Patents Issued in December 23, 2014
  • Floribunda rose plant named ‘U.F.O.’
    Patent number: PP25184
    Abstract: A new variety of Floribunda rose suitable for garden decoration, having flowers of orange coloration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James W. Coiner
  • hybrid plant named ‘SAKPXC010’
    Patent number: PP25185
    Abstract: A new Petunia-Calibrachoa hybrid plant particularly distinguished by having a rose flower color with red-purple veins and purple mid vein and mounding plant growth habit is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sakata Seed Corporation
    Inventors: Akinobu Ui, Shin Ishikawa
  • plant named ‘Fipetparpunch’
    Patent number: PP25186
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Petunia plant named ‘Fipetparpunch’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading and mounding growth habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; large red purple-colored flowers with white and pale yellow green-colored centers; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Fides B.V.
    Inventor: Anita Miedema-Jorna
  • plant named ‘PBLYG39-0’
    Patent number: PP25187
    Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘PBLYG39-0’ is disclosed, characterized by a unique flower color of yellow with a soft pink margin, compact plants and abundant flowering. The new variety is a Petunia, suitable as an outdoor garden or container plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Suntory Flowers Ltd
    Inventor: Jun Tsukahara
  • plant named ‘PKMP10’
    Patent number: PP25188
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Campanula plant named ‘PKMP10’, characterized by its compact plant habit; globular plant form; vigorous growth habit; upright dark violet flowers and small leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Gartneriet PKM A/S
    Inventor: Christian Hald Madsen
  • Frame for a bicycle
    Patent number: RE45296
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Song Joon Kyu
  • Method for enhancing the solderability of a surface
    Patent number: RE45297
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the solderability of a metallic surface is disclosed where the metallic surface is plated with an immersion silver plate prior to soldering, which immersion silver plate is treated with an additive selected from the group consisting of fatty amines, fatty amides, quaternary salts, amphateric salts, resinous amines, resinous amides, fatty acids, resinous acids, ethoxylated derivatives of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. The immersion silver deposits created are resistant to electromigration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Redline, David Sawoska, Peter Kukanskis, Donald Ferrier, Eric Yakobson
  • Multimedia playing device
    Patent number: RE45298
    Abstract: A multimedia playing device includes a central processing unit, a plurality of sensors electrically coupled to the central processing unit, and an output unit electrically coupled to the central processing unit. The plurality of sensors are operated together with the central processing unit, such that after the sensors detect different hand movements of a user, the central processing unit reads and determines the hand movement and transmits related control signals to the output unit according to different hand movements to achieve the effects of using a hand posture to control related functional movements and enhancing the convenience of using the multimedia playing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Digilife Technologies Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chien-Wei Chang, Chen-Ping Yang
  • Receiving a pilot design and channel estimation
    Patent number: RE45299
    Abstract: A receiver in an OFDM based communication system is adapted to perform channel estimation using a received reference signal transmitted from at least one antenna The reference signal is substantially located into at least two OFDM symbols of a transmission time interval comprising of more than two OFDM symbols. A power level of said reference signal is divided into said non-consecutive OFDM symbols in said transmission time interval and adapted to use the reference signal located in a first OFDM symbol in succeeding transmission time intervals in addition to the reference symbols in a current transmission time interval and a preceding transmission time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Aris Papasakellariou, Timothy M. Schmidl, Eko N Onggosanusi, Anand Dabak
  • Context-adaptive variable length coder with simultaneous storage of incoming data and generation of syntax elements
    Patent number: RE45300
    Abstract: A variable-length coding apparatus which receives image data block by block, and generates coded data from syntax elements. A storage unit temporarily stores the image data, while, at the same time, a first syntax element calculating unit calculates a first syntax element from the image data. A first coding unit generates coded data of the first syntax element from a value of the first syntax element. A second syntax element is calculated from the image data by a second syntax element calculating unit that reads out the image data stored in the storage unit. A second coding unit generates coded data of the second syntax element on the basis of the values of the first and second syntax elements, and a packing unit connects the coded data of the first and second syntax elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koichi Suzuki
  • Location management in a mobile telecommunication system
    Patent number: RE45301
    Abstract: The basic idea of the invention is to separate the location area used in the RAN and the reporting area used when reporting the location of the mobile to the core network. The size of the location area is selected preferably in the RAN based on the services used by the subscriber to optimize the use of radio resources. A reporting area comprises one or a plurality of location areas. The size of a reporting area is selected based on the accuracy of location information needed in the core network. The RAN informs the core network when a subscriber moves out of his current location area. The core network and the radio access network negotiate the size of the reporting area prior to the activation of the service. Additionally, the reporting areas can be renegotiated when the service is in the active state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Serge Haumont, Heikki Lindholm, Lauri Söderbacka, Juha Bäck, Juhapekka Niemi, Matti Keskinen, Jari Hartikainen
  • System and method for reuse of communication spectrum for fixed and mobile applications with efficient method to mitigate interference
    Patent number: RE45302
    Abstract: A communications system network that enables secondary use of spectrum on a non-interference basis is disclosed. Each secondary transceiver measures the background spectrum. The system uses a modulation method to measure the background signals that eliminates self-generated interference and also identifies the secondary signal to all primary users via on/off amplitude modulation, allowing easy resolution of interference claims. The system uses high-processing gain probe waveforms that enable propagation measurements to be made with minimal interference to the primary users. The system measures background signals and identifies the types of nearby receivers and modifies the local frequency assignments to minimize interference caused by a secondary system due to non-linear mixing interference and interference caused by out-of-band transmitted signals (phase noise, harmonics, and spurs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Shared Spectrum Company
    Inventor: Mark Allen McHenry
  • Urination relief hatch for waterproof waders and foul weather gear
    Patent number: 8914912
    Abstract: An improved fishing or hunting wader, exposure suit or foul weather pants/bib incorporates a novel waterproof connectable hatch to provide access for urination. The low profile and lightweight waterproof hatch is centered over the groin area and allows the wearer of a fishing wader, or similar foul weather gear pants, to be able to quickly open the hatch and urinate without removing the cumbersome garment. A hinged or connectable lid may swing upwards and downwards and features a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic, or mechanical fastener so that the lid is held up in place and out of the way. After urination, the lid may conveniently snap back into place against a seal or O-ring thereby forming a water tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Wendy L. Stevenson
  • Pull away vest with detachable shoulders
    Patent number: 8914913
    Abstract: A vest is disclosed that the user can remove without removing an outer garment such as a coat. The vest utilizes hook and loop fasteners at the shoulder to allow the back and front to be separated. In order to facilitate separation, a pull cord is attached at the rear shoulder and crosses the back of the vest and passes through a guide near the opposing hip. When the pull cord is pulled the opposing shoulder that has been separated is peeled back and down across the back allowing the user to remove the vest without removing an overcoat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory C. Jones
  • Hat with hair keeping device
    Patent number: 8914914
    Abstract: A hat with hair keeping device including an outer layer with a crown, a continuous side wall, a front portion, rear portion and a brim. An inner layer is disposed within the outer layer. The inner layer has upper, forward, and rearward portions. Parallel lower and upper seams are continuously disposed between the continuous side wall and the brim with a cinching body continuously disposed within the lower and upper seams. There is an opening disposed in the rear portion of the outer layer. The opening is configured to receive a portion of the cinching body there through with the drawstring secured posteriorly to the rearward portion of the outer layer by tying the ends of the drawstring together. The silk or satin inner layer reduces hair breakage by reducing friction against the hair and helps avoid perspiration around the hairline, thus assisting in keeping the hairstyle intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Rochelle Blake
  • Decorative footwear system
    Patent number: 8914915
    Abstract: A decorative footwear adornment providing a removable and reusable ornamentation for use upon existing footwear includes an attachable base plate being embellished with a decorative element or indicia. The base plate includes extending malleable attachment arms, each encased within a flexible polymer material, which are wrapped around and secured to straps or other portions of the footwear. The flexible nature of the attachment arms enables a user to repeatedly interchange and reuse the adornments with various footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Lisa Alari, Chris Hunter, Wilma Bivin-Hunter
  • Helmet suspension system
    Patent number: 8914916
    Abstract: Provided is a helmet suspension system which is configured to mitigate rapid movements, i.e., acceleration and deceleration, of a user's head. The helmet suspension system connects to a base and a helmet worn by a wearer and allows for slow, safe movements of the helmet relative to the base, but restricts rapid and generally unsafe movements of the helmet relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James D. Castillo
  • Universal athletic pads with combination attachment means
    Patent number: 8914917
