Patents Issued in June 12, 2012
  • Patent number: 8196223
    Abstract: A patient gown for a nursing mother is disclosed, the patient gown includes an outer gown releasably fastened in a front thereof, an upper portion of said outer gown having shoulder straps cooperating to form the upper opening, wherein a front of the shoulder straps is fastened to a back of the shoulder straps, and an inner jacket fastened to an interior of the outer gown. The outer gown and inner jacket cooperate to provide coverage of a desired portion of the body of the patient, as well as coverage of a nursing child, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Patient Gowns By Design, LLC
    Inventors: Linda A. Hamilton, Rita K. Nye, Charlotte S. Steinman
  • Patent number: 8196224
    Abstract: A surgical protective assembly having an air movement device and a head gear assembly carrying the air movement device. The head gear assembly includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a front end, a back end and a middle portion between the front end and the back end. The outer wall has an upper opening, the inner wall has an array of openings, and the inner and outer wall define a front opening at the front end. The head gear assembly has a passageway that fluidly connects together, the upper opening, the array and the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Manzella, Jr., David K. Platt, Michael C. Shaughnessy, Kevin T. Pullen, Keith A. Larson, Alison J. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8196225
    Abstract: A decorative patch has a base with a head, legs, arms and a torso, all fabricated of a high pile fabric. A plurality of paddings include a tummy, feet, face, eyes and ears, all fabricated of a felted fabric. Stitching couples the paddings to the base. Embroidery through the face padding forms a nose and a mouth. A ribbon in the form of a bow tie is coupled to the base between the tummy and the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Jessica L. Nicks
  • Patent number: 8196226
    Abstract: A protective helmet (100) comprises a plurality of layers. A fabric layer (200) conforms to a wearer's head, extending around the head from the top of the head to a point above the ears. A first, conforming hard layer (205) follows and is secured to the fabric layer. A second hard layer (210) conforms to and rests on the previous hard layer, but is not attached to it. A fibrous layer (215) is formed over the second hard layer, and a wet settable friable or frangible material layer, e.g., plaster, (220) is applied over the fibrous layer. The friable or frangible material infiltrates the fiber layer and seals it to the second hard layer. While the friable or frangible material is still wet, a mold (222) or tool (not shown) forms a plurality of lines, e.g., hexagonal trenches (225), in the friable material that extend downward toward the fibrous layer. The mold can optionally be left in place or removed after the plaster hardens. Next, a surface layer (230) of resin is applied over the outside of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Allen John Schuh
  • Patent number: 8196227
    Abstract: A goggle and a strap assembly method thereof are provided. The goggle includes an eyeglass, a frame and at least one strap. The frame receives and secures the eyeglass therein and is bilaterally provided with a pair of engaging portions each having a through hole. The strap has at least one connecting portion and is passed through the through hole of a corresponding one of the engaging portions of the frame. The connecting portion of the strap is provided with a resisting portion which makes the connecting portion slightly larger than an opening of each of the through holes, so that the strap which is passed through the through hole of a corresponding one of the engaging portions can be securely attached to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: High Rainbow Ent. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng Chen, Shu-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 8196228
    Abstract: A protective toilet seat cover comprising in combination a sheet of foldable flexible material having an overall size to cover the toilet, the sheet having a top panel defining a through opening to register with and overlie the toilet bowl, the sheet having opposite side panels configured to hang downwardly at opposite sides of the toilet, the side panels having upright front edges, the sheet having a front panel configured to hang downwardly at the front of the toilet, the front panel having spaced edges that extend upwardly and sidewardly to define front panel upper portions separate from the side panels, and that hang in protective overlying relation to front edges of the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Garik Gyurjyan
  • Patent number: 8196229
    Abstract: An adjustable floor drain includes an adapter plate securable to a base imbedded within flooring. A locator ring overlays the adapter plate and the combined thicknesses of the locator ring and adapter plate are at least equal to the thickness of a covering over the floor. A grid plate overlays the adapter plate and is seated within the locator ring. The locator ring and adapter plate may be integrally formed as a single unit, and a frame member frames the drain to provide a neat, finished appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Richard F. Hickok
  • Patent number: 8196230
    Abstract: A toilet unit for use in a supine position comprises a depressed section formed on a mattress, a U-shaped casing adapted to mount a butt-pad provided with a U-shaped central groove section thereon, and a urination and defecation treating unit of a substantially T-shape loosely fitted into the U-shaped central groove section of the butt-pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Minoru Nakamura, Sanyo Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Nakamura, Kim Yong Ha, Do Hyun Ok
  • Patent number: 8196231
    Abstract: A toilet that applies pressured air between an upper trap (30) that connects to the toilet bowl and a lower trap (32) that connects to a drain (16), includes a pressured air source (42) that holds a large volume of pressured air equal to at least 30% of the volume of the trapway passage (34) that connects the traps. The pressured air source includes a container (70) with its top coupled though a conduit (90) to the trapway passage, and with air in the container top compressed by water rising in the container after each flushing. The container top lies at least as high as the full water level (52) in the toilet tank when the toilet tank is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: P & C Hennessy Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Hennessy
  • Patent number: 8196232
    Abstract: An exhaust unit for a hanging toilet bowl is described, and includes a house with a back wall and a front wall, two exhaust coupling tubes extending in the house from the front wall to the back wall and having a first end projecting outside the house back wall. The first end of a second exhaust coupling tube can have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first end of a first exhaust coupling tube. At its second end, the first exhaust coupling tube can be provided with a sealing ring arranged in a groove-shaped recess of the inner wall. At its second end, the second exhaust coupling tube can provided with a sealing ring arranged in a groove-shaped recess of the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Trivio Invest B.V.
    Inventors: Petrus Joannes Wilhelmus Van Herp, Johannes Hermanus Petrus Maria Oonk, Tijmen Karel Jan Boogers
  • Patent number: 8196233
    Abstract: The height adjustable toilet stand device provides for accommodating individuals of varying heights. Importantly, the housings are designed to fit typical toilet dimensions such that the front and back sides of the housing are substantially even with a front and back of a toilet. A user is thereby allowed feet placement adjacent to the toilet. In order for the device to correctly accommodate shorter statures, the bottom housing is ideally sunken within a given surface such that the toilet begins, without elevation, at a height even with the surface. The individual of greater stature has only to turn on the on/off and then use the up/down control to select a desired height for the toilet. This adjustable height feature is not only important for convenience but may be of key importance to anyone suffering from physical limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: William L. Daniels
  • Patent number: 8196234
    Abstract: A shower installation with discharge nozzles for horizontal installation near the ceiling is constructed to be swiveled between a resting position and an active position, wherein at least a section of the discharge nozzles protrudes in the active position. To swivel the mounting of the shower device, an operating device is provided that swivels the shower device mounting via the force of water flowing to the shower devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Guenter Glunk
  • Patent number: 8196235
    Abstract: An emergency eye wash valve which can be connected to an IV fluid bag or other reservoir of fluid easily controllable flow of liquid to two eye wash arms which are independently positionable to dispense the liquid into the eyes of a patient in need of emergency eye wash. In addition, the valve has a base member which can be affixed via a biocompatible adhesive to the patient (for example on the forehead or bridge of the nose) to hold the valve in position so that it does not have to held in place by a person during the eye washing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Dudley
  • Patent number: 8196236
    Abstract: A convertible furniture assembly has a frame assembly including a base and a platform disposed over the base, the platform including a bottom platform portion slidably mounted to the base and a top platform portion pivotally connected to the platform and slidably guided by the guide plates, the platform being moveable between a seat position and a bed position. A pad assembly includes a bottom pad portion secured to the bottom platform portion and having a angled rear edge, and a top pad portion secured to the top platform portion and having an angled lower edge complementary with the angled rear edge. In the seat position, the angled lower edge of the extends over the bottom pad portion forward of the angled rear edge, and, in the bed position, the angled lower edge overlaps the angled rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin J. Smythe
  • Patent number: 8196237
    Abstract: A movable patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a base supporting the frame and having a plurality of bearing assemblies for moving the base along a floor surface. The support also includes a brake, a brake actuator for actuating the brake of at least one bearing assembly, and a brake bar coupled to the brake actuator. The brake bar is movable between a non-braking position and a braking position wherein the actuator causes the brake to move to its braking position. Further, the brake bar extends between the head end and the foot end of the frame and further has a portion extending outwardly from the brake actuator to at least close proximity to the bearing footprint defined by the bearing assemblies but within the frame footprint to thereby provide relatively easy access to the brake bar to an attendant standing adjacent one of the longitudinal sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Cory Herbst, John Zerbel, Eugene L. Keller, III, Mike Brubaker, Douglas Keller
  • Patent number: 8196238
    Abstract: A surgical table for infants and small animals has a bed assembly that is rotatable. The bed assembly includes a stationary plate and a rotating plate with a brake that controls rotation. The bed assembly may be connected by a clamp to the frame of a conventional operating table and supported alongside or above. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted on its own vertical support. The bed assembly may also be permanently mounted to the operating table by an articulated clamp that allows the bed assembly to be stored alongside. A central opening is present in both plates so that hoses and wires connected to the patient will pass through this opening to permit rotation of the patient with the table with no stress on the hoses or wires where they connect to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Hejkal, Kimberly Ryland, Carl Nelson
  • Patent number: 8196239
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems associated with clinical support. In one embodiment, a clinical support pad includes a plurality of support cells formed in a first film layer of material sufficiently impermeable to a fluid contained in the cells such that each cell is configured to be alternately and repeatedly inflated and deflated with respect to one or more adjacent cells. Each cell is in fluid communication with at least one of a number of channels formed in the first film layer, is configured such that a surface of each cell has a continuous curvature across a length direction and across a width direction of the cell, and are spaced such that a distance between a center of each cell and a center of at least one adjacent cell is not more than a two-point discrimination threshold distance associated with a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Micropulse, Inc.
    Inventors: Delroy W. Carlson, Christopher J. Zwettler
  • Patent number: 8196240
    Abstract: The present invention includes a pressure relief patient support for use in combination with a bed frame. The pressure relief support surface includes a plurality of layers of a three-dimensional fiber material positioned above a plurality of vertical air cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Meyer, John Alan Bobey, Sohrab Soltani, Jonathan H. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8196241
    Abstract: A foam core for a pressure reduction healthcare mattress is disclosed. It includes a top layer made of memory retention foam, a middle layer made of foam and having a convex shape that is higher along a longitudinal center line than along the two sides, and a lower support layer made of foam. The top layer is made of a torso piece and a softer foot/lower leg piece. The middle layer includes a heel pillow that fits into a heel pillow cavity in the foam, the heel pillow including layers of fiber material over a crown shaped foam insert. The lower support layer has a sloped portion in a lower leg section that slopes down toward a heel end of the foam core. Also disclosed is a pressure reduction healthcare mattress that includes the foam core and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: BG Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: Arnold Balonick, Curtis Wyatt
  • Patent number: 8196242
    Abstract: The present invention provides a washing machine and method of controlling a drying cycle thereof, by which a laundry can be evenly distributed within a drum rotated at a second speed for a low-speed dewatering cycle during the drying cycle to further enhance a drying effect. Once the drying cycle is initiated, a blower fan and heater are driven to circulate hot air within the washing machine via tub and circulation duct. And, the drum is rotated by applying a first rotational speed for a normal drying cycle and a second rotational speed for a low-speed dewatering cycle with a prescribed duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kwang Soo Kim, Jae Mun Kim
  • Patent number: 8196243
    Abstract: A method of fitting a cyclist in a cycling shoe is provided. The cycling shoe is engagable in a clipless pedal via a cleat affixed to the cycling shoe. The method includes the steps of compensating for a cyclist's biomechanical malalignments within the kinetic chain involved in cycling by providing a tilt to the cyclist's forefoot and challenging the cyclist with a neuromuscular feedback test as the cyclist uses their foot to apply a force through the cycling shoe to the clipless pedal. The compensation is varied and the cyclist is retested until a favorable response to the neuromuscular feedback test indicates a functional compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Pedal Pushers Cycles Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Stephen J. Hogg
  • Patent number: 8196244
    Abstract: A modular ramp system contemplates two molded plastic ramps placed back-to-back with one another so that in a direction of travel, one would travel up one ramp and then immediately down the other. The ramps are interconnected by a spine including connectors interfacing with connectors provided on the facing surfaces of the ramps. In the preferred embodiment, the connectors consist of dovetail recesses and dovetail projections. The ramps also have connection structure on their lateral sides, so that other ramps may be assembled to the two back-to-back ramps to make a ramp that is incrementally wider. The ramp may consist of a plurality of ramp sections assembled together to create a ramp. A table is designed to be used with ramps and other components and includes openings to facilitate installation of a grind rail or a support rail. The table surface includes peripheral coping integrally formed with the table during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Mapp
  • Patent number: 8196245
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided, the electric toothbrush having a housing, with a drive that is elastically mounted on the housing by means of a spring device and can be moved in an oscillatory fashion in at least one plane of motion, and with a transmission element that is connected to the drive and serves for transmitting the driving motion to a brush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Schwarz-Hartmann, Martin Haas, Manfred Ringelmann, Philipp Jung, Michael Schmid, Heiko Bornheimer, Thomas Fritsch
  • Patent number: 8196246
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle and head. The handle includes a neck with first upper and lower tabs and a first lug therebetween and second upper and lower tabs and a second lug therebetween. The head includes a main body portion and a generally cylindrical connection member that has bottom, outer and inner surfaces and a central opening, and a first lower protrusion that includes first and second inclined surfaces extending inwardly from the inner surface, a first slot defined in the bottom surface and the inner surface, a first lower notch defined in the inner surface, and a first opening defined in the inner surface above the first lower protrusion. The first slot and the first lower notch are disposed on opposite sides of the first lower protrusion, the first lower tab is positioned in the first lower notch and the first lug in the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Zila, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald W. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8196247
    Abstract: A floor maintenance apparatus having a floor maintenance machine and an attached sulky which allows an operator to ride in a standing position or walk behind the floor maintenance machine. A wheeled sulky having a first attaching portion, a stopping portion, a wheel receiving portion, and a platform portion having a first portion and a second portion is also provided. Methods of operating the apparatus are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: NSS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery R. Fellhauer, William E. Brashear, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8196248
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a medical instrument such as an endoscope, which includes a fabric, wipe, or sponge impregnated with a composition which comprises: an enzyme such as a protease, alcalase, cellulase, lipolase: a surfactant and a humectant present in an amount to ensure that sufficient water is absorbed to reduce any hazard which would arise from use of the enzyme in dry form while maintain activity of the enzyme during storage. The cleaning device is adapted to remove at least a portion of externally adherent soiling on a surgical instrument by mechanical wiping; and to redistribute any remaining external soiling such that it is distributed as a film of thinner and more uniform thickness than on the unwiped instrument. The invention also relates to packaging of the cleaning device, and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Novapharm Research (Australia) Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Steven Kritzler
  • Patent number: 8196249
    Abstract: A cleaning implement in the form of a combined brush and squeegee with a head member (2) with bristle (4) extending from the head member and a handle (7), where a squeegee blade (8) is movably supported on the head member (2). An extension mechanism (14) is operable by a user to extend or retract the squeegee blade member (8) relative to the head member (2) in a direction generally parallel to the extent of the bristles (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Gregory Clegg Spooner, Christopher James Mccaughan Hay, Benjo Lapuebla Manuel, Caroline Maree Francis
  • Patent number: 8196250
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning heads of golf clubs has a substantially upstanding housing having an upper end, a lower end and a wall structure interconnecting the two and defining a chamber. At least one portal is formed in the wall structure. The portals may be slot-like or may have a curvilinear configuration such as a circle or ellipse. A set of brushes extends from the interior of the upper end into the chamber. An opposing set of brushes extends from the interior of the lower end into the chamber. The terminal ends of the two sets of brushes define a substantially narrow passageway in alignment with the portals. At least one of the upper and lower sets of brushes has a plurality of bristle zones wherein the brush bristles of one bristle zone are of a different length and rigidity than the brush bristles of a different bristle zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Dean Kawka
  • Patent number: 8196251
    Abstract: A gutter cleaning robot can traverse rain gutters to agitate and remove debris. The gutter cleaning robot is equipped with a debris auger at a front end that contacts and ejects the debris, and has a drive system for propelling the gutter cleaning robot along the rain gutter. The debris auger can include a spiral screw or various other forms of auger, and may be interchangeable by the user so as to enhance the effectiveness of the gutter cleaning robot in various environments or modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventor: James Lynch
  • Patent number: 8196252
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, and wherein neighboring ends of longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece with the special feature that connecting piece comprises a channel for a part of wiper blade that extends from strips in a direction away from the windscreen to be wiped, wherein channel comprises retaining means for retaining connecting piece onto wiper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Henin
  • Patent number: 8196253
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises at least one wiper bearing (14) provided with a bearing housing (24). The wiper shaft (22) mounted in the bearing housing (24) can move a wiper arm to a first end (26). The inventive device also comprises an element (40) which axially supports the wiper shaft (22). According to said invention, the element (40) is embodied in the form of a bridging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Burak Barlas
  • Patent number: 8196254
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for connecting a wiper blade (12) to a wiper arm (10) of a windshield wiper in an articulated manner, which comprises a joining element (38), which is joined in a fixed manner to the wiper arm (10), and a connecting element (22), which is joined in a fixed manner to a supporting element (16) of the wiper blade (12) and on which a plastic adapter (30) is pivotally mounted. The adapter (30) is fixed in the profile of the joining element (38), said profile being open toward the connecting element (22), by means of fastening means (34, 40). The invention provides that a filler piece (44) is placed in the joining element (38) on the side facing the wiper arm (10) following the adapter (30). Said filler piece rests tightly against the inside walls of the joining element (38) and against the adjacent face of the adapter (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Samir Mahfoudh, Wolfgang Leutsch, Hubert Verelst, Erik Kinnaert
  • Patent number: 8196255
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connection apparatus (10) for a wiper arm (14) and a wiper blade (12). The connection apparatus comprises a first and a second connection part. According to the invention, provision is made for the first connection part to have a first identification means and for the second connection part to have a second identification means which corresponds to the first identification means. The invention also comprises a system with two flat-bar wiper blades, with at least one first identification means being provided on at least one flat-bar wiper blade in order to distinguish between the two wiper blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter De Block, Eric Windmolders, Tom Vangeel, Hans Beelen
  • Patent number: 8196256
    Abstract: A backing strip for a windshield wiper assembly includes a pair of rails. Each of the pair of rails includes a body portion and a detent portion. The detent portion includes a cut-out on each side thereof. The cut-outs form at least a pair of hooks on each side of said detent portion. The cut-out on one side of the detent portion of each of said rails is for receiving a claw of the windshield wiper assembly and the hooks on the opposite side of the detent portion of each of the rails are for engaging a windshield wiper blade of the windshield wiper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Alberee Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Lee
  • Patent number: 8196257
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner for cleaning a surface includes a base unit with a brush motor and a brush roller drivable by the brush motor. An air conduit leads from the base unit to a dust collection container and includes an interface and a first section downstream of the interface. The first section includes a hose or a hose-and-wand assembly and is arranged externally on an upper body of the vacuum and is also securable to the upper body. A receiving structure on the upper body is configured to receive the first section and is removable from the receiving structure in a region of the interface so as to enable a vacuuming mode of operation that is independent of the base unit. A turning-off device is operable to turn off the brush motor when the first section is removed from the receiving structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Mark Hanschur, Udo Mersmann
  • Patent number: 8196258
    Abstract: A brush assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a brush body having a suction inlet; a main brush which is rotatably coupled to the brush body through the suction inlet to face a surface being cleaned; and a secondary brush which is rotatably mounted on the brush body to rotate between at least two positions including a first position, in which the secondary brush contacts the surface being cleaned, and a second position, in which the secondary brush does not contact the surface being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-ho Seo
  • Patent number: 8196259
    Abstract: A door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member and to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close with the force of the door closer if the second member is disengaged from the locking region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Richard W. Armstrong, Daniel Isaak Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8196260
    Abstract: A support system includes a frame member and a cover magnetically coupled to one another proximate an edge of the cover and in an aligned state. The cover is rotatable with respect to the frame member without any structural coupling therebetween while the frame member and cover remain substantially in the aligned state. A method of supporting a cover with respect to a frame includes magnetically attracting the cover and frame to each other proximate an edge of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Peter Danko
  • Patent number: 8196261
    Abstract: A tilt hinge includes a movable range fixed tilt hinge and a movable range switching member. The movable range fixed tilt hinge includes a spindle, a movable bracket rotatably arranged around the spindle and having a projecting piece, a fixed bracket fixed to the spindle, and a stopper fixed to the spindle and having first and second cam portions. The stopper restricts a moving range of the movable bracket within a first movable range by engaging the projecting piece with the first and the second cam portions. A friction imparting arrangement has a friction built between the movable bracket and the fixed bracket. The movable range switching member is enable to switch the moving range of the movable bracket between the first movable range and a second movable range smaller than the first movable range by a pushing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Infrontia Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Hayahi
  • Patent number: 8196262
    Abstract: An interfering assembly of a hinge includes a male element including a first raised portion and a second raised portion, and a female element defining a through hole. A slot apart from a center of the through hole is defined in the female element. An inner ring and an outer ring are formed beside the slot. The inner ring defines a first depressed portion engaged with the first raised portion, and the outer ring defines a second depressed portion engaged with the second raised portion. Widths of the inner ring and the ring slot are gradually varied. During rotation of the rotating member, the first and second raised portions are slid out from the first and second depressed portions, respectively, and then in frictional engagement with the inner and outer rings, together with partial portions of the first and second raised portions covering the slot, correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Bin Chang
  • Patent number: 8196263
    Abstract: A hinge includes a first connector which has a hollow pivotal sleeve with a channel penetrating therethrough, a coupling flap and a locating strip spaced from each other in a parallel relation and connected with two opposite edges of the channel respectively, a resilient tube pivotally received within and circumferentially biasing against the pivotal sleeve to produce a friction resistance force therebetween, two second connectors fastened to two opposite ends of the resilient tube, and a fastening element for holding the locating strip and the coupling flap closely together and adjust a space between the locating strip and the coupling flap to further regulate the friction resistance force. So the first connector may be positioned at any desired angle relative to the second connectors by means of the friction resistance force between the resilient tube and the pivotal sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Chi Wang, Chin-Te Chiu, Mei-Chuan Yang
  • Patent number: 8196264
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a positioning module, a connecting module and a rotating module. The positioning module includes a sleeve. The connecting module includes a pivot tube and a shaft. The pivot tube is rotatably attached to the sleeve. The shaft is slidably and rotatably received in the pivot tube. The rotating module is rotatably attached to one end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Xin-Quan Zhou, Hsiao-Hua Tu, Ye Liu, Yan-Ling Gao
  • Patent number: 8196265
    Abstract: A concealed door hinge has first and second leaf assemblies fittable into respective mortises in an edge of the door and in the door frame. The first leaf assembly has a body, mounting tabs at ends of the body and securable to the door frame or to an edge of the door, and an insert shiftable in the body in a first horizontal direction perpendicular to a face of the assembly. The body is also shiftable relative to the tabs in a second horizontal direction transverse to the horizontal direction and parallel to the face. A swivel mechanism is connected between the second leaf assembly and the insert of the assembly. Adjusters engaged between the insert, the body, and the tabs can relatively secure the insert and body in any of a plurality of positions offset relative to one another in the horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Simonswerk GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Neukoetter, Nicolas Liermann
  • Patent number: 8196266
    Abstract: A fashion accessory for accessorizing an item includes a button operatively connected to a bow and an elastic cording operatively connected to the button and adapted for connecting the fashion accessory, the elastic cording having a first loop for pulling around the button for removably fastening the fashion accessory to the item. A method of fashion accessorizing an item includes providing a fashion accessory comprising a bow, a button operatively connected to the bow, and an elastic cording operatively connected to the button, the elastic cording having a first loop and a second loop and then pulling the first loop and the second loop of the elastic cording around a portion of the item and over the button to thereby secure the fashion accessory in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Laura R. Stratton-Metzger
  • Patent number: 8196267
    Abstract: A locking clasp provides security against opening without assistance to ensure that items employing the clasp remain locked and affixed in place. In addition, the locking clasp is easy to lock, aesthetically unobtrusive, and comfortable to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: James Elwood Nalley, Christopher Daniel Buehler, Bruce Woodall, James Fairey
  • Patent number: 8196268
    Abstract: A fastening system for fastening materials together featuring a first magnet for attaching to the first material; a second magnet for attaching to the second material; a slanted aperture disposed on a bottom surface of the first magnet; and a slanted peg protruding from a bottom surface of the second magnet, the slanted aperture is adapted to snugly receive the slanted peg; wherein the first material and second material are fastened together by aligning and sliding the slanted peg into the slanted aperture, wherein magnetic forces keep the first magnet attracted to the second magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony Placeres
  • Patent number: 8196269
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch includes a female profile having first, second, and third legs extending from a base of a first closure element. A first sealing flange is attached to each of the first and second legs, with a slit disposed through the first sealing flange to define a first sealing flap that depends from the first leg and a second sealing flap that depends from the second leg. A second sealing flange is attached to each of the second and third legs, with a slit disposed through the second sealing flange to define a third sealing flap that depends from the second leg and a fourth sealing flap that depends from the third leg. A first male profile extends from a base of a second closure element. The first male profile engages a portion of the first and second sealing flaps to form a seal therebetween when the respective male and female profiles are occluded. A second male profile extends from the base of the second closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey
  • Patent number: 8196270
    Abstract: There is provided a fastener for engaging with a loop fabric, comprising a base having a front surface with a multiplicity of engaging projections. At least some of the engaging projections having a top surface end and an attached end. The at least some engaging projections top surface ends form an edge angle surrounding the projections. A mantle surface extending from the top surface end edge to the attached end. Generally at least one contour line of a side view of the mantle surface is convex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zoltan Mandzsu, Jozsef Mandzsu, Jr., Jozsef Mandzsu, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8196271
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present apparatus are configured to secure a first member and a second member to one another. The first and second members include a bore extending through at least one of the first and second members and at least partially through the other of the first and second members. The apparatus comprises a pin connector including an enlarged ball portion positioned along a shank. The first member includes an annular groove extending around the bore. A canted coil spring seats within the groove. The apparatus is configured such that the spring exerts a squeezing force on the ball portion when the pin connector is disposed within the bore and the head of the pin connector contacts the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Bal Seal Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Pete Balsells
  • Patent number: 8196272
    Abstract: A clamp for hanging things, the clamp having a pair of jaws and a lever. Manipulation of the lever causes the jaws to either open or close, depending on the direction of manipulation. The lever is connected to one of the jaws and to a plate attachment. The attachment of the lever to the jaw rotates around the point of the lever's attachment to the plate attachment, the structure of the plate attachment defining the boundaries of the rotation. One jaw is connected to the other jaw at a point of pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Lee Curtis