Patents Issued in August 23, 2011
  • Patent number: 8001629
    Abstract: A shower drainage arrangement that has a vertically extending drain opening (13) for the shower water which is to be channelled away. Arranged downstream of the drain opening (13) is a stench trap (14), which can be connected to a disposal line (19). The drainage arrangement (13) has an inflow housing (12) which can be installed in a vertical wall (8, 4) and which forms a chamber (18) which is arranged downstream of the drain opening (13) and is intended to allow inspection of the stench trap (14). A covering (11) is preferably positioned on the front of the inflow housing (12), and this covering can be removed to allow inspection of the stench trap (14). The invention allows straightforward production of a shower with a drain opening (13) arranged in a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventors: Isabel Lang, Franciscus Veron
  • Patent number: 8001630
    Abstract: A child containment system has a child containment structure with a bottom and a perimeter side wall surrounding the bottom. The system has a removable bassinet with a bottom panel and a surrounding wall around the bottom panel. The bassinet is mounted to the perimeter side wall of the child containment structure with the bottom panel elevated above the bottom. The system also has an infant sleeping apparatus with a fabric panel having a top surface. The infant sleeping apparatus is removably mounted to the child containment structure with the fabric panel suspended above the bottom panel of the bassinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Burkholder, Matt Rivera, Annette Stella
  • Patent number: 8001631
    Abstract: A rail assembly (10) for a hospital bed (11). The rail assembly (10) includes a based (13) having brackets (14) that provide for pivoting movement of horizontally extending runs (17) between a lowered position providing access to the bed (11), and a raised position maintaining a patient on the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Medicraft Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Peter Giesser
  • Patent number: 8001632
    Abstract: A folding foot protection device for bedded patients. The folding foot protection device has a top member, typicaly rectangular, which will support a pair of folding legs. The folding legs can move between a use position where they are opened up and make an angle of greater than 90° with respect to the top member or a folded position which they lay adjacent to one another adjacent the top member. The folded or closed position makes the device easy to store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Beverly Sanders, Don Kaspar
  • Patent number: 8001633
    Abstract: A spica table, collapsible for storage, which includes stabilizing legs, a separate adjustable support for the upper body and the buttock, to accommodate patients of differing sizes and individual infinitely adjustable leg and foot supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Samuel M Swain, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8001634
    Abstract: A restraint for holding a person atop a gurney or on a vehicle seat. A harness includes a pair of straps slidably mounted to a main frame. The straps are connected to an adjuster. A slide plate is mounted to the frame with the straps extending therethrough. A spring loaded device normally positions the plate to position the straps apart from the shoulders of a person positioned beneath the straps until the straps are pulled relative to an adjuster moving the plate and the straps adjacent the shoulders of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Ayette, Guy R. Dingman
  • Patent number: 8001635
    Abstract: An arm protection apparatus for a patient's arms when the patient is in a prone or supine position. An injured party who is unable to voice complaints of pain or pressure may be positioned on an operating table or on a stretcher. The patient may be unconscious. There is a risk of injury to a patient's arm unless the patient's arm is secured in a safe positioned and cushioned from outside pressure. The arm protection apparatus involves a central pad, which is positioned under a patient's body. Sections come off the central pad, which may be positioned around a patient's arm. Ordinarily, a patient's upper arm and lower arm will both be contained within separate sections that are attached to the central portion of the pad. The pad will be constructed of a soft foam-like material, which is radiolucent and easily folded or cut as need be. The pad will ordinarily be disposable and discarded after one use and can be packaged and stored in a sterile container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Forrest Humbles
  • Patent number: 8001636
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for properly positioning a patient to allow rapid and effective endotracheal intubation during an anesthetic induction is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable sections for supporting the patient's head and upper back, where the inflatable sections are independently inflatable and deflatable with respect to one another so that the patient's ear and sternum can be aligned in the same horizontal plane. The apparatus also includes an anchoring means that is attached to at least one of the plurality of inflatable sections for anchoring the apparatus in place. An air system connected to the plurality of inflatable sections and including separate connections to the individual inflatable sections operates to provide air to the apparatus. The apparatus optionally includes an independently inflatable cylinder in the anchoring means that is used in pregnant patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nissen IPAD, LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Nissen, James M. Gayes
  • Patent number: 8001637
    Abstract: A portable changing table of the present disclosure includes at least one extendable arm assembly moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one extendable arm assembly is removably securable to a support structure. The portable changing table further includes a collapsible frame hingedly secured to the at least one extendable arm assembly, wherein the collapsible frame is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The portable changing table further includes a flexible support member secured to a portion of the collapsible frame. The flexible support member extends across a portion of the collapsible frame in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Alexis Gant, Justin Gant
  • Patent number: 8001638
    Abstract: A mattress converts from a crib mattress with side walls and end walls surrounding an infant sleeping surface on a central mattress section therebetween to a twin mattress with a substantially planar sleeping surface to support a reclining child or adult. The end walls and side walls are tethered or hingedly connected to the central mattress section and are moveable from an upright position (crib mattress) to an open position (twin mattress). Sidewall extensions are hingedly connected to the side walls and are pivotably moveable from a first position above the side walls to a second position axially aligned with the side walls when the side walls are in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: FXI, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Quinter, Eric Holzer, Nicole Meluskey, Lauren C. Gatto
  • Patent number: 8001639
    Abstract: A stiffening system for the perimeter edges of a foam core mattress comprising a coil spring (or other spring-based) structure disposed along one or more perimeter edges (e.g., one or both side edges, the foot, the head, or a combinations thereof including the foot and both side edges) of a mattress having a foam sleeping area. The perimeter spring structure is rectangular or square in cross-section and provides sufficient stiffness for comfortable seating on the edges of the mattress and is joined to the foam core by planar fabric elements that span the joint between them and are attached to both. The sleep area provides the softness and other salutary effects of a foam sleeping surface while the stiffer spring perimeter element provides the rigidity need for comfortable seating and wear resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Dreamwell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard F. Gladney, Kevin Damewood
  • Patent number: 8001640
    Abstract: An improved MIG welding pliers is disclosed, which allows faster and easier removal of spatter form a MIG welding nozzle, thereby improving welder productivity. Embodiments of the present invention provide a rounded file on the outer surface of each of the pinchers of the pliers. In one embodiment, each pincher has a different file surface. The rounded file surface provides for improved spatter removal, and eliminates the need for waxes and spatter control products which degrade the contact tip and nozzle, hastening the need for their replacement. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention increase the efficiency of a MIG welding operation, as less time is spent removing spatter from nozzles, and thus, more time is available for welding. Furthermore, by avoiding the use of waxes, costs are reduced since nozzles and contact tips do not need to be replaced as frequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Rahman Carter
  • Patent number: 8001641
    Abstract: A utility knife assembly includes a housing that has a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second lateral walls. The perimeter wall includes a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall and a lower wall. The front wall has a blade aperture therein. The upper wall has a slot therein. A tape measure tab is removably positionable in the slot. A blade is removably mounted to the housing and extends outwardly of the blade aperture. The slot is aligned with the blade to allow the tape measure to be used for measuring where the blade is cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph N. Williams
  • Patent number: 8001642
    Abstract: A shaping apparatus for an article of footwear is provided to maintain the shape of an upper. An insertable apparatus includes a toe shaping member. A medial shaping member may engage a medial side of the upper. A lateral shaping member may engage a lateral side of the upper. The medial shaping member and lateral shaping member are resiliently disposed on the toe shaping member. A rear biasing member may be attached to the medial shaping member and the lateral shaping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Mauro Bordin, Sergio Cavaliere, Timm Flintoff, Matteo Tessaro
  • Patent number: 8001643
    Abstract: A cable protector and access ramp apparatus and system are disclosed. The apparatus and system is comprised of a plurality of variously configured cable protector sections. Each of the sections has a protected raceway through which various piping, electrical, gas, communication and other service lines may be directed and front and rear ramps to allow vehicles to roll up and over the protected raceway. The raceway in each of the sections of the apparatus and system has a hinged cover which may be lifted to allow placement and access to the service lines. The front and rear ramps of each of the sections may be provided with a pivoting ramp cover having a slot configured to allow access to lifting channels in the frame. The lifting channels are configured to receive the tines of a forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Michael H. James
  • Patent number: 8001644
