Patents Issued in November 15, 2011
  • Patent number: RE42930
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to aziridinyl epothilone compounds as further described herein, and/or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and/or solvates thereof having the following Formula: wherein K is —O—, —S—, or —NR7—; A is —(CR8R9)—(CH2)m—Z—wherein Z is —(CHR10)—, —C(?O)—, —C(?O)—C(?O)—, —OC(?O)—, —N(R11)C(?O)—, —O2—, or —N(R11)SO2—; B1 is hydroxyl or cyano and R1 is hydrogen or B1 and R1 are taken together to form a double bond; R2, R3, and R5 are, independently, hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl; or R2 and R3 may be taken together with the carbon to which they are attached to form an optionally substituted cycloalkyl; R4 is hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkenyl, aryl, or substituted aryl; R6 is hydrogen, alkyl or substituted alkyl; R7, R8, R9, R10, R11 and R12 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heterocycloalkyl, substituted heterocycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or substi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Gregory D. Vite, Soong-Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: RE42931
    Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Keith V. Wood, Dieter Klaubert, Georgyi V. Los, Robert F. Bulleit, Mark McDougall, Chad Zimprich
  • Patent number: RE42932
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing a spine includes providing a coupling element having upper and lower ends, a rod receiving opening adapted to receive an elongated stabilizing rod, a bore extending through the lower end and a conical-shaped seat surrounding the bore adjacent the lower end; providing a fastener having upper and lower ends, a head having a radial surface, and at least one anchoring element between the lower end of the fastener and the head; assembling the fastener with the coupling element so that the lower end of the fastener passes through the bore of the coupling element and the radial surface of the head engages the conical-shaped seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker France
    Inventors: Greg Martin, Yves Crozet, William J. Kelly
  • Patent number: RE42933
    Abstract: A cardiac rhythm management device that utilizes blanking or refractory periods to avoid misidentification of artifacts and evoked potentials, wherein the refractory periods are discontinuous and may be dependent upon sensed events, expiration of a predefined timing interval, or stimulation events in the same or other chambers of the heart. The discontinuous refractory periods enhance the ability of the device to sense intrinsic events. The present invention includes separate refractory and floating refractory periods incorporated within the sensing protocol for each selected cycle, thereby increasing the time period for normal sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhengnian Tang, Julio C. Spinelli, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Rene H. Wentkowski, Andrew P. Kramer, Paul A. Haefner
  • Patent number: RE42934
    Abstract: A system for communicating with a medical device implanted in an ambulatory patient and for locating the patient in order to selectively monitor device function, alter device operating parameters and modes and provide emergency assistance to and communications with a patient. The implanted device includes a telemetry transceiver for communicating data and operating instructions between the implanted device and an external patient communications control device that is either worn by or located in proximity to the patient within the implanted device tranceiving range. The control device preferably includes a communication link with a remote medical support network, a global positioning satellite receiver for receiving positioning data identifying the global position of the control device, and a patient activated link for permitting patient initiated personal communication with the medical support network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Thompson
  • Patent number: RE42935
    Abstract: Estimates of spectral magnitude and phase are obtained by an estimation process using spectral information from analysis filter banks such as the Modified Discrete Cosine Transform. The estimation process may be implemented by convolution-like operations with impulse responses. Portions of the impulse responses may be selected for use in the convolution-like operations to trade off between computational complexity and estimation accuracy. Mathematical derivations of analytical expressions for filter structures and impulse responses are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Corey I. Cheng, Michael J. Smithers, David N. Lathrop
  • Patent number: RE42936
    Abstract: A method to reduce and thereby improve the initial program load time of a computing apparatus operating system and thus provides for near instantaneous user interaction. When practicing the instant invention, a computing apparatus operating system or application processing component is loaded neither sequentially nor completely, but rather on an as required basis. The invention's “required only” loading of processing components persist through subsequent operation and shut down of the computing apparatus with each loaded task creating a checkpoint record of processing modifications to non-volatile memory. Such checkpointing allows shut down processing of the apparatus to consist of merely flushing memory buffers in the apparatus checkpointed non-volatile memory of the apparatus to permanent storage and powering off of the apparatus, with subsequent initial program load (IPL) sequencing referencing the checkpointed records to minimize future system initialization elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: William K. Hollis
  • Patent number: 8056144
    Abstract: A safety helmet includes a cap equipped with at least one visor, which is hinged to the sides of the front opening of the cap itself and can be rotated between a position of interception of the front opening and a raised position with respect to the opening. A shielding element is also hinged to the sides of the front opening of the cap and is rotatable both with respect to the cap and with respect to the visor. The relative rotary displacement of the shielding element with respect to the visor, and vice versa, is limited at a predefined angular interval, in both of the directions of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Opticos S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luca Gafforio, Alberto Salvetti, Gabriele Tomasoni
  • Patent number: 8056145
    Abstract: A food tray is disclosed that prevents direct contact of the food items with the hands of a consumer and prevents the food to spill on the consumer clothes. In some embodiments, the food tray includes a back panel, two side panels, four flaps, and a midsection. During the consumption of the food item, the two side panels and the midsection form an apron which is placed under the chin of the consumer to prevent the food from spilling on the consumer cloths. In some embodiments, the midsection includes a chin curve that facilitates placing the apron under the chin of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Shahriar K. Shamsnobari, Behzad Bahadori
  • Patent number: 8056146
    Abstract: A disposable isolation hospital gown is provided having a main body and a pair of sleeves. Integrally formed with the hospital gown is a disposable wrapper that is particularly positioned or placed such that the gown can be rolled or folded into a bundle, after which the disposable wrapper is reversed and in the process of reversing the disposable wrapper, the bundled gown is stuffed or placed into the reversed disposable wrapper for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Virginia Porowski
  • Patent number: 8056147
    Abstract: A necktie has an integrated system to limit movement of the free ends of the necktie when worn. The necktie has a wide end section and a narrow end section. The necktie has a selected width transition from the wide end section to the narrow end section. The overall length of the necktie is selected to allow the necktie to be secured to a person's neck using a selected knot-tying technique such that the wide end of the necktie is positioned at a selected location with respect to the person's waistline and such that the narrow end of the necktie is positioned behind the wide end of the necktie. At least one loop is secured to the back of the wide end of the necktie. The narrow end of the necktie passes through the loop. At least one buttonhole is formed through the narrow end of the necktie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Girish K. Patel
  • Patent number: 8056148
    Abstract: A glove fabricated of a polyethylene has a distal portion in a shape to accommodate a hand. A proximal portion of the glove formed as an extension of the distal portion has a length between 150 percent and 175 percent of the length of the distal portion. A polyethylene tab and a strap form a seal on the proximal portion of the glove. The tab is integrally formed with the glove. The strap is fabricated of elastic bandage material and has an attached end coupled to the tab with a semi-adhesive property for removably coupling the strap to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Evan Ballantyne, Anthony D. Cooprider
  • Patent number: 8056149
    Abstract: A combination sock and shoe includes a shoe sole, an exterior sock that is secured to the shoe sole, an intermediate sock positioned inside the exterior sock, and an interior sock positioned inside the exterior sock and inside the intermediate sock. The intermediate sock is constructed as an anklet having an elastic ankle opening. The exterior and interior socks conceal the intermediate sock from view by sandwiching the intermediate sock between them. When a wearer's foot is inserted into the combination sock and shoe, the elastic ankle opening of the intermediate sock securely engages around the ankle of the wearer's foot and holds the wearer's foot to the shoe sole, thereby preventing the shoe sole from separating away from the heel of the wearer's foot during walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Converse Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Paul Duclos
  • Patent number: 8056150
    Abstract: A protective sport helmet, such as for lacrosse, includes a hard shell portion, a lining portion, and an adjustment mechanism. The inner side of the adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment protective pad. Together, the lining portion and the inner surface of the adjustment protective pad define an interior region of the helmet wherein the user's head is introduced. The adjustment mechanism includes a lower rear shell portion having a clutch mechanism that allows the user to manually adjust the size of the interior region via a strapping system of the helmet to couple snugly around the user's head. The clutching mechanism can prevent the interior region from being easily altered in the absence of manual adjustment to the adjustment mechanism. The strap includes a hard end material that engages the adjustment mechanism and a flexible, durable and tough material that conforms to a wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Stokes, David C. Rogers, Duco W. Noordzij
  • Patent number: 8056151
    Abstract: A chin strap assembly for a protective sports helmet features a buckle that comprises a body portion, an attachment portion, a first side rail, and a second side rail. The body portion has a first strap opening and a second strap opening formed therethrough. The body portion has a first end segment and a second end segment. The attachment portion is adapted to interact with a fastener on the helmet. The first and second side rails are opposed and extend between the first and second end segments, and have a generally arcuate shape. First and second lateral holes are positioned internal to the first and second side rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Vittorio Bologna, Thad M. Ide, Nelson Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8056152
    Abstract: A pivot assembly for use with headgear that includes a headtop and a shield, and a method for coupling the headtop to the shield using the pivot assembly. The pivot assembly can include a housing, a socket dimensioned to be received in the housing and having a plurality of first engagement features, and a post having a plurality of second engagement features adapted to engage the first engagement features. The pivot assembly can further include a spring dimensioned to be received in the housing to bias the first engagement features and the second engagement features into engagement, while allowing relative rotation between the post and the socket. A method can include moving the socket in a first direction into the housing, moving the post in a second direction that is different from the first direction toward engagement with the socket, and moving the spring in the first direction into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brace
  • Patent number: 8056153
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for advertising a product or service and for sanitizing, deodorizing, and preventing splatter of fluids discharged in a urinal. The apparatus comprises a fluid permeable receptacle herein referred to as “receptacle” suspended along its longitudinal axis for absorbing discharged fluids and releasing the absorbed fluids into a drain of the urinal, an advertisement layer, and fasteners for fastening the receptacle to the urinal. The receptacle comprises particulate material embedded within compartments of the receptacle. The particulate material comprises an anti-splatter material for preventing splatter of fluids, an odor removal material for removing undesired odor from the fluids, and a sanitizing material for cleaning and disinfecting the fluids. Grommets along with the fasteners may be used for fastening the receptacle to the urinal. Advertisements may be printed on the surface of the receptacle or the advertisement layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Javier Fernando Ruedas
  • Patent number: 8056154
    Abstract: A device for opening a toilet flushing system, of the type that includes a water cistern fed by a filling tap, and that includes a bottom discharge orifice and a vertical mobile discharge valve element associated with this orifice, which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern or a high open position to discharge the water to a toilet pan, and of the type that includes a float which, when the cistern is full, is submerged to push the valve element towards its open position, and of the type that includes an element for locking the valve element to keep the valve element closed, characterized in that the float is secured to the valve element and in that the locking element includes a vertically mobile locking finger which is capable of being locked or released by an associated latching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: CELEC Conception Electronique
    Inventor: Christian Martin
  • Patent number: 8056155
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8056156
    Abstract: A vacuum relief unit and method for venting air into a pool pumping system when a pressure level within the system drops below a first pressure level limit. The unit includes a closed air chamber, a device for venting chamber air from the air chamber into the pool pumping system when the pressure level in the pool pumping system drops below the first pressure level limit, a device for venting atmospheric air into the air chamber when the pressure level within the air chamber drops below a second pressure level limit that is lower than the first pressure level limit, and a device for delaying operation of the atmospheric air venting device when the pressure within the air chamber is no longer below the second pressure level limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Michael J. Ciochetti, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8056157
    Abstract: A shower stall tray includes a plastic shell defining an outer surface and a cavity that is filled with a light weight resinous material and a structural member having a density less than the resinous material. The plastic shell is formed to include a visible surface and a backside surface. The backside of the plastic shell defines an open cavity that is filled with a resinous material. The resinous material provides structural rigidity and the solid substantial feel providing a favorable perception of quality. The structural member not only provides structural support for the shower tray, but also displaces resinous material, thereby reducing the amount of resinous material required to fill the open cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Huang, Scott Kapelanski
  • Patent number: 8056158
    Abstract: Devices and methods are presented for elevating seat devices. The device allows a vertical and forward motion of a seat from a first position to a second position. Such motion more resembles a natural body motion during the standing motion. A similar but converse motion is also possible with movement from a standing position to a sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Liftseat Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Robert Byrne Henshaw, Daniel A. Peterson, John David Hartman, David Chesley, Jeffrey Cogan Nelson
  • Patent number: 8056159
    Abstract: A folding mattress support system replaces both a conventional box spring and the bed frame with rails. The mattress support system is lighter, quieter and easier to transport, and also provides more storage space beneath the mattress. The mattress support system includes bed frame assemblies, central connecting bars, edge attachments and a bed skirt. Leg brackets fold out from the bed frame assemblies, which themselves unfold in the middle. Central connecting bars connect inner side edges of the bed frame assemblies. Plastic edge attachments are attached at outer corners of the bed frame assemblies and hold a bed skirt taught around the frame assemblies when the frame assemblies are standing on the extended leg brackets. A mattress is then placed on top of the assembled mattress support system. Optionally, metal edge attachments at the head corners of the mattress support system both hold the bed skirt and support a headboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Zinus, Inc.
    Inventors: Youn Jae Lee, Suk Kan Oh
  • Patent number: 8056160
    Abstract: A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. The siderails are provided adjacent the third deck section. The siderails remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section from a generally horizontal to a substantially vertical position. The siderails are configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Patrick Harris, Sohrab Soltani
  • Patent number: 8056161
    Abstract: There is provided a sheet system for securing a child in a preferred position on a sleep surface and covering the child, the sheet system including: a base sheet; a band for securing a child in a preferred position; a first attachment means for attaching the band to the base sheet; a top sheet for covering the secured child, and a second attachment means for attaching the top sheet to the base sheet and a stabilizing means for stabilizing the base sheet on a sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Kirsty Barry
  • Patent number: 8056162
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, comprises a lower frame, an upper frame supported above the lower frame and configured to support a patient, and a support structure coupled to the lower frame. The support structure includes a lift having a movable portion that is movable generally vertically relative to the lower frame and relative to the upper frame. The movable portion of the lift is configured to carry a patient care equipment support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Richard H. Heimbrock, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 8056163
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, includes a patient support deck that is directly coupled to elevation adjustment mechanisms without the need for an intervening frame. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may be placed outside the perimeter of the support deck to allow the support deck to be lowered to a greater extent and provide room for attaching side rails to the support deck. The width of the patient support deck may be adjusted by way of extenders, and the sleep surface may also be adjusted by way of foldable strips. A jack type of actuator may be used to pivot the different sections of the support deck with respect to each other. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may include vertical threaded shafts that rotatingly engage threaded collars and raise or lower the collars when the shaft and the collar rotate with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Lemire, Martin W. Stryker, Pascal Castonguay
  • Patent number: 8056164
    Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Bedlab, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Rene Benzo, Mario Cesar Eleonori
  • Patent number: 8056165
    Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hill-ROM Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A Kummer, Gregory W Branson, Eric R Meyer, Bradley T. Wilson, Tanya Taber, Kenith W. Chambers, Michael M. Frondorf, John Vodzak, James R. Stolpmann, Roger D. Dalton, Kenneth R. Smith, Jeffrey A Heyser
  • Patent number: 8056166
    Abstract: A pillow support for a user featuring an engageable pillow body to a base and at least one storage cavity formed therebetween. An aperture in the pillow body dimensioned to accommodate the face of a user positioned on the pillow communicates with a cavity in the base which communicates with air and light adjacent to the base to provide the user fresh air and light when face down. The storage cavity is adapted to hold a personal music player or phone and the pillow engages to the base with a strap or ridge surrounding the perimeter of the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Calvert
  • Patent number: 8056167
    Abstract: The invention discloses differing embodiments of pillow speaker systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed of directing sound energy emitted from a speaker substantially into a cavity of a gas pillow. In other embodiments, pillow speaker systems are disclosed which direct sound energy emitted from the speakers substantially into the gas pillow cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kwun-Wing W. Cheung, Kevin S. Zielke
  • Patent number: 8056168
    Abstract: A pillow 1 stores a main part 2 and an elastic part 3 laminated by the main part 2 in a cover part 4. The main part 2 includes a core material 21 arranged along a longitudinal direction, and a storage object 23 in which charcoal 22 is stored at both sides, and is covered by a cover material 25. A concave portion 27 is formed in a position corresponding to the core material 21. The elastic material 3 has elastic materials 31, 32 and 33 having hardness which becomes larger as they come closer to the main part 2. A convex part 27 is formed in the surface, and a convex part 34 of the elastic part 3 is fitted to the concave portion 27, and a portion corresponding to the convex part 34 is formed thicker than a portion which does not support the convex part 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Taira Clean Industry
    Inventors: Kimiko Asaka, Noriko Tako, Kazue Matsumoto, Mai Asaka Scaduto, Sayuri Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8056169
    Abstract: A composite mattress with or without a pillow made of flexible or compressible filling material covered by a pliable transparent polymeric cover material with a visual clarity to allow one to detect, locate, and identify contraband items hidden under the cover material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chestnut Ridge Foam, Inc.
    Inventors: John Joseph McManamy, Carl Melvin Ogburn
  • Patent number: 8056170
    Abstract: A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Pull'R Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Adams, Jared Hanlon
  • Patent number: 8056171
    Abstract: A control system for a laundry machine provides a system and method to automatically monitor the results of the drain or pump operation during normal operation of machine cycles, during unattended idle states as well as through specific diagnostic tests. By automatically monitoring the results of the drain or pump operation, the machine controller can warn the owner or servicer of the equipment that a machine requires service attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Alliance Laundry Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Zambrowicz, Jeffrey R. Hochtritt, Adam L. Kocha
  • Patent number: 8056172
    Abstract: A side panel for a fabric care appliance is described. The side panel includes an embossed pattern for increasing a first natural frequency (or first harmonic) of the side panel. Preferably, the first natural frequency is substantially higher than any ordinary operating frequency or driving frequency of the appliance. For example, in a washing machine, the first natural frequency of the side panel is preferably at least 1.6 times greater than the maximum rotational frequency of a drum or tumbler of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Schneider, Steven R. Fricke, Michael S. Short, James R. Sawyer, Phillip E. Lindeman, Michael R. Carey
  • Patent number: 8056173
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to the use of soluble thread in the preparation of footwear, in particular athletic footwear. After preparing aspects of the footwear, the soluble thread is dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Hu RongBo
  • Patent number: 8056174
    Abstract: A method of selectively closing off a loading dock opening defined by a loading dock pit recessed within a floor of a building and a doorway into the building, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a pit seal panel having a substantially incompressible height and width to a barrier position where the pit seal panel closes off a rectangular area substantially spanning an entire vertical dimension and an entire widthwise dimension of the loading dock pit; and (b) lowering an overhead door to concurrently contact the pit seal panel and the floor of the building to close off the loading dock opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Midwest Industrial Door, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Peter Kimener, Thomas Terrance Kimener, Kenneth A. Frank
  • Patent number: 8056175
    Abstract: A toothbrush device including a brush member and a grip. The brush member includes an electric terminal accommodation chamber and an electric terminal plate accommodated in the electric terminal accommodation chamber. The electric terminal plate includes a contact, which comes into contact with a contact portion of a coupler shaft of the grip through a window providing communication with a receptacle of the brush member. The brush member includes a holding portion supporting the coupler shaft. The receptacle includes a fastener mount portion and an engaging piece which cooperates with the fastener mount portion to hold the coupler shaft therebetween. The engaging piece and the contact portion are arranged at the same side of the axis of the coupler shaft. The fastener mount portion is arranged opposite the contact portion with respect to the axis of the coupler shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kunita, Suehisa Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 8056176
    Abstract: Toothbrushes are provided which have various features that may include one or more tooth cleaning elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, one or more gum treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes, and/or one or more soft tissue/tongue treating elements having a variety of shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Karen Lynn Claire-Zimmet, William Ralph Brown, Jr., Alexander Timothy Chenvainu, Chris Blain, Jens Uwe Stoerkel, Ulrich Pfeifer, Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8056177
    Abstract: A leaf gathering apparatus includes upper and lower conveyor axes, a conveyor extending around the upper and lower conveyor axes that is continuously rotatable, and a rotatable sweeping mechanism having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, the sweeping mechanism being configured to move leaves from a ground surface onto the conveyor. The apparatus includes a bag and a channel extending from the conveyor to the bag to direct leaves therebetween. A shredder is located along the channel. A frame, the upper and lower conveyor axes, and the sweeping mechanism are operatively coupled to the frame. A plurality of wheels are operatively coupled to the frame to allow the frame to be easily transported and a motor is operatively coupled to the sweeping mechanism to rotate the sweeping mechanism, the motor being operatively coupled to at least one of the upper and lower conveyor axes to rotate the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Adnan A. Hammad
  • Patent number: 8056178
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present invention are related to a mop and/or mop head that allows larger debris to pass over at least a portion of the mop head and into a receptacle of the mop head. In some embodiments, the mop head and the receptacle are integrally formed. The mop has debris collecting material coupled to the mop head to collect dust, dirt, and other relatively small debris as the mop moves over a floor. In one particular embodiment, the debris collecting material is a non-woven material. The debris collecting material of the mop can be connected to the mop many different ways. However, in some embodiments, the material is connected via several projections extending from a top surface of the mop head. The projections pass through apertures in the dust collecting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Haim Bar-Noy, Jay Hutchison, James M. Scolaro, Glenn N. Weaver, Ronald R. Dir
  • Patent number: 8056179
    Abstract: A centrifugal water separator for mop includes a bucket including a first chamber and a second chamber respectively defined therein. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from each other. A separating trough is rotatably mounted in the second chamber in the bucket. A driving device is mounted in the first chamber in the bucket for driving the separating trough. A handle is pivotally mounted to the bucket. An indentation is defined in the handle and co-axially corresponding to the separating trough for holding the mop during separating water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Hsing Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 8056180
    Abstract: A mobile leaf blower includes a main blower assembly driven by an engine or motor. The blower has a deflector box at the blower outlet with deflector plates which enable the air flow to be either directed laterally and forwardly of the blower unit or to a flexible blower tube attached to the unit. The operator may either cause the air flow to flow through the flexible blower tube or forwardly and laterally of the blower unit along the ground. When not in use, the flexible blower tube can be wound around a hose reel attached to the main handles of the ground blower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ariens Company
    Inventor: Fernando R. Iacona
  • Patent number: 8056181
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner and an intake port unit thereof are disclosed, by which a steam cleaning can be conducted together with a vacuum cleaning. The intake port unit includes a housing. A vacuum intake passage is provided within the housing for passage of air sucked in from the exterior of the housing, and a steam generator is provided within the housing to generate steam. A steam discharge passage is provided within the housing for passage of steam discharged to the exterior of the housing. The steam discharge passage is partitioned from the vacuum intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung Jun Kim, Jay Ho Choi, Sung Il Park, Choon Myun Chung
  • Patent number: 8056182
    Abstract: A portable extractor apparatus is shown which includes a wheel mounted base having a solution tank for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A cleaning wand is connected to the solution tank and has a head which contacts the surface to the cleaned for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A fluid pump circulates cleaning solution in a path between the solution tank and the cleaning head. A vacuum motor provides a vacuum source for the cleaning head for suctioning the surface being cleaned and has an exhaust fan for exhausting excess heat created by the operation of the vacuum motor. A fluid operated heat exchanger is mounted in the vicinity of the vacuum motor. The heat exchanger is plumbed in the circulation path of the cleaning fluid, whereby excess heat generated by the vacuum motor is transferred to the cleaning fluid being applied from the cleaning head onto the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head can also be integrally mounted on the wheel mounted base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tacony Corporation
    Inventor: H. Stephen Day
  • Patent number: 8056183
    Abstract: A multiple position ball stud assembly for a closure strut supporting a closure pivotally attached adjacent to an opening, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The ball stud assembly may comprise a ball stud and a ball stud actuator. The ball stud may have a socket portion mounted on a closure lift assist strut and a guide pin extending from the socket portion. The ball stud actuator assembly may include a housing, a guide for receiving the guide pin, and an actuator for moving the guide pin along the guide to thereby cause the ball stud to move relative to the housing. The multiple position ball stud assembly may also include a control assembly that engages the actuator for selectively causing the actuator to move the guide pin along the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James H. Shoemaker, Mark W. Ruesink, Hitesh R. Desai, Andrew G. Fox, Scott W. Thorpe, Paul R. Meernik
  • Patent number: 8056184
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door lock device for a motor vehicle door, comprising: a door retaining bar mounted on the door or the body to be pivotable, and including one first side and a profiled section formed on the first side; a first braking element arranged respectively on the other part (door or body), which is applied by sections on the first side of the door retaining bar under the effect of a preload, and which, with the profiled section of the first side, defines retaining positions. The inventive door lock device, which enables the door to be selectively opened via defined retaining positions, in particular by a specific stop, is produced according to the present invention such that an actuating device is associated with the first braking element, and so that the actuating device enables the first braking element to be moved against the preload to be no longer in contact with the first side of the door retaining bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Edscha AG
    Inventors: Frank Sempert, Juan-Emilio Molina-Alvarez, Katja Kottsieper
  • Patent number: 8056185
    Abstract: A grip structure includes two holder bars respectively affixed to two inner tubes in two outer tubes of a retractable handle for travel bag, two locating rings respectively mounted in the holder bars, a grip formed of two symmetrical annular half shells and pivotally coupled between the two locating rings; two control bolts respectively movably supported in the locating rings, and a spring-supported operating member mounted in the grip and operable to move the control bolts between a first position where the inner tubes are locked to the outer tubes and the control bolts are engaged with the locating rings to lock the grip to the inner tubes and a second position where the inner tubes are unlocked from the outer tubes and the control bolts are biasable with the grip relative to the inner tubes of the retractable handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Wei-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 8056186
    Abstract: A hinge assembly (100) includes a cam (13), a follower (14), a first spring (12), a control member (18) and a second spring (16). The cam has a cam surface. The follower has a latching cam surface engaging with the cam surface. The first spring provides an elastic force causing the cam surface of the cam and the latching cam surface of the follower to resist each other. The control member slidably resists the follower. The second spring provides an elastic force to return the control member. The control member is movable to push the follower to rotate to realize the cam surface of the cam to rotate relative to the latching cam surface of the follower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Wu-Chun Zeng