Patents by Inventor Mark Butts
Mark Butts 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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Publication number: 20240078085Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein include (i) receiving a voice command via at least one microphone of a networked microphone device, wherein the networked microphone device is configured to receive voice commands for a media playback system, and wherein the media playback system comprises the networked microphone device and a first playback device configured to play back content, (ii) determining that the networked microphone device is not configured to play back the content, (iii) in response to determining that the networked microphone is not configured to play back the content, determining that the first playback device is available to play back the content, (iv) causing the first playback device to play back the content, (v) determining that the first playback device is no longer available to play back the content, and (vi) selecting a second playback device to play back the content.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Mark Plagge, Simon Jarvis, Christopher Butts
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Patent number: 11758994Abstract: A storage container includes a rigid bottom, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, a fourth side wall and a top, wherein the first, second, third and fourth side walls each comprise primarily fabric. The top defines an opening to an interior of the storage container. A rigid exterior frame includes a first side wall frame portion connected to the first side wall, a second side wall frame portion connected to the second side wall, a first top frame portion, and a second top frame portion, the first top frame portion interconnecting the first side wall frame portion and the second side wall frame portion, the second top frame portion interconnecting the first side wall frame portion and the second side wall frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: BIG TIME PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Jarrod Thomas Streng, Christopher Weed, Mark Butts, Ryan Kubica, James Blake Fievet, Jing Li
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Patent number: 10907771Abstract: A storage tank includes a tank roof and a tank sidewall. At least one opening is located in in at least one of the tank roof or the tank sidewall. A pipe extends through the at least one opening, the pipe having a sleeve assembly positioned around the pipe. The sleeve assembly also extends through the opening. The sleeve assembly includes a sleeve, at least one layer of insulation, and an inner flange. The inner flange is located on a first end of the sleeve and is coupled to the pipe. The sleeve, in turn is coupled to the tank such that the inner flange is located within the storage tank. The at least one layer of insulation is positioned in an annulus between the pipe and the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Co.Inventors: John M. Blanchard, Mark Butts
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Publication number: 20200205532Abstract: A storage container includes a rigid bottom, a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, a fourth side wall and a top, wherein the first, second, third and fourth side walls each comprise primarily fabric. The top defines an opening to an interior of the storage container. A rigid exterior frame includes a first side wall frame portion connected to the first side wall, a second side wall frame portion connected to the second side wall, a first top frame portion, and a second top frame portion, the first top frame portion interconnecting the first side wall frame portion and the second side wall frame portion, the second top frame portion interconnecting the first side wall frame portion and the second side wall frame portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Jarrod Thomas STRENG, Christopher WEED, Mark BUTTS, Ryan KUBICA, James Blake FIEVET, Jing Li
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Patent number: 10568481Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Brett Reed, Markus Allemann, Doug Rukavina, Mark Reindle, Norm Siegel, Jack W. Gee, Jamie Horvath, Mark Butts
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Patent number: 10070770Abstract: A cleaning apparatus configured for removing debris or lint from clothing by agitating lint and then rolling it off. The cleaning apparatus includes a handle with a first end and a second end, a cleaning roll support extending from the handle second end and terminating at a distal end, an agitator arm extending from the handle second end parallel to the cleaning roll support and terminating at a distal end and an end cap rotatably connected to the agitator arm distal end. The end cap is configured to be rotatable between an open position away from the cleaning roll support and a closed position in which the end cap engages with the distal end of the cleaning roll support.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Butler Home Products LLCInventor: Mark Butts
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Publication number: 20180066798Abstract: A storage tank includes a tank roof and a tank sidewall. At least one opening is located in in at least one of the tank roof or the tank sidewall. A pipe extends through the at least one opening, the pipe having a sleeve assembly positioned around the pipe. The sleeve assembly also extends through the opening. The sleeve assembly includes a sleeve, at least one layer of insulation, and an inner flange. The inner flange is located on a first end of the sleeve and is coupled to the pipe. The sleeve, in turn is coupled to the tank such that the inner flange is located within the storage tank. The at least one layer of insulation is positioned in an annulus between the pipe and the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: Chicago Bridge & Iron CompanyInventors: John M. Blanchard, Mark Butts
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Patent number: 9835291Abstract: A storage tank includes a tank roof and a tank sidewall. At least one opening is located in at least one of the tank roof or the tank sidewall. A pipe extends through the at least one opening, the pipe having a sleeve assembly positioned around the pipe. The sleeve assembly also extends through the opening. The sleeve assembly includes a sleeve, at least one layer of insulation, and an inner flange. The inner flange is located on a first end of the sleeve and is coupled to the pipe. The sleeve, in turn is coupled to the tank such that the inner flange is located within the storage tank. The at least one layer of insulation is positioned in an annulus between the pipe and the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron CompanyInventors: John M. Blanchard, Mark Butts
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Patent number: 9730564Abstract: A system includes a plunger and a caddy. The plunger includes a plunger cup, a plunger handle extending from a top of the plunger cup, and a plunger engagement member disposed relative to the top of the plunger cup. The caddy defines a first caddy cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger cup when the system is in a carry mode. The caddy also defines a caddy stopper disposed relative to a top portion of the first caddy cavity. The caddy is configured such that, in the carry mode, the bottom of the plunger cup contacts a caddy base surface of the caddy that at least partially defines the first caddy cavity, and the plunger engagement member engages the caddy stopper, to thereby press-fittingly connect the plunger and the caddy.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: BUTLER HOME PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin
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Patent number: 9622638Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. The cleaning device includes a handle, a head, first and second clamps, and an ejector. The handle extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The head is disposed relative to the distal end portion of the handle. The head defines a head surface over which the disposable cleaning towel is fixed during use of the cleaning device. The head defines a head cavity and a head aperture extending between the head cavity and the head mating surface. The first and second clamps are disposed relative to the head, and each are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In their respective closed positions, at least a portion of each of the first and second clamps is operable to abut the head surface and hold the cleaning towel in place. In their respective open positions, each of the first and second clamps is positioned away from the head surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: BUTLER HOME PRODUCTS, LLCInventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin
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Publication number: 20170071431Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Brett Reed, Markus Allemann, Doug Rukavina, Mark Reindle, Norm Siegel, Jack W. Gee, Jamie Horvath, Mark Butts
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Patent number: 9504364Abstract: A cordless, battery-powered system of cleaning products. The system of cleaning products includes devices such as upright vacuums (e.g., a stick vacuum, a lightweight upright vacuum, etc.), a hand-held vacuum, a carpet-cleaner, a canister vacuum, and the like. Each of the devices is powered by a battery pack which is interchangeable among the devices. The battery pack includes a combination of hardware and software for connecting to, identifying, and communicating with the cleaning products to ensure that each of the products receives the power necessary to ensure optimal performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Brett Reed, Markus Allemann, Doug Rukavina, Mark Reindle, Norm Siegel, Jack W. Gee, Jamie Horvath, Mark Butts
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Patent number: 9461282Abstract: A battery pack configured to supply power to a cleaning system and be received by a battery receptacle of the cleaning system. The battery pack includes a housing including an aperture, a user contact moveable between a first position and a second position, a moveable member that moves from a retracted position to a protruded position when the user contact moves from the first position to the second position, and an engagement member that moves from a latched position to an unlatched position when the moveable member moves from the retracted position toward the protruded position. A portion of the moveable member extends through the aperture of the housing when the moveable member is in the protruded position to eject the battery back from the battery receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology LimitedInventors: Jack W. Gee, II, Mark Butts, Jamie Horvath, Douglas M. Rukavina
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Publication number: 20160278602Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. The cleaning device includes a handle, a head, first and second clamps, and an ejector. The handle extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The head is disposed relative to the distal end portion of the handle. The head defines a head surface over which the disposable cleaning towel is fixed during use of the cleaning device. The head defines a head cavity and a head aperture extending between the head cavity and the head mating surface. The first and second clamps are disposed relative to the head, and each are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In their respective closed positions, at least a portion of each of the first and second clamps is operable to abut the head surface and hold the cleaning towel in place. In their respective open positions, each of the first and second clamps is positioned away from the head surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin
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Publication number: 20160278610Abstract: A cleaning apparatus configured for removing debris or lint from clothing by agitating lint and then rolling it off. The cleaning apparatus includes a handle with a first end and a second end, a cleaning roll support extending from the handle second end and terminating at a distal end, an agitator arm extending from the handle second end parallel to the cleaning roll support and terminating at a distal end and an end cap rotatably connected to the agitator arm distal end. The end cap is configured to be rotatable between an open position away from the cleaning roll support and a closed position in which the end cap engages with the distal end of the cleaning roll support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventor: Mark Butts
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Publication number: 20160258577Abstract: A storage tank includes a tank roof and a tank sidewall. At least one opening is located in at least one of the tank roof or the tank sidewall. A pipe extends through the at least one opening, the pipe having a sleeve assembly positioned around the pipe. The sleeve assembly also extends through the opening. The sleeve assembly includes a sleeve, at least one layer of insulation, and an inner flange. The inner flange is located on a first end of the sleeve and is coupled to the pipe. The sleeve, in turn is coupled to the tank such that the inner flange is located within the storage tank. The at least one layer of insulation is positioned in an annulus between the pipe and the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Applicant: Chicago Bridge & Iron CompanyInventors: John M. Blanchard, Mark Butts
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Patent number: 9375131Abstract: A cleaning apparatus configured for removing debris or lint from clothing by agitating lint and then rolling it off. The cleaning apparatus includes a handle with a first end and a second end, a cleaning roll support extending from the handle second end and terminating at a distal end, an agitator arm extending from the handle second end parallel to the cleaning roll support and terminating at a distal end and an end cap rotatably connected to the agitator arm distal end. The end cap is configured to be rotatable between an open position away from the cleaning roll support and a closed position in which the end cap engages with the distal end of the cleaning roll support.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Butler Home Products LLCInventor: Mark Butts
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Patent number: 9370293Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. The cleaning device includes a handle, a head, first and second clamps, and an ejector. The handle extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The head is disposed relative to the distal end portion of the handle. The head defines a head surface over which the disposable cleaning towel is fixed during use of the cleaning device. The head defines a head cavity and a head aperture extending between the head cavity and the head mating surface. The first and second clamps are disposed relative to the head, and each are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In their respective closed positions, at least a portion of each of the first and second clamps is operable to abut the head surface and hold the cleaning towel in place. In their respective open positions, each of the first and second clamps is positioned away from the head surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Butler Home Products LLCInventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin
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Publication number: 20160000281Abstract: A system includes a plunger and a caddy. The plunger includes a plunger cup, a plunger handle extending from a top of the plunger cup, and a plunger engagement member disposed relative to the top of the plunger cup. The caddy defines a first caddy cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger cup when the system is in a carry mode. The caddy also defines a caddy stopper disposed relative to a top portion of the first caddy cavity. The caddy is configured such that, in the carry mode, the bottom of the plunger cup contacts a caddy base surface of the caddy that at least partially defines the first caddy cavity, and the plunger engagement member engages the caddy stopper, to thereby press-fittingly connect the plunger and the caddy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin
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Publication number: 20150351601Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. A housing extends between a housing top portion and an opposing housing bottom portion. The housing bottom portion and the housing top portion define a first housing cavity. A platform is disposed at least partially within the first housing cavity. A pad is attached to the platform and defines a surface on which a disposable cleaning towel may be mated. The platform, and thus the pad, are selectively moveable relative to the housing, between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a housing mounting surface is at least substantially flush relative to the pad mounting surface. In the second position, the housing mounting surface is positioned within the pad aperture such that a distance extends between a plane defined by the housing mounting surface and a plane defined by the pad mounting surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin