Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
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Patent number: 9596942Abstract: A cushion includes a first cushion portion, a second cushion portion, and a connecting portion interconnecting the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion such that the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion are brought to an open position to unfold the cushion. The first cushion portion and the second cushion are movable to a closed position to fold the cushion along the connecting portion into a generally rectangular parallelepiped. The connecting portion is provided along one corner of the generally rectangular parallelepiped and interconnects one end of a first surface of the first cushion portion and one end of a first surface of the second cushion portion. An inclining surface of the first cushion portion and an inclining surface of the second cushion portion are both planar surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.Inventors: Yutaka Kubota, Kazumichi Hamaguchi, Hideyuki Suzuki, Ryo Abe
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Patent number: 9596943Abstract: Mattress foundations and kits include a first side rail, a second side rail, a first end rail, a second end rail, and at least one center rail. The foundations and kits further include a plurality of slats of varying lengths. The invention may further include a method of assembling a foundation kit.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Rick L. Hartley
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Patent number: 9596944Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes an elongated panel, formed of a thermally insulating material, and having a plurality of thermoelectric elements formed from compacted conductors inside the insulating material and expanded conductors outside the insulating material wherein the thermoelectric elements run substantially parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the panel. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling with controls and configurations to optimize the application.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: TEMPRONICS, INC.Inventors: Tarek Makansi, Michael J. Berman, John Latimer Franklin, Mark Nelsen Evers, Steven Wood
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Patent number: 9596945Abstract: A support cushion is provided for dissipating heat away from the support cushion. The support cushion includes a body supporting portion and a base portion that is positioned below the body supporting portion. The base portion defines a channel that extends through the base portion and that is in fluid communication with the body supporting portion. A fan is further included in the support cushion and is operably connect to the channel of the base portion, such that the fan is positioned and configured to move an amount of air through the channel and dissipate heat away from the body supporting portion. Methods of dissipating heat away from a support cushion are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Tempur-Pedic Management, LLCInventors: Hamid Ghanei, Tyler W. Kilgore
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Patent number: 9596946Abstract: An active mattress may include a top panel, a bottom panel and multiple side panels. One or more of the side panels are zippered together, The un-zippered side panels fixedly connect the top and bottom portions of the side panels. In another embodiment, an inflatable volume is integrated into the bottom panel. Alternatively, the inflatable volume may be integrated with a separate detachable cover and attached to the bottom panel by conventional means. The various configurations of the encasement allows a mattress to be easily rotated, installed, or removed. Optional straps may be provided, fixedly attached to the encasement, to allow the encasement to be snugged against the mattress. This enables the encasement to be used with a relatively wide range of mattress sizes and still provide a snug fit.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Levitation Sciences LLCInventor: William John Scarleski
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Patent number: 9596947Abstract: A hip seat carrier set for use in holding an infant, comprising a carrier including a first supporting member capable of supporting an infant, and a shoulder band to be attached to the user's shoulders when the user puts on the carrier; hip seat separably coupled to the carrier, including a waist belt to be fastened around the user's waist, and for holding hips of the infant thereon; and a carrier blanket separably coupled to the carrier, and including a second supporting member capable of supporting the body of the infant, and a pelvis belt to be connected to a lower portion of the second supporting member and to be put on around the user's body to support the hips of the infant, wherein the hip seat or the carrier blanket is coupled to the carrier depending on a mode of usage, can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: I-ANGEL CO., LTD.Inventor: Jin-Seop Lee
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Patent number: 9596948Abstract: A free-standing slatwall comprises first and second posts supported in vertical positions, the first and second posts having respective inner walls facing each other; first and second vertical members attached to the respective inner walls; and slatwall panel having first and second vertical edge portions attached to the respective first and second vertical members.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: MEGAWALL, INC.Inventor: Brad McGinnis
