Patents Issued in January 11, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180008072
    Abstract: A container sleeve is disclosed which include a body configured to hold a container. The body contains an attachment element that is concealed behind a cover, and is suitable for temporarily, but securely attaching the sleeve, container, and the container's contents to a vertical surface. The body and the cover over the attachment element have different coefficients of friction, optimized for their roles of gripping vertical surfaces, and human hands, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jionni Paige
  • Publication number: 20180008073
    Abstract: A holder for storing a beverage container in an upright orientation. The beverage holder includes a base with a perimeter and a sidewall extending upwards from the base defining an interior volume with an open upper end. The interior volume can receive a beverage container therein such as a two-liter soda bottle. A bracket disposed on the sidewall of the beverage holder can secure the beverage holder to a shelf of a refrigerator to prevent the beverage container from falling over when the door is opened. The beverage holder can be removed from the shelf and replaced back thereon as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Goodnow
  • Publication number: 20180008074
    Abstract: The present invention is for a display and storage unit for a hair piece comprising an insert, a hair piece coupled to the insert, a hanger and a cover enclosing the same. In one aspect of the invention, the insert includes a void where the hair piece is positioned and secured. In another aspect of the invention, the insert includes a front section and a rear section integrally formed together. The front and rear sections overlap each other and a folded portion is formed along a border of the front and rear sections. The hanger includes a lower bar which is engaged with the folded portion of the insert between the front and rear sections. In yet another aspect of the invention, the hanger is formed integral with the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Joon O. Park, Joon S. Park
  • Publication number: 20180008075
    Abstract: The Sleeve Puller enables a user to reversibly pull their sleeve or other garment down the length of their arm. The sleeve puller has a ring member that reversibly attaches to a user's finger or other stable member and a gripping means that attaches to a sleeve or other garment. When the user pulls the ring member, the sleeve travels down the length of the arm of the person wearing it assisting the wearer in dressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: THELMA L. LAUGHLIN
  • Publication number: 20180008076
    Abstract: A smart mailbox system capable of electronically communicating the receipt of mail and the collection of mail to an end user. User authentication allows the mailbox to communicate the identity of the user who collects the mail. The mailbox also images the mail so as to provide a record of the receipt of specific pieces of mail and to permit the user to visually see the collected mail without having to go to the mailbox. The identity of the sender and recipient are made available through the system. The system is also networkable so as to join multiple mailboxes within the same network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mahasweta Mitra, Swapnajit Mitra
  • Publication number: 20180008077
    Abstract: Many forms of Christmas tree stand, for use with real (i.e. cut) Christmas trees are known, such as those that may be filled with water to prolong the life of the tree. The present invention relates to a Christmas tree stand, and a method of maintaining a Christmas tree in a substantially upright position, and includes a reservoir 3 with retaining parts 9 at upper and lower ends thereof, and an outer container into which the reservoir is configured to be securable, the container configured to substantially conceal the reservoir and having a base larger than the reservoir. This prevents damage to floor surfaces (such as carpets and tiles) and prevents accidental contact by passers-by with difficult-to-see legs and/or arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Watson
  • Publication number: 20180008078
    Abstract: A juicer having a juice extracting screw assembly, in which a housing with a juice extracting screw installed in the housing has a simplified interior structure, thereby reducing the production cost of the juicer and easily dispensing juice and residue separately using respective passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Dae Jung Jeong, Eui Seong Jeong, Yeon Soo Seong
  • Publication number: 20180008079
    Abstract: A user equipment is provided. The user equipment includes a user interface, a transceiver and a processor. The user interface may receive an input of a food model including at least one of a shape, an ingredient, or a color of a food in accordance with a touch input of a user. The transceiver may transmit information of the food model to a cooking apparatus capable of shaping and heating the food. The processor may transmit the information of the food model to the cooking apparatus via the transceiver to allow the cooking apparatus to shape the food according to the food model. Further, the user interface may display an automatic cooking button, a draw button, a cooking method button, and an output button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Jeong Su HAN, Boo-Keun YOON, Yong Jong PARK, Jong Sung PARK, Eung Ryeol SEO, Han Jun SUNG
  • Publication number: 20180008080
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of liquids into and out of a container is described. The cleanable, portable, fully automated apparatus includes a main container for holding the food product, a liquid inlet container having a liquid inlet and inlet valve for controllably providing liquid into the main container and a liquid outlet container receiving liquid drained from the main container. A heater automatically heats the main container and a motor rotates or otherwise moves the main container from a receiving position for receiving fresh liquid from the inlet container to a drainage position for draining waste liquid via gravity from the main container into the outlet container. This rotation/movement of the main container can be used repeatedly to add fresh liquid and remove waste liquid during multiple fully automated cycles (e.g., sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, etc.) that do not require user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: David Storek, Robert P. Otillar, Antonia L. Sequeira
  • Publication number: 20180008081
    Abstract: A heating article includes a substrate having two opposite surfaces, at least one of which is opaque, and a heat-stable coating arranged on the opaque surface. The heat-stable coating includes an at least two-color decoration having continuous tones and being provided in the form of a continuous or discontinuous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Stephanie Le Bris, Pierre Jean Muller, Jean-Luc Perillon
  • Publication number: 20180008082
    Abstract: A cooking device having an arch to expand partially sliced food, such as food sliced by accordion or Hasselback techniques, during the cooking process. The device must comprise at least one arch with a convex section having a food expansion support. In a preferred consumer embodiment, the device is a pan insert with the required arch and food expanding support surface. A fanning plate for a baked potato also provides an arched top surface to fan out the slices of a Hasselback potato during the seasoning and baking process, allowing the potato slices to crisp properly. The fanning plate includes raised rims and endcaps to keep the seasoning contained and prevent a mess. Multiple plates may be used at once and when not in use may be stacked atop one another for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Arnold Dasen, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180008083
    Abstract: A cooking system is provided. The cooking system includes a user equipment and one or more cooking apparatuses. The user equipment may include a user interface configured to receive an input of a food model including at least one of a shape, an ingredient, or a color of a food in accordance with a touch input of a user, a first transceiver configured to transmit information on the food model to the one or more cooking apparatuses, and a first processor configured to transmit information of the food model to the plurality of cooking apparatuses via the first transceiver. Each of the one or more cooking apparatuses may include a second transceiver configured to receive information on the food model from the user equipment, a food shaping device configured to discharge food ingredients, a food heating device, and a second processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Jeong Su HAN, Boo-Keun YOON, Yong Jong PARK, Jong Sung PARK, Eung Ryeol SEO, Han Jun SUNG
  • Publication number: 20180008084
    Abstract: The invention concerns of a tank (1) for storing a food or beverage powder (3) and a powder refilling container (2) for refilling said tank with powder, in which: —the tank comprises a storing chamber (11) and a powder inlet (12), —the powder refilling container comprises a powder outlet (21), the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank being designed for cooperating together in order to create a connection and a path for powder between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank, and wherein the connection between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank is designed so that, once the powder inlet and the powder outlet are connected, the connection enables the positioning of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container: —in one first position wherein the powder outlet of the powder refilling container is oriented upwardly, —in one second position wherein the powder outlet of the
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Flavien Dubief, Lucio Scorrano, Larry Baudet, Kevin Jamolli, Samuel Chevalley
  • Publication number: 20180008085
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system of a container for storing a food or beverage powder and powder refilling container for refilling said container with powder, in which: the container comprises a tank and a powder inlet, the powder refilling container comprises a powder outlet, the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank being designed for cooperating together in order to create a connection and a path for powder between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank, and wherein said connection between the powder outlet of the powder refilling container and the powder inlet of the tank is designed so that it enables the positioning of the powder outlet of the powder refilling container relatively to the powder inlet of the tank in at least two positions: one first position, in which powder cannot flow through the path, and one second position, in which powder is able to flow through the path, wherein the powder inlet of the tank is
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Flavien Dubief, Lucio Scorrano, Larry Baudet, Kevin Jamolli
  • Publication number: 20180008086
    Abstract: The invention concerns a connector (3) for connecting a powder refilling container (2) comprising at least one flexible wall with a storing powder tank (3) of a beverage preparation machine wherein the connector is a tube, said tube presenting two ends, one first end (31) being configured for piercing the flexible wall (21) of the powder refilling container and for being attached to said wall, and one second end (32) being configured for being attached to the powder inlet (31) of the storing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Flavien DUBIEF, Marco IOTTI
  • Publication number: 20180008087
    Abstract: A brew module for use with a refrigerator appliance is provided. The brew module includes a brewing body and a pivotally attached lid that together define a brew chamber configured to receive a brew pod. A lower needle is positioned at the bottom of the brew chamber and an upper needle is slidably received within the lid. Pivoting the lid to the closed position forces the lower needle to pierce the brew pod first, thereby relieving any built up pressure. Thereafter, a moving water supply tube drives the upper needle downward to pierce a top cover of the brew pod along a substantially vertical direction, thus minimizing the size of the pierced hole in the top cover. The brew module thus facilitates an improved seal with the brew pod, reduces the risk of clogging the upper needle, and prevents the ejection of brew pod contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Charles Benjamin Miller, Christopher Francis Bird
  • Publication number: 20180008088
    Abstract: A coffee maker and a method of brewing coffee are disclosed. The coffee maker includes a first roaster fitted, a second roaster fitted, and a funnel detachably attached to the first roaster providing a passage for a first amount and a second amount of coffee beans. Further, a grinder including a discharge door and a blade is detachably attached to a bottom of the funnel, a brewing container detachably attached to the bottom of the grinder. A color panel is included with a plurality of buttons, each of the plurality of the buttons corresponds to a color of a coffee desired after brewing, and a coffee-color controller configured to control the first temperature and the second temperature of the first roaster and the second roaster, respectively, based on the color of the coffee selected from the color panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Abdullah Ghali ALSHAMMARY
  • Publication number: 20180008089
    Abstract: A cooking system is disclosed which includes a wok for receiving food, the wok being placed on top of a base unit housing a heating element for heating up the wok, a lid substantially covering the wok, at least a portion of the lid being able to rotate relative to the wok, a shaft secured to the rotating portion of the lid, a stirrer pivotally mounted to the shaft, a controller housed in the base unit controlling the heating element and rotations of the shaft and the lid, the rotation of the shaft causing a part of the stirrer to sweep from an edge of the wok to approximately a center of the wok in a low path and return to an edge of the wok in a high path, in the low path the part of the stirrer approximately touching a surface of the wok, in the high path the part of the stirrer being high above and not touching the surface of the wok, and a computing device residing outside of the base unit and signally coupled to the controller, the computing device storing a computer program upon execution instructing th
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Peigen Jiang
  • Publication number: 20180008090
    Abstract: A device and method for the protection of food when cooking or reheating in an oven type cooking device is illustrated and described. The food protection device includes a lower member configured to provide support and elevation to the food. Apertures are optionally located in the lower member. A heat shield is in communication with the lower member and is configured to reflect heat to ensure even cooking of the food. The heat shield is configured to extend over a portion of the lower member. The heat shield regulates the amount of heat applied directly to the food between the heat shield and the lower member. Optionally, the heat shield may be modified in shape by the user and/or selectively interchanged so as to customize the cooking effects upon the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Collins Garrison, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180008091
    Abstract: A microwavable thermodynamic element that can be used to reduce the cooling rate of an object that has been previously heated to a temperature greater than the ambient temperature of the object or for use in the reduction of the cooling rate of a heated liquid by immersion of the thermodynamic element into the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: JOSIAH D. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20180008092
    Abstract: Provided is an infrared heating cooker enabling a user's desired second cooking pan to be mounted on an upper surface of a first cooking pan, such that food can be cooked on the second cooking pan. The infrared heating cooker includes: a lower body; an upper body; an upper heating element provided at the upper body; a first cooking pan provided on the upper surface of the lower body, including a separation prevention unit at predetermined intervals along the edge of the upper surface thereof, and capable of transferring heat obtained from the upper heating element to the upper side thereof; and a second cooking pan mounted on the upper surface of the first cooking pan while being detachably provided at the separation prevention unit of the first cooking pan, such that food can be cooked by receiving heat from the upper heating element provided inside the upper body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jin Hee LEE
  • Publication number: 20180008093
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and computer-readable medium are provided for a barbecue smoker device. A barbecue smoker device is provided, that includes a multi-wall container, a food platform, a heat source, an air vent at the top of the barbecue smoker device, an air flow control mechanism at the lower portion of the barbecue smoker device, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the barbecue smoker device. The barbeque smoker device may include a control device for automated control of the air flow control mechanism. A system for remotely controlling a barbecue smoker device is provided, where the system includes a barbecue smoker device including a processor and a display unit, a mobile device in wireless communication with the barbecue smoker device, and the mobile device displaying a graphical user interface that is configured to receive input from a user causing a configuration change in the barbecue smoker device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Kit Parker, Alexander Peyton Nesmith, Joseph A. Festa, Michel Maalouly, Elizabeth Olayinka Ogunbiyi
  • Publication number: 20180008094
    Abstract: A cover for a grill or similar piece of patio equipment, the cover having a front side or panel imprinted with a full-size photographic landscape image of an actual landscape matching the grill's background storage landscape in a typical patio location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Linda B. Mackinder
  • Publication number: 20180008095
    Abstract: An outdoor gas cooking system having multiple burners in which, if the individual manual control valves for all of the burners are placed on a high heat setting or some other specified or recognized activation position, a single electronic master control valve can be activated to control the total gas fuel rate to all of the burners in the cooker based, for example, upon a cooking or operational control set point or upon a target flow rate equaling the sum of the design flow rates of all of the burners at the current operating set points of the manual valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Chris Bennett, Alex Gafford
  • Publication number: 20180008096
    Abstract: An appliance for frying has a frying pot disposed within a housing for containing oil or fat and having a normally-closed valve disposed at a bottom thereof. An oil receiving tank is removably receivable within the housing below the frying pot, and has an oil receiving hole positionable below the draining valve such that when the valve is opened, the or fat may flow from the frying pot into the oil receiving tank. An actuation mechanism disposed entirely on the housing has a first condition wherein the activation mechanism allows removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing, a second condition wherein the activation mechanism prevents removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing while not opening the valve, and a third condition wherein the activation mechanism prevents removal of the oil receiving tank relative to the housing while opening the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Kaimong MAN, Uri Murad
  • Publication number: 20180008097
    Abstract: A blender container and puck assembly is generally described. The puck assembly may include a retainer nut that affix a blade assembly to the blender container. The puck assembly is not directly fastened to the container. The puck assembly may include an identification tag that interacts with a transponder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Fred Mehlman
  • Publication number: 20180008098
    Abstract: A mixing tool lock fixes a mixing tool in a container of a kitchen appliance, such as a stand mixer for kneading, mixing or grinding ingredients. The locking device includes a tool holder in which the mixing tool is rotatably mounted, and a fixing device for the tool holder. The tool holder also has a releasing device for releasing the mixing tool from the container. The locking device can be attached to the lower outside of a container having a bottom opening on the lower outside. The size of the opening corresponds at least to the diameter of the casing of the mixing tool so that the tool-side components of the mixing tool can be passed completely through the bottom opening from the outside. A kitchen appliance includes a drive, a housing that accommodates the drive, at least one mixing tool, and a container having the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: ALES KOSCAK, MARKO UPLAZNIK, SIMON KNEZ
  • Publication number: 20180008099
    Abstract: A cuttingboard that has usage for either side, one side being, not limited to, embellished with artistic design, imagination of color, floral or scenic views. The reverse side for cutting, chopping and slicing foods, has two uneven basins, or vessel grooves to collect drippings or crumbs. The support base, is removable, allows the cuttingboard to display itself, upright, as well, when the support base is removed, the cuttingboard will lay flat to prep food items or display the decorative side. Two grip handles on one end of the two side cuttingboard with support base, for ease of moving. Warning is made that any prep of any food item can not be done on the design painted side, only on the reverse cutting side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Barbara Ann Schindel
  • Publication number: 20180008100
    Abstract: The apparatuses and methods of making and using the same are directed to bathing apparatus to support an object while bathing the object with a fluid. The bathing apparatus may comprise a support assembly constituting a support structure of the apparatus; a support surface to support the object, the support surface supported by the support portion; and a fluid catch disposed on at least three sides of the support surface, the fluid catch serving as a basin for the fluid in such manner to contain the fluid separate from the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Marjory McCaffery
  • Publication number: 20180008101
    Abstract: Shower caddies with vertically and horizontally movable baskets are disclosed. Each basket is independently adjustable by a mechanism including a front plate, a rear plate and a draw fastener, which allows the user to adjust both the vertical and horizontal position of the basket from a single control point for simple and easy operation. The shower caddies may also include a tilt-resisting locking mechanism that resists rotation of the caddies when supporting an uneven load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: David H. ENGELL
  • Publication number: 20180008102
    Abstract: Shower caddies with a tilt-resisting locking mechanism that resists rotation of the caddies when supporting an uneven load. The shower caddies may also include vertically and horizontally movable baskets that are independently adjustable by a mechanism, which allows the user to adjust both the vertical and horizontal position of the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: David H. ENGELL, Benjamin SCANLON
  • Publication number: 20180008103
    Abstract: A mountable shower/bath storage caddy or container which is securable or lockable for securely storing a bottled personal hygiene item such as a bottle of shampoo, which is only accessible to a person having a code or key to unlock the container. A method of using the container and system of multiple containers for shared shower or bath enclosures are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Tula Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Tal Berke
  • Publication number: 20180008104
    Abstract: A system and control method for determining an amount of paper product dispensed from a dispenser or remaining in the dispenser is provided. The paper product is initially loaded in the dispenser as a paper product formation, such as a roll or stack of the product. At defined intervals, a digital image of an aspect of the paper product formation in the dispenser is taken and transmitted to a digital imager processor. A feature of the digital image that changes as the paper product formation decreases in size as the paper product is dispensed is analyzed and compared with a predetermined value of the feature at a predefined size of the paper product formation to determine an amount of the paper product dispensed or remaining in the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen Becker, Charlene Dunbar, Jason Kirkland, Warren Moede, Tom Schulz, Chrissy Sheehan, Peter W. Shipp, Jr., Matt Zielinski, Paul F. Tramontina
  • Publication number: 20180008105
    Abstract: A splash shield for a toilet plunger or brush includes a membrane that fits over the top of a toilet bowl. The membrane seals tightly around the toilet bowl rim and has an aperture proximate the center so the user can slide the plunger or brush handle up through the aperture and affix the edges of the membrane around the toilet bowl, and then plunge or clean the toilet. After use, the user can remove the membrane from the toilet bowl and wrap the contaminated head of the plunger or brush within the membrane and take it away to be cleaned. A new membrane may be placed on the cleaned plunger or brush to act as a sanitary cover until its next use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: John Pace
  • Publication number: 20180008106
    Abstract: A toilet comprising a rinsing seat, a rimless bowl, and a helical loop trapway is disclosed. An annular cavity for the purpose of storing and dispensing rinse water from the rinsing seat is disclosed. Outlet nozzles arranged about the circumference of the rinsing seat and designed to dispense rinse water at the rimless bowl are disclosed. Rinsing seat supports, hinge assemblies, and seat sensors which offer additional functionality to the rinsing seat are also disclosed. The toilet includes a steep interior surface with a titanium dioxide coating and actuatable ultraviolet light sources. The titanium dioxide has antimicrobial properties in the presence of ultraviolet light to sanitize the toilet. The ultraviolet light source is actuatable to control when the antimicrobial properties of the titanium dioxide coating are activated. The exterior of the toilet is coated with doped titanium dioxide which is antimicrobial in the presence of visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Steven J.M. Butala, Jared Reynolds, Joshua Larsen, Joe Fox
  • Publication number: 20180008107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor vacuum cleaner comprising a dust collector arrangement mounted on rollers and/or runners, a suction hose, a suction tube, and a floor nozzle, wherein the floor nozzle is fluidically connected to the dust collector arrangement via the suction tube and the suction hose, wherein the dust collector arrangement comprises a dust separator, wherein the dust collector arrangement comprises a motorized fan unit for suctioning an air stream through the floor nozzle, wherein the motorized fan unit is arranged so that an air stream suctioned in through the floor nozzle, the suction tube, and the suction hose flows through the motorized fan unit and into the dust separator, wherein the dust collector arrangement has a housing and the motorized fan unit is mounted on or in the housing, wherein the dust separator is mounted in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf SAUER, Jan SCHULTINK
  • Publication number: 20180008108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner robot comprising a dust collector arrangement mounted on wheels, a suction hose and a floor nozzle mounted on wheels, where the floor nozzle is fluidically connected to the dust collector arrangement via the suction hose, also comprising a motorized fan unit for suctioning an air stream in through the floor nozzle, where the motorized fan unit is arranged between the floor nozzle and the dust collector arrangement in such a manner that an air stream suctioned in through the floor nozzle flows through the motorized fan unit and into the dust collector arrangement. where the dust collector arrangement comprises a drive device in order to drive at least one of the wheels of the dust collector arrangement, and where the floor nozzle comprises a drive device in order to drive at least one of the wheels of the floor nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf SAUER, Jan SCHULTINK
  • Publication number: 20180008109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner robot comprising a floor nozzle supported on wheels and a dust collection unit, wherein the floor nozzle comprises a driving device for driving at least one of the wheels of the floor nozzle, wherein one of the wheels, a plurality of or all of the wheels of the floor nozzle are omnidirectional wheels, wherein the floor nozzle comprises a base plate with a base surface, which, when the vacuum cleaner robot is in operation, faces the surface to be cleaned, the base plate having provided therein an air flow channel, which extends parallel to the base surface and through which air to be cleaned enters the floor nozzle, and wherein the floor nozzle comprises a rotating means for rotating the air flow channel about an axis perpendicular to the base surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf SAUER, Jan SCHULTINK
  • Publication number: 20180008110
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclonic separating apparatus including a dirty air inlet, a main body connected to the cyclonic separating apparatus and a motor and fan unit for generating an airflow through the cyclonic separating apparatus from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, wherein the cyclonic separating apparatus includes at least a first cyclonic cleaning stage and an elongate filter arranged fluidly downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, the elongate filter being housed in a duct at least partially surrounded by the first cleaning stage, and wherein the filter comprises an inlet portion and a filter portion defining a generally tubular filter chamber, the inlet portion including one or more radially facing inlets to permit air to flow into the inlet portion in a radial direction from where the air flows from the inlet portion to the filter chamber in an axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Michael James PEACE
  • Publication number: 20180008111
    Abstract: A robot floor cleaning system features a mobile floor cleaning robot and an evacuation station. The robot includes: a chassis with at least one drive wheel operable to propel the robot across a floor surface; a cleaning bin disposed within the robot and arranged to receive debris ingested by the robot during cleaning; and a robot vacuum configured to pull debris into the cleaning bin from an opening on an underside of the robot. The evacuation station is configured to evacuate debris from the cleaning bin of the robot, and includes: a housing defining a platform arranged to receive the cleaning robot in a position in which the opening on the underside of the robot aligns with a suction opening defined in the platform; and an evacuation vacuum in fluid communication with the suction opening and operable to draw air into the evacuation station housing through the suction opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Russell Walter Morin, Harold Boeschenstein, Faruk Bursal, Chris Grace
  • Publication number: 20180008112
    Abstract: In order to accomplish a solution task of the present disclosure, a cleaner hand according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pipe configured to transfer at least one of air, dust, and foreign matter to a drive unit that generates a suction force, a grip portion connected to the pipe, and formed to be gripped by a user, a sensor unit disposed in the grip portion to sense information related to whether or not the grip portion is gripped by the user, and a controller configured to control the drive unit based on the sensed information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Dukho HAM, Seonghoon HAN
  • Publication number: 20180008113
    Abstract: A surface maintenance machine is provided having a maintenance head assembly positioned substantially within an envelope of the machine. The maintenance head assembly has at least one maintenance tool attachable thereto. The machine also includes a tool eject mechanism positioned below an upper surface of the body. The tool eject mechanism can generate a drop force sufficient to overcome the force between the maintenance tool and the maintenance head assembly. The tool eject mechanism can have an eject button extending above the upper surface of the deck. The eject button can be actuable by at least a portion of the upper surface of the body of the machine when the maintenance head assembly is raised toward the upper surface of the body of the machine beyond a transport position into a tool eject position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventor: Kyle D. Sedam
  • Publication number: 20180008114
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided with a dispensing system for applying a treating agent stored on the vacuum cleaner to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system can include at least one container for storing a supply of treating agent and a dispenser for dispensing the treating agent to the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing system uses filtered working exhaust air to blow treating agent off the treating agent dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Victor Vito Caro, JR., Alexander Joseph Reed
  • Publication number: 20180008115
    Abstract: A dustpan for collecting debris may include a handle section; and a collection section being connected to the handle section. The collection section includes a pan floor, a pair of opposing side walls and a back wall for connection to the handle section. The collection section includes a stabilizing wall extending from the pan floor and position in a space relationship with the handle section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Jorge Trevino, Juan Trevino
  • Publication number: 20180008116
    Abstract: A turbidity sensor assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The turbidity sensor assembly measures the turbidity of wash fluid in a manner similar to conventional turbidity sensors, but also includes an integral water level indicator. The water level indicator is an opaque buoyant ball that rises and falls with the water level to provide a water level indication that can be used to shut off the drain pump when the sump is empty. More specifically, when the water level drops below a predetermined level, the opaque ball blocks the transmission of light between the emitter and receiver of the turbidity sensor, thus indicating that the sump is almost empty. As a result, the pump operating during a drain cycle need only operate long enough to drain the sump, and this may be achieved without an additional measuring device or complicated control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20180008117
    Abstract: The invention proposes a dishwasher comprising a working chamber (2), comprising at least one spray arm (5, 6) which is arranged in a rotatable manner in the working chamber (2), and comprising a metering apparatus (9) for supplying and metering a substance, such as detergent, rinse aid etc., into the working chamber (2), wherein the metering apparatus (2) is designed as an insert part (2) comprising a housing (20, 21) for insertion into a recess in an inner wall (7) of the working chamber (2), for example in the door (7) of the working chamber (2), and comprising a sensor unit (27, 28) for identifying a spray arm movement in the working chamber (2) of the dishwasher, which sensor unit is arranged at least partially in a housing (20, 21) of the metering apparatus (9), wherein the dishwasher has improved program control. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the sensor unit (27, 28) comprises at least one pressure sensor (27, 28) for detecting a water/liquid pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: ANDREAS PLESCHINGER, Kurt Wallerstorfer
  • Publication number: 20180008118
    Abstract: The invention proposes a dishwasher comprising a working chamber, comprising at least one spray arm which is arranged in a rotatable manner in the working chamber, and comprising a metering apparatus for supplying and metering a substance, such as detergent, rinse aid etc., into the working chamber, which metering apparatus is designed as an insert part comprising a housing for insertion into a recess in an inner wall of the working chamber, for example in the door of the working chamber, and comprising a sensor unit for identifying a spray arm movement in the working chamber of the dishwasher, which sensor unit is arranged at least partially in a housing of the metering apparatus, wherein the sensor unit 11 comprises at least one infrared transmitter 12 and/or one infrared receiver 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: ANDREAS PLESCHINGER, Kurt Wallerstorfer
  • Publication number: 20180008119
    Abstract: The invention proposes a dishwasher comprising a working chamber (2), comprising at least one spray arm (5, 6) which is arranged in a rotatable manner in the working chamber (2), and comprising a metering apparatus (9) for supplying and metering a substance, such as detergent, rinse aid etc., into the working chamber (2), wherein the metering apparatus (9) is designed as an insert part (9) comprising a housing (20, 21) for insertion into a recess in an inner wall (7) of the working chamber (2), for example in the door (7) of the warning chamber (2), and comprising a sensor unit (27, 28) for identifying a spray arm movement in the working chamber (2) of the dishwasher, which sensor unit is arranged at least partially in a housing (20, 21) of the metering apparatus (6), wherein the dishwasher has improved program control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: ANDREAS PLESCHINGER, Kurt Wallerstorfer
  • Publication number: 20180008120
    Abstract: A door latch for a domestic electrical appliance includes a latch assembly that includes a locking element arranged to be displaceable between an unlocking position and a locking position, and an arresting element which moves from its release position into the arresting position as the door is closed. The arresting element in the arresting position can be locked by means of the locking element against movement into the release position and in the locked state prevents the closed door from opening. The latch assembly further includes an electric switch which, when the door is closed, responds to a movement of the locking element from the unlocking position into the locking position, and a switch auxiliary control member which, as the door is closed, is urged by the closing body from an active position against a restoring spring force into an inactive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Albert Dirnberger, Dominik Walz, Markus Lang
  • Publication number: 20180008121
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning articles for cleaning is proposed. The cleaning apparatus comprises at least one cleaning chamber and at least one covering apparatus which at least partially encloses the cleaning chamber. The covering apparatus is movable over an opening travel from a closed position into an opened position or vice versa. The covering apparatus is connected via at least one force transmission path to at least one spring element. At least one spring force of the spring element can be transmitted by means of the force transmission path to the covering apparatus. The force transmission path has at least one torque converter. The torque converter has a transmission ratio which varies over the opening travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Bruno Gaus, Denis Lehmann, Thomas Näger