Patents Examined by Robert Scruggs
  • Patent number: 9387561
    Abstract: A screw fastening device (10) includes a base part (11), an extended part (12) with one end (12a) which is attached to the base part in a pivotable manner, a tool part (13) which is fastened to another end (12) of the extended part and makes a screw which is engaged with its front end rotate, a pushing mechanism (15) which pushes the tool part against the screw (14) through the extended part in an axial direction of the screw, a guide part (16) which is fastened to the base part and has an arc shaped part, a torque generating part (17) which generates a torque which makes the extended part rotate along the arc shaped part in a fastening direction of the screw, and a first detection part (18a) which detects when a reaction force of a predetermined value or more acts against the torque generating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Fanuc Corporation
    Inventor: Toshimichi Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 9386907
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ENDOCLEAR LLC
    Inventors: Brad E. Vazales, Arthur Bertolero
  • Patent number: 9381628
    Abstract: The present invention features a hardware tool with adjustable length separable into two independent tools. The device includes a handle with an adjustment pin disposed on the exterior of the handle and a hollow tube with a plurality of holes aligned and disposed on the exterior of the tube. A ratchet fixedly attached to the tube, wherein the ratchet comprises a ratchet key and a push latch to change the allowable rotation direction. An open-end wrench or a pipe wrench head is removably attached to the handle, wherein the wrench comprises a hardware head and a socket adapter, wherein the socket adapter is adaptive to snuggly fit into a locking collar disposed on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Roy J. Garza
  • Patent number: 9375123
    Abstract: One aspect of the present Invention provides a pull-behind floor finish applicator which includes a wheeled cart constructed and arranged to receive a source of floor finish. The wheeled cart includes a selectively moveable floor finish spreader coupled to the cart with a biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Bober, Lance D. Brown, Glenn N. Weaver
  • Patent number: 9375131
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus configured for removing debris or lint from clothing by agitating lint and then rolling it off. The cleaning apparatus includes a handle with a first end and a second end, a cleaning roll support extending from the handle second end and terminating at a distal end, an agitator arm extending from the handle second end parallel to the cleaning roll support and terminating at a distal end and an end cap rotatably connected to the agitator arm distal end. The end cap is configured to be rotatable between an open position away from the cleaning roll support and a closed position in which the end cap engages with the distal end of the cleaning roll support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Butler Home Products LLC
    Inventor: Mark Butts
  • Patent number: 9357892
    Abstract: A vacuum suction nozzle comprises a nozzle body comprising a first end and a second end, a nozzle passage extending through the nozzle body from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of channels traversing the first end. The channels enter the nozzle passage tangentially. Each channel may be wider proximate an outer surface of the nozzle body than proximate the nozzle passage. A vacuum system comprises the nozzle and a vacuum generator coupled to the nozzle. A method for vacuum cleaning comprises inducing a vortex flow proximate the nozzle with a vacuum generator, and translating the nozzle generally parallel to a surface to remove particulates from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Henry Pang Kim Pong, Ronnie Tan Kwang Liang, Siantar Tanioes
  • Patent number: 9357897
    Abstract: A portable, hands-free device for cleaning a cooking utensil includes a motor, a source of electrical power electrically coupled to the motor, and scrub brushes mechanically coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Brent McNair Estep
  • Patent number: 9358087
    Abstract: The power appliance (10) for cleaning teeth includes a drive system (16) and a substrate (10) for supporting a field of bristles (14) which contact teeth for cleaning. The drive system is connected to the substrate, moving the substrate in operation to produce an action of the bristle field against the teeth. The assembly, which includes internal stiffeners (60, 62, 64) in one embodiment, has two physical states, including a first state in which the substrate is softened so as to be formable to conform to the geometry of the teeth, and a second hardened state following its conformance to the teeth in which the substrate is sufficiently rigid to effectively transmit a driving motion to the bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Miller, Patrick A. Headstrom, Bethany Joyce Johnson, Ian Gordon Blanch, Tijn Pieter Lodewijk Huttenhuis
  • Patent number: 9351620
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a dirt collection container and a suction head which can be placed on the dirt collection container, wherein the suction head has at least one suction unit which is in flow communication with the dirt collection container via a suction duct and a filter device and with at least one exhaust air opening via at least one exhaust air duct. To provide high suction capacity, a compact construction, and relatively little generation of noise during operation, the suction head has two suction units arranged next to one another, positioned in a vertical direction at the same level as the filter device and surrounded by a common exhaust air chamber, wherein the exhaust air chamber is in flow communication with exhaust air openings via a first and a second exhaust air duct and the filter device is arranged between the two exhaust air ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Frank, Kai Thorsten Langen, Maic Hensel
  • Patent number: 9351561
    Abstract: A multipurpose brush mechanism featuring an attachment and retainer mechanism to provide ease of use and effective storage for professional painters and consumers alike. The attachment mechanism includes an embedded hook which may be removably attached and may utilize numerous clip mechanisms and magnetic attraction members. The brush functions as an ordinary paint brush but the magnetic attachments allow it hang inside a paint can, or on any other accessory. The multifunctional hook can also allow for easy storage when the project is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Michael McCarthy
  • Patent number: 9351622
    Abstract: A fluid extracting device with a shaped head and associated systems and methods of use and manufacture. In one embodiment, the device includes an extractor head that includes an extractor port housing having a cavity configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. The extractor port housing includes a recessed surface and individual openings extending through the recessed surface and in fluid communication with an interior suction cavity. The extractor port housing can further include first and second lips each adjacent to opposite sides of the recessed surface and each configured to provide a squeegee function. In another embodiment, the device includes a tubular member and a handle operably coupled to the tubular member and including a suction control device. The suction control device is configured such that a user can simultaneously operate the device to control the suction and operate the extractor to remove fluid from a flooring surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Sapphire Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: William Bruders, Brett Bartholmey
  • Patent number: 9352455
    Abstract: A fastener driver configured for use with a rotary power tool having a chuck. The fastener driver includes a drive including a shank, an elongated extension including an aperture that extends through the elongated extension, and the drive is removably coupled to the elongated extension. The fastener driver further includes a driver including an aperture that extends through the driver and a drive to engage a fastener to rotate the fastener, and the driver is removably coupled to elongated extension to allow the fastener to pass through the aperture of the driver and into the aperture of the elongated extension. The fastener driver further includes a connector that couples the driver to the drive for co-rotation without the elongated extension when the elongated extension is not utilized and the connector couples the driver, the elongated extension, and the drive for co-rotation when the elongated extension is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Steele, Steven G. Melnyk, Thomas G. Simeone
  • Patent number: 9320397
    Abstract: A latch mounts in an opening on the lidcage of a conventional vacuum cleaner. A stationary piece has a hooked arm that locks against an edge on the lidcage, and can be clipped in place without other fasteners. It also has a hose fence that helps hold a stored hose. A movable piece has a tongue that slides within a channel on the stationary piece. When locked, the tongue engages the bead and a lock latches onto an edge, inhibiting the tongue from moving to the unlocked position. The lock is on an actuator tab that extends from the stationary piece and can be deflected by a user to release the lock. A spaced finger edge may be engaged by a user while pressing the actuator tab. A barb on the tongue engages the same edge that the lock latches onto, and resists removal of the tongue from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHOP VAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Gottschall, Melvin E. Wolfe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9307881
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Patent number: 9307874
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhanced personal hygiene. In one embodiment, a hand cleaner apparatus is disclosed. The hand cleaner apparatus includes an elongate grip having two ends. Each end has a scrubber area and a finger scrubber notch. In another embodiment, light emitting diodes and a timer are included in the hand cleaner apparatus to indicate passage of an appropriate cleaning time after activation of the hand cleaner apparatus. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Kevin L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9302382
    Abstract: A multipurpose tool is disclosed. The multipurpose tool is formed as a flexible material comprising a proximate region, a distal region and a substantially flat and straight intermediate region disposed therebetween and having a jagged side edge; a third hook is inwardly curved with respect to the straight intermediate region to provide an open portion directed toward the proximate region; a second hook is inwardly curved with respect to the straight intermediate region to provide an open portion directed toward the distal region; a first hook formed on an outer surface of the second hook and having an open portion directed away from the distal region; and a clip formed on an inner surface of the second hook and having an open portion directed toward the distal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis J. Tuohy, III, Jeannie Tuohy
  • Patent number: 9295365
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprising an extractor has a primary fluid delivery system and an auxiliary fluid delivery system. A first button on a handle of the extractor controls the delivery of cleaning fluid from the primary fluid delivery system. A second button on the handle of the extractor controls the delivery of cleaning fluid from the auxiliary fluid delivery system, which includes a spot sprayer mounted to the base assembly through which cleaning fluid is delivered. The handle is provided with an interlock between the first and second buttons so that cleaning fluid cannot simultaneously be delivered by both the primary and auxiliary fluid delivery systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Huffman, Kenneth M. Lenkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9295362
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner agitator system having an agitator, an electric motor to rotate the agitator, a power source, and an agitator cleaner. The cleaner moves between a first position in which it is spaced from the agitator and a second position in which it engages the agitator to remove debris while the agitator rotates. The system also has a detector configured to indicate when the cleaner is in the second position. A drive control system connects the electric motor, electric power source, and agitator cleaning detector. The drive control system has a first drive mode to drive the electric motor at a first power level, and a second drive mode, activated upon receiving an indication from the detector that the cleaner is in the second position, to drive the electric motor at a second power level that is greater than the first power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Henrik Eriksson
  • Patent number: 9289053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brush ring having a ring-like frame part, to which bristles protruding radially outwardly can be fastened and which can be slid axially onto a shaft in order to form a sweeping roller and which can be fastened on the shaft in a rotationally secured manner by means of at least one catch device protruding radially inwardly, wherein the frame part, viewed in the circumferential direction, has ring sections arranged at an offset from each other in the axial direction and connecting elements formed in the axial direction, the connecting elements being arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a center point axis extending through the catch device and the ring center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: WEBER BURSTENSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Menken, Werner Weil, Jan Winkler
  • Patent number: 9289894
    Abstract: A hand tool and bit storage device configured to allow easy storage and access to a wide variety of bits. The hand tool comprises a body portion, a stem portion and a bit interface. The hand tool couples with the storage device. The storage device holds one or more tool frames or bit inserts each comprising a plurality of bits. The bit inserts are deformable to allow easy access to the bits contained therein. In some embodiments, the bit inserts may be locked in the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton