Patents Issued in February 6, 2018
  • Patent number: 9883736
    Abstract: A portable deployable table is a device that may be easily mounted to and removed from a surface or structure. The device includes a housing with at least one telescopic arm fixed within the housing. A table frame and a planar table top are hingedly connected to the at least one telescopic arm and may be deployed after being extended from within the housing. The table frame and the planar table top are contained within the housing when the device is not in use. At least one adjustable mounting brace is connected to the exterior of the housing, allowing the housing to be mounted to a surface or structure and fixed in place. The housing may be closed via a housing lid that covers the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Jamal Dashti
  • Patent number: 9883737
    Abstract: A height-adjustable table includes a first tabletop and a second tabletop. A first height adjustment mechanism is configured to vertically shift the first tabletop relative to a support surface on which the table is supported. A second height adjustment mechanism is configured to vertically shift the second tabletop relative to the support surface. The table also includes a base in direct contact with the support surface. Each of the first and second height adjustment mechanisms is directly coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: John Stephen Lanphear
  • Patent number: 9883738
    Abstract: A bottle cap stadium/arena table related to the field of indoor/outdoor furniture. More specifically, a table that mimics a stadium/arena in which sports fans can customize using their own bottle caps. The inventive device includes a table frame with perforated plates that hold decorative bottle caps around the central sporting area that mimics people sitting in the stands; including miniature accessories to depict a particular sporting event (goals, flags). The table, which mimics a miniature stadium/arena, includes a glass tabletop that acts as the table's surface. The table is user customizable to a specific sporting team.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Jacob Jaramillo
  • Patent number: 9883739
    Abstract: A work table for use in assembling Legos, craft items, etc. The work table includes a horizontally disposed and circular table top. A ring-shaped component tray rotatably extends around the table top. The tray includes spaced-apart compartments which are configured to receive various Lego components or craft items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: Shane R. Chiles, Brandon L. Crounse, Kelly D. Jurgens
  • Patent number: 9883740
    Abstract: A system comprising a switching device linked to a common display screen and including a wireless receiver configured to receive content, the switching device configured to use the received content to drive the common display screen and a plurality of interface devices, each interface device including an interface housing, an interface device processor, a control button mounted within the housing and a plug linked to the housing via a cable, the plug receivable within a connection port of a computing device, a first interface device including a first device processor, a first plug and a first control button, the first processor configured to perform the steps of, with the first plug received in the connection port of the first computing device and first content presented on the first display screen while other content is presented on the common display screen, detecting selection of the first control button and, upon detecting selection of the first control button, causing a wireless transmission to the switc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Epstein, Brett Kincaid, Hyun Yoo, Suzanne Stage, Lukas Scherrer, Larry Cheng
  • Patent number: 9883741
    Abstract: A foldable step system includes a cabinet that has a door. A step unit is hingedly coupled to the door. The step unit is positioned in a deployed position when the door is positioned in an open position. Thus, the step unit may support a user thereby facilitating the user to reach an elevated object. The step unit is positioned in a stored position such that the door may be positioned in a closed position. A drive is movably coupled to the step unit such that the drive selectively positions the step unit in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Vincent Demasi, III
  • Patent number: 9883742
    Abstract: Various embodiments of shelving systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, the shelving system can include an elongated support member and a plurality of shelves. In certain embodiments, the one or more of the shelves has an accessory. In various embodiments, the accessory has a deployable divider and/or an expandable bottom. Certain embodiments of the shelving system include an attachment mechanism configured to couple a lower portion of the support member to a stationary objection, such as a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Zachary Rapoport
  • Patent number: 9883743
    Abstract: A firearm lock shroud for a firearm lock comprises first and second side members. The first side member is positioned adjacent the firearm lock. The second side member is positioned adjacent the firearm lock and spaced apart from the first side member. The first and second side members define a firearm receiving space therebetween for receiving a firearm. The first and second side members extend over an area to cover at least a trigger area of a firearm received in the firearm receiving space and locked by the firearm lock to prevent unauthorized access to the trigger area. The side members can optionally extend to cover a magazine area and/or a take-down pin area of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Terry L. Setina
  • Patent number: 9883744
    Abstract: A self stabilizing system which has an incompressible coil at least partially encompassed in a housing, and which controls a foot of a device to be stabilized. The coil abuts a plunger, which plunger is for allowing a user to selectably lock the elevation by use of a pin which fits within a plurality of annular grooves on the plunger. In a first embodiment, a pair of coils surround the plunger on either side and control a pair of feet, thus allowing automatic stabilization on an uneven surface. In a second embodiment, a single coil is controlled by a spring which abuts the plunger allowing a spring-loaded system for selecting an elevation to lock the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Witold S. Macyszyn
  • Patent number: 9883745
    Abstract: A structural arrangement is provided in the form of a bracket for fastening a profile handle, wherein the bracket is constructed and arranged to be fastened by a fastening screw on a top edge of a front wall of a door or a drawer and contains a passing hole able to receive the fastening screw and a pair of side recesses. The pair of side recesses configures a rail for fitting and sliding a pair of tines existing in an inner region of a base of the profile handle, and the bracket includes other features such as having three of four edges of the bracket comprises removable tabs, a rectangular shape, and a configuration wherein the passing hole is positioned in an internal end of the bracket, the internal end being opposite to the edge of the bracket has one of the removable tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: CERMAG COMERCIAL IMPORTADORE E EXPORTADORA LTDA.
    Inventor: José Luis Gonzales
  • Patent number: 9883746
    Abstract: A chair comprising a base structure comprising a support, a seat connected to the support via a synchronization mechanism and movable with respect to the base structure between a lowered position and a raised position, and a backrest connected to the synchronization mechanism and movable between an upright position, corresponding to the lowered position of the seat, and a backward-inclined position corresponding to the raised position of the seat, wherein the synchronization mechanism comprises two loop-shaped elastic elements spaced apart in a transverse direction and each comprising a lower portion fixed to a rigid support, an upper portion fixed to the seat, a front elastic portion and an essentially C-shaped rear elastic portion that connect the upper portion to the lower portion, wherein the backrest is fixed to the rear elastic portions of the loop-shaped elastic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: PRO-CORD S.P.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Piretti
  • Patent number: 9883747
    Abstract: A furniture cover assembly comprising side portions interconnected to define an interior area, wherein at least one side portion has an edge portion adjacent to an access opening to the interior area. The edge portion has a belt tunnel with opposing first and second open ends. An adjustment member is adjacent to the first open end, and a belt is slideably disposed in the belt tunnel. The belt has first and second free end portions projecting from and exterior of the belt tunnel. The belt's first free end portion is adjustably connected to the adjustment member and forms a first adjustable loop exterior of the belt tunnel and is configured to connect to a support structure of a furniture unit when positioned in the interior area. The belt's second free end portion forms a second loop exterior of the belt tunnel adjacent to the second open end and is configured to connect to a second support structure of the furniture unit with the belt tunnel extending between the first and second support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Classic Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Charles D'amato, Delina Wells
  • Patent number: 9883748
    Abstract: A seating device includes a training device connected to a component of the base of the seating device. The training device is configured to tilt the seating device to help a user learn how to use the seating device to help the user avoid losing the user's balance while sitting or leaning on the seat of the seating device when the user initially starts to use the seating device. The training device can be releasable from the base of the seating device after the user has learned how to balance on the seating device. The training device can also be reattachable to the seating device to facilitate the training of other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Murray, Bret Recor, Hendrik R. van Hekken, Michael Harper
  • Patent number: 9883749
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a convertible children's high chair. According to various embodiments, the convertible high chair generally comprises a first child seat supported above a floor by a high chair frame, and a second child seat configured for being removably coupled to first child seat. The second child seat is configured such that, when detached from the high chair's first child seat, it can be used apart from the high chair as a booster seat (e.g., secured to the seating surface of a standard chair or another support surface). In certain embodiments, the second child seat includes a base surface configured to stably support the second child seat on a separate support surface (e.g., without the need to be attached to or mounted on a separate base or support member).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Jessica Kostyniak, Jacob Sclare, Daniel Corso
  • Patent number: 9883750
    Abstract: A frame height adjusting mechanism is adapted for a frame including an inner pipe and an outer pipe sheathing on the inner pipe. A fixing hole is formed on one of the inner pipe and the outer pipe. A plurality of positioning holes is formed on the other one of the inner pipe and the outer pipe. The frame height adjusting mechanism includes a driving member which is slidably disposed on the inner pipe or the outer pipe where the fixing hole is formed and includes at least one first inclined surface, and at least one engaging member which is slidably disposed on the driving member and passing through the fixing hole to insert into one of the plurality of positioning holes. The at least one first inclined surface pushes the at least one engaging member to disengage from the corresponded positioning hole when the driving member slides upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Ze-Hua Yi
  • Patent number: 9883751
    Abstract: A bed configured to contain a subject, such as a human infant is disclosed. The bed includes a womb-shaped bumper capable of constricting or squeezing the subject. The bumper includes two opposed side portions, at least one void in at least one of the opposed side portions, and at least one mesh portion enclosing the void. The bumper is adjustable between a constricting configuration and a non-constricting configuration. An adjustment mechanism, and optionally, a fastener may be used to maintain the bumper in the constricting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Enfant Terrible Design AB
    Inventor: Lisa Furuland
  • Patent number: 9883752
    Abstract: A novel and improved device to assuage distressed infants by means of adjustable vertical motion combined with adjustable orientation. The motion is adjustable in terms of amplitude, frequency and time. The device allows the infants to be held face-inward or face-outward in the case of vertical orientation and prone or supine in the case of horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Shane
  • Patent number: 9883753
    Abstract: A product shipping and display tray made from a unitary blank is provided. The tray comprises one and preferably two expandable side panel assemblies to take up additional shelf space if desired. Each side panel assembly comprises an intermediate side panel extending forward from a rear panel, an inner side panel in flat, abutting relationship to the inner facing surface of the intermediate side panel, and an outer side panel rotatably attached to the inner side panel along a front vertical edge. Each outer side panel is moveable between a first position in which the outer side panel is in a flat, abutting relationship to the intermediate side panel and a second position in which the outer side panel is rotated outwardly away from the intermediate side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Saladyga
  • Patent number: 9883754
    Abstract: A display for creating at least two differently configured articles, each of which comprises at least a first component and at least a second component. The display includes a first support on which at least two of the first components are arranged; a second support, spaced apart from the first support, on which at least one second component is arranged, and wherein the first support and the second support are rotatable with respect to each other; wherein the two components on the first support are each separately alignable, but not simultaneously, with the component on the second support thereby separately creating a visual impression of at least two substantially completed articles. A method of creating at least two differently configured articles, using the aforementioned display, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Timex Group USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Silvio Leonardi
  • Patent number: 9883755
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a plurality of horizontal support members, each horizontal support member having a length; a plurality of wall supports, each wall support including a first surface on which at least a portion of a horizontal support member rests; a plurality of brackets, each bracket attachable to the horizontal support members at different positions along the length of the horizontal support member; a plurality of vertical support members, each vertical support member coupled to at least one bracket; and a shelf attached to at least two of the plurality of vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: SPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Arturo Gonzalez, Steven M. Kessell, Michael D. Potter, Jerry Vance Foster, III
  • Patent number: 9883756
    Abstract: A shelving system includes at least one vertically oriented shelf rail having a row of vertical slots leading to the shelf rail interior. In the interior, a bus bar includes conductors. A carrier element, such as a shelf element, is mounted on a bracket configured to hook into the shelf rail slots. A lighting device is attached to the carrier element or the bracket. A current collection device is fastened to the bracket and includes tap contacts that protrude from a housing and are disposed on the engagement section of the bracket. The tap contacts are resilient and disposed to be elastically pressed into the housing against a spring force when the bracket is being hooked into the shelf rail, pressed out of the housing when located in the shelf rail interior, and pressed against associated current conductors to establish an electrically conducting connection for the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Juvema AG
    Inventor: Hans Kraiss
  • Patent number: 9883757
    Abstract: A frame and a device for mounting a plurality of frames in a grid. The frame has an axial first mounting member and a second mounting member, the first mounting member having a generally flat portion exposed to and generally flush with a perimeter surface of the frame. The alignment device has a cross-shaped body having a pair of horizontal members and a pair of vertical members intersecting at a common point, the horizontal and vertical members having interior surfaces defining four quadrants, the alignment device further comprising a level attached to the cross-shaped body and a magnet mounted in a recess in one of the horizontal members or vertical members. The alignment device used to position and mount the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Brett Van Bortel
  • Patent number: 9883758
    Abstract: A drinking vessel for determining an amount of a liquid which is consumed and which includes a first portion, which has a base portion and a vertically, upwardly extending wall, and wherein the vertically upwardly extending wall defines an internal cavity, and the exterior-facing surface thereof defines a multiplicity of continuous, circumscribing, longitudinally spaced grooves; and a multiplicity of continuous, elastomeric members are individually received in the respective spaced grooves and which can be moved along the exterior-facing surface of the drinking vessel so as to permit a user to readily account for the amount of fluid they have consumed during a given time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Zak Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Maple, Jeff Steininger
  • Patent number: 9883759
    Abstract: An improved closeable lid for a beverage container is described. The lid uses a base, a flanged gasket, a valve and a knob to allow a user to control the flow of liquid from the beverage container. The flanged gasket surrounds the base with radially extending flanges that conforms to the interior of the beverage container, creating a seal. The valve moves vertically to engage and disengage the seal created by mating the valve face to the valve seat. The vertical movement of the valve is modulated by the rotation of a knob that is connected to the valve that provides a threaded shaft. The user can consume liquid from the beverage container as a result one or more fluid apertures through the base allowing for the passage of fluids from the beverage container past the valve and through base to the user. When the knob is rotated to the closed position, the valve creates a seal preventing the flow of liquid through the fluid apertures of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Goverre, Inc.
    Inventors: Regan Katherine Kelaher, Shannon Mari Zappala
  • Patent number: 9883760
    Abstract: There is provided a disposable food grasping device comprising: a first finger portion corresponding to an index finger, wherein the first finger portion extends longitudinally; a second finger portion corresponding to a middle finger, wherein the second finger portion extends longitudinally, wherein the first portion is juxtaposed with the second portion; a connection portion commonly coupled to the first finger portion and the second finger portion at proximal ends thereof; a bending portion coupled to the connection portion at an end of the connection portion away from the first and second finger portions, wherein two first folding lines are defined in the bending portion in a width direction thereof and are spaced from each other longitudinally; and a third finger portion corresponding to a thumb, wherein the third finger portion is coupled to the bending portion at one end thereof away from the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Seong deok Jeong
  • Patent number: 9883761
    Abstract: A rotary food server assembly for rotatably serving a selected food item includes a bottom disk that may be positioned on a support surface. An upper disk is movably coupled to the bottom disk so the upper disk may support a food item. A processor is coupled to the bottom disk. An actuator is coupled to the bottom disk. The actuator is operationally coupled to the processor so the processor may selectively actuate the actuator. The actuator is operationally coupled to the upper disk so the actuator may selectively move the upper disk. A keypad is coupled to the bottom disk so a user may touch the keypad. The keypad is operationally coupled to the processor so the actuator may move the upper disk to a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Sonja Johnson-Lewis
  • Patent number: 9883762
    Abstract: The present invention is a tray apparatus providing mobility of a Christmas tree in a tree stand. The invention comprises a pan for placing the tree stand and a releasably attached handle. The improved mobility provided by the smooth, low-friction pan and removable handle of the present invention assists in decoration of the tree by allowing rotation for placing lights and ornaments, or other decorating tasks, as well as to present a favored side toward a desired area of the room in which it is placed. The tree may also be decorated in any convenient location and then moved laterally into the desired final position. In addition to the relatively frictionless movement provided by the pan, it also provides a basin to contain any water that spills from the stand, to catch needles, to hold presents, and to protect the floor or carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: John B. Lampsa, Ursula R. Lampsa
  • Patent number: 9883763
    Abstract: A shower curtain and window curtain hanging structure provides constant stream of heated air as well as the ability to sound audio from an external source. The hanging structure includes a tubular body, an at least one heating fan assembly, an at least one rechargeable battery, an at least one waterproof speaker, and a wireless communication device. The tubular body supports various types of curtains. The rechargeable battery, the heating fan assembly, and the wireless communication device are all internally mounted within the tubular body. The waterproof speaker is integrated into an external surface of the tubular body in order to sound audio towards a user. The heating fan assembly includes an impeller, a heating element, and an electric motor. The impeller is powered by the electric motor in order to forces air to pass by the heating element and expelling heated air onto the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Cash J. Viedt
  • Patent number: 9883764
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is a kettle supported by a base, with a burner mounted to the base and positioned below the bottom of the kettle. The kettle generally has a rounded bottom and straight sidewalls, although various curved portions of the kettle sidewalls are possible including a purely semispherical section. The kettle is provided with a U-shaped handle on each side which provides a gripping handle and also provides a means of rotating the kettle. The stand includes two grooves in a side portion, and the kettle can be tipped to one side and rotated to pour out the contents of the kettle, with the groove providing stability while the kettle is rotated to one side. The kettle rotates at a point which is not the center point of the kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Mahana, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Henry Baker, Henry Legrand Baker
  • Patent number: 9883765
    Abstract: It comprises an infusion chamber (2) for housing a dose of product and means for supplying a liquid under pressure to said infusion chamber, said supply means comprising a hydraulic accumulator device (4a, 4b) susceptible of storing under pressure a liquid from liquid injection means (8, 8a, 8b, 9, 25) of said machine (1, 1?), characterised in that said liquid injection means (8, 8a, 8b, 9, 25) and said hydraulic accumulator device (4a, 4b) are configured and disposed interconnected to the infusion chamber (2), so that a first fraction of injected liquid is susceptible of being stored under pressure in a cavity (5) of said accumulator device (4a, 4b), while a second fraction of the injected liquid is simultaneously distributed or supplied to the exterior through the infusion chamber (2) of the machine (1, 1?), allowing said accumulator device (4a, 4b) to store a fraction of liquid configured to ensure the continuous supply of a certain flow (Qc) during a predetermined beverage preparation time or distribution
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Minimma Espresso, S.L.
    Inventor: Xavier Samsó Besora
  • Patent number: 9883766
    Abstract: A cartridge adaptor system may include a puncturing device; a nozzle adaptor including: a puncture port configured to receive the puncturing device; a nozzle coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a beverage dispenser nozzle; and a cartridge coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a cartridge containing a beverage ingredient; and a cartridge holster having a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the cartridge. The puncturing device may be configured to puncture the cartridge thereby releasing the beverage ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Maher Nachawati
  • Patent number: 9883767
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge for use in a beverage dispensing system, comprising a housing, and located within the housing, a container for accommodating a beverage-related fluid substance and a pump; a drive port via which a driving torque may be delivered to the pump; and a fluid outlet port via which the fluid substance may be pumped from the cartridge; wherein the fluid outlet port and the drive port are located on the same side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventor: Tjasse Willem Biewenga
  • Patent number: 9883768
    Abstract: An electrically operated kitchen appliance with a cooking vessel and a lid for the cooking vessel, wherein: the lid can be locked in the closed position against the cooking vessel; the cooking vessel has a cooking vessel base and a cooking vessel wall extending upwards from the base; the cooking vessel wall transitions into a radially projecting cooking vessel edge; the lid has a lid edge, which covers the cooking vessel edge in the closed position; and the lock is formed by a locking part acting on the lid. In order to further improve a kitchen appliance of the type mentioned, particularly with respect to handling the lid of the cooking vessel, according to the invention a hinged section, which can be operated by an electric motor, is provided to interact with the lid edge, such that the lid can be pivoted by the motor out of a closed position into an open position and the lid can be removed from the hinged section by the user non-destructively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Starflinger
  • Patent number: 9883769
    Abstract: Instant temperature changing device includes reactant and activator liquid that generate an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction when combined to heat or cool contents in the device. One temperature changing device includes an inner shell and an outer shell, an activator container, and a reaction chamber. Opening the activator container causes reactant to combine with activator liquid and undergo an exothermic or endothermic reaction to initiate heat transfer to or from the contents disposed in the inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Forever Young International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel L. Young
  • Patent number: 9883770
    Abstract: A vertical grill comprises a back chimney within the housing having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is in the form of one or more first openings in the back frame member, and the outlet being a second opening which is higher than the inlet. A first air intake located in at least one of the grill's panels. A removable tray module comprises a slide positioned at an incline between the front and back sides, configured to direct fats and break away solids to the front side of the tray. At least one channel is covered by the slide and configured for air flow. An external receptacle is positioned at the front side of the tray, wherein the slide leads into the receptacle so that fats and break away solids may be channeled into the external receptacle after traveling downwards along the incline of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: Bonnie Lee Buzick, Robert James Bair
  • Patent number: 9883771
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a grill accessory for use with a kamado-style grill to enable a user to control the flow of heat throughout the grill and maintain temperature of the cooking chamber. The grill accessory may enable a user to control the flow of heat throughout the grill, providing the user with greater customization of cooking options. The grill accessory may further enable a user to visually inspect a cooking food item while reducing the amount of heat loss from the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: CAMANDER, INC.
    Inventor: Cortlandt Minnich
  • Patent number: 9883772
    Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing having a motor compartment and a jar receiving portion spaced laterally therefrom. The jar receiving portion is disposed below an upper housing. A motor is disposed in the motor compartment is adapted to drive a blade assembly of the jar through a magnetic coupling system. The motor is connected to a blade assembly disposed within the jar through a series of gears or belts, and finally through a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler is configured such that it stores kinetic energy while the motor is running at a high speed, and releases the stored energy when the motor is running at a slower speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Conard, Paul Paget
  • Patent number: 9883773
    Abstract: A spatula (1) having a head (5) with channels (11) that automatically turn or flip food, such as cubed meats, ground beef, vegetables and so forth, when the food travels through the channels. As the head passes through the pieces of food, the pieces of food are forced through the C-shaped channels or grooves located on the opposing side surfaces (8) of the head. The channels are preferably curved having an opening (12) located proximate to a wedge (15) of the head, then extending over a rounded projection (13) and terminating at a rear wall (14) of the head where the food is forced to exit the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Adam A. Zuber
  • Patent number: 9883774
    Abstract: A portable sink includes a container for holding wash water, an inlet line to bring fresh water into the container, and an outlet line to remove wastewater from the container. A float valve on the inlet line maintains wash water at a selected level within the container. A faucet attached to the float valve may further provide a separate source of clean water to the user. The outlet line further includes a siphon to draw the wastewater from the container to a selected discharge location. The inlet and outlet lines may form an assembly with an inverted U shape so that the device may straddle the wall of a bucket so that no piping penetrations are made through the wall. The siphon preferably includes an airlock to prevent the ingress of air at the discharge end under conditions of less than maximum flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Aaron Wade
  • Patent number: 9883775
    Abstract: The beard-grooming clean up sheets involves a sheet member with a domed recess thereon. The domed recess is adapted to be positioned over a faucet of a sink in order to divert hair trimmings associated with personal grooming away from the faucet. Moreover, the domed recess is an adjunct of the sheet member. The sheet member is generally planar, and is adapted to be draped over the sink. Both the domed recess and the sheet member are surrounded with a plurality of sheet armatures that span outwardly with respect to the domed recess and the sheet member. The plurality of sheet armatures are adapted to engage counter surfaces surrounding the faucet and the sink. Moreover, adhering members is provided on a bottom surface of two opposing ones of the plurality of sheet armatures. The adhering members is adapted to temporarily secure the sheet member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Danny Molezion
  • Patent number: 9883776
    Abstract: Embodiments according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure comprise methods, apparatus, devices, and/or systems pertaining to bathtub monitors that may be configured to sense motion and/or absence of motion, such as motion associated with an occupant of a bathtub. Some example embodiments may be configured to provide local and/or remote alarm(s) upon detection of a potentially unsafe condition, such as an absence of motion of the occupant of a bathtub. In some example embodiments, a bathtub alarm system may comprise an accelerometer to sense movement (or lack of movement) in the tub by sensing changes in gravitational forces within the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: RJE International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jechart, Steve Cole
  • Patent number: 9883777
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a prefabricated modular shower enclosure, including a base with a plurality of engagement feature along a peripheral surface of the base, a plurality of alignment supports, and a surround panel. In some embodiments, at least one alignment support is positionable in a preselected relationship relative to the engagement features of the base, and the alignment supports are configured to be independently made square relative to the base. Additional exemplary embodiments provide a prefabricated shower enclosure, including a base with a plurality of engagement feature along a peripheral surface of the base, and a plurality of surround panels that engage the base. The modular shower enclosure reduces installation time and complexity by using components that are fabricated and cut to size offsite prior to installation at a job site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bruskin International, LLC
    Inventors: Albert Barry Smith, Conrad Saks, Mark E. Dannettel
  • Patent number: 9883778
    Abstract: A mobile robot including a body having a drive arrangement for driving the body on a surface, the body further including a bias for biasing a rear portion of the body in a direction away from the floor surface. The bias may include a spring-loaded swing arm located on a rear portion of the body and which is movable between stowed and deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Mark Stamford Vanderstegen-Drake, Adam William Rollo
  • Patent number: 9883779
    Abstract: A brushroll for a surface cleaning apparatus includes a brush dowel defining an axis and having opposing bristle supports and a shroud surface between the opposing bristle supports, and a plurality of bristles protruding from the bristle supports. The shroud surface is positioned relative to the bristles to minimize hair wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Kasper, Todd Richard VanTongeren
  • Patent number: 9883780
    Abstract: A cleaner including a cleaner body provided with a driving part configured to generate a suction force, a head unit connected to the cleaner body and configured to come into close contact with a surface to be cleaned by allowing external air to be introduced thereinto by the suction force of the driving part, and a cleaning member detachably provided on the head unit, wherein the cleaning member includes a member body detachably coupled to the head unit and having a floor cleaning part making contact with the surface to be cleaned, and a dust collecting container extending from the member body and configured to filter out foreign substances from air that is suctioned into the head unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Shik Kim, Seong Hun Ahn, Yang Jic Lee
  • Patent number: 9883781
    Abstract: An all in the head surface cleaning apparatus may have a surface cleaning head including a front end, a rear end, first and second laterally opposed sidewalls. The surface cleaning head may include a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. The cyclone chamber may have a longitudinal cyclone axis, a cyclone assembly air inlet port and a cyclone assembly air outlet port. The cyclone assembly may be moveable from a cleaning position to a cyclone assembly removal position. The surface cleaning head may include a biasing member biasing the cyclone assembly away from the cleaning position, and a suction motor having a suction motor air inlet and a suction motor axis. The apparatus may include an upper portion moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a storage position and a floor cleaning position, the upper portion comprising a drive handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property inc.
    Inventors: Jason B. Thorne, Wayne Ernest Conrad, Barry Xu, Roger Chen, Peter Hutchinson, Robert Xu, Dave Petersen
  • Patent number: 9883782
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an upright liquid filtration vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum nozzle head and a housing moveably coupled to the vacuum nozzle head. The vacuum cleaner further includes a liquid tank that includes a wall defining an interior volume and a tank intake channel positioned in the interior volume. The interior volume is configured to hold a liquid. The tank intake channel is positioned to direct debris received from an intake passageway into the liquid tank so that the liquid in the interior volume of the liquid tank filters the debris into the liquid so that clean air is exhausted. The vacuum cleaner further includes a separator configured to generate an airflow. The vacuum cleaner is configured to seal the intake passageway when the vacuum cleaner is deactivated and further configured to unseal the intake passageway when the vacuum cleaner is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventors: Larry D. York, Randy G. Spencer
  • Patent number: 9883783
    Abstract: A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Gregg W. Landry, David A. Cohen, Daniel N. Ozick
  • Patent number: 9883784
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces includes a box-like machine body having a suction system and a steam generation system housed therein, and defining a front portion and an opposite rear portion; a joint for the end of a first suction and steam carrying flexible duct; the machine body having an additional multifunctional suction and steam delivery unit which is overhangingly supported by the machine body between two bilateral support arms hinged to the machine body, and extending beyond the front portion of the machine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Luigi Amoretti
  • Patent number: 9883785
    Abstract: A dispensing pad cleaner having a novel integrated dispensing system for delivering cleaning solutions and similar liquids to a surface to be cleaned. A removable cleaning pad coupled to a flexible pad substrate is also provided. The dispensing system has a reservoir for liquid retention that is coupled to the dispensing pad cleaner. An integral pump dispenses the liquid from the reservoir and through a nozzle to a surface to be cleaned. The pump is actuated from a lever that is depressed by a user, at times repeatedly, to facilitate pumping of the liquid onto a surface to be cleaned by scrubbing action of the dispensing pad cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Casabella Holdings L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andre Sampaio