Patents Examined by David A. Redding
  • Vacuum cleaner tool
    Patent number: 9392918
    Abstract: A tool for a vacuum cleaner that includes a nozzle and a duct for attachment to a wand, hose or the like of the vacuum cleaner. One or more suction openings are provided in a base of the nozzle. The front of the nozzle includes a chamfered section and a further section. A suction opening is then provided in the further section, and the chamfered section is closed. The internal angle formed between the chamfered section and the further section is greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Matthew Adam Tucker, Sean Ventress, Samuel Steven Cole, James Dyson
  • Vacuum cleaner with edge blower feature
    Patent number: 9386894
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner provides a jet of high velocity air into debris resting along a floor edge. The jet of air is aimed down and to the side of the vacuum cleaner vacuum head. The jet of air dislodges the debris urging the debris into the path of the vacuum head. The jet of air is conveniently created from the vacuum cleaner exhaust, and a left or right jet may be manually selected, or automatically selected by a wall detection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Kerigan, Andrew Lord, Lynn Kerigan
  • Ozone injection for continuous flow cleaning systems
    Patent number: 9380920
    Abstract: A mobile floor cleaning machine has a clean water system with a reservoir for applying water to a floor during cleaning. The floor cleaning machine includes an ozone source which generates ozone in liquid form and introduces the liquid ozone directly into the circulating water for eliminating pathogens in the circulating water. The ozone is generated continuously and essentially instantaneously by the ozone source and destroys most bacteria, virus, fungus and mold in the circulating water at room temperature, while decaying harmlessly to oxygen within the water and producing fewer by-products than chemical sanitizers and having essentially no environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Minuteman International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Pollack
  • Upright deep cleaner and method
    Patent number: 9380921
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a base assembly (12), an upright handle assembly (14) pivotally mounted to the base assembly (12), a fluid distribution system including a supply of cleaning fluid, and a fluid recovery system for drawing dirty cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned. The base assembly (12) comprises a fluid supply tank (22) mounted on a base platform (20), and a recovery tank (24) and lid (70) mounted on the supply tank (22). The nozzle (146) assembly is split into three separable sections, and the upper handle (300) is foldable to a storage position. The base assembly (12) further comprises a pivotal brush carriage (210) assembly. A method for renting extraction cleaning machines (10) utilizes a vending machine (600) that dispenses cleaning formulations packaged in single use packages (602).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Minh Nguyen, Thomas Wiedmaier
  • Vacuum hose storage system
    Patent number: 9375121
    Abstract: A vacuum hose storage system comprises a vacuum unit, a storage tube, and a vacuum hose. The vacuum unit is fluidly connected to the storage tube, and is operable to generate a partial vacuum within the storage tube. The vacuum hose can be draw in into the storage tube by the partial vacuum. The vacuum hose can be removed from the storage tube and connected to an inlet to provide a partial vacuum within the vacuum hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Tiger Tool International Incorporated
    Inventor: Remco Coesel
  • Automatic vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 9376150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic vacuum cleaner. According to an aspect of the present invention, the automatic vacuum cleaner includes a first movement part and a second movement part capable of together moving along an inclined cleaning surface, a movement unit provided in at least one of the first movement part and the second movement part, a cleaning member provided in at least one of the first movement part and the second movement part, and a detection unit which detects states of the cleaning surface, wherein movement speeds of the first movement part and the second movement part are varied according to the states of the cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Jonghyun Seo
  • Self-righting cleaning appliance
    Patent number: 9370286
    Abstract: A self-righting cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a cyclonic separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly. The cleaning appliance is arranged so that it is urged to return to an upright position if it is tipped onto its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Peter David Gammack, Patrick Joseph William Moloney, David Christopher James Newton, James White
  • Vacuum cleaner nozzle comprising flexible bellow arrangement
    Patent number: 9370288
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a flexible bellow arrangement for connecting a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet. The bellow arrangement has a flat inside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Roger Karlsson
  • Suction foot for a floor cleaning machine
    Patent number: 9370291
    Abstract: A suction foot for a floor cleaning machine having an outer body, which has side pieces having an L-shaped longitudinal cross-section comprising a first horizontal side piece and a second vertical side piece, which extends perpendicular to the first side piece, having an inner body, which is releasably attached to the outer body. The inner body is coupled to the outer body with a sliding movement that is perpendicular to the first horizontal side piece and parallel to the second vertical side piece. A tension band is provided to press a sealing strip against the inner body. The ends of the tension band engage with the ends of the inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hako GmbH
    Inventors: Ricardo Ruiz-Porath, Heinrich Katenhusen, Christian Tabeling
  • Backpack power apparatus
    Patent number: 9364125
    Abstract: A backpack power apparatus is comprised of a back carrier frame for being piggybacked by a user, a blower unit including a fan driven by a drive motor for sucking in or blowing out air through an airflow duct, and an airflow tube fluidically communicating with the airflow duct of the blower unit for sucking in or blowing out air through the airflow tube. The blower unit is mounted on the back carrier frame via a vibration isolating means, and the airflow tube is supported on the back carrier frame and adapted for being held and operated by the user when in use. The airflow tube is floatingly coupled to the airflow duct of the blower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuji Takahashi
  • Dry type cleaning case and dry type cleaning device
    Patent number: 9358589
    Abstract: A dry type cleaning case is for cleaning an object with a medium that flies by a revolving airflow. The dry type cleaning case includes a case unit and a leakage prevention unit. The case unit includes a space in which the medium flies, an opening that contacts the object so that the medium collides with the object, a ventilation path through which air flows into the space from outside, a suction opening that suctions the air that has been guided into the space through the ventilation path, to generate the revolving airflow in the space, and a porous unit through which a substance removed from the object is passed to the suction opening. The leakage prevention unit prevents the medium from leaking outside through the opening from the space, by causing outer air to flow in when the case unit is separated from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Fuchigami, Yoichi Okamoto, Kohji Tsukahara, Yuusuke Taneda, Shozo Murata
  • Pet waste collection and disposal apparatus
    Patent number: 9359732
    Abstract: A device for collecting and disposing of pet waste includes a housing containing a vacuum source. The housing is configured to receive a disposable liner bag. When closed, the housing holds the liner bag securely therein. The mouth of the bag is fed through the access port of the device such that the access port is insulated from contact with the waste being picked up. A bail holds the bag in place. A filtered bag is presented for use in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Tory Reynolds
  • Steam cleaners
    Patent number: 9351625
    Abstract: A surface cleaning head for a steam cleaner, comprising a plurality of steam outlets spaced from one another on the cleaning head, for steam supplied from a steam generator, and a steam distributing device which receives the steam and supplies it to the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Carter
  • Dual suction vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 9351619
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base, and a mechanical beater and a vibrating member connected thereto. A first suction inlet in the base is associated with the mechanical beater. A second suction inlet in the base is associated with the vibrating member. An airflow path is in fluid communication with the first and second suction inlets and flows to a debris collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Zenith Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Bosses
  • Steamer mop having quick change cleaning pad
    Patent number: 9351626
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved mop having a support arm having a handle, a mop head that is pivotally attached to said support arm, a pair of rollers disposed in said mop head at lateral side of the mop head housing, a cleaning pad rotatably carried by said rollers so that a first roller carries said cleaning pad and a second roller draws sections of said cleaning pad across a cleaning area defined by said mop head, whereas the cleaning pad travel along a path orthogonal to the front of the housing, a spray nozzle carried by said mop head that is fluidly connected to a cleaning solution container for allowing the user to select and spray a cleaning solution on the surface being cleaned, and an ultra violet light source disposed on said mop head for disinfecting said cleaning pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Nathan A. Scolari
  • Apparatuses, systems and methods for cleaning photovoltaic devices
    Patent number: 9355873
    Abstract: Embodiments of solar panel cleaning apparatuses, solar panel cleaning systems, and solar panel cleaning methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the disclosed solar panel cleaning apparatuses, systems and methods do may not require any water or other cleaning liquids in the whole cleaning process, which makes them prominent well suited in for water-deficit environments such as deserts. In one embodiment, the solar panel cleaning apparatus comprises one or more rotatable brushes each having a rotational axis and a drive configured to move each of the one or more rotatable brushes in a direction that is not perpendicular to the rotational axis. The solar panel cleaning apparatus is may be configured such that the angle of the rotational axis of at least one of the one or more rotatable brushes is adjustable relative to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Georg Eitelhuber
  • Steam cleaners
    Patent number: 9351623
    Abstract: A steam cleaner comprising a cleaning head; means for supplying steam to the cleaning head to be emitted thereby; means for supplying a cleaning agent to the cleaning head to be emitted thereby; and control means for controlling the emission of steam and cleaning agent by the cleaning head; wherein the control means is operable to cause or permit the emission of cleaning agent by the cleaning head while the emission of steam from the cleaning head is at least substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Carter
  • Gutter cleaning device
    Patent number: 9347223
    Abstract: The gutter cleaning device removes wet or dry debris in the gutter after being attached to a leaf blower, and is designed to be used while standing on the ground to reach gutters at the first, second and even third story levels without the need for a ladder. The gutter cleaning device includes a nozzle arranged at an angle to the gutter so that the flow of air drives debris in a direction away from the operator, and a fluid-driven agitation device powered simply by air pressure to mechanically stir up heavy debris in the gutter or to prevent the debris from clogging the nozzle. In addition, the gutter cleaning device includes a plough that protrudes forward relative to the nozzle and mechanically lifts compacted debris from the gutter to be blown away by the same flow of air that is used to drive the agitation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Viper Tool Company LLC
    Inventors: James A Ashton-Miller, Jeffrey E Terrell
  • Utility type surface cleaning vehicle
    Patent number: 9340936
    Abstract: A utility type surface cleaning vehicle comprises a unitary frame utility type tractor defining a longitudinal axis and having front and back ends, left and right driven rear wheels, at least one steerable front wheel and a trailing unit connecting mechanism. A debris hopper is removably connectable in trailing relation to the utility type tractor via the trailing unit connecting mechanism. A pick-up head is operatively mountable on the unitary frame utility type tractor on the unitary frame utility type tractor forwardly of the rear wheels, and has a debris outlet. An air and debris transfer duct has an inlet connected in debris receiving relation to the debris outlet of the pick-up head and an outlet connected in debris depositing relation to the debris hopper. The air and debris transfer duct extends rearwardly from the pick-up head beneath the rear axle of the unitary frame utility type tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Roger P. Vanderlinden
  • Vacuum brush drive
    Patent number: 9339159
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is described, the vacuum cleaner having a vacuum head with a housing, a suction port, a motor, and a brush. The brush is connected to a drive pulley, the motor has a motor pinion, and a belt extends from the motor pinion to the drive pulley the belt having teeth with a rounded profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: AERUS LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Eide