Patents Issued in August 6, 2013
  • Patent number: 8499374
    Abstract: A sealable cabinet that permits a human or animal to experience a dry bath for carbon dioxide or other gases, with said cabinet fitted with gas, water, and power connections, and a controller to optimize the temperature, gas concentrations, and water vapor content of the interior, plus a switchable means for selecting between a sauna environment and said carbon dioxide bath, with a business method that enables a provider of services involving such equipment to achieve a profitable interface with patients and customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Sam Belkin
  • Patent number: 8499375
    Abstract: A washbasin includes: a washbasin body having a water containing space and comprising an insertion hole formed in a front surface thereof in a downward inclined direction and a drain hole formed on the bottom surface thereof; a water supply nozzle projected toward the water containing space through the insertion hole from a rear end of the washbasin body, wherein the projected portion of the water supply nozzle is rotated in a direction desired by a user so as to control a water supply direction and a water supply amount; a cold/hot water supply valve buried in a one-side edge of the washbasin body and coupled to the water supply nozzle through a pipe; and a cold/hot selection level installed on the top surface of the cold/hot water supply valve and selectively supplying cold/hot water to the water supply nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Suk-Jin Kim, Hyun-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8499376
    Abstract: A drain closure device for a vessel having an interior surface and a drain hole defined in the interior surface. The drain closure device includes a drain plug configured to be telescopically received in the central throughshaft defined in the insert sleeve. The drain plug is moveable between a first contacted ceiling position and a second expanded, drain position. The drain plug includes a seal member that is attached to the first end and a connection member located on a second end. The connection member is configured to releasably engage with at least one lateral shoulder or a suitable lateral projection member associated with the drain opening when the drain plug the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Tae Kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 8499377
    Abstract: Automatically adjustable bunk apparatus are described that can be used, for example, in applications in which space is limited, such as, for example, boats and recreational vehicles. The automatically adjustable bunk apparatus can be configured in an extended bunk configuration or a space saving retracted configuration. The automatically adjustable bunk apparatus have a substantially horizontal portion and an adjustable portion either of which can be configured to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the automatically adjustable bunk apparatus is in its retracted configuration, the adjustable portion is positioned outside the plane of the horizontal portion, and when the automatically adjustable bunk apparatus is in its extended position, the horizontal portion and the adjustable portion form a substantially flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Chaparral Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Fafard, Michael Anthony Werle
  • Patent number: 8499378
    Abstract: A hollow pedestal bed end for a rise and fall patient's bed is made of reduced width to fold over the mattress frame and pass through a door opening. The inner faces of the paired bed ends each have a slot through which a mattress frame bracket projects. A wheeled carriage inside the bed end rides on an upright guide and the bracket projects from the guide. The rise and fall motion is supplied by a linear actuator whose small movements are multiplied by a third order lever. The frame is thus lifted by a pair of such pedestal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Maxi-Care Promotions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: William Beattie Kelly, David Bird
  • Patent number: 8499379
    Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano, Srinidhi Kaushik
  • Patent number: 8499380
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible cot structure comprises a fabric web, a frame, and a plurality of folding legs pivotally attached to the frame. The cot structure is collapsible to a bundled condition to minimize the amount of space taken up by the structure during storage and transportation. The cot structure includes at least one locking assembly pivotally connected to a leg assembly for maintaining the cot in an open, set-up condition, wherein the locking assembly must be unlocked before the cot structure can be collapsed. The locking assembly includes a first pedal for locking the assembly and a second pedal for unlocking the assembly. Preferably, a downward force can be applied to operate either pedal, thereby facilitating quick and easy set-up and break down of the cot structure without compromising safety, consuming too much time, or requiring undue effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Integrity Outdoor Brands LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Grace
  • Patent number: 8499381
    Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for an exemplary sleeping bag system comprising an outer sleeping bag having a first opening including a first zipper closure, a first integral hood including a first face opening, and a foot receiving region opposite said first face opening. The sleeping bag may further comprise an inner sleeping bag having a second opening including a second zipper closure, a second integral hood including a second face opening, and a foot receiving region opposite the second face opening. The inner sleeping bag may be connected to the outer sleeping bag by at least two connectors, one of which is proximate the foot receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen D. Miller, Christina L. LaChance
  • Patent number: 8499382
    Abstract: A companion sleeping bag (A) having an enclosure (1) formed of a shell (6) having opposing folds (6A, 6B) joined together at least along a head portion (12) and forming an interior sleeping space (11) defined by an interior liner (8) therebetween. One of the opposing folds (6A, 6B) is formed with an opening (5) therethrough into the interior space (11) with a collar (2) is positioned around the opening (5). A mating means (10), such as a zipper, is coupled to the opposing folds (6A, 6B) of the shell (6) adjacent to one or both sides (15, 16) of the enclosure (1). The mating means (10) is securable between the opposing folds (6A, 6B). The mating means (10) is further matable to a cooperating mating portion (D) of a separate conventional sleeping bag (B) or another for joining the companion sleeping bag (A) thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew E. Storms
  • Patent number: 8499383
    Abstract: An exercise mat system and a method of using the same are disclosed. The exercise mat system includes an exercise mat including an upper surface, and a plurality of visual markers positioned on the upper surface of said mat, where the relative positioning of the visual markers correlates to a user's body parts and distances between the user's body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Alycea Ungaro
  • Patent number: 8499384
    Abstract: A pendant assembly includes a pendant and a tether. The pendant and tether are configured so that the tether can be removed from the pendant when the pendant is secured to a person-support apparatus, and so that the tether remains attached to the pendant when the pendant is removed from the person-support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Mark Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 8499385
    Abstract: A control unit controls a drive unit so that a back angle ?, which is an elevation angle of a back bottom, and a knee angle ?, which is an elevation angle of a knee bottom, change according to a pre-set pattern. The control unit comprises a memory unit for storing a plurality of patterns of linking a coordinate point (0,0) in a (?,?) coordinate, in which each of the bottoms is in a horizontal state, and a coordinate point (?0, ?0), in which the back bottom is raised, with a plurality of points; a selection unit for selecting one pattern from the plurality of patterns stored in the memory unit; and a computation unit for controlling the drive unit so that the back angle ? and the knee angle ? change according to the pattern selected by the selection unit. Therefore, the patient can be prevented from being displaced on the bed and from being subjected to a sense of pressure on their stomach or chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Paramount Bed Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Horitani
  • Patent number: 8499386
    Abstract: A body support assembly (326A) for supporting the body of a user of a massage device (10) includes a frame (334), a pad assembly (336) and a cover assembly (338). The pad assembly (336) is supported by the frame (334). The cover assembly (338) secures the pad assembly (336) to the frame (334). The cover assembly (338) includes a top cover section (360), a bottom cover section (362), and a section connector (364). The section connector (364) selectively moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the section connector (364) is in the open configuration, the top cover section (360) is not directly connected to the bottom cover section (362). When the section connector (364) is in the closed configuration, the top cover section (360) is directly connected to the bottom cover section (362). The cover assembly (338) can further include a middle cover section (366) that is connected to the top cover section (360) and the bottom cover section (362).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W Roleder, James Chenevey
  • Patent number: 8499388
    Abstract: The folding chair pad includes a rectangular resilient foam cushion with an upper surface, a lower surface and four side surfaces. A fabric top panel covers cushion upper surface. A fabric bottom panel covers cushion bottom surface. A fabric band covers the side surfaces and is sewn to the top and bottom panels to encase the foam cushion. The cushion is compressed and tensions the fabric members when the pad is not in use. An envelope is formed on the bottom panel by a lower fabric panel and a partial fabric band. The envelope has a rearward facing opening that receives the front portion of a chair seat. A retainer flap is sewn to the rear end of the bottom panel and is attached to the rear of the chair seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Rene J. Copes
  • Patent number: 8499389
    Abstract: In order to adjust the firmness of a shaped product in a targeted way, it is proposed to provide at least one section made of a thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, a temperature-regulating device placed in thermal contact with the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic, and a control device for the temperature-regulating device configured to adjust the firmness of the at least one section made of thermoelastic and viscoelastic plastic by changing the temperature. Such a shaped product can be used as a seat base or bed support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Tobias Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 8499390
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for waiters that allows a waiter to carry and use as a single instrument for multifarious purposes. The multi-purpose tool comprises a housing to hold a lighter, a blade, a bottle cap opener, a corkscrew, a pen, and an LED light. These tools may be secured to the housing via mount, preferably, a U-mount. The housing may be designed with a tapered end to provide an ergonomic grip when using the multi-purpose tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Nicholas Danias-Borkin
  • Patent number: 8499391
    Abstract: Disclosed is a laundry machine, which washes laundry using rotation of a drum, and a method of controlling an operation thereof. The laundry machine is operated in consideration of information about a floor, on which the laundry machine is installed, and thus the optimized operation of the laundry machine is performed according to a state of the floor, thereby minimizing noise and sagging of the floor due to vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Su Jung
  • Patent number: 8499392
    Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for detecting unbalanced load in a washing machine are provided. A clothes basket containing a load of clothing and rotatable about an axis is accelerated. As the clothes basket passes a first predetermined rotational speed, one of power and torque applied to the clothes basket is limited. It is determined whether the clothes basket accelerates from the first predetermined to a second predetermined rotational speed within a predetermined time. Failure to reach the second predetermined rotational speed within the predetermined time signifies an out-of-balance condition as to the load of clothing. No resonance of the machine lies between the first and second predetermined rotational speeds. In another aspect, a similar technique can be employed, with or without limiting power or torque, wherein a resonance does lie between the first and second predetermined rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Suel, II, David Duane Warmuth, David Scott Dunn, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Meher P. Kollipara, Mariano Pablo Filippa
  • Patent number: 8499393
    Abstract: A loading wharf includes a compact structure secured to the perimeter of an access opening formed in a wall of a building. The compact structure defining between the inner and outer faces of the wall, an intermediate space for placement of protective members and a folding ramp both of which move between an operational position in which protective members and ramp project from the intermediate space towards the outside, in order to interact with the body or trailer of the vehicle to be loaded or unloaded, and a non-operational position in which the protective members and ramp are positioned inside the intermediate space and are oriented vertically. The compact structure includes, corresponding to the outer and inner faces of the wall, frames for the mounting of an exterior closure door and of an interior door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Amiserru, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Patent number: 8499394
    Abstract: A waterproof expansion joint comprises a ballast protection plate with one or more centering tabs. Waterproof receptacles, or T-cups, are used to provide a waterproof layer under the ballast protection plate and around the centering tabs. Sealing tape and a spray-based waterproof membrane are installed with the T-cups. Once the ballast protection plate is placed over the deck joint with centering tabs extending downward into the T-cups, a bond breaker is applied. Finally, a second layer of waterproof membrane is applied to the top of all elements of the waterproof expansion joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Versaflex, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Haydu
  • Patent number: 8499395
    Abstract: A bridge assembly is made up of stackable components that are arranged together to span substantially any size and type of geological formation. The bridge assembly is made up of one or more support columns having respective saddle members at their upper ends. Each saddle member has a lower bearing surface that engages the support column and permits variations in their relative positioning. Each saddle member further has an upper bearing surface for receiving at least one cross beam having a lower bearing surface, which bearing surfaces permit movement between a given saddle member and the cross beams it supports. The bridge components can be pre-formed out of concrete, and are typically assembled by stacking the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Neil W. Wallerstrom
  • Patent number: 8499396
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric toothbrush including a toothbrush plate having a cleaning brush installed thereon; a toothbrush head having a storage within which the toothbrush plate is stored; a toothbrush body that is connected to the toothbrush head and has a storage space formed therein; a flat type vibration motor that is disposed between the toothbrush plate and the toothbrush head; and a power supply unit that includes a power supply that is disposed in the storage space of the toothbrush body and supplies the vibration motor with power, a power supply switch connected to the power supply and a wire that is electrically connected to the vibration motor and the power supply switch and supplies the vibration motor with power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daegil Byeon
  • Patent number: 8499397
    Abstract: An oral care implement with an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the implement including a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also include design features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface on one of the surfaces of the handle which is may be configured to receive user indicia that may later be removed and further indicia provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8499398
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus with a removable compartment is provided that allows a dust cup in the removable compartment to be emptied while minimizing handling by the user. The removable compartment is removably secured within the surface cleaning apparatus. The removable compartment can be removed by activating a first trigger device. The dust cup can be emptied by activating a second trigger device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Chad A. Reese, Mark Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 8499399
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the interior of a pipeline includes an axial support, a first collar fixedly attached to a first location on the axial support, a second collar fixedly attached to a second location along the axial support, and a third collar slidingly engaged with the axial support. The second collar is located between the first collar and the third collar. A flexible support is fixedly attached to the third collar and the first collar and extends between the two. Brush members are disposed along an exterior surface of the flexible support. When the third collar is at a first position along the length of the axial support, the flexible support is distended. When the third collar is at a second position along the length of the axial support, where the second position is more distant from the first collar than the first position, the flexible support is flattened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Laval Underground Surveys, LLC
    Inventor: Garrett Jones
  • Patent number: 8499401
    Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections. Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Davidson, Michael Smith
  • Patent number: 8499402
    Abstract: An articulating toothbrush is disclosed that has a flexible bristle head the bristles of which may be changed between flat, concave and convex states for best brushing the fronts and backs of teeth. The change is quickly and easily made by a user of the brush by applying a force to the handle toward or way from the bristled head. The handle comprises an upper handle portion and a lower handle portion that are parallel to each other and slide with alongside each other when the user applies a linear force to the handle. Locking means are provided with the upper and lower handle portions to hold them in a position to which they are moved by applying a force to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Arsenault
  • Patent number: 8499403
    Abstract: A brush includes: a brush body having a base plate, at least one through hole, and a guide rail; a bristle unit including a plurality of bristles connected to the base plate; a hair-removing plate disposed movably below the base plate and formed with a plurality of bristle holes; a push member disposed above the base plate and connected slidably to the guide rail; and at least one flexible strip that extends through the through hole and that is connected to the push member and the hair-removing plate. The push member is slidable along the guide rail and toward or away from the through hole so as to move the hair-removing plate away from or toward the base plate. The hair-removing plate moves away from the lower surface of the base plate when the push member slides toward the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Huo-Pia Wang
  • Patent number: 8499404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick change squeegee assembly for expeditiously replacing the blades of the assembly. A top rail is attached to a pole socket assembly. A hinged compression frame is attached to the top rail. The hinged compression frame includes hinge for coupling a pair of jaws to one another. A biasing member is positioned between the jaws for biasing the jaws away from one another. A plurality of springs can be used to bias the pair of jaws along the length thereof for holding within the jaws an inserted bladed securely along the length of the blade. Each spring can be associated with jaws using a T-bolt inserted through the threaded aperture of the spring, through an aperture of the hinged compression frame and through an aperture of the top rail. An adjustment knob is attached to the T-bolt. The adjustment knob can be activated by rotating in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner for closing and opening the jaws of the hinged compression frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Matteo Spoleti, Tina C. Spoleti
  • Patent number: 8499405
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning algae and other debris from a water treatment tank including a mechanically driven component. The apparatus includes a breakaway scrubber assembly and a mounting bracket securing the breakaway scrubber assembly to the mechanically driven component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Ford W. Hall Company
    Inventors: Jerold W. Ristau, Ford W. Hall
  • Patent number: 8499406
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfiber sweep mopcloth cleaning device, is comprised of a receptacle member of a fabric strap loop along with a pair of Velcro® strips, permanently sewed into a square microfiber terry cloth and affixes and gives an adjustable custom fit to most any size, design, shape or angle of an ordinary nylon household broom, without the worry of shifting, twisting or falling off and ultimately keeps a broom a broom, only allocating the ability to sweep and wipe clean substances, wet, dry, gooey or otherwise on today's old and new surfaces, meticulously and with precision and accuracy like never before, eliminating multiple cleaning tools and supplies, saving time, money and the environment, ultimately bringing joy and making the task of housekeeping fun and addictive for everyone. “A gift for those who love to clean and one for those who have to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Gina Marie Fava
  • Patent number: 8499407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper for vehicle windows that comprises structural members comprising at least a longitudinal substrate (10); a stiffening rod (20) arranged as an extension of said substrate (10); a wiping blade (30) attached to said substrate (10); an accessory (40) including at least one tube (42a, 42b) for spraying a washing liquid, said accessory (40) being assembled on said substrate (10). According to the invention, the wiper further includes means (60a, 60b) for heating the washing liquid, said heating means being included in the tubes (42a, 42b) of the accessory (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Gerald Caillot, Jean-Michel Jarasson
  • Patent number: 8499409
    Abstract: A cleaning device (1) for hose filters comprising a cleaning head (5) having at least one nozzle (11) rotating about a longitudinal axis (L), is characterized in that the cleaning head (5) comprises a fixed jacket (15) having a smooth outer surface which surrounds the at least one rotating nozzle (11) at a distance and in which a series of through holes (17) are formed, said holes being distributed over the circumference of the jacket (15) and being arranged with respect to each nozzle (11) such that a jet emerging from each nozzle (11) during operation can pass through a through hole (17) at least intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Christian Reining
  • Patent number: 8499410
    Abstract: A deposit removing device capable of efficiently removing deposit on a plate-like member such as a metal plate or resin plate by reducing a spacing distance between the plate-like member and an injection nozzle, and also capable of coping with the removal of deposit on the plate-like member rolled or conveyed at a high speed. This deposit removing device removes the deposit adhered to the plate-like member (T) by jetting compressed air from at least one jetting hole (101) of a nozzle body (100) in which the at least one jetting hole (101) is formed. This device is configured so that the nozzle body (100) is supported so as to be movable in a direction (W1) substantially perpendicular to the surfaces (T1 and T2) of the plate-like member (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yoshimura, Kenichi Uesugi, Taisuke Miyazono, Koichi Honke, Toru Okada
  • Patent number: 8499411
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a cyclone module assembly comprises a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air and a collection chamber for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber. The cyclone module assembly further includes at least one feature for directing contaminants downwardly, such as a circumferential fin that extends from the inside wall of the collection chamber or a helical step dividing the separation chamber from the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Phong H. Tran, Aaron P. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8499412
    Abstract: An electric blower includes a stator, a rotor, a bracket, rotary fan, air guide, a fan case covering air guide and rotary fan. Air guide includes a partition plate, a diffuser, a partition slope, and a guide vane. Diffuser vanes configure closed passages. Passage lengths of closed passages include a first passage length and a second passage length that is different from the first passage length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shizuka Yokote, Michihiro Kurokawa, Akira Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8499413
    Abstract: A castor includes a castor body, an operation unit, a locking unit, and two rollers. The operation unit includes a pressing plate and a rotation member. The locking unit includes a locking module, a stop ring, a locating member, and an upper positioning plate. The locking module has a locking member and a braking member. When the driving portion of the rotation member presses the first ramp of the pressing plate, the locating member is locked in the locking hole of the upper positioning plate. When the driving portion presses the second ramp of the pressing plate, the first engaging portion of the locking member engages the first locking portion of the stop ring, while the second engaging portion of the braking member engages the second locking portion of each of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8499414
    Abstract: A spring-force-adjustable and height-adjustable industrial caster wheel includes spring assembly, a mounting plate, a swivel assembly that swivels relative to the mounting plate, and a spring housing having a spring space in which the spring assembly is located. The spring force of the spring assembly is adjustable by pre-loading the spring assembly along the top-to-bottom direction along which the caster load is applied. The spring assembly includes a spring member having one or more relief areas on one or more of its side and/or end surfaces and/or internally within the spring member. These one or more relief areas allow the spring member to easily deform under the pre-load force or under increasing caster load forces without compromising the ability of the spring space to constrain lateral movements of the spring assembly or the ability of the spring member to deform elastically and/or avoid undergoing plastic deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber Corp.
    Inventors: Henri E. LeMeur, Jr., Philip M. Downey, Timothy W. Rowles
  • Patent number: 8499415
    Abstract: A floor spring includes a case, a damper assembly received in the case, and mixed powder filling a space inside the case covering the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a spindle extending outwardly from the case. The mixed powder can prevent water, dust, or insects enter the case, such that the damper assembly is not tend to rust or fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Guangdong Kin Long Hardware Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Baokun Bai
  • Patent number: 8499416
    Abstract: A door check link apparatus includes a check link formed by molding a synthetic resin on a surface of a core plate, and including a full open stopper including a projecting portion located at a tip end portion of the core plate, and having a width larger than a width of a detent surface, a bending piece formed at a first end portion of the projecting portion, and having a stopper surface confronting the stopper receiving surface, and a protruding portion formed on the projecting portion at a position farther apart from the stopper receiving surface relative to the stopper surface, and protruding in a direction substantially parallel to the stopper receiving surface, the full open stopper being formed by molding the synthetic resin on the tip end portion of the core plate including the projecting portion, the bending piece, and the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Settsu, Toshihisa Nishijo, Toku Fukaya
  • Patent number: 8499417
    Abstract: A luggage handle structure includes a handle seat, a button, a press rod and an upper lid. Two ends of the handle seat are connected with retractable pull rods and control rods. The handle seat has two first holes, protruding walls surrounding the two first holes and limit troughs. The upper lid has two second holes and a through hole. The button and the press rod are mounted in the handle seat. The button extends out of the through hole. Through the design of the first and second holes, the luggage handle structure is light and saves the plastic material. The button is confined by the recess, the limit troughs and the protruding walls to press the press rods stably and to enhance the retractable pull rods so that the control rods and the retractable pull rods can be controlled exactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Wei Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 8499418
    Abstract: In this device, the frame has, facing a rounded edge of the leaf B, an inclined surface, the distance of which from the frame A increases from the inside to the outside and which is connected to the internal surface of a covering strip, this strip being positioned parallel to the wall of the frame and at least in front of the rounded edge of the leaf B in order to prevent any access into the external gap between leaf B and frame A, while each of the hinge plates comprises, firstly, a male element fitting into a housing in the leaf, so as to be aligned therewith, and, secondly, a female element composed of: a cylindrical hinge body fitting into the male element so as to come into alignment with the rounded part; and a fastening base fitting into a housing recessed into the inclined surface of the frame so as to come into alignment with this surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: DMP Systems
    Inventor: Alain Deveze
  • Patent number: 8499419
    Abstract: A releasable tie includes a locking head and a strap body. The locking head includes a base plate, a pair of first side walls, a second side wall, and an operating rod. The operating rod is disposed above a window of the base plate, has a first top surface, and is bilaterally connected to the first side walls via connecting members. At least one first engaging tooth is provided at a predetermined depth extending vertically downward from the first top surface. The first engaging tooth has a second top surface which defines a first tooth depth. The operating rod includes an arm extending toward the strap body. The strap body has a bottom surface formed with plural second engaging teeth engageable with the first engaging tooth. The second engaging teeth have a predetermined tooth pitch smaller than the predetermined depth and a second tooth depth smaller than the first tooth depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: K.S. Terminals Inc.
    Inventor: Juei-Ching Cheng
  • Patent number: 8499420
    Abstract: A strap buckle made from a single piece of bent material, the bent material forming a first generally U-shaped portion; a second generally U-shaped portion; and an elongated intermediary portion between the first and second generally U-shaped portions; the first generally U-shaped portion having a distal leg, a proximal leg shorter than the distal leg, and an intermediate bight between the distal and proximal legs; the second generally U-shaped portion having a distal leg, a proximal leg shorter than the distal leg, and an intermediate bight between the distal and proximal legs, such that the distal legs are located in the same plane, are parallel to one another, and extend perpendicularly to the elongated intermediary portion. The interweaving of these portions provides the buckling functionality as well as the non-slippage feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Gerardo P. Elia
  • Patent number: 8499421
    Abstract: A restraining device for restricting mobility an individual is provided. The restraining device includes an elongated strap having first and second ends. An attaching member, having first and second portions, is secured to the elongated strap, where the first portion is attached to the first end and the second portion is slidably attached to the second end creating a retaining loop for tightly wrapping around an individual's legs. The second end of the elongated strap is extended out a car door leaving the second end hanging outside the car. A retaining strap, defining a series of loops, is attached to a side of the second end of the elongated strap between the second portion of the attaching member and a ring which is attached to the second end of the elongated strap. A fastening member is attached to the ring and is used to adjust the length of the second end hanging outside the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Edward Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8499422
    Abstract: A safety device for a piece of luggage includes a first outside zipper (1) and a second inside zipper (2). The two zippers (1, 2) are superposed in the immediate proximity of one another, such that the teeth (1a, 2a) of the zippers (1, 2) touch under the action of external pressure on the outside zipper (1) by a tip (P) or a pointed tool, by keeping the teeth of the outside zipper (1) from dislocating downward under the pressure of the tip or the pointed tool (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Delsey
    Inventor: Ebbe Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 8499423
    Abstract: A precision safety ring-shaped hook provides a timing gauge structure which is composed of a sliding groove, a pair of rail members, and a block pin. Each of the rail members has an arc surface. When a first locking axle is moved to an open slot, a first end of a hook body is moved away from the first guiding member and, at the same time, a block pin moves to the arc surface area, so that when the first locking axle is swung in a hook cavity of the hook body, a driving pin is able to position at the arc surface and thus a locking member can be guided by the arc surface to open the opening of the hook body. Accordingly, the opening or shutting of the opening of the hook body by the locking member can thus be precisely operated at one time to provide an advance precision value for the hook and eliminate the interference and impacting drawbacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Aerohook Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kai Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 8499424
    Abstract: A binding assembly has a binding frame, a pulling tie and a tightening tie. The binding frame has a base, a pressing member, two tie fastening holders and two separating members. The tie fastening holders are connected pivotally to the base and each has a pulling tie hole and a tightening tie hole. Each separating member divides the corresponding tightening tie hole into a first hole segment and a second hole segment. The pulling tie is mounted through and compressed by the pressing member and has two ends mounted respectively through the pulling tie holes. The tightening tie has two ends mounted respectively through the first hole segments along a first direction, mounted respectively over the separating members and mounted respectively through the second hole segments along a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Jin Jiang City, Shoes-Lock Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yi-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8499425
    Abstract: An urn with one or more removable and replaceable panels which allow for placement of an image, such as by laser engraving, to be done on the removable panel. The panel may be custom engraved and added to a partially complete urn. An urn with an extended base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: James H Roberts
  • Patent number: 8499426
    Abstract: An apparatus including a first electrode; a second electrode; a first and second ceramic material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the second ceramic material having a greater electrical conductivity than the first ceramic material. A method including forming a first ceramic material film and a different second ceramic material film on a first electrode; and forming a second electrode on the second ceramic material film to form a capacitor structure having the first ceramic material film and the second ceramic material film disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first ceramic material has a conductivity selected to dampen undesired oscillations in electrical device operation to which the capacitor structure may be exposed. An apparatus including a first electrode; a second electrode; and a composite dielectric including a plurality of dielectric films including a different Curie temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Cengiz A. Palanduz