Patents Issued in March 3, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160058220
    Abstract: A line of ceramic, porcelain and plastic dinnerware that contains individual pieces inlaid with heavy duty magnetic rings on which silverware and other utensils are securely adhered by means of magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Travis Dixon
  • Publication number: 20160058221
    Abstract: A utensil set having a spoon and a bowl with multiple receptacles can be used by multiple young children to prevent cross contamination. A parent can hold the bowl, with two connected food receptacles, with one hand, while using the other hand to use the spoon with two food receptacles to efficiently feed multiple young children. The food being fed may be the different or the same for each child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Heather KARPINSKY
  • Publication number: 20160058222
    Abstract: A disposable food plate includes a food-supporting platform bounded by a plate perimeter and having a bottom surface and an opposed top surface configured for the deposit of food items thereon. The food-supporting platform further includes a central portion and a peripheral rim portion inclining radially outwardly from the central portion toward the plate perimeter. A retaining strap having a central strap portion extends between opposed first and second strap ends, which strap ends are secured to the bottom surface of the platform at, respectively, first and second securement regions of the bottom surface such that there exists slack in the central strap portion sufficient to accommodate the introduction of at least two of a user's fingers between the retaining strap and the bottom surface. The retaining strap is flexible and collapsible such that it can assume a relatively flat profile that enables nested stacking of plural similarly configured plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Batten
  • Publication number: 20160058223
    Abstract: A beverage container lid assembly and insert enable a user to selectively control contained beverage movements when outfitted upon a beverage container. The lid assemblies include a primary lid form having a primary beverage outlet and a circular transverse cross-section and a secondary lid attachment cooperably engaged with the primary lid form for providing certain beverage flow diversion structure. The secondary lid attachment is rotatable relative to the primary lid form about a lid axis of rotation. The lid assembly may be attached to a beverage container such that the user may manually rotate the secondary lid attachment relative to the primary lid form for manually and selectively positioning the beverage flow diversion structure relative to the primary beverage outlet. The container insert includes a container-engaging first portion and a beverage-damping second portion. The second portion extends inwardly relative to the first portion for deflecting upwardly directed beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Pavel Savenok
  • Publication number: 20160058224
    Abstract: A translucent bar cup with indicia defined thereon that allows a user such as a bartender or a customer to visualize and measure the amount of drinks in the cup. The bar cup allows the user to visualize the measurement of the contents in the container while pouring the necessary ingredients to mix a drink, thereby can assist the user to deliver more accurate pours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Colby Meade Weitman, Spencer Weitman
  • Publication number: 20160058225
    Abstract: A color changing container apparatus is disclosed. The color changing container apparatus includes a container having an open top, a bottom and a side, and constructed from a material such that at least a part of the container transmits light there-through; and at least one light emitting device attachable to the container to direct light through the container when the container is connected to the at least one light emitting device and providing at least one light color to illuminate the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Harold W. Wells
  • Publication number: 20160058226
    Abstract: A beverage container that includes a main body portion having an open top, a closed bottom and an interior that defines a first volume, and a removable cover that includes a bottom and a generally cylindrical side wall extending upwardly from the bottom. The bottom and the generally cylindrical side wall cooperate to define a cover cavity, the removable cover is removably engaged with the main body portion, and the bottom includes a plug opening defined therethrough. A breathable plug is received in the plug opening. The plug allows a liquid disposed within the first volume to breathe with respect to an exterior of the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: James Christopoulos, Martin Todd Belle, David Huang, Fernando Pardo, Adil Ali, Matthew Hern, Etienne Iliffe-Moon, Praveen Penmetsa, Matthew O'Brien, Steve Dafnis
  • Publication number: 20160058227
    Abstract: Provided is a wine glass comprising a separate top portion and a bottom portion that can be joined together to form a single wine glass. The top portion has a drinking rim opposite a lower rim and the top portion has an enclosed bottom opposite and upper rim. The lower rim of the top portion and the upper rim of the bottom portion join together to form a leak-proof drinking vessel or cup of the wine glass. When separated, the top portion and bottom portion can be nested together. Additionally, a plurality of such wine glasses can be nested together, so that a large number of wine glasses can be packaged together for economical storage and shipping. The wine glass can be disposable and biodegradable or compostable, as examples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Oliver Albers
  • Publication number: 20160058228
    Abstract: A modular trophy structure includes a base having plural rotating slots formed at the same circumference or different circumferences of the same center; and a label object, including a label base and a figure body coupled to each other, and the label base including plural rotating latch members disposed at the same circumference or different circumferences of the same center. The rotating latch member is installed at the rotating latch slot, and the rotating latch member is operated to latch the rotating latch slot in order to combine the label base onto the base. Therefore, the trophy may be assembled more conveniently and quickly to achieve a cost-effective manufacture of the trophy, provide flexible applications and practical uses of the trophy, and improve the overall assembling quality and the display quality of the trophy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: TSANG-TSE LIAO
  • Publication number: 20160058229
    Abstract: Foldable/collapsible cookware is shown having a flexible cooking surface, attached in face-to-face orientation with a heat-heat receiving surface having at least two parts. The first and second parts of the heat-receiving surface are movable between a first cooking position in which the flexible cooking surface is substantially unbent, and a second storage position in which the flexible cooking surface is substantially bent upon itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Jeff Livesey
  • Publication number: 20160058230
    Abstract: Packaged product comprising a food product to be cooked in a cooking device, the packaged product comprising identification means providing information to and readable by the cooking device related to a plurality of steps to be applied for cooking the food product according to a predetermined profile, such that, in particular the duration, the selection of the heating mode and the power level of each of the heating mode, optionally and additionally a cooling mode, are set for each one of these steps according to the type of product to be cooked. The heating mode for each step is selected amongst one or a combination of microwave heating, infrared heating, hot air convection or hot air impingement, the cooling mode being applied by one or a combination of sub-pressure cooling or air ventilation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ted Choueiri, Alexandre Perentes
  • Publication number: 20160058231
    Abstract: A method for carrying out a cooking process in a cooking space of a cooking appliance, comprising the following method steps: simultaneously introducing a plurality of different cooking products arranged on product trays and having associated base cooking parameters into the cooking space; determining at least one updated cooking parameter of each cooking product introduced into the cooking space as a function of the number of introduced product trays, the base cooking parameters, a pre-set optimisation value (TT) and/or an optimisation value (Topt) which can be determined individually for an optimised cooking process which is to be carried out; initiating the optimised cooking process simultaneously for all introduced cooking products; and removing the fully cooked cooking products from the cooking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Schilling
  • Publication number: 20160058232
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing unit, a cooking chamber, a steam generation unit for supplying the cooking chamber with steam, a removable container unit associated with the steam generation unit. The removable container unit includes a container portion and a holding portion. The container portion and the holding portion together have a longitudinal extent that is a multiple of a width of the container portion. The container portion has a height that is a multiple of the width of the container portion. The container portion provides a capacity for water to be evaporated that is at least 1 litre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ruediger Hoehn, Alexander Schnee, Christian Schulze, Carolin Kaudewitz
  • Publication number: 20160058233
    Abstract: An automated system for brewing and dispensing a brewed beverage is provided including a beverage brewing apparatus configured to dispense the brewed beverage into a container. A user interface is disposed with said beverage brewing apparatus. The user interface includes at least one iced beverage user input directed to preparation of the brewed beverage when the brewed beverage is to be dispensed over ice. A controller is operably coupled to the user interface and the beverage brewing apparatus. The controller is programmable to compensate for dilution of the brewed beverage in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Joshua Anthony, Justin Riley, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Publication number: 20160058234
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single serve capsule for use in a single serve coffee machine, said single serve capsule having an essentially rigid base element and a cavity and it can be introduced into a brewing chamber of the coffee machine. Said base element is made of an essentially liquid impermeable material. According to the invention, said single serve capsule comprises an enveloping element which surrounds a raw material for interacting with a liquid introduced by the single serve coffee machine (10), said enveloping element being arranged inside the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: K-FEE SYSTEM GMBH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eppler, Günter Empl
  • Publication number: 20160058235
    Abstract: An infusion brewer is provided including piston and filter assemblies to be inserted into an infusion container. The piston assembly consists of a hollow vertical shaft, a horizontal plate with a seal situated at the edge of the plate, a seal situated at the center of the plate, and a check valve vent. The piston seals are adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusion container and for sealing against the filter assembly shaft. The filter assembly is positioned at the bottom of the infusion container and consists of a hollow vertical shaft and a horizontal plate with seals at the exterior edge and bottom surface. The filter assembly includes three graduated levels of filter material. The piston assembly pumps the infused extract through the filter assembly filters, thence through the filter shaft, thence through the piston shaft, into the isolated upper infused extract chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: MICHAEL E BLAIR
  • Publication number: 20160058236
    Abstract: A vending machine having a housing incorporating an authorization unit, a storage area for storing vendible product, a dispenser for dispensing the vendible product, and an integrated brewer. The vendible product stored in the storage area comprises a cup containing a brew pack and condiments. The integrated brewer is secured to the housing yet has a user-accessible brew chamber in which a consumer can deposit the brew pack associated with the vendible product in order to brew a hot drink. The dispenser is interlocked with the authorization unit such that the dispenser dispenses vendible product in response to a dispense signal from the authorization unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Curtis Robert Meyers, Roger Vital Robidoux
  • Publication number: 20160058237
    Abstract: A fluid-agitating tank assembly is disclosed. The tank assembly includes a tank filled with a fluid, and an agitator disposed in the tank so as to be at least partially immersed in the fluid and supported by the tank in a rotatable manner about an axis. The agitator includes a double helix disposed in an upper volume of the tank and adapted to act on the fluid to transform unidirectional rotation of the agitator about the axis into a bidirectional movement of the fluid in the tank towards bottom and top portions of the tank, and at least one rotary blade projecting transversally from the axis, disposed in a lower volume of the tank, and rotating about the axis to move the fluid towards at least one lateral outlet of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Stefano D'ERRICO, Vincenzo GALOTTO
  • Publication number: 20160058238
    Abstract: A milk frothing apparatus which includes a steam probe; a jug and jug support; a sensor to determine the depth of milk in a jug. The steam probe or jug support is movable preferably driven by stepper motor, to maintain the tip of the probe below the milk surface. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the milk in the jug. A micro controller is programmable to start the process; maintain the position of the steam probe relative to the milk surface, stop the process when the milk reaches a desired temperature and maintain records of the number of cycles and a measure of the quantity of milk treated. By using a sensor to measure the distance to the milk surface in a jug the tip of the steam probe can be maintained at the appropriate distance below the milk surface by moving the jug relative to the probe or preferably moving the probe. The process can be more precisely controlled by sensing the milk temperature and ensuring that the process is completed before the milk becomes too hot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: William Westmore PURTON
  • Publication number: 20160058239
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements in machines for the preparation of beverage and food products, and in particular to such a machine which utilizes a compressed tablet of food or beverage product, which is inserted into the brew chamber of the machine, into which a liquid is directed to break up or dissolve the tablet. The machine for preparing a beverage or food product from a compressed disc of at least one ingredient comprises a sealable brew chamber, and said brew chamber comprises means for mounting the disc so that it is able to spin freely around a central axis. The brew chamber further comprises and at least one nozzle having an outlet in the brew chamber located to direct a jet of liquid at a peripheral edge of the disc mounted in the brew chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Bentley
  • Publication number: 20160058240
