Patents Examined by Timothy M. Ayres
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Patent number: 9750338Abstract: A folding table includes a table top provided with a table top elevator having legs. A hinge unit is coupled between panels of the table top to allow the table to be folded.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Dorel Home Furnishings, Inc.Inventors: Dennis M Turner, Andrew B Mendenhall, Paul T Zink, Terrence C Bergin, Simon L Leclerc
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Patent number: 9752819Abstract: A refrigerator includes a rotating bar configured to seal a gap between one pair of doors. The rotating bar includes a case provided with an accommodating space; a cover to cover the accommodating space, and having heat conduction blocking parts at both sides thereof; a heat insulation member accommodated in the accommodating space; a metallic plate positioned between the heat conduction blocking parts; and a heat generating member configured to be attached to a rear surface of the metallic plate. An insertion protrusion with an inclined surface is configured to be downwardly movable when the inclined surface is collided with the guide part. Sealing members made of rubber are disposed at vertical end portions of the rotating bar, the sealing members to cover gaps formed at the vertical end portions of the rotating bar when the first door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Mo Kim, Jee Hoon Lee, Myoung Hun Kim, Hak Gyun Bae, Hee Tae Shon, Jong Hoon Oh, Sinn Bong Yoon, Kun Eui Hong
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Patent number: 9751657Abstract: A metal pallet (10) has a deck (12), a base (14) and a plurality of beams (16) therebetween. The deck (12), the base (14) and the beams (16) may be formed from lightweight sheet metal. The metal sheets are folded into the desired shape to respectively form the beams (16), and panels (18, 22) and slats (20, 32) for the deck (12) and the base (14). The panels (18, 22) and the slats (20, 32) are corrugated and the opposed side edges thereof may be folded upon themselves to provide for robust multi-ply edge constructions. Different types of corrugations may be provided over the panels (18, 22) and the slats (20, 32) to locally reinforce the pallet (10). The bottom portion of the beams (16) may be plastically deformed to create arched opening (58) to permit side entry of pallet handling equipment. The plastically deformed regions (60) of the beams (16) may be configured to improve the mechanical properties of the beam while providing maximal clearance for pallet handling equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: PALAC INDUSTRIES INC.Inventors: Christian Cote, Andre Tanguay
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Patent number: 9752817Abstract: A panel adjustment mechanism for an appliance includes an adjustment bracket having a first lateral adjustment mechanism extending from a first side of the adjustment bracket. A vertical adjustment mechanism extends from a second side of the adjustment bracket. A door panel abutment surface is positioned perpendicular to the first and second sides of the panel adjustment bracket. A bracket housing defines an adjustment region and includes first and second flanges, wherein the first lateral adjustment mechanism extends through a lateral adjustment slot defined in the first flange, wherein the vertical adjustment mechanism extends through a vertical adjustment slot defined within the second flange, wherein the operation of at least one of the lateral adjustment mechanism and the vertical adjustment mechanism moves the panel adjustment bracket between a plurality of positions within the adjustment region.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Michael S. Richards, Rahul Wadke, Joshua J. Wittes
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Patent number: 9738295Abstract: A folding table having first and opposite ends that are rotatable relative to one another to lie either face-to-face when the folding table is in a folded configuration or end-to-end when the folding table is in an unfolded configuration. The table includes a pair of pull-out wheels on which the table can roll in its folded configuration. A retractable chair rack can be pulled outwardly from one of the table ends to engage a stack of folding chairs to be transported when the table is in its folded configuration and functioning as a cart. The pair of pull-out wheels are pivotally coupled to the table and rotatable between a first position lying outside and adjacent opposite sides of the table when the table is in its folded configuration and a second position lying below the bottom of the table when the table is in its unfolded configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventor: Brian Horowitz
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Patent number: 9723935Abstract: A food shield has shield panels that are location adjustable and angularly adjustable in respect of support posts coupled to a buffet table or cart. For vertical or location adjustment of a shield panel in relation to a post, a bracket assembly includes outer and inner collar portions, a grip element positioned between the outer and inner collar portions, and a tightening element that tightens the connection of the assembled collar against support posts. A lever is set to lock the outer and inner collar portions to one another, and pulled to release the collar portions. For angular adjustment, each bracket assembly includes an indexing base, a rotatable arm assembly with an indexing hub, and a removable or retractable coupling element. The bracket assembly further has clamps that engage the shield panel at or near each of the front and rear panel edges.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc.Inventors: Larry N. McAllister, Kenneth Shawn Christianson, Brian Christopher Powell
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Patent number: 9715780Abstract: An approach is provided to facilitate storage space rental services from a self sustaining solar powered storage locker rental system that may be remotely monitored and controlled. The apparatus includes one or more storage lockers each having respective electronic locking mechanisms. The apparatus is configured to process a request to access a storage locker and determine storage locker availability. The apparatus displays which of the one or more storage lockers is available and processes a selection of an available storage locker to generate an access message that includes a locker number, a randomly generated access code, and a duration of access indication based on a confirmed financial transaction. The apparatus also includes at least one solar energy collection unit configured to collect solar energy, and an energy storage unit configured to store the collected solar energy and supply power to the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GARRSNLOCKR LLCInventor: James E. Garrison
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Patent number: 9713377Abstract: A display counter section includes a lower base portion, an upper base portion, and a light. The upper display portion defines a hollow interior, and includes translucent panels and a metal top. The translucent panels enclose the hollow interior of the upper display portion. The metal top extends over the hollow interior and the translucent panels such that the display counter section is configured to only display products on a top of the metal top. The top of the metal top defines a plurality of uniformly shaped sockets to receive a plurality of product display racks. The light is maintained within the hollow interior backlighting the translucent from the hollow interior by the light.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.Inventors: Erica Marie Arne, Joseph Stukenberg
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Patent number: 9702621Abstract: Disclosed herein are a refrigerator and a display unit of the refrigerator, in which a sealing member is disposed between a display installation part and a displaying part of a display unit, and thus moisture is prevented from penetrating into the display unit. The refrigerator includes a door assembly which opens and closes an opened front surface of a storage compartment and including an opening provided at a front surface thereof, and a display unit, wherein the display unit includes a display installation part that is inside the door assembly to correspond to the opening and at which a display is installed, a displaying part which is disposed at a front surface of the display installation part and exposed to an outside through the opening, and a sealing member which seals between the display installation part and the displaying part and prevents moisture from penetrating into the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Woo Chul Cho, Sang Cheol Lee, Jong Sun Park, Sang-Jin Lee, Sang Gyu Jung
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Patent number: 9681747Abstract: A folding table has an integrated electrical power outlet. The table has a tabletop with a horizontal orientation supported in an elevated position by at least a pair of legs or leg assemblies pivotally coupled at opposite sides of the tabletop and pivotal between a closed storage position against the tabletop and an open elevated position extending transverse to the tabletop. The tabletop has a bottom framework with a perimeter rail extending along at least a portion of a perimeter the tabletop and defining at least a portion of the perimeter of the tabletop. The perimeter rail is segmented and defines a rail gap in the perimeter rail, with the perimeter rail having opposing ends at the rail gap. The electrical power outlet is spliced into the perimeter rail at the rail gap and spans the rail gap in the perimeter rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.Inventor: Matt Pectol
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Patent number: 9670956Abstract: Slide assemblies that include at least an inner slide segment and an outer slide segment. Many of the slide assemblies also include an intermediate slide segment interposed between the inner slide segment and the outer slide segment. The outer slide segment is constructed from a bent piece of material having a substantially uniform wall thickness. The outer slide segment is formed to have a wall portion, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper portion and lower portion include two layers of the piece of material. A mounting assembly for a slide assembly includes at least one bracket having a first pin and a second pin movable relative to the first pin. The second pin can surround and slide upon the first pin and can be biased to a first position and movable to a second position relative to the first pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Jonathan Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Ronald J. Judge
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Patent number: 9671129Abstract: A utility heating table cabinet includes a main body, which has a tabletop. The main body is provided, in the interior thereof, with a heating device at a location corresponding to and under the tabletop. The heating device includes a housing and a heating element and an air blower mounted inside the housing. The housing is formed with a heating airflow opening extending through an outer wall of the main body. The main body has a surface on which an operation panel is provided for controlling an operation condition of the heating device.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: DONG GUAN SONG WEI ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Weilin Lu
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Patent number: 9638457Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling unit (1) for chilled, in particular frozen, goods, comprising a cooling chamber (2), a housing wall (3) that at least partially delimits the cooling chamber (2), a carrier (8) that bridges the cooling chamber (2) at least in some regions and has a covering (14) and a support profile (15) for absorbing bending stresses, which profile is at least partially covered by the covering (14), and at least one sliding cover (4, 5, 6, 7), by means of which the cooling chamber (2) can be at least partially closed and which is mounted in a slidable manner on the covering (14) of the carrier (8) and on the housing wall (3) by way of linear guides (9, 10, 11) of the cooling unit (1). In order to provide a stable and user-friendly cooling unit (1), the support profile (15) runs at least partially beneath the linear guide (10, 11).Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: AHT Cooling Systems GmbHInventor: Reinhold Resch
