Patents Issued in May 1, 2012
  • Patent number: 8166580
    Abstract: A dispensing means (10) for delivering a dose of a first liquid into a second liquid is provided, the dispensing means comprising an enclosure (12) for the first liquid, and valve means (16), the dispensing means being operable such that raising a level (114) of a second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to subject the dispensing means to hydrostatic pressure causes a dose of the first liquid to be displaced from the enclosure (12) to establish a column (118) of the first liquid that acts on the valve means, and subsequent lowering of the level (114) of the second liquid relative to the dispensing means so as to reduce the hydrostatic pressure acting on the valve means (16) causes the valve means to deliver the dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: International Trade Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Brian Parry Slade
  • Patent number: 8166581
    Abstract: A toilet device includes a seat (2) with a pair of side walls (14 & 16) pivotally connected thereto. The side walls are capable of three configurations with respect to the seat portion (2). In a first folded configuration they extend towards one another for compact storage of the device. In a second configuration they extend downwardly in right angles to the seat for use as a chamber pot when supplied with a suitable liner. In a third configuration the side walls extend outwardly away from one another so that the device can be placed on a conventional toilet seat and adapt that seat to the user of the device. Locking and locating means are provided for locking and/or locating the device in the three configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Lovatt
  • Patent number: 8166582
    Abstract: An alternative propulsion or motive force for the riders of water features based on generated waves. A wave generator may be used to propel individuals or vessels within a chute for recreation or transportation. In one form, a pool or container having a body of water is configured to support an artificial wave generator which uses compressed gas to discharge water and generate a wave-like motion within a body of water. A source of make-up fluid is configured to mitigate internal low pressure conditions caused by the water discharge to enable effective wave generation with reduced quantities of compressed air. Portions of the waves generated in a pool may be captured in a variety of ways by chutes for stand-alone rides or for portions of chutes in water slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Garrett T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8166583
    Abstract: A bath curtain rack structure includes a curved transverse rod, two pivot members and two wall-mounted brackets. The curved transverse rod has two ends which are connected to hollow pipe portions of the pivot members, respectively. Each pivot member includes a flat rounded end with a semi-circle flange at one end thereof. Each wall-mounted bracket includes a central protruding post which is inserted in a dual awl-shaped guide hole of the pivot member. The wall-mounted bracket further has a pair of lock holes for insertion of screws to be secured on a wall, a recess corresponding in shape to the flat round end, two stoppers to stop the semi-circle flange, and a protruding opening to receive the flat rounded end and the semi-circle flange of the pivot member. A second headless screw is screwed in a second threaded hole of the flat rounded end to engage with the concave pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Huang-Kai Liang
  • Patent number: 8166584
    Abstract: An overflow system in the bathtub has an overflow port and has a drain pipe in connection with the overflow port. A threaded flange has a stub shoulder on one end which is fitted into a circular sleeve on the overflow port. The threaded flange has exterior threads on its outer surface and a thin diaphragm secured to the end thereof opposite to the stub shoulder. A large sealing washer embraces the outside of the circular flange on the overflow port and extends partially over the threads of the threaded flange. A large internally threaded nut is threadably mounted on the outer end of the threaded flange and compresses the sealing washer against a vertical flange on the port to seal the connection between the threaded flange and the port. A decorative cap is frictionally snapped into engagement with protrusions on the outer surface of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 8166585
    Abstract: A medical workstation and workstation system for patients includes a bed for positioning the patient in the lying position, a plurality of mobile work units, which are connected to the bed, a control unit, which is arranged at the bed and which can be connected via a first supply cable to a stationary media port, on the one hand, and via a second supply cable to a mobile media port, on the other hand, for supplying a work unit. The control unit is designed as a distribution unit, to which a plurality of mobile work units (4, 4?) are connected via connection cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Settgast, Sven Pasdzior, Claus Bunke, Gerald Panitz, Jürgen Manigel, Hermann Hopermann, Kay Frensch, Martin Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 8166586
    Abstract: A removable pallet configured to be mounted to a patient table. The patient table has a table surface adapted to support patients thereon during a medical procedure or imaging session. The removable pallet includes a support body having a runway configured to slidably engage a transfer board carrying a patient. The support body extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be mounted over the table surface of the patient table. The removable pallet also includes a coupling device that is configured to removably couple the support body and the patient table. The coupling device secures the support body over the table surface to permit the transfer board to be moved onto the patient table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William J. Bridge, Robert Grams, Thomas K. S. Schaefer, Eric Stepanovich, Scott Wollenweber
  • Patent number: 8166587
    Abstract: A portable breastfeeding and nursing pillow for a baby includes a base portion in a generally rectangular shape with a contoured side. The base portion further includes a boarder about at least three sides of the base portion and extending a distance above a first feeding surface of the base portion for mitigating problems of the baby rolling off the first feeding surface. The top portion stacked underneath the base portion adds height if needed during the baby nursing time. The top portion also includes a second feeding surface for feeding the baby when additional height of the pillow without the boarder is desired. A strap is joined to the bottom portion for adjustably securing about a person's waist when the pillow is being used for breastfeeding or nursing a baby. The strap is adjustable for resting on a person's shoulder when transporting the pillow. A decorative binding strap holds the top portion to the bottom portion when transporting the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Valerie N Collins
  • Patent number: 8166588
    Abstract: An adjustable swivel lift grab bar includes an angled lift member and an adjustable bottom leg. The adjustable bottom leg allows angular adjustment of the angled lift member. The adjustable bottom leg includes a top leg, a bottom leg and a clamping knob with plunger. One end of the top leg is pivotally retained by a pole and the clamping knob is retained in the other end. The bottom leg includes a plurality of holes to receive the plunger of the clamping knob. One end of the bottom leg is attached to a bottom of the angle lift member. A top attachment bracket is secured to a top of the angled lift member for pivotal retention on a pivot post secured to a wall, a floor mounted pole, a double flange pole or a moveable support pole. Rotation of the angled lift member may be braked or motorized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Haessly
  • Patent number: 8166589
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a mattress including an underlayer, an air chamber layer arranged above the underlayer, granular material incorporated in the air chamber layer, and adjusting devices for adjusting the amount of air in the air chamber layer between a rest position, wherein the granular material at least almost fills the whole air chamber layer, and an adjusting position wherein the air chamber layer is only partially filled with granular material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: B.V. Pijnloos
    Inventor: Bernardus Ludgerus Lubertus Hijlkema
  • Patent number: 8166590
    Abstract: A method and apparatus according to one embodiment for operating a laundry treating appliance includes determining a parameter representative of a rotational speed of laundry in a drum and determining a laundry load size based on the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Ryan Robert Bellinger
  • Patent number: 8166591
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Scott Dunn, Alaknanda Acharya, Alexander Boris Leibman
  • Patent number: 8166592
    Abstract: A sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Elizabeth Langvin
  • Patent number: 8166593
    Abstract: The stabilizing system has a ramp having a first end mounted within a vehicle and a second end positioned on a base surface external to the vehicle. The stabilizing system further includes a tension mechanism having a first end section, a second end section, and a tension member positioned therebetween. The first end section of the tension mechanism is releasably coupled to the vehicle and the second end section of the tension mechanism is releasably coupled to the first end of said ramp. The ramp is maintained in fixed location with respect to said vehicle and said base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Catharine W. Trauernicht, Mark T. MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 8166594
    Abstract: A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The weight of the ramp portion biases the ramp portion (1) toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and (2) toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A counterbalance for the ramp assembly includes a cam configured to rotate when the ramp portion moves between the stowed position and the deployed position. A cam follower is slidingly coupled to a guide and engages a surface of the cam so that rotation of the cam translates the cam follower along a path. The counterbalance further includes a resistance member coupled to the cam follower to provide a force to the cam follower to counteract the ramp moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Morris
  • Patent number: 8166595
    Abstract: A bridge decking panel and structures for attaching the panel to supporting bridge beams and to other such panels at abutting ends. An anchor plate assembly is cast within a paving material and has a pair of parallel runner bars extending along the decking panel and spaced apart by the width of a supporting bridge beam that is received between the runner bars. The runner bars are connected by cross bars and several studs extend from the runner bars into the paving material. Several nuts are welded to the runner bars at spaced intervals and aligned with holes through the runner bars for attachment to connecting structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: James H. Bumen
  • Patent number: 8166596
    Abstract: A construction method for a girder in a bridge in which a plurality of piers are installed in an interval in a longitudinal direction of the bridge, a plurality of copings are installed on the piers, and a plurality of girders respectively installed between the piers are installed on the copings. The method comprises the steps of: installing at least one temporary girder on a front coping of the copings and a rear coping adjacent to the rear coping of the copings; installing a crane for pulling up a girder having a girder pulling up space therein guided by the temporary girder; and providing with a girder by a pre-cast method so as to install a girder on the front coping and the rear coping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-Ok Kang, Man-Geun Yoon, Hyun-Yang Shin, Yeong-Seon Kim
  • Patent number: 8166597
    Abstract: A cleaning device that includes a first component, a second component and a handle. The first component is configured to hold a first portion of the cleaning device. The second component is configured to hold a second portion of the cleaning device. The first and second components are connected and are configured so that the first portion and the second portion on the respective first and second components are independently replaceable. The handle is coupled to the second component to control an application of at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the cleaning device on a surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Levitt, Brian R. Leafblad, Paul J. Mattia
  • Patent number: 8166598
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes an elongated u-shaped handle terminating with a mounting neck at a distal end. A handgrip engages the handle at the proximal end. A support strap may attached to the handgrip. A cleaning head is releasably attached to the mounting neck. The cleaning head is configured to releasably engage the mounting neck. The handle is u-shaped and resilient to generate a biasing force that facilitates use and cleaning contact. The cleaning head is opposite and in direct alignment with the handgrip, so that a user may determine the exact position of the cleaning head against the user's back by observing the position of the handgrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gerald Craig Steedley
  • Patent number: 8166599
    Abstract: In accordance with another aspect of the present development, an articulated link duster support frame includes a base and a working region connected to the base. The working region includes a plurality of links pivotally connected in series such that each link is pivotally connected to at least one adjacent link, with an inner one of said links pivotally connected to the base. Respective articulated joints pivotally connect the inner link to the base and pivotally connect each link to at least one adjacent link. Each joint includes a first side comprising at least two ears and a second side comprising at least one tab located between and slidably abutted with the at least two ears of said first side. Each joint further includes a fastener pivotally connecting the first and second joint sides. A fabric, feather, or other dusting member is connected to the working region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Erwin Tomm
  • Patent number: 8166600
    Abstract: A toothbrush for a pet dog is disclosed, in which a groove is longitudinally formed in a center of a head in a direction of a handle, and a cushion material is provided in a surrounding surface, a lower surface and the groove. When a pet dog bites a toothbrush with teeth during a tooth brushing, it is possible to prevent teeth from fracture while preventing a lot of pain occurring when teeth collide with a hard toothbrush. Toothbrush hairs planted in a head are shaped depending on a tooth shape of a pet dog, so it is possible to reliably brush off plague attached on the upper side of a cervical ridge of premolars and molars of a pet dog without applying over stimulation on the gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Byung-Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 8166601
    Abstract: A head for an electric toothbrush includes a support member having a plurality of holes extending completely therethrough. A plurality of tufts of bristles each extends through one of the holes. A first brushing end of each tuft projects from a first side of the support member. Each tuft is prevented from being withdrawn from its hole when a tensile force is applied to the first end of each tuft along a long axis of the tuft. A resilient cushion is positioned adjacent a second side of the support member such that a second end of each tuft can contact the cushion. When a compressive force is applied to the first end of each tuft along the long axis of each tuft, each tuft can move in its hole in a first direction into the cushion. When the compressive force is removed the cushion causes each tuft to move in its hole in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: William R. Brown, Jr., Thomas Christman, Georges Driesen, Thomas Fritsch, Michael Roberts, Armin Schwarz-Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8166602
    Abstract: A cleaning arrangement for removing accumulated leaves and other debris from an overhead gutter of a building, said arrangement including: a cleaning tool having a blade of comparative cross sectional profile to the gutter to be cleaned, an elongated rod having one end adapted to be held by a user and a remote end substantially perpendicular to the said blade when blade is connected to said rod, said blade including an aperture at an upper corner of said blade for an end of the rod to be releasable fastenable therein, such that the off-centering of the rod to the corner of the blade allows the cleaning tool to be scraped along the length of a segment of guttering without the blade making contact with internal brackets or bracing supporting the gutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Stephen Paterson
  • Patent number: 8166603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that efficiently removes water from a surface without the need for a towel and effectively removes hair or fur from a surface. The apparatus is designed to provide a comfort gripping region to a human hand to facilitate ease in use. The material that the apparatus is made from can be static electric attracting to more effectively remove charged particles such as hair or fur from a surface. The apparatus may have various flex edges, including combs, slits and bulges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Donald Varner, Tom Palecki
  • Patent number: 8166604
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly may include an arm and a wiper blade attached to the arm. The wiper assembly may be placed into a parked condition by supporting the wiper blade to a wiper lifter. To prevent unintentional removal of the wiper blade, as may occur for example in a car wash, the wiper blade remains irremovable from the arm due to physical interference between the wiper assembly and the wiper lifter. When removal of the wiper blade is desired, the wiper assembly may be manually moved to a position where the wiper blade can be removed from the arm without physical interference between the wiper assembly and the wiper lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael A. Schrader, Joshua L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 8166605
    Abstract: A windshield wiper arm bracket includes a pair of side walls. Each of said side walls include at least one centrally located pin arm receiving hole formed therein. The bracket also includes a post attaching the pair of side walls together. The post is for receiving a pin arm adaptor thereon. The bracket also includes an attachment arm formed on a bottom of each of the pair of side walls. The attachment arms are for connecting the bracket to a windshield wiper assembly. An adaptor for a windshield wiper arm bracket includes a top portion and a web portion. The web portion includes a central aperture formed therein. The central aperture includes a first portion for receiving a post of the windshield wiper arm bracket and a second aperture for receiving a pin arm of a windshield wiper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Alberee Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Lee
  • Patent number: 8166606
    Abstract: A squeegee assembly (10, 10?) includes a flexible wiper blade (30) sandwiched between a mounting bracket (32, 32?) and a retaining strap (34, 34?). A retainer (94) has a head (98) which is positionable between aligned and misaligned positions with mounting apertures (82, 92) to allow disassembly, assembly and retention of the squeegee assembly (10, 10?). Arcuate portions (36, 36?, 66, 66?) formed in the mounting bracket (32, 32?) and the retaining straps (34, 34?) have different radiuses. Linear portions (68, 68?, 70, 70?) of the retaining straps (34, 34?) have upper and lower edges (72, 74) bent from center portions thereof. The mounting brackets (32, 32?) include L-shaped slots (46) for slideably receiving vertical bolts (56) of the floor maintenance machine (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Nilfisk-Advance, Inc.
    Inventors: Kale R. Johnson, Everett Eugene Johnson
  • Patent number: 8166607
    Abstract: Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A mounting member mounted to the support member. At least one of a first cleaning stage of the upright surface cleaning apparatus and a suction motor is mounted directly or indirectly to the mounting member. A suction motor is provided in the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8166608
    Abstract: A floor treatment device including a housing, a brush motor and a rotatable roller disposed in the housing. A suction mouth is disposed in a portion of the housing. The rotatable roller is driven by the brush motor and at least partially extends from the suction mouth. The rotatable roller is resiliently mounted in the housing such that the distance between an axis of rotation of the rotatable roller and the housing portion is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Diethard Becker, Michael Poetting
  • Patent number: 8166609
    Abstract: A suction nozzle of a vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle body which includes a suction port adapted to draw in contaminants on a surface, and a contaminant attachment unit formed in the suction nozzle body. The contaminant attachment unit is adapted to attach contaminants thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Yong Cha, Jang-Keun Oh
  • Patent number: 8166610
    Abstract: An electrically weldable spring hinge for eyeglasses includes a housing open on a bottom side having a cavity into which a spring element may be inserted and in which at least one support element is provided. The spring hinge additionally includes a hinge element displaceably supported in the housing. The at least one support element is essentially centrally located in the region of an open end face section of the housing and, starting from a base area of the housing, protrudes into the cavity in a freestanding manner. A welding button for electrically welding the housing to the eyeglass element is provided on the bottom side of the support element facing an eyeglass element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Obe Ohnmacht & Baumgärtner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Wienicke, Ulrich Wannenmacher
  • Patent number: 8166611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door supporting device for a refrigerator. The door supporting device of the present invention can adjust the height of the door. A hinge bracket of the door supporting device of the present invention includes a fixing portion fixed to a front face of the refrigerator, and a supporting portion extending forward from an upper end of the fixing portion and having a threaded hole with threads formed on an inner periphery thereof. A hinge shaft of the door supporting device has threads on an outer periphery thereof and is threadly engaged with the threaded hole so that the hinge shaft can be supported by the hinge bracket. An upper end of the hinge shaft rotatably supports the door. The height of the door can be adjusted by rotating the hinge shaft. A nut is threadly engaged with the hinge shaft below the hinge bracket. The nut prevents the hinge shaft from being rotated so that the door can be constantly maintained at a predetermined height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Sun-Nam Moon
  • Patent number: 8166612
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for a pivoting door mounted about an opening, and may include a hinge plate, an internally threaded adjuster, a locking element, a first cam element, a second cam element, and a limiting plate. The hinge plate is mounted about the opening and includes a pivot projecting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Nilton Carlos Bertolini, Cory Dale Simpson
  • Patent number: 8166613
    Abstract: A limiting hinge has a stationary limiting washer, a rotating limiting washer, a rotating bracket and a positioning washer mounted around a pintle in sequence. A first resistance is formed between the stationary limiting washer and the rotating limiting washer. A second resistance is formed between the rotating limiting washer and the rotating bracket. A third resistance is formed between the rotating bracket and the positioning washer. Because the first resistance is larger than the second resistance while the second resistance is larger than the third resistance, the rotating limiting washer disengages from the rotating bracket when a huge force is accidentally applied. Therefore, the rotating limiting washer stays still with the stationary limiting washer to prevent breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Ko Chung, Cheng-Syue Wu
  • Patent number: 8166614
    Abstract: An auxiliary handle for a hand-held power tool (7) includes a lockable lag hinge (46) provided between the clamping section (21) and the gripping member (34) and having a pivot pin (47), a tensioning member (51) for tightening and loosening the clamping section (21) and arranged on an end (48) of the pivot pin (47) of the lag hinge (46), a locking device (41) for locking and releasing the lag hinge (46), and an independent from the tensioning member (51), unlocking device (56) for releasing the locking device (41) and having an actuation member (62) upon actuation of which, the locking device (41) is displaced from its locking position in which the lag hinge (46) is locked to its release position in which the lag hinge (46) is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Paul Martin
  • Patent number: 8166615
    Abstract: A wearable, item attaching, apparel clamp is disclosed. The clamp broadly includes a clamping jaw and an underlying opposed clamping jaw capable of permanently or temporarily attaching a personal item either directly or indirectly to whatever substrate or fabric edge the clamp is attached. The clamping jaw attaches to the underlying jaw via a hinge element which includes a fulcrum. An article connecting element attaches to the clamping jaw and extends toward or beyond the securing portion of the clamping jaws. The connecting element contains a resilient opening large enough to attach a second item directly or indirectly. Such other item may include a key chain, chain link, receptacle, or the like, thus enabling the item to hang below the bottom of the clamp. The underlying clamping jaw(s) distribute the weight of the attached item relative to the clamp preventing the flexible substrate to which the clamp can fasten from excessive bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: The Hip Klub, LLC
    Inventor: Audra Coldiron
  • Patent number: 8166616
    Abstract: A turnbuckle for an anti-skid chain that can be mounted on the wheel of a vehicle. A tension cable is connected inside the turnbuckle housing to a winding roll that is pre-stressed in the winding-up direction and mounted so that it can be rotated about its axle. A ratchet wheel with at least one ratchet catch allocated to it is provided on the winding roll and the tension cable can be blocked against its direction of tension by gripping of the ratchet catch into the ratchet wheel. The ratchet catch is moved at least incrementally outwards from the idle position when the wheel isn't moving, in which it is disengaged from the ratchet wheel and the tension cable is not blocked, under the action of the centrifugal force upon rotation of the wheel, and this movement effects a gripping of the ratchet catch into the ratchet wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pewag Schneeketten GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Ägyd Pengg
  • Patent number: 8166617
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a device that efficiently folds and organizes tubing and cords while not compromising their function. In certain embodiments, the device provides dynamic length adjustment in the form to reducing line length, and the device organizes the lines in parallel, making it easier to identify their connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Z. Yan
  • Patent number: 8166618
    Abstract: A strapping device used for installing, supporting, and sealing under-mount sinks comprises a series of straps looped by a series of rings and locking tightening devices. The locking tightening devices are used to tighten the straps and raise and support an under-mount sink in position. The rings and straps are anchored to hooks attached to the edge of the sink opening on the counter top underlay. A series of hooks are capable of holding a series of straps under tension to support an under mount sink in position with a located on the lip of the under-mount sink. A continuous loop of closed cell PVC is disposed atop the lip of the sink, so that when the sink is tightened through the countertop underlay, the lip of the sink encounters the underside of the countertop and the sealing material is compressed, forming a permanent, flexible, water-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Leonard Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8166619
    Abstract: A fluid-tight slide fastener including coated tapes equipped with teeth, opposite stops and a slider operable between the opposite stops to engage or disengage the teeth. The coated tapes include a core textile layer and a fluid-barrier coating made of a thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE), the teeth being made of a thermoplastic material. The textile material of the core layer of the coated tapes is chosen among polyester, polyamide and their blends or copolymers. The thermoplastic elastomer material of the coating is chosen between thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane (TPE-U) and thermoplastic elastomer polyester (TPE-E). The thermoplastic material of the teeth is chosen among PBT, ABS, polyamide and their blends or copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: RIRI Group S.A.
    Inventors: Livio Cossutti, Marc Butz
  • Patent number: 8166620
    Abstract: A subsea connector comprises a female element (1) defining a parallel bore (2) adapted to receive a male element (3). First releasable locking means are disposed between elements (2) and (3) and comprise a sprung cage (6) in which balls (5) are retained for movement in tapered grooves circumferentially spaced around element (3). As the cage moves relative to element (3) balls (5) protrude from the cage to a greater or lesser extent to lock the elements together. Second locking means prevent relative movement between elements (1) and (3) in a locking release direction of the first releasable locking means. These second locking means comprise lock balls retained in an apertured body disposed between elements (1) and (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Balltec Limited
    Inventors: Graham Halstead, Robert Emmett
  • Patent number: 8166621
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a frequency of a piezoelectric vibration element includes: disposing the piezoelectric vibration element in an atmosphere of a vapor of a ring-shaped dimethylpolysiloxane molecule, the piezoelectric vibration element having a metal layer on a surface of a piezoelectric substrate formed of a thickness slip based piezoelectric material; and making the ring-shaped dimethylpolysiloxane molecule subject to chemical absorption with a surface of the metal layer to form a layer of the ring-shaped dimethylpolysiloxane molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ohshima, Shin Hasegawa, Noriyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8166622
    Abstract: A machine for machining workpieces, for example plastic spectacle lenses, has a workpiece spindle which rotates the workpiece about a workpiece rotation axis, and a fast tool arrangement which moves a turning tool in the direction to and from the workpiece, wherein the workpiece spindle and the fast tool arrangement can moreover be moved relative to one another in a direction transverse to the workpiece rotation axis. A tool holder is connected to the fast tool arrangement and carries the turning tool. An engraving tool is spaced from the workpiece rotation axis and has an essentially point-shaped end facing towards the workpiece. The engraving tool can be moved in the direction of the workpiece and away therefrom in a highly dynamic manner via the tool holder, so that a marking can be produced on the workpiece in particular by a needling engagement of the engraving tool with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Satisloh AG
    Inventors: Urs Meyer, Marc Savoie
  • Patent number: 8166623
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a bore with a housing groove disposed on an inside surface of the bore with a groove establishing a release angle between a housing groove bottom and a bore inside surface. A retainer defines a spring cavity between a retainer and the release angle and a circular radial canted coil spring is disposed in the spring cavity. A pin having a tapered end and a body diameter sized for sliding engagement with the bore is provided which includes a circumferential groove in the pin body for receiving the coil spring upon insertion of the pin into the bore. A circumferential groove includes a load angle for rotating the coil spring in an orientation in which the major spring axis is parallel to the release angle upon initial withdrawal of the pin from the bore. The coil is further compressed along the spring minor axis and expands radially upon continued withdrawal of the pin from the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Balsells
  • Patent number: 8166624
    Abstract: A linearly extendible impact anchor driving apparatus for positioning and setting a wedge anchor assembly in a pre-drilled hole extending inwardly through the ceiling or wall surface of a structure while at ground level and with a single tool. One embodiment of the apparatus has an extendible tubular housing with a coupling and anchor head at one end and a hemispherical end tip at the other. A slidable handle impacts a stop mounted to the body to impart linear force to the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jon Andreasen, Anthony Patsfield
  • Patent number: 8166625
    Abstract: Diorama having a focal zone and a plurality of inclined panels on which different areas of the image are displayed disposed about the focal zone, with the image flowing continuously between the panels and no physical seams between areas of the image displayed on adjacent ones of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Axial-Digital Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8166626
    Abstract: A method and a jig for mounting of a stack of Belleville springs about a shaft. The individual springs of the stack are first positioned over the shaft. A jig is then placed over the shaft and the springs and has at least one axially extending pressure bar that is radially inwardly biased to urge the inner circumferences of all the springs into contact with axially aligned points on the surface of the shaft. The springs are then compressed using a compression element while they are still urged by the pressure bar against the shaft. Finally, to retain the springs on the shaft and maintain the springs in compression, a split retaining clip is pressed onto to the shaft until it engages in a groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Eugenio Sereni, Johannes Diels, Arie Niemantsverdriet, Matteo Venturelli
  • Patent number: 8166627
    Abstract: The prosthetic temporomandibular implant (10) comprises a concave surface (16) and a convex surface (17) designed to cooperate, respectively, with the natural outer surface (9) of the condyle (5) and the natural inner surface (7) of the fossa (8) of a damaged joint (2) of a human mandible (1). It is made of a rigid biocompatible material such as ceramic, stainless steel or an aluminum/zirconium alloy. The implant is designed based on an image of the joint (2) generated by a medical imaging system and incorporating an image of a healthy joint (3); these three-dimensional images are processed by a CAD (segmentation, vectorization) system to obtain a vector representation of the implant (10) and a data file capable of controlling a digital milling machine. The invention is applicable to the restoration of a damaged TMJ (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: OBL
    Inventor: Dominique Deffrennes
  • Patent number: 8166628
    Abstract: In manufacturing a stator coil for rotary electric machine having phase windings, plural conductive shaped wire members are integrated mutually to form an integrated body. Each shaped wire member has plural straight portions and plural turn portions alternately connecting adjacent straight portions at each of both ends of each straight portion. The body has plural straight superposed portions each formed by mutually superposing the plural straight portions. A wound-up body has plural straight stack portions The straight portions are fitted to respective fitting grooves of an alignment member, the fitting grooves being formed in the alignment member at intervals each corresponding to the size of a gap between adjacent straight stack portions. The integrated body is wound about a core member together with the alignment member, with the straight portions being fitted to the alignment member to form the wound-up body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akito Akimoto, Yoshinobu Yanagisawa, Shuzo Muraki, Masaomi Dobashi, Kentaro Mitsuki, Atsuo Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 8166629
    Abstract: A stator having a stator core and coils is disclosed. The stator core includes split core pieces each having a tooth portion. The split core pieces are arranged annularly such that the distal ends of the tooth portions face radially inward. A lead wire is continuously wound about an adjacent pair of the tooth portions such that coils of different phases are formed in the circumferentially adjacent tooth portions, so that a plurality of connecting wires are provided, each connecting wire connecting coils of different phases. The connecting wires are connected to one another while being connected to one another, such that a neutral point is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Tao, Tetsuji Yoshikawa