f Accessory or fashion item that charges various electronic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A toteable or wearable fashion item configured to provide an electronic charge to a mobile electronic device. The device includes a battery comprising one USB port and one pin port and a pouch secured to the fashion device and containing the battery substantially concealed therein, the pouch defining at least one opening which facilitates access to the USB port and the pin port. Full Article
f Foldable organizer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A foldable organizer for restaurant waiters includes a folding case which may hold a notepad, an elongated compartment for storing paper money and receipts, a leaf having pockets for holding cards in the elongated compartment, and an exterior pocket for holding a card. The exterior pocket may be produced from a v-shaped opening integrally formed in a flexible shell that surrounds a backing. A separate insert is capable of being attached to one end of the folding case, and remains between the two halves of the folding case when in the closed position. The insert including a plurality of pages for holding cards, wherein each of the plurality of pages is joined at one end to create an accordion structure. A strap or clip for fastening the insert to the folding case is located adjacent the end opposite the one end where the plurality of pages are joined. Full Article
f Golf club head cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A golf club head cover. Implementations may include a body portion defining an internal cavity for receiving a golf club head, a first flap disposed on the body portion and including a first magnetic fastener, and a second flap disposed on the body portion and including a second magnetic fastener. The first magnetic fastener and second magnetic fastener may substantially align with each other and may be aligned substantially parallel with the internal cavity of the body portion. Particular implementations may include a notch adjacent to the internal cavity and/or reentrant openings on both a side of the first flap and on a side of the second flap. Full Article
f Theft protectable carrying bag in particular for portable computers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A carrying bag (10) with a shoulder-strap (22) and a zipper (14) with zipper-rider (16) for closing/opening the bag. The shoulder-strap (22) is provided with a loop (24) at one end and a key-operated locking device (26) at the other end thereof. Means (36) are provided for fastening the loop (24) to an inside wall of the bag. Means (48) are provided for securing the zipper-rider (16) by the locking device (26) to an outside wall of the bag (10) for preventing the un-zipping of the bag. Full Article
f Flat screen dust cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST The flat screen dust cover is a dust cover specifically suited for flat panel televisions having a relatively thin profile. The flat screen dust cover is manually placed over the television in order to prevent the accumulation of dust onto or within the television. The flat screen dust cover is placed onto the television between uses, and covers a top, front display surface, rear, and sides of the television. The flat screen dust cover features a cutout along a bottom, rear side of said dust cover, which is used to enable ingress and egress of a stand, mounting hardware, or wiring there from. Full Article
f Purse and method of manufacture of same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture and method of manufacture relating to purses, handbags, wallets and the like. The method disclosed herein relates to utilizing text book covers off of books, such as legal treatises and case law books as the primary material for such articles. The text book cover is removed, cleaned, prepared, cut, sewn and glued together to form a purse, handbag, wallet and the like. The result of the disclosed invention is eco-friendly as it takes an old, often discarded item and forms a highly useful and quite stylish “new” article. Full Article
f Handbag adapted to hold a firearm By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A hand bag has a purse portion for personal items and a firearm compartment portion mounted to the purse portion for receiving a firearm. The firearm compartment portion has a base with a wall extending between the purse portion and the base. The firearm compartment portion has an access that allows a user to insert a user's hand through the firearm compartment access and grasp a firearm in the firearm compartment portion interior. The access has an opening in the wall with an edge at least a portion of which extends in a direction generally transverse to the firearm compartment base. The access has a closure movable between a first position in which the closure extends over the opening and a second position in which the closure extends away from the opening to allow a user to access the hollow interior. Full Article
f Modular scarf purse By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention is a modular pop-up purse shell, with an optional insert, wherein a rectangular swatch of material is removably attached to the purse shell to create a customized purse. Full Article
f Backpack and protective cover for bicycle By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A durable yet flexible protective bicycle cover is disclosed. The protective cover having properties of insulation from damage, wear, elements, dust and dirt, and the like. The protective cover further includes means for carrying a bicycle while within the cover, means for pushing a bicycle while within the cover, means for lifting a bicycle to and from a motor vehicle while within the cover, and means for transforming the cover into a backpack. Full Article
f Protective cover system for trailer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A protective cover system for a trailer is provided that includes a cover and a line. The line moves relative to the trailer for moving the cover from a lowered position to a raised position. A portion of the line may be located outboard from a side surface of the trailer in a lateral direction and may be located rearward of a front surface of the trailer in a longitudinal direction. Full Article
f Canopy for portable electrical device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are provided for the shielding of outdoor electrical equipment from inclement weather, the system comprising: a plurality of support brackets affixed to the outdoor electrical equipment; a support frame disposed in the support brackets; a waterproof cover disposed over the frame; an apron depending from the cover, configured to cover electrical connections on a side of the outdoor electrical equipment. Full Article
