Patents by Inventor Chris J. Harmelink

Chris J. Harmelink 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).

  • Publication number: 20240423435
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system varying a color or temperature of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: Patryk Donald Akhurst, Chris J. Harmelink
  • Patent number: 12171395
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system can output a condition, status, state, alert or error to a user by emitting visible light and varying an intensity, color, wavelength, temperature, or animation of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Chung, Mike Luyckx, Chris J. Harmelink, Patryk Donald Akhurst, Isaac Busken-Jovanovich, Christopher L. Hogg, Churu Yun
  • Patent number: 12035874
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus can include a housing adapted to move across a surface to be cleaned, an edge brush, and a brushroll driven by a brush motor. The edge brush is connectable with a drive coupling for rotating the edge brush, and is indirectly driven by the brush motor via the brushroll. In one aspect, the edge brush and drive coupling comprise a modular unit removably coupled to the housing. In another aspect, the drive coupling can include a worm and a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: James Theodore Hotary, Chris J. Harmelink, John Joseph Bleau, Qian Yu Zhang, Yongsheng Liang, Christopher L. Hogg
  • Publication number: 20240138641
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system can output a condition, status, state, alert or error to a user by emitting visible light and varying an intensity, color, wavelength, temperature, or animation of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Chung, Mike Luyckx, Chris J. Harmelink, Patryk Donald Akhurst, Isaac Busken-Jovanovich, Christopher L. Hogg, Churu Yun
  • Publication number: 20240081596
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system can output a condition, status, state, alert or error to a user by emitting visible light and varying an intensity, color, wavelength, temperature, or animation of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Chung, Mike Luyckx, Chris J. Harmelink, Patryk Donald Akhurst, Isaac Busken-Jovanovich, Christopher L. Hogg, Churu Yun
  • Patent number: 11903555
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system can output a condition, status, state, alert or error to a user by emitting visible light and varying an intensity, color, wavelength, temperature, or animation of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Chung, Mike Luyckx, Chris J. Harmelink, Patryk Donald Akhurst, Isaac Busken-Jovanovich, Christopher L Hogg, Churu Yun
  • Patent number: 11779182
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a fluid delivery system and a recovery system, and is operable in a plurality of user-selectable cleaning modes, including at least a wet vacuuming mode and a dry vacuuming mode. The fluid delivery system has a fluid dispenser that may comprise a spray manifold for wetting a brushroll. The recovery system includes a tank that may have a baffle to separate liquid and/or debris from a working airstream. Operating parameters of the apparatus may be automatically adjusted based on a detected floor type. The apparatus can dock with a tray for recharging and/or self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Timothy R. Lambrix, Matthew R. Smith, Matthew Gordon Kamps, Eric Daniel Buehler, Jacob S. Boles
  • Patent number: 11760276
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component provides a user interface with a display/image when illuminated. The component comprises a composite structure with a cover material providing a light-transmissive effect and a surface providing a surface effect (grain/wood texture) visible when the display is off. The image is presented at the cover surface when the display is on. The cover may comprise a wood veneer with backing (paper, fiber material, etc.). The composite structure may comprise a mask layer and a lens, filter, colorant, etc. The user interface may include a sensor. The light source may comprise a display panel, LED/array, module, etc. The image is visible at the user interface when display functionality is in operation; when display functionality is not in operation the surface effect of the cover (e.g. wood texture) is visible with substantially no indication of display functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott Allen Hansen, Anthony DeGrote, Chris J. Harmelink
  • Publication number: 20220175204
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus can include a housing adapted to move across a surface to be cleaned, an edge brush, and a brushroll driven by a brush motor. The edge brush is connectable with a drive coupling for rotating the edge brush, and is indirectly driven by the brush motor via the brushroll. In one aspect, the edge brush and drive coupling comprise a modular unit removably coupled to the housing. In another aspect, the drive coupling can include a worm and a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: James Theodore Hotary, Chris J. Harmelink, John Joseph Bleau, Qian Yu Zhang, Yongsheng Liang, Christopher L. Hogg
  • Patent number: 11318891
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Patent number: 11284759
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus can include a housing adapted to move across a surface to be cleaned, and an edge cleaning brush provided on the housing. The edge cleaning brush can include an attachment hub connectable with a drive coupling for rotating the brush, a cleaning implement configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, and a tensioner hub applying downward force onto the cleaning implement. Drive couplings for the edge cleaning brush are also disclosed, such as drive couplings including a worm and belt that are indirectly drive via a brushroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: James Theodore Hotary, Chris J. Harmelink, John Joseph Bleau, Qian Yu Zhang, Yongsheng Liang, Christopher L. Hogg
  • Patent number: 11285881
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an outer surface and a support comprising an outer surface and configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The component may comprise a light source to provide a lighted border around the support and/or illuminate walls of the cavity. The outer surface of the support and the outer surface of the base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The support may rotate and translate as it descends. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to move the support. The component may comprise a pump and a valve. The component may comprise at least one of a console, floor console, tunnel console, armrest, instrument panel, door or door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Patent number: 11285882
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. LTD.
    Inventors: Chris J Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210347305
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210339665
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising an outer surface and a support comprising an outer surface and configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position. The component may comprise a light source to provide a lighted border around the support and/or illuminate walls of the cavity. The outer surface of the support and the outer surface of the base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The support may rotate and translate as it descends. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to move the support. The component may comprise a pump and a valve. The component may comprise at least one of a console, floor console, tunnel console, armrest, instrument panel, door or door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Publication number: 20210323455
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base structure comprising a functional region configured to present a first form and a second form comprising a receptacle. The base structure may comprise an illuminated section at the functional region. The functional region may comprise a movable illuminated platform. The platform may move between an elevated state for a default form and a lowered state for the second form. The platform may be configured to be presented at a first or generally horizontal orientation and a second or generally tilted orientation. The illuminated section may comprise a perimeter of the functional region. The component may comprise an actuator configured to operate a mechanism for the functional region. The functional region may comprise wireless charging capability. The component may comprise at least one of a console; floor console; tunnel console; armrest; instrument panel; door; door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson, Natalie Bogdanov, Norbert Truxa, Lucas Eyl, Jesus Maria Galan Garcia, Ivo Erler, Wei Lange-Mao, Bogdan Muresan
  • Publication number: 20210298548
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus can include a housing adapted to move across a surface to be cleaned, and an edge cleaning brush provided on the housing. The edge cleaning brush can include an attachment hub connectable with a drive coupling for rotating the brush, a cleaning implement configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, and a tensioner hub applying downward force onto the cleaning implement. Drive couplings for the edge cleaning brush are also disclosed, such as drive couplings including a worm and belt that are indirectly drive via a brushroll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: James Theodore Hotary, Chris J. Harmelink, John Joseph Bleau, Qian Yu Zhang, Yongsheng Liang, Christopher L. Hogg
  • Patent number: 11072290
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a surface and a support comprising a surface and configured to move between raised and lowered positions. The surfaces of the support and base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The component may comprise a light source to illuminate a border around the support and walls of the cavity. The component may comprise a mechanism to move the support. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to the mechanism to move the support. The mechanism may comprise an adaptive volume mechanism. The component may comprise a wireless charger configured to send a signal to a controller to move the support. The component may comprise at least one of a console; armrest; instrument panel; door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210086700
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. A method of making the component is also disclosed. The component may comprise a base providing a compartment and a door. An interface between the base and door may facilitate movement of the door; the interface may comprise extrusions/projections on the door to engage guides on the base. The door may comprise a carrier/substrate and cover/cover layer; the substrate and/or cover may be formed by extrusion. The carrier/substrate and cover layer may be formed by co-extrusion and/or be integrally formed. The cover layer may be bonded to the substrate. The carrier may be formed by extruding a polymer material. The carrier may comprise a first polymer material; the cover may comprise a second polymer material. The component may comprise at least one of a vehicle trim component, console, storage compartment, arm rest, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Mathew HIPSHIER, David John MCCARTHY, Amit Mukund PATANKAR, Ronald A. BOZIO, Chris J. HARMELINK
  • Publication number: 20210086701
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a surface and a support comprising a surface and configured to move between raised and lowered positions. The surfaces of the support and base may comprise a substantially continuous surface when the support is in the raised position. The support may descend into the base to provide a cavity. The component may comprise a light source to illuminate a border around the support and walls of the cavity. The component may comprise a mechanism to move the support. The support may comprise a switch to send a signal to the mechanism to move the support. The mechanism may comprise an adaptive volume mechanism. The component may comprise a wireless charger configured to send a signal to a controller to move the support. The component may comprise at least one of a console; armrest; instrument panel; door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Chris J. Harmelink, Jonathan Alan Dykstra, Brandon Miller, Brian Scott DeBlaay, Thomas Scott Hodgson, Rick Alan Anderson