Patents Issued in March 7, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130055481
    Abstract: The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Byrnes
  • Publication number: 20130055482
    Abstract: There is described a method for designing and manufacturing a protective glove, to be used for imparting slight knocks in performing a cycle of manual operations in an industrial production line and for absorbing the counter-knock received when using a tool or equipment gripped by the operator during said operating cycle. There are provided means for sensing the forces the various areas of the hand are subjected to during said operating cycle, and signals of said sensor means are processed so as to obtain a classification of the areas of the hand according to the value of the forces to which they are subjected. The glove is designed having areas that provide differentiated protections, having pads of different thickness calculated as a function of the aforementioned classification of the various areas of the hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paola D'Aprile, Sebastiano Lamacchia, Davide Lionello, Stefania Spada, Paolo Marchetti
  • Publication number: 20130055483
    Abstract: The overlapping ends of a rectangular wrap formed from quilted material are secured to one another to envelope the torso of an infant. A pair of shoulder straps extend adjacent one another from a location at the rear midpoint of the wrap over the infant's shoulders to locations proximate the respective ends. A bib is attached to the straps to hang at the back of the infant and is relocateable at a time of feeding to hang across the front of the infant. One or more straps extend from the front of the wrap and removably support a bib, toys or other articles as play things for the infant. A thermal insulating layer may be removably attached to the inside of the wrap for warmth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Annette M. Moreno
  • Publication number: 20130055484
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a weighted exercise garment includes multiple parts. The garment is weighted with weights being distributed about the garment in a predetermined manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Bratcher
  • Publication number: 20130055485
    Abstract: Disclosed are a process and a crosslinking dispersion formulation based on acrylic copolymers which enable garment fabrics to be treated to produce “distressed” and “raw/unwashed” effects, and enhance the fabric by fixing the colour and giving it a more “compact, brighter” appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: GARMON S.P.A., VINAVIL S.P.A.
    Inventors: Tito Zanetta, Fabio Chiozza, Luca Cappellini, Andrea Bonalumi
  • Publication number: 20130055486
    Abstract: A facial cover has a main body for covering at least a lower part of the face. The main body is made of a thermally insulating material. The main body has a mouth opening and a nose opening. A securing portion is connected to the main body and forms an encircling band. A beard is attached to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Beardski Operating LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hasbany, Mark Platt, Michael Wayne Shore, Drew Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20130055487
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sports themed pants belt and method of construction, comprising an elongated length of material, belt buckle, belt end, and belt keeper. The length of material comprises a first and second end, while the belt material is one derived from or covered by the outer covering of the athletic ball of the sports theme. The belt first end connects to the belt buckle, which includes an outward surface having a sports character, team logo or similar indicia thereon related to the overall theme. The belt keeper is further related to the overall theme, providing a view of the field of play or specific equipment of the sport, while the belt second end terminates at a representation of the related sports ball. Several embodiments are disclosed, the goal being to utilize the sports athletic gear and equipment for the given sport as a means to construct the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Killion Davis
  • Publication number: 20130055488
    Abstract: A bicycle helmet comprises a helmet body including a shock absorbing insert and an external shell overlying at least partially the shock absorbing insert. The shock absorbing insert and the external shell have a plurality of structural bridges interconnected with each other with ventilation openings extending therebetween, a majority of the structural bridges having elongated ridges protruding from a base section. The elongated ridges and the base sections of the external shell overlie a respective one of the elongated ridges and the base sections of the shock absorbing insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: LOUIS GARNEAU SPORTS INC.
