Patents Issued in January 28, 2010
  • Publication number: 20100017929
    Abstract: A bath towel bib including a collar adapted to form a releasably securable loop around a user's neck, an actuatable means for releasing the loop from around the user's neck, and an absorbent cloth fixedly attached to the collar and operatively arranged to hang from the collar in front of the user's torso when the loop is releasably secured around the user's neck, wherein the actuatable means for releasing the loop from around the user's neck is operatively arranged to actuate when the absorbent cloth is pulled in a direction away from the user's neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Mary Kenney
  • Publication number: 20100017930
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for a protective cover to protect a user's shoulder area during such activities as burping, feeding, or playing with an infant. The cover has two grooves, one to contour around the user's neck region, and another to contour the user's arm region. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover has multiple layers, wherein least one of the layers is made of a high friction fabric to prevent the cover from slipping off the user's shoulder. In another embodiment of the present invention two elasticized straps are attached to the cover and wrap around the user's neck to prevent the cover from slipping off the user's shoulder. The straps are convenient and easy to use, allowing one to either slip the cover over one's head or quickly fasten or unfasten around the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: ANNIKA CHASE
  • Publication number: 20100017931
    Abstract: An exercise and training device for swimmers in the form of a shirt, top, or singlet that, due to the material of manufacture, increases the resistance to the swimmer's movement through the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Gerald Whaley
  • Publication number: 20100017932
    Abstract: An article of clothing comprises four layers. A first layer of fabric is in the form of a wearable garment. A second layer of synthetic tricot fabric is attached to the first layer. A third layer of foam has the same shape and size as the second layer, is aligned with the second layer, and is heat fused to a horizontal fiber size of the tricot fabric. A fourth layer of loop material has the same shape and size as the third layer, is aligned with the third layer, has two sides both of which comprise nylon loops, and is heat fused to the fourth layer. A display item of a plurality of display items has a substantially smooth front portion and a back portion having a plurality of hooks. The display items are attachable and rearrangeable by joining the plurality of hooks to the loops of the fourth layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Colin Egglesfield
  • Publication number: 20100017933
    Abstract: A concern for medical patients and caregivers is suitable apparel that provides comfort, dignity, easy dressing and access to the body without unnecessary body exposure. Critically ill patients' fragile skin is easily damaged when handled and patients recovering from broken limbs or surgery experience the need for easier ways to dress and accommodate medical devises and treatment. Modular medical apparel provides slip-on and snap-seam construction of shirts and pants to meet treatment needs and pulling overhead or up the body is avoided. Plastic snap closures enable the patient to wear the apparel during routine examinations, x-rays, chemo therapy, MRI and other treatments, eliminating change of clothing and body exposure. The apparel is adaptable to amputees and has the appearance of sportswear. Optional features include, but are not limited to, removable sleeves, flexible seam closures, moisture control, antimicrobial, stain resistant, flame retardant, and Velcro, stainless steel or plastic fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Elizabeth Lide Taylor-Barry
  • Publication number: 20100017934
    Abstract: A garment to be worn while hunting is provided that is formed with an exterior surface having a base layer and an additional layer formed with individual sections that project away from the base layer to provide a three dimensional appearance to the garment. The sections are each formed with an irregular edge shaped similarly to items found in a natural environment to obscure the silhouette of the individual wearing the garment. Also, the colors of some of the sections are selected from those having wave lengths of between 590 to 700 nm, which are readily discernible by humans, but which the animals being hunted are much less sensitive to, rendering the garment inconspicuous to the animals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Shannon Guelzow
  • Publication number: 20100017935
    Abstract: An attached capelet that does not necessitate the removal of the attached capelet from the wearer's body in order to access an under layer garment for breast feeding. The capelet (10) covers the shoulder strap and releasable fastener means of the under layer garment (12) when the wearer is not breast feeding. The capelet is attached to the under layer garment at a back portion or underneath the arm sections and covers each shoulder of the wearer with a hem line (28) extending from the neck to each underarm side (30) of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Helen La Fontaine
  • Publication number: 20100017936
    Abstract: A camisole comprising a tubular garment intended to be worn over a bra having shoulder straps. The camisole includes left and right suspension members, e.g., hooks, for suspending the camisole from the bra straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Beverly Ann Deal
  • Publication number: 20100017937
    Abstract: The Impervagown and Impervashoe are made of material/fabric that is impervious to all fluids and liquids. The Impervawear prevents and protects against cross-contamination of harmful or negative fluids. This protection allows employees to work comfortably and effectively in dry clothing for the duration of their work shift. By doing so, employees will be more confident in their approach to patient care, specifically giving “showers”. Most importantly, the purpose of Impervawear is to allow for an increase in patient “showers” improving hygiene, decreasing the probability of bedsores and allowing patients to experience the peace of mind and confidence they deserve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: McCann D. Birmingham
  • Publication number: 20100017938
    Abstract: A method and related system are provided for selecting a gown to be worn during a medical procedure according to a degree of barrier protection provided by the gown. A plurality of surgical gowns are provided having varying degrees of barrier protection. Each of the gowns is marked with visible indicia that indicates the degree of barrier protection of the respective gown. A comprehensive listing of information is provided on each of the gowns that indicates the different degrees of protection and corresponding indicia for all the gowns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: TOD H. SHULTZ, PATRICE GERARD
  • Publication number: 20100017939
    Abstract: A levered sealing tab for a glove includes a relatively thin and flexible sheet material including a rectangular shape having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is folded over the first portion. A first area of the first portion is bonded to a second area of the second portion forming a hinged portion of the second portion. An adhesive, suitable for adhering to the glove, is applied to at least a portion of a surface of the second portion opposite the first portion, for attaching to a first area of the glove, and to at least a portion of a surface of the first portion opposite the hinged portion, for attaching to a second area of the glove adjacent to the first area. A removable cover material for covers the adhesive prior to using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: William N. Carpenter, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100017940
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an antiskid rubberized protective glove and a manufacturing method thereof. The product comprises a glove base, a latex layer coated on the glove base, and a PVC antiskid dot layer provide between the glove base and the latex layer. The manufacturing method implements a dipping process on the glove base, wherein before the dipping process, firstly implementing dotting process with PVC material on the glove base. The present invention has rational structure, good antiskid ability, and the dots are firmly provided thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Xiaolin Sha, Yan Sha, Songxiang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100017941
    Abstract: A combined headwear and cooling system preferably includes a headwear, a mechanism for introducing and circulating external ambient air, and a mechanism for selectively discharging the external ambient air from the inner surface area in such a manner that a discharge rate of the external ambient air is regulated along a plurality of separate target zones defined along the curvilinear region. The present invention allows the user to control the air flow along different portions of the curvilinear region and thereby focus the cooling process on regions that are prone to overheat more quickly than others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Lori N. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100017942
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to headwear and, more particularly, to headwear, including hats, visors, head wraps, head ties, bandanas and the like, that include interwoven gripping fibers, such as rubber threads or other materials having increased gripping or frictional forces beyond that of the materials from which the headwear are typically fabricated, integrated into the headwear and positioned to engage the skin and/or hair of the wearer to improve the retention of the headwear when worn during physical activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: GOODY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Catherine Schweers, Sarah Kraft, Michael Defenbaugh, Stan Chudzik
  • Publication number: 20100017943
    Abstract: A tactical pair of pants for police, military or other weapon-carrying personnel has a cargo pocket system that functions to store items in several pocket compartments in a normal cargo pocket configuration, or to carry a thigh rig holster for a pistol, in a dedicated position between cargo pocket compartments without blocking access to the pocket compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Francisco J. Morales, Cory Nykoluk
  • Publication number: 20100017944
    Abstract: A process for the production of a gemstone arrangement comprising a plurality of gemstones which are held by a flexible carrier in receiving openings, and wherein the gemstones each have a setting surface and a visible surface and are so arranged in the desired arrangement or randomly distributed that the visible surfaces are on one side of a notional surface and the setting surfaces are on the other side of the notional surface, wherein a carrier material is applied in fluid form to the setting surfaces and between them and after hardening forms the flexible carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Martin HIRSCHMANN, Harald LEITNER
  • Publication number: 20100017945
    Abstract: The invention refers to a pair of female pants intended to be used preferably by sportsmen and by other active persons and comprising a waist portion (2) connected to back and front portions (3,4), which at the crotch (5) of the wearer are interconnected or merge into each other into a crotch portion (6), which comprises at its inside an air permeable and moisture transporting material layer (7), which attends to that the lower abdomen of the wearer is ventilated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Söderström
  • Publication number: 20100017946
    Abstract: The invention concerns a toilet seat consisting of a seat (1) and a lid (2) capable of being hinge-mounted on it or actually hinge-mounted on it, whereby this lid (2) has a top cover (3) that may consist of sheets of veneer shaped along two axes and a bottom frame (4) consisting of a veneer bundle curved along one axis (FIG. 1e).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Kannengiesser
  • Publication number: 20100017947
    Abstract: A support device for stabilizing toilet seats. The device is provided to add additional vertical and lateral support to toilet seats and related devices. It is a combination of existing and new materials configured with unique features that provide an effective, practical and economical way to add stability to new and existing toilet seats. The preferred embodiment of the stability device is comprised of a laterally extended, essentially flat structure; an extended structure essentially configured as a vertical downward protrusion; and a means to secure the device to the toilet seat wherein the device provides additional vertical support between an uppermost surface of the rim and the lower surface of the toilet seat and providing lateral support between an inner surface of the rim and the protruded extension of the device which is firmly secured to the toilet seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Billy B. Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20100017948
    Abstract: A dual flush valve includes an outflow pipe, a lower seal, and an upwardly extending guide. A lower flush valve reciprocates on the guide between a lowered position sealing the lower seal and a full volume flush position unsealing the lower seal with respect to the outflow pipe. An upper flush valve reciprocates on the guide between a lower sealed position sealing the upper seal with respect to the lower flush valve, an intermediate partial volume flush position unsealing the upper seal and a higher full volume flush position unsealing the lower seal. An interconnecting lost motion member allows movement of the upper valve between the lower sealed position and the partial volume flush position without disturbing the lower valve, while transmitting additional upward movement of the upper valve to the lower valve to move the lower valve between the lowered position and the full volume flush position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SELECTAFLUSH LLC
    Inventors: David William Bauer, Bruce M. Okkema
  • Publication number: 20100017949
    Abstract: A toilet apparatus includes a bowl cleaning unit for mixing a detergent that removes dirt on the inner walls of the bowl with cleaning water which is to be flushed into the bowl. The detergent is stored in a detergent tank which is provided inside a housing forming the outer shell of the toilet apparatus, and is supplied to the water supply channel of the cleaning water from the detergent tank through a detergent supply unit. The detergent tank is accommodated in an internal space of the housing and is concealed inside the housing behind a detachable cover which constitutes a portion of the outer walls of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nishizaki, Takahiro Nakamura, Kenjirou Arashi
  • Publication number: 20100017950
    Abstract: Apparatus for driving a nozzle of a bidet toilet, has a base 1; a nozzle 2; a guide device 11, 12 formed on the base for guiding linear movement of the nozzle; a motion output device 7 having an output shaft 71; a driving wheel 3 attached to the output shaft and being rotatably driven with the output shaft; a pair of guide wheels 4,5 rotatably fixed relative to the base, and a non-toothed conveyer 6 wound around the driving wheel 3 and the guide wheels 4, 5 and fastened to the nozzle 2. Rotation of the driving wheel 3 causes linear movement of the nozzle 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Ji Cheng PAN, Fei LI, Yong Qiang SONG, Gang PENG, Zhi Qiang WU
  • Publication number: 20100017951
    Abstract: Wave-generating apparatus (1) that is installed in an aquatic environment (3) and which comprises, as its main elements, at least one elongated profile (5) that moves tangentially in relation in relation to a uniformly-deep floor (4) by the action of a drive mechanism (6). As a result, a wave (2) forms on the profile (5) and moves along with the profile (2). The profile (5) is disposed to form an angle (8) other than 90° with the direction of displacement (7), the purpose being to generate a wave (2) with an escape area and which can therefore be surfed. Some parameters of the apparatus (1) may be adjusted for the purpose of changing the degree of difficulty of the wave (2) that is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: INSTANT SPORT, S.L.
