Patents Examined by Terrence Till
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Patent number: 5742971Abstract: A toothbrush has a swivel mounted vacuum cup on the end of the handle which is remote from the bristles so that, when stored, the brush hangs down under gravity in a sanitary position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Stephen Forrest Salinger
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Patent number: 5742965Abstract: A coin-operated golf club cleaner cabinet is provided. Behind an access port in the front of the cabinet is mounted a structural housing comprising a rectangular box frame for supporting two pairs of cup-type brushes, positioned facing and in-line with a gap between them for receiving a golf club head. The first pair of brushes has aggressive bristles and forms a narrow gap between the facing brushes for cleaning irons, the second pair having softer bristles and a wider gap for cleaning woods. The housing has two small front curtained ports for permitting club access to the appropriate brush gap. Three in-line shafts provide two pairs of facing shaft ends upon which are mounted the two pairs of brushes. A line shaft and electric drive provide speed reduction to the three in-line shafts. For convenient access of the brushes for adjustment and maintenance purposes, the housing can be pivoted within the cabinet to present its substantially open base to the cabinet's access port.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventor: Ken J. Leask
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Patent number: 5742975Abstract: The present invention provides an articulated vehicle for scrubbing floors that provides an operator station for riding on the vehicle and is particularly useful in cleaning relatively large floor surfaces that are defined by intersecting aisles of relatively narrow width. In this regard, the dimensional characteristics of the vehicle body facilitate tight turns in such aisles. Further, the location and/or shape of components of the vehicle and/or the positional relationship of one component to another component facilitate turns in narrow aisles. The vehicle also incorporates shock absorbing systems for the scrub head and vacuum squeegee that benefit the noted application.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Windsor Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Knowlton, Robert J. O'Hara
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Patent number: 5742969Abstract: The disclosed particle removing device is formed as a thin flexible generally flat loop sheet, with a layer of adhesive covering one sheet face while the other face is substantially plain, and a quick release backer sheet covers the adhesive layer on the loop sheet 12 prior to use. The particle removing device is reconfigured from its flat storage condition to a three-dimensional loop use configuration, with the adhesive layer exposed and on the outside face of the loop, by peeling off the backer sheet to expose the underlying adhesive layer and curling the loop sheet on itself to connect its opposite ends together at a small lapped connection area. The user can then fit his/her open hand into the loop to pat or roll the loop adhesive layer against or along the surface to be cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Inventors: Andrew P. Thomas, Mark J. Pociejewski
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Patent number: 5740583Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner includes a main body. A hose is connected to the main body. A motor-drive brush is provided in a floor nozzle. An extension pipe connects the floor nozzle and one end of the hose. An electric conductor is located in the extension pipe. The extension pipe includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a first electric connection terminal, a second electric connection terminal, a first conductor casing, and a second conductor casing. The first electric connection terminal is pfovided on one end of the outer tube. The second electric connection terminal is provided on one end of the inner tube. The inner tube slidably extends into the outer tube. The electric conductor is connected between the first electric connection terminal and the second electric connection terminal. The electric conductor is accommodated in the first conductor casing and the second conductor casing. The first conductor casing is provided on the outer tube. The second conductor casing is provided on the inner tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sadahiro Shimada, Akihiro Hirano, Yuichi Shimizu, Hidenori Kitamura, Kazuma Suoh, Masakazu Onda
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Patent number: 5737792Abstract: A dispensable-head toothbrush and dispenser combination comprising (1) a handle, squeezable along its longitudinal axis, having a large end opposite of a narrow tongue-like member, which are both dimensionally reduced when squeezing said handle at its large end; and (2) a plurality of hollow dispensable toothbrush heads, each having an opening for receiving and releasably engaging said tongue means of the handle; and (3) a toothbrush head dispenser having individual compartments in which each one of the plurality of heads rest so as to expose the opening in said heads to having the tongue means of the handle inserted there into.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: Kirk Quigless
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Patent number: 5735011Abstract: A toothbrush capable of removing plaque from teeth wherein a plurality of plaque removing members formed from a mixture of a relatively soft elastomeric material and particles of an abrasive material project outwardly from a support portion of the toothbrush and each plaque removing member is surrounded by a plurality of tufts of bristles formed from conventional materials and wherein each plaque removing member has a base portion and a plurality of spaced apart projections with each projection having an outer surface with a plurality of crevices formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventor: Randall S. Asher
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Patent number: 5735013Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus and a method of cleaning an optical fiber, which comprise a cleaning area where an optical fiber is placed between a first tape-shaped cleaning member and a second tape-shaped cleaning member; a first passing line, which is arranged in the cleaning area through which the first tape-shaped cleaning member passes; and a second passing line, which is arranged in the cleaning area and faces the first passing line, through which the second tape-shaped cleaning member passes.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Tokki CorporationInventors: Shonosuke Yaguchi, Mikio Yoshinuma, Akinobu Kubota, Yoshitake Tomomura
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Patent number: 5735789Abstract: A centrifugal separator to clean a liquid from a substance having a lower density than the liquid comprises a rotor forming a separation chamber (6), in which a stack of conical separation discs (15) is arranged. Liquid and substance dispersed therein flow radially outwards in interspaces between the discs. To increase the separation capability upon a high flow through the separator, the separation discs (15) have a radial inner zone (29a), which has no obstacles for primary flow in the circumferential direction and a radial outer zone (28a), which has so many equally around the rotational axis distributed elongated and through the outer zone (28a) extending obstacles (27a) for liquid flow in circumferential direction that the primary flow in this zone (28a) takes place radially outwards between the obstacles (27a).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Alfa Laval Separation ABInventors: Leonard Borgstrom, Patrik Brehmer, Claes-Goran Carlsson, Peter Franzen, Claes Inge, Torgny Lagerstedt, Hans Moberg
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Patent number: 5732431Abstract: A portable scrubbing device (10) includes a support base (12) for placement on a generally horizontal surface, a motor (14) including a rotatable shaft (16) and mounted to the support base (12) so that the rotatable shaft (16) extends upwardly at an angle from the support base (12), and a brush (18) attached to the shaft (16) for rotation with the shaft (16). The shaft (16) includes a portion having a non-circular cross-section, and the brush (18) includes a sleeve (36) having a portion with a corresponding non-circular cross-section that mates with the shaft (16). The angle at which the shaft (16) is mounted relative to support base (12) and the shape of the shaft (16) and the sleeve (36) cooperate to hold the brush (18) on the shaft (16) and to rotate the brush (18) with the shaft (16) without the use of additional fasteners such as set screws or threaded fittings.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Inventor: Bruce C. McKinley
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Patent number: 5732435Abstract: A device for cleaning golf-club heads comprises a receptacle for containing cleaning solution open at its upper end for receiving a golf-club head to be cleaned, and at least one brush mounted within the receptacle for engagement with the club head. An extension of a base portion projects outwardly of the device a sufficient distance to receive at least a portion of a user's foot thereon to stabilize the cleaning device when supported in an upright position on a horizontal surface. A handle may be formed on the base portion extension for conveniently lifting and transporting or for storing and draining the cleaning device. A cap may be provided for closing the upper end of the receptacle to prevent loss of cleaning liquid during transportation and handling of the cleaning device.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Danali Products, Inc.Inventors: Christopher R. Williams, Ronald A. Williams, Austin F. Noll, III
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Patent number: 5733239Abstract: In order to free a liquid form a substance dispersed therein and having a larger density than the liquid a centrifuge rotor is used having a stack of conical separation discs. Elongated spacing members (11a, 11b) in the spaces between the separation discs are formed such that the liquid flow in the disc interspaces is conducted in a certain way. Thus, the main part of the liquid is conducted in flow paths (12a, 12b), each of which has a direction with one radial component and one component turned against the rotational direction of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1994Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: ALFA-Laval Separation ABInventors: Claes Inge, Peter Franzen, Torgny Lagerstedt, Leonard Borgstrom, Claes-Goran Carlsson, Hans Moberg, Olle N.ang.bo
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Patent number: 5727280Abstract: A brush holder includes a generally cylindrical container with an inner annular flange close to its open end and a raised brush support which defines a lower liquid reservoir. The annular flange is preferably inclined toward the bottom of the container or, alternatively, is perforated. The dimensions of the annular flange are chosen such that when a brush is inserted into the container and removed from the container, the flange squeezes the brush. As the brush is squeezed, liquid is removed from the brush and drips into the liquid reservoir. The brush support is preferably a raised central portion of the container floor which defines an annular reservoir or, alternatively, the brush support may be formed as a perforated disk which is spaced above the floor of the container. The brush support keeps the brush out of the reservoir so that the brush will remain dry.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Inventor: Richard Romano
