Patents Issued in September 3, 2013
  • Patent number: 8522366
    Abstract: A method of applying a cold pack to a wearer undergoing chemotherapy treatment using a sock structure. The sock structure comprises a sock body that includes a foot portion configured to covering the wearer's foot, a leg portion covering a portion of the wearer's ankle and leg, and a turned heel that provides an angular junction between the foot and leg portions. The sock structure comprises a pocket integral with the sock body and located along the bottom of the foot portion and the turned heel. The pocket is configured for receiving the cold pack and supporting the cold pack along the bottom of the foot portion and the turned heel, with the cold pack in heat transmitting relation with the sole and heel of a human foot located in the sock body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Lenora Austin
  • Patent number: 8522367
    Abstract: A pocket for a garment is disclosed. The pocket comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion to form a partially-enclosed space. The partially-enclosed space comprises a region defined by (1) a first line corresponding substantially to a line of flexion of a hip joint of a wearer of the garment, (2) a second line corresponding substantially to a centerline of a thigh of a wearer of the garment, and (3) a third line corresponding approximately to an inseam of a wearer of the garment. The region is configured and disposed to substantially conceal an object (e.g., a handgun magazine) retained in the region from a person viewing the garment. The pocket further comprises a retaining device disposed in the region. The retaining device is configured and disposed to hold the object in a fixed position in the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: CCW Breakaways LLC
    Inventors: Jay French, Jared M. French
  • Patent number: 8522368
    Abstract: A coat including a torso portion defining a torso cavity and including pair of portions that are releasably connectable together. The coat further includes a skirt positioned in the torso cavity. The coat is configured such that when the coat is worn by a wearer and the portions are releasably connected together the skirt generally sealingly engages the wearer. The coat is further configured such that the skirt automatically generally sealingly engages the wearer when the coat is worn by the wearer and the portions are releasably connected without requiring any further action by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Josephine McIntosh, Martin Lee Taylor, Sr., Thomas S. Martin
  • Patent number: 8522369
    Abstract: A garment protective system includes a protective member and an adjustable member. In another aspect of the present invention, body armor inside a jacket is repositionable due to adjustment of a coupled adjustment strap. A further aspect of the present invention provides a waist belt adjustably coupled to a shoulder area and/or a back area of a jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sullivans, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc A. Bay
  • Patent number: 8522370
    Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir for the fluid, a nozzle assembly through which the fluid can be sprayed on the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and the nozzle, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir through the fluid conduit and to the nozzle when the pump assembly is activated, and a controller in electrical communication with the pump wherein the controller executes a stored program to activate and deactivate the pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle which directs the fluid in a fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes a deflection shield that is dimensioned to contact and redirect fluid in the fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes mounting structure for attaching the nozzle near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure. The flow off of the deflector shield is laminar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James Russell Hornsby, Joseph Lee McGowan
  • Patent number: 8522371
    Abstract: A tank insert for converting a conventional flush toilet into a flapperless, dump bucket-style toilet. The tank insert is sized and shaped to be snugly received within a water tank of the toilet, and includes a water reservoir pivotably received within a catch basin. The water reservoir is filled by the toilets water valve and the toilet's handle actuates the water reservoir to flush the toilet. Upon actuation, water within the water reservoir is discharged into the catch basin, and from there into the toilet bowl, which is effectively cleared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn E. Bevan, Ryan D. Saffels
  • Patent number: 8522372
    Abstract: A vertical pipe has an upper end and a lower end. The vertical pipe is adapted to be coupled to a pool water outlet. A T-coupler has horizontal first and second legs and a downward extending vertical third leg receiving the T-coupler. Transparent first and second sleeves are attached to the first leg and second legs. Each sleeve has an end cap. An inner cylinder is provided within the second sleeve. The inner cylinder has closed and open ends. A power cylinder is provided within the first sleeve. A gasket hydraulically seals the first sleeve from the second sleeve and the T-coupler. A light source is coupled to the power cylinder extending into the T-coupler. Apertures are provided in the second sleeve. The apertures face upwardly and outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew L. Lafon, Randy D. Messer
  • Patent number: 8522373
    Abstract: A mounting assembly is used to mount a curved rod to a mounting surface. The mounting assembly includes a base, a guide and a cover. The base is fixed to the mounting surface by inserting screws through holes in the base and into the mounting surface. The guide fits around the base and can move along a length of the base. The cover is placed over the base and secured to the guide, such that the cover can also move along the length of the base. The mounting assembly interfaces with an end of the curved rod that approaches the mounting assembly at a given angle. Movement of the cover allows the mounting assembly to interface with ends of curved rods approaching the mounting assembly over a range of angles. The mounting assembly can include a shaft that is connected to the base and interfaces with the end of the curved rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Alan M. Bauer
  • Patent number: 8522374
    Abstract: Infant-care furniture includes a playyard and a playyard accessory unit coupled to the playyard. The playyard accessory unit includes an accessory frame and a case coupled to the accessory frame, and further includes a changer shell coupled to an upper pedestal section that is coupled to the playyard. The accessory unit further includes a storage shell and a hamper shell coupled to the changer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sousa, John Huntley, Michael Degrace, Gregg Espenshade
  • Patent number: 8522375
    Abstract: A sleeper for infants is described. The sleeper has four short legs, a frame supported by the legs and a bassinette hanging from the frame. The sleeper can rest on its legs for use in a stand-alone state, or be mounted on a playard for use as a bedside sleeper. When mounted on a playard, the sleeping surface of the sleeper has approximately the same height as an adult's bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Baby Trend Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Conrad, Douglas Tharalson, Diana Tharalson, Denny Tsai
  • Patent number: 8522376
    Abstract: A mechanism for securing a mattress on an automated bed is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to a mattress-retention mechanism for preventing a mattress from moving towards the foot end of a bed during articulation. The mattress-retention mechanism includes a mattress-support structure adapted to support a corner of a mattress, with a portion of the mattress-support structure having a curved interior surface. The mattress-support mechanism also includes a foundation attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to the top of a mattress foundation, where the foundation attachment surface is perpendicular to the curved interior surface. The mechanism may include a bedding aperture on the side of the mattress-support structure to accommodate bedding inserted through the bedding aperture. Further, the mechanism may include a side attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to a vertical side of the mattress foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: William Robert Rohr, Jake Neuenswander, Chad Baker, Jay Thompson
  • Patent number: 8522377
    Abstract: A bed skirt support (10) is disclosed comprising a relatively flat, central portion or decking (14) having at least on side support section (16, 18, 20) removably or fixedly attached thereto. Said bed skirt support has fully separated corners and multiple layers, each of which does not have to be lofted at the same gathering ratio as its adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Sherry Lynn Hart
  • Patent number: 8522378
    Abstract: An aesthetically and size customizable sheet/blanket/spread/comforter for a bed, which includes at least two sheet sections, and apparatus for interchangeably attaching the at least two sheet sections to each other edge-to-edge to form a generally coplanar sheet so as to allow the generally coplanar sheet to be size customizable. The at least two sheet sections are interchangeably attached to each other edge-to-edge to form the generally coplanar sheet so as to allow the generally coplanar sheet to be size customizable. The at least two sheet sections have decorative patterns thereon so as to allow the generally coplanar sheet to be aesthetically customizable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Virginia A. Argento
  • Patent number: 8522379
    Abstract: A bed has a head end and a foot end. The bed has a deck that can assume a horizontal position and at least one position in which a foot section of the deck is substantially vertical. For instance, the bed may assume a chair position, in which a head section of the deck is pivoted upwardly and the foot section is pivoted downwardly to a substantially vertical position. Casters allow the bed to move relative to the floor. At least one caster is coupled to the foot end of the bed. The foot section of the deck is configured to clear the foot end casters when the foot section is in the substantially vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Turner
  • Patent number: 8522380
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a washing machine that performs washing using bubbles. The control method may generate a large number of bubbles using a small amount of water to reduce water consumption and transmit detergent water to laundry placed in the washing machine effectively and rapidly using high-concentration detergent on the surfaces of the bubbles, thereby reducing time and energy consumption and improving washing efficiency. The bubbles may act as a cushion to reduce friction between laundry articles, thereby preventing expensive laundry (such as wool or silk) from being damaged due to the friction between the laundry articles and between the laundry and water and preventing damage to and deformation of general laundry when washing the laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Sook Kim, Seong Min Oak, Bo Ram Lee, Eun Suk Bang
  • Patent number: 8522381
    Abstract: A system and method for replacing existing deteriorated piers of bridges in the same location as the existing pier, without the use of temporary bents comprising the steps of: installing one or more drilled shaft, preferably round, columns in the earth on opposite sides of the existing pier to be replaced transverse to the axis of the bridge; installing at least one temporary support bracket or embedded support beam on each of the columns; installing a temporary transverse girder onto the support brackets or beams of two columns; installing temporary support posts on the transverse girder; transferring the load from the pier to the temporary transverse girders once the columns have attained adequate strength; removing the pier to an elevation below the cap; constructing a new cap; transferring the load from the temporary girders to the new cap once the cap has attained adequate strength; and removing the temporary supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: OCCI, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 8522382
    Abstract: A penetrating electric toothbrush is disclosed, including a handle, a replaceable brush head, a head unit base, an engaging device, a selection device, and an actuator. The replaceable brush head comprises a head body, a plurality of bristles fixed to the head body, and a detachable fastener. The head unit base has a head receptacle portion, a actuator receiving recess, and a bar guiding portion. The reciprocating bar is protruded from the handle and received in the actuator receiving recess, and the actuator receiving recess is configured to engage the reciprocating bar in either penetration mode or polishing mode. The engaging device is disposed at an end of the reciprocating bar and engaging the head unit base with the reciprocating bar. The selection device places the engaging device either in the penetration mode or the polishing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Soo Woong Lee
  • Patent number: 8522383
    Abstract: A brush for use with a rotating motor device comprises a collar and a brush-head. The collar has a first open end and a second securing end. The securing end of the collar has a polygonal opening adapted for securely mating with a corresponding polygonal rotating shaft of a rotating motor device, such that when second end of the collar is secured to the rotating shaft, rotation of the shaft causes corresponding rotation of the collar. The brush-head comprises a plurality of bristles cylindrically bundled, said cylindrical bundle having a first fused end and a second loose end, wherein the bristles are securely fused to together at the fused end and the bristles are unattached to each other at the loose end, and the bristles at the loose end define a generally concave brush face wherein the bristles in the center portion are shorter than the bristles in the perimeter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Nelson Hulli
  • Patent number: 8522384
    Abstract: A powered toothbrush assembly (100) includes an outer housing (102, 104), a brush head (106) and a fluid nozzle (138) adjacent the brush head (106), an inner housing (122) disposed within the outer housing (102,104) and having a motor (130) which is in operative engagement with the brush head (106) to impart motion to the brush head (106) and a pump mechanism (134) disposed within the inner housing (122). The outer housing (102,104) and the inner housing (122) define a chamber (142) therebetween for accommodating a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Kit Lun Leung
  • Patent number: 8522385
    Abstract: A system and method for high efficiency floor treating is provided. Embodiments of the floor treating system include a floor treating device with a power source having a rotatable drive shaft with an axis of rotation, a flywheel with an aperture for receiving the drive shaft, a counterbalance connected to the flywheel, and a floor treating attachment located at a distance of at least 0.400 inch from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Embodiments of the floor treating method include agitating a cleaning substance using the floor treating device with the floor treating attachment positioned at least 0.400 inch from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: John Franklin Geurkink
  • Patent number: 8522386
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material that is injection molded into the receiving cavity to bond the soft tissue cleanser to the head, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 8522387
