Patents Issued in October 31, 2017
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Patent number: 9801472Abstract: An upright active-sitting seat provides a connection of a seating leg to a base through an articulating joint that allows the user to move a seat front to back and side to side, allowing a more active sitting that encourages blood circulation. The chair includes a seat supported by a post that is connected to a mount via a ball joint rod by a transverse rod that is routed through the ball joint rod end. By way of a coil spring that engages with the mount and the post, the post is spring biased to a home position relative to the mount. When using the chair, a person may move the seat from the home position to a comfortable seating position. When the person stands from the chair after using it, the chair returns to its spring biased home position.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Safco Products Co.Inventors: Martin Keen, Ryan M. Coyle, Diau P. Hall, Justin W. Sirotin
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Patent number: 9801473Abstract: A child containment device including a frame having at least one upper frame member, and a liner for removable attachment to the frame. The liner includes at least one wall portion for placement inside of the frame, a flap portion for extending over at least a portion of the upper frame member and outside of the frame, and a fastener securable on an exterior surface of the at least one wall portion of the liner.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KIDS II, INC.Inventors: Peter Jackson, Chaitanya Tadipatri, John M. Thomson
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Patent number: 9801474Abstract: A door for a refrigeration unit having a transparent panel assembly having an outer transparent panel and an inner transparent panel. The outer transparent panel has an outer side, an inner side, and top, bottom, left, and right edges and the inner transparent panel has an outer side, an inner side and top, bottom, left, and right edges. A decorative design is applied to the inner side of the outer transparent panel. A population of light sources are positioned on the top, bottom, left and/or right edges of the outer transparent panel and are capable of emitting light into the outer transparent panel, such that the decorative design is capable of being illuminated by the population of light sources.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventor: Steven Lee Trulaske, Sr.
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Patent number: 9801475Abstract: A high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus and method are presented. The high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus permits bagging operations for multiple purchase transactions to occur in parallel. Overlapping the bagging operation of multiple purchase transactions allows the scanning and payment operations of the purchase transactions to continue at higher speeds. In addition, point of sale terminals with high-velocity item scanners are allowed to function at higher speeds.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Thomas V. Edwards, John C. Allard, Gregory Scott Egan, Mark Christopher Johnson, Levino Felix Perrucci, John Spencer Tyndall, William Brian Whiteside
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Patent number: 9801476Abstract: A food service system is formed using a plurality of units capable of being interlocked together in a variety of customizable configurations. The units of the food service system include a food service bar with buffet pan chillers, a work table, a cashier station, and variety of connecting pieces for linking each of the units together. The food service bar comprises a sneeze guard that protects the food contained within the bar on three sides and can be broken down and folded down and into itself when the bar is being transported or stored. The buffet pan chillers are double sided and configured such that when frozen, may accommodate a shallow food pan on one side and then flipped over to accommodate a deep food pan on the other side while still maintaining the same serving height. Each unit is configured to receive multiple sizes of wheels or casters.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Larry Maddux, Johannes Le, Jeff Nicholson
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Patent number: 9801477Abstract: A hanging bracket for hanging a picture frame having at least two right angled corners on a supporting structure. The bracket is a one-piece member formed of plastic having a planar base terminating with a beveled edge formed by two straight sections and an intervening arcuate section. A V-shaped column is spaced from the beveled edge by a V-shaped planar portion of the base and extends perpendicularly from the base terminating in a V-shaped top edge with two straight legs joined at a rounded corner. A pin is embedded in the rounded corner and extends outwardly beyond the straight legs of the column. The base is inserted between the back of a canvas picture and the two adjacent frame members at each corner of the picture frame with the projecting pins being pressed into the support structure to suspend the picture frame therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: UNDER THE ROOF DECORATING INC.Inventors: Kelly R. Krake, Liette Tousignant, Michael Kurtz
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Patent number: 9801478Abstract: An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the apparatus may comprise a support structure comprising a rear surface and a mirror supported by the support structure. First and second mounting plates may be secured to the rear surface of the support structure that each comprise a first aperture defined by a closed-geometry edge. First and second elongate bracket members, each comprising a front surface, a rear surface, a first mounting element protruding from the front surface, and a bracket extending from the rear surface of the first elongate bracket may be provided. The support structure may be mounted to the first and second elongate bracket members, at least in part, by the first mounting elements slidably mating with a portion of the closed-geometry edge of the first aperture of the first and second mounting plates respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventors: Matthew Scott Kressin, Michael Lee Pyle