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Patent number: 9596949Abstract: A rack supports and displays loop-like articles, such as necklaces. The rack includes a bar having a series of circumferential grooves and a holder for supporting the bar from a vertical surface. In one implementation, the holder is at the center of the bar, and is rigidly connected to the bar. In another implementation, the holder is at one end of the bar, with a pivot support at the other end of the bar. The bar is permanently and pivotally fixed to the pivot support, and releasably received in the holder. In the latter implementation, the bar can be lifted or pivoted out of engagement with the holder so that a necklace can be removed from the bar.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Anthony Scampoli
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Patent number: 9596950Abstract: A lighting system including a low voltage frame, a puck magnetically joinable with the frame, a lighting array, and an elongated electrical connector joining the puck and the lighting array. The puck can be selectively positioned along the low voltage frame in a variety of different locations. The puck can be constructed from a polymeric material molded over electrical connectors, and optionally a power feed, such as a cable jack. The electrical connectors can be magnetized so that the electrical connectors are magnetically attracted to power rails on the low voltage frame to establish electrical coupling of the connectors to the power rails, while physically securing the puck in a fixed location along the low voltage frame. The power rails can be constructed from magnetic stainless steel, optionally coated with black oxide from a hot black oxide coating process.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Amstore CorporationInventors: James W. Waalkes, Ryan A. Van Sluyters
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Patent number: 9596951Abstract: The invention provides a vibration and noise absorbing mat structure which includes a flexible mat body including a sound-absorbing layer, a vibration damping layer and a buffer layer stacked in order. The sound-absorbing layer is made of a first foam body having a relatively low hardness. The vibration damping layer includes a sub-layer which is composed of a second foam body having a relatively high hardness, a third foam body having a relatively high elasticity and a fourth foam body having a relatively high hardness stacked in order. The buffer layer is composed of a fifth foam body and a plurality of buffer units spacedly disposed on a bottom side of the fifth foam body.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: XIGMA STYLE CORP.Inventor: Fu-Yi Hsu
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Patent number: 9596952Abstract: A secured receiving arrangement for a delivered parcel includes a parcel receptacle for the delivered parcel to be enclosed therein; a lock arrangement to lock and unlock the lid of the parcel receptacle; and a securing device to secure the parcel receptacle to a door at the property to where the delivered parcel is addressed. The securing device is attached at one end to the parcel receptacle and at the other end includes an abutment such that when the securing device is slid under the door and the door is then closed, un-securing the parcel receptacle from the door is prevented by the abutment of the securing device engaging the internal side of the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Carl Joseph Mencel
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Patent number: 9596953Abstract: A method and device for housing, storing and presenting butter in a hand held fashion for use in dining, cooking, and storage, where the housing securely accommodates a standard quarter pound stick of butter within said housing. Said housing is comprised of a body having a single opening and features a cap for measuring variable amounts of butter protruding from such opening, The housing further possesses a threaded feature penetrating the length of the stick of butter and provides a bracket at the base of the stick of butter to securely move the butter into or out of the housing. The novel housing enables the user to load and unload the stick of butter in an ergonomic, sanitary, and efficient manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Geraint Godfellow Krumpe
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Patent number: 9596954Abstract: An eco green cookware is provided, having a double-layered wall structure and comprising a heat transfer medium within a cavity of the double-layered wall structure. The eco green cookware comprises: a container comprising an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein upper parts of the inner shell and outer shell are rolled a number of times together to form a rolled joint, an upper part of the inner shell is provided with a concave member, a heat transfer medium is provided within the cavity, a first heat transfer member is inserted and installed at the bottom portion of the cavity, and a second heat transfer member is affixed to the bottom surface of the first heat transfer member; an inner cover comprising an inner peripheral portion in the form of an inverted āLā whose inside bend forms a round portion; an outer cover; and pressure release devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Jong Peter Park
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Patent number: 9596955Abstract: A machine for preparing liquid products via cartridges comprises a delivery assembly that includes at least: one injector device, to introduce into a cartridge water and/or steam under pressure; an infusion chamber, facing the injector device and designed to receive the cartridge; an actuation system, designed to cause relative displacements between the injector device and the infusion chamber, between a spaced position and a closed position; a loading arrangement that includes an inlet duct and retention means, which can be switched between a retention condition, where the cartridge is kept in a position substantially coaxial to the infusion chamber and to the injector device, and a release condition, where the cartridge is free to fall towards an outlet passage of the delivery assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.Inventors: Luca Bugnano, Alberto Cabilli, Andrea Pinna, Carlo De Mango
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Patent number: 9596956Abstract: An apparatus for making coffee, in accordance with an automated pour-over method, includes a housing having a movable water spout, a basket for holding a bed of coffee grounds below the spout, a pump for moving water through the spout for delivery and distribution onto the bed, and a drive for moving the spout along a hypotrochoidal path during distribution of the water to saturate the bed with substantially uniform water coverage and to extract the coffee with substantial consistency as the water permeates and passes by gravity through the bed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Invergo, Inc.Inventor: Cameron T. Hughes
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Patent number: 9596957Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines includes a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in the tank, a flow-meter connected to the extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, and a recovery tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Stefano Tonelli, Massimo Lelli
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Patent number: 9596958Abstract: A grill cover set having a lower skirt assembly for extending around the lower portions of a grill and an upper cover assembly for covering the top of the grill. The skirt assembly has an upper perimeter with circumferentially disposed double magnets, a tunnel adjacent the upper perimeter, one (1) end defined by a left seam and another end defined by a right seam. The upper cover assembly has a lower perimeter edge with circumferentially disposed single magnets. A cable passes through the tunnel and is used for clinching the skirt assembly to the grill. A cable tensioner holds the cable together. At least one (1) double magnet is positioned so as to align with at least one (1) single magnet when the skirt assembly and the upper cover assembly are on the grill. The lower skirt assembly has recesses to enable access to parts of the grill.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Jeffrey M. Murphy
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Patent number: 9596959Abstract: A device for cooking cannoli shells is comprised of a rack, a plurality of clips, a plurality of rods and a handle. The clips are attached to the upper side of the rack. The clips releasably secure the rods at a central section of each rod. The rods are shaped such that cannoli dough in the shape of a cannoli shell may be placed on each end of each rod, for a total of two shells per rod. The handles allow the device to be inserted into and removed from hot cooking oil. When the device is placed within a frying pan, the cannoli dough shell wraps on the rods are submerged below the surface of the cooking oil. Multiple racks may be releasably attached to each other to form a multiple tiered device which can be used with a frying pan deep enough to accommodate the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Gene Tironi, Kolleen M. Tironi
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Patent number: 9596960Abstract: A toothbrush holder enclosure is provided which includes a three parts: a back plate, a resilient clamp and a front cover. The back plate and front cover form a housing. The clamp part has an inverted āUā shape and is made of a resilient material giving it a springy property. The clamp is shaped to urge two clamp arms towards one another in order for the clamp to grip a toothbrush. Two rollers at the tips of the clamp arms engage a toothbrush head inserted in the clamp as the clamp is spread apart from the clamped position to a deviated state. With the toothbrush inserted, the rollers exert pressure on a neck of the toothbrush to hold the toothbrush fast in place. The rolling engagement action of the rollers permits gripping toothbrushes having heads fitted with rubber sides.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: MAXOR INC.Inventors: Claude Mauffette, Jean-FranƧois Jacques, Denis Lamothe, Jean Lamothe, Pierre Halmai
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Patent number: 9596961Abstract: A wall structure for a composite tub includes a surface side for facing an interior of the tub, a polyurethane layer backing and attaching to the surface side, plumbing backing the polyurethane layer, and an encapsulation layer encapsulating the plumbing and backing and attaching to the polyurethane layer so that damage to the plumbing is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Delta Faucet CompanyInventors: Andrew Warren Stokely, Michael Glenn Geels
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Patent number: 9596962Abstract: An infant towel drying mat that is intended to provide a convenient and effective apparatus to aid in the drying of a human infant or a pet animal. A drying mat has a first section, a second section, and a section hinge, wherein the first section and the second hinge are adjacently connected to the section hinge; the section hinge being positioned in between the first section and the second section and allows for multiple configurations of the infant towel drying mat. A plurality of connection tabs is adjacently connected to the drying mat and perimetrically positioned around the drying mat. Each of the plurality of connection tabs includes a protrusion connected to the drying mat, a surface fastener to be secured to a surface, and a press towel holder for mounting a towel. The surface fastener and the press towel holder are positioned opposite each other about the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Karin Lea Davis, Regis U. Vu Quoc
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Patent number: 9596963Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of vented refill units and dispensers having vented refill units are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes a non-collapsing inverted container. The container has a neck located at the bottom of the container. A pump is secured to the neck. The pump has a housing that has a cylindrical outside surface. In addition, the housing has an attachment mechanism for attaching the pump to a venting insert. The venting insert has a cylindrical inside surface and a cylindrical outside surface. At least a portion of the venting insert is located within the neck. An air passage is located between the pump housing and the cylindrical inside surface of the venting insert. One or more apertures are located through the venting insert. A one-way air inlet valve is located proximate the one or more apertures.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella
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Patent number: 9596964Abstract: A towel dispenser includes a housing mounted to a wall and defining an interior space for receiving toweling comprising a roll of towels, the interior space comprising a curved surface configured to receive the roll of towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding of the roll of towels. The towel dispenser further includes a loading door configured to rotate relative to the main body, when the main body is mounted to a wall, between a closed position in which the loading door extends over a top of and closes off the interior space of the main body in which toweling is received, and an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein without obstruction by the loading door, with the loading door extending upwardly above and over a top of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: INNOVIA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLCInventors: William Bryant Troutman, William Bryant Troutman, II
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Patent number: 9596965Abstract: A potty for use by young children includes a waste collector and a seat adapted to rest on the waste collector. The potty can be placed in an aperture formed in a base.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.Inventors: Brian C Sundberg, Joseph D Langley
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Patent number: 9596966Abstract: The container retention assembly for retaining a urinal at a selected height includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. The base includes a bottom rod and a top armature that extend upwardly to support a portable urinal. The assembly is adapted to be rolled like a walker or parked adjacent a bed in order for the portable urinal to be supported when not in use.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Jacqueline Taylor
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Patent number: 9596967Abstract: A cleaner including a body configured to generate a suction force, a suction head configured to suction air and dirt while making contact with a cleaning surface, a handle pipe configured for manipulation by a user, a flexible hose connecting the handle pipe to the body, an extension pipe connecting the suction head to the handle pipe, and an accessory assembly coupled to the handle pipe to perform a cleaning in place of the suction head, the accessory assembly comprising an accessory body, a Dusting tool on which a brush is mounted, a Crevice tool to clean a gap, and an Upholstery tool to clean fabrics, the Upholstery tool being rotatably coupled to the accessory body, thereby enhancing the convenience of use and cleaning efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyun Ju Lee, See Hyun Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Han Saem Lee
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Patent number: 9596968Abstract: A brush vacuum cleaner having a brush set facing the floor with a driven brush roller, wherein the brush set can be connected via a pivotable connecting element in the form of a connecting piece for a filter housing attachable to a handle having a hand grip. The brush set accommodates an electric motor for a suction fan and for the drive of the brush roller. An electrical switch is provided for switching the electric motor on and off which is disposed on the side wall as a lateral flank of the brush set in the form of a foot operated switch. The switch with its external control surface projects outwards with respect to the side wall in the switched-off position whereas in the switched-on position the control surface ends with neighboring or adjacent surface sections of the side wall without overhang.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Stein & Co. GmbHInventor: Thomas Stein
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Patent number: 9596969Abstract: A vacuum cleaning device comprises a unit (1) for aerodynamically affecting dust particles and/or a surface (40) to be cleaned in order for the particles to become dislodged from the surface (40) and to be received by the unit (1). The unit (1) comprises a housing (10) having an internal space (11) enclosed by a housing wall (12) in which at least one opening (13) is arranged, a movable surface (30) which is integrated in the housing wall (12), and means (31) for actuating the movable surface (30), which are adapted to realize an oscillating movement of the surface (30) that causes air to alternately be drawn into the housing (10) through the opening (13) and expelled from the housing (10) through the opening (13). At least a portion of the housing wall (12), particularly a portion of the housing wall (12) in which the opening (13) is located, is movably arranged in the unit (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Gerben Kooijman, Jan Frederik Suijver, Okke Ouweltjes, Jeroen Herman Lammers
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Patent number: 9596970Abstract: A vacuum cleaning machine has a cannister with an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. At least two filters are disposed inside of the cannister, one in pneumatic communication through each of the outlet ports. At least two valves are disposed outside of the cannister. Each valve is in pneumatic communication between a vacuum source and an outlet port so as to permit air to be drawn by the vacuum source from the inlet port simultaneously through the filters. A controller operates the valves to switch the filters from the vacuum source to ambient air so as to permit ambient air to be sequentially intermittently drawn through corresponding valves and filters into the cannister. Preferably, the controller includes a timing mechanism for setting the delay time of the sequential valve operation and a timing mechanism for setting the intermittent time of connection of each filter to ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Christy, Inc.Inventor: David L. McCutchen
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Patent number: 9596971Abstract: A robot cleaner and a control method for the same are disclosed. The robot cleaner and control method are capable of detecting malfunction of an auxiliary cleaning unit, and controlling travel of the robot cleaner in accordance with the detection result, to achieve efficient cleaning of an edge area even when there is an error in the auxiliary cleaning unit. The robot cleaner includes a plurality of auxiliary cleaning units mounted to a bottom portion of the robot cleaner such that the auxiliary cleaning units are extendable and retractable, a sensing unit to sense an extension, retraction, or rotation state of each of the auxiliary cleaning units, and a control unit to determine whether the auxiliary cleaning units operate normally, based on a sensing result of the sensing unit, and to control travel of the robot cleaner, based on a result of the determination.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Sik Yoon, Dong Won Kim, Jea Yun So, Seung Il Han, Jun Hwa Lee
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Patent number: 9596972Abstract: An apparatus for rinsing vessels such as but not limited to those used for drink preparation at a bar may include a splash-resistant enclosure within which vessels are rinsed. A nozzle assembly disposed within the stall and coupled to a supply of rinsing media is configured to direct a spray of rinsing media simultaneously at an interior surface and an exterior surface of a vessel to be rinsed when placed within the stall. A method of rinsing such vessels includes simultaneously directing a flow of rinsing media at an interior and an exterior of the vessel in a predetermined quantity and/or for a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Naoki Sonoda
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Patent number: 9596973Abstract: An auxiliary grey water supply device captures used wash water from a commercial warewashing machine for supply to a pre-rinse station without substantial modification of the commercial warewashing machine. The captured wash water is delivered to a pre-rinse station for pre-rinsing of dishes that will be washed within the commercial warewashing machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Seven Hour Drive, LLCInventors: Eduardo Yong Lee, Daniel John Dickinson
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Patent number: 9596974Abstract: Fluid circulation systems for dishwasher appliances are provided. A dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber. A fluid circulation system includes a sump for receiving fluid from the wash chamber. The sump includes a chamber having a sidewall and a base wall. The fluid circulation system further includes a pump, the pump including an impeller disposed within the chamber. The fluid circulation system further includes a filter at least partially disposed within the chamber and surrounding the impeller, the filter including a sidewall, the sidewall defining a plurality of perforations extending therethrough. The fluid circulation system further includes a shelf cantilevered from the sidewall of the sump towards the filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventor: John Edward Dries
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Patent number: 9596975Abstract: A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending above a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Harshal J. Bhajak, Joseph T. Ferencevich, Gerald J. McNerney, Thomas M. O'Brien, Mihir Ponkshe, Amit K. Sharma
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Patent number: 9596976Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a rack assembly disposed within a wash chamber of a tub. First and second spray assemblies are positioned adjacent the rack assembly and configured for directing wash fluid towards the rack assembly. The dishwasher appliance also includes features for selectively directing wash fluid from a supply conduit to the second spray assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Matthew McDaniel, John Edward Dries, Gregory Owen Miller, Craig Curtis
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Patent number: 9596977Abstract: An imaging element includes: a plurality of pixels arranged into a two-dimensional matrix, configured to receive light from outside, and configured to generate and output an imaging signal according to an amount of light received; a first transfer line connected to the pixel and configured to transfer the imaging signal; a pixel selection unit configured to perform a selection operation of selecting a selection target pixel from among the plurality of pixels in order to read the imaging signal out to the first transfer line and a de-selection operation of canceling the selection of the pixel being selected; and control unit configured to control the pixel selection unit. The control unit performs the selection operation of selecting a new selection target pixel after performing the de-selection operation on the basis of a synchronization signal from outside.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Yuzuru Tanabe, Katsumi Hosogai, Satoru Adachi
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Patent number: 9596978Abstract: The medical device guidance system include a magnetic guidance device which generates a guidance field in an arbitrary direction to guide a capsular medical device and carry out movement and posture control, a position detection device which detects the present position by a magnetic field generated by the capsular medical device and a position calculating and correcting section which forms an estimation equation of an undesired magnetic field generated from a guidance coil and subtracts an estimation equation result from the detection result of the magnetic field detecting section, according to the present position of the capsular medical device that controls the position and posture by a guidance field relative to the position detection device, and corrects the present position by excluding a desired magnetic field generated from a guidance coil.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventors: Atsushi Kimura, Akio Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9596979Abstract: an endoscope system including an endoscope having an instrument channel and an anchoring assembly including an inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly, the inflatable/deflatable balloon assembly being deflatable to a cross-sectional size sufficiently small to enable it to pass through the instrument channel and being positionable and inflatable without substantial stretching to have a dimension sufficiently large to enable it to anchor in the large intestine.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SMART MEDICAL SYSTEMS LTD.Inventors: Gad Terliuc, Gilad Luria, Maxim Musheev
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Patent number: 9596980Abstract: An endoscopic surgery apparatus is provided, including a tubular member, a handle located on a proximal end of the tubular member, and one or more pivotable arms detachably connected to a distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member has channels along its longitudinal axis, wherein at least one of the channels is an optical channel and at least one other channel is an illumination channel. The arms have guiding channels adapted to receive surgical tools, which direct the surgical tools. The arms are interchangeable with other arms of different configurations. Also, said arms have an open and a closed position, such that when the arms are in the closed position an opening is defined allowing viewing of a surgical site via the optical channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Karl Storz Endovision, Inc.Inventors: Jacques Francois Bernard Marescaux, Jeffrey S. Melanson, Bernard Dallemagne, Joel Leroy, Didier Mutter, James P. Barry, Stefan Storz, Martin Leonhard
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Patent number: 9596981Abstract: A head of a cavity exploration device, with an integrated circuit support which has first and second surfaces and a plurality of through-holes associated with corresponding first and second conducting pads positioned on the respective first and second surfaces of the integrated circuit support, a respective conducting micro-cable is placed in the through-hole, with this micro-cable having a portion which is uninsulated for a length greater than or equal to the thickness of the support. The micro-cable is soldered to the associated first and second conducting pads. Next the micro-cable is glued to the first and second associated conducting pads. The micro-cable is molded in first and second resin layers onto the respective first and second conducting pads, with the resin layers covering the uninsulated portion of the micro-cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventors: Dominique Luneau, Paul Varillon
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Patent number: 9596982Abstract: A blue signal B, a green signal G, and a red signal R are obtained by imagining a subject illuminated with white light W using a color CCD 44. Based on these signals B, G, and R, a normal light image in which a wavelength component of a visible light region is included is generated. Based on the signals B, G, and R, a brightness signal I ((B+G+R)/3) showing the average brightness of the subject is generated. A pixel region exceeding the fixed threshold value Th1 of the brightness signal I is extracted as a superficial microstructure P, such as a pit pattern. A microstructure enhancement image 72 is generated by combining the normal light image with a superficial microstructure image 70 obtained by extracting the superficial microstructure P. The generated microstructure and blood vessel enhancement image 72 is displayed on a monitor 14.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Satoshi Ozawa, Takayuki Iida
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Patent number: 9596983Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking a position and torsional orientation of a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods and software for registering a first image of an eye with a second image of an eye. In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods and software for tracking a torsional movement of the eye. In a particular usage, the present invention tracks the torsional cyclorotation and translational movement of a patient's eye so as to improve the delivery of a laser energy to the patient's cornea.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: AMO Manufacturing USA, LLCInventor: Dimitri Chernyak
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Patent number: 9596984Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for securing the head of an animal in position while obtaining objective measurements associated with eye health. In one aspect, the devices comprise a rest for receiving a portion of the animal's head and a pole configured to enable the rest to pivot about a first axis of rotation and rotate about a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the rest can move up and down the second axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Nestec SAInventors: Wei Wang, Tyler Simpson, Virginia Louise Wilson, Dwight Estes Howdeshell
