Patents Issued in April 27, 2010
  • Patent number: RE41280
    Abstract: The valve pin adjustment system is provided for use in valve gated injection molding applications which enables adjustments to the positioning of the valve pin without necessitating removal of the clamping plates and valve assembly components, including valve pins. A piston associated with the valve pin includes a cylindrical body having first and second co-axially aligned internally threaded bores of respective first and second diameters. Preferably, the threads formed in the first and second bores are of the opposite hand. First and second externally-threaded cylindrical valve pin positioning members are respectively received in the first and second bores. Each of the positioning members includes a head portion and a tip portion. The tip of the second positioning member is in contact with the head of the first positioning member to lock the first positioning member in place, and the tip of the first positioning member is in contact with a head portion on the valve pin to locate the valve pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Panos Trakas
  • Patent number: RE41281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal display device comprising a liquid crystal cell and at least one compensation film or a combination of polarizer and optical compensators comprising at least one compensation film, said compensation film comprising at least one layer of an isotropic polymer obtainable by polymerization of a mixture of a polymerizable mesogenic material comprising: a) compound having one or two more polymerizable functional group, in the presences b) an initiator, c) optionally a non-polymerizable compound having two or more polymerizable functional groups and d) optionally a stabilizer, characterized in that said layer of an anisotropic polymer has a hometropic or tilted hometropic molecular orientation. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing said compensation films. The invention further relates to mixtures of chiral polymerizable mesogenic material used for manufacturing of said compensation films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: James Hanmer, Mark Verrall
  • Patent number: RE41282
    Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording medium has a granular magnetic layer and a nonmagnetic underlayer of a metal or an alloy having a hexagonal close packed (hcp) crystal structure. A seed layer of a metal or an alloy of a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure is provided under the nonmagnetic underlayer. Such a perpendicular magnetic recording medium exhibits excellent magnetic characteristics even when the thickness of the underlayer or the total thickness of the underlayer and the seed layer is very thin. Excellent magnetic characteristics can be obtained even when of the substrate is not preheated. Accordingly, a nonmagnetic substrate, such as a plastic resin can be employed to reduce the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Device Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uwazumi, Yasushi Sakai, Tadaaki Oikawa, Miyabi Nakamura
  • Patent number: RE41283
    Abstract: Electrical receptacle connectors are provided including an insulative housing and AC power contacts disposed therein that are configured for engaging an external power supply. The receptacle connectors are employed with a safety guard for restricting operator access to hot AC power contacts when disconnected from complementary header connectors. Preferred safety guards include projections extending along at least a portion of perimeter areas surrounding housing apertures that provide access to engaging portions of the AC power contacts. The projections define a safety gap between human digits directed toward the housing apertures and the AC power contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Evans, Jeffrey W. Allison, Brian M. Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: RE41284
    Abstract: In a toy garbage transportation truck comprising a cargo space (3) for the garbage that is to be disposed of, having an opening (4) on its rear to which an emptying casing (5) for garbage cans that are to be emptied is adjoined that has a rear discharge opening (7), provision is made that the floor (9) below the discharge opening is curved approximately in the shape of a segment of a circle, the floor (9) transitions into a slanted feeding surface (10) that extends to below a feeding opening (6), the conveyor shovel (12) is disposed above the floor (9), the conveyor shovel (12) can be swiveled along the floor (9) above the same, lifted parallel to the slanted feeding surface (16) to at least the lower edge of the feeding opening (6) and subsequently swiveled back and lowered to reach the end of the floor (9) on the opening side and repeat the conveyor movement again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Bruder Spielwaren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
  • Patent number: RE41285
    Abstract: A planetary transmission for a vehicle, comprising a planet carrier, on which at least one planet wheel is mounted, a hub arranged for a vehicle wheel and connected to the planet carrier, and a static housing which is connected to the vehicle and in which the hub is mounted. A friction brake is arranged at an outer periphery of the planet carrier and is intended to brake the rotation of the planet carrier in relation to the static housing. The hub and the planet carrier are interconnected by a splined connection. According to an embodiment, an outer gear ring is arranged so as to interact with the at least one planet wheel, which outer gear ring is connected to the static housing by a second splined connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Tim Kingston