    Abstract: A swiveling locking mechanism of a telescopic rod of a mop, including: an internal clamping sleeve, an external clamping cylinder, and a U-shaped locking arm. The external clamping cylinder is mounted on the internal clamping sleeve and the lower portion of the external clamping cylinder is constructed as a trumpet-shaped opening mounted from top to bottom on the conic body. The U-shaped locking arm includes an eccentric cam is provided with a mounting hole corresponding to the axle hole of the internal clamping sleeve. Thus, when moving downward the U-shaped locking arm, the external clamping cylinder rises, and the trumpet-shaped opening of the external clamping cylinder is brought in a loosened position. As a result, the indentation is loosened and the internal rod and the external rod are brought into the unlocked and telescopic state and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tuo Shen International Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Yung-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8522388
    Abstract: A self-wringing mop is disclosed that comprises a handle, a mounting support forming an axis of rotation, wherein the mounting support is connected with the handle, a cleaning portion connected with the mounting support in such a manner that the cleaning portion is rotatable about the axis, and a pressing member connected with the handle, wherein the pressing member engages with the cleaning portion to inhibit rotation of the cleaning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Weilai Jiang, Feng Zeng, Jian Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 8522389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a needle-shaped bristle having a short taper length. The method includes preparing a bundle of toothbrush bristles by mixing a polyester resin (a polyester resin other than a PTT resin) and a PTT resin in a ratio of 90˜40 to 10˜60 and spinning the mixture thereof; cutting the bundle of toothbrush bristles; and tapering the cut bundle of toothbrush bristles by immersing it into a chemical. According to the present invention, since needle-shaped bristles having a taper length of 6 mm or less can be efficiently obtained, the needle-shaped bristles can be implanted even in an anchorless toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Best Whasung Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Jun Kwon, Sung-Wook Kwon, Sung-Hwan Kwon
  • Patent number: 8522390
    Abstract: An oral cleaning section is disclosed. The oral cleaning section includes a first carrier having a cleaning side on which at least a first cleaning element is mounted and a second side opposite to the cleaning side, a second carrier having a cleaning side on which at least a second cleaning element is mounted, at least one aperture being formed in the first carrier such that the aperture extends from the cleaning side to the second side, with the second cleaning element extending through the aperture. The second carrier is arranged underneath the first carrier such that the cleaning side of the second carrier is underneath the second side of the first carrier and laterally extends beyond the aperture in at least a first direction. The first carrier and the second carrier are arranged for relative movement to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Stoerkel, Thomas Fritsch, Michael Stolper
  • Patent number: 8522391
    Abstract: An infant oral hygiene device comprising a sleeve releasably securable over the finger of a user. The sleeve is generally cylindrical and has first and second ends. The first end receives the finger of the user. The sleeve has one or more openings in its second end. The one or more openings expose a portion of a fabric received over the finger of the user and between the user's finger and the sleeve thereby permitting the fabric to be drawn across the teeth and gums of an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Safieh
  • Patent number: 8522392
    Abstract: A wiper system having an electric motor operatively associated with a primary pivot shaft assembly. Also included is a secondary pivot shaft assembly. A first windshield wiper is coupled to the primary pivot shaft assembly, and a second windshield wiper is coupled to the secondary pivot shaft assembly. The system includes a cable assembly having at least one cable operatively associated with the primary pivot shaft assembly and the secondary pivot shaft assembly, wherein the electric motor is capable of rotating the primary pivot shaft assembly and the first windshield wiper, wherein rotation of the primary pivot shaft assembly generates tension in the at least one cable, and wherein the at least one cable tension generates rotation of the secondary pivot shaft assembly and the second windshield wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jose Maria Garcia Crespo, Heather M. Flores, Andre Sykula, Bradley Napier Doman
  • Patent number: 8522393
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the connecting device comprises at least two parts provided with protrusion/hole features for detachably connecting the parts together, wherein the first part is retained onto the wiper blade and wherein the second part has an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location of its connection to said first par
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.
    Inventor: Xavier Boland
  • Patent number: 8522394
    Abstract: A hose and accessory holder for an upright vacuum cleaner comprises a tool fixing portion having accessory tools insertable thereinto, a hose fixing portion for attachably/detachably fixing a hose thereto, and a holder fastening portion for attachably/detachably fastening the holder to a vacuum cleaner body. The tool fixing portion further comprises fitting members respectively formed in the insertion directions of the accessory tools on inner circumferential surfaces of the tool fixing portion, and protruding inwardly from the tool fixing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byung-Jo Lee, See-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8522395
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a suction source for generating a suction force; a suction nozzle assembly to draw in a dust or dirt from a surface to be cleaned by using the suction force of the suction source; a cyclone unit to separate the dust or dirt drawn in through the suction nozzle assembly from an air; a dust bin detachably disposed to the cleaner body to collect the dust or dirt separated at the cyclone unit; and a shredder to shred a paper, the shredder being detachably communicated with an opening of the dust bin to collect the shredded paper into the dust bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang-keun Oh, Jun-hwa Lee, Sung-cheol Lee, Jae-jin Aum, Chang-hyun Park, Jun-hoo Choe, Yong-jae Yong, Kang Kim
  • Patent number: 8522396
    Abstract: A surface-treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, has a main body and a support assembly. The support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The support assembly includes a user-operable pedal, a component such as a stand and an actuator arranged to act on one of the pedal and the component over a first range of positions between the supporting and retracted positions and to act on the other of the pedal and the component over a second range of positions between the supporting and retracted positions. This arrangement brings the pedal and component positively into and out of the supporting and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Colin Worker, Nicholas Timothy Spence
  • Patent number: 8522397
    Abstract: A castor includes a support shaft, a stop ring secured on the support shaft and having a first locking portion, a castor body rotatably mounted on the support shaft, two rollers rotatably mounted on the castor body and each having a second locking portion, a locking module movably mounted on the castor body and movable to engage the first locking portion of the stop ring and the second locking portion of each of the rollers, and a control wire movably mounted on the support shaft and connected with the locking module. Thus, when the castor is locked, each of the rollers is locked by the locking module, and the castor body is locked by the stop ring, so that the castor will stop rotating when being braked to provide a double-braking effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8522398
    Abstract: The carriage, which serves for holding a slidable separation element, comprises a carriage body and at least one running wheel, which is a rolling along a rail when the separation elements is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hawa AG
    Inventors: Gregor Haab, Martin Frei, Alfred Stutz
  • Patent number: 8522399
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a folder-type portable communication device, wherein a body portion and a folder portion can be coupled or separated by applying a force to a hinge cap or moving a hinge dummy laterally. The device includes a body portion and a folder portion coupled to the body portion to pivot around a hinge axis, and a center hinge arm provided in the body portion. First and second side hinge arms are provided in the folder portion, and a hinge cap is provided in the first side hinge is pushed with an external force. A hinge shaft is coupled with or separated from the first side hinge arm by retracting or protruding via pushing the hinge cap, and a hinge dummy provided in the center hinge arm is coupled with or separated from the second side hinge arm by moving laterally along the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Shik Kim, Wook-Jin Lee, Seung-Hyub Baek, Jong-Cheon Wee
  • Patent number: 8522400
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between an open position and a closed position and capable of being locked in an open position. The hinge assembly comprises first and second hinge members including, respectively, first and second body portions. The first and second body portions have aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the first and second hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the hinge members' internal bores between a first position and a second position. When the locking pin is in the first position the hinge members cannot rotate relative to one another, and when the locking pin is in the second position hinge members can rotate relative to one another. A magnetic latch member is mounted to one of the hinge members to hold the locking pin in one of the first or second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8522401
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus for a portable communication device having a body, a folder, and a rotary hinge module mounted between the body and the folder. The hinge apparatus includes at least one gear hinge part for opening and closing the body and the folder on a first hinge axis. The hinge apparatus also includes a hinge connection part for coupling the at least one gear hinge part to the rotary hinge module. The rotary hinge module allows for rotation of the folder about a second hinge axis perpendicular to the first hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Prexco Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Chul Jin, Se-Bum Choi
  • Patent number: 8522402
    Abstract: A separately operating cargo strap collector for use with a ratchet-buckle assembly of known construction having longer and shorter straps and a ratchet-buckle. The strap collector includes sidewalls connected to upper and lower walls forming a channel through which the longer strap passes with a clamp in the channel for attaching the strap collector to the longer strap. The sidewalls and upper wall forming a magazine for folds of excess longer strap after the longer strap is tightened by the ratchet-buckle. A pair of lever arms are journaled in the sidewalls with a finger for clamping the folds of excess strap against the bottom wall of the magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: James D. Spooler
  • Patent number: 8522403
    Abstract: A button is provided. A fixture fixes a button body to a support from an opposite side to the button body with the support therebetween. The button body includes a collar, a shaft protruding from the collar and an insert hole for the fixture to be inserted therein. An outer circular wall and an inner circular wall are formed at a tip end of the shaft separately from each other with a gap therebetween. The outer circular wall defines an outer periphery of the shaft and at least one protrusion for fixing the support thereon is formed at an upper surface of the outer circular wall. The inner circular wall defines an inner periphery of the insert hole. The protrusion protrudes relative to an upper surface of the inner circular wall and the gap is recessed relative to the upper surface of the inner circular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8522404
    Abstract: A button assembly including a button head operable to rotate in three-dimensional space. The button assembly having a mounting portion and an elongated shaft attached to a base is provided. The button assembly includes a bearing member disposed on one end of the shaft. The bearing member is configured to fittingly engage the mounting portion of the button head so as to pivotably attach the button head to the shaft. The base may be inserted into an article of clothing in alignment with a corresponding buttonhole. Accordingly the user is able to rotate and pivot the button head about the bearing member of the shaft so as to facilitate the insertion of the button head into the buttonhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Danny Matei
  • Patent number: 8522405
    Abstract: A belt buckle is provided with a waist belt outlet slot (1) for connecting with a waist belt beginning (6) and at least one inlet retainer (5) engaging in openings of the belt at the opposite waist belt inlet slot (2). As a result of the design of the central section of the belt buckle as an essentially flat element (3), which permits deflection toward the waist belt, which reaches in the section of the, or of each inlet retainer (5) at least their height, can, in spite of a simple design, prevent an opening that is against the will of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Spielberger
  • Patent number: 8522406
    Abstract: A releasable touch fastening includes a fastener strip (2) and a retention bead (20). The fastener strip includes two parallel rows (6) of opposing closely spaced fastener elements (8) extending from a common base (4) to form a retention channel (10). The two rows are separated by a small distance to receive and capture the retention bead constructed to fit between the fastener rows and under the heads (14) of the fastener elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Voigt
  • Patent number: 8522407
    Abstract: Object moulded in thermoplastic material in any shape having an outer surface from which protrudes at least one hook in one piece with the moulded object, in particular a hook field, the moulded object and the hook(s) having been formed by injection moulding, each hook comprising a base part and a head or hooking part protruding from the base part and being delimited by first and second lateral surfaces each extending on the outer surface of the moulded object, being separated from each other by an intermediate surface forming the edge of the hook, the curve sections, defined by the intersections of at least one of the first and/or second lateral surfaces with planes which are in parallel with the base plane from which the hook protrudes and which are at given distances h from this base plane, have a curvature which varies as a function of the distance h, the curvature of the curve section for h=0 (the base plane and said parallel plane merging) being greater than the curvature of at least one curve section f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Aplix
    Inventors: Antony Mahe, Quresh Sachee
  • Patent number: 8522408
    Abstract: A clamp includes a base section, from which a pair of sidewalls and prongs extend, where the prongs are designed to grip gussets within the curb inlet and maintain proper alignment with designated portions of the restrictor plate despite manufacturing variations in gussets positioning within the curb inlet. The clamp is capable of securely positioning a floatable restrictor plate within or flush with an opening of the curb inlet so as to prevent floatables from entering storm sewer systems through the curb inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Campbell-ERS L.L.C.
    Inventor: Clifford F. Lill
  • Patent number: 8522409
    Abstract: A side release buckle includes a plug and a socket into which the plug is inserted for engagement. The plug includes: a base being provided with a belt attachment and a pair of legs; and an engaging portion being formed to each of the legs. The socket includes: a body being provided with a belt attachment and an insertion opening; a housing space being formed in the body and capable of housing the legs inserted from the insertion opening (22); and an engaged portion being formed in the body and engageable with the engaging portion. The body includes an undulation being continuously formed in an insertion direction of the legs on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoichiro Uehara, Yasutaka Nishida
  • Patent number: 8522410
    Abstract: A releasable buckle including a latch having locking arms adapted to lockingly engage a female component. A folding bridge structure extends between the locking arms. The bridge structure includes a pivot connection zone adapted to engage an elongate release member. Upon tensioning the elongate release member the locking arms are pulled inwardly to disengage from the female component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works
    Inventors: Brian M Parisi, Scott D Kolasa, Craig E Ernst, Jr., Jeffrey D Anderson
  • Patent number: 8522411
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a piezoelectric resonator includes providing a bottom electrode and a piezoelectric layer coupled to the bottom electrode. A bottom metal layer of a top electrode is deposited on the piezoelectric layer. A top metal layer of the top electrode is deposited on the bottom metal layer. A photoresist layer is deposited on the top metal layer. The photoresist layer is patterned and etched. The top metal layer is patterned and etched while the etched photoresist layer remains. The bottom metal layer is patterned and etched such that an entire perimeter side surface of the top metal layer is recessed relative to a perimeter edge of the bottom metal layer. The etched photoresist layer is removed. A passivation layer is deposited on the top and bottom metal layers such that the top and bottom metal layers are isolated from a subsequent metal etch step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Guillaume Bouche, Ralph N. Wall
  • Patent number: 8522412
    Abstract: An extraction tool lifting apparatus having a load bearing coupling capable of being removably connected to an extraction tool; an hydraulic cylinder assembly being operatively connected at a first end to the load bearing coupling; a mounting bracket being operatively connected to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder assembly; three legs, each operatively connected at a first end to the mounting bracket; the load bearing coupling being adapted to be removably connected to an extraction tool having, an elongated base member having first and second ends, and a drill bit being removably attachable to a socket in the first end, the base member having a threaded portion being disposed approximate the first end, the second end being adapted to be removably connected to the load bearing coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Line Walker, LLC
    Inventor: William A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8522413
    Abstract: A system for fluidic coupling and uncoupling of fluidic conduits and a microfluidic chip, wherein the fluidic conduits are connected mechanically to a first structural part and the microfluidic chip is carried by a second structural part. The structural parts are moved perpendicularly toward and away from each other by means of a mechanism provided for this purpose. Outer ends of the fluidic conduits can thus be moved over a determined distance substantially perpendicularly to the outer surface of the microfluidic chip and connecting openings in the outer surface of the microfluidic chip. This enables accurate realization of fluidic coupling and uncoupling without the occurrence of undesirable moments of force and with minimal risk of damage to the fluidic conduits or the connecting openings. With such system requirements which can be set in respect of convenience, speed, temperature resistance, sealing, chemical resistance, reproducibility and so forth, can be fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Micronit Microfluids B.V.
    Inventors: Ronny Van't Oever, Marko Theodoor Blom, Wilfred Buesink
  • Patent number: 8522414
    Abstract: A portable hand operated hose fitting swaging device preferably includes a swaging frame, a pair of swaging die halves, a hydraulic cylinder and a hand hydraulic pump. The swaging frame includes a cylinder support, a pair of support straps and a die base. The two swaging die halves are retained in the die base. The swaging die halves include a substantially conical bore to receive a hose end of a hose fitting. The hydraulic cylinder includes a cylinder rod. A fitting ram is attached to an end of the cylinder rod. The hand hydraulic pump includes a pump, an accumulator and a pump relief valve. The pump includes an actuator rod, which is pulled to generate pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pump forces hydraulic fluid through an output opening. The output opening is connected to the hydraulic cylinder through at least one hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Peter W. Utecht, Richard D. Dresang
  • Patent number: 8522415
    Abstract: A drainable oil filter for an engine of a motor vehicle which comprises a cylindrical canister having a closed first end and a second end adapted to be screwed onto the engine of a motor vehicle. A mechanism on the closed first end of the cylindrical canister is for draining residual oil from the cylindrical canister. After oil in a crankcase of the engine of the motor vehicle is drained and before the second end of the cylindrical canister is unscrewed from the engine of the motor vehicle, the draining mechanism when operated by a person will allow the residual oil in the cylindrical canister to exit safely therefrom into a suitable container, without soiling the person positioned under the draining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: George H. Macey