Patents Issued in December 26, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190387906
    Abstract: The standing telescopic beverage cup is an apparatus that contains a beverage and is mountable within the ground. The apparatus accommodates a user with an adjustable height. The apparatus includes a collapsible cup, a base plate, a main slot, a telescopic post, and a stake. The collapsible cup and the base plate, together, contain a beverage. The base plate upholds the collapsible cup. The main slot allows the telescopic post to connect to the base plate. The stake fastens the telescopic post into the ground while containing the beverage. The apparatus further includes a cover. The cover seals the collapsible cup with the base plate in order to prevent the collapsible cup from expanding and from coming into contact with nearby surfaces. The apparatus preferably includes a bubble leveler. The bubble leveler aids in the balancing of the beverage being contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Halsey Cruickshank
  • Publication number: 20190387907
    Abstract: Described herein is a container for a beverage as well as a means for drinking the beverage contained therein. In at least one embodiment, there is a container and straw combination that allows for a unique transportation of the liquid through the straw. The straw may be configured to pass through a lid of the container multiple times and pass through a hollow or channel positioned above the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Carmine K. CAPONE
  • Publication number: 20190387908
    Abstract: A cake protection and simulated decoration apparatus includes a base member having opposed bottom and top surfaces parallel having planar configurations, respectively, and being separated by a peripheral edge. The apparatus includes a body member having at least one side wall defining an interior area and is movable between a deployed configuration coupled to the top surface of the base member and a removed configuration displaced from the top surface, the body member defining an open top and an open bottom. A lid includes a planar top wall having a lip extending perpendicularly away from a peripheral edge of the top wall, the lip defining a diameter complementary to a diameter defined by an upper edge of the body member for releasably receiving the upper edge in a friction fit engagement. The lid is constructed of a metal material for operably receiving and adhering the magnetic decorations thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Lois Leister
  • Publication number: 20190387909
    Abstract: A fitted coaster for a beverage container. The coaster may include a base and a first sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the first sidewall, comprising: a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge; and a first top edge and a first bottom edge opposite the first top edge. The coaster may also include a second sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly from the base, the second sidewall, comprising: a third lateral edge and a fourth lateral edge opposite the third lateral edge; and a second top edge and a second bottom edge opposite the second top edge, wherein the first lateral edge is attached to the third lateral edge and wherein the second lateral edge is attached to the fourth lateral edge. The coaster may further include a first notch disposed along the first bottom edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Austin Gray, Steven Eggleston
  • Publication number: 20190387910
    Abstract: An outdoor drop box furniture and method of use. The outdoor drop box furniture includes an interior receptacle, an outdoor furniture shell configured to conceal the interior receptacle, such as a sofa-style shell, park bench-style shell, or planter, and a locking mechanism comprising a passcode reader configured to receive a passcode and selectively allow access to the interior receptacle depending on the passcode. The method includes generating an access code, transmitting the access code to the deliverer, arranging a locking mechanism according to the access code, receiving a passcode entered by the deliverer, determining authorization to access the interior receptacle by comparing the access code and the passcode, based on the determination, opening the interior receptacle, and after removal of the item is removed, closing the interior receptacle and deleting the access code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Terra Stoich
  • Publication number: 20190387911
    Abstract: An alignment bracket for a roller blind, comprising a base and a roller tube support securable to the base. First and second coupling members on the base and roller tube support permit an adjustment of the alignment of the roller tube support, and the end of a roller tube mounted thereon, relative to the base. Also provided is a blind fabric alignment device for a roller tube of a multi-tube roller blind. The alignment device comprises a drive coupling body securable to an end of a roller tube of the blind, a driven member mounted to the drive coupling body, a torque transfer mechanism secured to the driven member, and an adjuster. The torque transfer mechanism transfers rotational torque from the driven member to the drive coupling body through the adjuster. The adjuster permits an alteration of the rotational position of the driven member relative to the drive coupling body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: ZMC Metal Coating Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Ng
  • Publication number: 20190387912
    Abstract: An architectural covering is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and a drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. The rotatable drive element is connected to a wall, ceiling or other structure by brackets. In one arrangement a drive shaft having at least one bearing is then attached to the brackets such that the rotatable drive elements rotate upon the bearings. This arrangement provides an efficient, simple and convenient manner of attaching a rotatable drive element to brackets for mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Willis J. MULLET, Michael D. FOX, Daniel T. MATTHEWS, Dale MCCARTHY, Darrin W. BRUNK
  • Publication number: 20190387913
    Abstract: A steam generator and a cooking apparatus having a steam generator are provided. The steam generator may include a steam generation tube; an inflow tube configured to provide a passage so that water is introduced into the steam generation tube; at least one heater disposed on an outer surface of the steam generation tube to heat the water and generate steam; a discharge tube disposed above the steam generation tube to provide a passage so that the steam is discharged; and an adaptor unit configured to branch discharge water and the steam discharged from the discharge tube. The discharge tube may have an inner diameter that gradually increases in an upward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Soochan LEE, Jaekyung YANG, Haksoon YANG, Yongsoo LEE
  • Publication number: 20190387914
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a wall portion having a wall inner surface and a wall outer surface, a base portion having a base inner surface and a base outer surface, at least a portion of the wall portion and the base portion forming a vessel to retain fluid therein, at least part of the base portion configured to receive heat, and a plurality of shaped portions with at least three sides extending above, each shaped portion of the base inner surface including at least three sides and polygonal shaped tops, each of the plurality of shaped portions capable of supplying heat from the sides to fluid adjacent to the sides, the plurality of shaped portions including the polygonal shaped tops to induce creation of a plurality of hexagonal convection cells in contact with a surface of the fluid which increases heat transfer from the heating source to the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Richard J. Schoofs, Gregory R. Schoofs
  • Publication number: 20190387915
    Abstract: A disposable packaging form is provided for brewed, hot drinks. The invention allows a user to brew the hot drink, squeeze out the brewed contents, and stir the contents of the hot drink. Each action can be performed multiple times before disposal. In some embodiments, the device of the present invention dispenses sweeteners, creamers, flavorings and condiments. The present invention frees the user of the inconvenience of having to collect, wash, or dispose of the stirrers, squeezers and bags of the hot drink individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Pamela Saha
  • Publication number: 20190387916
    Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus has a first container with a first lower end, a first upper end, and a first sidewall extending between the first lower end and the first upper end defining a primary chamber. The beverage brewing apparatus further includes a second container connected to the first container, the second container having a second lower end, a second upper end, and a second sidewall extending between the second lower end and the second upper end defining a secondary chamber. A lid encloses the first upper end and has a plunger movable relative to the lid, the plunger being movably disposed between the first upper end and the first lower end. The secondary chamber is in fluid communication with the primary chamber via a passage proximate to the first lower end and the second lower end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Gina Tempelis, Donald Petronelli
  • Publication number: 20190387917
    Abstract: A coffee brewing device, comprising a filter chamber in which the coffee is brewed. A shower-like shower head is connected to a water supply system so as to supply water to the filter chamber. The shower head is provided above the filter chamber to define a sealed space for brewing coffee. The device further comprises a vacuum port provided in fluid communication with the sealed space, wherein the vacuum port is connected to a vacuum device. A main control board (2) is also provided, wherein the water supply system (6) and the vacuum device (7) are connected to and controlled by the main control board. During the brewing process, heated water is provided in even contact with the ground coffee within the filter chamber. The brewing time is controllable by operation of the vacuum device, and the coffee is brewed out to maintain the original taste of the coffee. By setting the vacuum device, it is possible to control the brewing process under a vacuum state within the sealed space of the filter chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Shu Sang Cheung, To Yin Pang
  • Publication number: 20190387918
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has: a water circuit (12,13) for guiding water (2,2?,2?) from a source (11); and a mixing unit (20) fluidically connected to the water circuit (12,13) and to a beverage outlet (23) for dispensing to a consumer cup or mug (5) a beverage (3) formed in the mixing unit (20). The mixing unit (20) has a first module (21) and a second module (22) that are relatively movable from: a distant configuration for inserting an ingredient between the first and second modules (21,22); to a proximate position for combining such ingredient with water (2?) supplied by the water circuit (12,13) so as to form the beverage (3). The machine has: a further unit (30) fluidically connected to the water circuit (12,13) and to an outlet (33) for dispensing to a consumer cup or mug water (2?) supplied by the water circuit (12,13); and a water directing device (14) fluidically connected to the water circuit (12,13), to the mixing unit (20) and to the further unit (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Gilles Gavillet, Peter Moeri
  • Publication number: 20190387919
    Abstract: An automatic device for brewing beverages at least comprises an ice cube meter, at least one beverage supply device, at least one robotic arm, a feed conveyor belt, a plurality of feeders, and a film sealing machine, mainly uses the robotic arm to take up ice cubes and a beverage from the ice cube meter and the beverage supply device with a hand-shake cup, then shake and mix, and pour the shaken and mixed beverage and ice cubes into a beverage cup, the beverage cup is conveyed to pass through the feeders by the feed conveyor belt, ingredient is squeezed into the beverage cup by the feeder, and finally the beverage cup containing the beverage, ice cubes and ingredient is conveyed by the feed conveyor belt to the film sealing machine for sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Kuo-Tsung Huang, Chun-Hung Lin, Fu-Kuan Hsu, Tsan-Ching Huang
  • Publication number: 20190387920
    Abstract: A method of preparing a brewed beverage using a beverage brewing apparatus includes providing a flavorant, identifying a process cycle including one or more infusion cycles for preparing the brewed beverage, performing said one or more infusion cycles, wherein said performing of said one or more infusion cycles includes providing fluid to said flavorant, and varying a temperature of said fluid provided to said flavorant during a single infusion cycle of said one or more infusion cycles, or between a plurality of infusion cycles of said one or more infusion cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Joshua D. Anthony, Ethan T. Brown, Suzette Hammond, Chad P. Woodrow
  • Publication number: 20190387921
    Abstract: A food-heating apparatus includes a blower assembly, a heater housing, and a heating element. The heater housing may receive air from the blower assembly. The heating element may be disposed within the heater housing. The heater housing may a first flow path through which the air flows in a first direction outside of the heating element. The heating element may define a second flow path through which the air flows in a second direction inside of the heating element. The first flow path may receive the air from the blower assembly. The second flow path may receive the air from the first flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Adrienne LEMBERGER, Michael BALSAMO, Maxwell GOODMAN, Arya BANAIT, Thomas HANSON, Devin SPRATT, Oshin NAZARIAN
  • Publication number: 20190387922
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a control device for a food processing apparatus, and to a food processing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a food processing compartment (3) for a food substance, a heating unit (15) arranged to apply a heating procedure to the food substance, a weight sensor (44) arranged to monitor the weight of the processed food substance, and a control device (40) that is arranged to obtain weight information for the food substance, compute a derivative signal that is indicative of a weight loss rate of the food substance, compute a characteristic value of the derivative signal, and in an initial stage of the heating procedure, based on the characteristic value, determine an estimate for an initial fat content of the food substance, for the ongoing heating procedure, and/or an estimate for a resulting fat content change for the food substance. The present disclosure further relates to a method of operating a food processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Yafang JIN, ZhongChi LUO, Haitao FENG
  • Publication number: 20190387923
    Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having a hollow interior and food is receivable within said hollow interior. A heating element is associated with the housing and a support body supports food within the hollow interior. The support body includes a body having a plurality of diffuser ribs. A plurality of channels is formed between the plurality of diffuser rib and at least one of the plurality of diffuser ribs and the plurality of channels is operable to deflect a relatively downward flowing fluid relatively horizontally across said support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Joshua D. Anthony, Christopher T. Martin, Thomas Guerin, John M. Steinmetz, Ethan T. Brown, Chad P. Woodrow, Michaela Dubeau, Jennifer Kathryn Marsden, Roger Neil Jackson, Christina J. Crowley, Rupert Elliston, Andrew John Roy Tattersfield
  • Publication number: 20190387924
    Abstract: A granule burning grill includes a body, a burning chamber, and a grill grate. The burning chamber and the grill grate are disposed inside the body. The grill grate is provided above the burning chamber. A side portion of the body is provided with a feeding opening for the granular fuel. A heat collecting mechanism located in the body is provided between the grill grate and the burning chamber. A ceramic plate module is provided between the heat collecting mechanism and the grill grate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Ningbo Huige Outdoor Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Songcun ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20190387925
    Abstract: Provided is the prefabricated body using a module for a roaster according to an embodiment of the present invention, the prefabricated body including: a module including a module body provided with a fastening hole on one end side surface thereof, a first coupling groove provided in a longitudinal direction at a side of the module body, and a second coupling groove provided in the longitudinal direction at an opposite side of the module body at an arbitrary angle with the first coupling groove; a polygonal body with both ends open configured by module plates detachably coupled correspondingly with the first and second coupling grooves; a door openably installed at an opening at a side of the polygonal body; and a side plate installed at one opening at an opposite side of the polygonal body so as to face the door by a fastening member coupled with the fastening hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: SUN HO KWON, YONG JAE CHOE, SEUNG BEOM JO, NAM JUN CHOE
  • Publication number: 20190387926
    Abstract: An infrared source is arranged relative to support for bread product and operates to direct IR energy to the bread product. A light source is arranged relative to the support and operates to illuminate the bread product and a camera operates to capture images of the bread product. A processor receives the images from the camera. The processor compares successive images received from the camera. Based upon the comparison, the processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the bread product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Prince Castle LLC
    Inventors: Steven Shei, Loren Veltrop, Henry Africano, David E. Paton, Nicholas Paul Mandarino
  • Publication number: 20190387927
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction fryer and, more particularly, to an induction fryer comprising: a case having a space with an open upper part; a lid installed by means of a hinge at an upper part of the case so as to be opened and closed; a frying container, installed in the case, for containing oil so as to be able to fry frying ingredients; a frying basket having a space for holding the frying ingredients and having a fixing rod formed therein so as to be lifted up and down in the frying container; an induction heating unit installed on an outer circumferential surface of the frying container and having a coil and a magnet fixed to an assembly body so that electric energy is converted into thermal energy by electromagnetic induction and; and a control unit for electrically controlling the induction heating unit so that the frying ingredients can be fried by the electromagnetic induction phenomenon, wherein the coil is fixed only by fixing the magnet to the assembly body without using an adhesi
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: YOUNG SUK SHIN
  • Publication number: 20190387928
    Abstract: A temperature-regulating apparatus is provided to rapidly cool a beverage to a desired temperature. In some variations, the geometry of the temperature-regulating apparatus is configured to rapidly cool a beverage incorporating one or more inner portions that contain a temperature regulating material, such as a phase change material having a high heat capacity. The geometry of the interior of the container may be configured to aid in rapid heat transfer between the beverage therein and the outer shell of the inner portion and may have a length to width aspect ratio of at least 4:1. The inner portion may be formed between the exterior wall of the container and by a single piece of formed metal that extends along the length, width and base walls to form the interior for receiving a beverage. The cavity formed between the outer shell and the exterior wall may be at least 15 mm deep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander Simone
  • Publication number: 20190387929
    Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, or device to protect a sink or a cabinet. An apparatus may include a substrate, a guard wall, a first fastening wall, and a second fastening wall. The substrate may extend along a plane and include a top surface and a bottom surface. The guard wall may extend along at least part of a perimeter of the substrate. The first fastening wall may extend downwardly from a first edge of the substrate. The second fastening wall may extend downwardly from a second edge of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Garth Furler
  • Publication number: 20190387930
    Abstract: A device for dispensing cosmetic product. The device includes: a dispensing nozzle; a first mechanism for dispensing a dose of cosmetic product through the dispensing nozzle, from a cosmetic preparation capsule, ready to be dispensed; a second dispensing mechanism for dispensing, through the air, an aromatherapeutic composition; a receiver for receiving disposable capsules; and electronic elements, common to triggering the dispensing mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Sebastien Fauconnier
  • Publication number: 20190387931
    Abstract: A towel rod is provided having an elongated rigid body having two shorter parallel rods positioned lower than the body by support means on each end of the body. The body having support means attached to each end of the body and attach to and provide a gap to a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Melvin Sinclair Hewitt, JR.
  • Publication number: 20190387932
    Abstract: The invention discloses a hand protection cover dispenser (1) comprising: a box (2) comprising a front side (21) having an open upper portion, an upper side (22) having an upper front portion, and a spring (3); and a pile of covers (4) housed inside the box (2) and biased frontwards by the spring (3), where each cover (4) comprises a rectangular back sheet (41) having the size of the front side (21) and a front sheet (42) having a size smaller than the open upper portion of the front side (21) and being joined to lateral and upper edges of the back sheet (41) only at its lateral and upper edges. A user may introduce the hand between the back sheet (41) and the front sheet (42) by displacing it upwards under a lower edge of the front sheet (42) and extract said cover (4) by displacing the hand upwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Cristalino Transparente SL
    Inventor: Juan MONSALVE CORDOVA
  • Publication number: 20190387933
    Abstract: The cleaning wipes dispenser includes an outer protective sleeve and an inner central core disposed within the outer protective sleeve in slidable relation relative thereto. The inner central core includes a chamber for storing a set of wipes therein and moves relative to the outer protective sleeve between a first stored position wherein the set of wipes are generally non-accessible and maintained in a relatively moist environment therein and a second use position wherein the inner central core extends out from within the outer protective sleeve exposing a dispense channel therein and presenting an outermost wipe for dispensing from the set of wipes therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Matt A. Clayman
  • Publication number: 20190387934
    Abstract: A toilet air heating device, control method and a toilet including such device/method, which include an air heating fan, an external air duct, an internal air duct, an air heating wire component, a drive mechanism, and a controller. The internal air duct is accommodated inside the external air duct and telescopes, as driven by the drive mechanism, along the extension direction of the external air duct. An air outlet of the air heating fan is sequentially in communication with the air heating wire component, the external air duct, and the internal air duct. An internal air duct outlet of the internal air duct includes an auxiliary heater. The controller is in communication connection with each of the air heating wire component, the air heating fan, the drive mechanism and the auxiliary heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Liao Desheng
  • Publication number: 20190387935
    Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner (10) includes a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet (14) to a clean air outlet (18), a main body (22), and a motor assembly (114) positioned in the main body (22) and along the fluid flow path. The motor defines a motor rotational axis. The handheld vacuum cleaner (10) also includes a cyclonic chamber (30) positioned in the fluid flow path. The cyclonic chamber (30) defines a separator axis. The separator axis and the motor rotational axis form an obtuse angle extending between the cyclonic chamber (30) and the motor assembly (114). The handheld vacuum cleaner (10) further includes a pre-motor filter in the fluid flow path downstream from the cyclonic chamber (30) and upstream from the motor assembly (114), a plenum (386) in the fluid flow path immediately upstream from the motor assembly (114), and a sensor (402) positioned on the plenum. The sensor (402) is operable to measure a characteristic of the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy Buttery, Nicholas Tomlinson, Juan Aviles Quintero, Christopher M. Charlton
  • Publication number: 20190387936
    Abstract: An integrated vacuum and inflator device includes a housing, a first hose wrapped around the housing and a second hose wrapped around the housing. A first motor is included within the housing that provides a vacuum and is connectable with respect to the first hose. A second motor is also included within the housing and provides inflation and is connectable with respect to the second hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. RICHEY, Carey C. COSTLE, Chad ELLMAN
  • Publication number: 20190387937
    Abstract: A vacuum accessory may include a head including a head body defining an inlet and a fitting interface, the head body extending from a fitting interface to a base and enclosing a cavity. A fitting includes a fitting body symmetrically disposed about a longitudinal axis of the fitting. The fitting body defines a fitting inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the fitting inlet and the outlet. The fitting is connected to the head at the fitting interface and a fluid flow path fluidly connects the inlet and the outlet. A blade is removably coupled to the head and at least partially disposed within the cavity of the head. The blade includes a flat blade body that is coplanar with a reference plane dividing the fitting body and containing the longitudinal axis of the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Lee Martin, Neil N. Norell, Michael Z. Yurko
  • Publication number: 20190387938
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a retaining plate 1 for a vacuum cleaner filter bag, comprising a base plate 2 having a passage opening 3 formed therein and a closure device for closing the passage opening 3, wherein the closure device comprises two closure parts 4, 5 arranged in a plane parallel to the passage opening 3, and wherein the closure parts 4, 5 are movable relative to each other in the plane, so that, by a closing movement in the plane, they are movable to a closure position at which they close the passage opening 3 by overlapping each a respective part of the passage opening 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Sauer, Jan Schultink
  • Publication number: 20190387939
    Abstract: A dirt collection and separation module can include a suction air flow around the perimeter of a tank to ingest fine dust that becomes airborne during the emptying process. Additionally, a trash can suction nozzle around a rim, a hand vacuum docking station, and an auxiliary suction nozzle that can fluidly couple the hand vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Jason W. Pruiett
  • Publication number: 20190387940
    Abstract: A method of controlling a handheld vacuum cleaner (10) having a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet (14) to a clean air outlet (18) is provided. The method includes measuring a pressure value of an airflow through the fluid flow path, and determining whether the pressure value exceeds a predetermined threshold, which is indicative of a clog within the fluid flow path. The method further includes alerting a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner (10) when the pressure value exceeds the predetermined threshold. Alerting the user includes transmitting an alert to a personal device (418) of the user and identifying to the user a plurality of possible clog locations along the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Shadi Sumrain
  • Publication number: 20190387941
    Abstract: An autonomous floor-cleaning robot comprising a housing infrastructure including a chassis, a power subsystem; for providing the energy to power the autonomous floor-cleaning robot, a motive subsystem operative to propel the autonomous floor-cleaning robot for cleaning operations, a command and control subsystem operative to control the autonomous floor-cleaning robot to effect cleaning operations, and a self-adjusting cleaning head subsystem that includes a deck mounted in pivotal combination with the chassis, a brush assembly mounted in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to sweep up particulates during cleaning operations, a vacuum assembly disposed in combination with the deck and powered by the motive subsystem to ingest particulates during cleaning operations, and a deck adjusting subassembly mounted in combination with the motive subsystem for the brush assembly, the deck, and the chassis that is automatically operative in response to an increase in brush torque in said brush
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Newton E. Mack, David M. Nugent, Paul E. Sandin
  • Publication number: 20190387942
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter, the receiver, the brushroll sensor, and the floor sensor. The controller controls the brushroll motor. The controlling the brushroll motor includes controlling the brushroll motor to a first value or a second value based on a user selected factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick Truitt, Todd Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20190387943
    Abstract: A cleaner capable of controlling motor power and a control method thereof are disclosed. The cleaner may include a head suctioning external dirt, a stick communicating with the head, being adjustable in length, and providing a passage through which dirt that is suctioned moves, a length sensor mounted on the stick and sensing a length change of the stick, a motor providing dirt suction power to the head, a speed measurer measuring a movement speed and a movement direction of the head, and a controller controlling power of the motor. The controller may select minimum power for dirt suction of the motor on the basis of at least one of information about the length change of the stick, the movement speed of the head, and the movement direction of the head, and may control the motor to have the selected minimum power. The cleaner can transmit/receive wireless signals on a mobile communication network established in accordance with 5G (Generation) communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Tae Hyun KIM
  • Publication number: 20190387944
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for a task management and distribution system. Systems configured as disclosed manage task distribution between various robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles. As tasks are identified as not capable of completion by the detecting robot, they are transmitted to a central task-management system which identifies a subset of robots which are capable of completing the task, determines the availability of the robots in the subset, and assigns one of those robots in the subset to complete the task.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: John J. O'BRIEN, Donald R. HIGH, Brian MCHALE
  • Publication number: 20190387945
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot for determining a type and position of a home appliance present within in a traveling area and controlling the home appliance according to a control command or a situation. The mobile robot includes a controller for determining the type and position of the home appliance positioned within the traveling area based on the image acquired through an image acquisition unit, and for generating and outputting a home appliance map that is a traveling area map on which at least one of the type or position of the home appliance is indicated, wherein the home appliance is remotely controlled according to a control command of a user, a situation is determined according to the acquired information without a control command, and a home appliance appropriate for a specific situation is controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Minsoo KIM
  • Publication number: 20190387946
    Abstract: An autonomous coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a cleaning assembly housing and at least one driven sweeper brush. The robot includes a controller and a removable sweeper bin configured to receive debris agitated by the driven sweeper brush. The sweeper bin includes an emitter disposed on an interior surface of the bin and a receiver disposed remotely from the emitter on the interior surface of the bin and configured to receive an emitter signal. The emitter and the receiver are disposed such that a threshold level of accumulation of debris in the sweeper bin blocks the receiver from receiving emitter emissions. The robot includes a bin controller disposed in the sweeper bin and monitoring a detector signal and initiating a bin full routine upon determining a bin debris accumulation level requiring service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Steven Schnittman, Daniel N. Ozick, Gregg W. Landry
  • Publication number: 20190387947
    Abstract: The handheld cleaning apparatus provides a handheld cleaning apparatus comprising a removable handle, abrasive particles, angled edges, open channels, and a flexible yet durable surface for scouring. The invention creates an abrasive, or “sanding,” cleaning apparatus that is better suited for cleaning dirty surfaces than a traditional cleaning sponge. The handheld cleaning apparatus retains the abrasive outer shell of a sanding sponge but is much more flexible and water permeable than current sanding sponges. To this end, the handheld cleaning apparatus comprises open channels, or “blow holes,” that promote water flow through the sponge and give the sponge flexibility. The size and the number of the channels vary by the material or density of the sponge. The handheld cleaning apparatus, additionally, contains a handle that is removably attached, which enables the consumer the ability to connect one or more cleaning apparatuses together to form the desired shape and form of the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Steven Park
  • Publication number: 20190387948
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool (10) capable of easily attaching and detaching for a web (D). Particularly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning tool (10) includes a handle (200) configured to be grippable by a user, a body (100) having one side to which the handle (200) is pivotably connected and the other side providing an attachment surface to and from which a web (D) for cleaning is attachable and detachable, and a pushing unit (300) provided at the handle (200) to be movable therealong, wherein when the web (D) is attached to the attachment surface, the pushing unit (300) is movable along the handle (200) to separate the web (D) from the attachment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: In-Hwan LEE, Sang-Won EUN
  • Publication number: 20190387949
    Abstract: The invention discloses a folding flat mop having a mop-holding rod, two wing plates, a synchronous-folding-expanding connecting body, a synchronous-folding-expanding element, and a rotating sleeve connector. Each wing plate has a press-against body having an upper protrusion and a side protrusion, and a cleaning member is mounted on a bottom surface of each wing plate. The synchronous-folding-expanding connecting body has a shaft portion and two wing-plate-connecting portions respectively pivotally connected to the two wing plates. The synchronous-folding-expanding element is installed in a hole of the shaft portion, and each end of the synchronous-folding-expanding element is pivotally connected to or is gear engaged with each wing plate. The rotating sleeve connector has a sleeve portion covering an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion and an attaching portion protruding upward from the sleeve portion to connect to the mop-holding rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Ming-Che Ting
  • Publication number: 20190387950
    Abstract: A household appliance that includes a selectively mountable wireless communication module. The selectively mountable wireless communication module can be selectively mounted in a toe kick area of the household appliance. The household appliance can be, but is not limited to, a dishwasher, an oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, a microwave, a washing machine, a dryer, or a combo washer-dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Wyndham F. Gary, Jr., Jonathan D. Gephart, John Howard Lanham
  • Publication number: 20190387951
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening and having a top wall. A door is movable between opened and closed positions to selectively close the access opening. A receiving collar is coupled to one of the tub or the door and has an opening and a deflecting surface accessible through the opening. A strike plate is coupled to the other of the tub or the door and received within the opening in the receiving collar in an insertion direction. The strike plate has at least one biasing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Charles E. Nearpass, Michael E. Gatt, Thomas M. O'Brien, Jason A. Cackley
  • Publication number: 20190387952
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method including capturing and/or obtaining a reservoir information item at a dispensing module for a detergent and/or cleaning agent, with the reservoir information item representative of at least one property of a reservoir for the detergent and/or cleaning agent, an application specification for the detergent and/or cleaning agent contained in the reservoir, and/or a property of the detergent and/or cleaning agent contained in the reservoir, and the reservoir is connected or connectable to the dispensing module. The method further includes determining and/or causing the determination of a dispensing control information item depending at least in part on the reservoir information item, with the dispensing control information item configured to at least partly control the dispensing of the detergent and/or cleaning agent by the dispensing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicant: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: ARND KESSLER, THOMAS WEBER, JOHANNES ZIPFEL, CHRISTIAN NITSCH, LARS ZUECHNER, NADINE FRANKE, GEORG WAWER, ALEXANDER MUELLER
  • Publication number: 20190387953
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of a docking port arrangement for an adjustable dispensing device. The dispensing device may discharge a fluid and/or gas into the wash chamber. The dispensing device may be retracted into the wash chamber and extended out of the wash chamber. A gasket or portions thereof may be used for sealing and/or as an abutting structure during retraction into the wash chamber. The dispensing device may be, but is not limited to, a rotating spray arm. Two check valves may pivot together relative to a check valve plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Joel Boyer
  • Publication number: 20190387954
    Abstract: A machine for managing laundry includes a first washing part including a first washing body and a first door, where the first washing part has a first washing capacity, a second washing part including a second washing body and a second door, where the second washing part has a second washing capacity that is less than the first washing capacity, and a third washing part including a third washing body and a third door, where the third washing part has a third washing capacity that is less than the first washing capacity. The third washing part includes a shoe mount configured to support one or more shoes. The first washing part, the second washing part, and the third washing part are configured to be stacked in a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Seongwoo AN, Minkyu OH, Yongnam KIM, Yanghwan NO
  • Publication number: 20190387955
    Abstract: Shelf for evacuating water from wet footwear, and a footwear rack equipped therewith. The shelf comprises a gutter for channeling water, a front longitudinal footwear depositing surface along one side of the gutter and a back longitudinal footwear depositing surface along another side of the gutter. The shelf also comprises an evacuation aperture in a lowermost section of the gutter. The evacuation aperture defines a channel through the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventor: Sebastien Lassonde