Patents Issued in March 7, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190069717
    Abstract: An automatic beverage apparatus includes an ordering operation unit and host computer, where the ordering operation unit includes beverage, ice and sugar menus, where the beverage menu includes beverages, the ice and sugar menus set the ice volume and sugar amount corresponding to the first and second beverages, and the beverage, ice and sugar menus respectively output a beverage signal after selection. The host computer is in electric connection with a cup dropping machine, label machine, ice maker, first additive device, fructose machine, jam machine, second additive device, milk machine, beverage device, sealing machine and cup shaking device, where the cup dropping machine outputs a cup, the label machine sticks a label corresponding to the beverage onto the cup, a transmission unit moves the cup to below the above elements to receive the selected objects, and the cup shaking device clamps, rotates the cup after it is sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Chi-Yang Yeh
  • Publication number: 20190069718
    Abstract: A heated dish system includes a dish; and a heating apparatus to removably hold the dish, the heating apparatus having a base to receive the dish; a control system having an internal power source to charge via an external cable to plug into an electrical port; and one or more inserts to heat via receiving power from the internal power source; the one or more inserts are to be inserted into the dish to heat food within the dish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Jennifer Wohlschlegel, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190069719
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance in the form of a multi-purpose frying pan includes a base, a cover with a hot air system, an inner pot, a stirrer and a stirrer drive device. The inner pot can be removed from the base. A pot cavity is formed between the lid cover and the inner pot and the stirrer is located in the pot cavity, and the stirrer drive device is installed in the pan. Covered and on the outside of the hot air system, the stirrer drive device drives the stirrer to rotate. The stirrer drive device is disposed on the lid to prevent water or oil from polluting the motor during the cleaning of the cookware. The stirrer drive device is arranged on the outside of the hot air system to effectively prevent the drive device from blocking the transmission of hot air from the hot air system to the inner pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Zhenxiong HUANG, Yun YANG, Jun ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20190069720
    Abstract: Disclosed herein in the accompanying description and drawings is a cooking apparatus having a cooking heat source; a grill grate having a grill grate surface, the grill grate surface defining a plane of the grill grate surface, the grill grate being positioned over the cooking heat source; a griddle plate, the griddle plate being moveable between a cooking position and a stowed position, the griddle plate being positioned over the grill grate in the cooking position, and a majority of the griddle plate being lower than the plane of the grill grate surface in the stowed position; and a lift mechanism connected to the griddle plate, such that the lift mechanism supports at least a portion of the weight of the griddle plate between the cooking position and the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Chad A. Grand
  • Publication number: 20190069721
    Abstract: A grill including an upper shell and a lower shell is provided. The lower shell defines an opening there-through, and the upper shell and the lower shell together define a cooking chamber. A pellet burner is adapted to fit in the opening in the lower shell. The pellet burner includes an air duct having a first end and a second end. The first end is positioned outside of the lower shell and the second end is positioned inside of the lower shell when the pellet burner is fitted in the opening in the lower shell. The pellet burner includes a fan positioned to blow air through the air duct and through the second end of the air duct, and a pellet box configured to hold a plurality of pellets. An auger moves the pellets to a position adjacent the second end of the air duct that contains a hot rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jon Scott Walters, Fu Du Feng
  • Publication number: 20190069722
    Abstract: The present application discloses an automated kitchen system comprising a first computer and a plurality of second computers which are connected so that the first computer may communicate with any of the second computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Zhengxu He
  • Publication number: 20190069723
    Abstract: Systems and methods for shaping food items are provided. The systems and methods can shape the food items into taco shapes. A system can include a basket, a tool, and an insert. The basket includes troughs and a handle. The tool includes guides that receive patties made of, for example, potatoes, meat, and/or other food items. The insert includes wedges sized and shaped to fit through the guides and into the troughs of the basket. The tool is assembled with the basket in use, and frozen patties are placed in the guides. The insert is assembled with the tool such that the wedges contact the patties. The assembly is placed in hot oil to cook the patties. As the patties cook and soften, the insert moves downward relative to the tool and basket, and the wedges urge the patties into the troughs and into a taco shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew McClellan, Nancy Kanis, Edgar Guzman, Jose Mercado, Javier Mercado, Greg Iorio
  • Publication number: 20190069724
    Abstract: A module includes a housing, a sealing feature, a locking feature, and an agitator. The housing has an opening separating inner and outer surfaces and a boss that extends through the housing such that part of the outer surface forms an inner bore of the boss having a terminus pointing toward the opening. The agitator has a base, a shaft, and a mixing element coupled to the base such that the base, in cooperation with the sealing feature, circumferentially seals the opening of the housing to form a cavity defined by the inner surface. The shaft passes through the inner bore. The locking feature when engaged permits independent or simultaneous translational and rotational movement of the shaft while an area between the terminus of the boss and the shaft remains mechanically sealed during the movement against liquid or powder encroachment into a clean area of the inner bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Gian-Carlo Ochoa, Brendan J. Duffy, Chris Penna, Gary Van Deursen, Ben W. Fagen
  • Publication number: 20190069725
    Abstract: A drink cup contains: a body, a cover, and a stirring unit. The body includes a bottom fringe, a peripheral fringe, a chamber, and an opening. The bottom fringe has an orifice defined on a central position thereof and communicating with the chamber. The stirring unit has a seat, a stirrer, and a fixing element, wherein the seat is mounted on the orifice and has a central hole communicating with the chamber. The stirrer has a stem, an outer diameter of which is less than the central hole, and the stirrer also has a blade and a first locking portion on a bottom of the stirrer. The fixing element has an engagement portion and a second locking portion. When the stem of the stirrer inserts through the central hole, the second locking portion of the fixing element is in connection with the first locking element of the stirrer so that the stem of the stirrer rotatably connects with the central hole of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Chih-Chin WANG, Jo-Chi HUANG, Chien-Liang HUANG, Shih-Hung HSU
  • Publication number: 20190069726
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance (1), comprising: a bowl (100); a lid (200) arranged to be fitable to the bowl (100); a seal (230) arranged to be fitted between the lid and the bowl when the lid is fitted to the bowl; and a safety device (150) arranged to allow operation of the kitchen appliance only when both the lid is fitted to the bowl and the seal is fitted between the lid and the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Martin HUNT, Mark SEIDLER, Ben WOODLING
  • Publication number: 20190069727
    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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Mary Ellen Hoye
  • Publication number: 20190069728
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a food system that prepares food based on a user's preferences and environment (e.g., health and diet, tastes, availability of food, costs, location, and what is stored or available for the food preparation system). The food system can store, cool, serve, prepare, juice, recognize with an antenna array, cut, weigh, sanitize, or compost food. The food system can include a robotic arm or water jet for cutting a food item. The disclosed technology improves food consumption for users based on diet and observed behavior (e.g., tracking caloric intake and exercise).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Anas Alfarra
  • Publication number: 20190069729
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for a bathing enclosure includes a receptacle having a lower flange, a side flange projecting from the lower flange, and an upper flange projecting from an upper end of the side flange. The assembly further includes a base, defining an outwardly-extending flange at an upper end thereof, the outwardly-extending flange configured to interface with the lower flange of the receptacle. The assembly further includes a seal configured to be received in the receptacle, the seal having a compliant member having opposing first and second sides, a first member having an inner surface configured to engage the first side of the compliant member, and a second member having an inner surface configured to engage the second side of the compliant member. An upper surface of the compliant member is configured to be compressed by the upper flange of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: LUKE B. ZIMBRIC
  • Publication number: 20190069730
    Abstract: The invention provides a bathroom fixture in the form of an electronic mirror with a touchlessly operated fluid dispenser. The device provides visual cues to assist in the touchless operation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, David Duncan, Hendrik Ophardt
  • Publication number: 20190069731
    Abstract: A tissue box holder system including a tissue dispenser assembly including a receptacle having a plurality of sidewalls, and a removeable base having a fastener, and a receiver. The tissue dispenser assembly includes the receptacle defined by the plurality of sidewalls and configured to receive a tissue box and dispense tissues therefrom. The fastener of the base is configured to mate with the receiver and secure the tissue dispenser assembly to a planar surface including a dashboard of a vehicle allowing users to easily access tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Yolanda Arnold
  • Publication number: 20190069732
    Abstract: A tissue wipe container includes a case which stores therein a roll of tissue wipes with perforations and which is provided with a dispensing unit having an opening through which the tissue wipes pass in a vertical direction to be pulled out to an outside upon being separated along the perforations, and a lid attached to the case in such a manner as to open and close the opening of the dispensing unit, wherein the dispensing unit is provided with an engaging part for causing the dispensing unit to be engaged with the case, the engaging part has a constricted portion formed in a side surface of the dispensing unit at a center in the vertical direction along a circumferential direction, an edge of a mount opening of the case being inserted into the constricted portion to cause the engaging part to be engaged with the mount opening, and the lid is in contact with the dispensing unit to provide airtight closure when the lid closes the opening of the dispensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Akiteru MIURA
  • Publication number: 20190069733
    Abstract: A toilet inhibits an occupant from exiting the toilet. Load sensors positioned in communication with the toilet seat detect a change of a load or pressure on the toilet by an occupant that is consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet, and/or movements of an occupant that are consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet. Other sensors may monitor movements that are consistent with an occupant attempting to exit the toilet. The sensors cause an actuator to change the angle of the toilet seat, which inhibits exiting the toilet. The toilet may also be constructed to signal an attendant when actions by an occupant are consistent with actions indicating an attempt by the occupant to exit the toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Rife
  • Publication number: 20190069734
    Abstract: A toilet seat may provide an overhang on the bottom that encapsulates the outer rim of a toilet bowl on one or more sides to stabilize the toilet seat. The toilet seat may include a larger seating area than a conventional toilet seat by providing that portions of the seat extend over the outer edge of the toilet bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Richard Wong
  • Publication number: 20190069735
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hygienic toilet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: You Jin SEO
  • Publication number: 20190069736
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head, an upright section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head, and a portable cleaning unit removably mounted to the upright section and comprising an energy storage member and a portable cleaning unit suction motor. The energy storage member provides the portable cleaning unit suction motor with power at least when the portable cleaning unit is switched on and when the portable cleaning unit is removed from the upright section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20190069737
    Abstract: A motor module includes a motor, a fan, and a casing accommodating the motor and the fan therein. The casing includes a tubular main body portion, an intake port, an exhaust port, a flow passage, and a partition unit. The flow passage includes a fan accommodating unit, a first muffling chamber that communicates with the fan accommodating unit via a first communication path, a second muffling chamber that communicates with the first muffling chamber via a second communication path, and a third muffling chamber that communicates with either one of the first muffling chamber or the second muffling chamber via a third communication path, and communicates with the exhaust port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Yuuichi SAKUMA, Jun MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20190069738
    Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner including a housing having a front end, a back end, a first side, and a second side, the housing further including a handle along a handle axis the handle axis extends in a direction from the back end toward the front end. A suction nozzle is along a suction nozzle axis that extends in a direction from the front end toward the back end. The handheld vacuum further includes a suction source operable to generate an airflow through the vacuum cleaner from the suction nozzle through a cyclonic separator to a clean air exhaust. The cyclonic separator includes a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction from the first side toward the second side and the handle axis and the suction nozzle axis intersect at an obtuse angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jamie Horvath, Kevin L. Thomas, Ambreese Hill, Joseph Saunders, Justin C. Andrikanich, William Nabors
  • Publication number: 20190069739
    Abstract: An extraction cleaner having a cleanout tool for use with a surface cleaning apparatus such as an extraction cleaner or vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle cleaning implement and a brush cleaning implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: David M. Miller, Karyn Lee Sagorski, Daniel Browne
  • Publication number: 20190069740
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner tool having a brush head, a rotatable duct, and a hinge. The rotatable duct is configured to receive a hose or wand and rotates about the hinge relative to the brush head, between a use position and storage position. In a storage position, the rotatable duct extends generally parallel, or in-line with the brush head and, in a use position, the rotatable duct extends generally perpendicular to the brush head. The vacuum cleaner tool may removably attach to the vacuum cleaner via a release on one end of the brush head interacting with a fixed catch on the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jason B. THORNE, Alexander CALVINO, Mingshun SU, Robert YANG, Charlie CAI, Gordon HOWES, Brian M. BOND, Leanna CORNELIUS
  • Publication number: 20190069741
    Abstract: A motor module includes a motor, a fan, and a casing accommodating the motor and the fan therein. The casing includes a tubular main body portion, an intake port, an exhaust port, a motor disposing unit, a flow passage, and a partition unit. The flow passage includes a fan accommodating unit, a first muffling chamber that communicates with the fan accommodating unit via a first communication path, and a second muffling chamber that communicates with the first muffling chamber via a second communication path. In addition, the partition unit includes an inner partition unit that partitions the motor disposing unit and the first muffling chamber. The first muffling chamber communicates with the motor disposing unit via a cutout portion in the inner partition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jun MURAKAMI, Yuuichi SAKUMA
  • Publication number: 20190069742
    Abstract: A motor module includes a motor, a fan, and a casing accommodating the motor and the fan therein. The casing includes a tubular main body portion, an intake port, an exhaust port, a motor disposing unit, a flow passage, and a partition unit. The flow passage includes a fan accommodating unit. The partition unit includes a first central partition unit that partitions the fan accommodating unit and the motor disposing unit. The first central partition unit includes a cutout portion provided at at least a portion of the first central partition unit. The motor disposing unit communicates with the fan accommodating unit via the cutout portion. A flow passage sectional area of the motor disposing unit is greater than a flow passage sectional area of the first central partition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Yuuichi SAKUMA, Jun MURAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20190069743
    Abstract: This document is an abstract of Vecter This is my description of a new type of vacuum cleaner it uses forced positive pressure as well as negative vacuum pressure. It uses both high and low velocity air pumped in to the suction nozzle. Zero vortex is maintained by a variable air flow control module. Because of the efficiency of this machine the noise levels are lower than any other vacuum. The high velocity air is gained by means of a screw compressor driven by the motor. The high velocity air is dispersed through ultrasonic jets at the pickup head. The low velocity air pumped through venturi to the pickup head and maintains movement of particles at all times as there is zero vortex and air circulates continuously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Denis Spencer
  • Publication number: 20190069744
    Abstract: A robotic cleaner may include a housing, a bumper, driven wheels, and a controller. The bumper can be coupled to a front of the housing. The bumper may include a plurality of projections extending from a top edge of the bumper and above a top surface of the housing. The projections may include at least one leading projection proximate a forward most portion of the bumper and at least two side projections on each respective side of the bumper. The driven wheels may be rotatably mounted to the housing. The controller may be for controlling at least the driven wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Melinda L. LIGGETT, Isaku D. KAMADA, Frederick K. HOPKE, Gan Sin HUAT, Charles FIEBIG, Scott CONNOR, Alan AI
  • Publication number: 20190069745
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system, comprising a mobile floor treatment apparatus and a docking station therefor, wherein the floor treatment apparatus has at least one liquid container with a container wall and a container interior, as well as at least one liquid conduit for providing a liquid for the container interior; wherein the docking station comprises a supply conduit which, in a docked position of the floor treatment apparatus on the docking station, is in fluidic connection with the at least one liquid conduit; wherein the floor treatment system comprises an opening device by way of which a wall portion of the container wall is movable, for clearing at least one container opening of the at least one liquid container, into an open position, and in the docked position of the floor treatment apparatus the liquid can exit from the container interior through the container opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Steffen JUETTNER, Patrick PRASSER, Heiko BLUMHARDT, Barbara PFISTER, Christoph WALLER, Frank NONNENMANN
  • Publication number: 20190069746
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system, comprising a mobile floor treatment apparatus and a docking station therefor, wherein the floor treatment apparatus has at least one liquid container with a container wall and a container interior, wherein the docking station comprises at least one supply conduit through which, in a docked position of the floor treatment apparatus on the docking station, a liquid is suppliable to the container interior, wherein the floor treatment system comprises an opening device by way of which a wall portion of the container wall is movable into an open position, for clearing at least one container opening of the at least one liquid container, and in the docked position of the floor treatment apparatus the liquid can exit from the container interior through the container opening, and wherein the wall portion is transferable into the open position by the opening device by moving the floor treatment apparatus from a non-docked position into the docked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Steffen JUETTNER, Patrick PRASSER, Heiko BLUMHARDT, Barbara PFISTER, Christoph WALLER, Frank NONNENMANN
  • Publication number: 20190069747
    Abstract: A floor cleaning machine including a base including a suction nozzle and a distribution nozzle, a handle pivotably coupled to the base about a pivot axis, a supply tank assembly coupled to the handle, and a suction motor assembly in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The floor cleaning machine further includes a recovery tank coupled to the handle in fluid communication with the suction motor assembly to receive and store fluid and dirt drawn through the suction nozzle and an expandable hose fluidly communicating the recovery tank and the suction nozzle. The hose is in an expanded configuration when the handle is pivoted to a substantially upright position and the hose is in a retracted configuration when the handle is pivoted about the pivot axis to a reclined position and the hose at least partially wraps around the pivot axis in the expanded and the retracted configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Kevin Vail, Gavin Burnham, Jennifer Kathryn Marsden, John Bantum
  • Publication number: 20190069748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor cleaning system, having a mobile floor cleaning apparatus that comprises at least one cleaning unit for cleaning a floor surface, a reservoir for receiving a cleaning liquid, a dirt receiving device for taking up dirty liquid from the floor surface, and a dirty liquid container into which the dirty liquid is transferable; and further having a docking station for the floor cleaning apparatus, which is docked thereto in a docked position; wherein the docking station has at least one supply conduit with a connection element arranged thereon, the floor cleaning apparatus having at least one liquid conduit with a connection element arranged thereon; wherein the floor cleaning apparatus comprises a rinsing device on or in the dirty liquid container; and wherein, when the floor cleaning apparatus is in the docked position, the connection elements are coupled to one another such that the reservoir is fillable with the cleaning liquid via the at least one liquid conduit and a rinsing l
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Heiko BLUMHARDT, Barbara PFISTER, Frank NONNENMANN, Patrick PRASSER, Christoph WALLER
  • Publication number: 20190069749
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor treatment system, comprising a mobile floor treatment apparatus and a docking station therefor, wherein the floor treatment apparatus comprises a control device, at least one control line coupled thereto, and an electrical energy storage device for supplying energy to the floor treatment apparatus, and the docking station comprises at least one actuator and at least one control line coupled thereto; wherein, when the floor treatment apparatus is in a docked position on the docking station, the control lines are coupled to one another in contact-based manner by way of control line connection elements, wherein the floor treatment system comprises a detection device for determining whether the floor treatment apparatus is in the docked position, and wherein, if this is determined positively, at least one of the actuators of the control device is actuatable or controllable by way of the control lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Christian WURM, Heiko BLUMHARDT, Barbara PFISTER, Christoph WALLER, Christian HOFNER
  • Publication number: 20190069750
    Abstract: A cleaning head assembly for a surface maintenance machine comprising a cleaning tool having a tool adapter, a driver adapted to provide a generally rotational motion to the cleaning tool to clean the floor surface, the driver being releasably connected to the tool adapter of the cleaning tool by a hub, and an aligning receptacle coupled to the tool adapter of the cleaning tool and positioned between the hub and the tool adapter, the aligning receptacle having an receptacle opening for receiving the hub, wherein the aligning receptacle is adapted to guide and matingly seat the hub into the receptacle opening and thereby engage the cleaning tool to the driver such that the cleaning tool and the driver are rotationally aligned and a rotational motion of the driver is transferred to the cleaning tool by the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Warren L. Larson, Kevin R. Williams, Adam J.C. Runnoe, Ronald W. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20190069751
    Abstract: A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: JOHN CANTRELL, MARK CHURCHILL
  • Publication number: 20190069752
    Abstract: Provided herein are an appliance and method for washing and rinsing goods. The appliance may include a circulation pump, a sensing arrangement arranged to measure an indication of circulation pump pressure or process water flow rate through the circulation pump, and a controller arranged to control operating speed of the circulation pump. The controller may be further arranged to detect that the indicated circulation pump pressure or process water flow rate through the circulation pump is insufficient, and gradually reduce operating speed of the circulation pump until the circulation pump pressure or the process water flow rate through the circulation pump is at a sufficient operational level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: David PERSSON
  • Publication number: 20190069753
    Abstract: A rack mounting assembly for supporting an upper rack assembly within a tub of a dishwasher appliance is provided. The tub defines an alignment feature and a screw hole. The rack mounting assembly includes a mounting body defining a mounting boss and a complementary feature configured for engaging the alignment feature of the tub when the mounting body is properly aligned. When the mounting body is properly aligned, the mounting boss is substantially aligned with a screw hole in the tub such that a screw can pass through the mounting boss and into the screw hole to secure the mounting body to the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Carl Maddux, Jeffrey Thomas Kiesler
  • Publication number: 20190069754
    Abstract: A dishwasher has a tub defining a wash chamber with an open face, a pivoting door having an open position and a closed position, a slide system having a first rail including a transition element, a second rail slidably interconnected with the first rail for relative sliding, and a dish rack rotatably connected to the slide system by a pivot system. The pivot system is attached to the transition element to cooperatively pivot with the door as the door is moving from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Marcus R. Fischer, Christopher C. Wilcox, Daniel S. Mead, Jamie T. Weinert
  • Publication number: 20190069755
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software program products for dispensing chemical products to a washing machine. A dispenser receives a conductivity signal from a conductivity circuit having input terminals coupled to a probe in a tank of the washing machine. The dispenser may compare the conductivity signal to a threshold indicative of a low level of conductivity between input terminals of the conductivity circuit. In response to the conductivity signal breaching the threshold, the dispenser may determine the tank of the washing machine is being drained of a washing solution. In response to the conductivity signal subsequently breaching another threshold indicative of a high level of conductivity between the input terminals, the dispenser may determine the tank is being filled, and dispense a predetermined amount of the chemical product into the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Terry Tincher
  • Publication number: 20190069756
    Abstract: A dishwasher, including: a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening; a door configured to close the loading opening; and at least one washware rack configured for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein the at least one washware rack includes a frame having a bottom portion and a side wall portion; and at least one adjustable glass support member extending across an interior of the at least one washware rack and disposed on the frame via brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Deborah Harr
  • Publication number: 20190069757
    Abstract: An endoscopic image processing apparatus includes a processor, and the processor performs processing for detecting a region-of-interest from sequentially inputted observation images; performs enhancement processing of a position corresponding to the region-of-interest, on the observation images of the subject inputted after a first period elapses from a time point of a start of detection of the region-of-interest, when the region-of-interest is continuously detected; and sets the first period based on at least one of position information indicating a position of the region-of-interest in the observation images and size information indicating a size of the region-of-interest in the observation images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidekazu IWAKI
  • Publication number: 20190069758
    Abstract: A power source apparatus and a system incorporating said power source for medical capsules are disclosed. A medical capsule often includes a power source sealed in a housing. Embodiments of the present invention allow the medical capsule to enable/disable electrical power supplied to a sub-system in the capsule device without special tools and/or skills after the medical capsule is manufactured. In one embodiment, the power source apparatus comprises a plunger responsive to a magnetic field, a spring to interact with the plunger, a battery and a control piece. The plunger is moved between first and second positions according to a magnetic field applied externally. Accordingly, the control piece enables or disables the power depending on the plunger positions. In another embodiment, a capsule system uses an electrical interconnect with pressure contacts between the power source and the capsule sub-system connecting the second circuit board to the power-output nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Gordon C. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190069759
    Abstract: A tool, consisting of an enclosure and a rotatable knob retained by, and protruding from, the enclosure. The tool has a tube having a proximal end that is retained by the enclosure, and the tube has an axis of symmetry. A Geneva drive is retained within the enclosure, the Geneva drive consisting of a drive wheel fixedly attached to the rotatable knob and a driven wheel fixedly attached to the proximal end of the tube, so that an axis of rotation of the driven wheel coincides with the axis of symmetry of the tube. Thus, a continuous rotation of the rotatable knob causes the tube to rotate about the axis of symmetry in discrete angular steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Yehuda Algawi, Ilya Sitnitsky
  • Publication number: 20190069760
    Abstract: An endoscopic camera system has an endoscope having a field stop encoded with endoscope information; a camera head coupleable to the endoscope, the camera head generating image data including the endoscope information; and a camera control unit coupleable to the camera head to receive image data from the camera head; and wherein the camera control unit is configured to analyze the endoscope information to identify the endoscope coupled to the camera head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: John Hygelund, David D'Alfonso, Bruce Laurence Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20190069761
    Abstract: The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel endoscopic device which is capable of stabilizing, straightening, expanding and/or flattening the side wall of a body lumen and/or body cavity so as to better present the side wall tissue for examination and/or treatment during an endoscopic procedure. The present invention also comprises the provision and use of a novel endoscopic device capable of steadying and/or stabilizing the distal tips and/or working ends of instruments inserted into a body lumen and/or body cavity, whereby to facilitate the use of those instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey Milsom, Howard Riina, J. Frederick Cornhill, Edward Dickinson, Clair Strohl, James J. Mahoney, JR., Pat Coppola
  • Publication number: 20190069762
    Abstract: An instrument (1), in which a main part (6) and a folding part (7) that can be extended therefrom are formed at the distal end (3) of a flexible shaft (2). The folding part (7) can be extended via a linkage (8) that can be adjusted by a spindle drive (9), and the spindle drive (9) can be driven from a proximal end (4) of the flexible shaft (2) via a flexible shaft (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: Scholly Fiberoptic GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Franz, Matthias Kratschmer
  • Publication number: 20190069763
    Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a first articulatable segment having a first diameter, and a second articulatable segment having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the second articulatable segment is coupled to the first articulatable segment and extends in a distal direction past the first articulatable segment. The instrument may also comprise a first force transmission element coupled to the first articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the first articulatable segment to a first connector portion, the first connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a first actuator, and a second force transmission element coupled to the second articulatable segment and extending in a proximal direction from the second articulatable segment to a second connector portion, the second connector portion being configured to be releasably coupled with a second actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher A. JULIAN, Amir BELSON, Aaron W. BROWN, Mark HARASYM, Marc S. KREIDLER, Robert M. OHLINE, Scott J. REINER, Enrique ROMO, Charles E. SWINEHART, Katherine WHITIN
  • Publication number: 20190069764
    Abstract: A medical overtube includes a long insertion unit having distal and proximal end portions; a bending unit connected to the distal end portion; an operation unit disposed at a proximal end side of the insertion unit; and a linear member having a distal end fixed to a distal end side of the bending unit and disposed movably along a longitudinal axis of the insetion and bending units. The bending unit is bent by the linear member being pulled toward the proximal end portion in response to an operation of the operation unit, the bending unit has a plurality of channels through which medical devices are passed, and the linear member in the insertion unit is disposed at a position shifted in a circumferential direction and inward in a radial direction with respect to a position of the linear member disposed in at least a part of the bending unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi ISODA, Tatsutoshi HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190069765
    Abstract: An endoscope device is provided, which includes: an insertion part inserted into an examination subject; an outer coat tube disposed at an outer circumferential portion of the insertion part; a fixing member at least a part of which is inserted into the outer coat tube, and the fixing member being in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer coat tube; a tight binding thread wound around the outer coat tube, the tight binding thread being made flat in a state in which at least a void is pressed to be flattened, and the tight binding thread being wound such that a longitudinal surface in a flat cross section of the tight binding thread is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the outer coat tube; and a resin layer formed on the outer coat tube to cover the tight binding thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rieko NIINO
  • Publication number: 20190069766
    Abstract: [Object] It is desired that a technology that can reduce image quality degradation of an image captured by a variable-field-of-view endoscopic device is provided. [Solution] There is provided a control device including: an image quality control unit configured to control image quality of an image for display on a basis of optical axis angle information with reference to a scope axis of an endoscope and an image signal acquired by an image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takami MIZUKURA, Takeshi UEMORI, Kentaro FUKAZAWA, Daisuke KIKUCHI, Tsuneo HAYASHI