Patents Examined by Terrence R. Till
  • Device for carrying out work on a surface and method for operating the device
    Patent number: 7093318
    Abstract: To treat a surface by a device attracted to the surface by vacuum, it is necessary in most cases to guide a working device with a certain contact pressure over the surface. To be able to set the contact pressure of the working device with little effort, the device according to the invention rests at three points on the surface, one support point being formed by the working device. The force of attraction of the device against the surface is, therefore, accurately distributed to the working device and the other two supports so that the pressure force of the working device can be specifically varied and also controlled by varying the vacuum between the device and the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Konrad
  • Apparatus for cleaning channels for air conditioning and other purposes
    Patent number: 7089623
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an arrangement for cleaning ducts and chimneys, such as air conditioning ducts. The arrangement comprises a guide wire cable having a cleaning end and a feed end, a brush or some other tool being connected to the cleaning end of the guide wire cable, and a drive unit connected to the feed end of the guide wire cable, the arrangement further comprising transmission means for moving the brush by means of the drive unit. According to the invention the drive unit comprises a hydraulic pump, the transmission means are provided by hydraulic pipes arranged inside the guide wire cable, and the primary drive unit for the brush being a hydraulic motor connected to the cleaning end of the guide wire cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Oy Lifa Iaq LTD
    Inventors: Vesa Mäkipää, Kauko Salomäki, Markku Viinikainen
  • Device and method for cleaning a surface of a member for storing and transporting goods
    Patent number: 7087121
    Abstract: A method and device for removing sawdust from a deck surface (24) of a wooden pallet (10) is provided. The device comprises a rotary brush (124) having a working length (WL) defined by a plurality of bristles (130). The working length (WL) is greater than a width (WD) of the deck surface (24). A mechanism (136) is connected with the rotary brush (124) and is actuatable for rotating the rotary brush (124). A support (32) rotatably supports the rotary brush (124). The mechanism (136) is fixed relative to the support (32). Rotation of the rotary brush (124) when the bristles (130) are in contact with the deck surface (24) of the wooden pallet (10) simultaneously removes sawdust and debris across the width (WD) of the deck surface (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: John L. Herschberger
  • Dust collecting unit of vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 7086119
    Abstract: A dust collecting unit for a vacuum cleaner is provided. The dust collecting unit includes a dust separating chamber with an air inlet formed on an outer surface thereof and an air outlet formed on one side thereof, a main dust collecting chamber formed in the dust separating chamber for separating dust and dirt in a cyclonic fashion, an auxiliary dust collecting chamber formed at one side of the main dust collecting chamber, and a partition plate for partitioning the main dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting unit allows an amount of air sucked and the efficiency of collecting dust and dirt to be greatly increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Il-Gyeong Go, Young-Gun Min
  • Ambient air backflushed filter vacuum
    Patent number: 7082640
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning machine has a cannister with an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. At least two filters are disposed inside of the cannister, one in pneumatic communication through each of the outlet ports. At least two valves are disposed outside of the cannister. Each valve is in pneumatic communication between a vacuum source and an outlet port so as to permit air to be drawn by the vacuum source from the inlet port simultaneously through the filters. A controller operates the valves to switch the filters from the vacuum source to ambient air so as to permit ambient air to be sequentially intermittently drawn through corresponding valves and filters into the cannister. Preferably, the controller includes a timing mechanism for setting the delay time of the sequential valve operation and a timing mechanism for setting the intermittent time of connection of each filter to ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Christy, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. McCutchen
  • Vacuum cleaner with pivotal fixture for dust bag reinforcing plate in a dust bag compartment
    Patent number: 7076832
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection compartment inside of which a dust bag with a reinforcing plate, which has a clip connected to the underside thereof, can be placed. The clip tapers toward the bottom in the shape of a funnel or trapezoid and is suited for insertion into a correspondingly configured fixture. The fixture has lateral guide elements that guide the reinforcing plate when pushed in. The configuration enables the dust bag to be easily inserted into the dust collection compartment without the involving the difficult placement inside a guide profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Wilma Albert, Herbert Kess, Albert Kleinhenz, Sebastian Räder, Andreas Schlereth, Thomas Seith
  • Floor tool
    Patent number: 7069620
    Abstract: A floor tool for use in vacuum cleaning floor surfaces includes a sole plate that has a suction channel formed in it. The suction channel is bounded on at least one side by a working edge for engaging with the floor surface. Lint pickers are positioned alongside the suction channel and are separated from the suction channel by the working edge. The lint pickers are mounted on a surface of the floor tool which is inclined with respect to the plane in which the working edges lie. The sole plate is pivotally mounted with respect to a suction outlet so that movement of the floor tool in a forward and backwards direction alternately brings one of the working edges into closer contact with the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Martin Paul Bagwell
  • Squeegee device and system
    Patent number: 7069615
    Abstract: A toothbrush is disclosed that includes and applicator head and a handle coupled to the applicator head for manipulating the applicator head while cleaning teeth and gums. The applicator head includes a curved squeegee element and bristles that surround elongated walls of the curved squeegee element, such that teeth and gums can be simultaneously wiped with the curved squeegee element and brushed with the bristles during a cleaning operation. The curved squeegee element preferably has two terminus ends and wiping edges of the curved squeegee element can be contoured or otherwise shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Sprayless surface cleaner
    Patent number: 7070662
    Abstract: A bar jet assembly formed of a base plate having a cleaning fluid discharge chamber communicating with a cleaning fluid input surface and a discharge slot in a cleaning fluid output surface; and a pair of cover plates coupled to the fluid output surface of the base plate and forming therebetween an inclined cleaning fluid discharge orifice communicating with the base plate discharge slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Roy Studebaker
  • Cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaner with slotted baffle
    Patent number: 7065826
    Abstract: A dirt separation and collection container suitable for use in a bagless vacuum cleaner including two dirt separation and collection zones is provided. Dirty air enters the mid-section of the device and enters a first stage dirt separation zone including a cylindrical baffle spaced inwardly from the outer wall of the device with an inclined slot to allow coarse dirt particles and fibers to pass through and collect at the base of the outer wall of the device. The spinning air is then fed into a second stage conical separator for separating fine dirt particles and collecting them in an inner substantially cylindrical collection chamber. Air exits the conical separator and device opposite the cone opening before being drawn to the suction source. Elements may be oriented upwardly or downwardly depending upon the configuration of the housing for receiving the dirt separation and collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: Euro Pro Operating, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Christopher Arnold
  • Steam broom with suction
    Patent number: 7059011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam broom with suction, comprising a steam production unit (14), sucking means and a water filtering unit (16), wherein said steam production unit, sucking means and filtering unit are enclosed into a base body (11), resting on rollers and wherein a handle (13) extends in height from said base body for handling, to which the motor (17) is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Matic di Capitani Emilio
    Inventor: Emilio Capitani
  • Fluid recovery device
    Patent number: 7059013
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting soiled cleaning solution from carpets and other surfaces utilizing a low-profile pick-up head is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber or enclosed space positioned in a fluid recovery device to provide a uniform vacuum along the entire width of the device. Also disclosed is a low-profile push-pull fluid recovery device which includes a positive pressure chamber and a vacuum chamber in the push-pull head to distribute positive and vacuum pressures, respectively, along the width of the push-pull head. Methods for using such pick-up heads are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Wydra, David E. Bros
  • Tool rail cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 7059014
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning at least one surface of tubular tool rails includes an elongated housing having a free end, at least one brush rotatably attached to the free end of the housing, and a motor attached to the housing. The motor is operable to rotate the at least one brush to clean the at least one surface of the tool rail when the brush contacts the at least one surface. A debris removal device is attached to the housing adjacent the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Martone, Randall R. Sobocienski, Stephen J. Veryser
  • Tool mounting assembly for a surface maintenance machine
    Patent number: 7059015
    Abstract: A squeegee mount and assembly which cooperate to permit both pivotal and linear motion of the squeegee assembly relative to the machine frame. To avoid contact with a stationary object, the squeegee assembly can be both pivoted and linearly moved relative to the surface maintenance machine, thereby preventing damage to the squeegee assembly and/or the surface maintenance machine. The squeegee mounting assembly includes a mounting arm, a subframe, a return spring coupled between the subframe and the frame, and a stop. A squeegee assembly comprised of a squeegee blade, an arcuate squeegee blade holder, and a link which couples the blade holder to the squeegee mounting assembly. A guard rail is also coupled to one end of the blade holder and rotatively coupled along another end to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Anthony John Hamline, Robert Allan Geyer, Richard Allen Nelson, Terence Alan Peterson
  • Power blower having a debris-catching cover
    Patent number: 7055213
    Abstract: A power blower includes a frame, and a blower mounted on the frame. An air intake port of the blower faces the frame. There is provided an air intake space between the blower and the frame. A debris-catching cover is constructed between the frame side and the blower side in a state in which it is mounted on both the frame and blower sides. The debris-catching cover inhibits debris from being sucked from the air intake space into the air intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Kioritz Corporation
    Inventors: Giichi Iida, Tadashi Kamoshita
  • Blocker door for an agitator duct of a vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: 7055211
    Abstract: A blocker door assembly is disclosed. The blocker door assembly includes a carpet engaging nozzle base and a nozzle opening positioned in the base. The blocker door assembly further includes a rotating agitator positioned in the nozzle opening and an outlet duct in fluid communication with the nozzle opening. The blocker door assembly yet further includes a motor/fan assembly in fluid communication with the duct. The blocker door assembly further includes a blocker door adapted to slide between a open position which places the nozzle opening in fluid communication with the motor fan unit and a closed position which blocks fluid communication between the nozzle opening and the motor fan unit. A method of operating a vacuum cleaner is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventor: Richard R. Tucker
  • Dentition cleaning device and system
    Patent number: 7051394
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed that includes and applicator head and a motorized handle coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head while cleaning teeth and gums. The applicator head includes a curved squeegee element and bristles that surround elongated walls of the curved squeegee element, such that teeth and gums can be simultaneously wiped with curved squeegee element and brushed with the bristles during a cleaning operation. The curved squeegee element preferably has two terminus ends and wiping edges of the curved squeegee element can be contoured or otherwise shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Gavney, Jr.
  • Spring shaft for pipe cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 7052554
    Abstract: A spring shaft (1) for cleaning pipelines consists of a coil spring (2) with windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) of spring steel and with a rotation axis (RA) and a spiral winding axis (WA). In order to give the spring shaft (1) a particular cleaning function, the windings (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) have at least on their outside (4) a cross section departing from the circular shape, with at least one edge (K) acting on the pipeline. At the same time it is possible to provide the outside (4) with at least one longitudinal groove (8) following the windings (3c), or to configure the cross section of the windings (3a, 3b) as a square whose outside edge (4a) runs parallel to the rotation axis (RA) or whose surface diagonal (4b) runs radially to the rotation axis (RA). Lastly, it is possible to provide the outside (4) with a profile (5) in which projections and grooves alternate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Rothenberger Werkzeuge Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Rothenberger
  • Cleaner cartridge
    Patent number: 7051399
    Abstract: A cleaner cartridge includes a container having an interior cavity, in which cleaning agent can be stored. A first end of conduit is fluidically coupled to the interior cavity. A second end of the conduit is connectable to a chemical dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Daniel L. Joynt, Jeffrey A. Johnson, Joseph K. Krueger, Bryan L. Christensen
  • All-sided mouthbrush
    Patent number: RE39185
    Abstract: An all-sided mouthbrush A device for cleaning a the mouth of a user. The all-sided mouthbrush device includes a handle including a first end having first and second sides, bristles extending from the first side, and an alternate cleaning device connected to on the second side, wherein the bristles clean teeth of the user and the alternate cleaning device cleans a the tongue and inner side of the mouth of the user. The alternate cleaning device may be in the form of one of a plurality of parallel ridges, a plurality of columns of tuft-shaped bristles, a plurality of spade headed bristles, a scouring pad-like surface or a plurality or off set rows of bristle-like structures made of soluble crystals for scraping the tongue and inner side of the mouth of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Dennis W. Noe, Chris M. Sold