Patents Examined by Tuongminh N Pham
  • Patent number: 11623230
    Abstract: Voltage application device includes voltage application circuit. Voltage application circuit applies a voltage to load including discharge electrode that holds liquid, voltage application circuit generating discharge in discharge electrode. During a drive period, voltage application circuit periodically changes a magnitude of the voltage applied to load at a drive frequency within a predetermined range including a resonance frequency of liquid, voltage application circuit mechanically vibrating liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohei Ishigami, Jumpei Oe, Yukari Nakano, Takafumi Omori, Tetsunori Aono, Kana Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11623235
    Abstract: A water spray gun includes a main body, an operating member and a switch part. The main body includes a handle portion and a tube portion extended from the handle portion and provided with a spray head. A control assembly is enclosed in the main body for control of water outflow and adjustment of the amount of the water outflow. The operating member is pivotally connected to the position where the handle portion meets the tube portion. The switch part is arranged at the operating member and is engaged with the control assembly. The amount of water outflow is controlled by relative movement between the switch part and the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Chi-Han Cheng
  • Patent number: 11617462
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a washable straw of high practicality, including a middle connecting body, a first snap-fitting body connected with one side of the middle connecting body, and a second snap-fitting body connected with another side of the middle connecting body opposite to the first snap-fitting body. The first snap-fitting body and the second snap-fitting body are movably connectable by snap-fitting. The structural design of the present disclosure is rational. Through the control of the dimensions of the various components and the elastic contraction of the material, a reliable connection and a certain degree of sealing and leak-proof effect can be achieved. Moreover, it is easy to use and wash, and has an outstanding result of application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Pandian Peng
  • Patent number: 11607064
    Abstract: A drinking straw has an elongated body with a longitudinal flow channel. The user end of the body is closed and rounded for safety. A pair of lateral channels open onto the body adjacent the user end and provide fluid communication to the flow channel. The straw is injection molded, and a mold is provided which accommodates thermal expansion of a rod forming the flow channel. A pair of opposed cavity inserts form the lateral channels. To reduce bending stresses on the rod upon removal of the cavity inserts, one cavity insert is formed longer to the other. This longer cavity insert is removed prior to opening of the mold plates, and as such the straw and rod are supported against bending during this removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao Fong Lee, Iwan Soetomo Salim, Olivier B. Perrin, Richard Lenne, Stijn Van Damme
  • Patent number: 11602653
    Abstract: A flame front in a gas pipeline is extinguished by introducing an extinguishing agent at an overpressure at an extinguishing zone of the pipeline. Using an overpressure provides a better and finer atomization of the extinguishing agent, and permits a greater amount of the extinguishing agent to be provided in the extinguishing zone per unit time. In addition, a sealing fluid is introduced at sealing zone of the pipeline. Gas flowing through the pipeline must flow through the sealing fluid in the sealing zone. Preferably, movement of a flame front from one side of the sealing zone to the other side of the sealing zone is prevented or reduced by the sealing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Leinemann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Kosmehl, Frank Helmsen, Thomas Heidermann, Michael Davies, Tom Gutte
  • Patent number: 11596819
    Abstract: An automatic fire suppression system for use in extinguishing residential fires or engine compartment fires in a vehicle. The automatic fire suppression system in mountable on a ceiling or under a hood of the vehicle or above the vehicle's engine if located elsewhere. The automatic fire suppression system retains an extinguishing agent in an extinguishing agent reservoir. A detection component for detecting heat or smoke triggers the release of the extinguishing agent according to a preset heat level or smoke condition. Once released, the extinguishing agent is dispensed onto the fire by through a plurality of orifices in a distribution component to effectively suppress the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Jean Anicet
  • Patent number: 11596966
    Abstract: A protection device for an irrigation system having at least one water line and at least one irrigation sprinkler head, the protection device comprising a protector body having a wall defining an interior cavity, a top rim, and a bottom rim with at least two groove pairs, wherein a first groove pair has a first groove profile, and a second groove pair has a second groove profile, the second groove profile being different from the first groove profile, an adapter cap having an outer rim surface, an annular ledge extending inward from the outer rim surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface, the adapter cap detachably connected to the protector body, a collar insert having an outer edge, an inner edge defining a center aperture, and a lower surface, the collar insert detachably connected to the adapter cap, and wherein the protector body is selectively ridingly engaged between a first riding engagement with the first pair of grooves and a second riding engagement with the second pair of grooves on at least on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Richard Wellner
  • Patent number: 11590522
    Abstract: Kits for vehicles may include pulse-width-modulated solenoids configured to selectably turn individual nozzle assemblies on and off and vary their flow rates when installed in fluid communication with the nozzle assemblies, one or more wirelessly-controllable solenoid controllers, a wiring harness to electrically connect the pulse-width-modulated solenoids to the controller(s), a wirelessly-communicating GPS antenna system, a LiDAR sensing system which may be wirelessly-communicating, associated wiring and bracketry to connect the kit with a vehicle, and a mobile device configured to wirelessly cause the one or more controllers to turn individual nozzle assemblies on and off and vary their flow rates based on sensed data and/or recorded data, in view of user-selected criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: SmartApply, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Booher, Gary A. Vandenbark, Mike Hilligoss
  • Patent number: 11583874
    Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer system for dispensing and dispersing a liquid containing a spray compound includes a spray cloud dispersal feature that reduces the time that a residual spray cloud containing droplets including the spray compound remains suspended after spraying. A method of dispersing the residual spray cloud is implemented by a control system that causes a flow control system to deliver a non-active gas or liquid in conjunction with stopping delivery of the liquid containing the spray agent and charged with the same polarity, so that a charged cloud of the non-active gas or liquid, which may be air, displaces the suspended active fluid particles. The non-active gas or liquid may be dispensed for a predetermined time interval as determined by the control system, or the operator may control the time interval during which that the non-active fluid is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ES PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11583885
    Abstract: A unit dose capsule for use with a sonic generator includes a deformable membrane adapted to releasably engage the distal end of the elongate horn, a nozzle including at least one delivery opening; a nozzle including at least one delivery opening; and a reservoir containing a liquid composition disposed therebetween. When the unit dose capsule is engaged to the distal end of the elongate horn, the nozzle is disposed in an outwardly facing orientation, and the reservoir is in liquid communication with the at least one nozzle. The unit dose capsule can be included in a kit with a handheld misting device comprising a housing having a dispensing window arranged and configured to contain a sonic generator and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandru Paunescu, Richard J. Fougere
  • Patent number: 11580046
    Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes a frame having a cab defining an interior within which a flash memory device is permanently mounted. The flash memory device is isolated so that it is incapable of receiving any onboard operating data pertaining to the operation and status of the firefighting apparatus. Instead, the device primarily stores data regarding a service manual, maintenance manual, electrical diagrams and/or troubleshooting guide related to the firefighting apparatus. The device is able to be selectively coupled to a portable computing device so that a user working on the firefighting apparatus can access the data without risk of loss or misplacement thereof. A related method also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., James F. Symonds
  • Patent number: 11571592
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system includes at least two horizontal barriers, each covering two adjacent racks and a vertical flue space between the racks. The horizontal barriers are provided at a predetermined height, and have a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack, and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the two racks and a depth of the vertical flue space. The horizontal barrier is spaced from an adjacent horizontal barrier. The system also includes at least two rack level fire protection sprinklers disposed in the vertical flue space below a horizontal barrier, of the at least two horizontal barriers. The sprinkler have a K-factor of 11.2 gpm/(psi)1/2 or greater, and are vertically spaced from commodities stored on the racks. Each horizontal barrier covers one rack level sprinkler, of the at least two rack level sprinklers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Multer, Oliver Pahila
  • Patent number: 11571593
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system includes a horizontal barrier that covers two adjacent racks, and the vertical flue space between the racks. The horizontal barrier is provided at a predetermined height, and has a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack, and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the rack, a depth of the other rack, and a depth of the vertical flue space. In addition, the horizontal barrier is a sheet having one or more apertures. The system also includes a rack level fire protection sprinkler connected to a fluid supply conduit, and being disposed in the vertical flue space below the horizontal barrier. The rack level sprinkler has a K-factor of 11.2 gpm/(psi)1/2 or greater, and is vertically spaced from commodities stored on the rack and the other rack covered by the horizontal barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Multer, Oliver Pahila
  • Patent number: 11566403
    Abstract: A faucet that includes a base; a collar extending from the base, wherein the collar is rotatable relative to the base about a longitudinal axis; a control arm comprising a first end movably coupled to the collar and a second end opposite the first end; a sprayhead configured to emit water; a magnetic spheroidal joint comprising a ball and a socket, wherein at least one of the ball and the socket is magnetic and attracts the other of the ball and the socket through a magnetic force, one of the ball and the socket is coupled to the sprayhead, and the other of the ball and the socket is coupled to the second end of the control arm; and a flexible hose separate from the control arm and configured to fluidly connect the sprayhead and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Gary N. Clarke, Rodney L. Weekley, Jacob R. Frye
  • Patent number: 11559714
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for an unmanned sprinkler system for suppressing fires that includes one or more hoses, one or more pipes, and a plurality of piercing nozzles arrayed and extending downward along each of the one or more pipes. Each of the piercing nozzles comprise a plurality of water flow openings for providing a sprinkler effect that suppresses or extinguishes fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: Scott Austin
  • Patent number: 11559821
    Abstract: A method of using a fluid dispenser unit having a reservoir and a piston that slides in the reservoir. The unit includes an extractor head secured to the reservoir to suck fluid to be dispensed into the reservoir, and a spray head assembled on the extractor head to spray the fluid out from the reservoir. The method includes the steps of sucking a fluid to be dispensed into the reservoir through the extractor head; assembling the spray head on the extractor head; and spraying the fluid through the spray head. The step of sucking up a fluid to be dispensed includes a first step of extracting a fluid, such as a solvent, from an extraction reservoir, and a second step of mixing the fluid with a first substance, such as a powder or a lyophilisate, so as to form the fluid to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: APTAR FRANCE SAS
    Inventors: Ludovic Petit, Olivier Martins
  • Patent number: 11559712
    Abstract: A portable fire extinguisher is disclosed which includes a cylinder for storing a pressurized fire extinguishing agent and has a neck portion defining an outlet, and a flexible hermetic seal supported across the outlet of the cylinder, wherein the flexible hermetic seal is adapted and configured to transition between: an unexpanded condition corresponding to an unpressurized cylinder; an expanded condition corresponding to a pressurized cylinder; and a bursted condition corresponding to an opened cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventor: Henry Arnette
  • Patent number: 11548027
    Abstract: Sprinkler guards to protect fire protection sprinklers in their installed and operative positions. A fire protection sprinkler guard includes a structure with a hinged arrangement to flexibly receive a fire protection sprinkler. A latch connection operates in combination with the hinge of the guard to form a rigid cage structure to shield and protect the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: Viking Group, Inc., Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Gary William Pleyte, Scott T. Franson, Martin H. Workman
  • Patent number: 11552457
    Abstract: A discharge device according to the present disclosure includes a discharge electrode and a voltage applicator that applies a voltage to the discharge electrode and thus causes discharge that is further developed from corona discharge at the discharge electrode. The discharge is discharge in which a discharge path is intermittently formed by dielectric breakdown so as to stretch from the discharge electrode to a surrounding. This discharge can be called leader discharge. This makes it possible to increase an amount of generated active component while keeping an increase of ozone small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youhei Ishigami, Masaharu Machi, Takafumi Omori, Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Osamu Imahori, Tetsunori Aono, Takayuki Nakada, Yukari Nakano
  • Patent number: 11541638
    Abstract: A cover plate is configured to be releasably connected to a concealed fire protection sprinkler to conceal the fire protection sprinkler. The cover plate includes a first layer of metal on a first side of the cover plate, the first side of the cover plate having the first layer of metal directly facing, in its entirety, the concealed fire protection sprinkler, and a second layer of metal on a second side of the cover plate, the second side being opposite to the first side. The second layer of metal is more resistant to corrosion than the first layer, and is bonded to the first layer. In addition, the first layer of metal facing the concealed fire protection sprinkler is more thermally conductive than is the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. Inc.
    Inventor: John Tow