Patents Issued in December 1, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110289691
    Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Derick Elliott, Martel Benoit, Luc Petitpas, Jean Bizouard, Sébastien Viger, Chad Rohrer, Jerome Marcotte, Philippe Tremblay, Stephane Duguay, Sylvin LaCasse, Clement Nadeau, Stephanie Ludke, Philippe Roy, Alex DuchesneAu
  • Publication number: 20110289692
    Abstract: A combination tool usable to couple between land vehicles or other objects is described, that is also usable to impact posts, such when constructing a fence. The combination tool can include a main body with a first end configured to impact a post, and a second end configured for coupling to a vehicle or other object. A restrainer pin detachably connected to the main body is usable to secure the combination tool to the object. The restrainer pin can also be used to engage a fence clip or similar flexible member, such as when constructing a fence. Additionally, the combination tool can include a ball hitch or similar protrusion for engagement with a tow vehicle or other object, and a platform or similar member for facilitating a user's access to the vehicles or other objects to which the combination tool is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Rick Marek
  • Publication number: 20110289693
    Abstract: A locking folding tool is disclosed. The folding tool comprises a housing having a pair of sidewalls in spaced relation to each other, and a support extending transversely between the pair of sidewalls. The folding tool may further have a plurality of work tools pivotally supported by the support. As such, the support may define a pivot axis for the work tools. Each work tool may further have an associated lock engaging member. The folding tool may also include a lock member movable between a first position and a second position. When the lock member is in the first position, it may engage the lock engaging members so that each of the work tools is inhibited from pivoting about the support. When the lock member is in the second position, it may disengage the lock engaging member so that the work tools are pivotable about the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Tsai, Thomas Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20110289694
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a deglazing apparatus and method for use to remove glass from a frame. Embodiments further describe an apparatus with cutting, heating and prying capabilities and a method of use. Some embodiments include a deglazing apparatus carrying device to storage during portions of the glass removal process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Edward A. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20110289695
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus, in particular a dryer or a washing machine having dryer function, comprises a storing compartment for storing laundry therein, in particular a rotatable drum, an air circulation channel connected at a first end and at a second end to the storing compartment, a blower for blowing the air through the air circulation channel and the storing compartment, a heat pump system having an evaporator and a condenser arranged in the air circulation channel, and a steam generator arranged within the body of the laundry treatment apparatus. A method of operating the laundry treatment apparatus comprises supplying steam generated by the steam generator into the air circulation channel and/or the storing compartment, and at the same time at least for an overlapping period, operating the heat pump system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Igor COLIN, Paolo OLIVARO
  • Publication number: 20110289696
    Abstract: A laundry washer-dryer comprises a tub, a drum for storing laundry rotatably arranged inside the tub, an air circulation channel connected at a first end and at a second end to the tub, a blower for blowing the air through the air circulation channel, the tub and the drum, and a heat pump system having a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser, the evaporator and the condenser being arranged in the air circulation channel. A method for operating a washing cycle and a subsequent drying cycle in the laundry washer-dryer comprises performing the washing cycle, the washing cycle including at least one washing phase, at least one rinsing phase and at least one spinning phase, and performing the drying cycle including at least one drying phase. At least one last rinsing phase of the washing cycle is performed by using heated water so as to cause the temperature inside the tub to increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Igor COLIN, Paolo OLIVARO
  • Publication number: 20110289697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dyeing sheetlike textile materials with a dye, which comprises a concentrated dye system being applied in a total amount of 1% to 25% by weight, based on the textile material, to the textile material in two or more sub-steps and the dye being fixed on the textile material after each and every sub-step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Dystar Colours Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Meyer, Wolfgang Schrott, Franz Sütsch
  • Publication number: 20110289698
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel whitening agents for cellulosic substrates. The whitening agents are comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. The whitening agents are further characterized by having a dispersion component value of the Hansen Solubility Parameter of less than or equal to about 17 MPa0.5. This invention also relates to laundry care compositions including but not limited to liquid and/or powder laundry detergent formulations and rinse added fabric softening (RAFS) compositions that comprise such whitening agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Valenti, Laurent D. Kieken, Xiaoyong Michael Hong, Eduardo Torres, Dominick J. Valenti, Patrick D. Moore, Leonard J. Starks, Eugene Steven Sadlowski, Mark Robert Sivik, Kevin Lee Kott, Keith Homer Baker
  • Publication number: 20110289699
    Abstract: A head portion for a mouth cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes an electrical connecting element; cleaning elements for cleaning teeth; and a tongue cleaning electrode for enabling a current flow into a user's tongue during use. The cleaning elements and the tongue cleaning electrode are arranged on substantially opposing sides of the head portion. The electrical connecting element on the head portion is electrically coupled to the tongue cleaning electrode for establishing an electrical connection with a corresponding electrical connecting element located at a handle portion in a connected state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Schaefer, Vladimir Gartstein, Donald James White, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110289700
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a floor washing-drying machine, in particular of the drives-on-board kind, provided with at least a front driving and steering wheel (3), a pair of rear wheels (5), a brush-carrying head (4) positioned between the front driving wheel and the supporting axle of the rear wheels, and a wiping and vacuuming device (6) arranged behind the rear wheels. The brush-carrying head (4) is connected with the machine frame through a support and steering system of four-arm linkage type (X,Y,J,W; 17,19) which is driven by a gear steering device (11,12,14,15). The technical solution allows to solve efficiently the problem of collecting washing liquid and to dampen impacts of the machine against obstacles which it may encounter along its path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: NILFISK-ADVANCE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Chignoli, Andrea Odoli
  • Publication number: 20110289701
    Abstract: Provided is a tapered filament for a power toothbrush made of a synthetic resin and formed with tapers at two ends thereof and a non-tapered area for tufting part of which middle is tufted into a power toothbrush, wherein an overall length is 16 to 22 mm, a length of the non-tapered area for tufting part is 4 to 12 mm, and the rest parts except for the non-tapered area for tufting part form tapers at two ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BBC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeon-Bok Kang, Ki-Tae Kang, Gui-Hwan Oh
  • Publication number: 20110289702
    Abstract: An oral care device includes an electrical toothbrush with integral tongue scrapers. The device includes an electrical tooth cleaning device and an electrical tongue cleaning device operated by a single motor. Cleaning gears disposed in a head portion of the device include both bristles for cleaning teeth and nodules for scraping the surface of the tongue. The bristles protrude from a first end of the cleaning gears and the nodules are formed on an opposite second end of the cleaning gears such that rotation of the cleaning gears provides movement of both the bristles and the nodules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Wang Ken LEE
  • Publication number: 20110289703
    Abstract: An interdental treatment device, such as a toothbrush, includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying an interdental treatment tool, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, including a drive which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damping structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: TRISA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Peter Häfliger, Franz Fischer, Günther Elster
  • Publication number: 20110289704
    Abstract: A dual striker mechanism for a carpet-tapping machine comprises two striker grills which are mounted in a common body opposite one another so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis of their retaining rail. The tapping rods of the first striker grill thereby protrude into the gaps between the tapping rods of the second striker grill. The arrangement of the tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby forms a common horizontal plane. The striker grills are coupled to one another such that upon a clockwise pivoting motion of the first striker grill, the opposite one moves counter-clockwise. The drive motor for the striker grills generates an alternating pivoting motion about the longitudinal axis of the striker grills via an eccentric drive. The tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby move toward each other in their common substantially horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Pfisterer
  • Publication number: 20110289705
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic duct cleaning tool which uses elastic porous members to prevent the inside of a duct of an endoscope from being damaged, and which can firmly fix the elastic porous members to a core wire and secure a sufficient thickness in each of the elastic porous members. This endoscopic duct cleaning tool 1 is inserted into a duct 53 of an endoscope 50 to clean the duct 53. The endoscopic duct device 1 includes a core wire 10 consisting of a stranded wire, plural cylindrical elastic porous members 20 disposed at certain intervals and at certain places in an axial direction of the core wire 10 so as to cover an outer circumference of the core wire 10 directly, and resin tubes 30 covering outer circumferences of portions of the core wire 10 which are not covered with the elastic porous members 20. An outer diameter of each of the resin tubes 30 is formed to be larger than an inner diameter of each of the elastic porous members 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Asano, Yasuo Yoshikawa, Yasuhiro Hoshino, Hirokazu Higuchi, Takayuki Nitta
  • Publication number: 20110289706
    Abstract: A plumbing auger attachment tool which provides means for solid object retrieval from the interior of a toilet waste pipe or other drain pipes. The attachment has a series of rubber tentacles affixed to the end of the spiral wiring of a plumbing snake auger. The lengths of string act to entangle solid debris otherwise blocking the flow of water through the pipe. A magnetic casing also assists to attract ferrous material blockages in the pipe. This improvement on a standard plumbing snake permits solid item retrieval, such as pens and toys, which a wire coil auger is not capable. The strings are sent down the length of pipe at the base of a toilet by a rotating action, which rotates and extends the wire coil auger and the improved attachment. Once entangled with a debris source, that debris can be removed from the pipe to clear the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Clarence E. Fivecoate
  • Publication number: 20110289707
    Abstract: A head portion for a tongue cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes a mechanical tongue cleaning section and a tongue cleaning electrode. The mechanical tongue cleaning section includes a cleaning protrusion. The tongue cleaning electrode enables a current flow into a user's tongue during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Schaefer, Vladimir Gartstein, Donald James White, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110289708
    Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include at least one tooth polishing unit having a polishing element including a supporting base and a broadened flexible tooth polishing head extending angularly outwards from the base and defining a polishing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the polishing element is made of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be comprised of a plurality of individual polishing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Robert Moskovich, Sharon Kennedy, John Gatzemeyer, Michael Rooney, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
  • Publication number: 20110289709
    Abstract: The invention is a U-shape disposable toothbrush head that will allow an individual to brush their teeth without arm movement. Said u-shape toothbrush head will fit comfortably in the mouth while cleaning and covering all of the top front and back teeth simultaneously. The u-shape disposable toothbrush will fit most existing electric toothbrushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Vesta Marie Attaway
  • Publication number: 20110289710
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bath brush, and more specifically to a bath brush having a curved portion to aid older people or people of limited flexibility due to surgery or other causes in washing their back or lower body without raising their arms or bending over. The bath brush comprises an elongated member having a straight handle on one end and a curved portion on the other end; and a plurality of bristles surrounding the curved portion forming a cylindrical brush. Due to the large curve, a user can hold the brush in front of them and wash their back without raising their arms. They can also wash their legs and the feet as well without bending over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Earl Schrader
  • Publication number: 20110289711
    Abstract: A dusting device is provided that has at least one cleaning member with a microfiber bundle secured to a spine by a seam. The spine provides a resilient flexibility to the cleaning member such that the spine flexes as pressure is applied, but at least partially returns to an original shape upon removal of the pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony Sgroi, JR., Dane Unger, David Quinlan, Jennifer Carter, Lindita Ajro, Paul Adams, Scott E. Machado, Bruce P. Popek, Craig Bures, Douglas F. Melville, James Dahl, Richard Andrus
  • Publication number: 20110289712
    Abstract: A towel for cleaning and drying a surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a pocket formed in the first portion. The first portion includes an underlying layer of material and two outer layers of material. The second portion is formed primarily of a material different from the outer layer of the first portion. The pocket is formed in the first portion between the underlying layer and the outer layer for receiving a user's hand or foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Christina Scott, Kevin Neighley
  • Publication number: 20110289713
    Abstract: A holster for a portable device is described that comprises a dispensing mechanism coupled to the housing comprising a reservoir defining an interior volume for holding a substance to be dispensed and an applicator for dispensing a portion of said substance from the interior volume of the reservoir to a portion of a surface of said portable device. The holster may be used to dispense a substance such as a disinfecting liquid or a cleaning gel onto a surface of the portable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventor: Claudio Gil SA
  • Publication number: 20110289714
    Abstract: A mop head for cleaning and drying floors and other surfaces includes a first portion formed primarily of microfiber material or similar materials and a second portion formed primarily of chamois material or similar materials. The first portion is configured for cleaning a surface as it is moved across it and the second portion is configured for drying the surface as it is moved it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Christina Scott, Kevin Neighley
  • Publication number: 20110289715
    Abstract: Wringer for mops and the like comprising a one-piece structure made of plastic material with two rocking bodies 1 separated by “V”-shaped channeling 2 and which are joined at the bottom by means of middle fins 3, the rocking bodies 1 having some elastic hinge elements 14 and end portions 9 of elastic structure through which the wringer is anchored to the mouth of the mop bucket 10, the end portions 9 having some spring elements 15 for recovering the rocking bodies 1. In addition the wringer 4 can have middle indentations 22 for allowing placement of a device for filtering cleaning water, which comprises a tray support 5. This device for filtering cleaning water is placed under the wringer 4. When water passes through the filtering device that is under the wringer 4, reaches the bucket already filtered with fewer dirt particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Julián ESCARPA GIL
  • Publication number: 20110289716
    Abstract: A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first electric power storage device and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second electric power storage device is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first electric power storage device when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Nilfisk-Advance A/S
    Inventors: Susan J. Williamson, Glen E. Moore, David W. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110289717
    Abstract: The present invention is a hand-held device that integrates and enables one or more or a combination of functions of spraying, cleaning, drying, waxing, polishing and shining of a floor or a surface including that of a vehicle. The present invention has one or more brushes rotated by one or more electric motors powered by a power source or a built-in and/or removable and/or rechargeable battery pack or by water pressure and is capable of discharging, dispersing or spraying one or more or a combination of air, water, steam, compressed air, pressurized water, pressurized steam, hot air, detergent, waxing agent and polishing agent. The discharging, dispersing or spraying of one or more or a combination of these materials through select nozzles along with the rotation of the brush or brushes enables multiple functions to be accomplished in a single pass of the device over the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jay Dhanvanthari
  • Publication number: 20110289718
    Abstract: A power tool includes a power tool housing at least partially encompassing an internal combustion engine and a harness on which the power tool housing is mounted. The harness has a pair of shoulder straps, a waist strap, and a panel connecting the shoulder straps and waist strap. The power tool housing is mounted on a frame having at least one arcuate tool-supporting member with an upper end proximate the shoulder straps and a lower end proximate the waist strap. The tool-supporting member is shaped along its vertical length such that a middle portion of the member arcs away from the panel such that there is an air-circulation space between the power tool housing and the panel. In one embodiment, the power tool is a blower and the housing has an air intake port facing the air-circulation space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC
    Inventors: Mark Hunter Basenberg, JR., Benjamin Edwin Vierck
  • Publication number: 20110289719
    Abstract: A hand-held and stick vacuum cleaner includes a stick body having a body discharge part formed in a front part thereof and a first connecting terminal provided on a rear part thereof; and a hand-held cleaner unit detachably mounted in the rear part of the stick body and having discharge parts formed in front and rear part thereof and a second connecting terminal corresponding to the first connecting terminal provided on the rear part thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-gyun Han, Ki-man Kim, Seog-bong Baek, Dong-jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110289720
    Abstract: The hand-held cleaner includes a body, and a cyclone dust collecting apparatus detachably mounted in the body. The cyclone dust collecting apparatus includes a pre-motor filter unit having a filter grill and a filter member, a dust collecting bin having one end to which the pre-motor filter unit is coupled and the other end opposite to the one end in which an cyclone inlet is formed, and a cyclone bin disposed in the dust collecting bin and having a spiral flow path-guide member integrally formed therein. A moving path of air drawn into the cyclone inlet is maintained in the same direction until the air is discharged through the pre-motor filter unit via the cyclone bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-gyun Han, Ki-man Kim, Seog-bong Baek, Dong-jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20110289721
    Abstract: A hand carried power tool (100) is presented which includes a vibration-producing power unit (15) interconnected with an elongate handle (20). The handle (20) has a base end (24) coupled to the power unit (15) and an opposite free end (28) configured for manual gripping. Additionally a vibration damping member (50), which permits vibration-induced movement between the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the power unit (15), interstitially located between the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the power unit (15). Furthermore, a resilient biasing member (40) is coupled between the elongate handle (20) and the power unit (15). The biasing member (40) connects to the handle (20) at a location distant from the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the biasing member (40) is configured to dampen vibration-induced relative movement between the base end (24) of the handle (20) and the power unit (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA CONSUMER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS N.A., INC.
    Inventors: John Allen, Andrew Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110289722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an upright vacuum cleaner having a main longitudinal extension, comprising a housing provided with a cavity, which cavity is formed between a bottom portion, and a frame portion, and a dust container comprising a wall and having two lateral sides, wherein the dust container is arranged in the cavity, and wherein the frame portion comprises at least two support bars arranged substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum cleaner, one along each lateral side of the dust container, such that the at least two support bars contribute to the rigidity of the vacuum cleaner while a major portion of the wall of the dust container remains visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Agren, Christer Engström
  • Publication number: 20110289723
    Abstract: A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kurt Clarence Adelman, Larry David Wydra
  • Publication number: 20110289724
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises an elongate upright body 11 pivotally connected to a floor-engaging foot 10 comprising a motor and fan unit 17 for creating an airflow through the cleaner, the airflow extending between respective ducts 32,18 in the body 11 and the foot 10 along a neck 20, which is rotatably connected at its lower end to the duct 18 in the foot 10 for rotation about an axis A which extends transversely of the foot 10. The neck 20 acts to support the body 11 on the foot 10 and acts as the point about which relative pivotal movement of the body 10 and foot 11 occurs. An arm 40 is coupled to the neck 20 for actuating a mechanism, which lifts the foot 10 away from the floor surface when the body 10 is in the upright position, so as to prevent the rotating agitator brush 16 in the foot 10 from damaging the floor surface whilst the cleaner is stood in the upright position when performing above-floor cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jian Xue
  • Publication number: 20110289725
    Abstract: The embodiments disclose a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle capable to adjusting the height with regard to the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Sang-Jun Park, Young-Min Hyun, Hyuk-Joo Kwon, Hyo-Churl Shin, Hae-Seock Yang, Jin-Wook Seo
  • Publication number: 20110289726
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly substantially parallel to the first rotation assembly, a first connection member, and a second connection member. The first and second rotation assemblies include a first and second pivoting shafts and a first and second brackets sleeved on the first and second pivoting shafts, respectively, and both the first and second brackets includes an engaging portion eccentrically formed on one end respectively thereof. The first connection member includes two pivotal portions. The pivotal portions are rotatably connected to the engaging portions of the first bracket and the second bracket, respectively. The second connection member is sleeved on the first pivoting shaft and the second pivoting shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HAN-ZHENG ZHANG, LIAN-CHENG HUANG, SHEN LI, JIN-XIN WANG
  • Publication number: 20110289727
    Abstract: An adjustable friction hinge with a first hinge portion with two spaced apart first hinge knuckles and second hinge portion having a second hinge knuckle with rotatably fit together. A barrel bushing is non-rotatably positioned in the second hinge knuckle. A friction bushing is slidably and non-rotatably located in openings in the two first hinge knuckles. A threaded compression nut, and a non-threaded compression nut are located in the two spaced apart first hinge knuckles. A screw passes through the non-threaded compression nut, the spaced apart first hinge knuckles, the second hinge knuckle, the two friction bushings, and into the threaded compression nut. When the screw is tightened, the threaded and non-threaded compression nuts force the two frictional bushing into frictional contact with the barrel bushing to increase a force required to move the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Tam Le
  • Publication number: 20110289728
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism includes a connecting member, two pivotal shafts substantially parallel to each other, two main gears, two transmission gears, and a resisting member. The connecting member sleeves on the two pivotal shafts. The two main gears non-rotatably sleeve on the corresponding two pivotal shafts, respectively. The two transmission gears are rotatably positioned between the two main gears and mesh with each other and the two main gears. The resisting member sleeves on the two main pivotal shafts and holds the two main gears and the two transmission gears together with the connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, JIAN LI, SHEN LI
  • Publication number: 20110289729
    Abstract: A caster includes a base carrying a rotation shaft and forming a pivotal joint seat. Wheels are rotatably mounted to the rotation shaft. Each wheel has an inside surface that is recessed to form an inner rim. A brake arm has a first end rotatably coupled to the pivotal joint seat and a second end forming a brake pawl extending into the inner rims of the wheels. A spring is arranged between the brake arm and the base so that the spring normally biases the brake pawl to depress against the inner rims of the wheels to brake the wheels. A release knob is rotatably mounted to the base and forms a cam section positionable against the brake arm. The cam section, when rotated by the release knob, drives the brake arm backward to release the brake pawl from the wheels, allowing the wheels to freely rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Li-Chun Tsai, Huei-Ling Liao
  • Publication number: 20110289730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door handle arrangement for a motor vehicle having a handle component that has a handle (1) and at least one fastener section (3, 4) connected to the handle. The fastener section can be coupled to a fastener receptacle arranged in a door of the motor vehicle. A first conducive coil, the winding of which surrounds a hub (16) arranged in the handle component, is arranged in the handle component, wherein the hub extends at least partially in the listener section (3, 4) of the handle component. In the region of the fastener receptacle on the vehicle side, a second conductive coil is designed such that the hub arranged in the handle component (16) extends through the second coil upon coupling of the fastener section to the fastener receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Bernd Gerdes, Bernd Reifenberg, Witold Joschko, Klaus-Dieter Kulik, Stephan Riefers
  • Publication number: 20110289731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automobile door handle (10), comprising: an interior fitting (2), said interior fitting (2) comprising at least one metal or metallised element; an intermediate means (11) connecting said interior fitting (2) to a reference potential; an attachment means (13, 14) for retaining said interior fitting (2) on said door handle (10); said door handle (10) being characterised in that said intermediate means (11) and said attachment means (13, 14) are arranged such that the attachment of said interior fitting (2) by means of said attachment means (13, 14) involves connecting said interior fitting (2) to said reference potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Fiorenzo Savant, Daniele Fornengo, Marco Savant, Antonio Rocci, Vittorio Giaccone, Anthony Guerin, Guillaume Lesueur
  • Publication number: 20110289732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding window guide, in the case of which the guides, which guide the sliding window, do not run parallel, whereby the distance between the guides and the sliding window thus changes across the displacement path of the sliding window, wherein at least one of the guides encompasses a holding device, in which a guide rail is movably held by means of an equalizing bearing, so that the change of distance can be equalized via a displacement of the guide rail. To ensure a sufficient stability of the component in spite of the plurality of the components, which are movable relative to one another and in spite of the sliding window guide, which thus tends to be instable, provision is made for the guide rail and the holding device to be connected to one another via a pivotally movable holder, which is capable of accommodating transverse and/or torsion forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Schulte, Jürgen Kraus
  • Publication number: 20110289733
    Abstract: A securing device connected to a tether including a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion each having a respective first or second exterior surface and interior surface opposite the exterior surface. The first and second clamp portions each have an end that is connected to one another at a connected portion and an opposite free end that is free to form a “C” shape. The connected portion connects the first and second clamp portions to bias the free ends away from each other. A slider is movably connected to the first and second clamp portions so that the slider moves toward and away from the free ends. A ridge is connected to the second exterior surface adjacent the free end of the second clamp portion so that the ridge protrudes from the second exterior surface to be engaged by a user while moving the slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Maria A. Del Solar, Diana Sierra
  • Publication number: 20110289734
    Abstract: A material fastener apparatus having one or more buttons which are attached to a first section of the material. The apparatus may comprise of a layer of stretchable material which may be positioned under the first section of the material. The apparatus may also comprise of one or more button holes which are attached to a second section of the material. The one or more button holes may be angled to the horizontal and are configured to receive the one or more buttons. The button holes may also be further configured to fasten the first section of the material with a second section of the material when the one or more buttons are buttoned with the one or more button holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jay R. Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20110289735
    Abstract: A cord guide element for a window blind cord, the element including an anchor adapted to secure the element to a blind substrate, and connected to the anchor a body which defines a cord receiving aperture, wherein the body portion is in the form of a loop and a transverse opening is defined through the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Antony Barnes, Andrew Greening
  • Publication number: 20110289736
    Abstract: A cap includes a resilient body including a passageway formed in the body for receiving an end of a cable therein. The passageway has a retention feature for maintaining the cable end of a horizontally extending cable inside the passageway from inadvertent separation with the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: HIGH CONCRETE GROUP LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. GRASSER
  • Publication number: 20110289737
    Abstract: A clasp in which magnetic leakage is reduced includes a pair of pieces which are to be engaged with each other. Both pieces, when being engaged, both may rotate about an axis common to both pieces. Both pieces are provided with a pair of permanent magnets held in both pieces. Both permanent magnets have front and rear surfaces in which multiple poles are magnetized, and when both pieces are engaged, the front surfaces of both permanent magnets face each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Seberu Pico Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyasu NINOMIYA, Mitsugi Ishida
  • Publication number: 20110289738
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a zipper with a horizontal bent potion includes the following steps. (a) Place the zipper with two strip portions which consist of warp and weft, in a mold that has at least a horizontal bent portion. (b) The mold is heated to the melting point of the weft. (c) The mold makes the shape of the zipper identical to that of the mold. (d) A setting membrane is coated on the zipper to set the shape of the strip portions. Therefore, the zipper may have a different shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: SHIH-JEN WANG
  • Publication number: 20110289739
    Abstract: A clip for securing electronic readers to their covers substantially precludes lifting the reader off its cover and breaking the attachment of the reader to the cover, potentially damaging the reader. The clip comprises, in one embodiment, a generally C-shaped flexible and resilient plastic-coated fabrication having upper and lower transversely extending leg members extending in face-to-face relation from a horizontally extending supporting leg member to define an opening and passageway for receiving the assembly of an c-reader and end cover. The transversely extending leg members are bent toward each other at an angle to flexibly and resiliently receive the e-reader and cover assembly and to frictionally and securingly retain the assembly in the passageway. By slightly bending the transverse legs as needed, the clip can easily be installed and removed. The clip is designed for the Amazon® Kindle® and related models of e-readers and can be used with e-readers from other sources as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Mark E. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20110289740
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp is provided with a male element and a female element. The female element has a chamber with a frame and an internal stop element that is integral with the frame. The chamber includes a pivot for a pivotally-mounted spring-biased latch element so that the latch element is not placed in the trajectory of the entry path of the male element into the entry port of the chamber, and the latch element is configured to abut the chamber frame such that, in every position, the latch element remains within the chamber frame and does not extend beyond the frame when the male element is engaging, engaged, disengaging or disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Nicky YAKUBOVICH, Surasith Sriorathaikul