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Patent number: 9635995Abstract: Support structures for dishwashers are disclosed. An example dishwasher for treating dishes according to a cycle of operation includes a tub defining a treating chamber with an opening, a frame coupled to and structurally supporting at least a portion of the tub, a dish rack mount coupled to the frame, and a dish rack coupled to the dish rack mount, wherein the weight of the dish rack is substantially borne by the frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Harshal J. Bhajak, Rexford W. Cordill, Steven J. Kuehl, Thomas M. O'Brien, Donald J. Wilson
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Patent number: 9635916Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a hybrid modular furniture and container unit includes a base shell, a base core layer, and a set of base inner panels. The base shell has a shell bottom, a first shell wall, a second shell wall, a third shell wall, a fourth shell wall, and upper flaps associated with each of the respective walls. The base core layer has a core bottom, a first core wall, a second core wall, a third core wall, and a fourth core wall. The core layer is disposed within the base shell. The base inner panels include a first inner panel wall, a second inner panel wall, a third inner panel wall, and a fourth inner panel wall. The inner panel walls disposed within the shell and each upper flap is folded over a respective core wall and inner panel wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: MUVO, LLCInventors: Lara Bezich, Peter Castellucci
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Patent number: 9635930Abstract: Provided is a table system that allows for multiple table frame arrangements using various combinations of fundamental building pieces. An adjustable height table leg includes two parallel and horizontal slots adapted to receive and clamp two independent frame members of the frame. The frame members may be bent or angled in a plurality of configurations to achieve a desired shape for the table frame. Sections of the frame members may also include apertures through which fasteners may be threaded to connect two frame members at right angles.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: DSA International, LLCInventors: Daniel Korb, Adam Meeuwsen, Gary Petertyl, Tod Babick
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Patent number: 9591921Abstract: A non obstructive laptop desk and chair apparatus which combines the use of a laptop computer with the use of a recliner armchair is disclosed. The laptop desk and chair apparatus comprises a recliner armchair having a chair seat, an angular adjustable back, a pair of armrests each with an upper arm surface, a board having upper and lower flat surfaces and a front side configured to be adjacent a user. A leg assembly attached to the front half of the lower flat surface of the board includes a pair of feet that are elongated cylindrical in shape and include a friction enhancing surface. A strap attached via hooks and eyelets to the front two corners of the upper flat surface of the board extends around a portion of the recliner armchair between the angular adjustable back and the chair arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Inventor: Jesus Valdivia
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Patent number: 9582086Abstract: A user interface support apparatus for securing wireless computer peripherals (WCP) such as a keyboard and a pointing device is disclosed. The user interface support apparatus comprises a board comprising (i) a keyboard area on a top surface of the board and configured to secure a keyboard and (ii) a pointing device area on a top surface of the board. The user interface support apparatus also comprises a pointing device support structure secured to the pointing device area of the board and operable in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the pointing device support structure in conjunction with the pointing device area of the board stores the pointing device. In the second mode, the pointing device support structure provides a planar surface on which to operate the pointing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Inventor: John Edward Schweiter, Jr.
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Patent number: 9585267Abstract: A case for an audio mixer console comprises first and second frame members, a carrier surface and a releasable latch member. The first and second frame members are spaced apart from each other. A first side of the carrier surface is proximate to the first frame member and a second side of the carrier surface is proximate to the second frame member. The carrier surface is pivotally coupled to the first and second frame sides along a first axis of rotation and moves with respect to the first axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The carrier surface further comprises a catch member located proximate to a back edge of the carrier surface between the first and second frame sides. The releasable latch member releasably engages the catch member when the carrier surface is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Inventor: Dana Monroe
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Patent number: 9572475Abstract: An appliance that conducts a useful cycle of operation on an article comprises a treating chamber receiving the article and having an access opening. A first closure element selectively closes at least a first portion of the access opening, and a second closure element movable relative to the first closure element selectively closes at least a second portion of the access opening. An operative device can be coupled to the second closure element. A cable providing at least one of electrical or data communication to the device is routed through the first closure element to the second closure element and is operatively connected to the device on the second closure element.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Gephart, Andrew T. Middleton, Blayne C. Smith, Anthony B. Welsh