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Patent number: 9596985Abstract: [Problem] To be able to accurately measure color vision and color-viewing field for different colors. [Solution] The color-viewing function measuring means (1) pertaining to the present invention displays a plurality of chromatically colored targets (A11, . . . ) (for example, Landolt rings) in an achromatic background (B), the brightness of the targets (A11, . . . ) being set so as to be substantially equal to the brightness of the background (B). When vision or the viewing field is measured with this color-viewing function measuring means (1), vision and viewing field can be accurately measured for different colors.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Kazuo Ichikawa, Shinshu University, Kowa Company, LtdInventors: Kazuo Ichikawa, Kiyoshi Tanaka, Tanaka Yoshiki
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Patent number: 9596986Abstract: A method of measuring and analyzing an ocular response in a subject comprising the steps of: Providing a video oculography based system for the subject with the system configured to collect eye images in excess of 60 hz and configured to resolve eye movements smaller than at least 3 degrees of motion; Collecting eye data with the video oculography based system wherein at least one stimulus is presented to only one eye of the subject and configured to yield a pupil eye response from at least one eye of the subject; Calculating pupilometry measurements from the eye data, wherein the pupil measurements are calculated independently for the subject's left and right eyes for each stimulus presented to the subject, and wherein comparative left and right pupilometry measurements from the eye data are calculated; analyzing a subject's ocular response based upon at least one of the calculated pupilometry measurements.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: NEURO KINETICSInventors: Alexander D Kiderman, Yakov Eydelman, John Howison Schroeder
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Patent number: 9596987Abstract: An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes: an optical system that divides light into measurement light and reference light, causes the measurement light returning from a subject's eye to interfere with the reference light, and detects interference light resulting therefrom; a processor that processes a detection result of the interference light to generate test data indicating the state of the subject's eye; an output unit that outputs the test data; an interface used to make the setting of a predetermined item related to the optical system and the processor; a storage that stores setting information indicating the content of the setting made through the interface; and a controller that controls the optical system and the processor based on the content of the setting indicated by the setting information in each of a plurality of tests performed until the setting information is changed or deleted.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCONInventors: Makoto Fujino, Hisashi Tsukada
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Patent number: 9596988Abstract: Certain pressure sensor devices are much smaller than prior art devices, yet are at least as sensitive as the prior art devices. A capacitive pressure sensor can include a flexible substrate that permits bending of a pressure sensing region without significantly affecting operation thereof. The pressure sensor can include a flexible membrane in which an electrode is sandwiched between two layers of polymeric material. The sandwiched electrode can be extremely close to a reference electrode so as to provide for highly sensitive capacitance readings, yet the membrane can be restricted from contacting the reference electrode under high pressure conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, The Jackson LaboratoryInventors: Pedro P. Irazoqui, Dohyuk Ha, William J. Chappell, Simon W. M. John
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Patent number: 9596989Abstract: A networked symbiotic assistive user system is presented. The architecture of the system allows devices worn by medical first responders such as medics or EMTs, to connect wirelessly to devices coupled to patients, devices worn by other medical first responders and adapter devices (such as those that may be located in air and/or land evacuation vehicles) that connect to a legacy infrastructure. Using a variety of medical first responder oriented communications protocols and applications, the devices can exchange information with all of the other devices in a manner that assists the medical first responders as well as personnel associated with the legacy infrastructure (e.g., tactical command operations personnel, first aid station personnel, or other medical facilities personnel).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Timothy R. Morris
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Patent number: 9596990Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to portable biometric monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, at least one band to secure the monitoring device to the user, a physiological sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of a physiological condition of the user data. The physiological sensor may include a light source to generate and output light having at least a first wavelength, and a photodetector to detect scattered light (e.g., from the user). A light pipe is disposed in the housing and optically coupled to the light source directs/transmits light therefrom along a predetermined path to an outer surface of the housing. Processing circuitry calculates a heart rate of the user using data which is representative of the scattered light.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.Inventors: James Park, Christine Boomer Brumback, David Wayne Knight
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Patent number: 9596991Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for a self-examination. And more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method providing examination guide information for the self-examination.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Kyuhyoung Choi