Patents Issued in May 9, 2017
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Patent number: 9642479Abstract: A hanger attachable to an artwork frame includes a base having an open interior and openings at each end, rim and engagement member spanning the interior of the base. A method of mounting a canvas to an artwork frame includes attaching frame members with mating beveled ends to the back of the canvas, trimming margins of the canvas, rotating the frame members and canvas margins 90 degrees such that the frame ends matingly engage one another, and securing the frame ends to one another. Loose margins of the canvas may be folded and secured to the frame and a backing member attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Finic Inc.Inventor: Vitaliy Rizhkov
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Patent number: 9642480Abstract: An apparatus operable to provide hanging of an object on a vertical wall such as but not limited to an open back canvas. The apparatus includes a wall member and a frame member. The wall member includes a recessed portion having a raised perimeter edge circumferentially surrounded thereto. The frame member includes an upper surface operable to support an object thereon. A lip is formed along the rear perimeter edge of the upper surface. The frame member includes an upper portion having an angular perimeter edge. Contiguously formed with the upper portion is lower portion having a plurality of sides and a bottom. A pair of magnetic projections members are present on the rear side of the lower portion and the bottom of the lower portion. The magnetic projections members are configured to couple with the recessed portion of the wall member.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventors: Jonathan P Tanger, Davina C Lochan
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Patent number: 9642481Abstract: An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: BreathableBaby, LLCInventors: Dale Richard Waters, Susan Marie Waters
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Patent number: 9642482Abstract: A product, e.g., insulated beverage bottle having a lid, and method of making it are disclosed. The product includes an outer hollow blow molded vessel in which an inner hollow blow molded vessel, is disposed. Each of vessel has a sidewall from which a flange projects. The flange of the outer vessel includes an annular wall. The flange of the inner vessel includes an engagement surface having an annular groove to receive the annular wall of the outer vessel. The inner vessel is arranged to be supported within the outer vessel on the flange of the outer vessel and with portions of the annular wall and annular groove engaging each other. Ultrasonic energy is applied to one of the flanges adjacent the engaging surfaces to concentrate the ultrasonic welding energy at those surfaces to produce a good double sided shear joint weldment thereat.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Tervis Tumbler CompanyInventors: Sean T. Flowers, James M. Sheely, William D. Voyles
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Patent number: 9642483Abstract: A beverage container lid. The lid provides a drink outlet that allows liquid to fill a drink well base, from which a consumer may sip a beverage similar to using a cup or mug. The lid provides a natural drinking experience. The base is sized and shaped to sealingly engage the opening of the beverage container. A hollow raised lip portion is provided, with an exterior portion extending upwardly. An outer lip portion is provided having an interior portion sloping downwardly and inwardly. The drink well base may slope upwardly from a peripheral side.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Douglas H. Fleming
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Patent number: 9642484Abstract: A dinnerware apparatus has an elongated solid storage tube having a through hole therein, a flexible cleaning brush retractably positioned in the through hole of the storage tube, and a connector affixed to an end of the brush holder. The flexible cleaning brush has an elongated flexible brush holder and a brushing portion affixed to an end of the brush holder. The connector has a service end and a mating end. The service end has a shape of a knife, fork, spoon, or a chopstick head. The mating end has a tight limiting section embedded at one end of the storage tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventors: Fu-Nan Chang, Hsueh-Chieh Chu
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Patent number: 9642485Abstract: A beverage holder includes a cup configured to receive and support a beverage and an arm directly coupled to the cup. The arm includes a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall. The first and second vertical walls define a slot configured to receive an arm of a chair. The beverage holder also includes a strap having a first end fixed to the arm and a second end removably coupled to the arm. A leveling mechanism is configured to allow the cup to be tilted relative to the arm and selectively fixed in place such that a user can vertically align the cup.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Benjamin J. Kuznicki, Jr.
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Patent number: 9642486Abstract: A leaf juice extracting apparatus includes a processing assembly having that defines a processing chamber for receiving a plurality of leaves and water, a side wall thereof having an upper rim that defines an open top configured to allow access therein. The extracting apparatus includes a steam assembly in fluid communication with the processing chamber for selectively receiving an incoming water portion from the processing chamber into a steam chamber, the steam chamber including a heating element for changing the incoming water portion into steam. An extraction member is selectively situated in the processing chamber of the processing chamber for selectively applying pressure upon the plurality of leaves therein so as to cause juice to be extracted from the plurality of leaves. A collection assembly is in fluid communication with the processing chamber that is configured to selectively communicate the extracted juice from the processing chamber into a collection reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventors: Ifeoma Obiamaka Obiora, Nkemdirim Chinwendu Obiora
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Patent number: 9642487Abstract: A can cooker includes a main body that is generally cylindrical in shape having a bottom portion, wall portion, neck portion, and lid ring. The bottom portion, wall portion, and neck portion may be integrally formed and connected to one another. A lid is sized and shaped to fit within a part of the neck portion. The lid includes an outer lip that engaged with lid ring on the main body in such a way that a seal is formed between the lid ring and the outer lip. Handles may be placed on the exterior surface of the lid and main body to ease use and transportation of the can cooker. An interior portion of the main body may be formed with an interior coating and an exterior portion of the main body may be formed with an exterior coating.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Seth D. McGinn
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Patent number: 9642488Abstract: A beverage producing system includes a beverage producing machine and a jug. The machine is provided with a steam nozzle and the jug is provided with a steam duct having a steam inlet end configured to connect to the steam nozzle to establish a connection between the steam nozzle and the steam duct. The steam nozzle is housed in a recess having an entry aperture, a bottom wall and an upper ceiling. The steam nozzle is arranged at the bottom wall of the recess and is oriented towards the upper ceiling. The steam inlet end projects from the jug, where the connection between the steam nozzle and the steam duct is configured to be established by introducing the steam inlet end in the recess and by lowering the jug until a fluid connection is established between the steam nozzle and the steam inlet end of the steam duct.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Andrea Ferraro, Marco Santini
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Patent number: 9642489Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage production device (10) having a first dissolution chamber (1), said first dissolution chamber being configured for producing a beverage by mixing a beverage concentrate and a diluent and having: —at least one diluent inlet (11a, 11b) and—at least one liquid delivery outlet (12), —a bottom wall (13), the at least one liquid delivery outlet (12) being set in said bottom wall, wherein the device has a second dilution chamber (2), said second dilution chamber having: —a top wall (21), and—at least one liquid inlet (22) through the top wall, said liquid inlet being the liquid delivery outlet (12) of the first dissolution chamber, and—at least one diluent inlet (23) configured for introducing a diluent in the second dilution chamber and mixing said diluent with the liquid flowing from the at least one liquid inlet (22) through the top wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Amol Ashok Bhalerao, David J. Harrison
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Patent number: 9642490Abstract: A food defrosting tray includes a tray body on which a frozen food is adapted to be placed. The tray body is made of metal and includes a plurality of heat transfer pieces spaced in parallel. The food defrosting tray further includes two conjunction members which engage with first and second ends of the heat transfer pieces respectively. Each conjunction member includes a plurality of sheaths made of a pliable but strong material. Two adjacent sheaths are connected to each other through a collapsible portion so that the tray body and the conjunction members are collapsible and can be rolled up for better contact with a food material and preferable defrosting capability. Moreover, the foldable tray body allows the food defrosting tray to be rolled up easily for effective storage.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Sekond Creative Desgin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuan-Song Tsai, Sheng-Chi Lin
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Patent number: 9642491Abstract: The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih Ming Wen, Shangqian Gao
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Patent number: 9642492Abstract: Griddle with adjustable space between upper and lower pans, including an upper shell, a lower shell, rear sides of the upper and lower pans connected through adjustable hinges, the bottom of the upper hinge seat extending downwardly and the top of the lower hinge seat extending upwardly to form upper and lower joint arms, a groove extending along the side of the lower joint arm, the top of the groove extending forward, a protrusion mounted at the side of the lower joint arm and in front of the groove; the bottom of the upper joint arm extending to one side to form a pintle which can move in the groove, and a supporting portion formed at the bottom of the upper joint arm and in front of the pintle, to keep a space between the upper pan and the lower pan by abutting against the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: TSANN KUEN(CHINA) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.Inventors: Hsin Tsung Wang, Chunyu Wu
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Patent number: 9642493Abstract: A hot oil fryer for continuous frying duty in continuous food process lines has a frame, a cooking channel carried by the frame, a conveyor through the cooking channel having an upper food product carrying-run and a lower return runs, a bed of elongated heat exchanger tubes inside the cooking channel for circulating a thermal fluid, and a combustion-fired thermal oil heater supported by the frame off the floor for heating the thermal fluid which is circulated through the bed of elongated heat exchanger tubes. Preferably the cooking channel is elongated, as also preferably is the combustion-fired thermal oil heater carried, which is laid down to extend along a horizontal axis underneath the cooking channel. The combustion-fired thermal oil heater is fed either fuel-oil or a fuel-gas for combusting therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Robert G. Nothum, Jr.
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Patent number: 9642494Abstract: An improved immersion blender generally consisting of a motor, an elongated motor shaft that extends from the motor through a removable tubular guard to a back-to-back radial-flow cutter blade. The cutter blade is securely attached to the distal end of motor shaft and is housed within the tubular guard assembly. The tubular guard has a manifold at its distal end that provides side inlet and outlet ports for the blade and a lower inlet aperture through the distal annular plate of the manifold. The lower blade of the back-to-back radial-flow cutter draws liquid from the bottom portion of the container, through the lower inlet side-ports in the manifold and the aperture through the distal end of the manifold, and discharges the liquid through the outlet ports in the manifold toward the sides of container in a radial direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Kevin Brun
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Patent number: 9642495Abstract: A whisk includes a handle, a shaft and flexible wires. The handle has a cavity with a spiral internal track to engage and rotate the shaft with up and down motion of the handle. A collar is slidably mounted with a friction fit on the shaft. The flexible wires are coupled to the collar and to the second end of the shaft. Movement of the collar on the shaft changes the shape of the flexible wires. At the second end of the shaft, the flexible wires extend downwardly and then radially outwardly to lie in a plane and finally are bent toward the slidably mounted collar. A foot is rotatably mounted on the second end of the shaft and includes a bearing surface. The bearing surface extends from the second end of the shaft and beyond the defined plane within a clearance of coincidence with the defined plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: MASTRAD, S.A.Inventors: Marc Venot, Mathieu Lion
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Patent number: 9642496Abstract: A colander for selectively opening and closing a bottom frame is provided. The colander includes an outer shell having a screen with an upper rim forming an open top, and a bottom frame. A circular inner screen is disposed on the bottom frame, wherein the inner screen is rotatable via a pivot pin. The colander further includes an annular base rotatably coupled to the bottom frame to provide an open and closed configuration for the inner screen. The colander bottom frame can be opened and closed to remove food and the like therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Christine Girardin
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Patent number: 9642497Abstract: A cocktail shaker is configured to store ingredients for making a cocktail. Multiple ingredients may each be kept in their respective containers and the containers may be stored in the cocktail shaker. To make a cocktail, a person may open the shaker, access the containers of ingredients of the cocktail and use the shaker to mix the ingredients, thereby preparing the cocktail. The shaker may also be used as a glass to drink the cocktail.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Instant Cocktail LLCInventors: David Schlesinger, Brian Elrod, Duane King, Douglas Garrett Gibson, Shawn Filer, Stewart Kelpe
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Patent number: 9642498Abstract: A handle device for a foldable electric kettle has an inserting mount and a rotating bar. The inserting mount has two connecting arms and a pivot jacket. The pivot jacket is formed on and protrudes from the inserting mount and has a first positioning hole, a rotating recess, a second positioning hole and a mounting recess. The rotating bar is rotatably connected to the inserting mount and has a grip, a switching shaft and a spring. The grip is rotatably inserted in the pivot jacket and has a switching hole and a holding slice. The switching shaft 22 movably mounted in the pivot jacket, is connected to the grip and has a first engaging block, a limiting element, a linking rod, a second engaging block and a pressing button. The spring is mounted in the mounting recess, is mounted around the second engaging block and abuts the pressing button.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: Ronald Tuan
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Patent number: 9642499Abstract: The present invention provides a child bath that can be used either as a stand alone bath or as a conversion unit for conventional bathtubs. The child bath includes a vertical front panel and a horizontal top panel with a wash basin that holds a smaller volume of water than a convention bathtub. A support frame provides structural support to the horizontal and front panels. In one embodiment of the invention, the support frame fits within a conventional bathtub and holds the horizontal panel across the top of the bathtub, while holding the front panel in front of at least a portion of the side of the bathtub. In another embodiment of the invention the support frame holds the horizontal panel higher than the height of a conventional bathtub, thereby allowing an adult to stand next to the tub while bathing a child.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: SAFETY TUBS COMPANY, LLCInventor: Adam Schwartz
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Patent number: 9642500Abstract: A multi-piece shower enclosure includes a base section, a plurality of vertically extending sidewalls and a flange extending horizontally outward along a top portion of sidewalls. A back wall section is removably attachable to the base section, the back wall section having a ledge provided on the bottom portion of the back wall section. One or more side wall panels are removably attachable to the back wall section. A plurality of pins is used for securing the back wall section to the base section and the side wall panels to the back wall section. Each of the pins has a lower rivet portion and an upper threaded portion separated by a central portion. Each of the pins is insertable into a corresponding opening provided on the ledge of the back wall section or a side of the back wall portion adjoining each of the side wall panels.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Clarion Bathware, Inc.Inventors: David M. Groner, Brian A. Milford
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Patent number: 9642501Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a product, the dispenser comprising a base unit (2) into which a refill (1) containing the product is removably insertable in a fixed position. The refill has a taggant ink (12) on part of its external surface. The base has a light source (13) to illuminate the ink. The light source has a first wavelength and the ink is arranged to cause the ink to emit light at a second different wavelength. A sensor (14) receives light emitted by the ink upon illumination by the light source. A control circuit receives signal indicative of the wavelength of the detected light from the sensor, compares it with stored data, and prevents operation of a dispensing mechanism unless the refill is authentic.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: Reckitt Benckiser LLC, Sun Chemical CorporationInventors: Peter Atkins, Mohammad S. Farahat, Wu Jin, Jackie Tsang, Jacobus Simon Petrus Van Diepen
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Patent number: 9642502Abstract: Exemplary two chamber foam pumps, refill units and dispensers utilizing the same are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit includes an inverted container having a neck located at the bottom of the container and a foam pump secured neck. The foam pump includes a first air pump chamber, a liquid pump chamber and a second air pump chamber. In addition, the pump includes a piston. The piston has a hollow central portion. A first air inlet aperture is located through a wall of the piston between the first air pump chamber and the hollow central portion. A liquid inlet aperture is located below the first air inlet aperture and between the liquid pump chamber and the hollow central portion. A second air inlet aperture is located through the wall the piston located below the liquid inlet aperture and between the second air pump chamber and the hollow central portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Harris, John J. McNulty, Aaron D. Marshall
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Patent number: 9642503Abstract: A portable towel dispenser includes a housing configured to stand upright and an interior space for receiving a toweling assembly including a roll of towels on an arbor. The interior space is configured to receive in a vertical orientation the arbor for vertical support thereof during unwinding of the roll of towels. A loading door is configured to rotate relative to the housing about a generally vertical axis between a closed position, in which the loading door and housing together enclose the toweling assembly within the dispenser, and an open position, in which the dispenser is configured to receive the toweling assembly therein without obstruction by the loading door. The dispenser is battery operated, includes a handle, and is readily hand portable. A button on a bottom of the housing is depressed to enable dispensing when the housing is stood upright.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: INNOVIA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, LLCInventors: William Bryant Troutman, William Bryant Troutman, II
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Patent number: 9642504Abstract: An end plug for coreless paper rolls includes a central body. At least three resilient elements protrude from the central body and press resiliently against the interior of a paper roll when the end plug is inserted into an end of the paper roll, the radial extension of the resilient elements being influenced by rotation of the plug or a part thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventor: Anders Andersson
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Patent number: 9642505Abstract: A lavatory system including a countertop and a first hand washing station is provided. The first hand washing station includes a basin supported by the countertop and a faucet supported by the countertop. The lavatory system also includes a hand dryer including a housing supported by the countertop. The housing defines a cavity in which a user's hands are inserted during drying, and a motor configured to generate blown air which is supplied to the cavity. The housing is located such that the user's hands may be inserted into the cavity without the user leaving the first hand washing station.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Bradley Fixtures CorporationInventors: Graeme S. Bayley, Mark A. Figurski, Timothy E. Perrin, John M. Loberger, Jason M. Renner, Kevin M. Kohlwey, Jon A. Dommisse, Thomas E. Pelt
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Patent number: 9642506Abstract: There is provided an auxiliary toilet seat with which a toddler can sit astride or sit in a posture like sitting on a chair. An auxiliary toilet seat main body of an auxiliary toilet seat is formed substantially oval. A seating surface of the auxiliary toilet seat main body is formed substantially flat. A splash prevention part is formed at each front and rear part of an inner peripheral part of the auxiliary toilet seat main body. An abutting fixing part having fixing position adjusting means is provided to each of two positions in a front part and rear part on a bottom surface of the auxiliary toilet seat main body. The auxiliary toilet seat is abuttable against a bottom surface of a toilet seat of a western style adult toilet bowl to be fixedly attached to the bottom surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: AGATSUMA CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