  • Patent number: RE41286
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cartilage repair product that induces both cell ingrowth into a bioresorbable material and cell differentiation into cartilage tissue. Such a product is useful for regenerating and/or repairing both vascular and avascular cartilage lesions, particularly articular cartilage lesions, and even more particularly mensical tissue lesions, including tears as well as segmental defects. Also disclosed is a method of regenerating and repairing cartilage lesions using such a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Zimmer Orthobiologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Atkinson, James J. Benedict
  • Patent number: RE41287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel cyclic or constrained acyclic compounds which modulate the activity of G protein-coupled receptors and are useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, for example, inflammatory conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Promics Pty Limited
    Inventors: David Fairlie, Stephen Maxwell Taylor, Angela Monique Finch, Allan Wong
  • Patent number: RE41288
    Abstract: It has now been discovered that GLP-1 treatment after acute stroke or hemorrhage, preferably intravenous administration, can be an ideal treatment because it provides a means for optimizing insulin secretion, increasing brain anabolism, enhancing insulin effectiveness by suppressing glucagon, and maintaining euglycemia or mild hypoglycemia with no risk of severe hypoglycemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Coolidge, Mario R. W. Ehlers
  • Patent number: RE41289
    Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel compounds that are useful as ultrashort acting hypnotic barbiturates. Specifically exemplified are derivatives of barbituric and thiobarbituric acids. They are rapidly metabolized by blood and tissue enzymes to form polar metabolites with no hypnotic activity and which are rapidly eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ARYx Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal Druzgala, Peter G. Milner
  • Patent number: RE41290
    Abstract: The process of the present invention comprises a first step in which crude molten bisphenol A containing phenol is supplied to a flash evaporator and separated into a gaseous phase comprising phenol and a liquid phase comprising bisphenol A and residual phenol, and a second step in which the liquid phase obtained in the first step is heated by a thin film evaporator and separated into a gaseous phase comprising phenol and a liquid phase comprising concentrated bisphenol A and residual phenol, part of the liquid phase obtained in the second step being circulated to the first step and supplied to the flash evaporator along with crude molten bisphenol A. It is possible with this process to obtain high-quality bisphenol A stably from phenol-containing bisphenol A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kimura
  • Patent number: RE41291
    Abstract: A closed loop method and apparatus for controlling the administration of an hypnotic drug to a patient. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signal data is obtained from the patient. At least one measure of the complexity of the EEG signal data is derived from the data. The complexity measure may comprise the entropy of the EEG signal data. The EEG signal data complexity measure is used as the feedback signal in a control loop for an anesthetic delivery unit to control hypnotic drug administration to the patient in a manner that provides the desired hypnotic level in the patient. An EEG signal complexity measure obtained from the cerebral activity of the patient can be advantageously used in conjunction with a measure of patient electromyographic (EMG) activity to improve the response time of hypnotic level determination and of the feedback control of drug administration. A pharmacological transfer function may be used, along with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Finland Oy
    Inventors: Hanna E. Viertio-Oja, Emmanuel-S Cohen-Laroque
  • Patent number: RE41292
    Abstract: A modular digital recording system that records audio on digital audio tapes provides redundancy and the ability to record audio while listening to portions of audio that had been recorded on the DAT. The system uses a hard disc that receives audio for recording simultaneously with the DAT. When one wishes to listen to a voice message, one can activate the hard disc to listen to a particular message while the DAT is still recording. The system is modular so that the capacity can be expanded as required. The system includes a LAN adapter so that the system can providing networking access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Nice Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Daly, John Henits, Salvatore J. Morlando, Robert B. Swick, Keith K. W. Leung, Yanyan Leung, Constantine P. Messologitis
  • Patent number: RE41293
    Abstract: Global address and data routers interconnect individual system units each having its own processors, memory, and I/O. A domain filter coupled to the routers dynamically defines groups of system units as domains and clusters of domains which have both software and hardware isolation from each other. Clusters can share dynamically definable ranges of memory with each other. The domain filter has software-loadable registers on the system units and in the global routers to set the parameters of the domains and clusters. The registers label individual inter-system transactions on the routers as invalid for system units not in the same domain or cluster as the originating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Drogichen, Andrew J. McCrocklin, Nicholas E. Aneshansley
