With Solid Agent Dissolving Or Supplying Means Patents (Class 134/93)
  • Patent number: 11767631
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine including a detergent supply device capable of preventing a detergent and water from overflowing to the outside of a detergent container. The washing machine includes a main body, a tub disposed in the main body, and a detergent supply device configured to supply a detergent to the tub and to receive water at a position lower than a level of the detergent contained in the detergent supply device, wherein the detergent supply device includes a first outlet configured to increase the time it takes for the detergent put in the detergent supply device to be discharged to the outside of the detergent supply device, and a second outlet configured to discharge the detergent put in the detergent supply device and water introduced into the detergent supply device through an inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Geonhui Jo, Wonseok Choi, Doyun Lee, Janghoon Park
  • Patent number: 11503978
    Abstract: A washing-agent dispenser for machines for washing, in particular dishwashers, comprises: a dispenser body (11) with at least one receptacle FIG. 14 (12, 12a) for containing a washing agent; at least one hatch (20) having a hatch body (21) mounted in a guided way relative to the dispenser body (11) for being slidable between a position of closing and a position of opening of the at least one receptacle (12, 12a), the hatch body (21) having two longitudinal sides (21b, 21c) generally parallel to one another and with respect to a direction of displacement of the hatch body (21) between the position of opening and the position of closing; and a guide arrangement (25-27, 30a-30b, 31a-31b) between the dispenser body (11) and the hatch body (21), for guiding displacement of the hatch body (21) between the position of opening and the position of closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 11497379
    Abstract: A dishwasher washing agent dispenser includes (a) a dispenser body, configured to be set partially into an opening of an inner side of a dishwasher door and the dispenser body has a receptacle for containing a washing agent, (b) a dispenser door mounted in a guided way with respect to the dispenser body, for being slidable between positions of closing and opening of the receptacle, the open position allowing dispensing of the washing agent from the receptacle, (c) guides between the dispenser body and the dispenser door, for guiding displacement of the dispenser door between the positions of closing and opening in such a way that, when the dispenser door is open, a portion of the dispenser door projects from the dispenser body, in a substantially cantilever fashion, and (d) a supporting element extending in length downwards from the dispenser door and configured to counter bending of the portion of the dispenser door that projects from the dispenser body when the dispenser door is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventor: Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 11401649
    Abstract: A washing apparatus and a control method of the washing apparatus in which a detergent received in a detergent supply case capable of being inserted or separated is automatically supplied to a mixing tank or a softening agent received in a softening agent supply case capable of being inserted or separated is automatically supplied to the mixing tank. According to one embodiment of the washing apparatus and the control method thereof, the detergent automatically supplied from the detergent supply case capable of being inserted or separated and a washing water are mixed together and a detergent-mixed water is supplied to a washing tub, or the softening agent automatically supplied from the softening agent supply case capable of being inserted or separated and a washing water are mixed together and then a softening agent-mixed water is supplied to the washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gi Hoon Ko, Simon Ireland, Yeon-Young Nam, Ji Hyeoung Lee
  • Patent number: 11111163
    Abstract: A time-release composition and method of making and using the time-release composition. The time-release composition may include an active ingredient that is useful in deterring unwanted growth, such as bacterial and fungal growth, in high-flow water environments. The composition can include several active ingredients to provide a multiple use tablet. The multi-use tablet can be used to dispense any combination of active ingredients that act as clarifiers, minerals, medications, buffers, chemical dosing, and/or other maintenance components, such as growth deterrents and water filtration augmentation and any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Carley, Derek James Meyers, Daniel Anderson Newman, Mary W. Orr, Timothy Plafcan, Christian Schobert
  • Patent number: 11040864
    Abstract: Apparatus for drawing beverages, particularly beer, contained in barrels with a limited capacity, having a washing device for a beverage dispensing circuit thereof. Such washing device includes a duct which can be connected to a water supply and is connected to a washing head arranged on the casing of the apparatus and that can be coupled to the connector of the dispensing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: SAVESE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marcello Savese
  • Patent number: 11021682
    Abstract: The drain-unclogging straw is a chemical device. The drain-unclogging straw comprises a drain clearing device and a domestic DWV system. The domestic DWV system further comprises a drain. The drain contains biochemically-generated material that inhibits the flow of wastewater through the drain. The drain clearing device is a chemical device that is formed as a kit. The drain clearing device breaks the biochemically-generated material down into components that will flow through the drain. The drain clearing device comprises a straw and a chemical compound. The chemical compound is in a solid phase. The straw contains the chemical compound. The straw is placed directly in the drain. Once in the drain, the straw dissolves such that the chemical compound is released into the drain. The chemical compound chemically interacts with the biochemically-generated material such that the biochemically-generated material is broken down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Elicia Hoyle
  • Patent number: 10974181
    Abstract: In one embodiment, after a new filter unit is installed in a treatment liquid supply apparatus, there is performed, before a solvent-containing treatment liquid is passed through the filter unit, a step of soaking the filter unit with a solvent for pretreatment and then discharging therefrom the solvent. The solubility of a material, constituting a filter part of the filter unit, to the solvent is greater than the solubility of the material to the treatment liquid. This step makes it possible to remove a component, which may elute from the filter part into the treatment liquid to produce foreign matters (particles), before treatment liquid is passed through the filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yuichi Yoshida, Ryouichirou Naitou, Arnaud Alain Jean Dauendorffer, Koji Takayanagi, Shinobu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 10517458
    Abstract: A dishwasher and silverware basket therefor include an interior sprayer integrated into the silverware basket and capable of directing a spray of fluid within one or more compartments of the silverware basket to assist in cleaning utensils such as silverware, cutlery, etc. housed within the silverware basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mark W. Wilson, Timothy Martin Wetzel
  • Patent number: 10508425
    Abstract: An overflow vent irrigation device is disclosed. An example overflow vent irrigation device includes a reservoir body having an input port and an exit port. The example overflow vent irrigation device also includes a tablet chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir body, and a turbulence dam within the reservoir body. The input port is connected to a faucet of a basin, and the exit port is connected via a hose to an overflow port of an overflow-to-drain journal of the basin during use to clean the overflow journal of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Wesley Owen
  • Patent number: 10422069
    Abstract: A bulk dispenser for a fabric treating appliance wherein the fabric treating appliance has a tank defining a bulk dispensing reservoir and a timer valve that is fluidly coupled to the bulk dispensing reservoir. A time selector is located on the tank and operably coupled to the timer valve. The time selector has non-time selection indicia such as load amount, liquid volume, or soil level. The timer valve is a mechanical timer valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus A. Cannon, Bruno T. Ramasco
  • Patent number: 10335746
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a product chemistry from a product and a fluid is provided. A product is housed within a dispenser. A fluid is introduced through a manifold diffuse member having a plurality of ports. A cover is positioned adjacent the manifold diffuse member and includes a plurality of ports. The cover is able to be adjusted, for example, by rotating the cover, to align and un-align the manifold diffuse ports and the cover ports. This adjustment controls the flow characteristics of the fluid through the manifold diffuse member and cover to control the characteristics of the fluid in contact with the product. The adjustment of the cover to control the flow will provide a generally consistent concentration and erosion rate based upon known relationships between a characteristic of the fluid and the flow of the fluid in relation to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Max Schultz, Jared R. Freudenberg, Ryan Joseph Drake, Brian Philip Carlson, Ryan Jacob Urban, Brian Doffing
  • Patent number: 10316455
    Abstract: A laundry washing machine (1) is equipped with a treating agents dispenser (20) that includes at least one compartment (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) adapted to be filled with at least one treating agent. The compartment (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) has a bottom part (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d) and a side wall (63a, 63b, 63c, 63d) rising from the bottom part (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d). The side wall (63a, 63b, 63c, 63d) superiorly defines a top boundary line (263a, 263b, 263c, 263d). At least one water conveying line (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) conveys water to the at least one compartment (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d). The at least one water conveying line (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) includes outlets (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) facing the at least one compartment (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) and the outlets (29a, 29b, 29c, 29d) are aligned along a path (273a, 273b, 273c, 273d) which is at least partially adjacent to the top boundary line (263a, 263b, 263c, 263d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Mauro Cinello, Daniele Da Riol
  • Patent number: 10213089
    Abstract: A washing agent dispenser for a dishwasher, including a casing defining at least a receptacle adapted to receive an amount of washing agent; a cover displaceable relative to the casing between an opening position and a closing position of the receptacle; the cover carrying an elastic gasket, adapted to sealingly close said receptacle in the closing position of the cover; and a retaining mechanism having a retaining member movable in the casing, and a hooking member movable in the cover and adapted to cooperate with the retaining member. When the cover closes the receptacle the hooking member is kept, by an associated resilient member carried by the cover, in a condition of engagement with the retaining member, maintaining the cover in the closing position. The resilient member associated with the hooking member comprises an appendage integrally formed with and extending from the elastic sealing gasket and interposed between the cover and the hooking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Jans Gerold
  • Patent number: 10195648
    Abstract: A cleaning material for predictably cleaning the contact elements and support hardware of a tester interface, such as a probe card and a test socket, has a cleaning pad layer, one or more intermediate layers having a set of predetermined characteristics and having a plurality of abrasive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Broz, Bret A. Humphrey, Alan E. Humphrey, James H. Duvall
  • Patent number: 10138587
    Abstract: A household cleaning appliance having a rotatable drum located within the interior and defining a treating chamber for receiving an article for treating and wherein a rotational axis of the drum is vertical and a method for operating the household cleaning appliance. The household cleaning appliance includes a dispensing system that includes and can be operated as a non-bulk dispensing system or as a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Colleen M. Doyle, Michael S. Hendrickson, Joel A. Luckman, Joseph W. Adams, Eric A. Gallagher, Erik D. Riutta, Ajay Singhal, Guy Stormo
  • Patent number: 10125443
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a washing machine and method for controlling the same. An embodiment of the washing machine includes an auxiliary washing unit placed below a door arranged on top of a main body; an input unit for receiving instructions to start and stop auxiliary washing; and a water supply unit for supplying water to the auxiliary washing unit if the instruction to start water supply is input, and stopping supplying water to the auxiliary washing unit if the instruction to stop water supply is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yeon Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10047018
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a composting device including a housing defining an interior with an access opening providing access to the interior, a composter bin located within the interior and in communication with the access opening, and a cover slidably mounted to the housing and slidable along a sliding path between opened and closed conditions to selectively open and close the access opening. An angled seal assembly is provided on the cover and housing. Both a sealing surface and a seal are angled relative to a sliding path such that the space between the seal and the sealing surface decreases as the cover is slid from the opened to the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Abhishek Buzruk, Christopher C. Wilcox, Brian Clark
  • Patent number: 10034596
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub with an access opening, at least one dish rack within the treating chamber and accessible through the access opening, a closure element moveable between a closed and opened position to selectively close and open the access opening, and a treating chemistry dispenser. The treating chemistry dispenser includes a housing defining a treating chemistry reservoir with a dispensing opening, a lid slidably mounted to the housing for sliding movement along a travel path between a closed and opened position to selectively open and close the treating chemistry reservoir, and a biasing element operably coupled to the lid and biasing the lid from the closed to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron P. Bennett, Matthew Borgerson, Elliott V. Stowe
  • Patent number: 9955848
    Abstract: A washing agent dispenser for machines for washing includes a dispenser body with a receptacle for containing a washing agent, a lid having a lid body mounted in a guided way with respect to the dispenser body for being movable between a position of closing and a position of opening of the receptacle, and sliding guides between the dispenser body and the lid body. The sliding guides include: a first guiding element and a first guided element; and a second guiding element and a second guided element. At least one of the dispenser body and the lid body includes at least one constraint element, which is additional to the first walls and second walls and is pre-arranged for limiting displacements of the guided elements with respect to the guiding elements in a direction generally transverse to a direction of sliding of the lid determined by the sliding guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Costanzo Gadini, Daniele Cerruti
  • Patent number: 9890493
    Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment and a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistry for use in treating the laundry comprises, determining an amount of laundry in the treating chamber, setting at least one of a dilution and a delivery rate for the treating chemistry based on the determined amount of laundry to define a dispensing parameter and controlling the dispensing system to dispense the treating chemistry according to the dispensing parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Hendrickson, Janice M. Kaeding
  • Patent number: 9885136
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a cabinet, a treating chamber, and a treating chemistry dispenser provided with the cabinet and fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. The dispenser includes a dispenser container having multiple dispenser pockets configured to receive a dose of treating chemistry and a water inlet duct configured to supply water to one of the dispenser pockets to flush treating chemistry from the pocket. The water inlet duct can be slidingly coupled with the dispenser container and can project into an interior of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Beaudreault, Gaurav Bhardwaj, Adam Brown, Pushkar P. Gijare, Eamon C. Lyons, Thibaut Viguier
  • Patent number: 9861256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for supplying washing inputs comprised by at least one hydraulic circuit comprising at least one water inlet pipe (2), at least one reservoir (3) of inputs and at least one inputs outlet pipe (4). It is further provided at least one water spreader (5) associated with at least one water inlet pipe (2) and at least one containment structure (6) associated with at least one inputs outlet pipe (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool S.A.
    Inventors: Leandro Souza Lima, Denilson Femandes de Oliveira
  • Patent number: 9751001
    Abstract: A tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system includes a tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly having a downwardly-tapered front surface having a front top portion including an upwardly-curved lip, and at least one aperture, a front central portion having a digit-contoured indented center having at least one light, and a tapered front bottom portion having at least one front-side tapered blade; and a downwardly-tapered back surface having a back top portion, a back central portion, and a tapered back bottom portion having at least one back-side tapered blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Inventor: John Vogel
  • Patent number: 9717393
    Abstract: A household appliance, such as dishwasher, includes a bulk unit-dose dispenser configured to hold multiple unit doses of treating chemistry and dispense the treating chemistry at the appropriate time in a cycle of operation. The bulk unit-dose dispenser can include a multiple compartments moveable along a track, and the compartments can be sequentially moved into registry with a dispensing opening of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kristopher L. Delgado, Michael I Hirsh, Nathan W. Kryglowski, Rafael G. Reyes, Michael S. Seeley, Barry E. Tuller, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Patent number: 9687139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of dispensing a plurality of treating compositions into a multistage automatic washing machine, as well as a dispensing device comprising an associated reservoir for collection of wash liquor and at least two chambers containing a treating composition. Said chambers are activated in response to an input from a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
    Inventors: Shauna McKenna, Edmund Pedley, David Thomas, John Wasonga
  • Patent number: 9538901
    Abstract: A cleaning composition dispensing device for use in an automatic dishwasher is provided for dispensing the right cleaning composition at the right time during a wash cycle. The device includes wash cycle sensing system that controls the release of cleaning composition via temperature and water flow data measured with respect to time. The device includes a refill compartment receiving a multi-section refill including at least two cleaning composition sections divided by separable seams. The multi-section refill separates into individual cleaning composition sections during placement in the refill compartment that fall into the slots forming the refill compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mik Van Tol, Robby Renilde Francois Keuleers, Paulus Antonius Augistinus Hoefte, Benjamin Niestroj, Dominique Geeraert
  • Patent number: 9532678
    Abstract: Cleaning system for coffee machines and similar devices, in the cleaning circuit of which a cleaning key having a storage chamber is installed for receiving appropriately configured cleaning tablets. The cleaning key can be turned in a sleeve-like housing into two operating positions at defined angles of rotation, wherein in one operating position the storage chamber is fixed in the housing while in the other operating position, the storage chamber is released and can be removed from the housing to be filled or refilled with suitably packaged cleaning tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: STEINER AG WEGGIS
    Inventor: Adrian Steiner
  • Patent number: 9416482
    Abstract: A household appliance having a treating chamber in which is received an article for treatment, a treating chemistry dispenser configured to receive a unit dose container for the treating chemistry, and a controller for executing at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating the household appliance to physically alter a unit dose container in conjunction with a at least one cycle of operation and sensing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brian A. Black, Thomas A. Latack, Matthew D. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9370801
    Abstract: The present invention is a pressure wash system for applying pressurized water to the interior of a mix drum, for example a concrete mix drum. The invention includes a support frame for supporting a boom, a boom centering tube that is horizontally adjustable for centering the boom, a boom mount tube and a controller having a plurality of inputs and outputs for controlling the vertical adjustment of the boom, the horizontal adjustment of said centering tube, and the extension and retraction of the boom into the interior of said mix drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: RMC Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon B. Short, Jr., Gordon B. Short, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9192878
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus and a chemical liquid collecting method can suppress corrosion of wirings formed on a substrate. The liquid processing apparatus includes a processing unit configured to perform a liquid process by supplying a chemical liquid to a substrate; a collecting line configured to collect the chemical liquid supplied to the processing unit; a supply line configured to supply the collected chemical liquid to the processing unit; and a gas supply unit configured to supply an inert gas into the collecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Shogo Mizota, Takashi Yabuta, Tatsuya Nagamatsu, Daisuke Saiki
  • Patent number: 9168898
    Abstract: The invention is a vehicle roof sweeper for the roofs of trucks and trailers that is rollable along the ground. The vehicle roof top sweeper that has retractable wheels and can be rolled using a pickup truck, car, tractor, forklift, or two or three people on foot. An embodiment of the invention is a vehicle roof sweeper having a pair of vertical supports, an upper crossbar connecting the pair of vertical supports, a plow assembly movable along the pair of vertical supports and positionable below the upper crossbar by a first lifting device, a base structure disposed on each of the pair of vertical supports, and retractable wheels positioned on opposite ends of the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Quintin Machinery LLC
    Inventor: William E. Yeaglin
  • Patent number: 9039988
    Abstract: A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9039843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Eversys Holding SA
    Inventors: Dominique Sierro, Frank Rimpl, Jean-Paul In-Albon, Bernhard In-Albon, Hubert Bruttin
  • Patent number: 9016290
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a layer of sediment which has settled on the bottom of a pond includes: a handle suitable for a person to hold; a vacuum unit connected to the handle, said vacuum unit having a first opening adapted for receiving material sucked into said opening and a second opening for material sucked into said vacuum unit to exit at a point outside said pond, said vacuum unit being submersible and supported by at least one wheel, said vacuum unit having an aperture formed therein for receiving a mixture of sediment and water from the bottom of the pond; a hose associated with said second opening, said hose being of at least about 8 feet in length and designed to deposit suctioned water to an area outside the pond; and a fitting associated with the first opening that precludes undesired sizes of debris from passing through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kovarik, Jeff Franek
  • Publication number: 20150111285
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is in the field of cleaning agent in particular detergents. In particular, it relates to a novel detergent formulation for an automatic dishwashing. The formulation provides excellent cleaning and finishing; it is environmentally friendlier than traditional compositions and allows for a more energy efficient automatic dishwashing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
    Inventors: Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abdul Rahman, Abu Bakar Salleh, Mahiran Basri, Izuddin Abdul Rahman
  • Publication number: 20150096596
    Abstract: An improved shower or plumbing sanitizing system is provided by a showerhead adapter and/or tap port configured to mount between a water supply stub and an outlet such as a showerhead, hose or faucet and which delivers and imparts a cleansing or sanitizing agent, particularly liquid sanitizer, to the plumbing components prone to infestation with opportunistic bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: John James Dvorak, Mildred Blanche Mendelson
  • Patent number: 8961707
    Abstract: An unblocking roller for removing excess material from the openings of cells of a honeycomb core is disclosed. The unblocking roller includes a cylindrical core having a center axis and a plurality of clusters each comprising a plurality of bristles. Each of the plurality of bristles of each cluster is coupled to the core at a first end and projecting outward from the core. Each bristle projects a minimum of a first distance from the core. Each cluster is separated from adjacent clusters by at least a second distance that is at least 20% of the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Giannone, Christopher R. Wirz, Craig Scott
  • Patent number: 8925561
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes an auxiliary dispenser assembly used in conjunction with an auxiliary spray unit, preferably to create an intensified wash zone in the washing chamber. The dispenser assembly includes a container partitioned into a prefill chamber and an additive chamber. A washing fluid inlet leads into the prefill chamber, which is also provided with a calibrated drain hole. During at least one stage of a washing operation, a portion of the washing fluid delivered to the auxiliary spray unit is diverted and forced to flow into the prefill chamber, fill the prefill chamber, overflow into the additive chamber and exit the dispenser assembly with additional washing agent. During other stages or between stages, any washing fluid entering the inlet is directed out the drain hole so as to not reach the additive chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 8881748
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a hydraulically actuated dispenser for dispensing an additive into a treating chamber of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a storage chamber, a lid, and a hydraulic cylinder that is fluidly connected to a water source external to the dishwasher. The hydraulic cylinder opens the dispenser lid at a predetermined point in a washing operation such that the additive is released into the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Elliott V. Stowe
  • Publication number: 20140299058
    Abstract: A Film (7) is provided on at least a part of a surface of each of a vapor deposition preventing plate (3) and a shutter (4) of a vacuum chamber (5) on which surface vapor deposition particles are vapor-deposited, the film (7) being provided so as to be peeled off from the each of the vapor deposition preventing plate (3) and the shutter (4), and the film being made of a material differing in at least one of a melting point, a sublimation point, solubility in a given solvent, microbial biodegradability, and photodegradability from a material of which a vapor-deposited film that is formed on the film (7) is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Tohru SONODA, Shinichi KAWATO, Satoshi INOUE, Satoshi HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8851090
    Abstract: An apparatus which includes a towel body formed from a single piece of fabric and having a top side and an opposite bottom side and formed of a towel material. The towel body has a soft terry cloth portion suitable for polishing a golf club head and a weaved portion at a first end of the towel body, the weaved portion having grooves to present a rough surface for cleaning a golf ball or a golf club head. There is a first binding on the first end of the towel body formed by folding over a first end of the single piece of fabric on itself and stitching. There is a second binding on the second end of the towel body formed by folding over the second end of the single piece of fabric on itself and stitching. There are also edge bindings along the edges of the towel body between the first end and the second end formed by stitching along edges of the single piece of fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Team Effort, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20140283561