f Folding sign By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Improvements in a foldable sign are disclosed. The sign provide a foldable “A” frame floor sign that folds for easy storage. The folding sign generally includes An “A” frame. The “A” frame provides a stable platform with multiple cross members that support the sign from wind or uneven surfaces. The “A” frame folds in two dimensions to create a dense elongated collapsed structure. The storage is by folding the structure at the apex of the “A” frame and bringing the sides together. Because the sign is flexible, the sign can be folded or wrapped around the collapsed frame. In this dense elongated collapsed structure the folding sign can be placed in an elongated storage bag. While the sign is folded for storage and transportation, when the sign is expanded it essentially resembles traditional “A” frame structures with the same overall dimensions. Full Article
f Label for removable attachment to an article By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A label for removable application to an article such as a beverage bottle includes a backing layer (2) comprising a laminate of a bi-axially oriented polyester such as PET (12) and a bi-axially oriented polypropylene (14). The polyester film (12) has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the polypropylene film (14). Consequently, when the label is heated, it will tend to curl and this effect can be used to assist in the removal of the label from the article in a hot washing bath during recycling of the article. Full Article
f Display fixture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure is directed to a display fixture used to convey information to a consumer that is easily coupled to a display rack by inserting portions of the fixture into the product storage spaces of the display rack. The display fixture can include a display panel, a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm where the arms can be sized and configured for placement in the product storages space of an associated display rack. Full Article
f Self contained information deck By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed herein is a self-contained group of cards or placards rotatable along a common axis. In some aspects said group fits within the boundaries of a fixed front and back wall and a tactile cue is provided on at least one wall to identify front or back. When compiled as a deck, the device has a first cover with an exterior and an interior face, a second cover with an exterior and an interior face wherein the interior of each covers faces the other, a pivot connected to each interior face between; at least one card with a pivot guide where through said pivot extends and around which said card rotates and a finger grab extended from at least one of said first and second covers. Full Article
f Convertible flag and banner system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flag and banner system for displaying a flag and/or a banner on a flat panel of a vehicle. The system features a first mast with two linear mast channels, a first indexing base with an attachment clip that attaches to an inner edge of a pivoting panel of the vehicle, and a first pliable flag. The system also features a second mast with two linear mast channels, a second indexing base with an attachment clip that attaches to the inner edge of the pivoting panel of the vehicle at an offset from the first indexing base, and a second pliable flag. The first pliable flag is connected to the first mast and the second pliable flag is connected to the second mast via attachment tabs. A banner is attached to both the first and second mast via attachment tabs. Full Article
f Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. Any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner. Full Article
f Frame assembly mountable to an object By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A picture frame assembly includes a backing plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of parallel grooves in one of the surfaces. The material and thickness of the backing plate are chosen so that the backing plate can be plastically deformed about a bending axis parallel to the grooves. At least one frame element, which can be formed integrally with the backing plate, is for provided for retaining a planar picture element against the front surface of the backing plate. A fastener extends from the rear surface for mounting the assembly to any of various objects, such as a tree, flower stem, a candle, a vase, a basket, a gift wrapping device, a container, a column, and furniture. Full Article
f Messaging sign having a reversible fastening system for moveable display articles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a messaging sign apparatus with informative indicia moveable articles that externally display information regarding patient care. The messaging sign apparatus includes a frame, a movable article positionable within the frame, and fastening member that is engageable with the moveable article. The frame includes an article receiving section on an inner body thereof and an article receiving opening on an outer surface and leading into the article receiving section, with the moveable article positioned in the article receiving section and moveable through the article receiving opening. The fastening member is arranged on the frame and engageable with the moveable article to secure the moveable article within the frame into different displaying position. Full Article
f Frame assembly for display panel By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A frame assembly includes a display panel, a rear cover, a housing and an assembling structure. The housing includes a plurality of frames which enclose the display panel and the rear cover. Each frame has a sidewall, and a connection member which connects the frames to each other. The assembling structure is installed in the housing to provide a closed structure and is provided to ensure coupling force among the display panel, the rear cover and the housing. The assembling structure includes a fastening bracket which presses the display panel onto the frames of the housing and fastens the display panel to the frames, a support bracket which supports the rear cover, and an auxiliary bracket which assists connection between the adjacent frames. Full Article