  • Patent number: RE41294
    Abstract: A method and device for securing a removable Attached Computer Module (“ACM”) 10. ACM 10 inserts into a Computer Module Bay (“CMB”) 40 within a peripheral console to form a functional computer such as a desktop computer or portable computer. The present ACM 10 includes a locking system, which includes hardware and software 600, 700, to prevent accidental removal or theft of the ACM from the peripheral console. While ACM is in transit, further security is necessary against illegal or unauthorized use. If ACM contains confidential data, a high security method is needed to safeguard against theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ACQIS Techonology, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Y. Chu
  • Patent number: 7703148
    Abstract: An improved sleeping eyelid cover that blocks a significant portion of light from entering a closed eye by way of the eyelid and allows uninhibited sight. The eyelid cover is safe and comfortable and conceived to be used as a sleep aid. The front side (14) and back side (16) of the eyelid cover are made of a flexible material that enables the eyelid cover to fold into (or out from) the ocular cavity and allow uninhibited sight for the wearer by the wearer opening his/her eyes. The eyelid cover attaches to the eye be way of adhesive which may be applied to the back side (16) of the cover in any number of configurations including small adhesive dots (18). Further, the eyelid cover may be composed of numerous layers of material to aid in blocking light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Adrian Hardwick Bowers
  • Patent number: 7703149
    Abstract: A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Lucilious Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7703150
    Abstract: An inexpensive, multi-purpose, durable garment in the nature of a child's vest for general wear which easily accepts the shoulder strap of a vehicle seat belt system regardless of the child's seated position in the vehicle, is light in weight, easy to put on and take off, comfortable to wear, encourages the habit of seat belt use and is appealing and attractive to children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Julie G. Wagner, Charles F. Foley
  • Patent number: 7703151
    Abstract: A cuff closure comprising a flap having one end attached to the cuff and a free end, a longitudinal slit in the cuff adjacent to the attached end of the flap, a flap fastener component on the flap, a first surface fastener component on the first surface of the cuff that mates with the flap fastener component, and a second surface fastener component on the second surface of said cuff that mates with the flap fastener component. When the first surface is the outside surface, the flap fastener component mates with the first surface fastener component and, when the second surface is the outside surface, the flap fastener component mates with the second surface fastener component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Blauer, Toufic G. Atallah
  • Patent number: 7703152
    Abstract: A head and neck restraint system includes a headpiece, a saddle, and tensioners connecting the headpiece to the saddle. The headpiece resides on top of a crew member's head and the saddle includes a saddle strap residing under the crew member's buttocks. The tensioners are pneumatic muscles which contract when a flow of gas is provided by gas generators. The gas generators are triggered by a G-sensor or by the initiation of a predetermined event. Triggering signals pass through a manifold from an ejection seat, aircraft, or vehicle. Contraction of the pneumatic muscles pulls the headpiece toward the saddle, thereby restraining the head, neck, and spine. The system is worn as an undergarment or incorporated into a garment. A manual adjustment provides head support during flight. The system is particularly useful for preventing head and neck injuries during ejection from or crash of an aircraft or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Carrol Leon Rhodes, Jason Smith, Gary F. Bradley, Phillip J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7703153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination hat and sunglasses/goggles, in which the sunglasses/goggles are pivotally moveable relative to the hat, between a raised, out of the way position to a lowered position with the eyepiece in front of the wearer's eyes, through an elongated aperture in the front brim of the hat. In addition, the sunglasses/goggles can be fully detached and removed from the hat, so that they can be used as regular sunglasses. The combination is easy to assemble and disassemble, and simple and convenient to operate, providing versatility and reduced risk of loss of components of the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Thierry Annez de Taboada
  • Patent number: 7703154
    Abstract: An embodiment of the safety lid system includes a container having an interior chamber and a lid moveably connected to the container, an arm having a locking end is functionally connected to the lid, and a holding device having an interior channel adapted for disposing a portion of the locking end is connected to the container. The locking end of the arm is moveable from a locked position wherein the locking end is disposed within the channel of the holding device securing the lid to the container in a position restricting access to the interior chamber and an unlocked position wherein the locking end is removed from the channel. The arm may be biased toward the container wherein when the system is in the locked position the arm must be urged outward from the container to lift the lid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Bryan Botello
