Patents Issued in September 8, 1992
  • Patent number: D329314
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Paul A. Lawrence
  • Patent number: D329315
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Loefke, Ronald E. Christenson, Garwin B. McNeilus
  • Patent number: D329316
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Greg Adams
  • Patent number: D329317
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: DeWitt T. Bell, Jr.
  • Patent number: D329318
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Coinco
    Inventors: Koji Yukimoto, Hiroshi Hayashi, Yukio Ito
  • Patent number: PP7962
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant, named `YANTAI`, which is characterized by pale yellow blooms with a deeper yellow center, ranging from near Mimosa Yellow to near Empire Yellow with an occasional pale pink blush on the outer petals ranging from near French Rose to near Venetian Pink. Blooms of this rose are usually borne one to a stem with hybrid tea form but on occasion may be produced in sprays of 3 to 5 or more. The bush is vigorous, well-branched and produces moderate to heavy quantity of blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Susan M. O'Brien, Cecilia L. D. Bennett, deceased
  • Patent number: PP7963
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant, named `Ruth Staley`, which is characterized by rich pink blooms ranging from near Empire Rose to near Shell Pink. Blooms of this rose are usually borne one to a stem with hybrid tea form but on occasion may be produced in sprays of 3 to 5 or more. The bush is vigorous, well-branched and produces moderate to heavy quantity of blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Cecelia L. D. Bennett, deceased
  • Patent number: PP7964
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of crape-myrtle, named `Summer Dream`, which is characterized by its strong purplish pink blooms having white marginal variegation and its dwarf habit. The new variety is hearty, well-branched and produces a heavy quantity of blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hokuetsu Nohji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Katsuo
  • Patent number: PP7965
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of crape-myrtle, named `Summer Flash`, which is characterized by its bright red purple blooms, its dwarf habit, and its extremely heavy branching habit and its extremely numerous amount of blooms. The new variety is hardy and well-branched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hokuetsu Nohji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Katsuo
  • Patent number: PP7966
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of crape-myrtle, named `Summer Venus`, which is characterized by its bright purplish red blooms, its dwarf habit, its extremely heavy branching habit and its extremely numerous amount of blooms. The new variety is hardy and well-branched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hokuetsu Nohji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Katsuo
  • Patent number: PP7967
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of crape-myrtle, named `Summer Fantasy`, which is characterized by its bright red purple blooms and its dwarf habit. The new variety is hardy, well-branched and produces a heavy quantity of blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hokuetsu Nohji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Katsuo
  • Patent number: PP7968
    Abstract: The subject of the present disclosure is a new and distinct variety of crape-myrtle, named `White Fairy`, which is characterized by its yellowish white blooms and its dwarf habit. The new variety is hardy, well-branched and produces a heavy quantity of blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hokeutsu Nohji Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Katsuo
  • Patent number: PP7969
    Abstract: A new Geranium variety particularly distinguished by its vigorous, fast-rooting growth and its large semi-double salmon orange flowers which are borne in large umbels carried by strong tall stalks well above dark green foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitchell Hanes
  • Patent number: RE34054
    Abstract: A reamer comprises a single, adjustable, elongate carbide blade clamped in position in an axial slot in the reamer periphery by means of a clamping plate, with the slot having a positive rake blade supporting fade so that the blade is adjustable along a line parallel to a tangent to the reamer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Cogsdill Tool Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Millington, Peter W. W. Yewman
  • Patent number: RE34055
    Abstract: An apparatus especially suitable for filtering out a particulate material from a carrier fluid such as flue gases is disclosed herein. This assembly utilizes a main vessel defining an interior compartment and having an inlet and separate outlet. A number of filter assemblies are disposed within the vessel compartment and supported therein in spaced relationship with one another and with the vessel itself by means of a single tubular member which also serves as a discharge pipe between the filter assemblies and the vessel's outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Owen J. Tassicker
  • Patent number: RE34056
    Abstract: A device for tissue sampling by thick needle punctuation including a needle assembly including a hollow first needle and second needle extending through the hollow first needle. The needle assembly is contained in a housing having an opening through which the needles extend. Compressed springs in the housing are caused to expand to urge the needles away from the housing during the sampling of tissue. A rod is provided extending from the housing to simultaneously place the springs in a compressed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Per G. Lindgren, Dan Akerfeld
  • Patent number: RE34057
    Abstract: A driving and steering mechanism for a vehicle having a pair of driving wheels includes a steering wheel rotatably mounted to the vehicle and an accelerator foot pedal pivotably mounted to the vehicle. Transmissions associated with the driving wheels include a pivotable control arm for controlling the operation of the transmission, which independently controls the speed and direction of rotation of the associated wheel. The vehicle is turned by causing one wheel to rotate faster than the other wheel. A zero turning radius turn can be effected by causing the driving wheels to rotate in opposite directions.The driving and steering mechanism includes a pair of floating links pivotably connected at one end to a respective transmission control arm. Steering links, associated with the steering wheel, are pivotably connected to a respective floating link distal the connection to the control link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Simplicity Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy A. Middlesworth
  • Patent number: RE34058
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved reverse osmosis membrane that shows surprisingly improved solute rejection and permeation properties. The membrane includes a separating layer of a polyamideurea formed in situ by reaction of isocyanate-substituted acyl chloride and a diamine-treated microporous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Samuel D. Arthur
  • Patent number: RE34059
    Abstract: A zooming mechanism for a zoom lens comprises a zooming frame disposed for translation back and forth with respect to a stationary member in the direction of an optical axis and carrying a focus lens group in a manner to permit its focus adjustment; a drive for translating the zooming frame in the direction of the optical axis, a carrier frame for carrying another zoom lens group and supported within the zooming frame by a support member located therein for translation back and forth in the direction of the optical axis, a device for deriving a rotational drive in association with the translation of the zooming frame in the direction of the optical axis, and a device responsive to the rotational drive to cause a non-linear movement of the carrier frame. A rotational drive is derived in association with the translation of the zooming frame in the direction of the optical axis, and utilized by said non-linear moving device to cause a non-linear movement of the carrier frame to achieve a zooming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akitake
  • Patent number: RE34060
    Abstract: In a static type RAM, a sense amplifier includes first and second dissymmetric type differential amplifier circuits each of which has a pair of differential transistors and an active load circuit such as a current mirror circuit connected to the drains of the differential transistors. One of balanced signals delivered from a memory cell is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the first dissymmetric type differential amplifier circuit and the inverting input terminal of the second dissymmetric type differential amplifier circuit. The other of said balanced signals is applied to the remaining input terminals of the first and second dissymmetric type differential amplifier circuits. As a result, notwithstanding that balanced signals cannot be delivered from each dissymmetric type differential amplifier circuit, amplified balanced signals can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Microcomputer Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Tanimura, Sho Yamamoto, Kazuo Yoshizaki, Isao Akima
  • Patent number: RE34061
    Abstract: A polymer obtained by polymerizing tricyclo[5.2.1.0.sup.2,6 ]deca-8-yl acrylate or methacrylate in an amount of 100-5% by weight with one or more copolymerizable unsaturated monomers in an amount of 0 to 95% by weight is excellent in transparency, moisture resistance, and heat resistance and is suitable as a material for optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Kawai, Takashi Morinaga, Hiromu Miyajima, Toshio Akima, Mitsuharu Kato, Yutaka Hosoi
  • Patent number: 5144694
    Abstract: Exercise or physical therapy apparel including a vest, pants, spine strap, belt, wrist bands, ankle bands and weight packets. The vest and the pants are each provided with structure for holding at least one weight packet. The weight packets include plural rows and plural columns of weight members adjacent a layer of padding inside of a cloth pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Explore Incorporated
    Inventors: Emilie Conrad Da oud, Eleanor Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5144695
    Abstract: A retaining device (10) for headwear (100); wherein, the device comprises a pair of tether members (20) operatively connected together by a slide member (30) and provided on one end with clip elements (40) having spring loaded jaws (41) which captively yet releasably engage selective portions of the headwear (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: George W. Schweizer
  • Patent number: 5144696
    Abstract: An article of clothing comprises an elongated fabric tube and a generally circular elastic band wherein, by passing the band over different parts of the tube, various decorative and functional article forms are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Judith A. Kahl
  • Patent number: 5144697
    Abstract: Bi-waisted trousers conform to and comfortably grip the hips of a stout person without requiring a belt or hitching by the person. The bi-waisted trousers have front and back panels with respective waistbands located such that the front waistband is parallel to and approximately 2.5 inches lower around the hips than the back waistband. An elastic dart is placed on the opposite sides of the trousers between the front and back panels. An adjustable strap may be placed across one or both darts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Rick L. Sandbeck
  • Patent number: 5144698
    Abstract: An improved toilet seat cover is described, comprising an envelope open at one or both ends to permit it to be slipped over a toilet seat to enclose it for sanitary purposes; the cover having a removable central portion which, when removed, forms an opening in the cover coincident with the opening in the toilet seat. The removable central portion when removed includes one or a pair of mitts, for example, to receive and enclose the hand or hands of the user to protect the user from touching any unsanitized surface with a bare hand while opening and closing the toilet enclosure, installing and disposing of the toilet seat cover or flushing the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Clancy D. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 5144699
    Abstract: A plumbing drainage system has a plumbing stack with a clean-out hole formed therein. A drainage device for controlled drainage of the plumbing stack includes a device for connecting the drainage device to a plumbing stack at the clean-out hole formed in the plumbing stack. A shut-off valve is connected downstream of the first connecting device. A second connecting device is connected downstream of the shut-off valve for connection to a drainage hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Kenneth Graham
  • Patent number: 5144700
    Abstract: A water monitor for a toilet flush tank includes a sensing system and an alarm system. The sensing system includes a tube having a constricted aperture in the base. The tube is normally filled with water. When the flush tank is emptied water begins to drain slowly from the tube. A float in the control tube responds to the water level in the tube. A contact attached to the float closes contacts on the control tube if the flush tank does not refill. The closing of the contact is used to trigger an alarm signal. The monitor includes a self cleaning drainage aperture for the control tube and a flexible mounting belt which provides for simple mounting and adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Michel M. Martin
  • Patent number: 5144701
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and positioning a wheel chair in a tilted association to a shampoo basin, wherein the organization includes a housing with spaced side walls defining an upper basin and a floor positioned below the basin for orienting a container for receiving fluid directed through the basin from a fluid container mounted overlying the basin. The housing includes spaced parallel slider bars positioned laterally of the basin and extend ible forwardly to position and mount wheel chair handle bars, with a wheel chair forward wheel support mount arranged to position the forward wheels of a wheel chair thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Ralph W. Clark
  • Patent number: 5144702
    Abstract: A blow-off nozzle structure capable of automatically varying the blow-off volume of water comprises a tubular nozzle casing defining a blow-off flow forming passage therein, the passage forming a blow-off opening at a front end thereof and a hot water inlet opening at a rear end thereof, a valve seat formed in the midst of the blow-off flow forming passage, a valve element capable of being extended to or retracted from said valve seat so as to adjust the degree of opening of said valve seat, an air mixing portion defined in the blow-off flow forming passage and disposed at a position in front of the valve seat, the air mixing portion communicated with an air intake portion which has one end opened to atmosphere, and an automatic valve-element reciprocating means capable of moving said valve element toward or away from said valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisato Haraga, Yasutoshi Inatomi, Takashi Obata, Mituaki Hashida, Koichi Uchiyama, Kenji Moriyama
  • Patent number: 5144703
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion within a bathtub defined by spaced parallel side walls, a floor coextensive with the side walls, and a rear wall mounting a cushion at an upper terminal end thereof directed orthogonally between the side walls. The side walls are pneumatically or fluidly filled within chambers formed in the side walls, wherein the floor includes a chamber for filling overlying a lower chamber filled with a granular material to effect stable positioning of the organization in use. Suction cup members are mounted coextensively along the floor, side walls, and cushion for securement to an interior surface of an associated bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Laura M. Maire
  • Patent number: 5144704
    Abstract: This pool cover utilizes multiple, laterally displaced air compartments which are fixed in location with respect to each other, and are integral portions of the cover. The air compartments may be interleaved by having laterally overlapping portions in order to minimize sagging which may result if any air compartment were to have an air leak. The cover can include a removable exterior portion which is exposed, and an interior portion containing the air compartments which are in contact with the pool surface. This allows easy removal of the top portion of the cover for cleaning and for examining individual air compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Charles C. J. Genzel, Linda Genzel
  • Patent number: 5144705
    Abstract: A seat cushion is provided that comprises a baseboard having an upper surface bounded by a forward edge, a rear edge, and two sides. A number of pressurized cells or bladders are attached to the upper surface and arranged in rows between the forward and rear edges, the rows are spaced apart to define a central depression between the rows. The cells can be independently and selectively pressurized by a fluid such as air such that the support characteristics of the cells can be adjusted to a desired body support profile. The cells are also physically spaced and mechanically decoupled such that deformation of one cell under load is not significantly transmitted to an adjacent cell. The cell spacing is such to provide body support primarily against the buttocks and thighs and to reduce pressure against the coccyx, anal, ischial, and genital areas of a user. The rearmost cells in the rows can be spaced so as to provide an ischial cavity for relieving pressure on the ischial tuberosity areas of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: John E. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5144706
    Abstract: A plurality of foundation sections are interlocked with releasable latch devices to form a mattress support. The foundation sections include two center sections that are shorter than end sections to enable the center sections to be packed within the end sections. Side members can be releasably connected to the center sections to complete the foundation. The foundation sections can be stacked and placed within a container having a size within the shipping limits of the United Parcel Service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Robert A. Walker
  • Patent number: 5144707
    Abstract: A water mattress configuration including a top cover interconnected with a lower member or members in order to capture on or move liquid-filled bladders therebetween. In one embodiment, such interconnection is made by a sliding connection allowing the top cover to "glide" into place. Another embodiment contemplates interconnecting by hooked members entering slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Simmons Company
    Inventors: Milton A. Callaway, Charles E. Steed
  • Patent number: 5144708
    Abstract: A check valve provides a one-way fluid passage from without to within a fluid bladder formed by a pair of plastic sheets sealed together about their periphery. The check valve is formed by a pair of superimposed films of thermoplastic material, generally equal in length, thermally bonded together at predetermined areas to define the fluid passage throughout the length of the valve. Each of the films, adjacent one end thereof, is sealed to one of the outer sheets where the valve enters the bladder by a seal line of wedge shape. Each of the films has a high-gloss, cohesive inner surface and a matte, non-cohesive, outer surface. At least one of the films includes, on its inner surface, a release material disposed at a location which corresponds to the area at the inlet end of the fluid passage through the peripheral seal of the bladder to prevent the fusing together of the films at that area of the seal. The seal in that area has a V-shape with apex pointing in a direction opposite the one-way fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Dielectrics Industries
    Inventor: Robert W. Pekar
  • Patent number: 5144709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a shape such as a cavity in a workpiece. An aperture is provided in the area in which the cavity is to be formed. Thereafter, the cavity is depressed into the metal causing the metal to flow into the area from which metal was removed by the aperture formation. If desired, after formation of the original aperture, the cavity may be partially depressed, and the aperture requalified to a circular shape. Thereafter, the cavity may be depressed into the workpiece to its final depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: James F. Rooney
  • Patent number: 5144710
    Abstract: A composite, prestressed structural member, such as a bridge unit and methods of forming such a member. The apparatus includes a plurality of longitudinally extending girders which are transversely spaced and a plurality of adjacent composite units disposed on the girders. Each composite unit has a plurality of beams with a molded deck portion formed thereabove. The beams are positioned transversely with respect to the girders and attached thereto. Additional, longitudinal beams are disposed between the transversely extending beams over the girders. The longitudinal beams are attached to the girders and by connectors to the molded deck. The structure is formed by positioning the girders on a construction support adjacent to a center portion of the girders such that the free ends of the girders cantilever and deflect downwardly. The beams of the composite units are attached to the girders in this construction position. Any gaps between adjacent composite units are filled with a non-shrink, high strength grout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Stanley J. Grossman
  • Patent number: 5144711
    Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning an offset semiconductor wafer includes first and second opposed brushes circumscribing a common drive shaft. The wafer includes a circular peripheral edge. At any given instant, a first portion of the offset semiconductor wafer is positioned between and contacts the brushes while the second remaining portion of the semiconductor wafer extends outwardly from between the brushes. The peripheral edge of the second portion of the wafer contacts and is turned by a rotating support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Westech Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald L. Gill, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5144712
    Abstract: A disposable toothbrush which includes a tubular housing forming a handle and a telescopically slidable brush head carrier mounted in the housing. The brush head carrier includes a brush head with tapered plastic bristles which have a central cup position therein to receive dentifrice. The brush head is pivoted to the carrier and forms a closure for the end of the tubular housing when in retracted position. A wedge-shaped member on the brush head retains it in optimum brushing position. A retaining projection on the brush head retains the brush head in optimum brushing position and a latch structure retains the carrier in extended relation to the tubular housing. The brush head includes a removable bristle assembly to enable multiple use cycles of the toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Gail W. Hansel, Phillip D. Fausett
  • Patent number: 5144713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-operated wiping instrument for floors. The wiping instrument comprises a frame 1 with support and guide rollers 5, arranged at the front in the direction of movement F, and a wiping strip 7 arranged after said support and guide rollers in the direction of movement. The frame 1 supports a guide pole 3 with a handle 4 which is located in a plane A perpendicular to the direction of movement F, the distance a of which plane from the wiping strip 7 is substantially smaller than the distance b of the wiping strip 7 from the support and guide element 5. A wiping instrument of this type can be easily handled with a good wiping effect because the wiping strip is dragged and not pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Unger Licensing Limited
    Inventor: Henry M. Unger
  • Patent number: 5144714
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner introduces dust, as well as air, from a nozzle connected with the distal end of a hose into a dust collecting section in the cleaner body through an intake section, while detecting, by means of a detector, the volume of dust being introduced, and controls the output of an electric blower in accordance with the detected volume. One end of the intake section is connected with the proximal end of the hose, while the other end projects into the dust collecting section. Light-emitting and light-receiving elements are provided in the intake section to constitute the detector so as to enable positive detection of dust, easy checking of the contamination of the detector, and easy wiping of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mori, Seizo Hayashi, Hiroshi Hayakawa, Tomomi Mitani
  • Patent number: 5144715
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and method for determining the kind of floor surface being cleaned by a vacuum cleaner wherein dust amount per unit interval is detected and dust detection change patterns are analyzed for determining floor type. This analysis is based on the following assumptions: smooth and carpet surfaces can be distinguished by dust detection patterns for an interval of several seconds. On the smooth surface, almost all of the dust at one place is picked up during an early stage of the interval. On the other hand, on a carpet floor, dust is picked up continuously. On a new carpet, many piles detach during vacuuming. Thus, if dust detection is continuous over several seconds it may be assumed that, the carpet is a new carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Matsuyo, Masahiro Kimura, Hideo Okubo, Seiji Yamaguchi, Hiroshi Kawakami, Masaru Moro
