Patents by Inventor Bruce M. Kiern

Bruce M. Kiern 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: 9949602
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a base including a motor assembly and a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates around the motor assembly about an axis of rotation, the wheel extends radially outward from the motor assembly, and a portion of the motor assembly intersects a plane defined by the wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Charles J. Morgan, Victor B. McClearen, Ernest M. Chavana, Jr., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles A. Liter, George V. Hibbs, Dennis T. Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20150196180
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a base having an agitator housing including an air outlet. The base further includes a volute including a volute air inlet disposed substantially parallel to the agitator housing and a volute air outlet disposed substantially orthogonal to the agitator housing. An air duct connects the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the agitator housing and the air outlet of the agitator housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Charles J. Morgan, Victor B. McClearen, Ernest M. Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles A. Liter, George V. Hibbs, Dennis T. Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 9074622
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with bag mount and disposable bag is described. In some embodiments, the vacuum bag may include a semi-permeable dirt bag having a top edge, a generally flat collar having a top edge, and a first opening in the collar configured to accept a dirty air nozzle, where the top edge of the vacuum bag does not extend beyond the top edge of the collar. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner may include a dirty air nozzle, a vacuum bag having a substantially rigid collar including a dirty air opening, and at least one void used for alignment of the collar; a mounting member releasably connected to the vacuum cleaner and movable between a loading position and a fully closed position, and a latch to releasably retain a top edge of the collar to keep the mounting member in the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20150101145
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a base including a motor assembly and a wheel, wherein the wheel rotates around the motor assembly about an axis of rotation, the wheel extends radially outward from the motor assembly, and a portion of the motor assembly intersects a plane defined by the wheel perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Charles J. Morgan, Victor B. McClearen, Ernest M. Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles A. Liter, George V. Hibbs, Dennis T. Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 8914940
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111696
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with bag mount and disposable bag is described. In some embodiments, the vacuum bag may include a semi-permeable dirt bag having a top edge, a generally flat collar having a top edge, and a first opening in the collar configured to accept a dirty air nozzle, where the top edge of the vacuum bag does not extend beyond the top edge of the collar. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner may include a dirty air nozzle, a vacuum bag having a substantially rigid collar including a dirty air opening, and at least one void used for alignment of the collar; a mounting member releasably connected to the vacuum cleaner and movable between a loading position and a fully closed position, and a latch to releasably retain a top edge of the collar to keep the mounting member in the fully closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111694
    Abstract: A base plate for a vacuum cleaner is described. In some embodiments, the base plate includes a first portion adapted to support a motor, a second portion including a beater bar housing, wherein the base bottom includes magnesium and is of unitary construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111695
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base having a volute air outlet and a beater bar housing that are substantially collinear is described. In some embodiments, the beater bar housing includes an air outlet, the volute includes a volute air inlet disposed parallel to the beater bar housing, and a volute air outlet disposed orthogonal to the beater bar housing, and an air duct connecting the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the beater bar housing; wherein the air outlet of the beater bar housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear. Additionally a vacuum cleaner comprising a unibody mount bracket is described. In some embodiments, the unibody mount bracket includes one or more handle receptacles, a dirty air outlet configured to receive a dirty air conduit, and a pivot joint disposed adjacent the dirty air outlet, wherein the pivot joint is configured to receive a bag mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20130111698
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner base housing including a motor including a shaft and a wheel mount, wherein the motor is housed within the wheel mount described. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a first wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing includes a second wheel mount including a substantially circular outer surface. In some embodiments, the cleaner base housing the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount are co-axial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Jeff Morgan, Victor Brent McClearen, Ernest Matthew Chavana, JR., Bruce M. Kiern, Charles Andrew Liter, George Virgle Hibbs, Dennis Thomas Lamb, Timothy Kolody, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20110265284
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a blockage sensor and methods of identifying an obstructed airway in a vacuum are described. The vacuum cleaner has a motor and a circuit board to provide electrical current to the motor including an amperage flow sensor to determine the electrical current draw of the motor, and a blockage determiner to sample the electrical current draw and count the number of times the sampled electrical current draw exceeds a threshold amperage within a window of time. The blockage determiner can sense a blockage within the airflow path or the beater bar, and can optionally shut down the motor prior to motor failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Charles J. Morgan, Bruce M. Kiern
  • Patent number: 7691187
    Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7597749
    Abstract: A frame for an electrostatic precipitator cell is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The frame in one embodiment includes a first frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell and a second frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell. The second frame portion assembles to the first frame portion to form the frame. The frame includes one or more side portions, an open top end, and an open bottom end. The frame receives and holds the electrostatic precipitator cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, Dennis T. Lamb, Bruce M. Kiern, Owen T. Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20090126572
    Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7533440
    Abstract: An integral vacuum cleaner bumper is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The bumper includes a bumper shell formed of an at least partially resilient material and includes an inner surface that mates to the vacuum cleaner chassis and an outer surface. The bumper shell is affixed to the vacuum cleaner chassis as an integral component of the vacuum cleaner and the outer surface of the bumper shell becomes a portion of an outer surface of the vacuum cleaner. The bumper further includes one or more cavities formed along a bottom edge region of the bumper shell, one or more corresponding magnets designed to fit into the one or more cavities, a backing plate including one or more fastener apertures, and one or more fasteners that pass through the one or more fastener apertures of the backing plate and affix the backing plate to the bumper shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, James Chisholm, Bruce M. Kiern
  • Patent number: 7481870
    Abstract: An electrode wire for use in an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire includes a wire portion of a predetermined length L, a first end, and a second end. The electrode wire further includes retaining bodies formed on the first end and the second end of the wire portion. A retaining body of the retaining bodies is substantially solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Publication number: 20080017035
    Abstract: A frame for an electrostatic precipitator cell is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The frame in one embodiment includes a first frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell and a second frame portion adapted to at least partially receive the electrostatic precipitator cell. The second frame portion assembles to the first frame portion to form the frame. The frame includes one or more side portions, an open top end, and an open bottom end. The frame receives and holds the electrostatic precipitator cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, Dennis T. Lamb, Bruce M. Kiern, Owen T. Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7306655
    Abstract: A corona ground element for use in a pre-ionizer of an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The corona ground element includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections are adapted to retain the corona plate in the electrostatic precipitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7306648
    Abstract: A retainer for use with a corona ground element of an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The retainer includes a body and a retainer aperture extending at least partially through the body and adapted to receive a projection extending from the corona ground element. The retainer aperture is configured to receive the projection as a press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7291206
    Abstract: A pre-ionizer for use with an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The pre-ionizer includes two or more corona ground elements arranged in a substantially parallel orientation. A corona ground element of the two or more corona ground elements includes a substantially elongate body including a proximate end and a distal end and first and second projections formed on the proximate end and the distal end. The first and second projections retain the corona ground element in the electrostatic precipitator. The pre-ionizer further includes one or more corona charge elements positioned between two adjacent corona ground elements of the two or more corona ground elements. When a high voltage electrical field is placed across the two or more corona ground elements and the one or more corona charge elements, the pre-ionizer at least partially ionizes airflow through the pre-ionizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 7276106
    Abstract: An electrode wire retaining member for an electrostatic precipitator is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The electrode wire retaining member includes one or more flexible arm portions extending from the body and formed of an at least partially flexible material. A flexible arm portion returns to a substantially normal configuration after being deformed. The electrode wire retaining member further includes a retaining portion formed on an outer end of a flexible arm portion and extending from the flexible arm portion. The electrode wire retaining member further includes a slot formed in the retaining portion and sized to accommodate an electrode wire. The retaining portion and the slot receive and hold a retaining body formed on an end of the electrode wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Kiern, Dennis T. Lamb, Charles W. Reynolds, Christopher M. Paterson