  • Patent number: 7703155
    Abstract: A corner connector for a mattress foundation assembly and a mattress foundation assembly, wherein the corner connector includes a main body portion extending from a bottom surface to a top surface; a first corner abutment surface extending from a terminating edge to the top surface; a second corner abutment surface extending from a terminating edge of the top surface; a first side surface of the main body portion; a second side surface of the main body portion, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another; a first abutment surface extending from a terminating edge of the first side surface; a second abutment surface extending from a terminating edge of the second side surface; and a radiused surface extending from a terminating edge of the first abutment surface to a terminating edge of the second abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas A. Roberts, Shawn M. Parella
  • Patent number: 7703156
    Abstract: A side cover apparatus includes an electric mat, a curtain-type side cover attached to an outer periphery of the electric mat, and a contracting portion disposed on an inner periphery of the side cover. The side cover conceals side surfaces of the electric mat and a bed mattress such that the combination of the electric mat and the bed mattress appears as if the combination is a single bed mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Myoung Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 7703157
    Abstract: A bed, in particular a sickbed or nursing bed, comprises a height-adjustable bedstead to be supported on a floor, a fixing brake having an actuator adapted to be moved between a braking position and a release position and to be operated by hand or by foot, and at least one brake element which is pressed to the floor in the braking position of the actuator, and is spaced apart from the floor in the release position of the actuator. The actuator is adapted to be automatically placed into the brake position by a bedstead element when the lowermost position of the bedstead has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Völker AG
    Inventor: Günther Dorenbeck
  • Patent number: 7703158
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Wilker, Jr., Aziz Ali Bhai
  • Patent number: 7703159
    Abstract: A ridged base with a ridge above/adjacent to a platform zone providing surface(s) for a baby. The system preferably includes ridged base positioned over support base. Support base provides layer of flexibly firm material of depth. The ridged base may approximate any of multiple shapes. Wearer of system may chose shape optimized for them and/or best supports baby's positioning needs. The width of the baby feeding system preferably fits most nursing chairs. A separable cover attaching to a belt. Using the belt includes the belt adjustably fastened, after going around a person wearing the system. The worn version of the baby feeding system is a product of using the belt. The belt releases without tending to wake baby allowing wearer to create released baby feeding system, as a product of this process. A process choosing invention's components with commitment to pay revenue. Chosen component(s), system and revenue are process products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jesus Salazar Parrilla
  • Patent number: 7703160
    Abstract: An inflatable mattress has a body and a coverlet. The body is hollow, is inflatable and has a top, a sidewall and at least one first engaging member attached to the sidewall of the body. The coverlet is mounted detachably on and covers the body and has at least one second engaging member attached to the coverlet and corresponding respectively to and detachably engaged respectively with the at least one first engaging member on the body. The coverlet is mounted tightly on the body and would not be shifted by persons' movement on the inflatable mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7703161
    Abstract: A vehicle extrication preparatory tool includes an elongated body portion with an ergonomic bend in the middle. A handle is provided forward of the bend extending in an upward direction perpendicularly to the rear section of the body. Incorporated into the upward end of the handle is a window punch. A pry bar is attached to the rearward end of the body portion. Incorporated into the forward end of the tool is a swivel segment. The swivel segment incorporates both a windshield spike and a windshield saw blade. In the open position, the saw blade extends from the swivel segment, running parallel with the front section of the body and the spike extends upward from the swivel segment perpendicular to the rear section of the body. When closed, the saw blade fits inside a slot in the body portion extending from the swivel segment inline with the front section of the body and the spike extends downward perpendicular to the rear section of the body from the swivel segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Darran Michael Handshaw
  • Patent number: 7703162