    Abstract: Protective hip pads and tailbone pads formed of resilient padding material have a combination belt slot and snap faster attachment arrangement and can selectively attached to athletic pants having either snap fasteners in the waistband, or to athletic pants having a waistband with a number of exposed slots through which a belt extends. Thin stiff flexible support plates are affixed to the front and back side of the pads and laterally spaced slotted apertures extending through the pad and support plates have a vertical slot and an intersecting horizontal slot. Snap fasteners slidably mounted in respective horizontal slots can be moved to be aligned and pressed onto mating snap members in the waistband to secure the pads to the waistband or, alternatively, moved to expose the vertical slots to receive a pants belt laced through the waistband and vertical slots to secure the pads to the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Douglas Pads Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Huntsman, Kevin Bull, Jeff Douglas
  • Anti-horse collar tackle safety device
    Patent number: 8914918
    Abstract: An anti-horse collar tackle safety device, comprising a base having means for attaching the base to a pair of shoulder pads, wherein the base comprises an interior portion facing the shoulder pads and an exterior portion that is accessible from outside a jersey placed over the shoulder pads, and a releasable portion releasably attached to the exterior portion of the base via means for releasable attachment, wherein the releasable portion is configured to release via application of a force equal to or less than about 15 pounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Swanson, Dustin Thomas Swanson
  • Fixture use prevention system
    Patent number: 8914919
    Abstract: A device to prevent the use of newly placed toilets in buildings under construction by securing the toilet seat and toilet lid of a toilet in a fixed position to the toilet bowl. The toilet use prevention system includes a locking mechanism to secure an L-shape lid retainer and a J-shape bowl clamp in a position to prevent a toilet from being opened. Another embodiment prevents use of faucets in sinks and tubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jerry Schubert, Teresa Schubert
  • Patient lift and coupling therefor
    Patent number: 8914920
    Abstract: A patient lift including a boom a spreader bar, and a friction coupling for securing the boom and the spreader bar. The friction coupling may include two friction washers disposed against respective inner faces of the boom. Two compression springs are disposed abutting the friction washers with a spreader bar support member in between. The compression springs urge the friction washers against the inner faces of the boom end. The spreader bar does not swing when the lift is moved without load. Also, the friction coupling reduces the swing of the patient, when transferred in the lift. This makes the lift easier to maneuver for the caregiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: ARJO Hospital Equipment AB
    Inventor: Therese Niklasson
  • Interface for attaching bed legs to bed base tubes and bed frame angle irons
    Patent number: 8914921
    Abstract: An attachment interface is configured to mount a bed leg. The attachment interface includes a base having a support platform and a guiding surface; an abutment; and a helical screw defining an axis oriented at a right angle to the abutment. The helical includes an actuation wheel, and threads positioned under the support platform. A mobile member is configured to move relative to the abutment, the mobile member defining a sliding surface configured to contact the guiding surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Philippe Max Rothschild
  • Mountable fan for massage table
    Patent number: 8914922
    Abstract: A mountable fan for massage table that is removably installable to an underside of an extant massage table headrest, said mountable fan for massage table having a generally ovoid hoop with an upper surface and a lower surface, a vent circumferentially disposed around the upper surface, a fan chamber radially disposed from the hoop, an electric fan disposed within the fan chamber, and an intake duct with a removable filter disposed therein, the intake duct disposed on the fan chamber, whereby air is drawn into the intake duct by the fan and forcibly expelled through the vent to relaxingly stimulate the face of a patient lying on the massage table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Charles D. Wells, Wanda L. Wells
  • Assemblies for managing incontinence
    Patent number: 8914923
    Abstract: Bedding assemblies useful in the management of incontinence are provided herein. Preferred bedding assemblies include a top wicking layer, an electrical circuit configured to detect the presence of moisture, an absorbent layer, and a waterproof layer. Assemblies are configured to signal to a receiving device which in turn can communicate an alarm signal or be operably coupled with a notification device. Assemblies can include mattress overlays, mattress covers, and mattresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Dean Preston Smith
  • Patient support with universal energy supply system
    Patent number: 8914924
    Abstract: A patient support includes a patient support surface, a fluid movement system provided at the patient support, a port mounted at the patient support in selective fluid communication with the fluid movement system, and a device selected from the group consisting of an inflatable device, a conduit, an air operated device, an actuator, a ventilator, and a chamber, with the port adapted for coupling to the device for delivering fluid to the device from the fluid movement system when the device is coupled to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Stryker, Kevin Conway, Scott Davis
  • Mobile diagnostic assembly
    Patent number: 8914925
    Abstract: A mobile diagnostic assembly (20) of the type for supporting a patient in a prone position along an examination surface includes a support frame (22) having a top (26) extending between a front edge (38) and a rear edge (40) and defining at least one opening (48) for receiving pendant breasts of the patient in the prone position. The support frame (22) is movable to a testing position for disposing the rear edge (40) adjacent the examination surface. A flap (50) extends from the rear edge of the top for overlaying an examination surface in the testing position to support the prone patient along the examination surface and said flap and said top to prevent movement of the support frame relative to the examination surface. A pivot (54) is disposed between the flap and the top for establishing rotation of the flap from the testing position to cover said top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Wayne County Employees' Retirement System
    Inventor: Paul G. Angott
  • Portable sleeping table apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8914926
    Abstract: A folding portable sleeping table comprises a planar member rotatably connected to at least one longitudinal support member. A support arm has a proximal and a distal end. The proximal end of the support arm is rotatably connected to the planar member. The longitudinal support member has notches to engage the distal end of the support arm. The longitudinal support member has a hollow interior sized to accept at least one extendable member. A base member is positioned on a lower end of the at least one extendable member. The at least one extendable member is adjustably secured to the at least one longitudinal support member whereby the base member and the at least one extendable member can extend in and out relative to the at least one longitudinal support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Nahome Berhanu
  • Infant support pillow with attached activity mat
    Patent number: 8914927
    Abstract: A pillow and play mat assembly comprising an infant support pillow with an attached activity or play mat. The pillow includes a bolster surrounding a recessed central well. The mat includes a padded panel with a flexible bumper. The bumper is repositionable so that it can extend from the panel upwardly or downwardly. In the fully deployed or play mode, the play mat extends sidewardly from the support pillow and the bumper extends upwardly to enclose the play area defined by the mat. In the stowed or carrying mode, the play mat is folded under the support pillow and the bumper is inverted to at least partially enclose the side of the pillow. In an intermediate position, the play mat is folded under the pillow and the bumper extends downwardly to slightly elevate the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Angle detection and control
    Patent number: 8914928
    Abstract: An alternating pressure pad (1) comprises inflatable cells (9,10) supplied with air by supply lines (7, 8) from a compressor (2) via supply line (3). A pressure controller controls the output of the compressor. Also connected to supply line (3) is an angle detection valve (40) restricting flow of air to atmosphere with increase in its angular position and a pressure transducer (17). Any increase in pressure due to an increase in angle of the detection valve (19) results in back pressure in the detection line. The pressure controller (2) uses the pressure transducer (17) to detect this change in pressure and then acts to adjust compressor output to the cells (9, 10) accordingly. The angle detection valve (40) is positioned under the head section of the pad to move with the head rest section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jan Huyser, Simon Roff, Bob Hibberdine, Rhys Davies
  • Multifunction tool for demolition
    Patent number: 8914929
    Abstract: A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Pull'r Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jared Hanlon
  • Laundry treating appliance with load amount detection
    Patent number: 8914930
    Abstract: A method and apparatus determines a load size of a laundry load located in a laundry treating appliance having a drum defining a treatment chamber that is rotated by a motor based on a given amount of energy applied to the motor, and a measurement of coast time after the given amount of energy is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Hirak Chanda, Michael L. Jackemeyer, Christoph J. Miller, James A. Oskins, Andre Petronilho, Robert A. Scheitlin, Jon D. Strait, Matthew S. Wasson
  • Method for controlling a laundry machine using first and second rotations
    Patent number: 8914931
    Abstract: A laundry machine capable of washing or drying laundry and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method includes a first rotation including rotating a stationary drum in a first rotating direction by a predetermined angle within ˜180 degrees, and a second rotation including rotating the drum, in a direction opposite to the first rotating direction, at least one revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Bon Kwon Koo
  • Self adjusting ramp
    Patent number: 8914932
    Abstract: A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Romanak, Dhananjay Gangakhedkar
  • Broom assembly for sweeping machine and method of operation
    Patent number: 8914933
    Abstract: A broom assembly for attachment to a vehicle is adapted to rotate a brush having a tubular core. The broom assembly includes a center section, a left side plate, a right side plate, an idle hub on one of the side plates and a drive hub on the other of the side plates. These hubs define a core axis about which the brush is rotated. A first linear actuator is adapted to move the left side plate along an axis that is parallel to the core axis between a left open position and a left closed position, and a second linear actuator is adapted to move the right side plate along an axis that is parallel to the core axis between a right open position and a right closed position. The broom assembly may be operated in a work mode and a maintenance mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Roadtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Petty, Brent Michaels
