| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20110139204 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20120032630 | SELF-POWERED BATTERY JUMP SYSTEM AND METHOD - The self-powered battery jump method uses a vehicle's alternator to charge main and spare batteries during vehicle operation. If the main battery loses its power, the spare battery supplies power to the main battery and to the vehicle's engine in order to start the vehicle whenever it is needed without any external electricity. Manual, semi-automated, and automated jump modes are provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120084633 | METHOD OF GENERATING A GRAPHICAL RESUME - The method of generating a graphical resume allows a user to produce either a conventional textual resume or a resume in a graphical format. A database is established and a plurality of templates are stored in the database. The templates include an informational template, a textual resume template and a plurality of graphical resume templates. Each of the templates includes at least one fillable resume field. The informational template is displayed to the user and bibliographic data entered by the user is stored in the database. A plurality of resume formats are then displayed. The plurality of resume formats correspond to the textual and the graphical resume templates. Upon selection of one of the resume formats, the at least one fillable resume field of the corresponding one of the textual and the graphical resume templates is filled with the bibliographic data stored in the database to produce a resume. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120085382 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120153707 | VEHICLE TIRE TRACTION DEVICE - The vehicle tire traction device provides additional traction for a vehicle tire when a vehicle is stuck in sand, snow, mud or the like. The vehicle tire traction device includes a flexible sheet having opposed upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface being adapted for covering a portion of a vehicle tire. The upper surface has a tread pattern formed thereon. The flexible sheet has a pair of longitudinally opposed side edges. At least one hook is mounted on each of the side edges for releasably securing the flexible sheet to a wheel. A pair of side flaps are extend from the pair of side edges of the flexible sheet. At least one of the hooks is mounted on each of the side flaps. Each of the hooks is secured thereto by a resilient member, such as a helical spring or the like. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120155003 | RETRACTABLE MOUSE PAD FOR COMPUTERS - The retractable mouse pad for computers provides a mouse pad that is built into the housing of a portable computer or other portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer, a notebook computer or the like, or, alternatively, into the housing of a computer keyboard or the like. The housing has a slot formed therein, preferably along a lateral edge thereof. The slot is in open communication with a recess defined within the housing. A substantially planar plate having opposed upper and lower surfaces is slidably and releasably disposed within the recess. The upper surface of the plate is adapted for supporting a computer mouse, and the lower surface is adapted for mounting on a support surface, such as a desktop or the like. The plate is automatically driven to at least partially slide through the slot to an exterior of the housing. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120174031 | CLICKLESS GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - The clickless graphical user interface provides a pop-up window when a cursor is moved over designated areas on the screen. The pop-up window includes menu item choices, e.g., “double click”, “single click”, “close” that execute when the cursor is moved over the item. This procedure eliminates the traditional ‘mouse click’, thereby allowing users to move the cursor over the application or file and open it by choosing among the aforementioned choices in the file or application being focused on. The pop-up window shows the navigation choices in the form of a text, e.g., yes/no or color, e.g., red/blue, or character, such as triangle for ‘yes’ and square for ‘no’. Pop-up window indicator types are virtually unlimited and can be changed to any text, color or character. The method is compatible with touch pads and mouses. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120176416 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHAPE RECOGNITION AND CORRECTION - The system and method for shape recognition and correction allows a user to hand draw a shape on a computer and replace the hand drawn shape with a corrected geometrical shape. A database of regular geometrical shapes is stored in a database in computer readable memory. A manually drawn geometric shape is stored as a first geometric data set in the memory and is displayed on a display. A best fit geometrical shape is then selected from the database, the best fit geometrical shape having contours approximately matching the contours of the manual geometric shape. The best fit geometrical shape is scaled to have dimensions approximately matching dimensions of the manual geometric shape. The best fit geometrical to shape is stored as a second geometric data set and the first geometric data set is replaced thereby. The best fit geometric shape is then displayed to the user on the display. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120204732 | FOOD RETAINER FOR ROTARY GRILL - The food retainer for a rotary grill allows a wide variety of differing food articles to be grilled with a rotary grill, a rotisserie or the like. The food retainer may take the form of a flat rectangular wire mesh cage having an open side edge for inserting a slice or patty of food therein; a perforate plate or a wire rack having one or more straps for securing food thereto; a wire mesh cylindrical shell having an open end for inserting food therein; or circular end members having radially spaced spits or skewers extending between them. All embodiments of the food retainer have shaft ends extending therefrom for rotatably mounting the food retainers on a rotary grill or rotisserie. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120204854 | CONTROL KNOB FOR STOVES AND OVENS - The control knob for stoves and ovens includes a timer coupled with an automatic power shut-off feature and that also includes a control for setting the temperature of the stovetop burner or oven. A single knob or controller having a variety of embodiments is disclosed and incorporates both the timer and a temperature controller. After the set time has expired, the oven or burner is turned off. An alarm is also provided to indicate that the time has expired. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120211136 | TIRE WITH INNER CORE - The tire with an inner core includes a resilient annular shell similar to a conventional vehicle tire, and an annular inner core disposed therein, allowing the vehicle to continue traveling if the annular shell is damaged. The resilient annular shell includes a central portion and a pair of sidewalls extending therefrom. The annular inner core is disposed within the resilient annular shell and includes an inner annular edge, a pair of side annular edges, and an outer annular edge. In one embodiment, the outer annular edge of the annular inner core contacts the interior surface of the central portion of the resilient annular shell, and the pair of side annular edges are spaced apart from the interior surfaces of the pair of sidewalls of the resilient annular shell for receiving pressurized air therebetween. Preferably, the annular inner core is formed from a wire-reinforced resilient material, such as rubber. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120212423 | ELECTRONIC NOTE-TAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The electronic note-taking system and method includes a computer or a stand-alone handheld electronic device having note-taking software that reads, stores and displays a user's cursive writing on a digital pad or touch sensitive screen. A stylus may be included to facilitate entry into the device. A stand-alone note-taking software product or a note-taking device with embedded software is included. The stand-alone software is installable on handheld devices. Users may either purchase the software separately for their own devices or purchase the hardware with the software stored thereon. During note taking, the device secures user's notes by frequent, customizable autosaving (seconds to minutes) in a local storage device. The note-taking device is compatible with desktop/mobile computers, handheld devices, writing tablets and the like. Cursive handwriting to text conversion is optional on the device. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120247519 | PNEUMATIC DEVICE FOR CLEARING DRAIN OBSTRUCTIONS IN A PLUMBING FIXTURE - The pneumatic device for clearing drain obstructions in a plumbing fixture includes an electropneumatic pump. In some embodiments, the pump is located at the top of the handle of a plunger having a resilient force cup, pneumatic pressure being transmitted through a handle passage to the cup. In another embodiment, the device includes a distensible drain seal extending from the cup when pressure is applied therein, and a pneumatically actuated piston in the handle. The piston drives a semi-flexible wire outward through the cup and distensible seal to produce a mechanical force for clearing an obstruction. In another embodiment, the device includes a pneumatic pump permanently installed with a toilet, the pump selectively providing pressure within the bowl to dislodge obstructions in the drain. Seals are provided for the seat and lid, and a retaining strap is used to hold the seat and lid in place during pump operation. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120260449 | SHIELD FOR PAINT ROLLER - The shield for a paint roller protects both the user and the environment from accidental spills or splashes of paint when using a paint roller. The shield includes a frame member having a pair of opposed side edges, a front edge and a rear edge. A front wall is mounted to the front edge of the frame member and extends substantially orthogonal to the frame member. A rear wall is mounted to the rear edge of the frame member, the rear wall being substantially parallel to the front wall so that an open region is defined between the front and rear walls for releasably receiving the roller brush of the paint roller therebetween. An upper portion and a lower portion of the roller brush remain exposed when the shield is mounted on the paint roller. The frame member is releasably secured to an axle of the paint roller. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120261214 | SAFETY LADDER - The safety ladder may be an extension ladder having two or more relatively sliding sections, and incorporates a number of safety devices. The lower end of the ladder incorporates two opposed lateral stabilizers and two outwardly extending stabilizers, i.e., extending from the opposite face of the ladder from the structure against which the ladder is placed. The upper end of the ladder includes a pair of articulating lateral arms that brace against the structure against which the ladder is deployed, and articulating clamps or straps for securing the ladder to the structure. The medial portion of the ladder includes a handrail extending from each ladder rail. All of these devices may be retracted, collapsed, and/or folded for compact storage and transport when not in use. The entire ladder, i.e., rails, rungs, as well as the various safety components attached thereto, is coated with an electrically non-conductive coating for additional safety. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20130139308 | SYSTEM FOR UNCLOGGING TOILETS - The system for unclogging toilets is a wire-based unclogging system for toilets, allowing clogs formed on either side of a bend in a toilet outflow pipe to be cleared simultaneously. The system includes a hollow tube having opposed upper and lower ends. The tube is mounted on a toilet so that a pair of apertures formed through the lower end communicate with an interior of the bend of the toilet outflow pipe. A plunger is slidably mounted within an interior of the tube and is resiliently biased with respect to the upper end. An air pump delivers pressurized air to the interior of the tube through a port formed through the upper end, so that the plunger may be driven downward. A pair of wires are secured to a lower surface of the plunger and extend through the apertures into either side of the bend of the toilet outflow pipe. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130139341 | MULTIPLE PAINT ROLLER HOLDER - The multiple paint roller holder includes a roller frame and a handle connected to the roller frame. The handle is preferably connected to the frame by a bent or angled neck to place the handle in a raised position. The roller frame includes an upper cross member having corresponding upper roller holding pins, a lower cross member having corresponding lower roller holding pins, and an extendable center beam interconnecting the upper and lower cross members. Each pair of upper roller holding pin and lower roller holding pin rotatably holds a paint roller therebetween. The extendable center beam allows temporary lengthening of the center beam to facilitate mounting and removal of a plurality of paint rollers disposed vertically within the frame. The multiple paint rollers held thereby facilitate faster painting of surfaces. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130227474 | CLICLKESS GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR DISPLAYING AND SELECTING A POP-UP MENU - The clickless graphical user interface provides a pop-up window when a cursor is moved over designated areas on the screen. The pop-up window includes menu item choices, e.g., “double click”, “single click”, “close” that execute when the cursor is moved over the item. This procedure eliminates the traditional ‘mouse click’, thereby allowing users to move the cursor over the application or file and open it by choosing among the aforementioned choices in the file or application being focused on. The pop-up window shows the navigation choices in the form of a text, e.g., yes/no or color, e.g., red/blue, or character, such as triangle for ‘yes’ and square for ‘no’. Pop-up window indicator types are virtually unlimited and can be changed to any text, color or character. The method is compatible with touch pads and mouse interface devices. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130248069 | TIRE WITH INNER CORE - The tire with an inner core includes a resilient annular shell similar to a conventional vehicle tire, and an annular inner core disposed therein, allowing the vehicle to continue traveling if the annular shell is damaged. The resilient annular shell includes a central portion and a pair of sidewalls extending therefrom. The annular inner core is disposed within the resilient annular shell and includes an inner annular edge, a pair of side annular edges, and an outer annular edge. In one embodiment, the outer annular edge of the annular inner core contacts the interior surface of the central portion of the resilient annular shell, and the pair of side annular edges are spaced apart from the interior surfaces of the pair of sidewalls of the resilient annular shell for receiving pressurized air therebetween. Preferably, the annular inner core is formed from a wire-reinforced resilient material, such as rubber. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130252366 | ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENT THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR - The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0≦X≦1. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130298422 | RECIRCULATING DRYER - The recirculating dryer includes a housing having an operator control panel and a locking door mounted to a side of the housing. A rotating tumbler for holding the laundry to be dried is mounted inside the housing. Heated air is introduced through an inlet of the tumbler, and the outlet is kept closed by a flap. The heated air is recirculated and recycled through the tumbler. The air is reheated back to a predetermined temperature if the temperature falls below a level suitable for drying. A layer of moisture-absorbent material surrounds the tumbler to absorb the moisture gathered in the air from the drying process. At drying completion, the flap is opened to vent the used air. A control system controls various features with data from a thermostat and a moisture detector. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130305634 | ROOF REFLECTOR - The roof reflector provides selectively deployable and retractable devices for installation over the roof of a building structure to reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted to the roof proper. The roof reflector may include a thick roll of insulating material that may be unrolled to cover the roof or rolled up for storage. Alternatively, the roof reflector may have a plurality of rigid panels hinged together to extend over the roof or to fold over one another for storage. Yet another alternative is a plurality of rigid panels that telescope into one another for storage. Still another alternative includes a plurality of laterally disposed slats that may be opened and closed in the manner of Venetian blinds. The roof reflector is remotely operated, either mechanically by a hand crank and cable mechanism, or electronically by a remote signal operating an electric motor. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130305977 | VEHICLE FLOTATION SYSTEM - The vehicle flotation system is adaptable to a conventional land motor vehicle to provide sufficient buoyancy for the vehicle should it become immersed in water. A plurality of permanently inflated pneumatic elements and/or solid closed-cell (e.g., foam, cork, etc.) elements is installed throughout the bodywork of the vehicle. Such permanently inflated and solid flotation elements do not require a pneumatic inflation system, thus providing benefits in reliability and economy. Optionally, a pneumatic inflation monitoring system may be provided for the pneumatic elements. As an additional option, a plurality of collapsed, inflatable elements may be installed within the vehicle fenders for deployment and inflation in the event of water immersion of the vehicle. These inflatable elements are automatically ejected laterally from slots or openings in the vehicle fenders and are automatically inflated by an on-board container of compressed gas, in the event of water immersion of the vehicle. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130307394 | SYSTEM FOR DIVIDING DRAWERS - The system for dividing drawers provides a partitioning system for dividing a conventional drawer into a plurality of compartments for separating pairs of shoes or the like. The system includes front and rear sets of upper and lower ribs adapted for mounting on interior faces of front and rear walls of a drawer. Each rib has a plurality of vertically extending slots formed in an interior surface thereof, the plurality of vertically extending slots of the upper ribs being aligned with the plurality of vertically extending slots of the lower ribs. At least one divider panel having opposed front and rear edges slides into a selected pair of vertically extending slots of the front set of ribs, and a corresponding pair of vertically extending slots of the rear set of ribs. Additionally, the divider panel is releasably secured to the front and rear walls of the drawer. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130308263 | LAPTOP KEYBOARD TILTING ASSEMBLY - The laptop keyboard tilting assembly includes at least one friction articulating hinge assembly pivotally attached to a monitor and keyboard base or section of a laptop computer. The articulating-hinge assembly includes at least two pivots, one pivot being connected to the monitor and the other pivot being connected to the keyboard base. Rotation of the monitor in one direction unfolds the laptop computer, and rotation of the keyboard base in the opposite direction tilts the keyboard base into a more comfortable angle for typing, which reduces user strain and prevents potential injuries, especially for extended sessions. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130327358 | CHIMNEY CLEANING APPARATUS AND METHOD - The chimney cleaning apparatus includes a soot-scraping scrubber attached to an adjustable handle. A receptacle is also attached to the handle for receiving the dislodged soot particles therein. In one embodiment, a vacuum system is attached to the receptacle for withdrawing the soot particles therefrom to facilitate cleanup. The apparatus can be adjusted to clean the chimney from hearth level or from roof level by switching the position of the soot-scraping scrubber and the receptacle. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140130304 | LAPTOP KEYBOARD TILTING ASSEMBLY - The laptop keyboard tilting assembly includes at least one friction articulating hinge assembly pivotally attached to a monitor and keyboard base or section of a laptop computer. The articulating-hinge assembly includes at least two pivots, one pivot being connected to the monitor and the other pivot being connected to the keyboard base. Rotation of the monitor in one direction unfolds the laptop computer, and rotation of the keyboard base in the opposite direction tilts the keyboard base into a more comfortable angle for typing, which reduces user strain and prevents potential injuries, especially for extended sessions. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140130305 | LAPTOP KEYBOARD TILTING ASSEMBLY - The laptop keyboard tilting assembly includes at least one friction articulating hinge assembly pivotally attached to a monitor and keyboard base or section of a laptop computer. The articulating-hinge assembly includes at least two pivots, one pivot being connected to the monitor and the other pivot being connected to the keyboard base. Rotation of the monitor in one direction unfolds the laptop computer, and rotation of the keyboard base in the opposite direction tilts the keyboard base into a more comfortable angle for typing, which reduces user strain and prevents potential injuries, especially for extended sessions. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140160297 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE UTILITY METER READING - The system and method for remote utility meter reading are include a camera positioned adjacent the face of a utility meter for generating an analog optical image signal representative of a the utility meter having a visual identifier associated with the utility meter. The visual identifier may be a label, a bar code or the like for identifying the location of the particular utility meter. An analog-to-digital converter is in communication with the camera for receiving the analog optical image signal and generating an associated digital image signal. The original analog optical image signal is preserved, so that a transmitter in communication with the camera may transmit both the analog optical image signal and the digital image signal to a remote host associated with the utility company for remote reading of the utility meter. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140217342 | VEHICLE WITH INTEGRAL TIRE JACKS - The vehicle with integral tire jacks is an automatic built-in system for lifting a vehicle in the event of a flat tire when the tire requires replacement. The system includes four jacks installed under the vehicle near each wheel. An air compressor activated and controlled by an internal control panel will provide pressure to the jacks, the control panel being provided with knobs and buttons enabling the control of a desired jack. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20160101795 | LUGGAGE SLIDERS - The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160101796 | LUGGAGE SLIDERS - The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160101797 | LUGGAGE SLIDERS - The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160101798 | LUGGAGE SLIDERS - The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160101799 | LUGGAGE SLIDERS - The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use. | 04-14-2016 |
