Patents Issued in January 3, 2017
  • Patent number: 9532652
    Abstract: A moon chair includes front supporting legs, rear supporting legs and a rest frame connected onto the front and rear supporting legs. The rest frame is of the shape of a circular ring obliquely erected when the rest frame is unfolded. The front and rear supporting legs are connected with the rest frame through first and second connecting seats, respectively. Each of the first or second connecting seats comprises an integral bent metal sheet. The two ends of the metal sheet are respectively provided with pin holes for arranging connecting pins in a penetrating manner. The metal sheets on the first or second connecting seats are respectively and movably connected with the front or rear supporting legs and the rest frame through the connecting pins. One end of the metal sheet on a first connecting seat is bent to a U-shape to cover the corresponding front supporting leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Anyplace Concepts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 9532653
    Abstract: An adjustable chair includes an upper frame configured to carry a seat, and a lower frame pivotably coupled with the upper frame and configured to support the upper frame above a ground surface. The adjustable chair further includes an adjustment mechanism that is selectively movable between a plurality of positions for securing the upper frame relative to the lower frame in a corresponding plurality of orientations. A method of adjusting an adjustable chair including a first chair portion carrying a seat and a second chair portion includes providing the first chair portion and the seat in a first orientation relative to the second chair portion. The first chair portion is pivoted about a first pivot axis to provide the first chair portion and the seat in a second orientation relative to the second chair portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Green Industries LLC
    Inventors: Kurt R. Green, Kyle E. Green
  • Patent number: 9532654
    Abstract: A stackable molded plastic chair has a cup holder is connected to a cylindrical boss on the underside of a chair arm for movement between a retracted position lying underneath the chair arm and an open position extending away from the arm of the chair. The cup holder has a tubular boss having a first portion extending from the top surface of the cup holder and a second portion extending from the bottom surface of the cup holder. The first portion is at least partially within the cylindrical boss on the chair arm. A pin within the tubular boss has two or more spaced apart legs each leg having a foot. As the pin is inserted into the tubular boss the legs will move inward and then will move outward when the feet reach a recess on the inside surface of the cylindrical boss on the chair arm. The feet are each sized and configured to fit into the recess and the legs preferably have an outward curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: William E. Adams, IV, Matthew Goodworth, Kevin A. Harper, Shlomo Snir
  • Patent number: 9532655
    Abstract: A sliding seat, in particular for gaming stations, includes a seating portion defined by at least one substantially horizontal seating plane supported by a support device on a support base. The support base has a plate that can be joined to the support device and is slidably connectable to a footboard resting upon the floor, the footboard being provided with a guide device cooperating with corresponding a sliding device provided on the plate to allow the plate to slide together with the seating portion. In particular, in the sliding seat, the length of the plate is greater than or equal to half the distance between the surface of the plate and the seating plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: STYLGAME S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luigi Iulita
  • Patent number: 9532656
    Abstract: A floor brake assembly for an article of furniture includes a base adapted to be affixed to an article of furniture, a plunger having a brake pad at a plunger first end where the brake pad engages a floor and a second position where the brake pad is free of the floor, a pivot arm rotatably mounted to the base, a first activation arm pivotally mounted to the base, and a second activation arm pivotally mounted to the base. The pivot arm is rotated to a braking position and an unbraking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Johnson, Steven Stieglitz, Martin J. Krause, Jr., Anthony J. Warncke
  • Patent number: 9532657
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the field of juvenile products, specifically infant support or nursing pillows, the intent of which is to support an infant in a variety of settings by providing a stable surface upon which to rest. Various embodiments include a generally crescent shaped device, comprised of a resilient fill material surrounded by a fabric shell and having a top and a bottom surface connected by a band of uniform width extending vertically and wholly about the perimeter of the pillow. The top and bottom surfaces are distinctly different in dimension, resulting in the pillow having an asymmetrical cross section, with one side having generally more loft and the other being substantially flat along a plane perpendicular to the perimeter band. A medial region between two extending arms forms a well, for the purpose of receiving a human torso or small child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob Sclare, Peter Jackson, John Matthew Thomson, Cary Costello
  • Patent number: 9532658
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Patent number: 9532659
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly for a refrigerated display case is provided. The sliding door assembly includes a door frame having a top frame segment and a plurality of sliding bearings that slide along channels within the top frame segment. A plurality of display case doors are coupled to the sliding bearings and configured to slide, along with the sliding bearings, between an open position and a closed position. The display case doors may be suspended from the sliding bearings. The sliding door assembly may include an automatic closure system coupled to the display case doors and configured to apply a closing force that automatically returns the display case doors to the closed position. One or more magnets may apply a magnetic damping force as the display case doors approach the closed position to facilitate a soft closure of the display case doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Tsui, Matthew Walp
  • Patent number: 9532660
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandise display system for storing and dispensing merchandise. The merchandise display system includes an outer housing, an inner support, a transparent front door, a refrigeration unit, a front door assembly, and a plurality of windows. The merchandise display system further includes a plurality of shelves for supporting merchandise within the display system. The refrigeration unit may be positioned at the top of the merchandise display system and may be removable. The outer housing of the refrigeration unit may be manufactured in a variety of colors. Each of the colors may be indicative a type of merchandise stored within the merchandise display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Antonio Jose Fernandes Ribeiro, José Roberto Montero, Jose Miguel Gutierrez, Jose Alfonso Gonzalez Santamaria, Edith Nancy Treviño Garcia, Rodrigo Guadarrama, César Eduardo Avendaño Acero, Dimas Alberto Diaz Zaleta
  • Patent number: 9532661
    Abstract: A merchandise display system including one or more display units is described. The merchandise display system may include a base unit having a refrigeration unit that cools one or more display units. The refrigeration unit may be removable from the base unit. The one or more display units may attach to another display unit or a base unit. The display units may be stackable on top of one another. The display units may also be configured to attach to the base unit. The one or more display units may include one or more doors, which allow access to display units. The display units may include a C-shaped panel that forms the side walls and back wall of each of the display units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventor: Emad Jafa
  • Patent number: 9532662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shelf system or assembly, and a shelf module therefore. The shelf module defines a pair of substantially parallel, lengthwise extending edges and a pair of substantially parallel end edges, and comprises an array of lengthwise extending slats spaced apart across the width of the module, and an array of spaced apart ribs extending between these slats which are spaced apart along the length of the module, at least a pair of the slats having outwardly and oppositely directed partition retaining connection means at or toward an upper edge thereof, between which a portion of a partition can be secured. Each of an associated partition, display strip, shelf connector module and shelf end module are also disclosed, where each of these is for removable attachment to the shelf module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Global Procurement Solutions Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Brett John Desmond
  • Patent number: 9532663
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a combination of a support device (1, 33) and a holding device (7), the support device comprising an attachment surface having rows (5) with elongated slot openings (3, 3?), and the holding device comprising an attachment part (9) and a carrier part (11). The attachment part is intended to be attached to the support device by being partly inserted into a first slot (3), such that the holding device can take up a load directed in the plane of attachment surface, and the carrier part (11) being capable of supporting an item to be stored. A stem part (13) interconnects the attachment part and the carrier part and the stem part includes a fin (15) that fits into a second slot (3?) which is located under said first slot (3). This provides a more reliable connection to the support device. A holding device suitable for this combination is also considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ELFA INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventor: Peter Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9532664
    Abstract: A showcase is described. The showcase has at least a vertical side wall with an inner face and an outer face, and at least a horizontal upper wall, with a lower face and an upper face. The side and upper walls are both made of a transparent material and are fixedly fastened to one another at respective edges; the edges of the side and upper walls are shaped so as to comprise respective contact bands facing one another and glued to one another. The contact bands have two horizontal contact bands, one on the edge of the side wall, the other on the edge of the upper wall, and extending between an inner bound and an outer bound, wherein the outer bound is internal with respect to the outer face of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: GOPPION S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Goppion
  • Patent number: 9532665
    Abstract: A display rack mountable on a shelf of a store for showcasing first and second display boxes and wound flexible tubing. The display rack comprises front and rear support members. The display rack further comprises first, second, and third open sidewall support members each having a first end engaged with the front support member and a second end engaged with the rear support member. The display rack further comprises a first stall formed between the first and second open sidewall support members. The first stall is adapted to receive the first display box. The display rack further comprises a second stall formed between the second and third open sidewall support members. The second stall is adapted to receive the second display box. The front and rear support members support the front and rear portions of the first and second display boxes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: William J. Selby
  • Patent number: 9532666
    Abstract: A storage system including a panel having a surface, and a storage component or partition configured to be releasably attached to the panel and supported on the surface to at least partially define a cavity. The system also includes a sensor configured to sense at least one of a removal, placement, presence or absence of an item in the cavity. The system further includes a wire configured to be operatively coupled to the sensor. The panel is configured to receive the wire such that the wire extends along a same side of the panel as the storage component or partition and is recessed relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: APEX INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin V. Savage, Craig S. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 9532667
    Abstract: A device for holding and dispensing reusable bags includes a structural base, a first arm-bracing wing, a second arm-bracing wing, an elastic restraint, and a bag storing hanger. When in use, a plurality of reusable bags is initially hooked onto a hook portion of the bag storing hanger. The elastic restraint secures the plurality of reusable bags with the structural base such that the plurality of reusable bags is stored on a racking portion of the bag storing hanger. The first arm-bracing wing and the second arm-bracing wing rest on a grocery bag holder when the device is used to dispense the plurality of reusable bags. A handle extending from the structural base allows the user to carry the device conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Becky Ann Ruddis
  • Patent number: 9532668
    Abstract: A rotatable display for containing an article including a coin. The rotatable display can include an article receptacle for holding the article, which can be easily rotated by a user. The article receptacle can have an outer flange. A display panel can rotatably capture the article receptacle. The display panel can include a first display layer and an annular retaining structure mounted to the first display layer rotatably capturing the outer flange of the article receptacle against the first display layer. The annular retaining structure can be deflectable against the outer flange. The annular retaining structure can have a smooth slippery surface, and can be configured for deflecting away from the first display layer and to facilitate rotation of the outer flange and the article receptacle relative to the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Unicover Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Schoeler, Cheryl Mefford
  • Patent number: 9532669
    Abstract: A rotatable display for containing an article including a coin. The rotatable display can include an article receptacle for holding the article, which can be easily rotated by a user. The article receptacle can have an outer flange. A display panel can rotatably capture the article receptacle. The display panel can include a first display layer and an annular retaining structure mounted to the first display layer rotatably capturing the outer flange of the article receptacle against the first display layer. The annular retaining structure can be deflectable against the outer flange. The annular retaining structure can have a smooth slippery surface, and can be configured for deflecting away from the first display layer and to facilitate rotation of the outer flange and the article receptacle relative to the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Unicover Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Schoeler, Cheryl Mefford, Thomas Eric Delaplaine, Debra Zoe Seemel, Katherine Clark Helzer
  • Patent number: 9532670
    Abstract: A kit for making a wall decoration assembly is described. The kit includes a suspension system and one or more wall decorations. A method for making and hanging the wall decoration assembly is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: IXXI CONCEPTS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Roel Antonius Wilhelmus Vaessen, Johannes Henricus Maria Sloot, Paulien Francisca Berendsen
  • Patent number: 9532671
    Abstract: A carafe has a flask and a lid assembly. The flask has a vessel. The lid assembly has a plug lid with an outlet port, a limiting bracket with a guiding channel and at least one outlet, and a sealing ball mounted in the guiding channel. The limiting bracket is mounted in the outlet port of the plug lid and is connected to the plug lid. When an opening of the vessel faces upward, the sealing ball slides downward to seal the outlet port of the plug lid. When the vessel tilts and the opening of the vessel faces downward, the outlet port of the plug lid is open, so that liquid in the vessel can flow out of the vessel. A user does not have to press or turn the lid assembly. Therefore, it is convenient to pour liquid out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: G.L. PRODUCTION (HANGZHOU) LTD.
