in Methods of constructing a pump island protector, and a pump island protector formed by such methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of constructing a pump island protector to alleviate continuous maintenance required for a deteriorating existing steel pump island base, and a pump island protector constructed by the method. Using an adjustable form system and the combination of stainless steel members and new concrete, the existing pump island is re-wrapped with the stainless steel member and the new concrete. Full Article
in Road marker or light based warning device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A road marker and related light based warning device are described. The road marker or device includes a thermal sensor that triggers the illumination of at least one light-emitting diode at a predetermined temperature. The temperature may be associated with ice formation. The light-emitting diode(s) may flash to alert motorists to hazardous road conditions. The road marker or device utilize simple components to increase reliability, particularly when the device is subjected to high heat such as when the device is mounted into hot tar seal. The device further includes a switching element that prevents rapid on/off cycling. Full Article
in Methods of constructing a pump island protector, and a pump island protector formed by such methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of constructing a pump island protector to alleviate continuous maintenance required for a deteriorating existing steel pump island base, and a pump island protector constructed by the method. Using an adjustable form system and the combination of stainless steel members and new concrete, the existing pump island is re-wrapped with the stainless steel member and the new concrete. Full Article
in Surface drainage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit. Full Article
in Formfitting connection with break-away function in one direction between two components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A form-fitting connection between two components (5 and 14) has a break-away function in one direction. At least one connection element, designed as a shear bolt (6), is formfittingly connected to the first component (5) to be connected. The end of the shear bolt (6) is formfittingly and functionally connected to a second component (14) via an attached component (17) that is resilient in the direction of the formfitting connection. Full Article
in Pavement repair system utilizing solid phase autoregenerative cohesion By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for repairing an aged or damaged asphalt pavement is provided. The method involves preparing a surface of the aged or damaged asphalt pavement by filling in deviations from a uniform surface plane with dry aggregate and compacting the dry aggregate; applying a reactive asphalt emulsion to the prepared surface; and passing an emitter over the prepared pavement, wherein the emitter generates electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from 2-5 mm that penetrates into the pavement to a depth of at least 2 inches. The asphalt pavement is repaired by disturbing voids and interstices in the damaged pavement without dehydrogenation of the asphalt, such that oligomers present in the aged asphalt are linked together into longer polymer chains to improve ductility of the aged asphalt. Full Article
in Machine for reclaiming and recycling roadway shoulder material while restoring shoulder grade and level By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grader blade mounted to a support frame has an auger-grinder mounted ahead of the grader blade. The auger-grinder has a first helical vane fixed to a rotatable axle with a plurality of teeth attached to and protruding outwardly from the auger. A shroud above and partially surrounding the auger-grinder has an inner shroud end wall, an outer shroud end wall and bearings in which the axle is journaled transverse to the direction of travel. A beater is fixed to the axle between an inner end of the helical vane and the inner wall. The beater has a plurality of paddles extending outwardly from the axle. An inner barrier wall is attached to the inner shroud wall and extends forward of the auger-grinder. A drive link is connected to the axle for connection to a prime mover for driving the axle in rotation. Full Article
in Mobile applicator for thermo pavement marking By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mobile thermoplastic applicator comprises a kettle, a main gas burner, a heat exchanger plenum, and a screed die box. The kettle has walls which define an interior space for melting thermoplastic. The main gas burner is situated beneath the kettle, and is configured to heat the kettle. The heat exchanger plenum is situated inside the thermoplastic kettle and is configured to subdivide the interior space and circulate heated air from the main gas burner. The screed die box is configured to receive molten thermoplastic from the kettle and deposit that molten thermoplastic on a surface. Full Article
in Method for laying down a pavement, a screed and a road paver By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for laying down a pavement in which a compaction unit such as a tamper pre-compacts the paving material with a selectable stroke and at a selectable frequency while the pavement having a selectable pavement thickness is in the process of being laid down at a selectable paving speed, the stroke of the compaction unit is automatically adjustable in response to paving parameters, such as the paving speed and/or the pavement thickness, along a characteristic curve or in a characteristic map. The compaction unit includes an adjusting mechanism which is operable during the paving operation for adjusting the stroke of the compaction unit. Full Article
in Systems for converting an existing traffic intersection into an intersection having a roundabout, and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for converting an existing traffic intersection into an intersection having a roundabout traffic control feature includes a center island framework, one or more splitter island frameworks, and one or more diverter frameworks. The frameworks are secured to the road surface, and fill material is added to free spaces defined in the frameworks to thereby form a center island, one or more splitter islands, and one or more diverters. The system allows a roundabout to be implemented into an existing intersection on a temporary or semi-permanent basis, in a minimal amount of time and without requiring significant construction at the site of the intersection. Full Article
in Explosion mitigating cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A manhole cover assembly configured to behave as a relief valve in an explosion event, opening so that fluid, such as air or explosive gas, may vent from an underground area. The manhole cover assembly may include a manhole cover and a frame, and may be configured to limit movement of the manhole cover with respect to the frame in response to increased pressure on the manhole cover. In one embodiment, the manhole cover may include legs that are configured to enable a range of movement of a portion of the cover such that the cover can be unseated at an angle with respect to the frame to allow fluids to escape from the underground area. Full Article
in Systems and methods for aiming asphalt material feed sensors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for measuring the height of paving material distributed by an auger of a paving machine in front of a grading implement, such as a screed, is disclosed. The system includes a sonic sensor and a laser pointer. The sonic sensor generates a sonic signal which is directed at the paving material distributed by the auger. The laser pointer generates a laser beam which is similarly directed at the paving material that has been distributed by the auger. The laser beam and the sonic signal meet at a common position on the paving material. Full Article
in Automotive construction machine, as well as lifting column for a construction machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an automotive road construction machine, particularly a recycler or a cold stripping machine, comprising an engine frame that is supported by a chassis, a working roller which is stationarily or pivotally mounted on the engine frame and is used for machining a ground surface or road surface. The chassis is provided with wheels or tracked running gears which are connected to the engine frame via lifting column and are vertically adjustable relative to the engine frame. Each individually vertically adjustable lifting column is equipped with a device for measuring the actual vertical state of the lifting column. Full Article
in Integrated frame and cover system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are provided for coupling a manhole cover to an underground utility box to support the manhole cover substantially flush with a ground surface such as a roadway. A holder couples to an underground utility box and includes upper and lower ends and a channel extending therebetween, and a support structure extending into the channel and defining an upwardly facing support surface. An adjustment member for coupling to a manhole cover is inserted within the channel, and includes upper and lower ends, and a passageway extending therebetween and communicating with the channel. The adjustment member is movably receivable within the channel to be seated on the support surface, and to define an adjustment space between the adjustment member and the holder. The adjustment member may thus be adjusted for accommodating a slope and elevation of a ground surface, and sealed with the holder after adjustment. Full Article
in Methods for installing a bounded paving system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate, the first and second grid substrates form a paver support surface. At least the first grid substrate includes an integrated boundary ridge extending along the first paver support surface. The first grid substrate is interlocked with the second grid substrate with a first paver piece bridging the first and second grid substrates to form a paver linkage. Movement of at least the first paver piece is arrested beyond the integrated boundary ridge by directly or indirectly engaging at least the first paver piece against the integrated boundary ridge. In another example, movement of the first paver piece is arrested by anchoring at least the first paver piece on the first and second paver support surfaces through distribution of forces incident on at least the first paver piece through the paver linkage. Full Article
in Mat with indented grapple receiver By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mat with an upper road side and a lower ground contacting side, the mat comprising: a frame supporting one or more boards; and a grapple receiver formed in an interior portion of the mat and indented from one or both of the upper road side and the lower ground contacting side to allow grapple jaws to grip the grapple receiver between the grapple jaws. Full Article
in Method and system for applying a road surface By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and a system for applying a road surface using a mixing plant for producing laying material, a road finishing machine processing the laying material to a road surface, and a supply chain transporting the laying material from the mixing plant to the road finishing machine. Request commands are transmitted from the road finishing machine to the mixing plant and/or to the supply chain, and, depending on these request commands, the production rate of the laying material in the mixing plant, the temperature of the laying material produced in the mixing plant, and/or the mass flow of laying material supplied to the road finishing machine per time unit by means of the supply chain are adjusted. Full Article
in Modular ducting sections and networked utilities ducting system formed therefrom By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention provides a modular ducting section and a networked utilities ducting system and rain and road water management system formed from two or more modular ducting sections laying end-to-end. Each modular ducting section comprises open-topped utility channels for carrying utility service supply lines such as electricity, gas, water, or communications, an open-topped catchment channel for carrying rain water captured from a building structure or garden, and a supply channel for supplying an end user with utility services via a supply line, while also allowing the end user to feed an end-user generated utility supply back into the corresponding utility service supply line via a return line. Each modular ducting section further comprises a road water runoff flange and a main channel cover, which when combined, form a curb-side structure that functions to keep any contaminated road water from the reusable rain water collected in the catchment channel. Full Article
in System and method for controlling an asphalt repair apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a system and method for controlling an asphalt repair apparatus. An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a system that may position a heater repair element adjacent a targeted asphalt surface, acquire and analyze surface and heater sensing data, and control heater output to prepare the targeted asphalt surface for repair. Further, the system may be configured to control an asphalt repair apparatus to satisfy user-defined asphalt repair requirements. Full Article
in Wedge-shaped vehicle barrier with sling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wedge-shaped vehicle barrier, including a top assembly pivotably coupled to a bottom assembly; a mechanism coupled to the top assembly and coupled to the bottom assembly, where the mechanism moves the top assembly between a first position that is substantially horizontal and a second position at a first angle; and one or more flexible slings coupled to a distal portion of the top assembly and a distal portion of the bottom assembly, where the one or more slings prevent the top assembly from rotating beyond a second angle when the top assembly is engaged by a vehicle, the second angle being greater than or equal to the first angle. Full Article
in Construction machine with material conveying system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A construction machine according to the disclosure comprises a material hopper for receiving bulk material. Moreover, the construction machine includes a material conveying system for conveying bulk material. The material conveying system comprises at least one conveying screw in the area of the hopper. A gap extends underneath the at least one conveying screw, and the gap has a cross section that varies in a conveying direction of the at least one conveying screw. Full Article
in Concrete finishing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A concrete finishing machine includes a mobile frame supported above the slab on front and rear wheels with at least one screed roller and a plurality of vibrators are suspended from the frame between the front and rear wheels. The front and rear wheels are rotatable at least ninety degrees between a longitudinally directed traveling orientation and a laterally directed concrete finishing orientation. The front and rear wheels are driven and steerable so that the mobile frame may travel longitudinally down a lane of a road, and then upon pivoting of the wheels, move laterally over a hole in an adjacent lane having uncured concrete to be finished by the finishing machine. Full Article
in Road paver with layer thickness measuring device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Road paver with a towing machine and a movable screed and with a measuring device that is provided for determining a layer thickness of a road pavement that has been newly laid by the screed. The measuring device is formed to determine the layer thickness at an intended location, seen relative to a direction of travel, behind a rear edge of the screed, whereby the measuring device is provided on the road paver such that the layer thickness can be determined independently of a geometric shape and/or a movement of the screed. Full Article
in Detectable warning and guidance tiles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an ADA compliant detectable warning or guidance tile for pedestrian platforms, walkways, and sidewalks and the like having a detectable warning surface containing raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and being provided with one or more additional means on the top surface of the tile to provide visual or tactile information to sighted and visually impaired pedestrians. Full Article
in Stripping device for a soil compaction roller and soil compaction roller, in particular trench roller By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a stripping device for a drum of a soil compaction roller, in particular, a stripping device for a drum of a trench roller, wherein the stripping device comprises a first scraping element disposed on a drum surface. The drum surface is provided with protrusions disposed on the periphery of the drum surface, wherein a drum extender is adapted to be attached to the drum. Provision is also made for the stripping device to have a second scraping element which is mounted on the first scraping element in an axially displaceable manner, wherein the second scraping element is adapted for attachment to the first scraping element by means of at least one fixing means. Full Article
in Modifying compaction effort based on material compactability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibratory compactor having a first compacting element having a variable vibratory mechanism that sets a modifiable compaction effort, a second compacting element, a first sensor configured to measure a first surface compactability associated with the first compacting element, a second sensor configured to measure a second surface compactability associated with the second compacting element and a control system. The control system is configured to receive the first surface compactability, receive the second surface compactability, determine a target compaction effort for the first compacting element based on the first surface compactability and the second surface compactability, and modify the variable vibratory mechanism to set the compaction effort at the target compaction effort. Full Article
in Method of milling asphalt By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a method of milling asphalt, a relative elevation of an unmilled asphalt pavement surface adjacent to an area to be milled is sensed with respect to a milling machine body and rotatable milling drum of the milling machine. An elevation of a bottom surface of the rotatable milling drum is determined using a computer processor. Based on a map, stored in a computer memory, of a design surface specifying a design elevation of a milled surface over the area to be milled, the elevation of the milling machine body and the rotatable milling drum are automatically adjusted such that the rotatable milling drum mills the asphalt surface to the design elevation over the area to be milled. Full Article
in Contraction joint installer for concrete slabs By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus and method to install contraction joints in concrete slabs. The method uses a device, which inserts a strip of plastic or paper tape into freshly laced concrete, as the device is driven across a concrete slab. The tape is folded immediately prior to being inserted into freshly placed concrete, and functions to weaken the slab at the contraction joint location for the purpose of causing a crack to form in the slab. Plastic tape can be used, which functions as a moisture vapor retarder, and thereby, protects floor coverings from moisture damage, such as mold and mildew, at contraction joint locations. Full Article
in Paver having dowel bar inserter with automated dowel bar feeder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A paver for laying down a strip of concrete and inserting therein dowel bars parallel to the strip. A dowel bar inserter orients the bars and places them into the concrete. A pair of transport chains transverse to the travel direction extends across a width of the inserter. Pairs of generally L-shaped opposing cups hold the bars so that they can drop downwardly from the cups towards the strip. The chains move in a single direction. A dowel bar holding magazine, above the chains, stores bars, and gravitationally moves the bars towards the chains for pick-up by cups as the chains move the cups past a bar loading station. Elastic bands extend about a bar engaging surface defined by a wheel and resiliently bias the bars moving along the chain turn-around section against the wheel. Full Article
in Grinding attachment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grinding attachment for highways and similar surfaces is disclosed for grinding operations closer to adjacent obstacles than is possible with existing equipment using a straddle-type centrally mounted grinding drum. The grinding attachment assembly comprises at one end a stub axle, which engages the grinding drum via a head extension. The stub axle is attached to a shroud which is in turn supported by a mounting assembly, which in operation attaches to a vehicle or machine able to drive the grinding attachment. The grinding drum can thereby operate proximal obstacles adjacent a grinding surface by virtue of arrangement of the stub axle, shroud and mounting assembly. Full Article
in Compaction device and method for compacting ground By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A compaction device includes at least one traveling drum rotatable about a drum shaft and having vibration exciters including unbalanced masses rotating out of phase by 180 degrees in the same direction of rotation and generating an oscillation torque about the drum shaft, and having a drive shaft running coaxial to the drum shaft for driving the vibration exciters. The drum is divided at least once and each drum part includes at least two coupled vibration exciters mounted at a distance from the drum shaft in the drum. Full Article
in Two piece twist action retractable writing instrument By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A retractable pen includes a cartridge partially received in a recess of a cap such that a first end of the cartridge is fixedly attached to the cap. An elongate barrel includes first and second open ends and a through channel fluidly interconnecting the first and second open ends. A portion of the barrel is snugly and threadedly received in the recess such that the cartridge is received in and extends through the through channel, and the barrel and the cap are rotatingly movable relative to each other via the threaded engagement between an extended position in which the second end of the cartridge extends through and out of the second open end of the barrel, and a retracted position in which the second end of the cartridge is disposed within the barrel. Full Article
in Pen dispensers with cartridges and interchangeable tip applicators By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pen dispenser for dispensing flowable and non-flowable material, comprising a pen body and an optional push button applicator for the pen, a universal cartridge, optionally having a disposable cartridge, and capable of accepting a multitude of interchangeable tip applicators. Full Article
in Container for dispensing preset amount of liquid content By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a pencil-type case for allowing pressing a pressure button to discharge liquid content out to a content brush. The container for dispensing a preset quantity of liquid content accommodated in a main body by pressing a pressure button. The container includes: main body including content case to accommodate content in outer body and having pushing member; pumping member including: folding link driven by pressure button; check valve preventing content from flowing backward when content is introduced into cylinder tube via content-introducing hole formed in cylinder tube, and piston pumping content out to content brush of content brush body; and content brush body including: content-introducing tube in which check valve is installed; cam surface adjusting stroke of folding link; and content brush provided at leading end to discharge content of content-introducing tube. Full Article
in Optics cleaning apparatus and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An optics cleaning apparatus includes a buffing cloth section where the buffing cloth section includes a buffing cloth housing and a buffing cloth removal clip. A scrub pad section where the scrub pad section includes a scrub pad and a dust bush housing. And a cleaning section, where the cleaning section includes a dust brush, a reservoir section and a fluid applicator, where the fluid applicator is connected with the reservoir section and where the fluid applicator includes an air channel connected with the reservoir section and where the reservoir section includes a fluid cartridge. Full Article
in Oral cavity cleaning device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An oral cavity cleaning device includes a stem having a mainly longitudinal extension and a pointed profile at a first end; a fluid channel enclosed within the stem and extending along such stem; a fluid reservoir operably connected to the second end of the stem to establish a hydraulic connection with the channel; and a tip having bristles and designed to be removably associated with the first end of the stem, the tip having a plurality of through holes for the passage of fluids from the channel to the area external to the tip, at the bristles. Full Article
in Tooth cleaning device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic. Full Article
in Heat-generating applicator head By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A heated cosmetic applicator that has a plurality of small, individual heating elements placed within and/or on at least some of the lash grooming elements. A heat-generating applicator head for a heated cosmetic applicator that has a plurality of small, individual heating elements placed within and/or on at least some of the lash grooming elements. Full Article
in Dual cleaning apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cleaning apparatus providing a user with the ability to perform two cleaning functions with the same apparatus. According to one aspect of the present disclosure the cleaning apparatus includes an elongated body portion having first and second ends, a first tip integral with the first operative end, the first tip including a first solution for performing a first cleaning function, and a second tip integral with the second operative end, the second tip including a second solution to the second operative end for performing a second cleaning function. Full Article
in Packaging and applicator device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A packaging and applicator device for applying a composition on the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, that includes a container defining an inside space containing the composition and including a wiper member; and an applicator having a longitudinal axis and having an applicator member with a twisted-core brush carrying bristles, there being 5 to 55 bristles per turn, the diameter of the brush lying in the range 6/100 mm to 40/100 mm along at least a fraction of the applicator member, a plurality of bristles carried by this portion coming to within a distance of less than 1.5 mm from the inside surface of the container under the wiper member in a storage position or while the applicator is being withdrawn along the longitudinal axis of the container. Full Article
in Cream dispensing applicator assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cream dispensing applicator assembly allows an individual to easily, evenly, and cleanly apply cream to hard-to-reach areas of the body. The assembly includes an elongated member having a head coupled to a handle. The elongated member has an interior space configured for holding a liquid. A pad is coupled to the head. A channel extends through the head. A plurality of outlet ports is coupled to the pad and to the channel. A plunger, a shaft, a knob, and a switch are coupled to the handle. The shaft is coupled to and extends through the plunger. The knob is operationally coupled to the plunger wherein manipulation of the knob urges the plunger into the shaft. A valve is coupled to the handle and to the channel. The switch is operationally coupled to the valve wherein manipulation of the switch selectively opens and closes the valve. Full Article
in Structure for mounting a clip for a writing implement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A structure for mounting a clip for a writing implement which has a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis. The structure includes a fastening member made of plastic material integral with the barrel and having a proximal wall and a distal wall with respect to the barrel, the proximal and distal walls being arranged opposite each other and overall extending in substantially parallel respective planes in order to form between them a recess having an open insertion end. The clip includes a fastening portion having a substantially uniform thickness and is suitable for mounting in the recess by the open insertion end. Full Article
in Eraser cap assembly for writing instrument By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An eraser assembly having at least one eraser, an eraser holder having a first rim including at least one notch, the eraser being disposed in the eraser holder and an eraser cap having at least one tab extending therefrom. The tab of the eraser cap engages the notch of the eraser holder, thereby securing the cap to the eraser holder and enclosing the eraser. Full Article
in Telescoping chalk holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A telescopic chalk holder for drawing upon a drawing surface and including an outer cylinder having a tip at one end, a chalk stick received within the outer cylinder, the tip in radial receipt of the chalk stick, a push rod received by a second end of the outer cylinder and extending at least a portion of the chalk stick through the tip, and a push rod providing pressure to the chalk stick as the tip is manipulated over the drawing surface. Full Article
in Container for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product having a retractable applicator element By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A container (1) for a stick of a cosmetic or hygienic product, comprising an applicator element (3) in which a stick (2) of said product can move axially relative to a base (32), as well as a tubular storage element (4) comprising a top (41) that contains a mobile sleeve (42) and is suitable for covering the applicator element (3) in a configuration wherein said applicator element is fully inserted into the sleeve and connected to said top by means of an elastically compressible device having two stable axial positions relative to a hilly inserted configuration, said device comprising a resilient element (43) pushing the sleeve (42) towards the outside of the top, and, distributed between the top and the sleeve, a heart-shaped guide track (44) arranged parallel to an axial direction of the top, and a follower (45) carried by a generally axially pivoting arm (46) such as to define stable top and bottom positions allowing the applicator element to be gripped or not. The resilient element (43) is arranged between the outer wall of the sleeve (42) and the inner wall of the top (41), and the guide track and follower are arranged in a lateral space formed by the shape differences of the cross-sections of the top and the sleeve. Full Article
in Golf tee insertion depth measurement tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A golf tee insertion depth measurement tool provides a gauge to facilitate marking the shaft of a golf tee to indicate a desired insertion depth that provides an optimum height for a golf ball placed on the tee, which ball is to be struck by a club face having a height H. The tool has a base portion and an elongate stem portion having a stem length. The base portion has a first surface and a second surface. The stem portion is connected to the base portion and extends outwardly away from the second surface of the base portion. The stem portion is first marked along its length at a location corresponding to the club face height H above the ground. The shaft of a tee is then marked at a location corresponding to the marked location on the stem portion to provide the correct insertion depth for the tee. Full Article
in Thermochromic color-memorization toner, cartridge including same housed therein, image formation apparatus, cartridge set, and image formation apparatus set By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a thermochromic color-memory toner containing: a microcapsule pigment encapsulating a thermochromic color-memory composition; and a binder resin, in which the microcapsule pigment shows a hysteresis characteristic that, in a temperature-rise process, decoloration starts when the temperature reaches t3 and the pigment completely reaches a decolored state in a temperature region of t4 or higher, and in a temperature-drop process, coloration starts when the temperature reaches t2 and the pigment completely reaches a colored state in a temperature region of ti or lower, and ti is in a range of from −50 to 0° C. and t4 is in a range of from 50 to 150° C. Full Article
in Miniature brush for oral hygiene By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A miniature brush for dental hygiene having an elongated body having a first end in the form of a brush head and a second end, the elongated body also includes an upper elongated body surface and a substantially opposite facing bottom elongated body surface. The brush head including an upper brush head surface and a substantially opposite facing bottom brush head surface including a plurality of bristles extending from the bottom brush head surface and an anhydrous gel coupled to and extending from the bottom brush head surface. Full Article
in Combined hand held surface cleaning and powered spray device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A powered, spray cleaning device that can be operated in an inverted orientation is provided. The cleaning device includes a cleaning head and an elongated handle configured to be grasped by a user. A container of cleaning solution is removably received by the handle, and when received by the handle, fluid from the container fills a fluid accumulator. Fluid in the fluid accumulator is prevented from flowing back into the container when the device is inverted, thus allowing the device to spray fluid when inverted. Full Article
in Writing utensil with two handles for writing with both hands simultaneously By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A symmetric rigid writing device comprises two arms and a writing utensil. The writing utensil is permanently attached to the arms. The arms and the writing utensil are made of rigid materials. The arms are symmetric and the writing utensil is positioned at the center between the arms. Each of the arms is shaped like a curved pole. At least one end of each arm is attached to the writing utensil. The user may grasp the writing device by the arms with both hands and execute a writing action. Full Article