Patents Issued in July 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 10022000
    Abstract: Bedding material including a first fabric section manufactured from performance fabric and having a first and second side; and, a second fabric section attached to the first side of the first fabric section. Additionally, a third fabric section can be attached to the second side of the first fabric section. The first fabric section can be attached to the second fabric section through a flatlock stitch. The first fabric section can include a first zone and a second zone wherein the first zone contains different performance properties from the second zone and the first zone can have thermal or moisture wicking properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SHEEX, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Walvius, Michelle Marciniak
  • Patent number: 10022001
    Abstract: A pillow 10 has two side panels (15A, 15B), an inner wedge (20) positioned between and connected to the two side panels, a mesh (25), and at least one valve stem (30). The inner wedge is enclosed by the side panels and the mesh. When the side panels and the inner wedge are inflated they become rigid and hold the mesh taut. The mesh allows air to circulate around the head of the user when the user lays his or her head on the pillow. There may be a single valve stem, in which case there are passageways between the side panels and the inner wedge to allow air to flow between them. There may also be two or three valve stems, and one or no passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: W. Brooke Hawkins
  • Patent number: 10022002
    Abstract: A travel aid device and system are disclosed comprising an upper platform adapted to receive a pillow thereon and a plurality of accessories therein. The disclosed device and system also include a lower platform base adapted to rest on a flat supporting surface and receive a plurality of accessories via a plurality of accessory ports therein. The disclosure also includes a pair of extension arms configured to connect the upper platform and the lower base in a “Z” shape via at least two points on each platform. The disclosure additionally includes use with a travel pillow shaped like a donut to receive a traveler's face therein, the travel pillow received onto a top surface of the upper platform. The upper and lower platforms are collapsible into a single laptop-like shell for compact transport and the pillow is detachable therefrom. A ratcheting hub and an angle lock knob or lock button are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Robert C V Chen, Tiffany Y W Chen
  • Patent number: 10022003
    Abstract: The pillow with audible and vibratory alarms is a pillow that includes a vibrating member integrated therein. The vibrating member is able to generate a vibratory alarm to awaken an end user. The pillow also includes a scent distribution system that is able to dispense a scent from a side of the pillow, which the end user is able to smell, and may be optionally used as a scent alarm. The pillow includes a speaker that is able to emit an audible alarm, which is optionally used to awaken the end user. The vibrating member, the speaker, and the scent distribution system are all collectively in wired connection with a control module. In use, the end user utilizes the pillow in a traditional manner, but is optionally awaken via an audible alarm, a vibratory alarm, and/or a scent alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Rogelio Edoria
  • Patent number: 10022004
    Abstract: A beverage lid for temporarily and removeably covering beverage cups and glasses to prevent spillage and contamination. The lid is installed on a drinking glass having an enlarged reservoir with a circular rim. The lid has a circular, planar base with an outer surface, an inner surface, and a diameter larger than the diameter of the glass rim. A central handle is affixed at a proximal end to and projects from the base and has an outer, grasping surface and an inner surface. The handle preferably has a shape that allows the outer surface of one handle to nest in the inner surface of the handle of another of the lids. The lid preferably includes an annular lip or tabs that project transverse to the plane of the base to prevent the lid from sliding off the rim of the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Taormina, Suzann Taormina, Francesco Taormina, Frankie Allison
  • Patent number: 10022005
    Abstract: A hanger device (10) for hanging items of apparel thereon has a base (12) and an indicia member (14). The base (12) is configured to be mounted on a surface (2) of a door (1). The indicia member (14) is pivotally connected to the base (12). The indicia member (12) is pivotable from a first position wherein the indicia of the member (14) is displayed, to a second position wherein items of apparel are capable of being hung on the indicia member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Scott Anthony Carpinelli
  • Patent number: 10022006
    Abstract: A clamping support assembly for suspending an object from a platform includes a clamp that is selectively manipulated. The clamp is biased into a closed position to engage a platform. A hook is coupled to the clamp. An object is selectively suspended from the clamp thereby facilitating the object to be suspended from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Chris Williams
  • Patent number: 10022007
    Abstract: A mailbox shielding assembly for deflecting snow propelled by a plow away from a mailbox includes a base and a shell. The base is configured to couple to a surface, such as soil. The shell has a lower end, an upper end, a left side, a right side, a front and a back. The front is open to define a cavity. A plurality of connectors is coupled to and extends substantially perpendicularly between the base and the shell. A coupler is coupled to the shell and is positioned in the cavity. The coupler is configured to couple to a mailbox to position the mailbox within the cavity. The shell is configured to deflect matter, such as snow propelled by a plow, to shield the mailbox that is positioned in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Lucero
  • Patent number: 10022008
    Abstract: A cooking assistive device comprises a portable housing configured to be disposed on or proximate a food item. The device includes a plurality of sensors situated within the housing, a dispenser, and a utensil holder. The device has a memory storing computer-readable instructions, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to: (a) obtain a wireless input from a mobile device; (b) access data stored in a remote database; (c) obtain a reading from at least one of the plurality of sensors; and (d) cause the dispenser to dispense a substance in response to the reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Newtonoid Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fielding B. Staton, David Strumpf
  • Patent number: 10022009
    Abstract: A filter-paper insert for making brewed beverages at least two layers of filter paper having a base and two opposite sides. The two layers are connected together at the base and at the two opposite sides to define an interior space that can be filled from a filling opening opposite the base. The filter paper includes a plurality of slots to increase permeability. The filter-paper insert has a lower region adjacent the base and an upper adjacent the filling opening. The lower region has fewer slots per surface area than the upper region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MELITTA EUROPA GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Sandra Aus Der Fuenten, Eduard Pertsch
  • Patent number: 10022010
    Abstract: The method comprises a first step during which with a capsule inserted into a percolation element and of the type presenting different chambers each of which containing a corresponding infuse, a water flow coming from a tank is caused to reach a predetermined temperature and a second step during which the water flow is directed towards a plurality of channels each of which is defined by a respective chamber and by a respective outlet area of said capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MACCHIAVELLI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Raffaele Rondelli
  • Patent number: 10022011
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients includes a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Norton, Andrew Halliday
  • Patent number: 10022012
    Abstract: The invention concerns a unit (1000) for controlling transmission of power to a thermal conditioning device (100) e.g. for coffee machine, comprising a controller (2) with a start-up profile for starting-up said device (100) from a temperature of inactivity (TI) to an operative temperature for bringing to a target temperature (TT) a fluid circulating through said device (100) at start-up end, said controller (2) being arranged to allow circulation of fluid through said device (100) at start-up end and to compare the determined temperature (SOT) of fluid circulated at start-up end to the target temperature (TT) and derive a temperature difference therefrom. It is characterized in that the start-up profile has at least one parameter and in that said controller (2) has a self-learning mode for adjusting said parameter as a function of said temperature difference and to store the adjusted parameter for a subsequent starting-up of said device (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Stefan Etter, Peter Mori
  • Patent number: 10022013
    Abstract: A splash guard system includes a stove that has a burner. A pot is provided and the pot may contain a liquid. The pot is positioned on the burner such that the pot is in thermal communication with the burner. Thus, the stove heats the liquid. A shield is removably coupled to the pot. The shield inhibits the liquid from splashing onto the burner when the stove heats the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: George Colwell, William Davis
  • Patent number: 10022014
    Abstract: A gas cooking appliance having a gas burner, at least one control device comprising a gas regulating valve regulating the flow of gas to the gas burner, a knob controlling the opening ON and closing OFF of the valve, and a position sensor detecting the ON-OFF position of the knob, and at least one signaling device comprising a light signal source that emits an alarm signal in the form of light. The light signal source emits the alarm signal during a time period T1 when the position sensor detects that the knob is in the OFF position, after the knob having been in the ON position, and the gas burner has been switched on at least during a time period T2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: COPRECI, S. COOP.
    Inventors: Ruben Mateos Martin, Joseba Jokin Antxia Uribeetxebarria, Aitor Zabalo Bayon
  • Patent number: 10022015
    Abstract: An automated, on-demand baking system including a computer controllable injector configured to be operative to programmably inject liquid baking ingredients through a wall of and into a mixing, baking and dispensing container, a computer controllable rotator configured to be operative to programmably rotate the mixing, baking and dispensing container containing baking ingredients, thereby mixing the baking ingredients into a dough, a heating generator operative to cause baking of the dough in the mixing, baking and dispensing container and a controller operative to govern the operation of the computer controllable injector, the computer controllable rotator and the heating generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Genie Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventors: Doron Marco, Ayelet Carasso
  • Patent number: 10022016
    Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle includes a plurality of modules, which may be interchangeable. The modules may include a removable storage tray, a cutting board, a grill, a refrigeration unit, a television, or speakers. The grill may include a grill base with control elements, at least one flame element, at least one heat spreader positioned over the flame element, and a grill grate positioned over the heat spreader. The tailgate may include removable or rotatable lids to cover the modules. A layer of insulation may be positioned around the grill base. The tailgate may include a funnel and a removable tray to collect debris from the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Streett, Justin Malone
  • Patent number: 10022017
    Abstract: A diverter, and a cooking chamber and cooking apparatus including the diverter, is capable of diffusing liquids, semi-solid substances, and the like. The diverter includes a diverter plate and an orifice that projects from a surface of the diverter plate. The orifice has an open sidewall portion. The diverter further includes a recessed portion formed in the diverter plate, extending from the orifice, and a bumper portion that projects from a surface of the recessed portion and is disposed proximate to the orifice. The cooking chamber includes a heating element, a wall, an inlet port formed in the wall, and a cooking chamber fitting disposed adjacent to the inlet port. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber, a filter pan, a filter pump, and an inlet port formed in a wall of the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Manouchehr Shirali, Trent Abney
  • Patent number: 10022018
    Abstract: A device for use in a blender comprises a rotatably arranged tool (10) for moving through food to be processed by means of the blender, and a tool cage (20) for partially covering the tool (10). The tool cage (20) is shaped like a hollow cylinder having a longitudinal axis and an inner surface (24) with exclusively non-convex areas, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the tool cage (20) deviates from a circular shape and has at least one protruding area which is outside of an imaginary circle being centrally positioned about the longitudinal axis and touching the inner surface (24) while having a minimum radius. The inner surface (24) of the tool cage (20) may have a triangular shape or a square shape about the longitudinal axis. A dimensionless characteristic value and a range for the value are defined for predicting quality of performance of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Christian Egger, Heimo Obersteiner
  • Patent number: 10022019
    Abstract: A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN ROBOTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Elvine Pineda, Matthew Udomphol, My Vu
  • Patent number: 10022020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a food processing device, for example but not exclusively, a gripper, a conveying hook, or a collection cup (1), having at least one processing surface portion of matt stainless steel having the following roughness characteristics: —a roughness value Ra, 0.2?Ra?1.2 (?m), and —a peak density value Rpc, 40<Rpc<140 (1/cm). It has been found that with devices treated in this manner, the application of vision technology is appreciably improved, so that much more reliable images are obtained. An example of this concerns observing yolk in albumen upon the breaking of eggs in egg breakers. Further, a particularly advantageous combination of usefulness is obtained, in this case for vision and cleanability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MOBA GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Eddy Alfred Herre Van Der Goot, Rudolf Johan Veeneman
  • Patent number: 10022021
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus having a base; a cooking container configured on the base; and a top lid that is configured to cover the cooking container so as to allow multiple modes of cooking, wherein the top lid is coupled with at least one magnetron that acts as a source of microwaves, such that in at least a first configuration, covering of the top lid enables microwave cooking using the magnetron, and in at least a second configuration, the cooking container is used to enable any or a combination of induction, open flame, radiation, convection, and conduction cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Sanandan Sudhir
  • Patent number: 10022022
    Abstract: A genitalia washing assembly includes a container that may contain a liquid detergent. The container has an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture may insertably receive male genitalia thereby facilitating the liquid detergent to wash the male genitalia. A lid is removably coupled to the container. The lid frictionally engages the lip such that the lid closes the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Tomas Del Rio
  • Patent number: 10022023
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing a liquid product includes a bottle configured to store the product, a venting pump connected to the bottle and configured to control dispensing of the product from the bottle, a mounting component, and an enclosure connected to the mounting component and engaging the bottle, wherein the enclosure is movable relative to the mounting component between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the bottle is selectively removable from the enclosure when the enclosure is in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Vi-Jon, Inc.
    Inventors: Donna M. Santoro, Andy Lee Kirkpatrick, Kacey James Kreuter, Stephen John Kocis, Lesley S. Corker, Stephen Joel Zwonitzer, Russell Kroll, Randal Porter
  • Patent number: 10022024
    Abstract: An exemplary refill unit for a foam dispenser includes a container for holding a foamable liquid and a liquid pump connected to the container and an outlet nozzle. The liquid pump has a rigid back plate and a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane and the rigid back plate form an arcuate shaped liquid pump chamber. The rigid back plate has a liquid inlet located proximate a first end of the arcuate shaped pump chamber and a liquid outlet located proximate a second end of the arcuate shaped pump chamber. The liquid pump is actuated by progressive compression of the flexible membrane against the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, John J. McNulty, Stephen A. Levy
  • Patent number: 10022025
    Abstract: A brush comprising a first motor to control a rotation of a brush head, a second motor to control a vibration of the brush head. In one embodiment, the brush further comprises a controller to control of a ratio between the rotation and the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Chirp Products, LLC
    Inventors: Steven D. Powell, Michael Chad Makay
  • Patent number: 10022026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight, portable vacuum that can be operated with a single hand. The invention provides improved means of collecting small objects, pet waste, dust, dirt, or other small debris without requiring excessive bending or stooping by the user. Advantageously, the invention provides improvements that reduce or potentially eliminate the user's contact with pet waste or other potentially hazardous solid waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Marc R. Price
  • Patent number: 10022027
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises having a primary dirty air inlet and a drive handle drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and comprising an above floor cleaning wand, a flexible hose and an auxiliary dirty air inlet, wherein the all in the head surface cleaning apparatus is useable in a floor cleaning mode in which the drive handle is drivingly connected to the surface cleaning head and air enters the all in the head surface cleaning apparatus via the primary dirty air inlet of the surface cleaning head and an above floor cleaning mode wherein the above floor cleaning wand is extended from a stored position and air enters the all in the head surface cleaning apparatus via the auxiliary dirty air inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Patent number: 10022028
    Abstract: The self-propelled cleaner (1) of the present invention includes an event detecting section (101) for detecting an event which relates to cleaning and has occurred in the cleaner, a feeling selecting section (201) for selecting, from a plurality of options, an operation mode with which the cleaner carries out an operation in response to the event, in accordance with measured information which relates to the cleaning and is measured by the cleaner, and a response operation control section (301) for controlling the cleaner to carry out the operation based on the operation information which is associated with the event and the operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanori Tsuboi, Jitsuo Sakamoto, Masashi Matsumoto, Mami Yatake
  • Patent number: 10022029
    Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner, including a cleaning unit includes a body case including a dust container opening, and a primary dust container including: a container body detachably provided to the body case accumulating dust collected by the cleaning unit; a connecting part exposed from or facing the dust container opening, when attached to the body case; a disposal port provided in the connecting part, for discharging dust from inside the container body; and a disposal lid opening and closing the disposal port. The station includes a dust transfer pipe contacting the connecting part of the primary dust container and connected to the disposal port, and a secondary dust container in which dust discharged from the primary dust container through the dust transfer pipe is accumulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yukio Machida, Masatoshi Tanaka, Atsushi Morishita, Yuji Ohtsuka, Hiromitsu Ichikawa, Hiromitsu Murata
  • Patent number: 10022030
    Abstract: A movable device has a base which can be moved on a surface using a travel gear, which may improve and design a movable device such that it can be moved on a surface without major damages and in a trouble-free manner, wherein the base is associated with one or more detectors configured to detect obstacles and/or with dampers configured to damp impact and/or with carriers configured to carry along particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Markus Rueckheim, Christian Mast
  • Patent number: 10022031
    Abstract: A portable power and water supply for hard surface or carpet cleaners is disclosed. The portable power and water supply can include a portable platform with a fresh/waste water tank and two or more power connectors that can be coupled to separate power sources. The fresh/waste water tank can have an internal bladder that separates fresh cleaning water from returned waste water. The fresh/waste water tank can facilitate operation of cleaning tools (e.g., hard surface cleaners and/or carpet cleaners) in buildings with limited or widely spaced water supplies, without the need for long hoses. The power connectors can be coupled to wall power to direct power to the cleaning tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Dri-Eaz Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William Bruders, Brett Bartholmey
  • Patent number: 10022032
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a water channel assembly including a channel shell and a filtering piece. The water channel is disposed on the surface of a cleaning roller in a seal and overturn mode so that the cleaning roller is washed by water flowing in the water channel. The filtering piece is laid in the water channel and faces the surface of the cleaning roller. As a result, the solid trash on the cleaning roller is filtered by the filter element and cannot enter the water channel, thus preventing the blockage of the waterway of the water supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: HIZERO TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Li, Yong Zhang
  • Patent number: 10022033
    Abstract: The foot mop is a cleaning implement that is adapted for use with a foot. The foot mop is adapted for use in cleaning a surface, especially a floor. The foot mop is worn on the foot. The foot mop cleans the surface by using the foot to rub the foot mop against a surface that needs to be cleaned. The foot mop comprises a plurality of bristles. The foot mop is further adapted for use with cleaning products. The foot mop comprises a plurality of shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Bonita Maynard
  • Patent number: 10022034
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and method of operation is provided. The dishwasher appliance may include a tub defining a wash chamber, a coarse filter disposed, a recirculation pump, and a drain pump. The method may include activating the recirculation pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in a primary flow direction, and activating the drain pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction for an initial purge cycle. Further included may be flushing wash fluid through the coarse filter and into the tub in a secondary flow direction opposite from the primary flow direction. Still further included may be activating the recirculation pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction, and activating the drain pump to flow wash fluid through the coarse filter in the primary flow direction for an additional purge cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Christopher Hofmann, Matthew D. Mersch
  • Patent number: 10022035
    Abstract: In one aspect, a dishwasher having sidewalls at least partially defining a treating chamber and defining an access opening, a rack rail mount, and a rack rail coupled to the tub mount slidably mounting a dishrack. The tub mount includes at least a light source and an electrical connection configured to provide electrical connection from the light source to a wiring harness adjacent the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Sujay Sunil Dabade, Benjamin Fulbright, Nic Kesterke, Ryan K. Roth
  • Patent number: 10022036
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to the cycle of operation and having an open face providing access to the treating chamber, a dish holder slidable relative to the tub through the open face between a loading position and a treating position and a light source provided on the dish holder for illuminating dishes contained in the dish holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tod E. Boyd, Anthony B. Welsh
  • Patent number: 10022037
    Abstract: A dish rack is supported for vertical movement relative to a dishwasher tub between lowered and raised positions. To raise the rack, spring biased locking levers provided on side walls of the dish rack are pivoted to cause wing members of the locking levers to release locking tabs, extending in a cantilevered fashion from locking straps secured to the rack, from locking openings provided in adjuster arms which are fixed vertically relative to the tub, thereby disengaging the locking straps from the adjuster arms to enable the rack to be lifted to the raised position. To lower the rack, the locking levers are again pivoted to reposition support members of the locking straps into positions offset from the adjuster arms, thereby enabling the rack to be guided to the lowered position where the locking tabs automatically engage the adjuster arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Kutto, Ronald M. Nowell, Jr., Kapil Gupta, Matthew M. Hansen, Sujay S. Dabade, Harshal J. Bhajak, Richard Lawrence Kretz
  • Patent number: 10022038
    Abstract: In one aspect, a dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and defining an access opening, a dishrack, and a guide rail assembly slidably mounting the dishrack to the tub. The guide rail assembly has a guide rail mounted to the dishrack or to the tub and has upper and lower tracks, which are spaced from each other by a predetermined height, and at least one pair of wheels comprising upper and lower wheels, which are rotatably mounted to the other of the dishrack or the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew M. Hansen, Ronald M. Nowell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10022039
    Abstract: An endoscope having an adjustable viewing direction. The endoscope including: an endoscope shaft having a longitudinal axis, a first optical unit disposed in the endoscope shaft, the first optical unit having a first prism pivotable about a pivot axis in order to deflect light, a second optical unit having at least a second prism for deflecting light, which is again deflected by the first prism, the second prism being arranged in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft, wherein the first prism has a light exit surface facing the second prism, and the second prism has a light admission surface facing towards the light exit surface of the first prism, and a lifting mechanism for lifting the first prism such that upon actuating the lifting mechanism the first prism executes a lifting movement in the direction of the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Schouwink, Takayuki Kato
  • Patent number: 10022040
    Abstract: A system comprising: (a) a sheath configured to receive all or a portion of an endoscope; (b) an irrigation line connecting the sheath to an irrigation source; (c) a suction line connecting the sheath to a suction sources, and (d) a control module located between the sheath, and the irrigation source and the suction source and controls flow of irrigation fluid from the irrigation source to the sheath and movement of suction between the suction source and the sheath; wherein the irrigation source is connected to a resilient reservoir that is located within the control module and movement of the control module compresses the resilient reservoir moving irrigation fluid from the resilient reservoir to the sheath so that the irrigation fluid assists in cleaning the endoscope, and wherein the control module includes a valve and compression of the resilient reservoir initiates movement of the valve so that the valve opens and suction from the suction line is applied to the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Ming J. Cheng, David C. Church, Daniel R. Goldberg, Gregory S. Konstorum, J. Andrew Willhite
  • Patent number: 10022041
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: CamPlex, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Charles, John Tesar
  • Patent number: 10022042
    Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging ear tissue include: directing illumination radiation to pass through an intact biological structure and be incident on ear tissue that does not include an exogenous fluorophore, at a plurality of locations, the illumination radiation including a plurality of light pulses each having a temporal duration of 500 femtoseconds or less; for each one of the plurality of locations, using a detector to detect radiation emitted from the location that passes through the intact biological structure; and forming an image of the tissue based on the detected radiation at each of the plurality of locations, where the emitted radiation corresponds to endogenous two-photon fluorescence of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Konstantina Stankovic, Demetri Psaltis, Xin Yang, Ye Pu, Chia-Lung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10022043
    Abstract: An eye examination device including eye examination optics for examining a patient's eyes. A chin rest assembly accepts the patient's head and maintains the patient's head in a fixed stable position. The chin rest assembly can comprise two spaced apart upright posts for securing to a table, with a forehead rest member being secured to the two upright posts at an upper end, and a chin rest member being secured to the two upright posts below the forehead rest member. The chin rest member can have a chin rest portion which extends forwardly relative to an upright plane extending between centers of the two upright posts and away from the eye examination optics, so that generally only a front of the patient's face coincides with the upright plane when the patient's head engages the chin rest portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Haixin Xue
  • Patent number: 10022044
    Abstract: A method of visual testing of an individual (10) includes the steps of: a) placing the individual at a predetermined observation distance (D1) from a display surface (21) at which the individual observes, with a natural head carriage, the display surface; b) displaying, on the display surface, a visual test including at least one test image (22) in a visual field of the individual; and c) determining, on the display surface, a boundary (23) of zones of optimal/degraded vision of the test image by the individual in the configuration resulting from steps a) and b), the boundary delimiting respectively a zone of optimal vision (23A) and a zone of degraded vision (23B) of the visual field, for which zones the individual indicates that he sees the test image of the visual test in an optimal manner, respectively in a degraded manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ESSILOR INTERNATIONAL (COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'OPTIQUE
    Inventors: Thierry Bonnin, Ahmed Haddadi, Sarah Marie
  • Patent number: 10022045
    Abstract: A vision testing system and a method of operating a data processing system for displaying an eye test pattern on a computer display to a patient during an eye examination are disclosed. The method includes causing the data processing system to display the eye test pattern in a chart region of a computer display controlled by the data processing system and characterized by a luminance in regions not displaying the eye test pattern. An intensity of light leaving the computer display is measured in a sensor region outside the chart region using a display luminance sensor. The luminance of the computer display is adjusted to provide a light level within a predetermined range of light levels based on the measured intensity of light. The data processing system can receive the measured intensity and adjust the display luminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: David Evans
  • Patent number: 10022046
    Abstract: A multi-channel optical coherence tomography probe for use in a medical procedure is provided. The probe comprises: a plurality of first optical fibers optically connectable to an OCT light source; a plurality of second optical fibers different from the plurality of first optical fibers; a scanning device comprising: an actuator configured to rotationally move the plurality of second optical fibers between a first position and a second position, relative to the plurality of first optical fibers; and, a mirror configured to, as the plurality of second optical fibers is moving rotationally, convey light from exit faces of the plurality of first optical fibers to entrance faces of the plurality of second optical fibers; and, a housing containing the plurality of second optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SYNAPTIVE MEDICAL (BARBADOS) INC.
    Inventors: Fangxin Li, Michael Frank Gunter Wood
  • Patent number: 10022047
    Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes a deforming unit and a generation unit. The deforming unit deforms a shape of a boundary that defines a region of a tomographic image of a subject eye in a depth direction according to a thickness of a layer in which the boundary is positioned. The generation unit generates an en-face image based on the region in the depth direction defined by the shape of the boundary deformed by the deforming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yutaka Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10022048
    Abstract: Method, system and computer program for measuring light diffusion in the eyeball or in the ocular region. The method comprises: projecting a punctiform light beam onto the retina; correcting low-order ocular aberrations of the eye; capturing and recording an image of the retinal plane formed after reflection of the punctiform light beam on the retina and a double passage through the ocular media of the eye; and at the same time as capturing the image of the retinal plane, performing a high- and low-order ocular aberration measurement in the plane of the pupil and performing a light diffusion measurement, combining ocular aberration measurement information with information on the image of the retinal plane. The system and the computer program are adapted for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA
    Inventors: Jaume Pujol Ramo, Montserrat Arjona Carbonell, Carlos Enrique Garcia Guerra, Mikel Aldaba Arévalo, Meritxell Vilaseca Ricart, Fernando Díaz Doutón
  • Patent number: 10022049
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for the assessment, screening, monitoring, or diagnosis of developmental or cognitive conditions, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by analysis of eye tracking data generated from feedback received as a result of display of specific predetermined visual stimuli to a subject or patient. Subsequent to a calibration phase, a testing procedure is performed by presenting predetermined stimuli (e.g., videos) to a subject via a display device. Eye tracking data (from the subject moving his or her eyes in response to predetermined movies or other visual stimuli) are collected. During the data collection period, the system periodically presents targets to reflexively elicit the subject's gaze. These data are used to later verify accuracy. Analysis of the subject's viewing patterns during these stimuli is used for the assessment, screening, monitoring, or diagnosis of developmental or cognitive conditions such as ASD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Ami Klin, Warren Jones, Peter Lewis