Patents Issued in April 13, 2017
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Publication number: 20170099966Abstract: A modified bedding cover having at least two portions that are releasably attached. One portion is a fabric shell with at least two layers of fabric and a cutout at or near the center of one of the fabric layers. The other portion is a releasable cover sheet that can be releasably attached over the envelope portion to cover the envelope hole. A method of simplifying the laundering of bedding by using a multi-pieced bed cover system that are releasably attached to each other and allows for disassembly for ease of laundering.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Amber David
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Publication number: 20170099967Abstract: A pillow cover includes first and second panels joined to one another at front and rear edges to form upper and lower surfaces and side panels joined to the first and second panels at their respective peripheries. The side panels sides each have enlarged end portions with a thinning middle section to define an hourglass shape. The enlarged end portions having a major dimension. A baffle panel is joined to the first and second panels and extends between the side panels. The baffle panel has a height dimension less than the major dimension. The first and second panels, the side panels and the baffle panel define two continuous internal volumes. The baffle panel maintains the pillow in an hourglass shape. The side panels are symmetrical front to back. A filled pillow having an hourglass shape is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Russ Holbrook, W. Alexander Gray, III
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Publication number: 20170099968Abstract: A dining plate active foodware system senses food characteristics, such as weight and calories. Removable dining plates are placed on an underplate comprising sensing and wireless communication components. The system may include a camera. Data related to the food is sent to the internet as well as displayed on the visual stimulating component of a handheld communication device, such as a mobile phone. Auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: James F. Kramer
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Publication number: 20170099969Abstract: An openable and closeable lid assembly is provided for a beverage container. The lid assembly comprises a lid housing, an actuator and a seal. The lid housing has an upper surface with a drink aperture and an actuator aperture extending therethrough. The actuator extends through the actuator aperture and is positionable in an open position, where liquid can pass through the drink aperture, and a closed position, where the drink aperture is closed. A seal is provided adjacent the actuator aperture. The seal seals against the actuator and the lid housing to prevent liquid from escaping out the actuator aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: IGNITE USA, LLCInventors: Robert Coon, Paul Hurley
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Publication number: 20170099970Abstract: The Disposable Drip Collar is a removable drip collar for use with any drinking vessel. The disclosed device includes means for attachment to a drinking vessel, as well as an optional lower seal to prevent drips.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Iwona Szymecka
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Publication number: 20170099971Abstract: A shoehorn includes a body. The body has a connection portion and two holding portions respectively connected with two ends of the connection portion. A shoe-receiving space is defined within the connection portion and the two holding portions to receive a heel of a shoe. A guiding opening is formed between two ends of the two holding portions distal to the connection portion and communicating with the shoe-receiving space. Two blocking flanges are formed on and protrude inwardly from two inner side edge portions of the holding portions to block the heel of the shoe. Given the shoehorn, the connection portion and the holding portion and the shoe-receiving space facilitate users to easily take off a shoe. A grip stick expands the user groups of the shoehorn, and a shoe-receiving tool increases shoe-wearing effectiveness when connected with the body to press the body against the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: FAMICA INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD.Inventor: Tsung-Hsiang WANG
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Publication number: 20170099972Abstract: A zipper pulling device for allowing a user to more easily zip up a dress or other similar garment. The zipper pulling device includes a rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the rod is telescopic such that it can be extended or retracted to a desired length. The first end comprises a magnet thereon that can be used to engage a metal zipper. The second end of the rod includes a hook thereon, wherein the user can alternately use the hook to engage the zipper. In this way, the user can grasp an end of the rod and pull the rod upward so that the hook or magnet temporarily engaged with the zipper pulls along the teeth of the zipper, allowing a user to more easily zip up a dress.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Alberta Burton
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Publication number: 20170099973Abstract: A scent pad for toilet floor cleaning comprises at least a main body; wherein the main body is made of material with absorption capacity, in plate shape with certain thickness, set around a toilet bowl on the floor, to keep toilet floor clean and dry easily, furthermore to deodorize and to avoid discoloration and permanent residual odor on the toilet floor, It has these advantages of simple design, convenient by usage and no safety concerts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: ANDY CHAO