    Inventor: Jose Manuel Odriozola Sagastume
  • Publication number: 20100017952
    Abstract: A spa or hot tub system includes a tub forming a cavity that holds a fluid such as water therein, and a water circulation system provides for circulation of water within the tub. The hot tub includes inner and outer surfaces, and defines an internal space. A heat pump system is operably connected to the water circulation system, and heats the water in the hot tub. The water side heat exchangers of the heat pump may include a polymer housing, and coiled inner elements for refrigerant. The coils may be made of a corrosion-resistant metal tubing or the like. The system may include a conventional electric heating element in addition to the heat pump to provide additional heating capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: GLOBAL HEATING SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Carlisle Thweatt, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100017953
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable heat sources to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR sources in a sauna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: DYNAMIC SAUNAS, INC.
    Inventors: James T. O'Keeffe, Aaron Michael Zack, Martin C. Ku, Ian Richard Kuklenski, Steven J. Murray
  • Publication number: 20100017954
    Abstract: A motor drive for an electric motor of a variable fluid circulating system includes a processing module and a power module. The processing module receives a signal profile and generates a control signal based on the signal profile. A power module generates a carrier signal based on the control signal and a direct current (DC) voltage. The power module pulse width modulates the carrier signal to generate a drive signal in the electric motor that matches the signal profile. The power module powers the electric motor based on the drive signal to adjust injection of a fluid into a reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Peterson, Michael P. Sullivan, Donald E. Morgan, Bret S. Clark
  • Publication number: 20100017955
    Abstract: A retainer assembly for a shower surround includes a first frame arm, a second frame arm, an arcuate frame section, a stop and a retainer. The arcuate frame section interconnects the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The stop extends from the first frame arm, and is substantially between the first frame arm and the second frame arm. The retainer arm extends from the arcuate frame section in a direction that is generally opposite from the first frame arm and the second frame arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas J. Sisk
  • Publication number: 20100017956
    Abstract: An inlay-type sink includes a table board having a hole and an annular insertion groove formed under the table board along a periphery of the hole. A sink includes a sink main body, a first horizontal flange section being annularly disposed along a periphery of the sink main body. A vertical skirt section being formed on an edge of the first horizontal flange section. The first horizontal flange section attaching to lower side of the table board. The vertical skirt section being inserted in the insertion groove of the table board; and retainer member locked under a bottom of the table board to together with the table board tightly clamp the first horizontal flange section. In case water infiltrates into the gaps between the table board and the first horizontal flange section, the water will be stopped by the vertical skirt section from leaking outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yue-Sheu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100017957
    Abstract: A gasket intended for top-down, press fit installation of a sink in a counter. The gasket includes a body having a flange adapted to engage a portion of the sink. The body further includes a receiver and at least one projection extending from the body. A method of using the gasket is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN JOHNSTON
  • Publication number: 20100017958
    Abstract: Frequently there is a need to have a bed extended so as to provide for additional sleeping space. Typically a horizontal extension is provided that requires a larger floor space. Alternatively double-decker beds are used but these are cumbersome and less than attractive for every-day use. A bed comprised of two frames each having a mattress where the top frame lays over the bottom frame during normal usage is provided. When additional sleeping space is required the upper frame is raised vertically over the lower frame, creating a double-decker bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ron MISHAEL
  • Publication number: 20100017959
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] Knockdown furniture for an infant, having enhanced folding workability and safety for an infant. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] The knockdown furniture (1) for an infant has a frame (11) which forms a space for receiving an infant, and the frame (11) is provided with frame members (30, 40, 50) and a bottom plate (60) placed below the frame members (30, 40, 50). The frame members (30, 40, 50) can be folded into a flat shape lying along the bottom plate (60), and the frame members (30, 40, 50), which are folded into the flat shape lying along the bottom plate (60), and the bottom plate (60) can be integrally folded on each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: COMBI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiro Yoshe, Rikimasa Gunji
  • Publication number: 20100017960
    Abstract: A weighted covering resistant to uplift. The weighted covering includes a central area and a periphery where a plurality of weights which may be permanently affixed are disposed to resist uplift of the weighted covering. The plurality of weights may be configured and arranged about the periphery so as to not substantially impinge on the central area. In an embodiment, the weighted covering comprises a washable beach towel and/or blanket with a central portion of a substantially soft absorbent material. The plurality of weights may include of a relatively soft heat resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Jacob Blaauboer, Jason Stern
  • Publication number: 20100017961
    Abstract: A thermoregulating apparatus (20) for exchanging thermal energy with and supporting a patient (24) and method of exchanging thermal energy is provided. The apparatus includes a heat exchange fluid circuit (30, 95, 102) located below a patient support layer (44) for exchanging thermal energy with the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: HILL-ROM, INC.
    Inventors: Rachel H. King, Mayur Yermaneni, Gregory W. Branson, Todd P. O'Neal
  • Publication number: 20100017962
    Abstract: One embodiment of a fitted bottom sheet, top sheet, and pillow case bedding set wherein each of the left and right hand sides of the bottom sheet and top sheet and each side of the pillow case is composed of a different material thus allowing individuals requiring differing temperature or material properties for their bed sheets to share the same bed. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Diana Bevan
  • Publication number: 20100017963
    Abstract: Two side mounted panels (30) slide along the slots provided in side rails (20) so that a main board can be positioned at a convenient distance from bed. The main board tilt can be adjusted to a particular angle and locked in that angle with the tilt locking disks (34) on extendable arms (32) A laptop can be mounted on main board easily by just sliding laptop holders (56) to the appropriate position. The laptop can also be operated with an external keyboard seated on keyboard cradle (76) and by an external pointing device. Read-write box (64) secured on to read write holders (58) has a compartment with light for holding a book in open position. It can be positioned and locked at a convenient reading angle. The position of the laptop and the read/write box can be rearranged independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Gopalakrishnan Kannan
  • Publication number: 20100017964
    Abstract: A reconfigurable bed comprising: (a) a bed chassis; (b) a plurality of bed sections, each bed section including a removable universal bed cushion; (c) a plurality of actuators operatively coupled the plurality of bed sections and operative to reposition at least one of the plurality of bed sections, where at least one of the plurality of bed sections is laterally repositionable with respect to the bed chassis to expose an excrement receiver, and where the laterally repositionable bed section interposes two of the plurality of bed sections, these two bed sections are adapted to be, independently raised, thereby resulting in the laterally repositionable bed section being recessed with respect thereto and allow exposure of the excrement receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kruse
  • Publication number: 20100017965
    Abstract: A hospital bed having longitudinal rails, between which levers are supported. The levers are fixed on an axle tube that extends between the two longitudinal rails. The longitudinal rails are locally reinforced with respect to their wall thickness on the side situated adjacent to the axle tube by means of reinforcing plates welded thereto. A round rod extends through through-holes in the two longitudinal rails and the axle tube. For this purpose, the longitudinal rails are provided with through-holes that extend through the reinforcing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Barthelt
  • Publication number: 20100017966
    Abstract: A self-adjusting pillow includes a pillow portion and an adjustment portion below the pillow portion. The adjustment portion includes a planar portion and an arc portion connected with the planar portion, the planar portion being connected with the pillow portion. The longitudinal section of the adjustment portion has a shape of the letter “D” when the height direction of the person lying on the pillow is taken as the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: KWONG MING CHO
  • Publication number: 20100017967
    Abstract: A mattress, mattress foundation, upholstered furniture article, filled furnishing article or other similar composite article for use in institutional (non-residential) occupancies made with a fluid proof outer cover, a fire barrier material and a mattress core, wherein all materials used are free of halogens are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Harrison MURPHY, Juraj Michal Daniel Slavik, II
  • Publication number: 20100017968
    Abstract: An operating method of a washing machine capable of efficiently washing and sterilizing laundry with a relatively large amount of contaminants is disclosed. The operating method of a washing machine which includes a tub for storing washing water, a drum for accommodating laundry, and a steam generator that is supplied with water for generating steam separately from the washing water to supply steam to the laundry, the operating method including performing a primary rinsing operation for rinsing the laundry to discharge contaminants having a relatively large size to prevent a secondary contamination due to the contaminants having a relatively large size, performing a steam washing operation for supplying steam to steep the contaminants in water and sterilize the laundry while operating the drum, and performing a main washing operation for removing the contaminants and dissolving protein through high-temperature washing water containing a detergent while operating the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Pyoung Hwan Kim, Su Hee Shin, Seong Hae Jeong, Young Soo Kim, Deug Hee Lee
  • Publication number: 20100017969
    Abstract: Formulations of sulfo-estolides, sulfo-estolide derivatives and salts of sulfo-estolides that contain magnesium ions are described. Methods of manufacture and the various applications and/or processes of utilizing magnesium ion containing formulations of sulfo-estolides, sulfo-estolide derivatives and salts of sulfo-estolides are disclosed. Detergent formulations, such as laundry detergents, softeners, and other materials, containing any of these materials are disclosed. Laundry methods employing these formulations are also disclosed. These formulations are useful as laundry detergents and can be biodegradable, heavy duty liquids, 2×, 3×, 6×, or higher concentrates, low foaming, and/or effective in a high efficiency washing machine. Methods for laundering fabrics with the compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Dennis S. Murphy, Randal J. Bernhardt, Lourdes R. Alonso, Gregory P. Dado
  • Publication number: 20100017970
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid softener composition having pH 2 to 5 at 20° C. and containing (a) a polymer compound having a weight-average molecular weight of 2,000 to 90,000 and containing specific monomer units (A) and (B) in a specific molar ratio, (b) one or more compounds selected from specific quaternary ammonium salts and amine compounds, and (c) at least one compound selected from water and solvents having a C log P value of 2 or less within specified ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyoko Okada, Takahiro Osumi, Kazutaka Shiratsuchi, Noriaki Ushio, Kouji Ohsaki
  • Publication number: 20100017971
    Abstract: An oil-in-water type one-part hair dye composition containing components (A), (B), (C) and (D); (A) a direct dye; (B) a hydrocarbon oil; (C) a polyoxyalkylene-modified dimethylpolysiloxane with an HLB of 7 or higher; and (D) an aromatic alcohol; wherein the content ratio by mass of the component (B) to the component (C), (B)/(C) is 0.05 to 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noboru Chiba, Hiroko Okabe
  • Publication number: 20100017972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of adducts containing peptidic-based segments of proteic hydrolysates and gelatins, chemically bound to polymeric-based segments of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with variable length and processes for the preparation thereof. The new materials can also contain segments of acrylic or vinylic polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Luciana Sartore, Maurizio Penco, Andrea Sassi, Manuela Cinzia Candido
  • Publication number: 20100017973
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hydrophobically modified polyalkylenimines as dye transfer inhibitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Juergen Detering, Heike Becker, Richard Baur, Gero Nordmann
  • Publication number: 20100017974
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to the use of soluble thread in the preparation of footwear, in particular athletic footwear. After preparing aspects of the footwear, the soluble thread is dissolved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Hu RongBo
  • Publication number: 20100017975
    Abstract: A mine ventilation and bridge structure incorporating a bridge feature enabling a mine vehicle to cross over the structure. The structure comprises a pair of generally parallel and spaced-apart side walls defining opposing side walls and a plurality of elongate deck panels extending between the side walls. At least one deck panel of the plurality of deck panels is a reinforced bridge deck panel constructed to support the weight of a vehicle crossing over the mine ventilation and bridge structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20100017976
    Abstract: The bottom surface of a dock leveler is insulated by attaching sheets of insulative material between adjacent support beams. Attachment is by way of magnet attached to the bottom surface of the deck to hold downwardly projecting spikes that penetrate the insulative material, with a self locking washer then being placed over the spike in order to secure the sheet of material in place. Installation with variable widths between adjacent support beams is facilitated by pre-perforating the sheets of insulative material along longitudinal lines to thereby allow easy separation and width adjustment to match the variable widths between the support beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: DL Manufacturing
    Inventors: Donald L. Metz, David Martini
  • Publication number: 20100017977
    Abstract: A walk-up, user accessible cleaning workstation having a sensor and ionization nozzle arranged on a frame. The frame mounts the sensor in a fixed position to the nozzle in operative proximity to a cleaning area. The frame partially encloses the nozzle's electrode. The sensor detects manual workpiece placement into the cleaning area to open the gas valve and activate the power supply. The panel deflects dust flying off the workpiece from reaching the user's face. The workstation improves safety in the cleaning and destaticizing of ophthalmic lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Roger ROBIDOUX
  • Publication number: 20100017978
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated. A head assembly includes an elongated head housing having a head drive shaft and a brush head mounted thereon. The head assembly is adapted to be selectively coupled with the body assembly so that the body drive shaft is coupled with the head drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SONICSCRUBBERS, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron D. Cobabe, David O. Meyers, Darrell E. Goff, W. Kenneth Thiess, Qi-Chun Jackson Zhao