    Abstract: Provided is a drip coffee maker comprising: a first receptacle; a second receptacle; and a third receptacle, wherein water accommodated in the second receptacle is gradually discharged through the second through hole at a predetermined flow rate per time by means of surface tension and viscosity of water. The first receptacle has a first through hole at the lower end portion thereof to discharge water downward. The second receptacle accommodates water discharged from the first through hole, is disposed at the lower side of the first receptacle and has a plurality of second through holes at the lower end portion thereof to discharge water accommodated therein onto coffee powder. The third receptacle accommodates the coffee powder and water discharged from the second through hole, is disposed at the lower side of the second receptacle and has a third through hole at the lower end portion thereof so that extracted drip coffee can be discharged downwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Sangoun NAM
  • Publication number: 20160058241
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser, in which a filter is arranged between the lower end of a brewing chamber and an upper end of a fluid receptacle. A beverage brewed by supplying a raw material and water to the chamber is forced to drip into the fluid receptacle through the filter F, and delivered to a cup along a beverage path. The beverage dispenser includes: a pressure difference generator for generating a pressure difference between the chamber and the fluid receptacle to force the beverage to drip into the fluid receptacle, and to deliver the beverage to the cup; a pressure sensor for measuring the pressures in the fluid receptacle or in the chamber; and a controller that sequentially determines an interval average for pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and halts, based on results of the interval averages, a drip-brewing and delivering operation for the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SANDEN HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taiichi TSUTSUMI, Mitsuo SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20160058242
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable, ruggedized, impact resistant appliance for brewing a beverage having a water tank system, a water delivery system, a brewing system, electronics capable of brewing a beverage, and a user interface for controlling said electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: OXX Products, LLC
    Inventor: Jimmy Quang Viet-Doan
  • Publication number: 20160058243
    Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. The apparatus includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol. A multiplicity of variable rate, rotatable paddle wheel assemblies are positioned along the cooking path for thorough agitation of the potato pack encouraging good oil contact with the individual slices and consistent, chip-to-chip final moisture content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew A. Caridis, John Macrae Silvester, Anthony Wade Morris, Thomas John Miller, Enrique Alejandro Leon
  • Publication number: 20160058244
    Abstract: The method of operating a grinder (1) comprises the steps of: starting a first grinding cycle of a given duration; feeding the grinder with a given amount of material to be ground and grinding said material by rotating the rotary grinding member (5) of the grinder for a period of active grinding; idly rotating the rotary grinding member (5) for a period of idle rotation following the period of active grinding, for removing residual ground material from the grinder; estimating when the given amount of material has been ground, based on an operating parameter of the grinder; adapting the given duration for a subsequent grinding cycle based on an estimated duration of the period of active grinding of the first grinding cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: NICOLA LAFFI
  • Publication number: 20160058245
    Abstract: A system for dispensing a nutrient includes a dispensing device having a container, an orifice defined in the container, and a receiver that receives communications from an activity collecting device. The container dispenses the nutrient contained therein through the orifice in response to a communication from the activity collecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Tony Smith, William T. Dalebout, Jared Willardson
  • Publication number: 20160058246
    Abstract: A chop rack that has a tray with a base and sidewalls. Attached and extending upwardly from the tray is a plurality of spaced-apart support frames. Received and positioned over the support frame is a top assembly. Meat is received between the support frames such that the meat is maintained in an upright position, which in some embodiments allows a bone portion of the meat to come into contact with the base of the tray. Alternatively, a chop rack is provided that has a first and second sidewall that each has a set of spaced-apart slats connected along their respective lower edges that adjustably and selectively interlock with one another to form a cooking surface that allows for fine-tuned heat adjustments. Additionally, a central portion of both sidewalls does not have a slat to form an opening in the cooking surface to allow heat through to create even cooking conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Steve Meyer
  • Publication number: 20160058247
    Abstract: A dual function beverage container and mixing apparatus is disclosed that can be assembled in a various configurations suitable for various functions in storing, transporting, dispensing, mixing and drinking beverages, such as, for example, mixed alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The dual function beverage container and mixing apparatus can have a container portion, an intermediate portion and a top portion. In a first configuration, the container portion, intermediate portion and top portion can be assembled to form a selectively re-sealable container, suitable to storing, transporting and/or dispensing a beverage. In a second configuration, the top portion and intermediate portion can be re-assembled to form a beverage shaker for mixing a beverage, such as, for example, a mixed alcoholic cocktail consisting of two or more ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Ryan Hogan
