Patents Issued in September 18, 2012
  • Patent number: RE43670
    Abstract: A Baseband receiver including a CIR estimate block, gain, phase and timing loops, a CMF, a single-carrier processor and a multi-carrier processor. The CIR estimate block generates an impulse response signal based on a receive signal that is a single-carrier signal or a single-carrier segment of a mixed carrier signal. The single-carrier segment has a spectrum that approximates a multi-carrier spectrum. The gain, phase and timing loops adjust gain, phase, frequency and timing to provide an adjusted receive signal. The CMF filters the adjusted receive signal according to the impulse response signal. The single-carrier processor processes the adjusted and filtered receive signal to resolve a single-carrier segment of a mixed carrier signal. The single-carrier processor detects a mixed carrier mode indication in a single-carrier segment and asserts a start indication. The multi-carrier processor processes a multi-carrier segment of a mixed carrier signal in response to assertion of the start indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures I LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Webster, Michael J. Seals
  • Patent number: RE43671
    Abstract: A portable data storage device receives data from a digital broadcast signal receiver that is adapted to separate the data from a digital broadcast signal. The portable data storage device includes a first transceiver that communicates with a second transceiver associated with the digital broadcast signal receiver and further includes a memory for storing the received data. A processor disposed within the portable data storage device controls the storage of the data and further causes a data request signal to be generated and transmitted to the digital broadcast signal receiver. A controller disposed within the digital broadcast signal receiver responds to the data request signal by causing the data separated from the digital broadcast signal to be transmitted via the second transceiver to the portable data storage device. The portable data storage device further includes a data communication port for transferring the data to a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tom L. Sorensen
  • Patent number: RE43672
    Abstract: An anti-IL-6 antibody, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-IL-6 antibody, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof have applications in diagnostic and/or therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignees: Janssen Biotech, Inc., Applied Molecular Evolution
    Inventors: Yan Chan, Debra Gardner, David M. Knight, Michael W. Lark, Bailin Liang, David J. Shealy, Xiao-yu R. Song, Vedrana Stojanovic-Susulic, Raymond W. Sweet, Susan H. Tam, Sheng-Jiun Wu, Jing Yang, David Matthew Marquis, Eric Michael Smith, Alain Philippe Vasserot
  • Patent number: RE43673
    Abstract: A method of forming dual gate dielectric layers that is extendable to satisfying requirements for 50 nm and 70 nm technology nodes is described. A substrate is provided with STI regions that separate device areas. An interfacial layer and a high k dielectric layer are sequentially deposited on the substrate. The two layers are removed over one device area and an ultra thin silicon oxynitride layer with an EOT<10 nm is grown on the exposed device area. The high k dielectric layer is annealed during growth of the SiON dielectric layer. The high k dielectric layer is formed from a metal oxide or its silicate or aluminate and enables a low power device to be fabricated with an EOT<1.8 nm with a suppressed leakage current. The method is compatible with a dual or triple oxide thickness process when forming multiple gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tou-Hung Hou, Ming-Fang Wang, Chi-Chun Chen, Chih-Wei Yang, Liang-Gi Yao, Shih-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: RE43674
    Abstract: A new post-passivation metal interconnect scheme is provided over the surface of a IC device that has been covered with a conventional layer of passivation. The metal scheme of the invention comprises, overlying a conventional layer of passivation, thick and wide metal lines in combination with thick layers of dielectric and bond pads. The interconnect system of the invention can be used for the distribution of power, ground, signal and clock lines from bond pads to circuits of a device that are provided in any location of the IC device without introducing significant power drop. No, or smaller ESD circuits are required due to the low impedance post-passivation interconnection, since any accumulated electrostatic discharge will be evenly distributed across all junction capacitance of the circuits on the chip. The post passivation metal scheme is connected to external circuits through bond pads, solder bonding, TAB bonding and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Megica Corporation
    Inventors: Mou-Shiung Lin, Jin-Yuan Lee, Ming-Ta Lei, Ching-Cheng Huang
  • Patent number: RE43675
    Abstract: A routing system of call connection and call routing for radio telephone communications system including cellular radio systems wherein the mobiles transmit on channels in a first band. and the bases transmit on channels in a second band. The routes are selectable from more than one possible route to a desired destination using routing tables to permit different destinations for different calls selectively based on telephone number indications. The system includes multiple blind nodes that do not support direct base to mobile communication. The blind nodes transmitting in the band used for transmission by the mobiles, and nodes receive in the band used for receiving by the mobiles such that the system performs in a limited number of bands of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: JSDQ Mesh Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry R. Schloemer
  • Patent number: RE43676
    Abstract: An alkyl ether represented by the general formula: or its salt. This compound has activity to protect neurons, activity to accelerate nerve regeneration and activity to accelerate neurite extension and hence is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases in central and peripheral nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihito Saitoh, Noboru Iwakami, Tamotsu Takamatsu
  • Patent number: RE43677
    Abstract: An apparatus for restoring network information for a home network system and a method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one slave having means for communicating with an external appliances; a master having means for communicating with the slave, checking a state of the slave, storing state information of the slave, and providing the state information to the slave when the slave is reset; and a home network unit connecting the communication means of the master and the slave to form a network of the master and the slave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Su Kim
  • Patent number: RE43678
    Abstract: An information browser system and method enables sending of information requests to remote information sources and receiving of requested information from the remote sources on a wireless communication device. Information in any of a plurality of formats, including WML, HTML and WMLScript, is converted into a format in which the information can be displayed or otherwise further processed by the device. Information browsing functions may also be integrated with other communication functions on a mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Harry R. Major, Michael Knowles
  • Patent number: 8266719
    Abstract: A glove made from narrow strap material. Glove advantages when used with a striking tool: improved control, improved striking force, improved tool head acceleration, improved energy transfer, reduced hand fatigue, improved grip, and reduced vibration shock. It can be configured for 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers plus the thumb. The glove forms a web between the thumb and fingers. The width of the web and the tightness of fit on the thumb and fingers is controlled by a single pull-tab type of adjustment. The adjustment is secured by a contact friction loop which increases in friction during impact force use. The glove can be worn on a bare hand or over the top of a more conventional type of glove while still providing the same advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Dante Duby
  • Patent number: 8266720
    Abstract: A glove closure system having an opening dividing the glove into a lateral side (thumb) and a medial side (pinky). The opening allows for easy access of the user's hand. The system consists of a rectangular or oval flap attached to the lateral portion and pulled over the access opening. A primary fit is caused by the user pulling the flap over to the back of the lateral side of the glove and fastening with a hook and loop attachment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: M Poramats Voravan, Kenneth S. Litke
  • Patent number: 8266721
    Abstract: An artful head covering made of cloth and other materials, existing in three embodiments, each sequentially dependent on the one before it. All embodiments including a cap portion comprised of a curved upper crown with a straight lower edge connected to a band portion comprised of a straight upper edge and a curved lower edge. The second embodiment has fasteners attached to the exterior of the cap portion of the head covering for added dimension along with serving a function in the third embodiment in which strands comprised of additional fasteners and artful objects are connected to some or all of the fasteners of embodiment 2. The head covering is secure and covers the portion of the head that is normally covered with hair. A fun and creative head covering for hair loss, or solely for fashionable purposes, that is comfortable and flattering to the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Karen L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8266722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap bill plate having multiple-layers. The multiple layer of the cap bill plate includes three layers, a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer includes a reflective layer thereby providing greater visibility. Since the second layer is totally foamed so as to reduce its weight, the cap wearer will feel better comfort. Besides, the third layer includes a moldable material which allows itself to be shaped in any desired structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Kuang Wang
  • Patent number: 8266723
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accommodating and covering a varying sized abdomen and particularly the abdomen of a pregnant woman involving leaving a zipper opening of pants not intended to cover an enlarged girth at least partially open and using a garment to cover the opening in said pants by first interconnecting a pants button on one side of the opening to a buttonhole on the other side of the opening using a buttonhole elastic having elongate spaced slots as buttonholes and a double button to snugly secure the waistband of the non-maternity pants around a user's abdomen and using a flexible fabric garment to cover the zipper opening and, if desired, other selected portions of the abdomen of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Liliana Frandsen, Jennifer Frandsen, Wendy DeBoer, Brenda Schenck
  • Patent number: 8266724
    Abstract: A helmet for a firefighter or for an industrial, chemical, or emergency rescue worker has a crown and a brim projecting forwardly from the crown. The helmet is equipped with a pair of eye shields, each of which is mounted to the helmet, each of which is adapted to be manually moved between a storage position and a usage position, and each of which in the usage position, but not in the storage position, projects downwardly so as to shield an associated one of the eyes of a wearer. The helmet is equipped with a pair of face-conformable gaskets, each of which is disposed along an outer edge of an associated one of the pair of eye shields and which is adapted to conform to the face of a wearer when the associated one of the pair of eye shields is moved into the usage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Morning Pride Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William L. Grilliot, Mary I. Grilliot
  • Patent number: 8266725
    Abstract: Swimming goggles include a left frame, a right frame, a connecting member connecting the left frame and the right frame, a strap mechanism assembled on outward sides of the left frame and the right frame, and control members. The strap mechanism includes a head strap defining a plurality of stop grooves therein. Each control member has an engaging portion for engaging with the left frame/the right frame, an operating portion formed opposite to the engaging portion, a pivot portion provided between the engaging portion and the operating portion, and a bias portion near a side of the operating portion for abutting against stop grooves of the head strap. The pivot portion abuts against the bases of the strap mechanism and drives the operating portion upward. When the operating portion is pushed inward, the bias portion displaces inward correspondingly and disengages from the stop grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 8266726
    Abstract: Described is an adsorption filter material, in particular for NBC protective apparel, preferably for wearing next to the skin, in particular as an undergarment (underwear), wherein the adsorption filter material has a multilayered construction, wherein the multilayered construction comprises a first textile sheet material, a second textile sheet material and an adsorption layer disposed between the first and the second textile sheet materials, wherein the adsorption layer includes discrete, in particular grain-shaped, preferably sphere-shaped, sorbent particles, preferably based on activated carbon, adsorbing chemical and/or biological poison and noxiant materials, in particular warfare agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Bertram Böhringer, Anna Varga-Molnar
  • Patent number: 8266727
    Abstract: A padding device for sports includes an outer armor having two main pads and a front guard board. Two linings are mounted in the outer armor. Reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections are formed on an outer surface of the outer armor and include apertures and perforations. Vents are formed in areas of each lining corresponding to the reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections. The vents provide rapid dissipation of heat generated by the wearer during sporting, providing comfort wearing. The reinforced portions, reinforcing blocks, and reinforced sections reinforce the areas where the vents are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Wei-Ta Lee
  • Patent number: 8266728
    Abstract: Described is a multi-function device for attachment to the tank of a toilet fixture. The multi-function device provides a diffusible air-treatment concentrate for deodorizing or otherwise treating the ambient air surrounding the toilet. At the same time, the multi-function device provides a water-soluble water-treatment concentrate for treating the flush water stored in the toilet tank. The multi-function device has a bellows with a varying cross-sectional area to provide, during a flush cycle, a variable flow of air over the air treatment concentrate and into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Cherie A. Bulala, Grant Templin, W. Keith Mainquist, Matt Tivnon, Bryan Vollmer
  • Patent number: 8266729
    Abstract: The dispenser for a W.C. bowl comprises a support means (40) having a support (41, 42) for containing a first active substance in liquid or solid form and provided with at least one exit aperture (3) for said active substance; and hooking means (43) for supporting said support (41, 42) below the rim (21) of the W.C. bowl (20), in a position exposed to the action of the flushing water flow. According to the invention, at least one pocket (5) is provided, shaped to be associated with the outside of the support means (40), within said pocket (5) there being defined a chamber (6) comprising a perfuming substance or other active substance. Preferably, said perfuming substance is in the form of granules formed of absorbent plastic material. Alternatively, said perfuming substance is liquid and contained in an enclosure with an osmotic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Re.Le.Vi—S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Pagani
  • Patent number: 8266730
    Abstract: A novel attachment on a toilet system for a male user to raise a toilet seat (100), by depressing a pedal (30) with a foot and then releasing it, while standing well balanced on his second foot, so that he can urinate comfortably with both feet on the floor; and then to lower same seat (100) by depressing same pedal (30) and releasing it; with all these actions done with no startling noise against the water tank (104) or the toilet bowl rim. The dual operation of the same pedal (30) can provide a timely flushing of the toilet automatically when seat (100) is lowered, without hand touching any part of the toilet system. The attachment can add, with a secondary pedal (140), a hands-free flushing system that can be operated without moving toilet seat (100) when it is already in the lowered position. All manual toilet-system operations are preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Tom L. Ricca
  • Patent number: 8266731
    Abstract: A toilet seat for use with a Western-style toilet bowl. The seat has a generally-oval, endless base that compliments the shape of the toilet bowl rim. A deflector is fixed to the bottom surface of the base and extends downwardly adjacent the inside surface of the bowl rim. The deflector covers the interior gap between the bottom of the seat and the top of the bowl rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Takara Belmont Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick K. Marra
  • Patent number: 8266732
    Abstract: An auxiliary siphon device for the toilet has: a hollow air container, which is bottom-opened, an abdicating groove in which a drain valve can be installed in is vertically disposed in the sidewall of the air container, said abdicating groove is communicated with the water tank; through holes for water flow are provided in the sidewall of the air container in the lower portion of the abdicating groove; a sealing bottom cover communicated with the bottom of the air container, and a drain valve installing hole is disposed in the sealing bottom cover corresponding to bottom of the abdicating groove; and a connecting tube, the bottom end of which is connected to the trapway of the toilet, and the top end of which is connected to the top of the inside of the air container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Xiamen R&T Plumbing Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bing Wang, Rongyu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8266733
    Abstract: Flush valve assemblies are provided that include a valve body which may have a radiused inlet portion, an upper inlet end having an inlet opening, a lower outlet end having an outlet opening, and a wall extending between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end and having an interior surface defining a flow path that extends generally longitudinally through the valve body from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and that has a generally circular transverse cross-section. A height measured longitudinally through the valve body is greater than a largest diameter of the transverse cross-section of the flow path so as to enable the valve bodies herein to have an elevated wall and head from a toilet tank floor. The assemblies may include a flapper valve cover detachably connected to the flush valve assembly and having a transverse cross-sectional diameter sufficiently large to cover the inlet opening of the valve body, a pivot mechanism and a flapper bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8266734
    Abstract: A bidet usable with a water source and mountable to a toilet. The toilet includes a toilet bowl, the toilet bowl defining a bowl inner surface and a waterline defined on the bowl inner surface at an operational level of water in the toilet bowl, the toilet bowl also defining a bowl aperture extending therethrough below the waterline. The bidet includes a piston defining a piston passageway extending therethrough, the piston passageway being couplable to the water source for receiving water therefrom, the piston defining a nozzle for releasing water from the piston passageway. The bidet is operatively mountable to the toilet with the piston extending through the bowl aperture and protruding in the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Jules Allard, Lucie Jacob
  • Patent number: 8266735
    Abstract: An overflow device assembly for a vessel such as a bathtub or sink is provided. The overflow device comprises a tieplate comprising a mating flange attached to a first end of a pipe and a faceplate operable to slide onto the tieplate. The faceplate comprises a front cover portion, a backside and a groove. The pipe is operable to be concentrically disposed with a hole in a wall of the vessel. The groove is located on the backside of the faceplate, and the mating flange slides along and inside the groove. Once in place, the front cover portion of the faceplate covers the first end of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Adam McLeod
  • Patent number: 8266736
    Abstract: An oxidizer generating apparatus comprising a cylindrical housing and an electrode assembly attached at one end of the housing comprising at least three vertically disposed electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart so as to define a water flow path between them, the electrodes comprising titanium outer electrodes and at least one inner diamond electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Michael McCague
  • Patent number: 8266737
    Abstract: A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8266738
    Abstract: An assembly of an aromatherapy system and tub comprises a tub for bathing. A reservoir portion contains an aromatic liquid, the reservoir portion being mounted to a wall of the tub. A pressure source is actuatable to provide pressurized gas, the pressure source being concealed under the tub. A fluid-conveying line is concealed under the tub and connecting the pressure source to the reservoir portion to diffuse the pressurized gas from the pressure source into the aromatic liquid in the reservoir portion so as to create a mist of the aromatic liquid in the environment of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: C. G. Air Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel A. Castellote, Dominique Ciechanowski
  • Patent number: 8266739
    Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Vincent Paul Schaaf
  • Patent number: 8266740
    Abstract: A conduit cleaning method and apparatus for connection to a fluid inlet feed line and an outlet drain line utilizes a housing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a bight portion. The inlet and outlet portions have sloped leg sections which provide increased fluid flow through the bight to disperse accumulated debris. Rotatable shafts inside the housing accommodate paddles or jets to facilitate in retrieval or dispersal of obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: PF WaterWorks LP
    Inventors: Jeffery D. Baird, Kent Beck
  • Patent number: 8266741
    Abstract: A bed for use with a patient coupled to a medical device via at least one patient care line is provided. The bed includes a frame including at least one movable patient support section and an actuator coupled to the movable patient support section. The actuator is operable to move the movable patient support section. The bed also includes control circuitry that is coupled to the actuator to command operation of the actuator. The control circuitry ceases operation of the actuator in response to receiving a signal indicative of an unwanted condition of the at least one patient care line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Penninger, David W. Hornbach, Christopher R. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 8266742
    Abstract: A bed has one or more electronically-controllable features. Input-output devices are used by persons to control the electronically-controllable features. A biometric input-output device obtains biometric data from persons who desire to control one or more of the electronically-controllable features. The bed may restrict access to or modify one or more of the electronically-controllable features based on the biometric data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirill Andrienko
  • Patent number: 8266743
    Abstract: An examination table includes a support surface movable with respect to a base. The support surface includes a seat portion and a backrest portion. A first motor drives the support surface with respect to the base, and a second motor drives the backrest portion pivotally with respect to the seat portion. A control system includes a control panel and first and second Hall-effect sensors for detecting rotations of the respective first and second motors to determine the current positions of the support surface and the backrest portion. The control system executes a movement algorithm for moving the support surface and the backrest portion to a desired position from the current position. The control system also executes a calibration algorithm for calibrating position tracking of the support surface and the backrest portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Jones, Rodney Hyre
  • Patent number: 8266744
    Abstract: An inflatable pad includes: an inflatable pad body having a looped surrounding layer interconnecting top and bottom layers to cooperatively define an inflatable space; and a reinforcing belt unit disposed in the inflatable space in the inflatable pad body and connected between the top and bottom layers of the inflatable pad body. The reinforcing belt unit includes two coupling belts and a main reinforcing belt. Each coupling belt is attached fixedly and partially to a corresponding one of the top and bottom layers of the inflatable pad body, and has a central portion that is spaced apart from the corresponding one of the top and bottom layers of the inflatable pad body and that is connected to a corresponding one of opposite looped end portions of the main reinforcing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Rong-Jyh Song, Tsung-Ping Yen
  • Patent number: 8266745
    Abstract: Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Fill material, such as pieces, strands or elements of foam or fiber is located inside at least some of the pocketed springs to reduce noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 8266746
    Abstract: A self-adjusting mattress includes a support member, top and bottom foam layers, a movement mechanism and balancing bars. The support member includes a frame of longitudinal and cross bars and mesh panels between the bars. The support member has a middle section that is pivotally connected to upper and lower sections. The upper, middle and lower sections are coplanar in the flat configuration of the mattress. The movement mechanism includes multiple electric motors that move the mattress into an inclined configuration by rotating the upper and lower sections relative to the middle section. The bottom foam layer is molded around the support member. The molded foam flows above, below and through the holes in the mesh panels. The top foam layer is then glued or molded to the top of the bottom foam layer. The balancing bars extend less than half way under the upper section of the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Zinus, Inc.
    Inventors: Suk Kan Oh, Youn Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 8266747
    Abstract: By providing a plurality of preformed components which are quickly and easily affixed in engagement with each other, a final construction is realized which peripherally surrounds any desired mattress configuration in cooperating association therewith. In this way, a new foam plastic product is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily mounted to mattress constructions peripherally surrounding the mattress and providing an enhanced side support system. In this way, any desired mattress size or configuration is capable of being peripherally surrounded with a foam support assembly for enhancing the mattress construction and configuration. Furthermore, by employing the present invention, a rapid, convenient, and virtually labor free assembly is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nomaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Sobran, Christopher Dean Page, James Robert Richmond, Jozsef Kertesz
  • Patent number: 8266748
    Abstract: An automatic treatment machine includes a treatment chamber, a bulk treatment aid dispenser fluidly coupled with the treatment chamber, and optionally a water supply fluidly coupled with at least one of the dispenser and the treatment chamber. A method for dispensing a treatment aid from the bulk treatment aid dispenser into the automatic treatment machine in accordance with a selected treatment cycle includes selecting a treatment cycle, determining a concentration of the treatment aid, determining a volume of the treatment aid to be dispensed based upon the determined concentration, dispensing the determined volume of the treatment aid from the bulk treatment aid dispenser, and initiating the selected treatment cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Hendrickson, Dennis L. Kehl, Ayomide Fawole
  • Patent number: 8266749
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Patent number: 8266750
    Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Gatelink Aircraft Boarding Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8266751
    Abstract: A structural system comprised of prefabricated deck units spaced along longitudinal load-carrying members, which produce longitudinal axial compression in deck units by tensioning the longitudinal load-carrying members without the use of standard post-tensioning details. During construction, prefabricated deck units are erected on top of and supported by the longitudinal load-carrying members via leveling devices, which also permit relative motion between the longitudinal load-carrying members and the prefabricated deck units. Jacking apparatuses are used to introduce deck compression by jacking against the longitudinal load-carrying members. This system can be used for new structures and for deck replacement of existing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Yidong He
  • Patent number: 8266752
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a pool cleaner body in a manner to maximize the time spent on cleaning relative to the time spent on repositioning. More particularly, the invention is directed to a control subsystem for operating a cleaner body to enable it to primarily travel in a forward direction (i.e., forward state) along a travel path but operable also in a backup/redirect state to translate and or rotate the body to enable it to escape from obstructions while also minimizing the formation of conduit tangles. The control subsystem is configured to perform reposition operations without increasing incidents of conduit tangling by: 1—avoiding an excessive rotation of the body, e.g., approximately 180° or more, when attempting to free the body from an obstruction; and/or 2—avoiding the initiation of a timed reposition operation while the body is transitioning between a travel path at the wall surface and a travel path at the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Henkin-Laby, LLC
    Inventors: Melvyn L. Henkin, Jordan M. Laby
  • Patent number: 8266753
    Abstract: The resonator assembly for a power toothbrush includes an elongated solid rod made from stainless steel, having a back assembly which includes permanent magnets which interact with an electromagnet in a drive system in the handle of the toothbrush to produce a transverse motion of the rod. A mount member is connected to the rod at a selected point along its length, and is mounted to a toothbrush housing so that the rod resonates about the mount member at a selected frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jerry C. Wood, Duane Kutsch, Joseph W. Grez
  • Patent number: 8266754
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Duane Gilbert, Christopher J. Morse, Scott Pratt, Paul Sandin, Nancy Dussault, Andrew Jones
  • Patent number: 8266755
    Abstract: An optical connector cleaning device which cleans a connecting terminal surface formed inside an insertion hole of an optical connector, by wiping the connecting terminal surface with a cleaning body, the optical connector cleaning device including: a main body including a feeding mechanism which supplies and wraps up the cleaning body; an extending part which extends from the main body and includes an extending tube body and a head part, the head part being inserted into the insertion hole, wherein the head part includes a tip extending part which presses the cleaning body to the connecting terminal surface; the extending tube body includes a tube base part and a tip tube part, the tip tube part being energized in an extending direction with respect to the tube base part; the tip extending part protrudes from a tip of the tip tube part; and the tip extending part is flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Nakane, Kunihiko Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8266756
    Abstract: A scrubber for lap siding with a profile complementary to the profile of the boards in the lap siding such that when the scrubber is moved side to side in a washing action, an exposed side face and under surface of the siding boards are effectively scrubbed and dirt, dust, mildew, mold and algae are effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew C. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8266757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus, in particular to a portable hand cleaner, having a plurality of cleaning members which are in particular of brush type and which are arranged at a common carrier and can be set into rotation by means of a fluid, in particular water, supplied to the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Anton Jaeger
  • Patent number: 8266758
    Abstract: An adjustable spatula for forming a smoothly arcuate concave contour in a viscous material and a smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, with a certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only one hand. The adjustable spatula includes a blade, a handle, and an apparatus. The handle extends from the blade and is gripped by a user. The apparatus bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate convex contour to form the smoothly arcuate concave contour in the viscous material and bends the blade to form the blade into a smoothly arcuate concave contour to form the smoothly arcuate convex contour in the viscous material, independently of each other, without a need for the user to have to manually bend the blade, with the certainty that the contour of the viscous material is consistent, and with using only the one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Bernard S. Hoffman, William J. Romanoff, Scott C. Romanoff
  • Patent number: 8266759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) of a windshield wiper provided with a protective rail (32, 44, 56, 72, 88), comprising a base body (34) that has an essentially V-shaped cross section and a wiper lip (36) of the wiper blade (10) and that is detachably fixed to the wiper blade (10) with the aid of fixing elements (38, 52, 58, 78, 90). It is proposed that the wiper blade (10) consist of a wiper strip (14) with at least one flat, bar-type, elastic support element (26) and a spoiler (12), wherein the protective rail (32, 44, 56, 72, 88) rests on the support element (26) or spoiler (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Braun, Peter De Block, Eric Windmolders, Edwin Luypaerts, Hans Beelen, David Van Baelen, Wilhelm Fangmeier