f System for changing the appearance of framed components By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A framing system having a base panel assembly configured so that an ornamental/informational object can be incorporated into the base panel assembly so as to be viewable from in front thereof. A frame extends around a peripheral region of the base panel assembly. Connectors on the base panel assembly and frame cooperate so as to allow the base panel assembly and frame to be: a) moved from a separated relationship relative to each other into an operatively joined relationship; and b) releasably maintained in the operatively joined relationship as an incident of the base panel assembly and frame changing from the separated relationship into the operatively joined relationship, without requiring use of any separate fasteners, once the operatively joined relationship is achieved. Full Article
f Gift card carriers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention pertains to improved gift card carriers. More particularly, a first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. In a first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card, and possibly supplies a greeting or message. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear as if its flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed. Full Article
f Sliding panel gift card holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A sliding panel gift card holder includes a panel mounted within a sleeve, pouch or bag, the panel being hingedly connected to a draw flap and then to a cover flap. Upon opening the cover flap, the draw flap draws the panel out of the sleeve to reveal a gift card secured upon the panel, thereby presenting the gift card to a recipient. Full Article
f Flexible light pipe By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flexible light assembly includes a plurality of light guides that may be operably connected to one or more LED light sources. The light guides may include smooth surfaces that internally reflect light except at selected areas having irregular surface features that permit the escape of light to provide illuminated letters, numbers, designs, or the like. The light guides and LED light source may be disposed within a flexible housing. Full Article
f Pop-up greeting cards with confetti By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording. Full Article
f Point of sale device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A point of sale device includes a card mounted on a hanger on a vertically extending mounting structure of a retail shop. The card carries a reusable storage container in which articles are stored. The container includes a body with an opening closed by a transparent, sealable, removable and re-sealable lid. The container is mounted on the card and the device is mounted on the hanger so a prospective purchaser can see the articles through the transparent lid. In one embodiment, the body includes a permanent magnet abutting the base. Full Article
f Cover member of airbag device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT First support portions 71 and 72 positioned on a predetermined straight line L2 approximately perpendicular to a broken line of a hinge portion is set in a support portion 70 that supports a back plate 27 with respect to a back face side of a door portion 36. Second and third support portions 73 and 74 positioned in line symmetry with respect to the straight line L2, are set in the support portion 70. It is possible to receive the centrifugal force, which is applied to the back plate 27 due to the expansion of the door portion 36, with good balance by the first to third support portions 71, 72, 73, and 74. An emblem 24 can be reliably fixed to the door portion 36 with preventing a fixing pin 31 from being excessively locked into a through hole 33 more than necessary. Full Article
f Display ads for door handles providing multisensory stimuli By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A display ad system for door handles may include electronics that provide multisensory stimuli. In one embodiment, an end cap includes light and sound triggered by a motion detector. In another embodiment, an end cap includes fan-directed aromas triggered by a motion detector. In a third embodiment, a flexible grid of LED lights backlights the display ad in any time sequence desired, and may be motion-triggered as well. A door handle embodiment may also provide a note board surface as an alternative to showing display ads. Full Article
f Marking having electroluminescent lighting effect, method for the production thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electroluminescent arrangement is described. This electroluminescent arrangement comprises the following functional layers: (a) rear electrode as layer A;(b) dielectric layer as layer B;(c) electroluminescent layer as layer C; and(d) cover electrode as layer D. Full Article
f Image forming apparatus storing a stylus pen By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is an image forming apparatus provided with an operation panel receiving instructions from a user by touch operations, a stylus pen used to perform the touch operations, and a pen holder holding the stylus pen, the pen holder including an opening for insertion of the stylus pen from outside of the pen holder, and a storage section storing the stylus pen. The storage section includes a first hollow portion with a first bottom and a second hollow portion with a second bottom lower than the first bottom. The stylus pen is stored in the storage section by being inserted through the opening, proceeding along the first bottom to enter the second hollow portion, and slanting, upon a center of gravity of the stylus pen passing a boundary between the first bottom and the second bottom, so that a tip of the stylus pen points downwards. Full Article
f Portable movie screens, systems, and methods of using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A portable movie screen includes a screen portion and a frame portion surrounding at least part of the periphery of the screen portion. The screen portion has a screen gain greater than about 0.8 and an elasticity greater than an elasticity of the frame portion. The movie screen includes at least one side connected to the front portion and a receiving space defined at least in part by the front portion and the side portion. The receiving space is configured to selectively receive a support body including at least one sealed chamber and movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The frame portion is configured such that when the support body is in the expanded configuration and positioned in the receiving space, the frame portion tensions the screen portion and substantially maintains the screen portion in a desired shape. Full Article
