Patents Issued in August 2, 2011
  • Patent number: 7987530
    Abstract: A sitz bath helps patients suffering from hemorrhoids and other conditions to void their bowels. A flushing sitz bath utilizes an attached liquid filling tube, integrated water distribution channel and valve, a swing check valve, and a content-emptying flapper valve. This device helps to increase the efficiency of filling the sitz bath basin with the preferred liquid, as well as increasing the ease and cleanliness of the subsequent emptying of the basin contents by minimizing bodily strain and mess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kwok Wai Chiu, Ralph Gardner, Timothy Chiu
  • Patent number: 7987531
    Abstract: A portable floating hot tub that is easy to assemble and take down and can be used in environments with extremely cold and turbulent water. The hot tub has three main components: a collapsible frame made of connected rigid members, an insulated liner sized and shaped to closely fit against the deployed frame and form a subassembly, and an inflatable pontoon that may have a central aperture for receiving the subassembly. The pontoon is first inflated and placed on the body of water, after which the frame and liner subassembly are placed over the central aperture. Filling the internal volume defined by the insulated liner with water causes the subassembly to descend within the pontoon. Cooperating means on the subassembly and/or pontoon prevent the subassembly from passing completely through the central aperture. A source of heated water such as a portable heater having a heating capacity of at least 30,000 BTUs rapidly heats up the water within the hot tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Paul E. West
  • Patent number: 7987532
    Abstract: A shower curtain support system consists of a support guide member having a center portion, two opposing ends, two holders, and an attached shower curtain. The two holders are fixedly attached to the two opposing end walls of a shower stall or tub enclosure, and are usably adjoined, one on each end, to the support guide member. Each holder consists of a roller bracket having rollers and spacers attached to the roller bracket. The rollers communicate with the longitudinal slots on each of the two opposing ends of the support guide member. The support guide member is movable between a first extended position wherein the support guide member, with an attached shower curtain, is extended out at the top creating a maximum amount of space inside the shower stall or tub enclosure. In the second position the support guide member is retracted within the space defining the shower stall or tub enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: David B. Bathurst, Veronica L. Bathurst
  • Patent number: 7987533
    Abstract: A shower water construction system for a child/user, which also functions as a showering system and utilizes a pre-existing bath/shower unit as a supporting structure. The construction system comprises a main control valve to divert water from a pre-existing shower water pipe stem, a pressure regulator to limit water pressure to downstream components, child/user control and diverter valves to allow for turning the system off and on and allocating water flow between components, semi-rigid and flexible pipe, “Y” connectors and suction cups and brackets. Other components, such as a hand-held sprayer, spraying bathtub mat and spraying shower curtain may also be integrated/connected into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Aquastruct, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Phipps, Lori A. Phipps, Travis Lontz, Brian Spaeth
  • Patent number: 7987534
    Abstract: A shower curtain rod is a multiple-sectional rod composed of two supporting rods and at least one extension rod pivotally connected between the two supporting rods to allow shower curtain sleeving and suspending thereon. Distal ends of the two supporting rods rotatably combine with pivotal hinge assemblies to mount on the walls respectively. Thus, the extension rod is driven to different orientations by pushing and rotating one of the two supporting rods to selectively bend the shower curtain rod inward or outward to make the shower space variable with maximum benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Mei-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 7987535
    Abstract: A shower corner seat assembly is made up of a seat plate and supporting bracket frame. To fit in the corner, the seat is generally triangular like most others, but with the corner tip of the triangle cut away leaving a four-sided shape. Other minor modifications to true triangularity may also be present. The frame follows the contour of the seat and it, too, is formed to match the corner opening of the seat plate, leaving the framework to be more or less “U”-shaped with the arms of the “U” bent inward tending to somewhat follow the sides of the seat plate. Their ends are, in fact, bent even farther inward so they have to be forced or sprung outward to attach the frame to the shower wall. The openness of the frame near the shower corner makes this possible. The seat plate is then attached to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Theodore Allen Tesch
  • Patent number: 7987536
    Abstract: A sleep system includes a sack and a sleeping bag. The sack includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, a closed end and an open end. The exterior surface of the closed end includes decorative features of an animal head. The sleeping bag is configured to be stored in the sack when not in use. The sleeping bag includes a fastener that detachably connects at least two edges of the sleeping bag and has a fastener pull. The fastener pull includes an animal tail corresponding with the animal head located on the exterior surface of the closed end of the sack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Habig, Mari L. Anderson, Elizabeth C. Kern, Adam D. Hoppus, Keegan L. Garvey
  • Patent number: 7987537
    Abstract: A pillow structure substantially has a bottom board 1 mounted at a bottom inside a pillow body 10 and at least one resilient pad 2 controlled by an adjuster 4 mounted on the bottom board 1. By having the resilient pad 2 to support a buffering layer 3 for neck leaning, curved degrees of the pillow body 10 are adjusted corresponding to different users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Chern Shing Top Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Sheng Hsiao
  • Patent number: 7987538
    Abstract: A bed support system may include first and second rails each including at least two legs connected at a top thereof by a handle. A first adjustable strap and a spaced apart second adjustable strap may be placed around the legs of the first and second rails. A method of installing a bed support system on a bed on a ground may include: positioning a first adjustable strap around first and second rails so that the first strap anchors around legs of the first and second rails; positioning a bed frame over the first strap to aid in anchoring the first strap to the first and second rails; positioning a box spring onto the bed frame; and positioning a second adjustable strap over the box spring and around the first and second rails so that the second strap anchors around the legs of the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Kimball Care Products, LLC
    Inventor: Carol Burk Kimball
  • Patent number: 7987539
    Abstract: Disclosed is the use of the compound of formula wherein R1 is hydrogen; or C1-C5alkyl for the fungicidal treatment of hard surfaces and textile fiber materials. The compounds of formula (1) impart antifungal properties to washed textile material. Bacteria that get on the textile material while it is being worn are destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: BASF SE Ludwigshafen
    Inventors: Elizabeth Harumi Kobara Pestell, Marcel Schnyder, François Brugger, Fernand Hoffstetter
  • Patent number: 7987540
    Abstract: A control system for a laundry machine provides a system for engaging a laundry machine in a drop-off mode, allowing an operator to use the machine as necessary to process customer garments without being required to activate the machine via a payment interface. In an embodiment of the invention, the system provides a lock-out function for allowing a machine to be reserved for a specific user holding a predetermined password or code. In a further embodiment of the invention, the laundry machine is configured with a low power and/or shut down facility, whereby the power consumption of the machine may be greatly reduce during idle periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
    Inventors: Paul D. Schroeder, Gary L. Ziesemer, Jason J. Mader
  • Patent number: 7987541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of a washing machine having a tub (21) for holding washing water, a drum (31) rotatably mounted in the tub (21), and a stem generator (51) for generating and supplying steam to the tub (21), for washing laundry with steam, and a washing machine thereof. The method includes a washing water supply step (S 10) for supplying washing water to the tub (21), a steam supply step (S80) for supplying the steam to the tub (21), and a main washing step (S110) for washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soo Young Oh, Kyung Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim
  • Patent number: 7987542
    Abstract: Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Michael Edward Moore, Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden
  • Patent number: 7987543
    Abstract: In a working method for a cleaning device (2) that moves back and forth in a swimming pool (1), control thereof is such that the cleaning device (2) moves from a starting position at a low speed in a forward direction V in a first pass in a first cleaning path (4) until it runs up to a pool wall (3), wherein the distance D1 traversed along the first cleaning path is measured or determined. The cleaning device (2) is then guided to a second cleaning path (5) deviating from or offset relative to the first cleaning path (4) in a second pass, initially at a low speed, whereupon the cleaning device then moves in a backward direction along the second cleaning path (5) at a high speed until the distance Dz traversed is smaller than the distance D1 traversed in the previous pass by an amount A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: 3S Systemtechnik AG
    Inventors: Hans Rudolf Sommer, Peter Sommer
  • Patent number: 7987544
    Abstract: The attachment system includes a brushhead assembly having a spring/carrier combination which comprises a spring assembly and a separate carrier assembly, adapted to mate as a combination with a receiving portion, in the form of a cup member, at the top of the handle of the toothbrush. The spring/carrier combination includes a slot which mates snugly with a vertical rib on the inside surface of the cup member, and further includes a portion which opposes the slot on the spring/carrier combination which mates snugly with a cut-out portion in the cup member, to prevent rotational movement of the brushhead relative to the handle. The spring/carrier assembly further includes two opposing spring finger elements, wherein the lower ends of the spring fingers fit into corresponding openings in opposing sides of the cup member when the spring/carrier assembly is operatively positioned in the cup member, tending to prevent translational movement of the brushhead relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Friedrich Stoeffler, Craig K. Black, Daniel J. Greene, Ronald C. Lilley
  • Patent number: 7987545
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Hilscher, Horst Mannebach, Hansjörg Reick, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann, Peter Trawinski, Martin Stratmann, Wolfgang Vorbeck
  • Patent number: 7987546
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning machine with at least one cleaning tool which is adapted to be driven in rotation by way of a drive shaft that is rotatably mounted on a carrier, the drive shaft carrying a torque-transmission member which engages, by way of protrusions, in drive recesses of the cleaning tool. In order for it to be possible for the cleaning machine to be manufactured more cost-effectively, it is proposed according to the invention that the drive shaft is made from metal, and that the torque-transmission member is formed, as a plastics-material molding, onto the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alfred Poch, Michael Oesterle
  • Patent number: 7987547
    Abstract: A cleansing pad (10) is made of a web of fibers, forming a substrate (11), where the substrate (11) includes a cleansing agent (12) therein. The cleansing agent (12) is a pourable soap. In making the cleansing pad (10), the cleansing agent (12) is initially heated from solid form into molten/liquid form, and distributed essentially throughout one or more portions of the substrate (11) in molten form to coat the fibers in said portions of the substrate (11). After application of the molten cleansing agent (12), the substrate (11) is then allowed to cool such that the molten cleansing agent (12) solidifies and remains solid at a desired range at and above room temperature, forming the cleansing pad (10). Thereafter, in use, the cleansing pad (10) is applied for cleaning an object in conjunction with a solvent such as water. The solvent dissolves the solidified cleansing agent (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Spongeables LLC
    Inventors: Michael Popovsky, Yelena Popovsky, Susanne Foote, Shawna Lassen, Eric Jungermann, Maxwell Poper, Raulee Marcus
  • Patent number: 7987548
    Abstract: A leaf and lawn vacuum bagger has a housing that is attached to the exhaust outlet of a conventional leaf and lawn blower/vacuum or mulching device, and a conventional disposable trash bag is releasably attached to the housing for capturing the vacuumed yard debris. When the disposable bag is full or otherwise, it may be easily detached and another disposable bag easily affixed to collect more vacuumed leaf and yard debris. Alternatively, the vacuumed leaf and lawn debris can be collected and retained in the housing for later removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: John N. Hays
  • Patent number: 7987549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner with a golf massage club, including a handle (4), a cleaner body (3) connected to the first end of the handle (4), and a suction head (1) connected to the head of the cleaner body (3), wherein a golf massage head (5) is connected to the second end of the handle (4). With the vacuum cleaner of the invention, the user can use the handle for human body massage when the vacuum cleaner is not in use. The vacuum cleaner of the invention is of compact structure and multiple functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Yathung Tam
  • Patent number: 7987550
    Abstract: In order to measure the degree of filling of a dust collector (5), where the dust (15, 16) collected in the dust collector may be of a very varied composition ranging from very fine dust (15) to rather large particles (16), a high pressure difference and a low pressure difference are measured by two differential pressure meters (11, 12), where the one differential pressure meter (12) measures the pressure difference between the compartment (4) of the dust collector, in which the dust collector (5) is arranged, and a measurement position at the connecting stub (6) of the vacuum cleaner, as is known, while the other differential pressure meter (11) measures between two measurement positions inside the connecting stub (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
    Inventor: Anders Hedelund Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7987551
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust collection container that stores dust, a compression member that is provided in the dust collection container and which is capable of rotating in first and second directions, and a driver that rotates the compression member. The compression member rotates in a first space corresponding to a first angle range and at least a portion of the dust is stored in a second space corresponding to a second angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Man Tae Hwang, Hae Seock Yang, Hoi Kil Jeong, Myung Sig Yoo, Jae Kyum Kim, Moo Hyun Ko, Kie Tak Hyun, Jong Su Choo, Young Bok Son, Kyeong Seon Jeong, Min Park, Sung Hwa Lee, Il Joong Kim, Jin Hyouk Shin, Gun Ho Ha, Jin Wook Seo, Chang Ho Yun, Jin Young Kim, Chang Hoon Lee, Yun Hee Park, Hyuk-Min Kwon
  • Patent number: 7987552
    Abstract: A floor care appliance is provided for cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, marble, linoleum and wood. The floor care appliance is comprised of a base portion having a suction nozzle and a brush block having a plurality of vertical axis rotary agitators for cleaning bare floors. The rotary agitators are driven by an independent motor for agitating the floor surface. With the addition of an accessory hose and tools, the cleaning utility can be expanded to areas wherein the suction nozzle cannot normally reach such as behind the toilet, shower walls, and the grout between tile. While used in the capacity for cleaning bare floors, the floor care appliance can be moved between three modes by a rotating a member located on the upper housing. The first mode is dry mode, the second mode is wet scrub mode and the third mode is wet pickup mode. The accessory tools are stored in an accessory caddy that is placed freestanding over the suction nozzle and in front of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Evan A. Gordon, Jeffery S. Louis, Kevin E. Scheifele, Jeffery A. Morgan, Brent L. Burchfield
  • Patent number: 7987553
    Abstract: A caster with a brake structure comprises a pivot plate. The pivot plate is allowed to pivot so as to be inserted into a corresponding positioning recess in an inner side of a wheel to stop the rotation of the wheel. Furthermore, while pivoting, the pivot plate will press the lifting block to move downwards, and then the lifting block will push the slide block to move horizontally, and finally the slide block will push the anti-slip block to press against the inner side of the wheel, thus improving the braking effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Catis Pacific Mfg. Corp. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Sung Lin
  • Patent number: 7987554
    Abstract: A hinge structure for a vehicle open/close body, in which a long hinge member supporting the open/close body is rotatably disposed in an opening portion of a vehicle body and the hinge member rotates according to an opening and closing motion of the open/close body, wherein a cover member for covering the hinge member is disposed in the hinge member; and wherein a shape of an outer periphery surface of the cover member facing a corner portion of the opening portion is formed in a shape following a shape of the corner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koki Hakamata, Eita Yamaki
  • Patent number: 7987555
    Abstract: A hinged slide rail with buffering function, which includes a rail to which a hinge is mounted. The hinge has a movable blade and a fixed blade between which a buffering device is coupled. The buffering device is housed in a retention frame. The retention frame has an end forming a limiting structure. The buffering device has an active rod coupled to the limiting structure. The movable blade includes a pull bar that is connected to the limiting structure. The hinged slide rail is installed between a door panel and a body of a cabinet to remarkably enhance the convenience of operation and eliminates the potential problems of generating noise and clamping and hurting users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Martas Precision Slide Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Lai Chen, Pi-Lan Chen
  • Patent number: 7987556
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a shaft, and first and second interference elements. The shaft is fixed to the first bracket. The second bracket rotationally fit about the shaft. The first interference element is rotationally mounted on the shaft and fixed to the second bracket, and defines two unleveled surfaces at one side. The second interference element is immovably mounted on the shaft beside the first interference element, and defines two unleveled surfaces at one side facing and corresponding to the unleveled surfaces of the first interference element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Bin Chang
  • Patent number: 7987557
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an enclosed hinge device with a readily center-aligned mechanism, employing two protruded blocks of a locking retainer engaged into and fastened with two notch grooves of an arresting part to form two positioning points, such that the locking retainer and the arresting part are not slidable therebetween along with the advantage of easy assembly. Further, the securingly connection between the enclosing part, the arresting part, and the locking retainer also enhances the structural strength, thereby reducing the rotational shaking of the pivotal axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui Hung Chang, Chun-Hung Hu
  • Patent number: 7987558
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first mounting part defining first and second ends, a second mounting part defining third and fourth ends, a first articulated lever defining fifth and sixth ends, a second articulated lever defining seventh and eighth ends, a third articulated lever defining ninth and tenth ends, and a fourth articulated lever defining eleventh and twelfth ends. The fifth end pivotally connects between the first end and the second end. The sixth end pivotally connects to the tenth end. The ninth end pivotally connects to the fourth end. The third end pivotally connects to the eleventh end. The second end pivotally connects to the seventh end. The eighth end pivotally connects between the ninth end and the tenth end. The twelfth end pivotally connects between the seventh end and the eighth end. A protective plate covers at least a portion of the plates and levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hettich-Oni GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Beckmann, Cord Rommelmann, Andreas Kleemann, Eduard Thielmann, Dieter Waltemate
  • Patent number: 7987559
    Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly includes a mounting bracket, a rotatable bracket, a swivel mechanism, and two pivot mechanisms. The rotatable bracket defines a sliding groove. The swivel mechanism connects the mounting bracket to the rotatable bracket. The rotating subassembly has a rotating shaft, a first restricting member, and a second restricting member. The first restricting member is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, and the second restricting member is non-rotatably connected to the rotating shaft. The first restricting member has a restricting portion and a first resisting portion. The restricting portion is movably received in the sliding groove. The second restricting member includes a restricting protrusion. The restricting protrusion is capable of driving the first resisting portion together with the first restricting member to rotate in the sliding groove until the restricting portion reaches an end of the sliding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Cheng Chou
  • Patent number: 7987560
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a pivot shaft, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a first positioning piece, and a second positioning piece. The first supporting member and the second supporting member are sleeved on the pivot shaft. One of the first supporting member and the second supporting member is non-rotatably connected to the pivot shaft. The first positioning piece and the second positioning piece are sleeved on the pivot shaft, and adjacent to each other. The first positioning piece defines a plurality of positioning protrusions. The second positioning piece defines a plurality of positioning holes for receiving the positioning protrusions. The second positioning piece is elastic. When the first supporting member rotates relative to second supporting member, the second positioning piece deforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 7987561
    Abstract: A hose clamp for clamping a pipe comprises a metal belt having a first edge and a second edge adapted for being overlapped defining a receiving cavity therein for clamping a pipe with a predetermined diameter, a positioning arrangement comprising a positioning head extended from said first edge of said metal belt, and a positioning head holder provided on said second edge at a corresponding place for receiving said positioning head, so as to guide said first edge and said second edge together in position; and a fastening arrangement comprising at least a welding arrangement comprising a first welding element provided on said first edge and a second welding element provided on said second edge at a corresponding place for being welded with said first welding point, so as to fasten said first edge and said second edge together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Link-Tech (Tianjin) Metal Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hanzhen Zhang
  • Patent number: 7987562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a buckle for fastening a sports boot and to a sports boot including such buckle. The buckle includes a baseplate, a lever connected to the baseplate by a first transverse articulation about an articulation axis, the lever having a gripping portion, a connecting rod articulated to the lever by a second transverse articulation about a second articulation axis, a loop mounted at the other end of the connection rod. The lever has a lever body that has a guiding tube for each of the articulation axes. The body is formed by a sheet of material, and the sheet is folded along folding lines that are parallel to each of the articulation axes to form the tubes for guiding the articulation axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jérôme Chaigne, Christophe Borlet
  • Patent number: 7987563
    Abstract: A load-securing device having (a) a rope having a first end and second end; (b) multiple hooks, wherein the hook has a first end and a second end, the first end of the hook forms a loop around the rope where the hook can slide along the rope but cannot be removed from the rope, the second end of the hook forms a C-shape; and (c) a first stopper attached to the first end of the rope and a second stopper attached to the second end of the rope, the stoppers being effective to prevent the hooks from sliding off the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Blaine B Goeson
  • Patent number: 7987564
    Abstract: The invention relates to an urn column, consisting of a segment (0) with a hollow body (1) which serves to receive and store a plurality of urn capsules (2). The urn capsules (2) are wrapped in urn carrier bags (3) with vertically adjustable carrying straps (4), and inserted into the upper cavity opening (5), suspended one above the other, extending from the bottom up. In so doing, each urn carrier bag (3), filled with the urn capsule (2), is fastened with vertically adjustable carrying straps (4) to the upper suspension annulus (6) and fixed in its particular position in the hollow body (1) of the urn column. The suspension annulus (6) is firmly connected to the upper cavity opening (5) of the urn column and both are covered with a cover (7) in any desired form. On the urn column surface the marking (8) of the urn column contents is provided by means of a suspension apparatus (9) which permits the attachment of flower vase holders (10) and grave candle holders (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Stefan Leeder
  • Patent number: 7987565
    Abstract: A grooved-stile shutter has a shutter frame with elongated stiles, inserts, louver end caps and louvers. The stiles define grooves disposed along opposite facing stile edges. The elongated inserts are installed into the stile grooves. The louver end caps rotatably mount along the inserts. The louvers removably mount to the louver end caps within the shutter frame. In this manner, the louvers can be individually removed and replaced without disassembly of the assembled shutter frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: David Blachley
  • Patent number: 7987566
    Abstract: The capacitor forming method utilizes a plurality of metal sheet manipulating rollers and a glass supply, which, in combination, make a metal-glass laminate and glass or devitrifying glass dielectric to form a capacitor. Several embodiments of the method manufacture ferroelectric crystal dielectrics by utilizing heat-treatment and annealing to form and devitrify glass while the glass is in a metal-glass spool or flat form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. Sturzebecher
  • Patent number: 7987567
    Abstract: A machine tool has a pair of guide rails and a pair of upper and lower ball screws. No forces are transferred between a beam of a double column frame and a movable unit. The guide rails are spaced from each other and disposed on a bed, and the movable unit is horizontally movably supported on the guide rails. The upper and lower ball screws are mounted respectively on upper and lower portions of the double column frame for moving the movable unit horizontally. Even when the beam is deformed by flexing downwardly by gravity, the movable unit moves stably and smoothly at a high speed to machine a workpiece highly accurately without being adversely affected by the deformation of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mori Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yasuda, Hiroshi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7987568
    Abstract: An apparatus for the production of caps comprises a first operating turntable device associated with a first operating arrangement and a further operating turntable device associated with a further operating arrangement, between said first operating turntable device and said further operating turntable device a transferring turntable device being interposed such as to transfer said caps between said first operating turntable device and said further operating turntable device; a device for positioning a tool in relation to an object to be processed comprises a toolholder element suitable for bearing said tool, an adjustable member operationally associatable with said toolholder element and an abutting member suitable for pressing said toolholder element against said adjustable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Sacmi Cooperativa Meccanici Imola Societa' Cooperativa
    Inventor: Ivan Bonzi
  • Patent number: 7987569
    Abstract: A high performance main bearing cap has particular surfaces densified for improved fatigue crack resistance. The surfaces densified are the bolted face inside of a perimetral margin and outside of bolt head interface areas around the main bolt holes, the surfaces of the main bolt holes and the side bolt hole threads. Preferred methods of densification are single needle programmable pattern peening of the bolted face peened area, over-burnishing of the bolt holes, and forming the threads rather than cutting them for the side bolt threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: GKN Sinter Metals, LLC
    Inventors: Terry M. Cadle, Susan M. Cadle, legal representative, Joel H. Mandel, Donald J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7987570
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing wires and cables through underground conduits that overcomes the disadvantages of previous wire pulling devices and is simple in design, easy to use, and easy to transport. Such an apparatus comprises a base frame, an upper pulley, a lower pulley, and an adjustable frame to adjust the height of the pulleys relative to the ground. In addition, the lower pulley can also function as a wheel for transporting the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Abel Alex Salazar, Stanley L. Stosel
  • Patent number: 7987571
    Abstract: A system for removing single handle cartridges from housings of faucets and showers comprised of a core puller and a sleeve puller. The core and the sleeve of the cartridge are pulled in two separate steps. The core is pulled by attaching the core puller to the stem of the core with the open end of the core puller placed against the faucet/shower housing. The T-handle of the core puller is turned pulling the core out of the sleeve of the cartridge. The sleeve of the cartridge is then loosened using the sleeve puller which is expansively attached to the sleeve and twisted left and right sharply until the sleeve rotates inside the housing. The sleeve is then pulled by attaching the core puller to the outer end of the sleeve puller and turning the T-handle of the core puller to pull the sleeve puller and sleeve from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Le Roy English
  • Patent number: 7987572
    Abstract: A tool for removing a spark plug from an internal combustion engine after such ground electrode shield has been broken away from an upper portion of a spark plug. The tool includes: a rod having a first end threaded to an interior portion of the shield; a hollow tube for receiving a portion of the rod between the first end of the rod and a second end of the rod, such tube having a stepped portion for engaging a shoulder of the engine; and an extracting means attached to the second end of the rod for generating a force axially along a longitudinal axis of the shield to remove the shield from the engine as such rod and shield are lifted by the generated force through the hollow region of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Badman, Rudolph J. Makima
  • Patent number: 7987573
    Abstract: A method of covering and protecting a universal joint of a drive train including providing a flexible, removable universal joint cover including a removable, reusable outer flexible shell and a removable, flexible liner; applying the flexible, removable universal joint cover over the universal joint for rotation with the universal joint; collecting oil and grease distributed from the universal joint with the removable, flexible liner of the flexible, removable universal joint cover rotating with the universal joint; and protecting the universal joint from external elements with the removable, flexible liner of the flexible, universal joint cover. The flexible, removable universal joint cover catches the grease/oil that normally flies off of the universal joint and protects the universal joint from the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Randal Eugene Vance
  • Patent number: 7987574
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a component with an insert made of a composite is disclosed. The composite includes a metal matrix, within which ceramic fibers extend. The insert is made of a composite which is obtained from a plurality of coated filaments, each filament includes a ceramic fiber coated with a metal sheath. The process includes winding a bundle or bonded sheet of coated filaments around a body of revolution perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said body. The insert is then subjected to a hot isostatic pressing step in a container. The process is applied to the manufacture of aeronautical turbomachine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Franchet, Jean-François Fromentin, Christophe Grosbois, Gilles Klein
  • Patent number: 7987575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for applying films (10) to interior wall sections of the bodywork (7) of a vehicle with the aid of an instrument or robot (6) comprising a multi-membered articulated arm (18, 19) and gripping elements (21) for the films. To reduce the mounting time, the robot (6) is driven through an opening (14) in the interior of the bodywork (7), the films (10) to be applied are transported by transport elements (11) to the vicinity of the interior or into the interior of the bodywork (7) and the delivered films (10) are taken from the transport elements by the robot (6) and its gripping elements (21) and are applied to the respective interior wall sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: AKsys GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Hotz, Josef Polak
  • Patent number: 7987576
    Abstract: A sleeved composite pipe or piling structure formed of an elongated polyethylene pipe or tube of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another polyethylene material installed over a substantially rigid and incompressible hollow metal pipe or solid wood core having an outer diameter that is the same or slightly larger than a normal inside diameter of the polyethylene pipe or tube when measured in a relaxed state at ambient temperature. The polyethylene pipe or tube is, for example, a HDPE 3408 material formed of virgin PE 3408 resin as specified in ASTM D3350 with UV protection, and the pipe is produced to ASTM A-3408. The metal pipe core can be ferrous or nonferrous pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: William R. Watson
  • Patent number: 7987577
    Abstract: A method for providing a molded body and for inserting said molded body into a hollow bar section with a cross-section of a predetermined width and height that remains constant over its length, from which a frame-type spacer for insulating glass panes is subsequently configured, the molded body bridging a gap in said spacer. According to said method, a strand-type semi-finished product with a cross-section that remains constant over its length is provided; the semi-finished product is positioned in relation to a separation tool in such a way that a predefined section of the semi-finished product lies on one side and the remaining section of the semi-finished product lies on the other side of a separation plane of the separation tool and the length of the predefined section that is measured in the longitudinal direction of the semi-finished product is adapted to the inner width of the hollow bar section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Karl Lenhardt
  • Patent number: 7987578
    Abstract: An attached lid container has lids that are hinged to the top edges of the side walls of the container. When the lids are closed, the free edges of the lids engage one another to form a joint that interlocks the lids together. The lids are attached to the container at the hinge joints after the molding of the container and lids, while the molded parts are still in the mold press. Specifically, the lids are molded next to the container and then moved laterally to be aligned with the hinge line of the container after the mold cavity is withdrawn. Then, the ejectors push the lids out toward the container. The force of the outward movement causes the hinge parts of the lids and container to snap together. Subsequently a robot arm removes the container from the mold press with the hinged lids assembled on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Buckhorn, Inc., Triangle Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel R. Miller, Roy B. Luther
  • Patent number: 7987579
    Abstract: A method for mounting permanent magnets that form magnetic poles on a permanent magnet support surface of the rotor of an electric machine includes the steps of forming a mold by the placement of a mold part against the support surface in such a way that the mold cavity of the mold is bounded on one side by the support surface inserting a permanent magnet into the mold so that the inserted permanent magnet is held in the mold in a desired position with respect to the support surface, and filling the mold with a thermosetting adhesive in such that the adhesive bonds the permanent magnet with the support surface and completely fills any spaces formed between the permanent magnet and the wall of the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Vensys Energy AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Rinck, Axel Herrmann