Patents Examined by Benjamin R Shaw
  • Patent number: 11548697
    Abstract: A micro-spill prevention trough and method for use in with intermediate bulk container (IBC) totes is disclosed herein. The micro-spill prevention trough includes an attachment portion rotationally coupled to fluid retention portion. The attachment portion is configured to be secured under a spout of an intermediate bulk container (IBC) tote. The attachment portion includes a bucket portion defining a fluid retention space. The fluid retaining portion defines a second fluid retention space, wherein the fluid retaining portion pivots between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position a front wall of the fluid retaining portion pivots into the bucket portion of the attachment portion to define a fluid retention container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: James Darwin Klosterbuer
  • Patent number: 11540671
    Abstract: A portable hand wash station includes a base that can set upon the ground. A fresh water tank and greywater tank are disposed atop the base. A tank cover is disposed atop the tanks. The sink member is pivotally mounted to the tank cover with a hinge. The sink member defines two sink basins that oppose one another. Each sink basin can be shaped and sized to allow the user to wash their forearms. A backsplash member can be secured to the sink member between the individual sink basins. The fresh water tank access can be secured by locking the sink member to the tank cover. A plurality of rods secure the tanks in place between the base and tank cover without protruding through a sidewall of the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Satellite Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Schomburg, Everett A. Spandl, Justin P. Jagels
  • Patent number: 11531937
    Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for maintenance of a plurality of washroom facilities by maintenance personnel, wherein each of the washroom facilities has one or more consumable product dispensers that require periodic refill. For each of the washroom facilities, the product dispensers are configured with a sensor that detects a product level or amount condition of the product dispenser, the sensors in communication with a monitoring station assigned to the washroom facility. A set of instructions unique to each of the washroom facilities is generated based upon the detected product level or amount conditions of the dispensers in the respective washroom facility, the set of instructions including instructions as to the amount of product refill to be added to the dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Becker, Charlene B. Dunbar, Jason Kirkland, Warren Moede, Thomas H. Schulz, Chrissy M. Sheehan, Peter W. Shipp, Jr., Paul F. Tramontina, Matthew T Zielinski
  • Patent number: 11530040
    Abstract: The present invention provides a discharge device for an aircraft, in which an aerosol container can easily be attached to an airframe and an operation for exchanging the aerosol container can be performed easily, resulting in a high degree of safety. A discharge device for an aircraft, to which an aerosol container can be attached and which discharges contents of the aerosol container when attached to an aircraft, is mounted on an airframe of the aircraft in a state where the aerosol container is housed in a housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: TOYO SEIKAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Kominami, Soji Araki
  • Patent number: 11512459
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposal splash guard that enables water flowing into the disposal splash guard to be directed through peripheral openings in the disposal splash guard. The disposal splash guard comprises a body and a baffle. A size of the peripheral openings is operable to direct water flowing into the disposal splash guard through the peripheral openings in the baffle. At least one of a shape of the body and a shape of the baffle is operable to direct water flowing into the disposal splash guard through the peripheral openings in the baffle. At least one of a size of the peripheral openings, a shape of the body, and a shape of the baffle is operable to direct at least ten percent of water flowing into the disposal splash guard through the peripheral openings in the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Fortune Brands Water Innovations LLC
    Inventors: John R. Bohlen, Russell A. Ferqueron, Kevin A. Lumby, Christopher W. McDonald, Christian R. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 11505931
    Abstract: A drain strainer includes a base body defining a chamber with opposite water inlet and water outlet, a straining unit disposed in the chamber, and a cover unit including a cover body connected to the straining unit. The straining unit includes a bottom straining member having a plurality of bottom straining holes, and a main straining member disposed on one side of the bottom straining member and including a main straining surrounding wall formed with a plurality of spaced-apart main straining holes. The bottom and main straining holes communicate with each other and with the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Hsi-Min Cheng
  • Patent number: 11503963
    Abstract: A portable hygiene station that is configured to be transportable so as to facilitate execution of hygiene protocols such as but not limited to hand washing at locations wherein utility infrastructure is unavailable. The portable hygiene station includes a frame wherein the frame is manufactured from a plurality of support members. The frame includes an upper portion and a lower portion that are integrally formed. The lower portion of the frame has mounted therein a first tank and a second tank. Mounted to a support shelf on the lower portion is a power supply and a pump that is electrically coupled to the power supply. The pump is configured to transfer fluid from the first tank into a basin member via a faucet member. Fluid from the basin member is subsequently transferred to the second tank. A top member provides coverage of the station and further has a photovoltaic panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Eldon Lizotte
  • Patent number: 11492791
    Abstract: A dosing system and method for dispensing a chemical composition into a tank of a toilet. The system includes a sensor obtaining a parameter representative of an environment of the toilet. The dosing system further includes a non-transitory control unit receiving the parameter and generating an activation signal for triggering dispensing of an amount of the chemical composition into the tank based on the parameter. The system further includes a dosing device inserted inside the tank. The dosing device has a cavity containing the chemical composition and a dispensing mechanism coupled with the cavity. The dispensing mechanism receives the activation signal and dispenses the amount of chemical composition into the tank upon reception of the at least one activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: HENKEL AG & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Ingomar Henning, Sascha Schaefer
  • Patent number: 11490703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a long hair shampooing and washing bowl having a hair washing cavity/basin defined by a plurality of walls. The bowl is taller than conventional bowls/sinks, and has a greater depth to accommodate long hair and prevent hair from clogging the drain and getting tangled. The bowl has an integrated drain outlet connected to a drainage pipe to drain out the rinsed water, and a notch for supporting the neck of a user. The walls of the cavity are slanted, thereby allowing a stylist to effectively work on a user's hair and effectively rinse the hair without hair gathering at the drain outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventors: Stefaney Norcross, James Norcross
  • Patent number: 11484157
    Abstract: The product is a Portable Hand Washing Device. It stands at approximately 59 inches in length and 25 inches in width from the bottom. The device stands as one unit, with an upper chamber which holds 5 gallons of clean water. The chamber for clean water is connected with a touchless faucet to activate the flow of the water which leads into a basin. The basin is connected with a tube to a pale underneath the unit which can hold 6 gallons of water and serves as a reservoir for the discarded water from the basin. There are two rolling wheels at the rear of the unit. There is a provision for liquid hand soap and paper towel dispenser. The device is still under development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Naa Darkoah Nyanin
  • Patent number: 11484454
    Abstract: Disclosed is a movable bath seat device employing a linear actuator to assist an individual with decreased mobility in and out of a bathtub. The linear actuator employs a direct current motor with limit switches to move the seat between positions. The device permits an individual to take a position on the seat outside the bathtub and, by use of the actuator, move their torso to a position inside the bath tub side walls. The seat can then rotate, allowing an individual to lift their legs into the bathtub at their convenience. In a preferred embodiment, the cushion on the rotating seat assembly is constructed of a slip resistant padding comprised of medical grade, closed cell molded polyurethane padding that does not absorb water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Platinum Health, LLC
    Inventor: Randall L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11486119
    Abstract: A waste and overflow system for a bathtub includes an overflow assembly, a drain assembly, and a plumbing assembly. The overflow assembly or kit includes an elbow pipe attachable to the plumbing assembly, a seal member positioned between an end of the elbow pipe and the bathtub, and a retainer ring that is threadingly connected to the elbow pipe to sandwich the seal member between a portion of the elbow pipe and the outer surface of the bathtub. The overflow assembly or kit further includes a faceplate operatively connected to the retainer ring. The faceplate can be formed as a screwless faceplate directly connected to the retainer ring in a first operative mode or a screwable faceplate attached by a screw to an adapter that is connected to the retainer ring in a second operative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Oatey Co.
    Inventors: Aaron Lorkowski, Jian Zhang, Blake Oatey, Matthew Siena, Christopher S. Graham
  • Patent number: 11485551
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a dispenser container comprises a base defining a longitudinal recess and a body configured to be moveably coupled to the base. The base comprises a first seal positioned at a first end of the recess and a second seal positioned at an opposing second end of the recess. The body comprises a first body end and an opposing second body end. A shaft extends from the first body end to the second body end. The body is configured to move between an open position where the body is fluidly connected with the recess, and a closed position where the body engages the first seal and the second seal. The first seal and the second seal are configured to exert a force toward each other in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the body to tension the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Tessy Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Weishaar, Mark Bartlett
  • Patent number: 11486120
    Abstract: A drain guard device for preventing particulates from entering a drain. The drain guard device includes a ring member having an outer circumference and an inner circumference. A groove extends radially along the entire inner circumference. The groove is dimensioned to removably receive a strainer. The ring member is a flexible flat annular ring having a uniform width between the outer circumference and the inner circumference. In use, the drain guard rests over a drain, wherein the lower side of the ring member is configured to frictionally engage an upper side of a surface, such as a floor or sink. The lower side of the ring member is configured to form a suction seal with the upper side of the surface, wherein both the strainer and ring member can be easily removed from the surface by hand when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Rennie West
  • Patent number: 11484896
    Abstract: A refillable fluid container for a fluid dispenser is provided. The refillable fluid dispenser includes a body, an output port and a dispensing mechanism. The body includes at least one wall that defines a reservoir for storing fluid therein. The output port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispensing mechanism is associated with the output port. The dispensing mechanism is selectively operable between a closed position and an opened position. A fluid dispenser is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc
    Inventors: Aaron Michael Kurchev, Nick Ermanno Ciavarella, Michael Gallo, John James McNulty
  • Patent number: 11479955
    Abstract: An example water center appliance configured to incorporate various features associated with a sink is provided. An example water center appliance includes a top section and a bottom section. In one example embodiment, the top section includes a sink basin, a faucet, a water filter assembly, a water inlet connection, and an electricity connection. In one example embodiment, the bottom section includes a first sliding drawer, and a second sliding drawer, wherein the first sliding drawer and the second sliding drawer are shaped to accommodate one or more components of the top section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Chong, Jason Silverstein
  • Patent number: 11473729
    Abstract: A doser for dispensing a cryogenic fluid includes a doser body configured to receive the cryogenic fluid. A dosing arm has a proximal end and a distal end, with a central passage extending between the proximal and distal ends and configured to receive cryogenic fluid from the doser body. Multiple dosing heads are mounted to the distal end of the dosing arm with each of the dosing heads including a dosing valve. The dosing heads are configured to receive cryogenic fluid from the central passage of the dosing arm and to dispense the cryogenic fluid when the dosing valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Chart Inc.
    Inventors: Bryson Tyler Jones, Paul Kunst Rybak, Shannon Bobo
  • Patent number: 11466439
    Abstract: An adaptor for connecting a cover to an overflow pipe includes an H-shaped body which is installed in an end portion of the overflow pipe. The lengthwise length of the adaptor is not longer than the outer diameter of the end portion of the overflow pipe. The adaptor includes a first connection portion formed to the center of the adaptor, and two second connection portions respectively formed to two ends of the adaptor. Two lateral sides are formed to two sides of the adaptor. The cover includes a notch communicating with the end portion of the overflow pipe. Multiple protrusions extend from the inner bottom of the cover. The protrusions are engaged with the two lateral sides of the adaptor to connect the cover to the adaptor. Bolt(s) extend through first or second connection portions of the adaptor and are connected to the end section of the overflow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Bridging Partners Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Ming Kuo, Chih-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 11457779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a footrest designed to support a squatting position during seated-position toilet use. The footrest is comprising two base sections B and B? that are, under normal conditions of use, in contact with a supporting surface and two foot-support sections S and S? adjacent to said base sections. S and S? have an outer surface curved downwards in the longitudinal extension direction towards said base sections B and B?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Dieter Roman Dill, Oliver Dill
  • Patent number: 11458503
    Abstract: A process for operating an extrusion system is provided. An extrusion device is provided that has at least two extrusion pistons operable with different feed ratios. The process involves storing a ratio of feed rates of the extrusion pistons in a storage device of the control device in dependence on the second signal. A least one drive device is actuated by the control device for displacing the two extrusion pistons into a start position, in which a plunger of the first extrusion piston substantially abuts the first cartridge of the cartridge device and a plunger of the second extrusion piston substantially abuts the second cartridge the cartridge device. The at least one drive device is actuated by the control device with a ratio of feed rates stored in the storage device of the control device for the extrusion pistons at user request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Kuhn, Christian Hefele