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Patent number: 9801479Abstract: The railing suspension apparatus allows a user to detachably attach a variety of items while suspending an item from a railing. The apparatus includes a brace, an offset arm, a cantilever, and a hanger. The brace includes a main body and a post-receiving slot. The post-receiving slot traverses into the main body. The brace prevents the present invention from sliding along the railing. The offset arm is positioned perpendicular to the post-receiving slot and terminally connected to the offset arm opposite to the body. The offset arm positions the cantilever and hanger about the brace. The cantilever and the post-receiving slot is oriented opposite to each other, allowing the cantilever to rest on the railing while being pushed by the weight of the item engaged with the hanger. The hanger is terminally connected to the cantilever, opposite to the offset arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Thomas Lee Belt
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Patent number: 9801480Abstract: A pillow that is portable and inflatable and is intended to be used when traveling is described. The pillow has three sections. A top section has an indentation for resting a user's head and neck. It has a dedicated air value which can be used to inflate it. A middle section is used for supporting a user's back. It does not have a dedicated air valve. It is sealed from the top section. No air flows between it and the top section. A bottom section has an articulated portion that protrudes out to provide support for a user's lumbar section of the back. It is connected to the middle section and has one or more passage ways for air to flow between the two sections. The bottom section has an air valve that allows a user to inflate it and in doing so also inflate the middle section.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: RG ENTERPRISE, INT., LLCInventor: Glenn McCain
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Patent number: 9801481Abstract: A non-spill collar and valve assembly having a collar and a seal. The collar comprising an internal wall having a support surface and one or more passage therethrough. The internal wall having a frustoconical shape with an open upper end that extends downward and inwardly into a closed lower end with a projection extending outward therefrom and a fastener assembly provided opposite the internal wall. The internal wall further comprises a support surface provided along an inner surface of the open upper end having one or more protrusions disposed radially adjacent to the support surface defining one or more channels. One or more passages are disposed through the internal wall to channel a fluid at a desired flow rate. The seal has a first surface substantially similar to a shape of the internal wall is also provided. The seal has a blind bore recess on a lower surface for receiving and securing the projection therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin Douglas Johnson, Matthew Joseph Saxton
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Patent number: 9801482Abstract: An active temperature control module can be used with drinkware and plateware devices. The drinkware can be a mug made of metal, and optionally coated with a ceramic material. The active thermal control module can optionally be removably coupleable to a surface of the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one heating element that can thermally communicate with a surface of the drinkware or plateware device to thereby effect heat transfer through the base to food stuff (e.g., a solid food, a liquid food) in the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter of the foodstuff, and at least one power storage element configured to provide power to the at least one heating element.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Ember Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Clayton Alexander, Christopher Thomas Wakeham, Daren John Leith, Mikko Juhani Timperi, Frank Victor Baumann, Farzam Roknaldin
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Patent number: 9801483Abstract: A beverage holder configured to accommodate drinking vessels of different sizes and that can be secured on a resting surface includes a hollow tubular body with an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, at least one projection along the inner surface of the hollow tubular body spaced from the closed end, and a removable insert configured to seat within the hollow tubular body against the at least one projection such that the removable insert is spaced from the closed end. The beverage holder may also include at least one suction cup extending from the exterior surface of the closed end.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Binky Enterprises, LLCInventor: Alene D'Alesio
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Patent number: 9801484Abstract: A stemware stabilizer apparatus engages a piece of stemware between the stem and foot of the stemware to prevent tipping over. The stabilizer apparatus includes a stabilizer body having an upper side and a lower side. A contact surface is defined on the lower side of the stabilizer body. The contact surface is positioned to contact the upper side of a foot on stemware. A stem receiver slot is defined in the stabilizer body allowing passage of the stem. The stem protrudes upwardly through the slot when the apparatus is installed on the stemware. A concave chamber is defined by the lower side of the stabilizer body shaped to at least partially receive the foot. The stabilizer body applies a downward force against the foot and includes a sufficiently heavy material to prevent the stemware from tipping over under some conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Keeley Dodd
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Patent number: 9801485Abstract: A collapsible hanger includes a left arm, a right arm, and a hook. A hinge rotatably holds the left and right arms together. When in expanded state, the left and right arms extend opposite each other. When in collapsed state, the arms are rotated adjacent to each other. The hook is rotatably coupled to one of the arms in a ball and socket arrangement, and rotatable around the ball and socket arrangement between first and second positions. In the first position, the hook curved end is located above a top side of the respective arm. In the second position, the hook curved end is rotated into an opening and recess in the respective arm. A pin holding the hinge together includes a curved end portion overhanging an outer surface of the hinge to form a clasp to hold a collar of a garment.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Brad Alan Snow
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Patent number: 9801486Abstract: A drapery system that operates by rotating a rod having one, or a pair of left hand twist helical grooves, and one or a pair of right hand twist helical grooves, where the left hand twist and right hand twist helical grooves cross one another in equal spaced alignment across the length of the rotating rod. A plurality of idler rings and at least one driver ring are positioned around the drapery rod. The idler rings have a smooth interior surface whereas the driver rings include at least one tooth that engages a helical groove of the rotating rod. As the rotating rod is rotated, the driver ring is driven across the length of the rotating rod, thereby opening and closing the system. The system also includes a mounting bracket allows for extending the drapery past the inward edge of the inward most ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Current Products Corp.Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Michael D. Fox
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Patent number: 9801487Abstract: A steam cooking apparatus includes a steam generating unit to generate steam from a supply of water, a steam container to cook food using the steam from the steam generating unit, a steam supply pipe coupled to the steam generating unit in order to supply the steam container with the steam generated by the steam generating unit, a steam pipe coupled to the steam container in order to supply the steam container with the steam passing through the steam supply pipe, and a steam pipe connection tube including a first connection portion coupled with the steam supply pipe and a second connection portion coupled with the steam pipe, the second connection portion coupled with the steam pipe being formed to have a diameter which is expanded toward the steam pipe so as to guide the steam pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Guen Yong Park, Jae Hyoun Kim, Han Seong Kang, Yun Ic Hwang, Kyoung Ho Kim
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Patent number: 9801488Abstract: A steamer container system is provided having a container body, a lid assembly and a steamer basket. The lid assembly is removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body. The lid assembly includes a vent aperture and a vent tab having a protrusion extending therefrom that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture. The lid assembly may also have a viewing window to view the food being cooked in the container. The steamer basket is sized to fit within the cavity of the container body for cooking food thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: CNA International Inc.Inventors: Kristin Marie Affatato, Steve Cho, Hyunchul Kim, Patrick Scott Nally
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Patent number: 9801489Abstract: A cooker comprises a cooking chamber configured to cook food with water; a first unit configured to feed water to the cooking chamber; a second unit configured to obtain information related to an interruption of the cooking; and a controller configured to operate the first unit according to the information related to the interruption, after the cooking recovers from the interruption. With the cooker, the influence of the interruption on the cooking process, in particular on the water fed to the cooking chamber, is taken into account, which helps to improve the taste of the cooked food.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Jingwei Tan, Yun Chen
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Patent number: 9801490Abstract: A turkey stand for use in deep frying a turkey or other fowl. The stand includes a rod which is threaded on a first end and flattened on the opposite end. The threaded end is received through central holes in 2 of 3 legs and threaded into a collar secured to the third. Each of the three legs has V-shaped bends near each end forming 2 feet, with the bends increasing in depth to accommodate the variation in distance from the support surface. Thus, each of the feet engages the bottom of the fry pot without any rocking.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: William P Legler
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Patent number: 9801491Abstract: The invention relates to a basket (1) for cooking food for a cooking utensil designed to cook the food in an atmosphere charged with steam, said basket (1) having a bottom (6) that is permeable to steam and an upper annular side wall (8) extending upwards from said bottom (6) so as to co-operate therewith to form a receptacle for receiving said food, said basket being characterized in that it further has a lower annular side wall (9) extending downwards from said bottom (6), said lower annular side wall (9) being shaped to channel the steam towards said bottom (6) so that the steam channeled in this way passes at least locally through said bottom (6).Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventors: Guillaume Cohade, Richard Rocca
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Patent number: 9801492Abstract: A liquid container (10), with attachments, is taught which consists of a vacuum insulated container body (20) with open top and integral threads. A top closure (42) attaches to the container body with mating threads permitting disassembly. A number of removable attachments (64) are fastened to the top closure. A lid (98) is attached to the top closure forming a liquid tight seal for the container. When an infuser attachment is used, brewing media is placed in the infuser and hot water in the container, the media steeps forming a brew, after the lid and media is removed, the beverage is sipped from the closure lip. If a strainer attachment is selected, brewing media and hot water are added into the container, the media steeps forming a brew and, after the lid removed, the beverage is sipped from the closure lip. When an isolator attachment is chosen it replaces the seal ring on the closure thereby covering all exposed thermoplastic surfaces permitting drinking directly from the container body.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
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Patent number: 9801493Abstract: A beverage brewing device and method of operation is disclosed. An example beverage brewing device includes a perforated chamber configured to be mounted to a vessel in a brew mode and a self-contained saucer mode. The example beverage brewing device also includes a substantially flat lid attaching to the perforated chamber. The substantially flat lid has a saucer groove to enable turning the device from the brew mode to the self-contained saucer mode as a single unit without need for a separate, removable saucer to catch drainage after the perforated chamber is removed from a beverage in the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Joel Bebo
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Patent number: 9801494Abstract: A capsule adapter (1) is described, for use in a beverage producing machine. The capsule adapter comprises: a capsule receptacle (3) for housing a capsule (C) and having an apertured bottom wall (3B); a first piercer (19) arranged in the capsule receptacle (3); a cover (5) for closing the capsule receptacle (3), the cover having at least one water-inlet port (37); a second piercer (27) arranged on the cover (5). The capsule adapter is configured for being introduced in a brewing chamber of a beverage producing machine, with a capsule housed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Andrea Castellani
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Patent number: 9801495Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Touch Coffee & Beverages, LLCInventor: Sung I. Oh
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Patent number: 9801496Abstract: An expandable barbeque grill grate especially adapted for use in connection with different size barbeque grills and having a pair of coplanar plates with each of the plates including a frame with multiple parallel fingers extending from the grate frame with the fingers of one grate alternately interleaved with the fingers of the other grate and the sidewalls of adjacent fingers being in close face contacting relation and angularly disposed with respect to the horizontal plane of the barbeque grill grate.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Progressive Home Hardware IncInventor: James Lu
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Patent number: 9801497Abstract: An electric cooking appliance comprises a base frame having a front and rear and left and right sides connecting the front and rear. A generally planar, electrically heated cooking surface is supported by the base frame and has a front and rear edge and a pair of sides connecting the front and rear edges. A splash guard is removably or secured to and extends upwardly from the rear edge and a portion of each of the sides of the cooking surface. A recess or groove is formed in the cooking surface to collect excess cooking oil; and an oil reservoir is carried by the base frame and in fluid communication with the recess in the cooking surface to collect cooking oil from the recess.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Nomura USA, Inc.Inventor: Jinzhao Feng
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Patent number: 9801498Abstract: The present invention comprises novel methods, devices, and systems, such as blending containers configured to be used with a blender or food processor. The system comprises a blending container configured to attach to a blender or blender base unit with at least one aperture which may be positioned anywhere on the blending container. In preferred embodiments, the system comprises one or more nozzles, which may be temporarily attached to an opening or sprout on a food and beverage pouch, are configured to attach to or be positioned over one or more apertures. In some embodiments, the containers are generally cylindrical in shape and comprise two ends. A first end is open and comprises male or female threading configured to be removable mounted to a blender base unit configured with blender blades. In some embodiments, a second end is substantially closed with a smaller aperture. In other embodiments, the second end comprises a larger aperture and may be removably connected to a filling cap or plunger cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Bradley C. Fach
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Patent number: 9801499Abstract: A food preparation appliance has a base, a blade member rotatable in a direction of rotation, and a container with a closed bottom, an open top and a tubular sidewall together defining an interior space of the container. The top of the container is configured for releasable connection with the base, with the blade member disposed within the interior space of the container. The sidewall has a rib projecting inward of the interior space of the container and extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the sidewall from the top of the container toward the bottom of the container. The rib has, in the direction of rotation of the blade member, a peak defined as the shortest transverse dimension measured from the center of the container to the sidewall at a respective height along the portion of the sidewall having the rib, the rib being asymmetric in transverse cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.Inventors: Kroy Everett Nernberger, Jacob Daniel Smith, David W. Everett
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Patent number: 9801500Abstract: An apparatus for agitating liquid foodstuff, comprising a whisk that includes a magnetic rotor of a brushless electromotor assembly, and a main body including a liquid foodstuff container in which the whisk is receivable such that it is rotatable around a rotation axis (L) thereof, and a stator of the electromotor assembly. The stator is configured to electromagnetically drive the rotor in rotation, and includes at least one magnetic sensor configured to provide a signal that reflects positional changes of the magnetic rotor relative to the magnetic sensor. The main body also includes a controller configured to detect an initial, manually effected rotational movement of the whisk around its rotation axis from the signal of the magnetic sensor, and, once such initial movement of the whisk is detected, to operate the apparatus independent of said initial, movement.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventor: Mark Ronald Ven Der Woning
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Patent number: 9801501Abstract: A tray holder apparatus that includes a frame on which a coffee maker may rest and a compartment into which a tray may be slid. The tray that slides into the frame is adaptable for receiving and displaying single serving beverage packages. A portion of the frame rolls over a countertop while the remaining portion of the frame rolls over a base of the tray holder apparatus. The tray may be slid in and out of the frame while the frame remains stationary above the base or while the frame is slid out from the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Vision Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Alan Hertaus
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Patent number: 9801502Abstract: A toothbrush storage system for containing fluid dripping from a toothbrush includes a toothbrush. A container is provided and the container has the toothbrush positioned therein. Thus, the container may have a fluid dripping from the toothbrush pass through the container. A pan is removably coupled to the container such that the pan may capture the fluid passing through the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Augustine Obi Ogbuagu
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Patent number: 9801503Abstract: A personal hygiene container system; the system provides a raised cylindrical housing having a separator and draining fence for storing personal hygiene utensils. The housing includes a removable lid and a fluid drain hole to allow excess moisture or fluids to safely flow away from the internal chamber of the housing. A draining tray is also provided to receive any excess liquid that may escape through the drain hole. The personal hygiene container system is useful for retaining personal utensils in a clean storage environment that helps prevent the buildup of mold and other bacteria, as well as preventing unsanitary airborne particles from accumulating on said hygiene utensils.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Dustin Burk
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Patent number: 9801504Abstract: A method of making a safe egress bathtub providing safe egress by reducing slide forces extended on a user's feet upon a slippery bathtub floor, wherein the formed bathtub has a limited rectangular footprint, and an optimized floor space is formed with a substantially planar base with a length and width that define the limited rectangular footprint and a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall integral with and extending substantially vertically upwards from the substantially planar base. Each of the front, back, first side wall and second side wall have minimal wall thicknesses to define the optimized floor space and the front wall has a substantially planar inwardly, cantilevered upper apron deck in a substantially parallel relation to the substantially planar base.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: BRAK TUB CORP.Inventors: Bruce Ahmes, Ryan Ahmes, Kenneth Piccininni
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Patent number: 9801505Abstract: A motion-activated dispenser includes a housing having a base and top defining a gap sized to receive a human hand. The top portion defining cavity sized to receive a fluid reservoir and an opening extending directly through a lower surface of the top portion to the cavity, a neck of the fluid reservoir extending through the opening. A pressing member is positioned within the cavity and an actuator is coupled to the pressing member and configured to urge the pressing member toward and away from the opening. The pressing member may include, for example, a sliding member positioned opposite a stop face; a roller moved by the actuator toward the opening; a plunger positioned above the opening and driven by an actuator toward the opening; or a pair of rods spanning the cavity and urged by the actuator through the cavity, the rods pressing against sides of the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Toaster Labs, Inc.Inventors: Amy Carol Buckalter, Jonathan B. Hadley, Alexander M. Diener, Kristin M. Will, Lilac Muller, Jeanine E. Spence
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Patent number: 9801506Abstract: A wet/dry sheet dispenser. The dispenser has an elongate refill which holds a liquid and fits into a complementary base. Liquid is selectively dispensed from the refill by longitudinal activation of a pump. The pump may be disposed on either the refill or base. Liquid flows from the refill, upwardly to a dispensing cup. The user may then, optionally, take a sheet and wet it with liquid from the cup at the point of use. This arrangement allows for convenient and selective one hand pump operation, so the other hand is free to grasp the sheet. The sheet may be used wet or dry as desired at the point of use.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Paulus Antonius Augustinus Hoefte, Kris Adriaenssens, Annick Hilda Rose Coenen, An Jozefien De Coninck
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Patent number: 9801507Abstract: A unit created to maintain hygiene to lower and lift up the toilet seat without direct physical contact with the seat when being used. It will come in a plain cylindrical tubular vertical form and can be made from plastic, wood, or metal. It can remain right next to the toilet or on top of the tank cover standing on its base and does not need any batteries nor requires plugging for electricity use.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Ruben Dario Reyes
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Patent number: 9801508Abstract: A hidden hinge system for raising and lowering a toilet seat or toilet lid is disclosed. In one embodiment, each hinge includes a curved support with a smooth, easy to clean surface. The curved support is connected to a lever and the lever is connected to a hinge assembly. We disclose embodiments in which both the lever and the hinge assembly are enclosed within a toilet housing to improve cleanliness. We further disclose embodiments in which the curved supports are hollow and which contain electrical wiring, water, and gases. Controller and proximity sensors which modulate the raising and lowering of the toilet seat and toilet lid are also disclosed and claimed herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Jared Reynolds, Joshua Larsen, Terrece Pearman
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Patent number: 9801509Abstract: A toilet comprises a toilet body. A water inlet end is disposed at a side of the toilet body. The water inlet end is connected to a water inlet pipe. The toilet body has a frame top, and a groove is formed downwardly along the frame top. A water outlet end is disposed on a bottom of the groove. The water outlet end is connected to a discharge pipe. A frame seat portion is formed at a top of a urinal. A flow deflector is extended downwardly from a back end of the frame seat portion. The frame seat portion is covered onto the frame top, and a front end of the frame seat portion is pivotally connected to a front end of the frame top of the toilet abody.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Lan-Chung Hou
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Patent number: 9801510Abstract: A vacuum producing suction and air blowing simultaneously at a same surface of the device, is disclosed here in. A pump and compressor work simultaneously to both blow and suck air through a dual-line hose. A pressure gradient is created between the surface of the device and a surface being cleaned, due to high pressure being created by the air blowing, and low pressure being created by the air sucking. This causes dust, dirt, and the like to be pulled from the surface being cleaned and sucked in a suction portal, and into a suction line of the dual-line hose. This can be accomplished with a central vacuum system or standalone vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventors: Anthony Weiburg, Janet Weiburg
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Patent number: 9801511Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus having comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty air inlet; a longitudinally extending upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising first and second longitudinally spaced apart portable surface cleaning unit mounting members; a portable surface cleaning unit removably mounted to the upper portion and comprising an air treatment member and a suction motor; above floor cleaning wand removably mounted in the upper portion and removable when the portable surface cleaning unit is mounted to the upper portion; and, a flexible air flow conduit forming at least part of an air flow path from the above floor cleaning wand to the surface cleaning unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
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Patent number: 9801512Abstract: A self-propelled, self-steering floor cleaning appliance is provided with at least one cleaning element for cleaning a floor surface, including a drive device having an undercarriage, a sensing part for sensing obstacles, at least one displaceable holding part for holding the sensing part on the floor cleaning appliance and at least one detection element for detecting a displacement of the at least one holding part and for providing a signal relating thereto. The floor cleaning appliance includes at least one accommodating part on which the at least one holding part is held so as to be displaceable in a first and a second direction of displacement, which is aligned at an angle to the first direction of displacement, and the at least one detection element is actuatable by the at least one holding part upon displacement of the holding part in the first and in the second directions of displacement.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: ALfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jacob Janzen, Jochen Engele, Marc Meisenbacher, Matthias Mack
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Patent number: 9801513Abstract: A turbo brush for cleaning a surface comprises a housing having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front end and a rear end, the lower end having a dirty air inlet. A primary air flow path extends from the dirty air inlet to a dirty air outlet. A rotary brush is associated with the dirty air inlet and extends transverse to a forward direction of movement of the turbo brush. A drive mechanism comprises an air driven turbine, a drive gear drivingly connected to the rotary brush and a worm gear directly drivingly connecting the air driven turbine and the drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Leonid Katsman
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Patent number: 9801514Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a motor housing, a motor and fan assembly in communication with the motor housing, a housing forming a receptacle in fluid communication with the motor housing, and a filter assembly removably insertable into the receptacle. The filter assembly includes a filter supporting a filter. The filter assembly further includes a seal and a lock member movable relative to the tray between a locked position and an unlocked position. Movement of the lock member to the locked position engages the seal with the housing when the filter assembly is inserted in the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.Inventor: Justin D. McIver
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Patent number: 9801515Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a cleaner body, a suction unit, and a cyclone unit. The cyclone unit has a first suction opening and a second suction opening for sucking air, and a first cyclone and a second cyclone for passing air therethrough, the air having dust filtered therefrom by a centrifugal force. A first guiding member and a second guiding member extend upwardly from the suction unit toward the cyclone unit with an inclination angle, the first guiding member for connection between the suction unit and the first suction opening, and the second guiding member for connection between the suction unit and the second suction opening. A dust box communicated with a dust discharge opening is provided at a front side of the cyclone unit so as to collect dust filtered by the cyclone unit. The dust box is partially or wholly accommodated between the first and second guiding members.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jongsu Kim, Hwang Kim, Sungil Park
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Patent number: 9801516Abstract: A surface cleaning appliance having a cleaner head that includes an agitator and a motor for driving the agitator. The appliance includes a switch coupling the motor to a supply voltage, a voltage sensor for measuring the magnitude of the supply voltage, a current sensor for measuring the magnitude of current through the motor, and a controller configured to output a PWM signal for controlling the switch. The controller then adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal in response to changes in the supply voltage and in response to changes in the current through the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Libo Zheng, Yongji Zhou, James Douglas Chisholm, David John Hawker
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Patent number: 9801517Abstract: Some embodiments provide apparatuses and methods useful to providing control over movement of motorized transport units. In some embodiments, an apparatus providing control over movement of motorized transport units at a shopping facility comprises: a central computer system comprising: a transceiver; a control circuit; a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to perform the steps of: obtain, from one or more of the communications received from the motorized transport unit, route condition information comprising information corresponding to an intended route of travel; obtain additional route condition information detected by one or more detectors external to the motorized transport unit; detect an object affecting the intended route of travel; identify an action to be taken by the motorized transport unit with respect to the detected object; and communicate one or more instructions.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. High, Michael D. Atchley, Karl Kay, Robert C. Taylor, David C. Winkle
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Patent number: 9801518Abstract: A mobile robot configured to travel across a residential floor or other surface while cleaning the surface with a cleaning pad and cleaning solvent is disclosed. The robot includes a controller for managing the movement of the robot as well as the treatment of the surface with a cleaning solvent. The movement of the robot can be characterized by a class of trajectories that achieve effective cleaning. The trajectories include sequences of steps that are repeated, the sequences including forward and backward motion and optional left and right motion along arcuate paths.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Michael J. Dooley, James Philip Case, Nikolai Romanov
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Patent number: 9801519Abstract: A package for delivering a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned includes a sealed packet having a cleaning solution therein with at least a portion of an outer lower surface thereof having at least one weakened, frangible area that is adapted to rupture when a predetermined pressure is applied to an upper surface of the packet. The cleaning solution in the packet can be discharged through the frangible areas when the packet is positioned on a surface and the predetermined pressure is applied to the packet to rupture the packet.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Reed, Jr., Eric J. Hansen, Douglas J. Medema
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Patent number: 9801520Abstract: This unit is created to put the mop away and help it dry when is wet. It has three separate pieces. The main unit, which is in the form of a tall rectangular box, contains four equal sides with spaces for ventilation so that the humidity doesn't get trapped in, and a base that will be used to support the unit. The second piece is a snap on piece that will connect with the main unit that helps hold the mop up and be able to stand vertically firm. The third piece is a small drawer where the water will drip from the mop when wet and be emptied out.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Ruben Dario Reyes
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Patent number: 9801521Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bowl-type dish washer comprising: a body; a water tank in the body; a water supply coupled to the water tank; a rotation driver in the body; a rotation shaft coupled to the driver; a cleaning unit removably coupled to the rotation shaft; a curved plate coupled to the body at a top thereof; and a removable cover removably coupled to the curved plate, wherein the removable cover has multiple bowl-type dish supporters formed on an inner side thereof, wherein the multiple bowl-type dish supporters have different sizes based on the size of the bowl-type dishes, wherein the removable cover has a horizontal partition to define a detergent receiving space.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Inventor: Yedo Choi