  • Patent number: 5144716
    Abstract: An electric cleaner is provided with a moving mechanism for avoiding or escaping an obstacle so as to turn and move a cleaner body when the cleaning body collides with the obstacle. According to the electric cleaner, even if the cleaner body is collided with the obstacle, it is easy to escape or avoid away from the obstacle to ensure a smooth travel of the cleaner body while preventing an overturn of the cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Syuji Watanabe, Kouiti Sagawa, Gorou Sasai, Hidetoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 5144717
    Abstract: A double wheel caster for being rotatably mounted on a leg of a transport carrier includes a support rod having a center portion and opposite first and second end portions. The center portion of the support rod is rotatably positioned within an opening located in a wheel caster trailing housing. A pair of caster wheels are rotatably positioned on the first and second end portions of the support rod. Each caster wheel has an aperture generally centrally located therethrough and a plurality of fingers extending radially inward and into engagement with the support rod such that the caster wheels are frictionally mounted on the support rod. Upon movement of the transport carrier in a direction which forces one caster wheel to rotate faster than the other, the frictional mounting inhibits the one caster from freely rotating with respect to the other to thereby prevent shimmying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Graco Metal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Devon T. Siesholtz, Nathaniel Saint
  • Patent number: 5144718
    Abstract: A door pull comprises a pull member and a pair of fittings coupled with opposite ends of the pull member. The door pull is attached to a door by these fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: YKK Architectural Products Inc.
    Inventor: Akio Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5144719
    Abstract: A battery lift handle which has a `U`-shaped rigid hand grip, a lift cord extending from the base of one of the legs of the hand grip and terminates at its other end in a head, the second leg having three slots, the uppermost slot opening to one side of the second leg, the lowermost slot extending upwardly from the base and opening to the other side of the second leg, and the intermediate slot extending laterally, so that the cord head can be inserted in the second leg very quickly by a single hand action of positioning the head into the upper slot, pulling the cord through the intermediate slot and then downwardly through the lowermost slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Rope & Marine Supplies Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Rodney I. Arthur
  • Patent number: 5144720
    Abstract: A releasable double-hinge device for an automobile console box that makes the box lid capable of being opened from either lateral side by simply sliding it sideways. The opened lid can be closed by a simple action of pushing it down. A number of pivotal pillars 3, each provided with a lock shaft 3b, are pivotally arranged on respective anchor pins 3d and kept upright along each of the lateral edges of the box main body 1 by means of respective recoil springs 4. A same number of lock sections 2a are arranged along and under each of the lateral edges of the box lid 2 in such a manner that the lock shafts of the pivotal pillars are received in respective slots 2b of the lock sections 2a to form a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Kato Hatsujo Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Aihara, Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5144721
    Abstract: An adjustable hinge assembly has a hinge and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is vertically adjustable on a cabinet wall and carries the hinge. The hinge is horizontally adjustable in and out on the mounting plate, and also has left and right horizontal adjustment on the mounting plate by way of a vertical fulcrum rib between the hinge and the mounting plate, which permits the hinge to be horizontally rocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel J. Schade
  • Patent number: 5144722
    Abstract: A furniture hinge comprises a pivotally movable hinge member, which is adapted to be secured to a door or flap and is connected by two links to a hinge bracket, which is adapted to be connected to a base plate, which is adapted to be secured to a carrying wall. The bracket is slidably guided on the base plate at least in the direction of the depth of a piece of furniture and is adapted to be secured thereto in various depths of insertion by a clamp screw. A stop is provided for limiting the insertion of the hinge bracket in the direction of the depth of the piece of funiture. In order to ensure that the gap between the door and the corups of the furniture will have a predetermined width after the hinge bracket has been pivotally moved to effect a lateral adjustment of the door, an adjusting screw which bears on the base plate is screwed into the hinge bracket and is operable to impart to said hinge bracket a pivotal movement for effecting a lateral adjustment of the door or flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice