Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9615662
    Abstract: A furniture slide assembly, selectively attachable to a leg of an article of furniture, includes a slide body, intermediate and upper securement assemblies, and a plurality of elongated support rods extending therebetween and interconnecting them together. The slide body receives and supports the furniture leg at a first location on the leg and provides slidable contact on a support surface. The intermediate securement assembly, being an elongated strap with lugs and an aperture on its respective opposite end portions, detachably attaches about the furniture leg at a second location on the leg spaced above the first location. The upper securement assembly, being an elongated strap with loop and hook segments on its respective opposite end portions, detachably attaches about the furniture leg at a third location on the leg spaced above the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: John L. Amber
  • Patent number: 9615663
    Abstract: Modular furniture is provided. The modular furniture includes joint and furniture components which allow the furniture to be assembled without tools and which provide increased stability and strength to the furniture. The modular furniture also provides increased attractiveness and user customization while using a limited number of different components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Clark Evan Davis
  • Patent number: 9615664
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a mounting structure for display device. The mounting structure comprises at least two mounting assemblies, and each mounting assembly comprises: a first component mounted securely to the display device; a second component mounted to a beam; and a first screw rod mounted horizontally to the first component, the first screw rod being configured to be rotatable but non-displaceable relative to the first component. The second component is configured to be mounted to the first screw rod in a non-rotatable manner. Embodiments of the present invention further disclose a wall-mounted display device comprising a display device and the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhihui Sun, Zhiguo Shen
  • Patent number: 9615665
    Abstract: A foldable mobile restaurant booth and a method of its use are configured for ease of mobility and storage by allowing the seat portion to fold upward toward the seat back. The booth has a seat back and seat portion coupled to a base, and a linkage arrangement coupling the seat portion to the seat back. The base may have a plurality of wheels for allowing the booth to roll easily on the ground. The linkage arrangement permits the seat portion to move between a first, operative position to a second, folded position in which the seat portion extends at an angle no more than 45 degrees from vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Palmer Hamilton, LLC
    Inventors: Steve M. Whittington, Jeffrey Allen Schreiner
  • Patent number: 9615666
    Abstract: A backpack assembly that includes a backpack adapted to carry sports equipment with a foldable seat and roller segment secured thereto. The backpack has an internal bag frame to support the sports equipment. The backpack also has a sports-ball-securing segment and an insulated pouch for food and beverages. The foldable seat is secured to the bag frame to provide a seat that can fold out for the participant or spectator to sit upon. The roller segment automatically engages such that the bag can be tipped and rolled by the participant or spectator when the foldable seat is stored. When the foldable seat is deployed, the roller segment automatically disengages to provide a stable platform for the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Let'M Play, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia M. Milich, Michael Milich, William Manson, Brian Jones, Renee M. Brobst, Diane R. Blanck
  • Patent number: 9615667
    Abstract: A printable interchangeable vertically retractable front cover system for a Murphy bed may provide a cover assembly, a cover framing assembly, a cover drive assembly, and a Murphy bed assembly. The cover assembly may vertically deploy to conceal a Murphy bed in the upright position and may vertically retract for the bed frame and mattress to be lowered to the floor. The cover assembly may include a positionable cover having a continuous seamless printable surface that may accept high resolution printed imagery such as photographs and artwork. The cover may vertically retract and deploy with the aid of its own drive assembly. The positionable cover may either roll up or fold up into a compact cover assembly which may be uniquely removably mounted to the cover framing assembly to allow for quick and easy transition from one cover assembly to another, thus making it uniquely interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Greg Winston Schlanker
  • Patent number: 9615668
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a fixed plate 902 mounted in a bed cabinet 108 and a rotating plate 904, mounted to a bed frame 106, coupled to the fixed plate 902 at a pivot point 906. A first end of a first lever arm 918 is coupled to the fixed plate 902. A first end of a second lever arm 920 is coupled to the first lever arm at a point between the first end and the second end of the first lever arm 918. The second end of the second lever arm 920 is coupled to the rotating plate 904 at a position that is offset a horizontal distance from the pivot point 906. A first end of a gas spring 908 is coupled to the fixed plate 902 and the second end of the gas spring 908 is coupled to the second end of the first lever arm 918.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Valeriy Guyvoronskiy, Gennadiy Lisnyak
  • Patent number: 9615669
    Abstract: A method and system to provide an occupant support device includes a first inflatable tube, a second inflatable tube disposed parallel to the first inflatable tube, a third inflatable tube disposed at a relative angle to the first inflatable tube, above the first inflatable tube and below the second inflatable tube, a fourth inflatable tube disposed parallel to the third inflatable tube, below the first inflatable tube and above the second inflatable tube, and an inflation device to selectively provide a low pressure and a high pressure to at least one of the first inflatable tube, the second inflatable tube, the third inflatable tube, and the fourth inflatable tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bharath Marappan, Skandan Berikai Kuppan
  • Patent number: 9615670
    Abstract: An object is to provide a hygienic cushion that has an adequate thickness to provide the repulsive force of or above a specified level and the body-holding property, is light in weight, has excellent air permeability and is washable with water. The core material for cushion 1 comprising the three-dimensional net-like structure, which is comprised of a polyethylene thermoplastic resin, a polyester thermoplastic elastomer or a mixture of a polyethylene thermoplastic resin and a polyethylene thermoplastic elastomer. The three-dimensional net-like structure has a first layer that includes a thermoplastic resin and a second layer that is stacked on a single surface or both surfaces of the first layer and includes a thermoplastic resin different from the thermoplastic resin of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: C-ENG CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Takaoka
  • Patent number: 9615671
    Abstract: The legless, planar, rectangular platform may consist of a top that will be the primary play surface. In addition to the rectangular platform, additional members may be included. A front member may be attached to the primary platform and may run along the width of the invention. A second member, considered one side of the invention, may be attached in like manner to the primary platform as the front member, as well as being attached at a 90 degree angle to the front member with slots for drawers. The four members when attached together may form a rectangular shaped structure to which the primary flat member is attached. Removable bins may also be included. Each bin may attach along the periphery of the primary flat platform for ease of access and secure storage. Each bin may be comprised of five (5) members; a bottom and four (sides).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Cindy Janay
  • Patent number: 9615672
    Abstract: A play yard can include a plurality of side panels that are connected to one another and a gate panel connected to two of the side panels to create an enclosed space. The gate panel can include a panel frame that defines an opening and a gate that can be mounted to the panel frame in the opening to swing from a closed position to an open position. The gate panel can include a first locking mechanism on the gate to hold the gate in the closed position and a second locking mechanism on the gate to hold the gate in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: North States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Weisbeck, Julie Ann Yager Grad
  • Patent number: 9615673
    Abstract: A compact jumper for an infant or young child. The compact jumper includes a support frame, at least one resilient member, and a child-receiving apparatus. The support frame is configured for resting on a support surface and the at least one resilient member is coupled to a portion of the support frame. The child-receiving apparatus is supported by the at least one resilient member, with a collar mounting the resilient member to the child-receiving apparatus, and is guided by a portion of the support frame. The child-receiving apparatus is movable with respect to the support surface as the child moves and jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen R. Burns, Alex Soriano, Blake D. Pomeroy, Cary Costello
  • Patent number: 9615674
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for storing and individually dispensing cylindrical containers in a vertical orientation. The dispenser includes an upper chamber having a ramp sloping downward toward a back of the dispenser, which receives the containers loaded in a vertical orientation at a front of the dispenser. The containers move down the upper chamber ramp by gravity to an opening at a back end of the dispenser, through which the containers pass to a lower chamber. The lower chamber has a ramp sloping downward toward the front of the dispenser. The containers move down the lower chamber ramp by gravity to a dispensing position at the front of the dispenser. A latch is positioned at a back portion of the upper chamber to restrict passage of the containers so that they pass through the opening one at a time as containers are removed from the dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Vitollo, George Mitchell, Bella Gutman
  • Patent number: 9615675
    Abstract: A product display unit for a displaying a plurality of products thereon is disclosed. The product display unit comprises a bottom member, a first rib, a second rib and a top member. The bottom member is configured to be positioned on a first product-supporting shelf. The first rib projects upwardly from the product-supporting surface and extends longitudinally along the bottom member. The second rib projects upwardly from the product-supporting surface and extends longitudinally along the bottom member, such that a distance is defined between the first rib and the second rib. The top member is disposed in juxtaposed relation with the bottom member and is configured for suspension from a second product-supporting shelf. The distance between the first rib and the second rib is dimensioned to be less than the widest portion of a product configured to be supported by the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Camello, Eric Neumann, Bruce Gommermann, Daniel C. Riley
  • Patent number: 9615676
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a linear array of LEDs which can be utilized in conjunction with a product display case wherein the linear array of LEDs is operatively mounted upon, and disposed immediately adjacent to, a first end edge portion of a glass plate so as to effectively illuminate the glass plate by means of total internal reflection principles whereby the glass plate operatively serves as a light pipe such that the light emitted from a second opposite end edge portion of the glass light pipe can illuminate the interior portion of the product display case. Alternatively, the linear array of LED lights can be operatively mounted upon, and disposed immediately adjacent to, an edge portion of a glass shelf disposed within the product display case so as to likewise illuminate the glass shelf itself by means of total internal reflection principles whereby the illumination from the glass shelf serves to illuminate the products being displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: A.J. ANTUNES & CO.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Clark, Ted R. Mila
  • Patent number: 9615677
    Abstract: A retail fixture includes a platform having a plurality of openings and a cover having at least one slot where the cover is positioned over the platform such that each of the at least one slots of the cover is aligned with an opening of the platform. A set of spaced-apart nubs extends along at least one opening. A bracket extends across the plurality of openings and is mounted to a bottom surface of the platform. The bracket has channels aligned with the openings. Each channel has a first width proximate the bottom surface and a second width distal from the bottom surface wherein the second width is wider than the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Q. Trinh, Robert D. Peota, Judd S. Kivi, Timothy J. Martell, Robert P. Stoltz, Thomas A. Schneider, Alex K. Poniatowski, Jennifer A. Theisen, William Y. Stafford, Daniel Adam Breunig, Kevin Huljich
  • Patent number: 9615678
    Abstract: A display fixture mounted on wheels and having a panel that can be pivoted between a horizontal and a vertical position may be easily position and configured for use as either a table or a gondola style store fixture to display merchandise by a single person in a store. Latch and stop assemblies may be provided to lock the panel in either the vertical or the horizontal position and to stabilize the fixture against tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Streater LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Lindblom, David W. Linn, Wayne Lee Jensen, Jessica Andrea Mieritz
  • Patent number: 9615679
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a system of lifting, lowering and rotating a display may include a housing, a rotator, and a hoist. The rotator may be configured to selectively rotate the housing such that a display functionally coupled to the housing is rotated. The rotator may include an anchor and a rotating portion. The anchor may be configured to be attached to an elevated surface. The rotating portion may be configured to be functionally coupled to the housing, and configured to rotate relative to the anchor. The hoist may include a member and a hoist motor. The hoist motor may be configured to selectively rotate the member such that a cable functionally coupled to the member is wound about the member when the member is rotated in a first direction, and the cable is unwound from the member when the member is rotated in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DYNAPAC ROTATING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: John Richard Margetts, Anthony Michael Nuzzolo, Brian Wilson, Dan Buckmiller
  • Patent number: 9615680
    Abstract: Methods and device are provided for displaying a container. The device includes a number of stations to receive a number of containers. The container has an angled top and a recessed bottom. The device has an opening with a first end and a second end opposite of one another to receive the container. Each station has a die-cut angle at the first end of the opening to retain the container via the angled top. Each station has a die-cut post at the second end of the opening to retain the container via the recessed bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: THE DIAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sabrina LeFevre, Mark D. Hannen
  • Patent number: 9615681
    Abstract: An arrangement for a screen with a number of sections which are foldable and/or pivotal in relation to one another and which form a screen-off, which includes a fixed section and two sections pivotal in relation thereto, or one fixed section and a number of foldable or pivotal sections in relation to one another, which are pivotally mounted on the fixed section, the fixed section being mounted on a foot, the foot includes a supporting base plate, and the base plate is covered with a hood for preventing direct contact of at least the upper side of the base plate and possibly also the major portion of the edges of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Dag Göranson, Örjan Göranson
