Patents Issued in September 17, 2015
  • Publication number: 20150257578
    Abstract: Machines and methods for preparing single-servings of a beverage. The machine can include a housing and a basket assembly positioned in the housing. The basket assembly defines a chamber capable of receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor. A screen having a plurality of openings can be positioned at a bottom portion of the chamber. A first plate having a single restricting orifice can be secured to the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation d/b/a Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventors: Andrew Timm Windler, Adam Mekeel Mack, Philipe Roget Manoux
  • Publication number: 20150257579
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for preparing single servings can include a lid assembly that can move between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The machine can also include a basket assembly having a chamber for receiving a cartridge containing a beverage precursor. Additionally, the machine can include a tamping assembly that can move between a latched state and a tamped state. The tamping assembly can include a tamping surface, a tamp spring element, a lid cam connected to the lid assembly, and a collar. The lid cam can include a cam path disposed along a sidewall of the lid cam, and the collar can have one or more cam teeth that can engage the cam path. In the tamped state, the tamping surface can be closer to the basket assembly than in the latched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: STARBUCKS CORPORATION D/B/A STARBUCKS COFFEE COMPANY
    Inventors: Kurt Philip Dammermann, Adam Mekeel Mack, Matthew Thomas James, Philipe Roget Manoux
  • Publication number: 20150257580
    Abstract: Various beverage preparation machines having a multi-chambered basket unit are disclosed. The basket unit can be configured to accept multiple cartridge configurations. For example, some embodiments are configured to receive a first cartridge configuration in a first chamber of the basket unit and a second configuration in a second chamber of the basket unit. In various embodiments, the basket unit can rotate to allow selective accessibility of the first and second chambers. This can facilitate loading the cartridges into the appropriate chamber, such as loading the first cartridge configuration into the first chamber and the second cartridge configuration into the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation dba Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventors: Alan Scott Crarer, Adam Mekeel Mack, Matthew Thomas James, Philipe Roget Manoux, Diane Chia-Lin Lee, Martin Ruegg
  • Publication number: 20150257581
    Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage producing machine (1) comprising a housing (3) and a connector (20) for attaching an ingredient container (C) to said housing. The connector comprises a bottom wall (23) with a passage (25) for dispensing said ingredient towards the interior of the housing and a locking seat for said ingredient container. The locking seat comprises a ridge member (29) at least partly surrounding the bottom wall, wherein at least one resilient element (47, 49) is provided in said locking seat and constrained to the ridge member. The ridge member (29) is provided with at least one tangentially extending slot (39, 41) with an edge (39A, 41A) extending substantially parallel to and distanced from the bottom wall. The at least one resilient element projects from the edge of the slot towards the bottom wall (23) and is arranged to reduce backlash between an ingredient container and said connector when said ingredient container is locked to said connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Marco Marchi, Cesare Lenzi
  • Publication number: 20150257582
    Abstract: A brewer system is adapted to brew a beverage utilizing a cartridge packed with beverage grind such as coffee, tea, milk, and the like to make one cup of beverage, and multiple cups of beverage utilizing a refillable cup utilizing the same brewer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Publication number: 20150257583
    Abstract: A brewing apparatus for extracting a portion capsule includes a first brewing chamber element and a second brewing chamber element, wherein the first and/or the second brewing chamber element are/is movable in an axial direction between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements are spaced apart from each other, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing chamber elements form a substantially closed brewing chamber and wherein the first brewing chamber element has at least one first perforation means for perforating the portion capsule, said perforation means being arranged along the Earth's gravitational field below a horizontal plane extending substantially at a right angle to the gravitational field and centrally through the brewing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel FISCHER, Christof SEGER, Marcel W. HUEPPI
  • Publication number: 20150257584
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a food preparation machine (1) for preparing a food product by mixing a fluid with an ingredient, said machine comprising: i. a base (2) having a fluid reservoir (3) and a pump able to withdraw said fluid through fluid-conducting pipes, said base optionally comprising an element suitable for heating and/or chilling said fluid, ii.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Christian Talon, Jean-Luc Denisart, Damien Neurohr
  • Publication number: 20150257585
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ejecting cartridges from single-serve beverage preparation machines are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ejection system is configured to facilitate ejection of the cartridge from a chamber in a rotatable basket unit. The ejection system can encourage the cartridge out of the chamber during the rotation of the basket unit, such as by force or gravity, by spring-loaded pins, or otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation d/ba Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventors: Andrew Timm Windler, Philipe Roget Manoux
  • Publication number: 20150257586
    Abstract: A single-serve beverage preparation device including a multi-chambered basket unit having a first cartridge-receiving chamber and a second cartridge-receiving chamber is provided. The first cartridge-receiving chamber is configured to receive a first cartridge of a first beverage type and the second cartridge-receiving chamber is configured to receive a second cartridge of a second beverage type. The device includes a reader configured to read a code or tag associated with a single-serve beverage cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients. The device can include a controller configured to determine a beverage type of the single-serve beverage cartridge from the code or tag and to cause the multi-chambered basket unit to present the cartridge-receiving chamber corresponding to the determined beverage type in a position to receive a single-serve beverage cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation dba Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventors: Darcy A. DiNucci, Michael McQueen, Hamish S. Thain, Adam Mekeel Mack, Alexander Kwok Yin Ko, Jonathan Krakower
  • Publication number: 20150257587
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea. The devices and methods for brewing and steeping tea utilize steam, heated liquid, agitation, and recirculation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: CORNELIUS, INC.
    Inventors: Ashok Kumara Dyavarasegowda, Servesh Adderi Ranganath, Ramaraju Suraparaju Pattabi, Nishant Kulkarni, Jeff Garascia, Fernando Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20150257588
    Abstract: A beverage brewing device includes a water tank, a base, a filter, a plug assembly, and an actuator mechanism. The base supports the water tank above a support surface. The plug assembly connects with the water tank and is operable between an open operating position in which water can flow from the water tank through the plug assembly and a closed operating position in which water is precluded from flowing through the plug assembly. The actuator mechanism is movable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The actuator mechanism is cooperates with the plug assembly such that when in the first operating position the plug assembly is in the closed operating position and when in the second operating position the plug assembly is in the open operating position. The actuator mechanism includes an operator actuated surface that is accessible from an exterior of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin Stein, Jens Johnson, Morris Elijah Worden, IV, Alistair Douglas Bramley, Davin Stowell, Paul Katz
  • Publication number: 20150257589
    Abstract: An electrically operated kitchen appliance with a cooking vessel and a lid for the cooking vessel, wherein: the lid can be locked in the closed position against the cooking vessel; the cooking vessel has a cooking vessel base and a cooking vessel wall extending upwards from the base; the cooking vessel wall transitions into a radially projecting cooking vessel edge; the lid has a lid edge, which covers the cooking vessel edge in the closed position; and the lock is formed by a locking part acting on the lid. In order to further improve a kitchen appliance of the type mentioned, particularly with respect to handling the lid of the cooking vessel, according to the invention a hinged section, which can be operated by an electric motor, is provided to interact with the lid edge, such that the lid can be pivoted by the motor out of a closed position into an open position and the lid can be removed from the hinged section by the user non-destructively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Starflinger
  • Publication number: 20150257590
    Abstract: A cooking appliance including a housing and cooking vessel having a rim. A lid covers the cooking vessel when seated on the rim. At least one latch is disposed on the lid and a complementary engagement member is disposed on a sidewall of the housing. The at least one latch includes a base attached to the lid, a rotating arm having a cammed head at one end that engages the base, and a rod pivotally connected to the cammed head on one end and having a foot disposed at an opposite end. The rod passes through an aperture in the base and the cammed head engages the base as the arm is rotated. The rotation of the arm causes an axial displacement of the rod to cause a stop member on an end of the rod to engage the engagement member to seal the lid to the cooking vessel rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamal F. Hammad
  • Publication number: 20150257591
    Abstract: The present invention provides an appliance with a sensor directed toward a cooking surface positioned beneath the sensor. One or more features are provided for directing a flow of air across the sensing end of the sensor to protect or shield it during cooking operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Compaany
    Inventors: James Lee Armstrong, Joshua Stephen Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20150257592
    Abstract: A cooking appliance which includes a lower cooking unit, having a lower cooking surface facing upwards, and an upper cooking unit, having an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking unit is pivotably attached to the lower unit. The upper unit is pivotable between a closed position, wherein the upper cooking surface faces the lower cooking surface, and extends generally parallel thereto, and an open position, wherein the upper cooking surface is oriented at an angle greater than 30 degrees relative to the lower cooking surface. A support member is pivotably attached to the lower unit, and is pivotable between a first position, wherein the support member rests substantially flat against the lower unit, such that the cooking appliance rests level on an underlying surface, and a second position, wherein the support member projects angularly downwardly from the lower unit and onto the underlying surface, thereby inclining the lower cooking surface at an angle relative to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Garman, Paula L. Pennington, Weiqun Yang
  • Publication number: 20150257593
    Abstract: A vertical grill comprises a back chimney within the housing having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in the form of one or more first openings in the back frame member, and the outlet being a second opening which is higher than the inlet. A first air intake located in at least one of the grill's panels. A removable tray module comprises a slide positioned at an incline between the front and back sides, configured to direct fats and break away solids to the front side of the tray. At least one channel is covered by the slide and configured for air flow. An external receptacle is positioned at the front side of the tray, wherein the slide leads into the receptacle so that fats and break away solids may be channeled into the external receptacle after traveling downwards along the incline of the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Robert James Bair, Bonnie Lee Buzick
  • Publication number: 20150257594
    Abstract: A roaster comprises a main container equipped with the space in the inner portion; an upper supporter including a flame hole equipped at the side facing the bottom side of the main container, and a roasting plate supporting part equipped at the circumference position of the flame hole, and is combined to the main container; a fuel vessel which has a fuel filling part is formed in the inner space and a spacer equipped in the outer periphery position of the fuel filling part, and which is positioned in the main container to be positioned at the opposite direction to the flame hole of the upper supporter and which is arranged as the state separated from the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Young Bong Kim
  • Publication number: 20150257595
    Abstract: A grill oiling apparatus for applying oil to a barbecue grill grate. The apparatus includes a handle with an oil reservoir disposed therein. An arm extends from the handle to an attachment flange to which an applicator pad is removeably coupled. A passageway extends between the reservoir and the attachment flange to provide oil from the reservoir onto the applicator pad to at least partially saturate the pad. The pad is placed into contact with a cooking surface such as a grill grate to apply the oil therein onto the grill grate and/or to scrub residue or debris from the grill grate. A heat shield may be provided between the handle and the cooking surface to protect a user's had from exposure to heat from the cooking surface. The applicator pad is removable for replacement or washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Mansour Michael Zarinkia
  • Publication number: 20150257596
    Abstract: One feature pertains to an illuminating panel. The illuminating panel may include a pane stack having a perimeter and a perimeter light source having a plurality of light sources positioned outside of the pane stack and around the perimeter of the pane stack. The perimeter light source may be adapted to provide light to the pane stack through side surfaces of the pane stack. The illuminating panel also includes a housing that houses the pane stack and the perimeter light source. A control unit, which may be remote controlled, may also communicatively couple to the perimeter light source and provide power and communication signals to the perimeter light source that changes at least one of a color, brightness, blinking pattern, and/or special effects of the perimeter light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Armond Vartanian, Raymond Vartanian
  • Publication number: 20150257597
    Abstract: A rapid-toasting toaster includes a housing having at least one slot configured to receive the food product and a heating box disposed within said housing. The heating box includes at least one basket disposed generally underneath the at least one slot and a heating unit disposed adjacent the at least one basket. The basket is configured to retain the food product and the heating unit is configured to radiate heat from a side facing the at least one basket. A filament is supported by the heating unit. The filament includes a wire having a resistance rating less than about 12 ohms/m and is configured in a pattern including at least two windings that are spaced apart a distance less than about 6 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Karl Warner Marschke, Kevin Bruce Kinney
  • Publication number: 20150257598
    Abstract: The present disclosure is also directed towards systems and methods for grinding a spice or grain material wherein a mill is comprised of a turn knob, a mill body, and a grind assembly and the turn knob is rotatably and slideably coupled to the mill body and sliding the turn knob relative to the mill body adjusts a grind setting of the mill and rotating the turn knob relative to the mill body grinds or mills the spice or grain material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Krus
  • Publication number: 20150257599
    Abstract: A pet flavor grinding apparatus, pet flavor tablet and a method for grinding such a tablet are described. In an embodiment, a pet flavor grinding apparatus includes a pet flavor tablet. The pet flavor tablet includes a plurality of ingredients. The apparatus includes a container defining a tablet-storing space therein storing the tablet. The apparatus also includes a grinding mechanism coupled to the container and in communication with the tablet-storing space for receiving the tablet. The grinding mechanism includes two spaced-apart grinding elements. One of the grinding elements is movable relative to the other grinding element for grinding the tablet for discharge on pet food when the tablet is positioned in between the grinding elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: FFD Designs (Canada) Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl NG, Lina FRANCO
  • Publication number: 20150257600
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and apparatus for grinding spices and grains. One system includes a mill for grinding a spice or grain material, comprising a body and a handle rotatably coupled to the body. The handle is also coupled to an input of a speed boost assembly. An output of the speed boost assembly is coupled to a grind assembly, which includes a rasp. The speed boost assembly is configured to cause the rotational frequency of the rasp to be greater than a rotational frequency of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew Krus, Elliot Weber, Jason Rodman, David A. Holcomb
  • Publication number: 20150257601
    Abstract: A jar retainer mechanism for a blending appliance includes an articulating arm pivotally coupled to a housing of the blending appliance. The articulating arm is operable between engaged and disengaged positions and includes a latch member disposed on a first end of the articulating arm. The latch member is configured to engage an engagement tab disposed on a blender jar when the articulating arm is in the engaged position and the blender jar is received laterally in a jar receiving portion. A push member is disposed on a second end of the articulating arm and is configured to displace the blender jar when the articulating arm is moved towards the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVE C. DREES, PAUL S. PAGET
  • Publication number: 20150257602
    Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing having a motor compartment and a jar receiving portion spaced laterally therefrom. The jar receiving portion is disposed below an upper housing. A motor is disposed in the motor compartment is adapted to drive a blade assembly of the jar through a magnetic coupling system. The motor is connected to a blade assembly disposed within the jar through a series of gears or belts, and finally through a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler is configured such that it stores kinetic energy while the motor is running at a high speed, and releases the stored energy when the motor is running at a slower speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wayne Conard, Paul Paget
  • Publication number: 20150257603
    Abstract: A whisk having a handle with a grip portion, a shaft and a hub attached to the shaft at an end opposite the grip portion, and a series of wires attached to a collar at a first end and attached to the hub at a second end, where the collar is movable along at least a portion of the handle to transform the whisk from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration. The second ends of the wires preferably have an angle adjacent to a pivot that attaches the second end of the wire to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Robinson Home Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Harvey Lee, Jochen Schaepers
  • Publication number: 20150257604
    Abstract: A device for cracking eggs is provided. The device has a generally flat blade portion secured to an arched base portion. The generally flat blade portion is used to cut or crack the egg. The generally flat blade portion is perpendicularly secured to the arched base portion wherein the arched base portion mirrors the arc of the exterior surface of an average egg. A user uses the generally flat blade portion to strike the egg. The arched base portion stops the generally flat blade portion from penetrating the egg past a predetermined point. In some embodiments, a padded attachment or a spring loaded contact surface may be secured to the arched base portion and may prevent the device from over-cutting or cracking the egg. In alternative embodiments, the back of the arched base portion has a loop for securing a finger. Finally, a handle may be secured to the arched base portion to easily grasp the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Heyden
  • Publication number: 20150257605
    Abstract: A potato chip lifting apparatus has a elongated handle with a front side and a back side, the back side having a plurality of catching mechanisms extending from the back side of the elongated handle and away from the elongated handle, the catching mechanisms configured to engage a can in which potato chips are stored. The foot portion extends from a bottom portion of the elongated handle in a direction of the front side of the handle and generally orthogonal to the elongated handle and the front side thereof. Finally, the potato chip apparatus has a support extending upward from a top surface of the foot portion upward and parallel to the elongated handle to support potato chips resting on the potato chip lifting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Donald P. Berry
  • Publication number: 20150257606
    Abstract: A potato chip lifting apparatus has a elongated handle with a front side and a back side, the back side having a plurality of catching mechanisms extending from the back side of the elongated handle and away from the elongated handle, the catching mechanisms configured to engage a can in which potato chips are stored. The foot portion is rotatably attached to a bottom portion of the elongated handle, the foot portion movable between a first position and a second position, in the second position the foot portion extends in a direction away from the front side of the handle and generally orthogonal to the elongated handle and the front side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Donald P. Berry
  • Publication number: 20150257607
    Abstract: A spoon is configured to remove oil from a food upper surface on a food. The spoon has a lower portion, configured to receive the oil from below the lower portion through the lower portion such that the oil can be stored in the lower portion. An upper portion is mechanically coupled to the lower portion and is configured to be held by a human hand. The lower portion is configured to be partially submerged into the food such that the oil on the food upper surface enters the lower portion and is removed from the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: PHILLIP JOSEPH GRILLO
  • Publication number: 20150257608
    Abstract: A cutting board assembly that includes a tray and a cutting board member. The tray has a reservoir area. The cutting board member is configured to be at least partially positioned inside the reservoir area. The cutting board member has a cutting surface and at least one through-hole. Liquid on the cutting surface flows therefrom through the through-hole(s) and collects in the reservoir area of the tray. The cutting board member may have one or more channels configured to channel the liquid toward the through-hole(s). Each of the one or more channels may be tapered to help direct the liquid. Together the channel(s) and the through-hole(s) may completely surround the cutting surface. The tray may include one or more pouring grooves or spouts through which the liquid in the reservoir area may be poured therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Catherine M. Torlai, Warren J. Rheaume, Thomas L. Rheaume, Michael J. Rheaume, James P. Rheaume, John S. Rheaume
  • Publication number: 20150257609
    Abstract: An infant bather having a top housing and a bottom housing detachably secured to the top housing. The top housing has a cradle with a first surface and a second surface and defines at least one aperture allowing a fluid to flow between the first surface of the cradle and the second surface of the cradle through the at least one aperture. The bottom housing has a basin with an interior surface and exterior surface. The second surface of the cradle coincides with the interior surface of the basin such that the fluid held within the basin submerges a portion of both the first and second surfaces of the cradle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Richard A. DALEY
  • Publication number: 20150257610
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable shower curtain. In one embodiment, the apparatus for modifying a substantially planar profile of a bathtub curtain in a bathing enclosure space comprises a shower curtain, wherein the shower curtain comprises a top side, a bottom side, a left lateral side, a right lateral side, a length, and a width, wherein a surface defined by the top side, the bottom side, the left lateral side, and the right lateral side is positionable in a substantially planar profile; an adjustable portion operatively coupled to the shower curtain enabling a user to modify the substantially planar profile of the shower curtain surface, wherein the shower curtain surface is configured to substantially conform to the contour of the adjustable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Norman McLeod
  • Publication number: 20150257611
    Abstract: A soap holder includes a holder having a first wall on the periphery thereof, and a support face which is enclosed by the first wall. A first rib and a second rib respectively extend from the top of the support face. The first rib is parallel to the second rib, and they have different heights so as to keep the soap on the first and second ribs at an angle relative to the holder. The first and second ribs provide better ventilation between the soap and the support face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Po-Sen Huang
  • Publication number: 20150257612
    Abstract: A towel that can be stably and reliably hung onto a fixture. The towel comprises an opening that allows for the towel to be hung onto a fixture, and an adjustable perimeter around the opening. The adjustable perimeter can be manipulated to adjust the size and/or shape of the opening. The adjustable perimeter may comprise an elastic material or a draw string. The towel may be hung on a fixture such as a hook, a doorknob, or any other protrusion onto which the opening may be placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Suzanne Kathryn Denihan
  • Publication number: 20150257613
    Abstract: A wipe container assembly includes a casing defining a chamber, a first electrode disposed within the chamber and a second electrode disposed within the chamber and spaced apart from the first electrode to define a spacing. The wipe container assembly includes a salt and water solution disposed within the chamber such that electrolyzed water is generated within the chamber from the salt and water solution when a bias is applied to one of the first electrode or second electrode to cause a current to flow through the salt and water solution within the spacing. The wipe container assembly includes an extraction port coupled to the casing and defining a wipe opening such that a wipe removed through the wipe opening is impregnated with the electrolyzed water. The wipe is impregnated with the electrolyzed water by coming into contact with the electrolyzed water within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald James Hammond, Eugene William Ray
  • Publication number: 20150257614
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a potty training system. In embodiments, the potty training system includes a model toilet including a flushing mechanism. Fluids may be poured into the toilet bowl and drained by pressing the designated button, which causes the valve seal to break and empty the toilet bowl, and the contents drain out in a process modeling a functional toilet. Used in this manner, the potty training system may be operated by a younger child in the bathtub to create a positive association between the toy training system and a functional toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Linfred Longenecker
  • Publication number: 20150257615
    Abstract: A hose storage system and method for an electric hose for use in a central vacuum system comprising a hose storage area and a vacuum inlet valve. The system has a manual switch which can independently activate the vacuum system to create suction in the hose storage area to retract the hose and is covered when the hose is stored. The hose comprises a first end with a hose cuff for connection to the vacuum connection opening of the inlet valve, and, a second end with a wand connection for connection to a wand or other electric device. During storage, the switch is operated to activate the vacuum system generating a vacuum in the storage area and retracting the second end of the hose into the hose storage area while the hose cuff is connected to the vacuum inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jiong QIAN
  • Publication number: 20150257616
    Abstract: A cyclonic separation device comprises a cyclone chamber 11 having a cyclone axis A, a fluid outlet at one end of the cyclone chamber and a tubular apertured shroud 14 extending concentrically with the cyclone axis A. In use a motor 15 rotates the shroud 14 in the direction of a rotational airflow in the chamber 11 at a rotational speed which is over 1500 rpm and/or over 70% of the airflow speed around the shroud 14. The high speed of rotation of the shroud 14 is sufficient to dislodge any dust on the shroud by centrifugal action. Also, the high rotational speed of shroud 14 means that the air does not to need to decelerate to pass through the shroud 14 apertures and hence the risk of pressure drop and a loss of suction is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Alexander Anthony Denny Bassett, Qunli Zhao, Xiaolong Bian
  • Publication number: 20150257617
    Abstract: A dust separator/collector assembly for a vacuum cleaner, comprising a housing, a first cyclone having an inlet and outlet for suction airflow, and an outlet for separated dust, a plurality of second cyclones, having respective inlets arranged to receive air from the outlet of the first cyclone, and further having respective air outlets and outlets for separated further dust, wherein the first cyclone is disposed in a lower region of the housing and the second cyclones are disposed in an upper region of the housing and wherein the first cyclone comprises a generally cylindrical cyclone body having a tangential inlet duct for suction airflow at a lower part of the cyclone body, and an upwardly extending outlet for suction airflow leading to the inlets of the second cyclone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Jennifer K. Marsden, Gavin Burnham, Keith Faskin
  • Publication number: 20150257618
    Abstract: A cyclonic separation device comprises a plurality of cyclonic separators fluidly arranged in parallel with each other, each cyclonic separator comprising a chamber 18 having a circular-section side wall 19, a fluid inlet 20 and a fluid outlet 21 disposed at one end of the cyclone chamber 18, and an opening at the second end of the cyclone chamber 18 through which separated matter passes out of the chamber for collection. The cyclonic separators are arranged in a rotatable body 17 such that their respective cyclone axes B are outwardly inclined relative to an axis A of rotation of the body 17 and such that the second end of each cyclone chamber 18 is disposed radially outwardly of its first end with respect to the axis A of rotation. A motor 15 rotates the body 17 about its axis A of rotation and so imparts a radially outward force on separated matter forced against the side wall 19 by the cyclonic action, the radial force serving to rapidly force the matter axially of the towards the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Alexander Anthony Denny Bassett, Qunli Zhao, Xiaolong Bian
  • Publication number: 20150257619
    Abstract: A self-propelled surface cleaning machine is proposed, including a floor cleaning device, a steerable front wheel, a steering device associated with the front wheel, a rear wheel device having at least one left rear wheel and at least one right rear wheel, a first drive device for driving the front wheel, a second drive device for driving the rear wheel device and a differential device for the rear wheel device that allows different speeds of rotation for the at least one left rear wheel and the at least one right rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Juergen Merz, Frank Nonnenmann, Michael Oesterle, Bernd Noller
  • Publication number: 20150257620
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a base exhaust duct having an exhaust outlet directed toward a surface being cleaned. The extractor further includes a suction source that is operable to generate an airflow that is discharged through the exhaust outlet of the base and onto the surface, which is configured to at least partially dry the surface. The extractor further includes a body pivotally coupled to the base such that the body is pivotable between an upright position and an inclined position, and the body includes a body exhaust duct that is movable relative to the base exhaust duct as the handle pivots between the upright position and the inclined position. The base exhaust duct and the body exhaust duct cooperate to form an exhaust passageway between the suction source and the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Salo, Luke Phalen
  • Publication number: 20150257621
    Abstract: An extractor cleaning machine that includes a base having a suction nozzle and a body coupled to the base. The extractor cleaning machine also includes a suction source in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The extractor cleaning machine further includes a recovery tank configured to store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle, and a tank tray coupled to at least one of the base and the body. The tank tray including a top surface and a bottom surface. The recovery tank is coupled to the tank tray adjacent the top surface. The extractor cleaning machine also includes an air duct coupled to the tank tray adjacent the bottom surface to define a passageway that fluidly couples the recovery tank and the suction nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: John Bantum
  • Publication number: 20150257622
    Abstract: Autonomous planar surface cleaning robots are disclosed. The robot includes a main body having a bottom portion defining an outer portion defining a surface area about a perimeter thereof and an inner portion defining a cavity formed within the outer portion. The main body supports a driving mechanism, a vacuum source, a vacuum sensor, and a control unit. The vacuum source, cavity, and vacuum sensor are in fluid communication. The control unit is electrically coupled to the driving mechanism, the vacuum source, and the vacuum sensor, and is configured to control the robot to turn direction when the control unit receives a signal from the vacuum sensor indicating that a degree of vacuum pressure within the cavity is below a predetermined vacuum pressure. Also disclosed is robot that includes multiple vacuum sources. Also disclosed is an apparatus that includes a connector pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventor: Dongqi Qian
  • Publication number: 20150257623
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber, a dish rack, and a spray assembly associated with the dish rack. The spray assembly may include at least one sprayer positioned to spray treating liquid onto dishes received by the rack. The sprayer has two openings and may be movable between a first position where the treating liquid flows through the first liquid opening into the treating chamber and does not flow through the second liquid opening and a second position where the treating liquid flows through the second liquid opening into the treating chamber. The sprayer may be rotatable between positions and may emit spray in both positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: PAUL E. BESHEARS, JR., DAVID H. CHEN, MARK S. FEDDEMA, DEBORAH L. GREGORY, TODD M. JOZWIAK, TIMOTHY D. LEE, ANTONY M. RAPPETTE, JASON A. SIBLEY, CHAD T. VANDERROEST, AMERESH B. VISWANATHAN
  • Publication number: 20150257624
    Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher appliance is provided. The method includes operating a first pump and a second pump of the dishwasher appliance during a wash cycle of the dishwasher appliance, working the second pump of the dishwasher appliance during a soil collection cycle of the dishwasher appliance, and running the first pump of the dishwasher appliance during a drain cycle of the dishwasher appliance. The first pump of the dishwasher appliance is deactivated during the step of working, and the second pump of the dishwasher appliance is deactivated during the step of running. A related dishwasher appliance is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Publication number: 20150257625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the items to be washed are placed, a sump (3) which is located under the tub (2) and wherein the wash water accumulates, a rectangular casing (4) which provides the tub (2) to be carried at a certain height from the floor and at least one cover (5) which provides the bottom portion of the body (9) to be almost completely covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Tugrul Basesme, Ismail Cem Bastuji
  • Publication number: 20150257626
    Abstract: A dishwasher pump assembly according to one example embodiment includes a pump having a housing and a pumping chamber within the housing. The pumping chamber includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has a center axis. The assembly also includes a motor having a shaft operably coupled to the pump for rotating the pump. The shaft has a center axis that is offset from the center axis of the fluid inlet. Other embodiments, assemblies and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard J. Fadler, Philip S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150257627
    Abstract: Disclosed is a home appliance provided with a drying apparatus, capable of improving the drying performance. The home appliance includes a body, a dishwashing tub provided in the body and in which a washing operation and a drying operation are conducted, and a drying apparatus provided in the dishwashing tub, and configured to suction air inside the dishwashing tub and discharge the suctioned air to the inside of the dishwashing tub again. The drying apparatus includes a drying duct communicating with the dishwashing tub, a heat pump unit including an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve, and the evaporator and the condenser are disposed inside the drying duct such that air in the dishwashing tub passes through the evaporator first and then the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Ho PARK, Eung Ryeol SEO, Hyun Joo JEON, Jun Kyu JUNG, Joo Yong LEE