    Inventor: Geoffery Lin
  • Patent number: 9532672
    Abstract: A system for storing unfolded garments, such as shirts and sweaters, on multiple shelves. The shelves may be curved from side to side and raised in the middle. The shelves may be placed at intermittent variable points along a vertical support member which attaches to a wall or to a base. The multiple shelves attach to brackets which extend from the vertical support member at vertically spaced points along the length of the vertical support member. The system permits the shelves to slide out from the vertical support member for convenient access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: David Sandgrund
  • Patent number: 9532673
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a rinse hanger for rinsing a wetsuit thereon. The rinse hanger is differentiated by a hook and cap assembly configured to provide swivel function; longitudinal grooves for improved structural support and weight displacement; a male adapter extending along a longitudinal axis; the hanger body being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis; and other features as described herein. A user hangs a wetsuit on the hanger and places the hook end of the hanger on a structural support, a quick release connector and hose is then coupled to the hanger and water flow is communicated through holes in the hanger body to rinse the inside of the wetsuit. The quick release connector and hose are removed, and a spray nozzle is coupled to the quick connector and hose, the spray nozzle is used to rinse an outside of the wetsuit. The hanger is then hung for drying and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: REEFLECTION, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua S. Schoonover, Eric Robert Young
  • Patent number: 9532674
    Abstract: A disposable glove dispensing system may allow for a user to efficiently put on a disposable glove without touching the outside of the glove. In various embodiments, a disposable glove may comprise an opening for hand entry having a first opening edge and a second opening edge, a first interconnection point located near the first opening edge, where the first interconnection point attaches the disposable glove to a first adjacent disposable glove, and a second interconnection point located near the second opening edge. The second interconnection point may attach the disposable glove to a second adjacent disposable glove, wherein the disposable glove is positioned between the first adjacent disposable glove and the second adjacent disposable glove. Furthermore, a disposable glove dispensing system may comprise a pack of interconnected disposable gloves, and a glove dispenser comprising two glove hangers for hanging the pack of disposable gloves hang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NO TOUCH EASY GLOVES, INC.
    Inventors: Jack Brian Dennison, John Owensby, Brad Forrest, Steve Knight
  • Patent number: 9532675
    Abstract: This motorized carriage for opening/closing a curtain is able to move along a rail thanks to a friction wheel driven by an electric motor and pivot mounted in a casing containing this electric motor. The casing is provided with at least two members for suspending it from the rail or from the rod, which include a support and/or a base element and at least one pivoting roller. The casing is equipped with at least one housing for partially accommodating and reversibly immobilizing each suspension member, so that the pivoting rollers or the shoes of the suspension members are mounted removably on the casing. The support is mounted, removably and via a rotational movement (F4), in the housing. Elements allow the support to be immobilized about its axis of rotation. The movement assembly (E) includes a casing and at least two sets of two suspension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Perache, Josiane Dunand, Marc Brechemier
  • Patent number: 9532676
    Abstract: A cheesecake pan system features a separate cheesecake pan bottom plate and a cylindrical cheesecake pan side wall having a spring-biased gap. A pan groove is located around a cheesecake pan side wall inner periphery and a cheesecake pan ridge is located around a bottom plate side wall outer periphery. The cheesecake pan bottom plate is adapted to snuggly fit in the cheesecake pan side wall. The system features a water base pan with a vapor hole centrally located in a raised bottom plate floor section. A water base pan ledge is located around a side wall inner periphery. The system features an elastomeric annular sealing ring designed to fit over a cheesecake pan lip. The cheesecake pan is placed on the water base pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Barbara A. Winfield
  • Patent number: 9532677
    Abstract: A brewing system for brewing a beverage is disclosed having an inlet for receiving fresh water for brewing, and a first solenoid for directing water to a water storage tank when a level in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined level. A pair of pumps direct water from the storage tank to a second solenoid. Two or more brew paths lead away from the second solenoid, each brew path including a heating element to heat the water flowing therethrough. The second prevents overpressurization in the brew paths by routing excess pressurized water from the respective brew path back through the second solenoid and out a drain line leading to a drain, where the path to the drain is not part of the brew path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Luke Kelly, Winston Fliess