f Popup displays for financial transaction cards By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Foldable financial transaction card displays that include at least one popup member, methods of making such displays, and methods of promoting such displays. Some of the displays include folding members that are unitary with the popup members. Full Article
f Resinated device for identifying an animal, and corresponding method for manufacturing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a device for identifying an animal, comprising a male part and a female part which are intended to be joined together, said female part comprising a head (12) for holding a tip of said male part, and a rigid shell (11) containing electronic identification means (42). According to the invention, a resin (41) is placed inside a housing defined in said shell so as to cover said electronic means (42) and to secure said head (12) to said shell (11). Full Article
f Lighted signs for passenger vehicles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lighted sign for a passenger vehicle includes a decal affixed to an exterior of a window and a lamp housing affixed to an interior surface of the vehicle window immediately opposite the decal. The lamp housing includes an electronics module that illuminates the decal only when the vehicle is moving and when there is insufficient exterior light to clearly see the exterior decal. The decal and design are removable and replaceable. Full Article
f Louver display panel system for multi-story building By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A louver display panel system with a display panel for receiving printed or graphic material thereon, a support member to secure the display panel to a building or structure, and a louver movement control means. The display panel is rotationally secured to the support member and forms a louver structure. The louver movement control means maintains the display panel in a first position in a plane generally parallel to the exterior face of the building or structure until a wind load applied to the display panel exceeds a pre-determined value, after which the louver movement control means permits the display panel to rotate toward a second position generally parallel to the direction of the wind to reduce the wind load borne by the display panel. The louver movement control means returns the display panel to its first position when the wind load drops below said pre-determined value. Full Article
f Self-righting, rocking display system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A display system that rocks in the wind and is self-righting with a biased anchoring system that is recessed inside of the display and hidden from view. Full Article
f Safety sign system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A safety sign system comprises one or more traffic or informational signs, an expandable pole, a detachable umbrella canopy assembly, and a safety finial assembly. The signs are removably attached to a sleeve that surrounds a portion of a pole and rests upon a sign support. The sleeve with the signs attached swivels about the pole. The umbrella canopy assembly is attached to an upper end of the pole and may include additional features including reflective tape, vents, drop-down flaps, reflective coating, and lights. The safety finial assembly is removably attached to the top of the umbrella canopy assembly and may include flag supports, removable flags, and a safety light assembly. The safety sign system optionally further comprises a collapsible seat, a beverage holder, a satellite tracking device, a communication device, a base, and a control panel for operating the safety light and other features. Full Article
f Fluid-filled barrier assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fluid-filled barrier assembly restricts access to areas and redirects traffic while ensuring that the assembly remains upright and visible. The assembly includes a plurality of pipes coupled together to define a barrier. The barrier is configured for mounting a sign thereto. A hollow interior of the barrier defines a conduit. The conduit extends through each of the pipes. The conduit is configured for receiving a fluid therein wherein the fluid retains the barrier in an upright position on a supporting surface. Full Article
f Shelf label holder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A label holder includes a base, a sign sleeve for receiving at least one printed price label and a living hinge coupling the base to the sign sleeve. The sign sleeve is defined by a main panel that is substantially planar and a return flange that is coupled to the main panel at a joined end. The return flange extends upward from the joined end and terminates at an end located along the main panel. Full Article
f Illuminable panel frame assembly arrangement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A four sided illuminable frame arrangement for the convenient display of a planar article, the frame arrangement comprising an elongated inner rail receivably connected to an elongated outer rail, the outer rail having an elongated cover rail hingedly connected thereto, the three rails comprising a multi-component assembly for each side of the four sided frame arrangement, the elongated inner rail allowing for fastener-free capture of a light-transparent panel having an L-shaped first side which supports an elongated arrangement of LEDs, the inner rail also having a mounting bracket channel on the rear side thereof, and a second alignment bracket channel disposed thereadjacent, the second alignment bracket channels having upstanding panel-support-flanges for even, peripheral support of the aforementioned light-transparent panel thereon. Full Article
f Self-supporting sign and method of manufacturing same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A self-supporting sign of unitary construction comprises a middle portion having a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side. A first foldable flap extends from the first side at a first distance beneath the upper side. A second foldable flap extends from the second side at a second distance beneath the upper side. A front foldable portion having a rounded perimeter extends from the lower side. In a use configuration, the middle portion forms an obtuse angle with respect to the front portion. A first slit is provided adjacent the first side and a second slit is provided adjacent the second side. The first and second slits are configured to aid in the respective folding of the first flap and the second flap with respect to the middle portion. Full Article
f Process and apparatus for slaking lime and dissolving scale By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving. Full Article
f Inhibiting corrosion of aluminum on consumer ware washing product using phosphinosuccinic acid oligomers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dishwashing detergent composition is provided for consumer use for in cleaning of alkaline sensitive metals such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. The compositions include alternatives to sodium tripolyphosphate and/or other phosphorus containing raw materials, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. According to the invention, a phosphinosuccinic acid oligomer or mixture thereof is used as a corrosion inhibitor and can be included for aluminum protection in a number of different detergent compositions. Full Article
f Side edge cleaning methods and apparatus for thin film photovoltaic devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for cleaning a side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate utilizing a laser are provided. The method can include transporting the substrate in a machine direction to move the substrate past a first laser source, and focusing a first laser beam generated by the first laser source onto the side edge of the substrate such that the laser beam removes the thin film present on the side edge of the substrate. An apparatus is also generally provided for cleaning a first side edge and a second side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate. Full Article
f Apparatus for internally restoring a pipe By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of internally restoring a pipe preferably includes the steps of isolating a leaking pipe from a system of pipes; drying an interior of a leaking pipe; measuring the airflow through the leak; cleaning the interior of the leaking pipe; presealing a leak with a leak sealing media, measuring the leak flow rate after the pre-sealing; applying an internal protective coating process; and pressure testing the leaking pipe for leaks. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a control box, a media injection system, an air compressor and a coating dispensing system at an inlet of the leaking pipe. The pipe restoration method preferably uses a coating overflow receiver, a muffler and a dust collector at an exit of the leaking pipe. After the treatments, the leaking pipe becomes a restored pipe. The restored pipe is pressure tested for leaks at a working pressure rating of the pipe. Full Article
f Substrate processing apparatus for maintaining a more uniform temperature during substrate processing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A substrate processing apparatus that includes a process tank having a pair of opposed sidewalls for storing a chemical liquid, and processing a plurality of substrates by the chemical liquid; a substrate holding mechanism including a holding part for holding the plurality of substrates, and a back part connected to the holding part and interposed between the substrates held by the holding part and one sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls when the substrate holding mechanism is loaded into the process tank. A heating device is disposed on the process tank for heating the stored chemical liquid. The heating device includes at least a first heater disposed on the one sidewall, and a second heater disposed on the other sidewall of the pair of opposed sidewalls. Energy outputs of the first heater and the second heater are independently controlled. Full Article
f Cleaning/disinfecting apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a plurality of attachment portions for attaching an endoscope; a cleaning/disinfecting portion that communicates with the plurality of attachment portions and can execute different types of cleaning/disinfection menus for the respective attachment portions; and an endoscope information reading portion that reads endoscope information from the endoscope. Also, the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus includes: a control portion that determines a cleaning/disinfection menu based on the read endoscope information and outputs attachment portion identifying information for identifying an attachment portion for executing the determined cleaning/disinfection menu; and a notifying portion that notifies the attachment portion identifying information outputted from the control portion. Full Article
f Fluid screen for pot and pan washing machine By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fluid screen for a washing machine, and a washing machine including a fluid screen, is provided. The fluid screen includes a generally planar member including a first end and a second end extending from the first end. The first end is mounted within the wash tank of the washing machine at a location generally in proximity to an operating fluid level within the wash tank. During operation of the washing machine, fluid circulates within the wash tank to create a rolling wash action and the second end of the fluid screen extends from the first end generally in the direction of fluid flow across the surface of the wash tank. Full Article
f Substrate treatment systems using supercritical fluid By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Substrate treatment systems are provided. The substrate treatment systems may include a treating device configured to treat a substrate with a supercritical fluid, and a supplying device configured to supply the supercritical fluid to the treating device. The treating device may include a supercritical process zone in which the substrate is treated with the supercritical fluid, and a pre-supercritical process zone in which the supercritical fluid is expanded and then provided into the supercritical process zone to create a supercritical state in the supercritical process zone. Full Article
f Surface cleaning head By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface cleaning head is provided comprising a dome-shaped, downwardly open housing, in which at least one spray arm is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation, wherein the spray arm bears at a distance from the axis of rotation a nozzle which can be acted upon with cleaning fluid subject to pressure and revolves around the axis of rotation together with the spray arm, and comprising a protective disk which covers the at least one spray arm towards the open underside of the housing and defines a ring-shaped fluid passage for a stream of fluid to pass through, said fluid passage being penetrated by retaining bars, wherein the at least one spray arm is rotatable relative to the protective disk. The retaining bars are arranged so as to be distributed unevenly in circumferential direction. Full Article