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Patent number: 5724697Abstract: A novel toothbrush staple for a holding a U shaped tuft of bristles in a tuft hole of a toothbrush head. The staple is generally flat and its lower edge is rounded to inhibit rupturing the bristles at the bight portion of a U shaped tuft of bristles mounted by the staple in the hole. The sides of the staple are provided with one or more horizontal grooves each having a sharp edge. The arrangement of tufts and staple is such that the rounded bottom of the staple contacts the bight portion of the tuft of bristles, thus precluding rupture due to sharp edges at the staple bottom bearing against the bight portion of the tufts, especially during initial installation of the tuft in the hole. Each leg of the U shaped tuft is in contact with a respective staple surface. With the passage of time, plastic creep or flow results in the plastic on the inside wall of the hole flowing towards the staple sides and interlocking with the sharp edges of the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Martin Howard Klee, Francis Patrick Paciullo
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Patent number: 5724692Abstract: A device for washing hollow objects comprises a hollow housing forming an inner chamber, a rotor rotatable in the chamber under the action of water, a connection for connecting the rotor to a working instrument for washing an object, a water inlet and water outlet for supplying water into the chamber and withdrawing at least a part of water from the chamber, the water inlet and the water outlet being formed as a water inlet nozzle and a water outlet nozzle arranged coaxially with one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Inventors: Sam Zhadanov, Eli Zhadanov
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Patent number: 5724695Abstract: A foot brush assembly for use in the shower or the like including a base member and a loofa base pad removably strapped to the base member. The foot is rubbed against the surface of the loofa base pad and a brush thereon for massaging or cleaning the bottom of the foot. A sponge and bar of soap are disposed between the base member and loofa base pad for lathering the foot during use. A bridge member is removably secured over the top of the base member and defines a foot receiving cavity. A loofa bridge pad including a brush is removably strapped to the inner surface of the bridge member for massaging or cleaning the top and sides of the foot when the foot is received in the foot cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Inventor: Michael A. Galizia
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Patent number: 5722104Abstract: A horizontal top brush for a vehicle laundering or finishing plant wherein a brush rotated by an hydraulic motor is mounted between the free ends of pivot arms carried by spaced vertical stanchions flanking a vehicle lane. Counterweight arms on the left and right sides of the wash lane have an axis of rotation which is spaced from the axis of rotation of the brush pivot arms. The counterweight arms are mechanically interconnected with the brush arms by sector gears, an arrangement which permits all of the brush and counterweight arms to lie on one side of the vertical support stanchions. The brush arms are slotted to permit the counterweight arms to pass through them. Brush position relative to the vehicle is varied as a function of brush motor reaction which in turn is a function of brush contact pressure or depth.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Belanger, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Wentworth
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Patent number: 5720705Abstract: In order to free a liquid form a substance dispersed therein and having a larger density than the liquid a centrifuge rotor is used having a stack of conical separation discs. Elongated spacing members (11a, 11b) in the spaces between the separation discs are formed such that the liquid flow in the disc interspaces is conducted in a certain way. Thus, the main part of the liquid is conducted in flow paths (12a, 12b), each of which has a direction with one radial component and one component turned against the rotational direction of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1991Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Alfa-Laval Separation ABInventors: Claes Inge, Peter Franzen, Torgny Lagerstedt, Leonard Borgstrom, Claes-Goran Carlsson, Hans Moberg, Olle N.ang.bo
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Patent number: 5720078Abstract: A suction device for removing liquids from a surface such as a floor. The device includes an air chamber formed from a top and a bottom plate, each of the plates having a respective top and bottom surface. The air chamber is in fluid communication with a fitting adjacent thereto. The bottom plate includes a plurality of holes therethrough. The bottom surface of the bottom plate additionally includes fabric adjacent thereto and feet to hold the bottom plate of the device up off the floor to enable fluid to be suctioned through the bottom plate holes and into the chamber via a conventional source of suction. The device is also arranged to be located beneath an area where fluid is escaping for directly receiving and evacuating fluid that would otherwise fall on the floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Inventor: J. Aaron Heintz
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Patent number: 5720069Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for cleaning the surfaces of aircraft with a large manipulator having a rotating brush head consisting of several extensions (12, 12', 12", 14) pivotable on articulations (20, 22, 24, 28) by means of hydraulic drive systems (30) and fitted on a rotary bracket (11) of a motor-driven chassis (10) with its base extension (12) fitted on an angled mast to rotate about a main axis (11) and a multiple articulation (16) on the end extension (14) at the free end. To provide starting auxiliary for the chassis (10), the adaptation of the large manipulator to the aircraft and/or monitoring facilities for the cleaning process, there is an opto-electronic distance camera (40) and a computer-supported electronic evaluation system to which the output signals of the distance camera (40) are applied.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Putzmeister-Werk Maschinenfabrik GmbHInventors: Martin Wanner, Karl Schlecht, Dietmar Fuegel, Stefan Fritz