  • Publication number: 20160058248
    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. A foot portion is removably and 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: November 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Donald P. Berry
  • Publication number: 20160058249
    Abstract: A hygienic toothbrush holder with a structural plane having a top surface and a bottom surface and having at least one variable size opening and at least one fastener opening. The fastener opening is capable of removable attachment to a plurality of fixtures with the at least one variable size opening and the at least one fastener opening are disposed on said structural plane. Furthermore the present invention teaches the use of tubular inserts having openings on both ends for unobstructed air circulation. The invention may be mounted onto a wall fixture, attached directly to a support surface or set on a support stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Irving G. Pitman
  • Publication number: 20160058250
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes an electronic device. The dispensing system includes a thermoelectric generation device coupled to the electronic device. The thermoelectric generation device includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The thermoelectric generation device includes an output coupled to the third portion that provides electrical power to the electronic device. The electrical power provided to the electronic device is a function of current induced within the third portion. The current induced within the third portion is a function of a temperature differential between the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Keith Allen Pelfrey
  • Publication number: 20160058251
    Abstract: A compressible axle has first portion that telescopically interfaces within a cavity of a second portion. An end of the first portion has a well containing a lubricant with a side wall having orifice(s) for emitting lubricant and an open end sealed by a movable plunger. A compression spring within the cavity urges the first portion away from the second portion such that a closing force applied to compress the first portion further into the cavity compresses the compression spring and thereby applying force onto the plunger and expelling a portion of the lubricant at an area where the first portion telescopically interfaces with the cavity in the second portion. Nubs at ends of the compressible axle are sized and shaped to fit within corresponding depressions of the depressions in the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Donald Rudnick
  • Publication number: 20160058252
    Abstract: A portable toilet training seat. The system features a foldable U-shaped spacer which is placed on top of a standard toilet seat in a public restroom, providing a reduced diameter seat for the child. A banana shaped storage bag is provided to accommodate a half-folded spacer. The storage bag is reusable and machine washable, but contains a vinyl insert intended to isolate the spacer from the bag itself. Both the storage bag and the insert are configured so as to be reversible. The insert is heat-resistant and dishwasher safe. A sanitizing spray may be provided with the invention to form a kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Heather Mapes
  • Publication number: 20160058253
    Abstract: A supporter and a vacuum cleaner having the same are provided. The supporter includes: a suction channel portion that includes one end removably connected with a vacuum cleaning unit and the other end connected with a suction nozzle, thereby guiding dirt drawn in through the suction nozzle to the vacuum cleaning unit; an accessory that is received in a receiving recess formed on one side of the suction channel portion; a hinge portion that is disposed in the suction channel portion and supports the accessory to pivot by a predetermined angle; and an unlocking portion that is disposed in the suction channel portion to lock and unlock the accessory with respect to the receiving recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byeong-soo KIM, Soo-hyun Yoon, Kyoung-min Lee
  • Publication number: 20160058254
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is an appliance which, when attached as an accessory to a heavy-duty vacuum cleaning unit such as may be used in industrial applications, as well as in professional and home workshop environments, attenuates exhaust port turbulence on such machines, providing an overall cleaner and safer work environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher L. Conard
  • Publication number: 20160058255
    Abstract: A suction nozzle and a vacuum cleaner are provided. The suction nozzle includes a lower case in which a suction inlet configured to suck dirt on a surface to be cleaned using suction force formed from a suction source and an inclined part including the suction inlet are formed in a bottom of the lower case which faces the surface to be cleaned, and an upper case coupled to an upper side of the lower case, wherein the inclined part is formed to be downwardly inclined towards a left side and a right side of the suction inlet from an arbitrary portion of the inclined part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-jun KIM, Kyoung-woung KIM
  • Publication number: 20160058256
    Abstract: An intelligent cleaning robot includes a housing, and a floor brush assembly and a dust suction apparatus mounted therein. The floor brush assembly has a first and second accommodating cavities, a partition plate separating the cavities, and a first and second rotatable brushes exposed from the bottom of the housing and accommodated in the cavities. A gap exists between a bottom of the partition plate and the floor. A slit is formed between the first rotatable brush and the partition plate. The dust suction apparatus includes a dust suction conduit and a dust collecting box. Two ends of the conduit are in communication with the first accommodating cavity and the box respectively. The two brushes rotate in opposite directions, the rotation of the first rotatable brush makes dirt enter the conduit through the slit, and the rotation of the second rotatable brush makes dirt enter the slit through the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Ted Ju, Wen Chang Chang, Chih Kun Chen
  • Publication number: 20160058257
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance, comprising a brushbar, a housing defining a chamber which at least partially surrounds the brushbar, the chamber having a dirty air inlet and a dirty air outlet, and a scraper having a working edge which extends in the longitudinal direction of the brushbar. The scraper is arranged such that, in use, the working edge scrapes debris entrained by the brushbar from the brushbar. The working edge has a profile which is shaped such that debris which accumulates at the working edge is drawn by the airflow through the cleaner head along the working edge towards the dirty air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Sean VENTRESS, Louis Peter Richard GARNER
  • Publication number: 20160058258
    Abstract: A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance, comprising a main body, a first bearing assembly, a second bearing assembly and a brushbar. The first bearing assembly is secured to the main body, and comprises a first stationary part fixed with respect to the main body and a first rotary part arranged to rotate with respect to the first stationary part. The second bearing assembly is secured to the main body, and comprises a second stationary part fixed with respect to the main body and a second rotary part arranged to rotate with respect to the second stationary part. The brushbar is coupled for rotation with the first and second rotary parts such that the brushbar rotates with the first and second rotary parts, and is configured to slidably engage the first and second rotary parts such that it can be separated from the first and second rotary parts for cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: David Andrew ISLEY, Damian Henri LEE
  • Publication number: 20160058259
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a main body and a cyclonic separating apparatus. The separating apparatus comprises a dirt collection chamber and a baffle arrangement, and is mounted within the main body such that a first part of the dirt collection chamber is obscured and a second part of the dirt collection chamber is visible during normal use. The baffle arrangement is positioned within the dirt collection chamber such that, during use, an airflow moving within the dirt collection chamber is disrupted by the baffle arrangement causing dirt to collect preferentially in the second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Joanne Katy MITCHELL, Peter Graham LUETCHFORD, Ketan PATEL
  • Publication number: 20160058260
    Abstract: A drive system for a mobile carpet cleaning apparatus that overcomes limitations of the prior art for powering a mobile carpet cleaning system in any Light, Medium or Heavy duty van or truck of Class 1 through Class 8, as classified by the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), when the van or truck is a rear wheel drive vehicle. According to the invention, both the vacuum generator and the pressure generator of the carpet cleaning system are mechanically coupled to a power take-off output of a split shaft power take off (PTO) unit positioned between the host vehicle's power plant and rear differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Wayne Eric Boone
  • Publication number: 20160058261
    Abstract: A robot cleaner comprising: a body; and a sensor protruding from a top surface of the body, wherein the body comprises a protrusion positioned forward of the sensor relative to a forward driving direction of the robot cleaner, the protrusion extending to a height that is at least equal to the height of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: James DYSON, Michael David ALDRED, Leanne Joyce GARNER
  • Publication number: 20160058262
    Abstract: A reservoir pivot assembly for a spray mop including a first portion pivotably connected to a second portion. A liquid reservoir is removably received by the first portion. The first portion is operable to pivot about the second portion between a first state and a second state, and the liquid reservoir is configured to pivot with the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher M. Charlton
  • Publication number: 20160058263
    Abstract: Dishwasher appliances and methods for operating appliances are provided. A method includes activating a drain pump to operate at a first speed, and ascertaining a dry drain status for the drain pump after a first speed drain time. The method further includes performing a deactivation routine when the dry drain status is positive, the deactivation routine comprising deactivating the drain pump. The method further includes performing a secondary drain routine when the dry drain status is negative, the secondary drain routine comprising activating the drain pump to operate at a second speed, the second speed greater than the first speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Owen Miller, Craig Curtis, Mark Thomas Fryman
  • Publication number: 20160058264
    Abstract: A spray device assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided including an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube extends along an axial direction and defines an outer tube orifice extending along a length of the outer tube. The inner tube also extends along the axial direction and is rotatably positioned at least partially within an opening of the outer tube. Moreover, the inner tube defines an inner tube orifice extending along a length of the inner tube. The outer tube orifice and inner tube orifice together define a nozzle where the outer tube orifice and the inner tube orifice overlap, the nozzle configured to move along the outer tube orifice as the inner tube and the outer tube are rotated relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Publication number: 20160058265
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dishwasher using oscillatory flow generated from thermoacoustic effect. The dishwasher is configured such that thermoacoustic waves having high amplitude are generated from solar energy rather than electric energy, wherein the thermoacoustic waves make oscillating waves be directly transmitted to an air column and a water column formed in a closed end of a dishwashing pipeline. In this way, high-quality energy can be directly applied to washing water, whereby energy loss can be minimized, and the washing efficiency can be markedly increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Wongee CHUN, Seungjin OH, Namjin KIM, Youncheol PARK, Yeongmin KIM, Kuan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20160058266
    Abstract: A rail assembly for a dishwasher basket that may include a rail to be connected to a side wall of the dishwasher basket; at least one support roller for guiding a front portion of the rail; a pair of guide rollers for guiding a rear portion of the rail, the pair of guide rollers may include a lower guide roller located to engage a lower guide face of the rail, and an upper guide roller located to engage an upper guide face of the rail; a lever element on which at least one of the guide rollers is mounted and which is rotatable about an axis extending generally in parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one guide roller; and may include a spring element for rotationally biasing the lever element to urge the at least one guide roller against the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Henrik NYGREN
  • Publication number: 20160058267
    Abstract: An endoscope with a control handle, the endoscope comprising: a housing having a main housing part and a cover part; an insertion portion extending from the housing; a bending portion extending from the insertion portion; control wires operable to control bending of the bending portion; a control mechanism connected to the control wires, the control mechanism including an axle located within the housing and defining a pivot axis, a lever member connected to the axle, and a user control member external of the housing and connected to the lever member, the user control member displaceable about the pivot axis to rotate the lever member and control movement of the control wires; and a fastening device adapted to retain a tube disposed over the insertion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Lasse Kjeld Gjoeske PETERSEN, Louise Wagner PETERSEN
  • Publication number: 20160058268
    Abstract: The specification describes endoscopes that enable varying stiffness of an insertion portion in an endoscope assembly. In one example, an actuator operates either a spring or a flexible tube to vary stiffness of the insertion portion. In alternative examples, an elliptical wheel arrangement or screw mechanism provides a means to increase stiffness of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly. In further examples, fluid and gas may be used inside the insertion potion to vary stiffness by varying pressure of the fluid/gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Golan Salman, Igal Shteiman, Hadar Schwarcz, Jeruham Avron, Christopher Stephen
  • Publication number: 20160058269
    Abstract: Provided is a treatment tool exchanging device that switches and holds a plurality of treatment tools for treating a target to be treated. The treatment tool exchanging device includes a flexible insertion part into which the plurality of treatment tools are inserted and in which a plurality of treatment tool channels for defining insertion paths for the treatment tools are formed, a driving part that advances each of the plurality of treatment tools, a manipulating part that manipulates the plurality of treatment tools to perform treatment, and a control unit that controls the amount of protrusion, from the treatment tool channel of the treatment tool, which has protruded from a distal end of the treatment tool channel, among the plurality of treatment tools. The insertion part has a switching part that changes the insertion path of the treatment tool to be inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro KOMURO