Patents Issued in March 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170058527
    Abstract: A slate and tile roofing system includes a base layer of compliant roofing material and a series of tile fasteners fixed along a top portion of the roofing material. A series of weather barrier strips is attached to the series of fasteners and fixed to the roofing material. A series of slate tiles is semi-permanently mounted over the weather barriers to form a prefabricated tile roofing subassembly. The subassembly expedites and facilitates the installation of slate and tile roofs without the need for highly specialized labor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: John M. Williams, Robert B. Williams
  • Publication number: 20170058528
    Abstract: A roofing material including a substrate having a top face and a bottom face. The roofing material further includes a non-asphalt coating applied to the substrate and an asphalt layer covering at least a portion of the top face. The bottom face is asphalt-free, or substantially asphalt-free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Verhoff, Desmond John VanHouten, Scott William Schweiger
  • Publication number: 20170058529
    Abstract: There is provided an eavestrough cover which has central portion with a plurality of apertures formed therein, said central portion having first and second sides, a front wall extending upwardly from the first side of the central portion to thereby define a longitudinally extending front wall corner, a rear wall extending upwardly from a second side of the central portion to thereby define a longitudinally extending rear wall corner, and a plurality of embossments formed adjacent at least one of said front wall corner and said rear wall corner to thereby provide a greater structural rigidity to the eavestrough cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu
  • Publication number: 20170058530
    Abstract: A system and devices to clean a rain gutter include a selectively openable end cap provided at an end of a gutter that is configured to be selectively positionable between a closed state and an open state to access an interior of the gutter, and a plurality of debris collecting members configured fit inside the gutter and to be selectively inserted and removed from the gutter in a sliding manner, wherein each of the debris collecting members is configured to be coupled to another of the debris collecting members such that an entirety of coupled debris collecting members may be moved along the gutter by force applied to one end of the coupled debris collecting members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Lynn Ward
  • Publication number: 20170058531
    Abstract: An eavestrough cover which has a central portion formed of a woven material and a front longitudinally extending portion and a rear longitudinally extending portion, the woven material being embossed in a generally transverse direction so as to improve the rigidity of the woven material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Stephane Brochu
  • Publication number: 20170058532
    Abstract: A flashing system and assembly for slate or tile roofs having a flashing and a flashing cap. The flashing is shaped to replace a plurality of removed slates or tiles. The flashing cap has an adjustable position such that the position of a mounting rail support system passing through the flashing can be adjusted with respect to the flashing while still maintaining a watertight seal with the flashing cap and optional sealing cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Tyrus Hudson, Martin Seery, River Broussard, Malcolm Kimberley
  • Publication number: 20170058533
    Abstract: A curved staircase including a double helix form with no center support column includes a plurality of stair segments, wherein each of the stair segments is formed from a plurality of rods coupled to a plurality of connecting nodes. The plurality of rods are arranged in a skewed tetrahedral geometry, which causes the plurality of stair segments to form a helical structure when the plurality of stair segments are coupled together. The plurality of rods form a spine on an underside of the plurality of stair segments. A tread is coupled to each of the stair segments. In alternate embodiments, the curved staircase may be formed from sheet metal creased to form a plurality of linear support locations and connecting nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Moritz O. Bergmeyer
  • Publication number: 20170058534
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a set comprising a supporting structure, first and second panels and a fastening device for securing the first and second panels to the supporting structure. The fastening device comprises a top portion, having top and bottom surfaces, first and second edge portions, and first and second legs protruding downwardly from the bottom surface. The first and second panels respectively comprise opposite first and second edge grooves into which the first and second edge portions are configured to be respectively inserted. The first and second legs are flexible and bendable towards each other, and respectively comprise first and second locking elements. An upper surface of the supporting structure comprises an insertion groove comprising a first undercut groove and an opposite second undercut groove. The first and second locking elements are respectively configured to be snapped into the first and second undercut grooves to a locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Välinge Innovation AB
    Inventor: Nils-Erik ENGSTRÖM
  • Publication number: 20170058535
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the sector of building materials, and more specifically, to a floor connector and a floor with the floor connector. The floor connector includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part used to connect floors, and a supporting part arranged between the bottom surface of the first connecting part and the upper surface of the second connecting part for the purpose of supporting the first connecting part and the second connecting part. The floor includes a main body, a floor pedestal arranged under the main body, and a floor connector used to connect the main body and the floor pedestal. In this solution, the floor can be arranged without a keel, thereby significantly reducing the labor intensity during floor installation. Consisting of three parts, the floor features lightweight and simplification of installation procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Weiping Jiang
  • Publication number: 20170058536
    Abstract: A system and method of removably attaching a flooring surface material to a subfloor. The subfloor may include a modular raised flooring system comprising a plurality of raised floor panels, and comprising a magnetic body, surface or underlayment material. The flooring surface material includes a magnetic attachment surface that holds the flooring surface material in place on the subfloor by magnetic attraction, but that allows removal for disassembly and/or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: EXPLORING, INC.
    Inventors: David WALENS, Amy VOGEL, Matt KELLY, James ZACHARIAS, Geoffrey WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20170058537
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel and method for manufacturing panels for wall or floor coverings, comprising two or more thermoplastic layers including at least one thermoplastic substrate layer and at least one top layer comprising at least a decor layer, a print layer and a transparent wear layer, and wherein both said thermoplastic substrate layer and said top layer are provided with a reinforcement layer, wherein said transparent wear layer is provided with a relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Pol Lombaert, Matthias Wyseur, Tim Vanderhaegen
  • Publication number: 20170058538
    Abstract: A substantially vertically extending removable and replaceable cover and a substantially horizontally extending cover for use with a curtain wall system broadly comprising an array of windows, a set of vertical and horizontal mullions, a set of window gaskets. The covers overlay the mullions and each include a front side, left and right or top and bottom sides, and rear tabs extending therefrom for removably connecting the covers on the mullions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: L. WILIAM ZAHNER, CRAIG LONG, RANDY STRATMAN
  • Publication number: 20170058539
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for smoothing and blending drywall mud are provided. The apparatus provides a tool having one or more flexible blades to be applied to unfinished cured drywall mud. The blades may be selectively flexed by driving a displacement member towards or away from the blades. The flexed blades may be used to smooth and feather portions of drywall mud to conceal underlying irregularities and to blend with surrounding drywall. The blades may be biased against the displacement member by biasing mechanisms. The tool may receive multiple blades, including a rough-edged blade for a first pass across the drywall mud and a smooth-edged blade for a subsequent pass across the drywall mud. The blades may be kept in place with connectors which may be flexibly connected to allow for flexion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Dominic Ethier
  • Publication number: 20170058540
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible concrete form system having both flexible and rigid parts that are easily assembled and disassembled using a multi-contact point connection system. The concrete form system can be extended or stacked in a wide variety of configurations to accommodate almost any desired concrete shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Henrdicks
  • Publication number: 20170058541
    Abstract: A door protective covering. The door protective covering designed for placement over a hung door to protect the door from damage during various painting and remodeling tasks. The door cover is generally rectangular and enclosed along one side of its width and one side of its length to from a modified cavity wherein the cover is placed upon the door with the enclosed width resting on a top side of the door. Preferably, the door cover is provided on a roll and constructed of a plastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin Mark Nistler, Mari Jane Nistler
  • Publication number: 20170058542
    Abstract: Slidable barrier arrangements for a structure having a plurality of stories are described. A first retainer element can be operatively connected to the structure. The retainer element can span a plurality of stories of the structure. The retainer element can include a plurality of retainer segments, including an uppermost retainer segment and one or more lower retainer segments. The one or more lower retainer segments can include a lowermost retainer segment. A barrier and the first retainer element can be brought together such that a portion of the barrier is retainably engaged by the lower retainer segments of the first retainer element. The length of the barrier can substantially correspond to the length of the lower retainer segments. Thus, the uppermost retainer segment can extend vertically above an upper edge side of the barrier. The barrier can be selectively moved, such as by sliding, within the first retainer element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Ted Gower
  • Publication number: 20170058543
    Abstract: A food truck park for mobile food trucks provides a destination with a unique atmosphere and improved layout for arranging the food trucks. The food park includes a parking area and a raised pedestrian walkway. The walkway includes extended pier portions that extend into the parking area. The extended pier portions define parking slips for the mobile food trucks. The walkway is raised with respect to the parking area to provide easy access to the service windows of the mobile food trucks. The food truck park may further include electrical hookups for the mobile food trucks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Mark C. Olsen
  • Publication number: 20170058544
    Abstract: A sprayer configured to provide an air-water mixture to a pool or spa. The sprayer includes an outlet module for spraying an air-water mixture into a water cavity of the pool, a suction module for suctioning ambient air into the outlet module, and a connecting pipe that connects the outlet module and the suction module. The sprayer may be concealed within an inflatable chamber of the pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Publication number: 20170058545
    Abstract: A drainage system includes a pool fitting, a longitudinal member, and a backing member. The pool fitting is configured to be positioned between an edge of the pool and a first edge of a gutter. The pool fitting includes a support member and an alternating drain structure. The longitudinal member is coupled to the alternating drain structure and has a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall. The first sidewall of the longitudinal member and the support member define a cavity therebetween. The backing member is configured to be positioned proximate an opposing second side of the gutter. At least one of the alternating drain structure, the longitudinal member, and the backing member are configured to align a gutter cover over the gutter at a target slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Matt Freeby
  • Publication number: 20170058546
    Abstract: A cleaning robot that includes a housing having a front portion, a rear portion, a door and a hinge; wherein the door is pivotally connected to the rear portion of the housing via the hinge; wherein the rear portion comprises a rear opening; wherein the door is arranged to move between a closed position in which the door substantially closes the rear opening and an open position in which the door does not close the rear opening; wherein the door comprises a floating element or is coupled to a floating element, wherein the floating element is positioned and shaped to induce the door to move to the closed position when the cleaning robot is submerged in fluid and to remain in an open position when out of a pool and positioned in a horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yohanan Maggeni, Boaz Ben Dov
  • Publication number: 20170058547
    Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to tower systems, utility poles, and power transmission poles; and more particularly to a structure and method for implementing such poles and towers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Craig Alan Barker, Michael David Ridges, Kyle Alan Barker, SR.
  • Publication number: 20170058548
    Abstract: An upright reinforcing rod connected to the ground with a mechanical anchor and to the monopole tower with a bracket at a top elevation. The rod is stabilized laterally by being disposed through vertically oriented openings in lateral supports at intermediate elevations. There may be a clearance fit between the rod and lateral supports. The rod may be inserted sideways into the supports. The connection between rod and support may be boltless and simple. The support may comprise spring loaded latch fingers for capturing the rod. The mechanical anchor and intermediate supports provide improved installation methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Infinigy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: John S. Stevens, Andrew J. DeSantis, III, Joseph R. Johnston, Merritt P. Bell
  • Publication number: 20170058549
    Abstract: A tower for a wind turbine, the tower including a plurality of tower segments including a first tower segment and at least a second tower segment, a plurality of buttresses, and an attachment piece. The tower segments are arranged one upon the other from the base of the tower to the top of the tower. The attachment piece is arranged between the first tower segment and the second tower segment, and the buttresses are attached to the attachment piece, such that loads which are acting on the tower segments are partially carried by the buttresses. A wind turbine comprising such a tower is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: HENRIK STIESDAL
  • Publication number: 20170058550
    Abstract: A fastener for fastening parts together. The fastener has a shaft, a head and movable members that spring outwardly from the shaft to firmly capture the parts between the members and the head upon insertion of the fastener into aligned holes in the parts. No threading step is necessary. The movable members may be retractable into the shaft to facilitate insertion into holes corresponding in size to the shaft. The members may have a contact surface sloping away from the head and forming a tapered space between the members and the head so that the outward spring bias tends to reduce the space and maintain tightness of the joint. The fastener may be operatively deployed by a single insertion step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Infinigy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: John S. Stevens, Andrew J. DeSantis, III, Joseph R. Johnston, Merritt P. Bell
  • Publication number: 20170058551
    Abstract: The present invention includes a prosthetic apparatus for reinforcing a top of a rotted/deteriorated upstanding pole. The prosthetic ensleeves or sandwiches the pole at its uppermost end to provide an elongate support on which insulators and other various equipment can be safely secured. The present invention may include diametrically opposed support stringers to increase support and rigidity. An embodiment may include pole access apertures, insulator cutouts, and bolt receiving channels. The present invention provides a simplistic and inexpensive fix to preexisting rotting utility poles while also enabling a safe and efficient installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Robert P. Butler
  • Publication number: 20170058552
    Abstract: A device for displaying items on a grave marker and a method for using the device are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Christopher Heil, Deborah A. Heil, Charles N. Heil
  • Publication number: 20170058553
    Abstract: An inflatable tent assembly includes a trailer has a pair of wheels, a hitch and a body. The body has a plurality of storage compartments therein. The body has a front end, a back end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A generator is coupled to the trailer and the generator is positioned on the body. A blower is positioned in the trailer and the blower is positioned on the body. A tent is removably contained within the tent compartment and the tent is positionable on a support surface. The tent is selectively operationally coupled to the blower such that the blower inflates the tent into a standing position. Thus, the tent may be occupied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Buzz Day, Craig Walker
  • Publication number: 20170058554
    Abstract: A portable barrier includes a junction assembly. The portable barrier further includes a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first leg and the second leg. In addition, the portable barrier includes a cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms includes a first arm and a second arm, and (ii) a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Further, the portable barrier includes a second limiter extending between the first arm and the first leg. The portable barrier also includes a supplemental component movable with respect to the second arm. Additionally, the portable barrier includes a third limiter extending between the second arm and the supplemental component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Paul J. Maginot, Gary A. Vandenbark
  • Publication number: 20170058555
    Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a first window and an opposing second window is provided. The cover assembly includes a first slide fastener assembly coupled to the first window and includes a first track; a second slide fastener assembly coupled to the second window and includes a second track; and, a cover coupled to the second slide fastener assembly. The cover assembly further includes a connector coupled to the first slide fastener assembly and to the second slide fastener assembly. As the first slide fastener assembly travels along the first track, the connector is configured to move the second slide fastener assembly along the second track such that the cover moves between a first position and a second position relative to the second window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Nestor Tejada, Erin Doubleday, Kevin Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20170058556
    Abstract: A connector for interlocking structures includes a first Y-shaped connector affixed to a portion of a first structure, a second Y-shaped connector affixed to a portion of a second structure. A loop-type engaging element is mounted on one of: (i) the inner faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors; (ii) the outer faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors. A hook-type engaging element mounted on the other of: (i) the inner faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors; (ii) the outer faces of both the first and second arms of each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors. Each of the first and second Y-shaped connectors is selectively configurable to either a male configuration or a female configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis G. Lilly, II, Steven Hicks, Angela Smiley
  • Publication number: 20170058557
    Abstract: An adjustable fence comprises two opposite posts, a slat assembly, and two buffering elements. The slat assembly has multiple detachable slats detachably mounted between the posts. The buffering elements are respectively mounted in the mounting slots of the posts, and each of the buffering elements is disposed between the post body of each of the posts and the slat assembly. Increasing or decreasing the detachable slats of the slat assembly adjusts the height of the adjustable fence for different applications. The pushing force resulting from the thermal expansion or/and contraction of the slat assembly or/and the post body is absorbed by the buffering element, so that the bottom bracket of the slat assembly and the post body do not push each other to be deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: CHUN-YIN WU
  • Publication number: 20170058558
    Abstract: A fence support system includes a catch member having a protrusion and a retainer member having an aperture configured to receive the protrusion. A method of supporting an apertured fence material includes providing a catch member comprising a protrusion extending from a catch plate of the catch member, providing a retainer member comprising an aperture configured to receive the protrusion of the catch member, and capturing an apertured fence material between the catch member and the retainer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Andrew Calle
  • Publication number: 20170058559
    Abstract: A collar is provided that can be used to either drive posts into the ground or remove posts from the ground. The collar includes a first portion defining a post opening adapted for coupling about a post, and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion includes a receiver adapted for receiving a tool for use in driving the post into the ground when the first portion is coupled about the post. The first portion defines an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion. The collar is configured to be positioned in a first orientation about a post when used to drive the post into the ground, and a second orientation, rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the first orientation, when used to remove a post from the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Martin
  • Publication number: 20170058560
    Abstract: A lock is provided, including a shell body, a lock main body and an abutting assembly. The shell body is for being fixedly disposed on an object. The lock main body has a first end and a second end which is opposite to the first end, the second end has a first engaging portion, the lock main body is releasably and rotatably inserted into the shell body along a first direction, and the first direction is defined as a connection between the first end and the second end. The abutting assembly has a base, a second engaging portion, which is connected to the base and positionably engaged with the first engaging portion, and a lock plate which is connected to the base and driven by the lock main body, and the lock plate is for being optionally locked with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: CHIA-SHENG LIN
  • Publication number: 20170058561
    Abstract: A hidden latch system for an interior structure of an aircraft is disclosed. The hidden latch system includes at least two engagement features coupled to an interior structure of an aircraft. Each of the at least two engagement features includes an engagement portion, an engagement rod, and a self-centering feature. The engagement portion is configured to engage and release the engagement rod, and the self-centering feature is configured to self-center the engagement rod in at least one direction. Further, the engagement portion is configured to release the engagement rod using a cable pull system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Troy N. Terry, Jasen P. Schoales
  • Publication number: 20170058562
    Abstract: A striker box assembly provides enhanced security when locking a door where the assembly includes two boxes and one common cover plate attached to the two boxes where each box is associated with a latch from a locking device. The combination of the two boxes and common cover plate make the assembly stronger where a deadbolt and doorknob lockset are both locked, but if the latch in the doorknob lockset itself breaks while the box associated with that latch is still firmly attached to a stud, that box continues to resist the breaching of the door through the common cover plate reinforcing the box associated with the deadbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Striker Box Door Security Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jowel Dee Bunch, Harper S. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170058563
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a decorative cap includes a door panel, a cylinder lock fixed to the door panel, and a decorative cap member. A protrusion portion of a cylinder lock protruding from the door panel is covered with the decorative cap member. The decorative cap member includes a water guide channel guding infiltrated water from a gap between a key insertion opening and a surface of the cylinder lock, to a water ejection opening which is opened on a peripheral wall. The key insertion opening exposes a key insertion section of the cylinder lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Shinji ICHIKAWA, Tsutomu KAWANISHI
  • Publication number: 20170058564
    Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism includes a heavy hammer, a baffle, a shifting piece, and a rotary shaft. The shifting piece is fixed on a locking rod of a lockset. The baffle is rotatably mounted on the rotary shaft. An impact component is arranged at one end of the baffle, and a stopper is arranged at the other end of the baffle. The stopper is located between the shifting piece and a lock body of the lockset. The stopper is rotatable into and out of the moving trajectory of the shifting piece. The heavy hammer is slidably arranged on a slide rod parallel to the lock body. The impact component is rotatable into and out of the moving trajectory of the heavy hammer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Hao MIN
  • Publication number: 20170058565
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method for tamper-proof protection of containers used for shipment of goods. The system contains a lock with electronic and mechanical components and a controller. A sensor is connected to a lock so that if forms a closed loop. The sensor can be an optical fiber or a distributed arrangement with an optical or an electrical shield. The electronics in the lock provide real time monitoring of the status of the lock. The lock cannot be opened or reproduced due to the signature of the closed loop which is stored in a remote server. Intrusions detected are relayed to an authorized recipient via a variety of communication channels. The data and control of the entire system is protected with several programs targeted to provide cybersecurity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jorge Sanchez, Carol E. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20170058566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking device of a household appliance door comprising a circuit having a first, a second and a third connecting contacts to the household appliance, the device comprising a door locking switch, a door dosing switch and an actuator arranged electrically in series with said door closing switch, at least one diode and at least one control switch on said third contact and electrically in series with said actuator. By virtue of this configuration, the locking and the unlocking of the door may be controlled by specific, different predetermined electrical pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Stefano ROCCHITELLI
  • Publication number: 20170058567
    Abstract: A locking device for a door of a domestic appliance, wherein—the locking device comprises a main body (10),—the locking device comprises a locking bar element (14) supported pivoting in and/or at the main body (10),—the locking bar element (14) is pivoting between an engaged position and a disengaged position,—the locking bar element (14) is engageable and disengageable with a corresponding counterpart,—the locking device comprises a shape memory wire (26),—the locking device comprises at least one means (18, 20) for supplying the shape memory wire (26) with electric current,—the electric current through the shape memory wire (26) effects a movement of the locking bar element (14) to the disengaged position,—the locking device comprises a return spring element (30) interconnected between the locking bar element (14) and the main body (10), and—the return spring element (30) effects a movement of the locking bar element (14) to the engaged position, wherein the shape memory wire (26) extends lineally and conne
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Branko Ivanovic, Dietmar Hildner, Arnd Hofmann, Fabienne Reinhard-Herrscher
  • Publication number: 20170058568
    Abstract: A latch including a housing having a cylinder, a compression spring positioned within the cylinder, and a ball positioned at one end of the compression spring, a hook positioned slidably within the housing, and a star wheel positioned around the hook and having a plurality of holes formed therein. The ball under load from the spring aligns with and engages one of the holes of the star wheel to retain it in place. The star wheel is moveable rotatably such that the ball disengages the one of the holes of the star wheel to enable the hook to move axially and be adjusted relative to the housing, and the ball is adapted to engage another of the holes of the star wheel to retain the star wheel and prevent inadvertent rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventor: Thai Do
  • Publication number: 20170058569
    Abstract: The anti-theft cable and adaptor ring sets mainly contains a wire, at least an adaptor having a linking element threaded through by the wire, an end connector joining the wire's two ends and turning the wire into a ring, and a protection member housing the end connector. As such various types of adaptors are chained by the anti-theft wire so as to prevent them from being stolen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Li-Chen Liu
  • Publication number: 20170058570
    Abstract: Lock assemblies for locking female drive receptacles include a portion with a feature that is configured to permit selective insertion of the portion of the lock assembly into the female drive receptacle when the portion is in a first rotational orientation and to selectively restrict removal of the portion from the non-circular receptacle when the portion is in a second rotational orientation that is offset from the first rotational orientation. The lock assembly is configured to receive a padlock to restrict rotation of the portion from the second rotational orientation to the first rotational orientation and thereby lock the lock assembly to the female drive receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Edward W. Leonard, Gregory W. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20170058571
    Abstract: A locking device characterized as having a U-shape. The U-shape device has two arms and a connecting section. The proximal ends of each arm are connected to the connecting section. The distal end of each arm comprises an aperture. The connecting section is angled along a different plane than the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: RICHARD CARLSON WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20170058572
    Abstract: A security device fitted to the base casing of a portable object for securing the portable object is provided. The security device includes a housing having an indentation formed within one face of the housing and a retractable tongue pivotably mounted at one end within the indentation. The tongue has an aperture formed within the tongue's non-pivotal end. In a first mode, the retractable tongue is storable within the indentation and in a second mode, the retractable tongue may be extended beyond the contours of the device allowing for a secondary component to be attached to the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander Gad AVGANIM
  • Publication number: 20170058573
    Abstract: A drive control apparatus for an opening-and-closing body includes an opening-and-closing body; a first driver which drives the opening-and-closing body in a closing direction; a second driver which draws in the opening-and-closing body from a half-latched position to a fully-latched position; a fully-latched detector which detects that the opening-and-closing body has reached the fully-latched position; a stop detector which detects whether a predetermined stopping condition has been satisfied for stopping a driving of the opening-and-closing body in the closing direction; and a drive controller configured to drive the opening-and-closing body via the first driver in the closing direction, when the fully-latched detector detects that the opening-and-closing body has reached the fully-latched position, after the detection of a fully-latched state until the stop detector detects that a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya KURITA, Kenta IKENORI
  • Publication number: 20170058574
    Abstract: A swing type power door lock actuator includes a housing having mounted therein a drive unit, which includes a motor, a transmission unit, which includes a screw shaft connected to the motor and a transmission seat threaded onto the screw shaft, and a swing unit, which includes a sector gear meshed with the transmission seat and a swing arm connected to the sector gear. When the motor is started, the screw shaft is driven to move the transmission seat, causing the sector gear to bias the swing arm between a locking position and an unlocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Li CHENG
  • Publication number: 20170058575
    Abstract: A gesture-activated hood release system for a motor vehicle is provided. That system incorporates a gesture sensor, a first actuator and a second actuator. Further, the system includes a controller that is responsive to the gesture sensor to activate the first actuator and open a primary hood latch and then, after a predetermined time delay, activate the second actuator and open the secondary hood latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Publication number: 20170058576
    Abstract: A closing element for a motor vehicle, including an opening mechanism, and a handling element for the closing element actively connected to the opening mechanism such that the closing element can be moved for the purpose of opening. The closing element includes a locking mechanism for locking and/or unlocking the opening mechanism. The locking mechanism can be actuated by a closing system, in particular for the authorization of access to the motor vehicle. A coupling mechanism is provided for interacting with the locking mechanism and/or with the opening mechanism in the manner of an emergency release. The coupling mechanism can be actuated by an actuator. For the operation of the actuator a separate energy storage device is provided that can be used on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Martin FAIGLE, Mario REGER, Heinrich WIENS