Patents Issued in April 20, 2021
  • Patent number: 10980336
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a unitary toothbrush head having a base and filaments extending therefrom. The method includes steps of injecting molten plastic material into a mold cavity having a pre-base cavity and a filament cavity extending therefrom; compressing the molten plastic material, once it is essentially filling the pre-base cavity, by impressing a punching tool into the molten plastic material from the rear side of the pre-base cavity being opposite to a side from which the filament cavity extends; and filling the filament cavity with the molten plastic material under the continuous impression of the punching tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gerald Görich, Harald Schnizer, Nicolas Götz, Klaus Eimann
  • Patent number: 10980337
    Abstract: A system and method for communicatively pairing a mobile communication device and a furniture item, such as a desk or table, includes placing the mobile communication device in a communication zone associated with the furniture item. In response to placing the mobile communication device in the communication zone, a communication link is established between the mobile communication device and a communication circuit of the furniture item. A user interface is then displayed on a display screen of the mobile communication device to show a preset height, such as a standing or sitting height, for the furniture device. When a user selects the preset height, an actuator adjusts the furniture item to the specific height. The communication circuit may use any available wireless communication protocol or circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: HERMAN MILLER, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Gibson, Christopher Hoyt, Nicolas Milani, Kurt Dykema, Dave Moelker, Jared Thomas
  • Patent number: 10980338
    Abstract: Multiple table top sections are separately and independently adjustable both vertically and horizontally, so that multiple patients/users can sit and use the table comfortably and with a feeling of inclusion and community. The controllers for unlatching each table section may be biased paddles under, but very near, the right and/or left edges of the table sections. By placing the user's palm on the top of table section and curling the fingers down around the edge to engage the paddle, the user can grasp both the right or left edge and the associated paddle with the same hand, to both unlatch the table top section and apply force to the edge to move the table section into the desired adjusted position. Release of the paddle and the edge automatically relatch the table section in the desired adjusted position for use of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Neil V. Marion
  • Patent number: 10980339
    Abstract: Equipment, such as one or more displays, may be mounted on a console. Conventional equipment mounting structures, such as a slat rail, may be static and/or not allow for easy or simple adjustment of their position relative to the work surface. An apparatus for use with a console is provided that includes an equipment mounting structure for mounting equipment thereto and a position adjustment assembly attachable to the console. The equipment mounting structure is mounted to and supported by the position adjustment assembly, the position adjustment assembly includes at least one of: a horizontal adjustment mechanism for adjusting a horizontal position of the equipment mounting structure relative to the console; and a vertical adjustment mechanism for adjusting a vertical position of the equipment mounting structure relative to the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: EVANS CONSOLES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Game, Matko Papic, Carlos Renderos, Randy Simington, Damien Coroller
  • Patent number: 10980340
    Abstract: A tray holds a media device in a substantially facedown position. The tray may have a transparent bottom surface or a window, permitting content on the media device to be viewed from below, through the transparent surface or window. The tray may optionally be angled, at a fixed or adjustable angle, for optimal orientation during viewing. The tray may be secured to a wall, cabinet, table, or other surface or object, either in a fixed or adjustable position. The tray may include a lip around its edges, to ensure that the media device does not slide off during normal operation. Optionally, additional mechanisms can be provided to further secure the media device within the tray; these can include, for example, elastic strap(s), hook-and-loop fastener(s), adhesive fastener(s), magnet(s), tension clip(s), spring(s), a lid, and/or the like. The tray may also include cutouts to enable access to features of the media device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Melissa Narula
  • Patent number: 10980341
    Abstract: A beverage rack assembly is provided that is lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble, and can be set in multiple orientations to accommodate various environments. The rack assembly includes two lattices that are made out of sticks coupled to each other at slots in the sticks. The lattices are joined together by risers that include two ends, each of the ends including four appendages shaped as triangular-prisms, and that attach to the two lattices at each of the stick couplings. Portions of the sticks that extend beyond the terminal couplings together form support structures on multiple sides of the rack that allow the rack to be set at various orientations. The rack is made out lightweight materials, such as wood or plastic, further contributing to the portability of the rack and the rack's components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Gregory Allan Van Pelt
  • Patent number: 10980342
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of modified and specifically adapted e-track storage components to facilitate the security and stabilizing of tires in an existing mounted tire rack. The tire rack could be one mounted on a wall within a storage facility or garage or one mounted in a mobile environment such as the interior or exterior of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Glenn Ehrgott
  • Patent number: 10980343
    Abstract: A secure storage device contains multiple compartments under a table top. The table top may move laterally to allow authorized users to access storage areas. A drawer in the device may also be accessed by an authorized user. The movement of the table top and drawer is directed by a central computer in communication with a biometric sensor located on the device. The central computer may be programmed to allow different types of access to the device based upon fingerprints or other biometric information from a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Bartholomew Boeckenstedt
  • Patent number: 10980344
    Abstract: A sliding rail structure for drawer of layered frame is mainly designed for being used to satisfying a requirement of allowing a bracket drawer to be disposed in a layered frame, and a sliding rail plate is buckled between horizontal rods arranged at two sides of the layered frame. The sliding rail plate is formed through a single metal piece being punched for formation, so that a main body thereof is formed as a U-like slot rack, two predetermined locations at a front end and a rear end of a top edge defined at a sealed side of the slot rack are punched for forming a pair of buckle hooks, buckle slots of each of the buckle hooks are designed in various specifications and statuses with respect to the specification and the status of the horizontal rod, thereby being in a non-arched polygonal status. Accordingly, the whole production cost can be lowered and better economic benefits can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: MATTHEW COMFORT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chieh-Hung Yang
  • Patent number: 10980345
    Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket includes a first support segment, a second support segment, and a third support segment. The first support segment has an upper portion and a lower portion. The second support segment extends in a first direction from the upper portion of the first support segment. The third support segment extends in the first direction from a portion of the first support segment that is adjacent to the lower portion of the first support segment. The first to the third support segments jointly define a support passage. The first bracket is used to support an object. The second bracket is mounted in the support passage of the first bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: King Slide Works Co., Ltd., King Slide Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Shun-Ho Yang, Mei-Zuo Guo, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 10980346
    Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail movable relative to the first rail, an elastic member, a locking member configured to temporarily lock the elastic member, and a synchronization device. The synchronization device includes a base connected to the second rail, a driving member movably mounted to a first part of the base, a mounting base arranged on a second part of the base, a sleeve, and a synchronization rod. The mounting base is configured to mount the sleeve connected with the synchronization rod. When the second rail is moved relative to the first rail from a retracted position to an over-pressing position along a first direction, the locking member unlocks the elastic member to release an elastic force for driving the second rail to move along a second direction, such that the driving member further drives the sleeve and the synchronization rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: King Slide Works Co., Ltd., King Slide Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 10980347
    Abstract: A chair preferably configured for conversion between a preferred storage configuration and at least one preferred use configuration. When in one of the use configurations, the chair may have a recliner mechanism which allows the angle of the back support assembly relative to the seat frame to be progressively changed such that the back support assembly may be positioned at a reclined angular position. When in the preferred storage configuration, the back support assembly may be positioned at least partially within the seat frame to decrease the area of the footprint of the chair to facilitate storage of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Martin Levin
  • Patent number: 10980348
    Abstract: A seating apparatus assembled from Furniture components readily shippable by common carrier comprising a base frame, a pair of side arm assemblies that align with opposing distal ends of the base frame, and a back assembly to assemble as a seating apparatus, with legs having threaded fasteners that extend through the base frame for engaging the side arm assemblies and supporting the seating apparatus on a floor. Connector members on the back assembly engage respective connector brackets on the side arm assemblies to secure the back to the seating apparatus. The base frame includes a stretcher with a support leg, which stretcher rotates to move the support leg from a shipping position to a supporting position in contact with the floor for use of the seating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Max Home, LLC
    Inventor: Bruno Policicchio
  • Patent number: 10980349
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable head support designed to fit in the interior of a carry-on article carried by a passenger. The device provides head support for those who prefer sleeping in a face-down position and comprises a base and a head support connected along at least one of their abutting edges by a mechanism which permits the angle between the base and head support to be adjusted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew Miller
  • Patent number: 10980350
    Abstract: The device for changing a pillowcase is configured for use with a pillow. The device for changing a pillowcase is configured for use with a pillow case. The device for changing a pillowcase inserts the pillow into the pillow case. Specifically, the device for changing a pillowcase is an openwork structure within which the pillow is contained. Once the pillow is contained within the openwork structure, the openwork structure is inserted into the pillowcase. The openwork structure is opened releasing the pillow after which the openwork structure is withdrawn from the pillowcase. The device for changing a pillowcase comprises the openwork structure, a plurality of hinges, and a handle. The plurality of hinges and the handle are attached to the open work structure. The plurality of hinges open and close the openwork structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Joyce Hutchings
  • Patent number: 10980351
    Abstract: A method and system may include transmitting a signal to a pump of an air mattress to set the pressure of the air mattress to an initial pressure; receiving, at a central controller, a user preference condition for an automatic adjustment of the pressure in the air mattress; receiving, at the central controller, an indication that the air mattress is empty; and based on determining that the user preference condition has been met and receiving the indication: detecting a change in the pressure of the air mattress beyond a threshold value; and based on the detection, adjusting the pressure of the air mattress to the initial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Sleep Number Corporation et al.
    Inventors: Rob Nunn, Wade Daniel Palashewski, Steven Jay Young, Carl Hewitt
  • Patent number: 10980352
    Abstract: An air mattress including a plurality of air cell groups including air cell groups corresponding to the back area, the buttock area and the thigh area of a person lying on the air mattress, each of which groups being made of a plurality of air cells, the air cells group corresponding to the back area and the thigh area including a lower section and a upper section, the upper section being stacked on the lower section, an air supply/release pump, and an air tube connecting the air cell groups corresponding to the back area and the thigh area to the air supply/release pump and connecting the air cell group corresponding to the buttock area to the air supply/release pump in an independent system for each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ishibashi, Rika Matsumiya, Kenta Ohno
  • Patent number: 10980353
    Abstract: A mattress, bed, cushion, or other device to support a user in a pre-determined posture. The mattress, bed, cushion, or other device includes compressible cells configured to inflate based on characteristics of particular contact areas of the user, and contact, in response to inflating based on the characteristics, the user in various contact areas to support the pre-determined posture. In particular, inflating the compressible cells based on characteristics of particular contact areas reduces the risk of the user developing pressure ulcers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: MEDICUSTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron R. Clousing, Chia-Ming Hsu, Tsai-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 10980354
    Abstract: A textile deck assembly, method of fabricating, and method of installing onto a seat frame assembly. The textile deck assembly includes a platform portion and a plurality of straps coupled to a rearward edge of the platform portion. The materials of the textile deck assembly are matched so that the plurality of straps undergoes most or all of the elongation under load (e.g., when a person sits thereon), while the platform portion, even though it is flexible and compliant, is stretch resistant and undergoes little or no stretching under load. A battery of durability tests were performed on the textile deck assembly, including deflection testing, fatigue testing, and drop testing, and compared with conventional seat decks that utilize sinuous springs. The durability of the textile deck assembly to was found to outperform conventional seat decks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thad D. Ross, Gary L. Messer, Nathaniel B. Robbins
  • Patent number: 10980355
    Abstract: The inventive concept discloses a portable diaper changing stand comprising a horizontally oriented platform, connected by a hinge mechanism to a vertically-oriented frame. The frame and platform, being hingedly connected, may either be deployed opposite each other by optimally, a ninety (90) degree angle, or folded together to form a compacted unit. The vertical frame also contains a recessed compartment for storage of various items. The diaper changing stand is constructed so as to provide for vertical mounting or placement on the surface of a bench, sofa, or similar seating structure. This is accomplished by means of U-brackets secured to the top of the frame and an extendable horizontal support bar that is vertically adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Wayne Degon, Lena Nafez Zohbe
  • Patent number: 10980356
    Abstract: Disclosed is a travel bed comprising a bottom support, a upper surrounding frame, stand rods and fixing bases. The upper surrounding frame comprises a first surrounding rod and a second surrounding rod which are rotatably connected with a first connector. The first surrounding rod comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod which are connected with a second connector, and the second surrounding rod comprises a third connecting rod and a fourth connecting rod which are connected with a third connector. The upper surrounding frame further comprises a first locking device for locking the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, and a second locking device for locking the third connecting rod and the fourth connecting rod. The first locking device is linked with the second locking device via a hauling rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: GOODBABY CHILD PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xingrong Zhang, Fusheng Ma
  • Patent number: 10980357
    Abstract: A diaper changing assistance device. The diaper changing assistance device provides efficiency to a parent changing a diaper of an infant. A rod is attached between an infant's ankles by a pair of ringed members. The rod can be freely lifted by the parent so that the parent is able to change the diaper of the infant with reducing flailing and movement of the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Charlie Burnside, Karen Burnside
  • Patent number: 10980358
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit such as a refrigerated counter or horizontal deep freezer, having a refrigeration chamber serving to accommodate goods and surrounded by a base group, a front group, and a back group, and having a stack marking device. A reliable monitoring of a stack height to be maintained is achieved by embodying the stack marking device as a monitoring apparatus that operates based on electromagnetic beams, in particular IR radiation, and has a transmitter device that emits the beams, a receiver device that receives the beams, and an evaluation unit that processes their output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: AHT COOLING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: Reinhold Resch
  • Patent number: 10980359
    Abstract: Examples provide a smart maintenance cart for cleaning temperature-controlled display cases. The maintenance cart includes a main body including a set of water tanks, a pump, a vacuum, a set of hoses, a drain hose filter, a set of rollers, a memory, and a processor. A smart maintenance controller analyzes the sensor data using a set of per-case, customized performance thresholds. The smart maintenance controller generates a set of priority rankings for a set of temperature-controlled display cases based on a result of the analysis of the sensor data. The smart maintenance controller identifies a highest priority case in the set of temperature-controlled display cases for maintenance based on the set of priority rankings. The smart maintenance controller outputs a maintenance task notification to a user, the maintenance task notification comprising a case identifier associated with the highest priority case for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Lacrecia Lynn Billings, Jeremy Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10980360
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mist-diffusing head for a spraying apparatus, which comprises: a mouth for supplying mist to the head; an outer wall having at least one mist outlet opening; at least one seal capable of sealing the opening; and a deflector connected to the wall separately from the seal and having a main surface opposite the mouth with at least one portion arranged in a direction other than the direction of the mouth, a larger portion of the opening or of at least one of the openings extending opposite the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: ARECO FINANCES ET TECHNOLOGIE—ARFITEC
    Inventors: Michel Gschwind, Julien Dubois, Abbas Sabraoui
  • Patent number: 10980361
    Abstract: A shelf alignment guide system includes a first substrate that has a backside edge and a frontside edge, a bottom surface and a top surface; and one or more channels disposed on the top surface of the substrate, the one or more channels to hold eyeglasses; the one or more channels are curved to align with the eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Jayson Emmett Fulks
  • Patent number: 10980362
    Abstract: A shelf system may include first and second support rails, each of the first and second support rails including two respective edge retaining slots configured to receive respective wall panels. The shelf system may further include a wall panel disposed between the first and second support rails, particularly between edge retaining slots of the first and second support rails. First and second electrical supply rails may be disposed within a front surface of the wall panel, and may be electrically insulated from the first and second support rails. One or more light fixtures, such as a light box fixture or a shelf fixture including light emitting diodes, may be mounted on the first and second support rails, such that each light fixture comes into electrical contact with the electrical supply rails to provide electrical current to each light fixture when connected to a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: WALGREEN CO.
    Inventors: Gerald Ford, Paul McGivern
  • Patent number: 10980363
    Abstract: A stand for use with a charging device, such as, but not limited to, a Qi Wireless Charger. The stand is in the form of a picture frame, and elevates the charging unit up off a desk or table top, at an angle where a device being charged can be placed thereupon. A portion of the back of the frame is removably secured, and provides a space for securely holding the wireless charging device therein. The charging device power cord is routed through a picture frame support extending from the back of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew Bradford Green
  • Patent number: 10980364
    Abstract: A fitted bottom sheet (which may be comprised of low-friction material if desired) can include at least one tube-receiving hole formed therethrough. By one approach the corners of the fitted bottom sheet can include a strap to help retain the fitted bottom sheet on a mattress. By one approach the aforementioned tube-receiving hole can be formed at each corner of the fitted bottom sheet. A strapless repositioning sheet can have a low-friction mattress-facing side in combination with webbing disposed along and attached to at least two side edges of the strapless repositioning sheet to thereby form a plurality of handhold openings and a plurality of strap-connection openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Duck
  • Patent number: 10980365
    Abstract: A pillowcase having a cavity that accommodates therein a pillow and having an open pocket within the cavity that accommodates therein a neck support cushion. The open pocket has a slit that is fully accessible after folding the pillowcase inside out. The open pocket may be closed by a releasable fastener, such as fabric strips that tie to each other into knots across the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Patsy Ogden
  • Patent number: 10980366
    Abstract: The edged tool storage device set is an edged tool storage device set including a first edged tool storage device and a second edged tool storage device, in which the first edged tool storage device includes a first case that has a first hole storing a blade of an edged tool and a flange-shaped first projection that projects from the first case in a direction crossing the extending direction of the first hole, and the second edged tool storage device includes a second case that has a second hole storing a blade of an edged tool and a groove-shaped first recess that faces a direction crossing the extending direction of the second hole and has a shape allowing fitting with the first projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KAI R&D CENTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hung Tai Wong, Cheuk Wa Pun
  • Patent number: 10980367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing hot beverages, and more particularly to an apparatus for automated brewing of coffee or tea. The apparatus for automated brewing of coffee comprises a frame structure defining an interior space, wherein the interior space houses a ground coffee feed system, a carousel assembly, a water system, a waste system and a coffee storage and dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Roger G. Lawson
  • Patent number: 10980368
    Abstract: Coffee machine including a housing frame and device for generating coffee, and an integrated device for dispensing milk froth onto a coffee drink in a container. This device, possibly in the form of a robot, includes a dispenser controllable to enable automated movement in two or three coordinate directions, and dispenses the milk froth directly onto a surface of the coffee drink previously poured into the container. An automated movement mechanism controls movement of the dispenser during dispensing of the milk froth to cause automatic and controlled addition of a specific amount of the milk froth onto the coffee drink surface and produce an aesthetically decorative graphic pattern thereon. The specific amount of milk froth remains on and/or beneath the coffee drink surface. The coffee drink is poured into the container and the graphic pattern of milk forth is produced on the coffee drink surface by the same coffee machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: STEINER AG WEGGIS
    Inventor: Adrian Steiner
  • Patent number: 10980369
    Abstract: A cool coffee infusing apparatus is disclosed having a liquid container, a ground coffee container, and a base. The base includes a pump, controls therefore, and receptacles for the containers. The liquid container is filled with cool water and the ground coffee container is filled with ground coffee. The pump circulates the water through the grounds until a desired level of infusion is achieved and coffee beverage is created. The coffee beverage is collected in the liquids container for pouring or for storage for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman
  • Patent number: 10980370
    Abstract: There is provided an indoor/outdoor tabletop grill appliance which uses quartz halogen tubes as radiant heating elements to provide cooking functionality combined with the aesthetics of the outdoor grilling experience. The invention provides the advantage of various forms of cooking that also speed up the cooking process: direct heat on the food item from the quartz halogen tubes, heat reflected back from the inner surfaces of the grilling chamber and onto the food item, convection heat directed about the food item due to the grilling chamber configuration and directed heat from the slotted platen this in contact with the food item received from the halogen tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Daniel Smith, Matthew Guckenberger
  • Patent number: 10980371