    Abstract: An automatic clothes washer comprises a wash tub in which is disposed a wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving fabric articles, and an article mover located within the wash chamber and driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles upon contact. A method for controlling the operation of the automatic clothes washer comprises determining the work imparted to the fabric articles by the article mover, and controlling an operating cycle of the automatic washer based on the determined work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Raveendran Vaidhyanathan
  • Patent number: 7703163
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided for cleaning and/or massaging of teeth and gums having a mechanical vibratory element and a head having cleaning/treating elements on a plurality of different types of cleaning areas which provide for an enhanced cleaning, scrubbing and massaging effect. The cleaning/treating elements have different physical characteristics so that in addition to providing a varied cleaning/treating effect from the cleaning/treating elements themselves there is enhanced treatment as a result of the movement of the cleaning/treating elements imparted by the mechanical vibratory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, John J. Gatzemeyer, Alan V. Sorrentino, Thomas Mintel
  • Patent number: 7703165
    Abstract: A portable cleaning apparatus includes a handle and a wheel rotatably mounted to the handle having a plurality of scrubbing elements. A nozzle delivers fluid to the scrubbing elements to effect rotation of the wheel. The scrubbing elements can be secured to the wheel to limit pivoting movement of the scrubbing element in a direction of rotation of the wheel while permitting greater pivoting movement of the scrubbing elements in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the wheel. A dispensing system mounted to the handle is remotely operable to position a dispenser of treatment material in the rotational path of the scrubbing elements to apply treatment material to the scrubbing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7703166
    Abstract: A riding floor and edge stripper applicator comprises a frame including attached thereto at least three wheels, a seat and a drive and steering mechanism for driving and steering the wheels. The stripper includes at least one tank mounted on the frame for holding stripping solution in fluid communication with supply conduits for delivering stripping solution to the mops. It further includes a central mop for receiving striping solution from the supply conduits and applying the solution to the floor. The stripper further includes at least one swinging mop for receiving striping solution from the supply conduits and applying the solution to a floor, the swinging mop pivotally attached at one distal end to the central mop and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Raddick
  • Patent number: 7703167
    Abstract: A squeegee blade made of a compound having a methyl vinyl silicone polymer, a filler, and a friction-reducing additive is provided. The friction-reducing additive is present in an amount from between about 5 and 42 weight percent. The average particle size of the friction-reducing additive is preferably less than about 25 microns, thereby permitting extrusion of the compound into the shape of a squeegee blade. Polytetrafluoroethylene is preferred as a friction-reducing additive, but other substances, such as boron nitride or graphite could be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Jamak Fabrication-Tex, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Sharabura, Michael E. Allen, Jeannie Holmes, Victor K. Paulsen, Subramaniam Shanmugham
  • Patent number: 7703168
    Abstract: A bumper and dusting attachment for a vacuum cleaner head generally provides a flexible body of mesh material having fleece on its exterior surface. The body defines a medial chamber and has a first end portion, a second end portion, a top edge, a bottom edge, a back surface and a front. Padding, having a retentive memory, fills the medial chamber adding thickness to the body. A protruding lip formed in the front surface extends elongately from the first end portion to the second end portion and protrudes outwardly from the front surface when the body is fastened to a vacuum cleaner head. Cooperating strips of hook and loop fastener carried by the back surface of the body and on the vacuum cleaner head provide for releasable attachment of the body to the vacuum cleaner head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Lynne M. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7703169
    Abstract: A windshield wiper snow removal and deicing device raises a windshield wiper blade away from a windshield, upon which the blade is otherwise maintained in contacting engagement therewith by a wiper biasing spring connected to the wiper arm, such that the blade falls down and impacts the windshield to remove snow and ice accumulated thereon while wiping on the windshield. In a first embodiment, a motor connected to the arm rotates a flap connected thereto to raise the blade above the windshield. In a second embodiment, a cover for a casing attached to the windshield is raised into an idle deployment configuration for engaging the arm and raising the blade above the windshield. In a third embodiment, a body on the arm has a pivoting member to engage an engagement stop on the windshield, with the pivoting member pivoting into a vertical configuration to lift the blade off the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Ertan Cakmak
  • Patent number: 7703170
    Abstract: A self-cleaning wet dry vacuum cleaning device for collecting and disposing of waste material and specifically animal waste, the device including a waste collection system for collecting and breaking up the waste, the waste collection system including a self-cleaning intake nozzle, a vacuum in communication with the waste collection system for providing suction to the intake nozzle, a waste storage system in communication with the vacuum for storing waste vacuumed into the intake nozzle, a fluid dispensing system having a fluid reservoir including a piston system, the piston system for consistently dispensing fluid from the fluid reservoir to the intake nozzle and a leash system, all of which are all integrated with or removably engageable with the device's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Patent number: 7703171
    Abstract: A cleaner includes a body provided with a dust collecting container for storing dust, a fan motor installed at the body and generating a suction force; a vacuum cleaning head disposed at a lower side of the body, into which dust is sucked when the cleaner performs vacuum cleaning. A water cleaning head is mounted at the vacuum cleaning head, for spraying cleaning water onto a region to be cleaned, sucking contaminated water after completing water cleaning, and storing the sucked contaminated water, when water cleaning. By implementing both a vacuum cleaning function for sucking dust and a water cleaning function in one cleaner, a cleaner capable of reducing the cost and, increasing convenience of use is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Woo Lee, Choon Myun Chung, Ho Seon Rew, Hyeun Sik Nam, Young Gyu Jung
  • Patent number: 7703172
    Abstract: A cleaner includes: a body provided with a dust collecting container for storing dust; a fan motor installed at the body and generating a suction force; a vacuum cleaning head disposed at a lower side of the body, for sucking dust when vacuum cleaning; and a water cleaning head mounted at the vacuum cleaning head, and provided with a suction head through which contaminated water is sucked when water cleaning and a water collecting container for storing contaminated water sucked through the suction head. As a suction nozzle for sucking contaminated water and a water collecting container for storing the contaminated water sucked through the suction nozzle are integrally formed and installed at a suction head, a cleaner capable of reducing the number of parts and a production cost, and employing a small capacity fan motor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Woo Lee, Choon Myun Chung, Ho Seon Rew, Hyeun Sik Nam, Young Gyu Jung
  • Patent number: 7703173
    Abstract: There is disclosed a self-propelled apparatus for cleaning roads and urban areas, having a longitudinal axis (1a) and comprising: propulsion and control members (2) including wheels and steering means (3) defining an axis of steering (3b) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1a) and passing through the centre of turning (3a) of the wheels; an accumulation system (8) on the ground of the refuse comprising brushes (11) defining a reference line (10a) transverse to the longitudinal axis (1a); and a collection system (12) to suck up the refuse comprising a collection inlet (13) positioned at ground level; the steering means (3), the accumulation system (8) and the collection system (12) being predisposed suitably to dispose said axis of steering (3a) in a position intersecting a segment (15) parallel to the longitudinal axis (1a) and extending between the collection inlet (13) and the reference line (10a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Dulevo International, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Tagliaferri
  • Patent number: 7703174
    Abstract: Snappable wheel holders for environmental control units such as radiators, heaters, fans and air conditioners. Wheel holders can attach wheels to brackets located underneath the units by mateably attaching male protruding ends into female slots. Plastic triangular pieces can snap into openings to lock the wheel holders to the brackets. The brackets can be attached underneath the units by clamping U-bars with wing nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Chien Luen Industries, Co., Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Chad J. Ricker
  • Patent number: 7703175
    Abstract: A curl spring mount has a separate cover that can snap fit into the mount to cover and protect the curl springs. A portion of the cover disposed over the vertical space occupied by the curl springs is arranged outside a jamb channel so that the curl springs can occupy the full width of the channel. A shield portion of the cover extends transversely of the jamb channel above the curl springs to protect them from dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Caldwell Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey Tuller
  • Patent number: 7703176
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a hinge device. The hinge device is located within a housing, and may comprise a rotating drum mounted on a hinge bar. The rotating drum is slidable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position, and also rotatable with respect to the housing. The hinge device may also comprise a engagement wall positioned within the housing and having a shelf and at least one locking slot. A locking member may be formed on the rotating drum and may cooperate with the engagement wall when the rotating drum is in the first, locked position to prevent the rotating drum from rotating with respect to the housing. A biasing spring may be located within the housing, which biases the rotating drum toward the first, locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Terri Webb, Louis Chalfant
  • Patent number: 7703177
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a main body, a display part, and a hinge device. The hinge device opens and closes the display part from the main body and allows the display part to rotate. The hinge device includes a sliding unit that slides with respect to the main body, and a rotary unit rotatably formed with the sliding unit to engage the display part. The hinge device requires less installation space so that the mobile apparatus may be more compact. Furthermore, there is no visible installation line of the hinge device so that the mobile apparatus may have a more refined design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-wook Kim
  • Patent number: 7703178
    Abstract: A hinge having two bases (2A/2B) on which a plurality of hollow cylinders (8) are arranged axially and spaced along each of the bases. Fixer holes (12) are provided in the bases at the spaces (10) between the cylinders to enable the hinge to be mounted directly without the need to work the mounting surface. The bases may be constructed to conceal the mounting screws (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Hoong Thye Eldon Lee
  • Patent number: 7703179
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for making a polymeric article mold, a method for making a polymeric article with that mold, and improved surface topography features for a polymeric article. A prototype article is formed and then coated with a thin conductive layer. The coated prototype article is then electroformed until nickel plated to a sufficient depth to define a nickel plating tool. After the prototype article has been removed from the mold face of the nickel tool, the tool can be used as a mold for forming finished polymeric articles which replicate the original prototype article. The use of fine topography features such as a dense upstanding stem array on the surface of the prototype article facilitates accurate and complete electroforming by increased surface area presentation. The disclosure also presents improvements to microreplicated surface structures such as stem arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis E. Ferguson, Thomas I. Insley
  • Patent number: 7703180
    Abstract: A pressure button, of the type comprising a male portion and a female portion, to be applied on flaps to be connected, the female portion comprising a fixing element for fixing an active female element, the latter including a plurality of resilient tabs which are mutually arranged with a ring arrangement about a housing recess for housing a projecting part of the male portion. The active female element of the button comprises an annular body to which a clamp element including a plurality of points projecting outside of the active female element is affixed. In particular, the assembling means for assembling the female portion are so arranged as to operate at a separated and moved away position from the resilient tabs, thereby the assembling of the female portion, for applying the latter on a respective material flap, can be performed without modifying the mutual shape and/or arrangement of the resilient tabs, thereby preserving the rated clamping pressure of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Gaetano Raccosta
  • Patent number: 7703181
    Abstract: A cord tensioning apparatus includes a first cord guide, a second cord guide, and a cord cleat coupled between the first and second cord guides, the cord cleat including a groove, the cord cleat adapted to grip a portion of a cord occupying a cord gripping region within the groove. The first and second cord guides are adapted to receive a cord and restrict a movement of the cord within the cord cleat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jay K. Peet
  • Patent number: 7703182
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed zip fastener includes two rows of facing teeth mounted on two strips of compressively elastic material, the teeth being joined and disengaged by a movable slider which can be displaced by gripping its outwardly projecting gripping member. On opposite sides of the strips, the slider has first and second concave capsules, substantially mirror-images of each other, arranged with the perimetral edges of their concavities opposite and facing each other, the first capsule having directed upwards a pin perpendicular thereto and able to slide perpendicularly through a cavity inside the slider and through a hole in the second capsule. The gripping member, when actuated, causes simultaneous displacement of the first towards the second capsule and of the second towards the first capsule perpendicular to the plane of the zip fastener, moving end parts of their perimetral edges together sufficient to grip between them, with desired pressure, the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Riri Group SA
    Inventor: Benedetto Bonaglia
  • Patent number: 7703183
    Abstract: A coil zipper structure for elongating the life time of the conventional zipper that includes a first coil and a second coil, wherein the first coil and the second coil are respectively formed by linking plural engaging rings, and each engaging ring has a teeth portion for mutual engagement; and a sliding element, mounted between the first coil and the second coil for separating or engaging the engaging rings, wherein the engaging ring has an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion, in which the lower edge portion is fixed on a base cloth and the upper edge portion has a strengthened flat surface. Since the upper edge portion of the engaging ring is the strengthened flat surface, the collision or pulling and dragging between the sliding element and the upper edge portion can be reduced, so as to elongating the life time of the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Chun Weng