Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
  • Patent number: 9924796
    Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail and an auxiliary member. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The auxiliary member is configured to be operated between a first state and a second state relative to one of the first rail and the second rail. When the auxiliary member is in the first state, the second rail is able to be moved a predetermined distance from a position relative to the first rail along a direction. When the auxiliary member is in the second state, the auxiliary member is configured to prevent the second rail from being moved the predetermined distance from the position relative to the first rail along the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignees: KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD., KING SLIDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9924797
    Abstract: A utility rack includes a pair of end supports for supporting one or more shelves there between. Each end support includes a first vertical support having one or more cross members mounted thereto and a second vertical support. The cross members may be mounted to one or more cross member mounts of the first vertical support and are configured to be movable relative to the first vertical support between a stored position in which they are disconnected from the second vertical support and are collapsed inwardly towards the first vertical support for storage or transport and an extended position in which free ends of the cross members may be attached to the second vertical support using fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: JS Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jared Hanlon
  • Patent number: 9924798
    Abstract: A chair strengthens core muscle groups and promotes circulation along the gluteal and piriformis muscle groups. Locking castors enable the chair to be moved in busy environments, yet fix the position of the chair when needed. A user of the chair may activate a number of massaging elements by rocking side to side, and may perform back stretches while in the seated position. Additional active massaging elements may alert the user and further promote proper use. Adjustable elements allow users to tailor the chair to their specific needs. Embedded energy harvesters supply power to record and transmit data to users to enhance their awareness of their seating position. Thus a versatile seat is provided that is better suited to active environments while broadening the range of elements of core strengthening, massaging, circulation, and seated exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Continuum Innovation LLC
    Inventors: Alex Broerman, Doug Kroncke, Kyle Moise, Gianfranco Zaccai
  • Patent number: 9924799
    Abstract: A folding chair comprising a framework, a deployment mechanism for fully retracting or expanding the frame, a seat and a back attached to the framework. The framework includes a back, a pair of opposing sides, each of which include a rear section and a front section that are hingedly connected to one another, a front section that extends between the front ends of the sides' front sections, and a seat that includes a front seat frame hingedly attached at its front edge to the interior surface of the front section, and a rear seat frame that is hingedly attached at its rear edge to the back. The seat's front and rear frames are also hingedly connected to each other along their adjacent edges. Retraction of the chair is achieved by a gas piston that is actuated by a string that the user can pull to create a fore that fully retracts the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ROCKPAPERROBOT INC.
    Inventor: Jessica Banks
  • Patent number: 9924800
    Abstract: A seat support assembly supports a cushion of a furniture member. The seat support assembly may include a frame, at least two seat springs, a support spring, and a coil spring. The support spring may be positioned between two seat springs, and the seat springs and the support spring may extend across the frame. A coil spring may be positioned on and attached to the support spring. The coil spring may extend to and bias against the two seat springs positioned on either side of the support spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: England, Inc.
    Inventor: Monroe B. Slusher, II
  • Patent number: 9924801
    Abstract: An inflatable lounge chair with an integrated water misting system includes a chair configured to float on water, and a misting system integrated within the chair, wherein the misting system is configured to draw the water upon which the chair floats and dispense misting water onto the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Green, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9924802
    Abstract: A resting apparatus comprising two independent telescoping legs having two longitudinal rotatable leg anchors. The telescoping legs are attached to a locking mechanism that uses a bracket having a clip that fits into various holes depending on the user's desired sleep angle. The bracket is integrally formed in the body of the substantially u-shaped pillow. The telescoping legs also have a height locking system primarily comprising of two separate channels, a first channel allowing for vertical movement and side channels used to lock in the desired height. The resting apparatus can be broken down such that the rotatable leg anchors form a handle for ease of use while traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Alan Mills, Julia Silva Rettig
  • Patent number: 9924803
    Abstract: A modular bed foundation to support the weight of a mattress and eliminate the need for a box spring. The bed foundation has a pair of end sections, a pair of side sections, and a plurality of horizontally extending mattress support slats detachably connected to the pair of side sections without the use of fasteners. First and second sets of legs are detachably connected to respective leg receivers at the pair of side sections without the use of fasteners. An improved corner assembly enables each of the pair of end sections to be detachably connected to an adjacent one of the pair of side sections without the use of fasteners. The improved corner assembly includes a corner post having a pair of corner inserts projecting therefrom to be slidably and removably received within hollow rails of one of the pair of end sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Forever Foundations & Frame, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Rodgers, Chase T. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 9924804
    Abstract: Mattress foundations and foundation corners, methods, and kits include a first side rail, a second side rail, a first end rail, and a second end rail. In one example, the rails join at corners to form the frame of the foundation and the rails may include at least a partial overlap between the rail the corners. The foundations and kits further include a plurality of slats. The slats may be of varying lengths. The invention may further include a method of assembling a foundation kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Ricky L Hartley
  • Patent number: 9924805
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portably suspended retractable shelf for storing bedside items and which includes a horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outer portion. In various embodiments, the inner portion is adapted to be slidably captured between a mattress and a mattress supporting structure. At least one of the following upward-facing compartments is disposed on the outer portion of the horizontal platform and is accessible to a user on the mattress: a collapsible basin, a hanging flexible pocket, a foldable box. The compartments are collapsible for allowing the horizontal platform to be slidably retracted under the mattress. A cutout hole is configured to hold a cup or other object in a suspended configuration through the shelf. A downward-facing sliding drawer compartment of various sizes is mounted and/or supported underneath the outer portion of the shelf. A storage container extends from a leading surface of the portable suspended retractable shelf. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Dan Cass
  • Patent number: 9924806
    Abstract: A portable, foldable, baby-changing table unit is provided attachable to a baby stroller for support thereby. The baby-changing table unit includes connectors for connecting the baby-changing table unit to the stroller's baby car-seat connectors. The baby-changing table unit connectors comprise foldable, transversely adjustable connection legs adapted to mate with the female receptacle connectors on the stroller normally used to releasably connect to a baby car-seat. A flexible changing pad is adapted to be attached to the portable, baby-changing table unit. The flexible changing pad includes a diaper receiver and a handy-wipe receiver. The flexible changing pad serves the dual purpose of functioning also as a carry case for the baby-changing table unit when the table is in a folded condition. An accessory connector assembly may be provided to attach the baby-changing unit to a stroller lacking a baby car-seat connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Penello, Magdalini Penello
  • Patent number: 9924807
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a stationary walker assembly configured for use by a person. The stationary walker assembly includes a stationary base assembly. A first track is configured to be connectable to the stationary base assembly. A second track is configured to be connected to the stationary base assembly. The first track and the second track are spaced apart from each other once the first track and the second track are connected to the stationary base assembly. A yoke assembly is configured to be coupled to the first track and the second track. The yoke assembly is also configured to receive and support the person. This is done in such a way that the yoke assembly, in use, facilitates support of the person relative to the stationary base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Corey Lee Richter
  • Patent number: 9924808
    Abstract: A repositionable merchandising display strip is provided. The display comprises a thin, flat body and a layer of adhesive on the front and back surfaces of the body. The front removable adhesive layer releasably holds products and the back removable adhesive layer is formulated so that the display can be removably adhered to a surface such as glass, wood, metal or other materials commonly found in retail stores. The display may further comprise a peel-away front layer releasably attached to the front removable adhesive layer and a peel-away back layer releasably attached to the back removable adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Heuer
  • Patent number: 9924809
    Abstract: A retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A plurality of planar display panes with varying sizes and varying styles are oriented within the display unit. Mounting hardware kits are common for the plurality of planar display panes, and are oriented within the display unit, to mount the plurality of planar display planes at varying distances from an upright support surface. A plurality of frames with varying sizes and varying styles, are sized to mount about one of the plurality of planar display panes, and are oriented within the display unit. Instructional indicia are provided on the display unit to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Earl David Forrest, Norman Dax Allen, Lauren Brenzy, Jeffrey John Mathison, Kurt Weaver
  • Patent number: 9924810
    Abstract: A merchandise display assembly comprises a tier of horizontally elongated metallic shelving for merchandise, with a display assembly detachably coupled at each shelf to an LED TV display of the merchandise. Each elongated LED TV display comprises an LCD screen comprised of 1920×95 pixels backlit by white light emitting LEDs, and projecting white LED lighting to illuminate the merchandise below each LED TV display, said LED TV displays each driven by an elongated compact HDMI or daisy chained controller board. The face of the display is arranged to have maximal area by confining vertical drivers to a compact upper region, permitting the boarder of the region to be of equal thickness both above and below the display and by providing a back cover that extends only to the rear surface of the display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Conex Digital LLC
    Inventor: Jean Vieville
  • Patent number: 9924811
    Abstract: A flower gift kit, the gift kit comprising: a flower; an enclosure; a presentation tray for the flower inserted in the enclosure; an insert configured to be flat beneath the presentation tray and between the presentation tray and the enclosure of the flower; wherein the insert comprises pre-determined fold lines; and wherein the insert is user-erectable into a 3D stand for the flower using the predetermined fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Arena Online Limited
    Inventor: William Robert Wynne
  • Patent number: 9924812
    Abstract: An infant safety mattress pad, for providing comfort and safety to an infant, using a mattress pad having a mattress pad body and a skirt, for use upon a bare mattress. The mattress pad body contains a padded absorbent layer, and has a pillow pocket, which contains a pillow. The bare mattress is covered with the mattress pad, and the mattress pad is fully covered by a standard bed sheet. Access to the pillow and its potential hazards are prevented by the full covering with the bed sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Chandrawatti Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9924813
    Abstract: A fitted sheet system can include a fitted sheet with top, head, foot, first side, and second side portions, such that the top portion is connected to each of the head portion, the foot portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion with the head portion positioned opposite the foot portion and the first side portion positioned opposite the second side portion so as to define a mattress receiving area. The system can include a breakaway strap system including a first breakaway strap extending from the first side portion to one of the head portion or the foot portion and configured to reconnectably detach in response to force pulling on the first breakaway strap. A sheet system can include the fitted sheet system and a second sheet having a fitted foot end and be configured to be attached to fasteners of the fitted sheet system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation
    Inventors: Jessica Basten, Lori MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 9924814
    Abstract: This document describes fixable cup sleeves. One of these cup sleeves is selectively fixable to a cup using a temperature-dependent adhesive that is effective to fix the cup sleeve to a disposable beverage cup when the cup is holding a warm or hot beverage. Another of these cups sleeves includes a fixing element capable of holding the cup sleeve in a closed position and fixing the cup sleeve to a disposable beverage cup when opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Michael K. Colby
  • Patent number: 9924815
    Abstract: A waterproof, sound emitting feeding utensil includes a handle surrounding an inner cavity, a utensil shaped tip that is interchangeably securable to the handle, a waterproof, magnetic speaker sized and configured for storage in the inner cavity of the handle, a printed circuit board located in the inner cavity of the handle, the printed circuit board including a plurality of switches in connection with a sound chip that includes a plurality of digital sound files, each of the plurality of switches being linked to a corresponding one of the plurality of digital sound files, and wherein the printed circuit board is in electrical connection with the magnetic speaker, and a plurality of buttons mounted within the handle, each of the plurality of buttons being depressible against a corresponding one of the plurality of switches on the printed circuit board for causing the corresponding one of the plurality of digital sound files to play through the magnetic speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: PB&J Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis L. Canty
  • Patent number: 9924816
    Abstract: A module of cutlery may include a plurality of utensils that include a formable material, wherein at least two of the utensils are separably coupled to one another via at least one of an adhesive and a common portion of the formable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 9924817
    Abstract: A sleeve for a glass bottle includes a first opening, a rounded shoulder below the first opening, a second opening counterposed to the first opening, a rounded shoulder above the second opening, a cylindrical body between the rounded shoulder below the first opening and the rounded shoulder above the second opening when the resides on a bottle. The sleeve is comprised of an elastomeric material and contracts at a point equidistant from the first and second openings when removed from the bottle. The sleeve contraction creates a pinch at the point equidistant from the first and second openings. The pinch is omnidirectional around the circumference of the sleeve. The diameter of the sleeve at the pinch is less than at least one of the diameter of the sleeve at the rounded shoulder below the first opening and the diameter of the sleeve at the rounded shoulder above the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Tali Corp.
    Inventors: Tal Winter, Kyle Lamson, Michael J. Strasser
  • Patent number: 9924818
    Abstract: Hanger for hanging garments, provided with a support part (2, 3) intended to support a garment, and a suspension part (5) for suspending the hanger from an external structure. Suspension part (5) comprises an attachment element (4) that consists of an adherent element that constitutes a flat surface for removably attaching said suspension part (5) to the external structure. Also, said suspension part (5) comprises a first portion (7), integral to support part (2, 3), and a second portion (8), which comprises at one free end said attachment element (4), and which at the other end is joined to said first portion (7) by articulation means (10) that allow rotation of said second portion (8) with respect to said first portion (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Guillermo Amen Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9924819
    Abstract: A bracelet attaching aid is provided. The bracelet attaching aid includes a main base member, a biasing portion, and a manipulation portion. The main base member includes a first elongated portion terminating in a first holding end portion and a second elongated portion terminating in a second holding end portion. The first holding end portion and the second holding end portion are configured and arranged to selectively hold a connection portion of a bracelet there between. The biasing portion is coupled to bias the second holding end portion of the second elongated portion away from the first holding end portion of the first elongated member. The manipulation portion is coupled to the second elongated portion. The manipulation portion is positioned to be engaged by at least one finger of a user to counter a biasing force of the biasing portion. The manipulation member is positioned to be selectively engaged by at least one finger of a user to counter the bias of the biasing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: James R. Talberg
  • Patent number: 9924820
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable universal floor covering includes a tufted textile having stitches and a reinforcement layer operatively connected to the stitches to provide dimensional stability for the entire floor covering. The reinforcement layer is made of fibers that are initially contained within a composition of adhesive and fibers. Mixing of the adhesive/fibers composition and/or injection of compressed air, assists in preparing the adhesive and fiber composition to be in the preferred condition and position prior to the forming of the reinforcement layer. Multiple sources of pressure, including vacuum, are applied in a controlled manner for moving the adhesive and fiber composition to form a reinforcement layer of fibers that is operatively connected to the stitches and/or to form a layer of fibers and adhesive that is contained within the stitches. The universal floor covering is selectively cut and transported in a roll for installation, and it can be conveniently recycled if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Higgins Research & Development, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Higgins
  • Patent number: 9924821
    Abstract: A flexible mailbox support on which a mailbox is mounted includes a top end portion, a bottom end portion, and a joint configured to enable the top end portion to pivot relative to the bottom end portion when impacted by a force, such that respective longitudinal axes of top and bottom end portions of the support are angularly offset relative to one another. The joint includes a top joint housing, a bottom joint housing, a joint spring connected between the top joint housing and the bottom joint housing, and a safety cable connecting the top joint housing and the bottom joint housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Spectrum Services Company Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew M. Shamas
  • Patent number: 9924822
    Abstract: Implementations of a spherical ornament are provided. In some implementations, the spherical ornament may include a plurality of light reflecting assemblies that are configured to reflect visible light and thereby create a visual phenomenon. In some implementations, the spherical ornament may be used in conjunction with one or more external light sources to create a reflected light display. In some implementations, the spherical ornament may comprise a body portion having a plurality of light reflecting assemblies mounted thereon. In some implementations, each light reflecting assembly may comprise a light reflecting element that is held by a setting. In some implementations, the setting may include a post that is configured to be inserted into the body portion of the spherical ornament and thereby mount the light reflecting assembly thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher Thomas Reese
  • Patent number: 9924823
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cords comprising two live wires and a ground wire, wherein the ground wire terminates in a probe configured to be placed in a water basin at the base of a Christmas tree. Also disclosed herein are cords comprising two live wires and a ground wire, wherein the ground wire terminates in a probe configured to be placed in a trunk of a Christmas tree. Also disclosed herein are bases for a Christmas tree, the base comprising a GFI socket, wherein the GFI socket is in electrical communication with a ground wire, wherein the ground wire terminates in a probe; wherein the GFI socket is in electrical communication with a three-wire cord, configured to be plugged into a wall socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Jon Scott Asper
  • Patent number: 9924824
    Abstract: The subject application is directed to a food processing device to extract juice. The device includes an inlet coupled to a disintegrator. The inlet is configured to accept food items and the disintegrator configured to disintegrate food items passed through the inlet. The device further includes a separator that accepts the disintegrated food items and separates out the liquid components from the food item. The device further includes a reservoir that is coupled to the separator for accepting and holding the liquid components. The reservoir includes a translucent member for viewing of liquid levels within the reservoir, and a valved outlet. The valved outlet is configured to allow or prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the valved outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Alan L. Backus
  • Patent number: 9924825
    Abstract: A cooking appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a base, a container engageable with the base and configured to receive one or more food ingredients, a blade assembly rotatably mounted in the container and a lid engageable with said container. The lid includes a chamber configured to hold a volume of liquid and a heating element for heating the liquid within the chamber to produce steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph W. Zakowski, Barbara L. Schnabel, Maria Caruso
  • Patent number: 9924826
    Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker for home or small restaurant sous-vide cooking. The sous-vide circulator cooker is particularly suited for use in home kitchens and on small countertops. The sous-vide circulator cooker can be fully submersed into water and not be adversely affected. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes a detachable skirt which allows for cleaning the skirt itself and cleaning of a heater and ring clamp that can adjust the optimum output location of the pump and account for shallow pots. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator also contains electrodes that can detect water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Anova Applied Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Wu
  • Patent number: 9924827
    Abstract: A coffee brewing device, such as a cold coffee brewing device and related methods are disclosed. The device includes a container, a supported horizontal plate that holds filter paper in place, and a spigot below the horizontal plate. Coffee grounds are placed on the filter, then water is added to the container such that minimal disturbance of the coffee ground bed occurs. When the spigot is opened, liquid is removed in a north/south (up/down) direction through the coffee ground bed. The coffee ground bed serves as a first filter, the filter serves as a second filter, and the chamber below the horizontal plate serves as a coalescing chamber where sediment drops out thus serving as a third filter. The resulting liquid dispensed from the spigot is amber in color and clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TODDY, LLC
    Inventor: Strother Simpson
  • Patent number: 9924828
    Abstract: An espresso machine is constructed and programmed to have secondary water system. The secondary water supply works in conjunction with the coffee brewing mechanisms of the device to produce and Americano style coffee beverage. The size and strength of the resulting beverage may be pre-set, or user programmable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Grassia
  • Patent number: 9924829
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing milk froth that can be optionally hot or cold, or for dispensing optionally hot or cold milk (1), said device comprising a milk container (4) that can be removed from the device, a milk inlet which connects the milk container (4) to a cold froth device via a milk valve section, said cold froth device being activatable by means of an air valve section, and comprising an outlet line (15) that is located downstream of the cold froth device and comprises an outlet (16). The milk container (4) can be inserted into the device (1) in a guided manner and the base (4a) of said container is equipped with a milk snap-in valve (17). A complementary receiving section (17a) for the milk snap-in valve is fixed in the device (1) and is formed as a milk inlet directly on the milk valve section. When the milk container (4) is inserted, the milk snap-in valve (17) engages in the complementary receiving section (17a) for the snap-in valve and is locked therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: EUGSTER/FRISMAG AG
    Inventor: Dieter Stutz
  • Patent number: 9924830
    Abstract: A counter top cooking appliance has an enclosure defining a cooking chamber arranged to receive a cooking pan. The cooking chamber includes a lower heating element arranged so that the cooking pan may be supported thereon to receive conductive heating there-from, and an upper heating element disposed above and spaced from the cooking pan to provide radiant heating to food there-within. The enclosure includes an upper portion including the upper heating element, and a lower portion including the lower heating element, and a hinge connecting the upper portion to the lower portion. The hinge enables the upper portion to rest atop the lower portion to define the cooking chamber, and alternatively enables the upper portion to be swung relative to the lower portion so that the upper and lower portions are in a parallel side-by-side relationship and both heating elements are arranged so that the cooking pan may be supported on either thereof to receive conductive heating there-from.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Nolan Lewis, Uri Murad, Doron Topaz
  • Patent number: 9924831
    Abstract: A grill cover that is rain-impermeable and reversibly stretchable, and formed of a dual-layer sheet. The cover is substantially stretchable to a size sufficient to cover a grill, such as a gas grill. Rain runs off of the installed cover, while condensation on the grill evaporates through the sheet without absorbing to the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Eric J Wangler
  • Patent number: 9924832
    Abstract: A heating system for heating a food product includes a housing including at least one heating cavity, a conveyor belt system which is configured to move the food product from a first end of the heating cavity to a second end thereof, a heating unit disposed generally parallel to a top surface of the conveyor belt system, and an in-feed rack having a first and second portion. The first portion of the in-feed rack may be positioned proximal to the conveyor belt system, and the second portion is positioned distal to the conveyor belt system. Each of the first and second portions of the in-feed rack has a generally planar cross section. A longitudinal length of the first portion of the in-feed rack is offset a substantially vertical distance from a longitudinal length of the second portion of the in-feed rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Richard Bauer, Karl Ronald Heinze
  • Patent number: 9924833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-contained trolley for temperature conditioning and distribution of meal trays (13) comprising two compartments separated by an insulating wall (11), namely a compartment for heating, called the hot compartment, and a compartment for chilling, called the cold compartment, receiving at least one stack of meal trays arranged so that one part of each meal tray (13) is located in the hot compartment and the other part thereof is located in the cold compartment, wherein the heating of the hot compartment and the chilling of the cold compartment are simultaneously obtained by means of a thermochemical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: COLDWAY
    Inventors: Laurent Rigaud, Francis Kindbeiter
  • Patent number: 9924834
    Abstract: Disclosed is an expanded polystyrene cooler having a body, a lid and a lid locking mechanism, said lid locking mechanism including a transversely-extending ridge near the perimeter of the underside surface of the lid, with the ridge surrounding the majority of said underside surface. There are at least two opposed flanges on the underside surface having extended portions extending towards the edge of the lid, as well as at least two horizontal channels on the inner surface of the body, each channel including an opening at one end facing the flanges and configured to receive one of the flanges and including a section having an extension towards the inside of the body, said section configured to rest upon the flange extended portion and lock the lid with the body, when the flange is positioned below the extension, whereby the lid is in place atop the cooler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TCP RELIABLE, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Joffe
  • Patent number: 9924835
    Abstract: A stockpot has an outer pot and an inner pot. The outer pot has an outer pot body and an insulating pot bottom. The insulating pot bottom is connected to the outer pot body and has a connecting base, a flame guiding block, and multiple insulating mounts. The flame guiding block is mounted on the connecting base. The insulating mounts are mounted on the connecting base around the flame guiding block. The inner pot is mounted in the outer pot and has an inner pot body, two handles, and an inner pot bottom. The inner pot body is mounted in the outer pot body and has an abutting ring abutting a top of the outer pot body. The handles are securely connected to the abutting ring. The inner pot bottom is securely connected to the inner pot body above the insulating pot bottom of the outer pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Chung-Yen Cheng
  • Patent number: 9924836
    Abstract: A mixer appliance having a base unit and a container unit. The base unit has a motor with a drive shaft. The container unit has a container and a rotor with a rotor shaft and a rotor element. A coupling arrangement connects the drive shaft and the rotor shaft when the container unit is connected to the base unit. A longitudinal axis extends through the drive shaft, coupling arrangement, and rotor shaft. The container unit has a bottom portion with a flexible diaphragm and a bearing member. The bearing member is supported by the flexible diaphragm, and the rotor shaft extends through the bearing member. The flexible diaphragm provides flexibility perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, such that the bearing member is displaceable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to align the rotor shaft with the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis when the container unit is connected to the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Henrik Holm
  • Patent number: 9924837
    Abstract: A vacuum blender having a vessel, a motor base containing a motor having a motor drive shaft, the motor base containing a vacuum pump, the motor drive shaft adapted to drive the vacuum pump, a blade holder having a blade with a blade shaft for engaging the motor drive shaft, and a fan connected to the motor drive shaft. The blender includes a conduit system for the passage of air from the vessel to the ambient environment. The fan and blade are capable of being selectively actuated using a gear or clutch system, preferably operated by firmware. The vacuum pump may also be selectively actuated using a solenoid to disengage the motor drive shaft from the vacuum pump or by closing the conduit system from the vessel to the vacuum pump. The invention is capable of evacuating air from the vessel before blending of the food contents occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: R. Joseph Trojan
  • Patent number: 9924838
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 9924839
    Abstract: A handheld, portable fruit or vegetable washer having washing fluid storage chamber, a washing chamber and a screened cap. Disk or other valves operate between the washing chamber and the fluid storage chamber and between the washing chamber and the screened cap. The fluid storage chamber is typically in the bottom of the washer and holds enough fluid for several washes. Items to be washed are entered into the washing chamber from the removable top while washing fluid is entered by partially opening one of the valves. After closing that valve, agitation is typically accomplished by shaking the unit. After washing, the other valve is opened, and the spent wash fluid can be drained through the screened top. The portable unit is particularly useful for picnics and the like where several different types of items may need different degrees of washing. A removable scrubbing liner can line the washing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Hoye
  • Patent number: 9924840
    Abstract: A toilet seat sheet capable of being automatically disposed from a toilet seat and causing less discomfort to a user is provided. The toilet seat sheet is provided with a sheet main body 1, an opening 2 formed in a center portion of the sheet main body 1, a hanging part 3 configured to hang down from an inner edge portion 21 of the opening 2. The hanging part 3 is provided with a hanging part connecting part 311 which is connected to the sheet main body 1 at an obliquely right front side or an obliquely left front side of the inner edge portion 21 of the opening 2, and is designed to have a length that allows the hanging part 3 to come into contact with an inner front-side surface of a toilet bowl when the sheet main body 1 is placed on the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9924841
    Abstract: The ventilated toilet seat is a toilet seat adapted for use with a toilet bowl. The ventilated toilet seat is further defined with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral surface. The toilet seat includes a fragrance dispensing system, and an odorous extraction system. Both the fragrance dispensing system and the odorous extraction system are in wired connection with a powering member that is also integrated into the toilet seat. A pressure sensor on the top surface of the toilet seat is adapted to detect an end user, and commence operation of the fragrance dispensing system and the odorous extraction system. The odorous extraction system includes a pair of extractor registers on the bottom surface of the toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Oscar Luquin
  • Patent number: 9924842
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base housing having a suction nozzle with a front suction nozzle opening provided on the front of the base housing, a source of suction in fluid communication with the suction nozzle for generating a working air stream through the upper unit, and a diverter assembly to selectively restrict a portion of the front suction nozzle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Jian Gu, Jian Hua Tang, Ying Chun Wong, Jincheng Xia, Shuhong Xue
  • Patent number: 9924843
    Abstract: A ground brush (1) for a vacuum cleaner includes a ground brush body (10), a brushroll cover (20), and a brushroll assembly (30). The ground brush body (10) is provided with a first mounting groove (101), in which the first mounting groove (101) has an upper opening and a lower opening in communication with each other. The brushroll cover (20) covers on the ground brush body (10), has a first end rotatably connected with the ground brush body (10) and a second end snapped into the ground brush body (10), and has a second mounting groove (201), in which the first mounting groove (101) and the second mounting groove (201) cooperate to form a mounting space. The brushroll assembly (30) includes a brushroll (3) and a driving assembly (302), in which the brushroll is mounted in the mounting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: JIANGSU MIDEA CLEANING APPLIANCES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bingxian Song
  • Patent number: 9924844
    Abstract: An industrial floor scrubber includes a solution tank and delivery system for applying the solution to the floor, and one or more rotating brushes for removing dust and debris from the floor and respectively directing same to a squeegee and to a debris hopper. The trailing squeegee removes the remaining solution from the floor and, in combination with a vacuum system, directs the recovered solution to a cleaning solution recovery tank in the scrubbing mode of operation. In a sweeping mode of operation, the use of a dust filter is eliminated as the dust-laden air is directed past the debris hopper and onto the upraised squeegee which confines and directs the dust-laden air into a spray of fine water particles which adhere to and transport the dust-bearing water particles to the recovery tank via an applied vacuum. The heavy dust-bearing water particles drop into the recovery tank, while a demister removes the remaining water vapor with the dry air discharged to the atmosphere via a vacuum impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: MINUTEMAN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Barry M. Person, Kevin P. Sheehan, Christopher M. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 9924845
    Abstract: A robot cleaner including: a body; and a sensor protruding from a top surface of the body, wherein the body includes a protrusion positioned forward of the sensor relative to a forward driving direction of the robot cleaner, the protrusion extending to a height that is at least equal to the height of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: James Dyson, Michael David Aldred, Leanne Joyce Garner