Patents Issued in March 12, 2013
  • Patent number: 8393018
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-flush toilet device including an outer casing, a gear set, a ring disk set, a connecting rod set and a drive set. The drive set includes a first toilet flushing handle and a second toilet flushing handle. By pressing the first and the second toilet flushing handle, the discharged water amount can be controlled accurately and thereby achieves the goal of water saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Somei Huang
  • Patent number: 8393019
    Abstract: A spa system featuring an immersion tank for holding a therapeutic liquid, the immersion tank may feature multiple sectors, a hot reservoir, a cold reservoir, and a mixer reservoir. The mixer reservoir is fluidly connected to each the hot reservoir, the cold reservoir, and the immersion tank via pipes. The hot reservoir has a heating element, and the cold reservoir has a cooling element. Pipes and pumps connect the immersion tank to the mixer reservoir and to the hot and cold reservoirs and the hot and cold reservoirs to the mixer reservoir. Temperature sensors are disposed in the immersion tank and the mixer reservoir. A control unit having a microprocessor functions to change temperature of the therapeutic liquid in the immersion tank by activating various pumps such that the temperature of the immersion tank matches a pre-programmed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Victor V. Cavuoti
  • Patent number: 8393020
    Abstract: Bath and shower support systems for a bath or shower enclosure have adjustable grab bars bearing on adjustable lower supports and laterally connecting to a parallel tiled wall by suction cups clamped to the tile by locking means. An adjustable length upward extending grab bar attaches to the lower grab bar with its upper extremity attaching to the tiled wall by connection means that includes a suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Willie T. Grant
  • Patent number: 8393021
    Abstract: A non-flexible floor covering adaptor is provided for use with a shower tray (10) having a peripheral trough (18) and means for engaging flexible floor covering material in the trough (18). The adaptor (30) comprises a first profiled portion (32) locatable in the trough (18) of the shower tray (10); a second profiled portion (34) which matches or substantially matches a peripheral edge of the shower tray (10), and a floor flange (36) for engagement with non-flexible floor covering material, such as tiles or boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: DLP Limited
    Inventors: Robert William Stimpson, Mark Luxton
  • Patent number: 8393022
    Abstract: A thin-film splash guard for use with dental cuspidors is described. The splash guard includes a thin-film sheet, a pair of slots, and an adhesive. The thin-film sheet is composed of a flexible, flaccid material with front and back surfaces which is sufficiently stiff when conformed to the shape of a dental cuspidor so as to extend above the side wall of the cuspidor. The slots are disposed from one edge of and along the thin-film sheet so as to generally define a center region and a pair of side regions. The adhesive is disposed along the front surface within each side region and or along the back surface within the center region. The thin-film splash guard is readily conformable to the shape and size of a cuspidor, easily attachable to the cuspidor in a removable fashion, and disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Damian D. Dachowski
  • Patent number: 8393023
    Abstract: A collapsible bed frame includes two long rods each composed of two connecting rods. The two connecting rods are connected together through a connecting member. Each of the two long rods has two ends and a central portion pivotally connected with an X-shaped support rack, respectively. The X-shaped support rack at the central portion is pivotally connected to the connecting member. Support rods are provided between the long rods and the X-shaped support racks at the two ends. The support rods are adapted to assist in pulling or pushing the X-shaped support racks at the two ends for expanding or collapsing the collapsible bed frame with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kwan-Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 8393024
    Abstract: An adjustable bed skirt for use between a mattress and a box spring that is comprised of a top strip portion having a vertically extended, downwardly draped side skirt portion connected to the top strip portion outer perimeter edges. Alternatively, the adjustable bed skirt can be attached to an existing bed skirt. The top strip portion is formed by one or more strips, therefore creating a bed skirt simple to install, adjust, and remove. The top strip portion has a left strip, right strip and a foot strip. An outer edge extends along an outside of the left strip, right strip and foot strip and an inner edge extends along an inside of the left strip, right strip and foot strip. The width of the top strip portion and a height of the side skirt portion is adjustable when the elastic portions are expanded or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: E Patricia Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8393025
    Abstract: A bed covering system is disclosed comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet wherein the lower sheet fits on a mattress in a removable manner. The upper sheet is connected to the lower sheet through expandable flaps of material. A zipper runs between the sides of the upper and lower sheets such that when it is zipped, the upper sheet is pulled tightly against the lower sheet but when it is unzipped the upper sheet is allowed to move away from the lower sheet to the extent of the expandable flaps or material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: KaDe Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Crispino, Dennis Crispino
  • Patent number: 8393026
    Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a deck, a plurality of side rails, a control panel, and a plurality of subsystems, such as a bed exit system that detects when a patient may exit from the support apparatus, or a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the deck. A controller is in communication with the control panel and is adapted to monitor conditions regarding the side rails and/or the other subsystems. At least one lamp is also provided on the patient support apparatus that is adapted to be illuminated in a first manner when a plurality of monitored conditions remain in a desired state, and in a second manner when at least one of the plurality of monitored conditions changes to an undesired state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Dionne, David Kim Soui Wan Fong, David T. Becker, Christopher J. Hopper, Michael J. Hayes, Richard C. Mayoras, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8393027
    Abstract: There is provided a spinal support pivot pillow including: (1) a central-cylindrical neck support roll having two ends; and (2) two generally circular head support cushions vertically connected at each of the two ends, the neck support contoured to support a head and a neck in a supine position, and the head support cushions contoured to support the head and the neck in a side posture position. The present invention may also be used with a corresponding pillow case which can be contoured to the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Allan Weisberg
  • Patent number: 8393028
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing footwear including the steps of positioning a sole member on a first portion of a cutting assembly; heating a second portion of the cutting assembly, the second portion including a cutting die; pressing the heated cutting die into the sole member to form a plurality of sipes in the sole member; and removing the cutting die from the sole member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim Namkook, Jeffrey L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8393029
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body, members for driving this body over the immersed surface in a longitudinal direction, including a wheel, a device for brushing the immersed surface, a mechanism for rotating the brushing device about a brushing axis, wherein the driving mechanism of the brushing device includes: an internally toothed ring which is fixedly joined to a wheel, a brush pinion which is fixedly joined to the brushing device and which is engaged in the ring of this drive wheel in such a manner that a rotation of this drive wheel brings about a rotation of the brushing device about the brushing axis thereof in the same rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393030
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein the filtering device includes an opening which is in communication with the liquid inlet and, for filtering and recovering debris, a space which is delimited by filtering walls and which extends towards the liquid outlet, the space having a regular cross-section which decreases from the opening towards the liquid outlet in order to form a convergent chamber for tangential filtration of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393031
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface; a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet; a liquid outlet; a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein the filtering device includes a first filtering shell which extends towards the rear of the body, from a front opening; a second shell which is fitted to the first shell at the front thereof, these shells being able to be fitted together so as to form an integral filtering casing; in which case the second shell closes the front opening of the first shell, with the exception of a liquid inlet passage; the two shells being able to be separated from each other by disengaging the front opening of the first shell which acts as an opening for emptying this shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393032
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet located at the base of the body; a liquid outlet arranged opposite the base of the body; a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between this liquid inlet and this liquid outlet through a filtering device; a liquid pumping device including a pumping motor which has a rotating drive shaft which is coupled to a pumping propeller which is interposed in the hydraulic circuit, wherein the liquid outlet is longitudinally offset from the liquid inlet and the pumping propeller has an inclined rotation axis which forms, with the longitudinal direction, an angle which is not equal to zero and which is different from 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393033
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body; members for driving the body; a filtration chamber which has: a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a filtering device which is removably mounted in the filtration chamber; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through the filtering device; an axial pumping propeller which is interposed in the hydraulic circuit; a flap for access to the filtering device, wherein the pumping propeller is orientated in order to generate a liquid flow with a horizontal component towards the rear, the outlet being opposite the propeller; the pumping motor is arranged below the hydraulic circuit; the access flap is arranged at the top and/or towards the front of the hydraulic circuit in order to allow the filtering device to be disassembled via the top and/or towards the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393034
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving this body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, a handle for operating the body which allows a user to carry it in order to immerse it in the liquid or remove it from the liquid, wherein the liquid outlet is arranged at a longitudinal end of the body, and wherein the operating handle is connected to the body at an opposing end so that, when the body is suspended by the operating handle, it tilts spontaneously under the effect of gravity into an emptying position in which the liquid outlet is located below the liquid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393035
    Abstract: Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface in a main direction of advance; a filtration chamber which is provided in the body and which has: a liquid inlet conduit which extends inside the body and which has a lower end which forms a liquid inlet and an opposing upper end which opens into a filtering device; a liquid outlet out of the body; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the liquid outlet through the filtering device, wherein the inlet conduit has a regular cross-section whose surface-area varies from the lower end thereof up to a maximum value at the upper end thereof which opens in the filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Philippe Pichon, Emmanuel Mastio
  • Patent number: 8393036
    Abstract: Detailed is an apparatus for cleaning a surface which is immersed in a liquid including a body, guiding members defining at least one axle, a filtration chamber, at least one electric drive motor, a control unit which is configured to control each drive motor in at least one direction at a speed selected from: at least a first speed at which the apparatus is in a first movement position in accordance with a first predetermined trajectory, at least a second more rapid speed at which the apparatus is in a second nosed-up movement position in accordance with a second predetermined trajectory which is different from the first trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care Europe
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mastio, Philippe Blanc-Tailleur, Philippe Pichon
  • Patent number: 8393037
    Abstract: A three-axis acceleration sensor is mounted to a body of an electric toothbrush. A CPU detects the three-dimensional attitude of the body based on an output from the acceleration sensor and, based on the attitude of the toothbrush, estimates which portion is being brushed. Then, the CPU measures by using a timer a brushing time of the portion being brushed. Results of brushing for each portion are evaluated and outputted based on the measured brushing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwahori, Akitoshi Miki, Kuniyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8393038
    Abstract: A car wash brush comprising a motor and a rotatable vertically-depending brush shaft is provided with a spherical bearing which allows universal swivel movement of the brush shaft away from a normal, essentially vertical orientation. To limit the degree of swivel permitted, a plate with three angularly spaced bumpers is attached to the top of the swivel bearing and a C-shaped stop plate is arranged on a brush mount over the bumpers in fixed spaced relationship to the bearing seat such that excessive swivel motion brings one or more of the bumpers into contact with the under surface of the C-shaped plate. The bearing support structure is attached to a swing arm by means of an extra pivot which provides a breakaway function. An alarm and/or event recorder is provided to trigger an inspection in the event the breakaway function is brought into play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry S. Turner, Thomas E. Weyandt, Curtis S. Prater
  • Patent number: 8393039
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with a tilt-able hopper frame and hopper bag that includes a handle such that an operator may tilt the hopper frame and hopper bag, using the handle, to empty the hopper bag contents. The hopper bag and hopper frame are connected to a lawn sweeper unit using a hopper rod which is inserted into two slots at the ends of two hopper support bars and secured within the slots by two corresponding latch plates, one latch plate at each end of the two hopper support bars. The latching mechanism allows the hopper frame and hopper bag to be easily removed from the lawn sweeper unit for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: John Johnson, Ronald Hickenbottom
  • Patent number: 8393040
    Abstract: A bedding removal apparatus for removing bedding material in livestock free stalls is attached to a vehicle such as a skid steer. The bedding removal apparatus includes an auger configured to extend into the bedding of the free stall and draw the bedding toward a curb. The bedding removal apparatus includes a scraper engaging an inner end of the auger to remove bedding from the auger and deposit the bedding into the alley. The auger is mounted to a shaft which is positioned at an angle with respect to the curb and a movable frame to which the shaft is attached. The shaft may be angled down and forward with respect to the movable frame. A fixed frame is mounted to the vehicle and the movable frame is pivotably attached to the fixed frame. An actuator is configured to raise the movable arm from a position with the auger engaging the bedding to a raised position for movement or maneuvering of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Attachments, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Linsmeier
  • Patent number: 8393041
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a portable golf club cleaning device, for cleaning the head of a golf club, including: a cleaning portion with one or more outwardly-facing exterior cleaning surfaces disposed about a central axis; a handle portion disposed at a top end of the cleaning portion including a gripping member whereby the portable golf club cleaning device is selectively gripped; and an elongated spike portion disposed at a bottom end of the cleaning portion substantially opposite the top end of the cleaning portion, the elongated spike portion extending from the cleaning portion and wherein central axes of the handle portion and the spike portion are vertically aligned, the elongated spike portion providing a support means for supporting the portable golf club cleaning device in an upright manner when depressed into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Exsite Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher W. Cieri
  • Patent number: 8393042
    Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods. Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods, the bridge and outer portions of the fixed pods may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Kenneth Waguespack, Bruce M. Russell
  • Patent number: 8393043
    Abstract: The invention concerns an applicator (1) for cosmetic product, comprising: a pad element (2) having a first side for application of the cosmetic product and a second side opposite the first side, and a support element (3) comprising a central attached portion (8) and two side grasping portions (9, 10) arranged either side of the central attached portion (8), the central attached portion (8) being attached onto the second side (5) of the pad element (2), wherein the support element (3) is formed from a planar blank having two slots, each slot forming a space separating the central attached portion (8) from a side grasping portion (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Albea Services
    Inventors: Michel Limongi, Vincent Lequeux
  • Patent number: 8393044
    Abstract: A helical rotary brush for motor vehicle washing systems comprising a plurality of strips coupled to a central support element, through restrained joint coupling means, comprising slots designed for receiving suitably contoured bar elements, said slots being arranged with an helical arrangement on the central support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Favagrossa Edoardo S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Favagrossa
  • Patent number: 8393045
    Abstract: A hand-held tool for removal and scraping of matter, such as mortar, drywall and the like from surfaces such as containers, buckets and the like, thereby perhaps salvaging the matter for reuse as well as salvaging the container. A hand-held tool may include, in the various embodiments, a curved blade having at least one straight side edge; a flat bottom edge; and a top surface that may be used a handle, a hanging shelf, and perhaps even reinforcement of the integrity of a blade. A hand-held tool may be made of stainless steel, galvanized metal, plastic and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: It's About Time 2, Inc.
    Inventor: Wanda L. O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 8393046
    Abstract: A wiper protector fits over a rear window wiper to prevent damage to the wiper from a mechanized or automated car wash. The wiper protector is open on one end for slipping over the wiper blade, arm and wiper motor components if exposed. The sleeve includes a cutout at the open end to fit over the wiper motor components. A drawstring near the open end passes through the sleeve guided by non-marring grommets near the sleeve open end. A drawstring lock maintains tension on the drawstring during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: John F. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8393047
    Abstract: A mop bucket comprises a bucket defining a first compartment and a second compartment. The bucket is rotatable between an upright position and a second position. A first fluid movement path is provided between the second compartment and the first compartment such that liquid in the second compartment drains to the first compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the upright position. A second fluid movement path is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment such that liquid in the first compartment drains to the second compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the second position. A method of operating the mop bucket is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rubermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Reneau Van Landingham, Jr., Jesse Andrew Matola
  • Patent number: 8393048
    Abstract: A method for cleaning first and second filters of a suction device for cleaning purposes is provided. The suction device has a dirt collection container with a suction inlet. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via first and second suction lines, respectively, following the first and second filters. First and second closing valves close first and second external air inlets, respectively, into the first and second suction lines. For cleaning the filters, the closing valves are opened, subjecting the filters to external air on the clean space side. The dirt collection container is subjected to negative pressure via the first suction line and first filter by a first suction unit and via the second suction line and second filter by a second suction unit. The suction lines are sealed off relative to each other on the clean space side at least during the cleaning of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Alfred Kaercher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Rentschler, Rainer Engelhardt, Juergen Frank, Daniel Eckstein
  • Patent number: 8393049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning large surface areas. The method and vehicle clean large surface areas such as streets, runways, aircraft carrier decks, and the like, wherein a substantial portion of the soiled water is recaptured, processed, and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Triverus, LLC
    Inventor: Hans E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 8393050
    Abstract: A cyclonic portable vacuum cleaner/dust collector for workshop or other use has a conic body that is supported on a hand cart or dolly. A funnel shaped divider plate within the conic body divides it into a cyclonic chamber between the divider plate and the lower nose, and a filter chamber between the divider plate and a motor plate that closes the upper mouth of the conic body. The filter chamber contains a filter cartridge. A vacuum air pump is mounted on the motor plate, and is covered by a shroud or housing. Clean, filtered air is exhausted into the ambient. Process dust settled into a dust collection drum supported beneath the nose of the conic body. A pulse cleaning arrangement serves for periodic filter cleaning. The supporting cart can be wheeled or can use a wall bracket for wall mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert M. Witter
  • Patent number: 8393051
    Abstract: A method of in situ scale removal from a heat exchange body suspended in a wet cooling tower. At least one air blast is generated by a generator implementing controlled expansion via a nozzle of a mass of compressed gas in a nozzle towards a zone of the body. The generator is opened at a distance from the zone, and the method repeats the operation after moving the generator under the body outside the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dyanergie
    Inventors: Rémi Gomez, Nicolas Laurent, Michel Degrange, Jean-Marc Meurville, Paule Blokbergen
  • Patent number: 8393052
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner having dual cleaning motor and fan units is provided having a cleaning head engagable with a floor and a suction nozzle and a brush roller rotatably mounted therein. A first motor and fan unit is mounted in the vacuum cleaner for producing suction in the suction nozzle and is operatively connected to the brush roller for rotating it. An upright housing is connected to the cleaning head, the housing having a handle for moving the vacuum cleaner along the floor during floor cleaning use. Contained in the housing are a dirt storage container, a passageway leading from the suction nozzle in the cleaning head to the storage container and a second motor and fan unit operatively associated with the storage container for drawing dirt laden air from the cleaning head through the passageway and into the storage container simultaneously with operation of the first motor and fan unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tacony Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas L. Blocker, John F. Kaido
  • Patent number: 8393053
    Abstract: A self-orienting caster for pieces of furniture and the like, comprising at least one wheel which is supported so that it can rotate about a horizontal axis by a supporting structure which has a vertical cylindrical recess which is open upward and is axially offset with respect to said horizontal axis and constitutes said seat in which a pivot for the pivoting of the caster can rotate, the pivot being insertable in a receptacle of the piece of furniture onto which the caster is to be fitted, the supporting structure comprising two mutually opposite annular flanges, which form respective circular and coaxial holes, a tubular body whose opposite ends are rigidly coupled to the inner edges of the holes and form externally, between the flanges, a rolling track for a supporting bearing for the wheel, respective extensions being monolithically rigidly coupled to the flanges and being mutually associable so as to form the seat which is designed to receive the pivot for the pivoting of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Emilsider Meccanica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francescantonio Melara
  • Patent number: 8393054
    Abstract: A door operator includes a first component having a right-hand thread, a second component having a left-hand thread, and a plug-in or rotatable coupling having two complementary threads. The first and second compartments are interconnected to each other by the coupling when the right-hand thread of the first compartment and the left-hand thread of the second compartment engage the respective complementary threads of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Volker Bienek
  • Patent number: 8393055
    Abstract: A flexible fabric barrier may be formed to provide an enclosure for buildings and other structures to protect the structures from the effects of windstorms. The barrier is mounted to the building or structure by a track system that has a cleat with an elongated channel. A series of slides are dimensioned to move within the channel about turns in the channel and under side loads. Each of the slides has a D-ring slidably mounted thereon. The D-ring is connected to the barrier. The barrier may be stacked in a folded position with the slides in close proximity with each other and deployed by moving the slides along the channel to form an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Ted Gower
  • Patent number: 8393056
    Abstract: A control motion hinge, comprising a first leaf hinge with three knuckles to secure a first pin, wherein the two outer knuckles have roller knuckles, a link having a two knuckles on a first end to interlock with the first leaf hinge and a single knuckle on a second end, a second leaf hinge with two knuckles to secure a second pin when interlocked with the second end of the link, wherein the two knuckles of the second leaf hinge have a roller path for engaging the roller of the first leaf hinge, wherein such rollers traverse the roller path, and thus softly closing the door reducing the sound of closure during the final approach of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert F. Irwin
  • Patent number: 8393057
    Abstract: A method for mixing short staple and down cluster by a dry processing utilizes an air tool to blow the short staple over, so that the scattered short staple is mixed in the down cluster. Stirring blades are further applied for stirring. Chemical agents are needless, no pollution is generated, and processing time is preferably reduced since the mixture does not have to be soaked in the chemical agent. Both the processing time and the manufacturing cost are decreased. Preferably, a proportion of the short staple to the down cluster is adjustable for different needs and divergent warmth retaining effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kwong Lung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiu-Jung Wen
  • Patent number: 8393058
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clip including: a flange and a leg. The leg includes: a pillar portion that vertically extends from the flange; a tip portion provided at a distal end in an axial direction; a rib that outwardly extends from the pillar portion to be connected to the flange and the tip portion; and an elastic engagement piece that extends from a distal end of the rib in a circumferential direction. The elastic engagement piece includes: a rigid portion that is connected to the rib and that is connected to the flange and the tip portion; and a deformable portion that is extended from the rigid portion and that is disconnected from the flange and the tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Piolax Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeo Okada, Takeshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8393059
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for joining an elongate member to an assembly may include a frame, clamp, actuator and link between the clamp and actuator. Stop surfaces on the clamp and actuator cooperate to secure the elongate member. A pin and the force transmitted by a compression spring may further be provided for additional security. The link between the clamp and actuator retracts the clamp permitting the elongate member to be detached from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jerauld Dunn
  • Patent number: 8393060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick release buckle of those commonly used for temporarily attaching two belt or band sections, for example of a backpack, sports bag, waist packs, harnesses or leashes for dogs, etc. The object of the invention is to provide said buckle with an additional function such that it can be used for diffusing an insecticide and/or air-freshener substance in the atmosphere, for which a buckle component integrates a diffusion element for diffusing a volatile substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zobele Espana, S.A.
    Inventors: Cedric Morhain, Fabio Marchetti
  • Patent number: 8393061
    Abstract: A seat belt safety device is configured to prevent access to a release button located on a side of a seat belt housing opposite a housing side at which a first seat belt segment is affixed and proximate a housing slot for receiving a tongue latch affixed to a second seat belt segment, which tongue latch is inserted in the housing slot to securely latch the first seat belt segment to the second seat belt segment. The seat belt safety device includes a first substantially planar member including a slot opening for receiving the tongue latch of the second seat belt segment and a limited access opening, substantially centered and proximate the slot opening so that when a tongue latch is inserted through the slot opening into the housing slot to latch and secure the first seat belt segment with the second seat belt segment, the limited access opening is located proximate the release button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: William McGlynn
  • Patent number: 8393062
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning fairing sheaths are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes using vacuum pressure to assist in moving opposing portions of a fairing sheath away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Phillip Alexander
  • Patent number: 8393063
    Abstract: A tool for spreading disc brake pads and compressing pistons of a disc brake caliper assembly includes a manually operated handle to drive a rod attached to a pusher plate. An arm assembly also connects the back end of the drive rod to the pusher plate. The plates thus extend in cantilever fashion from the drive rod and may be maintained in alignment by the arm assembly which also serves to reinforce the cantilever arrangement of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew M. Hodges, Randall J. Ploeger
  • Patent number: 8393064
    Abstract: An installation device for installing a windshield in a vehicle. The device includes a pivot assembly including a pair of suction cups that attach to the door glass of a vehicle door, and a depending member that extends upwardly and forwardly adjacent a windshield opening. A support assembly includes a pair of suction cups that attach to a windshield, and a support rod that is axially and rotatably moveable with respect to the suction cups. The support rod includes an end that pivots on the depending member of the pivot assembly. The device moveably supports the windshield such that a single technician can install the windshield on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aegis Tools International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Adas, Steve Coyle
  • Patent number: 8393065
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a pulverized coal boiler in an air combustion boiler system is disclosed, which has a plurality of burners over a plurality of stages along the vertical direction on a wall surface of a furnace of the pulverized coal boiler and an after-air port for introducing air for two-stage combustion located above the burners to retrofit into a two-stage combustion pulverized coal boiler in an oxyfuel combustion boiler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuma Tatsumi, Masayuki Taniguchi, Tsuyoshi Shibata, Yoshiharu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8393066
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a miniaturized device includes a manipulator system including six manipulators operable to position and orient components of the miniaturized device with submicron precision and micron-level accuracy. The manipulator system includes a first plurality of motorized axes, a second plurality of manual axes, and force and torque and sensors. Each of the six manipulators includes at least one translation stage, at least one rotation stage, tooling attached to the at least one translation stage or the at least one rotation stage, and an attachment mechanism disposed at a distal end of the tooling and operable to attach at least a portion of the miniaturized device to the tooling. The apparatus also includes an optical coordinate-measuring machine (OCMM) including a machine-vision system, a laser-based distance-measuring probe, and a touch probe. The apparatus also includes an operator control system coupled to the manipulator system and the OCMM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Montesanti, Jeffrey L. Klingmann, Richard M. Seugling
  • Patent number: 8393067
    Abstract: A connecting device 30 is provided with a die 1 divided into a plurality of die segments 2 centering around a wedge hole portion 11 in a circumferential direction, and a mandrel 20. Each die segment 2 of the die 1 is moved radially outward of the pipe 40 by a mandrel 20 to expand an expansion target portion 41 of the pipe 40. The die segment 2 is equipped with apiece 3 having a first pressing protruded portion 4 for pressing one of two predetermined portions 41b and 41b of the pipe 40, a die segment main body 6 having a second pressing protruded portion 7 for pressing the other portion 41b, and connection means 15 for connecting the piece 3 and the die segment main body 6 in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Yasuji Kawamata