Patents Issued in March 28, 2017
  • Patent number: 9603450
    Abstract: A supplemental restraint system that is mountable to the frame of a stationary structure, such as a police station or other building, to secure a prisoner in a seated position. The supplemental restraint system includes a restraint bar that is pivotally supported on the mounting plate for movement between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position. A locking mechanism secures the restraint bar in any selected lowered position and includes an actuation lever for selectively releasing the locking mechanism to permit the restraint bar to be raised for release of the prisoner. A spring mechanism biases the restraint bar toward a raised position so that the restraint bar can be moved upwardly while the police officer is outside of the police vehicle. Mounting plates can be utilized to secure the supplemental restraint system to the floor structure and an adjacent wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew J. Planer
  • Patent number: 9603451
    Abstract: An armrest device for a chair includes a lower support rod that rises at a side of a chair seat and has a tubular upper end portion; and an upper support cylinder that has an armrest provided in an upper end thereof, is externally fitted to the lower support rod so as to be slidable in an up-down direction, and has a plurality of engaging portions therein. The armrest is made height-adjustable with respect to the lower support rod by disposing the locking member and a biasing member at an upper end portion of the lower support rod and providing the rotating rod inside the lower support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OKAMURA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Masunaga, Yuuichirou Takagi, Youichirou Oda, Alexander Hurford
  • Patent number: 9603452
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base; a seat having a seat frame; a gliding unit configured to allow the seat to reciprocate relative to the base; a backrest mounted and pivotally interconnected to the seat frame; a footrest unit; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat and the backrest, the reclining mechanism configured to control relative movement of the seat and backrest between upright and reclined positions; a footrest mechanism attached to the seat and the footrest unit, the footrest mechanism configured to control relative movement of the footrest unit and the seat between retracted and extended positions, the footrest mechanism being decoupled from the reclining mechanism; a first linear actuator attached to the reclining mechanism and to the seat configured to move the seat and backrest between the upright and reclined positions; and a second linear actuator attached to the footrest mechanism and to the seat frame configured to move the footrest unit between the retracted and extended positi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9603453
    Abstract: A reclining health-care chair includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a frame including a pair of opposed arms; a seat; a backrest; a footrest; a tilting mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, the tilting mechanism attached to the base and to the seat and configured to control movement of the seat relative to the base; a reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, the reclining mechanism attached to the backrest, footrest, seat, frame and tilting mechanism to control relative movement of the backrest, footrest, frame and seat relative to the base; and a power actuating unit attached to the seat and to the tilting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9603454
    Abstract: An improved bean bag chair is disclosed that not only provides conforming support for a person's body in a variety of positions, but also provides a closable storage compartment for storing a large number of miscellaneous articles of varying size, shape and hardness, all without compromising the chair's effectiveness in providing conforming support. The chair includes an upper flexible bag defining an upper compartment that carries an adaptable filler material, and it further includes a lower flexible bag defining a lower compartment for receiving and storing the miscellaneous articles. A closure, e.g., a zipper, secures the upper and lower flexible bags together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Amber I. Goldman, Andrea Soto-Camacho, Karen G. Stash
  • Patent number: 9603455
    Abstract: A seat having particular application for a chair to enhance the comfort of one seated in the chair. A plurality of (e.g., foam) cushion layers laying one over the other are located at the top of the seat. One of the plurality of foam cushion layers is manufactured from a material having a memory which conforms to and temporarily retains the shape of the user. Located at the bottom of the seat below the plurality of cushion layers are a plurality of coil springs that stand upwardly against the cushion layers in side-by-side alignment with one another so that the back of the seat is firmer than the front. The plurality of cushion layers are arranged in a stack such that the density of the memory foam cushion layer is greater than the density of the other ones of the plurality of cushion layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LF Centennial Limited
    Inventor: Marcelo Mezzera
  • Patent number: 9603456
    Abstract: A rotating device for an armrest is connected with a fixing mount disc on a top surface of an armrest seat and is rotatably coupled with a rotary plate on a bottom surface of the support plate. The fixing mount disc includes a conical groove and a threaded orifice formed on the conical groove, and the conical groove has a toothed slot. The rotary plate includes a post corresponding to the conical groove and the toothed slot, the rotary plate also includes an extending fringe extending outwardly from an outer side thereof to contact with a peripheral side of the fixing mount disc, wherein the post has two recesses, each recess extends outwardly from each of two sides of the post to accommodate each of two slidable retainers, and each slidable retainer is pushed by a spring and has a locking tab for retaining with the toothed slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Shan Lai, Yen-Chuan Lai
  • Patent number: 9603457
    Abstract: A lounge assembly for supporting a portable electronic device having a display screen in a viewable position, the assembly including a base, a hood including a wall structure that includes an internal surface that forms a substantially downwardly opening cavity, the cavity including a front portion and a rear portion, the cavity opening circumscribed by a lower edge that has a front edge portion adjacent the front portion of the cavity and a support device supported by the base adjacent the front edge portion, the support device configured to receive and support the portable electronic device with the device display screen facing at least one of the cavity and a space below the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: STEELCASE INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Massaud, Robert Arko, Jesse Menayan, Eric Wendling
  • Patent number: 9603458
    Abstract: The knee pillow provides sufficient padding above the knee to provide leg spacing and provides padding at the knee to prevent discomforting contact between the medial epicondyle bones and to provide leg alignment for proper posture. The knee cushion is shaped to prevent discomforting displacement of the knee caps (patella).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Pillow Solve Inc.
    Inventor: Eileen Pelletier
  • Patent number: 9603459
    Abstract: A climate controlled bed comprises a cushion member having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side generally facing in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the cushion member includes one or more recessed areas along its first side or its second side. In one embodiment, the bed further includes a flow conditioning member that may be at least partially positioned with the recessed area of the cushion member, an air-permeable topper member positioned along the first side of the cushion member and a fluid temperature regulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Genthem Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Brykalski, Jay C. Clark, Brian D. Comiskey
  • Patent number: 9603460
    Abstract: Systems and methods include a spring-coil assembly having non-linear load-deflection characteristics that are substantially similar to foam. In particular, the systems and methods described herein include a first set of encased springs that are in a partially compressed state and a second set of shorter springs. These two sets of springs may be arranged in alternating rows such that the resulting spring-coil assembly displays non-linear load-deflection characteristics similar to foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Michael S. DeFranks, Rahul Kirtikar
  • Patent number: 9603461
    Abstract: Cushioning elements include a breathable material configured to allow gases to pass through at least a portion thereof, and a plurality of discrete segments of thermoplastic elastomeric gel (“gel”) heat-fused or otherwise attached to the breathable material. The gel comprises an elastomeric polymer and a plasticizer, with a plasticizer-to-polymer ratio of from about 0.3 to about 50. The plurality of discrete segments defines at least one breathable gap between adjacent discrete segments. Methods of forming cushioning elements include forming a plurality of discrete segments of gel, securing each segment to a breathable material, and providing a gas path through the breathable material and between adjacent segments. Another method includes providing molten gel within a mold, providing at least a second portion of the gel within a permeable material, and solidifying the gel to form discrete segments of gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: EDIZONE, LLC
    Inventors: Tony M. Pearce, Russel Whatcott, LaVon Lee Bennett
  • Patent number: 9603462
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anti-slip protective cover. The anti-slip protective cover includes a first layer formed of a protective material and a second layer formed of an anti-slip material, with the anti-slip material and the protective material having a peripheral region surrounding an interior portion. The anti-slip protective cover also includes a connective material binding the first layer to the second layer at at least one location on the interior portion and along at least a location proximal to the peripheral region. The connective material may be arranged in a plurality of strips extending across a portion of the interior portion of the anti-slip material and the protective material. The connective material may traverse the interior portion from a first portion of the peripheral region to a second portion of the peripheral region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GREEN POINT DECOR, LLC
    Inventor: Evan Markowitz
  • Patent number: 9603463
    Abstract: A juvenile seat assembly includes a seat back mounted for pivotable movement relative to a seat bottom. The seat back can be locked in different positions relative to the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James R Varney, John A MacNeill, Scott A Leclerc, James M Ormond
  • Patent number: 9603464
    Abstract: A booster seat includes a storage compartment for a tray and/or a storage compartment for securing straps. The tray-storage compartment can be formed in a base of the seat and include an access opening through a sidewall of the base. The tray-storage compartment can include two opposite and inwardly-extending lips that support the tray in the stowed position, and a support foot that moves between a use position in the compartment where it helps support the seat and a stored position displaced from the compartment. Also, the tray-storage compartment can include ribs that engage the tray in the stowed position to retain it there. The strap-storage compartment can be formed in the base and include an access opening with a closure for retaining the straps in the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jacob Sclare, John M. Thomson, Cary Costello, Patrick B. Nolan, Michael A. Dotsey, Noah E. Dingler
  • Patent number: 9603465
    Abstract: A collapsible flexible shoulder-borne carrying device includes a dividable lumbar support with a support bar attached to the lumbar support. The support bar extends transversely from the lumbar support at a point of attachment. The upper part of the support bar is rigid, and the lower part of the support bar has a free end that is pliable and bent inward toward the lower part of the lumbar support to provide an open arch. A length-adjustable support harness with fasteners is secured to the free end of the support bar and is secured to a free end of the lumbar support to fasten the open arch in a desired position. A seat cover has at least one safety strap and at least one leg restraint in a lower part of the seat cover. At least one support strap is fastened to the upper part of the lumbar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Julius Andreas Winger
  • Patent number: 9603466
    Abstract: A baby support for supporting a baby positioned on a front torso of a supporting person. The baby support includes an elongated soft body that extends across a back torso of the supporting person and the baby. The baby support also includes fastening ends that overlap and secure to support the baby on the front torso of the supporting adult. The baby support may be configured to stretch to generate an elastic force to pull the back torso of the baby towards the back torso of the supporting person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: 2373945 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Hayley Mullins
  • Patent number: 9603467
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for controlling access to product, such as but not limited to bottles, housed within the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an opening having a contour that generally mirrors the shape and/or dimensions of the product stored within the dispenser plus a relatively small amount of clearance and also includes a tunnel within the interior of the device. The configuration of the opening and/or the tunnel feature prevents a user from accessing product stored behind the opening within the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a pusher system that provides a time delay between the dispensing of products into a receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 9603468
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a holding device for a bracket in a storage system. The holding device has a connecting part and a holding part, the connecting part being elongated and bent, along a line in the elongated direction to form, in cross-section, a U-shape with a first and a second leg. The first leg is intended to be inserted into a bracket and second leg being connected to the holding part having a holding feature, such as hooks, a box, or a basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ELFA INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventor: Peter Nilsson
  • Patent number: 9603469
    Abstract: A item-displaying apparatus and kit includes a post member having at least one opening formed in a sidewall thereof and at least one item-supporting frame. The frame includes a first branch member adapted to be inserted within the at least one opening, a second branch member having a item holder at its first portion and a linking member extending between the first branch member and the second branch member. When the first branch member is inserted into the at least one opening and a force is applied on the item holder, a second portion of the second branch member engages the sidewall of the post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Roch Lapointe
  • Patent number: 9603470
    Abstract: One embodiment of the current application is a device that can mount to a surface or stand on a table and interchangeably displays one or more sheets of materials. The device comprises a front panel and a back panel. One or more linear wave springs are installed between the two panels. Sheets of materials can be inserted in-between one of the two panels and the linear wave springs. The linear wave springs hold the sheets of materials onto the front panel and/or the back panel. The visual information on the sheets is displayed through one or more display windows on the panels. Another embodiment of the current application is a device that displays a long sheet of material. There are images and/or messages of personal status, feeling, emotion, expression, or greeting on the long sheet of material. The long sheet of material passes over a supporting panel and is attached to two parallel rollers. The top and bottom portions of the supporting panel are curve shaped and flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Lijun Gao
  • Patent number: 9603471
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage cup includes a mouth opening, an aroma opening, and a concentrator member. The mouth opening is positioned closer to a rim of the lid than the aroma opening. An area of the aroma opening is greater than an area of the mouth opening. The concentrator member surrounds the aroma opening and extends from a plane formed by the aroma opening to a height above the aroma opening. A cross sectional area of the concentrator decreases in a direction from a base to an upper end of the concentrator, creating a concentration of beverage aromas in the space surrounding a user's nose. The concentrator channels a concentrated amount of aroma to the nose, providing an enhanced drinking and tasting experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Marie Green
  • Patent number: 9603472
    Abstract: A popcorn salt holding and dispensing system and method includes a container that has a quantity of popcorn therein. The container has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall which is attached to and extends upwardly therefrom. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the container. A housing has salt therein and the housing includes a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. The first end has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to allow salt from the housing to flow outwardly of the housing through the apertures. The housing is removably coupled to the container with a mounting and moved back and forth over the popcorn to deposit salt on the popcorn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Newberry
  • Patent number: 9603473
    Abstract: An automated dispenser for straws is provided with a housing, a hopper, and a guide tray. The housing has a dispensing slot in an anterior outer wall. The hopper has an upper section with transverse walls and longitudinal walls which converge to define a stacking slot and a substantially horizontal support to support straws beneath the stacking slot. An anterior inner wall, longitudinally extending channel, and posterior wall span the longitudinal walls. The anterior inner wall has an ejection opening and the posterior wall has an access opening each of which adjoin the longitudinally extending channel. A support member and pressing foot within the stacking slot can translate longitudinally and pass through both the ejection opening and the access opening. A guide tray, disposed below the ejection opening, has a location zone, a posterior wall, and an anterior wall. The guide tray urges straws into the dispensing slot projecting upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel B. Stone
  • Patent number: 9603474
    Abstract: A beverage cup holder with a handle constructed from a thin, elongated strip of material. The general shape can be described as having: tabs that extend from the strip along the top and bottom portions of the longitudinal edges to serve as securing flaps; and one cutout on either end of the strip provide an open space that can be utilized as a handle. The strip is wrapped around a cup and joined at the tabs, which are folded down and secured. The cup holder with a handle that is subsequently formed can be placed around a cup with a close fit, and held by the handle. These products are easy to hold. The handle is such that it separates the cup from direct contact with the user, leaving the user unaffected by the temperature, and provides a clear view of printed decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Margaret E. Hill
  • Patent number: 9603475
    Abstract: A cup holder for holding a plurality of cups on a food tray comprises a pair of spaced apart lower lip extensions for fitting onto the food tray; a sidewall region extending upwardly from each lower lip extension; and a top plane region that connects both sidewall regions and extends: substantially perpendicular to the sidewall regions and substantially parallel to a flat upper surface of the food tray. This top plane region includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures that hold a beverage cup while transporting food and drinks on the food tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Maurice J. Faulk
  • Patent number: 9603476
    Abstract: A method for pulling a button through a buttonhole includes a shirt with a button and a buttonhole wherein the button and the buttonhole define a mated coupler. A clamp engages the button and a tether is attached to the clamp. The clamp is extended through the buttonhole and the button is engaged with the clamp while the tether extends through the buttonhole. The clamp and the button are pulled through the buttonhole and the button is released from the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Billy Carman, William Przysinda
  • Patent number: 9603477
    Abstract: A sous vide device and method for cooking food. The device including: a reservoir for retaining water; a user interface having one or more user input elements and a display element; a heating element for heating water in the reservoir; a temperature sensor element for providing a temperature signal indicative of water temperature in the reservoir; and a processor module, the processor module being coupled to the user interface for receiving user inputs; the processor module being coupled to the temperature sensor element for receiving the temperature signal; the processor module enables control of the heating element for regulating the temperature of water in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Brendan John Foxlee, Vyvyan Rose, Garth Ryan, Pierce James Barnard
  • Patent number: 9603478
    Abstract: A system, including: a pod holder mount and a pressure plate mount reciprocally movable relative to one another; and a plurality of interchangeable pairs of pod holders and pressure plates respectively removable receivable in, and fluidly connectable to, the pod holder mount and the pressure plate mount to define an extraction chamber for individual coffee pods; wherein each of the pairs of pod holders and pressure plates are constructed and arranged to define fluid passages that selectively combine with fluid passages in the pod holder mount and the pressure plate mount to provide alternate fluid paths to inject water into, and extract coffee from, individual coffee pods in the extraction chamber in two opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AIRFLO DISTRIBUTORS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Joseph Deleo
  • Patent number: 9603479
    Abstract: A capsule for preparing a beverage or liquid food from a substance, in a centrifugal brewing unit, by passing water through the substance contained in the capsule by using brewing centrifugal forces. The capsule includes an enclosure containing a predetermined dose of substance, an opening member which opens the capsule under the centrifugal effect to allow the brewed liquid to leave the capsule. The capsule may also include externally driving the capsule in a centrifugal brewing device wherein the capsule includes a structure configured to offer resistance to torque during rotation of the capsule for maintaining the capsule in a reference rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Jean-Paul Denisart, Antoine Ryser
  • Patent number: 9603480
    Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with at least one wall which at least partly encloses an inner space for multiple dosages of coffee beans, and a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and an apparatus provided with a coffee bean grinder, a coffee bean inlet for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the apparatus, so that the coffee bean outlet can be connected to the coffee bean inlet, and a dosing device provided with a dosing space which is arranged for feeding-through one predetermined dose of coffee beans from the coffee bean outlet to the coffee bean inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Ivo van Os, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Age Willem Tanja, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff
  • Patent number: 9603481
    Abstract: An apparatus including a container (2); a removable cover (3); a rotating stirrer (6) which extends inside the container (2) and is provided with an end impeller (8); an electric motor (22), for driving the stirrer (6) via a coupling joint (9, 10, 23, 26); and a hot steam dispensing wand (13) extending inside the container (2) and connectable to the steam source (52) of a coffee machine (CM) via a connection union (12) associated with the cover (3). The electric motor (22) is contained in a housing (21) which is separate and distinct from the cover (3) and is connected or able to be connected to power supply terminals (49, 50) with which the coffee machine (CM) is provided. The cover (3) supports the stirrer (6) rotatably and the inlet fluid connector (12) thereof is directly connected to a steam dispensing fluid union (48) of the coffee machine (CM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LUIGI LAVAZZA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Federico Giua, Danilo Icardi, Sergio Icardi, Maria Teresa Giaretto
  • Patent number: 9603482
    Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for providing hot beverages using a beverage system integrated into a faucet. The faucet-integrated beverage system can include a hot water reservoir mounted under a countertop and fluidly coupled to a cold water supply line. The temperature and fill level in the hot water reservoir can be controlled using control circuitry provided on a circuit board communicatively coupled to the hot water reservoir and one or more sensors. A beverage supply line can extend from the hot water reservoir to a beverage dispensing unit, which can be coupled to the faucet or mounted on the faucet deck. The beverage system can also include an activation button mounted on the faucet or the faucet deck and communicatively coupled to the control board for initiating a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: James McHale
  • Patent number: 9603483
    Abstract: Self-heating systems for rapidly and effectively heating a comestible substance are disclosed. Self-heating systems generally include a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber contains a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants that, when contacted, exothermically react. The containers and reactants can be configured to heat at least six fluid ounces of comestible substance in less than one minute. The solid chemical reactant mixture can comprise magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and/or calcium oxide. Methods for heating at least six fluid ounces of comestible substance in less than one minute are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Heat Wave Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Farone, Tracy Palmer
  • Patent number: 9603484
    Abstract: A rotisserie device useful in a partially opened, hinged, covered grill includes a support ring that is shaped and configured to inhibit airflow into and out of the grill when the cover is partially opened. The support ring includes one or more cover supporting portions or chocks that hold the cover and base apart when the cover is partially opened, and one or more apertures through the ring that can receive a rotatable spindle which serves as or which drives a removable, rotatable rotisserie spit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LINWOOD RESOURCES, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Cleveland, David O. Sewall
  • Patent number: 9603485
    Abstract: A rotisserie mounting bracket assembly for a cooking grill having a cooking surface having a plurality of ribs. The bracket has a bracket base with at least one downward projection situated between a pair of adjacent ribs, and a bracket extension extending vertically from the bracket base and having at least one surface adapted to retain a skewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley Co.
    Inventors: William Ladon Hopkins, John R. Allen
  • Patent number: 9603486
    Abstract: A barbecue cooking assembly includes a rotating disk capable of rotating around a shaft and a skewer for impaling food. Several skewer brackets are disposed on the rotating disk. The edge of a disk surface of the rotating disk is provided with a first notch corresponding to each skewer bracket. The end of the skewer bracket is fixedly connected to the disk surface, and the other end extends in a direction far away from the center of the rotating disk to form a limit piece parallel to the disk surface. The limit piece is provided with a second notch corresponding to the first notch and disposed coaxially with the first notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dale Peter James
  • Patent number: 9603487
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-cleaning deadweight holder configured to hold a deadweight within a cooking apparatus. In some embodiments, the holder may comprise a top plate, an exhaust cylinder, a bottom plate, a plurality of support plates, and a plurality of guide plates. The top plate may include a through hole disposed at substantially a center of the top plate and configured to allow at least one of liquid and steam to pass therethrough. An outer diameter of the bottom plate may be less than an outer diameter of the top plate and an outer diameter of each of the plurality of guide plates, and the plurality of guide plates may be configured to permit movement of the deadweight therethrough. In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus may comprise a cooking chamber, a steam box, a vent tube, an exhaust tube, a drain tube, and a pressure relief tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Summons, Brian K. Brooks
  • Patent number: 9603488
    Abstract: A blade and bearing assembly for a jug having a lower aperture defined by a throat. The assembly comprising: a head element and a base element; a shaft being rotatable mounted within the assembly, the shaft passing though the head element for receiving a blade element; wherein, in use, the head element and the base element are brought into clamping engagement with respect to the jug for retaining the assembly in the throat of the jug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Greg Upston, Brendan John Foxlee
  • Patent number: 9603489
    Abstract: A cutting disc for cutting foodstuffs, intended for a receptacle of an appliance of the vegetable cutting type, includes: a rotary drive hub, a supporting disc firmly secured to the hub, and at least one blade attached on the supporting disc and extending radially from the hub. The blade comprises a cutting edge with the shape of an “S”, the convex portion of the “S” being located on the side of the hub so as to cause the foodstuffs to slide against the cutting edge from a central area of the receptacle towards a middle portion of the cutting edge under the action of the rotation of the supporting disc and of the blade, and the concave portion of the “S” being configured as a sickle in order to cause the foodstuffs to slide against the cutting edge from a peripheral area of the receptacle towards the middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONEL SAS
    Inventor: Bruno Paturel
  • Patent number: 9603490
    Abstract: A hand blender with a built-in 2-speed gearbox, having its output shaft rotating clockwise whenever the motor rotates clockwise or anticlockwise. By using a differential transmission assembly and a one-way bearing, two different output speeds are realized. Thus, different types of food can be processed with different stirring speeds, and a single type of food can be processed with different stirring speeds in different mixing stages of a stirring process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Shu Sang Cheung, To Yin Pang, Hailiang Luo
  • Patent number: 9603491
    Abstract: An expanding curtain does not require the addition or installation of a new curved rod and/or any external curtain supports, control devices, or adapters to expand the usable space in the enclosure area and/or prevent the inward intrusion of the curtain towards the user. Rather, the curtain itself may have the strength, rigidity and/or fortitude to form an outwardly extended shape (e.g., away from the enclosure area) that may hold it in place, thus, expanding the amount of space available for utilization by the user of the enclosure area. The curtain easily and rapidly mounts and thereafter may be easily slidable/manipulated between an open and closed position. The curtain may surround, divide and/or provide privacy to a specific area and/or confined space. The curtain may also maintain a mold, mildew and germ resistant facade, while remaining inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Royal
  • Patent number: 9603492
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a bar of soap with a handle. A perforated attachment plate, or the like (which may be referred to as a “wafer”) may be integrated into the body of the bar of soap, below a surface thereof. The handle, which may be in the form of a flexible strap, may have a lower portion extending underneath the wafer, and an upper portion extending as a loop from the wafer to outside of the bar of soap. A user may insert their hand into the loop to grasp and manipulate the bar of soap with handle. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph M. Cannata
  • Patent number: 9603493
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce cross-talk between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic toilet and between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic faucet and an electronic soap dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Veros, Joel D. Sawaski, Randy L. Schneider, II
  • Patent number: 9603494
    Abstract: A foamed soap dispensing structure comprises a container, a cover set, a faucet, and a foaming unit. The foaming unit has a foaming member and an outer ring. The foaming member has two inlets and a foam material. The outer ring has an assembling end corresponding to a connection end of a soap providing portion of the faucet. When the foaming unit is clogged, the foaming unit may be pulled out by an user so that the assembling end may be separated from the connection end of the soap providing portion to easily replace the foaming member and then to achieve the effect of easy construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Hsiang-Hung Wang, Yu-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 9603495
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing an earring post wipe. The apparatus has a container that includes a reservoir with a cleaning or sanitizing fluid. The reservoir has a fluid application tip for applying the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to a dry wipe. The fluid application tip is actuated by movement of the wipe through a slot in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: Marcie Manfredonia, Nicholas Siciliano
  • Patent number: 9603496
    Abstract: A toilet seat assembly including: a toilet seat, at least one seat bumper positioned on the lower surface of the toilet seat an aperture, a housing, proximity sensor, wherein the proximity sensor provides a distance input signal having a value corresponding to the distance of an object from the proximity sensor, a microcontroller positioned within the housing, wherein the microcontroller is responsive to the value of the distance input signal to control audio output to a speaker, a speaker, wherein the speaker is controlled by the microcontroller for providing audio output; and an energy source, wherein the energy source is contained within the internal chamber of the housing, and wherein the energy source is in electrical communication with at least one of the proximity sensor, the microcontroller, and the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: David C. Hartman
  • Patent number: 9603497
    Abstract: A handheld blower includes a housing having an air inlet and a duct assembly mounted in front of the air inlet, the duct assembly including a duct connected with the housing, a motor and a fan mounted in the duct, a battery, and a blowpipe connected to the housing by the duct assembly, the blowpipe defining a central axis in the length direction, and a handle arranged above the housing and the battery. The handle includes a gripping portion arranged on opposite sides of a plane in which the gravity center of the blower is located, and the plane is parallel to a central axis of the blowpipe and substantially perpendicular to a working ground. The gravity center of the handheld blower is adjacent to the gripping portion which enhances the handling comfort and reduces operator fatigue during long times of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Toshinari Yamaoka, Xiandian Shao, Fangjie Nie, Jianpeng Guo
  • Patent number: 9603498
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a vac motor and a separating assembly for separating out dust particles entrained in an airflow drawn through the separator by the vac motor. The separating assembly is a multi-stage separating assembly comprising a primary separation stage and a secondary, non-cyclonic separation stage which is downstream of the primary separation stage, the non-cyclonic separation stage comprising a flow bend for changing the direction of the airflow thereby to separate out dust particles entrained in the airflow. A primary dust collector is provided for collecting dust particles separated out by the first separation stage, and a secondary dust collector is provided for collecting the dust particles separated out by the flow bend, wherein the primary dust collector at least partly surrounds the secondary dust collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Andrew James Bower, Alejandro Ricardo Ortega Ancel
  • Patent number: 9603499
    Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a service robot, such as a robotic cleaner, can be configured to more effectively service an environment. The service robot can include one or more sensors that sense its location, the location of objects, or both, and can also include noise reduction elements. The service robot can determine that it is under a “furnishing” and implement a different servicing pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SEEGRID CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Justin-Marl Friedman, Hans Peter Moravec