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Publication number: 20170099974Abstract: A floor mat comprising several sections each provided with a trench designed to receive an insert, each section having first and second lateral grooves extending along respectively two longitudinal axes, and several joining elements, each joining element being configured to join two sections to one another, each joining element comprising a first set of main tabs inserted in the second lateral groove of a first section and a second set of main tabs inserted in the first lateral groove of a second section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Michel GROSJEAN
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Publication number: 20170099975Abstract: A kitchen utensil or device, specifically a strainer, is constructed and adapted to attach removably to the side of a pan, pot, or bowl, to provide a convenient means to allow for the separation of solid food product from liquid. The strainer includes a generally planar top surface, having a plurality of small gauge holes, slits, or openings in its surface. The holes are effective to allow a liquid to pass through the surface of the utensil while retaining the solid food product. The device is attachable by a clip to the rim of an existing pan, pot, or bowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: TONOGA INC. DBA TACONICInventors: George DAVISON, John Frederic COOPER
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Publication number: 20170099976Abstract: A kitchen utensil or device, specifically a strainer, is constructed and adapted to be removably attached to the side of a pan, pot, or bowl, to provide a convenient means to allow for the separation of solid food product from liquid. The strainer includes a generally planar top surface, having a plurality of small gauge holes, slits, or openings in its surface. The holes are effective to allow a liquid to pass through the surface of the utensil while retaining the solid food product. The device is attachable by a clip to the rim of an existing pan, pot, or bowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: TONOGA INC. DBA TACONICInventors: George DAVISON, John Frederic COOPER
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Publication number: 20170099977Abstract: An assembly comprises an outer housing. A cooking container is disposable within the outer housing. A thermal unit is disposed within the outer housing and is in engagement with the cooking container to transfer heat to the cooking container. A control unit is configured to be operable for controlling operations of the thermal unit. The control unit comprises at least a first mode for controlling temperatures of the thermal unit during incubation of a yogurt/dairy product in the cooking container, a second mode for controlling temperatures of the thermal unit during cooking of a food product in the cooking container, and a third mode for turning the thermal unit off.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Michelle Yusha Liu
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Publication number: 20170099978Abstract: A system produces a brew from an infusible brew substance using a combination of a mug and a brewer housed within the mug. The mug includes a vessel inside the mug that holds the water used to brew the brew. The vessel has an exit port below its upper rim. A removable stopper closes the vessel. A siphon tube fits through the exit port and extends downward within the vessel to the siphon's suction end. A heating element is immersed in water within the vessel. When electrically energized, the heating element vaporizes the water, which rises to the top and pushes the water downward into the suction end. A mesh filter holds the infusible brew substance or the substance is placed in the bottom of the mug. The mesh filter is located below the siphon sticking out of the exit port. Water flows through the filter into the mug outside the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Joseph M. Hyman, Ezekiel Kolajo, Jingrui Wang, Alexandre Wing
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Publication number: 20170099979Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a brewing system includes a water delivery system, a cover, and a funnel. The water delivery system supplies water through a spray head of the cover to the funnel. The funnel holds brewing substance to be combined with the water to form a brewed beverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, David Trojahn, Brent Friedrich, William Krause
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Publication number: 20170099980Abstract: Improvements a hot and cold dispensing machine is disclosed. The machine integrates a tablet computer with hot and cold dispensing machines, including Coffee machines that transform the dispensing machine into a fully interactive machine that enables an unlimited number of features to be added as functionalities. Computers are easy to use, multitasking, enable connection to internet, and provide access to all social media networks. The user will enjoy all of a computer's powerful features when configuring their profile on the machines from watching a commercial that push advertisement or even live TV while waiting for their drink. The information on the tablet can be shared with other dispensing machines and remembers previous and preferred preferences. The machine can also suggest other combinations based up on the user and similar user's selections.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Michel Abou Haidar, Eddie E. Feghali
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Publication number: 20170099981Abstract: Improvements a hot and cold dispensing machine is disclosed. The machine includes creating a family of smart coffee dispensing machine that is connected 24/7 to the cloud. The machines are controllable also by mobile app that use QR code via built in cam or an external reader and/or NFC technology to transfer data and establish communication and execute payments. The android based computer will be used to run the machine as well as to offer all the facilities of a computer or a fully functional tablet like but not limited to: executing commands and dispensing recipes, creating, deleting and editing profiles, change the system settings, connection to the internet, access to social media networks, playing publicity, registering audio/video messages, reading boarding pass codes used in airlines companies for identifying the user and communicating with Smart App via QR Code and/or NFC.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Michel Abou Haidar, Eddie E. Feghali
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Publication number: 20170099982Abstract: A pump mounting system for mounting a pump to a beverage dispensing system, featuring a pump having a housing configured with a pump-to-mounting bracket portion, and having a pump-to-hose connector portion; an elastic pump mounting bracket having a corresponding pump-to-mounting bracket portion configured to couple to the pump-to-mounting bracket portion of the pump in order to couple together the elastic mounting bracket and the pump, and having a system mounting bracket portion connected to the corresponding pump-to-mounting bracket portion to couple to at least some portion of the system, the elastic pump mounting bracket to dampen the transmission of vibration from one end of the pump to the system; and a flexible looped hose connection having a corresponding pump-to-hose connector portion to coupled to the pump-to-hose connector portion of the pump, and having a hose-to-system connector portion to couple to a corresponding hose-to-system connector portion of the system, an intermediate looped hose connecType: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Jeffrey D. LOPES
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Publication number: 20170099983Abstract: A beverage maker includes a reservoir having a first inlet port for receiving liquid for preparing a beverage and a first outlet port for discharging the liquid from the reservoir to a brew chamber. A hot liquid generator (HLG) inlet is in fluid communication with a reservoir second outlet port and an HLG outlet is in fluid communication with a reservoir second inlet. A valve fluidly communicates with the reservoir, the valve being normally in an open position, permitting flow therethrough, and moveable into a closed position, preventing flow therethrough. Liquid flows into the HLG via the reservoir second outlet. HLG powering increases the temperature of the liquid therein and effectuates movement of the liquid back to the reservoir via the HLG outlet. Liquid is continuously recirculated between the reservoir and the HLG, without exiting from the reservoir first outlet port, at least until the valve is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.Inventors: Adam Hanes, Patrick T Mulvaney
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Publication number: 20170099984Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operated food processor (1) for preparing a cooked product, which exhibits a basic unit (14), a vessel (2) with an agitator (18) that can be inserted into the basic unit (14), a heating device (9) allocated to the vessel (2), a temperature sensor (5), a transceiver device (12) for communicating with the temperature sensor (5), and an evaluator (13) for evaluating the measurement data received from the temperature sensor (5). In order to provide an electric food processor (1) with an alternative connection between the temperature sensor (5) and evaluator (13), it is proposed that the temperature sensor (5) be a surface acoustic wave sensor (SAW sensor).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbHInventor: Hendrik KOETZ
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Publication number: 20170099985Abstract: A kitchen or barbecue apparatus for cooking use is composed of a heat-resistant and insulating material having temperature control characteristics. Such a material forms the apparatus from at least one sheet having a soft and flexible surface providing a topside cover for any pot, pan or vessel used in cooking or heating of a substance. This material may be fabric that may be chemically treated or it may be naturally self-extinguishing such as wool felt, or may be a molded material such as plastic or silicone. The material is die cut, fabricated, or molded to the shape of a useful apparatus such as to fit over the top of any pot, pan or cooking vessel that heats up in the cooking process. The apparatus is adapted to allow for any handles pulls, or holders which exist on the topside portion of the heating apparatus which this apparatus will cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Ross J. Vagnieres
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Publication number: 20170099986Abstract: A grilling appliance is disclosed for preparing various different types of food wherein the food is conveyed through the appliance, from a food insert end of the appliance to a food removal end of the appliance, by means of continuously movable flow-through upper and lower cooperating conveyors operatively associated with platen-type heating members over which the upper and lower conveyors are conveyed so as to be heated by the platen-type heating members and thereby, in turn, heat, brown, or carmelize the food as desired or required.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: DIPAN PATEL, BHUPENDRA R. PATEL, JIGNESH PATEL, JAMES R. BUCHLER, FRANCISCO VEGA, IGNACIO VEGA, CHERYL L. PANASIK, ROBERT LEWIS CUCCHI
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Publication number: 20170099987Abstract: A grilling appliance is disclosed for preparing various different types of food wherein the food is conveyed through the appliance, from a food insert end of the appliance to a food removal end of the appliance, by means of continuously movable flow-through upper and lower cooperating conveyors operatively associated with platen-type heating members over which the upper and lower conveyors are conveyed so as to be heated by the platen-type heating members and thereby, in turn, heat, brown, or carmelize the food as desired or required. Multiple independently controlled conveyor sets define multiple independently controlled conveyor cooking lanes within the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: DIPAN PATEL, BHUPENDRA R. PATEL, JIGNESH PATEL, JAMES R. BUCHLER, FRANCISCO VEGA, IGNACIO VEGA, CHERYL L. PANASIK, ROBERT LEWIS CUCCHI
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Publication number: 20170099988Abstract: Integration of a tablet computer and/or flat panel display with an oven brings numerous added functionalities to an oven that is not currently possible with current stand alone oven. It creates a new kitchen appliance that can be used for cooking, entertainment, shopping and provides a platform for displaying information and advertisement to the user. Since most kitchens have limited kitchen counter space, integration of the tablet computer/display with an oven can save counter space and provide the ability to watch TV or streaming videos on the oven. This combination can become the central entertainment and communication, as well as control hub in a kitchen for interfacing with other smart appliances as part of Internet of Things (IOTs). This new appliance can be a portal to present information and advertisement to the user with a more user friendly interface for programming the oven, automatically entering cooking instructions, or downloading applications/recipes for using the oven.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Mehran MATLOUBIAN, Gregg A. HOLLINGSWORTH, Timothy J. BROCKETT
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Publication number: 20170099989Abstract: The present application discloses an oven comprising an oven body, wherein the oven body includes a housing, a combustion chamber, a grid plate, and a blower; the combustion chamber is arranged inside the housing and configured to accommodate barbecue charcoal, the grid plate is arranged above the housing and configured to place food, and the blower is communicated with the combustion chamber via an air channel, speeds of air flows in the combustion chamber are controlled by the blower, so that the present application can still be normally used in indoor environments or calm environments. Moreover, the blower is further provided with a speed control circuit and a speed control knob, which can adjust air flow precisely, so that thermal power can be well controlled and various barbecue effects can be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Peiying Feng
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Publication number: 20170099990Abstract: Provided is a cooking vessel (1) including a body (2) equipped with a bottom (3) and a lateral wall (4), a handle (20) mounted to the body (2) by mounting means (6, 22), and a sensor (30) disposed in a receiving housing (11) near the bottom (3) and equipped with at least one electrically insulated conducting element (31, 32) , said sensor (30) and said conducting element (31, 32) being mounted to a support (40) which extends from the bottom (3) along the lateral wall (4) and which is mounted to the handle (20). The support (40) includes a retaining part (42) for the sensor and the conducting element and at least one programmed deformation area (50, 55a, 55b) to allow mobility between the retaining part (42) for the sensor and the conducting element and the handle (20) in at least one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Guy Magnouloux, Michel Demolis, Benoît Linglin
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Publication number: 20170099991Abstract: A tube for hot food fluids includes an inner layer made of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), one or more intermediate layers, and an outer covering layer made of elastomeric material. For example, the outer covering layer could be made of HNBR. One or more of the intermediate reinforcement layers include at least one textile reinforcement layer that is resistant to high temperatures. One or more of the intermediate reinforcement layers may further include two layers of textile reinforcement resistant to high temperatures, with the interposition of a filler layer made of elastomeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Andrea DEREGIBUS
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Publication number: 20170099992Abstract: A container preferably made of a copper tube can be placed on a barbeque grill. Adjustable sized holes on top allow the chef to adjust how much vapor escapes from the container during a cooking cycle. For washing the copper tube can be broken down in half for insertion into a dishwasher. The cylindrical hollow tube can have a smooth circular cross section or equivalents including octagon, hexagon and rectangular. Equivalents to the cylindrical tube being pulled apart for cleaning include a hinge relationship between two tube segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Mark Clemens
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Publication number: 20170099993Abstract: A food grilling rack provides a frame defined by a plurality of connected side walls forming a closed geometric shape. The frame includes a lower corrugated sheet that provides multiple troughs, each trough having a lowest portion. The lower sheet is attached to at least some of the side walls. An upper sheet of material is supported (e.g., removably) above the sheet of corrugated material. There are a plurality of openings in the upper sheet of material, each opening being vertically aligned with a lowest portion of a trough. In one embodiment, the frame includes a pair of flanged members attached to a lower corrugated sheet that provides multiple troughs, each trough having a lowest portion. A sheet with openings slides into the frame aligning the openings with the lowest part of the trough.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Applicant: METAL FUSION, INC.Inventors: Norman R. Bourgeois, Barbara Bourgeois, Michael P. Bourgeois
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Publication number: 20170099994Abstract: A personal food delivery apparatus and method includes a utensil with a handle end and a food end where the food end is a flat surface. A food retaining device is connected with the food end where the food retaining device retains food on the food retaining device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Doug Gonterman, Jessica Lineberry
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Publication number: 20170099995Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a handle subassembly made to be mounted to a body (2) to form a cooking vessel (1), said subassembly including a handle (20), a sensor (30), particularly a temperature sensor, equipped with at least one flexible insulated conducting element (31, 32) which is connected to a connector (17) of a control circuit (28), said subassembly including a receiving area (49) for the conducting element (31, 32) a part of which (49b) is disposed in the handle (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Guy Magnouloux
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Publication number: 20170099996Abstract: A dismountable hand grip include a connection block, a hand grip, two locking pieces, an elastic component and two pins; wherein: there is a connection chamber at a front end of the hand grip; the two locking pieces are both provided inside the connection chamber and symmetrically connected to the front end of the hand grip through a pin respectively, in order to enable themselves to rotate around the pin inside of the connection chamber; there is a clip unit at the front end of the locking piece, and a compression unit is at a back and connected with the hand grip through the elastic component; and wherein a back part of the connection block is provided with a connection unit which is inserted into the connection chamber, wherein the connection unit is provided with a clip slot, which matches with the clip unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Huacheng Hu, Guoxiang Pan
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Publication number: 20170099997Abstract: A portable packaging system is disclosed that includes a food container, a beverage container lid and a tray. The food container has a bottom and a wall extending from the bottom that defines a food container footprint. The lid has a rim coupling structure that detachably couples to the rim of a beverage container and a hole to allow access to the contents of the beverage container when the beverage container lid is coupled to the beverage container. The tray has a tray bottom and walls that define a tray footprint that complements the food container footprint such that the food container can securely nest in the tray. The tray and lid can detachably couple to each other. In other embodiments, the system need not have a separate food container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Ronald Mark BUCK
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Publication number: 20170099998Abstract: A lid holding device 1 is designed to hold one of a variety of different lids 8 over a pot 6, such as a crock pot. The lid holding device 1 comprises a flat base 2, an extension 3 which can be set to an adjustable angle relative to the base 2, and hold the extension 3 and attachment 4 in a desired leaning angle. The heavy pot and its contents rest on a base 2, stabilizing the device 1. When the lid 8 is removed from the pot 6, the handle 9 of the lid 8 is held by the attachment 4 preventing any touching of the inside of the lid or pot reducing contamination of the inside of the lid and pot. The leaning angle of the extension 4 and the length of the extension and attachment can be adjusted to accommodate different lid sizes and shapes 8, causing each to be held vertically or at an angle above the pot 6.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Daniel E. FRITZINGER
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Publication number: 20170099999Abstract: A stand in the form of a chair (10) for supporting an object and in particular an infant or baby for bathing. The chair (10) includes a seat (24, 69) to support the torso of the object; a pedestal (40) upon which the seat (24, 69) is mounted in an elevated position; and adjustment means (33, 85) to facilitate selected rotation and locking of the seat (24, 69) relative to the pedestal (40). The seat (24, 69) comprises a capsule having sides (26, 71), a seat base (73) and a seatback (25, 75) to encapsulate the torso of the object. The adjustment means (33, 85) comprises rotation limiting means to restrict rotation of the seat (24, 69) relative to the chair (10) between a prescribed range of angular movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Meray YASSA
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Publication number: 20170100000Abstract: The emergency shower includes a discharge outlet pivotable between a first non-use position and a second deployed position about a rotary union, for dispensing water therefrom. A ball valve is positionable between a first flow restricting position and a second flow permitting position, when the discharge outlet pivots between the first non-use and second deployed positions. A linkage system actuates ball valve movement when the discharge outlet pivots, by way of a first link pivotally coupled relative to the discharge outlet and movable therewith and a second link pivotally coupled with the ball valve and responsive to movement of the first link, the second link positions the ball valve in the first flow restricting position when the discharge outlet is in the first non-use position and commensurately moves the ball valve to the second flow permitting position when the discharge outlet pivots to the second deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Stephen Lee Stanley
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Publication number: 20170100001Abstract: An exemplary dispenser includes a base having at least one rail, a cover, and a mounting portion for a refill unit having a container for fluid. The cover is slideable along at least one rail of the base between a closed position and an open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Andrew P. Tojek
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Publication number: 20170100002Abstract: A point-of-care hygiene compliance module includes a housing that is adapted to be attached to a dispensing container that dispenses material through a dispensing nozzle when actuated. The housing includes a pivoting actuation arm that is configured so as to be placed in operative contact with the dispensing nozzle. Thus, when the actuation arm is actuated, material is dispensed from the dispensing container, and a switch in operative contact with the actuation arm is actuated. The triggering of the switch updates a count value that is maintained by a controller, which may then be displayed or acquired by a remote computer to assess the amount of usage of the dispensing container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Jackson W. Wegelin, Matthew J. Archer
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Publication number: 20170100003Abstract: Provided is a compact wet wipes package, wherein wet wipes can be easily drawn from a storage container, and the production cost can be kept low. This wet wipes package is provided with: a wet wipes folded body which is continuously folded and stacked, and in which dividing portions are formed at a predetermined interval; an airtight storage container which is formed to store the wet wipes folded body and includes an opening portion from which stored wet wipes are to be drawn outward; a base plate which is attached to the opening portion and is formed with a pinching hole through which the wet wipes are pinched and drawn outward; a drawing hole which is linked with the pinching hole and functions to divide the wet wipes at the dividing portion; and openable/closable lid which can hermetically close the pinching hole and the drawing hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Kikuo YAMADA
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Publication number: 20170100004Abstract: A dry urinal apparatus, comprising a receptacle configured to store urine, the urine having a layer of oil on its surface and a siphon assembly disposed within the receptacle and coupled to a reservoir. The siphon assembly includes a siphon tube and drain tube, the siphon tube operable to force urine down the drain tube, wherein the reservoir is configured to cease operation of the siphon assembly prior to the siphon tube pulling up the layer of oil with the urine. The reservoir is configured to cease operation of the siphon assembly in response to a distance required to pull air bubbles up the reservoir and into the drain tube being less than a distance required to raise urine into the drain tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Roger N. Johnson
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Publication number: 20170100005Abstract: A toilet seat is includes a core with a centrally located aperture disposed therein, sized for receiving and supporting a weight of a human in a seated position for use as a toilet seat. The core is made of a solid material. A cover is affixed to the core at bottom edges of the core forming a gap between the cover and the top surface of the core, between the cover and the side surface of the core, and between the cover and the inside surface of the core. Gel is disposed in the gap, thereby providing a cushioned interface between the core and the human situated upon the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Julie Windle Bryant
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Publication number: 20170100006Abstract: An extraction cleaner includes a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on a floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base. The portable extractor includes a recovery tank assembly and a supply tank assembly provided on the housing adjacent to the recovery tank assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Kenneth M. Lenkiewicz, Tom Minh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20170100007Abstract: Self-travelling vacuum cleaner (10) has body (20) having suction port (101), drive unit (30), and an electric fan. Since suction port (101) is disposed in a maximum width part of body (20) closer than drive unit (30), self-travelling vacuum cleaner (10) can suck a trash on a corner in a target region to be cleaned easily and can move from the corner to another area quickly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Chizuyo MATSUMOTO, Tatsuo KIKKAWA, Masakazu ONDA, Toshifumi MIYAHARA
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Publication number: 20170100008Abstract: A vacuum apparatus includes a body, a dust-collecting box, a fan and a detection unit. The dust-collecting box is located inside the body. The fan is located inside the by closing to the dust-collecting box. The detection unit located around a pipe-end opening of the body further includes a detection assembly and a lens assembly. The detection assembly has an infrared emitting element and an infrared receiving element. The lens assembly has a first lens and a second lens, located to opposing sides of the pipe-end opening. The first lens has a first cutout, and the second lens has a second cutout. The infrared ray emitted by the infrared emitting element penetrates both the first cutout and the second cutout, and is finally received by the infrared receiving element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: SHUN-YI CHEN
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Publication number: 20170100009Abstract: A vacuum device includes a device body, a dust-collecting box, a fan and a detection unit. The device body further has a duct outlet and a fan outlet. The dust-collecting box located inside the device body is spatially connected to the duct outlet. The fan located inside the device body at a place beside the dust-collecting box is spatially connected to the fan outlet. The detection unit located close to the fan outlet further includes a sensor and a rotation assembly; in which the sensor further has an infrared-emitting component and an infrared-receiving component, the rotation assembly is able to pass rotationally through a space between the infrared-emitting component and the infrared-receiving component, and the infrared-emitting component is to emit an infrared to the infrared-receiving component for detecting the rotation assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Shun-Yi CHEN
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Publication number: 20170100010Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a body, a controller supported by the body, a drive supporting the body to maneuver the robot across a floor surface in response to commands from the controller, and a pad holder attached to an underside of the body to hold a removable cleaning pad during operation of the robot. The pad includes a mounting plate and a mounting surface. The mounting plate is attached to the mounting surface. The robot includes a pad sensor to sense a feature on the pad and to generate a signal based on the feature, which is defined in part by a cutout on the card backing. The mounting plate enables the pad sensor to detect the feature. The controller is responsive to the signal to perform operations including selecting a cleaning mode based on the signal, and controlling the robot according to a selected cleaning mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Ping-Hong Lu, Joseph M. Johnson, Daniel Foran, Marcus Williams, Andrew Graziani
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Publication number: 20170100011Abstract: A dirt pick-up device for a floor cleaner is provided, including a carrying part fixable to the floor cleaner and a holding part releasably connectable to the carrying part with a suction strip held on the holding part, the carrying part and the holding part locked to each other by a locking device, the dirt pick-up device including an actuating element which is transferable from an unactuated position to an actuated position for transferring the locking device to an unlocked position in which the holding part is releasable from the carrying part. The dirt pick-up device can include or form a grip element held on at least one of the holding part and the suction strip, and in the unactuated position, the actuating element can be at a greater distance from the grip element than in the actuated position. A floor cleaner with a dirt pick-up device is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Christoph Waller, Joerg Brueckner
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Publication number: 20170100012Abstract: A squeegee including an elongated squeegee blade having a substantially rigid upper portion and a lower flexible wiper portion. The squeegee further includes a generally T-shaped extension centered above and axially parallel with the squeegee blade. The T-shaped extension has a substantially rigid flange, operably connectable to the squeegee handle; and a flexible leg extending downward from the rigid flange and connected there-below to the rigid upper portion of the squeegee blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: Dan Tyroler
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Publication number: 20170100013Abstract: A dishwasher includes an independent presoak system which may be activated by a user of the dishwasher. The dishwasher presoak system utilizes a storage tank, supply tubes, and set of nozzles which are independent from components used in a washing cycle such that a presoak detergent is applied to items placed within a washing compartment of the dishwasher without being diluted by a standard wash cycle. As part of the presoak system, the dishwasher features a detection system which allows the user to select an automatic presoak operating state whereby the dishwasher utilizes a sensor to determine if items placed into the washing compartment are sufficiently dirty to need a presoak cycle prior to a washing cycle. The dishwasher further relies on a control system to analyze samples taken of the dirtiness levels of items placed within the washing compartment and determine whether a presoak option is necessary or suggested.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Casey Carr, Mike Holmes, Melvin Rich
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Publication number: 20170100014Abstract: A knife cleaner for a commercial kitchen is mounted on a countertop or prep table with suction cups or similar devices, and provides three separate compartments for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing solutions. A removable cap provides a channel guide leading downward into each of the three compartments. The wash channel guide provides scrub brush components to remove food particles and other debris. The cleaner is disassembled easily without tools for cleaning purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventor: John CLARK
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Publication number: 20170100015Abstract: A coupling device for releasable connection of a medical or dental handpiece to a drive unit or to a supply tubing for transferring signals, data and/or energy, a drive movement, a working medium and/or light between the handpiece and the drive unit or the supply tubing, having a first coupling element and a second coupling element, wherein one of the two coupling elements is designed as a coupling cavity, into which a coupling protrusion on the other coupling element can be inserted, a positioning element, which is disposed on the first coupling element or the second coupling element and can be inserted into a first recess on the other coupling element in order to position the two coupling elements in a defined angular position about their common axis relative to one another, at least one light source, which is disposed in a second recess on the first or second coupling element and can be coupled to an optical fiber on the other coupling element as well as by at least one transfer element, which is disposedType: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Michael Mangelberger, Christian Pruckner