    Abstract: A cymbal polishing device has a base, a motor mounted on the base, and a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the shaft is operably mounted to the motor so that the shaft can be rotated by the motor. A cymbal locking element at the proximal end of the shaft is adapted to removably lock a cymbal to the proximal end of the shaft so that the cymbal rotates with the shaft and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Albert S. Martinez
  • Patent number: 8001645
    Abstract: A scrub brush-sponge includes a base provided with a recessed peripheral lip, which has a plurality of attenuated regions configured to minimize the resistance of the base to external bending forces, and a sponge coupled to the base and made from polymeric material, which may have as low a PPI as 10. The sponge is configured so that it can effectively surround at least a substantial peripheral portion of instruments or portions to be treated with fluid, which is contained within the sponge, without applying substantial external forces to the base. A flexible layer made of woven or non-woven bonded polymeric fibers is on a scrubbing surface of the sponge and provides an enhanced scrubbing feature. An abrasive may be included on the flexible layer to further enhance the scrubbing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Biomed Packaging Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Kaufman, Janet Kaufman, legal representative, James Brown
  • Patent number: 8001646
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning mop, including a handle fixed onto a cylindrical coupler having rotational capability; a joint fixed to the cylindrical coupler; a retainer for retaining a cleaning element; and a scrubber formed with projections on one part and fins on the other part, the fins extending side to side along the scrubber. The scrubber can be formed to have a circular cross-section. It also can be formed to have a polygonal cross-section. Each surface of the polygon is formed alternatively with either irregularly spaced projections or regularly spaced fins, such that the projections and fins alternate on every other face of the polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Aquastar, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Blom
  • Patent number: 8001647
    Abstract: An improved flocked foam applicator has a cylindrically shaped hollow rigid shell configured to slide onto a rigid core coupled to a handle. A rigid planar surface extends from the bottom of the hollow rigid shell forward. Applicator flock extends downward from the rear cylindrical portion of the hollow rigid shell, around the bottom of the hollow rigid shell, and outward to the distal edge of the rigid planar surface. The distal edge of rigid planar surface extends further forward than the leading edge of the cylindrical hollow rigid shell. As a result of this design, the improved flocked foam applicator can apply a liquid applicant to a floor all the way up to a baseboard or wall, and will further prevent the leading edge of the cylindrical portion from coming into contact with a baseboard or wall and depositing fluid in an undesired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: James J. Felton
  • Patent number: 8001648
    Abstract: A skin cleanser device may include a cleanser member including a cleanser surface configured to be moved in contact with skin. The cleanser surface may be defined by an elastically deformable synthetic material other than a foam, and may include cavities that include undercuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 8001649
    Abstract: A wiper assembly for sweeping a glass surface on a vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a windshield washer assembly connected to the windshield wiper drive arm of the vehicle for controllably dispensing washer fluid directly down onto the glass surface of the vehicle. The wiper assembly also includes a novel control unit carried by the vehicle for controlling the dispensing of the washing liquid from the windshield washer assembly. Uniquely, the control unit includes a sensor that is operably associated with the pump for sensing the position of the wiper arm as it moves upwardly and downwardly relative to the glass surface and for controllably energizing the pump at selected positions of the wiper drive arm so that the washer fluid is always dispensed forwardly of the wiper blade to avoid smearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Robert V. Rhodes, Kenneth A. Gross, Michael A. Gross
  • Patent number: 8001650
    Abstract: An accessory to a central vacuum system provides a handy, resiliently retractable vacuum hose that is accessible and usable by the operator with only one hand and easily and unobtrusively stored by the operator when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Trotter
  • Patent number: 8001651
    Abstract: A floor washing robot is disclosed. The robot includes: a control unit for controlling a power source to drive at least three omnidirectional wheels and at least one washing disc to rotate to wash a floor; a water spray device for spraying water; and a vacuum device for vacuuming waste water or dirt. The floor washing robot can be moved freely in any direction to improve the cleaning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: National Taipei University of Technology
    Inventor: Wen-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 8001652
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner (A) includes an upright housing section (B) and a nozzle section (C). A cyclonic airflow dirt and dust separating chamber (54) is defined in said upright housing section. A suction source (E) pulls air and entrained dirt, dust, and other contaminants through a main suction opening (26) formed in the underside (24) of the nozzle and into the cyclonic airflow chamber (54). The cyclonic airflow chamber causes the suction airstream to travel in a cyclonic path such that the entrained contaminants are separated therefrom and deposited into a dirt container (52) that defines the chamber (54). A main filter element (K) filters residual contaminants from the suction airstream between the chamber and the suction source. The main filter element is preferably made from high-density polyethylene porous filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Bair, Richard C. Gibbs, Mark E. Reindle, Michael F. Wright
  • Patent number: 8001653
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus includes a housing that includes a vacuum assembly with a base. A rechargeable battery is mounted within the vacuum assembly and is electrically coupled to the blower of the vacuum assembly which creates suction through the base when the blower is turned on. A plurality of first mating charge contacts is mounted on the housing and are electrically coupled to the battery. The first mating charge contacts are engageable with second mating charge contacts mounted in an upper surface of a charging station. A power cord is electrically coupled to the second mating charge contacts to supply power to the second mating charge contacts. The battery is charged when the first and second mating charge contacts abut each other and the power cord is plugged into an electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Everton W. Longley, Michelle Longley
  • Patent number: 8001654
    Abstract: A withdrawing mechanism includes a striker disposed on one of a swingable member and a main body, a catcher disposed on the other of the swingable member and the main body to capture the striker moving, and a damper for applying a damping force to a turning operation of then catcher toward the turned position. The catcher is turnable between a standby position and a turned position. The catcher is biased towards the standby position when at a position closer to the standby position than an intermediate position between the standby position and the turned position and biased toward the turned position when at a position closer to the turned position than the intermediate position. The catcher includes a hooking groove for the striker on a surface extending substantially perpendicular to a rotary shaft thereof. The hooking groove faces an introduction port toward the front side in the standby position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Tomioka, Katsuyasu Tomiji
  • Patent number: 8001655
    Abstract: A luggage handle includes a support unit, a control unit and an operation unit. The support unit includes an outer tube having at least one locking hole. The control unit includes a first casing, a second casing, a slide, a push spring, a push shank, an elastic member, a weight and a restoring spring. Thus, when the luggage handle is subjected to a larger shock, the weight is moved downward to move its stop block to abut the limit block of the slide to prevent the locking stub of the slide from being detached from the locking hole of the outer tube and to prevent the pull bar and the inner tube of the operation unit from being moved outwardly from the support seat of the support unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Chien-Shan Wang
  • Patent number: 8001656
    Abstract: A handle has at least one holding plate which can be mounted in an opening in a thin wall such as a sheet-metal cabinet door, a head part, such as a flange or olive-shaped handle, which overlaps the rim of the opening of the thin wall on its (outer) side, and a body part which proceeds from the head part and can be pushed through the opening in the thin wall, and a holding part which is carried by the body part, supported on the other (rear) side of the thin wall, and is separate from the body part, wherein the holding part is formed by holding elements which project in a flexible manner from the body part in the direction of its outer surface and whose free end has an inclined surface for supporting the body part on the rim or edge of the opening without play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 8001657
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety device for a bracelet including a system for adjusting the circumferential length of the bracelet. This system comprises; first and second curvilinear elongated elements, each having a slot and a plurality of notches; a clasp comprising a third curvilinear elongated element having a set of grooves, wherein the grooves receive one of the first or second elongated elements for slidably gliding the elements relative to one another, and a fourth curvilinear elongated element; a button slidably secured in each slot of said first and second curvilinear elongated elements to slidably secure said first and second curvilinear elongated elements together; a set of stop reliefs are provided within said grooves for limiting the sliding motion of the first and second curvilinear elongated elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Giuseppe Giordano
  • Patent number: 8001658
    Abstract: A clasp including long hinged arms (1, 2, 13), a mechanism for adjusting the longitudinal position of the connecting member (20) connecting one of the free ends of the band to one of the long arms (1, 2, 13), having two tracks (18) defining two corresponding paths extending in two planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arms (1, 2, 13), and sliding elements (19, 39) for engaging with the respective guide tracks (18), the respective cross sections of the tracks and of the sliding elements including complementary adjacent surfaces to limit the movement of the sliding elements (19, 39) to one degree of freedom corresponding to the sliding path of the tracks (18), in such a way as to ensure free translational movement of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Rolex S.A.
    Inventors: Martin Christian, Vincent Lemosquet
  • Patent number: 8001659
    Abstract: A tensioning device includes a pair of opposing first surfaces defining a first wedge opening. The first surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The first wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a first portion of a cord. A pair of opposing second surfaces defines a second wedge opening. The second surfaces are fixed relative to each other. The second wedge opening is spaced apart from the first wedge opening. The second wedge opening is shaped to releasably secure a second portion of the cord. A cord block defines a support surface spaced from the first and second wedge openings. The support surface is positioned to slidably support the cord between the first and second wedge openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8001660
    Abstract: A device for gripping a cable is presented that has a retention member rotatably disposed within a cable guide such that upon entrance of the cable within an entrance port, the cable moves between the retention member and a wall, causing the retention member to simultaneously rotate and move toward the exit port and away from the wall until it abuts the exit wall and rotates in place as the cable is pushed out the exit port. When the cable is pulled toward the entrance port, the retention member simultaneously rotates and moves toward the entrance port and the wall, wedging the cable between the wall and the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc
    Inventors: Xueming Cai, Joey Magno
  • Patent number: 8001661
    Abstract: An ornamental device includes a first member adapted to be coupled to a personal item. The first member has a first end having a sidewall. A second member is releasably engagable with the first member, and is provided with a recess that receives the first end of the first member when the first and second members are engaged. The second member has a flange that contacts the sidewall of the first member substantially along a width of the sidewall when the first and second members are engaged. The first and second members are magnetically coupled, such that the magnetic interaction, and the interaction of the flange with the sidewall, secures a decorative second member to a personal item in a selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Modern Muse, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Paige Clark
  • Patent number: 8001662
    Abstract: A clip device for releasably securing objects together is provided. The clip device comprises a clip body with a first slot formed in the clip body and a second slot formed in the clip body substantially parallel to the first slot. A cross member divides the first slot from the second slot. A faceplate substantially parallel to the cross member is formed in the clip body with the faceplate having a substantially planar front face surface and a rear face surface. A finger extends from the front face surface with the finger curling back toward the front face surface. An opening is formed through the faceplate wherein upon positioning of the front face surfaces of two adjacent clip bodies together, the finger is releasably receivable within the opening formed in the front faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Guber
  • Patent number: 8001663
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatically locking carabiner system including a frame, a gate, a gate biasing system, and a gate locking system. The frame and gate form a continuously enclosed inner region in a closed configuration with respect to the frame. When in an engaged state, the gate locking system is configured to automatically lock the gate in the closed configuration with respect to the frame. The gate locking system may include a trigger coupled to the frame such that the position of the trigger corresponds to the state of the gate locking system. The trigger may be positioned on an opposite side of the frame from the gate with respect to the inner region. The force required to disengage the gate locking system may be substantially opposite that which is required to transition the gate to the open configuration with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: William R Belcourt, Ben Walker, David Mellon, Jeremy Saxton, Brendan Perkins
  • Patent number: 8001664
    Abstract: A shoe comprising a shoe upper including a male member and a shoe sole including a female receptor for locking with the male member. The male member locks with the female receptor by moving the male member with respect to the female receptor in a first direction, which locks the shoe upper with the shoe sole. The male member unlocks from the female receptor by moving the male member an additional distance further in the first direction, which unlocks the shoe upper from the shoe sole. The female receptor includes resilient arms to hold and release the male member and a stop to prevent movement of the resilient arms in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Convertible Shoe, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Gerald Pearce
  • Patent number: 8001665
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald F Lehner
  • Patent number: 8001666
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes providing a mold on a temporary substrate, e.g., a sapphire substrate. Next, a material such as PZT paste is deposited into the mold. Then, the mold is removed to obtain elements formed by the mold. The formed elements will then be sintered. After sintering, electrode deposition is optionally performed. The sintered elements are then bonded to a final target substrate and released from the temporary substrate through laser liftoff. Further, electrodes may also be optionally deposited at this point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, Stephen D. White, Steven A. Buhler
  • Patent number: 8001667
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for holding lens holders includes a first board (14) and a second board (16). The first board includes a plurality of through slots (146) defined therein. The second board includes a base portion (160) and a plurality of elongated protrusions (162) for insertion in and sliding in the respective slots. The protrusions extend from the base portion. The first board and the second board are attached to each other with the protrusions inserted in the slots. The first board and the second board cooperatively form a plurality of receptacles between the first inner surfaces in the slots and the first surface of the protrusions. A platform (12) with one of the first board and the second board are secured thereon. A driving device (20) is configured for driving the other one of the first board and the second board to move relative to the one secured on the table to change a size of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 8001668
    Abstract: The connector installation tool is an elongate, substantially flat Y-shaped body having a base, a pair of spaced first and second bracket holding jaws projecting upwardly from the base, an elongate handle extending downwardly from the base, and an adjustable abutment spanning perpendicular to the bracket holding jaws, the abutment and jaws defining a bracket holding space therebetween. The connector installation tool presets the proper positioning of the bracket, resulting in more reliable, fast, safe and accurate installation of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventors: Carl L. Coffman, Jr., Michael J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8001669
    Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine engine component includes providing a turbine engine component having a first surface and a second surface. A porous structure extends from the first surface to the second surface. The first surface is exposed to a first pressure and the second surface is exposed to a second pressure. The first pressure is higher than the second pressure. A difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is used to pass a cleaning liquid through the porous structure from the first surface to the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian K. Holland, Dennis R. Krum
  • Patent number: 8001670
    Abstract: A method for assembling at least two elements by a crimping rivet including a head and a stem, and an associated fitting tool including a traction rod. The method includes the following successive steps. A securing step that secures a part of the stem of the rivet by die-stamping on a corresponding part of the traction rod of the fitting tool inserted inside the stem of the rivet. An inserting step that inserts the rivet in corresponding holes of the elements to be assembled. A crimping step that crimps the rivet by the fitting tool. A separating step that separates the fitting tool by radial deformation of the part of the stem on which die-stamping was applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Bollhoff Otalu S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Gory
  • Patent number: 8001671
    Abstract: A method for using an insulated holder is provided. The holder includes first and second polarized magnetic materials positioned at the sleeve portion. The first and second polarized magnetic materials each have first and second poles, the first pole of the first polarized magnetic material being positioned opposite and adjacent to the second pole of the second magnetic material and the second pole of the first polarized magnetic material being positioned opposite and adjacent to the first pole of the second magnetic material. The holder is placed adjacent to and in contact with said mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Jed D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8001672
    Abstract: A method for manufacture of a conductor assembly along a curvilinear axis. The assembly may be of the type which, when conducting current, generates a magnetic field or in which, in the presence of a changing magnetic field, a voltage is induced. In one example, the assembly includes a structure having a curved shape extending along the axis. A surface of the structure is positioned for formation of a channel along the curved shape. The structure is rotated about a second axis. While rotating the structure, a channel is formed in the surface that results in a helical shape in the structure. The channel extends both around and along the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc
    Inventor: Rainer Meinke
  • Patent number: 8001673
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clamping device for a vehicle body transfer cart, in which a rotation unit for rotating a cart unit, an air supply unit for supplying air to the cart unit, and an electrical signal unit for transmitting an electric signal to the cart unit are installed in a single processing device such that the structure of the device is simplified, the number of components is decreased to reduce manufacturing and installation costs, the structure of the cart unit is improved to be suitable for the clamping device, and thus the weight of the cart unit is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Myeon Gi Hur
  • Patent number: 8001674
    Abstract: An exemplary automatic disassembly machine is used for detaching a cover from a main body of a portable electronic device. The cover defines a hole therein. The automatic disassembly machine includes a holder, a mechanical hand, a power source, and a controller. The mechanical hand is fixed on the holder. The mechanical hand has an inserting element, and a positioning element. The inserting element is configured for inserting into the hole of the cover and lifting the cover up from the portable electronic device. The positioning element is configured for positioning the cover. The power source connects to the mechanical hand for driving the mechanical hand. The controller connects to the mechanical hand and the power source for respectively controlling the positioning element and the inserting element to detach the cover from the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun Chen, Chin-Tsan Huang, Dong-Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8001675
    Abstract: In a heat exchanger, a liquid resin is applied to an outer surface of the heat exchanger, and then surplus liquid resin is removed from the outer surface. In removing the surplus liquid resin, before air having a first velocity is directed to the heat exchanger for blowing the surplus liquid resin off the heat exchanger, air having a second velocity lower than the first velocity is directed to the heat exchanger to remove the surplus liquid resin from the heat exchanger by moving the surplus liquid resin along the outer surface of the heat exchanger. The air at the second velocity is directed toward the heat exchanger by a second blower before the air at the first velocity is directed toward the heat exchanger by a first blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Sugino, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Motohiro Shirai
  • Patent number: 8001676
    Abstract: Component placement apparatus (1, 21) comprising a storage device (2) for storing components, means (5, 25, 71, 81, 91) for transporting a component from the storage device (2) to a transfer device (6, 26) comprising at least one component pickup position (11), and a component pick and place device (7) for picking up a component from the pickup position and placing the component on a desired location on a substrate (8) positioned on a substrate support. The transfer device (6, 26) is movable between a position relatively close to the stationary storage device (2) and a variable desired position above the substrate support relatively close to the movable pick and place device whilst the means (5, 25, 71, 81, 91) for transporting a component from the storing device to the transfer device (6, 26) comprise guiding means for guiding a tape (4) comprising components from reel (3) located in the storage device (2) into the component pickup position (11) on the transfer device (6, 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Assembleon N.V.
    Inventor: Josephus Martinus Maria Van Gastel
  • Patent number: 8001677
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system for automatically manufacturing thermal batteries. In the present invention, thermal batteries are manufactured using a press system, a stacking system and an enclosing system. The present invention uses a tracking, storage, and/or retrieval system to track various components used in the manufacturing process to improve manufacturing quality and to track the various components throughout the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: EaglePicher Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Dixon, Mark Hart, Ola Pettersson, Chad Sneath
  • Patent number: 8001678
    Abstract: A component mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of components on a board. The apparatus is provided with a board holding device for holding the board at a board holding position, a first mounting head for holding and taking out a component fed from a first component feeding position and mounting the component on the board held at the board holding position, a second mounting head for holding and taking out the component fed from a second component feeding position and mounting the component on the held board, and a component feeding device having a wafer holding table for holding a wafer on which the respective components are fed so that the wafer holding table can be moved reciprocationally between the first component feeding position and the second component feeding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Kabeshita, Kurayasu Hamasaki, Noriyuki Tani, Shozo Minamitani, Yoichi Makino