Patents by Inventor Austen B. Hufton

Austen B. Hufton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4174977
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for rinsing and sanitizing a mop utilized to clean floors. Utilized with a conventional mop, mop wringer and mop bucket, the apparatus dispenses a pre-selected volume of cleaning solution onto the mop. The mop is then wrung dry and used, and the method of rinsing and sanitizing is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1979
    Assignee: ServiceMaster Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Shallenberg, Austen B. Hufton, Roland A. Blomgren, William M. Copeland
  • Patent number: 4028827
    Abstract: The improved sign disclosed herein is particularly adapted for use in an institutional building, such as a hospital, for warning persons of temporary, potential hazards relating to maintenance work and the like. The improved sign includes a base member which may be quickly and easily mounted on and dismounted from the metal doorframe normally found in such institutional buildings. The base member includes a magnet for mounting the sign on the metal doorframe and the like, and a rod end holder for receiving and holding one end of a telescoping, elongated rod that projects outwardly from the base member and thus, from the metal doorframe and the like. A piece of material is mounted on the other end of the elongated rod and includes a cautionary warning message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: Servicemaster Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Austen B. Hufton
  • Patent number: 3992747
    Abstract: An improved tool is disclosed for cleaning hard surface floors. The tool includes a scrubbing block which is pivotally mounted on the lower end of a handle that may be manipulated by a person standing by the tool. A housing is mounted about the scrubbing block and is connected with the scrubbing block by leaf springs so as to permit the housing to "float" with respect to the scrubbing block. The housing includes a bottom surface and curved, generally transverse, front and rear channels that are disposed adjacent to the front and rear of the housing, that are open to the floor, and that are connected with a vacuum conduit. Squeegee blades are disposed in the channels and are carried therein by support members pivotally mounted on the housing. The support members include a plurality of depending feet which support the housing so that its bottom surface is above the floor to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Assignee: Service Master Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Austen B. Hufton
  • Patent number: 3971643
    Abstract: The improved dust bag is designed for use with an upright vacuum cleaner and is made of air impervious material. The lower end of the dust bag is connected with the base of the upright vacuum cleaner adjacent to the air discharge outlet of the vacuum cleaner. A first, relatively large opening is formed in the dust bag and defines the flow path through which air may flow out of the dust bag. An inner wall divides the interior of the dust bag into first and second compartments and includes a second opening which is aligned with and coincides, in size and shape, with the first opening and which permits air to flow from the second compartment to the first compartment. A filter is disposed in the first compartment adjacent to the first opening and is utilized to filter the air as it flows out of the dust bag through the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1976
    Assignee: Servicemaster Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Austen B. Hufton
  • Patent number: D259918
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Inventor: Austen B. Hufton