Patents Examined by Spencer E Bell
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Patent number: 11761133Abstract: A control method for a clothing treatment apparatus. The clothing treatment apparatus includes an air washing device for performing air washing on clothing. The control method includes: obtaining the material of clothing; obtaining the type of a clothing detergent; obtaining the type of a stain on the clothing; and determining a parametric range of air washing according to the material of the clothing, the type of the clothing detergent, and the type of the stain on the clothing. The embodiments allow clothing to be subjected to air washing treatment within an optical parametric range, i.e., a detergent can exert an activation function to the greatest extent, and also allows a stain to be removed and cleaned within the most suitable parametric range to improve the clothing decontamination capability, thereby improving a clothing treatment effect and improving user experience.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD., Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sheng Xu, Zhiqiang Zhao, Kai Liu, Shiqiang Shan
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Patent number: 11760313Abstract: A sensor pod system includes one or more sensor pods with a plurality of sensors configured to collect data from an environment. The sensor pod system may include a cleaning system to clean sensing surfaces of sensor pods during operation. The sensor pod system may include sensors of different types and modalities. Sensor pods of the sensor pod system may be modularly installed on a vehicle, for example, an autonomous vehicle and collect and provide data of the environment during operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Derek Adams, Daniel Glenn Johnson, Christopher William Labadie, Ryan McMichael, Daniel Miller, Peter Thomas Mitros, Anubhav Thakur, Joseph Patrick Warga, Austin In-Jei Yi
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Patent number: 11749557Abstract: A wafer processing apparatus includes a rotating chuck which is rotatably installed inside a cup housing and on which a substrate is mounted, a nozzle table rotatably installed inside the rotating chuck, a guide installed inside the nozzle table, a moving module movably installed on the guide, a guide arm configured to support a fluid supply line part, a lower nozzle part coupled to the guide arm to move together with the moving module and connected to the fluid supply line part, a driving shaft part connected to the rotating chuck and the nozzle table to rotate the rotating chuck and the nozzle table, a moving shaft rotatably installed inside the driving shaft part and connected to the moving module to move the moving module, and a driver connected to the driving shaft part and the moving shaft.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: ZEUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jiho Park, Woon Kong
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Patent number: 11746459Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising an outer tub containing water, and an inner tub disposed in the outer tub to accommodate laundry and rotated about a horizontal axis. The washing machine includes: a motor for providing rotational force; an outer shaft that has a first hollow, and rotates the inner tub; an inner shaft disposed in the first hollow and rotated by the motor; a pulsator disposed in the inner tub and coupled with the inner shaft; a planetary gear train for transmitting rotational force of the motor; a carrier mover which has an outer circumferential surface that is spline-coupled to an inner circumferential surface of the outer shaft, and an inner circumferential surface that is screwed with an outer circumferential surface of the clutch carrier; and a stopper restricting movement of the carrier mover, thereby achieving various washing modes with a simple mechanism by rotating the inner tub and the pulsator.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jeonguk Lee, Joonho Pyo, Taehee Lee
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Patent number: 11739464Abstract: An artificial intelligence apparatus determines whether a washing option in a washing course according to the input of a user is changed when input of the user is received, and collect use history information when the washing option is changed. In addition, the artificial intelligence apparatus inputs the collected use history information to an option resetting model to acquire a second washing option for resetting the washing course, and resets the washing option included in the washing course according to the second washing option.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sangwon Kim, Jaehoon Lee
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Patent number: 11739462Abstract: A washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergents to a detergent mixing tub uses a detergent dispenser removably mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine. A washing machine capable of automatically supplying softening agents to a softening agent mixing tub uses a softening agent dispenser removably mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine. A washing machine capable of automatically supplying detergents to a washing tub uses a pump coupled to a detergent dispenser mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine and the pump is operated by using a driving force of a motor coupled to a door. A washing machine capable of automatically supplying softening agents to a washing tub uses a pump coupled to a softening agent dispenser mounted to an upper portion of the washing machine and operated by using a driving force of a motor coupled to a door.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Gi Hoon Ko, Youn Young Gwak, Han Na Yoo, Kang Kyung Lee, Seok Geun Jang
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Patent number: 11723507Abstract: A conveyor dishwashing machine (1) has at least one washing zone (7), and at least one final rinse zone (8) which is connected downstream (as viewed in the transport direction (T) of the wash items) of the at least one washing zone (7). The conveyor dishwashing machine (1) has a transport apparatus for transporting the wash items through the treatment zones (6, 7) of the conveyor dishwashing machine (1) so that the wash items are situated at least in regions in a washing plane (5) which runs horizontally. The washing plane (5) is configured as a main washing plane, and there is at least one additional washing plane (6) in at least one of the treatment zones (7, 8) of the conveyor dishwashing machine (1), in which additional washing plane (6) wash items can be treated.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Harald Disch, Beatrix Buchert, Martin Schrempp, Don E. Iles
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Patent number: 11723511Abstract: A method for controlling a dishwasher includes: supplying washing water to a sump; rotating an impeller disposed in a washing pump by a washing motor so that the washing water flows into the washing pump from the sump; operating a heater disposed in the washing pump so as to heat the washing water existing in the washing pump and generate steam to supply to a steam nozzle; and supplying the washing water or steam in the washing pump to the steam nozzle by rotating the impeller at a second set rotational speed lower than a first set rotational speed by the washing motor. The method further includes closing a selector valve, configured to open and close a path between the washing pump and the steam nozzle, when the impeller rotates at the first set rotational speed or higher.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sangwoo Woo, Kitae Kwon, Minchul Kim
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Patent number: 11724670Abstract: A device for distributing washer fluid includes a cover portion into which a washer fluid is introduced, a moving shaft assembly located inside the cover portion, a motor assembly located at one end of the moving shaft assembly and configured to rotate the moving shaft assembly, one or more flow holes located in the moving shaft assembly, a plurality of distribution units located to correspond to the one or more flow holes, and a controller configured to control a rotation amount of the motor assembly which is configured to selectively discharge an washer fluid introduced into the one or more flow holes to the plurality of distribution units.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, DY Auto CORPInventors: Jong Min Park, Nak Kyoung Kong, Seung Sik Han, Ki Hong Lee, Jong Wook Lee
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Patent number: 11713533Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine include a first housing, a second housing arranged above the first housing, a first tub covered by the first housing, a second tub covered by the second housing, and a first detergent supplier arranged to supply a detergent to the first tub, a second detergent supplier having a first supply assembly arranged to supply a detergent to the second tub by siphonage when water for laundry is being supplied, wherein the first supply assembly comprises a first valve device arranged in a detergent supply path, in which a detergent is moved to the second tub, for preventing water for laundry from flowing backwards by buoyancy.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyun Dong Jung, Nae Young Park, Seung-Mok Lee, Young-Seong Cheon
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Patent number: 11713530Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable basket that defines a treating chamber, a tub for mounting the rotatable basket, a drive assembly mounted to the tub for rotating the basket and a drive motor mounted to the tub for driving the drive assembly. The tub has a lower region comprising a central cavity and a second cavity. The drive assembly is nested in the central cavity and the drive motor is nested in the second cavity for reducing the vertical stack of tub and the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Eric K. Farrington, Karl David Mcallister, Brenner M. Sharp
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Patent number: 11708655Abstract: A washing machine includes a dewatering shaft for rotating a washing tub, a drive shaft for rotating a pulsator in the washing tub, a coupler that is configured to move up and down along the dewatering shaft, a solenoid module that moves the coupler upward, a coupler guide configured to be rotated by contact with the coupler when the coupler moves upward, and to maintain a position of the coupler or guide the coupler to another position when the coupler moves downward, and a controller that controls operation of the solenoid module based on applying one or more pulse signals to the solenoid module.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jeonguk Lee, Manho Chun, Joonho Pyo, Taehee Lee
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Patent number: 11708054Abstract: A cleaning target provided to a vehicle is automatically cleaned in an appropriate manner. A vehicle cleaning system includes a cleaning section configured to clean a cleaning target provided to a vehicle, and a control section configured to control cleaning of the cleaning target by the cleaning section according to at least one out of a travel situation of the vehicle, an environmental situation of the vehicle, or an indicator relating to adhesion of adhered material to the cleaning target of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yuusuke Yamauchi, Daisuke Shirakura, Shigehisa Hamaguchi, Shouta Adachi
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Patent number: 11693235Abstract: An apparatus includes a mass detection circuit coupled to a surface covered with a plurality of electrodes. The mass detection circuit is configured to detect a mass of a first droplet present on the surface. The apparatus further includes a transducer circuit coupled to a transducer, which is coupled to the surface and form a lens unit. The transducer circuit configured to excite a first vibration of the surface at a resonant frequency to form a high displacement region on the surface. The apparatus also includes a voltage excitation circuit coupled to the plurality of electrodes. In response to the detection of the mass of the first droplet, the voltage excitation circuit is configured to apply a sequence of differential voltages on one or more consecutive electrodes which moves the first droplet to the high displacement region.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Daniel Lee Revier, Benjamin Stassen Cook, David Patrick Magee, Stephen John Fedigan
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Patent number: 11692296Abstract: A washing machine includes a casing, a tub, a drum, a pump for circulating water from the tub, a gasket connecting an entry hole of the casing to an entrance hole of the tub and including nozzles for spraying water to the drum, and outlet ports for supplying water to the nozzles. The nozzles are arranged at an inner surface of the gasket at both lateral sides of the gasket in a vertical direction. The gasket includes port receiving pipes that receive the outlet ports, respectively, that are arranged in the vertical direction at an outer surface of the gasket, and that extend parallel to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jaehyun Choi, Yohwan Kang, Hyunjae Lee
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Patent number: 11686030Abstract: A method of operating a washing appliance includes obtaining images of a wash chamber using a camera assembly operating at a frame rate equivalent to the basket speed. The one or more images are analyzed, e.g., using a machine learning image recognition process, to determine a cloth coverage ratio of the load of clothes in the wash basket. The cloth coverage ratio is compared to a predetermined coverage threshold for reducing out of balance conditions. Specifically, if the cloth coverage area is greater than the threshold, the wash basket may be ramped up to a hold or plaster speed. By contrast, if the cloth coverage area is less than the threshold, the basket speed may be maintained or lowered to permit the clothes to redistribute before ramping to the hold or plaster speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Khalid Jamal Mashal
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Patent number: 11679742Abstract: A vehicular system includes a first in-vehicle sensor having a first cleaning target surface which is provided on a design part forming an appearance of a vehicle and arranged so as to face an exterior of the vehicle. The first cleaning target surface is arranged at an inner side of the vehicle than an immediate upper portion of the first cleaning target surface. The immediate upper portion is constituted by a protrusion provided in a rear bumper.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaru Sakai, Masaaki Sato
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Patent number: 11680348Abstract: The clothes washing and drying machine comprises a washing machine, a drying machine, a chute structure, and a control circuit. The washing machine, the drying machine, and the chute structure are interconnected to form a composite prism structure. The control circuit controls the operation of the clothes washing, the drying machine, and the chute structure. The washing machine is in a superior position relative to the chute structure and the drying machine. The drying machine is in an inferior position relative to the chute structure and the washing machine. The chute structure is in an intermediate position relative to the washing machine and the drying machine. The chute structure forms a channel that allows clothes to fall from the washing machine to the drying machine when: a) the washing machine has completed its operating cycle; while simultaneously, b) the drying machine does not contain clothing.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Inventor: Ricardo Grandt
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Patent number: 11674256Abstract: A washing machine includes a casing, a tub, a drum, a pump for circulating water from the tub, a gasket connecting an entry hole of the casing to an entrance hole of the tub and including nozzles for spraying water to the drum, and outlet ports for supplying water to the nozzles. The nozzles are arranged at an inner surface of the gasket at both lateral sides of the gasket in a vertical direction. The gasket includes port receiving pipes that receive the outlet ports, respectively, that are arranged in the vertical direction at an outer surface of the gasket, and that extend parallel to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jaehyun Choi, Yohwan Kang, Hyunjae Lee
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Patent number: 11667268Abstract: A vehicle cleaner system includes: a cleaner unit configured to be mounted on a vehicle and to discharge a cleaning medium to an external sensor that acquires information outside the vehicle so as to clean the external sensor; and a cleaner control unit configured to control the cleaner unit. The cleaner control unit is configured to acquire weather information, and control the cleaner unit such that at least one of a type of the cleaning medium, a discharge amount of the cleaning medium, the number of times of discharge of the cleaning medium, the number of times of discharge of the cleaning medium per unit time, and a discharge time of the cleaning medium varies according to the weather information.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuki Kawamura