Patents Issued in September 6, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120222235
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base, wherein the portable extractor can be used as a standalone extractor when detached from the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Lenkiewicz, Tom Minh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120222236
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a flexible suction hose. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided on the main body. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a suction hose wrap. The suction hose wrap having an accessory tool holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222237
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a power cord removably mounted to a power cord wrap and removable in a cord removal direction. The power cord wrap may comprise at least first and second spaced apart cord retaining members. At least one of the cord retaining members may be a moveable cord retaining member that is moveable between a cord storage position wherein the moveable cord retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the power cord and a cord removal position wherein the moveable cord retaining member extends generally in the cord removal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222238
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus includes a main body having a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls. A cavity having an open upper end is positioned between the first and second opposed side walls. A suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls and may be removably mounted in the cavity. The first and second opposed sidewalls can be sized to protect the cyclone bin assembly from a side impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222239
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus also comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls. A cavity having an open upper end may be positioned between the first and second opposed side walls. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls and may be removably mounted in the cavity. The cyclone bin assembly may include a locking member lockingly secures the cyclone bin assembly to the surface cleaning apparatus. The locking member may engage at least one of the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222240
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end, and a plurality of wheels. A compartment may be positioned inwards of one of the wheels. The compartment may be accessible when the one of the wheels is moved to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222241
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels may be rotatably mounted on to the surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a filter in a filter compartment wherein an axle or an axle mount for at least one of the wheels defines an axis of rotation that projects through the filter compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222242
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end. A filter compartment may be provided in the main body and may comprise an open portion. A pair of spaced apart wheels may have an axis of rotation and the axis of rotation may extend through the filter compartment. A seal plate may be used to sealingly close the open portion. The seal plate may be positioned between one of the wheels and the filter compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222243
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end and a filter compartment. A pair of spaced apart wheels may be mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus. One of the wheels overlies the filter compartment and at least a portion of the filter is visible through the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222244
    Abstract: A cyclone bin assembly comprises a dirt collection chamber in communication with a dirt outlet of a cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises a first and second opposed ends and comprises a first and portions. The dirt outlet is positioned adjacent the second opposed end of the dirt collection chamber. The first and second portions may comprise discrete chambers that are separated from each other by a passage extending between the dirt outlet and a wall of the dirt collection chamber. The first and second portions may have first and second sides. The first side is positioned adjacent the passage and the second side is angularly spaced from the passage. The second portion has a divider wall that extends towards the second opposed end of the dirt collection chamber from the first opposed end of the dirt collection chamber. The divider wall may be spaced from the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222245
    Abstract: A cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber having an air inlet, an air outlet, a dirt outlet and first and second opposed ends. The cyclone bin assembly may comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the dirt outlet. The dirt bin may surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber and comprising first and second portions. The first and second portions may comprise discrete chambers that are separated from each other by a passage extending between the dirt outlet and a wall of the dirt collection chamber. The dirt outlet may have an angular extent around the cyclone chamber and a larger portion of the angular extent of the slot may face the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222246
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls, and a suction motor provided in the air flow path. At least one of the first and second opposed sidewalls may have a compartment that houses an operating component of the surface cleaning apparatus or a portion of the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222247
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member, a suction motor and a filter housing. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a main body comprising a front end, a rear end and a central portion. The air treatment member may be removably mounted to the central portion. A pair of spaced apart main wheels may be mounted to the main body on either side of the central portion and may have an axis of rotation. The filter housing may be located in the central portion forward or rearward of the air treatment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222248
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls, and a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path. The cyclone bin assembly may have opposed end walls and may comprise a cyclone chamber having a diameter. Each of the first and second opposed sidewalls may comprise a wheel having a diameter larger than the diameter of the cyclone chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222249
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone bin assembly comprising a cyclone chamber positioned in the air flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a dirt collection chamber and a suction motor positioned in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may have first and second opposed ends and a sidewall extending between the first and second opposed ends. The sidewall may have a first portion extending from the first opposed end towards the second opposed end and a second portion extending from the second opposed end towards the first opposed end. The first and second portions may meet at a juncture. The first opposed end and the first portion may be openable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222250
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path and a platform. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and removably mounted on the platform. The cyclone bin assembly may comprise a cyclone chamber. An alignment member may be provided on the platform and may be located at the air exit path of the cyclone bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222251
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and may be removably mounted to the main body. The cyclone bin assembly may comprise a cyclone chamber. A hose connector may be provided on the main body. The hose connector may comprise a portion of the air flow path from the dirty air inlet to the cyclone bin assembly. The hose connector may be nested in the cyclone bin assembly when the cyclone bin assembly is mounted to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222252
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may be battery powered and/or may have a power requirement of 200 Watts or less. A cyclone chamber may be provided in the air flow path and may comprise a cyclone air inlet having a height, a cyclone air outlet and a screen surrounding the cyclone air outlet. The cyclone air outlet may comprise a passage that extends into the cyclone chamber less than the height of the cyclone inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222253
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a dirt outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt inlet, a dirt collection chamber first end, an opposed dirt collection chamber second end and a longitudinally extending sidewall. The sidewall may comprise a portion that has a longitudinal length and extends away from the dirt inlet towards the opposed dirt collection chamber second end. A transverse cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber may varies at least once along the length of the portion of the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222254
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone chamber in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may be comprise a cyclone chamber first end and a cyclone chamber second opposed end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a cyclone chamber wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt collection chamber first end, a dirt collection chamber second opposed end and an outer longitudinally extending sidewall. The outer longitudinally extending sidewall may have at least one recess provided therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222255
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a cyclone chamber in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a cyclone dirt outlet and a cyclone chamber wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt inlet in communication with the cyclone dirt outlet. At least a portion of the cyclone chamber may be in the dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber may comprise an inner side adjacent the cyclone chamber and an outer side spaced from the cyclone chamber and defined by a dirt collection chamber sidewall. A rib may extend between the inner side and the outer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222256
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone chamber first end and a cyclone chamber second opposed end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet provided at the cyclone chamber second opposed end and a cyclone chamber wall. An air exit conduit may be exterior to the cyclone chamber and may extend from the cyclone air outlet. At least one reinforcing rib may be positioned in abutting relationship with the air exit conduit and the cyclone chamber second opposed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222257
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A cyclone chamber may be provided in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a cyclone dirt outlet. A dirt collection chamber may comprise a dirt inlet in communication with the cyclone dirt outlet, an annular portion that surrounds at least a portion of the cyclone chamber, an inner side adjacent the cyclone chamber, and an outer side spaced from the cyclone chamber and defined by a dirt collection chamber sidewall. A support surface may extend between the inner side and the outer side. The support surface may extending part way around the annular portion and may extend away from the dirt inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222258
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a dirt outlet and a cyclone chamber wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a fine particle separator. The fine particle separator may comprise an annular flow channel, a fine particle separator inlet in communication with the cyclone chamber via the cyclone dirt outlet, a fine particle separator dirt outlet and a fine particle separator sidewall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the fine particle separator dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber may comprise a dirt collection chamber sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222259
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a main body comprising a suction motor. The suction motor provided in the air flow path. The surface cleaning apparatus also includes an air treatment member (preferably a cyclone bin assembly) provided in the air flow path. The air treatment member may be removably mounted to the main body. The air treatment member may include a power switch. A circuit may connect the suction motor to an electrical source. The circuit may be open and closed by operation of the power switch, and the circuit may be interrupted when the air treatment member is removed from the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222260
    Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a flexible suction hose. The surface cleaning apparatus main comprise a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided on the main body. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a flexible suction hose. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a suction hose wrap. The suction hose wrap may comprise a stand for the surface cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222261
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing (12), including a filter element (31) for separating out particles (13) that have been picked up and transported in an air stream (L) as well as a holding device for holding the filter element (31) in the housing (12). The filter element (31) has at least one projecting holding section (34). The holding device (41) has a contact surface and a holding surface between which the holding section (34) of the filter element (31) comes to rest when the filter element is in the installed state. The contact surface and the holding surface are each provided with a defined irregularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz HUBER, Joachim GUENTHER
  • Publication number: 20120222262
    Abstract: A cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber having an air inlet, an air outlet, a dirt outlet and first and second opposed ends. The cyclone bin assembly may comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the dirt outlet. The dirt bin may surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber and comprising first and second portions. The first and second portions may comprise discrete chambers that are separated from each other by a passage extending between the dirt outlet and a wall of the dirt collection chamber. A portion of the wall facing the dirt outlet may extend inwardly towards the dirt outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222263
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end, first and second opposed sidewalls and a suction motor housing. At least one of the first and second opposed sidewalls may have a suction motor access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222264
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and includes an air treatment member. A suction motor may be provided in the air flow path. A suction motor housing sidewall may comprise a plurality of openings provided in a first side thereof. An outer housing may comprise a longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall having an outer housing air outlet. At least a portion of the suction motor housing that has the plurality of openings is located in the outer housing and spaced from the longitudinally extending outer housing sidewall to define a passage between the outer housing and the suction motor housing. The outer housing air outlet may be angularly spaced around the outer housing with respect to the first side of the suction motor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: G.B.D. CORP.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120222265
    Abstract: A bar end plug structure of handle grip has an assembly aperture formed on its plug main body. A gap is provided on one side of the plug main body and a fastening unit is provided on the lateral of the gap. The structure further has a plug cap and a flexible washer. The flexible washer has a housing aperture to be engaged by an annular block of the plug cap. The flexible washer is invaginated into one side of the assembly aperture of the plug main body, while a grip is inserted in the other side of the same. Thus, the flexible washer is used as a cushion among the plug main body, the plug cap and the grip to compensate relative tolerance occurred among them during manufacturing, so as to firmly assemble them together, furthermore, to maintain their respective structure in good integrity without damage happened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: CHIH-HSIEN CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120222266
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a felt covered castor put under a piece of furniture to make it roll on a floor. The castor comprises one or more wheels on which are fixed felt strips rolled up along the wheels. The use of the felt strip allows to brush slightly a surface of the floor and to protect it from scratches occurring at the passage of a naked wheel on the floor. And also it deafens the noise of the sliding wheel against the floor. Means of binding such as fusion or sticking are used to maintain firmly the felt strip on the wheel and to prevent it from getting loose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Marcel Brouard
  • Publication number: 20120222267
    Abstract: A damper roller system is provided. The system includes an external rotating element connected to a bearing housing. The bearing housing is filled with a viscous fluid and includes at least one bearing element immersed in the viscous fluid. The bearing housing is connected to at least one sealing element sealing the viscous fluid inside the bearing housing. The bearing element is connected to a non-rotating shaft having opposite first and second ends. The shaft is held in place at the first end by the bearing element and is rigidly connectable at the second end to an object. The first end is nail-shaped and immersed in the viscous fluid. A rotation of the external rotating element drives a common rotation of the bearing housing and of the bearing element, and shears the viscous fluid, causing a damping motion proportional to a rotational speed of the external rotating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ENERTEC CONSULTANTS INC.
    Inventors: Jean DESROSIERS, Matthieu PELCHAT
  • Publication number: 20120222268
    Abstract: A slide/tilt mechanism is provided to include a base plate; a slide plate which is slid between a closed position and an open position with respect to the base plate; a guide plate which supports the slide plate to make the slide plate movable; a tilt mechanism which tilts the slide plate with respect to the base plate by inclining the guide plate with respect to the base plate; an elastic member which actuates the slide plate in a slide direction and a tilt direction; and a tilt restriction member which engages the tilt mechanism to restrict the inclination of the guide plate when the slide plate is slid from the closed position to the open position, and disengages the tilt mechanism to permit the inclination of the guide plate when the slide plate reaches the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Akira Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120222269
    Abstract: The portable assist handle for vehicle entry and exit is removably installable across the span of an open vehicle door to facilitate the entry and exit of a person from the vehicle. The device includes a central tubular member and a closed handgrip portion extending therefrom. The handgrip portion may include a resilient cover to provide a better grip for the user. Two mutually opposed arms extend from the opposite ends of the central tubular member. The arms adjust telescopically and lock at the desired length to adjust for the open doorway span. Each arm has an adjustable grip extending therefrom, one grip being oriented to grip the edge of the vehicle roof at the door opening and the other grip being oriented to grip the upper edge of the frame of the vehicle door. The grips are easily secured and loosened to allow removal for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: STEVEN L. ANDERSON
  • Publication number: 20120222270
    Abstract: A buckle for securing strap ends to each other has an anchor peg, with a recess, attached to one strap end. Another strap end has a clamping head that has a recess adapted to allow insertion and removal of the anchor peg. A moveable locking mechanism in the clamping head can be moved from an open position, that allows insertion or removal of the anchor peg, to a closed position that prevents removal of an anchor peg inserted into the clamping head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Schultz
  • Publication number: 20120222271
    Abstract: A shoelace locking structure used in a shoe for locking two opposite ends of a shoelace is disclosed to include a locating plate affixed to a tongue of the shoe, two locating rods arranged on the locating plate for the winding of the ends of the shoelace respectively, and two strips of hook and loop materials located on the shoe at two opposite lateral sides relative to the locating plate for securing the ends of the shoelace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: YU-SHAN LAI
  • Publication number: 20120222272
    Abstract: A fly ball system comprising: a zipper assembly; a removeably-attachable tag having an eye; and an attacher removeably inserted through the eye. The zipper includes a zipper; a top tape extension; a top stop; a slider; a pull tab; a tape; a bottom stop; an insertion pin; and a retainer box. The zipper, the top tape extension, the top stop, the slider, the pull tab, the tape, the bottom stop, the insertion pin, and the retainer box form the zipper assembly for temporarily joining two edges of fabric together. The attacher includes a clip and is removeably-attached via an opening/closing mechanism to an interior cut-out located on a front portion of the pull tab on the slider of the zipper assembly. The attacher removeably-attaches the eye on the removeably-attachable tag to the pull tab on the slider of the zipper assembly for replacing existing broken zipper tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Wesley Moreland
  • Publication number: 20120222273
    Abstract: A cam-actuated connection device joins rail mounting members of a photovoltaic panel array. The connection device slides within channels of mounting members until the members are in a properly positioned grid. When in position, the connection device is rotated to lock the mounting members in a rigid grid network. The connecting device can be subsequently loosened, repositioned and locked into position. The rail-mounting members create a grid for installation of multiple PV panels. The mounting rail allows the unit to remain relatively compact in nature but still covers a wide range of PV panel thicknesses. The rail system has a hinged connection with the mounting rail that allows an installer to assemble the module in a near perpendicular fashion to the mounting rail, make the required electrical connections and then lower the PV module into its working position. The unit is then locked into its working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ryan D. Abbott, Ronald E. Abbott, Perry L. Kent
  • Publication number: 20120222274
    Abstract: A safety connector (2) comprising: a first member (4) and a second member (6) movably coupled to one another; wherein the first and/or second members (4, 6) comprise a retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16); wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) has a first configuration which prevents relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6) and a second configuration which allows relative movement between the first and second members (4, 6); and wherein the retention mechanism (14a, 14b, 16) changes from the first configuration to the second configuration when a force between the first and second members (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined threshold force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. BISHOP
  • Publication number: 20120222275
    Abstract: A shower curtain hook includes a hoop portion, a lower portion, a hinge coupling a first end of the hoop portion to a first end of the lower portion, and a clasp for coupling a second end of the lower portion to a second end the hoop portion. The lower portion can be generally V-shaped or generally U-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: MAYTEX MILLS, INC.
    Inventor: David Baines
  • Publication number: 20120222276
    Abstract: A method of processing media comprises bonding a high molecular weight first lubricant to media; loading and rotating the media in a burnishing device; applying a tape to the rotating media while applying a second lubricant to the tape, such that at least some of the second lubricant is transferred from the tape to the media; and evaporating substantially all of the second lubricant from the polished media within 24 hours. The second lubricant may comprise a low molecular weight, non-functional, free lubricant that does not bond with the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Xing-Cai Guo, Thomas E. Karis, Bruno Marchon
  • Publication number: 20120222277
    Abstract: A paint line includes a plurality of modular manufacturing stations positioned in series and defining a forward transport direction. Each modular manufacturing station includes an article transportation device for moving at least one carrier through the modular manufacturing station. At least one of the modular manufacturing stations includes a piece of paint application equipment. A control system is in communication with each article transportation device and configured to independently move the carrier of each modular manufacturing station according to a unique operation pattern. The control system is also configured to index the carrier of each modular manufacturing station as the carrier traverses to a contiguous modular manufacturing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: John M. Spangler, Mark E. Dietz
  • Publication number: 20120222278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1; 20; 51) for assembling pre-bored (15) elements (2; 3), the elements together having a reference thickness (18) that may vary up to an actual maximum thickness (40), the device comprising a male element (4; 21; 52) comprising a shank (6; 22; 54) extending in a thread (11; 27) or swaging grooves (59), an external surface (12; 28; 60) having a height (13; 61) equal to a height (14) of the shank, chosen so as to correspond to at least the actual maximum thickness (40) of the elements to be assembled, characterized in that the external surface has a visual reference mark (16; 35; 63), located at a distance (17) of a lower limit (9; 34; 57), or extending over a distance (17) from a lower limit up to an upper limit (42A; 42B; 65) toward the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: LISI AEROSPACE
    Inventor: Florent Verdier
  • Publication number: 20120222279
    Abstract: A hypodermic needle extraction device for removing a hypodermic needle from a syringe having a syringe body and a luer, the device including at least one guide rod disposed with the device, a carriage assembly having a carriage slidably mounted on the guide rod, and a needle extraction assembly configured to grasp the needle such that the needle is separated from the syringe body as the syringe body and needle are urged apart. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. ยง1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: GARY E. MILLER, SCOTT AARON MILLER
  • Publication number: 20120222280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a corkscrew (T) including a handle (100) to which are connected a worm (200) and two separate levers (300, 400) pivotably connected in a case on a single pin (A) secured to the handle and preformed to provide the two notches or two fulcra (310, 410) that are required in order to extract a cork (B) inserted in the neck (G) of a bottle, in two steps. Said corkscrew is characterized in that the two levers include two portions, the second portion (330) of the first lever (300) being preformed such as to be inserted in the second portion (430) of the second lever (400) and create a fulcrum on the neck (G) of the bottle when the corkscrew (T) passes from the first notch (310) to the second notch (410) such that said first notch (310) does not project in relation to the second notch (410) and said first notch (310) does not prevent said passing. The invention also relates to the method for using the corkscrew described above. The invention is useful for manufacturing corkscrews.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: DISTRI COUTALE
    Inventor: Philippe Bernede
  • Publication number: 20120222281
    Abstract: A method for collecting organic waste in a collection bag, the method including a) disposing the collection bag within a volume of a collection device, the collection device having a side wall enclosing the volume and defining a top opening and bottom opening wherein a plurality of vertically extending air channels are formed between the collection bag and the side wall responsive to a structure extending into the volume from the side wall interacting with the collection bag; b) supporting a bottom of the collection bag on a bottom joined to the side wall with the bottom including one or more bottom orifices communicated to the vertically extending air channels; and c) retaining an opening of the collection bag in an open configuration at the top opening with one or more top orifices formed around the opening and communicated to the vertically extending air channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Genimex Jersey Ltd.
    Inventors: David Dennys Chitayat, Heather Tomasetti, Pieter Schouten
  • Publication number: 20120222282
    Abstract: Wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) collector tube bundles are formed by a procedure in which strips of conductive material are corrugated, intended abutting surfaces of the corrugated strips are abraded, adhesive is applied to the abraded surfaces, multiple ones of the corrugated strips are assembled with corrugation in abutting relationship, and outer panels are assembled with the resulting hexagonal tube bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Paul McGrath, Robert A. Allan
  • Publication number: 20120222283
    Abstract: A heat shield assembly includes shroud or housing fabricated from a heat shielding material having at least one pair of spring arms extending from side walls of the shroud for engaging a member to which the heat shield assembly is to be attached, and one or more retention tabs projecting into a longitudinal channel in position to limit longitudinal movement of the assembly relative to the member when the member is attached to the spring arms
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth Upton, John Burdy
  • Publication number: 20120222284
    Abstract: A seat track assembly is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the seat track assembly includes a seat track having an elongated track plate and a pair of generally elongated, parallel, spaced-apart track flanges extending from the track plate. Each of the track flanges is variable in depth. A method of fabricating a seat track assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Martin Grether, Paul R. Fortado, Viet Q. Phan, Gina Pischke