Patents Issued in February 3, 2015
  • Patent number: PP25278
    Abstract: A new and distinct Leucanthemum hybrid cultivar named ‘LDDWH02-2’ is disclosed, characterized by late flowering, a compact plant form and strong branching which produces higher quantities of cuttings per plant. The new variety is a Leucanthemum hybrid, and naturally blooms from Spring to Fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Steve Jones
  • Patent number: PP25279
    Abstract: A new and distinct form of Begonia plant characterized by maple-like palmately lobed leaves with showy interveinal silvering turning plum in warm temperatures, red leaf backs, a bushy habit, small clusters of large bright pink flowers in winter to early spring, hardy to USDA Z7, and excellent vigor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pavlich
  • Patent number: PP25280
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hosta plant named ‘Sleeping Star’, characterized by its upright to outwardly spreading foliage and mostly upright flower scapes; dark green and creamy white variegated leaves; white to light greyed purple-colored flowers that are positioned above the foliar plane on strong scapes; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Hendrik Jan van den Top
  • Patent number: PP25281
    Abstract: A new and distinct Petunia cultivar named ‘PBLLV40-0’ is disclosed, characterized by unique, fully double green-white flowers. The new variety is a Petunia, suitable as an outdoor garden or container plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Suntory Flowers Limited
    Inventor: Jun Tsukahara
  • Patent number: PP25282
    Abstract: A new and distinct Echeveria cultivar named ‘ECRRE02-0’ is disclosed, characterized by tight rosulate plant form, unique heavily crenulated leaf margins. Foliage is colored greyed-green with red margins and greyed-red margin flushing. The new variety is an Echeveria, normally produced as an ornamental garden or container plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: John David Oates
  • Patent number: PP25283
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘NVDH 100’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; uniform and freely flowering habit; dark green-colored leaves; double white and yellow green-colored flowers; and good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Nis van der Horst
  • Patent number: RE45354
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Beta-Calco Inc.
    Inventor: David Morgan
  • Patent number: RE45355
    Abstract: A door hanger (140) is disclosed for use in installation of a door assembly (100). The door hanger (140) includes a jamb arm (142) with a triangular shaped edge (144), and proximate shorter edges (145) formed inwardly from the triangular shaped edge (144) and perpendicular to each other. A pair of opposing faces (143) are formed by the triangular shaped edge (144) and the proximate edges (145), and a central hole (146) is located substantially in the center of the opposing faces (143). An alignment flange (150) is perpendicular to the jamb arm (142) and includes a distal arcuate edge (152). The arcuate edge (152) has a configuration substantially conforming to the legs of a triangle. Formed inwardly from the distal arcuate edge (152) are a pair of opposing sides (154), with sets of alignment notches (156) formed on the opposing sides (154).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Nathan K. Root, Dennis Gill, Michael Gill
  • Patent number: RE45356
    Abstract: Provided are a phase-change memory device using a phase-change material having a low melting point and a high crystallization speed, and a method of fabricating the same. The phase-change memory device includes an antimony (Sb)-selenium (Se) chalcogenide SbxSe100-x phase-change material layer contacting a heat-generating electrode layer exposed through a pore and filling the pore. Due to the use of SbxSe100-x in the phase-change material layer, a higher-speed, lower-power consumption phase-change memory device than a GST memory device can be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Sung Min Yoon, Nam Yeal Lee, Sang Ouk Ryu, Seung Yun Lee, Young Sam Park, Kyu Jeong Choi, Byoung Gon Yu
  • Patent number: RE45357
    Abstract: A CMOS imager which includes a substrate voltage pump to bias a doped area of a substrate to prevent leakage into the substrate from the transistors formed in the doped area. The invention also provides a CMOS imager where a photodetector sensor array is formed in a first p-well and readout logic is formed in a second p-well. The first p-well can be selectively doped to optimize cross-talk, collection efficiency and transistor leakage, thereby improving the quantum efficiency of the sensor array while the second p-well can be selectively doped and/or biased to improve the speed and drive of the readout circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Howard E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: RE45358
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mask for divided printing that completes an image by plural scans using inks of different plural inks, the mask being able to suppress possible grains during printing to reduce image degradation resulting from beading. If for example, among the print permitting pixels for which the total repulsive potential is to be calculated, a print permitting pixel Do has the highest total repulsive potential, changes in repulsive potential after movement of the pixels are determined and the print permitting pixel Do is moved to a pixel having the lowest total repulsive potential after the movement. This processing is repeated to enable a reduction in the total energy of the entire plane. Consequently, the print permitting pixels are appropriately dispersed in overlapping plane masks so as to have few low frequency components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Marumoto
  • Patent number: RE45359
    Abstract: A device for generating clock signals for use with a plurality of DDR memory devices on a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) board is provided that has a data buffer for buffering data. A clock divider divides a first clock signal (CLK1) having a first clock frequency to generate a second clock signal (CLK20) having a second clock frequency which is an integer multiple of the first clock frequency. A shift register (SH) receives the second clock signal as a data input signal, and comprises a plurality flip-flops having clock inputs coupled to receive the first clock signal (CLK1), and further coupled so that the data output of a preceding flip-flop is coupled to be the data input of a following flip-flop. The second clock signal is shifted through the shift register (SH) in response to the first clock signal (CLK1) to generate a plurality of shifted clock signals (CLK 21, . . . , CLK32) at respective data outputs of the plurality of flip-flops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Erik Goller
  • Patent number: RE45360
    Abstract: Rotary kiln heal exchangers having precast hub and leg assemblies are disclosed. The hub and leg assemblies include interlocking features which secure the heat exchanger components together. A method of installing such heat exchangers in rotary kilns is also disclosed. Installation is relatively fast and simple, and the heat exchangers are capable of withstanding the harsh operating conditions of rotary kilns for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Harbison-Walker Refractories Company
    Inventors: John Thibault, John J. Stephansky, Jack Smaroff
  • Patent number: RE45361
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to embed an insulating film in a hole having a high aspect ratio and a small width without the occurrence of a void. The thickness of a polishing stopper layer is reduced by making separate layers respectively serve as a mask during forming the hole in a semiconductor substrate, and a stopper during removing the insulating film filled in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: PS4 Luxco S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Hirota
  • Patent number: RE45362
    Abstract: A receiver contains a demodulator system that can extract digital data from wireless radio frequency signal. The digital data contains two sets of compressed digital audio data corresponding to two audio programs. The receiver also contains two decompressors. If a user selects a first audio program, a first compressor is used to decompress a first set of compressed digital audio data. If a user selects a second audio program, a second decompressor is used to decompress a second set of compressed digital audio data. The wireless radio frequency signal can be transmitted using a transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Hark C Chan
  • Patent number: RE45363
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to provide network access credentials and network access to a remote device via a proxy device. In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises receiving a request for network access credentials from a remote device. In some example embodiments, the network access credentials comprise identification information related to at least one SIM. The method of this embodiment may also include determining whether network access credentials are available for the remote device. The method of this embodiment may also include causing the network access credentials to be provided to the remote device in an instance in which network access credentials are available for the remote device. In some example embodiments, the network access credentials enable access to a network by the remote device via one or more proxy devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jussi Lemilainen, Timo Koskela, Sami-Jukka Hakola, Samuli Turtinen, Kari Rikkinen
  • Patent number: RE45364
    Abstract: A chemical compound represented by the formula [I]: (wherein R1 represents a hydroxyl group or the like, m represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 5, R2 represents a halogen atom or the like, k represents 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, R3, R31, R4, R41, R5, R51, R6, R61, and R7 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or the like, X represents an oxygen atom or the like, and n represents 1), a salt, an N-oxide of the chemical compound represented by formula [I], and a pest control agent containing the formula [I] as its active constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isami Hamamoto, Jun Takahashi, Makio Yano, Daisuke Hanai, Takao Iwasa
  • Patent number: 8943612
    Abstract: A sanitary finger cap including: an insertion portion having a generally cylindrical shape and adapted to be fitted to a third knuckle of a finger connected to the center of a hand or to a portion of a second knuckle of the finger; and a grasping portion connected with one side of the insertion portion as a unitary body, in a shape of a general corn or pyramid in such a manner as to become small in thickness as it goes toward the other side thereof, and adapted to be fitted to a first knuckle as the end portion of the finger or to the second knuckle of the finger so as to grasp food thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Hyeon-Jin Jeong, Jeong-Tae You
  • Patent number: 8943613
    Abstract: A liquid impermeable mortuary undergarment having resealable drainage ports mounted in the lower end of the undergarment's upper surface. The ports are positioned to grant ready access to drain any liquid accumulated in the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald J. Novak
  • Patent number: 8943614
    Abstract: A privacy garment system comprising a coat having an inner surface defining an inner volume, an outer surface, a first end, a second end, and opposing joinable seam ends extending between said first end and said second end and defining a front section. The embodiment further comprises a hat fastenable to the first end of said coat, which hat has a crown with an inner surface defining a head volume, an outer surface, and a pocket formed between said inner surface and said outer surface. The coat may be configured into a compact state having a coat volume that is less than the pocket volume for storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Shiree D. Salinas
  • Patent number: 8943615
    Abstract: An innovative sleeping suit for infants, configured to provide warmth, a contained environment, and positive proprioceptive input, and thereby reduce neurological reflexive twitching or habitual waking patterns prevalent when infants are placed on their backs for sleeping and are not swaddled. The weighting in the suit is believed to reduce the neurological reflexive twitching and provides a swaddling effect to infants helping them to fall asleep and remain sleeping when on their backs. At least a portion of an anterior portion of the suit includes the weighting. The weighting may be accomplished by varying the thickness of the materials and/or quantity of layers of materials used on the anterior portion of the suit. The weighting may be distributed uniformly throughout the suit, the anterior portion of the suit, or can be strategically placed at proprioceptive target points along the anterior portion of the suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Baby Merlin Company
    Inventors: Maureen A. Howard, Robert C. Howard
  • Patent number: 8943616
    Abstract: There is a leg-worn storage device configured to store objects about a leg of a user. The device includes a cylindrical band of two-way elastic fabric. The cylindrical band includes an interior layer of two-way elastic fabric having a friction enhancing texture layer protruding therefrom and penetrating thereinside. The cylindrical band includes an exterior layer of two-way elastic fabric coupled to the interior layer. The cylindrical band includes a pocket formed between the interior layer and the exterior layer; wherein the pocket is selectably accessible from an exterior of the cylindrical band this permitting the storage of objects. The cylindrical band includes a first end region selectably coupled to a second end region. The cylindrical band includes a mating coupling device disposed at each of the first end region and the second end region and configured to selectably couple the first end region to the second end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Andy Paige Style, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Paige Carter-Cohen
  • Patent number: 8943617
    Abstract: The invention provides a head cooling/heating device comprising a webbing adapted to encapsulate the human head; and a plurality of cavities defined by said webbing, said cavities adapted to reversibly receive a plurality of substrates, wherein the substrates are capable of being cooled or heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Robert D. Harty
  • Patent number: 8943618
    Abstract: A toilet seat hinge assembly that includes: a hinge configured for attachment to a toilet seat, a fastener including an expandable head; and a cap formed integrally with the hinge. The cap includes an engaging element extending from the first surface of the cap. The engaging element is configured to engage and expand the head of the fastener in order to releasably connect the toilet seat hinge assembly to a toilet bowl when the cap is in a first position relative to the base portion. A toilet seat assembly including the toilet seat hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Centoco Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Garnet Dundas, Edward Keck
  • Patent number: 8943619
    Abstract: A trap for positioning within a wall urinal includes a housing having an open top end and an open bottom end coupled to a drainage pipe. The trap includes a top that includes an upper surface with a center portion having at least one drainage opening extending therethrough. The top is to be coupled to the open top end of the housing. A drainage tube has an open top end and an open bottom end, with the open top end coupled to the center portion of the top and aligned with the at least one drainage opening. A cup is to be suspended within the housing and has an open top end and a closed bottom end with sidewalls therebetween, and with the open bottom end of the drainage tube inserted into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jose Romero
  • Patent number: 8943620
    Abstract: Disclosed are various apparatuses and methods that facilitate dual flush capability. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a dual flush mechanism configured to provide for a dual flush capability in a toilet. A gasket is attached to the dual flush mechanism. The gasket forms a seal between the dual flush mechanism and a flush orifice of a flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Duston E. A. Stutzman, Dwayne A. Porter, Douglas C. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8943621
    Abstract: A method of enhancing the negative pressure of siphon of toilet is to suck the air between the two traps to enhance the negative pressure between the two seal-water, so as to rapidly form a siphon in the traps and flush the waste out rapidly. A suction device for enhancing the negative pressure of siphon of a toilet is used. It comprises: a water container installed in the water tank, said water container is provided with a water inlet and outlet; an air container with an opening in the bottom installed inside the water container, the lower portion of the side wall of the air container has a water opening connected to the water container; and a connecting tube, the bottom of which is connected to the trapway of the toilet, and the top is connected to the top of the air container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Xiamen R&T Plumbing Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing Wang
  • Patent number: 8943622
    Abstract: An infant playpen apparatus includes a playpen frame having two opposite side frame portions, two rail structures respectively affixed with the two side frame portions, a support platform operable to detachably assemble with the rail structures, and two coupling structures connected with the support platform and operable to respectively assemble with the rail structures. At least one of the coupling structures includes a latch that can lock an assembly of the support platform with the rail structure, and unlock the assembly of the support platform with the rail structure for removing the support assembly from the rail structure. The playpen apparatus can further include a bassinet held with the playpen frame. The support platform can slide along the rail structures between a first position where the support platform substantially uncovers the bassinet, and a second position where the support platform lies above and substantially overlaps with the bassinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Nathaneal Saint, Jonathan K. Mountz, Andrew J. Winterhalter, Jonathan M. Pacella, William B. Bellows
  • Patent number: 8943623
    Abstract: A hammock is supported by vertical supports connected to hammock spreader bars at the head end and the foot end of the hammock at two vertically displaced points. An intermediate support comprising a transverse flexible strap suspended between the vertical support members at a user's knee region of the hammock raises the hammock in the knee region so as to remove the concavity at the location and reduce backward knee joint stress on the person reclining in the hammock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: David R Watkins
  • Patent number: 8943624
    Abstract: A bed is disclosed including first and second platform portions, the first including drawers and slideout features that are vertically offset to serve as chairs and a desk. The second platform portion supports a portion of a mattress and a panel for supporting the mattress. The second platform may include vertical supports flush with lateral panels of the first platform portion and may include laterally extending shelves and a horizontal support positioned to support the mattress. The drawers and slideout features may be mounted in modules positioned in rows to define the first platform. A slideout platform may slide out from a foot of the bed and may include a vertical panel that is flush with a back panel of the second platform portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Youngstrom
  • Patent number: 8943625
    Abstract: A swaddling blanket for maintaining a baby in an ergonomic position. One embodiment can include features for positioning the baby's arms in pockets in first and second arm wings and wrapping the arm wings. An embodiment may also include features for positioning the baby's hips in a hip positioning portion and bringing a hip positioning flap into a position to encourage the baby's legs to an ergonomic position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The ERGO Baby Carrier, Inc.
    Inventors: Daruni M. Gotel, Rodney V. Telford, Carol J. Lubick
  • Patent number: 8943626
    Abstract: A system for displaying a pillow in a vertical position features a pillow and a sham located on and fully encasing the pillow. The sham features a flange located on a sham outer periphery and extending out and away from the sham. A second attachment means is located on a flange second surface. The system features a rigid display frame with a frame aperture centrally located in the display frame. A first attachment means is located on a frame first surface. A removable base is located on a frame bottom edge perpendicular to the display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Martha Stephens
  • Patent number: 8943627
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cushioning device that includes a plurality of fluid cells each containing a reforming element and a fluid for supporting a load. The cushioning device further includes a manifold system interconnecting the plurality of fluid cells and an exhaust system including a first and a second exhaust reservoir connected in series to the plurality of envelopes. The cushioning device further includes a pressure relief valve and a check valve separating the first and second exhaust reservoirs. Further disclosed is a method of cushioning a body with a cushioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8943628
    Abstract: Provided are a washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine, which can effectively wet laundry by varying a spraying pattern for spraying washing water into a washing tub considering water pressure of the washing water supplied to the washing tub even when the water pressure varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youngjong Kim, Sangjun Lee
  • Patent number: 8943629
    Abstract: A washing system and method for load size and water retention detection includes a cabinet, a tub position within the cabinet, a basket with a wash load received therein rotatably supported within the tub, and a drive system for rotating the basket. A controller is operatively coupled to the drive system. The controller rotates the rotatable basket to urge the wash load radially outwardly in the basket and then decelerates the rotatable basket with the wash load urged radially outwardly to or below a predetermined threshold speed. An amount of time from initial deceleration of the rotatable basket until the rotatable basket is at or below the predetermined threshold speed is measured and the measured amount of time is used to determine a parameter of the wash load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Paul, Christopher G. Hoppe, Craig Vitan, Steven Recio, Carl W. Risen, Russell Katona
  • Patent number: 8943630
    Abstract: A dock leveler comprising a vehicle-engaging lip pivotally coupled to the vertically adjustable front edge of a deck includes a seal or series of seal segments that close one or more air gaps that exist in the area where the lip is hinged to the deck. Such gaps are particularly large when the lip hinge comprises a hinge pin that couples a series of lugs extending from underneath the deck to a series of lugs extending from the lip, wherein the lugs are spaced apart along the length of the hinge pin. The seal or seal segments could be above the deck, below the deck, or interposed between the adjoining edges of the deck and the lip. In some cases, the seal is provided by an air curtain or by a tube that is inflatable or hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Digmann, Jack T. Droullard, Timothy J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8943631
    Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8943632
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning swimming pools comprises a self-propelled device comprising: movement means for moving the self-propelled device in a swimming pool; a water recirculation circuit; means for cleaning the surfaces of the swimming pool; and a power supply battery for supplying electric energy to one or more out of the movement means, the recirculation circuit and the cleaning means; the apparatus also comprises a recharging base for the power supply battery, the base having at least a first inductive element positioned in the swimming pool; the recharging base comprising a supporting unit having a first end integral with the swimming pool and a second end which is opposite to the first end and suspended in the swimming pool; the first inductive element hanging from the second end of the supporting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Fabrizio Bernini
  • Patent number: 8943633
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cleaning system for cleaning tubing used for conducting a fluid therethrough, the tubing being connected between an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, the cleaning system including: a receptacle; an apertured partition disposed within the receptacle and dividing the receptacle into a first compartment and a second compartment, at least one cleaning element disposed in the receptacle second compartment, wherein apertures of the apertured partition having a size allowing the fluid, but not the cleaning element to pass through the apertured partition; a fluid supply conduit connected to the receptacle first compartment for establishing fluid communication between the inlet pipe and the receptacle first compartment; a cleaning element supply conduit with a directional valve arranged therein, the cleaning element supply conduit being connected to the receptacle second compartment for establishing fluid communication between the receptacle second compartment
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hydroball Technics Holdings Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Beng Kiat Soh, Yuen Liung Martinn Ho
  • Patent number: 8943634
    Abstract: A sonic toothbrush system includes an electric motor, a brush shaft, and a drive assembly. The electric motor includes a drive shaft. When the electric motor is caused to operate, the drive shaft continuously rotates until the motor is caused to stop. The drive assembly is coupled between the drive shaft and the brush shaft. The drive assembly is configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft into sonic oscillation of a toothbrush head supported on an end of the brush shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Water Pik, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Sokol, Harold A. Luettgen
  • Patent number: 8943635
    Abstract: A personal care device is disclosed. The personal care device includes an electrically powered driving unit for driving a working implement of the personal care device at a desired speed and/or amplitude and/or frequency; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit in response to load onto the working implement. The control unit includes a detector for detecting an operating parameter of the driving unit responsive to load onto the working implement, and a powering unit for varying the electrical powering of the driving unit in response to a detected change of the value of the operating parameter such that speed and/or amplitude and/or frequency of the working implement is changed from an idling value to an operation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Benedikt Heil, Thomas Fritsch, Ingo Vetter
  • Patent number: 8943636
    Abstract: An erasing device of one embodiment includes a conveyance unit that conveys a sheet; a pair of rotating brushes is provided corresponding to both side portions in a width direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit, the rotating brushes being provided to oppose to each other, nipping the conveyed sheet, the rotating brushes rotating in the same direction as the sheet conveyance direction such that a circumferential speed of the brush tip has a higher speed than a conveyance speed of the sheet, the rotating brushes rolling and correcting a corner fold portion which occurs on the sheet conveyed by the brush tip portion while rotating; and an erasing unit is provided downstream in the sheet conveyance direction than the rotating brush, the erasing unit erasing an image which is formed on the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamaguchi, Ken Iguchi, Isao Yahata, Takahiro Kawaguchi, Yoshiaki Sugizaki, Kikuo Mizutani, Hiroyuki Taki, Hiroyuki Tsuchihashi, Chiaki Iizuka, Hidetoshi Yokochi, Toshiaki Oshiro, Hiroyuki Hazu, Hiroyuki Sugiyama, Yuichi Saito, Jun Ishii
  • Patent number: 8943637
    Abstract: Multi-directional wiping elements are disclosed. The wiping elements comprise intersecting squeegee segments that provide top wiping squeegee edges and side wiping squeegee edges. Devices utilizing the multi-directional wiping elements of the present invention can include bristles that are configured to simultaneously wipe a working surface with the wiping elements. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the multi-directional wiping elements are utilized in a toothbrush cleaning head that is configured to be operated manually or, alternatively, is motorized and is configured to rotate, oscillate, vibrate and/or move according to a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: James Albert Gavney, Jr., Jerry Mix, Dennis Boyle, Rickson Sun, Christopher Loew, Pascal Homero Soboll, Daniel Sung-hwe Kim
  • Patent number: 8943638
    Abstract: A floor mop composed of a handle portion, a wringer assembly portion and a mop portion. The handle is equipped with a wringer assembly that slideable moves along the length of the handle a predetermined distance. The wringer assembly has a guide that cooperatively engages the handle to limit travel of the wringer assembly. The wringer assembly has wringer arms that terminate in wringer engagement guide to engage wringer guides on the centerplates of the butterfly floor mop. Each arm further include a cam surface proximal to the wringer engagement guides that cooperative engage linearly inclined ramps to apply progressive pressure on an absorbent material to wring wash liquid during wash operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Armaly Sponge Company
    Inventor: John W. Armaly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8943639
    Abstract: The mop frame comprises a first plate pivotably connected to a handle attachment at a first pivot. A second plate is pivotably connected to the first plate at a second pivot such that it is movable between a first position where the second plate is substantially coplanar with the first plate and a second position where the first plate is substantially parallel to the second plate and is disposed on top of the second plate. A latch secures the first plate to the second plate when the second plate is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Andrew Matola, Robert J. Tokash
  • Patent number: 8943640
    Abstract: A pool brush includes a handle receiver; and a brush head attached to the handle receiver, the brush head having a body and a plurality of bristles extending from said body. The body includes a cylindrical portion having rounded top, bottom, front and rear sides, and opposite end portions, and the plurality of bristles includes bristles radially extending 360 degrees around the cylindrical portion of the body and from the end portions. The plurality of bristles includes a plurality of bundles of relatively longer bristles and a plurality of bundles of relatively shorter bristles, wherein the bundles of relatively longer bristles are in arrays in an alternating arrangement with arrays of the bundles of shorter bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Asia Connection LLC
    Inventors: Mitch Saccoccio, Jonathan Bonelli
  • Patent number: 8943641
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the removal of foreign matter, such as oil and dust, from the end faces of optical fiber and optical fiber connectors. Cleaning is effected by bringing carbon nanotube material into contact with an end face to create a differential adhesion in the proximity of the end face that more strongly attracts foreign matter residing on the end face to the carbon nanotube material than its attraction to the end face. The carbon nanotube material is applied with cleaning swabs or tapes that are used to clean end faces with swiping actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Linden Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Amaresh Mahapatra, Stephen M. O'Riorden
  • Patent number: 8943642
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet and a cleaning tool which have improved usability. The cleaning sheet is attachable to a cleaning-sheet mounting member. The cleaning sheet has a center section made up of a cleaning surface and at least one end section disposed at one or more sides with respect to the center section in a predetermined direction. The end section has a first portion having a first elongation percentage and a second portion having a second elongation percentage which is higher than that of the first portion. The second portion is disposed in said direction between the first portion and the center section and is constructed so as to be supported by the cleaning-sheet mounting member at the boundary between the first and second portions. The cleaning tool is provided with the cleaning sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Hasegawa, Tomokazu Suda
  • Patent number: 8943643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device (14, 45, 52, 56, 66) between a windscreen wiper blade holder (2) and a windscreen wiper blade (13), said blade (13) consisting of a top part (15) that is capable of cooperating with said blade holder (2) and a bottom part (16) in direct contact with the windscreen or window to be wiped, said device (14, 45, 52, 56, 66) having a shape that complements said top part (15) of said blade (13), characterized in that it is capable of being solidly attached to linking means (29), said linking means (29) connecting one of the ends of said blade holder (2) to one of the ends of said blade (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Frederic Boussicot, Jean-Michel Jarasson, Gerald Caillot
  • Patent number: 8943644
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising an electric motor 3 and a blower producing an air flow through the vacuum cleaner. The electric motor and the blower are placed on a common vertical axis 17. A separator unit 13 is placed laterally with respect to the common axis of the motor and the blower. A bent conduit 19 connects the blower with the separator unit, and one end 21 of the conduit encloses the common vertical axis. The conduit comprises a portion located along the common axis 17 having a double wall forming a closed air pocket 23. This provides damping of noise emitted by the blower/motor and which propagates in the opposite direction of the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: AB Electrolux
    Inventors: Tommy Andersson, Magnus Wennerström, Henrik Nygren, Gunnar Lundmark