Patents Assigned to The Servicemaster Company
  • Patent number: 8083860
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention include a cleaning system having both daily cleaning tasks and periodic cleaning tasks for cleaning and dusting a room. By utilizing less inventory and more biocompatible, “bio-safe” products than traditional systems, embodiments of the cleaning system requires less tools yet, allows its users to combine cleaning processes in a time-saving feature. The invention further includes the use of an inventive cleaning brush apparatus for which allows dirt and dust to be swept into gaps between rows of bristles, which are attached to a handle via metal rails. Accordingly, dust is concurrently collected into a row of suction holes without requiring separate steps to sweep and collect the dust. As such, the spacing of the inner and outer bristles allows for dust to be trapped in the gaps rather than permanently dispersing into the breathing air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The ServiceMaster Company
    Inventor: Tony Loftis
  • Patent number: 7845047
    Abstract: A brush for dusting and cleaning includes a handle having a first end and a second end, an outer rail of bristles along an outer portion of the brush having a first row of outer bristles and a second row of outer bristles; an inner rail of bristles along an inner portion of the brush having a first row of inner bristles and a second row of inner bristles; at least one row of suction holes located between the first row of outer bristles and the second row of outer bristles to remove materials trapped within the brush; and a front row of bristles located along the second end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The ServiceMaster Company
    Inventor: Tony Loftis
  • Patent number: 7580862
    Abstract: A method and system to select, schedule, purchase, confirm, invoice, bill and settle service orders, such as home services orders from customers. The method and system accept electronic service orders as well as customer leads for services, selects service providers and schedule services in real-time via a computer network, confirms scheduling of service delivery in real-time, handles administrative and business details for both customers and service providers, as well as fulfills, tracks and settle service orders. The method and system also provide customized information for services available via an electronic services network and dynamically schedule services using plural electronic appointment calendars from plural service providers. The method and system includes customer service order and customer lead information and enterprise-wide visibility and management of business processes. The method and system may also be used for goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: The Servicemaster Company
    Inventors: Patrick A. Montelo, Peter A. Korp, Kurt A. Biery, Susan P. Buckles, James A. Goetz, James B. Griffin, Todd M. Hibben, David A. Linke, Timothy J. Moriarty, Jerome P. Mrozak, James R. Schulz, Michael E. Shugarman
  • Patent number: 6066211
    Abstract: A battery-powered electric vacuum cleaner system including: a 12-volt battery other than a Nickel Cadmium battery; a belt and pouch for hands-free carrying of the 12-volt battery; a charger for charging the battery, the charger being capable of outputting substantially more than 2 amps; and a battery-powered electric vacuum cleaner. The battery-powered electric vacuum cleaner having an elongated substantially cylindrical hollow extension wand, which allows a person standing upright to clean a floor with the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: The Servicemaster Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Sandell
  • Patent number: 5641138
    Abstract: A trash bag stand comprises a lip ring, a stand fastener, a bag securing mechanism, a drop and a bag dispenser. The bags are disposable and each bag is assumed to have, as typical, a body with a length and a lip defining the opening of the bag into the bag body, the lip having a circumference. The lip ring has a circumference approximately equal to the bag lip circumference and has a length perpendicular to the plane of its circumference substantially shorter than the length of the bag. The stand fastener fastens the ring to substantially any desired support structure. The bag securing mechanism preferably takes the form of a securing ring for securing the bag lip to the lip ring, and is hingedly fastened to the lip ring to remain with the lip ring and also be movable between a position in which the securing means secures the bag lip to the ring, and a position in which the securing means is sufficiently distant from the ring to provide for placement of the bag lip on the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: The ServiceMaster Company
    Inventors: Leon Cronk, Quentin Alverson
  • Patent number: 5490883
    Abstract: A stable, crystallizing solution of magnesium silicofluoride and oxalic acid is disclosed which can be incorporated into a complete maintenance system covering daily and weekly maintenance along with the periodic maintenance process of crystallization for preserving the appearance of polished marble flooring, terrazzo limestone, etc. The results which can be achieved through the use of this system are determined via an initial pretest with performance quantified using a glossmeter. Final performance results, the visible results of crystallization, are quantified via the glossmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: The ServiceMaster Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin P. McLaren, Diane M. Scheele