  • Patent number: 9532678
    Abstract: Cleaning system for coffee machines and similar devices, in the cleaning circuit of which a cleaning key having a storage chamber is installed for receiving appropriately configured cleaning tablets. The cleaning key can be turned in a sleeve-like housing into two operating positions at defined angles of rotation, wherein in one operating position the storage chamber is fixed in the housing while in the other operating position, the storage chamber is released and can be removed from the housing to be filled or refilled with suitably packaged cleaning tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: STEINER AG WEGGIS
    Inventor: Adrian Steiner
  • Patent number: 9532679
    Abstract: Each of a plurality of 7-shaped rods has a short leg above and a long leg below with an acute angle between the short leg and the long leg. A circular large loop is positionable in a first plane in contact with and welded to the lower ends the rods. A circular small loop is positionable in a second plane parallel with the first plane. The small loop is coupled to the rods adjacent to the acute angles. An axis extends through the centers of the loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick M. Besch
  • Patent number: 9532680
    Abstract: A barbeque accessory assembly for use with a barbeque grill having an enclosure within which is contained a fire ring positioned over a fire box, with a grill grate positioned in vertically spaced relation above the fire ring. The accessory assembly includes a component bar receiving bracket positioned above the fire box and a pair of arms for supporting a bracket body on the fire box. The bracket body also includes a notch for receiving and supporting one end of a component bar thereon. The bracket body including a slot for receiving an accessory therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Lawrence Roberts
  • Patent number: 9532681
    Abstract: A deep fat fryer with continuous oil filtering and purging of sediments therefrom during uninterrupted fryer operation is provided. The filter includes a cylindrical hollow housing with a first end and a second end and a hollow cylindrical screen with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The screen is disposed coaxially within the hollow housing to define an annulus therebetween. A piston mounted within the screen and reciprocatingly movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the screen. A pump, seal, and associate motor are provided to provide continuous oil flow through the filter and the remainder of the fryer. A heat exchanger is provided downstream of the pump to transfer heat from the fryer to the oil flowing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Savage, Charles E. Pierce, John P. Gardner, Mark E. McCabe, Rory A. Longe, Kurt H. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9532682
    Abstract: A grinder (30) has a toolessly attached ingredient hopper assembly (50) overlying a toolessly attached fixed grinding burr (134) defining the top of a grind chamber (158) within which is received a mating rotary grinding burr (150) that is slidably mounted to a rotary drive motor (154) for adjustment relative to the fixed grinding burr (134). Adjustment is achieved automatically by control of a stepper motor (168) that pushes on the end of an elongate control shaft (393) passing through a hollow rotary drive axle (392) and carrying the rotary grinding burr (150) at an opposite end. In a similar embodiment (FIG. 23), the non-rotary burr (314) is adjusted by movement of a control shaft (393) contained within a hollow motor axle (392). In other embodiments (FIGS. 17-22), a movable axle (304) of a movable rotor motor (300) and attached to the rotary burr (312) is moved to make the adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: FOOD EQUIPMENT TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Zbigniew G. Lassota, Michael W. Lassota, Woyciech Dymkowski
  • Patent number: 9532683
    Abstract: A foaming soap dispenser includes a housing having a discharge opening at the bottom, a receptacle in which a liquid soap reservoir can be replaceably inserted and a soap container beneath the reservoir. A peristaltic or squeezed-tube pump for the soap and a diaphragm pump for feeding foaming air to a foaming device disposed close to the discharge opening, can be driven separately electrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Hagleitner
  • Patent number: 9532684
    Abstract: A wet/dry sheet dispenser. The dispenser has an elongate refill which holds a liquid and fits into a complementary base. Liquid is selectively dispensed from the refill by longitudinal activation of a pump. The pump may be disposed on either the refill or base. Liquid flows from the refill, into the base and is ultimately dispensed onto a sheet. This arrangement allows for convenient and selective one hand pump operation, so the other hand is free to grasp the sheet. The sheet may be used wet or dry as desired at the point of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paulus Antonius Augustinus Hoefte, Olga Lahuerta Salas, Kris Adriaenssens, Pedro Vincent Vandecappelle
  • Patent number: 9532685
    Abstract: A remote-controlled vehicle for collecting and transporting bio-waste that is capable of compacting bio-waste, dumping the waste in a variety of ways, and that has a rechargeable battery, among other functions, is disclosed. A system for collecting the bio-waste material also is provided. The system includes a plurality of collection receptacles associated with a structure, each of the plurality of collection receptacles receiving the bio-waste material without the use of water as a carrier. A transport network extends from each of the plurality of collection receptacles to at least one storage receptacle located at the structure. A plurality of vehicles, or carts, is disposed within the transport network and collect the bio-waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Jerry D. Thom, Catherine A. Thom
  • Patent number: 9532686
    Abstract: The toilet system described herein provides a solution for men who fail to close the toilet seat or lid after use. By automatically closing the lid or seat, the toilet system also reduces toilet access to young children and pets. Its dimensions and installation are the same as an industry standard toilet seat but with selectable automatic closure of the seat or lid after use. The power source, electronics and mechanical actuator are all located within the lid. Tilt and position sensors determine the positions of the seat and lid, distance or proximity sensors detect when the toilet is not in use and after a delay the actuator selectively moves the seat or lid to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: James Donald Heiss
  • Patent number: 9532687
    Abstract: A filtration system for a toilet including a fan assembly having an air flow channel in fluid communication with a toilet bowl, a housing interposing the toilet bowl and the fan assembly to receive a filter unit therein such that the filter unit is in fluid communication with the air flow channel. A controller can selectively activate the fan assembly in response to various signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Sollami
  • Patent number: 9532688
    Abstract: A spherical or ovoid design for a robotic vacuum in which the housing of the vacuum also serves as the means by which the device moves. Steering of the device is controlled by adjusting the center of gravity within the housing. Perforations in the housing allow debris to be vacuumed into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Bobsweep, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi, Soroush Mehrnia, Amin Ebrahimi Afrouzi, Masih Ebrahimi Afrouzi, Azadeh Afshar Bakooshli
  • Patent number: 9532689
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an airflow outlet and an airflow indicator assembly removably disposed at the outlet. The airflow indicator assembly includes a pair of fins attached to a spine and a needle disposed between the pair of fins. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, exhaust air is directed through the outlet and towards the needle, pushing the needle thereby indicating whether service is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SHOP VAC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurt Westbrook, Seth A. Bartley, Kevin D. Fry
  • Patent number: 9532690
    Abstract: A robot cleaner capable of vacuuming foreign materials on a floor includes a main body to which a dust collector is mounted and a vacuuming unit provided at a front portion of the main body to clean a floor. The vacuuming unit is configured to move relative to the main body. If it is determined that the robot cleaner is located near a wall or an obstacle, the vacuuming unit moves to the wall or the obstacle. Since the vacuuming unit contacts the wall or the obstacle, a region of a floor near the wall or the obstacle may be cleaned. Further, a manual cleaner may be selectively connected to a channel connector of the robot cleaner so that a user may choose automatic or manual cleaning of a floor at the user's convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hwi Jang, Young Jae Park, Sin Ae Kim, Won Kuk Kim, Hyo Won Sin
  • Patent number: 9532691
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that includes a first dirt-separation stage, a second dirt-separation stage, and a vacuum motor for moving air through the first dirt-separation stage and the second dirt-separation stage. The vacuum motor has a centrifugal impeller driven by an electric motor. The first dirt-separation stage is then located upstream of the impeller, the second dirt-separation stage is located downstream of the impeller, and the second dirt-separation stage has a plurality of cyclonic separators that are arranged around the vacuum motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Dyson Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Charles Geoffrey Box, Mark Andrew Johnson
  • Patent number: 9532692
    Abstract: A suction device sucks air and liquid from a planar surface, and the scraper blade active portion moves on a surface. The active portion is in the form of a single blade, made from a flexible or semi-rigid material, intended to be moved in one direction against the planar surface. There is an internal cavity connected to a mechanism for sucking air and liquid. At a distal portion of the blade and behind the ridge to be moved on the surface, two walls together form an angle and meet at the ridge. A first wall is presented first towards the surface to be scraped during a scraping operation having, alongside and close to the ridge, a plurality of holes opening into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: ECODROP
    Inventor: Gerard Curien
  • Patent number: 9532693
    Abstract: An unattended extraction cleaning machine includes a housing with a bottom portion that is adapted to rest on a surface to be cleaned, a fluid delivery system including a fluid distributor, a fluid extraction system including a suction nozzle, at least one carriage assembly mounting the suction nozzle to the housing for movement with respect thereto and with respect to the surface to be cleaned, and an ultraviolet light mounted on at least one of the housing and the carriage assembly to emit ultraviolet light onto the surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Phong Hoang Tran, Charles A. Reed, Jr., Jeremy Moog, Eric C. Huffman
  • Patent number: 9532694
    Abstract: A device having the ability to alternate between dry spill and wet spill clean-up by simply rotating the head of the device to either the bristle side, for dry material clean-up, or the rubber squeegee side for wet material clean-up. Located on the handle is a release button coupled to the rotatable coupling by which the head rotates about the handle. When this button is pulled or otherwise selectively activated (e.g., pushed, pressed, etc.) the head will now rotate freely allowing the user to alternate between dry and wet clean-up. In an embodiment, the head may be locked at a variety of angles for side sweeping applications such as inside a cabinet, on top of a work bench, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Neli LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Shippen, Ben R. Shippen, Stephen R. Shippen, David S. Shippen
  • Patent number: 9532695
    Abstract: A surface cleaning substrate, which is essentially dry and loaded with a cleaning composition, which may very suitably be stored and transported in its dry form and which may be activated for surface cleaning by simple addition of a carrier, such as water. A method for the manufacture of such a loaded dry substrate, and to the method of surface cleaning using such a loaded dry substrate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: AVET AG
    Inventor: Roland Sacks
  • Patent number: 9532696
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Barry E. Tuller, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 9532697
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Barry E. Tuller, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 9532698
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a controller controlling a cleaning cycle, a screen system for filtering a wash fluid, a circulation chamber and a collection chamber in fluid communication with the circulation chamber via a screen arrangement, a circulation pump for circulating the wash fluid and a drain pump for pumping out the wash fluid. During the cleaning cycle, to detect blockage in the screen arrangement, a degree of transmission in the circulation chamber filled with wash fluid is determined with an optical turbidity sensor in a first measuring step. The wash fluid is then pumped out of the collection chamber and the degree of transmission in the circulation chamber is again determined in a second measuring step. The change in the degree of transmission from the first measuring step to the second measuring step is then evaluated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Heidel, Reinhard Hering, Bernd Kränzle
  • Patent number: 9532699
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system having a sprayer supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage and multiple spray outlets to emit sprays to wash the dishes, a first valve body to couple at least one of the multiple spray outlets to the liquid passage, and a second valve body to control a flow of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Feddema
  • Patent number: 9532700
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one cycle of operation and having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and defining an access opening, a sprayer providing a spray of liquid into the treating chamber, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path for recirculating the sprayed liquid from the treating chamber to the sprayer, and an air supply system having a conduit configured to function as an overflow conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 9532701
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a sprayer for spraying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage provided in the interior of the body, at least one upper outlet extending through the upper surface of the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, at least one lower outlet extending through the lower surface of the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, and a valve body moveable relative to the body to fluidly couple the at least one upper outlet and the at least one lower outlet to the liquid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Feddema, Chad T. Vanderroest