  • USB connector cleaner
    Patent number: 8914934
    Abstract: A USB connector cleaner for cleaning conductive pins received in a recess of a USB connector is provided. The USB connector cleaner includes a base, a cleaning head, and a driving member. The cleaning head is configured for inserting into the recess to clean the conductive pins. The cleaning head includes a supporting member fixed on the base and a cleaning brush rotatably connected to the supporting member. The driving member is slidably connected to the base for driving the cleaning brush to cleaning the conductive pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing-Heng Lee
  • Disposable premoistened multilayered cleaning wipe
    Patent number: 8914935
    Abstract: A multilayered premoistened cleaning wipe having: a liquid permeable first layer joined to a liquid permeable second layer and a core disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A cleaning composition is releasably absorbed in the core. The cleaning composition has between about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: The procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jonathan David Gummow, Brian Joseph Roselle
  • Make-up removal wipe
    Patent number: 8914936
    Abstract: To better facilitate the application and removal of make-up on the skin, including on the face, and especially around the eyes, the present invention provides a wiping product having two or more lobes which substantially conform to both the user's finger and the area around the user's eyes. The wiping product is not secured to the user's finger or worn like a glove, but rather is simply supported by one or more fingers in use. In this manner, the wiping product is both simple to use and provides excellent application and removal of make-up in often hard to reach areas, such as the recesses of the eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bjoern Niklas Jemsby, Jason Robert Boon, Nadeem Haidary, Jereme Nathanial Dumm, Jonathan Adam Dien, Scott Adam Ternovits, Jennifer Lee Schiffman, Pooja Ghanshyam Merai
  • Hinge assembly for steam cleaner
    Patent number: 8914937
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of pivoting in front/rear (X) and left/right (Y) directions, and more particularly, to a hinge assembly for a steam cleaner capable of being adjusted automatically in a straight direction after a swerving force is removed, when a base assembly was swerved while locking automatically a left/right directional pivoting action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Gyung Hee Haan
  • Municipal sewer cleaning system
    Patent number: 8914938
    Abstract: A municipal sewer cleaning system for efficiently cleaning a below grade municipal sewer line features a vacuum service truck having a vacuum source fluidly connected to a flexible vacuum hose, a compressed air source fluidly connected to a flexible air hose, and a pressurized water source fluidly connected to a flexible water hose. The system features a collar assembly having a rigid inner collar and an inflatable outer collar connected to the air hose. A tapering semi-cylindrical skirt is Ideated on a collar second end and a rigid ninety degree reducing elbow is located on a collar first end. The reducing elbow is fluidly connected to the vacuum hose and features a trough located on an elbow outside wall with a plurality of roller units inside. The water hose slides within the plurality of roller units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Calvin E. Lee
  • Vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 8914939
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a tank having an internal chamber and a first wall dividing the internal chamber of into a first compartment and a second compartment separated by the wall. A discharge is adapted and configured to discharge waste material vacuumed by the vacuum cleaner into the first compartment of the tank. The first wall includes one or more openings extending through the first wall and fluidly communicating the first and second chambers whereby waste material received into the first compartment that can pass through the one or more openings can pass from the first compartment into the second compartment while waste material that cannot pass through the one or more openings remains in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Steve Anthony Aragona
  • Vacuum axle with a motor embedded therein and wheels
    Patent number: 8914940
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Cyclone dust collecting apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same
    Patent number: 8914941
    Abstract: A cyclone dust collecting apparatus for a vacuum cleaner includes a first chamber; an entering passage disposed above the first chamber, the entering passage guiding outer air to form a downwardly whirling air current in the first chamber; a second chamber formed at a position higher than that of an outlet of the entering passage above the first chamber, the second chamber in which the outer air entering from the first chamber whirls; a contaminants-blocking member disposed to be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the first chamber at a center of the first chamber, the contaminants-blocking member preventing contaminants and water separated in the first chamber from moving into the second chamber; and a grill disposed inside the second chamber to be in fluid communication with an air discharging port through which clean air is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-ha Kim, Joung-soo Park, Sung-tae Joo, Hyun-ju Lee, Dong-houn Yang
  • Attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance
    Patent number: 8914942
    Abstract: An attachment for a vacuum cleaning appliance, the attachment including a head divided into a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member, each rotatable member comprising means for sweeping dirt from a surface, a conduit connectable to a vacuum cleaning appliance for conveying an air flow from the head towards the appliance, a drive mechanism for rotating the head about a first axis while simultaneously rotating the first rotatable member about a second axis and the second rotatable member about a third axis, each of the second axis and the third axis being angled to the first axis, and means for dislodging dirt from the sweeping means with rotation of the head about the first axis so that dislodged dirt may become entrained within the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Benjamin Courtney, Leigh Michael Ryan
  • Wheel assembly
    Patent number: 8914943
    Abstract: A caster wheel device for a domestic appliance is in the form of a wheel mounting carriage, a dial having an underside forming a cam, a cam follower that contacts the cam, a wheel bracket and a wheel. The wheel bracket retains the wheel within it so that the wheel and bracket pivot about the follower independently of the carriage. The cam follower is attached to the wheel bracket and the wheel is able to trail behind the cam follower to form a trailing wheel caster when lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert Grassia
  • Handcart caster
    Patent number: 8914944
    Abstract: A handcart caster is provided with a bracket and a rolling wheel component disposed on a lower end of the bracket; a radial directional convex part disposed on an upper part of the bracket; a rolling bearing disposed in a cavity of the radial directional convex part, the rolling bearing including an outer ring of a bearing, an inner ring of the bearing, a plurality of steel balls disposed between the outer ring of the bearing and the inner ring of the bearing, and two-layer grooves disposed on surfaces of the outer ring of the bearing and the inner ring of the bearing facing each other wherein the steel balls are disposed in the two-layer grooves, the cage is disposed outside of the steel balls; and convex ridges for fixing the outer ring of the bearing disposed on an inner wall of the radial directional convex part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cixi Chuangli Bearing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo Sun
  • Door stopper and method of use
    Patent number: 8914945
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention may be a door stopper and a method of operating same, the door stopper may comprise a base plate and a pivoting arm, the base plate having at least a first side and a second side, the first side being pivotally connected to a pivoting arm in a manner that allows the pivoting arm to move between an operating position and a storage position; wherein the door stopper attaches by its second side to a side of a door of a doorway proximate to a edge of the door in a manner that allows the pivoting arm to move from a storage position to an operating position automatically, this operating position allows the pivoting arm to prevent the door from fully closing within the doorway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick F. Callahan
  • Dual-shaft pivot device
    Patent number: 8914946
    Abstract: A dual-shaft pivot device includes a resilient guide assembly composed of a plurality of resilient guide members and first and second pivotal shafts. Each resilient guide member has two accommodation portions at two ends thereof and a connecting groove communicating with the two accommodation portions. One end of the inner wall of each accommodation portion, far away from the connecting groove, has an end protrusion. The first and second pivotal shafts have middle portions which are inserted in the accommodation portions of the resilient guide member. Each middle portion has at least one middle flat surface to get contact with the end protrusion for the middle portion to push the end protrusion during turning to bring resilient deformation of each accommodation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Ya Ching Lin
  • Handle arrangement
    Patent number: 8914947
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle arrangement for a machine component which vibrates in the operating state thereof, with a connecting part for connecting to the machine component and with a handle which is coupled to the connecting part, wherein the handle is assigned an elongate handle section with a hand engagement point and wherein the handle has a damping mass element, the mass center of gravity of which is arranged such that a decrease in vibration in the hand engagement point is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Oliver Weiss
  • Scarf zipper
    Patent number: 8914948
    Abstract: A scarf zipper with a scarf securing member, a medallion member and a medallion connector member. The scarf securing member is attached to the medallion member by the medallion connector member. The scarf securing member is a wire-form component. The scarf securing member having two halves, each terminating at one end in a locking mechanism and at the opposite end in an integral spring and loop. The spring causes the halves to be biased outward from each other until locked together by the locking mechanism. The locked halves retain two panels of a standard scarf. The scarf securing member is capable of being zipped up or down by pulling on the medallion member. The scarf securing member remains in place after being zipped and the medallion member ends up at the front portion of the scarf and acts as a decorative element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Teresa Rissmeyer
  • Money holding devices
    Patent number: 8914949
    Abstract: Money holding devices (e.g., clips) configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration by applying a force to a portion of one arm of the clip that is wider than a corresponding portion of another arm of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Chip Edward Thomson, Chan Chun Yau, Timothy Uys