  • Patent number: 9615682
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are related to a supportive apparatus for the head and neck. Embodiments of the invention incorporate a C-shaped apparatus shaped to support the posterior region of the neck. A center region found in certain embodiments of the C-shaped apparatus is placed on the posterior of a neck. Lateral supports found in certain embodiments of the C-shaped apparatus are placed on the lateral aspect of a neck. Embodiments of the invention include an opening across a center region functioning to support the apparatus, and to further act as to ventilate a user's nape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BullRest LLC
    Inventors: Glenn Maddocks, Sean O'Meara
  • Patent number: 9615683
    Abstract: A household liquid-dispensing container such as a drinking vessel or a jug comprising a vessel (30) that is configured to hold a liquid and that has a base (37) on which it can stand, an opening (39) and at least one side (38); and a handle (50) that is configured to be held by a user and that is attached to a side of the vessel (38) by a joint that forms a single gimbal between the handle (50) and the vessel (30) and that allows the handle (50) to pivot about a single axis (21) that extends directly above the center of gravity of the vessel (30) when the vessel base (37) is standing on a horizontal surface; an optional baffle assembly (80) to reduce sloshing; and a lid (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher James Peacock
  • Patent number: 9615684
    Abstract: A beverage holding and mobile device holding apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing formed from an insulating material and has flexible members attached to the cylindrical housing. A transparent member is attached to the flexible members to create a compartment which holds and allows use of the touch screen of a mobile device while in the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Archduke Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: John Timothy Deakin, Ralph Vincent Tremaglio
  • Patent number: 9615685
    Abstract: An apparatus for dressing aid includes a first side arm, a second side arm, a stationary stabilizer bar, a removable stabilizer bar, a first and second attachment clip. The first and second side arms are oppositely positioned of each other along the stationary stabilizer bar and pivotably connected to the stationary stabilizer bar. The first and the second attachment clips are respectively connected to a distal end of the first side arm and the second side arm so that a garment can be secured to the first and second side arms. The apparatus is then utilized to put the garment, wherein the first and second side arms are individually operated about pivot connections of the stationary stabilizer bar. The first and second side arms also form a rigid structure with the removable stabilizer bar that attaches to a proximal end of the first and second side arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Henry F. Fischer
  • Patent number: 9615686
    Abstract: A stand for Christmas trees and other elongated objects includes at least one fixed arm and a spring biased, movable arm assembly, each of which may include a plurality of rollers. When a Christmas tree or other elongated objects is pressed to downward between the fixed arm and movable arm assembly, spring pressure supplied by the movable arm assembly retains the elongated object within the stand. A release lever pulls the movable arm assembly away from the elongated object, facilitating removal of the object from the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: John A. Finnin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9615687
    Abstract: A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Current Products Corp.
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Daniel T. Matthews, Michael D. Fox
  • Patent number: 9615688
    Abstract: A steam generator includes a water storage chamber that stores water and at least one heating portion that heats the water in the water storage chamber to generate steam. A water supply device supplies water into the water storage chamber. A plurality of fins are provided in the water storage chamber. The water storage chamber has a steam spout port from which the steam generated by the heating portion spouts. The plurality of fins extend along a steam-generating direction under the steam spout port, and are separated from each other and cross the heating portion. The heating portion may be above and below a water surface that emerges in the water storage chamber during heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Shibuya, Hiroshi Kawai, Yuji Hayakawa, Kuniaki Abe
  • Patent number: 9615689
    Abstract: An appliance including a heating and circulating unit immersed in a pot for cooking food inside a cooking bag immersed in the water. A first recess is formed in a base for storing the heating and circulating unit. A second recess is formed in the base for storing the vacuum packaging unit. A third recess is formed in the base for holding a supply of cooking bags. Prior to cooking food is placed into the cooking bag and evacuated with the vacuum packaging unit. The vacuum packaging unit includes an electronic display and an electronic control panel. An electrical cable connects the vacuum packaging unit and the heating and the circulating unit. The heating and the circulating unit and the vacuum packaging unit are controlled from the electronic control panel and data related to the operation thereof is displayed on the electronic display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrique Plazarte, Jason Harris
  • Patent number: 9615690
    Abstract: A cooking appliance including a housing and cooking vessel having a rim. A lid covers the cooking vessel when seated on the rim. At least one latch is disposed on the lid and a complementary engagement member is disposed on a sidewall of the housing. The at least one latch includes a base attached to the lid, a rotating arm having a cammed head at one end that engages the base, and a rod pivotally connected to the cammed head on one end and having a foot disposed at an opposite end. The rod passes through an aperture in the base and the cammed head engages the base as the arm is rotated. The rotation of the arm causes an axial displacement of the rod to cause a stop member on an end of the rod to engage the engagement member to seal the lid to the cooking vessel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamal F. Hammad
  • Patent number: 9615691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to manufacturing of kitchen appliances, and particularly to air fryer, comprising fryer body, liner, frying basket provided within the liner, electrical heating tube arranged above the frying basket and fan located above the heating tube. Side wall of the frying basket is thin plate and bottom of the frying basket is grid. Air channel is provided between the liner and the frying basket. Swirl guide cylinder is provided externally at the bottom of the frying basket and is connected with the side wall of the frying basket. Air inlets for forming rotary air flow are opened on the bottom of the swirl guide cylinder. The air inlets divert the air flow in a same direction and form a swirl. With such configuration, the frying basket is simple in structure, the liner is easy to manufacture and clean, and the frying basket is better supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Shaoji Yan
  • Patent number: 9615692
    Abstract: A grill and/or frying plate for use on an induction cooking hob, including at least one grill section and at least one section different from the grill section, in particular a frame section or a warming section. When the grill and/or frying plate is mounted to the cooking hob, the at least one grill section is at least partially arranged directly above at least one heating element of the cooking hob and that the at least one section different from the grill section is at least partially arranged in a position where no heating element is arranged below. A recess and/or a securing recess and/or a fixation groove are arranged in a region that delimits the grill section from the section different from the grill section, in such a way that the heat transfer from the grill section to the section different from the grill section is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Harald Hoffmann, Alwin Neukamm, Bjorn Leyh, Jurgen Leikam, Ulrich Hautle
  • Patent number: 9615693
    Abstract: An adjustable vented chimney cap system has a cylindrical base member with vent openings and a cap member that has a cover member and a cylindrical body with vent openings. The base member may be mounted onto the chimney of a grill. The cap member may be mounted onto the base member whereby the cap member can be rotated relative to the base member such that the vent openings can be adjusted to control the amount of hot gases escaping from the grill. In some embodiments, the vent openings in the cap member and the vent openings in the base member may have the same geometry. In some embodiments, the vent openings in the cap member and vent openings in the base member may have different geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SMOKEWARE.NET LLC
    Inventor: Matthew H. Merritt
  • Patent number: 9615694
    Abstract: A heating cooker is provided with: a container for housing food; a housing unit for housing the container; a discharge port for discharging air in the lateral direction towards the inside of the housing unit, the discharge port being provided at the upper part of a side wall of the housing unit; outlet ports through which air in the housing unit flows out, the outlet ports being provided to the housing unit; an airflow duct communicating the outlet ports and the discharge port to each other; an airflow fan for channeling air flowing into the airflow duct towards the discharge port; and a duct heater, which is a heating unit for heating the air channeled into the airflow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSIHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akihiro Yoshidome
  • Patent number: 9615695
    Abstract: A food processor having a removable feed tube is provided. The food processor includes a work bowl and a lid configured to be selectively removable from the work bowl and having a feed tube opening. A removable feed tube is selectively attached to the lid and extends upwards from the feed tube opening when attached to the lid. The food processor also includes a simple cover that can be utilized in place of the removable feed tube to close off the feed tube opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph W. Zakowski
  • Patent number: 9615696
    Abstract: A grill removal assembly removes a hot grill grate from an appliance such as a grill, smoker, oven, or the like. The assembly includes a handle has a slot and a pair of tabs. The slot may insertably receive a selected one of a rod on a grill. The tabs may be positioned beneath a central rod on the grill when the slot receives the selected rod. A stabilizer is attached to the handle. The stabilizer abuts the selected rod when the slot receives the selected rod thereby facilitating the handle to remove the grill from an oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Dan Picken, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9615697
    Abstract: A combined pilot valve mechanism and a shower system are applied with the combined pilot valve mechanism. By switching to close the control hole, the first water diversion hole or the second water diversion hole to control the pressures of the pressure cavity, the valve spool is driven to move to alternately close the first outlet or the second outlet, so that the inlet waterway is switched to connect to the first outlet waterway, the first water diversion hole or the second water diversion hole. As the shower system is applied with a combined pilot valve mechanism, which utilizes the control hole to switch the waterways, thus preventing the main pipe from great water pressure. The diameter of the control hole can be smaller, so that the water pressure of the button mechanism can be ignored, only friction and light elastic force of the spring exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yulin Wu, Mingfu Zhang, Bin Cao, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 9615698
    Abstract: A shower pan (10), preferably having rectangular planform includes a central drain (20) that is centered in a floor portion that inclines at a shallow angle (i.e., 3 degrees or so) to front and back sides and opposite ends. The floor portion and includes a shallow channel (46) along the front edge of the shower pan (10) into which all or substantially all water is drained to a second channel (48) into a central drain (20). An apertured grill or cover plate assembly (36) is mounted in the channels and serves as a cover for the various channels. The shower pan (10) is typically installed so that a sill surface (50) is at the same elevation as the pre-existing floor (52) to provide an entry that does not have any type of ‘trip’ points or obstructions that could pose a hazard to the user or impede assistive aids, such as walkers or wheeled chairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MTI Whirlpools, Inc
    Inventor: Ryan L. Whitinger
  • Patent number: 9615699
    Abstract: A device for storing multiple bars of soap in a stack. The device is water-proof or water-resistant, and securely stores each bar of soap in a separate enclosure or compartment in a vertical stack. The number of compartments may vary, and any number of compartments may be used. Each compartment is separated by a removable separator or slab, and the bar of soap in each compartment becomes accessible upon removal or repositioning of the separator or slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Oluwatoyin Akinpade
  • Patent number: 9615700
    Abstract: The urinal incorporates hand washing functionality. Clean water is supplied from an array of holes or nozzles located in an overhang so that a user can wash their hands, and then the waste water is used to flush a urinal located below. The combination of these two functions in a single unit provides an inexpensive means for conserving water and efficiently using bathroom facilities while requiring less physical space than that needed for a separate urinal and hand washing station. The overhang can be retrofitted onto existing urinals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Jungmok John Woo, John J. Kwak
  • Patent number: 9615701
    Abstract: A shower head includes a main body, a motor, a cleaning device and a liquid dispenser. The main body has a channel, an inlet and a plurality of outlets. The channel fluidly connects the inlet and the plurality of outlets. The motor is disposed in the main body and has a driving shaft. The cleaning device is connected to the shaft of the motor. The cleaning device has a cleaning portion exposed on the main body. The liquid dispenser is disposed in the main body and has an outlet terminal in fluid connection with the cleaning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ming Yih Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Chuan Shen
  • Patent number: 9615702
    Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment a bathtub or shower stall enclosure partition assembly. The partition assembly has an enclosure panel which includes interior and exterior facing major surfaces. The partition assembly also includes a dryer manifold assembly having a manifold array with at least one air exhaust conduit provided with an air receiving end and an air dispensing outlet. The partition assembly further includes an air drive assembly comprising an air transfer duct extending from an air inlet to an air supply interface, and a heating element assembly selectively operable to provide a heated air flow. The supply interface is for fluid communication with the air receiving end whereby actuation of the heating element assembly provides the heated air flow through the air exhaust conduit and outwardly therefrom via the air dispensing outlet as the drying air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Carlos Calpe Gargallo
  • Patent number: 9615703
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a floor surface includes a recovery tank having a lower portion, an air/liquid separator for separating liquid from air in a debris-containing fluid, and a mechanical coupling removably coupling the air/liquid separator to the lower portion of the recovery tank, wherein the mechanical coupling permits selective detachment of the air/liquid separator from the recovery tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: George Moyher, Jr., Michael Graham
  • Patent number: 9615704
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an air handling unit during servicing may comprise a support tray which defines a space for receiving the unit and may include opposite sides and opposite ends, with a front side and top of the tray being substantially open such that the is movable through the front side into the support tray. The apparatus may also include a support frame supporting the support tray above a ground surface and wheels on the support frame. The support frame may be configured to permit the tray to tilt end to end with respect to the support frame to adjust heights of the ends and to permit the tray to tilt side to side with respect to the support frame to adjust a height of the front side of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin K. Becker
  • Patent number: 9615705
    Abstract: A liquid vacuuming device for drawing off and vacuuming up liquids may include a housing (1), an extractor device formed by at least one extracting lip (7) for extracting and collecting the liquid in front of at least one vacuum mouth (5), a vacuuming device that features a motor-driven vacuum subassembly and is able to vacuum an air/liquid flow mixed with the liquid to be vacuumed up along a flow pathway from the vacuum mouth (5) through an intake channel (4) into the housing (1), a separating device (13) for separating the liquid from the air and a tank for receiving the separated liquid. The device may further include an on/off function that turns on the motorized drive or increases the motor power when pressure is exerted upon the extracting lip (7) and turns off the motorized drive or reduces the motor power when the pressure decreases. Similar functionality may be implemented by an orientation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Leifheit AG
    Inventor: Klaus-Jürgen Fischer
  • Patent number: 9615706
    Abstract: A floor aspirator is provided. This aspirator features a suction head, having a perimeter, a top surface, a bottom surface, at least one drain between the top surface and the bottom surface, where the at least one drain spans the top surface and the bottom surface, a suction port, which is made up of a suction hole, and a fluid conduit, and a filter, disposed on the suction hole. There exist embodiments where multiple suction ports are featured, as well as embodiments where the top surface is graded towards the at least one drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: David Siegel
  • Patent number: 9615707
    Abstract: A floor care appliance having a height-adjustable brush set. A pushbutton of the brush set is actuatable for height adjustment via a manual suction tube of the floor care appliance. The pushbutton has a receptacle for receiving an edge region of a manual suction tube and/or for foot actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: STEIN & CO. GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Stein, Achim Liffers
  • Patent number: 9615708
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a base, an agitator cleaner, an agitator, and a motor. The agitator extends in a longitudinal direction and is mounted to the base to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the agitator and to move between a first position in which the agitator is spaced from the agitator cleaner and a second position in which the agitator engages the agitator cleaner. The motor is operatively associated with the base and configured to rotate the agitator about the longitudinal axis of the agitator while the agitator is in the second position to remove debris from the agitator by interaction between the agitator and the agitator cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Gregory James Kowalski
  • Patent number: 9615709
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a drive unit configured to generate a suction air stream, a vacuum attachment, a separator device disposed between the vacuum attachment and the drive unit and a control unit. The control unit is configured to influence an input power to the drive unit as a manipulated variable so as to control the suction power at the vacuum attachment as the controlled variable. The suction power at the vacuum attachment is controllable at a predefined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Gerhards, Peter Rode
  • Patent number: 9615710
    Abstract: A floor care device for the care of a floor includes a drive system that moves the floor care device over the floor, a device controller that controls the floor care device over a travel path, and a care apparatus that applies a floor care fluid to the floor. The care apparatus includes a rotatable hollow roller body that stores the floor care fluid, and the floor care fluid emerges from the roller body as the roller body rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Nils Babenhauserheide, Markus Penner, Seyfettin Kara, David Buhl
  • Patent number: 9615711
    Abstract: A brush vacuum cleaner having a safety shutdown of the drive via an overload brush roller torque detection. A mechanical triggering element via transmission elements actuates an electrical switch for the main switch to shut down the drive above a torque threshold. The switch is additionally connected in parallel by an external actuating element to an on and off position by a spring-loaded control element and a coupling element. Due to the control element, switching the switch into an off position due to overload is transmitted to the actuating element that can be adjusted into an off position. The control element is spring held in the on position in an arrangement for the engagement of the control element, where an unlocking can be set as off position by adjustment of the control element via the actuating element against the spring pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: STEIN & CO. GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Stein, Hartmut Boll