Patents by Inventor Joseph T. Gierer
Joseph T. Gierer 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).
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Patent number: 11864720Abstract: A rechargeable battery for powering a vacuum cleaner includes a casing, a latch for securing the rechargeable battery in the vacuum cleaner, an electrical connection interface, and a battery core disposed within the casing. The casing includes a cover plate, a sidewall extending from the cover plate, and first and second rails that extend longitudinally along the cover plate. Each rail is L-shaped and includes ribs for support. The latch is selectively releasable, and the electrical connection interface is disposed between the first and second rails.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 11471018Abstract: A method of charging a rechargeable battery includes positioning a rail of the rechargeable battery into a groove defined by a housing of a battery charger, and positioning a switch between an ON position and an OFF position. The switch is positioned in the ON position when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger and in the OFF position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The housing includes a barrier extending across the groove to prevent movement of the switch to the ON position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The method further includes conducting electrical current to the rechargeable battery through an electrical connection interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 10687678Abstract: A power system includes a rechargeable battery removably connected to a vacuum cleaner. The power system also includes a charger including an electrical connection interface to conduct electrical current to the rechargeable battery. The charger also includes a switch to detect when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger. The switch is movable between an ON position and an OFF position. The switch is positioned in the ON position when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger and in the OFF position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The charger further includes a housing supporting the electrical connection interface. The housing defines a groove and includes a barrier extending across the groove. The barrier prevents movement of the switch to the ON position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 10653281Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a canister, a power head connected to a top of the canister, an inlet defined by one of the canister and the power head, an outlet defined by one of the canister and the power head, and a pre-filter bag disposed within the canister and fluidly connected between the inlet and the outlet. The power head includes an impeller assembly operable to generate airflow through the canister from the inlet to the outlet. The pre-filter bag includes an inlet port connected to the inlet, a radial inner wall, and a radial outer wall. The radial inner wall and the radial outer wall at least partially define an internal cavity and extend circumferentially about a central axis of the pre-filter bag such that the internal cavity forms a continuous, closed loop.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Joseph T. Gierer, Daniel M. Henke, Jason E. Hill
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Publication number: 20200129027Abstract: A rechargeable battery for powering a vacuum cleaner includes a casing, a latch for securing the rechargeable battery in the vacuum cleaner, an electrical connection interface, and a battery core disposed within the casing. The casing includes a cover plate, a sidewall extending from the cover plate, and first and second rails that extend longitudinally along the cover plate. Each rail is L-shaped and includes ribs for support. The latch is selectively releasable, and the electrical connection interface is disposed between the first and second rails.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Publication number: 20200121149Abstract: A method of charging a rechargeable battery includes positioning a rail of the rechargeable battery into a groove defined by a housing of a battery charger, and positioning a switch between an ON position and an OFF position. The switch is positioned in the ON position when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger and in the OFF position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The housing includes a barrier extending across the groove to prevent movement of the switch to the ON position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The method further includes conducting electrical current to the rechargeable battery through an electrical connection interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Publication number: 20190059666Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a canister, a power head connected to a top of the canister, an inlet defined by one of the canister and the power head, an outlet defined by one of the canister and the power head, and a pre-filter bag disposed within the canister and fluidly connected between the inlet and the outlet. The power head includes an impeller assembly operable to generate airflow through the canister from the inlet to the outlet. The pre-filter bag includes an inlet port connected to the inlet, a radial inner wall, and a radial outer wall. The radial inner wall and the radial outer wall at least partially define an internal cavity and extend circumferentially about a central axis of the pre-filter bag such that the internal cavity forms a continuous, closed loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Joseph T. Gierer, Daniel M. Henke, Jason E. Hill
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Publication number: 20180353036Abstract: A power system includes a rechargeable battery removably connected to a vacuum cleaner. The power system also includes a charger including an electrical connection interface to conduct electrical current to the rechargeable battery. The charger also includes a switch to detect when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger. The switch is movable between an ON position and an OFF position. The switch is positioned in the ON position when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger and in the OFF position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The charger further includes a housing supporting the electrical connection interface. The housing defines a groove and includes a barrier extending across the groove. The barrier prevents movement of the switch to the ON position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 10092148Abstract: A vacuum appliance capable of picking up both wet and dry material is described, wherein the vacuum appliance includes an impeller configured to induce liquid into the vacuum appliance, a motor configured to turn the impeller, a restrictor assembly to prevent the liquid from being ingested into the motor, and a bypass vent assembly configured to allow sufficient air to reach the motor in order to keep the motor cool while the restrictor is preventing the liquid from being ingested into the motor. The vacuum appliance also includes a drum configured to retain the liquid and an impeller intake between the impeller and the drum. The restrictor may comprise a float configured to rise with a level of the liquid in the drum and prevent the liquid from entering the impeller intake. The bypass vent assembly may be configured to allow airflow to bypass the restrictor and/or the drum.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: Joseph T. Gierer, Jeffrey L. Young, David Beth
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Patent number: 9453768Abstract: A medical measurement device, such as an electronic thermometer, having a probe. The probe includes a molded plastic substrate having a conductive circuit pattern formed directly on its surface. The circuit pattern extends at least from a first end margin of the molded plastic substrate to a second end margin opposite the first. The device also includes a sensor mounted on the molded plastic substrate for detecting a physiological parameter, such as temperature. The sensor is positioned on the molded plastic substrate at the first end margin by at least one positioning element integrally formed in the substrate. The conductive circuit pattern provides an electrical connection between the sensor and a processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: James Harr, Joseph T. Gierer
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Publication number: 20140182078Abstract: A vacuum appliance capable of picking up both wet and dry material is described, wherein the vacuum appliance includes an impeller configured to induce liquid into the vacuum appliance, a motor configured to turn the impeller, a restrictor assembly to prevent the liquid from being ingested into the motor, and a bypass vent assembly configured to allow sufficient air to reach the motor in order to keep the motor cool while the restrictor is preventing the liquid from being ingested into the motor. The vacuum appliance also includes a drum configured to retain the liquid and an impeller intake between the impeller and the drum. The restrictor may comprise a float configured to rise with a level of the liquid in the drum and prevent the liquid from entering the impeller intake. The bypass vent assembly may be configured to allow airflow to bypass the restrictor and/or the drum.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.Inventors: Joseph T. GIERER, Jeffrey L. YOUNG, David BETH
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Publication number: 20130326872Abstract: A medical measurement device, such as an electronic thermometer, having a probe. The probe includes a molded plastic substrate having a conductive circuit pattern formed directly on its surface. The circuit pattern extends at least from a first end margin of the molded plastic substrate to a second end margin opposite the first. The device also includes a sensor mounted on the molded plastic substrate for detecting a physiological parameter, such as temperature. The sensor is positioned on the molded plastic substrate at the first end margin by at least one positioning element integrally formed in the substrate. The conductive circuit pattern provides an electrical connection between the sensor and a processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: James Harr, Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 8585285Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Michael E. Bisch, Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 8496377Abstract: A medical measurement device, such as an electronic thermometer, having a probe. The probe includes a molded plastic substrate having a conductive circuit pattern formed directly on its surface. The circuit pattern extends at least from a first end margin of the molded plastic substrate to a second end margin opposite the first. The device also includes a sensor mounted on the molded plastic substrate for detecting a physiological parameter, such as temperature. The sensor is positioned on the molded plastic substrate at the first end margin by at least one positioning element integrally formed in the substrate. The conductive circuit pattern provides an electrical connection between the sensor and a processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James Harr, Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 8342748Abstract: A method of making a probe for an electronic thermometer includes positioning a flex circuit together with a probe shaft. Connecting a locating member to the probe shaft. The locating member comprises a resilient locator that is resiliently deformed by engagement with the flex circuit thereby to bias the flex circuit to a selected position. The biasing of the flex circuit by the resilient locator is independent of movement of the probe shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Publication number: 20120221286Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: COVIDIEN AGInventors: Michael E. Bisch, Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 8226573Abstract: A probe for an electronic thermometer includes a first elongate, semi-cylindrical probe shaft member having a distal end, a proximal end, first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A second elongate, semi-cylindrical probe shaft member has a distal end, a proximal end, first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A joint along which the second probe shaft member is attached to the first probe shaft member forms an interior space between the probe shaft members. A probe tip is disposed on the distal ends of the first and second probe shaft members. A temperature sensor is in thermal communication with the probe tip.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Ricky A. Sisk, Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 8197132Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for selectable predictive modes based upon the same predictive algorithm. A mode selector is adapted for user selection between several modes of operation of the thermometer. Each mode of operation utilizes the same predictive algorithm for estimating the temperature of the subject before the thermometer reaches full equilibrium. Different modes offer users a selection for striking the appropriate balance between response time and precision, based upon user preferences and needs.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Covidien AGInventors: Michael E. Bisch, Joseph T. Gierer
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Patent number: 7988355Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A resilient locator can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventor: Joseph T. Gierer
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Publication number: 20110118622Abstract: A probe for an electronic thermometer includes a first elongate, semi-cylindrical probe shaft member having a distal end, a proximal end, first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A second elongate, semi-cylindrical probe shaft member has a distal end, a proximal end, first and second edges extending between the proximal and distal ends, an interior surface and an exterior surface. A joint along which the second probe shaft member is attached to the first probe shaft member forms an interior space between the probe shaft members. A probe tip is disposed on the distal ends of the first and second probe shaft members. A temperature sensor is in thermal communication with the probe tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LPInventors: Ricky A. Sisk, Joseph T. Gierer