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of dispensing a plurality of treating compositions into a multistage automatic washing machine, as well as a dispensing device comprising an associated reservoir for collection of wash liquor and at least two chambers containing a treating composition. Said chambers are activated in response to an input from a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
    Inventors: Shauna McKenna, Edmund Pedley, David Thomas, John Wasonga
  • Patent number: 8815018
    Abstract: The invention concerns detergent dosing devices and particularly a device for metering detergent doses within a dishwashing machine. A detergent dosing device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention comprises: a water/wash liquor collection area (12), a controlled inlet valve (14) for receiving water/wash liquor from the water/wash liquor collection area (12) and selectively allowing the collected water/wash liquor to pass through it, a housing part 10 for receiving water/wash liquor passed to it by the controlled inlet valve (14), a detergent supply (16) for mixing with said water/wash liquor, a first sensor (18) for sensing the cleanliness level of water/wash liquor, a second sensor (20) for sensing detergent, a controller (22) for receiving signals from said first and second sensors (18, 20) and for selectively controlling said inlet valve (14) on the basis of the outputs from the first and second sensors and an outlet (28) for dispensing mixed water/wash liquor and detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Karl Ludwig Gibis
  • Patent number: 8808466
    Abstract: In a dishwasher having a washing chamber capable of accommodating kitchenware for washing, a detergent dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving detergent. A lid is pivotally connected to the housing for selectively pivoting between a closed position for sealing the detergent chamber and an open position which permits washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber in connection with dispensing of detergent. The detergent chamber is provided with at least one washout port enabling washing fluid to enter the chamber, even if the lid can only pivot through a limited range to a partial open position due to an obstruction. A raised shield guard, which is spaced from the lid, extends in front of the lid to ensure that a potentially obstructing object within the washing chamber does not prevent the lid from moving to at least the partial open position during a wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Timothy D. Lee, Antony M. Rappette, Syed R. Raza
  • Patent number: 8789543
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing chamber defining a washing volume in which items to be washed are disposed and a storage container disposed in the washing chamber for retaining items at a predetermined storage location within the washing volume. A spray device is provided that is operable to spray at least one jet of liquid and a dissolving chamber having a chamber floor with at least one aperture is mounted to the storage container. The storage container and the spray device are mounted relative to one another such that the dissolving chamber is wetted with liquid that has been sprayed by the spray device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Hartmann, Bernd Schessl, Erich Schmid
  • Patent number: 8771432
    Abstract: System and method for cleaning rows of solar panels. Each solar row has an upper edge elevated above ground level and a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly cleans the solar panel surfaces. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables upward and downward motion in the width and length directions of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled so as to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during upward movement. During downward movement, the cleaning assembly removes dirt, debris and dust from the surface of the solar panels and generates an air stream to blow off the dirt, debris, and dust. The system further includes a guide system for moving the cleaning assembly to align with successive solar panel rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ecoppia Scientific, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moshe Meller, Eran Meller
  • Patent number: 8763616
    Abstract: A multisurface cleaning tool having a tapering head and a hollow handle contiguous with the head that constitutes a reservoir capable of holding flowable material. A pump actuated dispenser is in communication with the reservoir and permits user actuated expression of flowable material from within the reservoir. A cover is applied to and covers at least a portion of the head. In one embodiment, the cover is a microfiber pouch with an elasticized perimeter, which permits the pouch to be fitted over the cleaning tool head. In another embodiment, a portion of the cover is an integrally formed abrasive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Kurt Koptis, David McGovern, Bruce Bodlak
  • Patent number: 8753580
    Abstract: A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: PCI Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Coles
  • Publication number: 20140116475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines and similar devices, in the cleaning circuit (1) of which a cleaning key (20) having a storage chamber (24) is installed for receiving appropriately configured cleaning tablets (25). The cleaning key (20) can be turned in a sleeve-like housing (22) into two operating positions at defined angles of rotation, wherein in one operating position the storage chamber (24) is fixed in the housing (22), whilst in the other operating position the storage chamber is released and can be removed from the housing (22) to be filled or refilled with suitably packaged cleaning tablets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: STEINER AG WEGGIS
    Inventor: Adrian Steiner