Patents Issued in March 4, 2014
  • Patent number: 8661581
    Abstract: A crib liner is provided for a crib that includes a plurality of sides and four corner posts. The liner includes a body that has a pair of opposing first panel sections for placement along two sides and a pair of opposing second panel sections for placement along the other two sides. Each panel section is defined by a top edge and an opposite bottom edge, wherein a length of the top edge is different than a length of the bottom edge for each of the panel sections. The body is configured for placement inside of the crib along inner surface of the sides of the crib. The liner is attached to the inside of the crib by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener being configured to attach around one corner post for securely attaching the liner body to the crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Triboro Quilt Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Joel Kaplan, Richard White, Jonathan Daugherty, Deborah Ashworth
  • Patent number: 8661582
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's motion device configured to oscillate a child support about a substantially upright axis of rotation. In various embodiments, the portion of the child support configured for supporting the head of a child positioned therein is configured to remain substantially aligned with the axis of rotation as the child support oscillates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Sclare, John Matthew Thomson
  • Patent number: 8661583
    Abstract: A mounting device which provides a pivotal interface for emergency equipment and a method of attaching the emergency equipment to a rescue transport, e.g., a foot of a litter, are disclosed. For example, the mounting device is releasably attachable to the litter and includes a fastening device operably attached to a mounting structure of the device. The mounting structure includes a tilt plate capable of pivoting. The mounting device also includes an adapter capable of securely mating with the tilt plate, providing a pivotal interface for the attachment of the emergency equipment thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Chinn, Joseph G. Bourgraf
  • Patent number: 8661584
    Abstract: In a device for controlling an operation of an anti-collision switch, the anti-collision switch is provided in a support close to a guide frame that is provided at at least one of both lateral sides of a table frame, to prevent collision of the table frame that is supported on the table support to be capable of moving in a lengthwise direction. The device includes a first lever coupled to the table support so that at least a portion of the first lever moves in a vertical direction according to deformation of the guide frame, and a second lever pressing the anti-collision switch in a normal state and, when a vertical movement of the first lever deviates from a preset height, being moved up by the first lever to remove pressing of the anti-collision switch and operate the anti-collision switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-jin Yang, Jung-min Kim
  • Patent number: 8661585
    Abstract: The multi-position bed for the infirm or physically disabled patients includes a multi-positional support surface. The support surface includes separate pivotally attached segments adapted to support various parts of a patient's body. Segmented lower portions support the patient's feet and lower legs. An upper segment supports the patient's back, neck and head. A central segment is adapted to support patient's buttocks. All portions can be pivoted through a range of positions. The central segment is provided with movable panels, which can be arranged to form an opening in the bed. A toilet is fixed beneath the bed in alignment with the formed opening. The entire support surface can be vertically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Faisal A. O. Alasfour
  • Patent number: 8661586
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a support element that has a first end portion and a second end portion and a top surface disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the support element. The second end portion has a height greater than the first end portion. A riser element is configured to be coupled proximate to the second end portion of the support element. A body element is configured to be disposed on at least one of the support element or the riser element. The body element has a first arm and a second arm connected together by an arc portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Amenity Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Melcher, Aaron Clark, Clint Erickson
  • Patent number: 8661587
    Abstract: A generally C-shaped infant support pillow ideal for small, premature or disabled infants. The pillow comprises a center section with two curved arms. The arms may be the same length or one may be longer than the other. Preferably, the end of one arm is receivable in a recess formed in or near the end of the other arm, so that the pillow has an open and a closed position. The arms may have opposing, inwardly-extending bulges that divide the central well into a larger and a smaller secondary well. The inner perimeter of the center section may be elasticized to “hug” the infant. The pillow may include a strap that extends from one arm and attaches to the other. The strap can be stored in a pocket and then unfurled and removably connected to the other arm to hold the ends of the pillow together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 8661588
    Abstract: A slip cover for a crib mattress. The slip cover preferably comprises a mattress cover with a zippered end through which the crib mattress is easily insertable. Attached to one end of the mattress cover is a bolster, which may comprise a bolster cover and a foam insert. In most applications, the bolster will be generally U-shaped and will comprise an inclined back section and two arms. The slip cover allows continued use of a crib mattress after it is no longer needed in a crib or toddler bed. When placed on a standard crib mattress, the slip cover with its attached bolster forms an ideal portable toddler bed. Alternately, the slip cover converts the mattress into a child-sized chaise lounge ideal for reading or watching television. Still further, the slip-covered mattress may be used as a pet bed, especially for a large breed dog or for multiple smaller dogs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jamie S. Leach
  • Patent number: 8661589
    Abstract: A diaper changing device utilizes a baby supporting member having a supporting surface on which a diaper is to be positioned, naps extend outward from the supporting member and are configured to be foldable over the diaper placed on the supporting surface to maintain the diaper in position on the device. Straps are provided to circumscribe the leg of the user, i.e. the diaper changer, and to maintain the device on the changer's leg. Once the device is secured on the user's leg, the baby is placed on the diaper. The diaper is then wrapped around the baby and secured, all while the baby is positioned upon the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Amanda N. Schambon
  • Patent number: 8661590
    Abstract: An air mattress including an inflatable compartment, strips, a connecting sheet and pillow strips is provided. The inflatable compartment includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a side wall surrounding peripheries of the top wall and the bottom wall. The strips are air-pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment, wherein the strips are connected between the bottom wall and the top wall and located in a lying portion of the top wall. The connecting sheet is air-pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment and facing a pillow portion of the top wall, wherein the connecting sheet is connected between the side wall and the strips adjacent to the pillow portion. The pillow strips are air-pervious and disposed in the inflatable compartment, wherein the pillow strips are connected between the connecting sheet and the pillow portion of the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Apex Billion Int'l Inv. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 8661591
    Abstract: A shoulder pain alleviating mattress assembly includes a mattress assembly frame, a foot mattress portion carried by the mattress assembly frame, a head mattress portion carried by the mattress assembly frame in spaced-apart relationship to the foot mattress portion and at least one depth-adjustable arm gap between the foot mattress portion and the head mattress portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Travis Sonderland
  • Patent number: 8661592
    Abstract: A multi-functional demolition tool is disclosed including a head assembly having a tip, a plurality of blades, and one or more movable talons; a handle shaft connected to the head assembly; an actuating mechanism for engaging and disengaging the talons; and a handle assembly, which may include a hammer end and/or pry bar end. The demolition tool is useful for, among other things, firefighters. The tool may be used to puncture a ceiling or other structure and to remove the ceiling material with the aid of the movable talons. The movable talons will automatically disengage if they hit an obstruction. The movable talons can be manually disengaged to prevent the tool from getting stuck in the ceiling or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Trice Enterprise, LLC
    Inventor: Evers C. Trice
  • Patent number: 8661593
    Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for making a shoe outsole and to shoe outsoles made using such techniques. In one such technique, a sheet of composite material is produced by extruding a base material together with a sheet of fabric material. The sheet of composite material is then cut into an outsole component, and a shoe outsole is fabricated using the outsole component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dynasty Footwear, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Koo, Jonathan Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8661594
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is cleaning structure attachable to a submersible pool cleaning vehicle (PCV). In one exemplary embodiment the PCV has an endless loop track and a chassis therefore. The cleaning structure attaches to the chassis and acts as a cap covering the drive wheels and track. The cleaning structure includes a base and bristles extending outwardly therefrom. The bristles define fingers. In one embodiment, the fingers are of a uniform length. In another embodiment, the fingers are of a graduated length. Others embodiments include the fingers being distributed on the base in a random pattern. In one embodiment, the cleaning structure defines a single insert. In another, the cleaning structure includes multiple inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Multi Wisdom Limited
    Inventors: Wing-kin Hui, Wing-tak Hui
  • Patent number: 8661595
    Abstract: Described is an automatic cleaning machine for swimming pools comprising a body with at least two motorized wheels for moving on a drive surface, at least one suction inlet positioned on a lower surface of the body, at least one outlet mouth, at least one turbine, operating between the suction inlet and the outlet mouth, controllable by a respective electricity supply battery, an electronic control unit for operating the wheels and moving the cleaning machine along the drive surface and for operating the turbine for exerting a thrust able to keep the body in contact with the surface. The automatic cleaning machine also comprises at least one chopping element interposed between the suction inlet and the outlet mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fabrizio Bernini
  • Patent number: 8661596
    Abstract: A toothbrush drive includes a first drive component for generating a magnetic field and a second drive component driven in both a translational and rotational manner under the influence of the magnetic field. A transmission element is deflected out of a predetermined position for transmission of both translational and rotary movement of the second drive component. The deflection of the transmission element varies along its longitudinal axis. A transmission element can be deflected out of a predefined position for transmission of a translatory movement and a rotational movement of the second drive component to the brush element along a longitudinal axis of the transmission element. The deflection of the transmission element out of the predefined position is varied along the longitudinal axis of the transmission element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Benedikt Heil, Christian Neyer, Bernhard Kraus
  • Patent number: 8661597
    Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The brush head includes a neck connectable to a handle of the electric toothbrush, and a bristle carrier pivotally supported by a pivot support at the neck about a pivot axis extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Kressner
  • Patent number: 8661598
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning facades including glass surfaces of high rise buildings. The apparatus includes a machine having a frame for attaching components and equipments of a main unit; a thrust provider for generating force to keep the main unit in contact with the facade; a hoist to enable lifting and lowering of the main unit; a laundry unit comprising a fabric sheet to clean the facade; a roller attached to end of extended arms of the main unit; and a control unit installing electrical controls on the main unit. The machine provides a number of novel elements and safety features by applying simple design concept that is practicable to wide range of buildings of glass or flat façades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmed Ali Ibrahim Alshehhi
  • Patent number: 8661599
    Abstract: [Problem] Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a spherical brush having highly dense brush bristles for easy cleaning of periodontal pockets and a cylindrical brush having the brush bristles highly dense brush bristles at a ball portion of a tip thereof, and a brush manufactured by the manufacturing method. [Solution means] A fiber bundle, which is composed of a number of short fibers prepared by cutting long fibers, is gripped between a set of U-shaped wires arranged to crisscross with each other to form a loop. The open ends of the U-shaped wires are pulled and twisted in opposite directions, so that the fibers at the portion gripped by the U-shaped wires are compressed to reduce the size of their bundled areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Atsushi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8661600
    Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning sheet that is excellent in capturing dust and dirt. The cleaning sheet according to the invention includes a base material sheet (2) and a cleaning surface forming sheet (3) that is bonded to the base material sheet (2). A slacked section (5) is formed in the cleaning surface forming sheet (2) between the bonding sections (6, 6) where the base material sheet (2) and the cleaning surface forming sheet (3) are bonded to each other, and a plurality of cuts (7) for capturing dust and dirt are formed at the slacked section (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kikuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 8661601
    Abstract: A device is described for removing stickers such as cockleburs, burrs, foxtails, etc. from pets, a person's clothing, gear or equipment. The tool is mitten-shaped with an open end into which the person may insert the person's hand. Two embodiments of the device are disclosed. In the first embodiment, both sides of the device have loop-type fastening material thereon. In the second embodiment, only one side of the device has the loop-type fastening material thereon for removing stickers or the like. A protective liner is positioned at the inner surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Michael H. Klingbeil
  • Patent number: 8661602
    Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) with a supporting bracket system which can be connected to a wiper arm in an articulated manner and has at least one main bracket (12, 24) and a plurality of secondary brackets (24, 28) which are connected pivotably to one another by means of joints (20, 26), wherein, in the region of at least one joint (20, 26), the main bracket (12, 24) has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, the side walls (18, 44) of which laterally enclose the secondary brackets (24, 28), and, on the insides of the side walls (44), has pivots (50) which, together with lateral clip cutouts (54) on the secondary bracket (28), form a clip connection and a bearing point, while the secondary bracket (28) is supported via a rolling bearing (34, 66) on a top wall (58) of the main bracket (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Inigo Op't Roodt, David Van Baelen
  • Patent number: 8661603
    Abstract: An accessory for supplying liquids to an applicator such as a roller or brush formed by a container and a dispensing device. The upper part of the container is provided with a cover including an opening dimensioned to match the head of the dispensing device, while the periphery of the opening is provided with notches for holding the neck of the roller. The dispensing device is formed by an upper head or cover, a perforated panel perpendicular to the latter, and a second panel including a screen and positioned at the end opposite the cover. The cover is flat and is provided along the periphery thereof with a material that fits hermetically to the opening. The cover is rectangular and the central part thereof widens out into two opposing semicircles, said cover also including a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Alberto Velazquez Arvizu
  • Patent number: 8661604
    Abstract: A mechanical cleaning system mop and container for liquid draining including a container having a multifunction handle-lever-pedal element coupled to the container, and a mop especially designed to be used with the container. The mop allows the cleaning of floors, leaving them almost dry. The drainage of the mop is performed by pressing the mop over a back support table for supporting mops of the container and pressing the multifunction handle-lever-pedal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ricardo Jose Vila Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8661605
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a body having at least one outer wall, a drive system disposed on the body and configured to maneuver the robot over a work surface, and a cleaning assembly carried by the body. The cleaning assembly includes first and second cleaning rollers rotatably coupled to the body, a suction assembly having a channel disposed adjacent at least one of the cleaning rollers, and a container in fluid communication with the channel. The container is configured to collect debris drawn into the channel. The suction assembly is configured to draw debris removed from the work surface by at least one of the cleaning rollers into the channel, and the container has a wall common with the at least one outer wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Selma Svendsen, Daniel N. Ozick, Christopher M. Casey, Deepak Ramesh Kapoor, Tony L. Campbell, Chikyung Won, Christopher John Morse, Scott Thomas Burnett
  • Patent number: 8661606
    Abstract: A vacuum nozzle for removing liquid from surfaces includes a nozzle body defining an internal enclosed vacuum chamber wherein the chamber is of a size and shallow depth so as to enhance water flow therethrough, the nozzle body also having a vacuum source connector in fluid communication with the chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum source conduit, and the nozzle body also having a hard outer bottom surface and defining a plurality of vacuum suction ports opening between the chamber and the bottom surface. The vacuum nozzle also includes at least one injection member, wherein the at least one injection member is configured to inject a fluid below the nozzle body, whereby the nozzle, when connected to a suction source is placed on a saturated surface effects removal of water therefrom through the ports and chamber to the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Kappos, Mark D. Kappos, Dennis L. Pearlstein
  • Patent number: 8661607
    Abstract: The present invention comprises: a collecting section mounted at one side of the pathway, in which the suction force of a vacuum cleaner for sucking dust is transmitted, and moves at least some of the sucked dust towards one direction; a dust collecting section made of transparent material coupled with the collecting section, in which the receiving status of the inflow of dust through the collecting section is exposed to the outside; a discharge section which guides air and dust, which has passed through the dust collecting section, to be discharged into the pathway that transmits the suction force of a vacuum cleaner; and a foreign material discharge means which guides the flow of air into the inner corner of the dust collecting section by the operation of the user and forcibly discharges the remaining dust in the dust collection section to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Geunbae Hwang, Kyeongseon Jeong
  • Patent number: 8661608
    Abstract: Handheld portable devices for dislodging and capturing particulate matter that has accumulated on various surfaces or structures are provided. The devices create opposing airflows that can intimately interface with each other during use. A vacuum airflow is drawn into the device, defining a vacuum affected zone upon the surface being cleaned. A high pressure airflow is emitted that penetrates through or passes adjacent to the opposing vacuum airflow and contacts the surface being cleaned, dislodging particulate matter therefrom. The high pressure airflow can be emitted from multiple nozzles as a series of airflow bursts that discretely contact the surface being cleaned. The configuration of each nozzle, as well as the overall arrangement and positions of all the nozzles together, are selected to impart the desired particulate matter dislodging characteristics to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven Merrill Harrington, Andrew L. Banka
  • Patent number: 8661609
    Abstract: Portable devices for dislodging and/or capturing particulate matter that has accumulated on various surfaces or structures are provided. The devices include a body segment and a nose segment extending away therefrom. A high-pressure assembly generates a high-pressure airflow that is directed to a nozzle assembly in the nose segment. From the nozzle assembly, the high-pressure airflow can be emitted from multiple nozzles as a series of airflow bursts that discretely contact the surface from which the particulate matter is being dislodged. The configuration of each nozzle, as well as the overall arrangement and positions of all the nozzles together, is selected to impart the desired particulate matter dislodging characteristics to the device, and the device may incorporate a vacuum airflow to remove the particulate matter after such matter has been dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy F. Knopow, Steven Merrill Harrington, Andrew L. Banka, Paul J. Larson, Ernst K. Reiter
  • Patent number: 8661610
    Abstract: A floor cleaner including a nozzle and a handle assembly pivotably mounted to the nozzle. The handle assembly including a handle, a motor housing supporting a suction source in fluid communication with the nozzle, and a bag housing. A door is removably coupled to the bag housing and includes a door handle and a filter bag retaining structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Q. Liu, Mark E. Cipolla, Steven R. Dings
  • Patent number: 8661611
    Abstract: A dust collector includes a centrifugal separator, a discharge unit having a filtered dust collecting space provided with a discharge unit discharge hole at a discharging side of the centrifugal separator and an intake passage communicating with a bottom of the discharge unit discharge hole, a filter unit provided with a filter member and mounted at the discharge unit discharge hole, and a sealing member including a dust removing device mounted on the filter unit and a dust container formed on a bottom surface of the centrifugal separator, wherein the sealing member opens the filtered dust collecting space and the intake passage by means of the weight thereof and closes the filtered dust collecting space and the intake passage by means of negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jang Keun Oh
  • Patent number: 8661612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid wiper device formed of a circular obstacle and intended for a floor cleaning machine that operates with liquid and has a scrubbing-brush that is rotatably driven around a vertical shaft by a motor and arranged and intended for the scrubbing of floors and similar surfaces. According to the invention, the device is formed of ring pieces that are interconnectable into a ring shape and have wiper strips carried thereby. The wiper strips have a thickened upper fastening end portion while the remaining part of the wiper strips has essentially a plate shape. The wiper strips have essentially a T-shaped cross-sectional profile, said ring pieces having a number of recesses distributed along the length extension thereof, and the wiper strips are received in and retained by the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Qleeno AB
    Inventors: Ludvig Brunnström, Patrik Andreasson
  • Patent number: 8661613
    Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a suction inlet and a pivot. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. A connecting arm pivotally connects the handle assembly to the nozzle assembly. The connector arm includes (a) a hub received on the pivot so as to provide a first pivotal connection along a first axis and (b) a trunion providing a second pivotal connection about which the handle assembly is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventors: Samuel A. Marsh, Michael L. Fry, James T. Crouch, Kyle A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8661614
    Abstract: A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. The grommet device includes a base structure and a top structure connected to the base structure with a plurality of sidewalls, wherein an aperture having a central axis is formed interior of the plurality of sidewalk. At least one flexible bowed element having a first end, a second end and a middle portion is connected to the base structure at the first end and the top structure at the second end, wherein the middle portion is positioned within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kraig Herman Allen
  • Patent number: 8661615
    Abstract: A pintle assembly for use in conjunction with a caster wheel assembly. The pintle assembly includes an inner tube and sleeve that is overmolded to and round the inner tube. The inner tube may include grooves to aid in securing sleeve. The sleeve includes a tapered annular channel near the top portion of the pintle, such that a slide ring may be inserted into the tapered annular channel to secure the pintle assembly into a mounting tube through frictional engagement of the slip ring with both the over-molded sleeve and the mounting tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Albion Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Li, Philip Guo
  • Patent number: 8661616
    Abstract: A pneumatic door closer having an arming and latching mechanism that once armed permits a door to be held open by placing it in the desired open position and easily released by opening the door slightly, resetting the arming and latching mechanism permitting the door to be closed. A lever having a flat-profile spring over a substantial portion of its exterior surface is rotated into a position adjacent a latching washer causing the latching washer to canter upon a slight closure of the door, locking the door in an open position. Upon release of the door by further opening the door slightly, the cantered latching washer is released and a recoil spring causes the released latching washer to straighten or become uncantered, permitting a piston rod to move freely relative to the latching mechanism causing the door to close. The single piece lever and external flat-profile spring are easily manufactured and assembled and provides a reliable latching mechanism that can be conveniently operated with one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Connecticut Manufacturing Co., S.A.
    Inventor: Valentin Luca
  • Patent number: 8661617
    Abstract: A hooking structure disposed on a door of a vehicle ensures safety of a passenger by preventing the door from being pushed inside in a side collision of the vehicle, by fastening a hooking structure integrally formed with the lower end of the door. The hooking structure may include: a welding flange that is fastened in parallel to an inner panel of a vehicle door; a hooking flange formed perpendicularly to an outer panel of the vehicle door; a connecting portion integrally connecting the welding flange with the hooking flange; a first closed-section flange disposed in an inverted wall shape between the welding flange and the connecting portion; and a second closed-section flange disposed in an inverted wall shape between the hooking flange and the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Si-Yun Kim
  • Patent number: 8661618
    Abstract: A hinge assembly is movable between open and closed positions 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. A hinge pin assembly cooperates with the hinge members and has aligned internal bores and a longitudinal axis about which the hinge members rotate. A locking pin is movable within the 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 the 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. The locking components may include a mechanical override device to prevent damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 8661619
    Abstract: A hinge adjuster includes a first frame, at least one locking piece, at least one spring component, at least one second frame and a pair of cover. The first frame defines at least one locking hole including a first accommodating hole and a second accommodating hole. The locking piece is slidably placed in the first accommodating hole for engaging with the first accommodating hole or the engaging notch alternatively. At least one groove for engaging with the locking piece is configured on a pivoted portion of the second frame, which includes a flat portion, a dentiform portion, and an end portion. And the locking piece is protruded from the locking hole and contacting with the flat portion, the dentiform portion or the end portion selectively. The hinge adjuster has strong supporting capability and can achieve a cyclic adjustment of angles, and the operation is simple and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dongguan Weihong Hardware and Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 8661620
    Abstract: A furniture hinge, comprising a fitting part, a hinge cup that is articulated thereto for fastening to furniture parts, and a cushioning apparatus for cushioning a relative movement between the fitting part and the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus is disposed in or on the hinge cup, wherein the cushioning apparatus comprises a housing having first fastening means, and second fastening means are disposed on the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus can be inserted from above into the hinge cup and in the installed position is disposed substantially completely inside the hinge cup, wherein the housing of the cushioning apparatus and the hinge cup can be connected to each other in said installed position by the first and second fastening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Patent number: 8661621
    Abstract: A casement window hinge protects against sash sag by providing a guide arm that substantially fills the space between the sash and the window frame when the window is closed. This space-filling guide arm may be produced with lightweight thermoplastic material whose pivoting connection to the sash arm may be strengthened through a wood screw providing an axis for the pivot that may be stabilized within the sash into which the screw is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jack C. La See
  • Patent number: 8661622
    Abstract: An assist grip includes hinges, spring cases, and coil springs. The hinges are provided with a rotary axis that a shaft-shaped protrusion and a pin make. The shaft-shaped protrusion is formed integrally with the hinges. The pin is formed independently of the hinges. The spring cases are held in a depression with which the hinges are provided, respectively. The coil springs urge the hinges by way of the spring cases in a direction for accommodating the hinges into hinge-holding depressions with which the assist grip is provided. The setup enables the resulting assist grip to offer better assemblage workability for assembly workers or robots, to show a better appearance, and to exhibit higher strength in service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Takai, Chiharu Totani, Kazuhiro Kawamura, Shoji Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8661623
    Abstract: An attachment selectively attachable to a pet training device that emits signal upon actuation by the hand that grasps the pet training device. The attachment includes an aperture for selectively securing the attachment to a hand and at least one connector for securing the attachment to the pet training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EZ Click, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Theodore Leggett, Lisa Ann Leggett
  • Patent number: 8661624
    Abstract: A portable cleat of a generally two dimensional flat shape with a predetermined thickness having two arms (12) and (12A) projecting at opposite slight angles from a near central point. The arms form an ancient standard cleat shape for winding an elongated tension member (30) in multiple figure eights and finishing with an inverted loop to refrain from tying a knot. The main body (10) has a rear portion containing two apertures (18) and (20) of different sizes to adapt to various anchoring devices. The overall shape of the cleat considers the action-reaction law of physics and is specifically designed to enhance its use under kinetic tension forces. The main body also contains a plurality of holes (22) and (22A) allowing multiple cleats to be fastened together in modular fashion in order to multiply the overall strength yet maintain the designed functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C Bracewell
  • Patent number: 8661625
    Abstract: A slidable buckle for a seatbelt includes a cover which has a number of ribs extending from the cover. The ribs function to limit noise caused by the buckle and webbing coming in contact with a vehicle's interior trim, while at the same time providing a softer, grippable surface for the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Jim Carene, Robert Andrew Mical
  • Patent number: 8661626
    Abstract: A circumferential clamp (2) including a clamping band (4) having oppositely disposed circumferential ends (8, 10) and a latching assembly (6) for securing the ends (8, 10) together. The latching assembly (6) includes first and second latching devices (12, 14), each of which includes an elongate element (16, 26, 28) which is pivotably mounted on the clamping band (4) adjacent one of the ends (8, 10) and is engageable with the clamping band (4) adjacent the other end to latch the ends (8, 10) together. The lengthwise axes of the elongate elements (16, 26, 28) lie in, or intersect, a common plane tangential to the clamping band (4), and may be coincident with, or intersect, each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Steven E Peet
  • Patent number: 8661627
    Abstract: A magnetic jewelry clasp is described that includes a first body member having a magnet that defines a first magnetically attractive surface. The clasp includes a second body member that has a magnet that defines a second magnetically attractive surface that magnetically connects to the first magnetically attractive surface to define a first locking arrangement of the clasp. The clasp includes a safety catch that has a first protuberance that is adapted to open and close the safety catch. The safety catch includes a second protuberance that fits over the end of the second body member which defines a second locking arrangement of the clasp. The Safety catch is designed so that it will function whether the two bodies are brought together with both right side up or with one up side down. It includes a pair of side panels that prevent misalignment of the first and second body members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: EF Designs, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Fuhrman, Esther Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 8661628
    Abstract: A slide fastener includes a pair of first and second fastener stringers, a box pin, an insert pin, and a pair of first and second sliders. The box pin has a box pin body, a stopper portion arranged at a front end side of the box pin body, and suppressing portions projected on at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the box pin body to suppress sliding of the second slider. Further, the box pin body has a body region, and a notched region arranged at an element-row-side base end portion and having excluded a side surface portion at a side facing the insert pin. The suppressing portions are projected in only the notched region. With this arrangement, the second slider can be stably held at an insert-pin inserting position, and a subsequent insert operation or extract operation of the insert pin can be smoothly performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Keyaki, Takanori Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8661629
    Abstract: A roller-loaded zipper slide includes first and second roller brackets respectively mounted in top and bottom slide body blocks of the slide body thereof to carry a respective front roller in flush with the front edges of the top and bottom slide body blocks and in proximity to the zipper's interlocking teeth and in direct contact with the zipper tapes for guiding the interlocking teeth into the internal chamber of the roller-loaded zipper slide smoothly and accurately, avoiding scratching or damaging the stitches of the zipper tapes, improving zipper slide sliding mobility, reducing zipper teeth wear and prolonging zipper slide lifespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Genmore Zipper Corporation
    Inventor: Lien-Chou Wang
  • Patent number: 8661630
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coating comprising a reservoir layer comprising a semi-crystalline polymer and a primer layer comprising an amorphous polymer on an implantable device and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Florencia Lim, Mikael Trollsas, Syed F. A. Hossainy, Stephen D. Pacetti