Patents Issued in February 28, 2012
  • Device for actuating an element of an item of sanitary ware and method of fitting a button of a device for actuating an element of an item of sanitary ware
    Patent number: 8122533
    Abstract: The device has a housing (5) which comprises an opening (4) in which a button (15) is fixed on a receiving part (8) mounted movably in the housing (5). A fitting aid (36) is provided, with which the button (15) may be introduced into the opening (4) in the housing (5) and positioned in a recessed manner therein as well as being fixed to the receiving part (8). Sets of teeth (23, 27) on the receiving part (8) and on the button (15) enable simple and depth-adjustable fixing of the button (15) to the receiving part (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Geberit Technik AG
    Inventor: Martin Rudisser
  • Multi-position support for a folding patient lift device
    Patent number: 8122534
    Abstract: A stand assist device includes a base with legs that extend in a forward direction. The stand assist device also includes a mast assembly mounted on the base, the mast assembly including a mast. A boom is pivotally attached to the mast and an actuator is attached to the boom. The actuator is adapted to be driven in order to cause the boom to rotate relative to the mast. A knee pad is also attached relative to the mast assembly. The mast may be moved between a seated position wherein the mast extends upwardly from the base, and a folded position wherein the mast extends substantially in the forward direction. The base, mast assembly, and knee pad are configured so that the knee pad does not interfere with the base when the mast is moved into the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Joerns Healthcare, LLC
    Inventors: Melvin C. Biersteker, Colin C. Bain, David J. Genske, Erik J. Bluemner
  • Wheel systems for a hospital bed
    Patent number: 8122535
    Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. The patient support includes a bedframe and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel pivotably coupled to the bedframe and a wheel position holder. The wheel position holder has a cam and a cam surface that includes recesses configured to cooperate with the cam to position the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Sebastien Gemeline, Patrick Weizman, Gary S. Siegle, Olivier Barbu, Le Boeuf Guenael
  • Bed with collapsible frame
    Patent number: 8122536
    Abstract: A frame including a plurality of connector assemblies and a cross-support unit coupled between the plurality of connector assemblies. The cross-support unit is movable between a folded configuration and an expanded configuration. The cross-support unit defines a substantially planar support structure in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: North Pole US LLC
    Inventors: Zhu Peixin, Lee Pil Yul
  • Mattress foundation corner connector and assembly method
    Patent number: 8122537
    Abstract: A corner connector element having a main body portion, wherein a first side surface and a second side surface are formed at substantially 90° relative to one another; a first abutment surface extending substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the first side surface; a second abutment surface extending substantially perpendicularly from a terminating edge of the second side surface; one or more protrusions extend perpendicularly from the first abutment surface and the second abutment surface; a corner abutment surface; and a radiused surface extending from a terminating edge of the first abutment surface to a terminating edge of the second abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas A. Roberts
  • Souvenir collecting multi purpose wind resistant towel with hidden pockets
    Patent number: 8122538
    Abstract: A wind-resistant, souvenir-collecting beach towel with hidden pockets has a towel portion, a compartment at one end of the towel portion, an opening accessible from the underside of the beach towel opposite the edge of the end of the towel portion where the compartment is, and a souvenir receiving portion forming a perimeter around the towel portion and having apertures where ball bungee cords and pegs are secured. The compartment has a top and a bottom layer and is attached to the underside of the towel portion and has hidden pockets. Some of the hidden pockets have openings recessed from an outside edge of the compartment such that the opening is not exposed to the environment and is not visible to passersby, and one of the hidden pockets is accessible only through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Alpha Sun & Sport - AS&S, LLC
    Inventor: Alan McBrearty
  • Climate control and entertainment enclosure
    Patent number: 8122539
    Abstract: An apparatus for climate control and entertainment, as well as a system for maximizing energy efficiency and comfort are disclosed. The apparatus affords the ability to control ambient conditions while at the same offering enhanced entertainment options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Osvaldo Miranda
  • Bed headboard with ventilation system
    Patent number: 8122540
    Abstract: A bed headboard is provided having output ports for directing individually adjustable airflows towards different areas of the headboard. A headboard comprises a headboard upper portion and an overhang disposed proximate the headboard upper portion. The overhang further includes a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces, defining an overhang compartment. A blower is provided in the overhang compartment. A plurality of output ports are provided in fluid communication with the blower and extending through the overhang bottom surface. The output ports may be adjustable to regulate the direction of airflow therefrom and/or volume of airflow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Furniture Traditions, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Ardis
  • Bed sheet attachment system
    Patent number: 8122541
    Abstract: A bed sheet attachment system with a pair of expansion panel assemblies that attaches a top cover to a bottom sheet by a plurality of panel strips connected by a plurality of fastener strips. The fastener strips are prevented from opening during sleep by a plurality of snap tabs. The plurality of panel strips provides increased cubic capacity between the top cover and bottom sheet for the sleeper to slip into and move within the bed. The plurality of snap tabs allows the panel strips to be separated at discrete lengths to accommodate the sleeper's needs and desires for the arrangement of the top cover during sleep. The bed sheet attachment system simplifies the daily making of the bed by maintaining the proper position of the top cover during sleep so that the user merely smoothes out the wrinkles on the top cover upon arising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Napoleon Georgatos
  • Patient support device
    Patent number: 8122542
    Abstract: A method and system configured to substantially synchronize two opposite ends of a table assembly of a radiation therapy treatment system. The system includes a lateral motion control system coupled to the table assembly and configured to detect positions of the two opposite ends of the table assembly and to substantially synchronize the positions as the table assembly is laterally moved with respect to a gantry of the radiation therapy treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tomotherapy Incorporated
    Inventors: Graham T. Reitz, Bradley J. Brunker, Ralph J. Gable, Wayne L. Staats, Jr., Brent Harper
  • Evacuation mattress
    Patent number: 8122543
    Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Kenalty, Miriam Gordon
  • Baby feeding system
    Patent number: 8122544
    Abstract: A base has upper and lower surfaces. The base has front and back edges. First and second side walls extend from the base. A center wall extends from the base spaced equally between the side walls. The side walls and the center wall have concave upper edges. The upper edges are adjacent to the back edge being at an elevation greater than at the front edge. The center wall divides the system into first and second reclining surfaces. The upper edges of the side and center walls are at an elevation above the upper edges of the reclining surfaces. Similarly configured first and second leg dividers extend vertically from the base adjacent to the front wall. The first and second leg dividers are in the first and second reclining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Lindsey T. Sandefur
  • Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
    Patent number: 8122545
    Abstract: A cushioning device for a body support such as a mattress, seat, sofa, or the like where support is obtained from a fluid. The cushioning device is self-inflating, self-adjusting, and provides a low interface pressure under the entire contact surface of a patient. Shear force scraping damage is prevented by a sleeve apparatus. A support system apparatus provides separately adjustable pressure support zones. For physical therapy, an alternating pressure system provides alternating lifting and lowering pressure zones under a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: M.P.L. Limited
    Inventor: John W. Wilkinson
  • Adjustable width mattress with relief portions
    Patent number: 8122546
    Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly 48 including a core portion 49 having a head end and a foot end defining a core longitudinal length; a left width adjustment portion 56 comprising a plurality of left width adjustment bladders 60, the left width adjustment portion extending laterally away from a left side of the core portion; a right width adjustment portion 58 comprising a plurality of right width adjustment bladders 62, the right width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the right side of the core portion; the left and right width adjustment portions each having a head end substantially longitudinally aligned with the head end of the core portion and extending footwardly a longitudinal distance less than the core longitudinal length thereby defining left and right relief portions 66, 68.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Kenith W Chambers, Mary Butter, Suzanne M. Bish
  • Washing machine and method for controlling the same
    Patent number: 8122547
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a main body defining an outer appearance, a tub supported in the main body, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a steam generating unit supplying steam into the drum, and a circulation pump returning washing water exhausted from a first side of the tub to a second side of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seok Kyu Park
  • Mounting and method for mounting a water vacuum break
    Patent number: 8122548
    Abstract: A method of installing a water vacuum break in a housing including the steps of providing a plurality of slots in a wall of the housing; moving a water vacuum break in a first direction; and moving the water vacuum break in a second direction. The step of moving the water vacuum break in a first direction includes moving it substantially perpendicularly with the outer wall so that a plurality of retaining protrusions extend through the plurality of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Hygema
  • Washing machine and control method of maintaining a balanced state of laundry thereof
    Patent number: 8122549
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a washing machine that is capable of maintaining the balanced state of laundry to more smoothly perform a spin-drying operation and a control method thereof. The control method of the washing machine including a drum to receive laundry and a motor to rotate the drum to reduce unbalance generated due to the nonuniform distribution of the laundry, includes wrapping the laundry by accelerating the drum such that the laundry sticks to an inner wall of the drum, detecting motor current during the wrapping of the laundry, determining an unbalanced state of the laundry based on the detected motor current, and controlling speed of the drum based on a result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Joo Park, Soon Bae Yang, Jung Chul Choi
  • Method of treating osteoarthritis using insoles
    Patent number: 8122550
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole or slab that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. Further, insoles are provided, which mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Lanny L. Johnson
  • Four wheeler trailer loading ramps
    Patent number: 8122551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading ramp for loading an all terrain vehicle for transport purposes comprising: a center plate, where said center plate includes a mounting plate and at least one mounting pin as a means to attach the loading ramp to a trailer; at least one truck bed plate, where said truck bed plate extends from the center plate into a bed of a truck; at least one trailer plate, where said trailer plate extends from the center plate into the trailer; and a plurality of pipe hinges, where said pipe hinges adjoin the at least one truck bed plate, center plate and the at least one trailer plate. The truck bed plates and trailer plates may be extended for loading purposes or folded and adjoined for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: John Istre
  • Counterbalance mechanism for fold out ramp
    Patent number: 8122552
    Abstract: A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position, and a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a compression spring and an engagement fitting associated with a first end of the spring. A first bearing element is operably coupled to the ramp portion so that movement of the ramp portion from the neutral position toward the stowed position engages the first bearing element with the engagement fitting to move the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring. A second bearing element is operably coupled to the ramp portions of that movement of the ramp portion from the neutral position toward the deployed position engages the second bearing element with the engagement fitting to move the first end of the spring toward the second end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lift-U, a Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, Alan Cohn
  • Fold out ramp
    Patent number: 8122553
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes ramp portion coupled for rotational movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A panel is rotatably coupled at a curbside end to the ramp portion about a first axis. The ramp assembly further includes an elongate drive arm that extends radially from a second axis. The drive arm is operably coupled to the ramp portion and to an actuator. The actuator rotates the drive arm about the second axis to drive the ramp portion through a deployment motion. The deployment motion has a first phase, during which the drive arm rotates the ramp portion about the first axis, and a second phase, during which the drive arm moves the first axis from a raised position to a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Donald Morris
  • Scrubbing device
    Patent number: 8122554
    Abstract: An apparatus with a main unit, a dispenser, a clamp and a clamp structure. The main unit includes a housing, a battery in the housing, a motor in the housing and connected to the battery, and an output drive shaft driven by the motor. The dispenser includes a body that defines a body aperture and which has a reservoir for storing a fluid, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispenser is configured to permit the stored fluid to be dispensed from the reservoir through the nozzle. The clamp is coupled to either the main unit or the dispenser and includes a pivotable engagement member. The clamp structure is coupled to the other one of the main unit and the dispenser and includes a second engagement member that can be releasably engaged to the engagement member. The housing is received through the body aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan A. Schemmel, Christopher Murray, Mark Stratford, Benjamin J. Strutt, Patrick Marcil
  • Apparatus for cleaning floor
    Patent number: 8122555
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning floor is disclosed, which is capable of maximizing a user's convenience by an automatic operation, minimizing jolt or vibration generated for its operation, and realizing enhanced endurance and safety, wherein the apparatus includes first and second movable members rectilinearly reciprocating along the same straight line in opposite directions with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Yong Wook Kim
  • Cleaning device
    Patent number: 8122556
    Abstract: A cleaning device is used to remove an alien substance adhering to a surface of an optical member arranged in front of a solid image sensing device inside a lens replaceable digital single-lens reflex camera. The cleaning device includes a supporting member that is supported by a user, and an elastic member having an adhesive surface 12 and being formed in a substantially square shape larger than equally divided four parts of a 135 format of a camera and smaller than an APS-C format of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Kaihara, Takanori Honda
  • Broom body
    Patent number: 8122557
    Abstract: The invention relates to a broom body (1) having, on its underside facing the surface to be cleaned, at least two cleaning bodies (3, 4) made of different materials. One cleaning body (3) is forted by a foam material body (5), which is non-positively and/or positively joined to the broom body (1). This foam material body (1) can be inserted into the broom body (1) in a manner that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (6) of the broom body (1), and the foam material body (5) has at least one fastening means (7) for positively fastening it to the broom body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Peter L. Arnold, Ralf Jürgens
  • Personal hygiene device
    Patent number: 8122558
    Abstract: A means for a physically challenged user to gain access to their anus in order to clean the area through a wiping action. The device has a handle that operates through a positionable mid-section to a pair of spreader elements used to spread the cheeks of the buttocks while a wiping element covered by a sleeve is brought forward through leverage, wherethen while holding the handle wiping can be performed through repetitive parallel movement of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Maedell Gary, Gloria Cothern
  • Wiper system for vehicle
    Patent number: 8122559
    Abstract: A wiper motor has an output shaft, which is reciprocally pivoted forward and backward upon energization of the wiper motor and outputs a drive force for driving first and second wiper arms. A crank arm is integrally pivotably fixed to the output shaft. First and second connecting rods are pivotably connected to first and second connecting points, respectively, of the crank arm. A first lever arrangement is connected between the first connecting rod and the first wiper arm to reciprocally pivot the first wiper arm upon reciprocal movement of the first connecting rod. A second lever arrangement is connected between the second connecting rod and the second wiper arm to reciprocally pivot the second wiper arm upon reciprocal movement of the second connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Hasegawa
  • Windshield wiper bridge base assembly
    Patent number: 8122560
    Abstract: A bridge base is utilized on a wiper blade support for mounting a housing through which a wiper arm is installed. The assembly of the bridge base and wiper blade support becomes a standard assembly that matches a plurality of housings of any (automobile) brands so as to achieve cost effectiveness and maximize selections of the wiper blade supports and the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Dongguan Hongyi Wiper Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu-Lan Ku
  • Wringer
    Patent number: 8122561
    Abstract: A wringer (1) for a mop (2) with a receptacle (3) in which the mop (2) can be wrung out by inward pressure, where the receptacle (3) consists of a number of wall parts (4), each of which has an inner leg (5) and an outer leg (6), which are connected together, where spacers (7) are arranged between the inner legs (5) and outer legs (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Uwe Dingert, Leif Kniese, Rudolf Bannasch
  • Surface cleaning implement with independent suction nozzle and agitator
    Patent number: 8122562
    Abstract: An surface cleaning implement comprises a recovery tank and a suction nozzle in fluid communication with a recovery tank, a fan/turbine assembly including a turbine-driven suction fan for generating suction at the suction nozzle, which draws liquid and air into and through the accessory tool. A fluid dispensing assembly is disclosed for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. An agitator assembly can be moved from a use to a non-use orientation to alternately scrub the surface to the cleaned and to extract fluid from the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Bowling lane conditioning machine
    Patent number: 8122563
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventors: Roy A. Burkholder, Troy A. Recknagel, Patrick J. Mitchell, Jason D. Bernard, Robert J. Prinz, William C. Sias, Matthew E. Mead, Damir Ibrahimovic
  • Tube coupler
    Patent number: 8122564
    Abstract: A powered blower/vacuum unit includes a base portion having a housing and a power air-moving device within the base portion. A tube is provided that is formed by a first manufacturing operation, such as a blow molding process. The tube extends a relatively large distance away from the housing and air flows through the tube along a relatively large distance. A coupler is also included for coupling the tube to the housing. The coupler is separately formed by a second, different manufacturing operation, such as an injection molding process. The coupler includes a plurality of one-way snap-in features configured to engage a plurality of receiver features located on the tube to non-removably attach the coupler to the tube. The housing can also include at least one male component and the coupler can include at least one complementary female component for securing the coupler to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Husqvarna Outdoor Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Alamond, Jeffery L Osterchill, John R. Coffey, John D. Allen, Andrew L. Curtis, Daniel T. Sparks
  • Hand-held powered suction device
    Patent number: 8122565
    Abstract: To obtain a hand-held powered suction device, which secures a high suction performance by a lightweight fan while preventing a blade of the fan from being damaged or being broken due to a sucked object. Forming an air intake opening along a driving axis of a fan in a portable-type fan case and providing a fan protection member to be rotated at an upstream side in an air intake direction of the fan within the intake opening being attached so as to be integrally rotated with the driving axis, a shock absorbing surface that is perpendicular in an air intake direction of the intake opening is formed on the fan protection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Yamabiko Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Nakayama, Masaki Takeda, Junichi Akaike
  • Vacuum cleaner handle lock and valve control
    Patent number: 8122566
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base with a first air inlet, a rear housing, a removable handle and a socket on the housing to receive the handle. The handle has a grip, a second air inlet, and a hose connected to the second air inlet. The vacuum has a valve with a first inlet connected to the first air inlet, a second inlet connected to the flexible hose, a valve outlet connected to a vacuum fan, and a valve member that moves to connect the valve outlet to either inlet. The vacuum has a handle latch having one position in which it engages the removable handle to hold it in the socket and places the valve in one position, and a second position in which it releases the handle and places the valve member the other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Sepke, Benjamin Stephens
  • Floor mat clip assembly
    Patent number: 8122567
    Abstract: A floor mat clip assembly adapted to attach a floor mat to the interior carpet of a vehicle is disclosed. The clip assembly includes a floor clip attached to the carpet and a mat clip attached to the floor mat. The floor clip includes a base member and a top member having a locking member rotatably attached thereto. The base and top member of the floor clip are adapted to cut through the carpet and interlock to sandwich the carpet therebetween. The mat clip includes a top member and a base member, each having an aperture and adapted to interlock to sandwich the mat therebetween. The mat can then be positioned to insert the locking member of the floor clip through the aperture of the mat clip. A subsequent rotation of the locking member locks together the respective clips to secure the floor mat to the interior carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Connor, Jr.
  • Swing hinge module and portable terminal employing the same
    Patent number: 8122568
    Abstract: A swing hinge module bidirectionally swinging a movable body and a portable terminal having the same are disclosed. The swing hinge module includes a rotation cam, a rotation shaft, a fixed plate, and a guide pin. The rotation cam is fixed to the movable body to be rotated with the movable body, and has stopping recesses on an outer circumference of the rotation cam to set a rotation angle of the movable body. The rotation shaft is coupled with a central area of the rotation cam, and the fixed plate is coupled to the fixed body and has a guide hole to receive the rotation shaft. The guide pin is coupled to the fixed plate and contacts the outer circumference of the rotation cam to support the rotation cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Chul Jin, Jeong Hun Seo, Ki Taek Kim, Jin Soo Kim, Young Ki Kim
  • Auxiliary handle for hand-held power tool
    Patent number: 8122569
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle for a hand-held power tool (7) includes an attachment section (21) for securing the auxiliary handle (11) on a section (8) of the power tool (7) a gripping member (31) for holding the auxiliary handle (11), a lag hinge (46) provided between the attachment section (21) and the gripping member (34), and including a locking member (52) pivotable about an axis (53) extending parallel to the axis (12) of the lag hinge (46) between its locking position in which it blocks the lag hinge (46), and a release position thereof in which the lag hinge (46) is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Paul
  • Apparatus and method for dry forming a uniform non-woven fibrous web
    Patent number: 8122570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for dry forming a uniform non-woven fibrous web. The apparatus includes a transport duct, a spreading member and a discharge member connected in series. The discharge member has a flexible plate and a plurality of screws which act upon the flexible plate to deflect its inner surface and provide further control of the basis weight of the to be formed fibrous web. The apparatus also has a forming zone located below the discharge member. The method combines a plurality of individual fibers with a pressurized gaseous stream and routes this stream through the apparatus to form the uniform non-woven fibrous web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Arrigo D. Jezzi
  • Closure clip and process for the production thereof
    Patent number: 8122571
    Abstract: Closure clips and a process for the production of closure clips of strip-form or wire-form material for the closure of tubular or bag-like packagings. In the process, a substantially wave-form profile with successive first and second apex points is stamped along the strip-form or wire-form material, the first apex point forming a clip bottom, flanks respectively adjoining the first apex point on each side thereof form clip limbs that are bent over in a U-shape and the second apex point forms limb ends that are bent over outwardly with respect to the U-shape at which two adjacent closure clips are separably connected. The strip-form or wire-form closure clip material is pierced inwardly with respect to the U-shape so that a raised material portion is formed at the limb inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Schoenmaker
  • Marking and fastening device and method of using same
    Patent number: 8122572
    Abstract: A fastening device and a method of using same is provided. The fastening device includes a male member having a projection on a first side and a securing means on a second opposing side. A female member configured to receive the projection detachably secures the female member onto the male member. The female member and the male member comprises a ratchet system to removeably secure the female member onto the male member. The securing means on the second opposing side of the male member is configured to mate with a corresponding securing member mounted on an object. By securing a material such as a shade screen or a tarp on the male member by mating the male member with the female member, the shade screen or tarp may be detachably fastened onto an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: EZ-Snap Products Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Waddell, Dean A. Myrfield
  • Thin slider
    Patent number: 8122573
    Abstract: There is provided a thin slider for a slide fastener with an automatic locking mechanism with a locking pawl while having an excellent design property and operability. The thin slider according to the present invention includes a locking pawl journaled by a slider body and a resilient member accommodated in a connecting post. The locking pawl is urged in such a first rotation direction that its pawl portion is inserted into an element guide passage of the slider body by the resilient member. The upper blade of the slider body includes a first upper blade connected to the connecting post and a second upper blade which is attached slidably onto the first upper blade. The second upper blade has a thin second upper blade main body and an operating piece drooping from the front end portion of the second upper blade main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeyoshi Takazawa
  • Device and method for fastening
    Patent number: 8122574
    Abstract: A device for fastening includes a first component including an aperture, and a second component including a base with a perpendicular post to be inserted into the aperture to engage the fastener and of a diameter similar to the diameter of the aperture, a sprung latch with a flange to be inserted into the aperture along with the post that engages the surface of the first component underneath the aperture to fasten the second component to the first component, a rotating actuator that rotates on an axis on the base and actuates the flanges to allow clearance for insertion or extraction from the aperture, and a hinge to assemble the rotating actuator to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Kurt Philip Dammermann
  • Structure for supporting clothes to be decolorized, method of forming the same and method of using the same
    Patent number: 8122575
    Abstract: This invention is about a structure for supporting clothes to be decolorized and for aiding in the process of decoloration, to a method of forming the same, and to a method of using the same to decolorize clothes. It includes manufacturing a semi-finished product for supporting clothes and manufacturing the supporting structure as well as a the method of decolorizing clothes using the supporting structure to have various decolorizing textures and styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: KOOS Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joo Sik Kang
  • Positioning, handling and assembling system for manufacture of aeronautical parts
    Patent number: 8122576
    Abstract: The system has special application in the manufacture of aircraft wing covers (10 made of carbon fiber and the stringers (3) cured jointly with the wing cover during the polymerization in autoclave. The tool pieces (4) being used are defined by angular elements (5, 6) copying the geometry of the stringers (3). The shape of these stringers corresponds to the “T” section. The angular elements (5, 6) comprise, in their upper part, a pair of battlements (7) in order to be caught by part of the clamps (9) of a head (10) linked to a robot (11) of the spherical type with articulated arm with six axes. The angular elements (5, 6) are made of INVAR material and they are used to keep in position the stringers during the curing cycle in the autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: José Manuel Santos Gómez, José Manuel Menéndez Martín, Antonio Durán Quiroga, Aquilino García García, Julián Sánchez Fernández
  • Device and method of producing ball joint
    Patent number: 8122577
    Abstract: A ball joint 10 includes a first member 12 having a ball section 14 and a second member 15 having a socket 16. Ball section 14 is accommodated and supported inside socket 16. A pair of dies 20, 30 sandwich a wall 18 surrounding an opening 17 of the socket 16, and are configured to approach each other gradually, utilizing small repetitive vibrations that include an approaching and separating action, thereby intermittently pressing the wall in an inward radial direction. During each interval of the intermittent pressing action, a supporting and rotating device 40 rotates socket 16 (second member 15) in small increments about a central axis C2 of socket 16. Consequently, dies 20 and 30 successively press against a multitude of points on the circumference of the outer surface of wall 18 of the socket, thereby bending wall 18 inward so as to reduce the diameter thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ogino Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Akira Ogino
  • Method and apparatus of integrating work
    Patent number: 8122578
    Abstract: An apparatus 30 for coupling a first member 15 and a second member 17 by a clip and a screw is constituted by member moving means 131L, 131R for moving the second member 17 relative to the first member 15, reaction force detecting means 132L, 132R provided to the member moving means 131L, 131R for detecting a press reaction force generated when the second member 17 is matched to the first member 15, clip fitting determining means 135L, 135R for determining whether the clip is correctly fitted to a clip hole by reading the reaction force detected by the reaction force detecting means 132L, 132R, and screw fastening means 149 for fastening the screw when acceptable information is provided by the clip fitting determining means 135L, 135R.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Isotani, Kenichi Ohno, Yoshito Otake, Ryo Nakajima
  • Cell production method and cell production facility
    Patent number: 8122579
    Abstract: A cell manufacturing method in which a main operator, who carries out main operations that include a plurality of steps in which parts are installed on a workpiece, is moved along with the workpiece so as to transit a plurality of stations where auxiliary steps related to the main operations are carried out. At least a portion of operations in which parts and/or jigs are supplied to a main car are carried out via a main delivery apparatus by using a main car on which a workpiece is mounted and on which a main operator rides, and that travels automatically on a predetermined travel route that transits a plurality of stations. The main delivery apparatus has a main serving position and a main receiving position. Parts and/or jigs that have been disposed at the main receiving position are delivered to the main serving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Taniguchi, Shigeharu Ikeda, Kuniyuki Hashimoto, Junji Sugawara
  • Methods for manufacturing an axle
    Patent number: 8122580
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an axle is provided. The method includes heating a billet at a heating station to a predetermined temperature, forging the heated billet at a forging station to form an axle, and machining the axle at a machining station to form a machined axle. A product is automatically transported to and from each station using a product transport system, wherein the product includes the billet, the axle and the machined axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Gerard Potje, Timothy Dunagan, Jon Edmond Meyer, James A. Cowan
  • Bar mounted tool adaptor
    Patent number: 8122581
    Abstract: A method for mounting a plurality of tool rails of a tool mounting system according to a desired orientation. The method includes mounting a plurality of tool rail supports to a base, wherein each of the plurality of tool rail support has a releasable mount and a lug mount. Each of the plurality of tool rails is assembled to include a mount plug receivable within the releasable mount of the tool rail supports, and a lug receivable within the lug mount of the tool rail supports. At least one of the plurality of tool rail supports is fixed with the releasable mount spaced apart from the lug mount such that only a desired one of the plurality of tool rails can be received in a corresponding one of the tool rail supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Hurst, Corey Chappus, Bryan Voss
  • Surgical tools facilitating increased accuracy, speed and simplicity in performing joint arthroplasty
    Patent number: 8122582
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ConforMIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert G. Burdulis, Jr., Wolfgang Fitz, Rene Vargas-Voracek, Philipp Lang, Daniel Steines, Konstantinos Tsougarakis