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Patent number: 9642507Abstract: A platform for receiving an upright vacuum cleaner having has a base, a suction hose, a hose connector, and a vacuum hose. The suction hose is in fluid communication with the suction box opening. The hose connector is in fluid communication with the suction hose. The vacuum hose is in fluid connection with the hose connector. A vacuum having a vacuum head may be positioned in the recessed portion of the base with the vacuum head in fluid communication with the suction box.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: ZENITH TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Mark D. Bosses
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Patent number: 9642508Abstract: Debris-collecting systems and bagging apparatus for debris-collecting systems are provided. One bagging apparatus includes a primary bag and a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt has an electrical charge. One debris-collecting apparatus includes an input portion, a bagging portion, and a draft inducer for drawing the air and debris through the input portion and to the bagging portion. The bagging portion has a hood, a primary bag removably positioned lowerly adjacent the hood, a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag, and a bagging passage for directing air and debris to the hood from the input portion. The hood has a helical configuration extending from the bagging passage toward the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt is electrically charged. A frame having at least one wheel facilitates transportation.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Billy Goat Indutries, Inc.Inventors: G. Kent Lauer, William Jackson Morton, III
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Patent number: 9642510Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher and a control method thereof. According to one aspect, the dishwasher which washes dishes according to washing, rinsing, and drying steps comprises: a tub which is provided with a rack for accommodating dishes, and a washing nozzle for spraying washing water; a sump in which the washing water supplied to the tub is collected; a filter device which is provided to the sump, and allowing foreign substances of the washing water to be filtered; and a cleaning unit which clears away the foreign substances accumulated in the filter device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sangheon Yoon, Jaechul Lee
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Patent number: 9642511Abstract: A dishwasher door hinge assembly and spring linkage device is disclosed that enables the spring linkage to be removed from the hinge while the door remains attached to the hinge assembly and to the appliance. This provides in-situ removal of the door from the appliance without requiring the unit to be removed from the cabinet. Both the hinge and the spring linkage have geometry that allow for separation while the appliance remains mounted in final installed state (in-situ).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Cory Blaine Shoup, Justin Paul Mudd, Dale Eugene Anderson
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Patent number: 9642512Abstract: A suction button unit for changeover between a suction source and a suction opening includes a piston chamber extending axially. A suction port hole is formed at a lower end of the piston chamber, for connection with the suction opening. An exhaust port hole is formed in a chamber inner wall of the piston chamber, for connection with the suction source. A piston rod is received in the piston chamber, has a first piston end protruding upwards, for shifting from a first position to a second position upon depression. The exhaust port hole is externally opened in case the piston rod is in the first position, but caused to communicate with the suction port hole in case the piston rod is in the second position. A tilting device tilts the piston rod relative to an axial direction of the piston chamber while the piston rod is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Yusuke Toyoda
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Patent number: 9642513Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: EndoChoice Inc.Inventors: Avi Levy, Moshiko Levi, Golan Salman, Yaniv Kirma, Leonid Krivopisk, Amram Aizenfeld, Stephan Wieth, Jeruham Avron, Robby Dascalo, Mark Gilreath, Victor Levin
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Patent number: 9642514Abstract: Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter (30) including a locatable guide (32) with a sheath (40), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope (14). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter (30) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip (34) of the guide (32) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide (32) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath (40) secured in place. The sheath (40) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventor: Pinhas Gilboa
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Patent number: 9642515Abstract: A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for applications in microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The solid state illumination system generates high quality white light output from LED light sources. The white light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 650 nm and is suitable for imaging all the most common fluorophores and fluorescent proteins. In embodiments, an LED light pipe engine is used to generate a portion of the spectral content of the white light output.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: LUMENCOR, INC.Inventors: Steven M. Jaffe, Claudia B. Jaffe, George S. Tylinski
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Patent number: 9642516Abstract: An endoscopic system uses the distribution of a luminance level of a photographic image taken by an imaging unit at the distal end of an endoscope to determine whether an observation window has fogged up, and then raises the temperature by a heater and remove the fog on the observation window.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Masashi Yasue
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Patent number: 9642517Abstract: An otoscopic instrument with an instrument head. The instrument head having a housing, an optical component disposed along an imaging axis, and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a plurality of LEDs disposed in a ring-like configuration adjacent a distal end of the housing with the illumination system disposed within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Wood, Raymond A. Lia, Jon R. Salvati, Robert L. Vivenzio, Ian K. Edwards, Ervin Goldfain, Colin J. Wolff
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Patent number: 9642518Abstract: Random human eye generators are provided for use in evaluating aspects of treatment in refractive surgery or other therapeutic vision modalities. Exemplary random eye generators include an optical parameter such as a manifest refractive sphere parameter or a wavefront sphere parameter, and incorporate a Rayleigh distribution for such parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: AMO Development, LLCInventor: Guang-ming Dai
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Patent number: 9642519Abstract: An image processing apparatus generates one image by using at least one frame each of a plurality of moving images obtained by taking moving images of a plurality of different regions of an eye at different times. The apparatus includes a deciding unit configured to decide the at least one frame in each of the plurality of moving images, so that regions which have actually been shot are included in the plurality of moving images in the plurality of regions; and an image generating unit configured to generate one image by using the at least one frames decided from each of the plurality of moving images.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Imamura
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Patent number: 9642520Abstract: Background reduction apparatuses and methods of Ocular surface interferometry (OSI) employing polarization are disclosed for measuring a tear film layer thickness (TFLT) of the ocular tear film, including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT) and can be used to evaluate and potentially diagnosis dry eye syndrome (DES). In certain disclosed embodiments, a multi-wavelength light source can be controlled to illuminate the ocular tear film. Light emitted from the multi-wavelength light source undergoes optical wave interference interactions in the tear film. An imaging device can be focused on the lipid layer of the tear film to capture optical wave interference interactions of specularly reflected light from the tear film combined with a background signal(s) in at least one image. The at least one image can be processed and analyzed to measure a tear film layer thickness (TFLT), including lipid layer thickness (LLT) and/or aqueous layer thickness (ALT).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: TearScience, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Korb, William L. Weber, Randal B. Chinnock, Benjamin T. Gravely, Stephen M. Grenon
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Patent number: 9642521Abstract: Method for automatically measuring pupillary distance includes extracting facial features of face image, a head current center indicator is shown/displayed based on facial feature extraction, elliptical frame and target center indicator are shown, a first distance between head current center indicator and target center indicator is calculated to see if below a threshold range, then allowing head current center indicator, elliptical frame and target center indicator to disappear. Card window based on facial tracking result is shown. Credit card band detection is performed to see if located within card window. Card window then disappear. Elliptical frame of moving head and target elliptical frame are shown. Elliptical frame of the moving head is aligned with the target elliptical frame and maintaining a correct head posture. If elliptical frame of moving head is aligned with target elliptical frame, then allow them to disappear from view, and performing a pupillary distance measurement.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: ULSee Inc.Inventors: Zhou Ye, Sheng-Wen Jeng, Ying-Ko Lu, Shih Wei Liu
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Patent number: 9642522Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for detecting, screening, quantifying or localizing the etiology for reduced or impaired cranial nerve function or conduction or associated cranial nucleus or supranuclear input, useful for detecting, diagnosing or screening for increased intracranial pressure, or useful for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring progression of or screening for a disease or condition featuring increased intracranial pressure by tracking eye movement of the subject. The methods may be performed by a) analyzing eye movement of the subject; b) comparing eye movement of the subject to eye movement of a control or the subject's own baseline eye movement; and c) identifying the subject as having eye movement significantly different from the control or the subject's own baseline eye movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: New York University, The United States of America as Represented by the Department of Veterans AfffairsInventors: Uzma Samadani, Shani Offen, Marisa Carrasco-Queijeiro, David Heeger
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Patent number: 9642523Abstract: An asymmetric aperture device for a camera is provided that improves light gathering properties by increasing both the light gathering opening of the aperture and the number of light producing light sources placed on the aperture. An asymmetric aperture design is provided that utilizes a significantly larger portion of the camera lens. The tradeoff between the competing objectives of maximizing camera depth of field and maximizing the production of useful focus-condition information within the camera image is optimized. More illumination is provided without significantly increasing the lateral size of the illuminator pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: LC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dixon Cleveland
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Patent number: 9642524Abstract: Provided is a slit lamp microscope capable of controlling irradiation of slit light and background illumination light interlockingly. Embodiment includes a main illumination system, background illumination system, observation system and controller. The main illumination system includes a first light source unit that outputs first light and slit forming unit that forms a slit with changeable width, and illuminates an eye with the first light having passed through the slit. The background illumination system includes a second light source unit that outputs second light, and illuminates a peripheral area of an eye area irradiated with the first light. The observation system includes an eyepiece lens, imaging device, and group of optical elements that guides reflected light of the first light and reflected light of the second light from the eye to the eyepiece lens and imaging device. The controller interlockingly controls the main illumination system and second light source unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOPCONInventors: Toshiaki Sato, Takanori Takeda, Takahiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 9642525Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device with a retinal vascularization monitoring system and associated methods. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device can be a contact lens with a retinal vascularization monitoring system that can be used to monitor temporal changes of a pulsating vessel forming part of the retinal vascularization. Further, the retinal vascularization monitoring system may include elements for delivering a signal, including an audible and/or visual message, to the user that can be useful for identifying abnormal conditions such as a cardiac failure without delay. The audible and/or visual messages can be signals communicated to the user using one or both of the ophthalmic device and a wireless device in communication with the ophthalmic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventor: Randall Braxton Pugh
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Patent number: 9642526Abstract: An optical arrangement for ascertaining the orientation of an artificial lens in an eye comprises an observation beam path with an imaging optical system, at least two light-emitting test objects with a defined contour, and one collimation optical system paired with each test object for collimating the light pattern emanating from the test object in a collimation beam path that is directed at the eye. The imaging optical system is designed such that said optical system has multiple observation beam paths with different imaging properties in order to simultaneously image multiple reflected light patterns from different depths of the eye, or the imaging properties of the observation beam paths can be adjusted in a variable manner in order to be able to sharply image sequentially reflected light patterns from different depths.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: VOSSAMED GMBH & CO. KGInventor: Georg Gerten
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Patent number: 9642527Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Arc Devices, LTDInventors: Irwin Gross, Michael G. Smith, Mark Khachaturian, Martin Crawley, Steven Gerst, John Barrett, Michael Cronin, Derek Turnbull, Jason Bodnick
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Patent number: 9642528Abstract: In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: ARC DEVICES, LTDInventors: Irwin Gross, Michael G. Smith, Mark Khachaturian, Martin Crawley, Steven Gerst, John Barrett, Michael Cronin, Derek Turnbull, Jason Bodnick
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Patent number: 9642529Abstract: A health status monitoring and reporting system comprising a user-wearable armband and a gateway device is disclosed. The armband comprises a power source, a positional sensor and/or a movement sensor, a vital signs measurement device, and a transmitter operated. The vital signs measurement device generates output signals including an indicator of a health condition of the user. The transmitter is configured to receive outputs from the accelerometer and the vital signs measuring device, and transmit signals to an ultra low power network. The gateway device transmits data from the ULP network to a Wide Area Network for processing, data storage, notifications, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: eMobileCare CorporationInventor: Khalid Umar Siddiqui