    Abstract: A conveyor toaster for toasting a customized pattern with multiple levels of brownness on a surface of sliced bread is disclosed. The present invention provides an apparatus including a processor, a moistening chamber; and a heating chamber. The moistening chamber further includes a nozzle for discharging water to the sliced bread; and a sliding track allowing the nozzle to move along. The heating chamber further includes a plurality of heating elements. The processor is configured to control a pump motor for adjusting the amount of water discharged from the nozzle and a movement of the nozzle along the sliding track to coordinates determined according to the customized pattern for positioning the nozzle above a region on the sliced bread, wherein the amount of water discharged over the region is determined according to the coordinates and the customized pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Digital Heat Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Nam Tsui
  • Patent number: 10980372
    Abstract: The present application discloses an automated cooking apparatus that includes a holder configured to hold a container of food or food ingredients, one or more first kinematic pairs, each comprising a first mating part and a second mating part, wherein the first mating part is connected to the holder; a motion mechanisms that can move the second mating parts of the one or more kinematic pairs; and a driver or controller configured to drive or control the motion mechanism to produce a movement of properly fast speed so that a center point on the internal surface of the container is displaced by properly small distance. The first kinematic pairs and the motion mechanisms in combination can move the holder and the cooking pan to produce fast enough acceleration in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Zhengxu He
  • Patent number: 10980373
    Abstract: A cooking utensil storage that includes a container having a base and a wall terminating at an upper rim that defines an open mouth, and an insect guard having a support surrounding a utensil reception and extraction space, and a plurality of flexible bristles extending from the support into the utensil reception and extraction space, the bristles being arranged to create an insect barrier at the open mouth with the bristles being movable to permit at least a portion of a cooking utensil that touches the food to pass through the bristles while entering the container or being extracted from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Ivan Cotto
  • Patent number: 10980374
    Abstract: A kit for containing water within a bathing space, and a bathing space with components of the kit installed thereto. The kit includes a shower curtain with an extended portion, and a plurality of seam liners configured to adhere to portions of the bathing space with caulk or seams thereon. The extended portion of the shower curtain extends from a main portion of the shower curtain into the bathing space and prevents water from escaping to an exterior of the bathing space. The plurality of seam liners are adhered to portions of the bathing space to protect caulk or seams. The kit is useful for extending a lifespan of the bathing space, and for preventing water accumulation and resulting damage to a floor of a bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Doris Paige
  • Patent number: 10980375
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of universal mounting brackets and dispensers with mounting brackets are disclosed herein. An exemplary universal dispenser mounting bracket includes a base. The base has a first surface for connecting to a dispenser. A first spring arm extends from the base in a first direction and has a first arm clamp. A second spring arm extends from the base in a second direction and has a second arm clamp. The first and second spring arms have a rest position and a biased position. Moving the first and second spring arms away from their rest position generates a clamp force in the spring arms that urges the first and second spring arms toward their rest position. When the mounting bracket is mounted to a surface, the base is on a first side of the surface and the first and second clamp arms are on a second side of the surface and the clamp force generated by the spring arms secures the mounting bracket to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, Stephen Howe, Seth Andrew Glasgow, Emily Barbara Kennedy, Donald R. Harris
  • Patent number: 10980376
    Abstract: A dispensing device for single-use articles is provided. In certain embodiments, the dispensing device comprises a wall-mounted unit or fixture that is capable of holding at least different articles and providing those articles to a user. Packaging devices for use and cooperation with the dispensing device are further provided, and various systems for storing and dispensing articles are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Nathan Sutterer
  • Patent number: 10980377
    Abstract: A method for loading a stack of interfolded paper units into a dispenser includes inserting a stack of interfolded paper units into an interior volume of the dispenser through a dispenser opening. The dispenser has a lid having a dispensing aperture, as well as a movable platen that has a paper-engaging surface, and which is urged upwardly toward the dispenser opening. A bottom wall of the dispenser is disposed opposite the dispenser opening, and a lock of the dispenser is selectively engageable with the platen. The stack is placed on the platen and a downward force is exerted on the top surface of the stack to thereby push the platen downward until the platen has been engaged by the lock and has reached a locked position in which the paper-engaging surface has an oblique orientation relative to the bottom wall of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Magnus Falk, John P. Devlin, Peter McNulty, Jeffrey Mekler, Nathan Rollins
  • Patent number: 10980378
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Emrys James, Michael James Douglas, David Stephen Clare, Chris Pinches, Nicholas James Sardar, Hugh James Croggon, Damian Lee
  • Patent number: 10980379
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jamie Horvath, Kevin L. Thomas, Ambreese Hill, Joseph Saunders, Justin C. Andrikanich, William Nabors
  • Patent number: 10980380
    Abstract: A cleaner includes: a suction unit; a suction motor that generates suction force for sucking air through the suction unit and includes an impeller; a dust separation unit that includes one or more cyclone units generating cyclonic flow to separate dust from air flowing inside through the suction unit; a dust container that stores dust separated by the dust separation unit and is disposed under the suction motor; a battery disposed behind the dust container to supply power to the suction motor; and a handle disposed behind the suction motor, wherein a rotational axis of the impeller and an axis of the cyclonic flow vertically extend and an extension line from the rotational axis of the impeller passes through the one or more cyclone units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bohyun Nam, Namhee Kim, Jinju Kim, Hyeonjeong An, Jungbae Hwang
  • Patent number: 10980381
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use with a vacuum source includes a base member, a top cover member, a diaphragm, a valve flap and a plurality of springs. The base member has a suction opening extending therethrough. The top cover member enclosing an interior of the nozzle assembly. The diaphragm is rotationally coupled to the base member and includes an opening extending therethrough. The valve flap is rotationally coupled to the diaphragm and covers the opening in the diaphragm. One or more diaphragm springs are positioned between the base member and the diaphragm. One or more valve springs are positioned between the base member and the valve flap. An internal cavity is defined below the diaphragm and above the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Matthew Zusy
  • Patent number: 10980382
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner comprises a housing; a motor fan assembly mounted in the housing; a pivotable inlet nozzle in fluid communication with the motor fan assembly; and a dirt container coupled to the pivotable inlet nozzle and the housing. The pivotable inlet nozzle is pivotable a first operable position whereby the pivotable inlet nozzle is in fluid communication with a flexible hose mounted on the housing and a second operable position whereby the pivotable inlet nozzle projects from the housing and is remote from the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Walker
  • Patent number: 10980383
    Abstract: A water-absorbing cyclone dust cup for secondary dust-air separation comprises a dust cup cover body and a dust cup main body. The dust cup main body comprises a cup body portion, a primary cyclone arranged in an opening of the dust cup main body, and a secondary cyclone comprising a secondary cyclone main body provided with a ventilation hole defined in a center. At least one air guiding portion is arranged on a bottom end surface of the secondary cyclone main body. The air guiding portions comprise spiral air guiding plates, spiral air guiding passages formed by the spiral air guiding plates around the ventilation hole, and air guiding passage baffles enclosing first ends of the spiral air guiding plates, the spiral air guiding passages are formed by spiral longitudinal extension along the center line direction of the ventilation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: CUORI ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (GROUP) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Albert Zhu, Lydo Ge, Vivien Wang, Frank Xi
  • Patent number: 10980384
    Abstract: A surface cleaning device comprises a brush (B) that is curved at least partially around a center part (CP) of the surface cleaning device, a deformability of the brush (B) determining a deformability of an outer circumference of the surface cleaning device. The brush (B) has a rotation axis (A), which is curved at least partially around the center part (CP) of the surface cleaning device. The rotation axis (A) is parallel to the surface. The brush (B) may be a donut-shaped brush (B) fully around the center part (CP) of the surface cleaning device. The surface cleaning device may have an electrical motor (M) for driving the brush (B). The center part (CP) may comprise a container (DC) for collecting dirt swept from the surface by the brush (B). The center part (CP) may have an edge (E) for bending the brush (B), dirt being released from the brush (B) at an end of the edge (E) where the brush (B) is relaxed. The center part (CP) may have an upper rim (R) for keeping the brush (B) at its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Nyckle Owe Sijtsma, Bastiaan Johannes De Wit
  • Patent number: 10980385
    Abstract: Oscillating mechanisms with side brushes are presented including: a base assembly, the base assembly including, a base plate, a rotating axle extending perpendicularly from the base plate, at least one arm coupled with the rotating axle, a slot along a path of the at least one arm, and a first anchor positioned along a proximal end of the slot; and a brush assembly slidingly coupled with the base assembly, the brush assembly including, a hub slidingly coupled with the base plate along the slot, a side brush coupled with the hub, the side brush extending outwardly from the base assembly, a second anchor positioned along the hub, and a return spring coupled with the first anchor and the second anchor. In some embodiments, mechanisms further include: at least two arms coupled with the rotating axle, the at least two arms positioned at least 90 degrees apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi