Patents Issued in July 15, 2014
  • Patent number: 8776281
    Abstract: The system for unclogging toilets is a wire-based unclogging system for toilets, allowing clogs formed on either side of a bend in a toilet outflow pipe to be cleared simultaneously. The system includes a hollow tube having opposed upper and lower ends. The tube is mounted on a toilet so that a pair of apertures formed through the lower end communicate with an interior of the bend of the toilet outflow pipe. A plunger is slidably mounted within an interior of the tube and is resiliently biased with respect to the upper end. An air pump delivers pressurized air to the interior of the tube through a port formed through the upper end, so that the plunger may be driven downward. A pair of wires are secured to a lower surface of the plunger and extend through the apertures into either side of the bend of the toilet outflow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Mehmet Dondurur, Ahmet Z. Sahin
  • Patent number: 8776282
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve assembly for installation into a toilet tank is described, which includes a supply tube, a valve regulating the flow of water, an actuator to open and close the valve; a vertical transmission shaft with upper and lower stops rotatable around its longitudinal axis between first and second positions; a float moveable upwardly under the buoyance force of water entering the tank to engage the lower stop when the shaft is in its first position and the upper stop when the shaft is in its second position, the movement of the float closing valve when the float engages one of the stops; a controller to move the shaft from its first position to its second position, allowing the float to engage the upper stop and increase the volume of water entering the tank between flushes; and a guide rotating the shaft to its first position upon flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: William Matthews Brawner
  • Patent number: 8776283
    Abstract: A movable seat is disclosed which is positionable within a shower stall of a type having at least one rear support element, such as a rear ledge, and at least one frontal support element, such as a lower frontal threshold. The movable seat includes an essentially horizontal support that has a rearward portion that is suitable to be supported on the ledge and a leg that extends downwardly from a forward portion of the support to a foot. The seat is sufficiently flexible such that if a weight load of a human or thereabout is placed on the support, then the foot will flex forwardly in response thereto, thereby jamming the seat in place relative to the shower stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Clayton C. Garrels, Thomas M. Spankowski, Jason R. Miller
  • Patent number: 8776284
    Abstract: A bed moveable from a lowered position to a raised position includes two pairs of guides. In each pair, one guide is oriented so as to be substantially vertical and the other guide is disposed at an angle to the first guide. A lift assembly is located in each guide. A support including a frame is coupled to the lift assemblies. A drive system moves the lift assemblies in two directions, thereby lowering and raising the support. As the support is raised, it moves from a substantially horizontal orientation to a non-horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Allied Recreation Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Jones
  • Patent number: 8776285
    Abstract: A device to assuage distressed infants via an adjustable vertical motion combined with an adjustable orientation. The device has a frame, an infant resting member coupled to the frame that is capable of retaining an infant in an adjustable position and a mechanism that is capable of moving the infant resting member in a vertical motion to soothe the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Shane, Chris Tacklind
  • Patent number: 8776286
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a side rail is provided having a body selectably movable from a first up position to a second down position. Two parallel lever arms are also provided. The arms rotate over center when moving the body between the two positions. This increases the horizontal distance through which the side rail moves. A biasing mechanism can be provided to urge the side rail towards either the up or down position, and to bias away from an intermediate toggle position wherein the lever arms are vertical in a preferred embodiment. The biasing mechanism can include a cam and roller. A hard stop can be provided, whereby in the up position there is a strong component to prevent failure. A release lever is also provided. A person can actuate the release lever to move the side rail from the up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GF Health Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Edgerton
  • Patent number: 8776287
    Abstract: A bottom bed sheet for a mattress is provided wherein the sheet has cell phone pockets formed therein. The bottom bed sheet may be positioned with respect to the mattress whereby a cell phone pocket is positioned at the upper right side of the sheet or positioned at the upper left side of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Elise M. Jarrett
  • Patent number: 8776288
    Abstract: The baffle box comforter includes upper and lower fabric sections and a plurality of longitudinal baffle members which extend for the length of the comforter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Company
    Inventors: Laura A. Regan, Tamara Soreano
  • Patent number: 8776289
    Abstract: There is disclosed a senior-friendly shower carrier comprising a bed; a housing part comprising a second housing, a first housing coupled to a lower portion of the bed to elevate to an upper portion of the second housing and a third housing that elevates to a lower portion of the second housing; a first elevating module comprising a driving motor having a shaft provided therein, a fixing part, a power transmitting part which transmits a rotational force of the shaft to the fixing part, and a moving part which elevates the first housing upwardly, moving along the rotation of the fixing part upwardly and downwardly; and a second elevating module comprising a driving motor having a shaft provided therein, a fixing part, a power transmitting part which transmits a rotational force of the shaft to the fixing part, and a moving part which elevates the third housing downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Cheol Woong Ko, Kyeoung Jin Chun, Soo Taek Kim, Deok Yeon Cho, Yeong Chan Kwak
  • Patent number: 8776290
    Abstract: A turning platform having longitudinally extending side portions hinged to a central portion and hydraulic, or pneumatic, expansion means beneath each side portion operated by control means to raise and lower said side portions by rotating them about the hinges in a predetermined sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Genie Care
    Inventors: Mike Wilkinson, Robert Footitt
  • Patent number: 8776291
    Abstract: A rescue device is configured to permit rapid evacuation of a casualty by easily attaching to a casualty. The rescue device includes a shell comprising a cavity and mechanically coupled to shoulder straps which can secure the shell to the casualty. An attachment strap is mechanically coupled to the shell which can secure the shell to the casualty holding the shell in place. A lower carrying surface can be deployed from the shell that can support the casualty. There are handles mechanically coupled to the shell and handle bars mechanically coupled to the lower carrying surface in order to permit easily carrying the casualty to safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Ryan Leighton Lewis
  • Patent number: 8776292
    Abstract: A pillow having a resilient pillow body with a sound transmitting passageway extending through the pillow to bring sound from outside the pillow through an inlet in the side of the pillow to an outlet in the central area of the top of the pillow so that a person using the pillow, with his ear on the outlet, can hear the sound. The passageway has an inlet section leading from the inlet into the pillow which section forms an exponential acoustic horn to amplify and clarify the sound transmitted by the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Richard T. Ryan, Paul Regan
  • Patent number: 8776293
    Abstract: In one aspect, a pump for moving air includes an inlet, an outlet, an outer housing adapted to couple to an inflatable device, and an inner housing located within the outer housing. An air conduit is defined between the inner housing and the outer housing. A motor is at least partly positioned within the inner housing, and a plurality of vanes are positioned within the air conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 8776294
    Abstract: A bracket, which is adapted for retaining a mattress, includes two hinge bases for being mounted on a bed frame, two rotating members and a connector. Each of the rotating members has a pivot and a first coupling portion extending from the pivot and being substantially perpendicular to the pivot. The pivots are respectively connected with the hinge bases rotatably. The connector has a transverse portion and two second coupling portions respectively provided at two ends of the transverse portion and coupled with the first coupling portions. As a result, the connector can be easily dismounted from and mounted to the rotating members. When the connector is dismounted from the rotating members, the bed frame is conveniently wrapped and transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Philip Woods McCarty, Philip Reid Sherman, Chuan-Hang Shih, Liang Liu
  • Patent number: 8776295
    Abstract: A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer (11a) of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine (20), series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Terrance L. Myers, David K. Winton, John A. Garrett
  • Patent number: 8776296
    Abstract: A controlling method of a washing machine is disclosed. The controlling method of a washing machine includes washing laundry accommodated in a drum provided in the washing machine, primarily rinsing the washed laundry and an inside of the drum, using clean wash water, primarily dewatering the rinsed laundry and secondarily rinsing the dewatered laundry, using clean wash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Eun Jin Park, Deug Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8776297
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the tub for receiving laundry, a gasket provided between the cabinet and the tub, a plurality of spray nozzles provided at a lower part of the gasket for spraying wash water upward into the drum, and a pump for pumping wash water to the spray nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myong Hun Im, Soo Young Oh, Moon Hee Hong, Kyung Chul Woo, Woo Young Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Byung Keol Choi
  • Patent number: 8776298
    Abstract: A cleaning section of an oral hygiene device is disclosed. The cleaning section includes a cleaning element carrier mounted for oscillatory rotation around a carrier rotation axis; a gear unit arranged for being coupled to a drive shaft of a handle of the oral hygiene device, which drive shaft defines a drive shaft rotation axis in an attached state, and the gear unit further having an actuation element for transferring motion from the drive shaft to the cleaning element carrier during operation. The carrier rotation axis is parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis and is disposed at a distance to the drive shaft rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Fritsch, Ulrich Stoerkel
  • Patent number: 8776299
    Abstract: A toothbrush head that includes a main body portion and a generally cylindrical connection member extending downwardly and defining an axis. The connection member includes bottom, outer and inner surfaces and a central opening. The connection member also includes a first lower protrusion that includes first and second inclined surfaces extending inwardly from the inner surface, a first slot defined in the bottom surface and the inner surface, a first lower notch defined in the inner surface, and a first opening defined in the inner surface above the first lower protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Den-Mat Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald W. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8776300
    Abstract: A cleaning cloth constructed of an upper sheet and lower sheet that are joined together for form an interior cavity into which additional cleaning cloths, cleaning materials, abrasive materials, scented materials, etc. can be placed. The cleaning cloth includes strips that can be used to connect the cleaning cloth to a mop head or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: EZ Products of South Florida, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Colangelo
  • Patent number: 8776301
    Abstract: A lint and fuzz ball removing device is disclosed comprising at least one blade attached to an easily grasped and maneuvered body allowing for the quick removal and or detangling of lint, hair and pill balls. The blade surface is entirely covered with particle removing hooks or finger-like projections, including a plurality of flat surfaces, and edges of the blade, allowing for the quick and easy removal of lint, hair, fuzz and pill balls of any shape and size, across broad surfaces or hard to reach areas of clothing and fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Chester S. Lew
  • Patent number: 8776302
    Abstract: An oral care implement has a head and a first tooth cleaning element. The first tooth cleaning element has a generally convex end surface such that dentifrice applied to the head is adapted to be directed towards a distal cleaning surface of the head. The oral care implement can also include a gum massaging element extending from a peripheral side of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Armin Baertschi, Martin Zwimpfer, Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 8776303
    Abstract: A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: James Crockett
  • Patent number: 8776304
    Abstract: A device for collecting waste and for disintegrating and self-cleaning and evacuating waste, the device including a waste collection system for collecting the waste, a fluid dispensing system for disintegrating the waste which is collected by the waste collection system, and a discharge system for evacuating the disintegrated waste from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Patent number: 8776305
    Abstract: A floor cleaning apparatus is provided, including a dirt collection device for picking up dirty liquid from a floor surface to be cleaned as well as a dirty liquid tank, into which the dirty liquid can be transferred. In order to provide a floor cleaning apparatus of this type, which can be handled in a more user-friendly manner, it is proposed that the floor cleaning apparatus has a tank rinsing mechanism with at least one rinsing line, which includes at least one inlet opening for rinsing liquid, which can be provided for the tank rinsing mechanism, as well as at least one outlet opening for delivering rinsing liquid into an interior of the dirty liquid tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gilles Troff, Brunhold Roppelt, Rainer Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8776306
    Abstract: An upright cleaning appliance is described which includes a reclining upright body and a cleaner head, the cleaner head being connected to the upright body and maneuverable across a floor surface using a handle fixed to the upright body. The appliance also includes a substantially rigid wand which is connected to a suction inlet on the vacuum cleaner by a flexible hose and which is suitable for use in cleaning above the floor. The wand is configured for storage on-board the vacuum cleaner with a first portion of the wand constrained relative to the handle and a second portion of the wand constrained relative to a lower part of the upright body so that the wand braces the handle to said lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Dos Reis, David Christopher James Newton, James John Bryden
  • Patent number: 8776307
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air volume flow and pushing force control device for a vacuum cleaner that has at least a motor, a dust receptacle and a suction nozzle, comprising a controller for controlling the motor power, a first sensor for detecting the air volume flow, which in conjunction with the controller forms a first control loop in order to maintain the air volume flow at a prescribed air volume flow value on the basis of the signal of the first sensor. The control device further comprises a second sensor for detecting a pushing force that is required for pushing the suction nozzle, and in conjunction with the controller, forms a second control loop in order to maintain the pushing force below a prescribed value on the basis of the signal of the second sensor, and a control loop selection device that activates one of the two control loops as a function of the signals of the two sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Detlef Schulz, Thomas Strehler, Rudolf Hermann, Roland Illig, Peter Lehmann, Silvio Hamm
  • Patent number: 8776308
    Abstract: A robot cleaner having a static-charge removal device to prevent deterioration in performance or damage to an interior circuit of the cleaner due to static charge. The robot cleaner includes a conductive trap member to trap frictional static charge, a discharge member electrically connected to the trap member to discharge the static charge, trapped by the trap member, into another kind of energy, for example, light, sound, or kinetic energy, and a ground member located on the robot cleaner while being connected to the discharge member. The robot cleaner prevents adherence of dust, loose debris, etc. as well as damage to an interior circuit thereof due to static charge, thereby efficiently performing a cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Soo Jung, Dong Won Kim, Seung Il Han, Hwi Chan Jang, Jun Hwa Lee
  • Patent number: 8776309
    Abstract: A cyclone for a surface cleaning apparatus has spaced apart and opposed first and second cyclone chamber end walls and a cyclone chamber sidewall extending therebetween. At least one of the first cyclone chamber end wall and the second cyclone chamber end wall is openable so as to provide access to the cyclone chamber. An opening extends along only a portion of the perimeter of the cyclone chamber sidewall and is positioned adjacent the second cyclone chamber end wall, the opening defining the dirt outlet whereby dirt exiting the cyclone chamber via the dirt outlet travels in a generally outwardly direction to an exterior dirt collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 8776310
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a dirty-air inlet provided in a main suction chamber of the cleaner head, an outlet duct extending from the main suction chamber for connection to a suction source, and a rotating brush bar housed inside the main suction chamber for agitating a floor surface contacted through the dirty-air inlet. The brush bar is driven by an air-cooled motor housed inside a hollow section of the brush bar, the motor having an air intake and an air exhaust fluidly connected to one another to form an air cooling path through the inside of the motor. The air intake is connected to a clean air inlet on the cleaner head and the air exhaust is fluidly connected to the outlet duct by an exhaust duct which bypasses the main suction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Lloyd Genn, Christopher Lesniowski, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Patent number: 8776311
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner houses a hollow brush bar mounted for rotation about an axis. This brush bar is driven by a motor housed inside the hollow brush bar, the motor forming part of a drive assembly supported at one end of the cleaner head. The brush bar is arranged for removal from the cleaner head by sliding the brush bar along the axis and out through an opening at the opposite end of the cleaner head and the brush bar is rotatably supported in clearance around the drive assembly by a first bearing, which bearing engages the brush bar in a corresponding axial-sliding fit to allow said sliding removal of the brush bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Lloyd Genn, Christopher Lesniowski, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Patent number: 8776312
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a cooled drive belt is described. The vacuum has a handle, body, base housing, cooling fan, motor, drive belt and a drive belt housing. A fan draws ambient air over a drive belt within the belt housing. The belt housing can have a main belt housing and a belt housing cover. The belt housing can contain an air intake and air exhaust connected by an air duct. Belt housing can have a filter in order to clean intake air. The result is a vacuum with significantly greater longevity—reducing costs and increasing reliability of the vacuum for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Overholt, Charles Jeff Morgan, Bruce Kiern, Victor Brent McClearen
  • Patent number: 8776313
    Abstract: A stationery tool has a body and a rubber holding device. The body has a holding end and a holding recess defined in the holding end. The rubber holding device is detachably or securely mounted in the holding recess for holding a rubber to adjust an extension length of the rubber relative to the body and has a clamping segment and a guiding segment. The clamping segment has multiple clamping protrusions for pressing against the rubber. The guiding segment extends outwardly and makes an opening of the rubber holding device have a distance from the clamping segment. Accordingly, the stationery tool has capabilities of adjusting an extension length of the rubber and conveniently replacing a used rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: SDI Corporation
    Inventor: Chien-Lung Wu
  • Patent number: 8776314
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller (1), preferably comprising two wheels (2) and a locking device, an activating part (10) being able to act on the locking device for releasing or locking in a position that corresponds to a directional lock and/or in a position that corresponds to a total lock, and the activating part (10) being movable by a drive, a linear movement of a transmission part (7) that is generated by the drive being transmitted via spring force to the activating part (10) in order to move the activating part, and the activating part (10), in any case in a position corresponding to the total lock or in any case in a position corresponding to the direction lock, being in addition movable relative to the stationary transmission part, against a spring supported on the transmission part, into a release position by means of an actuating handle (11) that is movable independently of the drive and preferably by hand so as to override the total lock or the directional lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TENTE GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guenther Hofrichter, Karl-Heinz Plautz, Georg Hein
  • Patent number: 8776315
    Abstract: A damping device that includes an arm having a longitudinally extending slot and a cylinder cut-out defined therein, and a damping assembly secured in the cylinder cut-out. The damping assembly includes a cylinder housing with a chamber having a piston and fluid disposed therein. The piston includes a rod with a head on a distal end thereof that extends outside the cylinder housing and into the slot. The damping assembly includes a biasing member extending between the cylinder housing and the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Robert Wach, John Michael Roche, Sesha Madireddi, Raghujit Kunapuli
  • Patent number: 8776316
    Abstract: A device for preventing injury between the surfaces of the leading edge of a closing door and an edge of a recess surrounded by a door jamb which surrounds the door when closed. The device features a housing and two sequential translating members which contact the recess edge and maintain a gap between it and the door edge for a dwell time which the second member remains between the two edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Carlsbad Safety Products, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. McRoskey, John W. McRoskey
  • Patent number: 8776317
    Abstract: A method for hanging an object and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes an apparatus comprising a track, an upper flange attached to a track, and a carrier disposed in said track. The carrier is laterally moveable along the length of the track. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a top unit and a base unit. The top unit comprises pins, a track, at least one carrier, and a lower flange. The base unit is affixed to a ceiling, and the top unit is affixed to the base unit via the pins. In one embodiment the anchors are not visible from below. Further, in one embodiment, the lower flange acts as a moisture barrier to protect the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Gretchen Seewald Atwell
  • Patent number: 8776318
    Abstract: A slide/tilt mechanism is provided to include a base plate; a slide plate which is slid between a closed position and an open position with respect to the base plate; a guide plate which supports the slide plate to make the slide plate movable; a tilt mechanism which tilts the slide plate with respect to the base plate by inclining the guide plate with respect to the base plate; an elastic member which actuates the slide plate in a slide direction and a tilt direction; and a tilt restriction member which engages the tilt mechanism to restrict the inclination of the guide plate when the slide plate is slid from the closed position to the open position, and disengages the tilt mechanism to permit the inclination of the guide plate when the slide plate reaches the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8776319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pin locking dual shaft hinge, including a connecting support, a first core shaft and a second core shaft parallel to each other, a first engaging cam, a second engaging cam and an insertion pin. The connecting support includes a main body and a first connecting member disposed between an upper and a lower end thereof, the first connecting member is penetrated with a penetrated hole. The first core shaft and the second core shaft are respectively pivoted at the upper and lower end of the main body. The first engaging cam is sleeved and engaged on the first core shaft, the periphery of the first engaging cam is formed with at least a first engaging part. The second engaging cam is sleeved and engaged on the second core shaft, the periphery of second engaging cam is formed with at least a second engaging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jui-Hung Chang, Kuo-Tung Liao
  • Patent number: 8776320
    Abstract: A handle assembly for mounting to a door of an appliance includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 8776321
    Abstract: A hand grip for use on a handle of an assistive mobility device or a bicycle has a body and an integral fin. Both are designed to damp vibration and reduce the force experienced by a user's hand. This is accomplished by using different thicknesses of an elastomeric material in the structural layer of the hand grip and by designing the fin to flex. The grip is covered with a soft elastomeric outer layer that provides additional cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: SideStix Ventures Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Doherty, Kerith Perreur-Lloyd, Barbara Poerschke
  • Patent number: 8776322
    Abstract: A twist tie device having an elongated piece of shape-retaining deformable material. A cover covers the shape-retaining deformable material along the length of the elongated piece. The cover has a bond between the elongated piece and the cover. The bond between the cover and the elongated piece is along the entire interior surface of the cover. An outer cover may be bonded to the cover. The outer cover may have a gripping surface and a non-gripping surface. The gripping surface will provide more grip for the twist tie device when it is wrapped around itself and the gripping surface will provide more grip when it is wrapped around objects. A nongripping surface being generally smoother than the gripping surface is suitable for containing indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Martinson
  • Patent number: 8776323
    Abstract: A strap assembly for securing a vehicle load includes a fixed flat strap secured around a buckle crossbar and a specially configured hook attached to an end of the strap. The parts are configured such that that upon engaging the hook and crossbar there is preferably an interference fit, allowing a major loop to be formed in the strap that will remain securely engaged even when there is slack in the strap. Additionally, the hook/buckle combination is preferably configured such that substantially rotating the hook relative the buckle is required to disengage the two. There is also preferably a second similar hook attached to the opposing end of a second adjustable strap, and a small twisted and/or folded loop built into the strap allowing a second major loop by engaging the second hook with the twisted and/or folded loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Richard E. McLennan
  • Patent number: 8776324
    Abstract: An attaching structure for use in an attachable arrangement including at least one elongate strap and configured to be removably attached to at least a portion of a body of a user. The attaching structure includes: a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured for attachment of at least one strap of the attachable arrangement; and an adjustment mechanism is operational engagement with the frame, wherein at least a portion of the adjustment mechanism is configured to contact at least one strap of the attachable arrangement and permit adjustable movement thereof; and wherein the second end of the frame is elongated and configured to permit the user to grasp the second end of the frame and move it relative to the body of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Steck, Grant M. Myers, Justin J. Adleff
  • Patent number: 8776325
    Abstract: A fastener is configured to attach to a hole of a primary panel and to mate to a doghouse. The fastener includes a core having a doghouse end and a piercing end; a datum feature; a neck extending from the datum feature toward the doghouse end; a foot feature on the doghouse end; a cone on the piercing end; and at least three snap features, which are symmetric about the core. The cone is configured to pierce any rain paper covering the holes. The doghouse is configured to join a trim component to the fastener. The doghouse includes a fastener end configured to support the fastener and a trim end configured to attach to the trim panel. The doghouse also includes a cradle formed on the fastener end, and configured to hold the fastener, and a collar configured to allow the fastener access to the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Lorin A. Mazur
  • Patent number: 8776326
    Abstract: A connection assembly incorporating a striker of elongated configuration including a base platform and an elongated pin segment projecting away from one side of the base platform. A housing holding the striker includes a plurality of internal snap arms normally extending in inwardly angled relation. The elongated pin segment extends along an axial passageway such that the distal ball head and at least a portion of the striker shaft project outwardly away from the housing with the internal snap arms behind the base platform. A striker catch engages the distal ball head upon insertion into the striker catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Martin D. H. Clarke, Zach M. Dresser
  • Patent number: 8776327
    Abstract: Kits enabling one or more items to be attached or detached using an assembly with a magnet for providing a magnetic attraction strong enough to movably hold the magnet adjacent a first outer plate for a quick connecting and disconnecting of an item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Dual Magnetic Interlocking Pin System, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wein, Stephen Douglas Alexander
  • Patent number: 8776328
    Abstract: A rebar clip is provided for joining a larger diameter rebar to a smaller diameter rebar transverse to the larger diameter rebar. In a first embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into upper arches of the clip for engagement with smaller diameter bars crossed on top of larger diameter bars. In a second embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into lower arches of the clip so that the clip may hold larger diameter bars on top of smaller diameter bars. A guide track for a clip applying gun is provided which allows for use with either version of clips and with clips of the same nominal diameter for joining equal size bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kodi Klip Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Kodi
  • Patent number: 8776329
    Abstract: A material fastener apparatus having one or more buttons which are attached to a first section of the material. The apparatus may have a layer of stretchable material which may be positioned under the first section of the material. The apparatus may also have one or more button holes which are attached to a second section of the material. The one or more button holes may be angled to the horizontal and are configured to receive the one or more buttons. The button holes may also be further configured to fasten the first section of the material with a second section of the material when the one or more buttons are buttoned with the one or more button holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jay R. Kapadia
  • Patent number: 8776330
    Abstract: There is provided an end stop for a slide fastener, in which the attachment strength can be ensured irrespective of the size of the end stop, and a core can be firmly set to a setting position with respect to the end stop. The end stop has a base and a pair of legs which extend from the base, and the end stop is formed with a receptacle which is surrounded by the base and the pair of legs. The pair of legs have a pair of opening-side ends which are provided opposite to the base, and a pair of protrusions which are provided in the receptacle adjacent to the opening-side ends, the pair of protrusions protruding inward further than opposing surfaces of the pair of opening-side ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Keyaki, Shinya Honda