Patents Examined by Michael Barr
  • Patent number: 9872596
    Abstract: A flow through chemical sensor includes a housing having a through passage along which chemical can flow, a sidewall of the housing having first and second openings that communicate with the through passage. A first electrode is mounted on the housing and aligned with the first opening, the first electrode of a plate configuration with a unitary depression that extends through the first opening and to a peripheral edge of the through passage. A second electrode is mounted on the housing and aligned with the second opening, the second electrode of a plate configuration with a unitary depression that extends through the second opening and to the peripheral edge of the through passage. A method of detecting presence or absence of chemical is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: PREMARK FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Larry M. Dickey, David L. Fischer, Jeffrey R. Newcomer, Michael T. Watson, Brian R. Prybor, Alexander R. Anim-Mensah
  • Patent number: 9873140
    Abstract: There is provided a foreign material removing device of a track turnout portion which can tightly attach and fix nozzles to a rail belly portion stably without machining a rail itself. A foreign material removing device of a track turnout portion which has point rails which can move to contact and move away from stock rails of the track turnout portion, and which removes a foreign material dropped between the stock rail and the point rail, includes a piping unit which includes a plurality of nozzle portions which spray compressed air to remove the foreign material, and the piping unit includes a close-contact arrangement structure in which the piping unit is arranged in close contact with a lateral surface of the stock rail opposed to the point rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignees: NABTESCO CORPORATION, EAST JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY
    Inventors: Masahumi Sato, Shogo Kigami, Yuki Kinugasa
  • Patent number: 9867520
    Abstract: A rinse arm or wash arm includes a tubular body connected to a fluid source. The tubular body has at least a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough. The first aperture forms a first spray and the second aperture forms a second spray when the fluid flows through the tubular body from the fluid source. The first aperture has a first aperture axis therethrough and the second aperture has a second aperture axis therethrough. The first aperture axis forms a first angle with a first vertical axis and the second aperture axis forms a second angle with a second vertical axis. The first angle is greater than 0 degrees, so that the first aperture directs the first spray towards the second spray forming an overlapping spray of the first spray and the second spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Jackson WWS, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Calhoun
  • Patent number: 9869047
    Abstract: A unitary top panel for a washing machine appliance defines an opening and has a nozzle positioned at the opening. The unitary top panel also defines a conduit within the unitary top panel that extends to the nozzle in order to direct a flow of wash fluid to the nozzle. A related method for forming a unitary top panel for a washing machine appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: James Quentin Pollett
  • Patent number: 9869048
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance may include a front panel with an opening, a door selectively opening and closing the front panel opening, a tub with an opening at least partially aligned with the front panel opening, and a bellows extending between the front panel and the tub at their respective openings. A deflector mounted to the tub extends towards the door and overlies at least a portion of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Brent M. Burgess, Amanda E. King
  • Patent number: 9861258
    Abstract: A dishwasher has a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a dispensing system for storing and dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber during the cycle of operation. The dishwasher can be provided with a lifetime supply of a treating chemistry for the dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Kaustav Ghosh, James W. Klein, Scott D. Slabbekoorn
  • Patent number: 9863083
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance are provided. The washing machine appliance includes one or more features for dispensing fluid additives using fewer valves. The method includes one or more steps for dispensing fluid additives using fewer valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Boris Leibman, Taranjeet Singh
  • Patent number: 9863079
    Abstract: A washing machine including a washing tub to allow enhancement in washing efficiency. A washing tub of the washing machine includes a pattern having a protrusion portion to generate friction force between laundry and the washing tub and to thereby increase washing efficiency. The pattern has a concave-convex structure and performs action similar to a lifter, washing efficiency may be enhanced using tumbling generated by the pattern. A plurality of drain holes are arranged in a certain pattern in the washing tub to prevent a dehydration bottleneck phenomenon in which dehydration is concentrated at a particular drain hole and to increase a dehydration rate. The pattern is provided such that protrusion portions and recessed portions continue on the surface of the washing tub to enhance stiffness of the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Cheol Jang, Ji Sung Kim, Eun Suk Bang, Nam Ki Sul, In Ju Lee, Seong Su Jeong, Bong Wha Kwak, Doo Pil Kim, Ki Sun Park, Jong Sung Park, Ji Hoon Choi
  • Patent number: 9865483
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate liquid processing method. The method includes: supplying a first processing liquid to a central portion of a substrate at a first flow rate by a first nozzle while rotating the substrate using a substrate holding unit; supplying a second processing liquid to a location between the central portion and an outer circumferential end of the substrate by a second nozzle while supplying the first processing liquid to the central portion of the substrate at the first flow rate; and changing the flow rate of the first processing liquid supplied from the first nozzle to a second flow rate lower than the first flow rate, so as to continue forming of the liquid film on the overall surface of the substrate while supplying the second processing liquid by the second nozzle to the substrate that is formed with a liquid film on the overall surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Higashi, Gentaro Goshi, Takahisa Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9862010
    Abstract: Described herein is a pipe cleaning apparatus of relatively uncomplicated construction. The apparatus includes a pipe support assembly having a number of cradles for supporting oilfield pipe. The cradles are positioned side-by-side with one pair of cradles supporting the opposite ends of each pipe. A number of lances are positioned side-by-side and are adapted to simultaneously penetrate the oilfield pipe in the pipe support. A mill is affixed to the free end of one of the lances. An air-driven tube cleaner is affixed to the free end of another one of the lances. A water jet nozzle is affixed to the free end of still another one of the lances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Wayne Snow
  • Patent number: 9863727
    Abstract: A mobile multi-function hydro-blast cleaning and tube lancing apparatus and system built into a containment vessel (tank) to enable it to be transported to a facility with ease and preform hydro-blasting/tube lancing with the ability to contain all the fluids involved in the cleaning and lancing process. The system comprises several key pieces of machinery working within a containment tank to make the process of cleaning more versatile. All the cleaning and lancing equipment is either controlled by the operator or computer automation that has been preprogrammed for a more hands free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: David C. Van Fleet
  • Patent number: 9856594
    Abstract: Washing machine appliances and suspension assemblies for suspending tubs in washing machine appliances are provided. A suspension assembly includes a first pliable mount and a second pliable mount, the first pliable mount and second pliable mount spaced apart from each other along a lateral direction. The first and second pliable mounts each include a hollow body and a head, the head integral with the hollow body. The suspension assembly further includes a rocker arm engaging the head of the first pliable mount and the second pliable mount. The rocker arm extends between the first pliable mount and the second pliable mount along the lateral direction. The suspension assembly further includes a rod connected to the rocker arm and disposed between the first pliable mount and the second pliable mount along the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Haler US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Owen Davis
  • Patent number: 9856023
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a waste line of an aircraft includes: a source of cleaning solution; a hose in fluid communication with the source of cleaning solution; and a nozzle secured to a distal end of the hose and defining one or more holes for expelling the cleaning solution into a waste line. The nozzle may be provided with a protective cover composed of a plastic material that fits over and engages a distal tip of the nozzle and/or a protective ring composed of a plastic material that fits around and engages a central body of the nozzle. The apparatus may further include a connection assembly defining a first port being configured to be connected to the waste line, a second port being configured to receive the hose and the nozzle, and a third port being configured to be connected to a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: L.A. Hydro-Jet & Rooter Service Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Boyd Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9854957
    Abstract: Dishwasher appliances and method for operating dishwasher appliances are provided. A method includes executing a wet cycle, wherein a heating unit and a fan of a desiccant assembly are active during the wet cycle. The desiccant assembly includes the heating unit, the fan, and a desiccant module and is in fluid communication with a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The method further includes executing a delay period, the delay period occurring for a predetermined time period between the wet cycle and a dry cycle, wherein the heating unit and the fan are active during the delay period. The method further includes draining liquid from the wash chamber after the delay period, and executing a dry cycle, wherein the fan is active and the heating unit is inactive during the dry cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shree Kumar, Ronald Scott Tarr
  • Patent number: 9850072
    Abstract: A cleaning-in-place system for use with an easily cleanable flexible belt. A sprocket is provided with a body having a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth. The opening extends toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the underside of the belt, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Marco Lucchi
  • Patent number: 9850618
    Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation includes a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container and having a door moveable between an opened position and a closed position, a piercing mechanism located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and having a piercer that is moveable between a non-piercing position and a piercing position where the piercer is moved to perforate a unit dose container received within the treating chemistry dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Burger, Thomas A. Latack, Rachel A. Maghas
  • Patent number: 9850619
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the treatment of substrates, whereby the apparatus comprises housing means having mounted therein a rotatably mounted drum (17), access means through which said substrates may be loaded into said drum (17), and a multiplicity of solid particulate material delivery means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Xeros Limited
    Inventors: Simon Paul Wells, Gareth Evan Lyn Jones
  • Patent number: 9844755
    Abstract: Disclosed is a separation membrane cartridge-cleaning apparatus for sewage treatment process. The apparatus conveniently cleans the separation membrane cartridges, thereby improving workability, as the separation membrane cartridges mounted within the membrane separation aerobic tank of the sewage treatment process are removed which have been contaminated while performing the solid-liquid separation of the contaminants contained in the sewage, and then the cartridges are separably mounted on the cartridge-cleaning apparatus of water mill type rotatably installed within the cleaning tank containing the cleaning liquid, and thereafter, the contaminated separation membrane cartridges are immersed in the cleaning liquid and the water and air are sprayed from filter-cleaning means above the cartridges to clean the cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: YONGJIN ENVIRONMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Hwan Chung, Sun Chul Seo
  • Patent number: 9840799
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus includes a cabinet having an upper surface, the upper surface being configured to receive an object thereon, a drawer adapted to be drawn from the cabinet, a drum disposed in the drawer and defining a space for receiving laundry, a driving unit configured to rotate the drum, a control unit configured to control the driving unit, and a connector unit configured to impact an ability of the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on whether or not the object is placed on the upper surface of the cabinet by preventing the control unit from controlling operation of the driving unit based on the object being absent from the upper surface of the cabinet and by allowing the control unit to control operation of the driving unit based on the object being placed on the upper surface of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minkyu Sang, Kwangchul Heo
  • Patent number: 9839947
    Abstract: Self-cleaning banknotes are provided using coatings, inks and additives which are photo-active and catalytic to reactions which are effective in breaking up organic contaminants or dirt to allow for the self-cleaning of banknotes by ambient light exposure as well as the cleaning of processed banknotes using equipment with more intense optical excitation, thus increasing their usable life. The invention is usable with all substrates and particularly polymeric substrates such as biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP). The invention further discloses a system which allows a certain class of fitness parameters to cause these banknotes to be redirected to a cleaning module, be revaluated, and then either returned to circulation or rejected and/or destroyed. In addition, inks which are photo-catalytic can be used for extending the life of the banknotes in printed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SPECTRA SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nabil M. Lawandy