    Inventor: Louis Garneau
  • Publication number: 20130055489
    Abstract: A swimming/diving goggle structure is disclosed, which comprises a spectacle frame, a mask, two connecting elements and an elastic strap. At least one skirt portion of the mask surrounds at least one edge of the spectacle frame. The connecting elements are disposed on two sides of the spectacle frame respectively. Each of two ends of the elastic strap has a connecting portion. One of each connecting element and each connecting portion has at least one protrusion; the other has at least one hole for the at least one protrusion to pass therethrough and thereby, the connecting element and the connecting portion are connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng SHIUE
  • Publication number: 20130055490
    Abstract: This invention relates to an article of thermal protective clothing having fabric woven with a warp-faced or weft-faced twill weave that incorporates a first yarn forming the majority of the outer article surface that includes hydrophilic fiber and a first flame resistant fiber, with at least 25 weight percent of that first yarn being hydrophilic fiber; and a second yarn forming the majority of the inner article surface that includes at least 80 weight percent of a second flame resistant fiber that is hydrophobic. Alternatively, the first yarn forming the majority of the outer article surface can include a hydrophilic first flame resistant fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Reiyao Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130055491
    Abstract: This invention relates to a yarn having high moisture regain for use in arc and flame protection and fabrics and garments containing the yarn. The yarn has a blend of fibers which includes 10 to 40 weight percent meta-aramid fiber having a degree of crystallinity of at least 20%, 20 to 60 weight percent modacrylic fiber, 15 to 45 weight percent FR rayon fiber, and (d) 5 to 20 weight percent para-aramid fiber; based on the total weight of these components. If desired, 1 to 3 weight percent of the para-aramid fiber in the yarn can be replaced with an antistatic fiber as long as at least 5 weight percent para-aramid fiber is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Reiyao Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130055492
    Abstract: A neck protection collar for protecting the neck of a user has a collar portion that substantially wraps, supports and surrounds the neck of a user. A neck protection portion extends up a rearward portion of the collar to protect the neck and part of the cranium and is substantially covered with a hook and loop fastener portion. A complimentary hook and loop portion is disposed on the inside portion of a helmet to allow the neck protection collar to be removably attached therein. The hook and loop portion substantially covers most of the neck protection portion to provide enhanced structural stability to the neck and spine of the user. This protects the user from impact, shear and compression forces that cause serious damage. The neck protection collar is made from energy absorbing materials such as high density foam or memory foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Abbas M. Husain
  • Publication number: 20130055493
    Abstract: Toilet ramrods (10, 90, 100, 130, 150, 202, 280, or 300) comprise extruded plastic (10), steel strip (92), wires (102 and 104), and/or a coiled spring (206). Two toilet ramrods (130 and 150) include unidirectional stiffening. Toilet ramrod apparatus (70, 110, 200, 240, or 270) comprises a toilet ramrod (10, 90, 100, 130, 150, 202, 280, or 300), a sleeve (72 or 204), a ramming handle (112, 212, or 258), an impacting foot (114 or 210), a slide hammer (252), a power-impacting device (272), and/or a torque deactivator (334+336). The method includes threading an elongated member (10, 90, 100, 130, or 202) into a curved discharge passageway (16) and elastically ramming the elongated member (10, 90, 100, 130, or 202) against a blockage (30). Optionally the method includes distributing the toilet ramrod (10, 130, or 150) as promotional merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Wendell E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130055494
    Abstract: A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: WCM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: WCM Industries, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130055495
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waste containment system and more particularly a waste containment system having a damping mechanism. The waste containment system including a toilet having a housing with a centrally located opening and a base defining a toilet bowl. A damping mechanism is within the toilet. The damping mechanism includes a base and converging side walls. The side walls converge generally at an acute angle. The damping mechanism located on the base of the toilet bowl and centrally located proximate the opening of the toilet housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Marc Bordonaro
  • Publication number: 20130055496
    Abstract: A flush water tank apparatus for storing flush water for flushing a flush toilet is disclosed. The flush water tank apparatus includes: a reservoir tank for storing flush water, the reservoir tank having a discharge port formed on the bottom surface thereof; a valve body for opening and closing a discharge port to supply flush water to a flush toilet; and a side surface extending in the upward direction from the bottom surface of the reservoir tank so as to surround the discharge port; and includes: a cylindrical body opens at the top and forms an opening portion on the side surface; and switching valves for opening and closing the opening portion on the cylindrical body to enable adjustment of the opening surface area of the opening portion of the cylindrical body so that the volume of flush water supplied from the reservoir tank discharge port to the flush toilet can be obtained in multiple stages, including at least the three stages of large, medium, and small.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: TOTO LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi YYoshioka, Shu Kashirajima, Mitsuhiro Suenaga, Takashi Kanzaki, Yoshikazu Anami
  • Publication number: 20130055497
    Abstract: The devices and methods described, provide for a dual flush device with a handle sleeve with a rotation stop and a lift arm extending through the handle sleeve with a rotation limiting tab on the lift arm to engage the rotation stop to enable the lift arm to rotate in a first direction through a first arc and to rotate in a second direction through a second arc where the first arc is smaller than the second arc. A dual flush device with a lift arm added to conventional toilet will enable the toilet to perform two different flush actions, a small partial flush for liquid waste, and a second, full flush for solid waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Sam Akbarpour
  • Publication number: 20130055498
    Abstract: A toilet includes a bowl with a receptacle to receive waste, with a secondary chamber, and with an opening in the receptacle to allow the waste to pass to the secondary chamber; a rinse pump that turns on to add an amount of rinsing water for cleaning the bowl; a flexible self cleaning gasket configured around the opening formed in the receptacle; a bowl valve that has a sealing part having a rounded shape, rotates to a closed position that creates a sealed effect between the sealing part and the gasket trapping the waste and rinsing water in the receptacle of the bowl and sealing odors in the secondary chamber, and also rotates to an open position that sweeps the sealing part to be swept across the gasket and allowing the waste to pass to the secondary chamber. The solenoid rotates the bowl valve between the closed to open positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: FLOW CONTROL LLC
    Inventor: William A. GELL, III
  • Publication number: 20130055499
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable and stackable bathroom cabin having multiple purposes such as a dressing room and a storage room, as toilet and shower; which can be connected directly to the waste discharge network. It is equipped with four telescopic columns, foldable in sections controlled by means of casings, with securing mechanisms ending in the corresponding end deployment stops on the upper part of said columns. It is equipped with fabric tarpaulins for the walls and zipper closure on its front wall; and on the upper part of said columns there are arranged four cone-shaped stops for its support and balance during stacking of said cabins in the folded state. When folded, they allow storing up to 200 cabins in a space of 5.9×6.15×5.9 metres. The cabin is equipped with fittings for use in the modes of chemical recirculating toilets; squat toilets; dry toilets with mechanical waste discharge; and vacuum toilets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Joan Miguel Serda
  • Publication number: 20130055500
    Abstract: A sanitary fixture is disclosed for allowing a person standing on a surface adjacent the fixture to perform ablutions. The fixture comprises a first basin at a first level above the surface and a second basin at a second, lower, level above the surface. The second basin has length and width adapted to receive a human adult foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Hamed Ali Mohamed Fakhro
  • Publication number: 20130055501
    Abstract: Bedding systems comprising elements for creating sleeping nooks for individual sleepers and indicia for maintaining sanitary bedding conditions are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Nereida Lisboa
  • Publication number: 20130055502
    Abstract: An adjustable bed system includes a first frame having four actuators coupled thereto and disposed between the head and foot ends thereof. The actuators define a generally-rectangular configuration wherein first and third actuators are diagonally-opposed and wherein second and fourth actuators are diagonally-opposed. A second frame coupled to the first frame includes a first section secured to the first frame, a second section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the head end of the first frame, and a third section pivotably coupled to the first section towards the foot end of the first frame. The first and third actuators arc coupled to the second and third sections, respectively, for articulating the second and third sections, respectively. First and second leg assemblies are coupled to the second and fourth actuators, respectively, for selectively raising and lowering the first frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Norman A. Kay, Andrew Peter Johnson, Daniel DeSousa
  • Publication number: 20130055503
    Abstract: A cooling structure of an air cushion contains a body, and the body includes a plurality of air units, and each air unit includes a recess disposed on a top surface thereof, such that when a contacting portion of a user abuts against the body, the plurality of air units contact with the contacting portion, and the recesses form an airing space to cool a heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Huang
  • Publication number: 20130055504
    Abstract: A pneumatic lifting cushion is configured for easy carrying by a person and deployment upon substantially any seat. When seated thereon, a person may selectively inflate the lifting cushion using one or more of gas from a compressed gas cartridge, a gas pump, or from an auxiliary inflation gas source, and be urged into a standing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Douglas E. Peash, Dale L. Peash, Michael C. Schmaltz
  • Publication number: 20130055505
    Abstract: I, Regina D'Andrea, hereby submit this application to patent the bed and rail cover. A bed plate attaches to inner rail plates on each side with hinges or the like, which slides into a bed and rail plate envelope. This bed and rail cover may be placed on top of a hospital bed. When the bed rails are locked in an upwards position the bed cover envelope may be fastened to the outer bed rails or bed frame to hold it in place. The firmness of the bed and rail cover eliminates the possibility of the patient enstranglment in-between the mattress, bed frame, or side rails. The padding within the bed and rail plate envelope eliminates the risk of patients injuring themselves while hitting the bed frame or bed rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Regina D'Andrea
  • Publication number: 20130055506
    Abstract: A grill grate lifting tool that engages the grill at three or more points. The grill lifter hooks between the tines of the grill grate at the rim and/or to a handle of the grill grate. The grill grate lifting tool includes a handle attached to three or more legs, which is generally central above the center of mass of the grill grate to provide a stable lifting point with or without food on the grate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: James K. Greer
  • Publication number: 20130055507
    Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle, a screwdriver head coupled to the handle, and a conduit reamer coupled to the handle. The conduit reamer includes a first cylindrical portion having a first sidewall with a first diameter, and a second cylindrical portion positioned partially within and extending out of the first cylindrical portion. The second cylindrical portion has a second sidewall with a second diameter. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter such that a gap is formed between the first and second sidewalls. The conduit reamer also includes a blade having a reaming edge positioned in the gap between the first and second sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Cheng Zhang Li, Michael S. Steele, Wade F. Burch
  • Publication number: 20130055508
    Abstract: Detergent compositions including at least one AMPS copolymer, at least one maleic acid polymer, an alkaline agent and optional additives are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are phosphorous free, and reduced scale accumulation for warewashing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Altony Miralles, Michelle Fung, John Krueger
  • Publication number: 20130055509
    Abstract: Kit for tie-dyeing an object includes a utensil that retains the object, at least one container of dyeing material, at least one device for maintaining a gathered portion of the object together, and an optional instruction manual or idea guide. The utensil includes a base that can retain the dye containers and devices and an insert arranged in connection with the base. The insert is used during the tie-dyeing and includes a grate elevated from a bottom of the insert, defined by a bottom part, and having a plurality of apertures. The grate forms a support surface for the object and enables dye to flow through the apertures onto the bottom of the insert. The grate can be separated from the bottom part for cleaning and the bottom part can be removed from the base for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Horizon Group USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Roshan Wijerama
  • Publication number: 20130055510
    Abstract: A tool, which is adapted for stabilizing a pair of boots in shape, includes two retaining legs and a binding head. The two retaining legs are extended side-by-side to define a retaining gap therebetween, wherein each of the retaining legs has an upper end and a lower end to define a retaining length at least longer than a length of a shaft of each of the boots. The binding head is provided at the upper ends of the retaining legs for applying an urging force therealong so as to minimize a width of the retaining gap, wherein the retaining legs are adapted for inserting into the shafts of the boots respectively at a position that two inner sides of the shafts are held between the retaining legs so as to stabilize the shapes of boots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Xinzhong Bao
  • Publication number: 20130055511
    Abstract: An adjustable, modular handicap-access-ramp system enables transport of wheelchairs and temporarily or permanently physically handicapped individuals and no-step access thereof into and out of a structure. The system comprises a plurality of core modules and at least one additional module adapted to be combined with each other and the core modules to configure a customized ramp. At least one combined locating and support pin is adapted to connect to each other those of the core and additional modules disposed adjacent to each other. At least one substantially infinitely adjustable column assembly allows movement of predetermined core and additional modules up or down and to a desired angle. At least one connector allows attachment to each other of adjacent core and additional modules that require a change in grade with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Derek Clayton McGivern, Paul Otto Kjeldsen, Paul Thomas Arato, John Kenneth Bowes, Jason Paul Everaert, Robert Wayne Courtryman
  • Publication number: 20130055512
    Abstract: The invention provides a special launching carrier with variable position platform and a method for bridge erection using the same. The special launching carrier with variable position platform comprises a special carrier for erection bridge beam and an under-bridge machine with platform. The special carrier for erecting beam comprises a main beam, a front wheel group, a rear wheel group and a lifting device; the under-bridge machine with platform comprises a under-bridge, a rotatable rear leg, a front roller, a middle roller, a rear roller and an erecting trolley arranged on the under-bridge, and the variable position platforms are installed on both sides of tail portion of the under-bridge. When erecting bridge beam, the front wheel group moves onto the variable position platforms, which may be elevated and folded in terms of conditions of the first and last spans of different bridges, so that the bridge erection is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: BEIJING WOWJOINT MACHINERY CO
    Inventors: Yabin Liu, Shengjun Zhang, Da Pan, Fude Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130055513
    Abstract: An oral care implement may include a base portion sized for insertion into an oral cavity and a plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements extending from the base portion, wherein each of the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an edge, wherein at least one of the edges comprises a micro edge, and wherein the plurality of flexible, elastomeric elements comprises an element density of less than about 5 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: The Gillette Company
  • Publication number: 20130055514
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motorized golf ball cleaning device which comprises: a lower housing with a cavity for holding a liquid; an upper housing which contains electrical components, control components, and cleaning brushes; means to connect the upper housing to the lower housing; a feeder capable of holding a golf ball and feeding it into the liquid; a stand which is connected to the bottom of the lower housing; and means for powering the cleaning brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Markus Grötsch
  • Publication number: 20130055515
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drive system having particular utility in an electric toothbrush, the drive system comprising a coupling (14) which is connectable between a drive source (12) and a brush head (16), the coupling being adapted to impart first and second independent brushing motions to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: David Diamond, Jean Diamond
  • Publication number: 20130055516
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first expansion unit in which a first expansion member is received and the first expansion unit is connected to a cylinder which has a piston received therein and the piston defines a first room and a second room in the cylinder. The piston has a first magnetic member which magnetically drives a movable member with a second magnetic member connected thereto. The movable member moves along the cylinder. A cleaning unit is co-movably connected with the movable member. By expansion of the first expansion unit by the sun, the movable member is moved and the cleaning unit is moved along the glass surface. The action consumes no electric power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Song-Hao WANG
  • Publication number: 20130055517
    Abstract: An article and soil capture agent for cleaning a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Robin Lynn McKiernan, Steven Daryl Smith, Robert Joseph McChain, Charles William Neal
  • Publication number: 20130055518
    Abstract: A hairbrush has a plurality of molded tines, each with a main shaft and a first branch extending from the shaft. The first branch extends at a point between the base of the shaft and the free end of the shaft, and is oriented on the shaft and dimensioned such that the tine is adapted to comb and separate tangled or matted hair. The tines may be arranged such that the first branch of one tine is randomly oriented relative to the first branch of adjacent tines. The tines may have a second branch extending from the shaft at a point between the base of the shaft and the first branch. The first and second branches extend in a radial direction from the shaft at an angle of 5° to 90° relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Christophe Jacob, Herve F. Bouix, Lynn Mazzella
  • Publication number: 20130055519
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a spatula with a handle and a blade. The blade includes a first blade end, an interior rigid section, a flexible straight edge, and two flexible opposing edges. At the first blade end, the blade is attached to the handle. The interior rigid section extends from the first blade end and has a substantially rectangular transverse profile. The flexible straight edge is located along the second blade end positioned opposite the first blade end. The two flexible opposing edges are substantially perpendicular to the first blade end and the second blade end and are curved in opposing directions. The interior rigid section encompasses a portion of the blade between the first blade end and the flexible straight edge and between the two flexible opposing edges. The flexible straight edge and the two flexible opposing edges deform under less stress than the interior rigid section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Sorenson, Lee K. Reeder
  • Publication number: 20130055520
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade unit, in particular for a joint-free wiper blade (10a; 10b), having a liquid guiding body (12a; 12b) which has at least one liquid guiding bridge (14a; 14b) which, when in an operating state, is arranged on a side (18a; 18b) facing away from a wiper blade main flow side (16a; 16b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Lothar Urbanek, Nathalie Stroobants, Hervé Bratec, Guido Tuyls, Robert Vertongen, Johan Camps
  • Publication number: 20130055521
    Abstract: A cleaning system includes a robot cleaner having an opening unit and a first dirt container funneled to the opening unit, and a maintenance station to which robot cleaner is docked to discharge dirt stored in the first dirt container The maintenance station includes a first inlet hole configured to intake dirt from the first dirt container through the opening unit, a first outlet hole configured to blow air into the first dirt container, a circulating passage provided between the first inlet hole and the first outlet hole, a second dirt container disposed on the circulation passage to store dirt taken in from the robot cleaner, a draft apparatus having a draft fan and a fan motor to drive the draft fan to circulate air through the circulating passage, and a second outlet hole configured to discharge air inside the circulating passage of the maintenance station to an outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung In LEE, Dong Won KIM, Hyun Soo JUNG, Hwi Chan JANG
  • Publication number: 20130055522
    Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a canister assembly. The handle assembly is pivotally attached to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an agitator cavity that receives a rotary agitator. Both a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on the body. In addition, the vacuum cleaner includes an agitator lift assembly. The agitator lift assembly includes a sliding actuator and a fulcrum plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Kyle A. Hawkins, Michael L. Fry, Samuel A. Marsh, Ryan T. Dant, Shannon D. Phegley, Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Publication number: 20130055523
    Abstract: In a power tool dust collecting device, a blocking ring that is subject to elastic deformation upon contact with a workpiece surface for blockage between a suction head and the workpiece surface is provided to the front surface of the suction head to be brought into contact with the workpiece surface. The blocking ring has a ventilating portion (a V-shaped slit) that ensures the flow of air to the suction head regardless of whether the elastic deformation has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyonobu YOSHIKANE, Yoshitaka MACHIDA
  • Publication number: 20130055524
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning artificial floor coverings provided with floor covering particles, such as artificial turf, comprising a sweeping device for gathering dirt particles from the floor covering, a separation device for separating the dirt particles from floor covering particles, a floor covering particle feedback device for gathering the floor covering particles separated from the dirt particles and feeding back the floor covering particles to the floor, a filter device for filtering dust particles, and a suction device which draws air from the area of the separation device through the filter device. First and second negative-pressure chambers in which negative pressure can be formed by the suction device suction are formed above and below the separation device, respectively, in fluid communication through the separation device. The first negative-pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the suction device only via the second negative-pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: WIEDENMANN GMBH
    Inventors: Schmid Reinhold, Vrbanic Andre
  • Publication number: 20130055525
    Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus includes a body, a cyclonic dirt collection vessel and a suction generator. The cyclonic dirt collection vessel includes at least one non-concentric cyclone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Brian K. Ruben
  • Publication number: 20130055526
    Abstract: A belt drive disengaging assembly for a vacuum cleaner includes a pivoting belt tensioner and an actuator assembly, wherein movement of the actuator assembly selectively pivots the belt tensioner to place tension on a belt coupled between an agitator and source of driving power, thereby coupling the agitator with the source of driving power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: BISSELL HOMECARE, INC.
    Inventor: Phong Hoang Tran
  • Publication number: 20130055527
    Abstract: A power tool dust collecting device includes, in a housing in which a suction opening is protrudingly provided and on which a power tool is mountable, a motor chamber holding a motor having a brush that comes into sliding contact with a commutator of a rotor rotating integrally with an output shaft, a fan chamber housing a dust collecting fan attached to the output shaft of the motor, and a dust collecting chamber in which a filter, through which passes air sucked up from the suction opening due to rotation of the dust collecting fan in accordance with driving of the motor and which collects dust in the air, is mounted on an upstream side of the fan chamber. A cushioning member is interposed between an inner wall of the motor chamber and an outer peripheral surface of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka MACHIDA, Kiyonobu YOSHIKANE
  • Publication number: 20130055528
    Abstract: A detachable and adjustable damper hinge attachment for connection to pre-installed hinge hardware to dampen the closing motion of a swinging cabinet door. The attachment comprises a housing and a spring damper assembly slidingly and removably engaged with the housing. The housing includes an attachment means for detachable engagement with a hinge body. The spring damper assembly extends from the housing and contacts a portion of the hinge to which the door is mounted. One embodiment positions the spring damper assembly to more perpendicularly meet the door portion of the hinge. Another embodiment includes an adjustment knob for adapting the contact point of the spring damper assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Jeffrey Lowe
  • Publication number: 20130055529
    Abstract: A door check for an automobile has an arm with a cam formed between oppositely directed flanks. A unitary energy storage component cooperates with the arm to provide progressive resistance to opening and closing and a plurality of stable positions. The unitary energy storage component includes a pair of springs, each connected to shoes that bear against the flanks and load the springs in torsion as the shoes moves along the cam. The unitary energy storage component is formed as an integral unit to facilitate handling and assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Rudolf Gruber
  • Publication number: 20130055530
    Abstract: A door check for an automobile has an arm with a cam formed between oppositely directed flanks. A unitary energy storage component cooperates with the arm to provide progressive resistance to opening and closing and a plurality of stable positions. The unitary energy storage component includes a pair of springs, each connected to shoes that bear against the flanks and load the springs in torsion as the shoes moves along the cam. The unitary energy storage component is formed as an integral unit to facilitate handling and assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Gruber