffler is positioned at least partially within the liquid tank and has a flow path along which the blower air passes. In particular embodiments, the muffler can also provide a heat exchanger function, for example, to heat cleaning fluid provided to the extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sapphire Scientific
    Inventor: Michael J. Roden
  • Patent number: 8561255
    Abstract: Provided is a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle and a main body rotatably connected to the suction nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jinwook Seo, Jungmin Moon
  • Patent number: 8561256
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning system, a front wheel, two rear wheels, and a drive mechanism. Each of the two rear wheels is independently driven by the drive mechanism. The operator is placed on the machine such that the operator is standing on a platform located along and above the geometrical center axis between the two rear wheels. The maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinrich-Tito Mayer
  • Patent number: 8561257
    Abstract: A surface cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner comprises an open sided air flow passage upstream of an n enclosed air flow passage extending from an opening in the surface cleaning head to an air outlet. The open sided airflow chamber comprising an upper wall and a rear depending wall extending downwardly from the upper wall. The rear depending wall has a lower end that is positioned above the lower end of wheels. The opening is provided in a rear half of the upper wall of the air flow chamber forwardly of the rear depending wall and inwardly of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad