Patents Issued in February 21, 2012
  • Patent number: RE43210
    Abstract: A wireless receiver for receiving a multi-contents file and a method for outputting data using the same, which can receive, navigation information for providing intuitively recognizable search interfaces to a user by radio in real time, receive various types of contents files by radio in real time, and output the received information and files through an AV device. A video decoder decodes a video stream on the basis of an MPEG standard. An audio decoder decodes an audio contents file. An OSD processor processes a text file and additional information. A video output unit selectively configures decoded video data and text data on one screen and performs encoding and outputting operations based on the format of a display unit. An audio output unit outputs decoded audio data. A user interface receives a user's command. A WLAN card communicates WLAN data with a computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: iCUBE
    Inventors: Ji-Hoon Hong, Byung-Ho Lee, Chun-Yong Oh
  • Patent number: RE43211
    Abstract: A system which includes a disk drive or other storage device coupled to a host system provides for reduction of the amount or rate of drive power consumption using procedures which are at least partially executed on the host. The system can be configured to reduce average power draw, maximum power draw, or both. Host-based procedures can be tailored to specific and/or changing environments and can decrease some or all expenses associated with previous attempts to reduce HDD power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Maurice Schlumberger
  • Patent number: RE43212
    Abstract: A 2-dimensional interleaving method is disclosed. The method comprises dividing a frame of input information bits into a plurality of groups and sequentially storing the divided groups in a memory; permuting the information bits of the groups according to a given rule and shifting an information bit existing at the last position of the last group to a position preceding the last position; and selecting the groups according to a predetermined order, and selecting one of the information bits in the selected group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Min-Goo Kim, Beong-Jo Kim, Soon-Jae Choi, Young-Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 8117669
    Abstract: A bib-scarf system which is simple to manufacture and creates an adjustable, nonplanar bib. The system incorporates a piece of fabric, a horizontal opening in the fabric, and a horizontal strap. The fabric is cut to a predetermined rectangular size. Then a horizontal opening is created in the center of the fabric. The fabric at the top of the newly created horizontal opening is folded over and pulled through the opening. A strap is then run through the horizontal opening and fold in the top half of the fabric. This process creates an adjustable nonplanar bib which can be attached to the wearer with the strap either worn around the neck or secured to a garment which receives the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Susan Gabriel Cox
  • Patent number: 8117670
    Abstract: A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotatable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Bucher, Andreas Serden
  • Patent number: 8117671
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a necktie includes a front tie material of elongated shape having first and second end portions including tips and first and second tipping pieces having a periphery complementary to the first and second end portions, respectively. The tipping pieces are peripherally stitched to the first and second end portions so as to form first and second pockets and the tie includes a lining in which end portions thereof extend into the first and second pockets. The first tipping piece and the first end portion of the front tie material are folded along first and second fold lines that are located adjacent the periphery of the lining and along third and fourth fold lines that are located spaced from and further from the lining than the first and second fold lines to cause the first tipping piece and first end portion to be folded over itself and form a pair of once-folded sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Peacock Apparel Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Cin Kim
  • Patent number: 8117672
    Abstract: An improved process and material for making elastomeric nitrile rubber articles is disclosed. In particular, the process and material formulation can produce nitrile rubber based articles, which exhibit force-strain characteristics that are comparable to those of natural rubber latex articles, while maintaining the tensile strength properties of nitrile rubber. The process includes an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage having a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole, and a guanidine compound. The invention also includes an elastomeric nitrile rubber product made by the process, such as examination, surgical, or work gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Lipinski
  • Patent number: 8117673
    Abstract: Swimming goggles include two clamp frames, two frame bodies, two lenses respectively received in the receiving slots of the frame bodies, pressing devices for pressing the first arm and the second arm to close, and a head strap. Each clamp frame defines a passageway, and has an assembling portion on an inward side thereof. A first arm and a second arm respectively extend from the clamp frame and opposite to the assembling portion. A slit is defined between joint surfaces of the first arm and the second arm and is located adjacent a user's temple when being worn. A stem extends from an end of the first arm/the second arm. An engaging portion is formed at an end of the stem. The frame bodies are respectively assembled on the passageways of the clamp frames. A receiving slot is defined in an inner surface of each frame body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 8117674
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a garment, including providing a fabric layer having sonically weldable material, the fabric layer having an inner surface and at least one opening region, the opening region having a periphery and an outer free edge, placing an elastic edge band having sonically weldable material around the entire periphery of the opening region, the edge band having first and second free edges and an inner surface, securing the first free edge of the edge band to the outer free edge of the opening region with a subsonic or ultrasonic edge weld to form a finished seamless edge along the opening region, and activating an adhesive along more than half of the inner surface of the edge band to secure the edge band and second free edge to the inner surface of the fabric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Warren, Rick Kelley
  • Patent number: 8117675
    Abstract: A pretty, stylish and comfortable waterproof panty that has a unique design technique of rolled over welded seams. The rolled over welded seam will inhibit the leaking of bodily fluids at the leg openings caused by stitching and wicking. The panty has an outer shell and an inner panty layer. The outer shell a continuous cut formed of a soft blend laminated fabric. It is liquid proof, breathable, hypo-allergenic, stain resistant, and elastic. It is cut to form a waist opening and two leg openings. If desired stretchable lace or elastic side portions can be provided. The inner panty lining is a breathable soft blend fabric and includes a front portion, back portion and a crotch portion. The crotch portion is double layered for added dryness. The inner panty layer is cut to the full design of the panty having a waist opening and two leg openings. This over all design provides the user peace of mind and security with a stylish, lightweight, comfortable, waterproof panty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Valerie Strange, Rochelle Woodeshick, June Krolikowski, Pearl Briggs
  • Patent number: 8117676
    Abstract: A hardhat provides ventilation and controlled lighting. A crown of a modified semi-spherical shape terminates downwardly with a generally oval peripheral edge in a horizontal plane, the crown having a plurality of apertures therein arranged in spaced apart sequence, and a flexible venting strip fixed forwardly on the crown and extending over the apertures, the venting strip positionable in each of a plurality of arcs above the crown, wherein each one of the arcs provides a selectable ventilation conductance into the hardhat. A brim is joined integrally to the peripheral edge of the crown extending outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Jefferson Cardoso
  • Patent number: 8117677
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an article associated with headgear that keeps the wearer's head cool and/or cushioned from the interior harness of the headgear. The article is a system, liner or pad that is inserted into the headgear or coupled to the headgear harness for cooling and/or comfort, and includes a liquid-absorbing material contained within non-impervious pocket partitions. One or more ventilation portions and/or devices may also be included to allow for the free flow of air, breathing of the wearer's scalp and to facilitate the natural evaporation of perspiration. In some implementations, the article may be used in a variety of different headgear. As the pocket partitions swell due to absorption of a liquid by the material, the pockets function as gel-like cushions or pads that protect the wearer's scalp. The article is held in place with small straps, Velcro® tabs, or other retention devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Misty Moon Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory T. Toth
  • Patent number: 8117678
    Abstract: In combination, a hard hat lanyard and a hard hat includes a lower strap having a first end and a second end, a lower strap fastening mechanism fastened to the lower strap second end where the fastening mechanism is adapted to fasten the lower strap second end to an article of clothing, an upper strap having a first end and a second end, an intermediate release mechanism fastened to the lower strap first end and the upper strap second end that is adapted to releasably secure the lower strap to the upper strap, and an upper strap fastening mechanism where the lower strap, the lower strap fastening mechanism, the upper strap, the intermediate release mechanism, and the upper strap fastening mechanism form the hard hat lanyard that attaches to the hard hat where the upper strap is fastened around a non-separating portion of the hard hat without modifying the hard hat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
  • Patent number: 8117679
    Abstract: Protective structures, such as helmets, may have a shell including an outer shell and a tunnel element integral to the outer shell. The tunnel element may have a first opening at an outer surface side of the shell and a second opening at an inner surface side of the shell so that air flow may occur between the openings and wherein the tunnel element is fused to the outer shell. An impact liner may be directly in-molded to shells suitable for use in motorcycle helmets and other helmets that must meet certain standards. The impact liner may include one or more venting channels that are coupled to a tunnel integral to the shell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fox Head, Inc.
    Inventor: Brendan Erik Pierce
  • Patent number: 8117680
    Abstract: A swimming goggles buckle is latched to a head strap and swimming goggles. The head strap includes protruding strips. The swimming goggles buckle includes a fastener and a retaining component. The fastener includes connecting legs, a pivot portion and an elastic plate. The connecting legs latch the swimming goggles. The pivot portion is at the middle of the fastener. The elastic plate is installed on a side of the fastener. The retaining component includes a shaft, a latching portion and a press portion. The shaft is pivotally installed in the pivot portion. The latching portion is on a side of the shaft and corresponding to the protruding strips. The press portion is on another side of the shaft and corresponding to the elastic plate. The press portion is pressed to separate the latching portion or latch the protruding strips to adjust the length of the head strap by one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: First Rank Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Fang Chou
  • Patent number: 8117681
    Abstract: A foldable, hanging urinal includes a back surface, hooks and a receptacle. The foldable hanging urinal folds flat for transportation, inventory and disposal. Hooks on the back of the foldable hanging urinal fold out and the foldable hanging urinal hangs on a toilet fixture. The receptacle folds out to form a cup during use and the cup is positioned at a height lower than the rim of the toilet fixture thereby enabling urination by a person that is too short to reach the rim of the toilet fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Wilfred Aguila
  • Patent number: 8117682
    Abstract: A toilet cleaning device employs a handheld dispensing device having an internal barrier with a channel and an orifice. Water passing through the dispensing device is compelled to flow through the orifice in the barrier. An external trigger located at the handle section of the dispensing device is coupled to a shuttle which can slide in a channel and control water flowing through the orifice. A cleaning agent in the form of solid, water soluble pellets is loaded in a cavity in a barrel section of the dispensing device and then contained by attaching a nosepiece to the barrel. An elongated outlet tube cantilevered from the nosepiece has a proximal section and an obliquely angled distal section and can dispense all water flowing therethrough in a single concentrated stream into a toilet. A hose can connect the dispensing device to a supply line for a toilet. A holster mounted at the toilet can hold the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew Scott Bowden
  • Patent number: 8117683
    Abstract: Provided are a toilet seat device saving energy and accurately stabilizing the temperature of a seating section at a predetermined level in a short time, and a toilet apparatus having the same. A control section adjusts the temperature of a toilet seat section to 18° C. when a heating function is turned on, and during a standby period D1, the control section performs low electric power drive of a lamp heater provided at the toilet seat section. The control section starts 600 W drive of the lamp heater at time t1 after the control section detects user's entry into a room, and the control section maintains the 600 W drive during an inrush current reduction period D2. The control section starts 1200 W drive of the lamp heater at time t2 and maintains the 1200 W drive during a first temperature rise period D3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuuji Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Amaya, Shinji Fujii, Noboru Okui, Hiroshi Nagasato, Kenji Yoshinaga, Masahiro Takiguchi, Kazuya Kondoh, Eiichi Tanaka, Mitsuhiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 8117684
    Abstract: A combined toilet and automated toilet seat lifting device may include a toilet that has a toilet seat pivotally attached thereto, and a mechanism for automatically articulating the toilet seat from a remote distance such that a user maintains their hands spaced from the toilet seat while the toilet seat travels along an arcuate path defined between fully raised and lowered positions respectively. Such an automatic articulating mechanism is preferably and selectively adapted between alternate operating modes, and each of the operating modes may cause the toilet seat to articulate at a unique and constant velocity along the arcuate path respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Norma R. Strapp
  • Patent number: 8117685
    Abstract: A flexible sink strainer having a cupped body completely comprised of a flexible material including a plurality of apertures to allow fluid to pass therethrough, wherein the body is capable of attaining first and second configurations, the first configuration being suitable for capturing material entrained within fluid as it passes through the apertures and the second configuration being suitable for removing material captured on the body as fluid passes through the apertures, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Juan Escobar, Troy Phipps, John Kiechel, Paul Katz
  • Patent number: 8117686
    Abstract: Durable protective covers for drains and other holes are provided which prevent spills and unwanted liquids from flowing therein. The protective covers include a durable backing layer and a pliable, tacky sealing layer which conforms and adheres to a surface surrounding the drain to reduce or eliminate the flow of liquids into the drain. A low-density bonding layer is provided between the pliable, tacky sealing layer and the durable backing layer in order to provide significantly improved adherence between the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Beth P. Powell, R. Douglas Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8117687
    Abstract: A diverter valve including: an inlet port coupled to a refill tube; a first outlet port; a bowl refill tube coupled to the outlet port with its second end adjacent to a toilet tank overflow tube; a second outlet port; a central flow passageway providing a path of fluid communication between the inlet port and the first and second outlet ports, the entrance of the first outlet port and the entrance of the second outlet port being directly opposite one another in the central flow passageway; a poppet in the central flow passageway, the poppet having a raised position obstructing the first outlet port and a lowered position obstructing the second outlet port; an actuating arm, float member and rod coupled to the poppet, wherein movement of the float member translates downward motion of the rod into upward motion of the actuating arm and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Le, Robert Collin
  • Patent number: 8117688
    Abstract: An auxiliary tank for the flush toilet, wherein the one end of the pulling line is connected with a floating ball of the auxiliary tank, then the line is wound from a lower pulley to an upper pulley, and passed through a penetrated hole of a hollow tube, finally the other end of the line is connected with a extension arm in a main tank. When the water level in the main tank is full, the extension arm of the water refilling pipe will be hold by the pulling line which is connected with the floating ball, to limit the refilling water into the main tank from the water refilling pipe but from the auxiliary tank. In the light of above, the flush of the toilet is still able to be operated even at the time of water outage or shutting off the water valve. In addition, the water that refills into the auxiliary tank is the recycling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Shu Ken Chang
  • Patent number: 8117689
    Abstract: A wheeled cart is configured to removably carry a patient's personal wash basin. The cart includes a lid that covers the personal wash basin when the cart is moved from a bathroom to the patient so that liquid in the wash basin cannot splash out onto the floor if the cart strikes an obstruction. A flexible tube is provided for filling the basin from a sink. A drain pipe is provided to empty the wash basin without the need to lift the wash basin. A disposable thin personal wash basin having a funnel-shaped outlet may be used with the cart to minimize potential contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Shamirra Slayton
  • Patent number: 8117690
    Abstract: A mechanical baby rocker includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a plurality of straps, and a motor. The first cylinder is telescopically affixed with the second cylinder. The first cylinder is actuated by the motor. The motor is housed within the second cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Malin Larsson
  • Patent number: 8117691
    Abstract: An adjustable suspension sleep device is provided to suspend and individual while sleeping. The adjustable suspension sleep device has a body support assembly having a first and second longitudinally extending sides spaced apart by first and second ends. A first adjustable tensioning assembly is in communication with the first side of the body support assembly and a second adjustable tensioning assembly is in communication with the second side of the body support assembly. Further, a first suspension support assembly is in communication with the first end of the body support assembly and a second suspension support assembly in communication with the second end of the body support assembly. The first and second adjustable tensioning assemblies each include a tension adjustment device. A method of use for the adjustable suspension sleep device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Louis L. Bishop
  • Patent number: 8117692
    Abstract: A sheet system having a primary sheet adapted to fit around a mattress and a secondary sheet for attaching atop the primary sheet. The primary sheet has a protective layer disposed between the top and bottom surfaces for providing moisture protection, and the secondary sheet has a protective layer disposed between the top and bottom surfaces for providing moisture protection. A plurality of attachment means connect the sheets together temporarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Sean A. Richards
  • Patent number: 8117693
    Abstract: A bedclothes apparatus includes a blanket sized to cover two occupants of a bed, first and second coverlets, a first fastener assembly operable to secure the first coverlet to a central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be laid across a first segment of the blanket and to release the first coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the first coverlet to be moved away from the first segment and the central section of the blanket, and a second fastener assembly operable to secure the second coverlet to the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be laid across a second segment of the blanket and to release the second coverlet from the central section of the blanket to allow the second coverlet to be moved away from the second segment and the central section of the blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gail L. Helton
  • Patent number: 8117694
    Abstract: A table drive system comprising a first drive assembly configured for moving a support table in a first direction, a second drive assembly configured for moving the support table in a second direction, a third drive assembly configured for moving the support table in a third direction and a first drive motor coupled to the first drive assembly, the second drive assembly and the third drive assembly is provided. The first drive motor is configured to drive the first drive assembly, the second drive assembly and the third drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Asghar Ali Farooqui
  • Patent number: 8117695
    Abstract: A bed featuring a movable foot support. When the user wishes to stand up from lying down or sitting, the movable foot support moves toward the head of the bed. When the user is brought into a standing position, the movable foot support starts to come down so that the feet of the user are in close proximity to floor level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Ohad Paz, Ofer Parezky
  • Patent number: 8117696
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an articulated bed arrangement having a patient support platform 2 comprising at least a head section 4, a seat section 6 and a foot section 8 connected to each other in an articulated manner so that the bed arrangement is convertible at least from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. The platform has a length and a width whereupon the platform is projecting an area onto the floor when said sections are horizontally arranged. The bed arrangement is further provided with a leg arrangement comprising four legs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that are pivotable in the vertical direction in relation to the longitudinal direction of the platform about their articulated connection points 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d to the platform in order to change the height from the floor to the surface of the platform. Each leg is provided so that said leg is positioned outside said projected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SHL Group AB
    Inventors: Björn Wernqvist, Göran Wernqvist, Peter Svensson, Susanne Wedbjer
  • Patent number: 8117697
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck movable from a use position to a stowed position. The patient-support deck is configured to engage receivers of the patient-support apparatus to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism. A storage structure is configured to support the patient-support deck in a stowed position. The storage structure is configured to deflect under load to prevent damage to the storage structure or patient-support deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis C Ganance, Robert Cooks, Jr., Kenneth L Kramer, Jerome E Reckelhoff, Peter M Wukusick, Robert M Zerhusen, Mark E Haufler, Darrell L Metz, Kenneth Q Rudolf, Stephen M Holl, Richard W Chance, David W Hornbach, John P Biondo, James K Findlay, David W Hensley
  • Patent number: 8117698
    Abstract: A system of placing a vest with a rear hook and loop fastener on an infant, laying the child on a changing pad having a surface hook and loop fastener, and attaching the vest to the changing pad by fastening the hook and loop fasteners together, securely holding the infant onto a changing pad while changing a diaper. The changing pad has a flap that when closed, covers the surface hook and loop fastener when the system is not in use, to prevent snagging other clothing. The vest that can be placed on the child prior to and in preparation for changing a diaper when the child is standing, seated upright, or lying down. The vest has a front hook and loop closure for easy opening and closing by the user. The vest optionally includes tethered toys to amuse the child during diaper changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Zaida Khaze Harry
  • Patent number: 8117699
    Abstract: A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a sound generating device, a user interface, and a controller. The sound generating device is configured to generate an audible sound. The user interface is configured to receive an input from a user. The input corresponds to at least one of a sound conditioning system mode and an audible sound adjustment. The controller is electrically coupled to the sound generating device and the user interface. The controller is configured to control the operation of the sound generating device in accordance with the input from the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy M. Richards, Timothy Joseph Receveur
  • Patent number: 8117700
    Abstract: A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: John Hunter Howard
  • Patent number: 8117701
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a control unit for a patient support, such as a mattress. One embodiment of the control unit includes a base portion and a display portion pivotably coupled to the base portion. The control unit may also include one or more communication ports for sending or receiving data from one or more remote devices over a network. The control unit may also include a memory port into which memory may be removably inserted. The control unit may also include a visual indicator configured to be activated by a triggering event, such as a patient exiting the mattress. The display unit may include a touchscreen user interface. The display unit may also be configured to display audiovisual material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Bobey, Stephen L. Douglas, Eric R. Meyer, Jonathan H. Mueller, Robert Petrosenko, Stephen R. Schulte, Andrew F. Skinner, Michael Z. Sleva, Richard B. Stacy, Daniel K. Stevens, Mayur Yermaneni
  • Patent number: 8117702
    Abstract: The invention provides a demolition tool that can be used in many ways for the demolition of construction materials or other materials. The demolition tool includes a handle having a head at one end. The head has a longitudinal central plane that bisects the head, a strike contact face, and toothed, stepped grasping jaws that accommodate multiple sizes of lumber or other material. The head may also include a blunt blade edge below the strike contact face for striking and demolishing material. The demolition tool includes a bent end pry bar at a second end of the handle. The bent end pry bar being offset 90 degrees from the longitudinal central plane of the tool head enabling full range of motion without interfering with other tool functions. The demolition tool may comprise a single piece of material and may be softer than tools used to strike it, but harder than materials which it is used to strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Woolley, Michael Marusiak, Joseph Martone, Eric Ranieri, Russell Powers
  • Patent number: 8117703
    Abstract: A modular chemical delivery system is designed to be readily convertible from use with a warewashing system to use with a laundry system, or vice-versa, merely by the replacement of one chip in the controller of the system. The dispensing system is also readily expandable by adding additional satellite pumps in order to inject additional chemicals into a single washing unit, and/or to supply chemicals to additional washing units. Plug and play technology is used so that control intelligence can be distributed from the main system controller to satellite controllers, and so that additional satellite units may be readily added, identified, and properly integrated into the dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Knight, LLC.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Walker, Michael T. Whiting
  • Patent number: 8117704
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swimming pool cleaner with wheels driven by a turbine. The pool cleaner is intermittently turned from its path of travel along an underwater surface. A turning cam is provided inwardly of and adjacent to each of a pair of the side wheels. The cams are rotatably mounted on the turbine driven wheel axle which extends between said wheels. Each cam intermittently extends a gripping formation beyond the operatively supporting surface of the adjacent wheel. The cams will preferably comprise a disc with an integral annular internal ring gear formed. An inner gear is fixed for rotation with the axle and an outer gear is supported between the inner gear and the ring gear to rotate the cam. The inner gear is an interrupted gear member to cause intermittent stepwise rotation of the ring gear and the outer gear is a sprocket supported for unidirectional rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Integrated Pool Products (PTY) Ltd
    Inventors: Helge J. Schneider, Carl Frederick Wilhelm Supra
  • Patent number: 8117705
    Abstract: A rotary broom mounts upon a slotted plate that pivots upon a double gearbox. The broom has bristles upon an axle within a shield that receives power from a chain drive that receives its power from a driveline from a top gear box. The top gearbox orients in the direction of the chain driveline and delivers its power through an output shaft. The top gearbox joins to a slotted plate that turns in the same direction as the broom. The top gear box receives its power through an input shaft perpendicular to the output shaft. The top gearbox input shaft extends downwardly and becomes the output shaft of the bottom gearbox. The bottom gearbox has an input shaft that connects to a power take off. This rotary broom receives rotational power, rotates it 90° upwardly, then rotates it 90° downwardly and at an angle laterally to drive the broom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Worksaver, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas I. Burenga
  • Patent number: 8117706
    Abstract: To provide a compact manual cleaning instrument with which it is simple to collect and discharge dust, with which it is possible to clean in tight spaces, which is silent, and which is comfortable to use. A dust trapping body 3 is brought into contact with a surface to be cleaned, and the manual cleaning instrument 1 is moved back and forth, whereby dust can be trapped and collected in a dust collection chamber 37. The dust which has been collected can be discharged by opening a lid 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Seal, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Sato
  • Patent number: 8117707
    Abstract: A brush device can be releasably attached to a distal end of a pool broom and has a plurality of strategically placed brushes which brushingly engage the surfaces of the beams of a pool cage to clean those surfaces. The brushes are mounted on a head that can be angularly adjusted so the brushes will engage the cage surfaces in a manner which is conducive to thorough cleaning of those surfaces. The brushes are releasably mounted so they can be removed for cleaning or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Robert Ruh, II
  • Patent number: 8117708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic brush in which the protrusion and retraction of a brush head is accomplished using a pushing bar in order to prevent the brush head from being damaged while the brush head protrudes from and retracts into a main body. The cosmetic brush includes a main body having an exit on a front side thereof and an insertion portion on a back side, an object member including a brush head which protrudes from and retracts into the main body through the exit, a pushing bar enabling the brush head to protrude from the main body, and a cover usually covering the exit of the main body and enabling the brush head to be protruded from the main body by a pushing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Joung Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8117709
    Abstract: A rotary buffing and finishing system includes a polymeric foam cushioning layer that has a graded compression load deflection which is interposed between a backing plate and a relatively thin performance layer that is removably attached to the foam cushioning layer. The backing plate is flexible but has a compression load deflection greater than the cushioning layer, and the cushioning layer includes two foam layers of graded compression load deflection that decreases from a rear face to a front face. The system provides improved performance over thicker and more expensive performance layers while reducing operator fatigue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lake Country Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott S. McLain
  • Patent number: 8117710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a support (12), on which a bearing (18) is arranged, which supports a wiper shaft (22). In this case, a retaining element (20) is provided, which detachably connects the bearing (18) to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Kraus, Francois Schabanel
  • Patent number: 8117711
    Abstract: An improved pickup or intake hood for use in regenerative air flow road and pavement sweeper vehicles includes at least one side auxiliary plenums and/or at least one side-to-side plenum adjacent the primary air flow compartment. The auxiliary plenums are attached by appropriate ducting into the regenerative air flow so that any fugitive air and or dust flows from the primary air flow compartment are captured in the auxiliary plenums to minimize fugitive air and/or dust flows into the ambient atmosphere. Dust conduits from shrouded gutter brooms enter a manifold box to allow dust-entrained air flows from one or both gutter brooms to enter into the regenerative air flow to capture dust generated by the gutter brooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schwarze Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward B. Stell
  • Patent number: 8117712
    Abstract: A handheld cleaning appliance includes a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and separating apparatus for separating dirt and dust from an airflow in an airflow path leading from the air inlet to the air outlet. The appliance also includes a body housing a fan and motor for drawing air into the appliance via the dirty air inlet. The separator includes at least one cyclone. The separator and the body are releasably connected together around a chamber in the airflow path which is formed partly by the body and partly by the separator, the chamber housing a filter which is located upstream of the fan and motor and downstream of the cyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, William Robert James White, William Frame Milne
  • Patent number: 8117713
    Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner comprises a base, a recovery tank, and a clean solution tank. The vacuum cleaner can be used for dry vacuuming, wet vacuuming, and can distribute cleaning solution to a floor surface and has means for a fluid distribution system and a recovery system. The clean solution tank can be filled with a cleaning solution for distribution to a floor surface and the recovery tank is used for collecting dry or liquid matter recovered from vacuuming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Allen W. Scott, Jose Carlito Santiago
  • Patent number: 8117714
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a hair collection assembly having a hair collection element adapted to collection hair from a surface. The hair collection assembly can be mounted to the cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner for movement between a use position in which the hair collection element is in contact with the surface and a second position in which the hair collection element in spaced from the surface. The hair collection element can further be configured to collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a first direction and to not collect hair from the surface when the cleaning head is moved in a second direction. A method of removing hair from a surface is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Minh Nguyen, Steven J. Butkiewicz, Alan J. Krebs, George C. Moyher, Jr., Gary A. Kasper, Timothy S. Parker, Daniel M. Heidenga, Brandon Graham
  • Patent number: 8117715
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Everglide Caster Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Chun Tsai, Huei-Ling Liao